Item 1. Business
General
We are an independent energy company primarily engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and gas. At December 31, 2016, our estimated net proved reserves were 44.7 MMBoe, of which 33.6% were classified as proved developed, 74% were oil and NGL and 95% of which (on a PV-10 basis) were operated by us. Our daily net production for the year ended December 31, 2016 was
6,181
Boepd, of which
61%
was oil or liquids. Abraxas Petroleum Corporation was incorporated in Nevada in 1990. Our address is 18803 Meisner Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78258 and our phone number is (210) 490-4788.
Our oil and gas assets are located in three operating regions, the Permian/Delaware Basin, the Rocky Mountain, and South Texas. The following table sets forth certain information related to our properties as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016:
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Estimated Net Proved Reserves
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Net
Production
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Gross
Producing
Wells
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Average
Working
Interest
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Total Net Acres
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(MBoe)
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%
Oil/NGL
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(MBoe)
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%
Oil/NGL
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Permian/Delaware Basin
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182
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84.26
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%
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26,673
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9,911
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47.0
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%
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262.0
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52.8
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%
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Rocky Mountain (1)
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780
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10.31
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%
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28,474
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32,509
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84.3
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%
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1,696.2
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82.7
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%
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South Texas
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39
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72.31
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%
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13,238
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2,237
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35.3
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%
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304.1
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63.8
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%
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Total United States
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1,001
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26.17
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%
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68,385
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44,657
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73.6
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%
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2,262.3
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77.0
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%
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(1) In January 2017, we sold our Brooks Draw assets in the Powder River Basin consisting of 14,229 net acres and no reserves as of December 31, 2016. The amounts set forth in the table reflect this sale.
Our properties in the Permian/Delaware Basin region are primarily located in two sub-basins, the Delaware Basin and the Eastern Shelf. In the Delaware Basin, our wells are located in Pecos, Reeves, and Ward Counties, Texas and produce oil and gas from multiple stacked formations from the Bell Canyon at 5,000 feet down to the Ellenburger at 16,000 feet. In the Eastern Shelf, our wells are principally located in Coke, Scurry, Mitchell and Nolan Counties, Texas and produce oil and gas from the Strawn Reef formation at 5,000 to 7,500 feet and oil from the shallower Clearfork formation at depths ranging from 2,300 to 3,300 feet.
Our properties in the Rocky Mountain region are located in the Williston Basin of North Dakota and Montana and in Powder River, Green River and Uinta Basins of Wyoming and Utah. In this region, our wells produce oil and gas from various reservoirs, primarily the Turner, Bakken, Three Forks and Red River formations. Well depths range from 7,000 feet down to 14,000 feet.
Our properties in the South Texas region are located along the Edwards trend in DeWitt and Lavaca Counties, Texas and the Eagle Ford shale and the Austin Chalk in Atascosa and McMullen Counties, Texas. In the Edwards trend, our wells produce gas from the Edwards formation at a depth of 14,000 feet. In the Eagle Ford, our wells produce from the Eagle Ford shale from 8,000 to 11,000 feet and from the Austin Chalk from 7,500 to 8,000 feet.
Strategy
Our business strategy is to focus our capital and resources on our core operated basins, maintain financial flexibility and to profitably grow production and reserves. Key elements of our business strategy include:
Focus our capital and resources on our core operated basins.
Our core basins consist of the Permian/Delaware Basin (Bone Spring and Wolfcamp), Williston Basin (Bakken and Three Forks) and South Texas (Eagle Ford shale and Austin Chalk). Given the disparity which has existed during the past several years and which continues currently between oil and gas prices, the economics of drilling oil wells is far superior to drilling gas wells. Thus, substantially all of our 2017 capital expenditures (approximately
$110.0 million) will be used for drilling and completing seven gross (six net) horizontal wells targeting the Bone Spring and Wolfcamp formations in the Delaware Basin, drilling and completing seven gross (five net) wells in the Bakken/Three Forks, drilling an additional four gross (two net) wells in the Bakken/Three Forks that will be completed in 2018, participating in the drilling and completing of five gross (one net) non-operated wells in the Bakken/Three Forks and drilling and completing two gross/net horizontal wells in the Austin Chalk/Eagle Ford in South Texas. As part of our efforts to focus our property portfolio, we are continually marketing assets we have deemed non-core. These include assets with a low working interest that are non-operated and/or that fall outside of our three core basins. Any proceeds from these asset sales have been and will continue to be used to reduce our indebtedness and/or be redeployed into our core operating basins. Since January 1, 2016, we have received approximately $28.6 million from the sale of non-core properties.
Maintain financial flexibility
. Our primary sources of capital are availability under our bank credit facility and cash flow from operations. Availability under our bank credit facility is subject to a borrowing base which is determined semi-annually by our lenders. The next redetermination is scheduled for April 2017. On December 31, 2016, we had approximately $22.0 million of availability under our credit facility and for the year ended December 31, 2016, we generated approximately
$26.9 million
of cash flow from operations. After completion of the offering of 28.8 million shares of our common stock in January 2017, we had approximately $ 95.0 million of availability under our credit facility.
We seek to reduce the volatility of our cash flow from operations by hedging a portion of our production. As of December 31, 2016, we had NYMEX-based fixed price commodity swap arrangements, on approximately
70%
of the oil production from our estimated net proved developed producing reserves (as of December 31, 2016) through
December 31, 2017
,
77%
for
2018
and
64%
for
2019
. We have also entered into a NYMEX-based collar on approximately
56%
of the gas production from our estimated net proved developed producing reserves (as of December 31, 2016) through
December 31, 2017
and a 500 Bopd Midland-Cushing oil price differential swap at ($0.65)/Bbl.
We plan on deploying our available capital in a cost-effective manner. We seek to operate a high percentage of our properties which allows us to better control costs. At December 31, 2016, we operated properties comprising 95% of our proved developed reserves on a PV-10 basis. We intend to maintain our liquidity and the strength of our balance sheet during 2017 by adjusting our capital budget as necessary and seeking to reduce expenses.
Profitably grow production and reserves
. We have a substantial low-decline legacy production base as evidenced by our approximate 21-year average reserve life as of year-end 2016. Our capital is currently being deployed largely into unconventional oil assets with relatively predictable production profiles, yet steep initial decline rates. Therefore, the economics of these oil wells are highly dependent on both near term commodity prices and strong operational cost control. Cost savings achieved through efficiencies of using our own rig in the Williston Basin, and heightened focus on cost control in all of our operated positions both contribute to our historical success in adding low cost barrels to our production base.
2017 Budget and Drilling Activities
Our capital expenditure budget for 2017 is approximately
$110.0 million
. Approximately $52.5 million of the 2017 budget will be allocated to developing the Company’s Permian/Delaware Basin assets, including approximately $15.0 million dedicated to expanding our acreage position in the Delaware Basin. The budget also allocates approximately $42.2 million for drilling and completion of wells in our Williston Basin Bakken/Three Forks play in North Dakota, with the remaining amount allocated to the Austin Chalk/Eagle Ford area in South Texas as well as lease acquisition and general corporate purposes. The 2017 capital expenditure budget is subject to change depending upon a number of factors, including the availability of sufficient capital resources including under our credit facility, the availability and costs of drilling and service equipment and crews, economic and industry conditions at the time of drilling, prevailing and anticipated prices for oil and gas, the results of our exploitation efforts, our financial results and our ability to obtain permits for drilling locations.
Markets and Customers
The revenue generated by our operations is highly dependent upon the prices we receive for our oil and gas. Historically, the markets for oil and gas have been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. The prices we receive for our oil and gas production are subject to wide fluctuations and depend on numerous factors beyond our control including seasonality, the condition of the United States economy (particularly the manufacturing sector), foreign imports, political conditions in other petroleum
producing countries, the actions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, domestic regulation, legislation and policies. Decreases in the prices we receive for our oil and gas have had, and could have in the future, an adverse effect on the carrying value of our proved reserves, our revenue, profitability and cash flow from operations. Refer to “Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Industry — Market conditions for oil and gas, and particularly volatility of prices for oil and gas, could adversely affect our revenue, cash flows, profitability and growth” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies” for more information relating to the effects that decreases in oil and gas prices have on us. To help mitigate the impact of commodity price volatility, we hedge a portion of our production through the use of fixed price swaps and three way collars. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – General – Commodity Prices and Hedging Arrangements” and Note 11 of the notes to our consolidated financial statements for more information regarding our derivative activities.
Substantially all of our oil and gas is sold at current market prices under short-term arrangements, as is customary in the industry. During the year ended December 31, 2016,
two
purchasers of production accounted for approximately
71%
of our oil and gas sales. During the year ended December 31, 2015,
one
purchaser of production accounted for approximately
54%
of our oil and gas sales. We believe that there are numerous other purchasers available to buy our oil and gas and that the loss of any of these purchasers would not materially affect our ability to sell our oil and gas. Furthermore, the largest purchasers of our oil and gas have changed from year to year from 2014 to 2016.
Regulation of Oil and Gas Activities
The exploration, production and transportation of all types of hydrocarbons are subject to significant governmental regulations. Our properties are affected from time to time in varying degrees by political developments and federal, state and local laws and regulations. In particular, oil and gas production operations and economics are, or in the past have been, affected by industry specific price controls, taxes, conservation, safety, environmental and other laws relating to the petroleum industry, and by changes in such laws and by periodically changing administrative regulations.
Federal, state and local laws and regulations govern oil and gas activities. Operators of oil and gas properties are required to have a number of permits in order to operate such properties, including operator permits and permits to dispose of salt water. We possess all material requisite permits required by the states and other local authorities in which we operate properties. In addition, under federal law, operators of oil and gas properties are required to possess certain certificates and permits in order to operate such properties such as hazardous materials certificates, which we have obtained.
Development and Production
The operations of our properties are subject to various types of regulation at the federal, state and local levels. These types of regulations include requiring the operator of oil and gas properties to possess permits for the drilling and development of wells, post bonds in connection with various types of activities, and file reports concerning operations. Most states, and some counties and municipalities in which we operate, regulate one or more of the following:
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the method of drilling and casing wells;
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the method of completing and fracture stimulating wells;
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the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled;
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the plugging and abandoning of wells; and
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the notice to surface owners and other third parties.
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Some states regulate the size and shape of development and spacing units or proration units for oil and gas properties. Some states allow forced pooling or unitization of tracts to facilitate exploration while other states rely on voluntary pooling of lands and leases. In some instances, forced pooling or unitization may be implemented by third parties and may reduce our interest in the unitized properties. In addition, state conservation laws establish maximum allowable rates of production from oil and gas wells, generally prohibit the venting or flaring of gas and impose requirements regarding the ratability of production. These laws and regulations may limit the amount of oil and gas we can produce from our wells or limit the number of wells or the locations at which our wells can be drilled. Moreover, each state generally imposes a production or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil, gas and NGLs within its jurisdiction.
Operations on Federal or Indian oil and gas leases must comply with numerous regulatory restrictions, including various non-discrimination statutes, and certain of such operations must be conducted pursuant to certain on-site security regulations and other permits issued by various tribal and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, which we refer to as ONRR, (formerly Minerals Management Service). ONRR establishes the basis for royalty payments due under federal oil and gas leases through regulations issued under applicable statutory authority. State regulatory authorities establish similar standards for royalty payments due under state oil and gas leases. The basis for royalty payments established by ONRR and the state regulatory authorities is generally applicable to all federal and state oil and gas leases. Accordingly, we believe that the impact of royalty regulation on the operations of our properties should generally be the same as the impact on our competitors. We believe that the operations of our properties are in material compliance with all applicable regulations as they pertain to Federal or Indian oil and gas leases.
The failure to comply with these rules and regulations can result in substantial penalties, including lease suspension or termination in certain cases. The regulatory burden on the oil and gas industry increases our cost of doing business and, consequently, affects our profitability. Our competitors in the oil and gas industry are subject to the same regulatory requirements and restrictions that affect us.
Regulation of Transportation and Sale of Gas in the United States
Historically, the transportation and sale for resale of gas in interstate commerce have been regulated pursuant to the Natural Gas Act of 1938, as amended, which we refer to as NGA, the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, as amended, which we refer to as NGPA, and regulations promulgated thereunder by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which we refer to as FERC, and its predecessors. In the past, the federal government has regulated the prices at which gas could be sold. Deregulation of wellhead gas sales began with the enactment of the NGPA. In 1989, Congress enacted the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act, as amended, which we refer to as the Decontrol Act. The Decontrol Act removed all NGA and NGPA price and non-price controls affecting wellhead sales of gas effective January 1, 1993. While sales by producers of gas can currently be made at unregulated market prices, Congress could reenact price controls in the future.
Since 1985, FERC has endeavored to make gas transportation more accessible to gas buyers and sellers on an open and non-discriminatory basis. FERC has stated that open access policies are necessary to improve the competitive structure of the interstate gas pipeline industry and to create a regulatory framework that will put gas sellers into more direct contractual relations with gas buyers by, among other things, unbundling the sale of gas from the sale of transportation and storage services. Beginning in 1992, FERC issued Order No. 636 and a series of related orders, which we refer to collectively as Order No. 636, to implement its open access policies. As a result of the Order No. 636 program, the marketing and pricing of gas have been significantly altered. The interstate pipelines’ traditional role as wholesalers of gas has been eliminated and replaced by a structure under which pipelines provide transportation and storage service on an open access basis to others who buy and sell gas. FERC continues to regulate the rates that interstate pipelines may charge for such transportation and storage services. Although FERC’s orders do not directly regulate gas producers, they are intended to foster increased competition within all phases of the gas industry.
In 2000, FERC issued Order No. 637 and subsequent orders, which we refer to, collectively, as Order No. 637, which imposed a number of additional reforms designed to enhance competition in gas markets. Among other things, Order No. 637 effected changes in FERC regulations relating to scheduling procedures, capacity segmentation, penalties, rights of first refusal and information reporting. Most major aspects of Order No. 637 have been upheld on judicial review, and most pipelines’ tariff filings to implement the requirements of Order No. 637 have been accepted by the FERC and placed into effect.
The Energy Policy Act of 2005, which we refer to as EP Act 2005, gave FERC increased oversight and penalty authority regarding market manipulation and enforcement. EP Act 2005 amended the NGA to prohibit market manipulation and also amended the NGA and the NGPA to increase civil and criminal penalties for any violations of the NGA, NGPA and any rules, regulations or orders of FERC to up to $1,000,000 per day, per violation. In addition, FERC issued a final rule effective January 26, 2006, regarding market manipulation, which makes it unlawful for any entity, in connection with the purchase or sale of gas or transportation service subject to FERC jurisdiction, to defraud, make an untrue statement, or omit a material fact or engage in any practice, act, or course of business that operates or would operate as a fraud. This final rule works together with FERC’s enhanced penalty authority to provide increased oversight of the gas marketplace.
