Item 2. Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our
business and results of operations together with our present financial
condition. This section should be read in conjunction with our historical
consolidated financial statements and notes.
Certain statements in our discussion below are forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties.
We caution that a number of factors could cause actual results to differ
materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements.
Please see “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
Overview
Concho Resources Inc. (“Concho,” the “Company,” “we,”
“us,” and “our”) is an independent exploration and production company. We are
one of the largest operators in the Permian Basin of Southeast New Mexico and
West Texas. Concho’s legacy in the Permian Basin provides us a deep
understanding of operating and geological trends. We are actively developing
our resource base by utilizing large-scale development projects, which include
long-lateral wells, enhanced completion techniques and multi-well pad
locations, throughout our operating areas.
Financial and Operating Performance
On July
19, 2018, we completed our acquisition of RSP Permian, Inc. (“RSP”) through an
all-stock transaction (the “RSP Acquisition”), which, among other things,
impacted the comparability of our results of operations. Our financial and
operating performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
included the following highlights:
·
Net income was $
773 m
illion
($4.74
per diluted share) as compared to $689
m
illion ($4.63
per
diluted share) for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively. The
increase was primarily due to:
•
$1.3 billion increase in oil and natural gas revenues as a result
of
a
33
percent
increase in production and a 28 percent increase in commodity price
realizations per Boe
(excluding the effects of
derivative activities);
•
$173 million decrease in our income tax provision primarily due to
the lower U.S. federal statutory corporate income tax rate as a result of the
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018,
as compared to 2017;
•
$88 million increase in other income, primarily due to a gain of
approximately $103 million on the equity method investment distribution
received from Oryx Southern Delaware Holdings, LLC (“Oryx”); and
•
$52 million net increase in gain on disposition of assets due to a
gain of approximately $719 million during the nine months ended September 30,
2018 primarily due to our February 2018 acquisition and divestiture and
Southern Delaware Basin divestitures, as compared to a gain of approximately
$667 million during 2017 primarily due to our disposition of Alpha Crude
Connector, LLC (“ACC”);
partially
offset by:
•
$
1.1
billion change in (gain) loss on
derivatives due to a $793 million loss on derivatives
during the nine
months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to a
$289
million gain
during 2017;
•
$185 million increase in depreciation, depletion and amortization
expense, primarily due to an increase in production, partially offset by a
lower depletion rate per Boe;
•
$123 million increase in production expense, primarily due to (i) increased
production and activities associated with the additional wells successfully
drilled and completed in 2017 and 2018, (ii) our acquisitions and nonmonetary
transactions during the fourth quarter of 2017 and first nine months of 2018,
(iii) increased cost of services and (iv) increased workover costs;
•
$89 million increase in production and ad valorem tax expense, primarily
due to increased production taxes as a result of increased oil and natural gas
sales; and
•
$37 million increase in transaction costs, primarily due to consulting,
investment banking, advisory, legal and other fees related to the RSP
Acquisition.
·
Average daily sales volumes of
248 M
Boe
per day during the first nine months of 2018 increased 33 percent as compared
to 186 MBoe per day during 2017.
·
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by
approximately $676 million to $1,861
million
for
the first nine months of 2018, as compared to $1,185
m
illion
in the first nine months of 2017, primarily due to an increase in oil and
natural gas revenues, partially offset by (i) changes related to cash
settlements on derivatives, (ii) increased production expense and (iii) increased
production tax expense.
Commodity Prices
Our results of operations are heavily influenced by commodity prices.
Commodity prices may fluctuate widely in response to (i) relatively minor
changes in the supply of and demand for oil, natural gas and natural gas
liquids, (ii) market uncertainty and (iii) a variety of additional factors that
are beyond our control. Factors that may impact future commodity prices,
including the price of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, include, but
are not limited to:
·
the overall global demand for oil, natural gas and
natural gas liquids;
·
the domestic and foreign supply of oil, natural gas
and natural gas liquids;
·
the overall North American oil, natural gas and
natural gas liquids supply and demand fundamentals, including:
·
the U.S. economy,
·
weather conditions, and
·
liquefied natural gas deliveries to and exports from
the United States;
·
risks related to the concentration of our operations
in the Permian Basin of Southeast New Mexico and West Texas and the level of
commodity inventory in the Permian Basin;
·
the proximity, capacity, cost and availability of
pipelines and other transportation facilities, as well as the availability of
commodity processing and gathering and refining capacity;
·
economic conditions worldwide;
·
the level of global inventories;
·
political and economic developments in oil and natural
gas producing regions, including Africa, South America and the Middle East;
·
the extent to which members of the Organization of
Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil exporting nations are able to
influence global oil supply levels;
·
technological advances affecting energy consumption
and energy supply;
·
the effect of energy conservation efforts;
·
political and economic events that directly or
indirectly impact the relative strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar, on
which oil prices are benchmarked globally, against foreign currencies;
·
domestic and foreign governmental regulations,
including limits on the United States’ ability to export crude oil, and
taxation;
·
the quality of the oil we produce;
·
the price and availability of alternative fuels; and
·
the cost and availability of products and personnel
needed for us to produce oil and natural gas, including rigs, crews, sand,
water and water disposal.
Although we cannot predict the occurrence of events that may affect
future commodity prices or the degree to which these prices will be affected,
the prices for any commodity that we produce will generally approximate current
market prices in the
geographic region of the
production. From time to time, we may economically hedge a portion of our
commodity price risk to mitigate the impact of price volatility on our
business. See Notes 8 and 15 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included in “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)” for additional information regarding our commodity derivative
positions at September 30, 2018 and additional derivative contracts entered
into subsequent to September 30, 2018, respectively.
Oil and natural gas prices have been subject to significant fluctuations
during the past several years. The average New York Mercantile Exchange
(“NYMEX”) oil price was higher and the average NYMEX natural gas price was
lower during the comparable periods of 2018 measured against 2017. The
following table sets forth the average NYMEX oil and natural gas prices for the
three and nine months ended
September 30, 2018
and 2017, as well as the high and low NYMEX prices for the same periods:
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Three
Months Ended
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Nine
Months Ended
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September
30,
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September
30,
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2018
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2017
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2018
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2017
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Average NYMEX prices:
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Oil (Bbl)
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$
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69.60
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$
|
48.12
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$
|
66.83
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$
|
49.45
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Natural gas (MMBtu)
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$
|
2.87
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$
|
2.95
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$
|
2.85
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$
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3.06
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High and Low NYMEX prices:
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Oil (Bbl):
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High
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$
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74.15
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$
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52.22
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$
|
74.15
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$
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54.45
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Low
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$
|
65.01
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$
|
44.23
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$
|
59.19
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$
|
42.53
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Natural gas (MMBtu):
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High
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$
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3.08
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$
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3.15
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$
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3.63
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$
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3.72
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Low
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$
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2.72
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$
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2.77
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$
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2.55
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$
|
2.56
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Further, the NYMEX oil price and NYMEX natural gas price reached highs
and lows of $76.41 and $66.43 per Bbl and $3.32 and $3.09 per MMBtu,
respectively, during the period from
October 1, 2018
to October 29, 2018. At October 29, 2018, the NYMEX oil
price and NYMEX natural gas price were $67.04 per Bbl and $3.19 per MMBtu,
respectively.
