UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                to

Commission file number 001-33614

 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Yukon, Canada

N/A

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. employer

identification number)

 

 

116 Inverness Drive East, Suite 400

Englewood, Colorado

80112

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)

(303) 708-9740

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

400 N. Sam Houston Parkway E.

Suite 1200

Houston, Texas 77060

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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       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       NO 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an 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

 

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 Act). YES       NO 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13, or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distributions of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. YES       NO 

The number of shares, without par value, of Ultra Petroleum Corp., outstanding as of October 25, 2018 was 197,053,583.

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

 

Financial Statements

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

41

 

 

 

 

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

 

Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

 

Other Information

 

43

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

 

Exhibits

 

44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

45

 

 

 

 


 

PART I – FINANC IAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

156,986

 

 

$

182,949

 

 

$

479,704

 

 

$

551,797

 

Oil sales

 

 

41,523

 

 

 

32,334

 

 

 

125,974

 

 

 

94,415

 

Other revenues

 

 

5,267

 

 

 

2,348

 

 

 

13,611

 

 

 

5,035

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

203,776

 

 

 

217,631

 

 

 

619,289

 

 

 

651,247

 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

 

25,817

 

 

 

23,140

 

 

 

71,226

 

 

 

69,365

 

Facility lease expense

 

 

6,875

 

 

 

5,254

 

 

 

19,557

 

 

 

15,706

 

Production taxes

 

 

20,470

 

 

 

22,482

 

 

 

62,623

 

 

 

66,369

 

Gathering fees

 

 

21,810

 

 

 

22,182

 

 

 

69,046

 

 

 

63,753

 

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

 

 

49,672

 

 

 

41,089

 

 

 

151,954

 

 

 

111,516

 

General and administrative

 

 

1,482

 

 

 

8,247

 

 

 

16,233

 

 

 

34,308

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

126,126

 

 

 

122,394

 

 

 

390,639

 

 

 

361,017

 

Operating income

 

 

77,650

 

 

 

95,237

 

 

 

228,650

 

 

 

290,230

 

Other income (expense), net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(38,382

)

 

 

(210,107

)

 

 

(111,934

)

 

 

(324,979

)

(Loss) gain on commodity derivatives

 

 

(21,804

)

 

 

4,650

 

 

 

(75,607

)

 

 

12,149

 

Deferred gain on sale of liquids gathering system

 

 

2,638

 

 

 

2,638

 

 

 

7,915

 

 

 

7,915

 

Contract settlement expense

 

 

(2,676

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,676

)

 

 

(52,707

)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

1,137

 

 

 

92

 

 

 

(404

)

 

 

(28

)

Total other (expense) income, net

 

 

(59,087

)

 

 

(202,727

)

 

 

(182,706

)

 

 

(357,650

)

Reorganization items, net

 

 

 

 

 

(227,123

)

 

 

 

 

 

142,147

 

Income (loss) before income tax provision

 

 

18,563

 

 

 

(334,613

)

 

 

45,944

 

 

 

74,727

 

Income tax (benefit) provision

 

 

 

 

 

(6,886

)

 

 

442

 

 

 

(6,884

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

18,563

 

 

$

(327,727

)

 

$

45,502

 

 

$

81,611

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share - basic

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

(1.67

)

 

$

0.23

 

 

$

0.53

 

Fully diluted earnings (loss) per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share - fully diluted

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

(1.67

)

 

$

0.23

 

 

$

0.53

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 

 

197,054

 

 

 

196,331

 

 

 

196,888

 

 

 

152,864

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - fully diluted

 

 

197,055

 

 

 

196,331

 

 

 

197,288

 

 

 

153,068

 

 

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

3


 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands, except share data)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

13,141

 

 

$

16,631

 

Restricted cash

 

 

1,990

 

 

 

1,638

 

Oil and gas revenue receivable

 

 

65,091

 

 

 

86,487

 

Joint interest billing and other receivables, net

 

 

25,521

 

 

 

