UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K  
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
OR  
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from             
Commission file number: 001-38602
Chaparral Energy, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
 
Delaware
 
73-1590941
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
701 Cedar Lake Boulevard
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
 
73114
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)
(405) 478-8770
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock, par value, $0.01 per share
 
The New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x     No  ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes   x     No  ☐
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (Section 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
x
Non-accelerated filer
 
 
 
 
 
 
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.      ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒
As of June 29, 2018, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class A common stock held by non-affiliates was $580.1 million . As of June 30, 2018, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class B common stock held by non-affiliates was not determinable as such shares are privately held and there is no public market for such shares.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.Yes  ☒     No  ☐
Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of March 12, 2019 :
 
 
Class
Number of shares
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value
46,451,200

Documents incorporated by reference:
Certain information called for in Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
Index to Form 10-K
 
Part I
 
 
 
 
 
Items 1. and 2.
 
 
 
Item 1A.
 
 
 
Item 1B.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
Part II
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
Item 7.
 
 
 
Item 7A.
 
 
 
Item 8.
 
 
 
Item 9.
 
 
 
Item 9A.
 
 
 
Item 9B.
 
 
 
Part III
 
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
 
 
 
Item 11.
 
 
 
Item 12.
 
 
 
Item 13.
 
 
 
Item 14.
 
 
 
Part IV
 
 
 
 
 
Item 15.
 
 
 


1



CAUTIONARY NOTE
REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report includes statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements may relate to, but are not limited to, information or assumptions about us, our capital and other expenditures, dividends, financing plans, capital structure, cash flow, pending legal and regulatory proceedings and claims, including environmental matters, future economic performance, operating income, cost savings, and management’s plans, strategies, goals and objectives for future operations and growth. These forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “should,” “seek,” “project,” “plan” or similar expressions. Any statement that is not a historical fact is a forward-looking statement. It should be understood that these forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of senior management, not guarantees of future performance. They are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this report may include, for example, statements about:

fluctuations in demand or the prices received for oil and natural gas;
the amount, nature and timing of capital expenditures;
drilling, completion and performance of wells;
competition and government regulations;
timing and amount of future production of oil and natural gas;
costs of exploiting and developing properties and conducting other operations, in the aggregate and on a per-unit equivalent basis;
changes in proved reserves;
operating costs and other expenses;
our future financial condition, results of operations, revenue, cash flows and expenses;
estimates of proved reserves;
exploitation of property acquisitions; and
marketing of oil and natural gas.

These forward-looking statements represent intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Many of those factors are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. In addition to the risk factors described under the heading “Risk Factors,” the factors include:

worldwide supply of and demand for oil and natural gas;
volatility and declines in oil and natural gas prices;
drilling plans (including scheduled and budgeted wells);
our new capital structure and the adoption of fresh start accounting, including the risk that assumptions and factors used in estimating enterprise value vary significantly from current values;
the number, timing or results of any wells;
changes in wells operated and in reserve estimates;
future growth and expansion;
future exploration;
integration of existing and new technologies into operations;
future capital expenditures (or funding thereof) and working capital;
effectiveness and extent of our risk management activities;
availability and cost of equipment;
risks related to the concentration of our operations in the mid-continent geographic area;
borrowings and capital resources and liquidity;
covenant compliance under instruments governing any of our existing or future indebtedness;
changes in strategy and business discipline, including our post-emergence business strategy;
future tax matters;
legislation and regulatory initiatives;
any loss of key personnel;
geopolitical events affecting oil and natural gas prices;
weather, including its impact on oil and natural gas demand and weather-related delays on operations;
outcome, effects or timing of legal proceedings;
the effect of litigation and contingencies;
the outcome, timing or effects of environmental litigation;
the ability to generate additional prospects; and

2



the ability to successfully complete merger, acquisition or divestiture plans, regulatory or other limitations imposed as a result of a merger, acquisition or divestiture, and the success of the business following a merger, acquisition or divestiture.

Reserve engineering is a process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact way. The accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data, the interpretation of such data and price and cost assumptions made by reserve engineers. In addition, the results of drilling, testing and production activities may justify revisions of estimates that were made previously. If significant, such revisions may change the schedule of any future production and development drilling. Accordingly, reserve estimates may differ significantly from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary in material respects from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained herein. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section.


3



GLOSSARY OF CERTAIN DEFINED TERMS
The terms defined in this section are used throughout this annual report on Form 10-K:
Bankruptcy Court
United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware
 
 
Basin
A low region or natural depression in the earth’s crust where sedimentary deposits accumulate.
 
 
Bbl
One stock tank barrel of 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume used herein in reference to crude oil, condensate, or natural gas liquids.
 
 
BBtu
One billion British thermal units.
 
 
Boe
Barrels of oil equivalent using the ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil.
 
 
Boe/d
Barrels of oil equivalent per day.
 
 
Btu
British thermal unit, which is the heat required to raise the temperature of a one-pound mass of water from 58.5 to 59.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
 
 
Completion
The process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or natural gas, or in the case of a dry well, the reporting to the appropriate authority that the well has been abandoned.
 
 
CO 2
Carbon dioxide.
 
 
Developed acreage
The number of acres that are assignable to productive wells.
 
 
Development well
A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.
 
 
Disclosure Statement
Disclosure Statement for the Joint Plan of Reorganization for Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its Affiliate Debtors Under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.
 
 
Dry well or dry hole
An exploratory, development or extension well that proves to be incapable of producing either oil or natural gas in sufficient quantities to justify completion as an oil or natural gas well.
 
 
EOR Areas
Areas where we previously injected, planned to inject and/or recycled CO2 as a means of oil recovery.  
 
 
Enhanced oil recovery (EOR)
The use of any improved recovery method, including injection of CO 2  or polymer, to remove additional oil after Secondary Recovery.
 
 
Exit Credit Facility
Ninth Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, by and among us, Chaparral Energy, L.L.C., in its capacity as Borrower Representative for the Borrowers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders named therein, as amended.
 
 
Exit Revolver
A first-out revolving facility under the Exit Credit Facility.
 
 
Exit Term Loan
A second-out term loan under the Exit Credit Facility.
 
 
Exploratory well
A well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to produce oil or natural gas in another reservoir.
 
 
Field
An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on, or related to, the same individual geological structural feature or stratigraphic condition. The field name refers to the surface area, although it may refer to both the surface and the underground productive formations.
 
 
Horizontal drilling
A drilling technique used in certain formations where a well is drilled vertically to a certain depth and then drilled at a right angle within a specified interval.
 
 

4



Limestone/carbonate
A sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. It is an important reservoir rock for hydrocarbon production in the earth’s subsurface. It can be composed of various calcium carbonate grains or chemically precipitated. It often contains variable amounts of silica, silt, and clay. It is highly soluble which often results in secondary porosity and karsting. This can vary greatly from place to place. These factors all generally make this rock type a more heterogeneous deposit than sandstone.
 
 
MBbls
One thousand barrels of crude oil, condensate, or natural gas liquids.
 
 
MBoe
One thousand barrels of crude oil equivalent.
 
 
Mcf
One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.
 
 
MERGE
An area which represents the intersection of historical STACK and SCOOP (acronym for South Central Oklahoma Oil Province, a play in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma) play outlines in Central Oklahoma.
 
 
MMBoe
One million barrels of crude oil equivalent.
 
 
MMBtu
One million British thermal units.
 
 
MMcf
One million cubic feet of natural gas.
 
 
MMcf/d
Millions of cubic feet per day.
 
 
Natural gas liquids (NGLs)
Those hydrocarbons in natural gas that are separated from the gas as liquids through the process of absorption, condensation, adsorption or other methods in gas processing or cycling plants. Natural gas liquids primarily include propane, butane, isobutane, pentane, hexane and natural gasoline.
 
 
Net acres
The percentage of total acres an owner has out of a particular number of acres, or in a specified tract. An owner who has a 50% interest in 100 acres owns 50 net acres.
 
 
New Credit Facility
Tenth Restated Credit Agreement, as amended, by and among Chaparral Energy, Inc., Royal Bank of Canada as Administrative Agent and the Lenders and Prepetition Borrowers Party Hereto.
 
 
NYMEX
The New York Mercantile Exchange.
 
 
OPEC
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
 
 
Play
A term describing an area of land following the identification by geologists and geophysicists of reservoirs with potential oil and natural gas reserves.
 
 
Prior Credit Facility
Eighth Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2010, by and among us, Chaparral Energy, Inc., as Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and The Lenders and Prepetition Borrowers Party Hereto.
 
 
Prior Senior Notes
Collectively, our 9.875% senior notes due 2020, 8.25% senior notes due 2021, and 7.625% senior notes due 2022, of which all obligations have been discharged upon consummation of our Reorganization Plan.
 
 
Productive well
A well that is currently producing oil or natural gas or is found to be capable of producing oil or natural gas in sufficient quantities to justify completion as an oil or natural gas well.
 
 
Proved developed reserves
Reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods, or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well.
 
 
Proved reserves
The quantities of oil and natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain.
 
 
Proved undeveloped reserves
Reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

5



PV-10 value
When used with respect to oil and natural gas reserves, PV-10 value means the estimated future gross revenue to be generated from the production of proved reserves, net of estimated production and future development costs, excluding escalations of prices and costs based upon future conditions, before income taxes, and without giving effect to non-property-related expenses, discounted to a present value using an annual discount rate of 10%.
 
 
Registration Rights Agreement
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 21, 2017, by and among Chaparral Energy, Inc. and the Stockholders named therein.
 
 
Reorganization Plan
First Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization for Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its Affiliate Debtors under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.
 
 
Royalty Interest
An interest in an oil and natural gas lease that gives the owner of the interest the right to receive a portion of the production from the leased acreage (or of the proceeds of the sale thereof), but generally does not require the owner to pay any portion of the costs of drilling or operating the wells on the leased acreage.
 
 
SEC
The Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
 
Secondary recovery
The recovery of oil and natural gas through the injection of liquids or gases into the reservoir, supplementing its natural energy. Secondary recovery methods are often applied when production slows due to depletion of the natural pressure.
 
 
Seismic survey
Also known as a seismograph survey, it is a survey of an area by means of an instrument which records the vibrations of the earth. By recording the time interval between the source of the shock wave and the reflected or refracted shock waves from various formations, geophysicists are able to define the underground configurations.
 
 
Senior Notes
Our 8.75% senior notes due 2023.
 
 
STACK
An acronym standing for Sooner Trend Anadarko Canadian Kingfisher. A play in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma in which we operate.
 
 
Undeveloped acreage
Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of economic quantities of oil or natural gas regardless of whether such acreage contains proved reserves.
 
 
Unit
The joining of all or substantially all interests in a reservoir or field, rather than a single tract, to provide for development and operation without regard to separate property interests. Also, the area covered by a unitization agreement.
 
 
Wellbore
The hole drilled by the bit that is equipped for oil or natural gas production on a completed well. Also called well or borehole.
 
 
Working interest
The right granted to the lessee of a property to explore for and to produce and own oil, natural gas, or other minerals. The working interest owners bear the exploration, development, and operating costs on a cash, penalty, or carried basis.
 
 
Zone
A layer of rock which has distinct characteristics that differs from nearby layers of rock.


6



PART I
Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this annual report to the “Company,” “Chaparral,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. We have provided definitions of terms commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry in the “Glossary of Certain Defined Terms” at the beginning of this annual report.

ITEMS 1. AND 2. BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES

Overview

A Delaware corporation formed in 1988, and publicly held since 2017, Chaparral Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CHAP) is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company headquartered in Oklahoma City. Chaparral is an operator focused in Oklahoma’s hydrocarbon rich STACK Play, where it has approximately 131,000 net acres primarily in Kingfisher, Canadian and Garfield counties. The company has approximately 260,000 net surface acres in the Mid-Continent region.

Beginning in the early 1990s, our operations in the area later to become known as the STACK were focused on vertical wells and waterfloods. Since late 2013, however, we have concentrated on the horizontal development of the Mississippian-age Osage and Meramec formations, the Pennsylvanian-age Oswego formation, as well as Devonian-age Woodford Shale formation.

Building on early success achieved from our initial STACK drilling activities to delineate the Osage, Meramec, Woodford and Oswego formations through the drilling of single section horizontal wells, we significantly increased our leasing and drilling activities in 2017 and 2018. Our activities focused on expanding our understanding of the productive extent and hydrocarbon content of the play and holding acreage with production. Through our 2017 and 2018 activities in the STACK, we have successfully tested productive zones in the play, applied optimized completions to improve recoveries, demonstrated repeatability of results, reduced cycle times, and de-risked a sizeable portion of our acreage in the play. Additionally, in 2018, we commenced the evaluation of full section infill development multi-well patterns to help determine optimum well spacing and to maximize economic recovery of oil and natural gas from each formation.

As of December 31, 2018 , we had estimated proved reserves of 94.8 MMBoe with a PV-10 value of approximately $ 686.0 million. Our estimated proved reserve life is approximately 12.7 years. These estimated proved reserves included 74.1 MMBoe of reserves in our STACK play which represents a 50% increase from the prior year. Our total reserves were 59% proved developed, 34% crude oil, 27% natural gas liquids and 39% natural gas. Our average daily net production in the fourth quarter of 2018 was approximately 21.7 MBoe of which approximately 16.6 MBoe was attributable to our STACK assets.

We intend to grow our reserves and production through the development of our multi-year inventory of identified drilling locations within the STACK. From 2016 to 2018, we increased our STACK production at a compound annual growth rate of approximately 39% . At present, we are operating four horizontal drilling rigs in the STACK. In response to recent lower commodity prices and volatility, we plan to decrease our activity from four to three rigs in the second quarter of 2019. We have allocated our entire drilling and completions budget for 2019 to our STACK play. Our 2019 activities will focus on delineating and de-risking our acreage, expanding the known productive extent of the play through the completion of well spacing projects, monitoring production from optimized completions, and continued refinement of our geologic and economic models in the area.

Business Strategy

Our business strategy is to create economic and stockholder value by applying our core strengths in execution and cost control to exploit our robust inventory of horizontal drilling opportunities in the higher-return STACK unconventional resource play.  Key components of our long-term business strategy include:

Preserving a strong and flexible capital structure. Maintaining a strong capital structure that protects our balance sheet and liquidity remains central to our business strategy. We believe our cash, internally generated cash flows, borrowing capacity, non-core asset sales and access to capital markets will provide us with sufficient liquidity to execute our current capital program and strategy. We do not have significant near-term debt maturities. Our 2019 capital expenditure budget for acquisition, exploration and development activities will be a range of $275 million to $300 million . To preserve or enhance liquidity, we may adjust our capital investment program throughout the year.

Efficiently develop our STACK leasehold position / resource play. We are developing our acreage position to maximize the value of our resource potential, while maintaining flexibility to preserve future value when oil prices are low. Our capital program is designed to allocate investments to projects that provide opportunities to exploit our large inventory of drilling locations, convert our undeveloped acreage to acreage held by production, and improve hydrocarbon recoveries and rates of return on capital employed.

7




Adopt and employ leading drilling and completion techniques.  Our team is focused on enhancing our drilling and completion techniques to maximize overall well economics. We use an integrated workflow approach to optimize our STACK development combining expertise in geoscience and engineering. We have acquired over 600 square miles of high-fold 3D seismic data which we integrated with state-of-the-art logs, core data, well-completion and production histories to build a predictive 3D geologic “Earth Model” that describes in detail the subsurface from both a structural and reservoir perspective. Dynamic reservoir simulations from our Earth Model yield us a better understanding of the complexities of our multi-zone stacked resource. During the planning stage, Earth Model reservoir quality volume and stimulated rock volume are utilized to optimize well locations, lateral lengths and placement, hydraulic fracturing design and well spacing. We utilize real-time geo-steering of the horizontal laterals to stay in the zone defined by our Earth Model to reach the ideal planned landing point. Our completions are designed to maximize near well-bore complexity, optimize cluster spacing and strategically utilize diverter. We continuously evaluate our internal drilling and completion results and monitor the results of other operators to improve our operating practices. We expect that this continuous improvement process allows us to enhance our initial production rates, increase ultimate recovery factors, lower well capital costs and improve rates of return on invested capital.

Continuously improving operations and returns. Managing the costs to find, develop and produce oil, natural gas and NGLs is critical to delivering returns on capital employed and creating stockholder value. Our focus areas in the STACK are characterized by large, contiguous acreage positions and multiple stacked geologic horizons. Building on historical progress, we continue to preserve or improve on efficiency gains in various aspects of our business, with a focus on reducing drilling times and costs in our STACK Area. In addition to lowering our drilling costs, we also work to optimize cash flows using enhanced completion technologies that we believe will help improve recoveries and rates of returns.

Stabilizing cash flow and managing risk exposure for a substantial portion of production by hedging production. As appropriate, we enter into derivative contracts to mitigate a portion of the commodity price volatility inherent in the oil and natural gas industry. By increasing the predictability of cash inflows for a portion of the Company's future production, we are better able to mitigate funding risks for our development plans and lock in rates of return on our capital projects. While our commodity derivative program limits the upside benefits we may otherwise receive during periods of higher commodity prices, the program helps protect a portion of our cash flows, borrowing base, and liquidity during periods of depressed commodity prices. We strive to scale our overall hedging position to be appropriate relative to our current and expected level of indebtedness and consistent with our goals of preserving balance sheet strength and liquidity, as well as our internal price view.

Competitive strengths

Management and technical teams with substantial technical and operational expertise.  Our management and technical teams have significant industry experience. Our technical team has substantial experience and expertise in applying the most advanced technologies in unconventional resource play development to improve recoveries and rates of return, including 3-D seismic interpretation, horizontal drilling, comprehensive multi-stage hydraulic fracture stimulation programs and other exploration, production and processing technologies. We believe this technical expertise largely contributes to our management’s strong track record of successful exploration and development which has helped us continue our reserve and production growth through periods of commodity price pressure and cost inflation, and other challenging environments. We continually refine our drilling and completion techniques to deliver improved results across our properties.

STACK Focus with Established Acreage Position in the Core of the Anadarko Basin.  We believe we have assembled a substantial portfolio of Anadarko Basin properties that offers significant exploration and low-risk development opportunities, including highly attractive rates of return. As of December 31, 2018, we hold over 252,000 gross ( 131,000 net) acres in the core of the STACK resource play. In addition, 73% of our net acreage position is held by production, and we operate or expect to operate approximately 70% of our STACK net acreage, which we believe gives us significant control over the pace of development and the ability to design a more efficient and profitable drilling program to maximize recovery of oil and natural gas. Based on our drilling and production results to date and offset operator activity in and around our project areas, we believe there are relatively low geologic risks and ample repeatable drilling opportunities across our core acreage.

Multi-year Portfolio of Drilling and Development Opportunities.  We have a significant inventory of drilling and development locations in our STACK resource play. Our acreage has multiple productive zones and we believe that our inventory of drilling locations will allow us to grow our reserves and production at attractive rates of return based on current expectations for commodity prices. We plan to drill and/or complete 60 to 70 gross operated wells with a working interest of approximately 70% - 80% in our STACK resource play in 2019.


8



2018 Highlights

The following are material events in 2018 that have impacted our liquidity or results of operations, and/or are expected to impact these items in future periods.
Income. We reported net income of $33.4 million and basic earnings per share of $0.74 .
Decreased LOE. Lease operating expenses ("LOE") declined 41% from the prior year to $54.2 million in 2018 primarily due the divestitures of our EOR assets in late 2017 and other non-core assets in 2018, which were assets characterized by higher operating costs compared to our STACK assets. Our lease operating expense per Boe of $7.24 in 2018 was 34% lower than the prior year.
Production. Production in our STACK play increased 52% from the prior year to 5,279 Mboe in 2018. Total Company production was 7,490 MBoe in 2018 which was 11% lower than the prior year as the loss of production from divesting our EOR and other non-core assets was only partially offset by the production increase from our STACK play.
Divestitures. We generated proceeds of $50.5 million from divestitures of non-core assets which included certain properties in the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle and certain salt water disposal infrastructure assets.
Issuance of Senior Notes. On June 29, 2018, we completed our offering of $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes due 2023 which provided net proceeds, after deducting estimated issuance costs, of $292.7 million . Upon receipt of the offering proceeds, we repaid the entire outstanding balance on our New Credit Facility with the remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes.  
Uplisting. On July 24, 2018, we transferred our stock exchange listing for our Class A common stock from the OTCQB market to the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") and began trading under the new ticker symbol “CHAP.”
Share conversion. On December 19, 2018, all outstanding shares of our Class B common stock converted into the same number of shares of Class A common stock. With the conversion, all our common stock is now traded on the NYSE.
Reserve growth. We increased year-end 2018 proved reserves to 94.8 MMBoe, an increase of 24% compared to year-end 2017 proved reserves. Our STACK proved reserves of 74.1 MBoe increased 24.7 MMBoe or approximately 50% compared to year-end 2017 proved reserves.
Amendment to New Credit Facility. On December 7, 2018, we amended our New Credit Facility. Provisions in the amendment included: (i) increasing the aggregate principal amount from $400 million to $750 million; (ii) increasing the borrowing base from $265 million to $325 million; (iii) decreasing the applicable margin on outstanding borrowings by 50 basis points and (iv) changing hedge capacity to 80% of internally forecasted production for the first 24 months.
Capital expenditure. Our oil and natural gas capital expenditures were $341.0 million in 2018 compared to $212.5 million in 2017. The increase in capital expenditure was primarily driven by an increase in the number of wells we drilled and in our leasehold acquisitions. Our 2018 capital activity was comprised of $194.7 million for drilling and completions and $111.4 million for acquisitions, which included $10.9 million in costs we recorded for non-monetary acreage trades. We deployed three rigs for the better part of 2018 but added a fourth rig in October 2018. See "Capital Program" in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this report for details of our capital activity.
Joint development agreement (“JDA”). We made substantial progress in 2018 towards completing our 30-well JDA program. During 2018, we drilled and completed 18 wells, completed one well drilled in the prior year and drilled five wells to be completed in 2019. As of December 31, 2018, we have eight wells to drill and/or complete in order to complete the JDA.


9



Operational Areas

The following tables present our production and proved reserves by our areas of operation. Our operational areas currently include the STACK and Other. Please see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for the results of our operations and financial position.
 
 
Quarter ended
 
Twelve months ended
Net production (Mboe)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2018
STACK:
 
 
 
 
STACK - Kingfisher
 
514

 
2,194

STACK - Canadian
 
558

 
1,648

STACK - Garfield
 
405

 
1,183

STACK - Other
 
53

 
254

Total STACK
 
1,530

 
5,279

Other
 
464

 
2,211

Total
 
1,994

 
7,490


 
 
Proved reserves as of December 31, 2018
 
 
Oil
(MBbls)
 
Natural gas
(MMcf)
 
Natural
gas liquids
(MBbls)
 
Total
(MBoe)
 
Percent of
total MBoe
 
PV-10
value
($MM)
STACK
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

STACK - Kingfisher
 
16,185

 
60,052

 
7,356

 
33,550

 
35
%
 
$
271

STACK - Canadian
 
3,890

 
56,210

 
10,306

 
23,564

 
25
%
 
161

STACK - Garfield
 
3,074

 
49,647

 
4,219

 
15,568

 
16
%
 
80

STACK - Other
 
105

 
7,041

 
133

 
1,412

 
2
%
 
4

Total STACK
 
23,254

 
172,950

 
22,014

 
74,094

 
78
%
 
516

Other
 
9,043

 
47,268

 
3,793

 
20,713

 
22
%
 
170

Total
 
32,297

 
220,218

 
25,807

 
94,807

 
100.0
%
 
686


STACK Area

The STACK is an acronym for Sooner Trend Anadarko Canadian Kingfisher which is indicative of a play area in the Anadarko Basin of Oklahoma which has been our predominant focus in recent years. It is a horizontal drilling play in an area with multiple productive reservoirs which had previously been drilled with vertical wells. It encompasses all or parts of Blaine, Canadian, Garfield, Kingfisher and Major counties in Oklahoma. Our STACK play’s borders include the Nemaha Ridge (East), the Chester outcrop (North), and deep gas bearing characteristics (South and West). This thick column (500’+) includes multiple, stacked, and productive reservoirs, each with high oil saturations and includes the Woodford, Osage, Meramec, Oswego, and other intervals within the STACK Area. The organic-rich Woodford Shale is the primary source of hydrocarbon generation and migration into and present in the target reservoirs, which act as natural traps and conduits for the oil migration from the Woodford. These complex carbonate-silt-shale stratigraphic intervals have proven to be very conducive to horizontal drilling and completion techniques. The stacking of plays allows us to effectively recover oil and gas from multiple formations using pad drilling, well spacing techniques and other operational efficiencies, which result in significant cost savings, reduced environmental impacts and attractive rates of return. Our acreage is primarily in the “black oil” normal pressure window. As of December 31, 2018 , we owned approximately 131,000 net surface acres in this play which includes 131 gross operated producing horizontal wells and ownership interests in an additional 329 gross horizontal producing wells operated by others.

Primarily as a result of our drilling activity, our production from this area increased to 5,279 MBoe in 2018 compared to 3,464 MBoe in 2017 and 2,723 MBoe in 2016. During 2018 , we spent $194.7 million on drilling and completion activities in our STACK play where we drilled and/or participated in the drilling of 165 ( 37 net) horizontal wells. For 2019, our capital budget includes drilling and/or completing 60 to 70 gross operated wells, including eight remaining JDA wells, completing wells drilled in the prior year and participating in non-operated wells with a budget range of $228 million to $248 million .

We made substantial progress in 2018 towards completing our 30-well JDA program centered in the STACK. During 2018, we drilled and completed 18 wells, completed one well drilled in the prior year and drilled five wells to be completed in 2019. As of December 31, 2018, we have eight wells remaining to drill and/or complete in 2019.

10




Our drilling opportunities across the counties included within the STACK are described below:

STACK – Kingfisher. As of December 31, 2018 , we owned approximately 34,000 net acres in the STACK play located in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma of which substantially all were held by production. The productive reservoirs in this area are the Meramec, Osage and Oswego. Of the various Oklahoma counties encompassed by the STACK play, our historical drilling experience has been predominantly in Kingfisher County which included operating 64 gross ( 46 net) horizontal wells as of December 31, 2018 . Including wells operated by others, we brought online 83 gross (13 net) wells in this county in 2018. For 2019, we plan to allocate approximately 20% of our operated drilling and completions capital to this area.

STACK – Canadian. At December 31, 2018 , we owned approximately 22,000 net acres in the STACK play located in Canadian County, Oklahoma of which substantially all were held by production. The productive reservoirs in this area are the Meramec and Woodford. Our STACK operations within this county include operating 29 gross ( 13 net) horizontal wells as of December 31, 2018. Including wells operated by others, we brought online 47 gross (9 net) wells in this county in 2018. For 2019, we plan to allocate approximately 60% of our operated drilling and completions capital to this area.

STACK – Garfield. At December 31, 2018 , we owned approximately 55,000 net acres in the STACK play located in Garfield County, Oklahoma of which approximately 38% is held by production. The productive reservoirs in this area are the Meramec and Osage. Our STACK operations within this county include operating 34 gross ( 26 net) horizontal wells as of December 31, 2018 . Including wells operated by others, we brought online 27 gross (14 net) wells in this county in 2018. For 2019, we plan to allocate approximately 20% of our operated drilling and completions capital to this area.

STACK – Other. We include our STACK assets dispersed across Major, Blaine, Dewey, and Woodward counties, Oklahoma, within this category. The majority of our leasehold is held by production.

As a result of the recent increase in seismic activity, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (the “OCC”) issued multiple directives to operators of salt water disposal wells to reduce water injection volumes in various “areas of interest.” These areas include those in central Oklahoma that encompass our STACK play. However, these directives have not significantly impacted our operations in the STACK at this time. Please see “ Studies by both state and federal agencies demonstrating a correlation between earthquakes and oil and natural gas activities could result in increased regulatory and operational burdens” in  Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report for a further discussion of the OCC seismic-related directives.

During 2018 , we incurred $ 111.4 million in acquisitions which included approximately 24,600 acres acquired through leasing and pooling and $7.7 million in expenditures on seismic data. The amount above includes the closing payment of $54.8 million in January 2018 on our 7,000 acre leasehold purchase in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma as well as $10.9 million in costs we recorded for non-monetary acreage trades. Our 2019 capital budget allocates between $12.5 million and $17.5 million for additional acquisitions in the STACK Area.

EOR Areas

We divested these assets in late 2017 although our operating results in this area are included in this report for comparative purposes. Our prior EOR activities encompassed the North Burbank Unit located in northeastern Oklahoma (Osage County, Oklahoma) and several other units located in the Panhandle. The CO 2 required to operate these units was sourced from supply agreements with nearby ethanol and fertilizer plants and delivered to our field locations via CO 2 pipelines built and operated by us.

Other Areas

With our focus on being a STACK operator, our footprint outside the STACK continues to diminish. During 2018, our divestitures included certain properties in the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle and various other non-core assets located throughout our Other Areas. Our properties in these areas are mature fields that require low maintenance capital. We deploy the free cash flow from these properties to expand our development activities in the STACK. Our leasehold in this area is less attractive for drilling in the current price environment compared to our STACK play and therefore we have not expended any significant capital to these areas in recent years nor do we intend to in 2019. Due to our asset sales and because we have not focused our capital spending in these areas in recent years, production has declined from 4,135 MBoe in 2016 to 3,173 MBoe in 2017 and 2,211 MBoe in 2018.


11



Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain. Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined, and exclude escalations based upon future conditions.

Our policies regarding internal controls over the recording of reserves are structured to objectively estimate our oil and natural gas reserve quantities and values in compliance with SEC regulations. Users of this information should be aware that the process of estimating quantities of crude oil and natural gas 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 additional development activity, evolving production history, and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. Consequently, material revisions to existing reserve estimates occur from time to time.

The estimates of oil, natural gas and NGL reserves in this report are based on reserve reports, all of which are currently prepared by independent petroleum engineers. To achieve reasonable certainty, our engineers relied on an analysis and reporting software system designed specifically for reserves management that has been demonstrated to yield results with consistency and repeatability. Technical and economic data used include, but are not limited to, updated production data, well performance, formation logs, geological maps, reservoir pressure tests, and wellbore mechanical integrity information.

Our Vice President - Completions & Operations is the technical person primarily accountable for overseeing the preparation of our reserve estimates as of December 31, 2018. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in petroleum engineering and a Masters in Business Administration with 18 years of industry experience that includes diverse petroleum engineering roles.

Our Corporate Reserves engineers continually monitor asset performance in collaboration with our other reservoir engineers, making reserve estimate adjustments, as necessary, to ensure the most current reservoir information is reflected in reserves estimates. Technical reviews are performed throughout the year by our geologic and engineering staff who evaluate pertinent geological and engineering data. This data, in conjunction with economic data and ownership information, is used in making a determination of proved reserve quantities.

We have internal guidelines and controls in place to monitor the reservoir data and reporting parameters used in preparing the year-end reserves. Internal controls within the reserve estimation process include:

The Corporate Reserve team follows comprehensive SEC-compliant internal policies to determine and report proved reserves including:
confirming that reserves estimates include all properties owned and are based upon proper working and net revenue interests;
reviewing and using in the estimation process data provided by other departments within the Company such as Accounting; and
comparing and reconciling internally generated reserves estimates to those prepared by third parties.
The Corporate Reserve team reports directly to our Chief Executive Officer regarding publicly disclosed reserve estimates.
Our reserves are reviewed by senior management, which includes the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, and they are responsible for verifying that the estimate of proved reserves is reasonable, complete, and accurate. Members of senior management may also meet with the key representatives from the independent petroleum engineering firm of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. to discuss their processes and findings. In addition, the audit committee of our board of directors (the “Board”) also meets with Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. to review their findings. Final approval of the reserves is required by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Our Corporate Reserve team works closely with the independent petroleum consultants to ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of annual independent reserve estimates. Our internal reserve data is provided each year to the independent petroleum engineering firm of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. who prepares reserve estimates for all of our proved reserves using their own engineering assumptions and the economic data which we provide (prior to the sale of our EOR assets, we also utilized Ryder Scott Company, L.P. to estimate reserves for the divested assets). The person responsible for overseeing the preparation of our reserve estimates at Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. is a registered Professional Engineer with more than 21 years of petroleum consulting experience. Copies of the summary reserve reports prepared by these independent reserve engineers are attached as exhibits 99.1 to this annual report.


12



The table below shows the percentage of the PV-10 value of our total proved reserves of oil, natural gas and NGLs prepared by each of our independent petroleum consultants for the years shown.
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc.
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
51
%
Ryder Scott Company, L.P.
 
%
 
%
 
49
%

Proved Reserves

The following table summarizes our estimates of net proved oil and natural gas reserves, estimated future net revenues from proved reserves, the PV-10 value, the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, and the prices used in projecting those measures over the past three years. All of our reserves are located in the United States. We set forth our definition of PV-10 value (a non-GAAP measure) in the Glossary of Certain Defined Terms at the beginning of this annual report and a reconciliation of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows to PV-10 value below under “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations.”
 
 
As of December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Estimated proved reserve volumes:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Oil (MBbls)
 
32,297

 
29,604

 
96,621

Natural gas (MMcf)
 
220,218

 
170,166

 
135,449

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
 
25,807

 
18,322

 
12,105

Oil equivalent (MBoe)
 
94,807

 
76,287

 
131,301

Proved developed reserve percentage
 
59
%
 
67
%
 
43
%
Estimated proved reserve values (in thousands):
 
 

 
 

 
 

Future net revenue
 
$
1,618,480

 
$
1,095,732

 
$
1,490,090

PV-10 value
 
$
686,366

 
$
497,873

 
$
528,781

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
 
$
686,366

 
$
497,873

 
$
528,781

Oil and natural gas prices: (1)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Oil (per Bbl)
 
$
65.56

 
$
51.34

 
$
42.75

Natural gas (per Mcf)
 
$
3.10

 
$
2.98

 
$
2.49

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
 
$
25.56

 
$
24.17

 
$
13.47

Estimated reserve life in years (2)
 
12.7

 
11.5

 
14.7

_____________________________________
(1)
Prices were based upon the average first day of the month prices for each month during the respective year and do not reflect differentials.
(2)
Calculated by dividing net proved reserves by net production volumes for the year indicated. The 2017 amount disclosed above excludes production from our EOR Areas as those assets have been sold.

Our net proved oil and natural gas reserves and PV-10 values consisted of the following:
 
 
Net proved reserves as of December 31, 2018
 
 
Oil
(MBbls)
 
Natural gas
(MMcf)
 
Natural gas
liquids (MBbls)
 
Total
(MBoe)
 
PV-10 value
(in thousands)
Developed—producing
 
17,329

 
131,305

 
14,361

 
53,574

 
$
509,691

Developed—non-producing
 
722

 
4,120

 
485

 
1,894

 
22,595

Undeveloped
 
14,246

 
84,793

 
10,961

 
39,339

 
154,080

Total proved
 
32,297

 
220,218

 
25,807

 
94,807

 
686,366



13



Proved Undeveloped Reserves

The following table shows material changes in proved undeveloped reserves that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2018 :
(in MBoe)
 
Total
Proved undeveloped reserves as of January 1, 2018
 
25,553

Undeveloped reserves transferred to developed (1)
 
(248
)
Sales of minerals in place
 

Extensions and discoveries
 
14,533

Revisions and other
 
(499
)
Proved undeveloped reserves as of December 31, 2018
 
39,339

 
(1)
Approximately $6.3 million of developmental costs incurred during 2018 related to undeveloped reserves that were transferred to developed.

Productive Wells

The following table sets forth the number of productive wells in which we have a working interest and the number of wells we operated as of December 31, 2018 , by area. Productive wells consist of producing wells and wells capable of producing. We also hold royalty interests in units and acreage in addition to the wells in which we have a working interest. Gross wells is the total number of producing wells in which we have a working interest, and net wells is the sum of our working interest in all producing wells.
 
 
Oil
 
Natural Gas
 
Total
 
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
Operated Wells:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

STACK (1)
 
183

 
136

 
102

 
74

 
285

 
210

Other
 
432

 
363

 
119

 
88

 
551

 
451

Total
 
615

 
499

 
221

 
162

 
836

 
661

Non-Operated Wells:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

STACK
 
412

 
27

 
312

 
35

 
724

 
62

Other
 
845

 
92

 
401

 
31

 
1,246

 
123

Total
 
1,257

 
119

 
713

 
66

 
1,970

 
185

Total Wells:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

STACK
 
595

 
163

 
414

 
109

 
1,009

 
272

Other
 
1,277

 
455

 
520

 
119

 
1,797

 
574

Total
 
1,872

 
618

 
934

 
228

 
2,806

 
846

 
(1)
Within the STACK, we have 120 gross (85 net) operated horizontal oil wells and 11 gross (4 net) operated horizontal natural gas wells.


14



Drilling Activity

The following table sets forth information with respect to wells drilled and completed during the periods indicated. Development wells are wells drilled within the proved area of a reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive. Exploratory wells are wells drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or natural gas in another reservoir. Productive wells are those that produce commercial quantities of hydrocarbons, exclusive of their capacity to produce at a reasonable rate of return.
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
Development wells
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Productive
 
159

 
33

 
127

 
27

 
20

 
12

Dry
 
1

 

 

 

 

 

Exploratory wells
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Productive
 
9

 
4

 
5

 
1

 
32

 
4

Dry
 

 

 

 

 

 

Total wells
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Productive
 
168

 
37

 
132

 
28

 
52

 
16

Dry
 
1

 

 

 

 

 

Total
 
169

 
37

 
132

 
28

 
52

 
16

Percent productive
 
99
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

As of December 31, 2018 , we had 12 gross operated wells drilled and awaiting completion in 2019. Included in these wells were five wells under our JDA.

Developed and Undeveloped Acreage

The following table sets forth our gross and net interest in developed and undeveloped acreage as of December 31, 2018 , by state. This does not include acreage in which we hold only royalty interests.
 
 
Developed
 
Undeveloped
 
Total
 
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
 
Gross
 
Net
Oklahoma:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kingfisher County
 
57,219

 
32,846

 
4,179

 
789

 
61,398

 
33,635

Canadian County
 
56,132

 
21,986

 
2,138

 
199

 
58,270

 
22,185

Garfield County
 
35,440

 
24,773

 
45,601

 
34,762

 
81,041

 
59,535

Other
 
281,042

 
129,457

 
3,479

 
403

 
284,521

 
129,860

Texas
 
21,343

 
13,382

 
120

 
120

 
21,463

 
13,502

Other
 
2,484

 
1,609

 

 

 
2,484

 
1,609

Total
 
453,660

 
224,053

 
55,517

 
36,273

 
509,177

 
260,326



15



Many of our leases comprising the undeveloped acreage set forth in the table above will expire at the end of their respective primary terms unless production from the leasehold acreage is established prior to such date, in which event the lease will remain in effect until production has ceased. The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2018 the expiration periods and net acres that are subject to leases in the undeveloped acreage summarized in the above table.
 
 
Acres Expiring During The Year Ending December 31,
 
 
Location
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
2023
 
Total
Oklahoma:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Kingfisher County - gross
 
755

 
925

 
2,339

 

 
160

 
4,179

Kingfisher County - net
 
350

 
407

 
32

 

 

 
789

Canadian County - gross
 
790

 
732

 
616

 

 

 
2,138

Canadian County - net
 
103

 
22

 
74

 

 

 
199

Garfield County - gross
 
16,545

 
14,828

 
7,179

 
7,047

 
2

 
45,601

Garfield County - net
 
12,981

 
11,654

 
5,722

 
4,399

 
6

 
34,762

Other - gross
 
2,141

 
1,338

 

 

 

 
3,479

Other - net
 
234

 
169

 

 

 

 
403

Texas - gross
 

 
120

 

 

 

 
120

Texas - net
 

 
120

 

 

 

 
120


Property Acquisition, Development and Exploration Costs

The following tables summarize our costs incurred for oil and natural gas properties and our reserve replacement ratio:

 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
 
(in thousands)
 
STACK
 
Other
 
Total
 
Acquisitions (1)
 
$
111,384

 
$

 
$
111,384

 
Drilling (2)
 
194,682

 

 
194,682

 
Enhancements
 
4,804

 
6,248

 
11,052

 
Operational capital expenditures incurred
 
310,870

 
6,248

 
$
317,118

 
Other (3)
 

 

 
$
23,900

 
Total capital expenditures incurred
 
$
310,870

 
$
6,248

 
$
341,018

 
 _________________________________
(1)
Includes non-monetary acreage trades of $10.9 million .
(2)
Includes $38.0 million on development of wells operated by others and $30.4 million on our joint development agreement (see discussion below).
(3)
This amount includes $ 10.7 million for capitalized general and administrative expenses, $10.9 million for capitalized interest and $2.3 million on asset retirement obligations for future plugging and abandonment.

For a discussion of the costs incurred in oil and natural gas producing activities for each of the last three years, please see “Note 18—Oil and natural gas activities (unaudited)” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report.

Our reserve replacement ratio is calculated below by dividing the sum of reserve additions (from purchases of minerals in place, extensions and discoveries, and improved recoveries) by the production for the corresponding period. The values for these reserve additions are derived directly from the proved reserves table located in "Note 19—Disclosures about oil and natural gas activities (unaudited)” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report. Management uses the reserve replacement ratio as an indicator of our ability to replenish annual production volumes and grow reserves, thereby providing some information of the sources of future production. It should be noted that the reserve replacement ratio is a statistical indicator that has limitations. As an annual measure, the ratio is limited because it typically varies widely based on the extent and timing of new discoveries and property acquisitions. Its predictive and comparative value is also limited for the same reasons.


16



The reserve replacement ratio is comprised of the following:
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
2018 (2)
 
2017 (1)
 
2016
 
 
Reserves
replaced
 
Percent of
total
 
Reserves
replaced
 
Percent of
total
 
Reserves
replaced
 
Percent of
total
Purchases of minerals in place
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Extensions and discoveries
 
366
%
 
100.0
%
 
251
%
 
100.0
%
 
96
%
 
100.0
%
Improved recoveries
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
Total reserve replacement ratio
 
366
%
 
100.0
%
 
251
%
 
100.0
%
 
96
%
 
100.0
%
_________________________________________________
(1)
The denominator in calculating the 2017 ratio includes production from our EOR Areas, which has since been divested. Excluding production from our EOR Areas, the reserve replacement ratio in 2017 would have been 317%.
(2)
Our STACK Area reserve replacement ratio for 2018 was 519% .

Production and Price History

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our historical net production volumes, average prices realized and production costs associated with sales of oil and natural gas for the periods indicated.
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Production:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Oil (MBbls)
 
2,684

 
3,535

 
 
1,036

 
4,870

Natural gas (MMcf)
 
17,549

 
11,552

 
 
3,046

 
15,889

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
 
1,881

 
1,143

 
 
252

 
1,408

Combined (MBoe)
 
7,490

 
6,603

 
 
1,796

 
8,926

Average daily production:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Oil (Bbls)
 
7,354

 
12,404

 
 
12,950

 
13,306

Natural gas (Mcf)
 
48,078

 
40,533

 
 
38,075

 
43,413

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
 
5,153

 
4,011

 
 
3,150

 
3,847

Combined (Boe)
 
20,520

 
23,171

 
 
22,446

 
24,388

Average prices (excluding derivative settlements):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Oil (per Bbl)
 
$
63.99

 
$
48.40

 
 
$
50.05

 
$
40.38

Natural gas (per Mcf)
 
$
2.37

 
$
2.55

 
 
$
3.00

 
$
2.16

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
 
$
24.24

 
$
22.69

 
 
$
22.00

 
$
15.00

Transportation and processing (per Boe) (1)
 
$
(2.17
)
 
$

 
 
$

 
$

Combined (per Boe)
 
$
32.39

 
$
34.30

 
 
$
37.04

 
$
28.25

Average costs per Boe:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Lease operating expenses
 
$
7.24

 
$
10.92

 
 
$
11.10

 
$
10.14

Transportation and processing (1)
 
$

 
$
1.44

 
 
$
1.13

 
$
0.99

Production taxes
 
$
1.76

 
$
1.78

 
 
$
1.35

 
$
1.08

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
$
11.74

 
$
14.03

 
 
$
13.87

 
$
13.77

General and administrative
 
$
5.18

 
$
6.00

 
 
$
3.81

 
$
2.35

_______________________________________________
(1) Transportation and processing costs are reclassified from expense to a revenue deduction beginning in 2018 pursuant to new accounting guidance.

17



The following table sets forth certain information specific to our STACK play:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
STACK Play
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Production:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Oil (MBbls)
 
1,857

 
1,195

 
 
293

 
1,123

Natural gas (MMcf)
 
12,245

 
5,892

 
 
1,480

 
6,248

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
 
1,381

 
631

 
 
116

 
559

Combined (MBoe)
 
5,279

 
2,808

 
 
656

 
2,723

Average daily production:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Oil (Bbls)
 
5,088

 
4,193

 
 
3,663

 
3,068

Natural gas (Mcf)
 
33,548

 
20,674

 
 
18,500

 
17,071

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
 
3,784

 
2,214

 
 
1,450

 
1,527

Combined (Boe)
 
14,463

 
9,853

 
 
8,196

 
7,440

Average prices (excluding derivative settlements):
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Oil (per Bbl)
 
$
64.12

 
$
49.05

 
 
$
49.67

 
$
40.81

Natural gas (per Mcf)
 
$
2.38

 
$
2.58

 
 
$
2.99

 
$
2.23

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
 
$
24.39

 
$
23.52

 
 
$
23.83

 
$
15.77

Transportation and processing (per Boe) (1)
 
$
(2.51
)
 
$

 
 
$

 
$

Combined (per Boe)
 
$
31.95

 
$
31.57

 
 
$
33.16

 
$
25.18

Average costs per Boe:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Lease operating expenses
 
$
4.86

 
$
4.52

 
 
$
3.43

 
$
3.82

Transportation and processing (1)
 
$

 
$
2.46

 
 
$
2.29

 
$
1.80

Production taxes
 
$
1.49

 
$
1.08

 
 
$
0.78

 
$
0.48

_______________________________________________
(1) Transportation and processing costs are reclassified from expense to a revenue deduction beginning in 2018 pursuant to new accounting guidance.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations

PV-10 value is a non-GAAP measure that differs from the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows in that PV-10 value is a pre-tax number, while the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is an after-tax number. We believe that the presentation of the PV-10 value is relevant and useful to investors because it presents the discounted future net cash flows attributable to our proved reserves prior to taking into account future corporate income taxes, and it is a useful measure of evaluating the relative monetary significance of our oil and natural gas properties. Further, investors may utilize the measure as a basis for comparison of the relative size and value of our reserves to other companies. We use this measure when assessing the potential return on investment related to our oil and natural gas properties. However, PV-10 value is not a substitute for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows. Our PV-10 value measure and the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows do not purport to present the fair value of our oil and natural gas reserves.

The decline in PV-10 and standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from 2016 to 2017 is primarily due to the loss of reserves due to the conveyance of our EOR assets sold in November 2017. The increase in PV-10 and standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from 2017 to 2018 is primarily due to extension of and discoveries from our drilling activity and an increase in the SEC commodity price utilized to estimate reserves.


18



The following table provides a reconciliation of PV-10 value to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows for the periods shown:
 
 
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
 
$
686,366

 
$
497,873

 
$
528,781

Present value of future income tax discounted at 10% (1)
 

 

 

PV-10 value
 
$
686,366

 
$
497,873

 
$
528,781

________________________________________
(1) As a result of the magnitude of its loss carryforwards and its tax basis in oil and gas properties, the Company does not expect to incur income taxes on its current estimate of net revenues from future production.

Management uses adjusted EBITDA (as defined below) as a supplemental financial measurement to evaluate our operational trends. Items excluded generally represent non-cash adjustments, the timing and amount of which cannot be reasonably estimated and are not considered by management when measuring our overall operating performance. In addition, adjusted EBITDA is generally consistent with the EBITDAX calculation that is used in the covenant ratio required under our Prior Credit Facility and our New Credit Facility, described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” We consider compliance with this covenant to be material. The calculation of EBITDAX includes pro forma adjustments for property acquisitions and dispositions, and as a result of these adjustments, our EBITDAX as calculated for covenant compliance purposes is lower than our adjusted EBITDA disclosed below for the year ended December 31, 2018 .

Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of our business and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, as an indicator of our operating performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities, or as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under GAAP and, accordingly, it may not be a comparable measurement to those used by other companies.

We define adjusted EBITDA as net income, adjusted to exclude (1) asset impairments, (2) interest and other financing costs, net of capitalized interest, (3) income taxes, (4) depreciation, depletion and amortization, (5) non-cash change in fair value of non-hedge derivative instruments, (6) interest income, (7) stock-based compensation expense, (8) gain or loss on disposed assets, (9) upfront premiums paid on settled derivative contracts, (10) impairment charges, (11) other significant, unusual non-cash charges, (12) proceeds from any early monetization of derivative contracts with a scheduled maturity date more than 12 months following the date of such monetization—this exclusion is consistent with our prior treatment, for EBITDA reporting, of any large monetization of derivative contracts and (13) certain expenses related to our restructuring, cost reduction initiatives, reorganization and fresh start accounting activities which our lenders have permitted us to exclude when calculating covenant compliance. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to adjusted EBITDA for the specific periods:

19



 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Net income (loss)
 
$
33,442

 
$
(118,902
)
 
 
$
1,041,959

 
$
(415,720
)
Interest expense
 
11,383

 
14,147

 
 
5,862

 
64,242

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(77
)
 
(349
)
 
 
37

 
(102
)
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
87,888

 
92,599

 
 
24,915

 
122,928

Non-cash change in fair value of non-hedge derivative instruments
 
(37,807
)
 
46,478

 
 
(46,721
)
 
176,607

Impact of derivative repricing
 
(5,649
)
 

 
 

 

Loss (gain) on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise
 
48

 

 
 
(372,093
)
 

Fresh start accounting adjustments
 

 

 
 
(641,684
)
 

Upfront premiums paid on settled derivative contracts
 

 

 
 

 
(20,608
)
Proceeds from monetization of derivatives with a scheduled maturity date more than 12 months from the monetization date excluded from EBITDA
 

 

 
 

 
(12,810
)
Interest income
 
(12
)
 
(21
)
 
 
(133
)
 
(188
)
Stock-based compensation expense
 
10,873

 
9,833

 
 
155

 
(5,238
)
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
 
2,582

 
25,996

 
 
(206
)
 
117

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 

 
635

 
 

 

Write-off of debt issuance costs, discount and premium
 

 

 
 
1,687

 
16,970

Loss on impairment of assets
 
20,065

 
42,325

 
 

 
282,472

Restructuring, reorganization and other
 
2,344

 
7,313

 
 
24,297

 
19,599

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
125,080

 
$
120,054

 
 
$
38,075

 
$
228,269


Competition

The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive. We encounter strong competition from other independent operators and from major oil and natural gas companies in acquiring properties, contracting for drilling equipment and securing trained personnel. There is also substantial competition for capital available for investment in the crude oil and natural gas industry.  Many of these competitors have financial and technical resources and staffs substantially larger than ours. As a result, our competitors may be able to pay more for desirable leases, or to evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties or prospects than our financial or personnel resources will permit.

As commodity prices strengthened from the lows of 2016, the demand for oilfield equipment, services and infrastructure began to rise, leading to cost inflation for the drilling, completion and operating of wells, and for the construction and access to necessary oil and gas infrastructure. As a result, during 2018 there was pressure on operating margins and capital efficiency in U.S. onshore regions, including those in which we operate. With the recent crude oil price decline from mid-2018 highs, the development and operating cost structure has begun to shift downward, and with stable prices, we expect the potential for lower costs will continue into 2019.

Competition is also strong for attractive oil and natural gas producing properties, undeveloped leases and drilling rights, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to compete satisfactorily. Many large oil companies have been actively marketing some of their existing producing properties for sale to independent producers. Although we regularly evaluate acquisition opportunities and submit bids as part of our growth strategy, we do not have any current agreements, understandings or arrangements with respect to any material acquisition of producing properties. Our ability to acquire additional prospects and to find and develop reserves in the future will depend on our ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate transactions economically in a highly competitive environment.


20



Stockholders Agreement

On March 21, 2017, we entered into a Stockholders Agreement with the holders of our common stock named therein to provide for certain general rights and restrictions for holders of common stock. These included:

restrictions on the authority of the Board to take certain actions, including but not limited to entering into (i) a merger, consolidation, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; (ii) an acquisition outside the ordinary course of business or exceeding $125 million; (iii) an amendment, waiver or modification of the charter documents of the Company; (iv) an incurrence of new indebtedness that would result in the aggregate indebtedness of the Company exceeding $650 million; and (v) with certain exceptions, an initial public offering on or prior to December 15, 2018; in each case without the approval of holders of at least two-thirds of the Company’s outstanding common stock;
restrictions on the authority of the Board to enter into or terminate affiliate transactions without the approval of a majority of disinterested members of the Board;
pre-emptive rights granted to holders of at least 0.5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, allowing those holders to purchase their pro rata share of any issuances or distributions of new securities by the Company;
informational rights;
registration rights as described in the Registration Rights Agreement; and
drag along and tag along rights.

