Company: CABOT OIL & GAS CORP
CIK: 858470
SIC: 1311
Filing Date: 2016-02-22 00:00:00

ITEM 1 - BUSINESS

ITEM 1A - RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Natural gas and oil prices fluctuate widely, and low prices for an extended period would likely have a material adverse impact on our business.
Our revenues, operating results, financial condition and ability to borrow funds or obtain additional capital depend substantially on prices we receive for the natural gas and oil that we sell. Lower commodity prices may reduce the amount of natural gas and oil that we can produce economically. Historically, natural gas and oil prices have been volatile, with prices fluctuating widely, and they are likely to continue to be volatile. Because our reserves are predominantly natural gas (approximately 96% of equivalent proved reserves), changes in natural gas prices have a more significant impact on our financial results than oil prices. Natural gas prices, based on the twelve-month average of the first of the month Henry Hub index price, were $2.59 per Mmbtu in 2015 compared to $4.35 per Mmbtu in 2014, and have continued to decline to $2.19 per Mmbtu in February 2016. Oil prices, based on the NYMEX monthly average price, were $50.28 per barrel in 2015 compared to $94.99 per barrel in 2014, and have continued to decline to $31.78 in January 2016. Low prices throughout 2015 have had, and any substantial or extended decline in future natural gas or crude oil prices would have, a material adverse effect our future business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity or ability to finance planned capital expenditures and commitments. Furthermore, substantial, extended decreases in natural gas and crude oil prices may cause us to delay or postpone a significant portion of our exploration, development and exploitation projects or may render such projects uneconomic, which may result in significant downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves and could negatively impact our ability to borrow and cost of capital and our ability to access capital markets, increase our costs under our revolving credit facility, and limit our ability to execute aspects of our business plans. See "Risk Factors-Recent commodity price declines have resulted in an impairment of our oil and gas properties, and future natural gas and oil price declines may result in additional write-downs of the carrying amount of our assets, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations."
Prices for natural gas and oil are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for natural gas and oil, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control. These factors include but are not limited to the following:
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the levels and location of natural gas and oil supply and demand and expectations regarding supply and demand, including the potential long-term impact of an abundance of natural gas from shale (such as that produced from our Marcellus Shale properties) on the global natural gas supply;
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the level of consumer demand for natural gas and oil;
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weather conditions;
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political conditions or hostilities in natural gas and oil producing regions, including the Middle East, Africa and South America;
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the ability and willingness of the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other exporting nations to agree to and maintain oil price and production controls;
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the price level and quantities of foreign imports;
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actions of governmental authorities;
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the availability, proximity and capacity of gathering, transportation, processing and/or refining facilities in regional or localized areas that may affect the realized price for natural gas and oil;
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inventory storage levels;
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the nature and extent of domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxation, including environmental and climate change regulation;
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the price, availability and acceptance of alternative fuels;
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technological advances affecting energy consumption;
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speculation by investors in oil and natural gas;
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variations between product prices at sales points and applicable index prices; and
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overall economic conditions, including the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other major currencies.
These factors and the volatile nature of the energy markets make it impossible to predict the future prices of natural gas and oil. If natural gas and oil prices remain low or continue to decline significantly for a sustained period of time, the lower prices may cause us to reduce our planned drilling program or adversely affect our ability to make planned expenditures, raise additional capital or meet our financial obligations.
Drilling natural gas and oil wells is a high-risk activity.
Our growth is materially dependent upon the success of our drilling program. Drilling for natural gas and oil involves numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive natural gas or oil reservoirs will be encountered. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is substantial and uncertain, and drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors beyond our control, including:
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decreases in natural gas and oil prices;
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unexpected drilling conditions, pressure or irregularities in formations;
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equipment failures or accidents;
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adverse weather conditions;
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surface access restrictions;
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loss of title or other title related issues;
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lack of available gathering or processing facilities or delays in the construction thereof;
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compliance with, or changes in, governmental requirements and regulation, including with respect to wastewater disposal, discharge of greenhouse gases and fracturing; and
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costs of shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs or crews and the delivery of equipment and materials.
Our future drilling activities may not be successful and, if unsuccessful, such failure will have an adverse effect on our future results of operations and financial condition. Our overall drilling success rate or our drilling success rate within a particular geographic area may decline. We may be unable to lease or drill identified or budgeted prospects within our expected time frame, or at all. We may be unable to lease or drill a particular prospect because, in some cases, we identify a prospect or drilling location before seeking an option or lease rights in the prospect or location. Similarly, our drilling schedule may vary
from our capital budget. The final determination with respect to the drilling of any scheduled or budgeted wells will be dependent on a number of factors, including:
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the results of exploration efforts and the acquisition, review and analysis of seismic data;
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the availability of sufficient capital resources to us and the other participants for the drilling of the prospects;
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the approval of the prospects by other participants after additional data has been compiled;
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economic and industry conditions at the time of drilling, including prevailing and anticipated prices for natural gas and oil and the availability of drilling rigs and crews;
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our financial resources and results; and
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the availability of leases and permits on reasonable terms for the prospects and any delays in obtaining such permits.
These projects may not be successfully developed and the wells, if drilled, may not encounter reservoirs of commercially productive natural gas or oil.
Our proved reserves are estimates. Any material inaccuracies in our reserve estimates or underlying assumptions could cause the quantities and net present value of our reserves to be overstated or understated.
Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of natural gas and oil that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The process of estimating quantities of proved reserves is complex and inherently imprecise, and the reserve data included in this document are only estimates. The process relies on interpretations of available geologic, geophysical, engineering and production data. The extent, quality and reliability of this technical data can vary. The process also requires certain economic assumptions, some of which are mandated by the SEC, such as natural gas and oil prices. Additional assumptions include drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. Furthermore, different reserve engineers may make different estimates of reserves and cash flows based on the same data.
Results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate may justify revising the original estimate. Accordingly, initial reserve estimates often vary from the quantities of natural gas and oil that are ultimately recovered, and such variances may be material. Any significant variance could reduce the estimated quantities and present value of our reserves.
You should not assume that the present value of future net cash flows from our proved reserves is the current market value of our estimated natural gas and oil reserves. In accordance with SEC requirements, we base the estimated discounted future net cash flows from our proved reserves on the 12-month average index price for the respective commodity, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average for the first day of the month price for each month and costs in effect on the date of the estimate, holding the prices and costs constant throughout the life of the properties. The present value of future cash flows are based on $1.81 per Mcf of natural gas, $12.98 per bbl of natural gas liquids and $47.10 per bbl of oil as of December 31, 2015. Actual future prices and costs may differ materially from those used in the net present value estimate, and future net present value estimates using then current prices and costs may be significantly less than the current estimate. In addition, the 10% discount factor we use when calculating discounted future net cash flows for reporting requirements in compliance with the applicable accounting standards 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.
Recent commodity price declines have resulted in further impairment of our oil and gas properties, and future natural gas and oil price declines may result in additional write-downs of the carrying amount of our assets, which could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
The value of our assets depends on prices of natural gas and oil. Declines in these prices as well as increases in development costs, changes in well performance, delays in asset development or deterioration of drilling results may result in our having to make material downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves, and could result in an impairment charge and a corresponding write-down of the carrying amount of our oil and natural gas properties. For example, in December 2015, we recorded an impairment of approximately $114.9 million associated with oil and gas properties in certain non-core fields in south Texas, east Texas and Louisiana. The impairment of these fields was due to a significant decline in commodity prices in late 2015. Because our reserves are predominately natural gas (approximately 96% of equivalent proved reserves), changes in natural gas prices have a more significant impact on our financial results than oil prices.
We evaluate our oil and gas properties for impairment on a field-by-field basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate a property's carrying amount may not be recoverable. We compare expected undiscounted future cash
flows to the net book value of the asset. If the future undiscounted expected cash flows, based on our estimate of future natural gas and oil prices, operating costs and anticipated production from proved reserves and risk-adjusted probable and possible reserves, are lower than the net book value of the asset, the capitalized cost is reduced to fair value. Commodity pricing is estimated by using a combination of assumptions management uses in its budgeting and forecasting process as well as historical and current prices adjusted for geographical location and quality differentials, as well as other factors that management believes will impact realizable prices. In the event that commodity prices decline further, there could be a significant revision in the future.
Our future performance depends on our ability to find or acquire additional natural gas and oil reserves that are economically recoverable.
In general, the production rate of natural gas and oil properties declines as reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir characteristics. Unless we successfully replace the reserves that we produce, our reserves will decline, eventually resulting in a decrease in natural gas and oil production and lower revenues and cash flow from operations. Our future natural gas and oil production is, therefore, highly dependent on our level of success in finding or acquiring additional reserves. We may not be able to replace reserves through our exploration, development and exploitation activities or by acquiring properties at acceptable costs. Low natural gas and oil prices may further limit the kinds of reserves that we can develop and produce economically.
Our reserve report estimates that production from our proved developed reserves as of December 31, 2015 will decrease at a rate of 13%, 27%, 20% and 16% during 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Future development of proved undeveloped and other reserves currently not classified as proved developed producing will impact these rates of decline. Because of higher initial decline rates from newly developed reserves, we consider this pattern fairly typical.
Exploration, development and exploitation activities involve numerous risks that may result in, among other things, dry holes, the failure to produce natural gas and oil in commercial quantities and the inability to fully produce discovered reserves.
We have substantial capital requirements, and we may not be able to obtain needed financing on satisfactory terms, if at all.
We rely upon access to both our revolving credit facility and longer-term capital markets as sources of liquidity for any capital requirements not satisfied by cash flow from operations or other sources. Future challenges in the global financial system, including the capital markets, may adversely affect our business and our financial condition. Our ability to access the capital markets may be restricted at a time when we desire, or need, to raise capital, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions. Adverse economic and market conditions could adversely affect the collectability of our trade receivables and cause our commodity hedging counterparties to be unable to perform their obligations or to seek bankruptcy protection. Future challenges in the economy could also lead to reduced demand for natural gas which could have a negative impact on our revenues.
Risks associated with our debt and the provisions of our debt agreements could adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately $2.0 billion of debt outstanding and we may incur additional indebtedness in the future. Increases in our level of indebtedness may:
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require us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow to make debt service payments, which will reduce the funds that would otherwise be available for operations and future business opportunities;
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limit our operating flexibility due to financial and other restrictive covenants, including restrictions on incurring additional debt, making certain investments, and paying dividends;
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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors with lower debt service obligations;
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depending on the levels of our outstanding debt, limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, general corporate and other purposes; and
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increase our vulnerability to downturns in our business or the economy, including further declines in prices for natural gas and oil.
In addition, the interest rates that we pay on our senior unsecured notes and the margins we pay under our revolving credit facility depend on our leverage ratio and our asset coverage ratio. Accordingly, increases in the amount of our indebtedness without corresponding increases in our earnings or the present value of our reserves, or decreases in our earnings or the present value of
our natural gas and oil reserves without a corresponding decrease in our indebtedness, will result in an increase in our interest expense.
Our debt agreements also require compliance with covenants to maintain specified financial ratios. If the price that we receive for our natural gas and oil production further deteriorates from current levels or continues for an extended period, it could lead to further reduced revenues, cash flow and earnings, which in turn could lead to a default under the ratios described above. Because the calculations of the financial ratios are made as of certain dates, the financial ratios can fluctuate significantly from period to period. A prolonged period of decreased natural gas and oil prices or a further decline could further increase the risk of our inability to comply with covenants to maintain specified financial ratios. In order to provide a margin of comfort with regard to these financial covenants, we may seek to reduce our capital expenditure plan, sell non-strategic assets or opportunistically modify or increase our derivative instruments to the extent permitted under our debt agreements. In addition, we may seek to refinance or restructure all or a portion of our indebtedness. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully execute any of these strategies, and such strategies may be unavailable on favorable terms or at all. For more information about our debt agreements, please read “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Financial Condition- Capital Resources and Liquidity.”
The borrowing base under our revolving credit facility may be reduced in light of recent commodity price declines, which could limit us in the future.
The borrowing base under our revolving credit facility is currently $3.4 billion, and lender commitments under our revolving credit facility are $1.8 billion. The borrowing base is redetermined annually under the terms of the revolving credit facility on April 1. In addition, either we or the banks may request an interim redetermination twice a year or in conjunction with certain acquisitions or sales of oil and gas properties. Our borrowing base may decrease as a result of lower natural gas or oil prices, operating difficulties, declines in reserves, lending requirements or regulations, the issuance of new indebtedness or for any other reason. In the event of a decrease in our borrowing base due to declines in commodity prices or otherwise, our ability to borrow under our revolving credit facility may be limited and we could be required to repay any indebtedness in excess of the redetermined borrowing base. In addition, we may be unable to access the equity or debt capital markets, including the market for senior unsecured notes, to meet our obligations, including any such debt repayment obligations.
Strategic determinations, including the allocation of capital and other resources to strategic opportunities, are challenging, and our failure to appropriately allocate capital and resources among our strategic opportunities may adversely affect our financial condition and reduce our growth rate.
Our future growth prospects are dependent upon our ability to identify optimal strategies for our business. In developing our business plan, we considered allocating capital and other resources to various aspects of our businesses including well-development (primarily drilling), reserve acquisitions, exploratory activity, corporate items and other alternatives. We also considered our likely sources of capital. Notwithstanding the determinations made in the development of our 2016 plan, business opportunities not previously identified periodically come to our attention, including possible acquisitions and dispositions. If we fail to identify optimal business strategies, or fail to optimize our capital investment and capital raising opportunities and the use of our other resources in furtherance of our business strategies, our financial condition and growth rate may be adversely affected. Moreover, economic or other circumstances may change from those contemplated by our 2016 plan, and our failure to recognize or respond to those changes may limit our ability to achieve our objectives.
Negative public perception regarding us and/or our industry could have an adverse effect on our operations.
Negative public perception regarding us and/or our industry resulting from, among other things, concerns raised by advocacy groups about hydraulic fracturing, oil spills, greenhouse gas or methane emissions and explosions of natural gas transmission lines, may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny, which may, in turn, lead to new state and federal safety and environmental laws, regulations, guidelines and enforcement interpretations. These actions may cause operational delays or restrictions, increased operating costs, additional regulatory burdens and increased risk of litigation. Moreover, governmental authorities exercise considerable discretion in the timing and scope of permit issuance and the public may engage in the permitting process, including through intervention in the courts. Negative public perception could cause the permits we need to conduct our operations to be withheld, delayed, or burdened by requirements that restrict our ability to profitably conduct our business.
Our ability to sell our natural gas and oil production and/or the prices we receive for our production could be materially harmed if we fail to obtain adequate services such as transportation and processing.
The sale of our natural gas and oil production depends on a number of factors beyond our control, including the availability and capacity of transportation and processing facilities. We deliver our natural gas and oil production primarily through gathering systems and pipelines that we do not own. The lack of available capacity on these systems and facilities could reduce the price offered for our production or result in the shut-in of producing wells or the delay or discontinuance of development plans for properties. Third-party systems and facilities may be unavailable due to market conditions or mechanical or other reasons. In addition, at current commodity prices, construction of new pipelines and building of such infrastructure may be slower to build out. To the extent these services are unavailable, we would be unable to realize revenue from wells served by such facilities until suitable arrangements are made to market our production. Our failure to obtain these services on acceptable terms could materially harm our business.
For example, the Marcellus Shale wells we have drilled to date have generally reported very high initial production rates. The amount of natural gas being produced in the area from these new wells, as well as natural gas produced from other existing wells, may exceed the capacity of the various gathering and intrastate or interstate transportation pipelines currently available. In such event, this could result in wells being shut in or awaiting a pipeline connection or capacity and/or natural gas being sold at much lower prices than those quoted on NYMEX or than we currently project, which would adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental and safety regulations, which can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.
Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations, including drilling, permitting and safety laws and regulations and those relating to the generation, storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of materials into the environment. These laws and regulations can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business. Many laws and regulations require permits for the operation of various facilities, and these permits are subject to revocation, modification and renewal. Governmental authorities have the power to enforce compliance with their regulations, and violations could subject us to fines, injunctions or both. These laws and regulations have increased the costs of planning, designing, drilling, installing and operating natural gas and oil facilities, and new laws and regulations or revisions or reinterpretations of existing laws and regulations could further increase these costs. Increased scrutiny of our industry may also occur as a result of EPA's 2014-2016 National Enforcement Initiative, "Ensuring Energy Extraction Activities Comply with Environmental Laws," through which EPA will address incidences of noncompliance from natural gas extraction and production activities that may cause or contribute to significant harm to public health and/or the environment. In addition, we may be liable for environmental damages caused by previous owners of property we purchase or lease. Risks of substantial costs and liabilities related to environmental compliance issues are inherent in natural gas and oil operations. For example, we could be required to install expensive pollution control measures or limit or cease activities on lands located within wilderness, wetlands or other environmentally or politically sensitive areas. Failure to comply with these laws also may result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties as well as the imposition of corrective action orders. It is possible that other developments, such as stricter environmental laws and regulations, and claims for damages to property or persons resulting from natural gas and oil production, would result in substantial costs and liabilities.
Acquired properties may not be worth what we pay due to uncertainties in evaluating recoverable reserves and other expected benefits, as well as potential liabilities.
Successful property acquisitions require an assessment of a number of factors beyond our control. These factors include estimates of recoverable reserves, exploration potential, future natural gas and oil prices, operating costs, production taxes and potential environmental and other liabilities. These assessments are complex and inherently imprecise. Our review of the properties we acquire may not reveal all existing or potential problems. In addition, our review may not allow us to fully assess the potential deficiencies of the properties. We do not inspect every well, and even when we inspect a well we may not discover structural, subsurface, or environmental problems that may exist or arise.
There may be threatened or contemplated claims against the assets or businesses we acquire related to environmental, title, regulatory, tax, contract, litigation or other matters of which we are unaware, which could materially and adversely affect our production, revenues and results of operations. We often assume certain liabilities, and we may not be entitled to contractual indemnification for pre-closing liabilities, including environmental liabilities, and our contractual indemnification may not be effective. At times, we acquire interests in properties on an "as is" basis with limited representations and warranties and limited remedies for breaches of such representations and warranties. In addition, significant acquisitions can change the
nature of our operations and business if the acquired properties have substantially different operating and geological characteristics or are in different geographic locations than our existing properties.
The integration of the properties we acquire could be difficult, and may divert management's attention away from our existing operations.
The integration of the properties we acquire could be difficult, and may divert management's attention and financial resources away from our existing operations. These difficulties include:
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the challenge of integrating the acquired properties while carrying on the ongoing operations of our business;
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the inability to retain key employees of the acquired business;
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potential lack of operating experience in a geographic market of the acquired properties; and
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the possibility of faulty assumptions underlying our expectations.
The process of integrating our operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of our business. Members of our management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to this integration process, which will decrease the time they will have to manage our existing business. If management is not able to effectively manage the integration process, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process, our business could suffer.
We face a variety of hazards and risks that could cause substantial financial losses.
Our business involves a variety of operating risks, including:
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well site blowouts, cratering and explosions;
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equipment failures;
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pipe or cement failures and casing collapses, which can release natural gas, oil, drilling fluids or hydraulic fracturing fluids;
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uncontrolled flows of natural gas, oil or well fluids;
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pipeline ruptures;
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fires;
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formations with abnormal pressures;
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handling and disposal of materials, including drilling fluids and hydraulic fracturing fluids;
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release of toxic gas;
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buildup of naturally occurring radioactive materials;
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pollution and other environmental risks, including conditions caused by previous owners or lessors of our properties; and
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natural disasters.
Any of these events could result in injury or loss of human life, loss of hydrocarbons, significant damage to or destruction of property, environmental pollution, regulatory investigations and penalties, suspension or impairment of our operations and substantial losses to us.
Our operation of natural gas gathering and pipeline systems also involves various risks, including the risk of explosions and environmental hazards caused by pipeline leaks and ruptures. The location of pipelines near populated areas, including residential areas, commercial business centers and industrial sites, could increase these risks. As of December 31, 2015, we owned or operated approximately 3,100 miles of natural gas gathering and pipeline systems. As part of our normal maintenance program, we have identified certain segments of our pipelines that we believe periodically require repair, replacement or additional maintenance.
We may not be insured against all of the operating risks to which we are exposed.
We maintain insurance against some, but not all, operating risks and losses. We do not carry business interruption insurance. In addition, pollution and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. The occurrence of an event not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
We have limited control over the activities on properties we do not operate.
Other companies operate some of the properties in which we have an interest. As of December 31, 2015, non-operated wells represented approximately 8.7% of our total owned gross wells, or approximately 2.6% of our owned net wells. We have limited ability to influence or control the operation or future development of these non-operated properties, including compliance with environmental, safety and other regulations, or the amount of capital expenditures that we are required to fund with respect to them. The failure of an operator of our wells to adequately perform operations, an operator's breach of the applicable agreements or an operator's failure to act in ways that are in our best interest could reduce our production and revenues. Our dependence on the operator and other working interest owners for these projects and our limited ability to influence or control the operation and future development of these properties could materially adversely affect the realization of our targeted returns on capital in drilling or acquisition activities and lead to unexpected future costs.
Terrorist activities and the potential for military and other actions could adversely affect our business.
The threat of terrorism and the impact of military and other action have caused instability in world financial markets and could lead to increased volatility in prices for natural gas and oil, all of which could adversely affect the markets for our operations. Acts of terrorism, including cybersecurity threats to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or to render data or systems unusable, could be directed against companies operating in the United States. The U.S. government has issued public warnings that indicate energy assets might be specific targets of terrorist organizations. These developments have subjected our operations to increased risk and, depending on their ultimate magnitude, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Competition in our industry is intense, and many of our competitors have substantially greater financial and technological resources than we do, which could adversely affect our competitive position.
Competition in the natural gas and oil industry is intense. Major and independent natural gas and oil companies actively bid for desirable natural gas and oil properties, as well as for the capital, equipment and labor required to operate and develop these properties. Our competitive position is affected by price, contract terms and quality of service, including pipeline connection times, distribution efficiencies and reliable delivery record. Many of our competitors have financial and technological resources and exploration and development budgets that are substantially greater than ours. These companies may be able to pay more for exploratory projects and productive natural gas and oil properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties and prospects than our financial or human resources permit. In addition, these companies may be able to expend greater resources on the existing and changing technologies that we believe will be increasingly important to attaining success in the industry. These companies may also have a greater ability to continue drilling activities during periods of low natural gas and oil prices and to absorb the burden of current and future governmental regulations and taxation.
We may have hedging arrangements that expose us to risk of financial loss and limit the benefit to us of increases in prices for natural gas and oil.
From time to time, when we believe that market conditions are favorable, we use financial derivative instruments to manage price risk associated with our natural gas and crude oil production. While there are many different types of derivatives available, we generally utilize collar and swap agreements to manage price risk more effectively.
The collar arrangements are put and call options used to establish floor and ceiling prices for a fixed volume of production during a certain time period. They provide for payments to counterparties if the index price exceeds the ceiling and payments from the counterparties if the index price falls below the floor. The swap agreements call for payments to, or receipts from, counterparties based on whether the index price for the period is greater or less than the fixed price established for that period when the swap is put in place. These arrangements limit the benefit to us of increases in prices. In addition, these arrangements expose us to risks of financial loss in a variety of circumstances, including when:
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there is an adverse change in the expected differential between the underlying price in the derivative instrument and actual prices received for our production;
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production is less than expected; or
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a counterparty is unable to satisfy its obligations.
The CFTC has promulgated regulations to implement statutory requirements for swap transactions. These regulations are intended to implement a regulated market in which most swaps are executed on registered exchanges or swap execution facilities and cleared through central counterparties. While we believe that our use of swap transactions exempt us from certain regulatory requirements, the changes to the swap market due to increased regulation could significantly increase the cost of entering into new swaps or maintaining existing swaps, materially alter the terms of new or existing swap transactions and/or reduce the availability of new or existing swaps. If we reduce our use of swaps as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations, our results of operations may become more volatile and our cash flows may be less predictable.
We will continue to evaluate the benefit of utilizing derivatives in the future. Please read "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Item 7 and "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" in Item 7A for further discussion concerning our use of derivatives.
The loss of key personnel could adversely affect our ability to operate.
Our operations are dependent upon a relatively small group of key management and technical personnel, and one or more of these individuals could leave our employment. The unexpected loss of the services of one or more of these individuals could have a detrimental effect on us. In addition, our drilling success and the success of other activities integral to our operations will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain experienced geologists, engineers and other professionals. Competition for experienced geologists, engineers and some other professionals is extremely intense. If we cannot retain our technical personnel or attract additional experienced technical personnel, our ability to compete could be harmed.
Federal and state legislation and regulatory initiatives related to oil and gas development, including hydraulic fracturing, could result in increased costs and operating restrictions or delays.
Most of our exploration and production 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 several 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. Most of our wells would not be economical without the use of hydraulic fracturing to stimulate production from the well. Hydraulic fracturing operations have historically been overseen by state regulators as part of their oil and gas regulatory programs; however, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority over certain hydraulic fracturing activities involving diesel under the Safe Drinking Water Act and has released permitting guidance for hydraulic fracturing activities that use diesel in fracturing fluids in those states where EPA is the permitting authority, including Pennsylvania. As a result, we may be subject to additional permitting requirements for hydraulic fracturing operations as well as various restrictions on those operations. These permitting requirements and restrictions could result in delays in operations at well sites as well as increased costs to make wells productive. In addition, legislation introduced in Congress would provide for federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing under the Safe Drinking Water Act and require the public disclosure of certain information regarding the chemical makeup of hydraulic fracturing fluids. If adopted, this legislation could establish an additional level of regulation and permitting at the federal, state or local levels, and could make it easier for third parties opposed to the hydraulic fracturing process to initiate legal proceedings based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect the environment, including groundwater, soil or surface water. Moreover, in May 2014, the EPA announced an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking under the Toxic Substances Control Act relating to data collection, including the chemical substances and mixtures used in hydraulic fracturing. Further, in March 2015, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a final rule to regulate hydraulic fracturing on public and Indian land; however, enforcement of the rule has been delayed pending a decision in a legal challenge in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming. We voluntarily disclose on a well-by-well basis the chemicals we use in the hydraulic fracturing process at www.fracfocus.org.
On August 16, 2012, the EPA published final rules that establish new air emission control requirements for natural gas and NGL production, processing and transportation activities, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) to address emissions of sulfur dioxide and volatile organic compounds, and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAPS) to address hazardous air pollutants frequently associated with gas production and processing activities. Among other things, these final rules require the reduction of volatile organic compound emissions from natural gas wells through the use of reduced emission completions or "green completions" on all hydraulically fractured wells constructed or refractured after January 1, 2015. In addition, gas wells were required to use completion combustion device equipment (i.e., flaring) if emissions cannot be directed to a gathering line. Further, the final rules under NESHAPS include maximum achievable control technology (MACT) standards for "small" glycol dehydrators that are located at major sources of hazardous air pollutants and modifications to the leak detection standards for valves. In December 2014, the EPA finalized additional amendments to these rules that, among other things, distinguished between multiple flowback stages during completion and clarified that storage
tanks permanently removed from service are not affected by any requirements. In July 2015, the EPA finalized two updates to the rules addressing the definition of low pressure gas wells and references to tanks that are connected to one another. In September 2015, the EPA issued a proposed rule that would update and expand the NSPS by setting additional emissions limits for volatile organic compounds and regulating methane emissions for new and modified sources in the oil and gas industry. The EPA also issued a proposed rule in September 2015 concerning aggregation of sources that would affect source determinations for air permitting in the oil and gas industry.
Compliance with these requirements, especially the imposition of these green completion requirements and potential methane regulation, may require modifications to certain of our operations, including the installation of new equipment to control emissions at the well site that could result in significant costs, including increased capital expenditures and operating costs, and could adversely impact our business. Similarly, aggregating our oil and gas facilities for permitting could result in more complex, costly, and time consuming air permitting. Particularly in regard to obtaining pre-construction permits, the proposed aggregation rule could add costs and cause delays in our operations.
In addition to these federal legislative and regulatory proposals, some states in which we operate, such as Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Texas, and certain local governments have adopted, and others are considering adopting, regulations that could restrict hydraulic fracturing in certain circumstances, including 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. For example, the City of Denton, Texas adopted a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in November 2014, though it was later lifted in 2015, and New York issued a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing in June 2015. In addition, Pennsylvania's Act 13 of 2012 became law on February 14, 2012 and amended the state's Oil and Gas Act to, among other things, increase civil penalties and strengthen the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's (PaDEP) authority over the issuance of drilling permits. Although the Pennsylvania Supreme Court struck down portions of Act 13 that made statewide rules on oil and gas preempt local zoning rules, this could lead to additional local restrictions on oil and gas activity in the state. Additional challenges to Act 13 are pending before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court; however, the timing of any decision is uncertain.
We use a significant amount of water in our hydraulic fracturing operations. Our inability to locate sufficient amounts of water, or dispose of or recycle water used in our operations, could adversely impact our operations. Moreover, new environmental initiatives and regulations could include restrictions on our ability to conduct certain operations such as hydraulic fracturing or disposal of waste, including, but not limited to, produced water, drilling fluids and other wastes associated with the exploration, development or production of natural gas. Compliance with environmental regulations and permit requirements governing the withdrawal, storage and use of surface water or groundwater necessary for hydraulic fracturing of wells may increase our operating costs and cause delays, interruptions or termination of our operations, the extent of which cannot be predicted, all of which could have an adverse effect on our operations and financial condition. For example, in April 2011, PaDEP called on all Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling operators to voluntarily cease by May 19, 2011 delivering wastewater to those centralized treatment facilities that were grandfathered from the application of PaDEP's Total Dissolved Solids regulations. In April 2015, the EPA published proposed pretreatment standards for disposal of wastewater produced from shale gas operations to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs). The regulations will be developed under the EPA's Effluent Guidelines Program under the authority of the Clean Water Act. In response to these actions, operators including us have begun to rely more on recycling of flowback and produced water from well sites as a preferred alternative to disposal.
A number of federal agencies are analyzing, or have been requested to review, a variety of environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing practices. The EPA is conducting a study of the potential environmental effects of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water and groundwater. The EPA released a draft report in June 2015. It concluded that activities have not led to widespread systematic impacts on drinking water resources in the United States, but there are above and below ground mechanisms by which hydraulic fracturing could affect drinking water resources. This study and other studies that may be undertaken by EPA or other federal agencies could spur initiatives to further regulate hydraulic fracturing under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, or other statutory and/or regulatory mechanisms.
Climate change and climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives could result in increased operating costs and decreased demand for the oil and natural gas that we produce.
Climate change, the costs that may be associated with its effects, and the regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have the potential to affect our business in many ways, including increasing the costs to provide our products and services, reducing the demand for and consumption of our products and services (due to change in both costs and weather patterns), and the economic health of the regions in which we operate, all of which can create financial risks. In addition, legislative and regulatory responses related to GHG emissions and climate change may increase our operating costs. The United States Congress has previously considered legislation related to GHG emissions. There have also been international efforts seeking legally binding reductions in GHG emissions. For example, in November 2014, the Obama Administration announced an
agreement with China to voluntarily reduce GHG emissions by 26% to 28% of 2005 levels by 2025. Further, the United States joined over 190 countries in Lima, Peru in December 2014 and agreed to draft an emissions reduction plan ahead of further international climate negotiations in Paris, France in 2015. The United States was actively involved in the negotiations in Paris, which led to the creation of the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement will be open for signing on April 22, 2016 and will require countries to review and "represent a progression" in their intended nationally determined contributions, which set emissions reduction goals, every five years, beginning in 2020. The Paris Agreement sets a goal of keeping warming well below 2 degrees Celsius and sets a target limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius. In addition, increased public awareness and concern may result in more state, regional and/or federal requirements to reduce or mitigate GHG emissions. For example, in June 2013, the Obama Administration announced its Climate Action Plan, which, among other things, directs federal agencies to develop a strategy for the reduction of methane emissions, including emissions from the oil and gas sector. Pursuant to this plan, the EPA issued a proposed rule updating New Source Performance Standards and setting requirements for methane emissions and volatile organic compounds in the oil and gas sector in September 2015.
In September 2009, the EPA finalized a mandatory GHG reporting rule that requires large sources of GHG emissions to monitor, maintain records on, and annually report their GHG emissions beginning January 1, 2010. The rule applies to large facilities emitting 25,000 metric tons or more of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) emissions per year and to most upstream suppliers of fossil fuels, as well as manufacturers of vehicles and engines. Subsequently, in November 2010, the EPA issued GHG monitoring and reporting regulations that went into effect on December 30, 2010, specifically for oil and natural gas facilities, including onshore and offshore oil and natural gas production facilities that emit 25,000 metric tons or more of CO2e per year. The rule required reporting of GHG emissions by regulated facilities to the EPA by March 2012 for emissions during 2011 and annually thereafter. We are required to report our GHG emissions to the EPA each year in March under this rule and have submitted our annual reports in compliance with the deadline. The EPA also issued a final rule that makes certain stationary sources and newer modification projects subject to permitting requirements for GHG emissions, beginning in 2011, under the CAA. However, in June 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court, in UARG v. EPA, limited the application of the GHG permitting requirements under the Prevention of Significant Deterioration and Title V permitting programs to sources that would otherwise need permits based on the emission of conventional pollutants.
Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the CAA and associated state laws and regulations. In addition, the passage of any federal or state climate change laws or regulations in the future could result in increased costs to (i) operate and maintain our facilities, (ii) install new emission controls on our facilities and (iii) administer and manage any GHG emissions program. If we are unable to recover or pass through a significant level of our costs related to complying with climate change regulatory requirements imposed on us, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. To the extent financial markets view climate change and GHG emissions as a financial risk, this could negatively impact our cost of and access to capital. Legislation or regulations that may be adopted to address climate change could also affect the markets for our products by making our products more or less desirable than competing sources of energy.
Moreover, some experts believe climate change poses potential physical risks, including an increase in sea level and changes in weather conditions, such as an increase in changes in precipitation and extreme weather events. In addition, warmer winters as a result of global warming could also decrease demand for natural gas. To the extent that such unfavorable weather conditions are exacerbated by global climate change or otherwise, our operations may be adversely affected to a greater degree than we have previously experienced, including increased delays and costs. However, the uncertain nature of changes in extreme weather events (such as increased frequency, duration, and severity) and the long period of time over which any changes would take place make any estimations of future financial risk to our operations caused by these potential physical risks of climate change unreliable.
Certain federal income tax law changes have been proposed that, if passed, would have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.
Substantive changes to existing federal income tax laws have been proposed that, if adopted, would repeal many tax incentives and deductions that are currently used by U.S. oil and gas companies and would impose new taxes. The proposals include: repeal of the percentage depletion allowance for oil and natural gas properties; elimination of the ability to fully deduct intangible drilling costs in the year incurred; repeal of the manufacturing tax deduction for oil and gas companies; and increase in the geological and geophysical amortization period for independent producers. Should some or all of these proposals become law, our taxes will increase, potentially significantly, which would have a negative impact on our net income and cash flows. This could also reduce our drilling activities in the U.S. Since none of these proposals have yet to become law, we do not know the ultimate impact these proposed changes may have on our business.
Provisions of Delaware law and our bylaws and charter could discourage change in control transactions and prevent stockholders from receiving a premium on their investment.
Our charter authorizes our Board of Directors to set the terms of preferred stock. In addition, Delaware law contains provisions that impose restrictions on business combinations with interested parties. Our bylaws prohibit the calling of a special meeting by our stockholders and place procedural requirements and limitations on stockholder proposals at meetings of stockholders. Because of these provisions of our charter, bylaws and Delaware law, persons considering unsolicited tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals may be more likely to negotiate with our Board of Directors rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. As a result, these provisions may make it more difficult for our stockholders to benefit from transactions that are opposed by an incumbent Board of Directors.
The personal liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty of care is limited by the Delaware General Corporation Law and by our charter.
The Delaware General Corporation Law allows corporations to limit available relief for the breach of directors' duty of care to equitable remedies such as injunction or rescission. Our charter limits the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Specifically, our directors will not be personally liable for monetary damages for any breach of their fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:
•
for any breach of their duty of loyalty to the company or our stockholders;
•
for acts or omissions not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
•
under provisions relating to unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; and
•
for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
This limitation may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors, and may discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their duty of care, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited our stockholders.