Historically, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we
derived a significant portion of our total natural gas revenues from the value
of the natural gas liquids contained in our natural gas, with the remaining
portion coming from the value of the dry natural gas residue. Because of our
liquids-rich natural gas stream and the related value of the natural gas
liquids being included in our natural gas revenues, our realized natural gas
price (excluding the effects of derivatives) reflected a price greater than the
related NYMEX natural gas price for the three and nine months ended September
30, 2018. The average Mont Belvieu price for a blended barrel of natural gas
liquids was $34.82 per Bbl and $25.04 per Bbl during the three months
ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $30.73 per Bbl and $23.74
per Bbl during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Recent Events
2019
capital budget and dividends.
In October 2018, our board
approved the 2019 capital budget of up to $3.8 billion. We expect our 2019
capital spending on drilling and completion activity to range between $3.4 billion
and $3.6 billion. Additionally, subject to declaration by our board, we
plan to initiate a quarterly dividend of $0.125 per share beginning in the
first quarter of 2019, with an indicated annual rate of $0.50 per share.
RSP
Acquisition.
On July 19, 2018, we completed the RSP Acquisition. Under the
terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Acquisition Agreement”), each
share of RSP common stock was converted into 0.320 of a share of our common
stock. We issued approximately 51 million shares of common stock at a price of
$148.27 per share, resulting in total consideration paid to the former RSP shareholders
of approximately $7.5 billion. Refer to Note 4 of the Condensed Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1. Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)” for additional information regarding the
acquisition.
Long-term
debt.
On July 2, 2018, we issued $1,600 million in aggregate principal
amount of unsecured senior notes, consisting of $1,000 million in aggregate
principal amount of 4.3% unsecured senior notes due 2028 (the “4.3% Notes”) and
$600 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.85% unsecured senior notes due
2048 (the “4.85% Notes” and, together with the 4.3% Notes, the “Notes”). The
net proceeds of approximately $1,579 million were used to redeem and cancel all
of RSP’s outstanding $700 million aggregate principal amount of 6.625%
unsecured senior notes due 2022 (the “RSP 2022 Notes”) and $450 million
aggregate principal amount of 5.25% unsecured senior notes due 2025 (the “RSP
2025 Notes” and, together with the RSP 2022 Notes, the “RSP Notes”) and to
repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under RSP’s existing credit
facility. We repaid the remaining balance under RSP’s credit facility with
borrowings under our credit facility, as amended and restated (our “Credit
Facility”), resulting in a total payoff of $1,773 million, which included the
accrued interest and premiums on the senior notes and other fees and expenses
related to RSP’s credit facility.
2018
capital budget.
In July 2018, our board approved a revised 2018 capital budget of
up to $2.7 billion. The revised budget includes capital we plan to invest
during the second half of the year on the acquired RSP assets. We expect our
2018 capital spending on drilling and completion activity to range between $2.5
billion and $2.6 billion. Our 2018 capital budget, excluding acquisitions and
based on our current expectations of commodity prices and costs, is expected to
be within our operating cash flows.
Derivative
Financial Instruments
Derivative
financial instrument exposure.
At September 30, 2018, the fair
value of our financial derivatives was a net liability of $910
million. Under the terms of our financial
derivative instruments, we do not have exposure to potential “margin calls” on
our financial derivative instruments. The terms of our Credit Facility do not
allow us to offset amounts we may owe a lender against amounts we may be owed
related to our derivative financial instruments with such party.
New commodity derivative contracts.
After September 30, 2018,
we entered into
derivative contracts to hedge additional amounts of estimated future
production. Refer to Note 15 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included in “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)”
for additional information regarding these commodity derivative contracts
.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth summary information concerning our
production and operating data for the three and nine months ended
September
30, 2018
and 2017. The actual historical data in this
table excludes results from the RSP Acquisition for periods prior to July 19,
2018. Because of normal production declines, increased or decreased drilling
activities, fluctuations in commodity prices and the effects of acquisitions and
divestitures, the historical information presented below should not be
interpreted as being indicative of future results.
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Three
Months Ended
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Nine
Months Ended
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September
30,
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September
30,
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2018
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2017
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2018
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2017
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Production and operating data:
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Net production volumes:
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Oil (MBbl)
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16,979
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11,000
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42,947
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31,527
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Natural gas (MMcf)
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56,348
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40,626
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148,633
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116,241
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Total (MBoe)
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26,370
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17,771
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67,719
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50,901
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Average daily production volumes:
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Oil (Bbl)
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184,554
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119,565
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157,315
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115,484
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Natural gas (Mcf)
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612,478
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441,587
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544,443
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425,791
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Total (Boe)
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286,634
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193,163
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248,056
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186,449
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Average prices per unit:
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Oil, without derivatives (Bbl)
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$
|
56.38
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$
|
45.29
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$
|
59.25
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$
|
46.34
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Oil, with derivatives (Bbl) (a)
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$
|
53.67
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$
|
47.81
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$
|
53.55
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$
|
50.45
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Natural gas, without derivatives (Mcf)
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$
|
4.18
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$
|
3.18
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$
|
3.63
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$
|
2.96
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Natural gas, with derivatives (Mcf) (a)
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$
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4.21
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$
|
3.22
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$
|
3.67
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$
|
2.94
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Total, without derivatives (Boe)
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$
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45.23
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$
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35.29
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$
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45.54
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$
|
35.47
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Total, with derivatives (Boe) (a)
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$
|
43.56
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$
|
36.96
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$
|
42.02
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$
|
37.95
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Operating costs and expenses per Boe: (b)
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Oil and natural gas production
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$
|
5.93
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$
|
5.99
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$
|
6.15
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$
|
5.76
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Production and ad valorem taxes
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$
|
3.37
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$
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2.70
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$
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3.38
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$
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2.75
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Gathering, processing and transportation
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$
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0.60
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$
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-
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$
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0.53
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$
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-
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Depreciation, depletion and amortization
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$
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15.43
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$
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16.00
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$
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15.27
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$
|
16.66
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General and administrative
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$
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3.13
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$
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3.60
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$
|
3.26
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$
|
3.56
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(a)
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Includes the effect of net cash
receipts from (payments on) derivatives:
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Three
Months Ended
|
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Nine
Months Ended
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September
30,
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September
30,
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(in millions)
|
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2018
|
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2017
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2018
|
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2017
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Net cash receipts from (payments on) derivatives:
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Oil derivatives
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$
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(46)
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$
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28
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$
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(245)
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$
|
129
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Natural gas derivatives
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2
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2
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7
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(3)
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Total
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$
|
(44)
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$
|
30
|
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$
|
(238)
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$
|
126
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The presentation of average
prices with derivatives is a result of including the net cash receipts from
(payments on) commodity derivatives that are presented in our statements of
cash flows. This presentation of average prices with derivatives is a means
by which to reflect the actual cash performance of our commodity derivatives
for the respective periods and presents oil and natural gas prices with
derivatives in a manner consistent with the presentation generally used by
the investment community.
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(b)
|
Per Boe amounts calculated using dollars and volumes rounded to
thousands.
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Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Oil and natural gas revenues.
Revenue
from oil and natural gas operations was
$1,192 million
for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
,
an increase of
$565 million (90
percent
) from $627 million for
2017
.