On March 6, 2018, we held a special meeting of Stockholders where the Stockholders approved and adopted an amendment to the Stockholders Agreement which (i) removed the restriction on the Company’s ability to become subject to Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on or prior to December 15, 2018 without the affirmative approval of the holders of two-thirds of the Company’s outstanding common stock and (ii) eliminated preemptive rights currently existing under the Stockholders Agreement which would be applicable to the issuance or sale of Company securities pursuant to a private placement or other transaction exempt from or not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), to the extent such transaction does not result in the issuance of more than 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and does not result in more than 100 new holders of the Company’s common stock.

On July 24, 2018, shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the “Uplisting”). In connection with the Uplisting, the Stockholders Agreement terminated pursuant to its terms.

Registration Rights Agreement

On March 21, 2017, we entered into a Registration Rights Agreement with certain holders of our common stock. The Registration Rights Agreement provides resale registration rights for the holders’ Registrable Securities (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement).

Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the holders have customary underwritten offering and piggyback registration rights, subject to the limitations set forth therein. Under their underwritten offering registration rights, one or more holders holding, collectively, at least 20% of the aggregate number of Registrable Securities have the right to demand that the Company file a registration statement with the SEC, and further have the right to demand that the Company effectuate the distribution of any or all of such holders’ Registrable Securities by means of an underwritten offering pursuant to an effective registration statement, subject to certain limitations described in the Registration Rights Agreement. The holders’ piggyback registration rights provide that, if at any time the Company proposes to undertake a registered offering of Common Stock, whether or not for its own account, the Company must give at least 20 business days’ notice to all holders of Registrable Securities to allow them to include a specified number of their shares in the offering.

These registration rights are subject to certain conditions and limitations, including the Company’s right to delay or withdraw a registration statement under certain circumstances. The Company will generally pay all registration expenses in connection with its obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, regardless of whether any Registrable Securities are sold pursuant to a registration statement. The registration rights granted in the Registration Rights Agreement are subject to customary indemnification and contribution provisions, as well as customary restrictions such as blackout periods and, if an underwritten offering is contemplated, limitations on the number of shares to be included in the underwritten offering that may be imposed by the managing underwriter.


21



Markets

The marketing of oil and natural gas we produce will be affected by a number of factors that are beyond our control and whose exact effect cannot be accurately predicted. These factors include:

the amount of crude oil and natural gas imports;
the availability, proximity and cost of adequate pipeline and other transportation facilities;
the actions taken by OPEC and other foreign oil and gas producing nations;
the impact of the U.S. dollar exchange rates on oil and natural gas prices;
the success of efforts to market competitive fuels, such as coal and nuclear energy and the growth and/or success of alternative energy sources such as wind power;
the effect of Bureau of Indian Affairs and other federal and state regulation of production, refining, transportation and sales;
weather conditions and climate change;
the laws of foreign jurisdictions and the laws and regulations affecting foreign markets;
other matters affecting the availability of a ready market, such as fluctuating supply and demand; and
general economic conditions in the United States and around the world.

The supply and demand balance of crude oil and natural gas in world markets has caused significant variations in the prices of these products over recent years. The North American Free Trade Agreement eliminated most trade and investment barriers between the United States, Canada and Mexico, resulting in increased foreign competition for domestic natural gas production. New pipeline projects recently approved by, or presently pending before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”), as well as nondiscriminatory access requirements, could further increase the availability of natural gas imports to certain United States markets. Such imports could have an adverse effect on both the price and volume of natural gas sales from our wells.

Members of the OPEC establish prices and production quotas from time to time with the intent of managing the global supply and maintaining, lowering or increasing certain price levels. We are unable to predict what effect, if any, such actions will have on both the price and volume of crude oil sales from our wells.

In several initiatives, FERC has required pipeline transportation companies to develop electronic communication and to provide standardized access via the Internet to information concerning capacity and prices on a nationwide basis, so as to create a national market. Parallel developments toward an electronic marketplace for electric power, mandated by FERC, are serving to create multi-national markets for energy products generally. These systems will allow rapid consummation of natural gas transactions. Although this system may initially lower prices due to increased competition, it is anticipated it will ultimately expand natural gas markets and improve their reliability.  

Environmental Matters and Regulation

We believe that our properties and operations are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, and our operations to date have not resulted in any material environmental liabilities.

General

Our operations, like the operations of other companies in our industry, are subject to stringent federal, tribal, state and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. These laws and regulations may:

require the acquisition of various permits before drilling commences;
require the installation of costly emission monitoring and/or pollution control equipment;
restrict the types, quantities and concentration of various substances that can be released into the environment in connection with drilling and production activities;
require the reporting of the types and quantities of various substances that are generated, stored, processed, or released in connection with our operations;
limit or prohibit drilling activities on lands lying within wilderness, wetlands, certain animal habitats and other protected areas;
restrict the construction and placement of wells and related facilities;
require remedial measures to address pollution from current or former operations, such as cleanup of releases, pit closure and plugging of abandoned wells;
impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations;
with respect to operations affecting federal lands or leases, require preparation of a Resource Management Plan, an Environmental Assessment, and/or an Environmental Impact Statement; and

22



impose safety and health standards for worker protection.

These laws, rules and regulations may also restrict the rate of oil and natural gas production below the rate that would otherwise be possible or economically desirable. The regulatory burden on the oil and natural gas industry increases the cost of doing business and consequently affects profitability. Additionally, Congress and federal and state agencies frequently revise environmental laws and regulations, and any changes that result in more stringent and costly permitting, pollution control, or waste handling, disposal and clean-up requirements for the oil and natural gas industry could significantly increase our operating costs.

We routinely monitor our properties and operations in an effort to ensure that our properties and operations are, and remain, in substantial compliance with all current applicable environmental laws and regulations. If, at any time, we determine that our properties and/or operations do not substantially comply with all current applicable environmental laws and regulations, we take action to remedy such noncompliance on our own volition and do not delay taking action until ordered to do so by a regulatory authority. We cannot predict how future environmental laws and regulations may affect our properties or operations.

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we did not incur any material expenditures for the installation of remediation or pollution control equipment at any of our facilities or for the conduct of remedial or corrective actions. As of the date of this report, we are not aware of any other environmental issues or claims that will require material capital expenditures during 2019 or that will otherwise have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In March 2017, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order titled “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth” (the “March 2017 Executive Order”) which states it is in the national interest of the United States to promote clean and safe development of energy resources, while at the same time avoiding regulatory burdens that unnecessarily encumber energy production, constrain economic growth, and prevent job creation. The March 2017 Executive Order requires, among other things, the executive department and agencies to review existing regulations that potentially burden the development or use of domestically produced energy resources (with particular attention to crude oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy) and suspend, revise, or rescind those regulations that unduly burden the development of such resources beyond the degree necessary to protect the public interest or otherwise comply with the law. In response to the March 2017 Executive Order, certain energy and climate-related regulations proposed or enacted under previous presidential administrations have been, or are in the process of being, reviewed, suspended, revised, or rescinded, some of which are described further below. Numerous regulations impacting the crude oil and natural gas industry are not expected to be impacted by the March 2017 Executive Order and will continue to be in effect. Additionally, undoing previously existing environmental regulations will likely involve lengthy notice-and-comment rulemaking and the resulting decisions may then be subject to litigation by opposition groups. Thus, it could take several years before existing regulations are revised or rescinded. Although further regulation of our industry may stall at the federal level under the March 2017 Executive Order, certain states and local governments have pursued additional regulation of our operations and other states and local governments may do so as well.

Environmental laws and regulations that could have a material impact on the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry include the following:

Hazardous Substances and Wastes

Waste Handling. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”), and comparable state statutes, regulate the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal and cleanup of “hazardous wastes” and  non-hazardous wastes. Under the authorization and oversight of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), individual states administer some or all of the provisions of RCRA, sometimes in conjunction with their own, more stringent requirements. EPA also retains enforcement authority in any state-administered RCRA programs. Drilling fluids, produced waters, and many other wastes associated with the exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, or geothermal energy constitute “solid wastes,” which are regulated under the less stringent non-hazardous waste provisions. However, there is no guarantee that Congress, the EPA or individual states will not adopt more stringent requirements for the handling of non-hazardous wastes or categorize some non-hazardous wastes as hazardous for future regulation under RCRA. In addition, ordinary industrial wastes, such as paint wastes, waste solvents, laboratory wastes and waste oils, may be regulated as hazardous waste, if they have hazardous characteristics.

We believe that we are currently in substantial compliance with the requirements of RCRA and related state and local laws and regulations, and that we hold all necessary and up-to-date permits, registrations and other authorizations to the extent that our operations require them under such laws and regulations. Although we do not believe the current costs of managing our wastes as presently classified to be significant, any legislative or regulatory reclassification of oil and natural gas exploration and production wastes could increase our costs to manage and dispose of such wastes. Moreover, failure to comply with such waste handling requirements can result in the imposition of administrative, civil and criminal penalties.


23



Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act . The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), also known as the “Superfund” law, and analogous state laws, impose strict, and in certain circumstances joint and several liability, on persons who are considered to be responsible for the release of a “hazardous substance” into the environment. Responsible parties include the current, as well as former, owner or operator of the site where the release occurred and persons that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substance at the site, regardless of whether the disposal of hazardous substances was lawful at the time of the disposal. Under CERCLA, and analogous state laws, such persons may be liable for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances released into the environment, damages to natural resources and certain health studies. In addition, neighboring landowners and other third parties may file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous substances released into the environment. Crude oil and fractions of crude oil are excluded from regulation under CERCLA (often referred to as the “petroleum exclusion”). Nevertheless, many chemicals commonly used at oil and gas production facilities fall outside of the CERCLA petroleum exclusion.

We currently own, lease, or operate numerous properties that have produced oil and natural gas for many years. Although we believe we have utilized operating and waste disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hazardous substances, wastes, or hydrocarbons may have been released on, under, or from the properties owned or leased by us, or on, under or from other locations, including off-site locations, where such substances have been taken for disposal. In addition, some of these properties have been operated by third parties or by previous owners or operators whose treatment and disposal of hazardous substances, wastes, or hydrocarbons was not under our control. These properties and the substances disposed or released on, under or from them may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA, analogous state laws or common law requirements. Under such laws, we could be required to investigate the nature and extent of contamination, remove previously disposed substances and wastes, remediate contaminated soil or groundwater, or perform remedial plugging or pit closure operations to prevent future contamination.  

NORM.   In the course of our operations, some of our equipment may be exposed to naturally occurring radioactive materials, or NORM, associated with oil and gas deposits and, accordingly, may result in the generation of wastes and other materials containing NORM.  NORM exhibiting levels of naturally occurring radiation in excess of established state standards are subject to special handling and disposal requirements, and any storage vessels, piping and work areas affected by NORM may be subject to remediation or restoration requirements.

Water Discharges

Clean Water Act. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, also known as the Clean Water Act, and analogous state laws impose restrictions and strict controls on the discharge of pollutants, including produced waters and other oil and natural gas wastes, into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by EPA or the relevant state agency. The Clean Water Act also prohibits the discharge of dredge and fill material in regulated waters, including wetlands, unless authorized by a permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In May 2015, EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jointly announced a final rule defining the “Waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”) which are protected under the Clean Water Act. The new rule which would have made additional waters expressly Waters of the United States and therefore subject to the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act, rather than subject to a case-specific evaluation, was stayed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit before it took effect. In February 2018, EPA officially delayed implementation of the 2015 rule until early 2020, and in July 2018, the EPA proposed repeal of the 2015 WOTUS rule. Later that year, EPA’s decision was challenged in court, which resulted in a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina to enjoin EPA’s February 2018 delay rule. Several states then acted to halt reinstatement of the 2015 WOTUS rule, the effect of all of which is that the 2015 WOTUS definition is currently in effect in 22 states. Then in December 2018, the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a proposed rule to revise the definition of “Waters of the United States.” The proposed rule would narrow the definition, excluding, for example, streams that do not flow year-round and wetlands without a direct surface connection to other jurisdictional waters. Litigation by parties opposing the rule quickly followed. Due to the administrative procedures required to establish the rule and pending litigation, the new definition of “Waters of the United States” may not be implemented, if at all, for several years.

Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with discharge permits or other requirements of the federal Clean Water Act and analogous state laws and regulations. Issues pertaining to wastewater generated by oil and natural gas exploration and production activities are drawing increased scrutiny from state legislators and may lead to additional regulations. We believe we are in substantial compliance with the requirements of the Clean Water Act.

Oil Pollution Act. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA”) establishes strict, joint and several liability for owners and operators of facilities that release oil into waters of the United States. The OPA and its associated regulations impose a number of requirements on responsible parties related to the prevention of spills and liability for damages, including natural resource damages, resulting therefrom. A “responsible party” under OPA includes owners and operators of certain facilities from which a spill may affect Waters of the United States.  For example, spill prevention, control, and countermeasure regulations promulgated under the Clean Water Act, and later amended by the Oil Pollution Act, impose obligations and liabilities related to the prevention of oil spills and damages resulting from such spills into or threatening waters of the United States or adjoining shorelines. Owners and operators of certain oil and natural

24



gas facilities that store oil in more than threshold quantities, the release of which could reasonably be expected to reach waters regulated under the Clean Water Act, must develop, implement, and maintain Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans.

Disposal Wells

The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) and the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program promulgated under the SDWA and state programs regulate the drilling and operation of salt water disposal wells. EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states and in others administration is delegated to the state. Permits must be obtained before drilling salt water disposal wells, and casing integrity monitoring must be conducted periodically to ensure that the disposed waters are not leaking into groundwater. Because some states have become concerned that the disposal of produced water could, under certain circumstances, trigger or contribute to earthquakes, they have adopted or are considering additional regulations regarding such disposal methods. For example, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Oil and Gas Conservation Division and the Oklahoma Geologic Survey continues to release well completion seismicity guidance, which most recently directs operators to adopt a seismicity response plan and take certain prescriptive actions, including mitigation, following anomalous seismic activity within 3.1 miles of hydraulic fracturing operations. In addition, since 2015, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Oil and Gas Conservation Division has issued a number of directives restricting the future volume of wastewater disposed of via subsurface injection and directing the shut in of certain injection wells, including in areas where we operate.

In addition, several cases have recently put a spotlight on the issue of whether injection wells may be regulated under the Clean Water Act if a direct hydrological connection to a jurisdictional surface water can be established. The split among federal circuit courts of appeals that decided these cases engendered two petitions for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court in August 2018, one of which was granted in February 2019, Those petitions are currently pending. EPA has also brought attention to the reach of the Clean Water Act’s jurisdiction in such instances by issuing a request for comment in February 2018 regarding the applicability of the Clean Water Act permitting program to discharges into groundwater with a direct hydrological connection to jurisdictional surface water, which hydrological connections should be considered “direct,” and whether such discharges would be better addressed through other federal or state programs. To date, no further action has been taken by EPA with respect to the issue, but should Clean Water Act permitting be required for saltwater injections wells, the costs of permitting and compliance for our operations could increase.

Contamination of groundwater by oil and natural gas drilling, production, and related operations may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA, potentially the Clean Water Act, and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

Hydraulic Fracturing

We engage third parties to provide hydraulic fracturing or other well stimulation services to us in connection with many of the wells for which we are the operator. Congress has previously considered legislation to amend the federal SDWA to require the disclosure of chemicals used by the oil and natural gas industry in the hydraulic fracturing process. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into rock formations to stimulate oil and natural gas production. Sponsors of bills previously proposed before the Senate and House of Representatives have asserted that chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect drinking water supplies. Such proposed legislation, which has been introduced in various forms to each session of Congress since 2009, would require the reporting and public disclosure of chemicals used in the fracturing process, which is already required by some state agencies governing our operations, including the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and the Railroad Commission of Texas. Such disclosure requirements could make it easier for third parties opposing the use of hydraulic fracturing to initiate legal proceedings based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect groundwater. In addition, these bills, if adopted, could repeal the exemptions for hydraulic fracturing from the SDWA.

These federal legislative efforts slowed while EPA studied the issue of hydraulic fracturing. In 2010, EPA initiated a Hydraulic Fracturing Research Study to address concerns that hydraulic fracturing may affect the safety of drinking water, as well as review the application of other environmental statutes to hydraulic fracturing activities, including RCRA and the Clean Water Act. As part of that process, EPA requested and received information from the major fracturing service providers regarding the chemical composition of fluids, standard operating procedures and the sites where they engage in hydraulic fracturing. In February 2011, EPA released its Draft Plan to Study the Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing on Drinking Water Resources, proposing to study the lifecycle of hydraulic fracturing fluid and providing a comprehensive list of chemicals identified in fracturing fluid and flowback/produced water. EPA completed the study of the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing activities on water resources and published its final assessment in December 2016. In its assessment, the EPA concluded that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances. The results of the study or similar governmental reviews could spur initiatives to regulate hydraulic fracturing under the SDWA or otherwise. A number of states and communities are currently considering legislation to ban or restrict hydraulic fracturing.


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On March 20, 2015, the United States Bureau of Land Management (“BLM”) released its new regulations governing hydraulic fracturing operations on federal and Indian lands, including requirements for chemical disclosure, well bore integrity and handling of flowback water. The U.S. District Court of Wyoming has temporarily stayed implementation of this rule in June 2016, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit (the "Tenth Circuit") later lifted the lower court’s stay on the basis that the BLM had proposed to rescind the rule in June 2017. In December of 2017, the BLM repealed the 2015 regulations, and environmental organizations and the State of California are suing the BLM and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior over the repeal. The regulations, if reinstated, may result in additional levels of regulation or complexity with respect to existing regulations that could lead to operational delays, increased operating costs and additional regulatory burdens that could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing and increase our costs of compliance and doing business.

The Clean Air Act. The federal Clean Air Act (“CAA”) and comparable state laws regulate emissions of various air pollutants through air emissions permitting programs and the imposition of other requirements, such as emission controls. In addition, EPA has developed and continues to develop stringent regulations governing emissions of toxic air pollutants at specified sources. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the federal CAA and associated state laws and regulations. On August 16, 2012, EPA promulgated new CAA regulations addressing criteria pollutants, “Oil and Natural Gas Sector: New Source Performance Standards (“NSPS”) and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (“NESHAP”).” These new rules broadened the scope of EPA’s NSPS and NESHAP to include standards governing emissions from most operations associated with oil and natural gas production facilities and natural gas processing, transmission and storage facilities with a compliance deadline of January 1, 2015. EPA states that greenhouse gases will be controlled indirectly as a result of these new rules. EPA received numerous requests for reconsideration of these rules from both industry and the environmental community, and court challenges to the rules were also filed. In December 2014, EPA released final updates and clarifications to the Oil and Natural Gas Sector NSPS that, among other things, distinguishes between multiple flowback stages during completion of hydraulically fractured wells and clarified that storage tanks removed from service are not affected by any requirements. On May 12, 2016, EPA issued additional rules, known as “NSPS Subpart OOOOa,” for the oil and gas industry to reduce emissions of methane, volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”) and other compounds.  These rules apply to certain sources of air emissions that were constructed, reconstructed, or modified after September 18, 2015. Among other things, the new rules impose reduced emission (“green”) completion requirements on new hydraulically fractured or re-fractured oil wells (in addition to gas wells, for which green completions were already required under a prior NSPS rule) and leak detection and repair requirements at well sites. NSPS Subpart OOOOa and EPA’s subsequent actions to reconsider and propose stays of the rules have been heavily litigated and, in October 2018, EPA released proposed revisions to some of the 2016 requirements, including reducing the required frequency of fugitive emissions monitoring at well sites and compressor stations. Accordingly, the ultimate scope of these regulations is uncertain, and any future changes to these regulations could require us to incur additional costs and to reduce emissions associated with our operations.

Endangered Species

The federal Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) and analogous state laws regulate a variety of activities that adversely affect species listed as threatened or endangered under the ESA or their habitats. The designation of previously unidentified endangered or threatened species in areas where we operate could cause us to incur additional costs or become subject to operating delays, restrictions or bans. Numerous species have been listed or proposed for protected status in areas in which we currently, or could in the future, undertake operations. For instance, the American Burying Beetle was listed as an endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWS”) in 1989.  The FWS announced in November 2016 that it is considering listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken as threatened under the ESA. The FWS completed an assessment of the biological status of the species in August, 2017, but has not taken any further action on listing the species. Both the American Burying Beetle and the Lesser Prairie Chicken have habitat in some areas where we operate.  Although we are participants in a conservation agreement overseen by the FWS which may mitigate our exposure if the Lesser Prairie Chicken is listed as threatened, the presence of these and other protected species in areas where we operate could impair our ability to timely complete or carry out those operations, lose leaseholds as we may not be permitted to timely commence drilling operations, cause us to incur increased costs arising from species protection measures, and, consequently, adversely affect our results of operations and financial position.  

Climate Change

The Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change became effective in February 2005. Under the Protocol, participating nations are required to implement programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases that are suspected of contributing to global warming. Although the United States was not a participant in the Kyoto Protocol, the United States was a signatory to the Paris Agreement, which became effective in November 2016. Following President Trump taking office, the United States informed the United Nations of its intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, although the earliest date of withdrawal under the terms of the Agreement is November 4, 2020. Historically, legislation has been proposed in Congress directed at reducing greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, and such proposals would not be unexpected in the future. Regulation of GHGs has support in various regions of the country, and some states have already adopted legislation addressing greenhouse gas emissions from various

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sources, primarily power plants. The oil and natural gas industry is a direct source of certain greenhouse gas emissions, namely carbon dioxide and methane, and future federal or state restrictions on such emissions could impact our future operations. In 2010, the EPA enacted final rules on mandatory reporting of GHGs. The EPA has also subsequently issued amendments to the rules containing technical and clarifying changes to certain GHG reporting requirements. Under the GHG reporting rules, certain onshore oil and natural gas production, gathering and boosting, processing, transmission, storage and distribution facilities are required to report their GHG emissions on an annual basis. In June 2016, the EPA published final regulations (NSPS Subpart OOOOa) setting methane emission standards for new and modified oil and gas production and natural gas processing and transmission facilities as part of the Obama Administration’s efforts to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by up to 45% from 2012 levels by 2025. In November 2016, the BLM published a final version of its venting and flaring rule, which imposes stricter reporting obligations and limits venting and flaring of natural gas on public and Indian lands. Some provisions of the venting and flaring rule went into effect on January 17, 2017 and the BLM announced that it is postponing until January 17, 2019, the implementation of other aspects of the venting and flaring rule, which were originally scheduled to come into effect on January 17, 2018. In September 2018, however, the BLM announced a final rule that revises the 2016 rule. Not unexpectedly, this revised rule was immediately challenged and litigation is ongoing. Any rules regarding the reduction of GHGs that are applicable to our operations could require us to incur additional costs and to reduce emissions associated with our operations.  In response to these regulations, or other future federal, state or regional legislation, our operating costs could increase due to requirements to (1) obtain permits; (2) operate and maintain equipment and facilities (e.g., through the reduction or elimination of venting and flaring of methane); (3) install new emission controls; (4) acquire allowances authorizing GHG emissions; (5) pay taxes related to our GHG emissions; and (6) administer and manage GHG emission programs. Although our operations are not adversely impacted by current state and local climate change initiatives, at this time it is not possible to accurately estimate how potential future laws or regulations limiting or otherwise addressing GHG emissions would impact our business.

OSHA and Other Laws and Regulations

We are subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) and comparable state statutes. The OSHA hazard communication standard, the EPA community right-to-know regulations under Title III of CERCLA, the general duty clause and Risk Management Planning regulations promulgated under section 112(r) of the CAA, and similar state statutes require that we organize and/or disclose information about hazardous materials used, produced or otherwise managed in our operations. These laws also require the development of risk management plans for certain facilities to prevent accidental releases of pollutants.

Other Regulation of the Oil and Natural Gas Industry

The oil and natural gas industry is extensively regulated by numerous federal, state and local authorities. Legislation affecting the oil and natural gas industry is under constant review for amendment or expansion, frequently increasing the regulatory burden. Also, numerous departments and agencies, both federal and state, are authorized by statute to issue rules and regulations binding on the oil and natural gas industry and its individual members, some of which carry substantial penalties for failure to comply. Although the regulatory burden on the oil and natural gas industry increases our cost of doing business and, consequently, affects our profitability, these burdens generally do not affect us any differently or to any greater or lesser extent than they affect other companies in the industry with similar types, quantities and locations of production.

Legislation continues to be introduced in Congress and development of regulations continues in the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies concerning the security of industrial facilities, including oil and natural gas facilities. Our operations may be subject to such laws and regulations. It is not possible to accurately estimate the costs we could incur to comply with any such facility security laws or regulations, but such expenditures could be substantial.

Drilling and Production

Our operations are subject to various types of regulation at the federal, tribal, state and local levels. These types of regulation include requiring permits for the drilling of wells, drilling bonds, and reports concerning operations. Most states, and some counties and municipalities, in which we operate also regulate one or more of the following:
the location of wells;
the method of drilling and casing wells;
the timing of construction or drilling activities;
the rates of production or “allowables”;
the use of surface or subsurface waters;
the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled;
the plugging and abandoning of wells;
the transportation of production; and
notice to surface owners and other third parties.

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State laws regulate the size and shape of drilling and spacing units or proration units governing the pooling of oil and natural gas properties. Some states allow forced pooling or integration of tracts to facilitate exploration while other states rely on voluntary pooling of lands and leases. In some instances, forced pooling or unitization may be implemented by third parties and may reduce our interest in the unitized properties. In addition, state conservation laws establish maximum rates of production from oil and natural gas wells, generally prohibit the venting or flaring of natural gas, and impose requirements regarding the ratability of production. These laws and regulations may limit the amount of oil and natural gas we can produce from our wells or limit the number of wells or the locations at which we can drill. Moreover, each state generally imposes a production or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids within its jurisdiction.  

National Environmental Policy Act. Oil and natural gas exploration and production activities on federal lands and some Indian lands are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”). NEPA requires federal agencies, including the Department of Interior, to evaluate major federal actions having the potential to significantly impact the environment. In the course of such evaluations, an agency will typically prepare an Environmental Assessment to assess the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project and, if necessary, will prepare a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement that may be made available for public review and comment.

Natural Gas Sales and Transportation

Historically, federal legislation and regulatory controls have affected the price of the natural gas we produce and the manner in which we market our production. FERC has jurisdiction over the transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce by natural gas companies under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 (“NGA”) and the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (“NGPA”). Since 1978, various federal laws have been enacted which have resulted in the complete removal of all price and non-price controls for sales of domestic natural gas sold in “first sales,” which include all of our sales of our own production.

FERC also regulates interstate natural gas transportation rates and terms and conditions of service, which affects the marketing of natural gas that we produce, as well as the revenues we receive for sales of our natural gas. Commencing in 1985, FERC promulgated a series of orders, regulations and rulemakings that significantly fostered competition in the business of transporting and marketing natural gas. Today, interstate pipeline companies are required to provide nondiscriminatory transportation services to producers, marketers and other shippers, regardless of whether such shippers are affiliated with an interstate pipeline company. FERC’s initiatives have led to the development of a competitive, unregulated, open access market for natural gas purchases and sales that permits all purchasers of natural gas to buy natural gas directly from third-party sellers other than pipelines. However, the natural gas industry historically has been very heavily regulated; therefore, we cannot guarantee that the less stringent regulatory approach currently pursued by FERC and Congress will continue indefinitely into the future nor can we determine what effect, if any, future regulatory changes might have on our natural gas related activities.

Under the NGA, the rates for service on interstate natural gas facilities must be just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory. Generally, the maximum filed recourse rates for interstate pipelines are based on the pipeline’s cost of service including recovery of and a return on the pipeline’s actual prudent investment cost. Key determinants in the ratemaking process are costs of providing service, allowed rate of return, volume throughput and contractual capacity commitment assumptions. FERC also allows pipelines to charge market-based rates if the transportation market in question is sufficiently competitive.  Section 1(b) of the NGA exempts natural gas gathering service, which occurs upstream of jurisdictional transmission services, from FERC jurisdiction.  Gathering service is instead regulated by the states onshore and in state waters. The distinction between FERC-regulated transmission services and federally unregulated gathering services, however, has been the subject of substantial litigation, and the FERC determines whether facilities are gathering facilities on a case-by-case basis, so the classification and regulation of our gathering facilities is subject to change based on future determinations by FERC, the courts or Congress.  In fact, FERC recently has reclassified certain jurisdictional transmission facilities as non-jurisdictional gathering facilities, which has the tendency to increase our costs of getting natural gas to point-of-sale locations. If FERC were to consider the status of an individual facility and determine that the facility and/or services provided by it are not exempt from FERC regulation under the NGA and that the facility provides interstate service, the rates for, and terms and conditions of, services provided by such facility would be subject to regulation by FERC under the NGA or the NGPA.  Such regulation could decrease revenue, increase operating costs, and, depending upon the facility in question, could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flows.  In addition, if any of our facilities were found to have provided services or otherwise operated in violation of the NGA or NGPA, this could result in the imposition of civil penalties as well as a requirement to disgorge charges collected for such service in excess of the rate established by FERC.

Natural Gas Pipeline Safety

The Department of Transportation (“DOT”), and specifically the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”), regulate transportation of natural and other gas by pipeline and impose minimum federal safety standards pursuant to the pipeline safety laws codified at 49 U.S.C. 60101, et seq., the hazardous material transportation laws codified at 49 U.S.C. 5101, et

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seq., regulations contained within 49 C.F.R. Parts 192 and 195, and similar state laws.  Our natural gas and hazardous liquids pipelines are subject to this regulation.  We believe we are in material compliance with all applicable regulations imposed by the DOT and PHMSA regarding our natural gas and hazardous liquids pipelines.  However, significant expenses could be incurred in the future if additional safety measures are required, or if safety standards are raised and exceed the degree of our current natural gas pipeline operations.  The DOT may also assess fines and penalties for violations of these and other requirements imposed by its regulations.

Natural Gas Gathering Regulations

State regulation of natural gas gathering facilities generally includes various safety, environmental and, in some circumstances, nondiscriminatory-take requirements and complaint-based rate regulation.  The regulations generally require gathering pipelines to take natural gas without undue discrimination in favor of one producer over another producer or one source of supply over another similarly situated source of supply.  Such regulations can have the effect of imposing restrictions on a pipeline’s ability to decide with whom it contracts to gather natural gas. In addition, natural gas gathering is included in EPA’s greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting rule, is subject to air permitting requirements where applicable, and may receive greater regulatory scrutiny in the future. Failure to comply with state regulations can result in the imposition of administrative, civil and criminal remedies.

State Regulation

The various states regulate the drilling for, and the production, gathering, and sale of, oil and natural gas, including imposing severance taxes and requirements for obtaining drilling permits. States also regulate the method of developing new fields, the spacing and operation of wells, and the prevention of waste of oil and natural gas resources. States may regulate rates of production and may establish maximum daily production allowables from oil and natural gas wells based on market demand or resource conservation, or both. States do not regulate wellhead prices or engage in other similar direct economic regulation, but there can be no assurance that they will not do so in the future. The effect of these regulations may be to limit the amounts of oil and natural gas that may be produced from our wells, and to limit the number of wells or locations we can drill.

The petroleum industry is also subject to compliance with various other federal, state and local regulations and laws. Some of those laws relate to occupational safety, resource conservation, and equal employment opportunity. We do not believe that compliance with these laws will have a material adverse effect on us.  

Seasonality

Seasonal weather conditions can limit our drilling and producing activities and other operations. These seasonal conditions can pose challenges for meeting the well drilling objectives and increase competition for equipment, supplies and personnel, which could lead to shortages and increase costs or delay operations. For example, our operations may be impacted by ice and snow in the winter and by strong winds, tornadoes and high temperatures in the spring and summer.

The demand for natural gas typically decreases during the summer months and increases during the winter months. Seasonal anomalies sometimes lessen this fluctuation. In addition, certain natural gas consumers utilize natural gas storage facilities and purchase some of their anticipated winter requirements during the summer, which can also lessen seasonal demand fluctuations.

Legal Proceedings

Please see Item 3. Legal Proceedings for a discussion of our material legal proceedings. In our opinion, there are no other material pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or of which any of our property is the subject. However, due to the nature of our business, certain legal or administrative proceedings may arise from time to time in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these legal matters cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect them to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Title to Properties

We believe that we have satisfactory title to all of our owned assets. As is customary in the oil and natural gas industry, we initially conduct only a cursory review of the title to undeveloped leasehold acreage rights acquired through oil and natural gas leases or farm-in agreements. Prior to the commencement of drilling operations on undeveloped leasehold, we conduct a title examination and perform curative work with respect to any significant title defects. Prior to completing an acquisition of an interest in significant producing oil and natural gas properties, we conduct due diligence as to title for the specific interest we are acquiring. Our interests in oil and natural gas properties are subject to customary royalty interests, liens for current taxes and other similar burdens and minor easements, restrictions and encumbrances which we believe do not materially detract from the value of these interests either individually or in the aggregate and will not materially interfere with the operation of our business. We will take such steps as we

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deem necessary to ensure that our title to our properties is satisfactory. We are free, however, to exercise our judgment as to reasonable business risks in waiving title requirements.


Employees

As of December 31, 2018 , we had 194 full-time employees. We also contract for the services of independent consultants involved in land, regulatory, accounting, finance and other disciplines as needed. None of our employees are represented by labor unions or covered by any collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relations with our employees are satisfactory.

During 2017 and 2016, we terminated 109 and 64 employees, respectively, as part of our workforce reduction or company restructuring.  

Recent Developments

On March 8, 2019, David Geenberg notified the Board of his intention to resign as a member of the Board effective March 11, 2019. On March 11, 2019, Graham Morris notified the Board of his intention to resign as a member of the Board effective March 11, 2019. Neither Mr. Geenberg’s nor Mr. Morris’s decision to resign is the result of any disagreement with the Company related to the Company’s operations, policies, or practices. Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s support agreement Strategic Value Partners, LLC (“SVP”) and certain funds and accounts managed by SVP, SVP has notified the Company that it will exercise its right to designate a replacement director to fill the vacancy resulting from Mr. Geenberg’s resignation, subject to approval by the Board.

Available Information

Our website is available at www.chaparralenergy.com. On our website, you can access, free of charge, electronic copies of our governance documents, including our Board’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and the charters of the committees of our Board, along with all of the documents that we file with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments to these reports. Information contained on or connected to our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report and should not be considered part of this report or any other filing we make with the SEC.

We are required to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our reports filed with the SEC are made available to read and copy at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C., 20549. You may obtain information about the Public Reference Room by contacting the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Reports filed with the SEC are also made available on its website at www.sec.gov.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following are some of the important factors that could affect our financial performance or could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates contained in our forward-looking statements. We may encounter risks in addition to those described below. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, may also impair or adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operation.

Our actual financial results after emergence from bankruptcy may not be comparable to our historical financial information as a result of the implementation of the Reorganization Plan and the transactions contemplated thereby and our adoption of fresh start accounting.

In connection with the disclosure statement we filed with the Bankruptcy Court, and the hearing to consider confirmation of the Reorganization Plan, we prepared projected financial information to demonstrate to the Bankruptcy Court the feasibility of the Reorganization Plan and our ability to continue operations upon our emergence from bankruptcy. Those projections were prepared solely for the purpose of the bankruptcy proceedings and have not been, and will not be, updated on an ongoing basis and should not be relied upon by investors. Although the financial projections disclosed in our disclosure statement filed with the Bankruptcy Court represented our view based on then current known facts and assumptions about the future operations of the Company there is no guarantee that the financial projections will be realized. We may not be able to meet the projected financial results or achieve projected revenues and cash flows assumed in projecting future business prospects. To the extent we do not meet the projected financial results or achieve projected revenues and cash flows, we may lack sufficient liquidity to continue operating as planned and may be unable to service our debt obligations as they come due or may not be able to meet our operational needs. Any one of these failures may preclude us from, among other things: (a) taking advantage of future opportunities; (b) growing our businesses; or (c) responding to future changes in the oil and gas industry. Further, our failure to meet the projected financial results or achieve projected revenues and cash flows could lead to cash flow and

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working capital constraints, which constraints may require us to seek additional working capital. We may not be able to obtain such working capital when it is required.

In addition, upon our emergence from bankruptcy, we adopted fresh start accounting, as a consequence of which our assets and liabilities were adjusted to fair values and the opening balance of our accumulated deficit upon emergence from bankruptcy was restated to zero. Accordingly, our future financial conditions and results of operations may not be comparable to the financial condition or results of operations reflected in the Company’s historical financial statements.

The ability to attract and retain key personnel is critical to the success of our business. Any difficulty we experience replacing or adding personnel could adversely affect our business.

The success of our business depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain experienced professional personnel. The loss of any key executives or other key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our operations. We may need to enter into retention or other arrangements that could be costly to maintain. If executives, managers or other key personnel resign, retire or are terminated, or their service is otherwise interrupted, we may not be able to replace them in a timely manner and we could experience significant declines in productivity.

Our ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) may be limited as a result of our emergence from bankruptcy and new limitations under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) .

In general, Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) of 1986, as amended, provides an annual limitation with respect to the ability of a corporation to utilize its tax attributes, as well as certain built-in-losses, against future taxable income in the event of a change in ownership. Our emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings resulted in a change in ownership for purposes of the IRC Section 382. The Company analyzed alternatives available within the IRC to taxpayers in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in order to minimize the impact of the ownership change and cancellation of indebtedness income on its tax attributes. Upon filing its 2017 U.S. Federal income tax return, the Company elected an available alternative which would likely result in the Company experiencing a limitation that subjects existing tax attributes at emergence to an IRC Section 382 limitation that could result in some or all of the remaining net operating loss carryforwards expiring unused. Upon final determination of tax return amounts for the year ended December 31, 2017, including attribute reduction that occurred on January 1, 2018, the Company had total federal net operating loss carryforwards of $1.01 billion including $760.1 million which are subject to limitation due to the ownership change that occurred upon emergence from bankruptcy and $251.3 million of post-change net operating loss carryforwards not subject to this limitation. Because of the limitations that apply to these NOL amounts, it is possible that some portion of the Company’s NOLs could expire unused.

In addition to the above, there are new limitations that apply to NOLs that arise in a taxable year ending after December 31, 2017.  Unlike the law in effect prior to the 2017 Tax Act, the amendments to Section 172 disallow the carryback of NOLs but allow for the indefinite carryforward of those NOLs.  In addition to the carryover and carryback changes, the 2017 Tax Act also introduces a limitation on the amount of post-2017 NOLs that a corporation may deduct in a single tax year under section 172(a) equal to the lesser of the available NOL carryover or 80 percent of a taxpayer’s pre-NOL deduction taxable income.

Limitations imposed on our ability to use NOLs to offset future taxable income may cause U.S. federal income taxes to be paid earlier than otherwise would be paid if such limitations were not in effect and could cause such NOLs to expire unused, in each case reducing or eliminating the benefit of such NOLs. Similar rules and limitations may apply for state income tax purposes.

We may be subject to risks in connection with acquisitions and divestitures.

In the future we may make acquisitions of businesses that complement or expand our current business. We may not be able to identify attractive acquisition opportunities. Even if we do identify attractive acquisition opportunities, we may not be able to complete the acquisition or do so on commercially acceptable terms. As a result, our acquisition activities may not be successful, which may hinder our replacement of reserves and adversely affect our results of operations.

In addition, we may sell non-core assets in order to increase capital resources available for other core assets and to create organizational and operational efficiencies. We may also occasionally sell interests in core assets for the purpose of accelerating the development and increasing efficiencies in such core assets. Various factors could materially affect our ability to dispose of such assets, including the approvals of governmental agencies or third parties and the availability of purchasers willing to acquire the assets with terms we deem acceptable.


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Our producing properties are predominantly located in Oklahoma where our development opportunities, comprised of our inventory of drilling locations, are geographically concentrated in the STACK play in Oklahoma. We are therefore vulnerable to risks associated with operating in one major geographic area.

At December 31, 2018 , 78% of our proved reserves and 70% of our total equivalent production were attributable our properties located in the STACK, and we expect that concentration to increase as we have allocated substantially all of our oil and natural gas capital budget to this area in 2019 . As a result of this concentration, we may be disproportionately exposed to the impact of regional supply and demand factors, state and local political forces and governmental regulation, processing or transportation capacity constraints, market limitations, severe weather events, water shortages or other conditions or interruption of the processing or transportation of oil, natural gas or NGLs in the region.

The market price of our common stock is volatile.

The trading price of our common stock and the price at which we may sell common stock in the future are subject to fluctuations in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

limited trading volume in our common stock;
the concentration of holdings of our common stock;
variations in operating results;
our involvement in litigation;
general U.S. or worldwide financial market conditions;
conditions impacting the prices of oil and gas;
announcements by us and our competitors;
our liquidity and access to capital;
our ability to raise additional funds;  
events impacting the energy industry;
lack of trading market;  
changes in government regulations; and  
other events.

Trading of our common stock in the public market has been limited. Therefore, the holders of our common stock may be unable to liquidate their investment in our common stock.

Upon our emergence from bankruptcy, our old common stock was canceled and we issued new common stock.  From May 18, 2017, through May 25, 2017, our Class A common stock was quoted on the OTC Pink marketplace under the symbol “CHHP”. From May 26, 2017, through July 23, 2018, our Class A common stock was quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets Group Inc. under the symbol “CHPE”. On July 24, 2018, we transferred our stock exchange listing for our Class A common stock from the OTCQB market to the New York Stock Exchange and began trading under the new ticker symbol “CHAP.” On December 19, 2018, all outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, converted into the same number of shares of Class A common stock pursuant to the terms of our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Certificate of Incorporation").

Although our common stock is listed on a U.S. national securities exchange, no assurance can be given that an active market will develop for our Class A common stock or as to the liquidity of the trading market for the common stock.

Holders of our common stock may experience difficulty in reselling, or an inability to sell, their shares. In addition, if an active trading market does not develop or is not maintained, significant sales of our common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As a result, investors in our securities may not be able to resell their shares at or above the purchase price paid by them or may not be able to resell them at all.

There may be circumstances in which the interests of our significant stockholders could be in conflict with the interests of our other stockholders.

Funds associated with Strategic Value Partners, LLC (“SVP”) and Contrarian Capital Management, L.L.C. (“Contrarian”), currently own approximately 16.8% and 8.2%, respectively, of our outstanding Class A common stock. Each of SVP and Contrarian currently has a right to nominate one of our directors under its respective support agreement. Our Board currently consists of seven members, six of whom serve as independent directors. In addition, our Board currently has two vacancies resulting from the resignations of Mr. Geenberg and Mr. Morris, each effective March 11, 2019. Pursuant to its respective support agreement, each of SVP and Contrarian currently has a right to nominate an individual to fill the vacancy resulting from the resignation of its respective designee. Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s support agreement with SVP, SVP has notified the Company that it will exercise its right to designate a replacement director to fill the vacancy resulting from Mr. Geenberg’s resignation, subject to approval by the

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Board. Circumstances may arise in which SVP and Contrarian may have an interest in pursuing or preventing acquisitions, divestitures or other transactions, including the issuance of additional shares or debt, that, in their judgment, could enhance their investment in us or another company in which they invest. Such transactions might adversely affect us or other holders of our Class A common stock. Furthermore, the support agreements with SVP and Contrarian each provides for certain continuing nomination rights subject to conditions on share ownership. Our significant concentration of share ownership may adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common shares because investors may perceive disadvantages in owning shares in companies with significant stockholders.

We may not be able to achieve our projected financial results or service our debt.

Although our financial projections represent our view based on current known facts and assumptions about the future operations of the Company, there is no guarantee that the financial projections will be realized. Our financial performance is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to meet the projected financial results or achieve projected revenues and cash flows assumed in projecting future business prospects. To the extent we do not meet the projected financial results or achieve projected revenues and cash flows, we may lack sufficient liquidity to continue operating as planned or may be unable to service our debt obligations as they come due or may not be able to meet our operational needs. Any one of these failures may preclude us from, among other things: (a) taking advantage of future opportunities; (b) growing our businesses; or (c) responding to future changes in the oil and gas industry. Further, our failure to meet the projected financial results or achieve projected revenues and cash flows could lead to cash flow and working capital constraints, which constraints may require us to seek additional working capital. We may not be able to obtain such working capital when it is required.

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or seek to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. If we cannot make scheduled payments on our long-term indebtedness, we will be in default and, as a result:

debt holders, including the holders of our Senior Notes, could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable;
we may be in default under our master derivative contracts and counter-parties could demand early termination;
the lenders under our New Credit Facility could terminate their commitments to loan us money and foreclose against the assets securing their borrowings; and
we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

Any inability to maintain our current derivative positions in the future specifically could result in financial losses or could reduce our income and cash flows.

Our results of operations, financial condition and capital resources are highly dependent upon the prevailing market prices of, and demand for, oil and natural gas. These commodity prices are subject to wide fluctuations and market uncertainties. To mitigate a portion of this exposure, we enter into commodity price swaps, collars, put options, enhanced swaps and basis protection swaps. While the use of derivative contracts may limit or reduce the downside risk of adverse price movements, their use also may limit future benefits from favorable price movements and expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances. Those circumstances include instances where our production is less than the volume subject to derivative contracts, there is a widening of price basis differentials between delivery points for our production and the delivery points assumed in the derivative transactions or there are issues with regard to the legal enforceability of such instruments.

A decline in oil and gas prices may adversely affect our financial condition, financial results, liquidity, cash flows, access to capital and ability to grow.

Our future financial condition, revenues, results of operations, rate of growth and the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties depend primarily upon the prices we receive for our oil and natural gas production. Oil and natural gas prices historically have been volatile and are likely to continue to be volatile in the future, especially given current geopolitical conditions. This price volatility also affects the cash flow we will have available for capital expenditures as well as our ability to borrow money or raise additional capital. The prices for oil and natural gas are subject to a variety of factors that are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

the level of consumer demand for oil and natural gas;
the domestic and foreign supply of oil and natural gas;
commodity processing, gathering and transportation availability, and the availability of refining capacity;
the price and level of foreign imports of oil and natural gas;
the ability of the members of OPEC to agree to and maintain oil price and production controls;
domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes;

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the supply of other inputs necessary to our production;
the price and availability of alternative fuel sources;
weather conditions;
financial and commercial market uncertainty;
political conditions or hostilities in oil and natural gas producing regions, including the Middle East and South America; and
worldwide economic conditions.

These factors and the volatility of the energy markets generally make it extremely difficult to predict future oil and gas price movements with any certainty. From mid-2014 through 2016, oil and natural gas prices declined significantly, due in large part to increasing supplies and weakening demand growth.  Although oil prices increased from 2017 into the 2018, they have since declined sharply towards the end of 2018 into 2019.  

Extended periods of lower oil and natural gas prices will reduce our revenue but also will reduce the amount of oil and natural gas we can produce economically, and as a result, would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and reserves. During periods of low commodity prices we may shut in or curtail production from additional wells and defer drilling new wells, challenging our ability to produce at commercially paying quantities required to hold our leases.  A reduction in production could result in a shortfall in our expected cash flows and require us to reduce our capital spending or borrow funds to cover any such shortfall. Any of these factors could negatively impact our ability to replace our production and our future rate of growth.  

A decline in prices from current levels may lead to additional write-downs of the carrying values of our oil and natural gas properties in the future which could negatively impact results of operations.

We utilize the full cost method of accounting for costs related to our oil and natural gas properties. Under this method, all costs incurred for both productive and nonproductive properties are capitalized and amortized on an aggregate basis using the units-of-production method. However, these capitalized costs are subject to a ceiling test that limits such pooled costs to the aggregate of the present value of estimated future net revenues attributable to proved oil and natural gas reserves discounted at 10% net of tax considerations, plus the market value of unproved properties not being amortized. The full cost ceiling is evaluated at the end of each quarter using the SEC prices for oil and natural gas in effect at that date. A write-down of oil and natural gas properties does not impact cash flow from operating activities, but does reduce net income. Once incurred, a write-down of oil and natural gas properties is not reversible at a later date. We recorded ceiling test write-downs of $20 million , $42 million and $281 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The volatility of oil and natural gas prices and other factors, without mitigating circumstances, could require us to further write down capitalized costs and incur corresponding noncash charges to earnings. Since the prices used in the cost ceiling are based on a trailing twelve-month period, the full impact of a sudden price decline is not recognized immediately.

A significant portion of total proved reserves as of December 31, 2018 are undeveloped, and those reserves may not ultimately be developed.

As of December 31, 2018 , approximately 41% of our estimated proved reserves (by volume) were undeveloped. These reserve estimates reflect our plans to make significant capital expenditures to convert our proved undeveloped reserves into proved developed reserves at a total estimated undiscounted cost of $406.0 million . You should be aware that actual development costs may exceed estimates, development may not occur as scheduled and results may not be as estimated. If we choose not to develop our proved undeveloped reserves, or if we are not otherwise able to successfully develop them, we will be required to remove the associated volumes from our reported proved reserves.

The actual quantities and present value of our proved reserves may be lower than we have estimated.

Estimating quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves is a complex process. The quantities and values of our proved reserves in the projections are only estimates and subject to numerous uncertainties. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation. These estimates depend on assumptions regarding quantities and production rates of recoverable oil and natural gas reserves, future prices for oil and natural gas, timing and amounts of development expenditures and operating expenses, all of which will vary from those assumed in our estimates. If the variances in these assumptions are significant, many of which are based upon extrinsic events we cannot control, they could significantly affect these estimates. Any significant variance from the assumptions used could result in the actual amounts of oil and natural gas ultimately recovered and future net cash flows being materially different from the estimates in our reserves reports. In addition, results of drilling, testing, production, and changes in prices after the date of the estimates of our reserves may result in substantial downward revisions. These estimates may not accurately predict the present value of future net cash flows from our oil and natural gas reserves.


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You should not assume that the present values referred to in this report represent the current market value of our estimated oil and natural gas reserves. The timing of production and expenses associated with the development and production of oil and natural gas properties will affect both the timing of actual future net cash flows from our proved reserves and their present value. In accordance with requirements of the SEC, the estimates of present values are based on a twelve-month average price, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the twelve-month period prior to the end of the reporting period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions. Actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or lower than the prices and costs as of the date of these estimates. Our December 31, 2018 , reserve report used SEC pricing of $3.10 per Mcf for natural gas and $65.56 per Bbl for oil.

Our level of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under our New Credit Facility and Senior Notes.

As of December 31, 2018, we had total indebtedness of $320.6 million . Our current and future indebtedness could have important consequences, including the following:

our high level of indebtedness could make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations;
the restrictions imposed on the operation of our business by the terms of our debt agreements may hinder our ability to take advantage of strategic opportunities to grow our business;
the restrictions imposed on the operation of our business by the terms of our debt agreements may limit management’s discretion in operating our business and our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, restructuring, acquisitions or general corporate purposes may be impaired, which could be exacerbated by further volatility in the credit markets;
we must use a material portion of our cash flow from operations to pay interest on our Senior Notes, borrowings under our New Credit Facility and our other indebtedness, which will reduce the funds available to us for operations and other purposes;
our high level of indebtedness could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that may have proportionately less debt;
our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate may be limited;
our high level of indebtedness makes us more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business;
we may be vulnerable to interest rate increases, as our borrowings under our New Credit Facility are at variable rates; and
our substantial level of indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing due to applicable financial and restrictive covenants in our debt arrangements.

Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and ability to satisfy our obligations under our debt agreement.

Restrictive covenants in our New Credit Facility and Senior Notes could limit our growth and our ability to finance our operations, fund our capital needs, respond to changing conditions and engage in other business activities that may be in our best interests.

Our New Credit Facility and Senior Notes imposes operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions limit our ability and that of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:

incur additional indebtedness;
make investments or loans;
create liens;
consummate mergers and similar fundamental changes;
make restricted payments;
make investments in unrestricted subsidiaries; and
enter into transactions with affiliates.

These restrictions could:

limit our ability to plan for, or react to, market conditions, to meet capital needs or otherwise to restrict our activities or business plan; and
adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, enter into acquisitions or to engage in other business activities that would be in our interest.


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Our New Credit Facility includes provisions that require mandatory prepayment of outstanding borrowings and/or a borrowing base redetermination when we make asset dispositions over a certain threshold, which could limit our ability to generate liquidity from asset sales. Also, our New Credit Facility and Senior Notes require us to maintain compliance with specified financial ratios and satisfy certain financial condition tests. Our ability to comply with these ratios and financial condition tests may be affected by events beyond our control and, as a result, we may be unable to meet these ratios and financial condition tests. These financial ratio restrictions and financial condition tests could limit our ability to obtain future financings, make needed capital expenditures, withstand a continued downturn in our business or a downturn in the economy in general, or otherwise conduct necessary corporate activities. Our potential inability to meet financial covenants could require us to refinance or amend such obligations resulting in the payment of consent fees or higher interest rates, or require us to raise additional capital at an inopportune time or on terms not favorable to us.