ITEM 1B - UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

ITEM 2 - PROPERTIES

ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Legal Matters
The information set forth under the heading "Legal Matters" in Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference in response to this item.
Environmental Matters
On November 12, 2015, we received a proposed Consent Order and Agreement from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) relating to gas migration allegations in an area surrounding several wells owned and operated by us in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The allegations relating to these wells were initially raised by residents in the area in August 2011. We received a Notice of Violation from the PaDEP in September 2011 for failure to prevent the migration of gas into fresh groundwater sources in the area surrounding these wells. Since then, we have been engaged with the PaDEP in investigating the incident and have performed appropriate remediation efforts, including the provision of alternative sources of drinking water to affected residents. We believe the source of methane has been remediated and are working with the PaDEP to reach agreement on the disposition of this matter. The proposed Consent Order and Agreement is the culmination of this effort and, if finalized, would result in the payment of a civil monetary penalty in an amount likely to exceed $100,000, up to approximately $300,000. We will continue to work with the PaDEP to finalize the Consent Order and Agreement and bring this matter to a close.
From time to time we receive notices of violation from governmental and regulatory authorities in areas in which we operate relating to alleged violations of environmental statutes or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. While we cannot predict with certainty whether these notices of violation will result in fines and/or penalties, if fines and/or penalties are imposed, they may result in monetary sanctions, individually or in the aggregate, in excess of $100,000.