16,616

 

Derivative assets

 

 

12,728

 

 

 

16,865

 

Income tax receivable

 

 

6,431

 

 

 

10,091

 

Inventory

 

 

20,202

 

 

 

13,450

 

Other current assets

 

 

2,082

 

 

 

5,647

 

Total current assets

 

 

147,186

 

 

 

167,425

 

Oil and gas properties, net, using the full cost method of accounting:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proven

 

 

1,459,666

 

 

 

1,325,068

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

10,876

 

 

 

9,569

 

Other assets

 

 

8,097

 

 

 

10,920

 

Total assets

 

$

1,625,825

 

 

$

1,512,982

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

29,898

 

 

$

59,951

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

77,016

 

 

 

80,268

 

Production taxes payable

 

 

72,458

 

 

 

51,352

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 

4,875

 

 

 

 

Interest payable

 

 

41,821

 

 

 

24,406

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

61,926

 

 

 

 

Capital cost accrual

 

 

16,468

 

 

 

32,513

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

304,462

 

 

 

248,490

 

Long-term debt

 

 

2,118,329

 

 

 

2,116,211

 

Deferred gain on sale of liquids gathering system

 

 

97,274

 

 

 

105,189

 

Other long-term obligations

 

 

199,874

 

 

 

197,728

 

Total liabilities

 

 

2,719,939

 

 

 

2,667,618

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock - no par value; authorized - unlimited; issued and outstanding - 197,053,583 and 196,346,736 at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively

 

 

2,131,340

 

 

 

2,116,018

 

Treasury stock

 

 

(49

)

 

 

(49

)

Retained loss

 

 

(3,225,405

)

 

 

(3,270,605

)

Total shareholders' deficit

 

 

(1,094,114

)

 

 

(1,154,636

)

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

 

$

1,625,825

 

 

$

1,512,982

 

 

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

4


 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

Issued and

Outstanding

 

 

Amount

 

 

Retained (Loss)

Earnings

 

 

Treasury

Stock

 

 

Total

Shareholders'

(Deficit)

Equity

 

Balances at December 31, 2016

 

 

80,017

 

 

$

510,063

 

 

$

(3,438,165

)

 

$

(49

)

 

$

(2,928,151

)

Equitization of Holdco Notes

 

 

70,579

 

 

 

978,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

978,230

 

Rights Offering, including Backstop

 

 

44,390

 

 

 

573,774

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

573,774

 

Employee stock plan grants

 

 

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock plan grants

 

 

2,191

 

 

 

26,673

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26,673

 

Net share settlements

 

 

(840

)

 

 

 

 

 

(9,580

)

 

 

 

 

 

(9,580

)

Fair value of employee stock plan grants

 

 

 

 

 

27,278

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,278

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

177,140

 

 

 

 

 

 

177,140

 

Balances at December 31, 2017

 

 

196,347

 

 

$

2,116,018

 

 

$

(3,270,605

)

 

$

(49

)

 

$

(1,154,636

)

Stock plan grants

 

 

1,226

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net share settlements

 

 

(519

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,061

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,061

)

Fair value of employee stock plan grants

 

 

 

 

 

15,322

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,322

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

45,502

 

Initial adoption of ASC 606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,759

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,759

 

Balances at September 30, 2018

 

 

197,054

 

 

$

2,131,340

 

 

$

(3,225,405

)

 

$

(49

)

 

$

(1,094,114

)

 

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

 

 

5


 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Operating activities - cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income for the period

 

$

45,502

 

 

$

81,611

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

 

 

151,954

 

 

 

111,516

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on commodity derivatives

 

 

72,557

 

 

 

(4,133

)

Deferred gain on sale of liquids gathering system

 

 

(7,915

)

 

 

(7,915

)

Stock compensation

 

 

11,547

 

 

 

34,182

 

Non-cash reorganization items, net

 

 

 

 

 

(451,099

)

Amortization of deferred financing costs

 

 

8,333

 