A breach of any of these covenants or our inability to comply with the required financial ratios or financial condition tests could result in a default under our New Credit Facility or Senior Notes. A default under our New Credit Facility or Senior Notes , if not cured or waived, could result in acceleration of all indebtedness outstanding thereunder, which in turn would trigger cross-acceleration and cross-default rights under our other debt.

If our debt is accelerated, we may not be able to repay our debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if we are able to obtain new financing, it may not be on commercially reasonable terms, on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If our debt is in default for any reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, complying with these covenants may make it more difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy and compete against companies that are not subject to such restrictions.

Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.

Borrowings under our New Credit Facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on such variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income and cash flows, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, would correspondingly decrease. Assuming a constant debt level under our New Credit Facility of $325.0 million, equal to our borrowing base at December 31, 2018, the cash flow impact for a 12-month period resulting from a 100 basis point change in the variable component of our interest rate would be $3.3 million.

Future legislative changes may increase the gross production tax charged on our oil and natural gas production.

Due to significant budget shortfalls in Oklahoma in recent years, legislation has been introduced which increased the Gross Production Tax (“GPT”) applicable to the oil and natural gas we produce.  In May and November 2017, the Oklahoma legislature passed bills that effectively increased production taxes on certain producing wells and units in the state. The legislative change in May 2017, which took effect in July 2017, increased the rate on certain horizontal wells spudded on or prior to July 1, 2015 from 1% to 4%. This was followed by a legislative change in November 2017, which took effect in December 2017, which further increased the rate on the aforementioned horizontal wells from 4% to 7%. In March 2018, the Oklahoma legislature approved a production tax increase from 2% to 5% during the first three years of production on horizontal wells spudded after July 1, 2015. Subsequent to these legislative changes, production from new Oklahoma wells are now taxed at a 5% rate for the first 36 months of production and at 7% thereafter. The passage of any further legislation or ballot initiatives that would increase the tax burden on all of our oil and gas production occurring in the State of Oklahoma would negatively affect our net revenues, our financial condition, and results of operations.

Competition in the oil and natural gas industry is intense and many of our competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do.

We operate in the highly competitive areas of oil and natural gas production, acquisition, development, and exploration and face intense competition from both major and other independent oil and natural gas companies:

seeking to acquire desirable producing properties or new leases for future development or exploration; and
seeking to acquire similar equipment and expertise that we deem necessary to operate and develop our properties.

Many of our competitors have financial and other resources substantially greater than ours, and some of them are fully integrated oil companies. These companies may be able to pay more for development prospects and productive oil and natural gas 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. Our ability to develop our oil and natural gas properties and to acquire additional properties in the future will

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depend upon our ability to successfully conduct operations, select suitable prospects and consummate transactions in this highly competitive environment.

We can also be affected by competition for drilling rigs and the availability of related equipment. In the past, the oil and natural gas industry has experienced shortages of drilling rigs, equipment, pipe and personnel, which have delayed developmental drilling and other exploitation activities and have caused significant price increases. We are unable to predict when, or if, such shortages may again occur or how they would affect our development and exploitation program.

Energy conservation measures or initiatives that stimulate demand for alternative forms of energy could reduce the demand for the crude oil and natural gas we produce.

Fuel conservation measures, climate change initiatives, governmental requirements for renewable energy resources, increasing consumer demand for alternative forms of energy, and technological advances in fuel economy and energy generation devices could reduce demand for the crude oil and natural gas we produce. The potential impact of changing demand for crude oil and natural gas services and products could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.

Drilling wells is speculative and capital intensive.

Developing and exploring properties for oil and natural gas requires significant capital expenditures and involves a high degree of financial risk, including the risk that no commercially productive oil or natural gas reservoirs will be encountered. The budgeted costs of drilling, completing, and operating wells are often exceeded and can increase significantly when drilling costs rise. If our cash flow from operations is not sufficient to fund our capital expenditure budget, we may not be able to access additional bank debt or other methods of financing on commercially reasonable terms to meet these requirements. If revenue were to decrease as a result of lower oil and natural gas prices or decreased production, and our access to capital were limited, we would have a reduced ability to replace our reserves, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, drilling may be unsuccessful for many reasons, including title problems, weather, cost overruns, equipment shortages, and mechanical difficulties. Moreover, the successful drilling or completion of an oil or natural gas well does not ensure a profit on investment. Exploratory wells bear a much greater risk of loss than development wells.

If we are not able to replace reserves, we may not be able to sustain production.

Our future success depends largely upon our ability to find, develop, or acquire additional oil and natural gas reserves that are economically recoverable. Unless we replace the reserves we produce through successful development, exploration or acquisition activities, our proved reserves and production will decline over time. Recovery of such reserves will require significant capital expenditures and successful drilling. Our December 31, 2018 , reserve estimates reflect that our production rate on current proved developed producing reserve properties will decline at annual rates of approximately 25% , 17% , and 13% for the next three years. Thus, our future oil and natural gas reserves and production and, therefore, our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows are highly dependent on our success in efficiently developing our current reserves and economically discovering or acquiring additional recoverable reserves.

Development and exploration drilling may not result in commercially productive reserves.

Drilling activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that commercially productive reservoirs will not be encountered. We cannot assure you that new wells we drill will be productive or that we will recover all or any portion of our investment in such wells. The seismic data and other technologies we use do not allow us to know conclusively prior to drilling a well that oil or natural gas is present or may be economically recovered and/or produced. Drilling for oil and natural gas often involves unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells but also from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net reserves to return a profit at then-realized prices after deducting drilling, operating and other costs. The cost of drilling, completing and operating a well is often uncertain, and cost factors can adversely affect the economics of a project. These risks are magnified when operating in an environment of low crude oil prices. Further, our drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of numerous factors, including:

unexpected drilling conditions;
title problems;
surface access restrictions;
pressure or lost circulation in formations;
equipment failures or accidents;
decline in commodity prices;
limited availability of financing on acceptable terms;
political events, public protests, civil disturbances, terrorist acts or cyber-attacks;

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adverse weather conditions;
compliance with environmental and other governmental requirements; and
increases in the cost of, or shortages or delays in the availability of, drilling rigs, equipment and services.

If, for any reason, we are unable to economically recover reserves through our exploration and drilling activities, our results of operations, cash flows, growth, and reserve replenishment may be materially affected.

Oil and natural gas drilling and production operations can be hazardous and may expose us to uninsurable losses or other liabilities.

Oil and natural gas operations are subject to many risks, including well blowouts, cratering, explosions, pipe failure, fires, formations with abnormal pressures, uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas, brine or well fluids, hydraulic fracturing fluids, toxic gas or other
pollutants and other environmental and safety hazards and risks. Our drilling operations involve risks from high pressures and from mechanical difficulties such as stuck pipes, collapsed casings and separated cables. If any of these events occur, we could sustain substantial losses as a result of:

injury or loss of life;
severe damage to or destruction of property, natural resources and equipment;
pollution or other environmental damage;
remediation and cleanup responsibilities;
regulatory investigations and administrative, civil and criminal penalties;
damage to our reputation; and
injunctions or other proceedings that suspend, limit or prohibit operations.

Our liability for environmental hazards sometimes includes those created on properties prior to the date we acquired or leased them. While we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of the risks described above, our insurance may not be adequate to cover any or all resulting losses or liabilities. Moreover, if we experience more insurable events, our annual premiums may increase further or we may not be able to obtain any such insurance on commercially reasonable terms. We may elect not to obtain insurance if we believe that the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. In addition, certain risks may not be fully insurable. The occurrence of, or failure or inability by us to obtain or maintain adequate insurance coverage for, any of the events listed above could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, as well as our growth, exploration, and employee recruitment activities.  

Multi-well pad drilling and project development may result in volatility in our operating results.

We have commenced drilling multi-well spacing test patterns in our STACK play. These projects, which are capital intensive, involve horizontal multi-well pad drilling, tighter drill spacing and completions techniques that evolve over time as learnings are captured and applied. The use of this technique may increase the risk of unintentional communication with other adjacent wells and the potential to reduce total recoverable reserves from the reservoir. Problems affecting a single well could adversely affect production from all of the wells on the pad or in the entire project. Furthermore, additional time is required to drill and complete multiple wells before any such wells begin producing. As a result, multi-well pad drilling and project development can cause delays in the scheduled commencement of production or interruptions in ongoing production. These delays or interruptions may cause declines or volatility in our operating results due to timing. Any of these factors could reduce our revenues and could result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

We may not have sufficient funds to repay bank borrowings if required as a result of a borrowing base redetermination.

Availability under our New Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base, set at $325.0 million as of December 2018, and which is redetermined by the banks semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. In addition, the banks may request a borrowing base redetermination once between each scheduled redetermination. Dispositions of our oil and natural gas assets, early terminations of our derivative contracts, or incurrence of permitted senior additional debt may also trigger automatic reductions in our borrowing base.  If the outstanding borrowings under our New Credit Facility were to exceed the borrowing base as a result of a redetermination, we would be required to eliminate this deficiency. Within 10 days after receiving notice of the new borrowing base, we would be required to make an election: (1) to repay the deficiency in a lump sum within 45 days or (2) commencing within 30 days to repay the deficiency in equal monthly installments over a six -month period or (3) to submit within 45 days additional oil and gas properties we own for consideration in connection with the determination of the borrowing base sufficient to eliminate the deficiency or (4) any combination of repayment as provided in the preceding three elections. If we are forced to repay a portion of our bank borrowings, we may not have sufficient funds to make such repayments. If we do not have sufficient funds and are otherwise unable to negotiate renewals of our borrowings or arrange new financing, we may have to sell significant assets. Asset sales may also reduce available collateral and availability under the New Credit Facility and could have a material adverse effect on our business and

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financial results. In addition, we cannot be certain that our cash flow will be sufficient to allow us to pay the principal and interest on our debt and meet our other obligations.

Resolution of litigation could materially affect our financial position and results of operations or result in dilution to existing stockholders.

We have been named as a defendant in certain lawsuits. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings. In some of these suits, our liability for potential loss upon resolution may be mitigated by insurance coverage. To the extent that potential exposure to liability is not covered by insurance or insurance coverage is inadequate, we could incur losses that could be material to our financial position or results of operations in future periods. Additionally, we are parties to certain litigation initiated prior to our emergence from bankruptcy, and pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, liability arising under judgment or settlement related to certain of these claims would be satisfied through the issuance of stock which could result in dilution to existing stockholders. We may also become involved in litigation over certain issues related to the Reorganization Plan, including the proposed treatment of certain claims thereunder. The outcome of such litigation could have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations in future periods.

We cannot control the activities on properties we do not operate and we are unable to ensure the proper operation and profitability of these non-operated properties.

We do not operate all of the properties in which we have an interest. As a result, we have limited ability to exercise influence over, and control the risks associated with, the operation of these properties. The success and timing of drilling and development activities on our partially owned properties operated by others therefore will depend upon a number of factors outside of our control, including the operator’s:

timing and amount of capital expenditures;
expertise and diligence in adequately performing operations and complying with applicable agreements;
financial resources;
inclusion of other participants in drilling wells; and
use of technology.

As a result of any of the above or an operator’s failure to act in ways that are in our best interest, our allocated production revenues and results of operations could be adversely affected.

If the third parties we rely on for gathering and distributing our oil and natural gas are unable to meet our needs for such services and facilities, our future exploration and production activities could be adversely affected.

The marketability of our production depends upon the proximity of our reserves to, and the capacity of, third-party facilities and third-party services, including oil and natural gas gathering systems, pipelines, trucking or terminal facilities, and refineries or processing facilities. The lack of available capacity on such third-party systems and facilities could reduce the price offered for our production. Further, such third parties are subject to federal and state regulation of the production and transportation of oil and natural gas. If such third parties are unable to comply with such regulations and we are unable to replace such service and facilities providers, we may be required to shut-in producing wells or delay or discontinue development plans for our properties. A shut-in, delay or discontinuance could adversely affect our financial conditions.

Limitations or restrictions on our ability to obtain water may have an adverse effect on our operating results.

Our operations require significant amounts of water for drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Limitations or restrictions on our ability to obtain water from local sources may require us to find remote sources. In addition, treatment and disposal of such water after use is becoming more highly regulated and restricted. Thus, costs for obtaining and disposing of water could increase significantly, potentially limiting our ability to engage in hydraulic fracturing. This could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental and safety regulations, which can adversely affect the cost, manner, and feasibility of doing business.

Our exploration, production, and marketing operations are subject to complex and stringent federal, tribal, state, and local laws and regulations governing, among other things: land use restrictions, drilling bonds and other financial responsibility requirements, reporting and other requirements with respect to emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, unitization and pooling of properties, habitat and threatened and endangered species protection, reclamation and remediation, well stimulation processes, produced water disposal, safety precautions, operational reporting, and tax requirements. These laws, regulations and related public policy considerations affect the costs, manner, and feasibility of our operations and require us to make significant expenditures in order to comply. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil, and criminal

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penalties, the imposition of investigatory and remedial obligations, and the issuance of injunctions that could limit or prohibit our operations. In addition, some of these laws and regulations may impose joint and several, strict liability for contamination resulting from spills, discharges, and releases of substances on, under or from our properties and facilities, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct. Under such laws and regulations, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed substances and property contamination, including wastes disposed or released by prior owners or operators. Changes in, or additions to, environmental laws and regulations occur frequently, and any changes or additions that result in more stringent and costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal, cleanup or other environmental protection requirements could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.

Future legislation may result in the elimination of certain U.S. federal income tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and natural gas exploration and development. Additionally, future federal and state legislation may impose new or increased taxes or fees on oil and natural gas extraction.

In recent years, legislation has been proposed that would, if enacted into law, make significant changes to U.S. federal and state income tax laws, including the elimination of certain U.S. federal income tax benefits and deductions currently available to oil and gas companies. Such changes include, but are not limited to, (i) the repeal of the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas properties, (ii) the increase of the amortization period of geological and geophysical expenses, (iii) the elimination of current deductions for intangible drilling and development costs; and (iv) the elimination of the deduction for certain U.S. production activities. Moreover, other generally applicable features of the 2017 Tax Act, such as changes to the deductibility of interest expense, the carryback, carryforward and limitation on the use of post 2017 net operating losses and the cost recovery rules could impact our income taxes and resulting operating cash flow.  Additionally, legislation could be enacted that imposes new fees or increases the taxes on oil and natural gas extraction, which could result in increased operating costs and/or reduced consumer demand for petroleum products and thereby affect the prices we receive for our commodity products.

Potential legislative and regulatory actions could negatively affect our business.

In addition to the SDWA and other potential regulations on hydraulic fracturing practices, numerous other legislative and regulatory proposals affecting the oil and gas industry have been introduced, are anticipated to be introduced, or are otherwise under consideration, by Congress, state legislatures and various federal and state agencies. Among these proposals are: (1) climate change/carbon tax legislation introduced in Congress, and EPA regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and (2) legislation introduced in Congress to impose new taxes on, or repeal various tax deductions available to, oil and gas producers, such as the current tax deductions for intangible drilling and development costs, which deductions, if eliminated, could raise the cost of energy production, reduce energy investment and affect the economics of oil and gas exploration and production activities. Any of the foregoing described proposals could affect our operations, and the costs thereof. The trend toward stricter standards, increased oversight and regulation and more extensive permit requirements, along with any future laws and regulations, could result in increased costs or additional operating restrictions which could have an effect on demand for oil and natural gas or prices at which it can be sold. However, until such legislation or regulations are enacted or adopted into law and thereafter implemented, it is not possible to gauge their impact on our future operations or their results of operations and financial condition.

Federal, state and local legislation and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing and waste water injector wells could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions or delays.

Our hydraulic fracturing operations are a significant component of our business, and it is an important and common practice that is used to stimulate production of hydrocarbons, particularly oil and natural gas, from tight formations, including shales. The process, which involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production, is typically regulated by state oil and natural gas commissions. However, federal agencies have asserted regulatory authority over certain aspects of the process. For example, although no rule was ever finalized, in May 2014, the EPA issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the development of regulations under the Toxic Substances Control Act to require companies to disclose information regarding the chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. Beginning in August 2012, the EPA issued a series of rules under the CAA that establish new emission control requirements for emissions of volatile organic compounds and methane from certain oil and natural gas production and natural gas processing operations and equipment, and EPA has proposed revisions to some of these regulations as recently as October 2018. In March 2015 and November 2016, the BLM finalized rules governing hydraulic fracturing and venting and flaring on federal lands. Several of the EPA’s and the BLM’s recently promulgated rules concerning regulation of hydraulic fracturing, including BLM’s hydraulic fracturing and venting and flaring rules, are in various stages of suspension, repeal, implementation delay, and court challenges and, thus, the future of these rules is uncertain. Further, legislation to amend the SDWA to repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing (except when diesel fuels are used) from the definition of “underground injection” and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process, have been proposed in recent sessions of Congress. Several states and local jurisdictions in which we operate also have adopted or are considering adopting regulations that could restrict or prohibit hydraulic fracturing in certain circumstances, such as requiring certain setback

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distances from residences or other sensitive areas, impose more stringent operating standards and/or require the disclosure of the composition of hydraulic fracturing fluids.

More recently, federal and state governments have begun investigating whether the disposal of produced water into underground injection wells (and to a lesser extent, hydraulic fracturing) has caused increased seismic activity in certain areas. In response, some states, including states in which we operate, have imposed additional requirements on the construction and operation of underground disposal wells.  For example, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Oil and Gas Conservation Division and the Oklahoma Geologic Survey continue to release well completion seismicity guidance, discussed in more detail below, which most recently directs operators to adopt seismicity response plans and take certain prescriptive actions, including mitigation, following anomalous seismic activity within 3.1 miles of hydraulic fracturing operations.

These developments, as well as increased scrutiny of hydraulic fracturing and underground injection activities by state and municipal authorities may result in additional levels of regulation or complexity with respect to existing regulations that could lead to operational delays or cessations or increased operating costs and could result in additional regulatory burdens that could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing and increase our cost of compliance and doing business.

Studies by both state and federal agencies demonstrating a correlation between earthquakes and oil and natural gas activities could result in increased regulatory and operational burdens.

In recent years, Oklahoma has experienced a significant increase in earthquakes and other seismic activity. On April 21, 2015, the Oklahoma Geologic Survey (“OGS”) issued a document entitled “Statement of Oklahoma Seismicity,” in which the agency states “the OGS considers it very likely that the majority of recent earthquakes, particularly those in central and north-central Oklahoma, are triggered by the injection of produced water in disposal wells.” The Oklahoma Corporation Commission (“OCC”) has issued directives restricting injection of high volumes of water into the Arbuckle formation and into the crystalline basement below within a specified area of interest (“AOI”) in Central and Western Oklahoma.  The AOI now includes more than 10,000 square miles and more than 600 Arbuckle disposal wells, resulting in a reduction of more than 800,000 barrels per day from the 2015 average injection volumes.  The OCC has adopted a “traffic light” system for disposal operators to review disposal well permits for proximity to faults seismicity in the area and other factors, and adopted rules requiring well pressure recording and reporting, and mechanical integrity tests on certain wells. In addition, the OCC has issued directives aimed at limiting the future growth of disposal rates into the Arbuckle by capping disposal volumes in the AOI, even those not operating under currently permitted volumes, to the thirty day disposal average. We operate 10 wells in the AOI and are fully compliant with all regulations relating to the disposal of produced water, and at this time our operations have not been affected.

In February 2018, the Commission introduced new guidelines related to seismicity, requiring operators in the defined area to have access to a seismic array which will provide real-time seismicity readings, and to develop plans to address seismic activity. The guidelines reduce the earthquake magnitude at which action is required from 2.5 to 2.0 within a 3.1 mile radius of hydraulic fracturing operations, and changes the level at which operators are required to pause hydraulic fracturing operations from 3.0 to 2.5.

We cannot predict whether future regulatory actions will result in further expansion of AOI or new or additional regulations by the OCC or other agencies with jurisdiction over our operations.  Any such new or expanded regulation could result in increased operating costs, cause operational delays, and result in additional regulatory burdens that could make it more difficult to inject produced water into disposal wells.  Increased complexity and reporting requirements arising from expanded regulations may increase our costs of compliance and doing business.  In addition, even though we have conducted our operations in compliance with applicable laws, the increase in media and regulatory attention to the possible connection between seismic activity and produced water injection has led to litigation filed against us and other oil and gas producers requesting compensation for damages, including demands for damages caused by earthquakes and earthquake insurance premiums on a going forward basis.  We cannot predict the outcome of this litigation or provide assurances that other similar claims will not be filed against us in the future.

We are responsible for the decommissioning, abandonment, and reclamation costs for our facilities.

We are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the decommissioning, abandonment and reclamation of our facilities at the end of their economic life, the costs of which may be substantial. Although we make estimates of such costs and record the associated liability on our balance sheet, there is no assurance that our cost estimates will coincide with actual costs when the remediation work takes place. The timing and amount of costs is difficult to predict with certainty since they will be a function of regulatory requirements at the time of decommissioning, abandonment and reclamation. We may, in the future, determine it prudent or be required by applicable laws or regulations to establish and fund one or more decommissioning, abandonment and reclamation reserve funds to provide for payment of future decommissioning, abandonment and reclamation costs, which could decrease funds available to service debt obligations. In addition, such reserves, if established, may not be sufficient to satisfy such future decommissioning, abandonment and reclamation costs and we will be responsible for the payment of the balance of such costs.

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Costs of environmental liabilities could exceed our estimates and adversely affect our operating results.

Our operations are subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations, which obligate us to install and maintain pollution controls and to clean up various sites at which regulated materials may have been disposed of or released. It is not possible for us to estimate reliably the amount and timing of all future expenditures related to environmental matters because of:

the uncertainties in estimating cleanup costs;
the discovery of additional contamination or contamination more widespread than previously thought;
the uncertainty in quantifying liability under environmental laws that impose joint and several liability on all potentially responsible parties;
new listing of species as "threatened" or "endangered";
changes in interpretation and enforcement of existing environmental laws and regulations; and
future changes to environmental laws and regulations and their enforcement.

Although we believe we have established appropriate reserves for known liabilities, including cleanup costs, we could be required to set aside additional reserves in the future due to these uncertainties, incur material cleanup costs, other liabilities, and/or expend significant sums to defend ourselves against litigation related to legacy environmental issues, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.

Our use of derivative instruments could result in financial losses or reduce our income.

To reduce our exposure to the volatility in the price of oil and gas and provide stability to cash flows, we enter into derivative positions. Our commodity hedges are currently comprised of fixed price swaps, basis swaps and collars with financial institutions. The volumes and average notional prices of these hedges are disclosed in in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk of this report.

Derivative instruments expose us to risk of financial loss in some circumstances, including when:

our production is less than expected;
the counterparty to the derivative instruments defaults on its contractual obligations; or
there is a widening of price differentials between delivery points for our production and the delivery point assumed in the derivative instruments.

Derivatives also expose us to risk of income reduction as derivative instruments may limit the benefit we would receive from increases in the prices for oil and natural gas. Additionally, none of our derivatives are classified as hedges for accounting purposes and therefore must be adjusted to fair value through income each reporting period.

While the primary purpose of our derivative transactions is to protect ourselves against the volatility in oil and natural gas prices, under certain circumstances, or if hedges are discontinued, or terminated for any reason, we may incur substantial losses in closing out our positions, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

The implementation of derivatives legislation adopted by the U.S. Congress could have an adverse effect on us and our ability to hedge risks associated with our business.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”) and the SEC to promulgate rules and regulations establishing federal oversight and regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives market and entities that participate in that market including swap clearing and trade execution requirements. New or modified rules, regulations or requirements may increase the cost and availability to the counterparties of our hedging and swap positions which they can make available to us, as applicable, and may further require the counterparties to our derivative instruments to spin off some of their derivative activities to separate entities which may not be as creditworthy as the current counterparties. Any changes in the regulations of swaps may result in certain market participants deciding to curtail or cease their derivative activities.

While many rules and regulations have been promulgated and are already in effect, other rules and regulations remain to be finalized or effectuated, and therefore, the impact of those rules and regulations on us is uncertain at this time. The Dodd-Frank Act, and the rules promulgated thereunder, could (i) significantly increase the cost, or decrease the liquidity, of energy-related derivatives that we use to hedge against commodity price fluctuations (including through requirements to post collateral), (ii) materially alter the terms of derivative contracts, (iii) reduce the availability of derivatives to protect against risks we encounter, and (iv) increase our exposure to less creditworthy counterparties.


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We are subject to financing and interest rate exposure risks.

Our future success depends on our ability to access capital markets and obtain financing on reasonable terms. Our ability to access financial markets and obtain financing on commercially reasonable terms in the future is dependent on a number of factors, many of which we cannot control, including changes in:

our credit ratings;
interest rates;
the structured and commercial financial markets;
market perceptions of us or the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry; and
tax burden due to new tax laws.

Assuming a constant debt level of $325.0 million, equal to our borrowing base as of December 7, 2018 under our New Credit Facility, the cash flow impact for a 12-month period resulting from a 100 basis point movement in interest rates, regardless of whether the spread widens or tightens, would be $3.3 million. As a result, any increases in our interest rates, or our inability to access the equity markets on reasonable terms, could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects. The interest rate on our Senior Notes is fixed.

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk as a result of our receivables .

We are exposed to risk of financial loss in connection with our receivables from joint interest owners and oil and natural gas purchasers which are generally uncollateralized. We generally review our oil and natural gas purchasers for credit worthiness and general financial condition. However, there is a possibility that some of our purchasers may experience credit downgrades or liquidity problems and may not be able to meet their financial obligations to us. Nonperformance by an oil or natural gas purchaser could result in financial losses.

Unusual weather patterns or natural disasters, whether due to climate change or otherwise, could negatively impact our financial condition.

Our business depends, in part, on normal weather patterns across the United States. Natural gas demand and prices are particularly susceptible to seasonal weather trends. Warmer than usual winters can result in reduced demand and high season-end storage volumes, which can depress prices to unacceptably low levels. In addition, because a majority of our properties are located in Oklahoma, our operations are constantly at risk of extreme adverse weather conditions such as freezing rain, tornadoes, drought, and hurricanes. Any unusual or prolonged adverse weather patterns in our areas of operations or markets, whether due to climate change or otherwise, could have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and cash flow. In addition, our business, financial condition and cash flow could be adversely affected if the businesses of our key vendors, purchasers, contractors, suppliers or transportation service providers were disrupted due to severe weather, such as freezing rain, hurricanes or floods, whether due to climate change or otherwise.

A change in the jurisdictional characterization of our assets, or a change in policy, could result in increased regulation of our assets which could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows .

Certain of our pipeline assets are natural gas gathering facilities.  Unlike interstate natural gas transportation facilities, natural gas gathering facilities are exempt from the jurisdiction of FERC under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 (“NGA”).  Although FERC has not made a formal determination with respect to all of our facilities we believe to be gathering facilities, we believe that these pipelines meet the traditional tests that FERC has used to determine that a pipeline is a gathering pipeline and is therefore not subject to FERC jurisdiction.  The distinction between FERC-regulated transmission services and federally unregulated gathering services, however, has been the subject of substantial litigation, and FERC determines whether facilities are gathering facilities on a case-by-case basis, so the classification and regulation of our gathering facilities is subject to change based on future determinations by FERC, the courts or Congress.  If FERC were to consider the status of an individual facility and determine that the facility and/or services provided by it are not exempt from FERC regulation under the NGA and that the facility provides interstate service, the rates for, and terms and conditions of, services provided by such facility would be subject to regulation by FERC under the NGA or the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (“NGPA”).  Such regulation could decrease revenue, increase operating costs, and, depending upon the facility in question, could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.  In addition, if any of our facilities were found to have provided services or otherwise operated in violation of the NGA or NGPA, this could result in the imposition of civil penalties, as well as a requirement to disgorge charges collected for such services in excess of the rate established by FERC.

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Increased regulatory requirements regarding pipeline safety and integrity management may require us to incur significant capital and operating expenses to comply.

The ultimate costs of compliance with pipeline safety and integrity management regulations are difficult to predict. The majority of the compliance costs are for pipeline safety and integrity testing and the repairs found to be necessary. We plan to continue our efforts to assess and maintain the safety and integrity of our existing and future pipelines as required by the DOT and PHMSA rules. The results of these tests could cause us to incur significant and unanticipated capital and operating expenditures for repairs or upgrades deemed necessary to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of our pipelines. In addition, new laws and regulations that may be enacted in the future, or a revised interpretation of existing laws and regulations, could significantly increase the amount of these costs. We cannot be assured about the amount or timing of future expenditures for pipeline integrity regulation, and actual future expenditures may be different from the amounts we currently anticipate. Revised or additional regulations that result in increased compliance costs, or additional operating restrictions, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.

Shortages of oil field equipment, services and qualified personnel could reduce our cash flow and adversely affect results of operations .

The demand for qualified and experienced field personnel to drill wells and conduct field operations, geologists, geophysicists, engineers and other professionals in the oil and natural gas industry can fluctuate significantly, often in correlation with oil and natural gas prices, causing periodic shortages in such personnel.  The severe industry decline that began in mid-2014 resulted in a large displacement of experienced personnel through layoffs and many of the affected personnel moved on to careers in other industries. This structural shift in available workforce may be impactful in future periods. During future periods where there may be increased demand for drilling rigs, crews and associated supplies, oilfield equipment and services, and personnel, we may encounter shortages of these resources as well as increased prices. These types of shortages or price increases could significantly decrease our profit margin, cash flow and operating results and/or restrict or delay our ability to drill those wells and conduct those operations that we currently have planned and budgeted, causing us to miss our forecasts and projections.

A cyber incident could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption, and/or financial loss.

Our business has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct day-to-day operations, including certain of our exploration, development and production activities. We depend on digital technology to estimate quantities of oil and gas reserves, process and record financial and operating data, analyze seismic and drilling information and in many other activities related to our business. Our business partners, including vendors, service providers, purchasers of our production, and financial institutions, are also dependent on digital technology.

Our technologies, systems networks, and those of our business partners, may become the target of cyber-attacks or information security breaches that could result in the disruption of our business operations. For example, unauthorized access to our seismic data, reserves information or other proprietary information could lead to data corruption, communication interruption, or other operational disruptions in our drilling or production operations. To date we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks, however there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses in the future. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance their protective measures or to investigate and remediate any cyber vulnerabilities. A cyber incident could lead to losses of sensitive information, critical infrastructure, personnel or capabilities essential to our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The adoption of climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of greenhouse gases could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for natural gas.

The EPA has determined that GHGs present an endangerment to public health and the environment because such gases contribute to warming of the earth’s atmosphere and other climatic changes. Based on these findings, the EPA has adopted and implemented, and continues to adopt and implement, regulations that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) under existing provisions of the Clean Air Act (“CAA”). The EPA also requires the annual reporting of GHG emissions from certain large sources of GHG emissions in the United States, including certain oil and gas production facilities and oil and natural gas gathering and boosting operations. The EPA has also taken steps to limit methane emissions from oil and gas production facilities. In addition, the U.S. Congress has from time to time considered adopting legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs and almost one-half of the states have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of GHGs primarily through the planned development of GHG emission inventories and/or regional GHG cap and trade programs. And in December 2015, the United States joined the international community at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris, France. The resulting Paris Agreement calls for the parties to undertake “ambitious efforts” to limit the average global temperature, and to conserve and enhance

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sinks and reservoirs of greenhouse gases. The Paris Agreement entered into force in November 2016. However, President Trump has since announced that the United States will withdraw from the Agreement; notably, the earliest date of withdrawal under the terms of the Agreement is November 4, 2020. Restrictions on emissions of GHGs that may be imposed could adversely affect the natural gas industry by reducing demand for hydrocarbons and by making it more expensive to develop and produce hydrocarbons, either of which could have a material adverse effect on future demand for our services. Moreover, climate change may cause more extreme weather conditions and increased volatility in seasonal temperatures. Extreme weather conditions can interfere with our operations and increase our costs, and damage resulting from extreme weather may not be fully insured. For a more detailed discussion of climate change, please see Environmental Matters and Regulation – Climate Change .

We may face risks associated with the increased activism against oil and gas exploration and development activities.

Opposition toward oil and gas drilling and development activity has been growing in recent years. Companies in the oil and gas industry are often the target of activist efforts regarding safety, environmental compliance and business practices. Anti-development activists are working to, among other things, reduce access to federal and state government lands and delay or cancel certain projects such as the development of oil or gas shale plays. Future activist efforts could result in the following:

delay or denial of drilling permits;
shortening of lease terms or reduction in lease size;
restrictions on installation or operation of production, gathering or processing facilities;
restrictions on the use of certain operating practices, such as hydraulic fracturing, or the disposal of related waste materials, such as hydraulic fracturing fluids and produced water;
increased severance and/or other taxes;
cyber-attacks;
legal challenges or lawsuits;
negative publicity about our business or the industry in general;
increased costs of doing business; and
reduction in demand for our products.

We may need to incur significant costs associated with responding to these initiatives. Complying with any resulting additional legal or regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.

We may incur losses as a result of title defects in the properties in which we invest.

Although we take the steps customary in the oil and natural gas industry to review title and perform any curative work with respect to any title defects, our failure to completely cure any title defects may invalidate our title to the subject property and adversely impact our ability in the future to increase production and reserves. Any title defects or defects in assignment of leasehold rights in properties in which we hold an interest may have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.

We may not be able to keep pace with technological developments in our industry.

The oil and natural gas industry is characterized by rapid and significant technological advancements and introductions of new products and services using new technologies. As others use or develop new technologies, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage or may be forced by competitive pressures to implement those new technologies at substantial costs. In addition, other oil and natural gas companies may have greater financial, technical and personnel resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and that may in the future allow them to implement new technologies before we can. We may not be able to respond to these competitive pressures or implement new technologies on a timely basis or at an acceptable cost. If one or more of the technologies we use now or in the future were to become obsolete, or if we are unable to use the most advanced commercially available technology, it could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations, and growth prospects.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
See Item 1. Business and Properties. We also have various operating leases for rental of office space, office and field equipment, and vehicles. See our additional disclosures in “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Contractual Obligations” in Item 7. Management’s

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Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as “Note 17—Commitments and contingencies” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Chapter 11 Proceedings. Commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases automatically stayed many of the proceedings and actions against us noted below as well as other claims and actions that were or could have been brought prior to May 9, 2016 ("Petition Date"), and the claims remain subject to Bankruptcy Court jurisdiction. In connection with the proofs of claim asserted in the Chapter 11 Cases arising from the proceedings or actions below which were initiated prior to the Petition Date, we are unable to estimate the amount of such claims that will be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court due to, among other things, the complexity and number of legal and factual issues which are necessary to determine the amount of such claims and uncertainties with respect to the nature of defenses asserted in connection with the claims, the potential size of the putative classes, and the types of the properties and scope of agreements related to such claims . As a result, no reserves were established in respect of such proofs of claims or any of the proceedings or actions described below. To the extent that any of the legal proceedings were filed prior to the Petition Date and result in a claim being allowed against us, pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Plan, such claims will be satisfied through the issuance of new stock in the Company or, if the amount is such claim is below the convenience class threshold, through cash settlement. As of December 31, 2018, there are in excess of 100 remaining claims subject to Bankruptcy Court jurisdiction. Of the total alleged dollar amount of these unresolved claims, nearly all, as measured by the alleged amount of such claims, is comprised of claims from the Naylor Farms case, the W.H. Davis case and the CLO case described below. If the Bankruptcy Court were to allow the remaining unresolved proofs of claims from these cases in the full amount asserted therein, the Company, pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, would be required to issue additional shares of up to 7.5% of our outstanding shares of common stock as of December 31, 2018, to the holders of such allowed proofs of claim .

Naylor Farms, Inc., individually and as class representative on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. (the " Naylor Farms case”) . On June 7, 2011, an alleged class action was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma (“Naylor Trial Court”) alleging that we improperly deducted post-production costs from royalties paid to plaintiffs and other royalty interest owners as categorized in the petition from crude oil and natural gas wells located in Oklahoma. Plaintiffs indicated they seek damages in excess of $5.0 million , the majority of which would be comprised of interest and may increase with the passage of time. The purported class includes non-governmental royalty interest owners in oil and natural gas wells we operate in Oklahoma. The plaintiffs have alleged a number of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and other claims and seek termination of leases, recovery of compensatory damages, interest, punitive damages and attorney fees on behalf of the alleged class. We responded to the Naylor Farms petition, denied the allegations and raised arguments and defenses. Plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification in October 2015. In addition, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment asking the Naylor Trial Court to determine as a matter of law that natural gas is not marketable until it is in the condition and location to enter an interstate pipeline. On May 20, 2016, we filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy with the Naylor Trial Court. Subsequently, the bankruptcy stay was lifted for the limited purpose of determining the class certification issue.

On January 17, 2017, the Naylor Trial Court certified a modified class of plaintiffs with oil and gas leases containing specific language. The modified class constitutes less than 60% of the leases the plaintiffs originally sought to certify. After additional briefing on the subject, on April 18, 2017, the Naylor Trial Court issued an order certifying the class to include only claims relating back to June 1, 2006. On May 1, 2017, we filed a Petition for Permission to Appeal Class Certification Order with the Tenth Circuit, which was granted. Oral arguments were held on March 20, 2018.

In addition to filing claims on behalf of the named and putative plaintiffs, on August 15, 2016, plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a proof of claim on behalf of the putative class claiming damages in excess of $150.0 million in our Chapter 11 Cases. The Company objected to treatment of the claim on a class basis, asserting the claim should be addressed on an individual basis. On April 20, 2017, plaintiffs filed an amended proof of claim reducing the claim to an amount in excess of $90.0 million inclusive of actual and punitive damages, statutory interest and attorney fees. On May 24, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court denied the Company’s objection, ruling the plaintiffs may file a claim on behalf of the class. This order did not establish liability or otherwise address the merits of the plaintiffs’ claims, to which we will also object. On June 7, 2017 we appealed the Bankruptcy Court order to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.

Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, if the plaintiffs ultimately prevail on the merits of their claims, any liability arising under judgment or settlement of the unsecured claims would be satisfied through the issuance of stock in the Company. We continue to dispute the plaintiffs’ allegations, dispute the case meets the requirements for class certification, and are objecting to the claims both individually and on a class-wide basis.

W. H. Davis Family Limited Partnership Claims in the Company’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases (the "W.H. Davis case"). The W. H. Davis Family Limited Partnership (“Davis”) filed Proofs of Claim (Nos. 1819 and 1835) in the Company’s Chapter 11 Cases.

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Davis claims that Chaparral owes Davis $17.3 million as the result of Chaparral’s alleged diversion of CO 2 from the Camrick Unit and the North Perryton Unit to the Farnsworth Unit. All these units were divested by the Company as part of its EOR asset sale in November 2017. The Camrick Unit was a tertiary recovery project located in Beaver County and Texas County, Oklahoma. The North Perryton Unit was a tertiary recovery project located in Ochiltree County, Texas. The Company was previously the operator of the Camrick and North Perryton Units and owned approximately 60% of the working interest in those units. Davis owns approximately 40% of the working interests in those units. The Company also operated the Farnsworth Unit which was a tertiary recovery project located in Ochiltree County, Texas. The Company previously owned 100% of the working interests in the Farnsworth Unit. Davis contends that the Company was required to deliver all available CO 2 to the Camrick and North Perryton Units and its diversion of a portion of the available CO 2 to the Farnsworth Unit constitutes a breach of contractual and fiduciary duties owed to Davis. Davis contends that the diversion has resulted in a decrease of oil production and reserves in the Camrick Unit and the North Perryton Unit. Davis contends that Chaparral caused the diversion of CO 2 from the Camrick and North Perryton Units to the Farnsworth Unit in order to profit from increased production at the Farnsworth Unit to the detriment of Davis.

The Company disputes Davis’ allegations and specifically denies that it has any contractual or fiduciary obligation to Davis as alleged in the Proofs of Claim. The Company filed objections to the Proofs of Claim in the Chapter 11 proceeding. This proceeding is pending in the Bankruptcy Court. The Bankruptcy Judge has ordered Davis and the Company to participate in a mediation of the dispute. The mediation is currently scheduled for March 27, 2019; however, it is likely that it will be postponed.

Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, if Davis ultimately prevails on the merits of its claims, any liability arising under the judgment or settlement would be satisfied through the issuance of stock in the Company.

The Commissioners of the Land Office of the State of Oklahoma’s Claims in the Company’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases (the “CLO case”). The Commissioners of the Land Office of the State of Oklahoma (“CLO”) claims that the Company is the lessee of mineral interests owned by the State of Oklahoma that are administered by the CLO. The CLO alleges that the Company has failed to pay royalties or has underpaid royalties owed to the CLO under these mineral leases and the CLO’s regulations. The CLO’s Proofs of Claims Nos. 2130 and 2131 allege non-payment of royalties and seek recovery of $1.7 million in allegedly unpaid royalties and related interest. The CLO’s Proofs of Claim Nos. 2132, 2133 and 2234 allege underpayment of royalties seek recovery of $29,000 in underpaid royalties and related interests.

The Company objects to the CLO’s claims on several grounds, including: (1) claims fail to take into account differences in the specific lease language and applicable regulations as they have changed over time; (2) the CLO’s construction of the leases and the regulations are improper; (3) the claims are based upon improper benchmark prices; (4) the claims improperly include amounts for interests; (5) the CLO seeks to impose liability on the Company for royalties where it is not CLO’s lessee; and (6) the claims are barred in whole or in part by the applicable Statute of Limitations and/or the doctrines of laches and estoppel.

Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, if the CLO ultimately prevails on the merits of its claims, any liability arising under the judgment or settlement would be satisfied through the issuance of stock in the Company.

Martha Donelson and John Friend, on behalf of themselves and on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. On August 11, 2014, an alleged class action was filed against us, as well as several other operators in Osage County, Oklahoma in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, alleging claims on behalf of the named plaintiffs and all similarly situated Osage County land owners and surface lessees. The plaintiffs challenged leases and drilling permits approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs without the environmental studies allegedly required under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA"). The plaintiffs assert claims seeking recovery for trespass, nuisance, negligence and unjust enrichment. Relief sought includes declaring oil and natural gas leases and drilling permits obtained in Osage County without a prior NEPA study void ab initio , removing us from all properties owned by the class members, disgorgement of profits, and compensatory and punitive damages. On March 31, 2016, the Court dismissed the case against all defendants as an improper challenge under NEPA and the Administrative Procedures Act. On April 29, 2016, the plaintiffs filed motions to alter or amend the court’s opinion and vacate the judgment, and to file an amended complaint to cure the deficiencies which the court found in the dismissed complaint. On May 20, 2016, the Company filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy, and as a result has not responded to the plaintiffs’ motions. After plaintiff’s motion for reconsideration was denied, plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal with the Tenth Circuit on December 6, 2016. Oral argument regarding the appeal was held on November 14, 2017, and on April 5, 2018, the Tenth Circuit affirmed the dismissal. Plaintiffs petitioned for rehearing on May 21, 2018. The deadline to appeal the order of the Tenth Circuit passed without an appeal being filed and the case was dismissed.

Lisa West and Stormy Hopson, individually and as class representatives on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. On February 18, 2016, an alleged class action was filed against us, as well as several other operators in the District Court of Pottawatomie County, State of Oklahoma, alleging claims on behalf of named plaintiffs and all similarly situated persons having an insurable real property interest in eight counties in central Oklahoma (the “Class Area”). The plaintiffs allege the oil and gas operations conducted by us and the other defendants have induced earthquakes in the Class Area. The plaintiffs did not seek damages

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for property damage, but instead asked the court to require the defendants to reimburse plaintiffs and class members for earthquake insurance premiums from 2011 through the time at which the court determines there is no longer a risk of induced earthquakes, as well as attorney fees and costs and other relief. On March 18, 2016, the case was removed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma under the Class Action Fairness Act. On April 14, 2016, we filed a motion to dismiss the claims asserted against us for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. On May 20, 2016, we filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy, informing the court that we had filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. On October 14, 2016, the plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint adding additional defendants and increasing the Class Area to 25 central Oklahoma counties. Other defendants filed motions to dismiss the action which were granted on May 12, 2017. On July 18, 2017, plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint adding additional named plaintiffs as putative class representatives and adding three additional counties to the putative class area. In the Second Amended Complaint, plaintiffs sought damages for nuisance, negligence, abnormally dangerous activities, and trespass. Due to Chaparral’s bankruptcy, plaintiffs specifically limited alleged damages related to Chaparral’s disposal activities occurring after our emergence from bankruptcy on March 21, 2017. We moved to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint on September 15, 2017. On August 13, 2018, the court granted our motion to dismiss, and on August 16, 2018 issued an order striking the class allegations from the Second Amended Complaint. On August 30, 2018, plaintiffs filed a motion for a permissive appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, challenging the order dismissing the class allegations. The Tenth Circuit denied plaintiffs’ petition for leave to appeal on September 24, 2018. Because the plaintiffs still have live claims pending against other defendants, the district court’s dismissal of the claims asserted against us are not yet final. In the event plaintiffs ultimately seek to appeal our dismissal, we will dispute the plaintiffs’ claims, dispute that the case meets the requirements for a class action, dispute the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and vigorously defend the case.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a proof of claim on behalf of the putative class claiming in excess of $75.0 million in our Chapter 11 Cases. We filed an objection to class treatment of the proof of claim filed by the West plaintiffs in our Bankruptcy proceeding. The bankruptcy Court heard our objection, and on February 9, 2018, granted our objection to class treatment of the proof of claim.

Lisa Griggs and April Marler, on behalf of themselves and other Oklahoma citizens similarly situated v. New Dominion, L.L.C. et al. On July 21, 2017, an alleged class action was filed against us and other operators, in the District Court of Logan County, State of Oklahoma. The named plaintiffs assert claims on behalf of themselves and Oklahoma citizens owning a home or business between March 30, 2014, and the present in a class area which encompasses nine counties in central Oklahoma (the "Griggs Class Area"). The plaintiffs allege disposal of saltwater produced during oil and gas operations induced earthquakes in the Griggs Class Area, and each defendant has liability under theories of ultra-hazardous activities, negligence, nuisance, and trespass. On October 24, 2017, plaintiffs filed a First Amended Class Petition in Logan County, Oklahoma, adding Creek County, Oklahoma to the Griggs Class Area, and adding an additional earthquake to the list of seismic events allegedly caused by the defendants. The plaintiffs asked the court to award unspecified damages for damage to real and personal property and loss of market value, loss of use and enjoyment of the properties, and emotional harm, as well as punitive damages and pre-judgment and post-judgment interest. The case was removed to the Western District of Oklahoma on December 15, 2017, and on December 18, 2017, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed us from the suit without prejudice. Due to subsequent remand to state court, we filed notice of the dismissal in the state court action on January 31, 2018.

James Butler et al. v. Berexco, L.L.C., Chaparral Energy, L.L.C, et al .  On October 13, 2017, a group of fifty-two individual plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Payne County, State of Oklahoma against twenty-six named defendants, including us, and twenty-five unnamed defendants. Plaintiffs are all property owners and residents of Payne County, Oklahoma, and allege salt water disposal activities by the defendants, owners or operators of salt water disposal wells, induced earthquakes which have caused damage to real and personal property, and emotional damages. Plaintiffs claim absolute liability for ultra-hazardous activities, negligence, gross negligence, public and private nuisance, trespass, and ask for compensatory and punitive damages. On December 18, 2017, we moved the court to dismiss the claims against us. Prior to plaintiffs responding to our motion, a hearing on a motion to stay the Butler case was held on January 4, 2018. The judge granted the motion to stay proceedings, ruling that the Butler case was stayed pending final judgment or denial of class certification in the Lisa West et al. v. ABC Oil Company, Inc. case, supra . Despite the dismissal of the class allegations in the West case, the stay has not been lifted. Our motion to dismiss will not be considered until the stay is lifted, at which time, if necessary, we will dispute plaintiffs’ claims, dispute that the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and vigorously defend the case.

Lacheverjuan Bennett et al. v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C., et al .  On March 26, 2018, a group of twenty-seven individual plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Logan County, State of Oklahoma against twenty-three named defendants, including us, and twenty-five unnamed defendants. Plaintiffs are all property owners and residents of Logan County, Oklahoma, and allege the defendants, all oil and gas companies which have engaged in injection well operations, induced earthquakes which have caused damage to real and personal property, and caused emotional damages. Plaintiffs claim absolute liability for ultra-hazardous activities, negligence, gross negligence, public and private nuisance, and trespass, and ask for compensatory and punitive damages, and attorney fees and costs. On October 22, 2018, we filed a motion to dismiss the claims asserted against us for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Jointly with other defendants, we filed a motion to stay the proceedings pending resolution of Lisa West et al. v. ABC Oil Company, Inc . Despite dismissal of the class allegations in the West case, the stay has not been lifted. When the stay is lifted,

48



we will dispute the plaintiffs’ claims, dispute the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and vigorously defend the case.

Hallco Petroleum, Inc. v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. On November 7, 2017, Hallco Production, LLC (“Hallco”) filed a lawsuit against us in the District Court of Kay County, State of Oklahoma. Plaintiffs alleged carbon dioxide which was injected for enhanced oil recovery in wells operated by us in the North Burbank Unit migrated to wells operated by Hallco, damaging its salt water disposal well and therefore preventing operation of, and production from, all wells on Hallco’s lease. Plaintiffs allege the migration of carbon dioxide constituted trespass, and further allege negligence and nuisance. Plaintiff seeks actual damages in excess of $75,000, plus punitive damages in an unspecified amount. Because we sold the EOR wells on November 17, 2017, Hallco filed an amended petition on March 6, 2018 to add the purchaser, Perdure Petroleum, LLC, as an additional defendant in the lawsuit. Plaintiff claims the damage is ongoing. We dispute the plaintiff’s claims, dispute the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and are vigorously defending the case.

Brown & Borelli, Inc. v. Chesapeake Operating, L.L.C. et al. , in the District Court of Kingfisher County, State of Oklahoma. The plaintiff filed its petition in this case on August 24, 2018. In the petition, the plaintiff alleges our use of hydraulic fracturing during completion of a certain horizontal oil and gas well caused damage to plaintiff’s existing vertical wells located in another section. The plaintiff also alleges two co-defendants’ completion of horizontal wells likewise caused damage to the same vertical wells. Plaintiff asserts claims for trespass and nuisance against all defendants and seeks to recover compensatory damages for the alleged loss of production to plaintiff’s vertical wells. We filed an answer on October 9, 2018 disputing plaintiff’s material allegations and asserting certain affirmative and other defenses. Discovery is ongoing and no scheduling order has yet been entered by the court. We will vigorously defend the case.

We are involved in various other legal proceedings including, but not limited to, commercial disputes, claims from royalty and surface owners, property damage claims, quiet title actions, personal injury claims, employment claims, and other matters which arise in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings may include allegations of damages from induced earthquakes, which we will vigorously defend as necessary. In addition, other proofs of claim have been filed in our bankruptcy case which we anticipate repudiating. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect any of them individually to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.


49



PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Prior to our emergence from bankruptcy on March 21, 2017, there were 1,382,288 outstanding shares of common stock, none of which were publicly traded. Upon emergence from bankruptcy, on March 21, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), these shares were canceled, extinguished and discharged and we issued, or reserved for issuance, a total of 44,982,142 shares of Successor common stock consisting of 37,110,630 shares of Class A common stock and 7,871,512 shares Class B common stock pursuant to our Reorganization Plan and our new organizational documents. The new Class A common stock and Class B common stock had identical economic and voting rights. On December 19, 2018, all outstanding shares of Class B common stock converted into the same number of shares of Class A common stock, pursuant to the terms of our Certificate of Incorporation. Each share of Class B common stock that was converted was retired by the Company and is not available for reissuance.

The conversion occurred pursuant to Article IV, Section 2(g) of the Certificate of Incorporation, which provided that each one share of outstanding Class B common stock would convert automatically, without any further action by the holder, into one share of Class A common stock upon the earlier to occur of the following: (x) December 15, 2018; (y) the occurrence and effectiveness of a redemption in accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Incorporation; and (z) the date a qualified listing occurs with respect to Class A common stock in connection with an underwritten takedown or an initial public offering pursuant to an effective Registration Statement under the Securities Act.

Also in accordance with Article IV, Section 2(g) of the Certificate of Incorporation, and as required by Section 243 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, on December 18, 2018, the Company filed a certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware effecting the retirement and cancellation of the shares of Class B common stock that were issued but not outstanding following the conversion.