ITEM 4 - RESERVED
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table shows certain information as of February 19, 2016 about our executive officers, as such term is defined in Rule 3b-7 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and certain of our other officers.
All officers are elected annually by our Board of Directors. All of the executive officers have been employed by Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation for at least the last five years, except for Mr. Matthew P. Kerin and Ms. Deidre L. Shearer.
Mr. Kerin joined the Company in March 2012 and was appointed Treasurer in September 2014. Mr. Kerin most recently served as Manager - Finance and Investor Relations. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kerin served as an Associate in the Oil and Gas Investment Banking group at J.P. Morgan Securities. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor in Business Administration degree in Accounting and a Master of Science degree in Finance. He is also a graduate from the Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University with a Master in Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance and Energy.
Ms. Shearer joined the Company in December 2011 and was appointed Corporate Secretary and Managing Counsel in February 2012. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Shearer was Assistant General Counsel of KBR, Inc. from January 2007, where she was responsible for corporate governance and SEC and NYSE compliance matters. Ms. Shearer received her J.D. degree from The University of Texas School of Law in 1992 and was primarily in private practice until she joined KBR.
PART II

ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is listed and principally traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "COG." The following table presents the high and low closing sales prices per share of our common stock during certain periods, as reported in the consolidated transaction reporting system. Cash dividends paid per share of the common stock are also shown.
As of February 1, 2016, there were 394 registered holders of our common stock.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2015 regarding the number of shares of common stock that may be issued under our 2014 and 2004 incentive plans. Effective May 1, 2014, no additional awards are to be granted under the 2004 Incentive Plan.
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(1)
Includes 558,546 SARs to be settled in common stock, which are fully vested; 925,590 employee performance shares, the performance periods of which end on December 31,2015, 2016 and 2017; 732,286 TSR performance shares, the performance periods of which end on December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017; 372,385 hybrid performance shares, of which vest, if at all, in 2016, 2017, and 2018; and 425,438 restricted stock units awarded to the non-employee directors, the restrictions on which lapse upon a non-employee director's departure from the Board of Directors.
(2)
Price is only with respect to the 558,546 SARs outstanding because all other outstanding awards are issued without an exercise price.
(3)
Includes 49,825 shares of restricted stock, the restrictions on which lapse on various dates in 2016, 2017 and 2018; and 17,101,158 shares that are available for future grants under the 2014 Incentive Plan.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program under which we may purchase shares of common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. There is no expiration date associated with the authorization. During 2015, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock. All purchases executed to date have been through open market transactions. The maximum number of remaining shares that may be purchased under the plan as of December 31, 2015 was 10,107,320.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares our common stock performance ("COG") with the performance of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Exploration & Production Index for the period December 2010 through December 2015. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and in each index was $100 on December 31, 2010 and that all dividends were reinvested.
The performance graph above is furnished and not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933 unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference. The performance graph is not soliciting material subject to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 6 - SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes our selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated. This information should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7, and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes in Item 8.
____________________________________________ ___________________________________
(1)
For discussion of impairment of oil and gas properties, refer to Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)
Gain on sale of assets in 2014 includes a $19.9 million gain from the sale of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties located in east Texas. Gain on sale of assets in 2013 includes a $19.4 million gain from the sale of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties located in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles, and a $17.5 million loss from the sale of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties located in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas and an aggregate net gain of $19.5 million from the sale of various other oil and gas properties during the year. Gain on sale of assets in 2012 includes a $67.0 million gain from the sale of certain Pearsall Shale undeveloped leaseholds in south Texas and an $18.2 million loss from the sale of certain proved oil and gas properties located in south Texas. Gain on sale of assets in 2011 includes a $34.2 million gain from the sale of certain Haynesville and Bossier Shale oil and gas properties and an aggregate net gain of $29.2 million from the sale of various other properties during the year.