This increase was primarily due to the increase in oil and natural gas production
attributable to the RSP Acquisition and wells successfully drilled and
completed, as well as the increase in realized oil and natural gas prices
(excluding the effects of derivative activities). Additionally, on January 1,
2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, “Revenue
from Contracts with Customers,” (“ASC 606”), which requires certain costs
related to gathering, processing and transportation to be separately presented
on the consolidated statements of operations. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606,
these costs were generally accounted for as a deduction to revenue and included
within total operating revenues on the consolidated statements of operations.
We elected to use the modified retrospective approach for adopting ASC 606, and
as such prior period amounts have not been restated. See Note 2 of the
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” for additional information
regarding the adoption of ASC 606. Specific factors affecting oil and natural
gas revenues include the following:
·
total oil production was 16,979 M
Bbl
for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
, an
increase
of 5,979 M
Bbl
(54
percent
) from
11,000 M
Bbl
for
2017
;
·
average realized oil price (excluding the effects of
derivative activities) was
$56.38
per Bbl during the three months
ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of 24
percent
from
$45.29
per Bbl during
2017
.
For the three months ended
September 30, 2018, our crude oil price differential relative to NYMEX was
$(13.22) per Bbl, or a realization of approximately 81 percent, as compared to
a crude oil price differential relative to NYMEX of $(2.83) per Bbl, or a
realization of approximately 94 percent, for 2017. The basis differential
(referred to as the “Mid-Cush differential”) between the location of Midland,
Texas and Cushing, Oklahoma (NYMEX pricing location) for our oil directly
impacts our realized oil price. For the three months ended September 30, 2018
and 2017, the average market Mid-Cush differentials were price reductions of $
(12.66)
per Bbl and $
(0.75)
per Bbl, respectively. Our crude oil price differential relative to
NYMEX excluding the Mid-Cush differential was $(0.56) per Bbl for the
three months ended
September 30, 2018, as compared
to $(2.08) per Bbl for the
three months ended
September
30, 2017. This difference was due to the fluctuation between the price we
receive, which is based on a calendar month average, as compared to NYMEX
;
·
total natural gas production was 56,348 M
Mcf
for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
, an
increase
of 15,722
MMcf
(39
percent
) from
40,626 M
Mcf
for
2017
; and
·
average realized natural gas price (excluding the
effects of derivative activities) was
$4.18
per Mcf during the three months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of 31
percent
from
$3.18
per Mcf during
2017. For the
three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we realized approximately 146
percent and 108 percent, respectively, of the average NYMEX natural gas prices
for the respective periods. Historically, and during the
three months ended
September 30, 2018, we derived a
significant portion of our total natural gas revenues from the value of the
natural gas liquids contained in our natural gas, with the remaining portion
coming from the value of the dry natural gas residue. Because of our
liquids-rich natural gas stream and the related value of the natural gas
liquids being included in our natural gas revenues, our realized natural gas
price (excluding the effects of derivatives) reflected a price greater than the
related NYMEX natural gas price for the
three months
ended
September 30, 2018. The increase in our realized natural gas price
(excluding the effects of derivatives) as a percentage of NYMEX during the
three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to 2017 was primarily due to an
increase in the average Mont Belvieu price for a blended barrel of natural gas
liquids, which was $34.82 per Bbl and $25.04 per Bbl during the three months
ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in our realized
natural gas price was also due to the adoption of ASC 606, as our natural gas
realized price was $0.15 per Mcf higher than what it would have been under the
previous revenue standard.
Oil and natural gas production expenses.
The following table provides the components of our oil and
natural gas production expenses for the three months ended
September
30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease operating expenses
|
|
$
|
146
|
|
$
|
5.54
|
|
$
|
100
|
|
$
|
5.68
|
Workover costs
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
0.39
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
0.31
|
|
|
Total oil and natural gas production expenses
|
|
$
|
156
|
|
$
|
5.93
|
|
$
|
106
|
|
$
|
5.99
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease operating expenses were $146 million ($5.54 per Boe) for the three
months ended
September 30, 2018
, which was an
increase of $46 million from $100 million ($5.68 per Boe) during
2017
. The increase in lease operating expenses during the third
quarter of 2018 as compared to 2017 was primarily due to (i) increased
production and activities associated with the RSP Acquisition and additional
wells successfully drilled and completed and (ii) increased cost of services.
The decrease in lease operating expenses per Boe was primarily due to increased
production, partially offset by the increase in lease operating expenses noted
above.
Workover costs were $10 million ($0.39 per Boe) for the three months
ended
September 30, 2018
, which was an
increase of $4 million from $6 million ($0.31 per Boe) during
2017
. The increase in workover costs during the third quarter
of 2018 as compared to 2017 was primarily due to increased workover activity
and cost of services. The increase in workover costs per Boe was primarily due
to the increase in workover costs noted above, partially offset by an increase in
production.
Production and ad valorem taxes.
The following table provides the components of our production
and ad valorem tax expenses for the three months ended
September
30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production taxes
|
|
$
|
79
|
|
$
|
2.98
|
|
$
|
44
|
|
$
|
2.48
|
Ad valorem taxes
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
0.39
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
0.22
|
|
|
Total production and ad valorem taxes
|
|
$
|
89
|
|
$
|
3.37
|
|
$
|
48
|
|
$
|
2.70
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production taxes per unit of production were $2.98 per Boe during the
three months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of 20
percent from $2.48 per Boe during
2017
. Over
the same period, our revenue per Boe (excluding the effects of derivatives)
increased 28 percent. The increase in production taxes per unit of production
was directly related to the increase in oil and natural gas sales, partially
offset by a higher percentage of our total production originating in Texas,
which has a lower tax rate than New Mexico.
Production taxes fluctuate
with the market value of our production sold, while ad valorem taxes are
generally based on the valuation of our oil and natural gas properties at the
beginning of the year, which vary across the different areas in which we
operate.
Gathering, processing and transportation costs.
The following table shows the gathering, processing and
transportation costs for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
30, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering, processing and transportation costs
|
|
$
|
16
|
|
$
|
0.60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering, processing and transportation costs were $16 million ($0.60
per Boe) for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, which requires
certain amounts related to gathering, processing and transportation costs to be
separately presented on the consolidated statements of operations. Prior to the
adoption of ASC 606, the majority of these costs were accounted for as a
deduction to revenue and included within total operating revenues on the
consolidated statements of operations. We have elected to use the modified
retrospective approach for adopting ASC 606, and as such, prior period amounts
have not been restated. In addition, our gathering, processing and
transportation costs are impacted by production volumes and fixed costs
associated with certain contracts.
Exploration and abandonments expense.
The following table provides the components of our exploration and
abandonments expense for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geological and geophysical
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
$
|
2
|
Leasehold abandonments
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
-
|
Other
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
5
|
|
Total exploration and abandonments
|
|
$
|
10
|
|
$
|
7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our geological and geophysical expense for the periods presented above
primarily consists of the costs of acquiring and processing subsurface data to
better characterize and develop our resources.
For the three months ended
September 30, 2018
, we recorded approximately $6 million of leasehold
abandonments, which were primarily related to acreage in the Northern Delaware
Basin where we had no future plans to drill and acres which expired in the
Southern Delaware Basin.
Our other expense for the periods presented above primarily consists of
surface and title costs on locations we no longer intend to drill, certain
plugging costs and delay rentals.