The conversion had the following effects, among others, on the holders of shares of Class B common stock:

Voting Power. The conversion had no impact on the voting power of the holders of shares of Class B common stock.

Economic Interests.  The conversion had no impact on the economic interests of holders of shares of Class B common stock, including with regard to dividends, liquidation rights, and treatment in connection with a change of control or merger transaction, except that the Class B common stock was previously subject to certain redemption provisions. Prior to the conversion, if the Company undertook an underwritten public offering, Class B common stock would have been subject to redemption by the Company if there was an insufficient number of shares being offered for sale to successfully consummate an underwritten public offering or create sufficient liquidity for optimal trading of Class A common stock. Class A common stock does not have such redemption provisions.

Capitalization. The conversion had no impact on the total number of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of capital stock; the shares of Class B common stock converted into an equivalent number of shares of Class A common stock. However, the Company’s total number of authorized shares of capital stock was reduced from 205,000,000 to 197,130,071 to account for the elimination of the 7,869,929 shares of Class B common stock that were issued prior to the conversion. The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 180,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, 12,130,071 shares of Class B common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, each with par value $0.01 per share.
As of March 12, 2019 , there were 192 record holders of 46,451,200 outstanding shares of Class A common stock of the Successor.

50



Market Information

Our Class A common stock began trading on the NYSE under the symbol “CHAP” starting July 24, 2018. Prior to being listed on the NYSE, our Class A common stock was quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets Group Inc. under the symbol “CHPE” from May 26, 2017 through July 23, 2018. From May 18, 2017 through May 25, 2017, our Class A common stock was quoted on the OTC Pink market place under the symbol “CHHP”. No established public trading market existed for our Class A common stock prior to May 18, 2017. Our previously outstanding Class B common stock was not listed or quoted on the OTCQB or any other stock exchange or quotation system, and has since been converted to Class A common stock. The following table sets forth the high and low last reported sales prices per share of our Class A common stock, as reported on the NYSE, OTCQB or OTC Pink, of which we are aware for the period indicated. Based on information available to us, we believe transactions in our Class A common stock can be fairly summarized as follows for the period indicated:
 
 
High
 
Low
2018
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
18.30

 
$
4.48

Third Quarter
 
$
20.00

 
$
15.55

Second Quarter
 
$
21.25

 
$
16.75

First Quarter
 
$
25.85

 
$
16.65

2017
 
 
 
 
Fourth Quarter
 
$
25.50

 
$
23.00

Third Quarter
 
$
23.25

 
$
19.50

Second Quarter (1)
 
$
26.00

 
$
12.00

________________________________
(1)
Represents the period from May 18, 2017, the date on which our Class A common stock began quoting on the OTC Pink, through June 30, 2017.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock in either of the last two years and we do not currently anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain all future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be at the discretion of our Board and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements and other factors deemed relevant by our Board. We are also restricted from paying any cash dividends under our New Credit Facility.
Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans
Our Reorganization Plan authorized the issuance of 7% of outstanding Successor common shares on a fully diluted basis toward a new management incentive plan (“MIP”). The aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, reserved for issuance pursuant to our MIP was initially set at 3,388,832 subject to changes in the event additional shares of common stock are issued under our Reorganization Plan. Out of the amount reserved, the remaining shares available for issuance as of December 31, 2018 are disclosed below:

Plan category
 
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
 
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(1)
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
 

 

 
1,830,139

Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders
 

 

 

________________________________
(1)
Available for issuance under the MIP. In addition, shares that are terminated, canceled, expire unexercised, or settled in such manner that all or some of the shares are not issued to a participant or are surrendered unvested shall immediately become available for future issuance.

Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.

51



Repurchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information regarding Class A common stock repurchases made by the Company during the three months ended December 31, 2018.
Period
 
Total number of shares purchased (1)
 
Average price
paid per share
 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
 
Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
October 1-31, 2018
 
4,208

 
$
15.35

 
N/A
 
N/A
November 1-30, 2018
 

 
$

 
N/A
 
N/A
December 1-31, 2018
 

 
$

 
N/A
 
N/A
Total
 
4,208

 
$
15.35

 
N/A
 
N/A
_________________________________________
(1)
All shares purchases relate to tax withholding in connection with vesting of restricted shares issued under our MIP. Based on expected vesting of restricted shares, we estimate that approximately 79,000 additional shares will be repurchased during the first quarter of 2019 for tax withholding



52



ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

You should read the following historical financial data in connection with the financial statements and related notes and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this report. The financial data as of and for each of the five years ended December 31, 2018 was derived from our audited financial statements. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected in future periods.
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
January 1, 2015
 
January 1, 2014
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Statements of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Revenues
 
$
247,362

 
$
227,079

 
 
$
66,531

 
$
252,152

 
$
324,315

 
$
681,557

Operating income (loss) (1)
 
30,177

 
(45,266
)
 
 
9,752

 
(295,464
)
 
(1,577,865
)
 
204,027

Net income (loss) (2)
 
33,442

 
(118,902
)
 
 
1,041,959

 
(415,720
)
 
(1,333,844
)
 
209,293

Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic for Class A and Class B
 
$
0.74

 
$
(2.64
)
 
 
*

 
*

 
*

 
*

Diluted for Class A and Class B
 
$
0.73

 
$
(2.64
)
 
 
*

 
*

 
*

 
*

Statements of Cash Flows Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
146,241

 
$
84,969

 
 
$
14,385

 
$
47,167

 
$
19,608

 
$
323,911

Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment and oil and natural gas properties
 
(324,063
)
 
(157,718
)
 
 
(31,179
)
 
(146,296
)
 
(313,481
)
 
(685,459
)
Other Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Production (MBoe)
 
7,490

 
6,603

 
 
1,796

 
8,926

 
10,200

 
10,982

________________________________
(1)
Operating income (loss) for 2018, the Successor period of 2017 and the Predecessor periods of 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014 included impairment charges of $20.1 million , $42.3 million, nil, $282.5 million, $1.5 billion, and $3.5 million, respectively.
(2)
Net income (loss) for 2018, the Successor period of 2017, the Predecessor period of 2017 and 2016 included reorganization items (expense) income attributable to our bankruptcy proceedings of $(2.4) million , $(3.1) million, $988.7 million, and $(16.7) million, respectively.
*     We have not historically presented earnings per share because our common stock did not previously trade on a public market, either on a stock     exchange or in the over-the-counter market. Accordingly, we were permitted under accounting guidance to omit such disclosure.
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
December 31,
 
 
December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Total oil and natural gas properties
 
$
1,160,518

 
$
992,353

 
 
$
555,184

 
$
798,837

 
$
2,322,391

Total assets
 
1,340,669

 
1,139,306

 
 
845,987

 
1,181,313

 
2,831,816

Total debt (1)
 
307,471

 
144,659

 
 
469,112

 
1,583,701

 
1,633,802

Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
 
884,687

 
842,766

 
 
(1,042,153
)
 
(620,357
)
 
711,858

Other Data:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Proved reserves as of December 31, (MBoe)
 
94,807

 
76,287

 
 
131,301

 
155,541

 
159,393

________________________________
(1)
In 2016 the $1.2 billion balance outstanding under our Prior Senior Notes was reclassified from debt to liabilities subject to compromise.


53



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this report. References to “Successor” relate to the financial position and results of operations of the reorganized company subsequent to its emergence from bankruptcy on March 21, 2017. References to “Predecessor” relate to the financial position and results of operations of the Company prior to, and including, March 21, 2017. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates, and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this report, particularly in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Executive Overview

Chaparral Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CHAP) is an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company headquartered in Oklahoma City and focused in Oklahoma’s hydrocarbon rich STACK Play, where it has approximately 131,000 net acres primarily in Kingfisher, Canadian and Garfield counties. Beginning in the early 1990s, our operations in the area later to become known as the STACK were focused on vertical wells and waterfloods. Since late 2013, however, we have concentrated on the horizontal development of the Mississippian-age Osage and Meramec formations, the Pennsylvanian-age Oswego formation, as well as Devonian-age Woodford Shale formation.

As of December 31, 2018 , we had estimated proved reserves of 94.8 MMBoe with a PV-10 value of approximately $ 686.0 million. Our estimated proved reserve life is approximately 12.7 years. These estimated proved reserves included 74.1 MMBoe of reserves in our STACK play which represents a 50% increase from the prior year. Our total reserves were 59% proved developed, 34% crude oil, 27% natural gas liquids and 39% natural gas.

Our December 31, 2018 reserve estimates reflect that our production rate on current proved developed producing properties will decline at annual rates of approximately 25% , 17% , and 13% for the next three years.  To grow our production and cash flow, we must find, develop and acquire new oil and natural gas reserves to replace those being depleted by production.  Substantial capital expenditures are required to find, develop and acquire oil and natural gas reserves.

2018 Financial and Operating Highlights

The following are material events in 2018 that have impacted our liquidity or results of operations, and/or are expected to impact these items in future periods:
Income. We reported net income of $33.4 million and basic earnings per share of $0.74 .
Decreased LOE. LOE declined 41% from the prior year to $54.2 million in 2018 primarily due the divestitures of our EOR assets in late 2017 and other non-core assets in 2018, which were assets characterized by higher operating costs compared to our STACK assets. Our lease operating expense per Boe of $7.24 in 2018 was 34% lower than the prior year.
Production. Production in our STACK play increased 52% from the prior year to 5,279 MBoe in 2018. Total Company production was 7,490 MBoe in 2018 which was 11% lower than the prior year as the loss of production from divesting our EOR and other non-core assets was only partially offset by the production increase from our STACK play.
Divestitures. We generated proceeds of $50.5 million from divestitures of non-core assets which included certain properties in the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle and certain salt water disposal infrastructure assets.
Issuance of Senior Notes. On June 29, 2018, we completed our offering of $300.0 million of senior unsecured notes due 2023 which provided net proceeds, after deducting estimated issuance costs, of $292.7 million . Upon receipt of the offering proceeds, we repaid the entire outstanding balance on our New Credit Facility with the remaining proceeds used for general corporate purposes.  
Uplisting. On July 24, 2018, we transferred our stock exchange listing for our Class A common stock from the OTCQB market to the NYSE and began trading under the new ticker symbol “CHAP.”
Share conversion. On December 19, 2018, all outstanding shares of our Class B common stock converted into the same number of shares of Class A common stock. With the conversion, all our common stock is now traded on the NYSE.
Reserve growth. We increased year-end 2018 proved reserves to 94.8 MMBoe, an increase of 24% compared to year-end 2017 proved reserves. Our STACK proved reserves of 74.1 MBoe increased 24.7 MMBoe or approximately 50% compared to year-end 2017 proved reserves.

54



Amendment to New Credit Facility. On December 7, 2018, we amended our New Credit Facility. Provisions in the amendment included: (i) increasing the aggregate principal amount from $400 million to $750 million; (ii) increasing the borrowing base from $265 million to $325 million; (iii) decreasing the applicable margin on outstanding borrowings by 50 basis points and (iv) changing hedge capacity to 80% of internally forecasted production for the first 24 months.

Chapter 11 Reorganization

Bankruptcy petition and emergence. On May 9, 2016 (the “Petition Date”), Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries including Chaparral Energy, L.L.C., Chaparral Resources, L.L.C., Chaparral Real Estate, L.L.C., Chaparral CO 2 , L.L.C., CEI Pipeline, L.L.C., CEI Acquisition, L.L.C., Green Country Supply, Inc., Chaparral Biofuels, L.L.C., Chaparral Exploration, L.L.C., and Roadrunner Drilling, L.L.C. (collectively, the “Chapter 11 Subsidiaries” and, together with Chaparral Energy, Inc., the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) commencing cases for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Chapter 11 Cases”).

On March 10, 2017, (the “Confirmation Date”), the Bankruptcy Court confirmed our Reorganization Plan and on the Effective Date, the Reorganization Plan became effective and we emerged from bankruptcy. See “Note 3—Chapter 11 reorganization” in Item 1. Financial Statements of this report for a detailed discussion of our bankruptcy and subsequent emergence.

Fresh Start Accounting. Our emergence from bankruptcy and the resulting adoption of fresh start accounting had a material impact on our consolidated statement of operations mainly due to a gain of $642 million resulting from an increase in carrying value of our net assets to their fair value combined with the $372 million gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise, both of which were recognized during the Predecessor period in 2017. The increase in carrying value of our net assets to their fair value was primarily attributable to a $560 million increase in our unevaluated oil and gas properties reflecting the value of our acreage in our STACK resource play. See “Note 4—Fresh start accounting” in Item 1. Financial Statements of this report for a discussion of changes to our balance sheet upon emergence from bankruptcy.

Capital Program

Our 2018 oil and natural gas capital expenditure was $341.0 million compared to 2017 where we incurred $37.3 million in the Predecessor period and $175.2 million in the Successor period. The increase in capital expenditure was primarily driven by an increase in the number of wells we drilled and in our leasehold acquisitions. The table below discloses our actual costs incurred, including costs that we have accrued for 2018 and our 2019 capital budget:
 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
 
2019 Budget
(in thousands)
 
STACK
 
Other
 
Total
 
Low
 
High
Acquisitions (1)
 
$
111,384

 
$

 
$
111,384

 
$
12,500

 
$
17,500

Drilling (2)
 
194,682

 

 
194,682

 
227,500

 
247,500

Enhancements
 
4,804

 
6,248

 
11,052

 
10,000

 
10,000

Operational capital expenditures incurred
 
310,870

 
6,248

 
$
317,118

 
$
250,000

 
$
275,000

Other (3)
 

 

 
$
23,900

 
$
25,000

 
$
25,000

Total capital expenditures incurred
 
$
310,870

 
$
6,248

 
$
341,018

 
$
275,000

 
$
300,000

 _________________________________
(1)
For 2018, includes non-monetary acreage trades of $10.9 million .
(2)
For 2018, includes $38.0 million on development of wells operated by others and $30.4 million on our joint development agreement. Of the $30.4 million incurred on our joint development program, $13.2 million  was incurred on costs that were in excess of the well cost caps specified under the agreement and JDA as a result of inflation and $17.2 million was incurred to acquire additional working interests (see discussion below).
(3)
For 2018, this amount includes $ 10.7 million for capitalized general and administrative expenses, $10.9 million for capitalized interest and $2.3 million on asset retirement obligations for future plugging and abandonment For our 2019 capital budget, this amount includes capitalized interest and capitalized general and administrative expenses.

In addition to the capital expenditures for oil and natural gas properties, we spent approximately $4.6 million for property and equipment during 2018 .

Our 2018 expenditures of $111.4 million on acquisitions, which included $10.9 million in costs we recorded for non-monetary acreage trades, were comprised of approximately 24,600 acres acquired through leasing and pooling as well as $7.7 million on seismic data. This amount includes the closing payment of $54.8 million in January 2018 on our 7,000 acre leasehold purchase in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma.


55



Our 2018 drilling and completions expenditures of $194.7 million included $38.0 million for development of wells operated by others and $30.4 million on our joint development agreement. Of our activity that did not include wells under our joint development agreement nor outside operated wells, we drilled and completed 24 gross wells, completed five gross wells which were drilled in 2018 and drilled seven gross wells to be completed in 2019, all within our STACK play. Our net expenditures to drill and complete the 24 gross wells, which have an average working interest of 83%, was $92.1 million .

Joint Development Agreement. On September 25, 2017, we entered into a joint development agreement (“JDA”) with BCE Roadrunner, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bayou City Energy (“BCE”), pursuant to which BCE will fund 100 percent of our drilling, completion and equipping costs associated with 30 STACK wells subject to well cost caps that vary by well-type across location and targeted formations, ranging from $3.4 million to $4.0 million per gross well. The cost caps may be increased up to 20% by mutual agreement. The JDA wells, which will be drilled and operated by us, include 17 initially identified locations in Canadian County (in the Meramec and Woodford formations) and 13 locations in Garfield County (in the Osage and Meramec formations). The JDA provides us with a means to accelerate the delineation of our position within our promising Garfield and Canadian County acreage, realizing further efficiencies and holding additional acreage by production, and potentially adding reserves. In exchange for funding, BCE received wellbore-only interest in each well totaling an 85% carve-out working interest from our original working interest (and we retain 15%) until the program reaches a 14% internal rate of return (the “hurdle rate”). Once achieved, ownership interest in all wells will revert such that we will own a 75% working interest and BCE will retain a 25% working interest. We will retain all acreage and reserves outside of the wellbore, with both parties entitled to revenues and paying lease operating expenses based on their working interest. During 2018, we drilled and completed 18 wells, completed one well drilled in the prior year and drilled five wells to be completed in 2019. As of December 31, 2018, we have eight wells remaining to drill and/or complete in order to complete the JDA.

Our drilling and completion costs to date have been exceeding well cost caps specified under the JDA primarily due to inflation in the cost of oilfield services as a result of the rebound in industry conditions. In our negotiation with BCE to cover the inflationary cost increases, BCE had indicated willingness to increase the per well cost caps on remaining wells in exchange for adding more wells to the current program. Since we have achieved our goals to utilize the JDA as a means to delineate our acreage in Garfield and Canadian counties, Oklahoma, we do not currently plan for any expansion of the JDA. We have therefore recorded additions to oil and natural gas properties of  $13.2 million  in cumulative drilling and completion costs during 2018 on JDA wells that have exceeded the well cost caps specified under the JDA.  These increases to our capital expenditures do not change our pre-reversionary interest of 15%. We also incurred an additional $17.2 million to acquire additional working interest on certain wells within the program through force pooling that was not subject to the JDA .

2019 Budge t. Our capital budget for 2019 is between $275.0 million and $300.0 million . This is comprised of $227.5 million to $247.5 million for drilling and completions in our STACK play, which includes $17.5 million to $22.5 million for participating in nonoperated wells. We have also allocated $12.5 million to $17.5 million for acquisitions, $10.0 million for workovers and enhancements, and $25.0 million in total for capitalized interest and capitalized G&A. The budget contemplates drilling and/or completing 60 to 70 gross operated wells, including our eight remaining JDA wells. The goal of our 2019 capital program is to grow production and test spacing assumptions across our leasehold while maintaining flexibility in responding to market price fluctuations and preserving liquidity under our credit facility.

2019 Outlook

Crude Oil. The global oil and gas industry is cyclical, and crude oil prices are volatile, driven by crude oil supply, which includes OPEC and non-OPEC producers, and global crude oil demand. Building on the prior year's price recovery and higher demand, crude oil prices trended upward for most of 2018, with Brent and WTI crude oil prices reaching a four-year high, in excess of $80 and $70 per barrel, respectively. However, in November 2018, prices suddenly plunged, with Brent and WTI prices falling to nearly $50 and $40 per barrel, respectively, as traders focused on supply economics combined with concerns of slowing global growth.

The outlook for 2019 crude oil prices will continue to depend on supply and demand dynamics, as well as global geopolitical and security factors in crude oil-producing nations. Even if OPEC cuts production, U.S. shale supply is expected to continue to grow due to capital investment in anticipation of the addition of takeaway capacity easing recent bottlenecks, such as in the Delaware Basin. These factors, and the potential for slower global growth and increasing global uncertainty, could suppress crude oil prices. In addition, the spread between WTI and Brent prices has been widening, resulting in comparatively lower prices for U.S. production. However, reductions in industry investment, particularly for conventional crude oil development, will, over time, contribute to production declines, potentially supporting higher prices.

Natural Gas . The U.S. domestic natural gas market remains oversupplied as domestic production has continued to grow due to drilling efficiencies, higher incremental volumes of associated gas from oil wells and de-bottlenecking of transportation infrastructure. In contrast to crude oil supply curtailments, there has been little to offset natural gas supply growth, which continues to outpace

56



demand domestically. As a result, natural gas prices remained range-bound in 2018, with an expectation to continue as such in 2019, with natural gas prices at or near current or recent trading levels.

Development and Operating Costs. As commodity prices strengthened, the demand for oilfield equipment, services and infrastructure began to rise, leading to cost inflation for the drilling, completion and operating of wells, and for the construction and/or access to necessary oil and gas infrastructure. As a result, during 2018 there was pressure on operating margins and capital efficiency in U.S. onshore regions, including those in which we operate. With the recent crude oil price decline from mid-2018 highs, the development and operating cost structure has begun to shift downward, and with stable prices, we expect the potential for lower costs will continue into 2019.

Price Uncertainty and the Full-Cost Ceiling Impairment

As discussed in the section above, crude oil prices are volatile. A decline in commodity prices negatively impacts our revenues, profitability, cash flows, liquidity, and reserves, which could lead us to consider reductions in our capital program, asset sales or organizational changes.

We deal with volatility in commodity prices primarily by working to make our overall cost structure competitive and supportive in a low oil price environment. In addition, we maintain flexibility in our capital investment program with a diversified drilling portfolio and limited long-term commitments, which enables us to respond quickly to industry price volatility. We also deal with price volatility by hedging a substantial portion of our expected future oil and natural gas production to reduce our exposure to commodity price decreases.  We currently have derivative contracts in place for a portion of oil and natural gas production from 2019 through 2021(see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk).

One of the ways price volatility impacts our operating results is through the full cost ceiling test calculation. The ceiling test calculation dictates that we use the unweighted arithmetic average price of crude oil and natural gas as of the first day of each month for the 12-month period ending on the balance sheet date. Since the prices used in the cost ceiling are based on a trailing 12-month period, the full impact of price changes on our financial statements is not recognized immediately but will be spread over several reporting periods. The year-end trailing 12-month price over the past 3 years is as follows:
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Oil (per Bbl)
 
$
65.56

 
$
51.34

 
$
42.75

Natural gas (per Mcf)
 
$
3.10

 
$
2.98

 
$
2.49

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
 
$
25.56

 
$
24.17

 
$
13.47


Our ceiling test write-downs are as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Ceiling test impairment
 
$
20,065

 
$
42,146

 
 
$

 
$
281,079


Our ceiling test impairment in 2018 is primarily due to the write-off of the value of non-producing acreage recorded during implementation of fresh start accounting attributable to our non-core leasehold outside of the STACK that we do not intend to develop. Our 2017 impairment was primarily due to the loss of reserves from our EOR asset sale while our 2016 impairment was primarily due to decreasing average prices. The amount of any future impairment is difficult to predict. Changes in factors that impact our estimated ceiling limitation calculation, including, but not limited to, incremental proved reserves that may be added, revisions to previous reserve estimates, capital expenditures, operating costs, depletion expense, and further decreases in average commodity pricing may result in ceiling cost impairments in future quarters.

In addition to commodity prices, our production rates, levels of proved reserves, estimated future operating expenses, estimated future development costs, transfers of unevaluated properties and other factors will determine our actual ceiling test calculation and impairment analyses in future periods.


57



Results of Operations

Overview

Total production decreased from 2016 to 2018 as a result of the divestitures of our EOR assets and non-core properties and the natural decline in our remaining legacy production which were partially offset by production growth in our STACK Areas where we have focused our capital development. Gross commodity sales increased from 2016 to 2017 in conjunction with a modest price recovery but decreased from 2017 to 2018 due to lower production and a change in our product mix with crude oil comprising a smaller proportion of our total production on a Boe basis compared to the past. Net income of $33.4 million in 2018 included $37.8 million of mark to market derivative gains and a $20.1 million ceiling test impairment. Our net loss of $118.9 million during the Successor period of 2017 was primarily a result of our ceiling test impairment of $42.1 million, the loss on the sale of our EOR assets of $25.2 million and losses on our derivative contracts of $30.8 million. Net income of $1.0 billion during the Predecessor period in 2017 was primarily due to our bankruptcy and subsequent emergence which resulted in material gains from the forgiveness of debt of $372.1 million and from the increase in book value of our assets as a result of fresh start accounting of $641.7 million. Our net loss of $415.7 million in 2016 included ceiling test impairments of $281.1 million and interest expense of $64.2 million.
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Production (MBoe)
 
7,490

 
6,603

 
 
1,796

 
8,926

Gross commodity sales
 
$
258,845

 
$
226,493

 
 
$
66,531

 
$
252,152

Net income (loss)
 
$
33,442

 
$
(118,902
)
 
 
$
1,041,959

 
$
(415,720
)
Cash flow from operations
 
$
146,241

 
$
84,969

 
 
$
14,385

 
$
47,167

 
Production

Production volumes by area were as follows (MBoe):
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
STACK Areas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

STACK - Kingfisher County
 
2,194

 
1,676

 
 
423

 
1,515

STACK - Canadian County
 
1,648

 
680

 
 
142

 
661

STACK - Garfield County
 
1,183

 
339

 
 
57

 
407

STACK - Other
 
254

 
113

 
 
34

 
140

Total STACK Areas
 
5,279

 
2,808

 
 
656

 
2,723

EOR Areas
 

 
1,317

 
 
445

 
2,068

Other
 
2,211

 
2,478

 
 
695

 
4,135

Total
 
7,490

 
6,603

 
 
1,796

 
8,926

 

The table above reflects an increasing production trend in our STACK Areas and a decreasing trend in our EOR and Other Areas. The pattern is a result of (i) our continued focus and capital investment in our higher-return STACK Areas, (ii) the divestiture of our EOR Areas assets in November 2017, (iii) divestitures of other non-core assets in Other Areas at various times during 2017 and 2018, including certain properties in the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle in 2018, and (iv) the natural decline in production in wells that were producing as of December 31, 2017 and lower capital investment in areas outside our STACK Areas. See “Note 6 - Acquisitions and divestitures” in Item 8 of this report for further detail on our divestitures.


58



Commodity sales

The following table presents information about our commodity sales before the effects of commodity derivative settlements:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Commodity sales (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Oil
 
$
171,749

 
$
171,088

 
 
$
51,847

 
$
196,660

Natural gas
 
41,506

 
29,471

 
 
9,140

 
34,369

Natural gas liquids
 
45,590

 
25,934

 
 
5,544

 
21,123

Gross commodity sales
 
$
258,845

 
$
226,493

 
 
$
66,531

 
$
252,152

Transportation and processing (1)
 
(16,276
)
 

 
 

 

Net commodity sales
 
242,569

 
226,493

 
 
66,531

 
252,152

Production
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Oil (MBbls)
 
2,684

 
3,535

 
 
1,036

 
4,870

Natural gas (MMcf)
 
17,549

 
11,552

 
 
3,046

 
15,889

Natural gas liquids (MBbls)
 
1,881

 
1,143

 
 
252

 
1,408

MBoe
 
7,490

 
6,603

 
 
1,796

 
8,926

Average sales prices (excluding derivative settlements)
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Oil per Bbl
 
$
63.99

 
$
48.40

 
 
$
50.05

 
$
40.38

Natural gas per Mcf
 
$
2.37

 
$
2.55

 
 
$
3.00

 
$
2.16

Natural gas liquids per Bbl
 
$
24.24

 
$
22.69

 
 
$
22.00

 
$
15.00

Transportation and processing per Boe (1)
 
$
(2.17
)
 
$

 
 
$

 
$

Average sales price per Boe
 
$
32.39

 
$
34.30

 
 
$
37.04

 
$
28.25

_____________________________________________
(1) Pursuant to new accounting guidance on revenue recognition, transportation and processing charges are reflected as a deduction from revenue instead of as an expense beginning in 2018.

The relative impact of changes in commodity prices and sales volumes on our commodity sales before the effects of hedging is shown in the following table:
 
 
Year ended December 31,
 
 
2018 vs. 2017
 
2017 vs. 2016
(dollars in thousands)
 
Sales
change
 
Percentage
change
in sales
 
Sales
change
 
Percentage
change
in sales
Change in oil sales due to:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Prices
 
$
40,846

 
18.3
 %
 
$
38,349

 
19.5
 %
Production
 
(92,032
)
 
(41.3
)%
 
(12,074
)
 
(6.1
)%
Total change in oil sales
 
$
(51,186
)
 
(23.0
)%
 
$
26,275

 
13.4
 %
Change in natural gas sales due to:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Prices
 
$
(4,909
)
 
(12.7
)%
 
$
7,035

 
20.5
 %
Production
 
7,803

 
20.2
 %
 
(2,793
)
 
(8.1
)%
Total change in natural gas sales
 
$
2,894

 
7.5
 %
 
$
4,242

 
12.4
 %
Change in natural gas liquids sales due to:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Prices
 
$
3,145

 
10.0
 %
 
$
10,550

 
49.9
 %
Production
 
10,967

 
34.8
 %
 
(195
)
 
(0.9
)%
Total change in natural gas liquid sales
 
$
14,112

 
44.8
 %
 
$
10,355

 
49.0
 %

Our gross commodity sales (before transportation and processing deductions) for the year ended December 31, 2018, of $258.8 million , decreased approximately 12% compared to gross commodity sales for the prior year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease

59



is due to a decrease in crude oil production volumes and lower natural gas prices partially offset by increases in natural gas and natural gas liquids production volumes and higher crude oil and natural gas liquids prices.

Since production from our divested EOR assets was predominantly in crude oil, our net crude oil production volumes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, decreased 41% compared to the prior year ended December 31, 2017. In the meantime, as a result of growth in our STACK play, our net natural gas production volumes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, increased 20% compared to the prior year ended December 31, 2017 and our net natural gas liquids production volumes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, increased 35% compared to the prior year ended December 31, 2107.

Our gross commodity sales for the year ended December 31, 2017, which consisted of $226.5 million for the Successor period and $66.5 million for the Predecessor period, increased approximately 16% compared to the prior year ended December 31, 2016 as prices increased significantly for all three commodities which more than offset the decline in volumes produced. As discussed previously, production declined within our EOR Areas due to its divestiture prior to the end of 2017 while production declined in our Other Areas due to a lack of capital spending as our capital activity in 2017 was focused on developing wells in our higher-return STACK Area.

Transportation and processing revenue deductions principally consist of deductions by our customers for costs to prepare and transport production from the wellhead to a specified sales point and processing costs of gas into natural gas liquids. Transportation and processing deductions were  $16.3 million for 2018, representing an increase of 41% compared to the aggregate of Successor and Predecessor periods in 2017. Transportation and processing deductions were higher on a dollar basis as a result of increased production of natural gas and natural gas liquids as well as higher rates. The increases have been driven by production growth in our STACK Area where we have experienced higher transportation and processing costs compared to our other operating areas due to new infrastructure being built in the area. In addition, transportation and processing deductions were also higher on a per Boe basis due to our EOR asset divestiture where production from the divested asset was substantially all in the form of crude oil with no associated transportation and processing fees while natural gas and natural gas liquids comprise a larger proportion of our current production on a Boe basis.

Transportation and processing expenses of $9.5 million and $2.0 million for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2017, respectively, were in total higher compared to 2016 as a result of a larger proportion of our total gas production generated from our STACK Area where we have experienced higher transportation and processing costs compared to our Other operating areas. Transportation and processing costs are higher in the STACK in part due to new infrastructure being built in the area. In addition, per unit costs were higher due to increased costs from our non-operated wells and a larger proportion of gas production subject to fee based processing arrangements as opposed to percentage of proceeds arrangements. 
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018 (1)
 
December 31, 2017 (2)
 
 
March 21, 2017 (2)
 
December 31, 2016 (2)
Transportation and processing charges (in thousands)
 
$
16,276

 
$
9,503

 
 
$
2,034

 
$
8,845

Transportation and processing charges per Boe
 
$
2.17

 
$
1.44

 
 
$
1.13

 
$
0.99

______________________________________________
(1)
Reflected as a revenue deduction on our consolidated statements of operations.
(2)
Reflected as an expense on our consolidated statements of operations.

Derivative Activities

Our results of operations, financial condition and capital resources are highly dependent upon the prevailing market prices of, and demand for, oil and natural gas. These commodity prices are subject to wide fluctuations and market uncertainties. To mitigate a portion of this exposure, we enter into commodity price swaps, collars, put options, enhanced swaps and basis protection swaps.

We closely monitor the fair value of our derivative contracts and may elect to settle a contract prior to its scheduled maturity date in order to lock in a gain or loss.


60



Our realized prices are impacted by realized gains and losses resulting from commodity derivatives contracts. The following table presents information about the effects of derivative settlements on realized prices:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016 (1)
Oil (per Bbl): (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Before derivative settlements
 
$
63.99

 
$
48.40

 
 
$
50.05

 
$
34.69

After derivative settlements
 
$
57.92

 
$
52.24

 
 
$
51.20

 
$
52.63

Post-settlement to pre-settlement price
 
90.5
%
 
107.9
%
 
 
102.3
%
 
151.7
%
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl): (3)
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Before derivative settlements
 
$
24.24

 
*
 
 
*
 
*
After derivative settlements
 
$
24.47

 
*
 
 
*
 
*
Post-settlement to pre-settlement price
 
100.9
%
 
*
 
 
*
 
*
Natural gas (per Mcf):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Before derivative settlements
 
$
2.37

 
$
2.55

 
 
$
3.00

 
$
2.16

After derivative settlements
 
$
2.21

 
$
2.73

 
 
$
3.03

 
$
3.75

Post-settlement to pre-settlement price
 
93.2
%
 
107.1
%
 
 
101.0
%
 
173.6
%
________________________________
(1)
For 2016, “after derivative settlements” excludes early termination settlement proceeds from contracts maturing after 2016.
(2)
The 2016 period includes natural gas liquids as we were permitted under our Prior Credit Facility to utilize crude oil derivatives to hedge our natural gas liquids production.
(3)
During 2018, we entered into derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to natural gas liquids pricing, specifically propane and natural gasoline. Prior to 2018, we did not have commodity derivative contracts on NGL products.

The estimated fair values of our oil and natural gas derivative instruments are provided below. The associated carrying values of these instruments are equal to the estimated fair values.
 
 
As of December 31,
 
As of December 31,
(in thousands)
 
2018
 
2017
Derivative assets (liabilities):
 
 

 
 

Crude oil derivatives
 
$
19,756

 
$
(13,404
)
Natural gas derivatives
 
345

 
278

NGL derivatives
 
4,581

 

Net derivative (liabilities) assets
 
$
24,682

 
$
(13,126
)

We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative instruments. As a result, all gains and losses associated with our derivative contracts are recognized immediately as “Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains” in the consolidated statements of operations. The fluctuation in non-hedge derivative (losses) gains from period to period is due primarily to the significant volatility of oil and natural gas prices and basis differentials and to changes in our outstanding derivative contracts during these periods. The effects of derivative activities on our results of operations and cash flows were as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains
 
$
19,297

 
$
(30,802
)
 
 
$
48,006

 
$
(22,837
)

61



 
 
Successor
 
 
Period from January 1, 2018
through December 31, 2018
 
Period from March 22, 2017
through December 31, 2017
(in thousands)
 
Non-cash
fair value
adjustment
 
Settlement
gains
 
Non-cash
fair value
adjustment
 
Settlement
gains
Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Crude oil derivatives
 
$
33,159

 
$
(16,278
)
 
$
(46,327
)
 
$
13,593

Natural gas derivatives
 
$
67

 
$
(2,662
)
 
$
(151
)
 
$
2,083

NGL derivatives
 
$
4,581

 
$
430

 
$

 
$

Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains
 
$
37,807

 
$
(18,510
)
 
$
(46,478
)
 
$
15,676

 
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from January 1, 2017
through March 21, 2017
 
Period from January 1, 2016
through December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Non-cash
fair value
adjustment
 
Settlement
gains
 
Non-cash
fair value
adjustment
 
Settlement
gains
Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Crude oil derivatives
 
$
42,819

 
$
1,192

 
$
(132,963
)
 
$
113,852

Natural gas derivatives
 
$
3,902

 
$
93

 
$
(43,644
)
 
$
39,918

NGL derivatives
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains
 
$
46,721

 
$
1,285

 
$
(176,607
)
 
$
153,770


In February 2018, we renegotiated the fixed pricing of certain crude oil swaps scheduled to settle during 2018 in exchange for entering crude oil swaps, scheduled to settle from 2020 through 2021, at lower-than-market pricing. The renegotiated swaps cover 1,086 MBbls and have a new fixed price of $60.00 per barrel, replacing the original weighted average fixed price of $54.80 per barrel. The new crude oil swaps scheduled to settle in 2020 and 2021 have weighted average fixed prices of $46.26 and $44.34 per barrel, respectively, and cover 543 MBbls each year. On February 7, 2018, the date we entered into the 2020 and 2021 swaps, the average 2020 and 2021 NYMEX strip price for crude oil was $52.68 and $50.83 per barrel, respectively.

In May 2016 all of our outstanding derivative contracts were terminated early as a result of our defaults under the master agreements governing our derivative contracts. The derivative defaults were triggered by defaults on our debt. The early-terminated contracts, originally scheduled to settle from 2016 through 2018, covered 3,400 MBbls of oil and 28,800 BBtu of natural gas. Proceeds from the early terminations, inclusive of amounts receivable at the time of termination for previous settlements, totaled $119.3 million. Of this amount, in the third quarter of 2016, $103.6 million was utilized to offset outstanding borrowings under our Prior Credit Facility and the remainder was remitted to the Company. Realized gains (losses) from early terminations are reflected in “Settlement gains” in the table above.

Lease Operating Expenses 
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands, except per Boe data)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Lease operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

STACK Areas
 
$
25,670

 
$
12,694

 
 
$
2,247

 
$
10,414

EOR Areas
 

 
25,196

 
 
8,488

 
35,548

Other
 
28,549

 
34,242

 
 
9,206

 
44,571

Total lease operating expenses
 
$
54,219

 
$
72,132

 
 
$
19,941

 
$
90,533

Lease operating expenses per Boe:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

STACK Areas
 
$
4.86

 
$
4.52

 
 
$
3.43

 
$
3.82

EOR Areas
 
$

 
$
19.13

 
 
$
19.07

 
$
17.19

Other
 
$
12.91

 
$
13.82

 
 
$
13.25

 
$
10.78

Lease operating expenses per Boe
 
$
7.24

 
$
10.92

 
 
$
11.10

 
$
10.14



62



LOE is sensitive to changes in demand for field equipment, services, and qualified operational personnel, which is driven by demand for oil and natural gas. However, the timing of changes in operating costs may lag behind changes in commodity prices. Our EOR projects were more expensive to operate than traditional industry operations due to the nature of operations along with the costs of recovery and recycling of CO 2 .

LOE is not comparable across the time periods presented above in part due to our recognition of bonus expense. Provisions set by the Bankruptcy Court during the pendency of our bankruptcy prevented us from paying bonuses in the ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these provisions, we did not accrue bonuses during 2016 and during the entire pendency of our bankruptcy. Upon emergence, we recognized expense for the entire amount of our 2016 fiscal year bonus (paid in March 2017) while also accruing a pro rata portion of our 2017 fiscal year bonus. We have accrued bonuses in the ordinary course of business subsequent to our emergence. The bonus expense component of LOE is disclosed in the table below:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Bonus expense
 
$
874

 
$
2,484

 
 
$

 
$


LOE for 2018, was  $54.2 million  or  $7.24  per Boe, a decrease of  41% on a dollar basis or  34% on a per Boe basis compared to the aggregate Successor and Predecessor periods in the prior year. The decrease was largely due to the divestiture of our EOR assets, which were historically more expensive to operate than traditional industry operations, and the divestiture of other high-cost non-core assets in 2018, partially offset by LOE increases in the STACK where we are growing production, but are also impacted by our recognition of bonus expense as discussed above.

LOE for 2017, which was comprised of $72.1 million and $19.9 million for the Successor and Predecessor periods, respectively, increased from the prior year period primarily due to the bonuses accrued and paid in 2017.  Absent the accrual for bonuses, our overall LOE on a dollar basis would have been relatively flat. Increases in our STACK play were due to new operated and outside-operated wells that came online, and were partially offset by decreases in the EOR and Other Areas, largely due to the shut in of higher cost underperforming wells and lower production. Our LOE on a Boe basis was higher in both Successor and Predecessor periods of 2017 compared to 2016 largely due to inflation in field service costs, especially in water hauling costs, which have been rising as the industry stages a modest recovery.

Production Taxes (which include ad valorem taxes)
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands, except per Boe data)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Production taxes
 
$
13,150

 
$
11,750

 
 
$
2,417

 
$
9,610

Production taxes per Boe
 
$
1.76

 
$
1.78

 
 
$
1.35

 
$
1.08


Production taxes generally change in proportion to commodity sales. Some states offer exemptions or reduced production tax rates for horizontal drilling, enhanced recovery projects and high cost gas wells.

In May and November 2017, the Oklahoma legislature passed bills that would effectively increase production taxes on certain producing wells and units in the state. The legislative change in May 2017, which took effect in July 2017, ended all production tax rebates for EOR operations and increased the rate on certain horizontal wells spudded on or prior to July 1, 2015 from 1% to 4%. This was followed by a legislative change in November 2017, which took effect in December 2017, which further increased the rate on the aforementioned horizontal wells from 4% to 7%. In March 2018, the Oklahoma legislature approved a production tax increase from 2% to 5% during the first three years of production on horizontal wells spudded after July 1, 2015. Subsequently, the production tax rate on any new well and on wells that spudded after July 1, 2015, is currently 5% of commodity revenues for the first 36 months and 7% thereafter.

Production taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2018 were 7% lower than aggregate production taxes for the Predecessor and Successor periods in 2017. The decreases were a result of lower gross commodity sales attributable to divestitures and a shift in production mix towards a higher proportion of natural gas and natural gas liquids which are lower in value compared to crude oil and lower ad valorem taxes due to divestitures. These decreases were partially offset by legislative increases in production

63



tax rates as described above. Production taxes on a per Boe basis were higher across periods due to the enacted production tax rate increases and the decrease in production volumes driven by divestitures.

Production taxes on a dollar and per Boe basis for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2017, and in aggregate for the year, were higher than 2016 primarily due to increases due to higher gross commodity sales combined with the legislative changes discussed above.

In the event that the Oklahoma state government faces future budgetary shortfalls, it is possible that additional production tax increases may be enacted although we are unable to predict what such increases might entail.  See “Future legislative changes may increase the gross production tax charged on our oil and natural gas production” in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (“DD&A”)
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands, except per Boe data)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
DD&A:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Oil and natural gas properties
 
$
79,070

 
$
84,899

 
 
$
23,442

 
$
115,765

Property and equipment
 
8,818

 
7,700

 
 
1,473

 
7,163

Total DD&A
 
$
87,888

 
$
92,599

 
 
$
24,915

 
$
122,928

DD&A per Boe:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Oil and natural gas properties
 
$
10.56

 
$
12.86

 
 
$
13.05

 
$
12.97

Other fixed assets
 
1.18

 
1.17

 
 
0.82

 
0.80

Total DD&A per Boe
 
$
11.74

 
$
14.03

 
 
$
13.87

 
$
13.77


We adjust our DD&A rate on oil and natural gas properties each quarter for significant changes in our estimates of oil and natural gas reserves and future costs, and thus our DD&A rate could change significantly in the future.

The implementation of fresh start accounting upon emergence from bankruptcy whereupon the carrying value of our oil and gas properties and tangible property on our balance sheet was restated to fair value impacts the comparability of DD&A between Successor and Predecessor periods. The adjustment to reflect fair value resulted in an increase in the full cost amortization base which impacted the DD&A rate per equivalent unit of production for the period subsequent to March 21, 2017. Comparability of DD&A is also impacted by our EOR asset sale in November 2017, which resulted in the divestiture of more than half of our proved reserve volumes at the time.

Notwithstanding transactions affecting comparability, overall oil and natural gas DD&A was impacted by production differences and the sale of our EOR assets. DD&A expense decreased in 2018 compared to the total Successor and Predecessor periods in 2017 due to decreases in production and the units-of-production DD&A rate. The DD&A rate in 2018 was lower than the prior year as our amortization pool no longer included future development costs on our divested EOR assets, which were more expensive to develop compared to properties in our STACK play. Total DD&A expense for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2017 decreased compared to 2016 partially as a result of the production decline across both years.
 
Asset impairments
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Asset impairments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Loss on impairment of oil and natural gas assets
 
$
20,065

 
$
42,146

 
 
$

 
$
281,079

Loss on impairment of other assets
 

 
179

 
 

 
1,393


Property impairments. We record ceiling test write-downs, as needed, when the cost center ceiling exceeds the net capitalized cost of our oil and natural gas properties at the end of a fiscal quarter. Our ceiling test write-down in 2018 of $20.1 million was due to our decision not to pursue future development on the majority of our non-core leasehold outside of the STACK. Our write-down of

64



$42.1 million during the Successor period of 2017 was due to our EOR asset sale and our decision to exit future pursuit of CO 2 enhanced oil recovery. As described in the paragraph below, these changes in future drilling plans resulted in an impairment of our unevaluated non-producing leasehold which adversely impacted the ceiling test . Our ceiling test write-downs of $281.1 million recorded in 2016 was due to the substantial decline of commodity prices that began in late 2014. The ceiling test calculation dictates that we use the unweighted arithmetic average price of crude oil and natural gas as of the first day of each month for the 12-month period ending on the balance sheet date as disclosed below:
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Oil (per Bbl)
 
$
65.56

 
$
51.34

 
$
42.75

Natural gas (per Mcf)
 
$
3.10

 
$
2.98

 
$
2.49

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
 
$
25.56

 
$
24.17

 
$
13.47


Our ceiling test write-downs are sometimes impacted by our impairments of unevaluated non-producing leasehold. We have previously and may in the future impair and/or relinquish certain undeveloped leases prior to expiration based upon changes in exploration plans, timing and extent of development activity, availability of capital and suitable rig and drilling equipment, resource potential, comparative economics, changing regulations and/or other factors. Such impairments result in a transfer of amounts from unevaluated oil and natural gas properties to the full cost amortization base. Impairments of non-producing leasehold, which include expirations, of $102.5 million, $122.3 million, and $55.1 million were recorded during 2018, the Successor period of 2017, and 2016. The impairment in 2018 was primarily a result of writing-off value that was recognized on our acreage during implementation of fresh start accounting attributable to leasehold outside of the STACK. In the current commodity price environment, returns in these areas are not as attractive as those experienced in our STACK acreage. The company has focused all its drilling operations within the STACK to maximize returns and has no future plans to develop these areas. As such, the value of this acreage was written-off in 2018. The impairment during the Successor period of 2017 was primarily a result of value that was recognized on our acreage during implementation of fresh start accounting attributable to future CO 2 enhanced oil recovery which no longer yields any future economic value subsequent to our EOR asset sale and thus written-off. The impairment in 2016 was recorded as a result of changes in our drilling plans due to the low pricing environment and lower than expected results for certain exploratory activities which resulted in certain undeveloped properties not expected to be developed before lease expiration.

Impairment of other assets. Our impairment losses of $0.2 million and $1.4 million for the Successor period of 2017 and for 2016, respectively, were due to market adjustments on our equipment inventory. These adjustments were a result of industry decline and decreasing demand which led to decreased market prices of the related equipment, as well as adjustments for excess and obsolescence.

General and Administrative expenses (“G&A”)  
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands, except per Boe data)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
G&A, cost reduction initiatives and liability management expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Gross G&A expenses
 
$
49,499

 
$
49,425

 
 
$
8,117

 
$
26,275

Capitalized exploration and development costs
 
(10,706
)
 
(9,808
)
 
 
(1,274
)
 
(5,322
)
Net G&A expenses
 
$
38,793

 
$
39,617

 
 
$
6,843

 
$
20,953

Cost reduction initiatives
 
1,034

 
691

 
 
629

 
2,879

Liability management expenses
 

 

 
 

 
9,396

Net G&A, cost reduction initiatives and liability management expense
 
$
39,827

 
$
40,308

 
 
$
7,472

 
$
33,228

Net G&A expenses per Boe
 
$
5.18

 
$
6.00

 
 
$
3.81

 
$
2.35

Net G&A expenses, cost reduction initiatives and liability management  expense per Boe
 
$
5.32

 
$
6.10

 
 
$
4.16

 
$
3.72


The comparability of gross G&A expenses between 2018, 2017 and 2016 is materially impacted by stock compensation and the timing of our recognition of bonus expense. Stock compensation expense in 2018 and during the Successor period in 2017 was due to requisite service costs under our new Management Incentive Plan, which was adopted in August 2017. In contrast, we recorded a credit for stock compensation expense in 2016 primarily due to a cumulative catch up adjustment in order to reflect a decrease in the probability that requisite service would be achieved for performance shares under a previous stock incentive plan, which was

65



subsequently canceled upon our emergence from bankruptcy. Provisions set by the Bankruptcy Court during the pendency of our bankruptcy prevented us from paying bonuses in the ordinary course of business. Pursuant to these provisions, we did not accrue bonuses during 2016 and during the entire pendency of our bankruptcy. Upon emergence, we recognized expense for the entire amount of our 2016 fiscal year bonus (paid in March 2017) as well as accrued an estimate of our 2017 fiscal year bonus. These material adjustments affecting comparability are disclosed in the table below:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Bonus expense, gross
 
$
4,418

 
$
10,043

 
 
$

 
$

Stock compensation, gross
 
13,402

 
12,401

 
 
194

 
(6,196
)
 
 
$
17,820

 
$
22,444

 
 
$
194

 
$
(6,196
)

Notwithstanding the adjustments described above, gross G&A expenses were lower in 2018 compared to 2017 due to decreased salaries and benefits as a result of lower headcount and a decrease in professional fees incurred. Notwithstanding the adjustments described above, gross G&A expenses were marginally higher in 2017 compared to 2016 as a result of cost increases for professional fees and for our long term cash incentive plan partially offset by decreases in salary expense due to lower headcount. Expense for our long term cash incentive plan increased as a result of additional award grants made in 2017.

Capitalized G&A was approximately flat from 2017 to 2018 but increased from 2016 to 2017 due to the overall fluctuation in gross G&A over that period.

Cost Reduction Initiatives

Cost reduction initiatives include expenses related to our efforts to reduce our capital, operating and administrative costs in response to the industry downturn. These expenses include one-time severance and termination benefits in connection with our reductions in force as well as third party legal and professional services we have engaged to assist in these initiatives as follows (in thousands):
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
One-time severance and termination benefits
 
$
1,034

 
$
678

 
 
$
608

 
$
2,772

Professional fees
 

 
13

 
 
21

 
107

Total cost reduction initiatives expense
 
$
1,034

 
$
691

 
 
$
629

 
$
2,879


Liability management expense

Liability management expense includes third party legal and professional service fees incurred from our activities to restructure our debt and in preparation for our bankruptcy petition. Upon the filing of our Chapter 11 petition, such expenses, to the extent that they are incremental and directly related to our bankruptcy reorganization, are reflected in “Reorganization items” in our consolidated statements of operations.
Other
Other consisted of the following:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Restructuring
 
$
425

 
$
3,531

Subleases
 
1,611

 
197

Total other expense
 
$
2,036

 
$
3,728


66



Restructuring . We previously incurred exit costs in conjunction with our EOR asset divestiture, which are predominantly comprised of one-time severance and termination benefits for the affected employees. The expense recorded in 2018 is a result of termination benefits for the final slate of employees terminated as a result of the divestiture.  

Subleases . Our subleases are comprised of CO 2 compressors that were previously utilized in our EOR operations and leased as capital and operating leases from U.S. Bank but are now subleased to the purchaser of our EOR assets (the “Sublessee”). Minimum payments under the subleases are equal to the original leases. Subsequent to the execution of the subleases, all payments received from the Sublessee are reflected as revenues on our statement of operations. Payments we make to U.S. Bank on the original operating leases, which are disclosed in the table above, are reflected in “Other” on our statement of operations while payments on the original capital leases are a reduction of debt and recognition of interest expense. With respect to the capital leases, we have reclassified the amount associated with these leases from the full cost amortization base to plant, property and equipment on our balance sheet and are amortizing the asset on a straight line basis prospectively. We will continue incurring interest expense on the capital leases.

Loss (gain) on asset sales

During the Successor period of 2017, we recognized a $26.0 million loss on sale of assets which was comprised primarily of a $25.2 million loss on our EOR asset sale which we closed in November 2017 for cash proceeds, net of preliminary post-closing adjustments, of $163.6 million. As these properties comprised a material portion of our oil and natural gas reserves and our assessment indicated that our depletion rate would be significantly altered subsequent to the sale, in accordance with the full cost method of accounting for conveyances, we recognized the aforementioned loss on the sale. Other than our recent EOR asset sale, our divestitures of oil and natural gas assets are generally below the threshold of reserve volumes sold that would trigger a requirement to recognize a gain or loss under full cost accounting rules, and hence gains or losses are generally not recorded. The remaining amounts reflected on our statement of operations are related to gains or losses from the sale of plant, property and equipment.
 