The gas industry historically has been very heavily regulated; therefore, there is no assurance that the less stringent regulatory approach currently pursued by FERC will continue. However, we do not believe that any action taken will affect us in a way that materially differs from the way it affects other gas producers, gatherers and marketers.
Generally, intrastate gas transportation is subject to regulation by state regulatory agencies, although FERC does regulate the rates, terms, and conditions of service provided by intrastate pipelines that transport gas subject to FERC’s NGA jurisdiction pursuant to Section 311 of the NGPA. The basis for state regulation of intrastate gas transportation and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate gas pipeline rates and services varies from state to state. Insofar as such regulation within a particular state will generally affect all intrastate gas shippers within the state on a comparable basis, we believe that the regulation of similarly situated intrastate gas transportation in any states in which we operate and ship gas on an intrastate basis will not affect the operations of our properties in any way that is materially different from the effect of such regulation on our competitors.
Gas Gathering in the United States
Section 1(b) of the NGA exempts gas gathering facilities from the jurisdiction of the FERC. FERC has developed tests for determining which facilities constitute jurisdictional transportation facilities under the NGA and which facilities constitute gathering facilities exempt from FERC’s NGA jurisdiction. From time to time, FERC reconsiders its test for defining non-jurisdictional gathering. FERC has also permitted jurisdictional pipelines to “spin down” exempt gathering facilities into affiliated entities that are not subject to FERC jurisdiction, although FERC continues to examine the circumstances in which such a “spin down” is appropriate and whether it should reassert jurisdiction over certain gathering companies and facilities that previously had been “spun down.” We cannot predict the effect that FERC’s activities in this regard may have on the operations of our properties, but we do not expect these activities to affect the operations in any way that is materially different from the effect thereof on our competitors.
State regulation of gathering facilities generally includes various safety, environmental, and in some circumstances, non-discriminatory take or service requirements, but does not generally entail rate regulation. In the United States, gas gathering has received greater regulatory scrutiny at both the state and federal levels in the wake of the interstate pipeline restructuring under FERC Order 636. For example, the Texas Railroad Commission enacted a Natural Gas Transportation Standards and Code of Conduct to provide regulatory support for the state’s more active review of rates, services and practices associated with the gathering and transportation of gas by an entity that provides such services to others for a fee, in order to prohibit such entities from unduly discriminating in favor of their affiliates.
Regulation of Transportation of Oil in the United States
Sales of oil, condensate and gas liquids are not currently regulated and are made at negotiated prices. The transportation of oil in common carrier pipelines is subject to rate regulation. FERC regulates interstate oil pipeline transportation rates under the Interstate Commerce Act. In general, interstate oil pipeline rates must be cost-based, although settlement rates agreed to by all shippers are permitted and market-based rates may be permitted in certain circumstances. Effective January 1, 1995, FERC implemented regulations establishing an indexing system (based on inflation) for transportation rates for oil that allowed for an increase or decrease in the cost of transporting oil to the purchaser. A review of these regulations by FERC in 2000 was successfully challenged on appeal by an association of oil pipelines. On remand, FERC, in February 2003, increased the index slightly, effective July 2001. Intrastate oil pipeline transportation rates are subject to regulation by state regulatory commissions. The basis for intrastate oil pipeline regulations, and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate oil pipeline rates varies from state to state. Insofar as effective interstate and intrastate rates are equally applicable to all comparable shippers, we believe that the regulation of oil transportation rates will not affect the operations of our properties in any way that is materially different from the effect of such regulation on our competitors.
Further, interstate and intrastate common carrier oil pipelines must provide service on a non-discriminatory basis. Under this open access standard, common carriers must offer service to all shippers requesting service on the same terms and under the same rates. When oil pipelines operate at full capacity, access is governed by prorationing provisions set forth in the pipelines’ published tariffs. Accordingly, we believe that access to oil pipeline transportation services generally will be available to us to the same extent as to our competitors.
All of our oil is sold on lease, at which time custody transfers, either by truck or pipeline. We are not able to determine how much of our sold oil is ultimately shipped to market centers using rail transportation facilities owned and operated by third parties. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (“U.S. DOT”) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”) establishes safety regulations relating to transportation of oil by rail transportation. In addition, third party rail operators are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. DOT, the Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”) of the DOT, OSHA, as well as other federal regulatory agencies. Additionally, various state and local agencies have jurisdiction over disposal of hazardous waste and seek to regulate movement of hazardous materials in ways not preempted by federal law.
In response to rail accidents occurring between 2002 and 2008, the U.S. Congress passed the Rail Safety and Improvement Act of 2008, which implemented regulations governing different areas related to railroad safety. Recently, in response to train
derailments occurring in 2013, U.S. regulators have been implementing or considering new rules to address the safety risks of transporting oil by rail. On January 23, 2014, the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) issued a series of recommendations to the FRA and PHMSA to address safety risks, including (i) requiring expanded hazardous material route planning for railroads to avoid populated and other sensitive areas, (ii) developing an audit program to ensure rail carriers that carry petroleum products have adequate response capabilities to address worst-case discharges of the entire quantity of product carried on a train, and (iii) auditing shippers and rail carriers to ensure they are properly classifying hazardous materials in transportation and that they have adequate safety and security plans in place. Additionally, on February 25, 2014 the DOT issued an emergency order requiring all persons, prior to offering oil into transportation, to ensure such product is properly tested and classed and to assure all shipments by rail of oil be handled as a Packing Group I or II hazardous material.
We do not currently own or operate rail transportation facilities or rail cars; however, the adoption of any regulations that impact the testing or handling of shipments of oil by rail transportation could increase our costs of doing business and limit our ability to transport and sell our oil at favorable prices at market centers throughout the United States, the consequences of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the potential impact on our business if new federal or state rail transportation regulations are enacted.
Environmental Matters
Oil and gas operations are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations controlling the generation, use, treatment, storage and disposal of materials and the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. These laws and regulations may:
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require the acquisition of a permit or other authorization before construction or drilling commences;
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impose design, construction and permitting requirements on facilities in conjunction with oil and gas operations, including the construction of pollution control devices;
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require protective measures to prevent drilling fluids from coming into contact with ground water;
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restrict the types, quantities and concentrations of various substances that can be released into the environment in connection with drilling, production, and gas processing activities;
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suspend, limit or prohibit construction, drilling and other activities in certain lands lying within wilderness, wetlands, and areas inhabited by threatened or endangered species and other protected areas;
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require remedial measures to mitigate pollution from historical and on-going operations such as the use of pits and plugging of abandoned wells;
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require disclosure of chemicals injected into wells in conjunction with hydraulic fracturing operations;
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restrict injection of liquids into subsurface strata that may contaminate groundwater;
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restrict the availability of water necessary for hydraulic fracturing operations;
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impose substantial penalties for violations of environmental rules or pollution resulting from our operations; and
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curtail production in association with permit limits or exceeding gas flaring limits.
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Environmental permits that the operators of properties are required to possess may be subject to revocation, modification, and renewal by issuing authorities. Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with their regulations and permits, and violations are subject to injunction, civil fines, and even criminal penalties. Our management believes that we are in substantial compliance with current environmental laws and regulations, and that we will not be required to make material capital expenditures to comply with existing laws. Nevertheless, changes in existing environmental laws and regulations or interpretations thereof could have a significant impact on our operations as well as the oil and gas industry in general, and thus we are unable to predict the ultimate cost and effects of future changes in environmental laws and regulations.
We are not currently involved in any administrative, judicial or legal proceedings arising under federal, state, or local environmental protection laws and regulations, or under federal or state common law, which would have a material adverse effect on our respective financial positions or results of operations. Moreover, we maintain insurance against the costs of clean-up operations,
but we are not fully insured against all such risks. A serious incident of pollution may result in the suspension or cessation of operations in the affected area.
The following is a discussion of the current relevant environmental laws and regulations that relate to our operations.
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, also known as Superfund, and which we refer to as CERCLA, and comparable state statutes impose strict joint, and several liability, without regard to fault or legality of conduct, on certain classes of persons who are considered to have contributed to the release of a “hazardous substance” into the environment. These persons include among others, the current and former owners or operators of a disposal site or sites where a release occurred and companies that arranged for the transportation or disposal of the hazardous substances released at the site. Under CERCLA, such persons or companies may be retroactively liable for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources, and for the costs of certain health studies. CERCLA authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), and in some cases third parties, to take actions in response to threats to the public health or the environment and to seek to recover from the responsible classes of persons the costs they incur. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring land owners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury, property damage, and recovery of response costs allegedly caused by the hazardous substances released into the environment.
In the course of our ordinary operations, certain wastes may be generated that may fall within CERCLA’s definition of a “hazardous substance.” We may be liable under CERCLA or comparable state statutes for all or part of the costs required to clean up sites at which these wastes have been disposed. Although CERCLA currently contains a “petroleum exclusion” from the definition of “hazardous substance,” state laws affecting our operations impose cleanup liability relating to petroleum and petroleum related products, including oil cleanups.
We currently own or lease, and have in the past owned or leased, numerous properties that for many years have been used for the exploration and production of oil and gas. Although we have utilized standard industry operating and disposal practices at the time, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under the properties we owned or leased or on or under other locations where such wastes have been taken for disposal. In addition, many of these properties have been operated by third parties whose treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons or other wastes was not under our control. These properties and the wastes disposed thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA (as defined below), and analogous state laws. Under these laws, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes, including wastes disposed or released by prior owners or operators; to clean up contaminated property, including contaminated groundwater; or to perform remedial operations to prevent future contamination.
Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
Federal regulations also require certain owners and operators of facilities that store or otherwise handle oil to prepare and implement spill response plans relating to the potential discharge of oil into surface waters. The Federal Oil Pollution Act, which we refer to as OPA, and analogous state laws, contain numerous requirements relating to prevention of, reporting of, and response to oil spills into waters of the United States. A failure to comply with OPA’s requirements or inadequate cooperation during a spill response action may subject a responsible party to civil or criminal enforcement actions. We are not aware of any action or event that would subject us to liability under OPA, and we believe that compliance with OPA’s financial responsibility and other operating requirements will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, which we refer to as RCRA, is the principal federal statute governing the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes. RCRA imposes stringent operating requirements and liability for failure to meet such requirements, on a person who is either a “generator” or “transporter” of hazardous waste or an “owner” or “operator” of a hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facility. Analogous state laws further impose requirements associated with the management of solid wastes. At present, RCRA includes a statutory exemption that allows most oil and gas exploration and production wastes to be classified and regulated as non-hazardous wastes. A similar exemption is contained in many of the state counterparts to RCRA. At various times in the past, proposals have been made to amend RCRA to rescind the exemption that excludes oil and gas exploration and production wastes from regulation as hazardous wastes. Repeal or modification of the exemption by administrative, legislative or judicial process, or modification of similar exemptions in applicable state statutes, would increase the volume of hazardous waste we are required to manage and dispose and would cause us to incur increased operating expenses. Also, in the ordinary course of our operations, we generate small amounts of ordinary industrial wastes, such as paint wastes, waste solvents and waste oils that may be regulated as hazardous wastes. We believe that our operations comply in all material respects with the requirements of RCRA and its state counterparts.
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials, which we refer to as NORM, are materials not covered by the Atomic Energy Act, whose radioactivity is enhanced by technological processing such as mineral extraction or processing through exploration and production conducted by the oil and gas industry. NORM wastes are regulated under the RCRA framework, but primary responsibility
for NORM regulation has been a state function. Standards have been developed for worker protection; treatment, storage and disposal of NORM waste; management of waste piles, containers and tanks; and limitations upon the release of NORM contaminated land for unrestricted use. We believe that the operations of our properties are in material compliance with all applicable NORM standards established by the various states in which we operate wells.
Clean Water Act.
The Clean Water Act, which we refer to as the CWA, and analogous state laws, impose restrictions and controls on the discharge of pollutants, including spills and leaks of oil and other substances, into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by EPA or an analogous state agency. The CWA regulates storm water run-off from oil and gas facilities and requires a storm water discharge permit for certain activities. Such a permit requires the regulated facility to monitor and sample storm water run-off from its operations. The CWA and regulations implemented thereunder also prohibit discharges of dredged and fill material in wetlands and other waters of the United States unless authorized by an appropriately issued permit. Spill prevention, control and countermeasure requirements of the CWA require appropriate containment berms and similar structures to help prevent the contamination of waters of the United States in the event of a petroleum hydrocarbon tank spill, rupture or leak. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have adopted a rule that arguably expands the scope of “waters of the United States” that are regulated under the CWA. This rule could impact our operations by subjecting new waters to regulation; however, enforcement of the rule has been stayed while it is undergoing legal challenge in the federal courts and recently the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to take up jurisdiction issues related to the rulemaking. The CWA and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges of oil and other pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage caused by the release and for resource damages resulting from the release. We believe that the operations of our properties comply in all material respects with the requirements of the CWA and state statutes enacted to control water pollution.
Safe Drinking Water Act.
Our operations also produce wastewaters that are disposed via underground injection wells. These activities are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, which we refer to as the SDWA, and analogous state and local laws. Underground injection is the subsurface placement of fluid through a well, such as the reinjection of brine produced and separated from oil and gas production. The main goal of the SDWA is the protection of usable aquifers. The primary objective of injection well operating requirements is to ensure the mechanical integrity of the injection apparatus and to prevent migration of fluids from the injection zone into underground sources of drinking water. Injection well operations are strictly controlled, and certain wastes, absent an exemption, cannot be injected into underground injection control wells. In most states, no underground injection may take place except as authorized by permit or rule. In addition, subsurface injection of water or other produced fluids from drilling or hydraulic fracturing processes have come under increased public and governmental scrutiny. Some jurisdictions, Texas for example, have adopted new and more stringent rules for injection wells aimed at reducing the potential for earthquakes associated with injection activities, including new restrictions on siting of such injection wells. We currently own and operate various underground injection wells. Failure to comply with our permits could subject us to civil and/or criminal enforcement. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of applicable state underground injection control programs and our permits.
Clean Air Act.
The Clean Air Act, which we refer to as the CAA, and state air pollution laws and regulations provide a framework for national, state and local efforts to protect air quality. The operations of our properties utilize equipment that emits air pollutants which may be subject to federal and state air pollution control laws. These laws require utilization of air emissions abatement equipment to achieve prescribed emissions limitations and ambient air quality standards, as well as operating permits for existing equipment and construction permits for new and modified equipment. In the past few years, EPA has adopted new more restrictive regulations governing air emissions from oil and gas operations and has proposed rules that are still under review, including regulations which impose new restrictions on emissions of methane, volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants.