ITEM 7 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion is intended to assist you in understanding our results of operations and our present financial condition. Our Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K contain additional information that should be referred to when reviewing this material.
OVERVIEW
Operating Overview
Operating results for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the year ended December 31, 2014 are as follows:
•
Equivalent production in 2015 increased 70.7 Bcfe, or 13%, from 531.8 Bcfe, or 1.5 Bcfe per day, in 2014 to 602.5 Bcfe, or 1.7 Bcfe per day, in 2015.
•
Natural gas production increased 57.9 Bcf, or 11%, from 508.0 Bcf in 2014 to 566.0 Bcf in 2015, primarily the result of higher production in the Marcellus Shale associated with our drilling program in Pennsylvania.
•
Crude oil/condensate/NGL production increased 2.1 Mmbbls, or 54%, from 4.0 Mmbbls in 2014 to 6.1 Mmbbls in 2015, as a result of higher production associated with our oil-focused Eagle Ford Shale drilling program in south Texas and production associated with the south Texas asset acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2014.
•
Average realized natural gas price for 2015 was $2.15 per Mcf, 34% lower than the $3.28 per Mcf price realized in 2014.
•
Average realized crude oil price for 2015 was $45.72 per Bbl, 48% lower than the $88.50 per Bbl price realized in 2014.
•
Drilled 142 gross wells (132.8 net) with a success rate of 100.0% in 2015 compared to 200 gross wells (176.5 net) with a success rate of 99.5% in 2014.
•
Total capital spending was approximately $776.9 in 2015 compared to $1.6 billion (excluding the south Texas asset acquisitions) in 2014.
•
Average rig count during 2015 was approximately 3.5 rigs in the Marcellus Shale and approximately 1.9 rigs in the Eagle Ford Shale, compared to an average rig count in the Marcellus Shale of approximately 6.0 rigs and approximately 2.8 rigs in the Eagle Ford Shale during 2014.
Market Conditions and Commodity Prices
Our financial results depend on many factors, particularly the price of natural gas and crude oil and our ability to market our production on economically attractive terms. Commodity prices are affected by many factors outside of our control, including changes in market supply and demand, which are impacted by weather conditions, pipeline capacity constraints, inventory storage levels, basis differentials and other factors. In addition, our realized prices are further impacted by our derivative and hedging activities. As a result, we cannot accurately predict future commodity prices and, therefore, we cannot determine with any degree of certainty what effect increases or decreases in these prices will have on our capital program, production volumes or revenues. Location differentials have increased in certain regions, such as in the Appalachian region, resulting in further declines in natural gas prices. We expect natural gas and crude oil prices to remain volatile. In addition to production volumes and commodity prices, finding and developing sufficient amounts of natural gas and crude oil reserves at economical costs are critical to our long-term success. See "Risk Factors-Natural gas and oil prices fluctuate widely, and low prices for an extended period would likely have a material adverse impact on our business" and "Risk Factors-Our future performance depends on our ability to find or acquire additional natural gas and oil reserves that are economically recoverable" in Item 1A.
We account for our derivative instruments on a mark-to-market basis with changes in fair value recognized in operating revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. As a result of these mark-to-market adjustments associated with our derivative instruments, we will likely experience volatility in our earnings due to commodity price volatility. Refer to “Impact of Derivative Instruments on Operating Revenues” below and Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Commodity prices continued to decline during 2015 compared to 2014. As a result of the continued decline in commodity prices, we tested the recoverability of the carrying value of all of our oil and gas properties and recorded an impairment charge of approximately $114.9 million associated with certain non-core fields in south Texas, east Texas and Louisiana. Based on the results of our impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2015, we do not believe that further impairment of our oil and gas
properties is reasonably likely to occur in the near future; however, in the event that commodity prices significantly decline from current levels, additional impairments of our oil and gas properties may be required.
We believe we are well-positioned to manage the challenges presented in the lower commodity pricing environment, and we can endure the current cyclical downturn in the oil and gas industry and the continued volatility in current and future commodity prices by:
•
Continuing to exercise discipline in our capital program by reducing our capital expenditures and number of wells drilled compared to the prior year.
•
Continuing to optimize our drilling, completion and operational efficiencies, resulting in lower operating costs per unit of production.
•
Continuing to manage our balance sheet with sufficient availability under our revolving credit facility to meet our capital requirements and maintain compliance with our debt covenants.
•
Continuing to manage price risk by strategically hedging our natural gas and crude oil production.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Our primary sources of cash in 2015 were from funds generated from the sale of natural gas and oil production and net borrowings under our revolving credit facility. These cash flows were primarily used to fund our capital expenditures (including contributions to our equity method investments), interest payments on debt and payment of dividends. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.
Effective April 17, 2015, we amended our revolving credit facility to extend the maturity date from May 2017 to April 2020 and to change the mechanism under which interest rate margins are determined for outstanding borrowings. The revolving credit facility, as amended, provides for a borrowing base of $3.4 billion and commitments of $1.8 billion. The amended credit facility also provides for an accordion feature, which allows us to increase the available credit line up to an additional $500 million if one or more of the existing or new banks agree to provide such increased amount. The borrowing base is redetermined annually under the terms of the revolving credit facility on April 1. In addition, either we or the banks may request an interim redetermination twice a year or in conjunction with certain acquisitions or sales of oil and gas properties.
Due to the significant decrease in natural gas and crude oil prices during 2015 and the related impact on certain of our financial covenants, effective December 31, 2015, we amended the agreements governing our senior notes and revolving credit facility to adjust certain financial covenants and to include an additional financial covenant. In addition, the amendments to our senior notes provide for potential increases in coupon rates ranging from 0 to 125 basis points depending on the asset coverage and leverage ratios at the end of the respective quarterly period. In addition, the amendment to our revolving credit facility increased the maximum margins we pay on borrowings under the credit facility. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding the amendments.
As a result of the recent decline in commodity prices, our borrowing base and related commitments under the revolving credit facility could be reduced in the future. Unless commodity prices continue to decline significantly from current levels, we do not believe that any such reductions would have a significant impact on our ability to service our debt and fund our drilling program and related operations.
We strive to manage our debt at a level below the available credit line in order to maintain borrowing capacity. Our revolving credit facility includes a covenant limiting our total debt. Management believes that, with internally generated cash flow and availability under our revolving credit facility, we have the capacity to finance our spending plans.
At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $413.0 million and $140.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, we had unused commitments of $1.4 billion under our revolving credit facility.
We were in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants, as amended, for both the revolving credit facility and senior notes as of December 31, 2015. See Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding our debt.
Cash Flows
Our cash flows from operations, investing activities and financing activities are as follows:
Operating Activities. Operating cash flow fluctuations are substantially driven by commodity prices and changes in our production volumes and operating expenses. Prices for natural gas and crude oil have historically been volatile, including demand for natural gas and crude oil, pipeline infrastructure constraints and seasonal influences. In addition, fluctuations in cash flow may result in an increase or decrease in our capital spending.
Our working capital is substantially influenced by the variables discussed above and fluctuates based on the timing and amount of borrowings and repayments under our revolving credit facility, the timing of cash collections and payments on our trade accounts receivable and payable, respectively, and changes in the fair value of our commodity derivative activity. From time to time, our working capital will reflect a deficit, while at other times it will reflect a surplus. This fluctuation is not unusual. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had working capital deficits of $90.8 million and $85.6 million, respectively. We believe we have adequate availability under our revolving credit facility and liquidity available to meet our working capital requirements.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2015 decreased by $495.7 million when compared to 2014. This decrease was primarily due to lower operating revenues and higher operating expenses (excluding non-cash expenses), partially offset by favorable changes in working capital and other assets and liabilities. The decrease in operating revenues was primarily due to a decrease in realized natural gas and crude oil prices, partially offset by an increase in equivalent production. Average realized natural gas and crude oil prices decreased by 34% and 48%, respectively, for 2015 compared to 2014. Equivalent production volumes increased by 13% for 2015 over 2014 as a result of higher natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale and higher oil production in the Eagle Ford Shale.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 increased by $211.9 million over 2013. This increase was primarily due to higher operating revenues, partially offset by higher operating expenses (excluding non-cash expenses) and an increase in working capital. The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to an increase in equivalent production, partially offset by a decrease in realized natural gas and crude oil prices. Equivalent production volumes increased by 29% for 2014 compared to 2013 as a result of higher natural gas in the Marcellus Shale and oil production in the Eagle Ford Shale. Average realized natural gas and crude oil prices decreased by 8% and 12%, respectively, for 2014 compared to 2013.
See "Results of Operations" for additional information relative to commodity price, production and operating expense fluctuations. We are unable to predict future commodity prices and, as a result, cannot provide any assurance about future levels of net cash provided by operating activities.
Investing Activities. Cash flows used in investing activities decreased by $671.5 million from 2014 to 2015 due to a decrease of $524.0 million in capital expenditures, $198.4 million lower acquisition costs and a $9.0 million decrease in capital contributions associated with our equity method investments. These decreases were partially offset by a $31.8 million decrease in proceeds from the sale of assets and $28.1 million of changes in restricted cash balances.
Cash flows used in investing activities increased by $746.6 million from 2013 to 2014 due to an increase of $284.9 million in capital expenditures, a decrease of $284.0 million in proceeds from the sale of assets, a $214.7 million increase in acquisition expenditures related to the acquisitions of Eagle Ford Shale assets that closed in the fourth quarter of 2014, and a $19.2 million increase in capital contributions associated with our equity method investments. Partially offsetting the increases was a $56.2 million decrease in restricted cash related to the release of funds by our qualified intermediary due to a lapse in the statutory holding period and the funding of oil and gas lease acquisitions during 2014 associated with like-kind exchange transactions pursuant to Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Financing Activities. Cash flows provided by financing activities decreased by $193.8 million from 2014 to 2015 due to $332.0 million of lower net borrowings and an increase in cash paid for capitalized debt issuance costs of $2.2 million related to the amendment of our credit facility in April 2015. These decreases were partially offset by lower treasury stock repurchases
of $138.9 million as no shares were repurchased in 2015 and a decrease of $1.4 million in tax benefits associated with our stock-based compensation.
Cash flows provided by financing activities increased by $539.6 million from 2013 to 2014 due to $545.0 million of higher net borrowings and a decrease in share repurchases of $25.8 million, partially offset by a decrease of $20.3 million in tax benefits associated with our stock-based compensation, an $8.0 million increase in dividends paid and an increase in cash paid for capitalized debt issuance costs of $2.9 million.
Capitalization
Information about our capitalization is as follows:
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(1)
Includes $20.0 million of current portion of long-term debt at December 31, 2015 and $413.0 million and $140.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
In 2015, we did not repurchase any shares of common stock. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we repurchased 4.3 million shares for a total cost of $138.9 million. During 2015 and 2014, we also paid dividends of $33.1 million ($0.08 per share) and $33.3 million ($0.08 per share) on our common stock, respectively.
Capital and Exploration Expenditures
On an annual basis, we generally fund most of our capital expenditures, excluding any significant property acquisitions, with cash generated from operations and, if required, borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We budget these expenditures based on our projected cash flows for the year. In 2015, capital expenditures exceeded our cash flow from operations, requiring us to fund a portion of our capital expenditures through borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
The following table presents major components of our capital and exploration expenditures:
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(1) Exploration expenditures include $3.3 million, $7.8 million and $0.4 million of exploratory dry hole expenditures in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
We plan to drill approximately 30 gross wells (30.0 net) in 2016 compared to 142 gross wells (132.8 net) drilled in 2015. In 2016, our drilling program includes approximately $325.0 million in total capital expenditures. We will continue to assess the natural gas and crude oil price environment along with our liquidity position and may increase or decrease our capital
expenditures accordingly. Due to the current commodity price environment, our overall capital spending in 2016 is expected to be lower than our expenditures in 2015.
Contractual Obligations
We have various contractual obligations in the normal course of our operations. A summary of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015 are set forth in the following table:
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(1)
Interest payments have been calculated utilizing the rates associated with our senior notes outstanding at December 31, 2015. Interest payments on our revolving credit facility were calculated by assuming that the December 31, 2015 outstanding balance of $413.0 million will be outstanding through the April 2020 maturity date and that our senior notes will remain outstanding through their respective maturity dates. A constant interest rate of 2.5% was assumed for the interest payments on our revolving credit facility, which was the December 31, 2015 weighted-average interest rate. Actual results will differ from these estimates and assumptions.
(2)
For further information on our obligations under transportation and gathering agreements, drilling rig commitments and operating leases, see Note 9 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3)
For further information on our equity investment contribution commitments, see Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Amounts related to our asset retirement obligation are not included in the above table given the uncertainty regarding the actual timing of such expenditures. The total amount of our asset retirement obligation at December 31, 2015 was $145.6 million. See Note 8 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
We have no off-balance sheet debt or other similar unrecorded obligations.
Potential Impact of Our Critical Accounting Policies
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, which is in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make certain estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and the related disclosures of assets and liabilities. The following accounting policies are our most critical policies requiring more significant judgments and estimates. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Successful Efforts Method of Accounting
We follow the successful efforts method of accounting for our oil and gas producing activities. Acquisition costs for proved and unproved properties are capitalized when incurred. Judgment is required to determine the proper classification of wells designated as developmental or exploratory, which will ultimately determine the proper accounting treatment of costs incurred. Exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, the costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties and exploratory dry hole costs are expensed. Development costs, including costs to drill and equip development wells and successful exploratory drilling costs to locate proved reserves are capitalized.
Oil and Gas Reserves
The process of estimating quantities of proved reserves is inherently imprecise, and the reserve data included in this document are only estimates. The process relies on interpretations and judgment of available geological, geophysical, engineering and production data. The extent, quality and reliability of this technical data can vary. The process also requires certain economic assumptions, some of which are mandated by the SEC, such as natural gas and crude oil prices. Additional assumptions include drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. Any significant variance in the interpretations or assumptions could materially affect the estimated quantity and value of our reserves and can change substantially over time. Periodic revisions to the estimated reserves and future cash flows may be necessary as a result of reservoir performance, drilling activity, commodity prices, fluctuations in operating expenses, technological advances, new geological or geophysical data or other economic factors. Accordingly, reserve estimates are generally different from the quantities ultimately recovered. We cannot predict the amounts or timing of such future revisions.
Our reserves have been prepared by our petroleum engineering staff and audited by Miller and Lents, independent petroleum engineers, who in their opinion determined the estimates presented to be reasonable in the aggregate. For more information regarding reserve estimation, including historical reserve revisions, refer to the Supplemental Oil and Gas Information to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8.
Our rate of recording depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) expense is dependent upon our estimate of proved and proved developed reserves, which are utilized in our unit-of-production calculation. If the estimates of proved reserves were to be reduced, the rate at which we record DD&A expense would increase, reducing net income. Such a reduction in reserves may result from lower market prices, which may make it uneconomic to drill and produce higher cost fields. A 5% positive or negative revision to proved reserves would result in a decrease of $0.04 per Mcfe and an increase of $0.05 per Mcfe, respectively, on our DD&A rate. Revisions in significant fields may individually affect our DD&A rate. It is estimated that a positive or negative reserve revision of 10% in one of our most productive fields would result in a decrease of $0.05 per Mcfe and an increase of $0.06 per Mcfe, respectively, on our total DD&A rate. These estimated impacts are based on current data, and actual events could require different adjustments to our DD&A rate.
In addition, a decline in proved reserve estimates may impact the outcome of our impairment test under applicable accounting standards. Due to the inherent imprecision of the reserve estimation process, risks associated with the operations of proved producing properties and market sensitive commodity prices utilized in our impairment analysis, management cannot determine if an impairment is reasonably likely to occur in the future. Based on the results of our impairment test of all of our oil and gas properties and the resulting impairment charge of approximately $114.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, we do not believe that further impairment of our oil and gas properties is reasonably likely to occur in the near future; however, in the event that commodity prices significantly decline from current levels, additional impairments of our oil and gas properties may be required.
Carrying Value of Oil and Gas Properties
We evaluate our proved oil and gas properties for impairment on a field-by-field basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset's carrying amount may not be recoverable. We compare expected undiscounted future cash flows to the net book value of the asset. If the future undiscounted expected cash flows, based on our estimate of future natural gas and crude oil prices, operating costs and anticipated production from proved reserves and risk-adjusted probable and possible reserves, are lower than the net book value of the asset, the capitalized cost is reduced to fair value. Commodity pricing is estimated by using a combination of assumptions management uses in its budgeting and forecasting process, historical and current prices adjusted for geographical location and quality differentials, as well as other factors that management believes will impact realizable prices. In the event that commodity prices significantly decline, management would test the recoverability of the carrying value of its oil and gas properties and, if necessary, record an impairment charge. Fair value is calculated by discounting the future cash flows. The discount factor used is based on rates utilized by market participants that are commensurate with the risks inherent in the development and production of the underlying natural gas and oil.
Unproved oil and gas properties are assessed periodically for impairment on an aggregate basis through periodic updates to our undeveloped acreage amortization based on past drilling and exploration experience, our expectation of converting leases to held by production and average property lives. Average property lives are determined on a geographical basis and based on the estimated life of unproved property leasehold rights. Historically, the average property life in each of the geographical areas has not significantly changed and generally range from three to five years. The commodity price environment may impact the capital available for exploration projects as well as development drilling. We have considered these impacts when determining the amortization rate of our undeveloped acreage, especially in exploratory areas. If the average unproved property life
decreases or increases by one year, the amortization would increase by approximately $10.5 million or decrease by approximately $8.0 million, respectively, per year.
As these properties are developed and reserves are proved, the remaining capitalized costs are subject to depreciation and depletion. If the development of these properties is deemed unsuccessful, the capitalized costs related to the unsuccessful activity is expensed in the year the determination is made. The rate at which the unproved properties are written off depends on the timing and success of our future exploration and development program.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The majority of our asset retirement obligations (ARO) relates to the plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells and to a lesser extent meter stations, pipelines, processing plants and compressors. We record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred, with the associated asset retirement cost capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The recognition of an asset retirement obligation requires management to make assumptions that include estimated plugging and abandonment costs, timing of settlements, inflation rates and discount rate. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, the asset retirement cost is depreciated using the units-of-production method, while increases in the discounted ARO liability resulting from the passage of time (accretion expense) are reflected as depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Under applicable accounting standards, the fair value of each derivative instrument is recorded as either an asset or liability on the balance sheet. At the end of each quarterly period, these instruments are marked-to-market. The change in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges and the ineffective portion of the change in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and are recorded as a component of operating revenues in gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The change in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges that are effective are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Our derivative contracts are measured based on quotes from our counterparties. Such quotes have been derived using an income approach that considers various inputs including current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, quoted forward prices for natural gas and crude oil, basis differentials, volatility factors and interest rates, such as a LIBOR curve for a similar length of time as the derivative contract term, as applicable. These estimates are verified using relevant NYMEX futures contracts or are compared to multiple quotes obtained from counterparties for reasonableness. The determination of fair value also incorporates a credit adjustment for non-performance risk. We measure the non-performance risk of our counterparties by reviewing credit default swap spreads for the various financial institutions in which we have derivative transactions, while our non-performance risk is evaluated using a market credit spread provided by one of our banks.
Our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity can be significantly impacted by changes in the market value of our derivative instruments due to volatility of natural gas and crude oil prices, both NYMEX and basis differentials.
Income Taxes
We make certain estimates and judgments in determining our income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. These estimates and judgments include the calculation of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities that arise from differences in the timing and recognition of revenue and expenses for tax and financial reporting purposes and estimating reserves for potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions that we have taken. We account for the uncertainty in income taxes using a recognition and measurement threshold for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on technical merits of the position. The amount of the tax benefit recognized is the largest amount of the benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The effective tax rate and the tax basis of assets and liabilities reflect management's estimates of the ultimate outcome of various tax uncertainties.
We believe all of our deferred tax assets, net of any valuation allowances, will ultimately be realized, taking into consideration our forecasted future taxable income, which includes consideration of future operating conditions specifically related to commodity prices. If our estimates and judgments change regarding our ability to realize our deferred tax assets, our tax provision could increase in the period it is determined that it is more likely than not it will not be realized.
Our effective tax rate is subject to variability as a result of factors other than changes in federal and state tax rates and/or changes in tax laws which could affect us. Our effective tax rate is affected by changes in the allocation of property, payroll and revenues among states in which we operate. A small change in our estimated future tax rate could have a material effect on current period earnings.
Contingency Reserves
A provision for contingencies is charged to expense when the loss is probable and the cost is estimable. The establishment of a reserve is based on an estimation process that includes the advice of legal counsel and subjective judgment of management. In certain cases, management's judgment is based on the advice and opinions of legal counsel and other advisors, the interpretation of laws and regulations, which can be interpreted differently by regulators and courts of laws, our experience and the experiences of other companies dealing with similar matters, and our decision on how we intend to respond to a particular matter. Actual losses can differ from estimates for various reasons, including those noted above. We monitor known and potential legal, environmental and other contingencies and make our best estimate based on the information we have. Future changes in facts and circumstances not currently foreseeable could result in the actual liability exceeding the estimated ranges of loss and amounts accrued.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation under the fair value method of accounting in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date for equity-classified awards and remeasured each reporting period for liability-classified awards based on the fair value of an award and is recognized over the service period, which is generally the vesting period. To calculate fair value, we use either a Monte Carlo or Black-Scholes valuation model, as determined by the specific provisions of the award. The use of these models requires significant judgment with respect to expected life, volatility and other factors. Stock-based compensation cost for all types of awards is included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. See Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a full discussion of our stock-based compensation.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The amendments in this update require deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however early adoption is allowed. This update may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. We elected to early adopt this standard on a prospective basis and, as a result, there have been no adjustments made to prior periods. The adoption of this guidance only affected our financial position and did not have an impact on our results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. The update provides authoritative guidance for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, noting the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. We do not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year, making the new standard effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. This ASU can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption; however, entities reporting under U.S. GAAP are not permitted to adopt the standard earlier than the original effective date for public entities (that is, no earlier than 2017 for calendar year-end entities). We are currently evaluating the effect that adopting this guidance will have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
OTHER ISSUES AND CONTINGENCIES
Regulations. Our operations are subject to various types of regulation by federal, state and local authorities. See "Regulation of Oil and Natural Gas Exploration and Production," "Natural Gas Marketing, Gathering and Transportation," "Federal Regulation of Swap Transactions," "Federal Regulation of Petroleum," "Pipeline Safety Regulation," and "Environmental and Safety Regulations" in the "Other Business Matters" section of Item 1 for a discussion of these regulations.
Restrictive Covenants. Our ability to incur debt and to make certain types of investments is subject to certain restrictive covenants in our various debt instruments. Due to the significant decrease in oil and natural gas prices during 2015 and the related impact on certain of our financial covenants, effective December 31, 2015, we amended the agreements governing our senior notes and revolving credit facility to adjust certain financial covenants and to include an additional financial covenant. Among other requirements, our senior note agreements and our revolving credit agreement specify a minimum annual coverage ratio of consolidated cash flow to interest expense for the trailing four quarters of 2.8 to 1.0, a minimum asset coverage ratio of the present value of proved reserves before income taxes plus adjusted cash to indebtedness and other liabilities of 1.25 to 1.0, which increases back to the pre-amended ratio of 1.75 to 1.0 beginning on January 1, 2018, and a leverage ratio of debt to consolidated EBITDAX of 4.75 to 1.0. through and including December 31, 2016. Under the terms of the respective agreements, the leverage ratio will be adjusted to 4.25 to 1.0 through and including December 31, 2017 and 3.5 to 1.0 beginning on March 31, 2018 or until we maintain a leverage ratio below 3.0 to 1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters on or after December 31, 2017 or we receive an investment grade rating by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) or Moody's Investor Service, Inc. (Moody's), at which time we will no longer be subject to this covenant. Our revolving credit agreement also requires us to maintain a minimum current ratio of 1.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants in both our senior note agreements and our revolving credit agreement.
Operating Risks and Insurance Coverage. Our business involves a variety of operating risks. See "Risk Factors-We face a variety of hazards and risks that could cause substantial financial losses" in Item 1A. In accordance with customary industry practice, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks and losses. The occurrence of any of these events not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The costs of these insurance policies are somewhat dependent on our historical claims experience, the areas in which we operate and market conditions.
Commodity Pricing and Risk Management Activities. Our revenues, operating results, financial condition and ability to borrow funds or obtain additional capital depend substantially on prevailing prices for natural gas and crude oil. Further declines in natural gas and crude oil prices may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and operating results. Lower natural gas and crude oil prices also may reduce the amount of natural gas and crude oil that we can produce economically. Historically, natural gas and crude oil prices have been volatile, with prices fluctuating widely, and they are likely to continue to be volatile. Depressed prices in the future would have a negative impact on our future financial results. In particular, substantially lower prices would significantly reduce revenue and could potentially trigger an impairment of our oil and gas properties or a violation of certain financial debt covenants. Because our reserves are predominantly natural gas (approximately 96% of equivalent proved reserves), changes in natural gas prices may have a more significant impact on our financial results than oil prices.
The majority of our production is sold at market responsive prices. Generally, if the related commodity index declines, the price that we receive for our production will also decline. Furthermore, we have experienced widening basis differentials in certain regions, such as in the Appalachian region, resulting in further declines in natural gas prices. Therefore, the amount of revenue that we realize is determined by certain factors that are beyond our control. However, management may mitigate this price risk on a portion of our anticipated production with the use of commodity derivatives. Most recently, we have used commodity derivatives such as collar and swap arrangements to reduce the impact of declining prices on our revenue. Under both arrangements, there is also a risk that the movement of index prices may result in our inability to realize the full benefit of an improvement in market conditions.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
2015 and 2014 Compared
We reported a net loss for 2015 of $113.9 million, or $0.28 per share, compared to net income for 2014 of $104.5 million, or $0.25 per share. The decrease in net income was primarily due to lower operating revenues, higher operating and interest expenses and a decrease in gain on sale of assets. These decreases were partially offset by lower impairments on oil and gas properties.
Revenue, Price and Volume Variances
Our revenues vary from year to year as a result of changes in commodity prices and production volumes. Below is a discussion of revenue, price and volume variances.
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(1)
Prices in 2014 include the impact of cash flow hedge settlements during the period, which decreased the price by $0.28 per Mcf. There was no impact in 2015.
(2)
Prices in 2014 include the impact of cash flow hedge settlements during the period, which decreased the price by $0.17 per Bbl. There was no impact in 2015.
Natural Gas Revenues
The decrease in natural gas revenues of $565.6 million was due to lower natural gas prices, partially offset by higher production associated with the positive results of our Marcellus Shale drilling program in Pennsylvania.
Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues
The decrease in crude oil and condensate revenues of $65.7 million was due to lower crude oil prices, partially offset by higher production. The increase in production was a result of our oil-focused Eagle Ford Shale drilling program in south Texas and production associated with the south Texas assets acquired in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Effective April 1, 2014, we elected to discontinue hedge accounting on a prospective basis. Subsequent to April 1, 2014, our derivative instruments were accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. Changes in fair value and cash settlements of derivative instruments are recognized in operating revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Impact of Derivative Instruments on Operating Revenues
Brokered Natural Gas
The $0.6 million decrease in brokered natural gas margin is a result of lower brokered volumes, partially offset by a decrease in purchase price that outpaced the decrease in sales price.
Operating and Other Expenses
Total costs and expenses from operations decreased by $629.2 million from 2014 to 2015. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:
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Direct operations decreased $4.7 million largely due to cost reductions from suppliers, improved operational efficiencies and lower workover and plugging and abandonment expenses in 2015 compared to 2014. These decreases were partially offset by higher operating costs associated with the south Texas assets acquired in the fourth quarter of 2014.
•
Transportation and gathering increased $78.3 million due to higher throughput as a result of higher Marcellus Shale production, higher transportation rates and the commencement of various transportation and gathering agreements throughout 2014.
•
Brokered natural gas decreased $17.4 million from 2014 to 2015. See the preceding table titled "Brokered Natural Gas" for further analysis.
•
Taxes other than income decreased $4.2 million due to $5.9 million lower production taxes resulting from lower crude oil and condensate revenues and $0.8 million lower drilling impact fees due to a decrease in our Marcellus Shale drilling activities. These decreases were partially offset by $2.0 million higher ad valorem taxes due to increased activity and the assets acquired in the fourth quarter of 2014 in south Texas and $0.6 million higher franchise taxes.
•
Exploration decreased $1.3 million as a result of lower exploratory dry hole costs of $4.5 million and $2.4 million lower geophysical and geological and other exploration expenses due to reduced activity. These decreases were partially offset by a $5.1 million charge related to the release of certain drilling rig contracts in south Texas in the first half of 2015.
•
Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased $10.5 million, of which $117.3 million was due to a lower DD&A rate of $0.93 per Mcfe for 2015 compared to $1.13 per Mcfe for 2014, partially offset by $79.9 million due to higher equivalent production volumes. The lower DD&A rate was primarily due to lower cost reserve additions associated with our Marcellus Shale drilling program and the impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2014 associated with higher DD&A rate fields. In addition, amortization of unproved properties increased $24.0 million as a result of ongoing evaluation of our unproved properties and the acquisition of undeveloped leaseholds in south Texas in late 2014. Accretion expense increased $1.8 million due to the acquisition of proved properties in south Texas in late 2014 and an increase in asset retirement obligations as a result of revisions of previous estimates recorded in fourth quarter 2014.
•
Impairment of oil and gas properties was $114.9 million in 2015 due to the impairment of certain non-core fields in south Texas, east Texas and Louisiana. The impairment of these fields was due to a significant decline in commodity prices in late 2015. In 2014, we recognized an impairment of oil and gas properties of $771.0 million related to certain non-core fields, primarily in east Texas. The impairment of these fields was due to a significant decline in commodity prices in late 2014 and management's decision not to pursue activity in these non-core areas in the then current price environments.
•
General and administrative decreased $13.1 million due to lower stock-based compensation expense of $7.8 million primarily due to a decline in the Company's stock price during 2015 compared to 2014 and $1.8 million lower incentive compensation expense. The remaining increase and decreases in other expenses were not individually significant.
Earnings (Loss) on Equity Method Investments
The increase in equity method earnings (loss) is the result of our proportionate share of net earnings from our equity method investments in 2015 compared to 2014.
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets
During 2015, we recognized a net aggregate gain of $3.9 million primarily due to the sale of certain unproved oil and gas properties in east Texas. During 2014, we recognized a net aggregate gain of $17.1 million primarily due to the sale of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties in east Texas.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $23.1 million due to $24.1 million of higher interest expense associated with our private placement in September 2014 of $925 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.65% and higher commitment fees on the unused portion of our revolving credit facility of $1.0 million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in interest expense of $1.7 million associated with our revolving credit facility due to a decrease in weighted-average borrowings based on daily balances of approximately $347.2 million compared to approximately $410.0 million during 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax benefit increased $1.3 million due to lower pretax income, partially offset by a higher effective tax rate. The effective tax rates for 2015 and 2014 were 39.2% and (222.4)%, respectively. The overall effective tax rate for 2014 was significantly lower due to a change in our effective state income tax rates based on updated state apportionment factors in states in which we operate. The 2014 decrease in our state apportionment factors was primarily driven by a shift in the sourcing of revenues based on the location of customers to whom we ultimately sell our natural gas in the northeast United States. The 2014 decrease in effective state income tax rates significantly affected our estimated net state deferred tax liabilities reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, resulting in an income tax benefit of approximately $87.0 million that was reflected in our provision for income taxes in 2014.
We expect our 2016 effective income tax rate to be approximately 37.0%; however, this rate may fluctuate based on a number of factors, including but not limited to changes in enacted federal and/or state tax rates that occur during the year, as well as changes in the composition and location of our asset base, our employees and our customers.
2014 and 2013 Compared
We reported net income for 2014 of $104.5 million, or $0.25 per share, compared to net income for 2013 of $279.8 million, or $0.67 per share. The decrease in net income was due to higher operating expenses, partially offset by an increase in operating revenues and lower income taxes.
Revenue, Price and Volume Variances
Our revenues vary from year to year as a result of changes in commodity prices and production volumes. Below is a discussion of revenue, price and volume variances.
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(1)
These prices include the impact of cash flow hedge settlements, which decreased the price by $0.28 per Mcf in 2014 and increased the price by $0.13 per Mcf in 2013.
(2)
These prices include the impact of cash flow hedge settlements, which decreased the price by $0.17 per Bbl in 2014 and increased the price by $1.48 per Bbl in 2013.
Natural Gas Revenues
The increase in natural gas revenues of $185.4 million is due to higher production, partially offset by lower natural gas prices. The increase in our production was the result of our Marcellus Shale drilling program in Pennsylvania, partially offset by lower production primarily in Oklahoma and west Texas as a result of certain non-core asset dispositions in the fourth quarter of 2013 and normal production declines in Texas and West Virginia.
Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues
The increase in crude oil and condensate revenues of $22.5 million is due to higher production, partially offset by lower crude oil prices. The increase in production was a result of our oil-focused Eagle Ford Shale drilling program in south Texas, partially offset by lower production associated with certain non-core asset dispositions in Oklahoma and west Texas in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments
Effective April 1, 2014, we elected to discontinue hedge accounting on a prospective basis. Subsequent to April 1, 2014, our derivative instruments were accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. Changes in fair value are recognized currently in operating revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Gain (loss) on derivative instruments includes an $81.7 million gain related to the change in fair value of realized cash settlements of derivative instruments previously frozen in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and a $137.6 million unrealized mark-to-market gain on our commodity derivative instruments.
Impact of Derivative Instruments on Operating Revenues
Brokered Natural Gas
The $2.1 million decrease in brokered natural gas margin is a result of lower brokered volumes and an increase in purchase price that outpaced the increase in sales price.
Operating and Other Expenses
Total costs and expenses from operations increased by $869.9 million from 2013 to 2014. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:
•
Direct operations increased $4.7 million largely due to higher operating costs as a result of higher production, an increase in disposal and recycling costs related to our Marcellus Shale operations and an increase in costs associated with oil processing and related fuel charges related to our Eagle Ford Shale operations. Partially offsetting these increases were lower costs associated with certain non-core assets in Oklahoma and west Texas that were sold in the fourth quarter of 2013.
•
Transportation and gathering increased $119.8 million due to higher throughput as a result of higher production, slightly higher transportation rates and the commencement of various transportation and gathering agreements in late 2013 and during 2014.
•
Brokered natural gas increased $0.1 million from 2013 to 2014. See the preceding table titled “Brokered Natural Gas” for further analysis.
•
Taxes other than income increased $4.0 million due to $2.5 million higher drilling impact fees associated with our Marcellus Shale drilling activities, $2.5 million higher production taxes and $0.9 million higher franchise and other taxes. Production taxes increased due to higher oil production in south Texas, offset by taxes associated with certain non-core assets in Oklahoma and west Texas that were sold in the fourth quarter of 2013. These increases are partially offset by a $1.9 million decrease in ad valorem taxes.
•
Exploration increased $10.6 million as a result of higher exploratory dry hole costs of $7.5 million and higher geophysical and geological and other exploration expenses.
•
Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased $18.3 million due to a $36.2 million decrease in amortization of unproved properties in 2014 due to lower amortization rates as a result of favorable results from our drilling program in Pennsylvania. This decrease was partially offset by a net increase in depreciation and depletion of $14.6 million, consisting of a $167.6 million increase due to higher equivalent production volumes for 2014 compared to 2013, partially offset by a decrease of $153.0 million due to a lower DD&A rate of $1.13 per Mcfe for 2014 compared to $1.42 per Mcfe for 2013. The lower DD&A rate was primarily due to lower cost of reserve additions associated with our Marcellus Shale drilling program and the impact of the disposition of higher rate fields in Oklahoma and west Texas in the fourth quarter of 2013.
•
Impairment of oil and gas properties was $771.0 million in 2014 due to the impairment of certain non-core fields, primarily in east Texas. The impairment of these fields was due to a significant decline in commodity prices in late 2014 and management's decision not to pursue activity in these non-core areas in the current price environment. There was no impairment in 2013.
•
General and administrative decreased $22.0 million due to lower stock-based compensation expense of $30.4 million associated with the mark-to-market of our liability-based performance awards and our supplemental employee incentive plan due to changes in our stock price during 2014 compared to 2013 and lower employee-related expenses. These decreases were partially offset by increases in professional fees.
Earnings (Loss) on Equity Method Investments
The increase in equity method earnings (loss) is the result of the increase in our proportionate share of net earnings from our equity method investments in 2014 compared to 2013.
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets
During 2014, we recognized a net aggregate gain of $17.1 million primarily due to the sale of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties in east Texas. During 2013, we recognized a net aggregate gain of $21.4 million, which includes a $19.4 million gain from the sale of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties located in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles and a $17.5 million loss from the sale of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties located in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas. We also sold various other proved and unproved properties in 2013 for a gain of $19.5 million.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased $7.7 million as a result of an increase in interest expense of $9.7 million associated with our private placement in September 2014 of $925 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.65%, higher commitment fees of $2.3 million and increased amortization of debt issuance costs of $1.1
million. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in interest expense of $3.1 million due to the repayment of $75.0 million of our 7.33% weighted-average senior notes in July 2013 and $1.1 million associated with our revolving credit facility due to a decrease in weighted-average borrowings based on daily balances of approximately $410.0 million compared to approximately $454.4 million during 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense decreased $277.8 million due to lower pretax income and a lower effective tax rate. The effective tax rates for 2014 and 2013 were (222.4)% and 42.4%, respectively. The overall effective tax rate was lower due to a change in our effective state income tax rates based on updated state apportionment factors in states in which we operate. The decrease in our state apportionment factors was primarily driven by a shift in the sourcing of revenues based on the location of customers to whom we ultimately sell our natural gas in the northeast United States. The decrease in effective state income tax rates significantly affected our estimated net state deferred tax liabilities reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, resulting in an income tax benefit of approximately $87.0 million that was reflected in our provision for income taxes in 2014.