Reorganization Items

Reorganization items reflect, where applicable, expenses, gains and losses incurred that are incremental and a direct result of the Chapter 11 reorganization of the business. Subsequent to our emergence from bankruptcy, we have incurred professional fees for the ongoing resolution of outstanding claims. While we expect these fees to decrease in the future, we will continue incurring them until our outstanding claims are resolved. Reorganization costs are as follows:

 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Loss (gain) on the settlement of liabilities subject to compromise
 
$
48

 
$

 
 
$
(372,093
)
 
$

Fresh start accounting adjustments
 

 

 
 
(641,684
)
 

Professional fees
 
2,344

 
3,091

 
 
18,790

 
15,484

Claims for non-performance of executory contract
 

 

 
 

 
1,236

Rejection of employment contracts
 

 

 
 
4,573

 

Write off unamortized issuance costs on Prior Credit Facility
 

 

 
 
1,687

 

Total reorganization items
 
$
2,392

 
$
3,091

 
 
$
(988,727
)
 
$
16,720



67



Other Income and Expenses

Interest expense . The following table presents interest expense for the periods indicated:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
New Credit Facility and Exit Revolver
 
$
5,118

 
$
5,232

 
 
$

 
$

Exit Term Loan including amortization of discount
 

 
9,179

 
 

 

Senior Notes and Prior Senior Notes
 
13,271

 

 
 

 
37,048

Prior Credit Facility
 

 

 
 
5,193

 
24,228

Bank fees, other interest and amortization of issuance costs
 
3,919

 
1,878

 
 
917

 
5,105

Gross interest expense
 
22,308

 
16,289

 
 
6,110

 
66,381

Capitalized interest
 
(10,925
)
 
(2,142
)
 
 
(248
)
 
(2,139
)
Total interest expense
 
$
11,383

 
$
14,147

 
 
$
5,862

 
$
64,242

Average long-term borrowings (including amounts subject to compromise)
 
$
275,978

 
$
281,624

 
 
$
1,678,870

 
$
1,717,369


Gross interest expense was approximately flat from 2017 to 2018. In June 2018, we substituted our borrowings under the New Credit Facility with proceeds from our issuance of Senior Notes. Gross interest expense in total for the Successor and Predecessor periods of 2017 was lower than 2016 due to the absence of expense on the Prior Senior Notes as the accrual of interest was suspended while in bankruptcy (May 2016 – March 2017) and the debt was subsequently discharged upon emergence (March 2017).

Capitalized interest for 2018 increased significantly from 2017 due to the material expenditures, and hence larger carrying balance, of leasehold acquisitions in 2018. Our capital expenditure on acquisitions was $111.4 million in 2018 compared to $34.1 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2017. Our capitalized interest for the Successor and Predecessor periods of 2017 were marginally higher in total than 2016 as a result of a larger average balance in unevaluated non-producing leasehold. As a result of applying fresh start accounting upon our emergence from bankruptcy, the carrying value of our unevaluated non-producing leasehold was significantly increased to reflect the fair value of our acreage in the STACK. However, we do not record capitalized interest on the portion of our unevaluated non-producing leasehold that resulted from the fresh start fair value adjustment.

Loss on extinguishment of debt . In conjunction with the payment in full of our Exit Term Loan in November 2017, we wrote off the remaining $0.6 million balance of unamortized discount associated with the loan.

Prior Senior Note issuance costs, discount and premium. In March 2016, we wrote off the remaining unamortized issuance costs, premium and discount related to our Prior Senior Notes for a net charge of approximately $17.0 million. These deferred items are typically amortized over the life of the corresponding bond. However, as a result of not paying the interest due on our 2021 senior notes by the end of our 30-day grace period on March 31, 2016, we triggered an Event of Default on our Prior Senior Notes. While uncured, the Event of Default effectively allowed the lender to demand immediate repayment, thus shortening the life of our Prior Senior Notes to the current period. As a result, we wrote off the remaining balance of unamortized issuance costs, premium and discount.

Income Taxes
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Current income tax (benefit) expense
 
$
(77
)
 
$
(349
)
 
 
$
37

 
$
(102
)
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
 

 

 
 

 

Total income tax (benefit) expense
 
$
(77
)
 
$
(349
)
 
 
$
37

 
$
(102
)
Effective tax rate
 
(0.2
)%
 

 
 

 

Total net deferred tax liability
 
$

 
$

 
 
$

 
$


68




Our income tax benefit recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018 , is associated with the reversal of the valuation allowance against the existing AMT credit carryforward as it is refundable under the 2017 Tax Act.

Our income tax benefit recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017, is a result of a Texas margin tax refund for 2016 and federal refundable alternative minimum credits for the 2016 tax year.

On December 22, 2017, the 2017 Tax Act was enacted. The 2017 Tax Act represents major tax reform legislation that, among other provisions, reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate. As a result of the 2017 Tax Act we remeasured our December 31, 2017 deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting in a $111.2 million decrease in net deferred tax assets for the year ended December 31, 2017. A corresponding change was recorded to the valuation allowance and, therefore, there was no impact to current period income tax expense. For further information on the financial statement impact of the 2017 Tax Act, see “Note 12 - Income taxes” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this report.

Our effective tax rate is affected by changes in valuation allowances, recurring permanent differences and discrete items that may occur in any given year but are not consistent from year to year. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, we have a full valuation allowance for the amounts by which our deferred tax assets exceed our deferred tax liabilities due to uncertainty regarding their realization. We intend to maintain a valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the reversal of these allowances. As long as we conclude that the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets is necessary, we likely will not have any additional deferred income tax expense or benefit. For further discussion of our valuation allowance, see “Note 12-Income taxes” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this report.

In 2017, upon emergence from bankruptcy, as described in “Note 3 - Chapter 11 reorganization,” we experienced an ownership change as defined in Section 382 of the IRC, that imposes an annual limitation of the amount of our taxable income that can be offset by our federal loss carryforwards in future years.  Upon final determination of tax return amounts for the year ended December 31, 2017, including attribute reduction that occurred on January 1, 2018, we have total federal net operating loss carryforwards of $1.0 billion, which will expire between 2028 and 2037 if not utilized in earlier periods, including $760.1 million which are subject to limitation due to ownership change that occurred upon emergence from bankruptcy and $251.3 million of post-change net operating loss carryforwards not subject to limitation. We estimate that we will incur an additional $141.3 million of post-change net operating loss carryforward not subject to the limitation for the tax year ended December 31, 2018. Due to the 2017 Tax Act, the estimated federal net operating loss generated in 2018 does not expire but may only offset 80% of taxable income in any given year. The limitations on net operating loss utilization did not result in a current tax liability for the tax years ended December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017. For further discussion of the impact of our emergence from bankruptcy on the amount and availability of our loss carryforwards, see “Note 12 - Income taxes” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this report. Future equity transactions involving us or our stockholders (including, potentially, relatively small transactions and transactions beyond our control) could cause further ownership changes, further limiting the availability of our loss carryforwards to reduce future taxable income.

As of December 31, 2018, our state net operating loss carryforwards were approximately $1.42 billion, which will expire between 2018 and 2038 if not utilized in earlier periods.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our internal sources of liquidity in 2018 included cash flows from operations and asset divestitures. In 2018, asset divestitures were a significant source of liquidity generating approximately $50.5 million in proceeds. These divestitures included our producing properties in the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle, certain saltwater disposal infrastructure assets and various other non-core properties.

Our external sources of liquidity in 2018 were comprised of our debt facilities and funding from our joint development arrangement. Outstanding debt includes our issuance of $300 million in Senior Notes in June 2018 while our New Credit Facility was undrawn as of December 31, 2018. The wells we drilled that were funded by our JDA allowed us to accelerate the delineation of our position within our Garfield and Canadian County acreage, hold additional acreage by production, and add reserves. 

We rely on cash flows from operations to fund our capital program which includes exploration and development, leasehold and property acquisitions. Our industry requires that we continuously commit substantial investment to drill and develop our oil and natural gas properties such that production from new wells can offset the natural production decline from existing wells. During the past three years, cash flows from operations have been insufficient to fully fund our capital programs and instead were augmented by derivative receipts, asset sales and debt.

Our cash balance as of December 31, 2018 , was $37.4 million and we had borrowing availability under our New Credit Facility of $ 208.4 million . As of March 8, 2019, our cash balance was approximately $29.1 million with $30.0 million outstanding on our New Credit Facility. We continuously monitor our liquidity needs, coordinate our capital expenditure program with our expected cash

69



flows, and evaluate our available alternative sources of liquidity. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to fund our capital expenditures and day to day operations at a minimum for the next 12 months.

Our cash flows and liquidity are highly dependent on the prices we receive for oil, natural gas and NGLs. Prices we receive are determined by prevailing market conditions, regional and worldwide economic and geopolitical activity, supply versus demand, weather, seasonality and other factors that influence market conditions and often result in significant volatility in commodity prices. In addition to reducing revenue from commodity sales, low prices can adversely affect our liquidity through the impact on the borrowing base under our credit facilities. When commodity prices decline, the price deck approved by our lenders to determine our borrowing base decreases which leads to a reduction in our borrowing base and hence the available amount we can borrow.

We mitigate the impact of volatility in commodity prices, in part through the use of derivative instruments which help stabilize our cash flow. We currently have derivative contracts in place for oil and natural gas production from 2019 through 2021(see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk).

Sources and Uses of Cash

Our net increase (decrease) in cash is summarized as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(dollars in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Cash flows provided by operating activities
 
$
146,241

 
$
84,969

 
 
$
14,385

 
$
47,167

Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(292,050
)
 
47,735

 
 
(28,010
)
 
(54,309
)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities
 
155,523

 
(150,095
)
 
 
(127,732
)
 
176,557

Net increase (decrease) in cash during the period
 
$
9,714

 
$
(17,391
)
 
 
$
(141,357
)
 
$
169,415


Our operating cash flow is derived substantially from the production and sale of oil and natural gas and therefore influenced by the prices we receive and the quantity we produce. Our cash flows from operating activities are also impacted by changes in working capital.

Our cash flows from operating activities for 2018 increased compared to aggregate cash flows from operations for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2017 as a result of reductions in cash interest paid, reorganization costs, lease operating expenses and other operating costs. These reductions were partially offset by a decrease in commodity revenues. Cash interest was lower in 2018 as interest incurred on our Senior Notes for the second half of 2018 was not due until the coupon payment date in January 2019.

Our cash flows from operating activities for 2017, which included inflows of $85.0 million for Successor period and $14.4 million for the Predecessor period, increased over the prior year as a result of an increase in revenues, a reduction in cash interest paid, and working capital changes. These increases were partially offset by higher operating and bankruptcy related expenses in 2017.

Net cash used in investing activities during 2018 was comprised of cash outflows for capital expenditure of $324.1 million and derivative settlement payments of $18.5 million partially offset by cash inflows from asset sales of $50.5 million . Net cash provided by investing activities during the Successor period of 2017 was comprised of cash inflows from derivative settlement receipts of $15.7 million and from asset sales of $189.7 million (primarily our EOR asset sale) partially offset by cash outflows for capital expenditure of $157.7 million. Net cash used in investing activities during the Predecessor period from January 1 to March 21, 2017, was comprised of cash outflows for capital expenditure of $31.2 million partially offset by cash inflows from derivative settlement receipts of $1.3 million and from asset sales of $1.9 million. During 2016, cash used in investing activities was comprised of cash outflows for capital expenditure of $146.3 million, which included paydown of accounts payable, partially offset by cash inflows from derivative settlements of $90.6 million and asset dispositions of $1.3 million.

Cash flows provided by financing activities in 2018 included proceeds from our issuance of $300.0 million in Senior Notes in June 2018 and $116.0 million in borrowings under our New Credit Facility occurring in the first half of the year partially offset by debt repayments of $243.7 million which included payment of the entire outstanding balance of our New Credit Facility with the proceeds from the offering of our Senior Notes. Cash was also utilized in 2018 for $9.1 million in debt issuance costs, $4.9 million in treasury stock purchases and $2.7 million in capital lease payments. Our debt issuance costs were primarily incurred in connection with our Senior Note issuance while our treasury stock purchases were made to facilitate income tax withholding for restricted stock awards that vested during the year. Cash flows used in financing activities during the Successor period of 2017 was comprised

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primarily of cash outflows of $178.4 million for repayments on debt and capital leases and outflows of $4.7 million for debt issuance costs partially offset by cash inflows of $33.0 million from borrowings.  The debt repayment includes $149.2 million for the repayment in full of our Exit Term Loan utilizing proceeds of our EOR asset sale while the debt issuance costs were incurred in connection with the amendment of our Exit Credit Facility in December 2017. Cash flows used in financing activities during the Predecessor period of 2017 is comprised primarily of cash outflows for repayments of debt and capital leases of $445.4 million and payment of $2.4 million in debt issuance costs for our Exit Credit Facility partially offset by cash inflows of $270.0 million from new borrowings and $50.0 million from the issuance of equity. The large repayments and borrowings of debt during the Predecessor period in 2017 reflect the extinguishment of our Prior Credit Facility and establishment of our Exit Credit Facility pursuant to our Reorganization Plan.

Cash flows from financing activities in 2016 included borrowing and repayments on our long-term debt of $181.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively, and payment of $2.5 million on our capital leases. During 2016, the outstanding balance on our Prior Credit Facility was reduced by $103.6 million by directly offsetting proceeds payable to us from the termination of our derivative contracts against outstanding borrowings under the Prior Credit Facility. The ability to offset was possible as the previous counterparties to our derivative contracts were also lenders under our Prior Credit Facility. Since cash was not exchanged in this transaction, it is not reflected in the statement of cash flows.

As market conditions warrant and subject to our contractual restrictions in our New Credit Facility or otherwise, liquidity position and other factors, we may from time to time seek to recapitalize, refinance or otherwise restructure our capital structure. We may accomplish this through open market or privately negotiated transactions, which may include, among other things, private or public equity raises, rights offerings, repurchases of our common stock and refinancings. Many of these alternatives may require the consent of current lenders or stockholders and there is no assurance that we will be able to execute any of these alternatives on acceptable terms, or at all. The amounts involved in any such transaction, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.

Asset sales. As noted previously, we have relied on asset divestitures as a significant source of liquidity. Our divestitures in 2018 and 2017 generated $50.5 million and $191.6 million of proceeds, respectively.

Capital Expenditures

Our actual costs incurred, including costs that we have accrued for 2018 and our budgeted 2019 capital expenditures for oil and natural gas properties are summarized in the following table:

 
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018
 
2019 Budget
(in thousands)
 
STACK
 
Other
 
Total
 
Low
 
High
Acquisitions (1)
 
$
111,384

 
$

 
$
111,384

 
$
12,500

 
$
17,500

Drilling (2)
 
194,682

 

 
194,682

 
227,500

 
247,500

Enhancements
 
4,804

 
6,248

 
11,052

 
10,000

 
10,000

Operational capital expenditures incurred
 
310,870

 
6,248

 
$
317,118

 
$
250,000

 
$
275,000

Other (3)
 

 

 
$
23,900

 
$
25,000

 
$
25,000

Total capital expenditures incurred
 
$
310,870

 
$
6,248

 
$
341,018

 
$
275,000

 
$
300,000

 _________________________________
(1)
Includes non-monetary acreage trades of $10.9 million .
(2)
Includes $38.0 million on development of wells operated by others and $30.4 million on our joint development agreement (see discussion below).
(3)
For 2018, this amount includes $ 10.7 million for capitalized general and administrative expenses, $10.9 million for capitalized interest and $2.3 million on asset retirement obligations for future plugging and abandonment For our 2019 capital budget, this amount includes capitalized interest and capitalized general and administrative expenses.

Please see "Capital Program" above for our discussion of 2018 capital activities and our 2019 budget.

We continually evaluate our capital needs and compare them to our capital resources. Our actual expenditures during 2019 may be higher or lower than our budgeted amounts. Our level of exploration and development expenditures is largely discretionary, and the amount of funds devoted to any particular activity may increase or decrease significantly depending on available opportunities, commodity prices, cash flows and development results, among other factors. We will continue to monitor our capital spending in 2019 closely and may adjust our spending accordingly based on actual and projected cash flows, our liquidity and our capital requirements.


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Our debt consists of the following as of the dates indicated:
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
New Credit Facility
 
$

 
$
127,100

Senior Notes
 
300,000

 

Real estate mortgage notes
 
8,588

 
9,177

Installment notes payable collateralized by personal property
 
354

 

Capital lease obligations
 
11,677

 
14,361

Unamortized issuance costs
 
(13,148
)
 
(5,979
)
Total debt, net
 
307,471

 
144,659


Our bankruptcy-emergence exit financing consisted of the Exit Credit Facility, which was comprised of the Exit Revolver and the Exit Term Loan, entered into on the Effective Date. The initial opening amounts under the Exit Credit Facility on the Effective Date were $120 million and $150 million on the Exit Revolver and Exit Term Loan, respectively. Concurrent with the receipt of cash proceeds from the sale of our EOR assets in November 2017, we fully repaid the outstanding balance of the Exit Term Loan and paid down a portion of on the Exit Revolver in November 2017. On December 21, 2017, we amended the Exit Credit Facility by subsequently entering into the New Credit Facility. We repaid the entire outstanding balance of the New Credit Facility in June 2018 upon issuance of our Senior Notes.

Senior Notes

On June 29, 2018, we completed the issuance and sale at par of $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes in a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The offering costs were $7.3 million resulting in net proceeds of $292.7 million , which we used to repay the New Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.75% per year beginning June 29, 2018 (payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on January 15, 2019 ) and will mature on July 15, 2023 .

The Senior Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future senior indebtedness, senior to all of the Company’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness and effectively subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness. Our obligations under our outstanding Senior Notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all of our wholly owned subsidiaries.

See “Note 8—Debt” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for further discussion of the provisions under our Senior Notes.

New Credit Facility

The New Credit Facility is a $750 million facility collateralized by our oil and natural gas properties and is scheduled to mature on December 21, 2022 . Availability under our New Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base based on the value of our oil and natural gas properties and set by the banks semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. In addition, the lenders may request a borrowing base redetermination once between each scheduled redetermination or upon the occurrence of certain specified events. The banks establish a borrowing base by making an estimate of the collateral value of our oil and natural gas properties. If oil and natural gas prices decrease from the amounts used in estimating the collateral value of our oil and natural gas properties, the borrowing base may be reduced, thus reducing funds available under the borrowing base. Our borrowing base under the New Credit Facility as of December 31, 2018, was $325.0 million with the unused portion, after taking into account letters of credit, amounting to $324.1 million . Availability on the New Credit Facility as of December 31, 2018 , was $208.4 million . Our availability was lower than the unused borrowing base capacity as a result of the constraints placed by the Ratio of Total Debt to EBITDAX (as defined in the New Credit Facility) covenant discussed below.

Interest on the outstanding amounts under the New Credit Facility will accrue at an interest rate equal to either (i) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility) plus an Applicable Margin (as defined in the New Credit Facility) that ranges between 1.00% to 2.00% depending on utilization or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility) applicable to one , two , three , or six month borrowings plus an Applicable Margin that ranges between 2.00% to 3.00% depending on utilization. In the case that an Event of Default (as defined under the New Credit Facility) occurs, the outstanding amounts will bear an additional 2.00% interest plus the applicable Alternate Base Rate or Adjusted LIBO Rate and corresponding Applicable Margin.


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Commitment fees that ranges between 0.375% and 0.500% , depending on utilization, accrue on the average daily amount of the unused portion of the borrowing base and are included as a component of interest expense. We generally have the right to make prepayments of the borrowings at any time without penalty or premium. Letter of credit fees will accrue at 0.125% plus the Applicable Margin used to determine the interest rate applicable to borrowings that are based on Adjusted LIBO Rate.

The New Credit Facility contains covenants and events of default customary for oil and natural gas reserve-based lending facilities including restrictions on additional debt, guarantees, liens, restricted payments, investments and hedging activity. Additionally, our New Credit Facility specifies events of default, including non-payment, breach of warranty, non-performance of covenants, default on other indebtedness or swap agreements, certain adverse judgments, bankruptcy events and change of control, among others. See “Note 8—Debt” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for further discussion of the provisions under our New Credit Facility.
 
The financial covenants require, for each fiscal quarter ending on and after December 31, 2018, that we maintain: (1) a Current Ratio (as defined in the New Credit Facility) of no less than 1.00 to 1.00, and (2) a Ratio of Total Debt to EBITDAX (as defined in the New Credit Facility) of no greater than 4.0 to 1.0 calculated on a trailing four-quarter basis. We were in compliance with these financial covenants as of December 31, 2018 .

The definition of current assets and current liabilities used for determination of the Current Ratio covenant described above differs from current assets and current liabilities determined in compliance with GAAP. Since compliance with financial covenants is a material requirement under our New Credit Facility, we consider the Current Ratio calculated under our New Credit Facility to be a useful measure of our liquidity because it includes the funds available to us under our New Credit Facility and is not affected by the volatility in working capital caused by changes in the fair value of derivatives.

The following table discloses the current ratio for our loan compliance compared to the ratio calculated per GAAP:
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Current assets per GAAP
 
$
134,431

 
$
95,894

Plus—Availability under New Credit Facility
 
208,355

 
157,072

Less—Short term derivative instruments
 
(24,025
)
 

Current assets as adjusted
 
$
318,761

 
$
252,966

Current liabilities per GAAP
 
$
127,818

 
$
117,075

Less—Short term derivative instruments
 

 
(8,959
)
Less—Short-term asset retirement obligations
 
(1,057
)
 
(2,774
)
Less—Current maturities of long term debt
 
(3,479
)
 
(3,273
)
Current liabilities as adjusted
 
$
123,282

 
$
102,069

Current ratio per GAAP
 
1.05

 
0.82

Current ratio for loan compliance
 
2.59

 
2.48


Capital leases

During 2013, we entered into lease financing agreements with U.S. Bank National Association for $24.5 million through the sale and subsequent leaseback of existing compressors owned by us. The lease financing obligations are for 84 month terms and include the option to purchase the equipment for a specified price at 72 months as well as an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for its then-current fair market value. Lease payments related to the equipment are recognized as principal and interest expense based on a weighted average implicit interest rate of 3.8%. Minimum lease payments are $3.2 million annually. In conjunction with the sale of our EOR assets, these compressors were subleased to the buyer of those assets although we remain the primary obligor in relation to U.S. Bank National Association. The subleases are structured such that the lease payments and remaining lease term are identical to the original leases.

Liquidity outlook

During 2018 we undertook several steps to improve our available liquidity. We entered into amendments to our New Credit Facility allowing us to issue up to $300.0 million in unsecured debt without any reduction to our borrowing base. This facilitated our issuance of $300.0 million of Senior Notes in June 2018. A subsequent amendment to the New Credit Facility in late 2018 allowed us to, among other things: (i) increase our borrowing base from $265.0 million to $325.0 million; (ii) reduce the margin paid on outstanding borrowings and (iii) have greater flexibility in our use of commodity derivative hedges. Although we exited 2018 with no outstanding borrowings under our New Credit Facility, our outstanding borrowings under the facility as of March 8, 2019, was $30.0

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million and we had $29.1 million of cash on that date. We intend to utilize our New Credit Facility as a significant source of liquidity to fund our capital expenditure in 2019 and expect the amount drawn to increase through the course of the year. We believe our current liquidity level and balance sheet provide flexibility and positions us to fund our business throughout the commodity price cycle. Although we will continue to evaluate the commodity price environment and our level of capital spending throughout 2019, we currently believe that we are able to meet our obligations and fund our drilling plans at a minimum for the next 12 months.

Financial position

The following were material changes in our balance sheet:
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Change
Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
66,087

 
$
60,363

 
$
5,724

Total oil and natural gas properties
 
1,160,518

 
992,353

 
168,165

Liabilities
 
 

 
 

 


Accrued interest payable
 
13,359

 
187

 
13,172

Revenue distribution payable
 
26,225

 
17,966

 
8,259

Long-term debt and capital leases
 
307,471

 
144,659

 
162,812

Asset retirement obligations (current and noncurrent)
 
23,147

 
35,990

 
(12,843
)
Total derivative instruments, net asset (liability)
 
24,682

 
(13,126
)
 
37,808

Additional paid in capital
 
974,616

 
961,200

 
13,416

 
Accounts receivable increased due to increased capital activity which resulted in larger joint interest billings and an increase in accrued revenue from nonoperated wells where our ownership interest is in the process of being finalized.
The increase to oil and natural gas properties was primarily due to our current year capital activity, including our drilling program for both operated and non-operated properties, as well as acquisitions of oil and gas properties. This was partially offset by current year DD&A, proceeds from non-core asset sales and the ceiling test impairment recorded in 2018.
Accrued interest payable increased as a result of interest on our Senior Notes which have coupon payment dates on January 15 and July 15 of each year.
Revenue distribution payable increased primarily due to unremitted revenue on wells awaiting final title determination at the end of 2018.
Long term debt increased as a result of borrowings to fund our capital program. In June 2018, we issued $300.0 million in Senior Notes with most of the proceeds utilized to repay the entire outstanding amount on our New Credit Facility.
Asset retirement obligations decreased primarily due to current year divestitures of non-core properties where the plugging obligations related to the sold assets were transferred to the purchaser.
Derivative instruments increased as a result of the sharp commodity price decline that occurred in late 2018.
Additional paid in capital increased due to the compensation cost recognized on of our equity based restricted stock awards.


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Contractual obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of December 31, 2018 :
(in thousands)
 
Less than
1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than
5 years
 
Total
Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Notes including interest
 
$
27,417

 
$
52,500

 
$
352,500

 
$

 
$
432,417

New Credit Facility, including estimated interest and other fees
 
1,215

 
2,431

 
1,182

 

 
4,828

Other long-term notes, including estimated interest
 
1,086

 
2,173

 
2,173

 
5,916

 
11,348

Capital leases, including estimated interest
 
3,271

 
9,331

 
134

 

 
12,736

Asset retirement obligations (1)
 
1,057

 

 

 
22,090

 
23,147

Drilling rig obligations
 
12,419

 

 

 

 
12,419

Operating lease obligations
 
1,471

 
2,627

 
483

 

 
4,581

Derivative obligations (2)
 
488

 
4,452

 

 

 
4,940

Total
 
$
48,424

 
$
73,514

 
$
356,472

 
$
28,006

 
$
506,416

________________________________
(1)
Due to the uncertainty in the timing of our asset retirement obligations, all noncurrent amounts have been included in the “More than 5 years” category.
(2)
Represents gross liabilities prior to any master netting provisions.

Our drilling rig obligations as of December 3, 2018, reflect our commitment to utilize two drilling rigs through the end of 2019 whereas we have two additional rigs on well-to-well short term contracts not reflected in the table above.

We rent equipment used on our oil and natural gas properties and have operating lease agreements for office equipment. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 was $3.7 million, $5.0 million and $6.7 million, respectively. Our operating leases include leases relating to office equipment, which have terms of up to five years, and leases on CO 2 recycle compressors, which have terms of seven years. Amounts related to our operating lease obligations are disclosed in the table above.

Aside from operating leases, we also have capital leases for our CO 2 recycle compressors, for which the amounts are disclosed above. In conjunction with the sale of our EOR assets, all our leased CO 2 compressors, both under capital leases and operating leases, were subleased to the buyer of those assets although we remain the primary obligor in relation to U.S. Bank National Association. The subleases are structured such that the lease payments and remaining lease term are identical to the original leases.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At December 31, 2018, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements. The preparation of these statements requires us to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We base our estimates on historical experience and other sources that we believe are reasonable at the time. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions we used in preparation of our financial statements. We evaluate our estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. Described below are the most significant policies and the related estimates and assumptions we apply in the preparation of our financial statements. See “Note 1—Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in this report for an additional discussion of accounting policies and estimates made by management.
 
Revenue recognition . See “Note 16—Revenue recognition”  in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a description of our revenue recognition policies and the impact of adopting Accounting Standards Codification 606: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”).

Derivative instruments . We seek to reduce our exposure to unfavorable changes in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, which are subject to significant and often volatile fluctuation, by entering into over-the-counter fixed price swaps and collars. In the past, we have also entered into basis swaps and various types of option contracts. We follow the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification 815 “Derivatives and Hedging,” as amended. It requires that all derivative instruments be recognized as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet, measured at fair value. We estimate the fair value of all derivative instruments using industry-

75



standard models that considered various assumptions including current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, implied volatility, time value, nonperformance risk, as well as other relevant economic measures. Our derivative contracts have been executed with institutions that are parties to our New Credit Facility. We believe the credit risks associated with all of these institutions are acceptable.

From time to time, we may enter into derivative contracts which require payment of a premium. The premium can be paid at the time the contracts are initiated or deferred until the contracts settle. The fair value of our derivatives contracts are reported net of any deferred premium that are payable under the contracts.

Since we have elected to not designate any of our derivative contracts as hedges, we mark our contracts to their period end market values and the change in the fair value of the contracts is included in “Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains” in our consolidated statements of operations. As a result, our reported earnings could include large non-cash fluctuations, particularly in volatile pricing environments.

Full cost accounting . We use the full cost method of accounting for our oil and natural gas properties. Under this method, all costs incurred in the exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties are capitalized into a cost center. These costs include drilling and equipping productive wells, dry hole costs, seismic costs and delay rentals. Capitalized costs also include salaries, employee benefits, consulting services and other expenses that directly relate to our exploration and development activities.

Proved oil and natural gas reserves quantities . Proved oil and natural gas reserves are the quantities of crude oil and natural gas which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain.The process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex, requiring significant decisions in the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data. The data for a given property may also change substantially over time as a result of numerous factors, including additional development activity, evolving production history and a continual reassessment of the viability of production under changing economic conditions. As a result, material revisions to existing reserve estimates 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 properties increase the likelihood of significant changes in these estimates. If such changes are material, they could significantly affect future amortization of capitalized costs and result in impairment of assets that may be material. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves. Oil and natural gas reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be precisely measured and the accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision of such estimate. Accordingly, reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. Our proved reserve information included in this report is based on estimates prepared by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. and, prior to 2017, also by Ryder Scott Company and our engineering staff. Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. evaluated 100% of the estimated future net revenues of our proved reserves as of December 31, 2018 . We continually make revisions to reserve estimates throughout the year as additional information becomes available.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization . The quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves are a significant component of our calculation of depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, and revisions in such estimates may alter the rate of future expense. The depreciation, depletion and amortization rate is determined using the units-of-production method based on estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves and production, which are converted to a common unit of measure based on the relative energy content.

Full cost ceiling limitation.  Under the full cost method, the net capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties recorded on our consolidated balance sheets cannot exceed the estimated future net revenues discounted at 10% plus the cost of unproved properties not being amortized. The ceiling calculation requires that prices and costs used to determine the estimated future net revenues exclude escalations based upon future conditions. If we have downward revisions to our estimated reserve quantities, it is possible that write-downs could occur in the future as well.

Costs not subject to amortization.  Costs associated with unevaluated oil and natural gas properties are excluded from the amortizable base until a determination has been made as to the existence of proved reserves. The costs associated with unevaluated leasehold acreage and seismic data, exploratory wells currently drilling, and capitalized interest are initially excluded from our amortization base. Unevaluated leasehold costs are transferred to the amortization base with the costs of drilling the related well upon proving up reserves of a successful well or upon determination of a dry or uneconomic well under a process that is conducted each quarter. Furthermore, unevaluated oil and natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment if events and circumstances exist that indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying amount of such property. The impairment assessment is conducted at

76



least once annually and whenever there are indicators that impairment has occurred. In assessing whether impairment has occurred, we consider factors such as intent to drill; remaining lease term; geological and geophysical evaluations; drilling results and activity; assignment of proved reserves; and economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. Upon determination of impairment, all or a portion of the associated leasehold costs are transferred to the full cost pool and become subject to amortization. The processes above are applied to unevaluated oil and natural gas properties on an individual basis or as a group if properties are individually insignificant. Our future depreciation, depletion and amortization rate would increase if costs are transferred to the amortization base without any associated reserves.In the past, the costs associated with unevaluated properties typically related to acquisition costs of unproved acreage. As a result of the application of fresh start accounting on the Effective Date, a substantial portion of the carrying value of our unevaluated properties are the result of a fair value increase to reflect the value of our acreage in our STACK play.

Future development and abandonment costs.  Our future development costs include costs to be incurred to obtain access to proved reserves such as drilling costs and the installation of production equipment. Future abandonment costs include costs to plug and abandon our oil and natural gas properties and related facilities. We develop estimates of these costs for each of our properties based on their location, type of facility, market demand for equipment and currently available procedures. Because these costs typically extend many years into the future, estimating these future costs is difficult and requires management to make numerous judgments. These judgments are subject to future revisions from changing technology and regulatory requirements. We review our assumptions and estimates of future development and future abandonment costs on a quarterly basis. We record a liability for the estimated fair value of an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and the corresponding cost is capitalized by increasing the carrying value of the related asset. The liability is accreted to its present value each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. We use the present value of estimated cash flows related to our asset retirement obligation to determine the fair value. Significant assumptions used in estimating such obligations include estimates of the ultimate costs of dismantling and site restoration, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement, and changes in the legal, regulatory, environmental and political environments, all of which are Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. To the extent future revisions to these assumptions impact the present value of the existing asset retirement obligation liability, a corresponding adjustment will be required for the related asset. We believe the estimates and judgments reflected in our financial statements are reasonable but are necessarily subject to the uncertainties we have just described. Accordingly, any significant variance in any of the above assumptions or factors could materially affect our estimated future cash flows.

Income taxes and related valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences that will be taxable in future years’ tax returns. Deferred tax assets are recognized for temporary differences that will be deductible in future years’ tax returns and for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for valuation allowances, we consider the weight of all available evidence, both positive and negative, concerning the realization of the deferred tax asset. Among the more significant types of evidence that we consider are:
taxable income in prior carryback years;
future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences;
tax planning strategies; and
future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences.  

As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax asset. The valuation allowance serves to reduce the tax benefits recognized from the net deferred tax asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all available evidence.

Impairment of long-lived assets . Impairment losses are recorded on property and equipment used in operations and other long-lived assets when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. Impairment is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset. Impairment losses are also recorded on assets classified as held for sale when there is an excess of carrying value over fair value less costs to sell.

Bankruptcy proceedings. We have applied Accounting Standards Codification 852 “Reorganizations” (“ASC 852”) in preparing our consolidated financial statements. ASC 852 requires that the financial statements, for periods subsequent to the Chapter 11 filing, distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, certain revenues, expenses, realized gains and losses and provisions for losses that are realized or incurred in the bankruptcy proceedings are recorded in “Reorganization items, net” in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Upon emergence from bankruptcy, we qualified for and applied fresh start accounting to our financial statements in accordance with ASC 852 as (i) the holders of existing voting shares of the Company prior to its emergence received less than 50% of the voting shares of the Company outstanding following its emergence from bankruptcy and (ii) the reorganization value of our assets immediately prior to confirmation of the Reorganization Plan was less than the post-petition liabilities and allowed claims. Adopting fresh start

77



accounting results in a new reporting entity for financial reporting purposes with no beginning retained earnings or deficit. As a result of the application of fresh start accounting, as well as the effects of the implementation of the Reorganization Plan, the Predecessor and Successor periods may lack comparability See “Note 3—Chapter 11 reorganization”  and “Note 4—Fresh start accounting”  in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for more information.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See “Note 1—Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for a discussion of recently adopted and issued accounting standards. Additionally, we are monitoring the joint standard-setting efforts of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and International Accounting Standards Board.

Effects of inflation and pricing

While the general level of inflation affects certain of our costs, factors unique to the oil and natural gas industry result in independent price fluctuations. Historically, significant fluctuations have occurred in oil and natural gas prices. In addition, changing prices often cause costs of equipment and supplies to vary as industry activity levels increase and decrease to reflect perceptions of future price levels. Although it is difficult to estimate future prices of oil and natural gas, price fluctuations have had, and will continue to have, a material effect on us.  

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodity prices
Our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources are highly dependent upon the prevailing market prices of, and demand for, oil and natural gas. These commodity prices are subject to wide fluctuations and market uncertainties due to a variety of factors that are beyond our control. We cannot predict future oil and natural gas prices with any degree of certainty. Sustained declines in oil and natural gas prices may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, and may also reduce the amount of net oil and natural gas reserves that we can produce economically. Any reduction in reserves, including reductions due to price fluctuations, can reduce our borrowing base under our New Credit Facility and adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to obtain capital for our acquisition, exploration, and development activities. Based on our production for the year ended December 31, 2018 , our gross revenues from commodity sales would change approximately $4.6 million for each $1.00 change in oil and NGL prices and $1.8 million for each $0.10 change in natural gas prices.
To mitigate a portion of our exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, we enter into various types of derivative instruments, which in the past has included commodity price swaps, collars, put options, enhanced swaps and basis protection swaps. We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative instruments. As a result, all gains and losses associated with our derivative contracts are recognized immediately as “Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains” in the consolidated statements of operations. This can have a significant impact on our results of operations due to the volatility of the underlying commodity prices. Please see “Note 9—Derivative instruments” in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for further discussion of our derivative instruments.
Derivative positions are adjusted in response to changes in prices and market conditions as part of an ongoing dynamic process. We review our derivative positions continuously and if future market conditions change, we may execute a cash settlement with our counterparty, restructure the position, or enter into a new swap that effectively reverses the current position (a counter-swap). The factors we consider in closing or restructuring a position before the settlement date are identical to those reviewed when deciding to enter into the original derivative position.
The fair value of our outstanding derivative instruments at December 31, 2018 , was a net asset of $24.7 million . Based on our outstanding derivative instruments as of December 31, 2018 , a 10% decrease in the December 31, 2018 , forward curves used to mark-to-market our derivative instruments would have increased our net asset position to $51.0 million , while a 10% increase would have resulted in a net liability position of $2.2 million .

78



Our outstanding oil derivative instruments as of February 28, 2019, are summarized below:
Period and type of contract
 
Volume
MBbls
 
Weighted average fixed price per Bbl
March 2019
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
169

 
$
56.18

Oil roll swaps
 
50

 
$
0.59

April - June 2019
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
624

 
$
56.34

Oil roll swaps
 
140

 
$
0.55

July - September 2019
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
645

 
$
55.96

Oil roll swaps
 
120

 
$
0.46

October - December 2019
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
665

 
$
55.89

Oil roll swaps
 
120

 
$
0.46

January - March 2020
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
504

 
$
50.47

Oil roll swaps
 
120

 
$
0.46

April - June 2020
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
477

 
$
50.65

Oil roll swaps
 
110

 
$
0.42

July - September 2020
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
495

 
$
50.63

Oil roll swaps
 
90

 
$
0.30

October - December 2020
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
532

 
$
50.49

Oil roll swaps
 
90

 
$
0.30

January - March 2021
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
170

 
$
46.24

Oil roll swaps
 
90

 
$
0.30

April - June 2021
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
165

 
$
45.97

Oil roll swaps
 
60

 
$
0.30

July - September 2021
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
184

 
$
46.64

October - December 2021
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
171

 
$
46.07



79



Our outstanding natural gas derivative instruments as of February 28, 2019, are summarized below:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average fixed price per MMBtu
Period and type of contract
 
Volume
BBtu
 
Swaps
 
Purchased
puts
 
Sold calls
March 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
1,072

 
$
2.87

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
1,082

 
$
0.62

 
$

 
$

Natural gas collars
 
80

 
$

 
$
4.00

 
$
5.07

April - June 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
3,888

 
$
2.85

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
3,888

 
$
0.63

 
$

 
$

July - September 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
3,847

 
$
2.85

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
3,164

 
$
0.61

 
$

 
$

October - December 2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
3,978

 
$
2.85

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
1,830

 
$
0.56

 
$

 
$

January - March 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
1,500

 
$
2.75

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
900

 
$
0.46

 
$

 
$

April - June 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
1,500

 
$
2.75

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
900

 
$
0.46

 
$

 
$

July - September 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
1,500

 
$
2.75

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
900

 
$
0.46

 
$

 
$

October - December 2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
1,500

 
$
2.75

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
900

 
$
0.46

 
$

 
$



80



Our outstanding natural gas liquid derivative instruments as of February 28, 2019 are summarized below:
Period and type of contract
 
Volume
Gallons
 
Weighted
average
fixed price
per gallon
March 2019
 
 
 
 
Natural gasoline swaps
 
462

 
$
1.39

Propane swaps
 
1,050

 
$
0.74

April - June 2019
 
 
 
 
Natural gasoline swaps
 
1,302

 
$
1.39

Propane swaps
 
2,940

 
$
0.74

July - September 2019
 
 
 
 
Natural gasoline swaps
 
1,134

 
$
1.39

Propane swaps
 
2,604

 
$
0.74

October - December 2019
 
 
 
 
Natural gasoline swaps
 
1,134

 
$
1.39

Propane swaps
 
2,688

 
$
0.74

January - March 2020
 
 
 
 
Natural gasoline swaps
 
1,134

 
$
1.39

Propane swaps
 
2,604

 
$
0.74

April - June 2020
 
 
 
 
Natural gasoline swaps
 
756

 
$
1.39

Propane swaps
 
1,680

 
$
0.74

Interest rates 
At December 31, 2018 our New Credit Facility was undrawn. Borrowings on the New Credit Facility are subject to market rates of interest as determined from time to time by the banks. As of June 28, 2018, immediately prior to the closing of the Senior Notes, interest on the $243.1 million in borrowings were calculated at the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined under the New Credit Facility) plus the applicable margin, which resulted in a weighted average interest rate of 5.31% on the amount outstanding. Upon closing on our Senior Notes, we repaid the entire outstanding balance on the New Credit Facility. Any increases in these rates can have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flow. Assuming a constant debt level under our New Credit Facility of $325.0 million, equal to our borrowing base at  December 31, 2018 , the cash flow impact for a 12-month period resulting from a 100 basis point change in interest rates would be $3.3 million.


81



ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to financial statements  
 
Page
 
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. consolidated financial statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


82





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Chaparral Energy, Inc.
 
Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Chaparral Energy, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Successor), the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for year ended December 31, 2018 (Successor), the period from March 22, 2017 through December 31, 2017 (Successor), the period from January 1, 2017 through March 21, 2017 (Predecessor) and the year ended December 31, 2016 (Predecessor) and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (Successor), and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018 (Successor), the period from March 22, 2017 through December 31, 2017 (Successor), the period from January 1, 2017 through March 21, 2017 (Predecessor), and the year ended December 31, 2016 (Predecessor), in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 14, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion.

Emergence from bankruptcy

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, on March 10, 2017, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware entered an order confirming the plan for reorganization, which became effective on March 21, 2017. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with FASB Accounting Standards Codification® (ASC) 852, Reorganizations , for the Successor as a new entity with assets, liabilities and a capital structure having carrying amounts not comparable with prior periods, as described in Note 4.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2000.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 14, 2019

83



Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Consolidated balance sheets
 
 
December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
2018
 
2017
Assets
 
 
 
 

Current assets:
 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
37,446

 
$
27,732

Accounts receivable, net
 
66,087

 
60,363

Inventories, net
 
4,059

 
5,138

Prepaid expenses
 
2,814

 
2,661

Derivative instruments
 
24,025

 

Total current assets
 
134,431

 
95,894

Property and equipment, net
 
43,096

 
50,641

Oil and natural gas properties, using the full cost method:
 
 

 
 

Proved
 
915,333

 
634,294

Unevaluated (excluded from the amortization base)
 
466,616

 
482,239

Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment
 
(221,431
)
 
(124,180
)
Total oil and natural gas properties
 
1,160,518

 
992,353

Derivative instruments
 
2,199

 

Other assets
 
425

 
418

Total assets
 
$
1,340,669

 
$
1,139,306

 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
73,779

 
$
75,414

Accrued payroll and benefits payable
 
10,976

 
11,276

Accrued interest payable
 
13,359

 
187

Revenue distribution payable
 
26,225

 
17,966

Long-term debt and capital leases, classified as current
 
3,479

 
3,273

Derivative instruments
 

 
8,959

Total current liabilities
 
127,818

 
117,075

Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities
 
303,992

 
141,386

Derivative instruments
 
1,542

 
4,167

Deferred compensation
 
540

 
696

Asset retirement obligations
 
22,090

 
33,216

Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
 


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 
 

 
 

Preferred stock, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017
 

 

Class A Common stock, $0.01 par value, 180,000,000 shares authorized; 46,651,616 issued and 46,390,513 outstanding at December 31, 2018 and 38,956,250 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
467

 
389

Class B Common stock, $0.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; nil and 7,871,512 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017
 

 
79

Additional paid in capital
 
974,616

 
961,200

Treasury stock, at cost, 261,103 and nil shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017
 
(4,936
)
 

Accumulated deficit
 
(85,460
)
 
(118,902
)
Total stockholders' equity
 
884,687

 
842,766

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
1,340,669

 
$
1,139,306

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

84



Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of operations
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Revenues:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Commodity sales
 
$
242,569

 
$
226,493

 
 
$
66,531

 
$
252,152

Sublease revenue
 
4,793

 
586

 
 

 

Total revenues
 
247,362

 
227,079

 
 
66,531

 
252,152

Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lease operating
 
54,219

 
72,132

 
 
19,941

 
90,533

Transportation and processing
 

 
9,503

 
 
2,034

 
8,845

Production taxes
 
13,150

 
11,750

 
 
2,417

 
9,610

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
87,888

 
92,599

 
 
24,915

 
122,928

Loss on impairment of oil and gas assets
 
20,065

 
42,146

 
 

 
281,079

Loss on impairment of other assets
 

 
179

 
 

 
1,393

General and administrative
 
38,793

 
39,617

 
 
6,843

 
20,953

Liability management
 

 

 
 

 
9,396

Cost reduction initiatives
 
1,034

 
691

 
 
629

 
2,879

Other
 
2,036

 
3,728

 
 

 

Total costs and expenses
 
217,185

 
272,345

 
 
56,779

 
547,616

Operating income (loss)
 
30,177

 
(45,266
)
 
 
9,752

 
(295,464
)
Non-operating (expense) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(11,383
)
 
(14,147
)
 
 
(5,862
)
 
(64,242
)
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 

 
(635
)
 
 

 

Non-hedge derivative gains (losses)
 
19,297

 
(30,802
)
 
 
48,006

 
(22,837
)
Write-off of Senior Note issuance costs, discount and premium
 

 

 
 

 
(16,970
)
(Loss) gain on sale of assets
 
(2,582
)
 
(25,996
)
 
 
206

 
(117
)
Other income, net
 
248

 
686

 
 
1,167

 
528

Net non-operating (expense) income
 
5,580

 
(70,894
)
 
 
43,517

 
(103,638
)
Reorganization items, net
 
(2,392
)
 
(3,091
)
 
 
988,727

 
(16,720
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
33,365

 
(119,251
)
 
 
1,041,996

 
(415,822
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
 
(77
)
 
(349
)
 
 
37

 
(102
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
33,442

 
$
(118,902
)
 
 
$
1,041,959

 
$
(415,720
)
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Basic for Class A and Class B
 
$
0.74

 
$
(2.64
)
 
 
*

 
*

Diluted for Class A and Class B
 
$
0.73

 
$
(2.64
)
 
 
*

 
*

Weighted average shares used to compute earnings per share:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Basic for Class A and Class B
 
45,288,980
 
44,984,046

 
 
*

 
*

Diluted for Class A and Class B
 
45,730,171
 
44,984,046

 
 
*

 
*

  ____________________________________________________________
* Item not disclosed. See “Note 2—Earnings per share.”
 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

85



Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity (deficit)
 
 
Common stock outstanding
 
Additional
paid in
capital
 
Treasury stock
 
Accumulated
deficit
 
Total
(dollars in thousands)
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
Balance at January 1, 2016 - Predecessor
 
1,404,309

 
$
14

 
$
431,307

 
$

 
$
(1,051,678
)
 
$
(620,357
)
Restricted stock forfeited
 
(9,006
)
 

 

 

 

 

Restricted stock repurchased
 
(2,597
)
 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation
 

 

 
(6,076
)
 

 

 
(6,076
)
Net loss
 

 

 

 

 
(415,720
)
 
(415,720
)
Balance at December 31, 2016 - Predecessor
 
1,392,706

 
14

 
425,231

 

 
(1,467,398
)
 
(1,042,153
)
Restricted stock forfeited
 
(1,454
)
 

 

 

 

 

Restricted stock cancelled
 
(8,964
)
 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation
 

 

 
194

 

 

 
194

Net income
 

 

 

 

 
1,041,959

 
1,041,959

Balance at March 21, 2017 - Predecessor
 
1,382,288

 
14

 
425,425

 

 
(425,439
)
 

Cancellation of Predecessor equity
 
(1,382,288
)
 
(14
)
 
(425,425
)
 

 
425,439

 

Balance at March 21, 2017 - Predecessor
 

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of Successor common stock - rights offering
 
4,197,210

 
$
42

 
$
49,985

 
$

 
$

 
$
50,027

Issuance of Successor common stock - backstop premium
 
367,030

 
4

 

 

 

 
4

Issuance of Successor common stock - settlement of claims
 
40,417,902

 
404

 
898,510

 

 

 
898,914

Issuance of Successor warrants
 

 

 
118

 

 

 
118

Balance at March 21, 2017 - Successor
 
44,982,142

 
450

 
948,613

 

 

 
949,063

Stock-based compensation
 
1,853,236

 
18

 
12,587

 

 

 
12,605

Restricted stock cancelled
 
(7,616
)
 

 

 

 

 

Net loss
 

 

 

 

 
(118,902
)
 
(118,902
)
Balance at December 31, 2017 - Successor
 
46,827,762

 
$
468

 
$
961,200

 
$

 
$
(118,902
)
 
$
842,766

Stock-based compensation
 
55,600

 
1

 
13,416

 

 

 
13,417

Restricted stock forfeited
 
(231,746
)
 
(2
)
 

 

 

 
(2
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
(261,103
)
 

 

 
(4,936
)
 

 
(4,936
)
Net income
 

 

 

 

 
33,442

 
33,442

Balance at December 31, 2018 - Successor
 
46,390,513

 
$
467

 
$
974,616

 
$
(4,936
)
 
$
(85,460
)
 
$
884,687

 




















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

86



Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Consolidated statements of cash flows
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
(in thousands)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Net income (loss)
 
$
33,442

 
$
(118,902
)
 
 
$
1,041,959

 
$
(415,720
)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Non-cash reorganization items
 

 

 
 
(1,012,090
)
 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
87,888

 
92,599

 
 
24,915

 
122,928

Loss on impairment of assets
 
20,065

 
42,325

 
 

 
282,472

Write-off of Senior Note issuance costs, discount and premium
 

 

 
 

 
16,970

Derivative losses (gains)
 
(19,297
)
 
30,802

 
 
(48,006
)
 
22,837

Loss (gain) on sale of assets
 
2,582

 
25,996

 
 
(206
)
 
117

Loss on extinguishment of debt
 

 
635

 
 

 

Other
 
5,470

 
1,573

 
 
645

 
3,611

Change in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(6,337
)
 
(12,092
)
 
 
198

 
(9,243
)
Inventories
 
236

 
(489
)
 
 
466

 
3,576

Prepaid expenses and other assets
 
(160
)
 
3,245

 
 
(497
)
 
(1,620
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
3,441

 
2,622

 
 
8,733

 
25,987

Revenue distribution payable
 
8,649

 
6,941

 
 
(1,875
)
 
509

Deferred compensation
 
10,262

 
9,714

 
 
143

 
(5,257
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
146,241

 
84,969

 
 
14,385

 
47,167

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment and oil and natural gas properties
 
(324,063
)
 
(157,718
)
 
 
(31,179
)
 
(146,296
)
Proceeds from asset dispositions
 
50,523

 
189,735

 
 
1,884

 
1,349

Proceeds from (payments for) derivative instruments
 
(18,510
)
 
15,676

 
 
1,285

 
90,590

Cash in escrow
 

 
42

 
 

 
48

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(292,050
)
 
47,735

 
 
(28,010
)
 
(54,309
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Proceeds from long-term debt
 
116,000

 
33,000

 
 
270,000

 
181,000

Repayment of long-term debt
 
(243,722
)
 
(176,407
)
 
 
(444,785
)
 
(1,952
)
Issuance of Senior Notes
 
300,000

 

 
 

 

Proceeds from rights offering, net
 

 

 
 
50,031

 

Principal payments under capital lease obligations
 
(2,683
)
 
(2,017
)
 
 
(568
)
 
(2,491
)
Treasury stock purchased
 
(4,936
)
 

 
 

 

Payment of other financing fees
 
(9,136
)
 
(4,671
)
 
 
(2,410
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
155,523

 
(150,095
)
 
 
(127,732
)
 
176,557

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
9,714

 
(17,391
)
 
 
(141,357
)
 
169,415

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
27,732

 
45,123

 
 
186,480

 
17,065

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
37,446

 
$
27,732

 
 
$
45,123

 
$
186,480

 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

87


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)


Note 1: Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies

Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries, (collectively, “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company”) are involved in the acquisition, exploration, development, production and operation of oil and natural gas properties. Our properties are located primarily in Oklahoma and our commodity products, which include crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, are primarily sold to refineries and gas processing plants within close proximity to our producing properties. As discussed in “Note 3—Chapter 11 reorganization” we filed voluntary petitions for bankruptcy relief on May 9, 2016, and subsequently operated as debtor in possession, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, until emergence from bankruptcy on March 21, 2017. The cancellation of all existing shares outstanding followed by the issuance of new shares in the reorganized Company upon our emergence from bankruptcy caused a related change of control under U.S. GAAP. As a result of the application of fresh start accounting, as well as the effects of the implementation of the Reorganization Plan, the Company’s consolidated financial statements on or after March 21, 2017, are not comparable with the consolidated financial statements prior to that date. To facilitate our financial statement presentations, we refer to the post-emergence reorganized company in these consolidated financial statements and footnotes as the “Successor” for periods subsequent to March 21, 2017, and to the pre-emergence company as “Predecessor” for periods prior to and including March 21, 2017.

