We define Adjusted Earnings as net income ( loss ) before ( i ) the after-tax effects of unrealized commodity and interest rate derivative gains and losses , ( ii ) loss on the extinguishment of debt in 2007 , ( iii ) costs associated with the cancellation of the MLP offering in 2008 , and ( iv ) the non-cash , full-cost ceiling test impairment in the fourth quarter of 2008 . We believe that Adjusted Earnings facilitates comparisons to earnings forecasts prepared by stock analysts and other third parties .