ITEM 7A - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market Risk
Our primary market risk is exposure to natural gas and crude oil prices. Realized prices are mainly driven by worldwide prices for crude oil and spot market prices for North American natural gas production. Commodity prices can be volatile and unpredictable.
Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities
Our risk management strategy is designed to reduce the risk of price volatility for our production in the natural gas and crude oil markets through the use of commodity derivatives. A committee that consists of members of senior management oversees our risk management activities. Our commodity derivatives generally cover a portion of our production and provide only partial price protection by limiting the benefit to us of increases in prices, while protecting us in the event of price declines. Further, if any of our counterparties defaulted, this protection might be limited as we might not receive the full benefit of our commodity derivatives. Please read the discussion below as well as Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion of our derivative and risk management activities.
Periodically, we enter into commodity derivatives, including collar and swap agreements, to protect against exposure to price declines related to our natural gas and crude oil production. Our credit agreement restricts our ability to enter into commodity derivatives other than to hedge or mitigate risks to which we have actual or projected exposure or as permitted under our risk management policies and not subjecting us to material speculative risks. All of our derivatives are used for risk management purposes and are not held for trading purposes. Under the collar agreements, if the index price rises above the ceiling price, we pay the counterparty. If the index price falls below the floor price, the counterparty pays us. Under the swap agreements, we receive a fixed price on a notional quantity of natural gas or crude oil in exchange for paying a variable price based on a market-based index, such as the NYMEX gas and crude oil futures.
As of December 31, 2015, we did not have any outstanding commodity derivatives. In January 2016, we entered into natural gas swaps covering 52.0 Bcf of our expected natural gas production from April 2016 through October 2016 at a weighted-average price of $2.51 per Mcf. A significant portion of our expected natural gas and crude oil production for 2016 and beyond is currently unhedged and directly exposed to the volatility in natural gas and crude oil market prices, whether favorable or unfavorable.
During 2015, natural gas collars with floor prices ranging from $3.86 to $3.91 per Mcf and ceiling prices ranging from $4.27 to $4.43 per Mcf covered 70.9 Bcf, or 13%, of natural gas production at a weighted-average price of $3.87 per Mcf. Natural gas swaps covered 107.3 Bcf, or 19%, of natural gas production at a weighted-average price of $3.79 per Mcf.
We are exposed to market risk on commodity derivative instruments to the extent of changes in market prices of natural gas and crude oil. However, the market risk exposure on these derivative contracts is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity. Although notional contract amounts are used to express the volume of natural gas agreements, the amounts that can be subject to credit risk in the event of non-performance by third parties are substantially smaller. Our counterparties are primarily commercial banks and financial service institutions that management believes present minimal credit risk and our derivative contracts are with multiple counterparties to minimize our exposure to any individual counterparty. We perform both quantitative and qualitative assessments of these counterparties based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable. We have not incurred any losses related to non-performance risk
of our counterparties and we do not anticipate any material impact on our financial results due to non-performance by third parties. However, we cannot be certain that we will not experience such losses in the future.
The preceding paragraphs contain forward-looking information concerning future production and projected gains and losses, which may be impacted both by production and by changes in the future commodity prices. See “Forward-Looking Information” for further details.
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
The estimated fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties. The carrying amount reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
We use available market data and valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of debt. The fair value of debt is the estimated amount we would have to pay a third party to assume the debt, including a credit spread for the difference between the issue rate and the period end market rate. The credit spread is our default or repayment risk. The credit spread (premium or discount) is determined by comparing our senior notes and revolving credit facility to new issuances (secured and unsecured) and secondary trades of similar size and credit statistics for both public and private debt. The fair value of all senior notes and the revolving credit facility is based on interest rates currently available to us.
The carrying amount and fair value of debt is as follows:

ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited)
Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company") at December 31, 2015 and December 31,2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Houston, Texas
February 22, 2016
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Net of income taxes of $(57,477) and $22,454 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(2)
Net of income taxes of $53,135 and $1,803 for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(3)
Net of income taxes of $(1,043), $48 and $(2,977) for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(4)
Net of income taxes of $10 and $(255) for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation and Nature of Operations
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company) are engaged in the development, exploitation, exploration, production and marketing of natural gas, oil and, to a lesser extent, NGLs exclusively within the continental United States. The Company also transports, stores, gathers and purchases natural gas for resale. The Company's exploration and development activities are concentrated in areas with known hydrocarbon resources, which are conducive to multi-well, repeatable drilling programs.
The Company operates in one segment, natural gas and oil development, exploitation and exploration. The Company's oil and gas properties are managed as a whole rather than through discrete operating segments or business units. Operational information is tracked by geographic area; however, financial performance is assessed as a single enterprise and not on a geographic basis. Allocation of resources is made on a project basis across the Company's entire portfolio without regard to geographic areas.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries after eliminating all significant intercompany balances and transactions. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year statements to conform with current year presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on previously reported net income (loss).
Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less and deposits in money market funds that are readily convertible to cash to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents were primarily concentrated in one financial institution at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The Company periodically assesses the financial condition of its financial institutions and considers any possible credit risk to be minimal.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
The Company records an allowance for doubtful accounts for receivables that the Company determines to be uncollectible based on the specific identification method.
Inventories
Inventories are comprised of natural gas in storage, tubular goods and well equipment and pipeline imbalances. Natural gas in storage and tubular goods and well equipment balances are carried at average cost.
Natural gas gathering and pipeline operations normally include imbalance arrangements with the pipeline. The volumes of natural gas due to or from the Company under imbalance arrangements are recorded at actual selling or purchase prices, as the case may be, and are adjusted monthly to market prices.
Equity Method Investments
The Company accounts for its investments in entities over which the Company has significant influence, but not control, using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company increases its investment for contributions made and records its proportionate share of net earnings, declared dividends and partnership distributions based on the most recently available financial statements of the investee. The Company records the activity for its equity method investments on a one month lag. In addition, the Company evaluates its equity method investments for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that there is an other-than-temporary decline in the value of the investment.
Properties and Equipment
The Company uses the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Under this method, acquisition costs for proved and unproved properties are capitalized when incurred. Exploration costs, including geological and geophysical costs, the costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties and exploratory dry hole drilling costs, are expensed. Development costs, including the costs to drill and equip development wells and successful exploratory drilling costs to locate proved reserves are capitalized.
Exploratory drilling costs are capitalized when incurred pending the determination of whether a well has found proved reserves. The determination is based on a process which relies on interpretations of available geologic, geophysical, and engineering data. If a well is determined to be successful, the capitalized drilling costs will be reclassified as part of the cost of the well. If a well is determined to be unsuccessful, the capitalized drilling costs will be charged to exploration expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period the determination is made. If an exploratory well requires a major capital expenditure before production can begin, the cost of drilling the exploratory well will continue to be carried as an asset pending determination of whether reserves have been found only as long as: (i) the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its completion as a producing well if the required capital expenditure is made and (ii) drilling of an additional exploratory well is under way or firmly planned for the near future. If drilling in the area is not under way or firmly planned, or if the well has not found a commercially producible quantity of reserves, the exploratory well is assumed to be impaired and its costs are charged to exploration expense.
Development costs of proved oil and gas properties, including estimated dismantlement, restoration and abandonment costs and acquisition costs, are depreciated and depleted on a field basis by the units-of-production method using proved developed and proved reserves, respectively. Properties related to gathering and pipeline systems and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 25 years. Generally pipeline and transmission systems are depreciated over 12 to 25 years, gathering and compression equipment is depreciated over 10 years and storage equipment and facilities are depreciated over 10 to 16 years. Buildings are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 25 to 40 years. Certain other assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 3 to 10 years.
Costs of retired, sold or abandoned properties that make up a part of an amortization base (partial field) are charged to accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization if the units-of-production rate is not significantly affected. A gain or loss, if any, is recognized only when a group of proved properties (entire field) that make up the amortization base has been retired, abandoned or sold.
The Company evaluates its proved oil and gas properties for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate an asset's carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company compares expected undiscounted future cash flows to the net book value of the asset. If the future undiscounted expected cash flows, based on estimates of future natural gas and crude oil prices, operating costs and anticipated production from proved reserves and risk-adjusted probable and possible reserves, are lower than the net book value of the asset, the capitalized cost is reduced to fair value. Commodity pricing is estimated by using a combination of assumptions management uses in its budgeting and forecasting process as well as historical and current prices adjusted for geographical location and quality differentials, as well as other factors that management believes will impact realizable prices. Fair value is calculated by discounting the future cash flows. The discount factor used is based on rates utilized by market participants that are commensurate with the risks inherent in the development and production of the underlying natural gas and oil.
Unproved oil and gas properties are assessed periodically for impairment on an aggregate basis through periodic updates to the Company's undeveloped acreage amortization based on past drilling and exploration experience, the Company's expectation of converting leases to held by production and average property lives. Average property lives are determined on a geographical basis and based on the estimated life of unproved property leasehold rights. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, amortization associated with the Company's unproved properties was $41.4 million, $17.4 million and $53.6 million, respectively, and is included in depreciation, depletion, and amortization in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The associated asset retirement cost is capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The asset retirement costs are depreciated using the units-of-production method. The majority of the asset retirement obligations recorded by the Company relate to the plugging and abandonment of oil and gas wells. However, liabilities are also recorded for meter stations, pipelines, processing plants and compressors. At December 31, 2015, there were no assets legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations.
Additional retirement obligations increase the liability associated with new oil and gas wells and other facilities as these obligations are incurred. Accretion expense is included in depreciation, depletion and amortization expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The Company enters into derivative contracts, primarily options and swaps, to manage its exposure to price fluctuations on a portion of its anticipated future natural gas and oil production. The Company’s credit agreement restricts the ability of the Company to enter into commodity derivatives other than to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Company has actual or projected exposure or as permitted under the Company’s risk management policies and where such derivatives do not subject the Company to material speculative risks. All of the Company’s derivatives are used for risk management purposes and are not held for trading purposes.
All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet and are measured at fair value. At the end of each quarterly period, these derivatives are marked-to-market. If the derivative does not qualify or is not designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in income. If the derivative qualifies and is designated as a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income to the extent the hedge is effective.
For derivatives that qualify and are designated as a cash flow hedges, the hedging relationship between the hedging instruments and hedged items must be highly effective in achieving the offset of changes in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis. The Company measures hedge effectiveness on a quarterly basis. Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively if and when a hedging instrument becomes ineffective. Gains and losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges that become ineffective remain unchanged until the related production occurs. If the Company determines that it is probable that a forecasted hedged transaction will not occur, deferred gains or losses on the related hedging instrument are recognized in income immediately.
Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are included in natural gas and crude oil and condensate revenues. Gains and losses on derivatives which represent hedge ineffectiveness and gains and losses on derivatives not designated or that do not qualify for hedge accounting are included in operating revenues in gain (loss) on derivative instruments. The resulting cash flows are reported as cash flows from operating activities.
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
The Company follows the authoritative accounting guidance for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities in its financial statements. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants who are independent, knowledgeable and willing and able to transact would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. The Company is able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of these inputs. The authoritative guidance for fair value measurements establishes three levels of the fair value hierarchy, defined as follows:
•
Level 1: Unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
•
Level 2: Quoted prices in markets that are not considered to be active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
•
Level 3: Significant, unobservable inputs for use when little or no market data exists, requiring a significant degree of judgment.
The hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 measurements and the lowest priority to Level 3 measurements. Depending on the particular asset or liability, input availability can vary depending on factors such as product type, longevity of a product in the market and other particular transaction conditions. In some cases, certain inputs used to measure fair value may be categorized into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. For disclosure purposes under the accounting guidance, the lowest level that contains significant inputs used in the valuation should be chosen.
Revenue Recognition
Natural gas and oil sales result from interests in oil and gas properties owned by the Company. Sales of natural gas and oil are recognized when the product is delivered and title transfers to the purchaser. Payment is generally received one to three months after the sale has occurred.
Producer Gas Imbalances. The Company applies the sales method of accounting for natural gas revenue. Under this method, revenues are recognized based on the actual volume of natural gas sold to purchasers. Natural gas production operations may include joint owners who take more or less than the production volumes entitled to them on certain properties. Production volume is monitored to minimize these natural gas imbalances. Under this method, a natural gas imbalance liability is recorded if the Company's excess takes of natural gas exceed its estimated remaining proved developed reserves for these properties at the actual price realized upon the gas sale. A receivable is recognized only to the extent an imbalance cannot be recouped from the reserves in the underlying properties. The Company’s aggregate imbalance positions at December 31, 2015 and 2014 were not material.
Brokered Natural Gas. Revenues and expenses related to brokering natural gas are reported gross as part of operating revenues and operating expenses in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The Company buys and sells natural gas utilizing separate purchase and sale transactions, typically with separate counterparties, whereby the Company and/or the counterparty takes title to the natural gas purchased or sold.
Income Taxes
The Company follows the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rate in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in the year of the enacted rate change. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized.
The Company is required to make judgments, including estimating reserves for potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions that the Company has taken. The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a recognition and measurement threshold for tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. The tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities based on technical merits of the position. The amount of the tax benefit recognized is the largest amount of the benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The effective tax rate and the tax basis of assets and liabilities reflect management's estimates of the ultimate outcome of various tax uncertainties.
The Company recognizes accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions in interest expense and accrued penalties related to such positions in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the fair value method of accounting. Under this method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date for equity-classified awards and remeasured each reporting period for liability-classified awards based on the fair value of an award and is recognized over the service period, which is generally the vesting period. To calculate fair value, the Company uses either a Monte Carlo or Black-Scholes valuation model depending on the specific provisions of the award. Stock-based compensation cost for all types of awards is included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The tax benefit for stock-based compensation is included as both a cash outflow from operating activities and a cash inflow from financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company recognizes a tax benefit only to the extent it reduces the Company's income taxes payable.
Environmental Matters
Environmental expenditures are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate, depending on their future economic benefit. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations, and that do not have future economic benefit are expensed. Liabilities related to future costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when environmental assessments and/or remediation activities are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Any insurance recoveries are recorded as assets when received.
Credit and Concentration Risk
Substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable result from the sale of natural gas and oil and joint interest billings to third parties in the oil and gas industry. This concentration of purchasers and joint interest owners may impact the Company's overall credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions. The Company does not anticipate any material impact on its financial results due to non-performance by the third parties.
During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, two customers accounted for approximately 16% and 14%, two customers accounted for approximately 14% and 10% and four customers accounted for approximately 21%, 16%, 14% and 11%, respectively, of the Company's total sales. The Company does not believe that the loss of any of these customers would have a material adverse effect because alternative customers are readily available.
Use of Estimates
In preparing financial statements, the Company follows accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates pertain to proved natural gas and oil reserves and related cash flow estimates which are used to compute depreciation, depletion and amortization and impairments of proved oil and gas properties. Other significant estimates include natural gas and oil revenues and expenses, fair value of derivative instruments, estimates of expenses related to legal, environmental and other contingencies, asset retirement obligations, postretirement obligations, stock-based compensation and deferred income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The amendments in this update require deferred tax liabilities and assets to be classified as noncurrent. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however early adoption is allowed. This update may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company elected to early adopt this standard on a prospective basis and, as a result, there have been no adjustments made to prior periods. The adoption of this guidance only affected the Company's financial position and did not have an impact on its results of operations or cash flows.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in this update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. The update provides authoritative guidance for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, noting the SEC staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year, making the new standard effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. This ASU can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption; however, entities reporting under U.S. GAAP are not permitted to adopt the standard earlier than the original effective date for public entities (that is, no earlier than 2017 for calendar year-end entities). The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
2. Acquisitions and Divestitures
Acquisitions
In December 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties in the Eagle Ford Shale in south Texas for approximately $30.5 million. Total net cash consideration paid by the Company was approximately $29.9 million, which reflects the impact of customary purchase price adjustments and acquisition costs.
In October 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties in the Eagle Ford Shale in south Texas. Total net cash consideration paid by the Company was approximately $185.2 million, which reflects the purchase price of $210.0 million, adjusted by approximately $17.4 million for properties that the seller was unable to obtain consents for certain leaseholds prior to closing and approximately $7.4 million for the impact of customary purchase price adjustments and acquisition costs. In addition, the Company also assumed a liability of approximately $1.2 million related to asset retirement obligations of the wells acquired. In April 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of the remaining oil and gas properties for which the seller was unable to obtain consents at closing for approximately $16.0 million.
The Company accounted for these transactions as an asset purchase, whereby the identifiable assets acquired were recorded at cost, with the respective assigned carrying amount based on the relative fair value of the unproved and proved properties at the acquisition date. The fair value measurement of assets acquired was based on inputs that are not observable in the market and therefore represent Level 3 inputs. The fair value of oil and gas properties were measured using discounted future cash flows. The discount factor used was based on rates utilized by market participants that are commensurate with the risks inherent in the development and production of the underlying natural gas and oil. Significant inputs to the valuation of oil and gas properties include (i) reserves, including risk adjustments for probable and possible reserves; (ii) production rates based on the Company's experience with similar properties in which it operates; (iii) estimated future operating and development costs; (iv) future commodity prices; (v) future cash flows; and (vi) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate of 10.0%.
Divestitures
The Company recognized an aggregate net gain (loss) on sale of assets of $3.9 million, $17.1 million and $21.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
In October 2014, the Company completed the divestiture of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties in east
Texas to a third party for approximately $44.3 million and recognized a $19.9 million gain on sale of assets.
In December 2013, the Company sold certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties located in the Oklahoma and Texas panhandles to Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. for approximately $160.0 million and recognized a $19.4 million gain on sale of assets. The Company also sold certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties located in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas to a third party for approximately $123.4 million and recognized a $17.5 million loss on sale of assets.
In 2013, the Company sold various other proved and unproved oil and gas properties for approximately $44.3 million and recognized an aggregate net gain of $19.5 million.
3. Properties and Equipment, Net
Properties and equipment, net are comprised of the following:
Impairment
In December 2015, the Company recorded an impairment of $114.9 million associated with oil and gas properties in certain non-core fields in south Texas, east Texas and Louisiana. The impairment of these fields was due to a significant decline in commodity prices in late 2015. These fields were reduced to fair value of approximately $89.9 million using discounted future cash flows.
In December 2014, the Company recorded a $771.0 million impairment of oil and gas properties in certain non-core fields, primarily in east Texas. The impairment of these fields was due to a significant decline in commodity prices in late 2014 and management's decision not to pursue any further activity in these non-core areas in the current price environment. These fields were reduced to fair value of approximately $86.5 million using discounted future cash flows.
The fair value of the impaired fields was based on significant inputs that were not observable in the market and are considered to be Level 3 inputs as defined by ASC 820. Refer to Note 1 for a description of fair value hierarchy. Key assumptions included (i) reserves, including risk adjustments for probable and possible reserves; (ii) production rates based on the Company's experience with similar properties in which it operates; (iii) estimated future operating and development costs; (iv) future commodity prices; (v) future cash flows; and (vi) a market-based weighted average cost of capital rate of 10% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Capitalized Exploratory Well Costs
The following table reflects the net changes in capitalized exploratory well costs:
The following table provides an aging of capitalized exploratory well costs based on the date the drilling was completed:
4. Equity Method Investments
The Company has two equity method investments, Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution) and Meade Pipeline Co LLC (Meade), which are further described below. Activity related to these equity method investments is as follows:
Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC
In April 2012, the Company acquired a 25% equity interest in Constitution, which was formed to develop, construct and operate a 124 mile large diameter pipeline to transport natural gas from northeast Pennsylvania to both the New England and New York markets. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to invest its proportionate share of costs associated with the development and construction of the pipeline and related facilities, subject to a contribution cap of $250 million. The expected in-service date for the new pipeline is the fourth quarter of 2016; however, this estimate is contingent on the timely issuance of remaining outstanding permits. The Company expects to contribute approximately $139.0 million over the next two years.
Meade Pipeline Co LLC
In February 2014, the Company acquired a 20% equity interest in Meade, which was formed to participate in the development and construction of a 177-mile pipeline (Central Penn Line) that will transport natural gas from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania to an interconnect with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC’s (Transco) mainline in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The new pipeline will be constructed and operated by Transco and will be owned by Transco and Meade in proportion to their respective ownership percentages of approximately 61% and 39%, respectively. Under the terms of the Meade LLC agreement, the Company agreed to invest its proportionate share of Meade’s anticipated costs associated with the new pipeline. The Company expects to contribute approximately $130.2 million over the next two years. The expected in-service date for the new pipeline is scheduled for the second half of 2017.
5. Debt and Credit Agreements
The Company's debt and credit agreements consisted of the following:
The Company has debt maturities of $20.0 million due in 2016, $312.0 million due in 2018 and $100.0 million due in 2020. In addition, the revolving credit facility matures in 2020. No other tranches of debt are due within the next five years.
At December 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants, as amended, for both its revolving credit facility and senior notes.
Senior Notes
The Company has various issuances of senior notes. Interest on each of the senior notes is payable semi-annually. Under the terms of the various senior note agreements, the Company may prepay all or any portion of the notes of each series on any date at a price equal to the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest plus a make-whole premium.
Due to the significant decrease in natural gas and crude oil prices during 2015 and the related impact on certain of the Company's financial covenants, effective December 31, 2015, the Company amended the agreements governing its senior notes to adjust certain financial covenants and to include an additional financial covenant, as further described below. The amended agreements provide that the asset coverage ratio (present value of proved reserves to debt, as defined in the agreements) be calculated based on the present value of proved reserves before income taxes, whereas prior to these amendments, the present value was calculated after income taxes. The minimum asset coverage ratio was also reduced from 1.75 to 1.0 to 1.25 to 1.0 through and including December 31, 2017 and increases back to the pre-amended ratio of 1.75 to 1.0 beginning on January 1, 2018 and thereafter. The amendments also introduce a leverage ratio covenant, which is defined in the agreement as the ratio of debt to consolidated EBITDAX. The leverage ratio may not exceed a maximum ratio of:
• 4.75 to 1.0 through and including December 31, 2016;
• 4.25 to 1.0 through and including December 31, 2017; and
•
3.50 to 1.0 beginning on March 31, 2018 and remains in effect until the Company maintains a leverage ratio below 3.0 to 1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or after December 31, 2017, or receives an investment grade rating by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services (S&P) or Moody’s Investor Service, Inc (Moody's).
In addition, the amendments provide for potential increases to the original coupon rates ranging from 0 to 125 basis points depending on the asset coverage and leverage ratios at the end of the respective quarterly period, as defined in the note agreements. These potential increases lapse when the Company maintains a leverage ratio between 3.0 to 1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or after December 31, 2017 or receives an investment grade rating by S&P or Moody's. As of December 31, 2015, based on the Company's asset coverage and leverage ratios, there were no interest rate adjustments required for the Company's senior notes.
The note agreements continue to include a minimum annual coverage ratio of consolidated cash flow to interest expense for the trailing four quarters of 2.8 to 1.0, which was unchanged by the amendments. There are also various other covenants customarily found in such debt instruments. The notes are also subject to customary events of default.
In conjunction with the execution of the amendments, the Company incurred approximately $1.9 million of debt issuance costs, which were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the respective amended agreements in accordance with ASC 470-50, “Debt Modifications and Extinguishments.”
7.33% Weighted-Average Senior Notes
In July 2001, the Company issued $170 million of senior unsecured notes to a group of seven institutional investors in a private placement. The notes have bullet maturities and were issued in three separate tranches as follows:
As of December 31, 2015, the Company has repaid $150 million of aggregate maturities associated with the 7.33% weighted-average senior notes.
6.51% Weighted-Average Senior Notes
In July 2008, the Company issued $425 million of senior unsecured notes to a group of 41 institutional investors in a private placement. The notes have bullet maturities and were issued in three separate tranches as follows:
9.78% Senior Notes
In December 2008, the Company issued $67 million aggregate principal amount of 10 year 9.78% senior unsecured notes to a group of four institutional investors in a private placement.
5.58% Weighted-Average Senior Notes
In December 2010, the Company issued $175 million of senior unsecured notes to a group of eight institutional investors in a private placement. The notes have bullet maturities and were issued in three separate tranches as follows:
3.65% Weighted-Average Senior Notes
In September 2014, the Company issued $925 million of senior unsecured notes to a group of 24 institutional investors in a private placement. The notes have bullet maturities and were issued in three separate tranches as follows:
In conjunction with the issuance of the 3.65% weighted-average senior notes in September 2014, the Company incurred approximately $5.6 million of debt issuance costs, which were capitalized and are being amortized over the term of the notes. The amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Revolving Credit Agreement
The Company's revolving credit facility is unsecured. The borrowing base is redetermined annually under the terms of the revolving credit facility on April 1. In addition, either the Company or the banks may request an interim redetermination twice a year or in conjunction with certain acquisitions or sales of oil and gas properties.
Effective April 17, 2015, the Company amended its revolving credit facility to extend the maturity date from May 2017 to April 2020 and change the mechanism under which interest rate margins are determined for outstanding borrowings. The revolving credit facility, as amended, provides for a borrowing base of $3.4 billion and commitments of $1.8 billion. The amended credit facility also provides for an accordion feature, which allows the Company to increase the available credit line up to an additional $500 million if one or more of the existing or new banks agree to provide such an increased amount.
In conjunction with the Company's amendments to the senior notes, effective December 31, 2015, the Company also amended its revolving credit facility to adjust certain financial covenants and include an additional financial covenant, as further described below. The amendment provides that the asset coverage ratio (present value of proved reserves to debt, as defined in the agreement) be calculated based on the present value of proved reserves before income taxes, whereas prior to the amendment, the present value was calculated after income taxes. The minimum asset coverage ratio was also reduced from
1.75 to 1.0 to 1.25 to 1.0 through and including December 31, 2017 and increases back to the pre-amended ratio of 1.75 to 1.0 beginning on March 31, 2018. The amendment also introduces a leverage ratio covenant, which is defined in the agreement as the ratio of debt to consolidated EBITDAX. The ratio may not exceed a maximum ratio of:
• 4.75 to 1.0 through and including December 31, 2016;
• 4.25 to 1.0 through and including December 31, 2017; and
•
3.50 to 1.0 beginning on March 31, 2018 and remains in effect until the Company maintains a leverage ratio below 3.0 to 1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters beginning on or after December 31, 2017, or receives an investment grade rating by S&P or Moody’s.
In addition to the amendment to the asset coverage ratio and inclusion of the leverage ratio covenant, the amended revolving credit facility also increases the maximum leverage ratio and associated margins. Interest rates under the amended revolving credit facility are based on LIBOR or ABR indications, plus a margin which ranges from 50 to 300 basis points, as defined in the agreement. These rates will remain in effect (i) until the first date occurring on or after December 31, 2017 on which both the asset coverage ratio is greater than 1.75 to 1.0 and the leverage ratio is less than 3.0 to 1.0 for two consecutive fiscal quarters, at which time the related margins will revert back to pre-amendment levels of 50 to 225 basis points, or (ii) upon the Company achieving an investment grade rating from either Moody's or S&P, at which time the associated margins will be adjusted and determined based on the Company's credit rating on a prospective basis.
The revolving credit facility also contains various other customary covenants that remained unchanged as a result of the amendment, which include the following (with all calculations based on definitions contained in the agreement):
(a)
Maintenance of a minimum annual coverage ratio of consolidated cash flow to interest expense for the trailing four quarters of 2.8 to 1.0.
(b)
Maintenance of a minimum current ratio of 1.0 to 1.0.
The credit facility also provides for a commitment fee on the unused available balance at annual rates ranging from 0.30% to 0.50%. The other terms and conditions of the amended facility are generally consistent with the terms and conditions of the revolving credit facility prior to its amendment.
The Company incurred approximately $7.8 million and $1.1 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the April 17, 2015 and December 31, 2015 amendments to the revolving credit facility, respectively, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the term of the amended credit facility. The remaining unamortized costs will be amortized over the term of the amended revolving credit facility in accordance with ASC 470-50, "Debt Modifications and Extinguishments."
At December 31, 2015, the Company had $413.0 million of borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility and had unused commitments of $1.4 billion. The Company's weighted-average effective interest rates for the revolving credit facility during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately 2.2%, 2.2% and 2.3%, respectively.
6. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Through March 31, 2014, the Company elected to designate its commodity derivatives as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes. Effective April 1, 2014, the Company discontinued hedge accounting for its commodity derivatives on a prospective basis. As a result of discontinuing hedge accounting, the unrealized loss included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of April 1, 2014 of $73.4 million ($44.2 million net of tax) was frozen and reclassified into natural gas and crude oil and condensate revenues in the Statement of Operations throughout 2014 as the underlying hedged transactions occurred. As of December 31, 2014, there are no gains or losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) associated with the Company’s commodity derivatives.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any outstanding commodity derivatives. In January 2016, the Company entered into natural gas swaps covering 52.0 Bcf of its expected natural gas production from April 2016 through October 2016 at a weighted-average price of $2.51 per Mcf.
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Effect of Derivative Instruments on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The effective portion of gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on derivatives is as follows:
The effective portion of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into income is as follows:
(1) The Company ceased hedge accounting effective April 1, 2014. As a result, a loss of approximately $73.4 million related to amounts previously frozen in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) was reclassified into income during 2014.
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations
(1) Relates entirely to the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of previously frozen losses associated with derivatives that were de-designated as cash flow hedges on April 1, 2014.
There was no ineffectiveness recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Operations related to its derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Additional Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
The use of derivative instruments involves the risk that the counterparties will be unable to meet their obligations under the agreements. The Company's counterparties are primarily commercial banks and financial service institutions that management believes present minimal credit risk and its derivative contracts are with multiple counterparties to minimize its exposure to any individual counterparty. The Company performs both quantitative and qualitative assessments of these counterparties based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable.
Certain counterparties to the Company's derivative instruments are also lenders under its revolving credit facility. The Company's revolving credit facility and derivative instruments contain certain cross default and acceleration provisions that may require immediate payment of its derivative liabilities in certain situations. The Company also has netting arrangements with each of its counterparties that allow it to offset assets and liabilities from separate derivative contracts with that counterparty.
7. Fair Value Measurements
Financial Assets and Liabilities
The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about the Company's financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
The Company's investments associated with its deferred compensation plan consist of mutual funds and deferred shares of the Company's common stock that are publicly traded and for which market prices are readily available.
The derivative instruments were measured based on quotes from the Company's counterparties. Such quotes have been derived using an income approach that considers various inputs including current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, quoted forward prices for natural gas and crude oil, basis differentials, volatility factors and interest rates, such as a LIBOR curve for a similar length of time as the derivative contract term as applicable. Estimates are verified using relevant NYMEX futures contracts and/or are compared to multiple quotes obtained from counterparties for reasonableness. The determination of the fair values presented above also incorporates a credit adjustment for non-performance risk. The Company measured the non-performance risk of its counterparties by reviewing credit default swap spreads for the various financial institutions with which it has derivative transactions while non-performance risk of the Company is evaluated using a market credit spread provided by the Company's bank. The Company has not incurred any losses related to non-performance risk of its counterparties and does not anticipate any material impact on its financial results due to non-performance by third parties.
The most significant unobservable inputs relative to the Company's Level 3 derivative contracts are basis differentials and volatility factors. An increase (decrease) in these unobservable inputs would result in an increase (decrease) in fair value, respectively. The Company does not have access to the specific assumptions used in its counterparties' valuation models. Consequently, additional disclosures regarding significant Level 3 unobservable inputs were not provided.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities
The Company discloses or recognizes its non-financial assets and liabilities, such as impairments and acquisitions of oil and gas properties, at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company acquired certain oil and gas properties that were allocated based on the relative fair value of the proved and unproved properties. The Company also recorded an impairment charge related to certain oil and gas properties during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. Refer to Note 2 for additional disclosures related to the non-recurring fair value measurements associated with these acquisitions and Note 3 for additional disclosures related to fair value associated with the impaired assets. As none of the Company’s other non-financial assets and liabilities were measured at fair value as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 additional disclosures were not required.