A summary of the significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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 more significant areas requiring use of assumptions, judgments and estimates on our consolidated financial statements include: quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves; value of nonproducing leasehold; cash flow estimates used in impairment tests of other long-lived assets; depreciation, depletion and amortization; asset retirement obligations; estimates of our stock-based compensation awards, assigning fair value and allocating purchase price in connection with business combinations; forecasting our effective income tax rate and valuation allowances associated with deferred income taxes; valuation of derivative instruments; and accrued revenue and related receivables. Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, actual results could significantly differ from these estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial statements to conform to current period presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on our previously reported results of operations.

Cash and cash equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts and money market funds which may not be federally insured. As of December 31, 2018 , cash with a recorded balance totaling $36,719 was held at JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk on such accounts.
 

88


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Accounts receivable

We have receivables from joint interest owners and oil and natural gas purchasers which are generally uncollateralized. We generally review our oil and natural gas purchasers for credit worthiness and general financial condition. We may have the ability to withhold future revenue disbursements to recover non-payment of joint interest billings on properties of which we are the operator. Accounts receivable from joint interest owners are stated at amounts due, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30 days and accounts outstanding longer than 60 days are considered past due. We establish our allowance for doubtful accounts by considering the length of time past due, previous loss history, future net revenues of the debtor’s ownership interest in oil and natural gas properties we operate, and our assessment of the owner’s ability to pay its obligation, among other things.

We write off accounts receivable when they are determined to be uncollectible. When we recover amounts that were previously written off, those amounts are offset against the allowance and reduce expense in the year of recovery. Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Joint interests
 
$
31,573

 
$
29,032

Accrued commodity sales
 
30,287

 
26,516

Derivative settlements
 
2,092

 
157

Other
 
3,375

 
5,326

Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(1,240
)
 
(668
)
 
 
$
66,087

 
$
60,363

Inventories

Inventories are comprised of equipment used in developing oil and natural gas properties and oil and natural gas product inventories. We evaluate our inventory each quarter and when there is evidence that the utility of our inventory, in their disposal in the ordinary course of business, will be less than cost, whether due to physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, or other causes, we record an impairment loss for the difference. Inventories are shown net of a provision for obsolescence, commensurate with known or estimated exposure, which is reflected in the valuation allowance disclosed below. Inventories consisted of the following:
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Equipment inventory
 
$
3,663

 
$
4,163

Commodities
 
574

 
1,154

Inventory valuation allowance
 
(178
)
 
(179
)
 
 
$
4,059

 
$
5,138


We recorded lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments, for the periods disclosed below, due to depressed industry conditions which resulted in lower demand for such equipment and hence lower market prices, as well as due to obsolescence. These adjustments are reflected in “Loss on impairment of other assets” in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Inventory - valuation adjustment
 
$

 
$
179

 
 
$

 
$
1,393



89


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Oil and natural gas properties

Capitalized Costs . We use the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas properties and activities. Accordingly, we capitalize all costs incurred in connection with the exploration for and development of oil and natural gas reserves. Proceeds from the disposition of oil and natural gas properties are accounted for as a reduction in capitalized costs, with no gain or loss generally recognized unless such dispositions involve a significant alteration in the depletion rate. We capitalize internal costs that can be directly identified with exploration and development activities, but do not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. Capitalized costs include geological and geophysical work, 3D seismic, delay rentals, drilling and completing and equipping oil and natural gas wells, including salaries, benefits, and other internal costs directly attributable to these activities.

Costs associated with unevaluated oil and natural gas properties are excluded from the amortizable base until a determination has been made as to the existence of proved reserves. Unevaluated leasehold costs are transferred to the amortization base with the costs of drilling the related well upon proving up reserves of a successful well or upon determination of a dry or uneconomic well under a process that is conducted each quarter. Furthermore, unevaluated oil and natural gas properties are reviewed for impairment if events and circumstances exist that indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying amount of such property. The impairment assessment is conducted at least once annually and whenever there are indicators that impairment has occurred. In assessing whether impairment has occurred, we consider factors such as intent to drill; remaining lease term; geological and geophysical evaluations; drilling results and activity; assignment of proved reserves; and economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. Upon determination of impairment, all or a portion of the associated leasehold costs are transferred to the full cost pool and become subject to amortization. The processes above are applied to unevaluated oil and natural gas properties on an individual basis or as a group if properties are individually insignificant. Our future depreciation, depletion and amortization rate would increase if costs are transferred to the amortization base without any associated reserves.

In the past, the costs associated with unevaluated properties typically related to acquisition costs of unproved acreage. As a result of the application of fresh start accounting on the Effective Date, a substantial portion of the carrying value of our unevaluated properties are the result of a fair value increase to reflect the value of our acreage in our STACK play (see “Note 4—Fresh start accounting”). See “Note 18—Oil and natural gas activities (unaudited)” for further details of our unevaluated oil and natural gas properties.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization . Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) of oil and natural gas properties are provided using the units-of-production method based on estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves and production, which are converted to a common unit of measure based upon their relative energy content. Our cost basis for depletion includes estimated future development costs to be incurred on proved undeveloped properties. The computation of DD&A takes into consideration restoration, dismantlement, and abandonment costs, and the anticipated proceeds from salvaging equipment.

Ceiling Test . In accordance with the full cost method of accounting, the net capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are not to exceed their related PV-10 value, net of tax considerations, plus the cost of unproved properties not being amortized.

Our estimates of oil and natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 were prepared using an average price for oil and natural gas based upon the first day of each month for the prior twelve months as required by the SEC. As discussed in “Note 4—Fresh start accounting,” the application of fresh start accounting to our balance sheet on March 21, 2017, resulted in the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties being restated based on their estimated fair value.

We recorded adjustments to the oil and natural gas properties, for the periods disclosed below. The loss is reflected in “Loss on impairment of oil and gas assets” in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Ceiling test impairment
 
$
20,065

 
$
42,146

 
 
$

 
$
281,079



90


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Impairment of long-lived assets

Impairment losses are recorded on property and equipment used in operations and other long-lived assets held and used when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’
 carrying amount. Impairment is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset. Impairment losses are also recorded on assets classified as held for sale when there is an excess of carrying value over fair value less costs to sell.

Our bankruptcy filing on May 9, 2016, (see “Note 3—Chapter 11 reorganization”) was an event that required an assessment whether the carrying amounts of our long-lived assets would be recoverable. Our evaluation indicated that no additional impairment was necessary as a direct result of the bankruptcy. As discussed in “Note 4—Fresh start accounting,” the application of fresh start accounting to our balance sheet on March 21, 2017, resulted in the carrying value of our assets being restated based on their fair value.

Income taxes

Deferred income taxes are provided for significant carryforwards and temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the financial statements that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in future years. Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are determined by applying the presently enacted tax rates and laws. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in results of operations in the period the rate change is enacted.

We record a valuation allowance for the amount of net deferred tax assets when, in management’s opinion, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. To assess that likelihood, we use estimates and judgment regarding our future taxable income, as well as the jurisdiction in which such taxable income is generated, to determine whether a valuation allowance is required. Such evidence can include our current financial position, our results of operations, both actual and forecasted, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, and tax planning strategies as well as the current and forecasted business economics of our industry.

The benefit of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return is recognized in the consolidated financial statements at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority. Interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions would be recorded in interest expense and other expense, respectively. There were no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2018, or December 31, 2017.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various states, each with varying statutes of limitations. The 2010 through 2018 tax years generally remain subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities.

Derivative transactions

We use derivative instruments to reduce the effect of fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, and we recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value. Our derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, thus changes in the fair value of derivatives are reported immediately in “Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains” in the consolidated statements of operations. Cash flows associated with non-hedge derivatives are reported as investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows unless the derivatives contain a significant financing element, in which case that element is reported as financing activities.

Within current and noncurrent classifications on the balance sheet, we offset assets and liabilities for derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement. See “Note 9—Derivative instruments” for additional information regarding our derivative transactions.

Fair value measurements

Fair value is defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) as 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. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity.

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized according to the fair value hierarchy defined by the FASB. The hierarchical levels are based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure the fair value of the assets and liabilities. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels

91


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the asset or liability is categorized based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the levels of the fair value hierarchy.

Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs include adjusted quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Fair value assets and liabilities included in this category are derivatives with fair values based on published forward commodity price curves and other observable inputs. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Assets carried at fair value and included in this category are certain financial derivatives and additions to our asset retirement obligations. See “Note 10—Fair value measurements” for additional information regarding our fair value measurements.

Asset retirement obligations

We own oil and natural gas properties that require expenditures to plug, abandon or remediate wells and to remove tangible equipment and facilities at the end of oil and natural gas production operations in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. We record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of oil and natural gas properties. The accretion of the asset retirement obligations is included in “Depreciation, depletion and amortization” in our consolidated statements of operations. In certain instances, we are required to make deposits to escrow accounts for plugging and abandonment obligations. As discussed in “Note 4—Fresh start accounting,” the application of fresh start accounting to our balance sheet on March 21, 2017, resulted in our asset retirement obligations being restated based on their fair value. See “Note 11—Asset retirement obligations” for additional information regarding our asset retirement obligations.

Environmental liabilities

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations covering discharge of materials into the environment. Because these laws and regulations change regularly, we are unable to predict the conditions and other factors over which we do not exercise control that may give rise to environmental liabilities affecting us. Environmental expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to current or future revenue generation are expensed. Liabilities are accrued when environmental assessments and/or clean-ups are probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , we have not accrued for or been fined or cited for any environmental violations which would have a material adverse effect upon our financial position, operating results, or cash flows.

Revenue recognition

Beginning in 2018, we adopted new authoritative guidance that supersedes previous revenue recognition requirements. The guidance requires that we identify the performance obligations, under our sales agreements, which is for the delivery of crude oil, natural gas or NGLs, and to recognize revenue when those obligations are satisfied, which occurs when control of the commodity is transferred to the purchaser. Furthermore, any costs and fees levied by the customer subsequent to the transfer of control will be recognized as a reduction in revenue. See “Note 16—Revenue recognition” for additional information regarding our revenue recognition.

Stock-based compensation

Pre-emergence stock compensation

Prior to our emergence from bankruptcy, our stock-based compensation programs consisted of phantom stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), and restricted stock awards issued to employees. We considered the measurement of fair value of our phantom stock, RSUs and restricted stock awards, discussed below, to be a Level 3 measurement within the fair value hierarchy.

The estimated fair value of the phantom stock and RSU awards were remeasured at the end of each reporting period based on our total asset value less total liabilities, in accordance with the provisions of the Phantom Stock Plan and the Non-Officer Restricted Stock Unit Plan. A crucial input to the measurement was the value of oil and natural gas properties priced on NYMEX forward strips. Compensation cost associated with the phantom stock awards and RSU awards was recognized over the vesting period using the straight-line method and the accelerated method, respectively.


92


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Our previous restricted stock awards included those with a service condition and those with both performance and market conditions. The fair value of our restricted stock awards that included a service condition was based upon the estimated fair market value of our common equity per share on a minority, non-marketable basis on the date of grant, and was remeasured at the end of each reporting period until settlement. We recognized compensation cost over the requisite service period using the accelerated method for awards with graded vesting.

The grant date fair value of restricted stock awards that included a market condition was measured using a Monte Carlo model. Compensation cost associated with restricted stock awards that include a market condition was recognized over the requisite service period using the straight-line method.

Post-emergence stock compensation

Our post-emergence management incentive plan consists of restricted stock awards that are subject to service vesting conditions (the “Time Shares”) and shares that are subject to performance and/or market vesting conditions (the “Performance Shares”). Both Time and Performance Shares are classified as equity-based awards. Compensation cost is recognized and measured based on fair value as determined by the market price of our publicly traded common stock or, in the case of awards subject to a market-based vesting conditions, fair value that incorporates the probability of vesting.

The Time Shares are subject to a graded vesting schedule over three annual installments and expense is recognized under the accelerated method. The Performance Shares vest in three tranches over three calendar years according to performance and/or market conditions established each year. The conditions for a given year are unique to that year and vesting with respect to conditions for a given year is independent of the vesting with respect to other years. As a result, the requisite service period for each of the three tranches of Performance Shares relate to the individual year for which performance is measured and do not overlap. Performance Shares with performance conditions are expensed based on the number of awards expected to vest in that year. Performance Shares with market conditions are expensed based on the fair value of the award that incorporates the probability of vesting and estimated by Monte Carlo simulation. Since the probability of vesting an award with a market condition is embedded in its fair value, expense is recognized on the entire grant regardless of the number of shares that actually vest so long as the participant remains employed as of the vesting date. Performance and/or market conditions have not been established for Performance Shares scheduled to vest in 2019, 2020 and 2021, hence a grant date for purposes of determining a measurement value had not been established and expense recognition has not commenced. Certain Performance Shares may vest according to performance conditions that are not formulaic but instead depend on subjective evaluation by our board of directors (the “Board”); expense on such awards is based on the fair value of our common stock at the end the reporting period. As permitted by a recent accounting update, we do not recognize expense based on an estimate of forfeitures but rather recognize the impact of forfeitures only as they occur.

In 2018, we began granting RSUs to our employees. These awards, which are service-based, will vest in equal installments over a  three -year period and expense is recognized under the accelerated method. Compensation cost is recognized and measured based on fair value as determined by the market price of our publicly traded common stock. Certain RSUs are to be settled only in cash while others are to be settled only in stock. The cash-settled RSUs are classified as liability based awards while the stock-settled RSUs are classified as equity based awards.

See “Note 13—Deferred compensation” for additional information relating to stock-based compensation.
Other expense
Other expense consisted of the following:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Restructuring
 
$
425

 
$
3,531

Subleases
 
1,611

 
197

Total other expense
 
$
2,036

 
$
3,728

Restructuring . We consider our EOR asset divestiture in November 2017 (see “Note 6—Acquisitions and divestitures”) to be an exit activity that qualifies as a restructuring in that it has materially changed the scope and manner in which our business is conducted.  The restructuring expense related to the divestiture is predominantly comprised of one-time severance and termination

93


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

benefits for the affected employees. The expense recorded in 2018 is a result of termination benefits for the final slate of employees terminated as a result of the divestiture.  

Subleases . Our subleases are comprised of CO 2 compressors that were previously utilized in our EOR operations and leased as both capital and operating leases from U.S. Bank but are now subleased to the purchaser of our EOR assets (the “Sublessee”). Minimum payments under the subleases are equal to the original leases and hence we did not record any losses upon initiation of the subleases. Prior to the asset sale, the capital leases were included in our full cost amortization base and hence subject to amortization on a units-of-production basis, while also incurring interest expense. The payments under our operating leases were previously recorded as “Lease operating” expense on our statement of operations. Based on the facts and circumstances relating to our original leases and the current subleases, we determined that all the subleases are to be classified as operating leases from a lessor’s standpoint. Subsequent to the execution of the subleases, all payments received from the Sublessee are reflected as “Sublease revenue” on our statement of operations. Minimum payments we make to U.S. Bank on the original operating leases are reflected as “Other” expense on our statement of operations. With respect to the capital leases, we have reclassified the amount associated with these leases from the full cost amortization base to “Property and equipment, net” on our balance sheet and will amortize the asset on a straight line basis prospectively. We will continue incurring interest expense on the capital leases. Please see “Note 1— Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies”,” Note 8— Debt”, and “Note 17— Commitments and contingencies”, which contains additional information about our leases.     

Joint development agreement

On September 25, 2017, we entered into a joint development agreement (“JDA”) with BCE Roadrunner LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bayou City Energy Management, LLC (“BCE”), pursuant to which BCE will fund 100 percent of our drilling, completion and equipping costs associated with 30 STACK wells, subject to well cost caps that vary by well-type across location and targeted formations, ranging from $3,400 and $4,000 per gross well. The JDA wells, which will be drilled and operated by us, include 17 wells in Canadian County and 13 wells in Garfield County, with the ability to expand the JDA to drill additional wells in the future. The JDA provides us with a means to accelerate the delineation of our position within our Garfield and Canadian County acreage, realizing further efficiencies and holding additional acreage by production, and potentially adding reserves. In exchange, BCE will receive wellbore-only interest in each well totaling an 85% carve-out working interest from our original working interest (and we retain 15% ) until the program reaches a 14% internal rate of return. Once achieved, ownership interest in all wells will revert such that we will own a 75% working interest and BCE will retain a 25% working interest. We will retain all acreage and reserves outside of the wellbore, with both parties paying their working interest share of lease operating expenses. We will record revenues and operating costs associated with our JDA wells according to our working interest share as specified above.

Our drilling and completion costs to date have been exceeding well cost caps specified under the JDA primarily due to inflation in the cost of oilfield services as a result of the rebound in industry conditions. In our negotiation with BCE to cover the inflationary cost increases, BCE had indicated willingness to increase the per well cost caps on remaining wells in exchange for adding more wells to the current program. Since we have achieved our goals to utilize the JDA as a means to delineate our acreage in Garfield and Canadian counties, Oklahoma, we do not currently plan for any expansion of the JDA. We have therefore recorded additions to oil and natural gas properties of  $13,212  during the year ended December 31, 2018, in cumulative drilling and completion costs on JDA wells that have exceeded the well cost caps specified under the JDA. 

Liability management

Liability management expenses, which were incurred in 2016, include third party legal and professional service fees incurred from our activities to restructure our debt and in preparation for our bankruptcy petition. As a result of our Chapter 11 petition, such expenses, to the extent that they were incremental and directly related to our bankruptcy reorganization, are reflected in “Reorganization items” in our consolidated statements of operations.


94


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Cost reduction initiatives

Cost reduction initiatives include expenses related to our efforts to reduce our capital, operating and administrative costs in response to depressed commodity pricing environment. The expense consists of costs for one-time severance and termination benefits in connection with our reductions in force and third party legal and professional services we have engaged to assist in our cost savings initiatives as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
One-time severance and termination benefits
 
$
1,034

 
$
678

 
 
$
608

 
$
2,772

Professional fees
 

 
13

 
 
21

 
107

Total cost reduction initiatives expense
 
$
1,034

 
$
691

 
 
$
629

 
$
2,879


Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that supersedes previous revenue recognition requirements and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts 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. Please see “Note 5—Revenue recognition” for our disclosure regarding adoption of this update.

In January 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that changes the definition of a business to assist entities with evaluating when a set of transferred assets and activities constitutes a business. The guidance requires an entity to evaluate if substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets; if so, the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. The guidance also requires a business to include at least one substantive process and narrows the definition of outputs by more closely aligning it with how outputs are described under updated revenue recognition guidance. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018, without a material impact to our financial statements. We expect that the new guidance, when applied to the facts and circumstances of a future transaction, may impact the likelihood whether a future transaction would be accounted for as a business combination.

In January 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that amends existing requirements on the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The standard principally affects accounting for equity investments and financial liabilities where the fair value option has been elected. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods thereafter. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018, with no material impact to our financial statements or results of operations.

In August 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which provides clarification on how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified on the statement of cash flows. This update provides guidance on eight specific cash flow issues: debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other debt instruments with coupon interest rates that are insignificant in relation to the effective interest rate of the borrowing; contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies including bank-owned life insurance policies; distributions received from equity method investees; beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and is required to be adopted using a retrospective approach if practicable. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018, without a material impact on our financial statements or results of operations.

In November 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance requiring that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years and should be

95


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

applied using a retrospective transition method to each period presented. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018, with no material impact to our financial statements or results of operations.

In May 2017, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which provides clarification on determining which changes to the terms and conditions of share-based payment awards require an entity to apply modification accounting. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted in any interim period. The guidance should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. We adopted this guidance in, 2017, with no material impact to our financial statements or results of operations.

In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance with the objective to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including accounting for income taxes when awards vest or are settled, statutory withholdings and accounting for forfeitures. Classification of these aspects on the statement of cash flows is also addressed. We have adopted this guidance, which was effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, in 2017, with no material impact to our financial statements or results of operation. We did not have any previously unrecognized excess tax benefits that required an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings under the modified retrospective transition method required by the guidance.

In March 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that clarifies that the assessment of whether an embedded contingent put or call option in a financial instrument is clearly and closely related to the debt host requires only an analysis of the four-step decision sequence described in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). We adopted this guidance, which was effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter, in 2017, with no material impact to our financial statements or results of operations.

In August 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that required entities to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about their ability to continue as a going concern and required additional disclosures if certain criteria were met. The guidance was adopted on December 31, 2016, and other than discussions regarding our emergence from bankruptcy and the related exit financing in “Note 3—Chapter 11 reorganization” and “Note 8—Debt”, there were no additional required disclosures as contemplated by this guidance.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB established ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”) which requires lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. ASC 842 was subsequently amended by Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2018-01, Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842; ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases; and ASU No. 2018-11, Targeted Improvements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model (ROU) that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases except those with a term of 12 months or less. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. We expect to adopt the new standard on its effective date. A modified retrospective transition approach is required, applying the new standard to all leases existing at the date of initial application. An entity may choose to use either (1) its effective date or (2) the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements as its date of initial application. We expect to adopt the new standard on January 1, 2019 and use the effective date as our date of initial application. Consequently, financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients in transition. We expect to elect the ‘package of practical expedients’, which permits us not to reassess under the new standard our prior conclusions about lease identification, lease classification and initial direct costs. While we continue to assess all of the effects of adoption, we currently believe the most significant effects relate to (1) the recognition of new ROU assets and lease liabilities on our balance sheet with a range of approximately $ 15,000 to $ 18,000 primarily for our drilling rig and CO 2 compressor operating leases and (2) providing significant new disclosures about our leasing activities. The new standard also provides practical expedients for an entity’s ongoing accounting. We currently expect to elect the short-term lease recognition exemption for all classes of assets. This means, for those leases that qualify, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities, and this includes not recognizing ROU assets or lease liabilities for existing short-term leases of those assets in transition. We also currently expect to elect the practical expedient to not separate lease and non-lease components for our drilling rig leases.

In June 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which modifies the measurement of expected credit losses of certain financial instruments. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, however early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The updated guidance impacts our financial statements primarily due to its effect on our accounts receivables. Our history of accounts receivable credit losses almost entirely relates to receivables from joint

96


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

interest owners in our operated oil and natural gas wells. Based on this history and on mitigating actions we are permitted to take to offset potential losses such as netting past due amounts against revenue and assuming title to the working interest, we do not expect this guidance to materially impact our financial statements or results of operations.

Note 2: Earnings per share

We have not historically presented earnings per share (“EPS”) because our common stock did not previously trade on a public market, either on a stock exchange or in the over-the-counter (“OTC”) market. Accordingly, we were permitted under accounting guidance to omit such disclosure. Subsequent to our emergence from bankruptcy, our Class A common stock was quoted on the OTC Pink marketplace under the symbol “CHHP” from May 18, 2017, through May 25, 2017. From May 26, 2017, through July 23, 2018, our Class A common stock was quoted on the OTCQB tier of the OTC Markets Group Inc. under the symbol “CHPE”. Our Class A common stock is currently trading on the NYSE under the symbol “CHAP” upon our listing on that exchange on July 24, 2018. Our Class B common stock was not listed or quoted on the OTCQB or any other national exchange; however, on December 19, 2018, all outstanding shares of our Class B common stock converted into the same number of shares of Class A common stock. With the conversion, all our common stock is now traded on the NYSE. Our Class A and previous Class B common stock shared equally in dividends and undistributed earnings. We are presenting basic and diluted EPS for all Successor periods subsequent to our emergence from bankruptcy but are not presenting EPS for any Predecessor period.

We are required under accounting guidance to compute EPS using the two-class method which considers multiple classes of common stock and participating securities. All securities that meet the definition of a participating security are to be included in the computation of basic EPS under the two-class method.

A reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted EPS is presented below:
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
through
 
through
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share
 
 
 

Net income (loss)
$
33,442

 
$
(118,902
)
Denominator for basic earnings per share
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares - Basic for Class A and Class B (1)
45,288,980

 
44,984,046

Denominator for diluted earnings per share
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares - Diluted for Class A and Class B (1)
45,730,171

 
44,984,046

Earnings per share
 
 
 
Basic for Class A and Class B
$
0.74

 
$
(2.64
)
Diluted for Class A and Class B
$
0.73

 
$
(2.64
)
Securities excluded from earnings per share calculations
 
 
 
Unvested restricted stock awards or units at period end
125,323

 
1,833,136

Warrants (2)

 
140,023

____________________________________________________________
(1)
Effective December 19, 2018, Class B shares were converted to Class A shares.
(2)
The warrants to purchase shares of our Class A common stock are antidilutive for the period from March 22 to December 31, 2017, due to the exercise price exceeding the average price of our Class A shares and due to the net loss we incurred . These warrants expired on June 30, 2018. They were antidilutive during the first and second quarter of 2018 due to the exercise price exceeding the average price of our Class A shares and hence are omitted from diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2018.


97


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Note 3: Chapter 11 reorganization

Bankruptcy petition and emergence. On May 9, 2016 (the “Petition Date”), Chaparral Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries including Chaparral Energy, L.L.C., Chaparral Resources, L.L.C., Chaparral Real Estate, L.L.C., Chaparral CO 2 , L.L.C., CEI Pipeline, L.L.C., CEI Acquisition, L.L.C., Green Country Supply, Inc., Chaparral Biofuels, L.L.C., Chaparral Exploration, L.L.C., and Roadrunner Drilling, L.L.C. (collectively, the “Chapter 11 Subsidiaries” and, together with Chaparral Energy, Inc., the “Debtors”) filed voluntary petitions seeking relief under Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) commencing cases for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Chapter 11 Cases”).

On March 10, 2017 (the “Confirmation Date”), the Bankruptcy Court confirmed our Reorganization Plan and on March 21, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), the Reorganization Plan became effective and we emerged from bankruptcy.

Debtor-In-Possession.   During the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, we operated our business as debtors-in-possession in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. The Bankruptcy Court granted all first day motions filed by us which were designed primarily to minimize the impact of the Chapter 11 Cases on our normal day-to-day operations, our customers, regulatory agencies, including taxing authorities, and employees. As a result, we were able to conduct normal business activities and pay all associated obligations for the post-petition period and we were also authorized to pay and have paid (subject to limitations applicable to payments of certain pre-petition obligations) pre-petition employee wages and benefits, pre-petition amounts owed to certain lienholders and critical vendors, amounts due to taxing authorities for production and other related taxes and funds belonging to third parties, including royalty and working interest holders. During the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, all transactions outside the ordinary course of our business required the approval of the Bankruptcy Court.

Automatic Stay. Subject to certain exceptions, under the Bankruptcy Code, the filing of the bankruptcy petitions automatically enjoined, or stayed, the continuation of most judicial or administrative proceedings or the filing of other actions against us or our property to recover, collect or secure a claim arising prior to the Petition Date. Absent an order from the Bankruptcy Court, substantially all of our pre-petition liabilities were subject to settlement under the Bankruptcy Code.

Plan of Reorganization. Pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Plan, which was supported by us, certain lenders under our Prior Credit Facility (collectively, the “Lenders”) and certain holders of our Prior Senior Notes (collectively, the “Noteholders”), the following transactions occurred on or around the Effective Date:

We issued 44,982,142 shares of common stock of the reorganized company (“New Common Stock”), which were the result of the transactions described below. We also entered into a stockholders agreement and a Registration Rights Agreement and amended our certificate of incorporation and bylaws for the authorization of the New Common Stock and to provide registration rights thereunder, among other corporate governance actions;
Our Predecessor common stock was cancelled, extinguished and discharged and the Predecessor equity holders did not receive any consideration in respect of their equity interests;
The $1,267,410 of indebtedness, including accrued interest, attributable to our Prior Senior Notes was exchanged for New Common Stock. In addition, we issued or reserved shares of New Common Stock to be exchanged in settlement of $2,439 of certain general unsecured claims. In aggregate, the shares of New Common Stock issued or to be issued in settlement of the Senior Note and these general unsecured claims represented approximately 90% percent of outstanding Successor common shares;
We completed a rights offering backstopped by certain holders of our Prior Senior Notes (the “Backstop Parties”) which generated $50,031 of gross proceeds. The rights offering resulted in the issuance of New Common Stock, representing approximately nine percent of outstanding Successor common shares, to holders of claims arising under the Prior Senior Notes and to the Backstop Parties;
In connection with the rights offering described above, the Backstop Parties received approximately one percent of outstanding Successor common shares as a backstop fee;
Additional shares, representing seven percent of outstanding Successor common shares on a fully diluted basis, were authorized for issuance under a new management incentive plan;
Warrants to purchase 140,023 shares of New Common Stock were issued to Mr. Mark Fischer, our founder and former Chief Executive Officer (“Mr. Fischer”), with an exercise price of $36.78 per share and expiring on June 30, 2018 . The warrants were issued in exchange for consulting services provided by Mr. Fischer;
Pursuant to our Reorganization Plan, on January 5, 2017, we entered into the Retirement Agreement and General Release (the “Retirement Agreement”) with Mr. Fischer, whereupon Mr. Fischer terminated his employment with the Company on that date. The Retirement Agreement included severance consisting of cash and certain tangible assets in the amount of

98


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

$4,038 . Mr. Fisher provided consulting services to the Company during the period subsequent to his termination until the Effective Date for which he received the warrants disclosed above. The expense for Mr. Fischer’s severance and consulting services are reflected in “Reorganization items, net” and “General and administrative” expense, respectively, in our consolidated statement of operations during the 2017 Predecessor period. All amounts due to Mr. Fischer pursuant to the Retirement Agreement were paid as of December 31, 2017.
Our Prior Credit Facility, previously consisting of a senior secured revolving credit facility was restructured into an Exit Credit Facility consisting of a first-out revolving facility (“Exit Revolver”) and a second-out term loan (“Exit Term Loan”). On the Effective Date, the entire balance on the Prior Credit Facility in the amount of $444,440 was repaid while we received gross proceeds representing the opening balances on our Exit Revolver of $120,000 and an Exit Term Loan of $150,000 . For more information refer to “Note 8—Debt;”
We paid $6,954 for creditor-related professional fees and also funded a $11,000 segregated account for debtor-related professional fees in connection with the reorganization related transactions above;
Certain other priority or convenience class claims were paid in full in cash, reinstated or otherwise treated in a manner acceptable to the creditor claimholders;
Plaintiffs to one of our royalty owner litigation cases, which were identified as a separate class of creditors (Class 8) in our bankruptcy case, rejected the Reorganization Plan. If the claimants under Class 8 are permitted to file a class of proof claim on behalf of the putative class, certified on a class basis, and the plaintiffs ultimately prevail on the merits of their claims, any liability arising under judgement or settlement of the claims would be satisfied through issuance of Successor common shares.

Liabilities subject to compromise. In accordance with ASC Topic 852, Reorganizations (“ASC 852”), our financial statements include amounts classified as liabilities subject to compromise which represent estimates of pre-petition obligations that were allowed as claims in our bankruptcy case. These liabilities are reported at the amounts allowed by the Bankruptcy Court, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts. The amounts disclosed below as of March 21, 2017 , reflect the liabilities immediately prior to our Reorganization Plan becoming effective. As part of the Reorganization Plan, the Bankruptcy Court approved the settlement of these claims and they were subsequently settled in cash or equity, reinstated or otherwise reserved for at emergence.
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
March 21, 2017
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
6,687

Accrued payroll and benefits payable
 
3,949

Revenue distribution payable
 
3,050

Prior Senior Notes and associated accrued interest
 
1,267,410

Liabilities subject to compromise
 
$
1,281,096

 
Note 4: Fresh start accounting

Upon emergence from bankruptcy, we qualified for and applied fresh start accounting to our financial statements in accordance with the provisions set forth in ASC 852 as (i) the holders of existing voting shares of the Company prior to its emergence received less than 50% of the voting shares of the Company outstanding following its emergence from bankruptcy and (ii) the reorganization value of our assets immediately prior to confirmation of the Reorganization Plan was less than the post-petition liabilities and allowed claims.

Adopting fresh start accounting results in a new reporting entity for financial reporting purposes with no beginning retained earnings or deficit. The cancellation of all existing shares outstanding on the Effective Date and issuance of new shares in the reorganized Company caused a related change of control under U.S. GAAP. As a result of the application of fresh start accounting, as well as the effects of the implementation of the Reorganization Plan, the Predecessor and Successor periods may lack comparability, as required in ASC Topic 205, Presentation of Financial Statements (“ASC 205”). ASC 205 states that financial statements are required to be presented comparably from year to year, with any exceptions to comparability clearly disclosed. Therefore, “black-line” financial statements are presented to distinguish between the Predecessor and Successor periods.

Enterprise Value and Reorganization Value

Reorganization value represents the fair value of the Company’s total assets prior to the consideration of liabilities and is intended to approximate the amount a willing buyer would pay for the Company's assets immediately after restructuring. The reorganization value was allocated to the Company’s individual assets based on their estimated fair values.


99


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

The Company’s reorganization value was derived from enterprise value. Enterprise value represents the estimated fair value of an entity's long-term debt and equity. The enterprise value of the Company on the Effective Date, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court in support of the Plan, was estimated to be within a range of $1,050,000 to $1,350,000 with a mid-point value of $1,200,000 . Based upon the various estimates and assumptions necessary for fresh start accounting, as further discussed below, the estimated enterprise value was determined to be $1,200,000 before consideration of cash and cash equivalents and outstanding debt at the Effective Date.

The following table reconciles the enterprise value to the estimated fair value of the Successor’s common stock as of the Effective Date:
Enterprise value
$
1,200,000

Plus: cash and cash equivalents
45,123

Less: fair value of outstanding debt
(296,061
)
Less: fair value of warrants (consideration for previously accrued consulting fees)
(118
)
Fair value of Successor common stock on the Effective Date
$
948,944

Total shares issued under the Reorganization Plan
44,982,142

Per share value (1)
$
21.10

____________________________________________________________
(1)
The per share value shown above is calculated based upon the financial information determined using US GAAP at the Effective Date.

The following table reconciles the enterprise value to the estimated reorganization value of the Successor’s assets as of the Effective Date:
Enterprise value
$
1,200,000

Plus: cash and cash equivalents
45,123

Plus: current liabilities
82,254

Plus: noncurrent liabilities excluding long-term debt
64,735

Reorganization value of Successor assets
$
1,392,112


Valuation of oil and gas properties

The Company’s principal assets are its oil and gas properties, which are accounted for under the full cost method of accounting. The oil and gas properties include proved reserves and unevaluated leasehold acreage. With the assistance of valuation consultants, the Company estimated the fair value of its oil and gas properties based on the discounted cash flows expected to be generated from these assets. The computations were based on market conditions and reserves in place as of the Effective Date.

The fair value analysis was based on the Company’s estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves developed internally by the Company’s reservoir engineers. Discounted cash flow models were prepared using the estimated future revenues and development and operating costs for all developed wells and undeveloped locations comprising the proved, probable and possible reserves. The value estimated for probable and possible reserves was utilized as an estimate of the fair value of the Company’s unevaluated leasehold acreage, which was further corroborated against comparable market transactions. Future revenues were based upon the forward NYMEX strip for oil and natural gas prices as of the Effective Date, adjusted for differentials realized by the Company. Development and operating cost estimates for the oil and gas properties were adjusted for inflation. The after-tax cash flows were discounted to the Effective Date at discount rate of 8.5% . This discount rate was derived from a weighted average cost of capital computation which utilized a blended expected cost of debt and expected return on equity for similar industry participants. Risk adjustment factors were applied to the values derived for the proved non-producing, proved undeveloped, probable and possible reserve categories based on consideration of the risks associated with geology, drilling success rates, development costs and the timing of development and extraction. The discounted cash flow models also included depletion, depreciation and income tax expense associated with an after-tax valuation analysis.

From this analysis the Company estimated the fair value of its proved reserves and undeveloped leasehold acreage to be $604,065 and $585,574 , respectively, as of the Effective Date. These amounts are reflected in the Fresh Start Adjustments item (i) below.


100


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Other valuations

Our adoption of fresh start accounting also required adjustments to certain other assets and liabilities on our balance sheet including property and equipment, other assets and asset retirement obligations.

Property and equipment — consists of real property which includes our headquarters, field offices and pasture land, and personal property which includes vehicles, machinery and equipment, office equipment and fixtures and a natural gas pipeline. These assets were valued using a combination of cost, income and market approaches with the exception of pasture land where we relied on government data to determine fair value.

Other assets — includes, among others, an equity investment in a company that operates ethanol plants. The equity investment was valued utilizing a combination of the market approaches such as the guideline public company method and the similar transactions method. This equity investment was sold in June 2017.

Asset retirement obligations — our fresh start updates to these obligations included application of the Successor’s credit adjusted risk free rate, which now incorporates a term structure based on the estimated timing of plugging activity, and resetting all obligations to a single layer.

Consolidated balance sheet

The following consolidated balance sheet is as of March 21, 2017. This consolidated balance sheet includes adjustments that reflect the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Plan (reflected in the column “Reorganization Adjustments”) as well as fair value adjustments as a result of the adoption of fresh start accounting (reflected in the column “Fresh Start Adjustments”) as of the Effective Date:

101


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

 
 
Predecessor
 
Reorganization
Adjustments
 
 
 
Fresh Start
Adjustments
 
 
 
Successor
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
180,456

 
$
(135,333
)
 
(a)
 
$

 
 
 
$
45,123

Accounts receivable, net
 
46,837

 

 
 
 

 
 
 
46,837

Inventories, net
 
6,885

 

 
 
 

 
 
 
6,885

Prepaid expenses
 
4,933

 
(535
)
 
(b)
 

 
 
 
4,398

Derivative instruments
 
19,058

 

 
 
 

 
 
 
19,058

Total current assets
 
258,169

 
(135,868
)
 
 
 

 
 
 
122,301

Property and equipment
 
38,391

 

 
 
 
18,987

 
(i)
 
57,378

Oil and natural gas properties, using the full cost method:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved
 
4,355,576

 

 
 
 
(3,751,511
)
 
(i)
 
604,065

Unevaluated (excluded from the amortization base)
 
26,039

 

 
 
 
559,535

 
(i)
 
585,574

Accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment
 
(3,811,326
)
 

 
 
 
3,811,326

 
(i)
 

Total oil and natural gas properties
 
570,289

 

 
 
 
619,350

 
(i)
 
1,189,639

Derivative instruments
 
14,295

 

 
 
 

 
 
 
14,295

Other assets
 
5,499

 
2,410

 
(c)
 
590

 
(i)
 
8,499

Total assets
 
$
886,643

 
$
(133,458
)
 
 
 
$
638,927

 
 
 
$
1,392,112

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
$
64,413

 
$
(2,737
)
 
(a)(d)
 
$

 
 
 
$
61,676

Accrued payroll and benefits payable
 
7,366

 
2,186

 
(d)
 

 
 
 
9,552

Accrued interest payable
 
2,095

 
(2,095
)
 
(a)
 

 
 
 

Revenue distribution payable
 
7,975

 
3,050

 
(d)
 

 
 
 
11,025

Long-term debt and capital leases, classified as current
 
468,814

 
(464,182
)
 
(e)
 

 
 
 
4,632

Total current liabilities
 
550,663

 
(463,778
)
 
 
 

 
 
 
86,885

Long-term debt and capital leases, less current maturities
 

 
291,429

 
(f)
 

 
 
 
291,429

Deferred compensation
 

 
519

 
(d)
 

 
 
 
519

Asset retirement obligations
 
66,973

 

 
 
 
(2,757
)
 
(i)
 
64,216

Liabilities subject to compromise
 
1,281,096

 
(1,281,096
)
 
(d)
 

 
 
 

Commitments and contingencies
 


 


 

 


 

 


Stockholders’ (deficit) equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Predecessor common stock
 
14

 
(14
)
 
(g)
 

 
 
 

Predecessor additional paid in capital
 
425,425

 
(425,425
)
 
(g)
 

 
 
 

Successor common stock
 

 
450

 
(g)
 

 
 
 
450

Successor additional paid in capital
 

 
948,613

 
(g)
 

 
 
 
948,613

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
 
(1,437,528
)
 
795,844

 
(h)
 
641,684

 
(j)
 

Total stockholders' (deficit) equity
 
(1,012,089
)
 
1,319,468

 
 
 
641,684

 
 
 
949,063

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)
 
$
886,643

 
$
(133,458
)
 
 
 
$
638,927

 
 
 
$
1,392,112

 

102


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Reorganization adjustments
(a)
Adjustments reflect the following net cash payments recorded as of the Effective Date from implementation of the Plan:
Cash proceeds from rights offering
$
50,031

Cash proceeds from Exit Term Loan
150,000

Cash proceeds from Exit Revolver
120,000

Fees paid to lender for Exit Term Loan
(750
)
Fees paid to lender for Exit Revolver
(1,125
)
Payment in full to extinguish Prior Credit Facility
(444,440
)
Payment of accrued interest on Prior Credit Facility
(2,095
)
Payment of previously accrued creditor-related professional fees
(6,954
)
Net cash used
$
(135,333
)

(b)
Reclassification of previously prepaid professional fees to debt issuance costs associated with the Exit Credit Facility.

(c)
Reflects issuance costs related to the Exit Credit Facility:
Fees paid to lender for Exit Term Loan
$
750

Fees paid to lender for Exit Revolver
1,125

Professional fees related to debt issuance costs on the Exit Credit Facility
535

Total issuance costs on Exit Credit Facility
$
2,410


(d)
As part of the Plan, the Bankruptcy Court approved the settlement of certain allowable claims, reported as liabilities subject to compromise in the Company’s historical consolidated balance sheet. As a result, a gain was recognized on the settlement of liabilities subject to compromise calculated as follows:
Prior Senior Notes including interest
$
1,267,410

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
6,687

Accrued payroll and benefits payable
3,949

Revenue distribution payable
3,050

Total liabilities subject to compromise
1,281,096

Amounts settled in cash, reinstated or otherwise reserved at emergence
(10,089
)
Fair value of equity issued in settlement of Prior Senior Notes and certain general unsecured creditors
(898,914
)
Gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise
$
372,093


(e)
Reflects extinguishment of Prior Credit Facility along with associated unamortized issuance costs, establishment of Exit Credit Facility and adjustments to reclassify existing debt back to their scheduled maturities:
Reclassification from current to noncurrent, based on scheduled repayment, of debt no longer in default
$
(22,612
)
Establishment of Exit Term Loan - current portion
1,183

Payment in full to extinguish Prior Credit Facility
(444,440
)
Write-off unamortized issuance costs associated with Prior Credit Facility
1,687

 
$
(464,182
)

(f)
Reflects establishment of our Exit Credit Facility pursuant to our Reorganization Plan, net of issuance costs, as well as adjustments to reclassify existing debt back to their scheduled maturities:
Origination of the Exit Term Loan, net of current portion
$
148,817

Origination of the Exit Revolver
120,000

Reclassification from current to noncurrent, based on scheduled repayment, of debt no longer in default
22,612

 
$
291,429

 

103


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

(g)
Adjustment represents (i) the cancellation of Predecessor equity on the Effective Date, (ii) the issuance of 44,982,142 shares of Successor common stock on the Effective Date and (iii) the issuance of 140,023 warrants on the Effective Date (see “Note 3—Chapter 11 reorganization”)
Cancellation of predecessor equity - par value
$
(14
)
Cancellation of predecessor equity - paid in capital
(425,425
)
Issuance of successor common stock in settlement of claims
898,914

Issuance of successor common stock under rights offering
50,031

Issuance of warrants
118

Net impact to common stock-par and additional paid in capital
$
523,624


(h)
Reflects the cumulative impact of the following reorganization adjustments:
Gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise
$
372,093

Cancellation of predecessor equity
425,438

Write-off unamortized issuance costs associated with Prior Credit Facility
(1,687
)
Net impact to retained earnings
$
795,844


Fresh start adjustments

(i)
Represents fresh start accounting adjustments primarily to (i) remove accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment, (ii) increase the value of proved oil and gas properties, (iii) increase the value of unevaluated oil and gas properties primarily to capture the value of our acreage in the STACK, (iv) increase other property and equipment primarily due to increases to land, vehicles, machinery and equipment and (v) decrease asset retirement obligations. These fair value measurements giving rise to these adjustments are primarily based on Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy (See “Note 10—Fair value measurements”).
(j)
Reflects the cumulative impact of the fresh start adjustments discussed herein.

Reorganization items

We use this category to reflect, where applicable, post-petition revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are direct and incremental as a result of the reorganization of the business. Reorganization items are as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Loss (gain) on the settlement of liabilities subject to compromise
 
$
48

 
$

 
 
$
(372,093
)
 
$

Fresh start accounting adjustments
 

 

 
 
(641,684
)
 

Professional fees
 
2,344

 
3,091

 
 
18,790

 
15,484

Claims for non-performance of executory contract
 

 

 
 

 
1,236

Rejection of employment contracts
 

 

 
 
4,573

 

Write off unamortized issuance costs on Prior Credit Facility
 

 

 
 
1,687

 

Total reorganization items
 
$
2,392

 
$
3,091

 
 
$
(988,727
)
 
$
16,720

 

104


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Note 5: Supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows
Supplemental disclosures to the consolidated statements of cash flows are presented below:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities included:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Cash payments for interest
 
$
6,266

 
$
17,195

 
 
$
4,105

 
$
25,764

Interest capitalized
 
(10,925
)
 
(2,142
)
 
 
(248
)
 
(2,139
)
Cash payments for income taxes
 
$

 
$
150

 
 
$

 
$
250

Cash payments for reorganization items
 
$
2,506

 
$
18,006

 
 
$
11,405

 
$
10,670

Non-cash financing activities included:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayment of Prior Credit Facility with proceeds from early termination of derivative contracts (See Note 9)
 
$

 
$

 
 
$

 
$
103,560

Non-cash investing activities included:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset retirement obligation additions and revisions
 
$
3,141

 
$
6,746

 
 
$
716

 
$
22,282

Change in accrued oil and gas capital expenditures
 
$
6,559

 
$
9,534

 
 
$
5,387

 
$
(19,725
)
Oil and gas leasehold exchanges
 
$
10,913

 
$
816

 
 
$

 
$

 
Note 6: Acquisitions and divestitures
2018 Acquisitions and divestitures

For 2018, we received total cash proceeds of $50,523 on various non-core oil and gas assets, property and equipment disposals. Included in these disposals were:

A divestiture of certain properties in the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle for gross cash proceeds before selling costs of $17,000 and the conveyance of $629 in liabilities to the buyer, all of which are subject to customary post-close adjustments. The purchaser of these assets is a company affiliated with Mark A. Fischer, our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of the Board.
A divestiture of certain saltwater disposal infrastructure where we received proceeds of $11,841 . In conjunction with this divestiture, we entered into a service agreement for salt water disposal with the purchaser of these assets, as discussed further below.
Disposals of various other non-core assets resulting in proceeds of approximately $22,637 .

As the properties above did not represent a material portion of our oil and natural gas reserves, individually or in the aggregate, no gain or loss was recognized on these disposals and instead, we reduced our full cost pool by the amount of the net proceeds without significant alteration to our depletion rate.

We have recently entered into service agreements with two providers to dispose, via pipeline or truck, salt water produced by our wells within areas that encompass Kingfisher, Garfield and Canadian Counties, Oklahoma. The agreements covering Kingfisher and Garfield Counties, Oklahoma are for 15 years and specify fixed rates per barrel according to age of the well. The agreement covering Canadian County, Oklahoma is for 5 years and specifies per barrel rates that vary according to volume of water disposed.

During 2018, we made $122,309 in acquisitions of leasehold acreage located in our STACK play. This amount includes capitalized interest of $10,925 and $10,913 in costs we recorded for non-monetary acreage trades. Our acquisition activities comprised of 24,600 acres acquired through leasing and pooling and expenditures on seismic data.


105


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

2017 Acquisitions and divestitures

In November 2017, we closed on the sale of our EOR assets along with some minor assets within geographic proximity for cash proceeds, net of preliminary post-closing adjustments, of $163,630 plus certain contingent payments through December 2020. As these properties comprised a material portion of our oil and natural gas reserves and our assessment indicated that our depletion rate would be significantly altered subsequent to the sale, in accordance with the full cost method of accounting for conveyances, we recognized a loss of $25,163 on the sale. The loss is recognized in “Loss (gain) on sale of assets” in the consolidated statements of operations.

In December 2017, we closed on the sale of certain producing properties located in Osage County, Oklahoma, for proceeds, net of preliminary post-closing adjustments, of $14,117 . In addition we had various other divestitures of non-core oil and gas properties throughout the year ended December 31, 2017 resulting in proceeds of approximately $9,200 . Other than our EOR asset sale, these transactions did not individually, or in the aggregate, represent a material portion of our oil and natural gas reserves and therefore we did not record any gain or loss on the sale and instead, reduced our full cost pool by the amount of the net proceeds.

In December 2017, we entered into purchase and sale agreements, scheduled to close in January 2018, to acquire acreage in the   STACK play in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma. In early January 2018, immediately prior to closing the purchase, we amended the transaction to include additional acreage. The final purchase closed for $60,643 encompassing 7,000 acres.

2016 Divestitures

During 2016, we did not have any significant divestitures of our oil and natural gas properties.

Note 7: Property and equipment

Major classes of property and equipment are shown in the following table. As discussed in “Note 4—Fresh start accounting,” the application of fresh start accounting to our balance sheet on March 21, 2017, resulted in restating our property and equipment to fair value, thus resetting the accumulated depreciation and amortization balance.

Property and equipment is capitalized and stated at cost, while maintenance and repairs are expensed currently.

Depreciation and amortization are provided in amounts sufficient to relate the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated service lives using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives of our assets are as follows:
 
Useful Life
 
December 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Furniture and fixtures
10
 
$
520

 
$
519

Automobiles and trucks
5
 
3,548

 
4,464

Machinery and equipment
10 — 20 years
 
21,482

 
22,467

Office and computer equipment
5 — 10 years
 
6,183

 
5,046

Building and improvements
10 — 40 years
 
18,693

 
19,728

 
 
 
50,426

 
52,224

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
 
12,449

 
6,158

 
 
 
37,977

 
46,066

Land
 
 
5,119

 
4,575

 
 
 
$
43,096

 
$
50,641

 

106


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Note 8: Debt

As of the dates indicated, long-term debt and capital leases consisted of the following:
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
New Credit Facility
 
$

 
$
127,100

Senior Notes
 
300,000

 

Real estate mortgage notes, principal and interest payable monthly, bearing interest at 5.50%, due December 2028; collateralized by real property
 
8,588

 
9,177

Installment notes payable, principal and interest payable monthly, bearing interest at 5.95%, due June 2023; collateralized by personal property
 
354

 

Capital lease obligations
 
11,677

 
14,361

Unamortized issuance costs
 
(13,148
)
 
(5,979
)
Total debt, net
 
307,471

 
144,659

Less current portion
 
3,479

 
3,273

Total long-term debt, net
 
$
303,992

 
$
141,386

 
Maturities of long-term debt and capital leases, excluding unamortized debt issuance costs, are as follows as of December 31, 2018
2019
$
3,479

2020
9,625

2021
776

2022
821

2023
300,823

2024 and thereafter
5,095

 
$
320,619


Chapter 11 Proceedings, Emergence and Successor Debt
 
The bankruptcy petition in 2016 constituted an event of default with respect to the Predecessor’s Prior Credit Facility and Prior Senior Notes. Prior to the Petition Date, these facilities were also in default as a result of nonpayment of interest, violations of financial covenants and the inclusion of a going concern explanatory paragraph in the audit opinion of our 2015 annual financial statements. The enforcement of any obligations under the Predecessor’s debt was automatically stayed as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases.

On the Effective Date, our obligations under the Prior Senior Notes, including principal and accrued interest, were fully extinguished in exchange for equity in the Successor. In addition, our Prior Credit Facility, previously consisting of a senior secured revolving credit facility, was restructured into the Ninth Restated Credit Agreement (the “Exit Credit Facility”) consisting of a senior secured first-out revolving credit facility (the “Exit Revolver”) and a senior secured second-out term loan (the “Exit Term Loan”). On the Effective Date, the entire balance on the Prior Credit Facility in the amount of $444,440 was repaid while we received gross proceeds, before lender fees, representing the opening balances on our Exit Revolver and Exit Term Loan of $120,000 and $150,000 , respectively.