Permits and related compliance obligations under the CAA, as well as changes to state implementation plans for controlling air emissions in regional non-attainment areas may require oil and gas exploration and production operators to incur future capital expenditures in connection with the addition or modification of existing air emission control equipment and strategies. EPA has adopted a new ozone standard which will result in additional areas being designated as nonattainment and therefore subject to more stringent rules and permitting requirements. In addition, some oil and gas facilities may be included within the categories of hazardous air pollutant sources, which are subject to increasing regulation under the CAA. Failure to comply with these requirements could subject a regulated entity to monetary penalties, injunctions, conditions or restrictions on operations and enforcement actions. Oil and gas exploration and production facilities may be required to incur certain capital expenditures in the future for air pollution control equipment in connection with obtaining and maintaining operating permits and approvals for air emissions. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of applicable federal and state air pollution control laws.
Hydraulic Fracturing.
Most of our current operations depend on the use of hydraulic fracturing to enhance production from oil and gas wells. This technology involves the injection of fluids—usually consisting mostly of water but typically including small amounts of chemical additives—as well as sand, or other proppants, into a well under high pressure in order to create fractures in the rock that allow oil or gas to flow more freely to the wellbore. Many of our newer wells would not be economical without the
use of hydraulic fracturing to stimulate the formation to enhance production from the well. Hydraulic fracturing operations have historically been overseen by state regulators as part of their oil and gas regulatory programs. In December 2016, the EPA issued its final report “Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States” which assessed the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The report acknowledged data gaps and uncertainties, removed the draft finding of no widespread systemic impacts from hydraulic fracturing, but concluded that the agency could not quantify the frequency or severity of such impacts on a national level, thereby leaving the door open to additional regulations to protect drinking water resources. The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) released final regulations, in 2015, concerning hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal lands, including chemical disclosure. These rules are currently under judicial challenge. In addition to these federal legislative and regulatory proposals, some states and local governments have considered imposing, or have adopted various conditions and restrictions on hydraulic fracturing operations, including but not limited to requirements regarding chemical disclosure, casing and cementing of wells, withdrawal of water for use in high-volume hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells, baseline testing of nearby water wells, and restrictions on the type of additives that may be used in hydraulic fracturing operations. In some states, including Texas, water use may also be regulated and potentially curtailed by local groundwater management districts which could impact water available for hydraulic fracturing. If these types of restrictions are widely adopted, we could be subject to increased costs and possibly limits on the productivity of certain wells, and these laws could make it easier for third parties to initiate litigation against us in the event of perceived problems with water wells in the vicinity of an oil or gas well or other alleged environmental problems. Some states in which we operate have implemented disclosure requirements for chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. Additional information concerning hydraulic fracturing is included under Item 1A. related to risk factors.
Climate Change Legislation and Greenhouse Gas Regulation.
Studies over recent years have indicated that emissions of certain gases may be contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. In response to these studies, many nations have agreed to limit emissions of “greenhouse gases” or “GHGs” pursuant to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the “Kyoto Protocol.” Methane, a primary component of natural gas, and carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the burning of oil, gas, and refined petroleum products, are considered “greenhouse gases” regulated by the Kyoto Protocol. In December 2015, the U.S. participated in the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France. The Paris Agreement (adopted at the conference) calls for nations to undertake efforts with respect to global temperatures and GHG emissions. If ratified, the Paris Agreement will take effect in 2020. It is possible that the Paris Agreement and subsequent domestic and international regulations will have adverse effects on the market for oil, gas and other fossil fuel products as well as adverse effects on the business and operations of companies engaged in the exploration for, and production of, oil, gas and other fossil fuel products. We are unable to predict the timing, scope and effect of any currently proposed or future investigations, laws, regulations or treaties regarding climate change and GHG emissions that may arise from the Paris Agreement, but the direct and indirect costs of such investigations, laws, regulations and treaties (if enacted) could materially and adversely affect our operations, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, several states have adopted legislation and regulations to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Restrictions on emissions of methane or carbon dioxide that may be imposed in various states could adversely affect our operations and demand for our products. As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in
Massachusetts, et al. v. EPA
, on December 7, 2009, the EPA issued a finding that serves as the foundation under the Clean Air Act to issue other rules that would result in federal greenhouse gas regulations and emissions limits under the Clean Air Act, even without Congressional action. As part of this array of new regulations, the EPA has issued a GHG monitoring and reporting rule that requires certain parties, including participants in the oil and gas industry, to monitor and report their GHG emissions, including methane and carbon dioxide, to the EPA. These regulations may apply to our operations. The EPA has adopted other rules that would regulate GHGs, one of which would regulate GHGs from stationary sources, and may affect sources in the oil and gas exploration and production industry and the pipeline industry. Moreover, in May 2016 the EPA adopted rules to force the aggregation of wells and facilities for air emission permitting purposes, and also rules to reduce methane emissions from equipment and leaks from new oil and gas facilities. Both were part of the Obama Administration's plans to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40 to 50 percent from 2012 emission levels by 2025. The EPA’s finding, the greenhouse gas reporting rule, the methane rules and the other rules to regulate the emissions of greenhouse gases may affect the cost of our operations and also affect the outcome of other climate change lawsuits pending in United States federal courts in a manner unfavorable to our industry.
Although various climate change legislative measures have been under consideration by the U.S. Congress, it is not possible at this time to predict when, or if, Congress will act on climate change legislation or how and when the new Trump Administration will address the issues. Finally, some states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have begun implementing legal measures to reduce emissions of GHGs, primarily through the planned development of emission inventories or regional greenhouse gas cap and trade programs. Depending on the particular jurisdiction of our operations, we could be required to purchase and surrender allowances for GHG emissions resulting from our operations. Any of the climate change regulatory and legislative initiatives described above could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Additional information concerning climate change is included under Item 1A. related to risk factors.
National Environmental Policy Act.
Oil and gas exploration and production activities on federal lands are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act, which we refer to as NEPA. NEPA requires federal agencies, including the Department of Interior, to evaluate major agency actions having the potential to significantly impact the environment. In the course of such evaluations, an agency will prepare an Environmental Assessment that assesses the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project and, if necessary, will prepare a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement that may be made available for public review and comment. If we were to conduct any exploration and production activities on federal lands in the future, those activities would need to obtain governmental permits that are subject to the requirements of NEPA. This process has the potential to delay the development of oil and gas projects.
Endangered Species Act.
The Endangered Species Act, which we refer to as the ESA, restricts activities that may affect endangered or threatened species or their habitats. While some of our properties may be located in areas that may be designated as habitat for endangered or threatened species, we believe that we are in substantial compliance with the ESA. Looking forward, we expect more listings of such species to occur, in light of consent decrees involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service which require the agency to decide whether or not to list, as endangered or threatened, approximately 251 candidate species. Included in this group are a number of species which, if listed, could include habitat in areas where we operate or plan to operate. Further, some of the species could become subject to voluntary rangeland conservation plans that could affect our operations. Such listing of additional species, or the discovery of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species, or the adoption of conservation plans, could cause us to incur additional costs or become subject to operating restrictions, construction delays, or bans on operating in the affected areas.
Abandonment Costs.
All of our oil and gas wells will require proper plugging and abandonment at some time in the future. We have posted bonds with most regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with our plugging responsibility. Plugging and abandonment operations and associated reclamation of the surface site are important components of our environmental management system. We plan accordingly for the ultimate disposition of properties that are no longer producing.
Title to Properties
As is customary in the oil and gas industry, we make only a cursory review of title to undeveloped oil and gas leases at the time we acquire them. However, before drilling commences, we make a thorough title search, and any material defects in title are remedied prior to the time actual drilling of a well begins. To the extent title opinions or other investigations reflect title defects, we, rather than the seller/lessor of the undeveloped property, are typically obligated to cure any title defect at our expense. If we were unable to remedy or cure any title defect of a nature such that it would not be prudent to commence drilling operations on the property, we could suffer a loss of our entire investment in the property. We believe that we have good title to our properties, some of which are subject to immaterial encumbrances, easements and restrictions. The oil and gas properties we own are also typically subject to royalty and other similar non-cost bearing interests customary in the industry. We do not believe that any of these encumbrances or burdens will materially affect our ownership or use of our properties.
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive environment. The principal resources necessary for the exploration and production of oil and gas are leasehold prospects under which oil and gas reserves may be discovered, drilling rigs and related equipment and services to explore for such reserves and knowledgeable personnel to conduct all phases of oil and gas operations. We must compete for such resources with both major oil and gas companies and independent operators. Many of these competitors have financial and other resources substantially greater than ours. Although we believe our current operating and financial resources are adequate to preclude any significant disruption of our near term operations, we cannot assure you that such materials and resources will be available to us in the future.
Employees
As of March 10, 2017, we had 109 full-time employees. We retain independent geological, land, marketing engineering and health and safety consultants from time to time and expect to continue to do so in the future.
Available Information
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). You may read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, NE, Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for information on the public reference room. The SEC maintains an internet web site that contains annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information that issuers (including Abraxas) file electronically with the SEC. The SEC’s web site is
www.sec.gov
.
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and other reports and amendments filed with the SEC are available free of charge on our web site at
www.abraxaspetroleum.com
in the Investor Relations section as soon as practicable after such reports are filed. Information on our web site is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this report or any other filing that we make with the SEC.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business
Depressed oil and/or gas prices would have a material and adverse effect on us.
Our financial results and the value of our properties are highly dependent on the general supply and demand for oil, gas and NGL, which impact the prices we ultimately realize on our sales of these commodities. Since the second half of 2014, there has been a significant decline in oil, gas and NGL prices, which adversely affected our 2015 and 2016 operating results and contributed to a reduction in our anticipated future capital expenditures. In addition, this decline in commodity prices adversely impacted our estimated proved reserves and resulted in a proved property impairment of $128.6 million to our oil and gas properties during 2015 and $67.6 million in 2016. We could record impairments in future periods, the amount of which will be dependent upon many factors such as future prices of oil, gas and NGL, increases or decreases in our reserve base, changes in estimated costs and expenses, and oil and gas property acquisitions.
While oil and gas prices improved in late 2016, they have remained relatively low. A sustained weakness or further deterioration in commodity prices could materially and adversely impact our business by resulting in, or exacerbating, the following effects:
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reducing the amount of oil, gas and NGL that we can produce economically;
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reducing the borrowing base of our credit facility;
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limiting our financial flexibility, liquidity and access to sources of capital, such as equity and debt;
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reducing our revenues, operating cash flows and profitability;
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causing us to decrease our capital expenditures or maintain reduced capital spending for an extended period, resulting in lower future production of oil, gas and NGL; and
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reducing the carrying value of our properties, resulting in additional noncash write-downs.
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Market prices and our realized prices have been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future due to numerous factors beyond our control. These factors include:
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domestic and global supplies of oil, NGL and gas;
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the price and quantity of imported and exported oil, NGL and gas;
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the actions of other oil exporting nations;
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weather conditions and changes in weather patterns;
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the availability, proximity and capacity of appropriate transportation facilities, gathering, processing and compression facilities, storage facilities and refining facilities;
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worldwide economic and political conditions, including political instability or armed conflict in oil and gas producing regions, competition for markets and political initiatives disfavoring fossil fuels;
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the price and availability of, and demand for, competing energy sources, including alternative energy sources;
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the nature and extent of governmental regulation, including environmental regulation, regulation of derivatives transactions and hedging activities, tax laws and regulations and laws and regulations with respect to the import and export of oil, gas and related commodities;
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the level and effect of trading in commodity futures markets, including trading by commodity price speculators and others, and;
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the effect of worldwide energy conservation measures.
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Our cash flows from operations, the results of operations and the borrowing base under our credit facility depend to a great extent on the prevailing prices for oil and gas. Prolonged or substantial declines in oil and/or gas prices would materially and adversely affect our liquidity, the amount of cash flows we have available for our capital expenditures and other operating expenses, our ability to access the credit and capital markets and our results of operations.
Any significant reduction in the borrowing base under our credit facility as a result of a periodic borrowing base redetermination or otherwise will negatively impact our liquidity and, consequently, our ability to fund our operations, and we may not have sufficient funds to repay borrowings under our credit facility or any other obligation if required as a result of a borrowing base redetermination
Availability under our credit facility is currently subject to a borrowing base of
$115.0 million
. The borrowing base is subject to scheduled semiannual (April 1 and October 1) and other elective borrowing base redeterminations. The amount of the borrowing base is calculated by the lenders based upon their valuation of our proved reserves securing the facility utilizing these reserve reports and their own internal decisions. The lenders under our credit facility can unilaterally adjust the borrowing base and the borrowings permitted to be outstanding under our credit facility. A number of factors could reduce our borrowing base, including:
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lower commodity prices or production;
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a reduction in reserve estimates;
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inability to drill or unfavorable drilling results;
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increased operating and/or capital costs;
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the lenders’ inability to agree to an adequate borrowing base; or
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adverse changes in the lenders’ practices (including required regulatory changes) regarding estimation of reserves.
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As of March 10, 2017, we had
$18.0 million
of borrowings outstanding under our credit facility and availability of $97.0 million. Any significant reduction in our borrowing base as a result of borrowing base redeterminations or otherwise will negatively impact our liquidity and our ability to fund our operations and, as a result, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operation and cash flow. Further, if the outstanding borrowings under our credit facility were to exceed the borrowing base as a result of redetermination, we would be required to repay the excess amount or pledge additional assets. We may not have sufficient funds to make such repayment and we do not have any substantial unpledged assets. If we do not have sufficient funds and we are otherwise unable to negotiate renewals of our borrowings or arrange new financing, we may have to sell significant assets. Any such sale could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
Lower oil and/or gas prices may also reduce the amount of oil and/or gas that we can produce economically.
Sustained substantial declines in oil and/or gas prices may render uneconomic a significant portion of our exploration, development and exploitation projects, which may result in our having to make significant downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves. As a result, a prolonged or substantial decline in oil and/or gas prices such as we have experienced since mid-2014 caused, and would likely in the future cause, a material and adverse effect on our future business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and ability to finance capital expenditures. Additionally, if we experience significant sustained decreases in oil and gas prices such that the expected future cash flows from our oil and gas properties falls below the net book value of our properties, we may be required to write down the value of our oil and gas properties. Any such asset impairments could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and, in turn, the trading price of our common stock.
We may not be able to fund the capital expenditures that will be required for us to increase reserves and production.
We must make capital expenditures to develop our existing reserves and to discover new reserves. Historically, we have financed our capital expenditures primarily with cash flow from operations, borrowings under credit facilities, sales of properties, monetizing derivative contracts and sales of debt and equity securities and we expect to continue to utilize these sources in the future. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient capital resources in the future to finance all of our planned capital expenditures.