Depreciation,
depletion and amortization expense.
The following table provides components of our depreciation, depletion
and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and
2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depletion of proved oil and natural gas properties
|
|
$
|
401
|
|
$
|
15.19
|
|
$
|
279
|
|
$
|
15.67
|
Depreciation of other property and equipment
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
0.20
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
0.31
|
Amortization of intangible assets
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
Total depletion, depreciation and amortization
|
|
$
|
406
|
|
$
|
15.43
|
|
$
|
284
|
|
$
|
16.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil price used to estimate proved oil reserves at period end
|
|
$
|
59.92
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
46.27
|
|
|
|
Natural gas price used to estimate proved natural gas reserves
at period end
|
$
|
2.91
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depletion of proved oil and natural gas properties was $401 million
($15.19 per Boe) for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of $122 million (44 percent) from $279
million ($15.67 per Boe) for
2017
. The
increase in depletion expense was primarily due to an increase in production,
partially offset by a lower depletion rate per Boe. The decrease in depletion
expense per Boe was primarily due to the increase in proved reserves due to our
successful exploratory drilling program, cost reductions and higher oil prices.
The decrease in depletion expense per Boe was partially offset by an increase in
capitalized leasehold costs from the RSP Acquisition.
General and administrative expenses.
The following table provides components of our general
and administrative expenses for the three months ended
September
30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
65
|
|
$
|
2.46
|
|
$
|
51
|
|
$
|
2.89
|
Less: Operating fee reimbursements
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
|
(0.19)
|
|
|
(4)
|
|
|
(0.24)
|
Non-cash stock-based compensation
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
0.86
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
0.95
|
|
Total general and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
84
|
|
$
|
3.13
|
|
$
|
64
|
|
$
|
3.60
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses were approximately $84 million ($3.13
per Boe) for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of $20 million (31 percent) from $64 million
($3.60 per Boe) for
2017
. The increases in
cash general and administrative and non-cash stock-based compensation expenses
were primarily the result of increased employee headcount. The decrease in total
general and administrative expenses per Boe was primarily the result of increased
production, partially offset by the increase in total general and
administrative expenses noted above.
We receive fees for the operation of jointly-owned oil and natural gas
properties during the drilling and production phases and record such
reimbursements as reductions to general and administrative expenses on the
consolidated statements of operations. We earned reimbursements of
approximately $4 million and $4 million for the three months ended
September
30, 2018 and 2017
, respectively.
Gain (loss) on derivatives.
The following table sets forth the gain (loss) on derivatives for the
three months ended
September 30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain (loss) on derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil derivatives
|
|
$
|
(626)
|
|
$
|
(205)
|
|
Natural gas derivatives
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(625)
|
|
$
|
(206)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table
represents our net cash receipts from (payments on) derivatives for the three
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash receipts from (payments on) derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
Oil derivatives
|
|
$
|
(46)
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
Natural gas derivatives
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(44)
|
|
$
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our earnings are affected by the changes in value of our derivatives
portfolio between periods and the related cash settlements of those
derivatives, which could be significant. To the extent the future commodity
price outlook declines between measurement periods, we will have mark-to-market
gains; while to the extent the future commodity price outlook increases between
measurement periods, we will have mark-to-market losses. See Note 7 of the Condensed
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1. Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)” for additional information regarding
significant judgments made in classifying financial instruments in the fair
value hierarchy.
Interest expense.
The following table sets forth interest expense, weighted average
interest rates and weighted average debt balances for the three months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, as reported
|
|
$
|
46
|
|
$
|
39
|
Capitalized interest
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
-
|
|
Interest expense, excluding impact of capitalized interest
|
|
$
|
48
|
|
$
|
39
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average interest rate - credit facility
|
|
|
4.8%
|
|
|
4.8%
|
Weighted average interest rate - senior notes
|
|
|
4.4%
|
|
|
5.2%
|
|
Total weighted average interest rate
|
|
|
4.4%
|
|
|
5.2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average credit facility balance
|
|
$
|
152
|
|
$
|
12
|
Weighted average senior notes balance
|
|
|
3,982
|
|
|
2,731
|
|
Total weighted average debt balance
|
|
$
|
4,134
|
|
$
|
2,743
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The increase in interest expense was due to the increase in the weighted
average debt balance, partially offset by the decrease in the weighted average
interest rate and an increase in capitalized interest. The increase in the
weighted average debt balance was due primarily to the Notes issued in
connection with the RSP Acquisition.
Loss on extinguishment of debt.
We recorded a
loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $65 million for the three months
ended September 30, 2017. This amount includes approximately $36 million
associated with the premium paid for the cash tender offer and redemption of all
of the outstanding $600 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.5%
unsecured senior notes due 2022 and $1,550 million aggregate principal amount
of our 5.5% unsecured senior notes due 2023 (collectively, the “5.5% Notes”),
approximately $25 million associated with the make-whole premium paid for the
early extinguishment of the 5.5% Notes, approximately $21 million of
unamortized deferred loan costs and approximately $2 million of additional
interest on the 5.5% Notes to October 13, 2017, which was paid in September
2017, reduced by approximately $19 million of unamortized premium.
Income tax provisions.
For the three
months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, w
e recorded
an income tax benefit of approximately $69 million and $66 million,
respectively. The amount for the three months ended
September 30, 2018
includes discrete income tax benefits of approximately $7
million, primarily related to a change in our estimated state tax rate.
The effective income tax rates for the three months ended
September
30, 2018 and 2017
were 26 percent and 37 percent,
respectively. The change in our effective income tax rate was primarily due to
the decrease in the U.S. federal statutory rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Oil and natural gas revenues.
Revenue
from oil and natural gas operations was
$3,084
million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of
$1,278
million (71
percent
) from $1,806 million for
2017
. This increase was primarily due to the increase in oil
and natural gas production as well as the increase in realized oil and natural
gas prices (excluding the effects of derivative activities). Additionally, on
January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, which requires certain costs related to
gathering, processing and transportation to be separately presented on the
consolidated statements of operations. Prior to the adoption of ASC 606, these
costs were generally accounted for as a deduction to revenue and included
within total operating revenues on the consolidated statements of operations.
We elected to use the modified retrospective approach for adopting ASC 606, and
as such prior period amounts have not been restated. See Note 2 of the
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” for additional information
regarding the adoption of ASC 606. Specific factors affecting oil and natural
gas revenues include the following:
·
total oil production was 42,947 MBbl for the nine
months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of 11,420 MBbl (36 percent)
from 31,527 MBbl for 2017;
·
average realized oil price (excluding the effects of
derivative activities) was
$59.25
per Bbl during the nine months
ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of 28
percent
from
$46.34
per Bbl
during
2017
. For the nine months ended
September 30, 2018, our crude oil price differential relative to NYMEX was
$(7.58) per Bbl, or a realization of approximately 89 percent, as compared to a
crude oil price differential relative to NYMEX of $(3.11) per Bbl, or a
realization of approximately 94 percent, for 2017. The basis differential
(referred to as the “Mid-Cush differential”) between the location of Midland,
Texas and Cushing, Oklahoma (NYMEX pricing location) for our oil directly
impacts our realized oil price. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018
and 2017, the average market Mid-Cush differentials were price reductions of
$(5.81) per Bbl and $(0.31) per Bbl, respectively. Our crude oil price
differential relative to NYMEX excluding the Mid-Cush differential was $(1.77)
per Bbl for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to $
(2.80)
per Bbl for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
This
difference was due to the fluctuation between the price we receive, which is
based on a calendar month average, as compared to NYMEX;
·
total natural gas production was 148,633 MMcf for the
nine months ended September 30, 2018, an increase of 32,392 MMcf (28 percent)
from 116,241 MMcf for 2017; and
·
average realized natural gas price (excluding the
effects of derivative activities) was
$3.63
per Mcf during the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of 23
percent
from
$2.96
per Mcf during
2017
. For the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 and
2017
, we realized approximately 127 percent and 97
percent, respectively, of the average NYMEX natural gas prices for the
respective periods.