Concurrent with the receipt of cash proceeds from the sale of our EOR assets, we fully repaid the outstanding balance of the Exit Term Loan and paid down $10,900 on the Exit Revolver in November 2017. On December 21, 2017, we entered into the Tenth Restated Credit Agreement (the “New Credit Facility”).

New Credit Facility

The New Credit Facility (which is the Tenth Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2017, by and among us, Chaparral Energy, Inc., as Borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and The Lenders and Prepetition Borrowers Party Hereto, as amended) is a $750,000 facility collateralized by our oil and natural gas properties and is scheduled to mature on December 21, 2022 . Availability under our New Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base based on the value of our oil and natural gas properties and set by the banks semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year. In addition, the lenders may

107


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

request a borrowing base redetermination once between each scheduled redetermination or upon the occurrence of certain specified events. The banks establish a borrowing base by making an estimate of the collateral value of our oil and natural gas properties. If oil and natural gas prices decrease from the amounts used in estimating the collateral value of our oil and natural gas properties, the borrowing base may be reduced, thus reducing funds available under the borrowing base. Our borrowing base under the New Credit Facility as of December 31, 2018, was $325,000 with the unused portion, after taking into account letters of credit, amounting to $324,131 . Availability on the New Credit Facility as of December 31, 2018 , was $208,355 . Our availability was lower than the unused borrowing base capacity as a result of the constraints placed by the financial covenants discussed below.

Interest on the outstanding amounts under the New Credit Facility will accrue at an interest rate equal to either (i) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility) plus an Applicable Margin (as defined in the New Credit Facility) that ranges between 1.00% to 2.00% depending on utilization or (ii) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility) applicable to one , two , three ,or six month borrowings plus an Applicable Margin that ranges between 2.00% to 3.00% depending on utilization. In the case that an Event of Default (as defined under the New Credit Facility) occurs, the outstanding amounts will bear an additional 2.00% interest plus the applicable Alternate Base Rate or Adjusted LIBO Rate and corresponding Applicable Margin.

As of June 29, 2018 (the day immediately preceding payment in full of the entire outstanding balance), our outstanding borrowings were accruing interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the New Credit Facility), plus the Applicable Margin (as defined in the New Credit Facility), which resulted in a weighted average interest rate of 5.31% on the amount outstanding.

Commitment fees that range between 0.375% and 0.500% , depending on utilization, accrue on the average daily amount of the unused portion of the borrowing base and are included as a component of interest expense. We generally have the right to make prepayments of the borrowings at any time without penalty or premium. Letter of credit fees will accrue at 0.125% plus the Applicable Margin used to determine the interest rate applicable to borrowings that are based on Adjusted LIBO Rate.

If the outstanding borrowings under our New Credit Facility were to exceed the borrowing base as a result of a redetermination, we would be required to eliminate this deficiency. Within 10 days after receiving notice of the new borrowing base, we would be required to make an election: (1) to repay the deficiency in a lump sum within 45 days or (2) commencing within 30 days to repay the deficiency in equal monthly installments over a six months period or (3) to submit within 45 days additional oil and gas properties we own for consideration in connection with the determination of the borrowing base sufficient to eliminate the deficiency or (4) any combination of repayment as provided in the preceding three elections.

Effective May 9, 2018, we entered into the First Amendment to the Tenth Restated Credit Agreement, among the Company and its subsidiaries, as borrowers, certain financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (the “First Amendment”).  The First Amendment reaffirmed our borrowing base at the same level as it was at the beginning of 2018, at $285,000 . In addition, the First Amendment provided us with: (i) an increase from $150,000 to $250,000 to the aggregate amount of secured debt allowed, (ii) a waiver on the automatic reduction to the borrowing base calculation for the issuance of up to $300,000 in unsecured debt, (iii) the ability to offset the total debt calculation in the financial covenant calculations by up to $50,000 of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents whenever we do not have outstanding borrowings on the facility, and (iv) permission to make payments on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, cancellation or termination of our equity of up to $50,000 .

On December 7, 2018, we entered into the Resignation, Consent and Appointment Agreement and Second Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to the Tenth Restated Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as existing administrative agent and issuing bank, Royal Bank of Canada, as successor administrative agent and issuing bank, and the additional lenders party thereto. The Second Amendment, among other things, (i) increases the aggregate principal amount of the revolving line of credit under the Credit Agreement from $400,000 to $750,000 ; (ii) increases the borrowing base under the Credit Agreement from $265,000 to $325,000 ; (iii) decreases the applicable margin on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement by 50 basis points ; and (iv) allows the Company to enter into commodity derivative contracts to hedge up to 80% of its internally forecasted production for the first 24 months and up to 80% of estimated production from proved oil and natural gas reserves for the subsequent 36 months .

Other Provisions

Interest payment dates are dependent on the type of borrowing. In the case of Alternate Base Rate loans, interest is payable quarterly in arrears. In the case of Adjusted LIBO Rate borrowings, interest is payable on the last day of each relevant interest period and, in the case of any interest period longer than three months, on each successive date three months after the first day of such interest period .


108


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

The New Credit Facility contains covenants and events of default customary for oil and natural gas reserve-based lending facilities including restrictions on additional debt, guarantees, liens, restricted payments, investments and hedging activity. Additionally, our New Credit Facility specifies events of default, including non-payment, breach of warranty, non-performance of covenants, default on other indebtedness or swap agreements, certain adverse judgments, bankruptcy events and change of control, among others.

The financial covenants require, for each fiscal quarter ending on and after December 31, 2018 , that we maintain: (1) a Current Ratio (as defined in the New Credit Facility) of no less than 1.00 to 1.00, and (2) a Ratio of Total Debt to EBITDAX (as defined in the New Credit Facility) of no greater than 4.0 to 1.0 calculated on a trailing four -quarter basis. We were in compliance with these financial covenants as of December 31, 2018 .

The New Credit Facility is guaranteed by all of our wholly owned subsidiaries, subject to customary exceptions, and is secured by first priority security interests on substantially all of our assets.

Senior Notes

On June 29, 2018, we completed the issuance and sale at par of $300,000 in aggregate principal amount of our Senior Notes in a private placement under Rule 144A and Regulation S of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The offering costs were $7,337 resulting in net proceeds of $292,663 , which we used to repay the outstanding balance on the New Credit Facility and for general corporate purposes.

The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.75% per year beginning June 29, 2018 (payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year, beginning on January 15, 2019 ) and will mature on July 15, 2023 .

The Senior Notes are the Company’s senior unsecured obligations and rank equal in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future senior indebtedness, senior to all of the Company’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness and effectively subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness.

The indenture governing our Senior Notes contains certain covenants which limit our ability to:

incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred stock;
pay dividends or repurchase or redeem capital stock;
make certain investments;
incur certain liens;
enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates;
sell assets;
enter into agreements restricting their ability to pay dividends or make other payments;
consolidate, merge, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of their assets; and
create unrestricted subsidiaries.

These limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions.

Prior to July 15, 2020, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or, from time to time, a part of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus an applicable make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. On or after July 15, 2020 , the Company may, at its option, redeem all or, from time to time, a part of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a premium declining ratably to par and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption.

On any one or more occasions prior to July 15, 2020, the Company, at its option, may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with proceeds of one or more qualified equity offerings at a redemption price of 108.75% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and liquidated damages provided that:

1.
at least 60% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes issued under the Indenture remains outstanding after each such redemption; and
2.
such redemption occurs within 180 days after the closing of any such qualified equity offering


109


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Upon an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture), the trustee under the Indenture or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Senior Notes may declare the entire principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the Senior Notes to be due and payable immediately.

If the Company experiences certain kinds of changes of control, holders of the Senior Notes will be entitled to require the Company to purchase all or a portion of the Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Chaparral Energy, Inc. is a holding company and owns no operating assets and has no significant operations independent of its subsidiaries. Our obligations under our outstanding Senior Notes have been fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all of our wholly owned subsidiaries.

Predecessor Debt

Prior Senior Notes

The Prior Senior Notes were our senior unsecured obligations and were redeemable, in whole or in part, prior to their maturity at redemption prices specified in the indentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. Interest on the Prior Senior Notes was payable semi-annually, and the principal was due upon maturity.

During December 2015, we repurchased approximately $42,045 of our outstanding Prior Senior Notes on the open market for $9,995 in cash. As a result, we recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt of $31,590 for the year ended December 31, 2015.

In March 2016 we wrote off the remaining unamortized issuance costs, premium and discount related to our Prior Senior Notes. These deferred items are typically amortized over the life of the corresponding bond. However, as a result of not paying the interest due on our 2021 Prior Senior Notes by the end of our grace period on March 31, 2016, we triggered an Event of Default on our Prior Senior Notes. While uncured, the Event of Default effectively allows the lender to demand immediate repayment, thus shortening the life of our Prior Senior Notes. As a result, we wrote off the remaining balance of unamortized issuance costs, premium and discount on March 31, 2016, as follows:
Non-cash expense for write-off of debt issuance costs on Prior Senior Notes
$
17,756

Non-cash expense for write-off of debt discount costs on Prior Senior Notes
4,014

Non-cash gain for write-off of debt premium on Prior Senior Notes
(4,800
)
Total
$
16,970


Pursuant to accounting guidance, while in bankruptcy, we did not accrue interest expense on our Prior Senior Notes during the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases as we did not expect to pay such interest. As a result, reported interest expense was $22,582 and $65,225 lower than contractual interest for the Predecessor periods of January 1, 2017 to March 21, 2017, and the year ended December 31, 2016.

As discussed in “Note 3—Chapter 11 reorganization”, on the Effective Date, our obligations with respect to the Prior Senior Notes, including principal and accrued interest, were cancelled and holders of the Prior Senior Notes received their agreed-upon pro-rata share of the Successor’s equity.

Prior Credit Facility

In April 2010, we entered into an Eighth Restated Credit Agreement (the Prior Credit Facility), a senior secured revolving credit facility collateralized by our oil and natural gas properties, and, as amended, was originally scheduled to mature on November 1, 2017. Availability under our Prior Credit Facility was subject to a borrowing base based on the value of our oil and natural gas properties and set by the banks semi-annually. The initial borrowing base on our Prior Credit Facility for 2016 was $550,000 ; however subsequent to the defaults on this facility in March 2016, we had no availability under the facility until our debt was restructured upon exiting bankruptcy.

Amounts borrowed under our Prior Credit Facility were subject to varying rates of interest based on (1) the total outstanding borrowings in relation to the borrowing base (the “utilization percentage”) and (2) whether we elected to borrow at the Eurodollar rate or the Alternate Base Rate (“ABR”). The entire balance outstanding at  December 31, 2016 , was subject to the ABR which resulted in a

110


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

weighted average interest rate of 5.25% on the outstanding amount. This rate did not include an additional 2.00% default margin which was waived by the Lenders pursuant to our Reorganization Plan. 

Our Prior Credit Facility, as amended, also had certain negative and affirmative covenants that required, among other things, maintaining a Current Ratio, a Consolidated Net Secured Debt to Consolidated EBITDAX ratio and an Interest Coverage Ratio (all ratios as defined in the amendment). Subsequent to our debt defaults in March 2016 and through the pendency of our Chapter 11 Cases, we ceased quarterly reporting of our covenant compliance, which included these ratios, to the administrative agent of the facility.

Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan and in conjunction with a repayment of the entire balance of $444,440 on the Effective Date, our Prior Credit Facility was amended and restated in its entirety by the Exit Credit Facility as discussed above.

Capital Leases

In 2013, we entered into lease financing agreements with U.S. Bank National Association for $24,500 through the sale and subsequent leaseback of existing compressors owned by us. The carrying value of these compressors is included in our oil and natural gas full cost pool. The lease financing obligations are for 84 -month terms and include the option to purchase the equipment for a specified price at 72 months as well as an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for its then-current fair market value. Lease payments related to the equipment are recognized as principal and interest expense based on a weighted average implicit interest rate of 3.8% . Minimum lease payments are $3,181 annually. In conjunction with the sale of our EOR assets, these compressors were subleased to the buyer of those assets although we remain the primary obligor in relation to U.S. Bank National Association. The subleases are structured such that the lease payments and remaining lease term are identical to the original leases.
 
Note 9: Derivative instruments

Overview

Our results of operations, financial condition and capital resources are highly dependent upon the prevailing market prices of, and demand for, oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids. These commodity prices are subject to wide fluctuations and market uncertainties. To mitigate a portion of this exposure, we enter into various types of derivative instruments, including commodity price swaps, collars, put options and basis protection swaps. During 2018, we entered into additional derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to natural gas liquids pricing, specifically propane and natural gasoline, natural gas basis differentials and the WTI NYMEX calendar month average roll (“oil roll”), which is a contractual component of our crude oil sales prices.

As of December 31, 2018 , our derivatives consisted of commodity price swaps (including basis and oil roll) and collars. See “Note 1—Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies” for additional information regarding our accounting policies for derivative transactions.

Commodity price swaps allow us to receive a fixed price for the hedged commodity and pay a floating market price to the counterparty. The fixed-price payment and the floating-price payment are netted, resulting in a net amount due to or from the counterparty.

Collars contain a fixed floor price (purchased put) and ceiling price (sold call). If the market price exceeds the call strike price or falls below the put strike price, we receive the fixed price and pay the market price. If the market price is between the call and the put strike price, no payments are due from either party.


111


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

The following table summarizes our crude oil derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2018 :
 
 
Volume
 
Weighted average fixed price per Bbl
Period and type of contract
 
MBbls
 
Swaps
2019
 
 

 
 

Oil swaps
 
2,322

 
$
56.20

Oil roll swaps
 
530

 
$
0.52

2020
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
1,767

 
$
50.30

Oil roll swaps
 
410

 
$
0.38

2021
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
544

 
$
44.34

Oil roll swaps
 
150

 
$
0.30

    
The following table summarizes our natural gas derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2018 :
 
 
 
 
Weighted average fixed price per MMBtu
Period and type of contract
 
Volume
BBtu
 
Swaps
 
Purchase puts
 
Sold calls
2019
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
9,461

 
$
2.85

 
$

 
$

Natural gas basis swaps
 
5,701

 
$
(0.67
)
 
$

 
$

Natural gas collars
 
240

 
$

 
$
4.00

 
$
5.07

2020
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas swaps
 
3,600

 
$
2.77

 
$

 
$


The following table summarizes our natural gas liquids derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2018 :
 
 
Volume
 
Weighted average fixed price per gallon
Period and type of contract
 
Gallons
 
Swaps
2019
 
 

 
 

Natural gasoline swaps
 
4,956

 
$
1.39

Propane swaps
 
11,466

 
$
0.74

2020
 
 
 
 
Natural gasoline swaps
 
1,890

 
$
1.39

Oil roll swaps
 
4,284

 
$
0.74


In February 2018, we renegotiated the fixed pricing of certain crude oil swaps scheduled to settle during 2018 in exchange for entering crude oil swaps, scheduled to settle from 2020 through 2021, at lower-than-market pricing. The renegotiated swaps cover  1,086  MBbls and have a new fixed price of  $60.00  per barrel, replacing the original weighted average fixed price of  $54.80  per barrel. The new crude oil swaps scheduled to settle from 2020 through 2021 have weighted average fixed prices of  $46.26  and  $44.34  per barrel, respectively, and cover  543  MBbls each year.

Due to defaults under the master agreements governing our derivative contracts, our outstanding derivative positions were early terminated in May 2016. These derivative contracts, originally scheduled to settle from 2016 through 2018, covered 3,400 MBbls of oil and 28,800 BBtu of natural gas. Proceeds from the early terminations, inclusive of amounts receivable at the time of termination for previous settlements, totaled $119,303 . Of this amount, in the third quarter of 2016, $103,560 was utilized to offset outstanding borrowings under our Prior Credit Facility and the remainder was remitted to the Company.


112


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

In January and February 2019, we entered into several derivative contracts with varying maturities outlined below:
 
 
 
 
Weighted average fixed price per Bbl
Period and type of contract
 
Volume
MBbls
 
Swaps
2019
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
106

 
$
55.59

2020
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
240

 
$
52.43

2021
 
 
 
 
Oil swaps
 
146

 
$
53.31

Period and type of contract
 
Volume
BBtu
 
Weighted
average
fixed price
per MMBtu
2019
 
 

 
 

Natural gas basis swaps
 
5,790

 
$
(0.56
)
Natural gas swaps
 
4,800

 
$
2.86

2020
 
 
 
 
Natural gas basis swaps
 
3,600

 
$
(0.46
)
Natural gas swaps
 
2,400

 
$
2.73


Effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated balance sheets

All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. See “Note 10—Fair value measurements” for additional information regarding fair value measurements. The estimated fair values of derivative instruments are provided below. The carrying amounts of these instruments are equal to the estimated fair values.
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Net value
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Net value
Natural gas derivative contracts
 
$
833

 
$
(488
)
 
$
345

 
$
1,332

 
$
(1,054
)
 
$
278

NGL derivative contracts
 
4,581

 

 
4,581

 

 

 

Crude oil derivative contracts
 
24,208

 
(4,452
)
 
19,756

 

 
(13,404
)
 
(13,404
)
Total derivative instruments
 
29,622

 
(4,940
)
 
24,682

 
1,332

 
(14,458
)
 
(13,126
)
Less:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Netting adjustments (1)
 
(3,398
)
 
3,398

 

 
1,332

 
(1,332
)
 

Derivative instruments - current
 
24,025

 

 
24,025

 

 
(8,959
)
 
(8,959
)
Derivative instruments - long-term
 
$
2,199

 
$
(1,542
)
 
$
657

 
$

 
$
(4,167
)
 
$
(4,167
)
 ____________________________________________________________
(1)
Amounts represent the impact of master netting agreements that allow us to net settle positive and negative positions with the same counterparty. Positive and negative positions with counterparties are netted only to the extent that they related to the same current versus noncurrent classification on the balance sheet.

Effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of operations

We do not apply hedge accounting to any of our derivative instruments. As a result, all gains and losses associated with our derivative contracts are recognized immediately as “Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains” in the consolidated statements of operations.

“Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains” in the consolidated statements of operations is comprised of the following:

113


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Change in fair value of commodity price derivatives
 
$
37,807

 
$
(46,478
)
 
 
$
46,721

 
$
(176,607
)
Settlement (losses) gains on commodity price derivatives
 
(18,510
)
 
15,676

 
 
1,285

 
62,626

Settlement gains on early terminations of commodity price derivatives
 

 

 
 

 
91,144

Non-hedge derivative (losses) gains
 
$
19,297

 
$
(30,802
)
 
 
$
48,006

 
$
(22,837
)
 
Note 10: Fair value measurements

Recurring fair value measurements

Our financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis consist of commodity derivative contracts (see “Note 9—Derivative instruments”). We had no Level 1 assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017 . Our derivative contracts classified as Level 2 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of commodity price swaps, including our oil roll contracts, which are valued using an income approach. Future cash flows from these derivatives are estimated based on the difference between the fixed contract price and the underlying published forward market price, and are discounted at a rate that captures our own nonperformance risk for derivative liabilities or that of our counterparties for derivative assets.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 our derivative contracts classified as Level 3 consisted of collars and gas basis swaps. The fair value of these contracts is developed by a third-party pricing service using a proprietary valuation model, which we believe incorporates the assumptions that market participants would have made at the end of each period. Observable inputs include contractual terms, published forward pricing curves, and yield curves. Significant unobservable inputs are implied volatilities. Significant increases (decreases) in implied volatilities in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. We review these valuations and the changes in the fair value measurements for reasonableness. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and include a measure of our own nonperformance risk for derivative liabilities or our counterparty credit risk for derivative assets.

The fair value hierarchy for our financial assets and liabilities is shown by the following table:
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
 
As of December 31, 2017
 
 
Derivative
assets
 
Derivative
liabilities
 
Net assets
(liabilities)
 
Derivative
assets
 
Derivative
liabilities
 
Net assets
(liabilities)
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
 
$
29,370

 
$
(4,718
)
 
$
24,652

 
$
1,332

 
$
(14,163
)
 
$
(12,831
)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
 
252

 
(222
)
 
30

 

 
(295
)
 
(295
)
Netting adjustments (1)
 
(3,398
)
 
3,398

 

 
(1,332
)
 
1,332

 

 
 
$
26,224

 
$
(1,542
)
 
$
24,682

 
$

 
$
(13,126
)
 
$
(13,126
)
____________________________________________________________ 
(1)
Amounts represent the impact of master netting agreements that allow us to net settle positive and negative positions with the same counterparty. Positive and negative positions with counterparties are netted on the balance sheet only to the extent that they relate to the same current versus noncurrent classification.


114


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy were as follows for the periods presented:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
Net derivative assets (liabilities)
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
Beginning balance
 
$
(295
)
 
$
715

 
 
$
(98
)
Realized and unrealized (losses) gains included in non-hedge derivative (losses) gains
 
(1,101
)
 
(1,010
)
 
 
813

Settlements received
 
1,426

 

 
 

Ending balance
 
$
30

 
$
(295
)
 
 
$
715

(Losses) gains relating to instruments still held at the reporting date included in non-hedge derivative (losses) gains for the period
 
$
30

 
$
(1,010
)
 
 
$
813


Nonrecurring fair value measurements

Asset retirement obligations. Additions to the asset and liability associated with our asset retirement obligations are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Our asset retirement obligations consist of the estimated present value of future costs to plug and abandon or otherwise dispose of our oil and natural gas properties and related facilities. Significant inputs used in determining such obligations include estimates of plugging and abandonment costs, inflation rates, discount rates, and well life, all of which are Level 3 inputs according to the fair value hierarchy. The estimated future costs to dispose of properties added during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were escalated using an annual inflation rate of 2.26% and 2.30% , respectively. The estimated future costs to dispose of properties added for the year ended December 31, 2018 , were discounted, depending on the economic remaining estimated life of the property or the expected timing of the plugging and abandonment activity, with a credit-adjusted risk-free rate ranging from 6.92% to 11.94% . The discount rate used for the period from when we emerged from bankruptcy through December 31, 2017 , was our credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate ranging from 5.13% to 7.63% . These estimates may change based upon future inflation rates and changes in statutory remediation rules. See “Note 11—Asset retirement obligations” for additional information regarding our asset retirement obligations.

Fair value of other financial instruments

Our significant financial instruments, other than derivatives, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and long-term debt. We believe the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

The carrying value and estimated fair value of our debt at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:
 
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Level 2
 
Carrying
value (1)
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Carrying
value (1)
 
Estimated
fair value
New Credit Facility
 
$

 
$

 
$
127,100

 
$
127,100

Other secured debt
 
8,942

 
8,942

 
9,177

 
9,177

Senior Notes
 
300,000

 
213,618

 

 

 ____________________________________________________________
(1)
The carrying value excludes deductions for debt issuance costs and discounts.

The carrying value of our New Credit Facility and other secured long-term debt approximates fair value as the rates are comparable to those at which we could currently borrow under similar terms, are variable and incorporate a measure of our credit risk. The fair value of our Senior Notes was estimated based on quoted market prices.

See “Note 1—Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies” for additional information regarding our accounting policies for fair value measurements.



115


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Concentrations of credit risk

Financial instruments which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of derivative instruments and accounts receivable. Derivative instruments are exposed to credit risk from counterparties. Our derivative contracts are executed with institutions, or affiliates of institutions, that are parties to our credit facilities at the time of execution, and we believe the credit risks associated with all of these institutions are acceptable. We do not require collateral or other security from counterparties to support derivative instruments. Master agreements are in place with each of our derivative counterparties which provide for net settlement in the event of default or termination of the contracts under each respective agreement. As a result of the netting provisions, our maximum amount of loss under derivative transactions due to credit risk is limited to the net amounts due from the counterparties under the derivatives. Our loss is further limited as any amounts due from a defaulting counterparty that is a Lender, or an affiliate of a Lender, under our credit facilities can be offset against amounts owed to such counterparty Lender. As of December 31, 2018 , the counterparties to our open derivative contracts consisted of four financial institutions.

The following table summarizes our derivative assets and liabilities which are offset in the consolidated balance sheets under our master netting agreements.
 
 
Offset in the consolidated balance sheets
 
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets
 
 
Gross assets (liabilities)
 
Offsetting 
assets (liabilities)
 
Net assets (liabilities)
 
Derivatives (1)
 
Amounts
outstanding
under credit facilities (2)
 
Net amount
December 31, 2018
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Derivative assets
 
$
29,622

 
$
(3,398
)
 
$
26,224

 
$
(1,542
)
 
$

 
$
24,682

Derivative liabilities
 
(4,940
)
 
3,398

 
(1,542
)
 
1,542

 

 

 
 
$
24,682

 
$

 
$
24,682

 
$

 
$

 
$
24,682

December 31, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative assets
 
$
1,332

 
$
(1,332
)
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

Derivative liabilities
 
(14,458
)
 
1,332

 
(13,126
)
 
$

 

 
(13,126
)
 
 
$
(13,126
)
 
$

 
$
(13,126
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(13,126
)
 ____________________________________________________________
(1)
Since positive and negative positions with a counterparty are netted on the balance sheet only to the extent that they related to the same current versus noncurrent classification, these represent remaining amounts that could have been offset under our master netting agreements.
(2)
The amount outstanding under our credit facilities that is available to offset out net derivative assets due from counterparties that are lenders under our credit facilities.

We did not post additional collateral under any of these contracts as all of our counterparties are secured by the collateral under our credit facilities. Payment on our derivative contracts could be accelerated in the event of a default on our New Credit Facility. The aggregate fair value of our derivative liabilities subject to acceleration in the event of default was $4,940 at December 31, 2018 .

Accounts receivable are primarily from purchasers of oil and natural gas products, and exploration and production companies who own interests in properties we operate. The industry concentration has the potential to impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic, industry or other conditions.

Commodity sales to our top three purchasers accounted for the following percentages of our total commodity sales, excluding the effects of hedging activities, for the years ended December 31:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2016
Coffeyville Resources LLC
 
*

 
20.9
%
 
 
19.3
%
Phillips 66 Company
 
26.0
%
 
14.6
%
 
 
15.1
%
Sunoco, Inc.
 
7.2
%
 
%
 
 
%
Alta Mesa Resources, Inc.
 
6.7
%
 
%
 
 
%
Valero Energy Corporation
 
*

 
13.3
%
 
 
15.6
%
 
*
Purchasers primarily related to production from our EOR assets which were divested in November 2017. See “Note 6—Acquisitions and divestitures” for additional information regarding this divestiture.

If we were to lose a purchaser, we believe we are able to secure other purchasers for the commodities we produce.

116


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

 
Note 11: Asset retirement obligations
The following table presents the balance and activity of our asset retirement obligations:
 
Liability for asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2016 - Predecessor
$
72,137

Liabilities incurred in current period
535

Liabilities settled and disposed in current period
(869
)
Revisions in estimated cash flows
181

Accretion expense
1,249

Liability for asset retirement obligations as of March 21, 2017 - Predecessor
$
73,233

Fair value fresh-start adjustment
$
(2,757
)
Liability for asset retirement obligations as of March 21, 2017 - Successor
$
70,476

Liabilities incurred in current period
2,498

Liabilities settled and disposed in current period
(44,097
)
Revisions in estimated cash flows
4,248

Accretion expense
2,865

Liability for asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2017 - Successor
$
35,990

Liabilities incurred in current period
689

Liabilities settled and disposed in current period
(17,868
)
Revisions in estimated cash flows
2,452

Accretion expense
1,884

Liability for asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2018 - Successor
$
23,147

Less current portion included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
1,057

Asset retirement obligations, long-term
$
22,090

 
Liabilities incurred include obligations related to new wells drilled and wells acquired during the period. Liabilities settled and disposed in 2018 primarily relate to our oil and natural gas property divestitures discussed in "Note 6—Acquisitions and divestitures."
See “Note 10—Fair value measurements” for additional information regarding fair value measurements.
 
Note 12: Income taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. We are subject to U.S. federal corporate income taxes, state income tax in states where business is conducted (most notably Oklahoma), and margin tax in the state of Texas.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted. The Act amends existing U.S. tax laws that impact the company, most notably a reduction of the maximum U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. The other changes to existing U.S. tax laws as a result of the Act, which we believe have the most significant impact on our federal corporate income taxes are as follows:

Preservation of long-standing upstream oil and gas tax provisions such as immediate deduction of intangible drilling costs;
Limitations regarding the deductibility of interest expense to 30% of the taxpayer’s adjusted taxable income after December 31, 2017;
Limitations of the utilization of net federal operating loss carryforwards to 80% of taxable income for losses arising after December 31, 2017 with an indefinite carryforward;
Modified provisions related to the limitations on deductions for executive performance based compensation; and
Repeal of the corporate alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) and allowing taxpayers to claim a refund on any AMT credit carryovers from 2018 through 2022.


117


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Under the provisions of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”), as of December 31, 2017, we had not completed our accounting for all of the enactment-date income tax effects of the Act under ASC 740, Income Taxes.  As of December 31, 2018, we have completed our analysis of the impacts of the Act under SAB 118 with immaterial differences to our provisional amounts previously recorded fully offset by a corresponding change in valuation allowance.

Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations consists of the following:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Current income taxes
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Federal
 
$
(77
)
 
$
(162
)
 
 
$

 
$
(10
)
State
 

 
(187
)
 
 
37

 
(92
)
Total current income taxes
 
(77
)
 
(349
)
 
 
37

 
(102
)
Deferred income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 

 

 
 

 

State
 

 

 
 

 

Total deferred income taxes
 

 

 
 

 

Income tax (benefit) expense
 
$
(77
)
 
$
(349
)
 
 
$
37

 
$
(102
)
 
A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Federal statutory rate
 
21.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
Remeasurement of deferred taxes
 
 %
 
(94.7
)%
 
 

 

State income taxes, net of federal benefit
 
(0.1
)%
 
5.8
 %
 
 
2.2
 %
 
4.1
 %
Statutory depletion
 
(0.4
)%
 
0.4
 %
 
 

 

Valuation allowance
 
2.8
 %
 
54.1
 %
 
 
(25.9
)%
 
(39.0
)%
EOR tax credit
 
(25.9
)%
 
(8.4
)%
 
 
 %
 
 %
Return to provision adjustment (1)
 
(1.7
)%
 
10.2
 %
 
 
 %
 
 %
Other, net
 
4.1
 %
 
(2.4
)%
 
 
(11.3
)%
 
(0.1
)%
Effective tax rate
 
(0.2
)%
 
 %
 
 
 %
 
 %
____________________________________________________________ 
(1)
The adjustment for the period ended December 31, 2018 primarily related to state net operating loss adjustments, reorganization-related items and deferred tax true-ups associated with our oil and gas properties.


118


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
Deferred tax assets related to
 
 

 
 

Asset retirement obligations
 
$
10,013

 
$
18,470

Accrued expenses, allowance and other
 
2,264

 
4,359

Property and equipment
 

 

Derivative instruments
 

 
3,379

Net operating loss carryforwards
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
242,070

 
193,010

State
 
66,575

 
44,536

Statutory depletion carryforwards
 
2,383

 
2,870

Enhanced oil recovery credit
 
18,758

 
10,009

Interest limitation
 
5,771

 

Alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards
 

 
154

 
 
347,834

 
276,787

Less valuation allowance
 
(216,109
)
 
(215,157
)
Deferred tax asset
 
131,725

 
61,630

Deferred tax liabilities related to
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment
 
(125,224
)
 
(61,333
)
Derivative instruments
 
(6,353
)
 

Inventories
 
(148
)
 
(297
)
Deferred tax liability
 
(131,725
)
 
(61,630
)
Net deferred tax liability
 
$

 
$


Deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The ultimate realization of our deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those deferred tax assets would be deductible. We assess the realizability of our deferred tax assets each period by considering whether it is more likely than not that all or a portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. We consider all available evidence (both positive and negative) when determining whether a valuation allowance is required. We evaluated possible sources of taxable income that may be available to realize the benefit of deferred tax assets, including projected future taxable income, the reversal of existing temporary differences, taxable income in carryback years and available tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

Due to continued tax losses, we maintained our deferred tax asset position at December 31, 2018. We believe that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized and as such we are maintaining the full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets.

We will continue to evaluate whether the valuation allowance is needed in future reporting periods. The valuation allowance will remain until we can determine that the net deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. Future events or new evidence which may lead us to conclude that it is more likely than not that our net deferred tax assets will be realized include, but are not limited to, cumulative historical pre-tax earnings, improvements in oil prices, and taxable events that could result from one or more transactions. The valuation allowance does not prevent future utilization of the tax attributes if we recognize taxable income. As long as we conclude that the valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets is necessary, we likely will not have any additional deferred income tax expense or benefit.

Net operating loss carryforwards. We have federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,152,714 at December 31, 2018, of which $1,011,368 will expire at various times between 2028 and 2037 if not utilized in earlier periods. However, because of the Act, the estimated federal net operating loss of $141,346 generated in 2018 does not expire but may only offset 80% of taxable income in any given year. At December 31, 2018, we have state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1,404,542 , which will expire between 2018 and 2038 if not utilized in earlier periods. In addition, at December 31, 2018, we had federal percentage depletion carryforwards of approximately $11,347 , which are not subject to expiration.

119


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)


Elements of the Reorganization Plan provided that our indebtedness related to Prior Senior Notes and certain general unsecured claims were exchanged for Successor common stock in settlement of those claims. Absent an exception, a debtor recognizes cancellation of indebtedness income (“CODI”) upon discharge of its outstanding indebtedness for an amount of consideration that is less than its adjusted issue price. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC”), provides that a debtor in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case may exclude CODI from taxable income but must reduce certain of its tax attributes by the amount of any CODI realized as a result of the consummation of a plan of reorganization. The amount of CODI realized by a taxpayer is determined based on the fair market value of the consideration received by the creditors in settlement of outstanding indebtedness. As a result of the market value of equity upon emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, the amount of CODI was $60,398 , which reduced the value of the Company’s net operating losses.

IRC Section 382 addresses company ownership changes and specifically limits the utilization of certain deductions and other tax attributes on an annual basis following an ownership change. As a result of the Chapter 11 reorganization and related transactions, the Company experienced an ownership change within the meaning of IRC Section 382 on March 21, 2017. The Company analyzed alternatives available within the IRC to taxpayers in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in order to minimize the impact of the March 21, 2017 ownership change on its tax attributes. Upon filing the 2017 U.S. Federal income tax return, the Company elected an available alternative which subjects existing tax attributes at emergence to an IRC Section 382 limitation that could result in some or all of the remaining net operating loss carryforwards expiring unused. Upon final determination of tax return amounts for the year ended December 31, 2017, including attribute reduction that occurred on January 1, 2018, the Company has total federal net operating loss carryforwards of $1,011,368 including $760,067 which are subject to limitation due to the ownership change that occurred upon emergence from bankruptcy and $251,301 of post-change net operating loss carryforwards not subject to this limitation. The Company estimates that it will incur an additional $141,346 of post-change net operating loss carryforward not subject to the limitation for the tax year ended December 31, 2018. The limitation did not result in a current tax liability for the tax year ended December 31, 2017 and is not expected to result in a tax liability for the tax year ended December 31, 2018.

Note 13: Deferred compensation

Phantom Stock Plan and Restricted Stock Unit Plan

Effective January 1, 2004, we implemented a Phantom Unit Plan, which was revised on December 31, 2008 as the Second Amended and Restated Phantom Stock Plan (the “Plan”), to provide deferred compensation to certain key employees (the “Participants”). Under the Plan, awards generally vested at the end of five years and were cash-settled within 120 days of the vesting date.

Effective March 1, 2012, we implemented a Non-Officer Restricted Stock Unit Plan (the “RSU Plan”) as a replacement for the Phantom Plan.

Under the RSU Plan, awards generally vested in equal annual increments over a three -year period and were cash-settled, generally within 120 days of the vesting date.

We did not grant any Phantom Units or RSUs during 2016 and due to the severe decline in commodity pricing, which resulted in a steep decline in our estimated proved reserves, the fair value per Phantom Unit and RSU as of January 1, 2017, was $0.00 . As of January 1, 2017, there were 98,596 unvested RSUs and 0 unvested Phantom shares, all of which were canceled upon our emergence from bankruptcy on the Effective Date.


120


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Cash Incentive Plan

We adopted the Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan (the “Cash LTIP”) on August 7, 2015. The Cash LTIP provides additional cash compensation to certain employees of the Company in the form of awards that generally vest in annual increments over a four -year period. Since the awards do not vary according to the value of the Company’s equity, the awards are not considered “stock-based compensation” under accounting guidance. We accrue for the cost of each annual increment over the period service is required to vest. A summary of compensation expense for the Cash LTIP is presented below:
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Cash LTIP expense (net of amounts capitalized)
$
543

 
$
1,192

 
 
$
5

 
$
696

Cash LTIP grants
174

 
5,637

 
 

 

Cash LTIP payments
1,183

 
1,285

 
 
42

 
666


As of December 31, 2018 , the outstanding liability accrued for our Cash LTIP, based on requisite service provided, was $1,327 . In October 2018, the Cash LTIP plan was replaced by the Chaparral Energy Long Term Incentive Plan (the "Employee LTIP") discussed below.

2010 Equity Incentive Plan

We adopted the Chaparral Energy, Inc. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”) on April 12, 2010. The 2010 Plan reserved a total of 86,301 shares of the Predecessor’s Class A common stock for awards issued under the 2010 Plan. All of our Affiliated Entities’ employees, officers, directors, and consultants, as defined in the 2010 Plan, were eligible to participate in the 2010 Plan.

The awards granted under the 2010 Plan consisted of shares that were subject to service vesting conditions (the “Time Vested” awards) and shares that were subject to market and performance vested conditions (the “Performance Vested” awards). As of result of our bankruptcy, the estimated fair value of our Time Vested restricted awards was $0.00 per share since the Petition Date. On the Effective Date, all outstanding unvested shares were canceled.

A summary of our restricted stock activity for the Predecessor period is presented below:
 
 
Time Vested
 
Performance Vested
 
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
 
Restricted
shares
 
Vest
date
fair
value
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
 
Restricted
shares
 
 
($ per share)
 
 
 
 
 
($ per share)
 
 
Unvested and outstanding at January 1, 2016 - Predecessor
 
$
795.13

 
13,979

 
 
 
$
278.97

 
28,448

Granted
 
$

 

 
 
 
$

 

Vested
 
$
798.85

 
(5,279
)
 
$
93

 
$

 

Forfeited
 
$
799.30

 
(2,033
)
 
 
 
$
283.99

 
(6,973
)
Unvested and outstanding at December 31, 2016 - Predecessor
 
$
790.91

 
6,667

 
 
 
$
277.33

 
21,475

Granted
 
$

 

 
 
 
$

 

Vested
 
$
812.91

 
(2,602
)
 
$

 
$

 

Forfeited
 
$
785.70

 
(468
)
 
 
 
$
195.75

 
(986
)
Cancelled
 
$
775.66

 
(3,597
)
 
 
 
$
281.26

 
(20,489
)
Unvested and outstanding at March 21, 2017 - Predecessor
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
During 2017 and 2016 we repurchased and canceled 2,597 and 5,725 vested shares, respectively.



121


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

2017 Management Incentive Plan

As discussed in “Note 3—Chapter 11 reorganization,” our Reorganization Plan authorized the issuance of 7% of outstanding Successor common shares on a fully diluted basis toward a new management incentive plan. On August 9, 2017, we adopted the Chaparral Energy, Inc. Management Incentive Plan (the “MIP”). The MIP provides for the following types of awards: options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance awards and other incentive awards.  The aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock, par value 0.01 per share, reserved for issuance pursuant to the MIP was initially set at 3,388,832 subject to changes in the event additional shares of common stock are issued under our Reorganization Plan. The MIP contemplates that any award granted under the plan may provide for the earlier termination of restrictions and acceleration of vesting in the event of a Change in Control, as may be described in the particular award agreement.

Pursuant to the MIP, we have granted restricted stock to employees and members of our Board. Of the grants awarded to employees, 75% were comprised of shares that are subject to service vesting conditions (the “Time Shares”) and 25% were comprised of shares that are subject to performance and/or market based vesting conditions (the “Performance Shares”). All grants to the Board were Time Shares.

Both Time and Performance Shares are classified as equity-based awards. The Time Shares vest in equal annual installments over the three -year vesting period. The Performance Shares vest in three tranches annually according to performance conditions established each year which generally relate to profitability, drilling results and other strategic goals. See “Note 1—Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies” for a discussion of our accounting policies regarding the MIP.

A summary of our restricted stock activity pursuant to our MIP is presented below:
 
 
Time Shares
 
Performance Shares
 
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
 
Restricted
shares
 
Vest date fair value
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
 
Restricted
shares
 
Vest date fair value
 
 
($ per share)
 
 
 
 
 
($ per share)
 
 
 
 
Unvested and outstanding at March 21, 2017
 
$

 

 
 
 
$

 

 
 
Granted
 
20.11

 
1,403,626

 
 
 
20.12

 
429,510

 
 
Vested
 

 

 
 
 
20.05

 
(152,421
)
 
$
3,611

Cancelled
 

 

 
 
 
20.05

 
(7,616
)
 
 
Unvested and outstanding at December 31, 2017
 
$
20.11

 
1,403,626

 
 
 
$
20.15

 
269,473

 
 
Granted
 
18.75

 
41,250

 
 
 
18.75

 
13,750

 
 
Vested
 
20.12

 
(445,029
)
 
$
7,856

 
20.08

 
(107,590
)
 
$
529

Forfeited
 
20.05

 
(181,641
)
 
 
 
20.05

 
(50,105
)
 
 
Unvested and outstanding at December 31, 2018
 
$
20.06

 
818,206

 
 
 
$
20.12

 
125,528

 
 

We have the ability to repurchase shares for tax withholding or pursuant to certain share repurchase provisions in our MIP award agreements. However, our employees also have the ability to sell shares on the open market to cover employee tax withholdings. We repurchased nil shares and 261,103 shares in 2017 and 2018, respectively, primarily for tax withholding purposes. We expect to repurchase approximately 207,000 shares in 2019 for tax withholding purposes. Based on the market price of $4.92 per share, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested restricted shares outstanding was $4,643 as of December 31, 2018 .

Valuation assumptions for market based awards

Approximately 20% of the Performance Shares scheduled to vest in 2018 were based on a market condition determined by the Company's stock return performance relative to a group of identified peers. Expense on these awards is based on a fair value that incorporates the probability of vesting. We utilized a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the fair value of the market based award .The simulation utilized a risk free rate of 2.09% and volatility of 35.6% to a arrive at a fair value of $8.60 per restricted share. These input are considered to be Level III inputs within the fair value hierarchy.


122


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Employee LTIP

On October 1, 2018, we issued RSUs under the Employee LTIP as a replacement for the Cash LTIP described above. Certain RSUs are to be settled in stock upon vesting while others are to be settled in cash. The stock-settled RSUs are classified as equity awards while the cash settled RSUs are classified as liability awards. These awards, which are service-based, will vest in equal installments over a  three -year period subject to performance conditions established each year which generally relate to profitability, drilling results and other strategic goals. See “Note 1—Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies” for a discussion of our accounting policies regarding the Employee LTIP.

A summary of our RSU activity pursuant is presented below:

 
 
Stock-settled RSUs
 
Cash-settled RSUs
 
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
 
Restricted
units
 
Weighted
average
grant date
fair value
 
Restricted
units
 
 
($ per unit)
 
 
 
($ per unit)
 
 
Unvested and outstanding at January 1, 2018
 

 

 

 

Granted
 
17.66

 
92,017

 
17.66

 
37,991

Forfeited
 
17.66

 
(2,384
)
 
17.66

 
(795
)
Unvested and outstanding at December 31, 2018
 
17.66

 
89,633

 
17.66

 
37,196


Based on the market price of $4.92 per share, the aggregate intrinsic value of unvested restricted units outstanding was $624 as of December 31, 2018 .

Companywide stock award

All employees are eligible for a grant of  100 shares subsequent to being employed for a certain period of time. During 2018 and 2017, we granted 600 and 20,100 shares, respectively. There were no vesting requirements for these awards and thus compensation was recognized in full on the award date based on the closing price of our common stock on that date. The compensation cost is included in the table below.

Stock-based compensation cost

Compensation cost is calculated net of forfeitures. As allowed by recent accounting guidance, we will recognize the impact of forfeitures on expense due to employee terminations as they occur instead of incorporating an estimate of such forfeitures. For awards with performance conditions, we will assess the probability that a performance condition will be achieved at each reporting period to determine whether and when to recognize compensation cost.

A portion of stock-based compensation cost associated with employees involved in our acquisition, exploration, and development activities has been capitalized as part of our oil and natural gas properties. The remaining cost is reflected in lease operating and general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Stock-based compensation expense is as follows for the periods indicated:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Stock-based compensation expense (credit)
 
$
13,444

 
$
12,606

 
 
$
194

 
$
(6,196
)
Less: stock-based compensation cost capitalized
 
(2,543
)
 
(2,773
)
 
 
(39
)
 
958

Total stock-based compensation expense (credit), net
 
$
10,901

 
$
9,833

 
 
$
155

 
$
(5,238
)
Payments for stock-based compensation
 
$
4,936

 
$

 
 
$

 
$
49

Recognized tax expense associated with stock-based compensation
 
$
22

 
$

 
 
$

 
$


123


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

 
During the third quarter of 2016, we recorded a cumulative catch up adjustment of $5,985 to reverse the aggregate compensation cost associated with our Performance Vested awards in order to reflect a decrease in the probability that requisite service would be achieved for these awards. Expense during 2016 was a credit as a result of the aforementioned catch up adjustment, forfeitures and the reduction in fair value of our liability-based awards. Payments for stock-based compensation were $4,936 , $0 , and $49 during 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively, which were made for tax withholding purposes. As of December 31, 2018 , and 2017 , accrued payroll and benefits payable included $17 and $0 , respectively, for stock-based compensation costs expected to be settled within the next twelve months. There were no recorded liabilities with respect to stock-based-compensation as of December 31, 2017 , since all outstanding restricted stock awards at that time were equity classified awards. Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost of approximately $6,917 as of December 31, 2018 is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 . This amount does not include Performance Shares attributable to 2019 and 2020 performance conditions since requisite service for those shares had not commenced as of December 31, 2018 .
 
Note 14: Stockholders' equity

Predecessor Common Stock

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation filed April 12, 2010, created seven classes of $0.01 par value per share common stock, classes A through G, with the rights and preferences summarized below. The Class A common stock carries standard voting, dividend and liquidation rights. The class B, C and D common stock was issued to our former stockholders, with a separate class issued to each stockholder. The class E and class F common stock was issued to CCMP. One share of class G common stock was issued to two former stockholders.

On the Effective Date, all existing common stock of the Predecessor was canceled and each holder of such stock did not receive any distribution or retain any property on account of their stock interest.

Successor Common Stock

On the Effective Date, we issued a total of 44,982,142 shares of Successor common stock consisting of 37,110,630 shares of Class A common stock and 7,871,512 shares Class B common stock pursuant to our Reorganization Plan and our new organizational documents.  The new Class A shares and Class B shares had identical economic and voting rights. However, Class B shares were subject to certain redemption provisions upon demand to the Company by certain stockholders undertaking an initial public offering, as described in our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Organization. On December 19, 2018, all outstanding shares of Class B common stock converted into the same number of shares of Class A common stock. Each share of Class B Common Stock that was converted has been retired by the Company and is not available for reissuance. The conversion had no impact on the voting power of the holders of shares of Class B Common Stock. The conversion had no impact on the total number of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of capital stock.


124


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Summary of changes in common stock

The following is a summary of the changes in our common shares outstanding:
 
 
Common Stock
 
 
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class C
 
Class E
 
Class F
 
Class G
 
Total
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2016 - Predecessor
 
345,289

 
344,859

 
209,882

 
504,276

 
1

 
2

 
1,404,309

Restricted stock repurchased
 
(2,597
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,597
)
Restricted stock canceled
 
(9,006
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(9,006
)
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2016 - Predecessor
 
333,686

 
344,859

 
209,882

 
504,276

 
1

 
2

 
1,392,706

Restricted stock forfeited
 
(1,454
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(1,454
)
Restricted stock canceled
 
(8,964
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(8,964
)
Shares outstanding at March 21, 2017 - Predecessor
 
323,268

 
344,859

 
209,882

 
504,276

 
1

 
2

 
1,382,288

Cancellation of Predecessor equity
 
(323,268
)
 
(344,859
)
 
(209,882
)
 
(504,276
)
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
(1,382,288
)
Shares outstanding at March 21, 2017 - Predecessor
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of Successor common stock - rights offering
 
4,197,210

 

 

 

 

 

 
4,197,210

Issuance of Successor common stock - backstop premium
 
367,030

 

 

 

 

 

 
367,030

Issuance of Successor common stock - settlement of claims
 
32,546,390

 
7,871,512

 

 

 

 

 
40,417,902

Shares outstanding at March 21, 2017 - Successor
 
37,110,630

 
7,871,512

 

 

 

 

 
44,982,142

Stock-based compensation
 
1,853,236

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,853,236

Restricted stock canceled
 
(7,616
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(7,616
)
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2017 - Successor
 
38,956,250

 
7,871,512

 

 

 

 

 
46,827,762

Issuance of restricted stock
 
55,600

 

 

 

 

 

 
55,600

Conversion of Class B shares
 
7,871,512

 
(7,871,512
)
 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common stock
 
(261,103
)
 

 


 


 


 


 
(261,103
)
Restricted stock forfeited
 
(231,746
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(231,746
)
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2018 - Successor
 
46,390,513

 

 

 

 

 

 
46,390,513

 
Note 15: Retirement benefits

We provide a 401(k) retirement plan for all employees and matched 100% of employee contributions up to 7% of each employee’s gross wages during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . At December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , there were 173 , 210 , and 315 employees, respectively, participating in the plan. Our contribution expense was as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
401(k) contribution expense
 
$
1,543

 
$
1,267

 
 
$
396

 
$
1,781

 
Note 16: Revenue recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that supersedes previous revenue recognition requirements which has been codified as Accounting Standards Codification 606: Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts 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.


125


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Description of products and revenue disaggregation

Our revenue is predominantly derived from the production and sale of oil, natural gas and NGLs which, prior to January 1, 2018, was reported in the aggregate as “Commodity sales” on our statement of operations. Substantially all our oil and natural gas properties are located in Oklahoma and Texas and are sold to midstream gas processing plants or crude oil refineries in the vicinity. We have disaggregated revenue based on the separate commodities being sold: crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. In selecting the disaggregation categories, we considered a number of factors such as those affecting supply and demand and thus market prices, storage and the ability to transport the product, industry specific disclosures required by the SEC and FASB, other external disclosures we typically make, and information we have historically presented in the management discussion and analysis section of our annual and quarterly reports. As such, we believe that disaggregating revenue by commodity type appropriately depicts how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

The following table displays the revenue disaggregated and reconciles the disaggregated revenue to the revenue reported:
 
 
Year ended
December 31, 2018
Revenues:
 
 

Oil
 
$
171,749

Natural gas
 
41,506

Natural gas liquids
 
45,590

Gross commodity sales
 
258,845

Transportation and processing
 
(16,276
)
Net commodity sales
 
$
242,569

 

Performance Obligations

Our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids contracts typically contain only one type of performance obligation, which is for the delivery of the underlying commodity, and which is satisfied at the point in time the commodity is transferred to the customer. We consider each commodity (ex. barrel of oil or MMBtu of natural gas) to be a separate performance obligation. For natural gas and natural gas liquids, all our sales are to midstream processing entities engaged in the processing of gas and marketing the resulting residue gas and NGLs to third party customers. We transfer control of the product to the midstream processing customer at the wellhead and recognize revenue upon such delivery.

Under our oil sales contracts, we generally sell oil to the purchaser from storage tanks near the wellhead and collect a contractually agreed upon index price, net of pricing differentials. We transfer control of the product from the storage tanks to the purchaser and recognize revenue based on the contract price.

We do not engage in activities to purchase and sell third party natural gas and NGLs. As a result, the commodity revenues we recognize are only for our working interest share of the production.

Pricing and measurement

All of our contracts use market or index-based pricing resulting in the entire transaction price being variable. Since our sales transactions meet the variable allocation criteria in the standard, all consideration is allocated entirely to performance obligations satisfied by distinct commodity units delivered. We record revenue in the month production is delivered to the purchaser. However, settlement statements for our commodity sales are received one to three months after the date production is delivered, and as a result, we are required to estimate the amount of production that was delivered to the purchaser and the price that will be received for the sale of the product. We record the differences between our estimates and the actual amounts for product sales in the month that payment is received from the purchaser. Historically, differences between our revenue estimates and actual revenue received have not been significant. We receive payment for a majority of our sales receivables in the month following delivery and substantially all within three months following delivery. For the year ended December 31, 2018 , revenue recognized in the reporting period related to performance obligations satisfied in prior reporting periods was not material.