Volatility in oil and gas prices, the timing of our drilling programs and drilling results will affect our cash flow from operations. Lower prices and/or lower production could also decrease revenues and cash flow, thus reducing the amount of financial resources available to meet our capital requirements, including reducing the amount available to pursue our drilling opportunities. If our cash flow from operations does not increase as a result of capital expenditures, a greater percentage of our cash flow from operations will be required for debt service and operating expenses and our capital expenditures would, by necessity, be decreased.
The borrowing base under our credit facility is determined from time to time by the lenders. Reductions in estimates of oil and gas reserves could result in a reduction in the borrowing base, which would reduce the amount of financial resources available under our credit facility to meet our capital requirements and/or trigger certain repayment obligations. Such a reduction could be the result of lower commodity prices and/or production, an inability to drill or unfavorable drilling results, changes in oil and gas reserve engineering, the lenders’ inability to agree to an adequate borrowing base or adverse changes in the lenders’ practices regarding estimation of reserves.
If cash flows from operations or our borrowing base decrease, our ability to undertake exploration and development activities could be adversely affected. As a result, our ability to replace production may be limited. In addition, if the borrowing base under our credit facility is reduced, we would be required to reduce borrowings under our credit facility so that such borrowings do not exceed the borrowing base. This could further reduce the cash available to us for capital spending and, if we did not have sufficient capital to reduce our borrowing level, we may be in default under the credit facility.
We have sold producing properties to provide us with liquidity and capital resources in the past and we may continue to do so in the future. After any such sale, we would expect to utilize the proceeds to reduce our indebtedness and/or to drill new wells on our remaining properties. If we cannot replace the production from the properties sold with production from our remaining properties, our cash flows from operations will likely decrease, which in turn, could decrease the amount of cash available for additional capital spending.
We have indebtedness which may adversely affect our cash flow and business operations
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At December 31, 2016, we had a total of
$93.0 million
of indebtedness under our credit facility and total indebtedness of
$97.4 million
(including the current portion). While the amount borrowed under our credit facility at March 10, 2017 was
$18.0 million
(and total indebtedness was $21.8 million), this amount will likely increase as we pursue drilling and completion of wells. Our indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including:
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affecting our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes which may be impaired or not available on favorable terms or at all;
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covenants contained in our credit facility and future debt arrangements will require us to meet financial tests that may affect our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business, including future business opportunities;
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a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations will be used to make principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, reducing the funds that would otherwise be available for operations and future business opportunities; and
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making us more vulnerable to competitive pressures if there is a downturn in our business or the economy in general, than our competitors with less debt.
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Our ability to service our indebtedness will depend upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If our operating results are not sufficient to service our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions such as reducing or delaying capital expenditures, acquisitions and/or selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our indebtedness or seeking additional debt or equity capital or bankruptcy protection. We may not be able to effect any of these remedies on satisfactory terms or at all.
A breach of the terms and conditions of our credit facility, including borrowings in excess of the borrowing base or the inability to comply with the required financial covenants, could result in an event of default. If an event of default occurs (after any applicable notice and cure periods), the lenders would be entitled to terminate any commitment to make further extensions of credit under our credit facility and to accelerate the repayment of amounts outstanding (including accrued and unpaid interest and fees). Upon a default under our credit facility, the lenders could also foreclose against any collateral securing such obligations, which may be all or substantially all of our assets. If that occurred, we may not be able to continue to operate as a going concern.
Restrictive debt covenants could limit our growth and our ability to finance our operations, fund our capital needs, respond to changing conditions and engage in other business activities that may be in our best interests.
Our credit facility contains a number of significant covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to:
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incur or guarantee additional indebtedness and issue certain types of preferred stock or redeemable stock;
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transfer or sell assets;
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create liens on assets;
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pay dividends or make other distributions on capital stock or make other restricted payments, including repurchasing, redeeming or retiring capital stock or subordinated debt or making certain investments or acquisitions;
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engage in transactions with affiliates;
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guarantee other indebtedness;
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make any change in the principal nature of our business;
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permit a change of control; or
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consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets.
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In addition, our credit facility requires us to maintain compliance with specified financial covenants. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be adversely affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we can maintain compliance with these covenants. These financial covenants could limit our ability to obtain future financings, make needed capital expenditures, withstand a downturn in our business or the economy in general or otherwise conduct necessary or desirable business activities. We are also required to use the proceeds from the termination of any derivative contracts to repay outstanding amounts under the credit facility and to use any amount of cash on hand and liquid investments in excess of $10 million to repay outstanding amounts under the credit facility.
A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under our credit facility. A default, if not cured or waived, could result in all of our indebtedness becoming immediately due and payable. If that should occur, we may not be able to pay all such debt or to borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing were then available, it may not be on terms acceptable or favorable to us.
Lower oil and gas prices increase the risk of ceiling limitation write-downs.
We use the full cost method to account for our oil and gas operations. Accordingly, we capitalize the cost to acquire, explore for and develop our oil and gas properties. Under full cost accounting rules, the net capitalized cost of our oil and gas properties may not exceed a “ceiling limit” which is based upon the present value of estimated future net cash flows from our proved reserves, discounted at 10%. If the net capitalized costs of our oil and gas properties exceed the ceiling limit, we must charge the amount of the excess to earnings. This is called a “ceiling limitation write-down.” This charge does not impact cash flow from operating activities, but it does reduce our stockholders’ equity and earnings. The risk that we will be required to write-down the carrying value of our oil and gas properties increases when oil and gas prices are low, which could be further impacted by the SEC’s modernized oil and gas reporting disclosures, which require us to use an average price over the prior 12-month period, rather than the year-end price, when calculating the PV-10. In addition, write-downs may occur if we experience substantial downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves. An expense recorded in one period may not be reversed in a subsequent period even though oil and gas prices may have increased the ceiling applicable in the subsequent period.
At December 31, 2015, the net capitalized costs of our oil and gas properties exceeded the present value of our proved reserves, resulting in recognition of impairments totaling $128.6 million. During 2016 we recognized additional impairments of $67.6 million. If commodity prices decrease in the future, we would likely be required to record further write downs.
An increase in the differential between NYMEX and the reference or regional index price used to price our oil and gas would reduce our cash flow from operations.
Our oil and gas is priced in the local markets where it is produced based on local or regional supply and demand factors. The prices we receive for our oil and gas are typically lower than the relevant benchmark prices, such as NYMEX. The difference between the benchmark price and the price we receive is called a differential. Numerous factors may influence local pricing, such as refinery capacity, location to market, product quality, pipeline capacity and specifications, upsets in the midstream or downstream sectors of the industry, trade restrictions and governmental regulations. Additionally, insufficient pipeline capacity, lack of demand
in any given operating area or other factors may cause the differential to increase in a particular area compared with other producing areas. For example, production increases from competing Canadian and Rocky Mountain producers, combined with limited refining and pipeline capacity in the Rocky Mountain area, have gradually widened differentials in this area. In addition, we have a contract related to certain gas and NGL in the Rocky Mountain Region, that if certain margins of gas and NGL prices are not met by the purchaser, we receive no sales proceeds.
During 2016, our differentials averaged
$(6.33)
per Bbl of oil and
$(1.29)
per Mcf of gas. Approximately 81% of our oil and NGL production during 2016 was from the Rocky Mountain region. Historically, this region has experienced wider differentials than our Permian/Delaware Basin and South Texas properties. If the percentage of our production from the Rocky Mountain region continues to increase, we expect that the effect of our price differentials on our revenues will also increase. Increases in the differential between the benchmark prices for oil and gas and the realized price we receive could significantly reduce our revenues and our cash flow from operations.
Our derivative contracts could result in financial losses or could reduce our cash flow.
To achieve more predictable cash flow and reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in the prices of oil and gas, we enter into derivative contracts, which we sometimes refer to as hedging arrangements, for a significant portion of our oil and gas production that could result in both realized and unrealized derivative contract losses. We have entered into NYMEX-based fixed price commodity swap arrangements on approximately
70%
of the oil production from our estimated net proved developed producing reserves (as of December 31, 2016) through
December 31, 2017
,
77%
for
2018
and
64%
for
2019
. We have also entered into a NYMEX-based collar on approximately
56%
of the gas production from our estimated net proved developed producing reserves (as of December 31, 2016) through
December 31, 2017
and a 500 Bopd Midland-Cushing oil price differential swap at ($0.65)/Bbl. These arrangements may be inadequate to protect us from declines in oil and gas prices. Any new hedging arrangements will be priced at then-current market prices and may be significantly lower than the commodity swaps we currently have in place. The extent of our commodity price exposure will be related largely to the effectiveness and scope of our commodity price derivative contracts. For example, the prices utilized in our derivative contracts are currently NYMEX-based, which may differ significantly from the actual prices we receive for oil and gas which are based on the local markets where the oil and gas is produced. The prices that we receive for our oil and gas production are typically lower than the relevant benchmark prices that are used for calculating commodity derivative positions. The difference between the benchmark price and the price we receive is called a differential, a significant portion of which is based on the delivery location which is called the basis differential. As a result, our cash flow from operations could be affected if the basis differentials widen more than we anticipate. Our cash flow from operations could also be affected based upon the levels of our production. If production is higher than we estimate, we will have greater commodity price exposure than we intended. If production is lower than the nominal amount that is subject to our hedging arrangements, we may be forced to satisfy all or a portion of our hedging arrangements without the benefit of the cash flow from our sale of the underlying physical commodity, resulting in a substantial reduction in cash flows.
If the prices at which we hedge our oil and gas production are less than current market prices, our cash flow opportunity from operations could be adversely affected.
When our derivative contract prices are higher than market prices, we will incur realized and unrealized gains on our derivative contracts and conversely, when our contract prices are lower than market prices, we will incur realized and unrealized losses. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized a realized gain on oil and gas derivative contracts of
$1.8 million
and an unrealized loss of
$19.8 million
. The realized gain resulted in an increase in cash flow from operations. We expect to continue to enter into similar hedging arrangements in the future to reduce our cash flow volatility.
We cannot assure you that the derivative contracts that we have entered into, or will enter into, will adequately protect us from financial loss in the future due to circumstances such as:
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highly volatile oil and gas prices;
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our production being less than expected; or
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a counterparty to one of our hedging transactions defaulting on its contractual obligations.
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The counterparties to our derivative contracts may be unable to perform their obligations to us which could adversely affect our cash flow.
At times when market prices are lower than our derivative contract prices, we are entitled to cash payments from the counterparties to our derivative contracts. Any number of factors may adversely affect the ability of our counterparties to fulfill
their contractual obligations to us. If one of our counterparties is unable or unwilling to make the required payments to us, it could adversely affect our cash flow.
The Company's expectations for future drilling activities will be realized over several years, making them susceptible to uncertainties that could materially alter the occurrence or timing of such activities.
The Company has identified drilling locations and prospects for future drilling opportunities, including development and exploratory drilling activities. These drilling locations and prospects represent a significant part of the Company's future drilling plans. For example, the Company's proved reserves as of December 31, 2016 include proved undeveloped reserves and proved developed reserves that are behind pipe of 16,976 MBbls of oil, 6,137 MBbls of NGLs and 45,597 MMcf of gas. The Company's ability to drill and develop these locations depends on a number of factors, including the availability of capital, regulatory approvals, negotiation of agreements with third parties, commodity prices, costs, access to and availability of equipment, services, resources and personnel and drilling results. There can be no assurance that the Company will drill these locations or that the Company will be able to produce oil or gas reserves from these locations or any other potential drilling locations. Changes in the laws or regulations on which the Company relies in planning and executing its drilling programs could adversely impact the Company's ability to successfully complete those programs. For example, under current Texas laws and regulations the Company may receive permits to drill, and may drill and complete, certain horizontal wells that traverse one or more units and/or leases; a change in those laws or regulations could adversely impact the Company's ability to drill those wells. Because of these uncertainties, the Company cannot give any assurance as to the timing of these activities or that they will ultimately result in the realization of proved reserves or meet the Company's expectations for success. As such, the Company's actual drilling activities may materially differ from the Company's current expectations, which could have a significant adverse effect on the Company's proved reserves, financial condition and results of operations.
A significant portion of the Company's total estimated proved reserves at December 31, 2016 were undeveloped, and those proved reserves may not ultimately be developed.
At December 31, 2016, approximately 66% of the Company's total estimated proved reserves on a Boe basis (33% on a PV-10 basis) were undeveloped. Recovery of proved undeveloped reserves requires significant capital expenditures and successful drilling. The Company's reserve data assumes that the Company can and will make these expenditures and conduct these operations successfully, which assumptions may not prove correct. If the Company chooses not to spend the capital to develop these proved undeveloped reserves, or if the Company is not otherwise able to successfully develop these proved undeveloped reserves, the Company will be required to write-off these reserves. In addition, under the SEC's rules, because proved undeveloped reserves may be booked only if they relate to wells planned to be drilled within five years of the date of booking, the Company may be required to write-off any proved undeveloped reserves that are not developed within this five-year timeframe. As with all oil and gas leases, the Company's leases require the Company to drill wells that are commercially productive and to maintain the production in paying quantities, and if the Company is unsuccessful in drilling such wells and maintaining such production, the Company could lose its rights under such leases. The Company's future production levels and, therefore, its future cash flow and income are highly dependent on successfully developing its proved undeveloped leasehold acreage.
We may be unable to acquire or develop additional reserves, in which case our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
Our future oil and gas production, and therefore our success, is highly dependent upon our ability to find, acquire and develop additional reserves that are profitable to produce. The rate of production from our oil and gas properties and our proved reserves will decline as our reserves are produced. Unless we acquire additional properties containing proved reserves, conduct successful development and exploration activities or, through engineering studies, identify additional behind-pipe zones or secondary recovery reserves, we cannot assure you that our exploration and development activities will result in increases in our proved reserves. Based on the reserve information set forth in our reserve report as of December 31, 2016, our average annual estimated decline rate for our net proved developed producing reserves is 40%; 15%; 12%; 11% and 9% in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, 9% in the following five years, and approximately 9% thereafter. These rates of decline are estimates and actual production declines could be materially higher. While we have had some success in finding, acquiring and developing additional reserves, we have not always been able to fully replace the production volumes lost from natural field declines and prior property sales. As our proved reserves and consequently our production decline, our cash flow from operations, and the amount that we are able to borrow under our credit facility could also decline. In addition, approximately 66% of our total estimated proved reserves on a Boe basis (33% on a PV-10 basis) at December 31, 2016 were classified as undeveloped. By their nature, estimates of undeveloped reserves are less certain. Recovery of such reserves will require significant capital expenditures and successful drilling operations. Even if we are successful in our development efforts, it could take several years for a significant portion of these undeveloped reserves to generate positive cash flow.