Historically, and during the
nine
months ended September 30, 2018, we derived a significant
portion of our total natural gas revenues from the value of the natural gas
liquids contained in our natural gas, with the remaining portion coming from
the value of the dry natural gas residue. Because of our liquids-rich natural
gas stream and the related value of the natural gas liquids being included in
our natural gas revenues, our realized natural gas price (excluding the effects
of derivatives) reflected a price greater than the related NYMEX natural gas
price for the
nine months ended
September 30,
2018. The increase in our realized natural gas price (excluding the effects of
derivatives) as a percentage of NYMEX during the
nine
months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to 2017 was primarily due to an
increase in the average Mont Belvieu price for a blended barrel of natural gas
liquids, which was
$30.73
per Bbl and
$23.74
per Bbl during the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in our realized natural
gas price was also due to the adoption of ASC 606, as our natural gas realized
price was $0.14 per Mcf higher than what it would have been under the previous
revenue standard.
Oil and natural gas production expenses.
The following table provides the components of our oil and
natural gas production expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease operating expenses
|
|
$
|
388
|
|
$
|
5.73
|
|
$
|
278
|
|
$
|
5.47
|
Workover costs
|
|
|
28
|
|
|
0.42
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
0.29
|
|
|
Total oil and natural gas production expenses
|
|
$
|
416
|
|
$
|
6.15
|
|
$
|
293
|
|
$
|
5.76
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease operating expenses were $388 million ($5.73 per Boe) for the nine
months ended
September 30, 2018
, which was an
increase of $110 million from $278 million ($5.47 per Boe) during
2017
. The increase in lease operating expenses during the nine
months ended
September 30, 2018
as compared to
2017 was primarily due to (i) increased production and activities associated
with the additional wells successfully drilled and completed and the RSP
Acquisition, (ii) our acquisitions and nonmonetary transactions during the fourth
quarter of 2017 and first nine months of 2018, particularly our July 2017
Midland Basin acquisition and our February 2018 acquisition and divestiture,
whose associated properties incur higher lease operating expense per Boe than
our legacy assets and (iii) increased cost of services. The increase in lease
operating expenses per Boe was primarily due to the increase in lease operating
expenses noted above, partially offset by an increase in production.
Workover costs were $28 million ($0.42 per Boe) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
, which was an
increase of $13 million from $15 million ($0.29 per Boe) during
2017
. The increase in workover costs during the nine months
ended
September 30,
2018 as compared to 2017
was primarily due to increased workover activity and cost of services. The
increase in workover costs per Boe was primarily due to the increase in
workover costs noted above, partially offset by an increase in production.
Production and ad valorem taxes.
The following table provides the components of our production
and ad valorem tax expenses for the nine months ended
September
30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production taxes
|
|
$
|
207
|
|
$
|
3.05
|
|
$
|
128
|
|
$
|
2.52
|
Ad valorem taxes
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
0.33
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
0.23
|
|
|
Total production and ad valorem taxes
|
|
$
|
229
|
|
$
|
3.38
|
|
$
|
140
|
|
$
|
2.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Production taxes per unit of production were $3.05 per Boe during the nine
months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of 21
percent from $2.52 per Boe during
2017
. Over
the same period, our revenue per Boe (excluding the effects of derivatives)
increased 28 percent. The increase in production taxes per unit of production
was directly related to the increase in oil and natural gas sales, partially
offset by a higher percentage of our total production originating in Texas,
which has a lower tax rate than New Mexico. Production taxes fluctuate with the
market value of our production sold, while ad valorem taxes are generally based
on the valuation of our oil and natural gas properties at the beginning of the
year, which vary across the different areas in which we operate.
Gathering, processing and transportation costs.
The following table shows the gathering, processing and
transportation costs for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
30, 2018
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering, processing and transportation costs
|
|
$
|
36
|
|
$
|
0.53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gathering, processing and transportation costs were $36 million ($0.53
per Boe) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
. On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606, which requires
certain amounts related to gathering, processing and transportation costs to be
separately presented on the consolidated statements of operations. Prior to the
adoption of ASC 606, the majority of these costs were accounted for as a
deduction to revenue and included within total operating revenues on the
consolidated statements of operations. We have elected to use the modified
retrospective approach for adopting ASC 606, and as such, prior period amounts
have not been restated.
Exploration and abandonments expense.
The following table provides the components of our exploration and
abandonments expense for the
nine
months ended
September
30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Geological and geophysical
|
|
$
|
9
|
|
$
|
9
|
Leasehold abandonments
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
24
|
Other
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
9
|
|
Total exploration and abandonments
|
|
$
|
36
|
|
$
|
42
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our geological and geophysical expense for the periods presented above
primarily consists of the costs of acquiring and processing subsurface data to
better characterize and develop our resources.
For the
nine
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we recorded
approximately $20 million and $24 million, respectively, of leasehold
abandonments. For the
nine
months ended September
30, 2018, our abandonments were primarily related to (i) expiring acreage in
the Southern Delaware Basin and (ii) acreage in the Southern Delaware Basin,
Northern Delaware Basin and New Mexico Shelf where we had no future plans to
drill. For the
nine
months ended September 30,
2017, our abandonments were primarily related to (i) non-contiguous acreage
expiring in the Southern Delaware Basin and (ii) acreage in the Northern
Delaware Basin and New Mexico Shelf in locations where we have no future plans
to drill.
Our other
expense for the periods presented above primarily consists of surface and title
costs on locations we no longer intend to drill, certain plugging costs and
delay rentals.
Depreciation,
depletion and amortization expense.
The
following table provides components of our depreciation, depletion and
amortization expense for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depletion of proved oil and natural gas properties
|
|
$
|
1,015
|
|
$
|
14.99
|
|
$
|
830
|
|
$
|
16.31
|
Depreciation of other property and equipment
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
0.24
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
0.33
|
Amortization of intangible assets - operating rights
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
0.04
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
0.02
|
|
Total depletion, depreciation and amortization
|
|
$
|
1,033
|
|
$
|
15.27
|
|
$
|
848
|
|
$
|
16.66
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depletion of proved oil and natural gas properties was $1,015 million
($14.99 per Boe) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of $185 million (22 percent) from $830
million ($16.31 per Boe) for
2017
. The
increase in depletion expense was primarily due to an increase in production,
partially offset by a lower depletion rate per Boe. The decrease in depletion
expense per Boe was primarily due to the increase in proved reserves due to our
successful exploratory drilling program, cost reductions and higher oil prices.