The estimated fair value of the Company's asset retirement obligation at inception is determined by utilizing the income approach by applying a credit-adjusted risk-free rate, which takes into account the Company's credit risk, the time value of money, and the current economic state to the undiscounted expected abandonment cash flows. Given the unobservable nature of the inputs, the measurement of the asset retirement obligations was classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
The estimated fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties. The carrying amount reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and the remaining financial instruments are classified as Level 2.
The Company uses available market data and valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of debt. The fair value of debt is the estimated amount the Company would have to pay a third party to assume the debt, including a credit spread for the difference between the issue rate and the period end market rate. The credit spread is the Company's default or repayment risk. The credit spread (premium or discount) is determined by comparing the Company's senior notes and revolving credit facility to new issuances (secured and unsecured) and secondary trades of similar size and credit statistics for both public and private debt. The fair value of all senior notes and the revolving credit facility is based on interest rates currently available to the Company. The Company's debt is valued using an income approach and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying amount and fair value of debt is as follows:
8. Asset Retirement Obligations
Activity related to the Company's asset retirement obligations is as follows:
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $2.0 million is included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, which represents the current portion of the Company’s asset retirement obligation.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Transportation and Gathering Agreements
The Company has entered into certain natural gas, oil and NGL transportation and gathering agreements with various pipeline carriers. Under certain of these agreements, the Company is obligated to transport minimum daily quantities, or pay for any deficiencies at a specified rate. The Company is also obligated under certain of these arrangements to pay a demand charge for firm capacity rights on pipeline systems regardless of the amount of pipeline capacity utilized by the Company. In most cases, the Company's production commitment to these pipelines is expected to exceed minimum daily quantities provided in the agreements. If the Company does not utilize the capacity, it can release it to others, thus reducing its potential liability.
As of December 31, 2015, the Company's future minimum obligations under transportation and gathering agreements are as follows:
Drilling Rig Commitments
As of December 31, 2015, the Company has remaining commitments for two drilling rigs for its capital program in the Marcellus Shale and Eagle Ford Shale with initial terms ranging from two to three years. As of December 31, 2015, the future minimum commitments under these agreements are $7.7 million in 2016.
Lease Commitments
The Company leases certain office space, warehouse facilities, vehicles, machinery and equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable leases. Rent expense under these arrangements totaled $13.9 million, $10.8 million and $12.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases in effect at December 31, 2015 are as follows:
Legal Matters
The Company is a defendant in various other legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. All known liabilities are accrued when management determines they are probable based on its best estimate of the potential loss. While the outcome and impact of these legal proceedings on the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Contingency Reserves
When deemed necessary, the Company establishes reserves for certain legal proceedings. The establishment of a reserve is based on an estimation process that includes the advice of legal counsel and subjective judgment of management. While management believes these reserves to be adequate, it is reasonably possible that the Company could incur additional losses with respect to those matters in which reserves have been established. The Company believes that any such amount above the amounts accrued would not be material to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Future changes in facts and circumstances not currently foreseeable could result in the actual liability exceeding the estimated ranges of loss and amounts accrued.
10. Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) is summarized as follows:
Income tax expense (benefit) was different than the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:
The composition of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets were as follows:
As of December 31, 2015, the Company had alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $228.7 million, which do not expire and can be used to offset regular income taxes in future years to the extent that regular income taxes exceed the alternative minimum tax in any such year. The Company also had net operating loss carryforwards of $685.3 million and $530.4 million for federal and state reporting purposes, respectively, the majority of which will expire between 2021 and 2035. The Company has $4.6 million of state valuation allowances, and believes it is more likely than not that the remainder of the deferred tax benefits will be realized prior to their expiration. Tax benefits related to employee stock-based compensation included in net operating loss carryforwards but not reflected in deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2015 are approximately $117.8 million.
For state income tax purposes, the Company must estimate the respective amounts of future earnings that are subject to income tax in the various states in which the Company operates. These estimates may change based on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the composition and location of the Company’s asset base, its employees, and its customers. In 2015, the Company’s overall effective tax rate increased compared to 2014. The overall effective tax rate was significantly lower in 2014 due to a change in the effective state income tax rate based on updated state apportionment factors in the states in which the Company operates. The 2014 decrease in the Company’s state apportionment factors was primarily driven by a shift
in the sourcing of revenues based on the location of customers to whom the Company ultimately sells its natural gas in the northeast United States. The 2014 decrease in the effective state income tax rate significantly affected the Company’s estimated net state deferred tax liabilities reflected in its Consolidated Balance Sheet, resulting in an income tax benefit of approximately $87.0 million that was reflected in the Company’s provision for income taxes in 2014.
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
During 2013, the Company recorded unrecognized tax benefits of $3.7 million based on the allocation of certain gains associated with its divestitures for purposes of computing state income taxes. These benefits were reduced during 2014 by $3.0 million based on changes to the Company's state tax rates. There was no change to the Company's unrecognized tax benefits during 2015. If recognized, the net tax benefit of $0.7 million would not have a material effect on the Company's effective tax rate.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal, various states and other jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to examinations by state authorities before 2011 or by federal authorities before 2012. The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service for its 2012 tax year. The Company believes that appropriate provisions have been made for all jurisdictions and all open years, and that any assessment on these filings will not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
11. Employee Benefit Plans
Postretirement Benefits
The Company provides certain health care benefits for retired employees, including their spouses, eligible dependents and surviving spouses (retirees). These benefits are commonly called postretirement benefits. The health care plans are contributory, with participants' contributions adjusted annually. Most employees become eligible for these benefits if they meet certain age and service requirements at retirement. The Company was providing postretirement benefits to 276 retirees and their dependents at the end of 2015 and 278 retirees and their dependents at the end of 2014.
Obligations and Funded Status
The funded status represents the difference between the accumulated benefit obligation of the Company's postretirement plan and the fair value of plan assets at December 31. The postretirement plan does not have any plan assets; therefore, the unfunded status is equal to the amount of the December 31 accumulated benefit obligation.
The change in the Company's postretirement benefit obligation is as follows:
Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of the following:
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consist of the following:
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Assumptions
Assumptions used to determine projected postretirement benefit obligations and postretirement costs are as follows:
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Represents the year end rates used to determine the projected benefit obligation. To compute postretirement cost in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, the beginning of year discount rates of 4.00%, 4.75% and 4.00% were used.
Coverage provided to participants age 65 and older is under a fully-insured arrangement. The Company subsidy is limited to 60% of the expected annual fully-insured premium for participants age 65 and older. For all participants under age 65, the Company subsidy for all retiree medical and prescription drug benefits, beginning January 1, 2006, was limited to an aggregate annual amount not to exceed $648,000. This limit increases by 3.5% annually thereafter.
Assumed health care cost trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
Cash Flows
Contributions. The Company expects to contribute approximately $1.4 million to the postretirement benefit plan in 2016.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments. The following estimated benefit payments under the Company's postretirement plans, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid as follows:
Savings Investment Plan
The Company has a Savings Investment Plan (SIP), which is a defined contribution plan. The Company matches a portion of employees' contributions in cash. Participation in the SIP is voluntary and all regular employees of the Company are eligible to participate. The Company matches employee contributions dollar-for-dollar, up to the maximum IRS limit, on the first six percent of an employee's pretax earnings. The SIP also provides for discretionary profit sharing contributions in an amount equal to nine percent of an eligible plan participant's salary and bonus. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company made contributions of $7.1 million, $7.2 million and $6.9 million, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company's common stock is an investment option within the SIP.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company has a deferred compensation plan which is available to officers and certain members of the Company's management group and acts as a supplement to the SIP. The Internal Revenue Code does not cap the amount of compensation that may be taken into account for purposes of determining contributions to the deferred compensation plan and does not impose limitations on the amount of contributions to the deferred compensation plan. At the present time, the Company anticipates making a contribution to the deferred compensation plan on behalf of a participant in the event that Internal Revenue Code limitations cause a participant to receive less than the Company matching contribution under the SIP.
The assets of the deferred compensation plan are held in a rabbi trust and are subject to additional risk of loss in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the Company.
Under the deferred compensation plan, the participants direct the deemed investment of amounts credited to their accounts. The trust assets are invested in either mutual funds that cover the investment spectrum from equity to money market, or may include holdings of the Company's common stock, which is funded by the issuance of shares to the trust. The mutual funds are publicly traded and have market prices that are readily available. The Company's common stock is not currently an investment option in the deferred compensation plan. Shares of the Company's stock currently held in the deferred compensation plan represent vested performance share awards that were previously deferred into the rabbi trust. Settlement payments are made to participants in cash, either in a lump sum or in periodic installments. The market value of the trust assets, excluding the Company's common stock, was $12.9 million and $13.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Related liabilities, including the Company's common stock, totaled $22.4 million and $28.9 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and are included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. With the exception of the Company's common stock, there is no impact on earnings or earnings per share from the changes in market value of the deferred compensation plan assets because the changes in market value of the trust assets are offset completely by changes in the value of the liability, which represents trust assets belonging to plan participants.
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, 534,174 shares of the Company's common stock were held in the rabbi trust. These shares were recorded at the market value on the date of deferral, which totaled $5.7 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and is included in additional paid-in capital in stockholders' equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company recognized compensation expense (benefit) of $(6.4) million, $(4.9) million and $7.4 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations representing the increase (decrease) in the closing price of the Company's shares held in the trust. The Company's common stock issued to the trust is not considered outstanding for purposes of calculating basic earnings per share, but is considered a common stock equivalent in the calculation of diluted earnings per share.
The Company made contributions to the deferred compensation plan of $1.0 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which are included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
12. Capital Stock
Incentive Plans
On May 1, 2014, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2014 Incentive Plan, which replaced the 2004 Incentive Plan that expired on April 29, 2014. Under the 2014 Incentive Plan, incentive and non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), stock awards, cash awards and performance awards may be granted to key employees, consultants and officers of the Company. Non-employee directors of the Company may be granted discretionary awards under the 2014 Incentive Plan consisting of stock options or stock awards. A total of 18 million shares of common stock may be issued under the 2014 Incentive Plan. Under the 2014 Incentive Plan, no more than 10 million shares may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options. No additional awards may be granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan on or after May 1, 2024. At December 31, 2015, approximately 17.1 million shares are available for issuance under the 2014 Incentive Plan.
No additional awards will be granted under any of the Company’s prior plans, including the 2004 Incentive Plan. Awards outstanding under the 2004 Incentive Plan will remain outstanding in accordance with their original terms and conditions.
Treasury Stock
In August 1998, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program under which the Company may purchase shares of common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of these stock purchases are determined at the discretion of management. The Company may use the repurchased shares to fund stock compensation programs presently in existence, or for other corporate purposes. All purchases executed to date have been through open market transactions. There is no expiration date associated with the authorization to repurchase shares of the Company.
During 2015, there were no share repurchases. During the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased 4.3 million shares for a total cost of $138.9 million and 4.8 million shares for a total cost of $164.6 million, respectively. Since the authorization date, the Company has repurchased 29.9 million shares of the 40.0 million total shares authorized, of which 20.0 million shares have been retired, for a total cost of approximately $388.4 million. No treasury shares have been delivered or sold by the Company subsequent to the repurchase. As of December 31, 2015, 9.9 million shares were held as treasury stock.
Dividend Restrictions
The Board of Directors of the Company determines the amount of future cash dividends, if any, to be declared and paid on the common stock depending on, among other things, the Company's financial condition, funds from operations, the level of its capital and exploration expenditures, and its future business prospects. None of the senior note or credit agreements in place have restricted payment provisions or other provisions limiting dividends.
13. Stock-Based Compensation
General
Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $13.7 million, $21.5 million and $51.8 million, respectively, and is included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company realized $(1.4) million and $18.9 million tax (expense) benefit related to the federal tax deduction in excess of book compensation cost for employee stock-based compensation. There was no tax benefit recognized from stock-based compensation during the year ended December 31, 2015. The Company is able to recognize tax benefits only to the extent they reduce the Company's income taxes payable.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards are granted from time to time to employees of the Company. The fair value of restricted stock grants under the 2014 Incentive Plan is based on the closing stock price on the grant date. Restricted stock awards generally vest either at the end of a three year service period or on a graded or graduated vesting basis at each anniversary date over a three or four year service period.
For awards that vest at the end of the service period, expense is recognized ratably using a straight-line approach over the service period. Under the graded or graduated approach, the Company recognizes compensation cost ratably over the requisite service period, as applicable, for each separately vesting tranche as though the awards are, in substance, multiple awards. For all restricted stock awards, vesting is dependent upon the employees' continued service with the Company, with the exception of employment termination due to death, disability or retirement. The Company accelerates the vesting period for retirement-eligible employees for purposes of recognizing compensation expense in accordance with the vesting provisions of the Company's stock-based compensation programs.
The Company used an annual forfeiture rate assumption ranging from 5.0% to 6.0% for purposes of recognizing stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock awards. The annual forfeiture rates were based on the Company's actual forfeiture history for this type of award to various employee groups.
The following table is a summary of restricted stock award activity:
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value was $0.9 million and was calculated by multiplying the closing market price of the Company's stock on December 31, 2015 by the number of non-vested restricted stock awards outstanding.
(2)
As of December 31, 2015, the weighted average remaining contractual term of non-vested restricted stock awards outstanding was 1.2 years.
Compensation expense recorded for all restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.4 million, $1.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Unamortized expense as of December 31, 2015 for all outstanding restricted stock awards was $0.5 million and will be recognized over the next year.
The total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $0.2 million, $0.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units are granted from time to time to non-employee directors of the Company. The fair value of the restricted stock units under the 2014 Incentive Plan is based on the closing stock price on the grant date. These units vest immediately and compensation expense is recorded immediately. Restricted stock units are issued when the director ceases to be a director of the Company.
The following table is a summary of restricted stock unit activity:
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value was $7.5 million and was calculated by multiplying the closing market price of the Company's stock on December 31, 2015 by the number of outstanding restricted stock units.
(2)
Due to the immediate vesting of the units and the unknown term of each director, the weighted-average remaining contractual term in years has not been provided.
Compensation expense recorded for all restricted stock units for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.4 million, $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively, which reflects the total fair value of these units.
Stock Appreciation Rights
Stock appreciation rights (SARs) allow the employee to receive any intrinsic value over the grant date market price that may result from the price appreciation of the common shares granted. All of these awards have graded-vesting features and vest over a service period of three years, with one-third of the award becoming exercisable each year on the anniversary date of the grant and have a contractual term of seven years.
The following table is a summary of SAR activity:
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
The intrinsic value of a SAR is the amount which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the SAR. As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted-average remaining contractual term of SARs outstanding was $2.9 million and 2.2 years, respectively.
(2)
As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value and weighted-average remaining contractual term of SARs exercisable was $2.9 million and 2.2 years, respectively.
Compensation expense recorded for all outstanding SARs for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was no remaining unamortized expense to be recognized for the outstanding SARs.
The expected term was derived by reviewing minimum and maximum expected term outputs from the Black-Scholes model based on award type and employee type. This term represents the period of time that awards granted are expected to be outstanding. The stock price volatility was calculated using historical closing stock price data for the Company for the period associated with the expected term through the grant date of each award. The risk free rate of return percentages are based on the continuously compounded equivalent of the U.S. Treasury (Nominal 10) within the expected term as measured on the grant date. The expected dividend percentage assumes that the Company will continue to pay a consistent level of dividend each quarter.
Performance Share Awards
The Company grants three types of performance share awards: two based on performance conditions measured against the Company's internal performance metrics (Employee Performance Share Awards and Hybrid Performance Share Awards) and one based on market conditions measured based on the Company's performance relative to a predetermined peer group (TSR Performance Share Awards). The performance period for these awards commences on January 1 of the respective year in which the award was granted and extends over a three-year performance period. For all performance share awards, the Company used an annual forfeiture rate assumption ranging from 0% to 6% for purposes of recognizing stock-based compensation expense for its performance share awards.
Performance Share Awards Based on Internal Performance Metrics
The fair value of performance award grants based on internal performance metrics is based on the closing stock price on the grant date. Each performance award represents the right to receive up to 100% of the award in shares of common stock.
Employee Performance Share Awards. The Employee Performance Share Awards vest at the end of the three-year performance period. An employee will earn one-third of the award for each of the three performance metrics that the Company meets. These performance metrics are set by the Company's Compensation Committee and are based on the Company's average production, average finding costs and average reserve replacement over a three-year performance period. Based on the Company's probability assessment at December 31, 2015, it is considered probable that all of the criteria for these awards will be met.
The following table is a summary of activity for Employee Performance Share Awards:
Hybrid Performance Share Awards. The Hybrid Performance Share Awards have a three-year graded performance period. The awards vest 25% on each of the first and second anniversary dates and 50% on the third anniversary provided that the Company has $100 million or more of operating cash flow for the year preceding the vesting date, as set by the Company's Compensation Committee. If the Company does not meet the performance metric for the applicable period, then the portion of the performance shares that would have been issued on that anniversary date will be forfeited. Based on the Company's probability assessment at December 31, 2015, it is considered probable that the criteria for these awards will be met.
The following table is a summary of activity for the Hybrid Performance Share Awards:
Performance Share Awards Based on Market Conditions
These awards have both an equity and liability component, with the right to receive up to the first 100% of the award in shares of common stock and the right to receive up to an additional 100% of the value of the award in excess of the equity component in cash. The equity portion of these awards is valued on the grant date and is not marked to market, while the liability portion of the awards is valued as of the end of each reporting period on a mark-to-market basis. The Company calculates the fair value of the equity and liability portions of the awards using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
TSR Performance Share Awards. The TSR Performance Share Awards granted are earned, or not earned, based on the comparative performance of the Company's common stock measured against a predetermined group of companies in the Company's peer group over a three-year performance period.
The following table is a summary of activity for the TSR Performance Share Awards:
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1) The grant date fair value figures in this table represent the fair value of the equity component of the performance
share awards.
The current portion of the liability, included in accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $1.8 million and $7.0 million, respectively. The non-current portion of the liability for the TSR Performance Share Awards, included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014, was $0.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively. The Company made cash payments during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 of $7.0 million and $14.3 million, respectively. There were no cash payouts during 2013 associated with the TSR Performance Share Awards.
The following assumptions were used to determine the grant date fair value of the equity component of the TSR Performance Share Awards for the respective periods:
The following assumptions were used to determine the fair value of the liability component of the TSR Performance Share Awards for the respective periods:
The stock price volatility was calculated using historical closing stock price data for the Company for the period associated with the expected term through the grant date of each award. The risk free rate of return percentages are based on the continuously compounded equivalent of the U.S. Treasury (Nominal 10) within the expected term as measured on the grant date. The expected dividend percentage assumes that the Company will continue to pay a consistent level of dividend each quarter.
Other Information
Compensation expense recorded for both the equity and liability components of all performance share awards for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $18.3 million, $20.8 million and $30.9 million, respectively. Total unamortized compensation expense related to the equity component of performance shares at December 31, 2015 was $18.4 million and will be recognized over the next 1.0 years.
As of December 31, 2015, the aggregate intrinsic value for all performance share awards was $35.9 million and was calculated by multiplying the closing market price of the Company's stock on December 31, 2015 by the number of unvested performance share awards outstanding. As of December 31, 2015, the weighted average remaining contractual term of unvested performance share awards outstanding was approximately 1.1 years.
On December 31, 2015, the performance period ended for two types of performance share awards that were granted in 2013. For the Employee Performance Share Awards, the calculation of the three-year average of the three internal performance metrics was completed in the first quarter of 2016 and was certified by the Compensation Committee in February 2016. As the Company achieved the three performance metrics, 340,960 shares with a grant date fair value of $9.1 million were issued in February 2016. For the TSR Performance Share Awards, 254,980 shares with a grant date fair value of $5.9 million were issued, in addition to a cash payment of $1.8 million, based on the Company's ranking relative to a predetermined peer group. The calculation of the award payout was certified by the Compensation Committee on January 5, 2016.
Supplemental Employee Incentive Plan
The Supplemental Employee Incentive Plan (the Plan) adopted by the Company's Board of Directors is intended to provide a compensation tool tied to stock market value creation to serve as an incentive and retention vehicle for full-time, non-officer employees by providing for cash payments in the event the Company's common stock reaches a specified trading price. The Compensation Committee can increase any of the payments as applied to any employee if desired. Any deferred portion will only be paid if the participant is employed by the Company, or has terminated employment by reason of retirement, death or disability (as provided in the Plan). Payments are subject to certain other restrictions contained in the Plan.
The Plan currently provides for a payout if the closing price per share of the Company's common stock for any 20 trading days out of any 60 days consecutive trading days equals or exceeds an interim price goal per share within two years of the effective date of the plan (interim trigger date) or a final price goal per share within four years of the effective date of the plan (final trigger date). Under the Plan and upon approval by the Compensation Committee, each eligible employee may receive a distribution of 20% of base salary if the interim trigger is met or 50% of base salary if the final trigger is met (or an incremental 30% of base salary if the interim trigger was previously achieved). In accordance with the Plan, in the event either the interim or final trigger date occurs within the first 30 months from the effective date, 25% of the total distribution will be paid immediately and the remaining 75% will be deferred and paid at a future date as described in the Plan. For final trigger dates occurring during the last 18 months but before the end of the Plan, total distribution will be paid immediately.
The Plan is accounted for as a liability award under the authoritative accounting guidance for stock-based compensation and is valued as of the end of each reporting period on a mark-to-market basis using a Monte Carlo simulation model. In addition to the expected value of plan payouts, the simulation technique also generates an expected trigger date for the two types of payments made under this plan, which is used to determine the requisite service period. The Company recognized compensation expense (benefit) of $(0.3) million, $3.0 million and $11.5 million for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to the Plan. The Company made payments of $13.0 million under the Plan for year ended December 31, 2014.
SEIP III. On May 1, 2012, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Supplemental Employee Incentive Plan III (SEIP III) to replace the Supplemental Employee Incentive Plan II with an effective date of July 1, 2013. The SEIP III provided for a payout under the Plan if the closing price per share of the Company's common stock equals or exceeds the price goal of $25.00 per share by June 30, 2014 (interim trigger date) or $37.50 per share by June 30, 2016 (final trigger date).
On February 11, 2013, the Company achieved the price goal of $25.00 per share prior to the interim trigger date. Accordingly, a total distribution of approximately $6.8 million was earned by the Company's eligible employees under the Plan, of which 25% of the total distribution, or $1.7 million, was paid in February 2013 and the remaining 75%, or $4.9 million, was paid in August 2014 in accordance with the SEIP III.
On August 27, 2013, the Company achieved the price goal of $37.50 per share prior to the final trigger date. Accordingly, a total distribution of approximately $11.1 million was earned by the Company's eligible employees under the Plan, of which 25% of the total distribution, or $2.8 million, was paid in September 2013 and the remaining 75%, or $8.1 million, was paid in August 2014 in accordance with the SEIP III.
SEIP IV. On September 19, 2013, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Supplemental Employee Incentive Plan IV (SEIP IV) to replace the SEIP III with an effective date of October 1, 2013. The SEIP IV provides for a payout under the Plan if the closing price per share of the Company's common stock equals or exceeds the price goal of $55.00 per share by September 30, 2015 (interim trigger date) or $80.00 per share by September 30, 2017 (final trigger date). There were no amounts paid with respect to the interim trigger date as the Company's common stock did not equal or exceed the respective interim price goal of $55.00 per share.
The following assumptions were used to determine the fair value of the SEIP IV liabilities at the end of the respective periods:
Deferred Performance Shares
As of December 31, 2015, 534,174 shares of the Company's common stock representing vested performance share awards were deferred into the deferred compensation plan. No shares were sold out of the plan in 2015. During 2015, a decrease to the deferred compensation liability of $(6.4) million was recognized, which represents the decrease in the closing price of the Company's shares held in the trust during the period. The decrease in compensation expense was included in general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
14. Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similarly calculated except that the common shares outstanding for the period is increased using the treasury stock method to reflect the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock appreciation rights were exercised and stock awards were vested at the end of the applicable period.
The following is a calculation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, were as follows:
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into the Consolidated Statement of Operations were as follows:
16. Additional Balance Sheet Information
Certain balance sheet amounts are comprised of the following:
17. Supplemental Cash Flow Information
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
SUPPLEMENTAL OIL AND GAS INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Oil and Gas Reserves
Users of this information should be aware that the process of estimating quantities of "proved" and "proved developed" natural gas and crude oil reserves is very complex, requiring significant subjective decisions in the evaluation of all available geological, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. The data for a given reservoir may also change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors including, but not limited to, additional development activity, evolving production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. As a result, revisions to existing reserve estimates may occur from time to time. Although every reasonable effort is made to ensure that reserve estimates reported represent the most accurate assessments possible, the subjective decisions and variances in available data for various reservoirs make these estimates generally less precise than other estimates included in the financial statement disclosures.
Estimates of total proved reserves at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were based on studies performed by the Company's petroleum engineering staff. The estimates were computed using the 12-month average index price for the respective commodity, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average for the first day of the month price for each month during the respective year. The estimates were audited by Miller and Lents, Ltd. (Miller and Lents), who indicated that based on their investigation and subject to the limitations described in their audit letter, they believe the results of those estimates and projections were reasonable in the aggregate.
No major discovery or other favorable or unfavorable event after December 31, 2015, is believed to have caused a material change in the estimates of proved or proved developed reserves as of that date.
The following tables illustrate the Company's net proved reserves, including changes, and proved developed and proved undeveloped reserves for the periods indicated, as estimated by the Company's engineering staff. All reserves are located within the continental United States.
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
NGL reserves were less than 1.0% of our total proved equivalent reserves for 2015, 2014 and 2013 and 16.1%, 13.5% and 12.3% of our proved crude oil and NGL reserves for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(2)
Includes natural gas and natural gas equivalents determined by using the ratio of 6 Mcf of natural gas to 1 Bbl of crude oil, condensate or NGLs.
(3)
The net upward revision of 432.8 Bcfe was primarily due to (i) an upward performance revision of 372.6 Bcfe, primarily in the Dimock field in northeast Pennsylvania and (ii) an upward revision of 60.2 Bcfe associated with commodity pricing.
(4)
Extensions, discoveries and other additions were primarily related to drilling activity in the Dimock field located in northeast Pennsylvania. The Company added 890.6 Bcfe, 1,797.8 Bcfe and 1,653.3 Bcfe of proved reserves in this field in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(5)
Sales of reserves in place were primarily related to the divestiture of certain oil and gas properties in Oklahoma and west Texas in December 2013 which represented 132.3 Bcfe.
(6)
The net upward revision of 493.0 Bcfe was primarily due to (i) an upward performance revision of 492.1 Bcfe, primarily in the Dimock field in northeast Pennsylvania and (ii) an upward revision of 0.9 Bcfe associated with commodity pricing.
(7)
Purchases of reserves in place were primarily related to the acquisition of certain oil and gas properties in the Eagle Ford Shale in October and December 2014 which represented 77 Bcfe.
(8)
The net upward revision of 425.6 Bcfe was primarily due to an upward performance revision of 702.9 Bcfe associated with positive drilling results in the Dimock field in northeast Pennsylvania, partially offset by a downward revision of 277.3 Bcfe associated with lower commodity prices.
Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Producing Activities
Capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities and related accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization were as follows:
Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Property Acquisition, Exploration and Development Activities
Costs incurred in property acquisition, exploration and development activities were as follows:
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
The following information has been developed based on natural gas and crude oil reserve and production volumes estimated by the Company's engineering staff. It can be used for some comparisons, but should not be the only method used to evaluate the Company or its performance. Further, the information in the following table may not represent realistic assessments of future cash flows, nor should the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows (Standardized Measure) be viewed as representative of the current value of the Company.
The Company believes that the following factors should be taken into account when reviewing the following information:
•
Future costs and selling prices will differ from those required to be used in these calculations.
•
Due to future market conditions and governmental regulations, actual rates of production in future years may vary significantly from the rate of production assumed in the calculations.
•
Selection of a 10% discount rate is arbitrary and may not be a reasonable measure of the relative risk that is part of realizing future net oil and gas revenues.
•
Future net revenues may be subject to different rates of income taxation.
Under the Standardized Measure, future cash inflows were estimated by using the 12-month average index price for the respective commodity, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average for the first day of the month price for each month during the year.
The average prices (adjusted for basis and quality differentials) related to proved reserves are as follows:
In the above table, natural gas prices are stated per Mcf and crude oil and NGL prices are stated per barrel.
Future cash inflows were reduced by estimated future development and production costs based on year end costs to arrive at net cash flow before tax. Future income tax expense was computed by applying year end statutory tax rates to future pretax net cash flows, less the tax basis of the properties involved and utilization of available tax carryforwards related to oil and gas operations. The applicable accounting standards require the use of a 10% discount rate.
Management does not solely use the following information when making investment and operating decisions. These decisions are based on a number of factors, including estimates of proved reserves, and varying price and cost assumptions considered more representative of a range of anticipated economic conditions.
Standardized Measure is as follows:
Changes in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves
The following is an analysis of the changes in the Standardized Measure:
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
SELECTED DATA
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
For discussion of impairment of oil and gas properties, refer to Note 3 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2)
Operating income and net income include a $19.9 million gain on the disposition of certain of proved and unproved oil and gas properties in east Texas in the fourth quarter of 2014.