We may not find any commercially productive oil and gas reservoirs.
Drilling involves numerous risks, including the risk that the new wells we drill will be unproductive or that we will not recover all or any portion of our capital investment. Drilling for oil and gas may be unprofitable. Wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues after drilling, operating and other costs are unprofitable. The inherent risk of not finding commercially productive reservoirs is compounded by the fact that 66% of our total estimated proved reserves on a Boe basis (33% on a PV-10 basis) as of December 31, 2016 were classified as undeveloped. By their nature, estimates of undeveloped reserves are less certain. Recovery of such reserves will require significant capital expenditures and successful drilling and completion operations. In addition, our properties may be susceptible to drainage from production by other operations on adjacent properties. If the volume of oil and gas we produce decreases, our cash flow from operations may decrease.
The results of our drilling in unconventional formations, principally in emerging plays with limited drilling and production history using long laterals and modern completion techniques, are subject to more uncertainties than our drilling program in the more established plays and may not meet our expectations for reserves or production.
We drill wells in unconventional formations in several emerging plays. Part of our drilling strategy to maximize recoveries from these formations involves the drilling of long horizontal laterals and the use of modern completion techniques of multi-stage fracture stimulations that have proven to be successful in other basins. Risks that we face include landing our well bore in the desired drilling zone, staying in the desired drilling zone, running casing the entire length of the well bore and being able to run tools and recover equipment the entire length of the well bore during completion. Our experience with horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracture stimulations of these formations to date, as well as the industry’s drilling and production history in these formations, is relatively limited. The ultimate success of these drilling and completion strategies and techniques will be better evaluated over time as more wells are drilled and longer term production profiles are established. In addition, based on reported decline rates in these emerging plays as well as the industry’s experience in these formations, we estimate that the average monthly rates of production may decline as much as 95% during the first twelve months of production. Actual decline rates may differ significantly. Accordingly, the results of our drilling in these unconventional formations are more uncertain than drilling results in other more established plays with longer reserve and production histories.
We may not be able to keep pace with technological developments in our industry.
The oil and gas industry is characterized by rapid and significant technological advancements and introductions of new products and services using new technologies. As others use or develop new technologies, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage, and competitive pressures may force us to implement those new technologies at substantial cost. In addition, other oil and gas companies may have greater financial, technical and personnel resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and may in the future allow them to implement new technologies before we can. We may not be able to respond to these competitive pressures and implement new technologies on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost. If one or more of the technologies we use now or in the future were to become obsolete or if we are unable to use the most advanced commercially available technology, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We may not adhere to our proposed drilling schedule.
Our final determination of whether to drill any scheduled or budgeted wells will be dependent on a number of factors, including:
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prevailing and anticipated prices for oil and gas;
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the availability and costs of drilling and service equipment and crews;
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economic and industry conditions at the time of drilling;
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the availability of sufficient capital resources;
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the results of our exploitation efforts;
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the acquisition, review and interpretation of seismic data;
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our ability to obtain permits for and to access drilling locations;
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continuous drilling obligations; and
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Although we have identified or budgeted for numerous drilling locations, we may not be able to drill those locations within our expected time frame or at all. In addition, our drilling schedule may vary from our expectations because of future uncertainties.
We cannot control the activities on the properties we do not operate and are unable to ensure their proper operation and profitability.
We currently do not operate all of the properties in which we have an interest. As a result, we have limited ability to exercise influence over and control the risks associated with operation of these properties. The failure of an operator to adequately perform operations, an operator’s breach of the applicable agreements or an operator’s failure to act in our best interests could reduce our production and revenues. The success and timing of our drilling and development activities on properties operated by others therefore depends upon a number of factors outside of our control, including:
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the operator could refuse to initiate exploitation or development projects and if we proceed with any of those projects, we may not receive any funding from the operator with respect to that project;
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the operator may initiate exploitation or development projects on a different schedule than we would prefer;
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the operator may propose greater capital expenditures than we wish, including expenditures to drill more wells or build more facilities on a project than we have funds for, which may mean that we cannot participate in those projects and thus, not participate in the associated revenue stream; and
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the operator may not have sufficient expertise or resources.
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Any of these events could significantly and adversely affect our anticipated exploitation and development activities.
Seasonal weather conditions and other factors could adversely affect our ability to conduct drilling activities.
Our operations could be adversely affected by weather conditions and wildlife restrictions on federal leases. In the Williston and the Powder River Basins, drilling and other oil and gas activities cannot be conducted as efficiently during the winter and spring months. Winter and severe weather conditions limit and may temporarily halt the ability to operate during such conditions. These constraints and the resulting shortages or high costs could delay or temporarily halt our oil and gas operations and materially increase our operating and capital costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The lack of availability or high cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and oil field services could adversely affect our ability to execute our exploitation and development plans on a timely basis and within our budget.
Our industry is cyclical and, from time to time, there has been a shortage of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, oil field services or qualified personnel. During these periods, the costs and delivery times of rigs, equipment and supplies are substantially greater. In addition, the demand for, and wage rates of, qualified drilling rig crews rise as the number of active rigs in service increases. During times and in areas of increased activity, the demand for oilfield services will also likely rise, and the costs of these services will likely increase, while the quality of these services may suffer. If the lack of availability or high cost of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, oil field services or qualified personnel were particularly severe in any of our areas of operation, we could be materially and adversely affected. Delays could also have an adverse effect on our results of operations, including the timing of the initiation of production from new wells.
Our drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of a variety of factors that are beyond our control.
Our drilling operations are subject to a number of risks, including:
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unexpected drilling conditions;
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facility or equipment failure or accidents;
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adverse weather conditions;
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unusual or unexpected geological formations;
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fires, blowouts and explosions; and
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uncontrollable pressures or flows of oil or gas or well fluids.
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Any of these events could adversely affect our ability to conduct operations or cause substantial losses, including personal injury or loss of life, damage to or destruction of property, natural resources and equipment, pollution or other environmental contamination, loss of wells, regulatory penalties, suspension of operations, and attorney’s fees and other expenses incurred in the prosecution or defense of litigation.
We do not insure against all potential operating risks. We might incur substantial losses from, and be subject to substantial liability claims for, uninsured or underinsured risks related to our oil and gas operations.
We do not insure against all risks. Our oil and gas exploitation and production activities are subject to hazards and risks associated with drilling for, producing and transporting oil and gas, and any of these risks can cause substantial losses resulting from:
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environmental hazards, such as uncontrollable flows of oil, gas, brine, well fluids, toxic gas or other pollution into the environment, including groundwater, shoreline contamination, underground migration and surface spills or mishandling of chemical additives;
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abnormally pressured formations;
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mechanical difficulties, such as stuck oil field drilling and service tools and casing collapse;
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leaks of gas, oil, condensate, NGL and other hydrocarbons or losses of these hydrocarbons as a result of accidents during drilling and completion operations, or in the gathering and transportation of hydrocarbons, malfunctions of pipelines, measurement equipment or processing or other facilities in the Company’s operations or at delivery points to third parties;
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personal injuries and death;
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regulatory investigations and penalties; and
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We might elect not to obtain insurance if we believe that the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. In addition, pollution and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. Losses and liabilities arising from uninsured and underinsured events or in amounts in excess of existing insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Hydraulic fracturing, the process used for extracting oil and gas from shale and other formations, has recently come under increased scrutiny and could be the subject of further regulation that could impact the timing and cost of development.
Hydraulic fracturing is the primary completion method used to extract reserves located in many of the unconventional oil and gas plays. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure, usually down tubing or casing that is cemented in the wellbore, into hydrocarbon-bearing formations at depth to stimulate oil and gas production. We use this completion technique on substantially all of our wells. Depending on the legislation that may ultimately be enacted or the regulations that may be adopted at the federal and state levels, exploration, exploitation and production activities that entail hydraulic fracturing could be subject to additional regulation and permitting requirements. Some states in which we operate, including Texas, have recently implemented disclosure requirements related to chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, and the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) has adopted final rules governing hydraulic fracturing on federal and tribal lands, including requiring chemical disclosure. The BLM's rules have been struck down by a federal court, but that ruling is now on appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Individually or collectively, such existing and new legislation or regulation could lead to operational delays or increased operating costs and could result in additional burdens that could increase the costs and delay the development of unconventional oil and gas resources from formations which are not commercial without the use of hydraulic fracturing. This could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Hydraulic fracturing is typically regulated by state oil and gas commissions; however, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority over hydraulic fracturing involving diesel fuels under the Underground Injection Control Program established under the Safe Drinking Water Act, or SDWA, and published permitting guidance and an interpretive memorandum addressing the performance of such activities. In August 2012, the EPA published final rules under the CAA, which became effective October 15, 2012, that, among other things, require producers to reduce volatile organic compound emissions from certain subcategories of fractured and refractured gas wells for which well completion operations are being conducted by routing flowback emissions
to a gathering line or capturing and combusting flowback emissions using a combustion device, such as a flare, until January 1, 2015 or performing reduced emission completions, also known as “green completions,” with or without combustion devices, on or after January 1, 2015. In addition, the U.S. Congress, from time to time, has considered adopting legislation intended to provide for federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing and to require disclosure of the chemicals used in the hydraulic-fracturing process. Moreover, the BLM has adopted final rules that impose more stringent technical requirements and the disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations on public and Native American lands. These rules are currently under judicial challenge. In the event that a new federal level of legal restrictions relating to the hydraulic fracturing process is adopted in areas where we currently or in the future plan to operate, we may incur additional costs to comply with such federal requirements that may be significant in nature, become subject to additional permitting requirements and experience added delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development or production activities.
Certain states in which we operate, including Texas, have adopted, and other states are considering adopting, regulations that could impose new or more stringent permitting, disclosures, and/or well-construction requirements on hydraulic-fracturing operations. For example, Texas adopted a law in June 2011 requiring disclosure to the Texas Railroad Commission and the public disclosure of certain information regarding the components used in the hydraulic-fracturing process. In addition to state laws, local land use restrictions, such as city ordinances, may restrict or prohibit drilling in general or hydraulic fracturing in particular. In some states, including Texas, water use may also be regulated and potentially curtailed by local groundwater management districts which could impact water available for hydraulic fracturing. We believe that we follow applicable standard industry practices and legal requirements for groundwater protection in our hydraulic fracturing activities. Nonetheless, in the event state or local restrictions are adopted in areas where we are currently conducting, or in the future plan to conduct operations, we may incur additional costs to comply with such requirements that may be significant in nature, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development, or production activities, and perhaps be limited or precluded in the drilling of wells or in the amounts that we are ultimately able to produce from our reserves.
Certain governmental reviews were recently conducted or are underway that focus on environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing practices. In December 2016 the EPA issued its final report “Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil and Gas: Impacts from the Hydraulic Fracturing Water Cycle on Drinking Water Resources in the United States” which assessed the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. The report acknowledged data gaps and uncertainties, removed the draft finding of no widespread systemic impacts from hydraulic fracturing, but concluded that the agency could not quantify the frequency or severity of such impacts on a national level, thereby leaving the door open to additional regulations to protect drinking water resources. Moreover, the EPA has adopted pre-treatment standards addressing the discharge of wastewater pollutants from hydraulic fracturing operations to publicly owned treatment works. The EPA is also conducting a study of private wastewater treatment facilities that accept oil and gas extraction wastewater. Other governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of the Interior, are evaluating various other aspects of hydraulic fracturing. These studies, or future studies, depending on their degree of pursuit and any meaningful results obtained, could spur initiatives to further regulate hydraulic fracturing under the SDWA or other regulatory mechanisms. See “Item 1. Business – Environmental Matters – Hydraulic Fracturing” above for additional discussion related to environmental risks associated with our hydraulic fracturing activities.
Studies noting a connection between increased seismic activity and the injection of wastewater from oil and gas operations could result in new laws or regulations which would increase our cost of operations.
Some studies have noted an increase in localized frequency of seismic activity associated with underground disposal of wastewater from oil and gas operations. If the results of these studies are confirmed, new legislative and regulatory initiatives could require additional monitoring, restrict the injection of produced water in certain disposal wells or modify or curtail hydraulic fracturing operations. These actions could lead to operational delays, increased compliance costs or otherwise adversely impact our operations.
We face various risks associated with the trend toward increased anti-development activity.
As new technologies have been applied to our industry, we have seen significant growth in oil and gas supply in recent years, particularly in the U.S. With this expansion of oil and gas development activity, opposition toward oil and gas drilling and development activity has been growing both in the U.S. and globally. Companies in the oil and gas industry, such as us, can be the target of opposition to development from certain stakeholder groups. These anti-development efforts could be focused on:
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limiting oil and gas development;
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reducing access to federal and state owned lands;
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delaying or canceling certain projects such as offshore drilling, shale development, and pipeline construction;
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limiting or banning the use of hydraulic fracturing;
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denying air-quality permits for drilling; and
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advocating for increased regulations on shale drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
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Future anti-development efforts could result in the following:
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denial or delay of drilling permits;
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shortening of lease terms or reduction in lease size;
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restrictions on installation or operation of gathering or processing facilities;
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restrictions on the use of certain operating practices, such as hydraulic fracturing;
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reduced access to water supplies or restrictions on water disposal;
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limited access or damage to or destruction of our property;
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legal challenges or lawsuits;
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increased regulation of our business;
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damaging publicity and reputational harm;
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increased costs of doing business;
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reduction in demand for our products; and
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other adverse effects on our ability to develop our properties and expand production.
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Our need to incur costs associated with responding to these initiatives or complying with any new legal or regulatory requirements resulting from these activities that are substantial and not adequately provided for, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the use of social media channels can be used to cause rapid, widespread reputational harm.
The marketability of our production depends largely upon the availability, proximity and capacity of oil and gas gathering systems, pipelines, storage and processing facilities.
The marketability of our production depends in part upon processing, storage and transportation facilities. Transportation space on such gathering systems and pipelines is occasionally limited and at times unavailable due to repairs or improvements being made to such facilities or due to such space being utilized by other companies with priority transportation agreements. Our access to transportation options can also be affected by federal and state, regulation of oil and gas production and transportation, general economic conditions and changes in supply and demand. These factors and the availability of markets are beyond our control. If our access to these transportation and storage options dramatically changes, the financial impact on us could be substantial and adversely affect our ability to produce and market our oil and gas.
The adoption of derivatives legislation and regulations related to derivative contracts could have an adverse impact on our ability to hedge risks associated with our business.