The decrease in depletion expense per Boe was partially offset by an increase
in capitalized leasehold costs from the RSP Acquisition.
General and administrative expenses.
The following table provides components of our general
and administrative expenses for the nine months ended
September
30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended September 30,
|
|
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
|
|
Per
|
(in millions, except per unit amounts)
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
Amount
|
|
Boe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
176
|
|
$
|
2.60
|
|
$
|
149
|
|
$
|
2.95
|
Less: Operating fee reimbursements
|
|
|
(13)
|
|
|
(0.20)
|
|
|
(12)
|
|
|
(0.24)
|
Non-cash stock-based compensation
|
|
|
58
|
|
|
0.86
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
0.85
|
|
Total general and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
221
|
|
$
|
3.26
|
|
$
|
180
|
|
$
|
3.56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses were approximately $221 million
($3.26 per Boe) for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
, an increase of $41 million (23 percent) from $180 million
($3.56 per Boe) for
2017
. The increase in cash
general and administrative expenses was primarily driven by increased
compensation expense as a result of increased employee headcount. The increase
in non-cash stock-based compensation was primarily due to lower forfeitures in
2018 coupled with the increase in employee headcount. The decrease in total
general and administrative expenses per Boe was primarily the result of
increased production, partially offset by the increase in total general and
administrative expenses noted above.
We receive fees for the operation of jointly-owned oil and natural gas
properties during the drilling and production phases and record such
reimbursements as reductions to general and administrative expenses on the
consolidated statements of operations. We earned reimbursements of
approximately $13 million and $12 million for the nine months ended September
30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Gain (loss) on derivatives.
The following table sets forth the gain (loss) on derivatives
for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain (loss) on derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil derivatives
|
|
$
|
(787)
|
|
$
|
260
|
|
Natural gas derivatives
|
|
|
(6)
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(793)
|
|
$
|
289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table
represents our net cash receipts from (payments on) derivatives for the nine
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash receipts from (payments on) derivatives:
|
|
|
|
|
Oil derivatives
|
|
$
|
(245)
|
|
$
|
129
|
|
Natural gas derivatives
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
(3)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(238)
|
|
$
|
126
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our earnings are affected by the changes in value of our derivatives
portfolio between periods and the related cash settlements of those
derivatives, which could be significant. To the extent the future commodity
price outlook declines between measurement periods, we will have mark-to-market
gains, while to the extent the future commodity price outlook increases between
measurement periods, we will have mark-to-market losses. See Note 7 of the
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” for additional information
regarding significant judgments made in classifying financial instruments in
the fair value hierarchy.
Gain on
disposition of assets, net.
During the nine months ended
September 30, 2018, we recognized a non-cash gain of approximately $575 million
related to our February 2018 acquisition and divestiture.
In January
2018, we closed on our Southern Delaware Basin divestitures with combined
proceeds of approximately $280 million. After direct transaction costs, we
recorded a pre-tax gain on disposition of assets of approximately $134 million.
During the
nine months ended September 30, 2018, we completed multiple nonmonetary
transactions. These transactions included the exchange of both proved and
unproved oil and natural gas properties. Certain of these transactions were
accounted for at fair value and, as a result, we recorded pre-tax gains of
approximately $15 million.
In
February 2017, we closed on the divestiture of our ownership interest in ACC.
After adjustments for debt and working capital, we received cash proceeds from
the sale of approximately $801 million. After direct transaction costs, we
recorded a pre-tax gain on disposition of assets of approximately $655 million.
Our net investment in ACC at the time of closing was approximately $129
million.
Interest expense.
The following table sets forth interest expense, weighted average
interest rates and weighted average debt balances for the nine months ended
September
30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, as reported
|
|
$
|
103
|
|
$
|
118
|
Capitalized interest
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
-
|
|
Interest expense, excluding impact of capitalized interest
|
|
$
|
108
|
|
$
|
118
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average interest rate - credit facility
|
|
|
4.6%
|
|
|
4.5%
|
Weighted average interest rate - senior notes
|
|
|
4.3%
|
|
|
5.2%
|
|
Total weighted average interest rate
|
|
|
4.3%
|
|
|
5.2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average credit facility balance
|
|
$
|
138
|
|
$
|
6
|
Weighted average senior notes balance
|
|
|
2,927
|
|
|
2,744
|
|
Total weighted average debt balance
|
|
$
|
3,065
|
|
$
|
2,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The decrease in interest expense was due to the decrease in the weighted
average interest rate and an increase in capitalized interest, partially offset
by the increase in the weighted average debt balance.
The increase in the weighted average debt balance was due primarily to
the Notes issued in connection with the RSP Acquisition.
Loss on extinguishment of debt.
We recorded a
loss on extinguishment of debt of approximately $66 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2017. This amount includes: (i) approximately $36 million
associated with the premium paid for the cash tender offer and redemption of
the 5.5% Notes, approximately $25 million associated with the make-whole
premium paid for the early extinguishment of the 5.5% Notes, approximately $21
million of unamortized deferred loan costs and approximately $2 million of
additional interest on the 5.5% Notes to October 13, 2017, which was paid in
September 2017, reduced by approximately $19 million of unamortized premium;
and (ii) approximately $1 million representing the proportional amount of
unamortized deferred loan costs associated with banks that are no longer in the
credit facility syndicate as a result of the April 2017 credit facility
amendment.
Other income, net.
During the nine months ended
September 30, 2018, we recorded other income of approximately $108 million
primarily related to a cash distribution received from Oryx. See Note 2 of the
Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” for additional information
regarding this distribution.
Income tax provisions.
For the
nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, we recorded income tax expense
of approximately $225 million and $398 million, respectively. The amount for
the nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes discrete income tax benefits
of approximately $7 million, primarily related to a change in our estimated
state tax rate. The amounts for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017
include discrete income tax benefits of approximately $3 million and $6 million,
respectively, related to excess tax benefits on stock-based awards.
The effective income tax rates for the nine months ended September 30,
2018 and 2017 were 23 percent and 37 percent, respectively. The change in our effective
income tax rate was primarily due to the decrease in the U.S. federal statutory
rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.
Capital Commitments, Capital
Resources and Liquidity
Capital
commitments.
Our primary needs for cash are development, exploration and
acquisition of oil and natural gas assets, payment of contractual obligations
and working capital obligations. Funding for these cash needs may be provided
by any combination of internally-generated cash flow, financing under our
Credit Facility, proceeds from the disposition of assets or alternative
financing sources, as discussed in “— Capital resources” below.
Oil and natural gas properties.
Our costs
incurred on oil and natural gas properties, excluding acquisitions, during the
nine
months ended
September 30, 2018
and 2017 totaled $1.7 billion and $1.2 billion,
respectively. The increase was primarily due to our increased drilling and
completion activity level during the first
nine
months of 2018 as compared to 2017. Our intent is to manage our capital
spending to be within our operating cash flow, excluding unbudgeted
acquisitions. The primary reason for the differences in costs incurred and cash
flow expenditures was the timing of payments. Total 2018 expenditures were
primarily funded in part from cash flows from operations and proceeds from our
January 2018 Southern Delaware Basin divestitures.
2018 capital budget.