ITEM 9 - CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.

ITEM 9A - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures and Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
As of December 31, 2015, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, with respect to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms, of information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.
There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially effect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The management of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation's management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective at a reasonable assurance level based on those criteria.
The effectiveness of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

ITEM 9B - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III

ITEM 10 - DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 2016 annual stockholders' meeting. In addition, the information set forth under the caption "Business-Other Business Matters-Corporate Governance Matters" in Item 1 regarding our Code of Business Conduct is incorporated by reference in response to this Item.

ITEM 11 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 2016 annual stockholders' meeting.

ITEM 12 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 2016 annual stockholders' meeting.

ITEM 13 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 2016 annual stockholders' meeting.

ITEM 14 - PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement in connection with the 2016 annual stockholders' meeting.
PART IV

ITEM 15 - EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
A. INDEX
1. Consolidated Financial Statements
See Index on page 55.
2. Financial Statement Schedules
Financial statement schedules listed under SEC rules but not included in this report are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is provided in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
3. Exhibits
The following instruments are included as exhibits to this report. Those exhibits below incorporated by reference herein are indicated as such by the information supplied in the parenthetical thereafter. If no parenthetical appears after an exhibit, copies of the instrument have been included herewith. Our Commission file number is 1-10447.
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (Form 8-K for January 21, 2010).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated as of May 1, 2012 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).
3.3
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation, dated as of May 1, 2014 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014).
3.4
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (Form 8-K dated March 12, 2015).
4.1
Form of Certificate of Common Stock of the Company (Registration Statement No. 33-32553).
4.2
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 26, 2001 among Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and the Purchasers listed therein (Form 8-K for August 30, 2001).
(a) Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
(b) Amendment No. 2 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2010 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010).
(c) Amendment No. 3 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2015 (Form 8-K for February 9, 2016).
4.3
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 16, 2008 among Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and the Purchasers named therein (Form 8-K for July 16, 2008).
(a) Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
(b) Amendment No. 2 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2015 (Form 8-K for February 9, 2016).
4.4
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of December 1, 2008 among Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and the Purchasers named therein (Form 10-K for 2008).
(a) Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2010 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010).
(b) Amendment No. 2 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2015 (Form 8-K for February 9, 2016).
4.5
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of December 30, 2010 among Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and the Purchasers named therein (Form 10-K for 2010).
(a) Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2015 (Form 8-K for February 9, 2016).
4.6
Note Purchase Agreement dated as of September 18, 2014 among Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and the Purchasers named therein (Form 8-K for September 24, 2014).
(a) Amendment No. 1 to Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2015 (Form 8-K for February 9, 2016).
*10.1
Form of Change in Control Agreement between the Company and Certain Officers (Form 10-K for 2008).
(a) Form of Change in Control Agreement between the Company and Certain Officers (Confirmation that Certain Benefits no Longer Apply) (Form 10-K for 2010).
*10.2
Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Company and Certain Officers (Form 10-K for 2012).
*10.3
Deferred Compensation Plan of the Company, as Amended and Restated, Effective January 1, 2011 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011).
*10.4
Employment Agreement between the Company and Dan O. Dinges dated August 29, 2001 (Form 10-K for 2001).
(a) Amendment to Employment Agreement between the Company and Dan O. Dinges, effective December 31, 2008 (Form 10-K for 2008).
*10.5
2004 Incentive Plan (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004).
(a) First Amendment to the 2004 Incentive Plan effective February 23, 2007 (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007).
(b) Second Amendment to the 2004 Incentive Plan Amendment, effective as of December 31, 2008 (Form 10-K for 2008).
*10.6
2012 Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (Form 10-K for 2012).
*10.7
Forms of Award Agreements for Executive Officers under 2004 Incentive Plan.
(a) 2012 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Form 10-K for 2012).
(b) 2012 Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Award Agreement (Form 10-K for 2012).
(c) 2012 Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Officers) (Form 10-K for 2012).
(d) 2012 Form of Hybrid Performance Share Award Agreement (Form 10-K for 2012).
(e) 2012 Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Employees) (Form 10-K for 2012).
*10.8
2014 Incentive Plan (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014).
(a) 2014 Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Unit Award Agreement (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014).
(b) 2015 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (3 year graded) (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015).
(c) 2015 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (3 year cliff) (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015).
(d) 2015 Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Officers) (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015).
(e) 2015 Form of Hybrid Performance Share Award Agreement (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015).
(f) 2015 Form of Performance Share Award Agreement (Employees) (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015).
10.9
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Mineral, Royalty and Overriding Royalty Interest Plan (Registration Statement No. 333-135365).
(a) Form of Conveyance of Mineral and/or Royalty Interest (Registration Statement No. 333-135365).
(b) Form of Conveyance of Overriding Royalty Interest (Registration Statement No. 333-135365).
*10.10
Savings Investment Plan of the Company, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2009 (Form 10-K for 2009).
(a) First Amendment to the Savings Investment Plan of the Company effective October 1, 2010 (Form 10-K for 2010).
*10.11
Nonemployee Director Deferred Compensation Plan effective December 21, 2012 (Form 10-K for 2012).
10.12
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 22, 2010, among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Banc of America Securities LLC, as Syndication Agent, Bank of Montreal, as Documentation Agent, and the Lenders party thereto (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010).
10.13
First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2012, among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Banc of America Securities as Syndication Agent, Bank of Montreal as Documentation Agent, and the Lenders party thereto (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012).
10.14
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 18, 2012, among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Banc of America Securities and Bank of Montreal as Co-Syndication Agents, BNP Paribas and Wells Fargo as Co-Documentation Agents, and the Lenders party thereto (Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012).
10.15
Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2015 (Form 8-K dated April 23, 2015).
10.16
Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 31, 2015 (Form 8-K dated February 9, 2016).
10.17
Maximum Credit Amount Increase and Additional Lender Agreement, among the Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Administrative Agent and Toronto Dominion (New York) LLC, Additional Lender, dated as of December 18, 2013 (Form 10-K for 2013).
21.1
Subsidiaries of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation.
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
23.2
Consent of Miller and Lents, Ltd.
31.1
302 Certification-Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.
31.2
302 Certification-Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
32.1
906 Certification.
99.1
Miller and Lents, Ltd. Audit Letter.
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
_______________________________________________________________________________
*
Compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Houston, State of Texas, on the 22nd of February 2016.
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
By:
/s/ DAN O. DINGES
Dan O. Dinges
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ DAN O. DINGES
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
February 22, 2016
Dan O. Dinges
/s/ SCOTT C. SCHROEDER
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
February 22, 2016
Scott C. Schroeder
/s/ TODD M. ROEMER
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
February 22, 2016
Todd M. Roemer
/s/ DOROTHY M. ABLES
Director
February 22, 2016
Dorothy M. Ables
/s/ RHYS J. BEST
Director
February 22, 2016
Rhys J. Best
/s/ ROBERT S. BOSWELL
Director
February 22, 2016
Robert S. Boswell
/s/ ROBERT L. KEISER
Director
February 22, 2016
Robert L. Keiser
/s/ ROBERT KELLEY
Director
February 22, 2016
Robert Kelley
/s/ W. MATT RALLS
Director
February 22, 2016
W. Matt Ralls

Market Capitalization: 8914867.87891388
1-Year Return: 0.08186846226453781
252-Day Return: $252_day_return