Title VII of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act establishes federal oversight and regulation of over-the-counter, or OTC, derivatives and requires the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or CFTC, and the SEC to enact further regulations affecting derivative contracts, including the derivative contracts we use to hedge our exposure to price volatility through the OTC market. Although the CFTC and the SEC have issued final regulations in certain areas, final rules in other areas and the scope of relevant definitions and/or exemptions still remain to be finalized. In one of its rulemaking proceedings still pending under the Dodd-Frank Act, on November 5, 2013 (as modified and re-proposed on December 30, 2016), the CFTC approved a proposed rule imposing position limits for certain futures and option contracts in various
commodities (including gas) and for swaps that are their economic equivalents. Certain specified types of hedging transactions are proposed to be exempt from these position limits, provided that such hedging transactions satisfy the CFTC’s requirements for “bona fide hedging” transactions or positions. Similarly, on December 16, 2016, the CFTC issued a proposed rule regarding the capital that a swap dealer, or major swap participant, is required to post with respect to its swap business, but has not yet issued a final rule. On January 6, 2016, the CFTC issued a final rule on margin requirements for uncleared swap transactions, which includes an exemption for commercial end-users, entering into uncleared swaps in order to hedge commercial risks affecting their business, from any requirement to post margin to secure such swap transactions. In addition, on July 19, 2012, the CFTC issued a final rule authorizing an exception for commercial end-users using swaps to hedge their commercial risks from the otherwise applicable mandatory obligation under the Dodd-Frank Act to clear all swap transactions through a registered derivatives clearing organization and to trade all such swaps on a registered exchange. The Dodd-Frank Act also imposes recordkeeping and reporting obligations on counterparties to swap transactions and other regulatory compliance obligations. All of the above regulations and requirements could increase the costs to us of entering into derivative contracts to hedge or mitigate our exposure to volatility in oil, gas and NGL prices and other commercial risks affecting our business.
While it is not possible at this time to predict when the CFTC will issue final rules applicable to position limits or capital requirements, depending on our ability to satisfy the CFTC’s requirements for the various exemptions available for a commercial end-user using swaps to hedge or mitigate its commercial risks, these rules and regulations may require us to comply with position limits and with certain clearing and trade-execution requirements in connection with our derivative activities. In addition, The Dodd-Frank Act may require our current counterparties to post additional capital as a result of entering into uncleared derivative contracts with us, which could increase the cost to us of entering into such derivative contracts. When a final rule on capital requirements is issued, the Dodd-Frank Act may require our current swap counterparties to post additional capital as a result of entering into uncleared derivatives with us, which could increase our costs of future derivative transactions. The Dodd-Frank Act may also require our current counterparties to spin off some of their derivatives activities to separate entities, which may not be as creditworthy as the current counterparties, and may cause some entities to cease their current business as hedge providers. These changes could reduce the liquidity of the financial derivatives markets thereby reducing the ability of commercial end-users to have access to derivative contracts to hedge or mitigate their exposure to volatility in oil, gas and NGL prices. The Dodd-Frank Act and any new regulations could significantly increase the cost of derivative contracts (including through requirements to post collateral which could adversely affect our available capital for other commercial operations purposes), materially alter the terms of future swaps relative to the terms of our existing bilaterally negotiated derivative contracts, and reduce the availability of derivatives to protect us against commercial risks we encounter.
In addition, federal banking regulators have adopted new capital requirements for certain regulated financial institutions in connection with the Basel III Accord. The Federal Reserve Board also issued proposed regulations on September 30, 2016, proposing to impose higher risk-weighted capital requirements on financial institutions active in physical commodities, such as oil and gas. If and when these proposed regulations are fully implemented, financial institutions subject to these higher capital requirements may require that we provide cash or other collateral with respect to our obligations under the financial derivatives and other contracts we may enter into with such financial institutions in order to reduce the amount of capital such financial institutions may have to maintain. Alternatively, financial institutions subject to these capital requirements may price transactions so that we will have to pay a premium to enter into derivatives and other physical commodity transactions in an amount that will compensate the financial institutions for the additional capital costs relating to such derivatives and physical commodity transactions. Rules implementing the Basel III Accord and higher risk-weighted capital requirements could materially reduce our liquidity and increase the cost of derivative contracts and other physical commodity contracts (including through requirements to post collateral, which could adversely affect our available capital for other commercial operations purposes).
If we reduce our use of derivative contracts as a result of any of the foregoing regulations or requirements, our results of operations may become more volatile and cash flows less predictable, which could adversely affect our ability to plan for and fund capital expenditures. Finally, the legislation was intended, in part, to reduce the volatility of oil, gas, and NGL prices, which some legislators attributed to speculative trading in derivatives and commodity instruments related to oil, gas, and NGLs. Our revenues could therefore be adversely affected if a consequence of the legislation and regulations is to lower commodity prices. Any of these consequences could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
If we were to experience an ownership change, we could be limited in our ability to use net operating losses arising prior to the ownership change to offset future taxable income. In addition, our ability to use net operating loss carry forwards to reduce future tax payments may be limited if our taxable income does not reach sufficient levels.
As of December 31, 2016, we had a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward for federal income tax purposes of
$230.5 million
. If we were to experience an "ownership change," as determined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), our ability to offset taxable income arising after the ownership change with NOLs arising prior to the ownership change would be limited, possibly substantially. An ownership change would establish an annual limitation on the amount of our pre-change NOL we could utilize to offset our taxable income in any future taxable year to an amount generally
equal to the value of our stock immediately prior to the ownership change multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate. In general, an ownership change will occur if there is a cumulative increase in our ownership of more than 50 percentage points by one or more "5% shareholders" (as defined in the Code) at any time during a rolling three-year period. In addition, under the Code, NOL can generally be carried forward to offset future taxable income for a period of 20 years. Our ability to use our NOL during this period will be dependent on our ability to generate taxable income, and the NOL could expire before we generate sufficient taxable income.
Cyber attacks targeting systems and infrastructure used by the oil and gas industry may adversely impact our operations.
Our business has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct certain exploration, development and production activities. We depend on digital technology to estimate quantities of oil and gas reserves, process and record financial and operating data, analyze seismic and drilling information, and communicate with our employees and third-party partners. Unauthorized access to our seismic data, reserves information or other proprietary information could lead to data corruption, communication interruption, or other operational disruptions in our exploration or production operations. In addition, computer technology controls nearly all of the oil and gas distribution systems in the United States and abroad, which are necessary to transport our production to market. A cyber attack directed at oil and gas distribution systems could damage critical distribution and storage assets or the environment, delay or prevent delivery of production to markets and make it difficult or impossible to accurately account for production and settle transactions.
While we have not experienced significant cyber attacks, we may suffer such attacks in the future. Further, as cyber attacks continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerability to cyber attacks.
We rely on independent experts and technical or operational service providers over whom we may have limited control.
We use independent contractors to provide us with certain technical assistance and services. We rely upon the owners and operators of rigs and drilling equipment, and upon providers of field services, to drill and develop our prospects to production. We also rely upon the services of other third parties to explore and/or analyze our prospects to determine a method in which the prospects may be developed in a cost-effective manner. Our limited control over the activities and business practices of these service providers, any inability on our part to maintain satisfactory commercial relationships with them or their failure to provide quality services could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We depend on our President, CEO and Chairman of the Board and the loss of his services could have an adverse effect on our operations.
We depend to a large extent on Robert L.G. Watson, our President and Chief Executive Officer, for our management and business and financial contacts. Mr. Watson may terminate his employment agreement with us at any time on 30 days' notice, but, if he terminates without good reason, he would not be entitled to the severance benefits provided under the terms of that agreement. Mr. Watson is not precluded from working for, with or on behalf of a competitor upon termination of his employment with us. If Mr. Watson were no longer able or willing to act as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, the loss of his services could have an adverse effect on our operations.
Risks Related to Our Industry
Market conditions for oil and gas, and particularly volatility of prices for oil and gas, could adversely affect our revenue, cash flows, profitability and growth.
Our revenue, cash flows, profitability and future rate of growth depend substantially upon prevailing prices for oil and gas. Prices also affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to borrow money or raise additional capital. Lower prices may also make it uneconomical for us to increase or even continue current production levels of oil and gas.
Prices for oil and gas are subject to large fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply and demand for oil and gas, market uncertainty and a variety of other factors beyond our control, including:
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changes in foreign and domestic supply and demand for oil and gas;
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political stability and economic conditions in oil producing countries, particularly in the Middle East;
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•
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price and level of foreign imports;
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•
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availability of pipeline and other secondary capacity;
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•
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general economic conditions;
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•
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domestic and foreign governmental regulation; and
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the price and availability of alternative fuel sources.
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Estimates of proved reserves and future net revenue are inherently imprecise.
The process of estimating oil and gas reserves in accordance with SEC requirements is complex and involves decisions and assumptions in evaluating the available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data. Accordingly, these estimates are imprecise. Actual future production, oil and gas prices, revenues, taxes, capital expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves most likely will vary from those estimated. Any significant variance could materially affect the estimated quantities and present value of our reserves. In addition, we may adjust estimates of proved reserves to reflect production history, results of exploration and development, prevailing oil and gas prices and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
The estimates of our reserves as of December 31, 2016 are based upon various assumptions about future production levels, prices and costs that may not prove to be correct over time. In particular, estimates of oil and gas reserves, future net revenue from proved reserves and the PV-10 thereof for our oil and gas properties are based on the assumption that future oil and gas prices remain the same as the twelve month first-day-of-the-month average oil and gas prices for the year ended December 31, 2016. The average realized sales prices as of such date used for purposes of such estimates were $1.41per Mcf of gas and $35.54 per Bbl of oil. The December 31, 2016 estimates also assume that we will make future capital expenditures of approximately $267.8 million in the aggregate primarily from 2017 through 2021, which are necessary to develop and realize the value of proved reserves on our properties. We cannot assure you that we will have sufficient capital in the future to make these capital expenditures. In addition, approximately 66% of our total estimated proved reserves on a Boe basis (33% on a PV-10 basis) as of December 31, 2016 were classified as undeveloped. By their nature, estimates of undeveloped reserves are less certain than proved developed reserves. Any significant variance in actual results from these assumptions could also materially affect the estimated quantity and value of our reserves set forth or incorporated by reference in this report.
The present value of future net cash flows from our proved reserves is not necessarily the same as the current market value of our estimated reserves. Any material inaccuracies in our reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will materially affect the quantities and present value of our reserves, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
As required by SEC regulations, we based the estimated discounted future net cash flows from our proved reserves as of December 31, 2016 on the twelve month first-day-of-the-month average oil and gas prices for the year ended December 31, 2016 and costs in effect on December 31, 2016, the date of the estimate. However, actual future net cash flows from our properties will be affected by factors such as:
•
supply of and demand for our oil and gas;
•
actual prices we receive for our oil and gas;
•
our actual operating costs;
•
the amount and timing of our capital expenditures;
•
the amount and timing of our actual production; and
•
changes in governmental regulations or taxation.
In addition, the 10% discount factor we use when calculating discounted future net cash flow, which is required by the SEC, may not be the most appropriate discount factor based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks associated with us or the oil and gas industry in general. Any material inaccuracies in our reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will materially affect the quantities and present value of our reserves, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations are subject to the numerous risks of oil and gas drilling and production activities.
Our oil and gas drilling and production activities are subject to numerous risks, many of which are beyond our control. These risks include the risk of fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards. Environmental hazards include oil and salt water spills, gas leaks, ruptures, discharges of toxic gases, underground migration and surface spills or mishandling of any toxic fracture fluids, including chemical additives. In addition, title problems, weather conditions and mechanical difficulties or shortages or delays in delivery of drilling rigs and other equipment could negatively affect our operations. If any of these or other similar industry operating risks occur, we could have substantial losses. Substantial losses also may result from injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property, clean-up responsibilities, environmental damage, regulatory investigation and penalties and suspension of operations. In accordance with industry practice, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described above. We cannot assure you that our insurance will be adequate to cover losses or liabilities. Also, we cannot predict the continued availability of insurance at premium levels that justify its purchase.
We operate in a highly competitive industry which may adversely affect our operations.
We operate in a highly competitive environment. The principal resources necessary for the exploration and production of oil and gas are leasehold prospects under which oil and gas reserves may be discovered, drilling rigs and related equipment to explore for such reserves and knowledgeable personnel to conduct all phases of operations. We must compete for such resources with both major oil and gas companies and independent operators. Many of these competitors have financial and other resources substantially greater than ours. Although we believe our current operating and financial resources are adequate to preclude any significant disruption of our operations, we cannot assure you that such resources will be available to us in the future.
Our oil and gas operations are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local regulations that materially affect our operations.
In the oil and gas industry, matters regulated include permits for drilling and completion operations, drilling and abandonment bonds, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells and unitization and pooling of properties, the disposal of wastes and taxation. At various times, regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on production. In order to conserve supplies of oil and gas, these agencies have at times restricted the rates of flow from oil and gas wells below actual production capacity. U.S. federal, state and local laws regulate production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of oil and gas by-products and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with oil and gas operations. To date, our expenditures related to complying with these laws and for remediation of existing environmental contamination have not been significant. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. However, the requirements of such laws and regulations are frequently changed. We cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations.
Proposed federal legislation concerning tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and gas drilling may adversely affect our net earnings.
Congress has recently considered, is considering, and may continue to consider, legislation that, if adopted in its proposed or similar form, would deprive some companies involved in oil and gas exploration and production activities in certain U.S. federal income tax incentives and deductions currently available to such companies. These changes include, but are not limited to (i) the repeal of the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas properties, (ii) the elimination of current deductions for intangible drilling and development costs, (iii) the elimination of the deduction for certain domestic production activities and (iv) an extension of the amortization period for certain geological and geophysical expenditures.
It is unclear whether these or similar changes will be enacted and, if enacted, how soon any such changes could become effective and whether such changes may apply retroactively. Although we are unable to predict whether any of these or other proposals will ultimately be enacted, the passage of any legislation as a result of these proposals or any other similar changes to U.S. federal income tax laws could eliminate or postpone certain tax deductions that are currently available to us, and any such change could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Possible regulation related to global warming and climate change could have an adverse effect on our operations and demand for oil and gas.
Studies over recent years have indicated that emissions of certain gases may be contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. In response to these studies, governments have begun adopting domestic and international climate change regulations that requires reporting and reductions of the emission of greenhouse gases. Methane, a primary component of gas, and carbon dioxide, a by-product of the burning of oil, gas and refined petroleum products, are considered greenhouse gases. Internationally, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol address greenhouse gas emissions, and several countries including the European Union have established greenhouse gas regulatory systems. In December 2015, the U.S. participated in the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France.