In July 2018, our
board approved a revised 2018 capital budget of up to $2.7 billion. The revised
budget includes capital we plan to invest during the second half of the year on
the acquired RSP assets. We expect our 2018 capital spending on drilling and
completion activity to range between $2.5 billion and $2.6 billion. Our 2018
capital budget, excluding acquisitions and based on our current expectations of
commodity prices and costs, is expected to be within our operating cash flows.
2019 capital budget and dividends.
In October
2018, our board approved the 2019 capital budget of up to $3.8 billion. We
expect our 2019 capital spending on drilling and completion activity to range
between $3.4 billion and $3.6 billion. Additionally, subject to
declaration by our board, we plan to initiate a quarterly dividend of $0.125
per share beginning in the first quarter of 2019, with an indicated annual rate
of $0.50 per share.
Other than the customary purchase of leasehold acreage, our capital
budgets are exclusive of acquisitions. We do not have a specific acquisition
budget since the timing and size of acquisitions are difficult to forecast. We
evaluate opportunities to purchase or sell oil and natural gas properties in
the marketplace and could participate as a buyer or seller of properties at
various times. We seek to acquire oil and natural gas properties that provide
opportunities for the addition of reserves and production through a combination
of development, high-potential exploration and control of operations that will
allow us to apply our operating expertise, such as the RSP Acquisition.
Acquisitions.
The following
table reflects o
ur expenditures for acquisitions
of proved and unproved properties for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property acquisition costs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved
|
|
$
|
4,126
|
|
$
|
301
|
|
Unproved
|
|
|
3,596
|
|
|
865
|
|
|
Total property acquisition costs (a)
|
|
$
|
7,722
|
|
$
|
1,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
Included in the property
acquisition costs above are budgeted unproved leasehold acreage acquisitions
of approximately $31 million and $26 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. For the nine months ended
September 30, 2018, our unbudgeted acquisitions are primarily comprised of
approximately $7.6 billion of property acquisition costs related to the RSP
Acquisition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, our unbudgeted
acquisitions are primarily comprised of approximately $603 million and $452
million of property acquisition costs related to our Midland Basin and
Northern Delaware Basin acquisitions, respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual
obligations.
Our contractual obligations include long-term debt,
cash interest expense on debt, derivative liabilities, asset retirement
obligations, employment agreements with officers, purchase obligations,
operating lease obligations and other obligations. Since December 31, 2017,
there have been the following material changes in our contractual obligations:
·
$1,471 million increase in long-term debt due to the
issuance of the 4.3% Notes and 4.85% Notes, partially offset by a decrease in our
Credit Facility balance;
·
$1,227 million increase in cash interest expense on
debt due to the issuance of the 4.3% Notes and 4.85% Notes;
·
$531 million increase in our derivative liability
position;
·
$243 million increase in purchase obligations mainly
due to contracts assumed in the RSP Acquisition, including additional
throughput volume delivery commitments, power commitments, daywork drilling
contracts and sand commitment agreements; and
·
a throughput sales commitment as described below.
Throughput sales commitment.
In May 2018, we
entered into a one-year term oil marketing contract with a third-party
purchaser. The contract requires us to deliver not less than seven thousand
barrels per day. Should there be a delivery shortfall in any given month, we
retain an option to deliver the shortfall volume in any two subsequent months;
however, failure to meet this volume delivery commitment would result in a
penalty equal to the volume shortfall multiplied by the then market price for
oil. If production is not sufficient to meet the sales commitment, we may purchase
commodities in the market to satisfy our commitment.
Off-balance sheet arrangements.
Currently, we
do not have any material off-balance sheet arrangements.
Capital resources.
Our primary sources of
liquidity have been cash flows generated from (i) operating activities, (ii)
borrowings under our Credit Facility, (iii) proceeds from bond and equity
offerings and (iv) asset dispositions. In July 2018, our board approved a
revised 2018 capital budget of up to $2.7 billion. The revised budget includes
capital we plan to invest during the second half of the year on the acquired
RSP assets. We expect our 2018 capital spending on drilling and completion
activity to range between $2.5 billion and $2.6 billion. Our 2018 capital
budget, excluding acquisitions and based on our current expectations of
commodity prices and costs, is expected to be within our operating cash flows.
The following table summarizes our changes in cash and cash equivalents
for the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
and 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
|
September
30,
|
(in millions)
|
|
2018
|
|
2017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
$
|
1,861
|
|
$
|
1,185
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(1,422)
|
|
|
(1,207)
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(415)
|
|
|
(31)
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
24
|
|
$
|
(53)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flow
from operating activities.
The increase in operating cash
flows during the
nine
months ended September
30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017 was primarily due to an
increase in oil and natural gas revenues of approximately $1,278 million,
partially offset by (i) a decrease in operating cash flow of approximately $364
million due to
approximately $
238
million for settlements paid on derivatives during the
nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to approximately $
126
million in settlements received from derivatives during
the comparable period in 2017,
(ii) approximately $123 million increase
in production expense and (iii) approximately $89 million increase in
production tax expense.
Our net
cash provided by operating activities included a benefit of approximately $3
million and a reduction of approximately $59
million for the
nine
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, associated with changes
in working capital items. Changes in working capital items adjust for the
timing of receipts and payments of actual cash.
Cash flow from investing activities.
During the nine months ended
September 30, 2018
and 2017, we invested approximately $1,669 million and $1,092
million, respectively, for additions to oil and natural gas properties.
Additionally, we used approximately $105 million and $866 million of cash to
fund certain acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties during the nine
months ended
September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively
. We received approximately $
260
million related to proceeds from the disposition of assets
during the nine months ended
September 30, 2018,
as compared to $
803
million during the
comparable period of 2017. Finally, we received an equity method investment
distribution from Oryx of approximately $157 million during the nine months
ended
September 30, 2018. Of this amount, approximately $9 million
represented cumulative Oryx earnings and was classified as cash flow from
operating activities, while the remaining amount of approximately $148 million
was classified as cash flow from investing activities.
Cash flow
from financing activities.
Net cash
used in financing activities was approximately $415 million and $31 million for
the
nine
months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,
respectively. Below is a description of our significant financing activities:
·
In July 2018, we issued $1,600 million in aggregate
principal amount of the Notes, for which we received net proceeds of
approximately $1,579 million. We used the net proceeds to redeem and cancel the
RSP Notes. We made aggregate payments of approximately $1.2 billion to redeem
and cancel the RSP Notes, including make-whole call premiums of approximately
$35 million and $33 million for the RSP 2022 Notes and RSP 2025 Notes,
respectively. We also paid accrued interest of approximately $14 million on the
RSP Notes. The remaining proceeds, along with borrowings under our Credit
Facility, were used to repay the $540 million of outstanding principal under
RSP’s revolving credit facility, including $1 million in accrued interest.
·
In September 2017, we issued $1,800 million in aggregate
principal amount of the 3.75% unsecured senior notes due 2027 and 4.875%
unsecured senior notes due 2047, for which we received net proceeds of
approximately $1,777 million. We used the net proceeds from the offering,
together with cash on hand and borrowings under our Credit Facility, to fund
the (i) cash tender offer of $1,232 million principal amount of our 5.5% Notes
at a price equal to 102.934 percent of par and (ii) satisfaction and discharge
of our remaining obligations of $918 million principal amount under the
indentures of the 5.5% Notes at a price equal to 102.75 percent of par. The
early extinguishment price included approximately $36 million associated with
the premium paid for the tender offer, approximately $25 million for the
make-whole premium paid for the early extinguishment of the 5.5% Notes and
approximately $2 million for prepaid interest as part of the satisfaction and
discharge.