126


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations  

For our product sales that have a contract term greater than one year, we have utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606, which states that a company is not required to disclose the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the variable consideration is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation. Each unit of product delivered to the customer represents a separate performance obligation; therefore, future volumes are wholly unsatisfied and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is not required. For our product sales that have a contract term of one year or less, we have utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606, which states that a company is not required to disclose the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the performance obligation is part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less.

Nature of gas contracts

All our natural gas and NGL production is sold to midstream processing entities and we do not elect to take our residue gas and/or NGLs in-kind at the tailgate of the processing plant. The midstream customer provides us with services such as compressing the gas, transporting the gas to the processing plant and processing it into the separate commodity streams for fees which are deducted from the revenue we receive. We previously reported fees for these services as “Transportation and processing” expenses in our statement of operations. Under ASC 606, since control and possession of the gas is transferred to the customer at the wellhead prior to the receipt of the aforementioned services, the customer is not deemed to be providing a distinct service and any fees paid to the customer are accounted for as a reduction in revenue. We have presented transportation and processing fees as a revenue deduction for the fiscal period beginning January 1, 2018, while our presentation for prior periods remains unchanged.

Contract assets and liabilities

We recognize a receivable for the unconditional right to receive consideration when the commodity is transferred to the customer, at which point the performance obligation is satisfied. All our contract assets are in the form of receivables which are presented as “Accrued commodity sales” in our tabular disclosure of accounts receivable in "Note 1: Nature of operations and summary of significant accounting policies." Since we are not entitled to advance payments from our customers prior to the transfer of our commodities nor do we receive such payments, we do no t have contract liabilities .

Method of adoption

We adopted ASC 606 effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective approach. Based on an assessment of our contracts, the new guidance did not have a material impact on prior net income and therefore we did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit.

Reconciliation of Income Statement

In accordance with ASC 606, the disclosure of the impact of adoption on our income statement is as follows:
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2018
 
 
As reported
 
Balances without adoption of ASC 606
 
Effect of change
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net commodity sales
 
$
242,569

 
$
258,845

 
$
16,276

Costs and expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Transportation and processing
 
$

 
$
(16,276
)
 
$
(16,276
)

Note 17: Commitments and contingencies

Letters of Credit. Standby letters of credit (“Letters”) available under our New Credit Facility are used in lieu of surety bonds with various organizations for liabilities relating to the operation of oil and natural gas properties. Our outstanding Letters, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , totaled $869 and $828 , respectively. Interest on each Letter accrues at the lender’s prime rate for all amounts paid by the lenders under the Letters. No amounts were paid by the lenders under the Letters, therefore we paid no interest on the Letters during the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , or 2016 .


127


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

Drilling Rig Commitments. As of December 31, 2018 , we have commitments totaling $12,419 for drilling rigs which extend through the end of 2019.

Operating Leases. We rent equipment used on our oil and natural gas properties and have operating lease agreements for CO 2 recycle compressors and office equipment. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 was $3,684 , $4,971 , and $6,693 , respectively. Our leases relating to office equipment have terms of up to five years . In June 2014, we entered into two non-cancelable operating leases for CO 2 recycle compressors at our EOR facilities which expire in 2021 . In May 2016, we took delivery of an additional CO 2 compressor for which we have entered into a non-cancelable operating lease which expires in 2023 . In conjunction with the sale of our EOR assets, these compressors were subleased to the buyer of those assets although we remain the primary obligor in relation to U.S. Bank National Association. The subleases are structured such that the lease payments and remaining lease term are identical to the original leases.

As of December 31, 2018 , total remaining payments associated with our operating leases, of which a substantial portion was related to our CO 2 compressors, were:
2019
$
1,471

2020
1,330

2021
1,297

2022
278

2023 and thereafter
205

 
$
4,581


Litigation and Claims

Chapter 11 Proceedings. Commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases automatically stayed many of the proceedings and actions against us noted below as well as other claims and actions that were or could have been brought prior to May 9, 2016 ("Petition Date"), and the claims remain subject to Bankruptcy Court jurisdiction. In connection with the proofs of claim asserted in the Chapter 11 Cases arising from the proceedings or actions below which were initiated prior to the Petition Date, we are unable to estimate the amount of such claims that will be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court due to, among other things, the complexity and number of legal and factual issues which are necessary to determine the amount of such claims and uncertainties with respect to the nature of defenses asserted in connection with the claims, the potential size of the putative classes, and the types of the properties and scope of agreements related to such claims . As a result, no reserves were established in respect of such proofs of claims or any of the proceedings or actions described below. To the extent that any of the legal proceedings were filed prior to the Petition Date and result in a claim being allowed against us, pursuant to the terms of the Reorganization Plan, such claims will be satisfied through the issuance of new stock in the Company or, if the amount is such claim is below the convenience class threshold, through cash settlement. As of December 31, 2018, there are in excess of 100 remaining claims subject to Bankruptcy Court jurisdiction. Of the total alleged dollar amount of these unresolved claims, nearly all, as measured by the alleged amount of such claims, is comprised of claims from the Naylor Farms case, the W.H. Davis case and the CLO case described below. If the Bankruptcy Court were to allow the remaining unresolved proofs of claims from these cases in the full amount asserted therein, the Company, pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization, would be required to issue additional shares to the holders of such allowed proofs of claim, which could result in dilution to existing stockholders.

Naylor Farms, Inc., individually and as class representative on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C (the “Naylor Farms case”) . On June 7, 2011, an alleged class action was filed against us in the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma (“Naylor Trial Court”) alleging that we improperly deducted post-production costs from royalties paid to plaintiffs and other royalty interest owners as categorized in the petition from crude oil and natural gas wells located in Oklahoma. Plaintiffs indicated they seek damages in excess of $5,000 , the majority of which would be comprised of interest and may increase with the passage of time. The purported class includes non-governmental royalty interest owners in oil and natural gas wells we operate in Oklahoma. The plaintiffs have alleged a number of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and other claims and seek termination of leases, recovery of compensatory damages, interest, punitive damages and attorney fees on behalf of the alleged class. We responded to the Naylor Farms petition, denied the allegations and raised arguments and defenses. Plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification in October 2015. In addition, the plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment asking the Naylor Trial Court to determine as a matter of law that natural gas is not marketable until it is in the condition and location to enter an interstate pipeline. On May 20, 2016, we filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy with the Naylor Trial Court. Subsequently the bankruptcy stay was lifted for the limited purpose of determining the class certification issue.


128


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

On January 17, 2017, the Naylor Trial Court certified a modified class of plaintiffs with oil and gas leases containing specific language. The modified class constitutes less than 60% of the leases the plaintiffs originally sought to certify. After additional briefing on the subject, on April 18, 2017, the Naylor Trial Court issued an order certifying the class to include only claims relating back to June 1, 2006. On May 1, 2017, we filed a Petition for Permission to Appeal Class Certification Order with the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals (the “Tenth Circuit”), which was granted. Oral arguments were held on March 20, 2018.

In addition to filing claims on behalf of the named and putative plaintiffs, on August 15, 2016, plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a proof of claim on behalf of the putative class claiming damages in excess of $150,000 in our Chapter 11 Cases. The Company objected to treatment of the claim on a class basis, asserting the claim should be addressed on an individual basis. On April 20, 2017, plaintiffs filed an amended proof of claim reducing the claim to an amount in excess of $90,000 inclusive of actual and punitive damages, statutory interest and attorney fees. On May 24, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court denied the Company’s objection, ruling the plaintiffs may file a claim on behalf of the class. This order did not establish liability or otherwise address the merits of the plaintiffs’ claims, to which we will also object. On June 7, 2017 we appealed the Bankruptcy Court order to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware.

Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, if the plaintiffs ultimately prevail on the merits of their claims, any liability arising under judgment or settlement of the unsecured claims would be satisfied through the issuance of stock in the Company. We continue to dispute the plaintiffs’ allegations, dispute the case meets the requirements for class certification, and are objecting to the claims both individually and on a class-wide basis.

W. H. Davis Family Limited Partnership Claims in the Company’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases (the “W.H. Davis case”). The W. H. Davis Family Limited Partnership (“Davis”) filed Proofs of Claim (Nos. 1819 and 1835) in the Company’s Chapter 11 Cases. Davis claims that Chaparral owes Davis $17,262 as the result of Chaparral’s alleged diversion of CO 2 from the Camrick Unit and the North Perryton Unit to the Farnsworth Unit. All these units were divested by the Company as part of its EOR asset sale in November 2017. The Camrick Unit was a tertiary recovery project located in Beaver County and Texas County, Oklahoma. The North Perryton Unit was a tertiary recovery project located in Ochiltree County, Texas. The Company was previously the operator of the Camrick and North Perryton Units and owned approximately 60% of the working interest in those units. Davis owns approximately 40% of the working interests in those units. The Company also operated the Farnsworth Unit which was a tertiary recovery project located in Ochiltree County, Texas. The Company previously owned 100% of the working interests in the Farnsworth Unit. Davis contends that the Company was required to deliver all available CO 2 from sourced from the Agrium nitrogen fertilizer plant in Borger, Texas, to the Camrick and North Perryton Units and its diversion of a portion of the available CO 2 to the Farnsworth Unit constitutes a breach of contractual and fiduciary duties owed to Davis. Davis contends that the diversion has resulted in a decrease of oil production and reserves in the Camrick Unit and the North Perryton Unit. Davis contends that Chaparral caused the diversion of CO 2 from the Camrick and North Perryton Units to the Farnsworth Unit in order to profit from increased production at the Farnsworth Unit to the detriment of Davis.

The Company disputes Davis’ allegations and specifically denies that it has any contractual or fiduciary obligation to Davis as alleged in the Proofs of Claim. The Company filed objections to the Proofs of Claim in the Chapter 11 proceeding. This proceeding is pending in the Bankruptcy Court. The Bankruptcy Judge has ordered Davis and the Company to participate in a mediation of the dispute. The mediation is currently scheduled for March 27, 2019; however, it is likely that it will be postponed.

Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, if Davis ultimately prevails on the merits of its claims, any liability arising under the judgment or settlement would be satisfied through the issuance of stock in the Company.

The Commissioners of the Land Office of the State of Oklahoma’s Claims in the Company’s Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Cases (the “CLO case”). The Commissioners of the Land Office of the State of Oklahoma (“CLO”) claims that the Company is the lessee of mineral interests owned by the State of Oklahoma that are administered by the CLO. The CLO alleges that the Company has failed to pay royalties or has underpaid royalties owed to the CLO under these mineral leases and the CLO’s regulations. The CLO’s Proofs of Claims Nos. 2130 and 2131 allege non-payment of royalties and seek recovery of $1,697 in allegedly unpaid royalties and related interest. The CLO’s Proofs of Claim Nos. 2132, 2133 and 2234 allege underpayment of royalties seek recovery of $29 in underpaid royalties and related interests.

The Company objects to the CLO’s claims on several grounds, including: (1) claims fail to take into account differences in the specific lease language and applicable regulations as they have changed over time; (2) the CLO’s construction of the leases and the regulations are improper; (3) the claims are based upon improper benchmark prices; (4) the claims improperly include amounts for interests; (5) the CLO seeks to impose liability on the Company for royalties where it is not CLO’s lessee; and (6) the claims are barred in whole or in part by the applicable Statute of Limitations and/or the doctrines of laches and estoppel.

129


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)


Pursuant to the Reorganization Plan, if the CLO ultimately prevails on the merits of its claims, any liability arising under the judgment or settlement would be satisfied through the issuance of stock in the Company.

Martha Donelson and John Friend, on behalf of themselves and on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. On August 11, 2014, an alleged class action was filed against us, as well as several other operators in Osage County, Oklahoma in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, alleging claims on behalf of the named plaintiffs and all similarly situated Osage County land owners and surface lessees. The plaintiffs challenged leases and drilling permits approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs without the environmental studies allegedly required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The plaintiffs assert claims seeking recovery for trespass, nuisance, negligence and unjust enrichment. Relief sought includes declaring oil and natural gas leases and drilling permits obtained in Osage County without a prior NEPA study void ab initio , removing us from all properties owned by the class members, disgorgement of profits, and compensatory and punitive damages. On March 31, 2016, the Court dismissed the case against all defendants as an improper challenge under NEPA and the Administrative Procedures Act. On April 29, 2016, the plaintiffs filed motions to alter or amend the court’s opinion and vacate the judgment, and to file an amended complaint to cure the deficiencies which the court found in the dismissed complaint. On May 20, 2016, the Company filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy, and as a result has not responded to the plaintiffs’ motions. After plaintiff’s motion for reconsideration was denied, plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal with the Tenth Circuit on December 6, 2016. Oral argument regarding the appeal was held on November 14, 2017, and on April 5, 2018, the Tenth Circuit affirmed the dismissal. Plaintiffs petitioned for rehearing on May 21, 2018. The deadline to appeal the order of the Tenth Circuit passed without an appeal being filed and the case was dismissed.

Lisa West and Stormy Hopson, individually and as class representatives on behalf of all similarly situated persons v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. On February 18, 2016, an alleged class action was filed against us, as well as several other operators in the District Court of Pottawatomie County, State of Oklahoma, alleging claims on behalf of named plaintiffs and all similarly situated persons having an insurable real property interest in eight counties in central Oklahoma (the “Class Area”). The plaintiffs alleged that certain oil and gas operations conducted by us and the other defendants have induced earthquakes in the Class Area. The plaintiffs did not seek damages for property damage, but instead asked the court to require the defendants to reimburse plaintiffs and class members for earthquake insurance premiums from 2011 through the time at which the court determines there is no longer a risk of induced earthquakes, as well as attorney fees and costs and other relief. On March 18, 2016, the case was removed to the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma under the Class Action Fairness Act. On April 14, 2016, we filed a motion to dismiss the claims asserted against us for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. On May 20, 2016, we filed a Notice of Suggestion of Bankruptcy, informing the court that we had filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. On October 14, 2016, the plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint adding additional defendants and increasing the Class Area to 25 central Oklahoma counties. Other defendants filed motions to dismiss the action which were granted on May 12, 2017. On July 18, 2017, plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint adding additional named plaintiffs as putative class representatives and adding three additional counties to the putative class area. In the Second Amended Complaint, plaintiffs sought damages for nuisance, negligence, abnormally dangerous activities, and trespass. Due to Chaparral’s bankruptcy, plaintiffs specifically limited alleged damages related to Chaparral’s disposal activities occurring after our emergence from bankruptcy on March 21, 2017. We moved to dismiss the Second Amended Complaint on September 15, 2017. On August 13, 2018, the court granted our motion to dismiss, and on August 16, 2018 issued an order striking the class allegations from the Second Amended Complaint. On August 30, 2018, plaintiffs filed a motion for a permissive appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, challenging the order dismissing the class allegations. The Tenth Circuit denied plaintiffs’ petition for leave to appeal on September 24, 2018. Because the plaintiffs still have live claims pending against other defendants, the district court’s dismissal of the claims asserted against us are not yet final. In the event plaintiffs ultimately seek to appeal our dismissal, we will dispute the plaintiffs’ claims, dispute that the case meets the requirements for a class action, dispute the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and vigorously defend the case.

Plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a proof of claim on behalf of the putative class claiming in excess of $ 75,000 in our Chapter 11 Cases. We filed an objection to class treatment of the proof of claim filed by the West plaintiffs in our Bankruptcy proceeding. The bankruptcy Court heard our objection, and on February 9, 2018, granted our objection to class treatment of the proof of claim.

Lisa Griggs and April Marler, on behalf of themselves and other Oklahoma citizens similarly situated v. New Dominion, L.L.C. et al. On July 21, 2017, an alleged class action was filed against us and other operators, in the District Court of Logan County, State of Oklahoma. The named plaintiffs assert claims on behalf of themselves and Oklahoma citizens owning a home or business between March 30, 2014, and the present in a class area which encompasses nine counties in central Oklahoma (the "Griggs Class Area"). The plaintiffs allege disposal of saltwater produced during oil and gas operations induced earthquakes in the Griggs Class Area, and each defendant has liability under theories of ultra-hazardous activities, negligence, nuisance, and trespass. On October 24, 2017, plaintiffs

130


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

filed a First Amended Class Petition in Logan County, Oklahoma, adding Creek County, Oklahoma to the Griggs Class Area, and adding an additional earthquake to the list of seismic events allegedly caused by the defendants. The plaintiffs asked the court to award unspecified damages for damage to real and personal property and loss of market value, loss of use and enjoyment of the properties, and emotional harm, as well as punitive damages and pre-judgment and post-judgment interest. The case was removed to the Western District of Oklahoma on December 15, 2017, and on December 18, 2017, plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed us from the suit without prejudice. Due to subsequent remand to state court, we filed notice of the dismissal in the state court action on January 31, 2018.

James Butler et al. v. Berexco, L.L.C., Chaparral Energy, L.L.C, et al .  On October 13, 2017, a group of fifty-two individual plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Payne County, State of Oklahoma against twenty-six named defendants, including us, and twenty-five unnamed defendants. Plaintiffs are all property owners and residents of Payne County, Oklahoma, and allege salt water disposal activities by the defendants, owners or operators of salt water disposal wells, induced earthquakes which have caused damage to real and personal property, and emotional damages. Plaintiffs claim absolute liability for ultra-hazardous activities, negligence, gross negligence, public and private nuisance, trespass, and ask for compensatory and punitive damages. On December 18, 2017, we moved the court to dismiss the claims against us. Prior to plaintiffs responding to our motion, a hearing on a motion to stay the Butler case was held on January 4, 2018. The judge granted the motion to stay proceedings, ruling that the Butler case was stayed pending final judgment or denial of class certification in the Lisa West et al. v. ABC Oil Company, Inc. case, supra . Despite the dismissal of the class allegations in the West case, the stay has not been lifted. Our motion to dismiss will not be considered until the stay is lifted, at which time, if necessary, we will dispute plaintiffs’ claims, dispute that the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and vigorously defend the case.

Lacheverjuan Bennett et al. v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C., et al .  On March 26, 2018, a group of twenty-seven individual plaintiffs filed a lawsuit in the District Court of Logan County, State of Oklahoma against twenty-three named defendants, including us, and twenty-five unnamed defendants. Plaintiffs are all property owners and residents of Logan County, Oklahoma, and allege the defendants, all oil and gas companies which have engaged in injection well operations, induced earthquakes which have caused damage to real and personal property, and caused emotional damages. Plaintiffs claim absolute liability for ultra-hazardous activities, negligence, gross negligence, public and private nuisance, and trespass, and ask for compensatory and punitive damages, and attorney fees and costs. On October 22, 2018, we filed a motion to dismiss the claims asserted against us for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. Jointly with other defendants, we have also filed a motion to stay the proceedings pending resolution of Lisa West et al. v. ABC Oil Company, Inc . Despite dismissal of the class allegations in the West case, the stay has not been lifted. When the stay is lifted, we will dispute the plaintiffs’ claims, dispute the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and vigorously defend the case.

Hallco Petroleum, Inc. v. Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. On November 7, 2017, Hallco Production, LLC (“Hallco”) filed a lawsuit against us in the District Court of Kay County, State of Oklahoma. Plaintiffs alleged carbon dioxide which was injected for enhanced oil recovery in wells operated by us in the North Burbank Unit migrated to wells operated by Hallco, damaging its salt water disposal well and therefore preventing operation of, and production from, all wells on Hallco’s lease. Plaintiffs allege the migration of carbon dioxide constituted trespass, and further allege negligence and nuisance. Plaintiff seeks actual damages in excess of $75 , plus punitive damages in an unspecified amount. Because we sold the EOR wells on November 17, 2017, Hallco filed an amended petition on March 6, 2018 to add the purchaser, Perdure Petroleum, LLC, as an additional defendant in the lawsuit. Plaintiff claims the damage is ongoing. We dispute the plaintiff’s claims, dispute the remedies requested are available under Oklahoma law, and are vigorously defending the case.

Brown & Borelli, Inc. v. Chesapeake Operating, L.L.C. et al. , in the District Court of Kingfisher County, State of Oklahoma. The plaintiff filed its petition in this case on August 24, 2018. In the petition, the plaintiff alleges our use of hydraulic fracturing during completion of a certain horizontal oil and gas well caused damage to plaintiff’s existing vertical wells located in another section. The plaintiff also alleges two co-defendants’ completion of horizontal wells likewise caused damage to the same vertical wells. Plaintiff asserts claims for trespass and nuisance against all defendants and seeks to recover compensatory damages for the alleged loss of production to plaintiff’s vertical wells. We filed an answer on October 9, 2018 disputing plaintiff’s material allegations and asserting certain affirmative and other defenses. Discovery is ongoing and no scheduling order has yet been entered by the court. We will vigorously defend the case.

We are involved in various other legal proceedings including, but not limited to, commercial disputes, claims from royalty and surface owners, property damage claims, quiet title actions, personal injury claims, employment claims, and other matters which arise in the ordinary course of business. These proceedings may include allegations of damages from induced earthquakes, which we will vigorously defend as necessary. In addition, other proofs of claim have been filed in our bankruptcy case which we anticipate

131


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

repudiating. While the outcome of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not expect any of them individually to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Note 18: Oil and natural gas activities (unaudited)

Our oil and natural gas activities are conducted entirely in the United States. Costs incurred in oil and natural gas producing activities are as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Property acquisition costs
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 

Proved properties
 
$
1,699

 
$
179

 
 
$
527

 
$
390

Unproved properties
 
120,610

 
33,901

 
 
2,904

 
15,497

Total acquisition costs
 
122,309

 
34,080

 
 
3,431

 
15,887

Development costs
 
199,833

 
140,180

 
 
32,657

 
114,472

Exploration costs
 
18,876

 
916

 
 
1,241

 
19,055

Total
 
$
341,018

 
$
175,176

 
 
$
37,329

 
$
149,414


Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense of oil and natural gas properties was as follows: 
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
Period from
 
Period from
 
 
January 1, 2018
 
March 22, 2017
 
 
January 1, 2017
 
January 1, 2016
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
through
 
through
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
March 21, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
DD&A (1)
 
$
79,070

 
$
84,899

 
 
$
23,442

 
$
115,765

DD&A per BOE:
 
$
10.56

 
$
12.86

 
 
$
13.05

 
$
12.97

________________________________
(1)
Includes accretion of asset retirement obligations.

Oil and natural gas properties not subject to amortization consists of unevaluated leasehold acquisition costs, capitalized interest related to the leasehold costs and wells or facilities for which reserve volumes are not classified as proved until completed. The costs of unevaluated oil and natural gas properties, by year incurred, consisted of the following:
 
 
 
Year Cost Incurred
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
Total
Leasehold acreage (1)
 
$
91,175

 
$
324,501

 
$
11,530

 
$
427,206

Capitalized interest (2)
 
9,304

 
2,073

 

 
11,377

Wells in progress of completion
 
28,033

 

 

 
28,033

Total unevaluated oil and natural gas properties excluded from amortization
 
$
128,512

 
$
326,574

 
$
11,530

 
$
466,616

________________________________
(1)
In the past, the costs associated with unevaluated properties typically related to historical acquisition costs of leasehold acreage. However, the year-end balance for 2018 includes an increase in carrying value to fair value of $299,397 as a result of the application of fresh start accounting upon emergence from bankruptcy. See “Note 4—Fresh start accounting.”
(2)
As of December 31, 2018 , this amount reflects the cumulative interest capitalized on the historical acquisition cost of leasehold acreage subsequent to our establishing opening balances under fresh start accounting. Interest is not capitalized on amounts related to the fair value gross up discussed above.

The carrying value of wells in progress of completion will be transferred to the amortization base upon completion in 2019. With respect to leasehold acreage, the carrying value of undeveloped leasehold acreage will be evaluated and transferred to the

132


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

amortization base within the next two to five years . Leasehold acreage also includes value assigned to held-by-production leasehold upon adoption of fresh start accounting; the carrying value of such leasehold will be transferred to the amortization base as those locations are evaluated. 

Note 19: Disclosures about oil and natural gas activities (unaudited)

The estimate of proved reserves and related valuations were based upon the reports of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. and, prior to 2017, Ryder Scott Company, L.P., each an independent petroleum and geological engineering firm, and our engineering staff. Users of this information should be aware that the process of estimating quantities of “proved” and “proved developed” crude oil and natural gas 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 additional development activity, evolving production history and continual reassessment of the viability of production under varying economic conditions. Consequently, material revisions to existing reserve estimates occur from time to time.  

Our oil and natural gas reserves are attributable solely to properties within the United States. A summary of the changes in our quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves for the three years ended December 31, 2018 are as follows:
 
 
 
Oil
(MBbls)
 
Natural gas (MMcf)
 
Natural gas liquids
(MBbls)
 
Total
(MBoe)
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

As of January 1, 2016
 
113,766

 
178,218

 
12,071

 
155,541

Extensions and discoveries
 
4,037

 
18,085

 
1,499

 
8,550

Revisions (1)
 
(16,312
)
 
(44,965
)
 
(57
)
 
(23,864
)
Production
 
(4,870
)
 
(15,889
)
 
(1,408
)
 
(8,926
)
Balance at December 31, 2016
 
96,621

 
135,449

 
12,105

 
131,301

Sales of minerals in place
 
(74,918
)
 
(1,663
)
 
(46
)
 
(75,241
)
Extensions and discoveries
 
8,957

 
39,843

 
5,442

 
21,040

Revisions (1)
 
3,515

 
11,135

 
2,216

 
7,586

Production
 
(4,571
)
 
(14,598
)
 
(1,395
)
 
(8,399
)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
29,604

 
170,166

 
18,322

 
76,287

Sales of minerals in place
 
(2,422
)
 
(14,184
)
 
(1,374
)
 
(6,160
)
Extensions and discoveries
 
6,545

 
69,189

 
9,329

 
27,406

Revisions (1)
 
1,254

 
12,596

 
1,411

 
4,764

Production
 
(2,684
)
 
(17,549
)
 
(1,881
)
 
(7,490
)
Balance at December 31, 2018
 
32,297

 
220,218

 
25,807

 
94,807

Proved developed reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2016
 
40,300

 
132,323

 
9,169

 
71,524

December 31, 2016
 
28,590

 
108,800

 
9,352

 
56,076

December 31, 2017
 
18,301

 
123,451

 
11,858

 
50,734

December 31, 2018
 
18,051

 
135,425

 
14,846

 
55,468

Proved undeveloped reserves:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 1, 2016
 
73,466

 
45,895

 
2,902

 
84,017

December 31, 2016
 
68,031

 
26,649

 
2,753

 
75,225

December 31, 2017
 
11,303

 
46,715

 
6,464

 
25,553

December 31, 2018
 
14,246

 
84,793

 
10,961

 
39,339

(1)
The upward revision in 2018 was primarily due to changes in prices. The upward revision in 2017 was primarily due to changes in pricing and costs. The downward revision in our reserves during 2016 was primarily due to removing proved undeveloped reserves that are not expected to be developed within the five-year time frame mandated by the SEC, revision in the base water flood decline curve at our North Burbank Unit, and the decline in SEC pricing.
 

133


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

The following information was developed using procedures prescribed by U.S. GAAP. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows should not be viewed as representative of our current value. It and the other information contained in the following tables may be useful for certain comparative purposes, but should not be solely relied upon in evaluating us or our performance.

We believe that, in reviewing the information that follows, the following factors should be taken into account:

future costs and sales prices will probably differ from those required to be used in these calculations;
actual rates of production achieved in future years may vary significantly from the rates of production assumed in the calculations;
a 10% discount rate may not be reasonable as a measure of the relative risk inherent in realizing future net oil and natural gas revenues; and
future net revenues may be subject to different rates of income taxation.

Future cash inflows used in the standardized measure calculation were estimated by applying a twelve-month average price for oil, gas and natural gas liquids, adjusted for location and quality differences, to the estimated future production of year-end proved reserves. Future cash inflows do not reflect the impact of future production that is subject to open derivative positions (see “Note 9—Derivative instruments”). Future cash inflows were reduced by estimated future development, abandonment and production costs based on year-end costs in order to arrive at net cash flows before tax. Future income tax expense has been computed by applying year-end statutory tax rates to aggregate future pre-tax net cash flows reduced by the tax basis of the properties involved and tax carryforwards. GAAP requires the use of a 10% discount rate and prices and costs excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

In general, management does not rely on the following information in making investment and operating decisions. Such decisions are based upon a wide range of factors, including estimates of probable and possible as well as proved reserves and varying price and cost assumptions considered more representative of a range of possible economic conditions that may be anticipated.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves are as follows:
 
 
Successor
 
 
Predecessor
 
 
December 31,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2016
Future cash flows
 
$
3,255,771

 
$
2,331,940

 
 
$
4,635,481

Future production costs
 
(1,187,071
)
 
(899,380
)
 
 
(1,998,001
)
Future development and abandonment costs
 
(450,220
)
 
(336,828
)
 
 
(1,147,390
)
Future income tax provisions
 

 

 
 

Net future cash flows
 
1,618,480

 
1,095,732

 
 
1,490,090

Less effect of 10% discount factor
 
(932,114
)
 
(597,859
)
 
 
(961,309
)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
 
$
686,366

 
$
497,873

 
 
$
528,781



134


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

The changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and natural gas reserves are as follows:
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Beginning of year
 
$
497,873

 
$
528,781

 
$
684,689

Sale of oil and natural gas produced, net of production costs
 
(175,199
)
 
(175,246
)
 
(141,732
)
Net changes in prices and production costs
 
95,430

 
125,795

 
(296,299
)
Extensions and discoveries
 
192,105

 
136,887

 
79,990

Improved recoveries
 

 

 

Changes in future development costs
 
(2,424
)
 
(4,879
)
 
278,653

Development costs incurred during the period that reduced future
   development costs
 
6,277

 
37,912

 
63,894

Revisions of previous quantity estimates (1)
 
79,192

 
68,428

 
(223,218
)
Purchases and sales of reserves in place, net
 
(45,222
)
 
(238,445
)
 

Accretion of discount
 
36,386

 
24,267

 
68,545

Net change in income taxes
 

 

 
21,139

Changes in production rates and other
 
1,948

 
(5,627
)
 
(6,880
)
End of year
 
$
686,366

 
$
497,873

 
$
528,781

(1)
Amount in 2018 are primarily the result of changes in pricing. Amounts in 2017 are primarily the result of increased volumes due to changes in pricing and costs. Amounts in 2016 are primarily the result of removing proved undeveloped reserves that are not expected to be developed within the five years, a revision in the base water flood decline curve at our North Burbank Unit and the decline in SEC pricing which resulted in future extraction of certain reserves being uneconomic.

The following prices for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids before field differentials were used in determining future net revenues related to the standardized measure calculation.
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Oil (per Bbl)
 
$
65.56

 
$
51.34

 
$
42.75

Natural gas (per Mcf)
 
$
3.10

 
$
2.98

 
$
2.49

Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)
 
$
25.56

 
$
24.17

 
$
13.47

 
Note 20: Supplemental quarterly financial information (unaudited)

The following tables present a summary of our unaudited interim results of operations:
 
 
Successor
 
 
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
$
59,087

 
$
59,625

 
$
66,718

 
$
61,932

Operating income (loss) (1)
 
$
8,426

 
$
12,024

 
$
18,312

 
$
(8,585
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
(11,442
)
 
$
(21,993
)
 
$
(12,068
)
 
$
78,945

Earnings per share:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic for Class A and Class B (2)
 
(0.25
)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
1.74

Diluted for Class A and Class B (2)
 
(0.25
)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
1.73

____________________________________________________________
(1)
Includes loss on impairment of oil and natural gas properties of $20,065 for the fourth quarter.
(2)
On December 19, 2018, all outstanding shares of Class B common stock converted into the same number of shares of Class A common stock.

135


Chaparral Energy, Inc. and subsidiaries
Notes to consolidated financial statements
(dollars in thousands, unless otherwise noted)

 
 
Predecessor
 
 
Successor
 
 
January 1 Through March 21, 2017
 
 
First
Quarter
 
Second
Quarter
 
Third
Quarter
 
Fourth
Quarter
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total revenues
 
$
66,531

 
 
$
7,808

 
$
74,048

 
$
75,947

 
$
69,276

Operating income (loss) (1)
 
$
9,752

 
 
$
(6,292
)
 
$
4,600

 
$
2,135

 
$
(45,709
)
Net income (loss) (2)(3)
 
$
1,041,959

 
 
$
(19,683
)
 
$
21,365

 
$
(19,115
)
 
$
(101,469
)
Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic for Class A and Class B
 
*

 
 
*

 
0.47

 
(0.42
)
 
(2.26
)
Diluted for Class A and Class B
 
*

 
 
*

 
0.47

 
(0.42
)
 
(2.26
)
____________________________________________________________
(1)
Includes loss on impairment of oil and natural gas properties of $42,146 for the fourth quarter.
(2)
Includes a loss from the sale of our EOR assets of $25,163 for the fourth quarter. See “Note 6—Acquisitions and divestitures” for additional information.
(3)
Includes reorganization items income (expense) related to the Company’s restructuring under Chapter 11 filings of $988,727 , $(620) , $(1,070) , $(858) , and $(543) for the Predecessor first quarter, Successor first, second, third, and fourth quarters, respectively. See “Note 4—Fresh start accounting” for additional information.
*     Item not disclosed. See “Note 2—Earnings per share.”
 

136



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

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), we have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at December 31, 2018, at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended December 31, 2018, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. We may make changes in our internal control procedures from time to time in the future.  

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our Board, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions relating to and the dispositions of our assets;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or the timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, or the use or disposition of our 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. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Additionally, 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.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework , management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report that follows.


137



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Chaparral Energy, Inc.

Opinion on internal control over financial reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Chaparral Energy, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2018, and our report dated March 14, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

Basis for opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting

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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 14, 2019

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.


138



PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report and is incorporated by reference in this report.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report and is incorporated by reference in this report.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report and is incorporated by reference in this report.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report and is incorporated by reference in this report.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this report and is incorporated by reference in this report.



139



PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a) Financial Statements, Schedules and Exhibits

(1)
Financial Statements-Chaparral Energy, Inc. and Subsidiaries:
The Financial Statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements are filed as part of this report on Form 10-K (see Part II, Item 8-Financial Statements and Supplementary Data).
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
All other consolidated financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not required, are not applicable, or the required information has been included elsewhere within this report on Form 10-K.
(3)
Exhibits
The exhibits required to be filed by this Item 15 are set forth in the Exhibit Index accompanying this report on Form 10-K.


140



Exhibit
No.
 
Description
 
 
 
2.1*
 
 
 
 
2.2*
 
 
 
 
2.3*
 
 
 
 
2.4**
 
 
 
 
2.5*
 
 
 
 
3.1*
 
 
 
 
3.2*
 
 
 
 
3.3*
 
 
 
 
4.1*
 
 
 
 
4.2*
 
 
 
 
4.3*
 
 
 
 
4.4*
 
 
 
 
4.5*
 
 
 
 
4.6*
 
 
 
 
10.1*†
 

141



Exhibit
No.
 
Description
 
 
 
10.2*†
 
 
 
 
10.3*†
 
 
 
 
10.4*†
 
 
 
 
10.5*†
 
 
 
 
10.6*†
 
 
 
 
10.7†
 
 
 
 
10.8*
 
 
 
 
10.9*
 
 
 
 
10.10*
 
 
 
 
10.11*
 
 
 
 
10.12*
 
 
 
 
10.13*†
 
 
 
 
10.14*†
 
 
 
 
10.15*†
 
 
 
 
10.16*
 
 
 
 
10.17*
 
 
 
 
10.18*
 
 
 
 
21.1
 
 
 
 
23.1
 

142



 
 
 
23.2
 
 
 
 
23.3
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
 
 
 
32.2
 
 
 
 
99.1
 
 
 
 
99.2*
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
*
Incorporated by reference
**
The schedules and exhibits to this agreement have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Chaparral Energy, Inc. will furnish copies of such schedules to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement


143



SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
 
CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ K. Earl Reynolds
 
Name:
 
K. Earl Reynolds
 
Title:
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Date: March 14, 2019
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/    Robert F. Heinemann
 
Chairman of the Board
 
March 14, 2019
Robert F. Heinemann
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/    K. Earl Reynolds
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
March 14, 2019
K. Earl Reynolds
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/    Joseph O. Evans
 
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President
 
March 14, 2019
Joseph O. Evans
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/    Douglas E. Brooks
 
Director
 
March 14, 2019
Douglas E. Brooks
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/    Matthew D. Cabell
 
Director
 
March 14, 2019
Matthew D. Cabell
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/    Samuel Langford
 
Director
 
March 14, 2019
Samuel Langford
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/    Kenneth W. Moore
 
Director
 
March 14, 2019
Kenneth W. Moore
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/    Gysle Shellum
 
Director
 
March 14, 2019
Gysle Shellum
 
 
 
 


144


EXHIBIT 10.7


AMENDMENT TO SEPARATION AND RELEASE AGREEMENT

This Amendment to Separation and Release Agreement (the “ Amendment ”) is effective as of February 26, 2019 (the “ Effective Date ”) by and between Chaparral Energy, LLC (the “ Company ”), Chaparral Energy, Inc. (“ CEI ”), and Joseph Evans (the “ Individual ”).

RECITALS
WHEREAS, the parties previously entered into a Separation and Release Agreement signed by the parties on February 14, 2019 (the “ Original Agreement ”).
WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Original Agreement according to the terms in this Amendment.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Amendment, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree to the following terms:
TERMS
1. Capitalized Terms . All capitalized terms used but not defined in this Amendment shall have the same meaning as prescribed in the Original Agreement.

2. Amendment to Subparagraph 5(a) of the Original Agreement . Subparagraph 5(a) in the Original Agreement is hereby deleted and replaced in its entirety by the following clause:

“a. Separation Payment . The Company shall pay the Individual an amount equal to $448,914.00 plus the amount of the Individual’s 2018 Annual Bonus (as defined in the Employment Agreement), if any, minus applicable taxes and withholdings, as a separation payment (the “ Separation Payment ”) in equal or nearly equal installments on the Company’s regularly scheduled pay dates beginning on the Company’s first regularly scheduled payday following the Separation Date and continuing thereafter for 12 months until the Separation Payment is paid in full.”

3. Other Continuing Covenants and Obligations of the Original Agreement . Except as provided in this Amendment, all other continuing covenants and obligations of the parties under the Original Agreement shall remain unmodified, remain in full force and effect, and continue in full force and effect, and nothing in this Amendment except as provided above shall act to cancel, amend, or supersede such continuing covenants and obligations.

4. Governing Law; Entire Agreement . This Amendment (a) shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles; (b) constitutes the sole and entire agreement of the parties with respect to amendment of the Original Agreement; (c) supersedes all prior verbal and written understandings and agreements between the parties relating to its subject matter; and (d) may not be modified except in a writing signed by both parties. The Individual agrees that the Company and CEI have not made any promise or representation to him concerning this Amendment not expressed in this Amendment, and that, in signing this Amendment,





he is not relying on any prior oral or written statement or representation by the Company, CEI, or their representatives but is instead relying solely on his own judgment and his legal advisor, if any.

5. Counterparts . This Amendment may be executed by the parties in separate counterparts, all of which taken together shall be considered the parties’ executed agreement. Duplicates of original signed copies of this Amendment shall have the same legal effect as signed originals.

AGREED as of the Effective Date:

CHAPARRAL ENERGY, LLC
 
CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ K. Earl Reynolds
 
By:
 
/s/ Joseph Evans
 
 
K. Earl Reynolds
 
 
 
Joseph Evans
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
2/27/2019
 
Date:
 
2/27/2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPARRAL ENERGY, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ K. Earl Reynolds
 
 
 
 
 
 
K. Earl Reynolds
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
Date:
 
2/27/2019
 
 
 
 









EXHIBIT 21.1

Chaparral Energy Inc.
Subsidiaries

Name of Subsidiary
 
Jurisdiction of Formation
 
Effective Ownership
Chaparral Resources, L.L.C.
 
Oklahoma
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. – 100%
Chaparral Real Estate, L.L.C.
 
Oklahoma
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. – 100%
Chaparral CO2 , L.L.C.
 
Oklahoma
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. – 100%
CEI Pipeline, L.L.C.
 
Texas
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. – 100%
Chaparral Energy, L.L.C.
 
Oklahoma
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. – 100%
CEI Acquisition, L.L.C.
 
Delaware
 
Chaparral Energy, L.L.C. –100%
Green Country Supply, Inc.
 
Oklahoma
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. – 100%
Chaparral Biofuels, L.L.C.
 
Oklahoma
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. – 100%
Chaparral Exploration, L.L.C.
 
Delaware
 
Chaparral Energy, Inc. – 100%
Roadrunner Drilling, L.L.C.
 
Oklahoma
 
Chaparral Resources, L.L.C. –100%





 
 
 
 
Exhibit 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our reports dated March 14, 2019 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting included in the Annual Report of Chaparral Energy, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. We consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of Chaparral Energy, Inc. on the Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-218579, effective May 3, 2018) and Form S-8 (File No. 333-219976, effective August 15, 2017).



/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
March 14, 2019





Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
 

Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. hereby consents to the references to our firm in the form and context in which they appear in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Chaparral Energy, Inc. (“Chaparral”) for the year ending December 31, 2018. We hereby further consent to (i) the use of the oil and gas reserve information in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Chaparral for the year ending December 31, 2018, based on the reserve report dated January 4, 2019, prepared by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. and (ii) inclusion of our summary report dated January 4, 2019 included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Chaparral for the year ending December 31, 2018 to be filed on or about March 14, 2019 as Exhibit 99.1.
We hereby further consent to the incorporation by reference in the Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-218579, effective May 3, 2018) and Form S-8 (File No. 333-219976, effective August 15, 2017), as same may be amended from time to time, of such information.

/s/ Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc.
Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc.
Petroleum Engineers
 
Fort Worth, Texas
March 11, 2019





TBPE REGISTERED ENGINEERING FIRM F-1580FAX (713) 651-0849
1100 LOUISIANA    SUITE 4600HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-5294TELEPHONE (713) 651-9191
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 23.3
 
 
 
 
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS
 
 
 
Ryder Scott Company, L.P. hereby consents to incorporation by reference in the Post-Effective Amendment on Form S-3 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-218579, effective May 3, 2018) and Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-219976, effective August 15, 2017) of Chaparral Energy, Inc. (“Chaparral”), as same may be amended from time to time, of the information contained in our report with respect to estimated future reserves and income attributable to certain of Chaparral’s leasehold interests as of December 31, 2016, and the use in Chaparral’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 of the references to our firm, in the context in which they appear.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   /s/ Ryder Scott Company, L.P.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.
 
 
 
 
TBPE Firm Registration No. F-1580
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Houston, Texas
March 11, 2019
SUITE  800,  350  7TH  STREET, S.W.CALGARY, ALBERTA T2P 3N9TEL (403) 262-2799FAX (403) 262-2790
621  17TH STREET, SUITE 1550DENVER, COLORADO 80293-1501TEL (303) 623-9147FAX (303) 623-4258





Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION


I, K. Earl Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of Chaparral Energy, Inc., certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Chaparral Energy, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 14, 2019


 
 
/s/ K. Earl Reynolds
 
 
 
K. Earl Reynolds
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 





EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION
I, Joseph O. Evans, Chief Financial Officer of Chaparral Energy, Inc., certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Chaparral Energy, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation;
d)
disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
March 14, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Joseph O. Evans
 
 
 
Joseph O. Evans
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President





EXHIBIT 32.1



CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT
I, K. Earl Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer of Chaparral Energy Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to the best of my knowledge:
(1)
the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and
(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.


Date:
March 14, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ K. Earl Reynolds
 
 
 
K. Earl Reynolds
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer





EXHIBIT 32.2



CERTIFICATION OF PERIODIC REPORT
I, Joseph O. Evans, Chief Financial Officer of Chaparral Energy Inc. (the “Company”), certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that, to the best of my knowledge:
(1)
the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the period ended December 31, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and
(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.


Date:
March 14, 2019
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Joseph O. Evans
 
 
 
Joseph O. Evans
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President













Evaluation Summary

C HAPARRAL E NERGY , LLC I NTERESTS

T OTAL P ROVED R ESERVES
C ERTAIN O IL AND G AS A SSETS
V ARIOUS S TATES


A S OF D ECEMBER 31, 2018






SEC P RICING C ASE














CGA.JPG















Evaluation Summary

C HAPARRAL E NERGY , LLC I NTERESTS

T OTAL P ROVED R ESERVES
C ERTAIN O IL AND G AS A SSETS
V ARIOUS S TATES


A S OF D ECEMBER 31, 2018












C AWLEY , G ILLESPIE & A SSOCIATES , I NC .
P ETROLEUM C ONSULTANTS
T EXAS R EGISTERED E NGINEERING F IRM F-693
SIG1.JPG
W. T ODD B ROOKER , P.E.
P RESIDENT

SIG2.JPG
A GUSTIN P RESAS J R .
V ICE P RESIDENT





C AWLEY , G ILLESPIE & A SSOCIATES , I NC .
PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS

13640 BRIARWICK DRIVE, SUITE 100
306 WEST SEVENTH STREET, SUITE 302
1000 LOUISIANA STREET, SUITE 1900
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78729-1707
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76102-4905
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-5017
512-249-7000
817- 336-2461
713-651-9944
 
www.cgaus.com
 

January 4, 2019
Mr. Earl Reynolds CEO
Chaparral Energy, Inc.
701 Cedar Lake Blvd.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73114
Re: Evaluation Summary - SEC Pricing Case
Chaparral Energy, LLC Interests
Total Proved Reserves
As of December 31, 2018
Dear Mr. Reynolds:

At your request, Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. (“CG&A”) prepared this report on January 4, 2019 for Chaparral Energy, LLC (“Chaparral”) for the purpose of submitting our summary level reserve estimates and economic forecasts attributable to the subject interests which are located in various gas and oil properties in various states. CG&A evaluated 100% of Chaparral’s estimated reserves and 100% of the estimated Present Worth discounted @ 10%. This report was prepared for public disclosure by Chaparral or its affiliates in filings made with the SEC in accordance with the disclosure requirements set forth in the SEC regulations. This evaluation, effective December 31, 2018, was prepared using constant prices and costs, and conforms to Item 1202(a)(8) of Regulation S-K and other rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). A composite summary of the results of this audit are presented in the table below with respect to proved reserves of the interests of Chaparral:
 


Proved Developed Producing
Proved Developed Non-Producing
(Shut In)


Proved Developed
Non-Producing



Proved Undeveloped



Total Proved
Net Reserves
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
- Mbbl
17,328.6
533.4
188.9
14,246.2
32,297.1
Gas
- MMcf
131,302.0
2,908.1
1,211.2
84,800.7
220,222.0
NGL
- Mbbl
14,359.6
296.5
188.5
10,962.3
25,806.9
Net Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil
- M$
1,106,513.9
34,333.4
12,042.4
919,124.9
2,072,014.9
Gas
- M$
311,798.6
7,228.4
3,284.2
201,860.7
524,171.8
NGL
- M$
370,795.9
7,472.8
5,156.4
276,182.1
659,607.2
Hedge
- M$
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Severance Taxes
- M$
125,451.9
3,199.5
1,471.8
87,810.7
217,933.8
Ad Valorem Taxes
- M$
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.1
Operating Expenses
- M$
416,116.9
8,162.8
4,416.8
175,241.7
603,938.2
Workover Expenses
- M$
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
3 rd Party COPAS
- M$
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
Other Deductions
- M$
226,706.6
4,561.9
1,401.3
132,577.7
365,247.7
Investments
- M$
0.0
962.7
347.1
405,700.9
407,010.8
Net Operating Income (BFIT)
- M$
1,020,833.3
32,147.8
12,846.0
595,836.8
1,661,664.0
Discounted @ 10%
- M$
517,087.6
17,699.9
5,517.6
154,119.4
694,424.4







Future revenue is prior to deducting state production taxes and ad valorem taxes. Future net cash flow is after deducting these taxes, future capital costs and operating expenses, but before consideration of federal income taxes. In accordance with SEC guidelines, the future net cash flow has been discounted at an annual rate of ten percent to determine its “present worth”. The present worth is shown to indicate the effect of time on the value of money and should not be construed as being the fair market value of the properties.

Presentation
This report is divided into five reserve category sections: Total Proved (“TP”), Proved Developed Producing (“PDP”), Proved Developed Non-Producing Shut-In (“PDNP-SI”), Proved Developed Non-Producing (“PDNP”) and Proved Undeveloped (“PUD”). Every reserve category contains a Table I which presents composite reserve estimates
and economic forecasts for the particular reserve category. The data presented in the summary tables are explained on page 1 of the Appendix. The methods employed in estimating reserves are described in page 2 of the Appendix. For a more detailed explanation of the report layout, please refer to the Table of Contents following this letter.

Hydrocarbon Pricing
In this evaluation, the base oil and gas prices were $65.56/BBL and $3.100/MMBTU, respectively. As specified by the SEC, a company must use a 12-month average price, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the 12-month period prior to the end of the reporting period. The base oil price is based upon WTI-Cushing spot prices during 2018 and the base gas price is based upon Henry Hub spot prices during 2018. Prices were not escalated.

The base prices were adjusted for differentials on a by area basis, which may include local basis differentials, transportation, gas shrinkage, gas heating value (BTU content) and/or crude quality and gravity corrections. After these adjustments, the net realized prices for the SEC price case over the life of the proved properties was estimated to be $64.155 per barrel of oil, $2.380 per MCF of gas and $25.559 per barrel of NGL. All economic factors were held constant in accordance with SEC guidelines.

Economic Parameters
Ownership was accepted as furnished and has not been independently confirmed. Oil and gas price differentials, gas shrinkage, ad valorem taxes, lease operating expenses and investments were calculated and prepared by Chaparral and were accepted as furnished. All economic parameters, including lease operating expenses and investments, were held constant (not escalated) throughout the life of these properties.

Possible Effects of Federal and State Legislation
Federal, state and local laws and regulations, which are currently in effect and that govern the development and production of oil and natural gas, have been considered in the evaluation of proved reserves for this report. However,
the impact of possible changes to legislation or regulations to future operating expenses and investment costs have not been included in the evaluation. These possible changes could have an effect on the reserves and economics. However, we do not anticipate nor are we aware of any legislative changes or restrictive regulatory actions that may impact the recovery of reserves.

SEC Conformance and Regulations
The reserve classifications and the economic considerations used herein for the SEC pricing scenario conform to the criteria of the SEC as defined in pages 3 and 4 of the Appendix. The reserves and economics are predicated on
regulatory agency classifications, rules, policies, laws, taxes and royalties currently in effect except as noted herein. The possible effects of changes in legislation or other Federal or State restrictive actions which could affect the reserves and economics have not been considered. However, we do not anticipate nor are we aware of any legislative changes or restrictive regulatory actions that may impact the recovery of reserves.

Reserve Estimation Methods
The methods employed in estimating reserves are described in page 2 of the Appendix. Reserves for proved developed producing wells were estimated using production performance methods for the vast majority of properties. Certain new producing properties with very little production history were forecast using a combination of production
performance and analogy to offset production, both of which are considered to provide a relatively high degree of accuracy.






Non-producing reserve estimates, for both developed and undeveloped properties, were forecast using either volumetric or analogy methods, or a combination of both. These methods provide a relatively high degree of accuracy for predicting proved developed non-producing and proved undeveloped reserves for Chaparral’s properties. The assumptions, data, methods and procedures used herein are appropriate for the purpose served by this report.

General Discussion
The estimates and forecasts were based upon interpretations of data furnished by your office and available from our files. All estimates represent our best judgment based on the data available at the time of preparation. Due to inherent uncertainties in future production rates, commodity prices and geologic conditions, it should be realized that the reserve estimates, the reserves actually recovered, the revenue derived therefrom and the actual cost incurred could be more or less than the estimated amounts.

An on-site field inspection of the properties has not been performed nor has the mechanical operation or condition of the wells and their related facilities been examined, nor have the wells been tested by Cawley, Gillespie
& Associates, Inc. Possible environmental liability related to the properties has not been investigated nor considered.

Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. is a Texas Registered Engineering Firm (F-693), made up of independent registered professional engineers and geologists that have provided petroleum consulting services to the oil and gas industry for over 50 years. The lead evaluator preparing this report was W. Todd Brooker, P.E., President at Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. and a State of Texas Licensed Professional Engineer (License #83462). We do not own an interest in the properties or Chaparral and are not employed on a contingent basis. We have used all methods and procedures that we consider necessary under the circumstances to prepare this report. Our work-papers and related data utilized in the preparation of these estimates are available in our office.

This letter is for the use of Chaparral Energy, LLC. This letter should not be used, circulated, or quoted for any other purpose without the express written consent of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. or except as required by law.



Yours very truly,



CAWLEY, GILLESPIE & ASSOCIATES, INC.
TEXAS REGISTERED ENGINEERING FIRM F-693
SIG1.JPG

W. TODD BROOKER, P.E.
PRESIDENT
SIG2.JPG
AGUSTIN PRESAS JR.
VICE PRESIDENT