The Paris Agreement (adopted at the conference) calls for nations to undertake efforts with respect to global temperatures and GHG emissions. If ratified, the Paris Agreement will take effect in 2020. It is possible that the Paris Agreement and subsequent domestic and international regulations will have adverse effects on the market for oil, gas and other fossil fuel products as well as adverse effects on the business and operations of companies engaged in the exploration for, and production of, oil, gas and other fossil fuel products. In the United States, at the state level, several states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have begun implementing legal measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily through the planned development of emission inventories or regional greenhouse gas cap and trade programs or have begun considering adopting greenhouse gas regulatory programs. At the federal legislative level, various climate change legislative measures have been considered by the U.S. Congress, but it is not possible at this time to predict when, or if, Congress will act on climate change legislation, although any major initiatives in this area are unlikely to become law in the near future due to opposition in Congress. We are unable to predict the timing, scope and effect of any currently proposed or future investigations, laws, regulations or treaties regarding climate change and GHG emissions, but the direct and indirect costs of such investigations, laws, regulations and treaties (if enacted) could materially and adversely affect our operations, financial condition and results of operations.
As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in
Massachusetts, et al. v. EPA
, on December 7, 2009, the EPA issued a finding that serves as the foundation under the Clean Air Act to issue other rules that would result in federal greenhouse gas regulations and emissions limits under the Clean Air Act, even without Congressional action. As part of this array of new regulations, the EPA has issued a GHG monitoring and reporting rule that requires certain parties, including participants in the oil and gas industry, to monitor and report their GHG emissions, including methane and carbon dioxide, to the EPA. These regulations may apply to our operations. The EPA has adopted other rules that would regulate GHGs, one of which would regulate GHGs from stationary sources, and may affect sources in the oil and gas exploration and production industry and the pipeline industry. In May 2016, the EPA adopted rules to force the aggregation of wells and facilities for air emission permitting purposes, and also rules to reduce methane emissions from equipment and leaks from new oil and gas facilities. The EPA’s finding, the greenhouse gas reporting rule, and the rules to regulate the emissions of greenhouse gases may affect the cost of our operations and also affect the outcome of other climate change lawsuits pending in United States federal courts in a manner unfavorable to our industry.
Any laws or regulations that may be adopted to restrict or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to incur increased operating and compliance costs, and could have an adverse effect on demand for the oil and gas that we produce and as a result, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
EPA’s new ground-level ozone standards may result in more stringent regulation of air emissions from, and adverse economic impacts on, our operations.
Effective December 2015, the EPA adopted a final rule under the Clean Air Act, lowering the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion under both the primary and secondary standards designed to provide protection of public health and welfare, respectively. Certain areas of the country in compliance with the ground-level ozone NAAQS standard may be reclassified as non-attainment and such reclassification may make it more difficult to construct new or modified sources of air pollution, including those associated with our operations, in newly designated non-attainment areas. Moreover, states are expected to implement more stringent regulations necessary to come into compliance with the new NAAQS, which could apply to our operations. Compliance with these final rules could, among other things, require installation of new emission controls on some of our equipment, result in longer permitting timelines, and significantly increase our capital expenditures and operating costs.
Proposed legislation and regulation under consideration regarding rail transportation could increase our operating costs, reduce our liquidity, delay our operations or otherwise alter the way we conduct our business.
We presently sell all of our oil production at the lease, either by truck or pipeline, where custody transfers to the purchaser, accordingly it is unknown to us how much of the oil production is ultimately shipped by rail. In response to recent train derailments occurring in the United States, U.S. regulators are implementing or considering new rules to address the safety risks of transporting oil by rail. On January 23, 2014, the NTSB issued a series of recommendations to address safety risks, including (i) requiring expanded hazardous material route planning for railroads to avoid populated and other sensitive areas, (ii) developing an audit program to ensure rail carriers that carry petroleum products have adequate response capabilities to address worst-case discharges of the entire quantity of product carried on a train, and (iii) auditing shippers and rail carriers to ensure they are properly classifying hazardous materials in transportation and that they have adequate safety and security plans in place. Additionally, on February 25, 2014 the DOT issued an emergency order requiring all persons, prior to offering oil into transportation, to ensure such product is properly tested and classed and to assure all shipments by rail of oil be handled as a Packing Group I or II hazardous material. The introduction of these or other regulations that result in new requirements addressing the type, design, specifications or construction of rail cars used to transport oil could result in severe transportation capacity constraints during the period in which new rail cars are retrofitted or constructed to meet new specifications.
We do not currently own or operate rail transportation facilities or rail cars; however, the adoption of any regulations that impact the testing or rail transportation of oil could increase our costs of doing business and limit our ability to transport and sell our oil at favorable prices at market centers throughout the United States, the consequences of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Future issuance of additional shares of common stock could cause dilution of ownership interests and adversely affect our stock price.
We are currently authorized to issue 200,000,000 shares of common stock with such rights as determined by our board of directors. In the future, we may increase our authorized shares of common stock or issue previously authorized and unissued securities, resulting in the dilution of the ownership interests of current stockholders. The potential issuance of any such additional shares of common stock may create downward pressure on the trading price of our common stock. We may also issue additional shares of common stock or other securities that are convertible into or exercisable for common stock for capital raising or other business purposes. Future sales of substantial amounts of common stock, or the perception that sales could occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock.
We will not pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future.
We currently anticipate that we will retain all future earnings, if any, to finance the growth and development of our business. We do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. In addition, our credit facility prohibits us from paying dividends and making other cash distributions.
Shares eligible for future sale may depress our stock price.
At December 31, 2016, we had 135,094,017 shares of common stock outstanding (163,844,017 shares after the completion of the offering of 28.8 million shares of common stock in January 2017) of which 9,891,194 shares were held by affiliates and, in addition, 8,153,775 shares of common stock were subject to outstanding options granted under stock option plans (of which 4,808,263 shares were vested at December 31, 2016).
All of the shares of common stock held by affiliates are restricted or are control securities under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act. The shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options have been registered under the Securities Act. Sales of shares of common stock under Rule 144 or another exemption under the Securities Act or pursuant to a registration statement could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities.
The price of our common stock has been volatile and could continue to fluctuate substantially.
Our common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Stock Market. The market price of our common stock has been volatile and could fluctuate substantially based on a variety of factors, including the following:
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fluctuations in commodity prices;
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variations in results of operations;
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•
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legislative or regulatory changes;
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general trends in the oil and gas industry;
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sales of common stock or other actions by our stockholders;
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additions or departures of key management personnel;
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commencement of or involvement in litigation;
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speculation in the press or investment community regarding our business;
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an inability to maintain the listing of our common stock on a national securities exchange;
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analysts’ estimates and other events in the oil and gas industry.
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We may issue shares of preferred stock with greater rights than our common stock.
Subject to the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, our articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to issue one or more series of preferred stock and set the terms of the preferred stock without seeking any further approval from holders of our common stock. Any preferred stock that is issued may rank ahead of our common stock in terms of dividends, priority and liquidation premiums and may have greater voting rights than our common stock.
Anti-takeover provisions could make a third party acquisition of us difficult.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide for a classified board of directors, with each member serving a three-year term, and eliminate the ability of stockholders to call special meetings or take action by written consent. Each of the provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the approval of our board. In addition, the Nevada corporate statute also contains certain provisions that could make an acquisition by a third party more difficult.
Item 2. Properties
Exploratory and Developmental Acreage
Our principal oil and gas properties consist of producing and non-producing oil and gas leases, including reserves of oil and gas in place. The following table sets forth our developed and undeveloped acreage and fee mineral acreage as of December 31, 2016.
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Developed
Acreage
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Undeveloped Acreage
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Fee Mineral
Acreage (1)
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Gross
Acres
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Net
Acres
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Gross
Acres
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Net
Acres
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Gross
Acres
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Net
Acres
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Total
Net
Acres (2)
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Rocky Mountain
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30,978
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16,767
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20,407
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11,361
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3,078
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346
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28,474
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Permian/Delaware Basin
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15,945
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13,392
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10,432
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8,010
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12,008
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5,272
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26,673
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South Texas
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7,958
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7,476
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5,010
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4,890
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2,939
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872
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13,238
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Total
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54,881
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37,635
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35,849
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24,261
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18,025
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6,490
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68,385
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____________________________
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(1)
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Fee mineral acreage represents fee simple absolute ownership of the mineral estate or fraction thereof.
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(2)
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Includes 1,217 net acres in the Permian Basin region that are included in both developed and fee mineral acres.
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The following table sets forth Abraxas’ net undeveloped acreage subject to expire by year:
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2017
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2018
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2019
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2020
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2021
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Rocky Mountain
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—
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647
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3
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426
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—
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Permian/Delaware Basin
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9
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—
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—
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—
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704
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South Texas
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1,942
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359
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1,270
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100
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13
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Productive Wells
The following table sets forth our gross and net productive wells, expressed separately for oil and gas, as of December 31, 2016:
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Productive Wells
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Oil
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Gas
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Gross
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Net
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Gross
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Net
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Rocky Mountain
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366.0
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69.2
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414.0
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11.0
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Permian/Delaware Basin
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138.0
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126.6
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44.0
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26.8
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South Texas
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17.0
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8.0
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22.0
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20.2
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Total
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521.0
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203.8
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480.0
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58.0
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Reserves Information
The estimation and disclosure requirements we employ conform to the definition of proved reserves with the Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting rules, which were issued by the SEC at the end of 2008. This accounting standard requires that the average first-day-of-the-month price during the 12-month period preceding the end of the year be used when estimating reserve quantities and permits the use of reliable technologies to determine proved reserves, if those technologies have been demonstrated to result in reliable conclusions about reserves volumes.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, DeGolyer and MacNaughton, of Dallas, Texas estimated reserves for Abraxas’ properties comprising approximately 99% of the PV-10 of our proved oil and gas reserves. Proved reserves for the remaining 1% of our properties were estimated by Abraxas personnel because we determined that it was not practical for DeGolyer and MacNaughton to prepare reserve estimates for these properties as they are located in a widely dispersed geographic area and have relatively low value. DeGolyer and MacNaughton’s reserve report as of December 31, 2016 included a total of 313 properties and our internal report included 326 properties.
The technical personnel responsible for preparing the reserve estimates at DeGolyer and MacNaughton meet the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity, and confidentiality set forth in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. DeGolyer and MacNaughton is an independent firm of petroleum engineers, geologists, geophysicists, and petrophysicists. They do not own an interest in any of our properties and are not employed on a contingent fee basis. All reports by DeGolyer and MacNaughton were developed utilizing their own geological and engineering data, supplemented by data provided by Abraxas. The report of DeGolyer and MacNaughton dated February 13, 2017, which contains further discussions of the reserve estimates and evaluations prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton as well as the qualifications of DeGolyer and MacNaughton’s technical personnel responsible for overseeing such estimates and evaluations is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.
Estimates of reserves at December 31, 2016 were based on studies performed by the engineering department of Abraxas which is directly responsible for Abraxas’ reserve evaluation process. The Vice President of Engineering manages this department and is the primary technical person responsible for this process. The Vice President of Engineering holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas; he has 38 years of experience in reserve evaluations. The operations department of Abraxas assisted in the process. Reserve information as well as models used to estimate such reserves are stored on secured databases. Non-technical inputs used in reserve estimation models, include oil and gas prices, production costs, future capital expenditures and Abraxas’ net ownership percentages which are obtained from other departments within Abraxas.
Oil and gas reserves and the estimates of the present value of future net revenues therefrom were determined based on prices and costs as prescribed by SEC and FASB guidelines. Reserve calculations involve the estimate of future net recoverable reserves of oil and gas and the timing and amount of future net revenues to be received therefrom. Such estimates are not precise and are based on assumptions regarding a variety of factors, many of which are variable and uncertain. Proved oil and gas reserves are the estimated quantities of oil and gas that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved developed oil and gas reserves are those expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved reserves were estimated in accordance with guidelines established by the SEC and the FASB, which require that reserve estimates be prepared under existing economic and operating conditions with no provision for price and cost escalations or de-escalations except by contractual arrangements. For the year ended December 31, 2016, commodity prices over the prior 12-month period and year end costs were used in estimating future net cash flows.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding estimates of our oil and gas reserves as of December 31, 2016. All of our reserves are located in the United States.
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Summary of Oil, NGL and Gas Reserves
As of December 31, 2016
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Reserve Category
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Oil
(MBbls)
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NGL
(MBbls)
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Gas
(MMcf)
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Oil
Equivalents (MBoe)
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Proved
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Developed
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7,818
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2,568
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27,792
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15,018
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Undeveloped
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16,391
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6,076
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43,037
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29,639
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Total Proved
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24,209
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8,644
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70,829
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44,657
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Our estimates of proved developed reserves, proved undeveloped reserves, and total proved reserves at December 31, 2014, 2015, and 2016, and changes in proved reserves during the last three years are presented in the
Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures
under Item 8 of this Report. Also presented in the Supplemental Information are our estimates of future net cash flows and discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves.
We have not filed information with a federal authority or agency with respect to our estimated total proved reserves at December 31, 2016. We report gross proved reserves of operated properties in the United States to the U.S. Department of Energy on an annual basis; these reported reserves are derived from the same data used to estimate and report proved reserves in this report.
The process of estimating oil and gas reserves is complex and involves decisions and assumptions in evaluating the available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data. Accordingly, these estimates are imprecise. Actual future production, oil and gas prices, revenues, taxes, capital expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves most likely will vary from those estimated. Any significant variance could materially affect the estimated quantities and present value of our reserves set forth or incorporated by reference in this report. We may also adjust estimates of reserves to reflect production history, results of exploration and development, prevailing oil and gas prices and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. In particular, estimates of oil and gas reserves, future net revenue from reserves and the PV-10 thereof for the oil and gas properties described in this report are based on the assumption that future oil and gas prices remain the same as oil and gas prices utilized in the December 31, 2016 report. The average realized sales prices used for purposes of such estimates were $35.54 per Bbl of oil and $1.41 per Mcf of gas. It is also assumed that we will make future capital expenditures of approximately $267.8 million in the aggregate primarily in the years 2017 through 2021, which are necessary to develop and realize the value of proved reserves on our properties. Any significant variance in actual results from these assumptions could also materially affect the estimated quantity and value of reserves set forth herein.