·
During the first nine months of
2018
, we had net payments on our Credit Facility of $
129
million.
·
During the first nine months of
2017
, we borrowed $368 million on our Credit Facility.
Advances on our Credit Facility bear interest, at our option, based on:
(i)
an alternative base rate, which is equal to the
highest of
(a)
the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank (5.25 percent at
September 30, 2018),
(b)
the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5 percent and
(c)
the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.0
percent or
(ii)
LIBOR.
Our Credit Facility’s interest rates and commitment fees on the unused
portion of the available commitment vary depending on our credit ratings from
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) and S&P Global Ratings
(“S&P”). At our current credit ratings, LIBOR Rate Loans and Alternate Base
Rate Loans bear interest margins of 150 basis points and 50 basis points per
annum, respectively, and commitment fees on the unused portion of the available
commitment are 25 basis points per annum.
In
conducting our business, we may utilize various financing sources, including
the issuance of (i) fixed and floating rate debt, (ii) convertible securities,
(iii) preferred stock, (iv) common stock and (v) other securities.
Historically, we have demonstrated our use of the capital markets
by issuing common stock and senior unsecured debt. There are no assurances that
we can access the capital markets to obtain additional funding, if needed, and
at cost and terms that are favorable to us.
We may also sell assets and
issue securities in exchange for oil and natural gas assets or interests in energy
companies. Additional securities may be of a class senior to common stock with
respect to such matters as dividends and liquidation rights and may also have
other rights and preferences as determined from time to time. Utilization of
some of these financing sources may require approval from the lenders under our
Credit Facility.
Liquidity.
Our principal
sources of liquidity are cash on hand and available borrowing capacity under
our Credit Facility. At
September 30, 2018
, we
had approximately
$24
million of cash on hand.
At September 30, 2018, our commitments from our bank
group were $2.0 billion, of which $1.8 billion was unused commitments.
Debt ratings.
We receive debt
credit ratings from S&P, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings and are designated as
investment grade with all three agencies. In determining our ratings, the
agencies perform regular reviews and consider a number of qualitative and
quantitative factors including, but not limited to: the industry in which we
operate, production growth opportunities, liquidity, debt levels and asset and
reserve mix.
A downgrade in our credit ratings could (i) negatively impact our costs
of capital and our ability to effectively execute aspects of our strategy, (ii)
affect our ability to raise debt in the public debt markets, and the cost of
any new debt could be much higher than our outstanding debt and (iii) negatively
affect our ability to obtain additional financing or the interest rate, fees
and other terms associated with such additional financing. Further, if we are
unable to maintain credit ratings of “Ba2” or better from Moody’s and “BB” or
better from S&P, the investment grade period under our Credit Facility will
automatically terminate and cause our Credit Facility to once again be secured
by a first lien on substantially all of our oil and natural gas properties and
by a pledge of the equity interests in our subsidiaries. These and other
impacts of a downgrade in our credit ratings could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As of the filing of this Quarterly Report, no changes in our credit
ratings have occurred since
September 30, 2018
;
however, we cannot be assured that our credit ratings will not be downgraded in
the future.
Book capitalization and current ratio
.
Our net book
capitalization at September 30, 2018 was $21.3
billion,
consisting of debt of $
4.1 b
illion and
stockholders’ equity of $
17.2
billion. Our net
book capitalization at December 31, 2017 was $11.6 billion, consisting of debt
of $2.7 billion and stockholders’ equity of $8.9 billion. Our ratio of net debt
to net book capitalization was 19
percent and
23
percent
at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017,
respectively. Our ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 0.55
to 1.0 at September 30, 2018 as compared to 0.51 to
1.0 at December 31, 2017.
Critical Accounting Policies, Practices and Estimates
Our
historical consolidated financial statements and related notes to consolidated
financial statements contain information that is pertinent to our management’s
discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations.
Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires that our management make
estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent
assets and liabilities. However, the accounting principles used by us generally
do not change our reported cash flows or liquidity. Interpretation of the
existing rules must be done and judgments made on how the specifics of a given
rule apply to us.
In management’s
opinion, the more significant reporting areas impacted by management’s
judgments and estimates are the choice of accounting method for oil and natural
gas activities, oil and natural gas reserve estimation, asset retirement
obligations, impairment of long-lived assets, valuation of stock-based
compensation, valuation of business combinations, accounting and valuation of
nonmonetary transactions, valuation of financial derivative instruments and
income taxes. In addition to these areas, goodwill impairment, uncertain tax
positions and litigation and environmental contingencies are also considered
critical estimates and are discussed below.
Goodwill
impairment.
Goodwill is not amortized but assessed for impairment on an
annual basis, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Impairment
tests, which involve the use of estimates related to the fair market value of
the business operations with which goodwill is associated, will be performed as
of July 1 of each year. As we operate as a single operating segment and a
single reporting unit, we evaluate goodwill for impairment based on an evaluation
of the fair value of the company as a whole. The fair value of the reporting
unit is our enterprise value (combined market capitalization of our equity plus
a control premium and the fair value of our long-term debt). There is
considerable judgment involved in estimating fair values, particularly in determining
the control premium. To establish a reasonable control premium, we will
consider the premiums paid in recent market acquisitions and will analyze
current industry, market and economic conditions along with other factors or
available information specific to our business. See Note 2 and 4 of the Condensed
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1. Consolidated
Financial Statements (Unaudited)” for additional information regarding
goodwill.
Uncertain
tax positions.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only
if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon
examination by the taxing authorities, based upon the technical merits of the
position. At September 30, 2018, we had unrecognized tax benefits of approximately
$20 million, primarily related to research and development credits. If all or a
portion of the unrecognized tax benefit is sustained upon examination by the taxing
authorities, the tax benefit will be recognized as a reduction to our deferred
tax liability and will affect our effective tax rate in the period it is
recognized. See Note 11 of the Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included in “Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)”
for additional information regarding uncertain tax positions.
Litigation
and environmental contingencies.
We make judgments and estimates
in recording liabilities for ongoing litigation and environmental remediation.
Actual costs can vary from such estimates for a variety of reasons. The costs
to settle litigation can vary from estimates based on differing interpretations
of laws and opinions and assessments on the amount of damages. Similarly,
environmental remediation liabilities are subject to change because of changes
in laws and regulations, developing information relating to the extent and
nature of site contamination and improvements in technology. A liability is
recorded for these types of contingencies if we determine the loss to be both
probable and reasonably estimable. See Note 10 of the Condensed Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 1. Consolidated Financial
Statements (Unaudited)” for additional information regarding our commitments
and contingencies.
Management’s
judgments and estimates in all the areas listed above are based on information
available from both internal and external sources, including engineers,
geologists and historical experience in similar matters. Actual results could
differ from the estimates as additional information becomes known.
There have
been no material changes, except those discussed above, in our critical
accounting policies and procedures during the nine months ended September 30,
2018. See our disclosure of critical accounting policies in “Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
on
February 21, 2018.
New accounting pronouncements
issued but not yet adopted.
See Note 2 of the Condensed
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in
“Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” for
information regarding new accounting pronouncements issued but not yet adopted.