You should not assume that the present value of future net revenues referred to in this report is the current market value of our estimated oil and gas reserves. In accordance with SEC requirements, the estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves are calculated using the average first-day-of-the-month price over the prior 12-month period. Costs used in the estimated discounted future net cash flows are costs as of the end of the period. Because we use the full cost method to account for our oil and gas operations, we are susceptible to significant non-cash charges during times of volatile commodity prices because the full cost pool may be impaired when prices are low. This is known as a “ceiling limitation write-down.” This charge does not impact cash flow from operating activities but does reduce our stockholders’ equity and reported earnings. We have experienced ceiling limitation write-downs in the past and we cannot assure you that we will not experience additional ceiling limitation write-downs in the future. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s net capitalized costs of oil and gas properties did not exceed the present value of our estimated proved reserves, however, during the first three quarters of 2016, we incurred a proved property impairment of $67.6 million. If commodity prices decrease further, we could be required to further write down the carrying value of our reserves during 2017 which would also reduce our net income.
For more information regarding the full cost method of accounting, you should read the information under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Policies.”
Actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or lower than the prices and costs used in the estimate. Any changes in consumption by gas purchasers or in governmental regulations or taxation will also affect actual future net cash flows. The timing of both the production and the expenses from the development and production of oil and gas properties will affect the timing of actual future net cash flows from proved reserves and their present value. In addition, the 10% discount factor, which is required by the SEC to be used in calculating discounted future net cash flows for reporting purposes, is not necessarily the most accurate discount factor. Our effective interest rate on borrowings at various times and the risks associated with us or the oil and gas industry in general will affect the accuracy of the 10% discount factor.
Proved Undeveloped Reserves
Changes in PUDs
. Significant changes to PUDs occurring during 2016 are summarized in the table below. Revisions of prior estimates reflect the addition of new PUDs associated with current development plans, revisions to prior PUDs, revisions
to infill drilling development plans, as well as the transfer of PUDs to unproved reserve categories due to changes in development plans during the year. Our year-end development plans are consistent with SEC guidelines for PUDs development within five years unless specific circumstances warrant a longer development time horizon. There are no PUDs as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016, included in this report that are not planned to be developed within five years.
|
|
|
|
|
MMBoe
|
PUDs at December 31, 2015
|
25,996
|
|
Revisions of prior estimates
|
2,855
|
|
Extensions, discoveries, and other additions
|
823
|
|
Conversion to developed
|
—
|
|
Sales
|
(35
|
)
|
PUDs at December 31, 2016
|
29,639
|
|
The following is a summary of the changes to the Company’s proved undeveloped reserves that occurred during 2016.
Revisions of prior estimates
:
An increase of 5,005 MBoe of reserves was attributed to the Company’s Bakken and Three Forks proved undeveloped locations in McKenzie County, ND, due to continuing improvement in the Company's producing well production results. Well results improved as a result of the application of optimized completion methods. A decrease of 329 MBoe of reserves was attributed to two Porcupine Field proved undeveloped locations in Campbell County, WY. This decrease was due to poorer-than-anticipated performance of the Hedgehog State 16-2H producing well which offsets the two proved undeveloped locations. There was also a reduction in this category of 1,821 MBoe of reserves attributable to shortened economic life calculations at the lower commodity pricing experienced during 2016.
Extensions, discoveries and other additions
:
The Company added five new proved undeveloped Wolfcamp locations in Ward County, TX, accounting for 805 MBoe of net reserves. These locations are direct offsets to the Caprito 99 302H, a new Wolfcamp producer developed during 2016. The Company also added eight new proved undeveloped Bakken/Three Forks locations on non-operated units in McKenzie County, ND, accounting for 18 MBoe of net reserves. These locations were added in response to operator well proposals.
Conversion to developed
:
The Company did not convert any proved undeveloped locations to proved developed reserves during 2016.
Sales
:
The Company sold one proved undeveloped location in connection with the sale of its Portilla Field located in San Patricio County, TX. This location accounted for 35 MBoe of net reserves.
Reconciliation of Standardized Measure to PV-10
PV-10 is the estimated present value of the future net revenues from our proved oil and gas reserves before income taxes discounted using a 10% discount rate. PV-10 is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under SEC regulations because it does not include the effects of future income taxes, as is required in computing the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows. We believe that PV-10 is an important measure that can be used to evaluate the relative significance of our oil and gas properties and that PV-10 is widely used by securities analysts and investors when evaluating oil and gas companies. Because many factors that are unique to each individual company impact the amount of future income taxes to be paid, the use of a pre-tax measure provides greater comparability of assets when evaluating companies. We believe that most other companies in the oil and gas industry calculate PV-10 on the same basis. PV-10 is computed on the same basis as the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows but without deducting income taxes.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows to PV-10 at December 31, 2015 and 2016:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
|
|
$
|
197,251
|
|
|
$
|
160,600
|
|
Present value of future income taxes discounted at 10%
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
PV-10
|
|
$
|
197,251
|
|
|
$
|
160,600
|
|
Oil and Gas Production, Sales Prices and Production Costs
The following table presents our net oil, gas and NGL production, the average sales price per Bbl of oil and NGLs and per Mcf of gas produced and the average cost of production per Boe of production sold, for the three years ended December 31, by our major operating regions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
Oil production (Bbls)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
816,323
|
|
|
1,000,425
|
|
|
1,102,852
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
86,614
|
|
|
76,391
|
|
|
85,966
|
|
South Texas
|
|
491,142
|
|
|
363,404
|
|
|
183,543
|
|
Total
|
|
1,394,079
|
|
|
1,440,220
|
|
|
1,372,361
|
|
Gas production (Mcf)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
1,057,759
|
|
|
1,146,953
|
|
|
1,756,462
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
1,003,018
|
|
|
973,840
|
|
|
742,280
|
|
South Texas
|
|
856,928
|
|
|
894,039
|
|
|
660,978
|
|
Total
|
|
2,917,705
|
|
|
3,014,832
|
|
|
3,159,720
|
|
NGL production (Bbls)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
95,384
|
|
|
132,846
|
|
|
300,669
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
79,321
|
|
|
54,877
|
|
|
52,294
|
|
South Texas
|
|
32,592
|
|
|
50,392
|
|
|
10,376
|
|
Total
|
|
207,297
|
|
|
238,115
|
|
|
363,339
|
|
Total production (MBoe) (1)
|
|
2,088
|
|
|
2,181
|
|
|
2,262
|
|
Average sales price per Bbl of oil (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
$
|
78.59
|
|
|
$
|
39.23
|
|
|
$
|
36.31
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
$
|
84.38
|
|
|
$
|
44.69
|
|
|
$
|
41.30
|
|
South Texas
|
|
$
|
88.44
|
|
|
$
|
45.71
|
|
|
$
|
40.13
|
|
Composite
|
|
$
|
82.42
|
|
|
$
|
41.15
|
|
|
$
|
37.14
|
|
Average sales price per Mcf of gas (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
$
|
4.41
|
|
|
$
|
1.46
|
|
|
$
|
0.61
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
$
|
4.29
|
|
|
$
|
2.24
|
|
|
$
|
2.25
|
|
South Texas
|
|
$
|
3.73
|
|
|
$
|
2.24
|
|
|
$
|
1.87
|
|
Composite
|
|
$
|
4.17
|
|
|
$
|
1.94
|
|
|
$
|
1.26
|
|
Average sales price per Bbl of NGL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
$
|
36.41
|
|
|
$
|
5.49
|
|
|
$
|
2.64
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
$
|
31.10
|
|
|
$
|
13.03
|
|
|
$
|
12.70
|
|
South Texas
|
|
$
|
21.41
|
|
|
$
|
8.60
|
|
|
$
|
8.94
|
|
Composite
|
|
$
|
32.02
|
|
|
$
|
7.89
|
|
|
$
|
4.27
|
|
Average sales price per Boe (2)
|
|
$
|
64.04
|
|
|
$
|
30.72
|
|
|
$
|
24.97
|
|
Average cost of production per Boe produced (3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
$
|
7.36
|
|
|
$
|
6.43
|
|
|
$
|
3.68
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
$
|
15.15
|
|
|
$
|
15.76
|
|
|
$
|
13.97
|
|
South Texas
|
|
$
|
9.30
|
|
|
$
|
12.71
|
|
|
$
|
16.54
|
|
Composite
|
|
$
|
9.22
|
|
|
$
|
9.31
|
|
|
$
|
6.60
|
|
__________________
|
|
(1)
|
Oil and gas were combined by converting gas to Boe on the basis of 6 Mcf of gas to 1 Bbl of oil.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Before the impact of hedging activities.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Production costs include controllable direct lease operating costs but exclude ad valorem taxes, production taxes and non-recurring lease operating costs.
|
Within the above major operating regions, the Rocky Mountain and the Permian/Delaware regions represented more than 15% of our proved reserves as of December 31, 2016. The following is a summary, by product sold, for each primary field in these regions, which represented 15% of more of our total proved reserves as of December 31, 2016, for the three years ended December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
Rocky Mountain Region
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil production (Bbls)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bakken/Three Forks
|
|
660,447
|
|
|
|
862,458
|
|
|
|
997,641
|
|
|
Gas production (Mcf)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bakken/Three Forks
|
|
570,792
|
|
|
|
687,200
|
|
|
|
1,437,965
|
|
|
NGL production (Bbls)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bakken/Three Forks
|
|
77,120
|
|
|
|
116,392
|
|
|
|
286,232
|
|
|
Average sales price per Bbl of oil (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bakken/Three Forks
|
|
$
|
78.01
|
|
|
|
$
|
39.15
|
|
|
|
$
|
36.38
|
|
|
Average sales price per Mcf of gas (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bakken/Three Forks
|
|
$
|
4.60
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.07
|
|
|
|
$
|
0.40
|
|
|
Average sales price per Bbl of NGL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bakken/Three Forks
|
|
$
|
34.86
|
|
|
|
$
|
3.78
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.00
|
|
|
Average cost of production per Boe produced (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bakken/Three Forks
|
|
$
|
6.88
|
|
|
|
$
|
4.05
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permian/Delaware Region
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil production (Bbls)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montoya
|
|
552
|
|
|
|
601
|
|
|
|
1,121
|
|
|
Gas production (Mcf)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montoya
|
|
376,857
|
|
|
|
317,077
|
|
|
|
237,892
|
|
|
NGL production (Bbls)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montoya
|
|
11,180
|
|
|
|
8,852
|
|
|
|
7,748
|
|
|
Average sales price per Bbl of oil (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montoya
|
|
$
|
80.96
|
|
|
|
$
|
42.95
|
|
|
|
$
|
38.57
|
|
|
Average sales price per Mcf of gas (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montoya
|
|
$
|
4.32
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.47
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.41
|
|
|
Average sales price per Bbl of NGL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montoya
|
|
$
|
33.29
|
|
|
|
$
|
13.66
|
|
|
|
$
|
12.99
|
|
|
Average cost of production per Boe produced (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Montoya
|
|
$
|
1.61
|
|
1.61
|
|
|
$
|
2.60
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.75
|
|
|
(1) Before the impact of hedging activities.
(2) Production costs include direct lease operating costs but exclude ad valorem taxes and production taxes.
Drilling Activities
The following table sets forth our gross and net interests in exploratory and development wells drilled during the three years ended December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
2015
|
|
2016
|
|
|
Gross
|
|
Net
|
|
Gross
|
|
Net
|
|
Gross
|
|
Net
|
Exploratory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Productive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
South Texas
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
|
1.0
|
|
Total
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
Dry wells
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Productive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rocky Mountain
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
6.4
|
|
|
21.0
|
|
|
6.8
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
Permian/Delaware Basin
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
South Texas
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
10.0
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
4.0
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
20.0
|
|
|
16.4
|
|
|
25.0
|
|
|
10.8
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
In addition to the above drilling activity, as of December 31, 2016 we had 4.0 gross (3.0) operated wells and 6.0 gross (0.38 net) non-operated well that were drilled and uncompleted that are not represented in the above table.
Present Activities
Permian/Delaware Basin
In Ward County, Texas, we are currently drilling a two well pad in the Caprito 98-201H and Caprito 98-301HR. The Caprito 98-301HR will target the Wolfcamp A2 zone and replaces the Caprito 98-301H, which was abandoned due to a surface issue. The Caprito 98-201H will target an additional prospective zone in the Wolfcamp A1. Abraxas owns a working interest of approximately 88% in the Caprito 98-201H and 98-301HR, respectively.
Following the drilling of the Caprito 98-201H and 301HR we will drill a second two well pad targeting the Wolfcamp A2 and the Wolfcamp B. Following these two completions, Abraxas will drill a third two well pad targeting the Wolfcamp A1 and Third Bone Spring. Following the results of these wells we believe that we will have potentially derisked four prospective horizons allowing for an efficient development of our Caprito acreage in the Delaware Basin assets.
Williston Basin
At our North Fork prospect, in McKenzie County, North Dakota, we have drilled the lateral sections of the Stenehjem 6H, 8H and 9H. We are currently drilling the lateral section of the Stenehjem 7H. Our working interest in the Stenehjem 6H-9H is approximately 75%.
Following the completion of these wells, we plan to mobilize the rig to our Yellowstone unit to spud a three well pad. We anticipate having a 52% working interest in these wells.
Eagle Ford/Austin Chalk
In Atascosa County, Texas, we plan to combine our Shut Eye and Red Eye units. The new combined unit will be the Shut Eye unit where we plan to drill the Shut Eye 1H targeting the Eagle Ford with a 100% working interest. We are currently sourcing a rig to drill this well.
Office Facilities
Our executive and administrative offices are located at 18803 Meisner Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78258, and consist of approximately 21,000 square feet. We own the building which is subject to a real estate lien note. The note bears interest at a fixed rate of
4.25%
, and is payable in monthly installments of principal and interest of
$34,354
. Beginning August 20, 2018, the interest rate will adjust to the current bank prime rate plus
1.00%
with a maximum rate of
7.25%
. The note matures in July 2023. The note is secured by a first lien deed of trust on the property and improvements. As of December 31, 2016,
$3.9 million
was outstanding on the note. We lease office space in Dickinson, North Dakota for a monthly rental of $2,320 through October 2018. The lease expires on October 31, 2018. We lease office space in Lusk, Wyoming for a monthly rental of $750. The lease expires on December 31, 2017. We also lease office space in Denver, Colorado for a monthly rental of $1,107. The lease expires on December 31, 2017.
Other Properties
We own an office building, workshop, warehouse and house in San Patricio County, Texas, 613 acres of land and an office building in Scurry County, Texas, 50 acres of land in DeWitt County, Texas, 582 acres of land in McKenzie County, North Dakota and 12,178 acres of land in Pecos County, Texas.
We own 23 vehicles which are used in the field by employees. We own two workover rigs, which are used for servicing our wells. Raven Drilling owns a 2000 HP drilling rig, primarily to be used for drilling wells in the Williston Basin. We own three houses in North Dakota and a man-camp in North Dakota to house rig crews.