 

 

4,781

 

Other

 

 

(1,046

)

 

 

(1,014

)

Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

12,057

 

 

 

(91

)

Other current assets

 

 

4,829

 

 

 

9,356

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

368

 

 

 

173

 

Accounts payable

 

 

(14,396

)

 

 

38,619

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

(6,439

)

 

 

89,481

 

Production taxes payable

 

 

21,192

 

 

 

19,006

 

Interest payable

 

 

17,414

 

 

 

231,553

 

Other long-term obligations

 

 

(8,118

)

 

 

(2,455

)

Income taxes payable/receivable

 

 

6,844

 

 

 

(4,787

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

314,683

 

 

 

148,784

 

Investing Activities - cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas property expenditures

 

 

(339,918

)

 

 

(386,754

)

Change in capital cost accrual and accounts payable

 

 

(31,703

)

 

 

20,437

 

Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties

 

 

65,811

 

 

 

 

Inventory

 

 

(7,572

)

 

 

(5,477

)

Proceeds from sale of capital assets

 

 

2,872

 

 

 

 

Purchase of capital assets

 

 

(4,612

)

 

 

(2,203

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(315,122

)

 

 

(373,997

)

Financing activities - cash provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings under Credit Agreement

 

 

632,000

 

 

 

479,000

 

Payments under Credit Agreement

 

 

(632,000

)

 

 

(459,000

)

Borrowings under Term Loan

 

 

 

 

 

975,000

 

Extinguishment of long-term debt - (chapter 11)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,459,000

)

Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes

 

 

 

 

 

1,200,000

 

Deferred financing costs

 

 

(638

)

 

 

(72,913

)

Shares issued, net of transaction costs

 

 

 

 

 

573,774

 

Repurchased shares/net share settlements

 

 

(2,061

)

 

 

(9,581

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

 

(2,699

)

 

 

227,280

 

(Decrease) increase in cash during the period

 

 

(3,138

)

 

 

2,067

 

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period

 

 

18,269

 

 

 

405,049

 

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period

$

15,131

 

 

$

407,116

 

 

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

 

 

6


 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

All amounts in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars (except per share data) unless otherwise noted.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:

Ultra Petroleum Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”, “Ultra”, “our”, “we”, “us”) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development, production, operation, exploration and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties. Ultra Petroleum Corp. is incorporated under the laws of Yukon, Canada. The Company’s principal business activities are developing its long-life natural gas reserves in the Pinedale and Jonah fields of the Green River Basin of Wyoming.

On September 25, 2018, the Company completed the sale of its Utah assets to an unnamed third party for net cash proceeds of $69.3 million, including management fees of $0.6 million. The divested assets consisted primarily of oil and gas properties.

1.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017, has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.

For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

(a) Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation:   The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.

(b)  Cash and Cash Equivalents:   The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

(c)  Restricted Cash:   Restricted cash represents cash received by the Company from production sold where the final division of ownership of the production is unknown or in dispute. Restricted cash at September 30, 2017 also includes the funds which the Company deposited in a $400.0 million reserve fund pending resolution of make-whole and postpetition interest claims (see Note 9). 

The Company follows Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash and reports the change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash in total on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.  See the following table for a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets that sum to the total of the same amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

Current Presentation

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

September 30, 2017

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

13,141

 

 

$

5,419

 

Restricted Cash

 

 

1,990

 

 

 

401,697

 

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash

 

$

15,131

 

 

$

407,116

 

 

(d) Accounts Receivable, net: Accounts receivable are stated at the historical carrying amount net of write-offs and an allowance for uncollectible accounts.  The carrying amount of the Company’s accounts receivable approximates fair value

7


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

because of the short-term nature of the instru ments. The Company routinely assesses the collectability of all material trade and other receivables.

(e)  Property, Plant and Equipment:   Capital assets are recorded at cost and depreciated using the declining-balance method based on their respective useful life.

(f)  Oil and Natural Gas Properties:   The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for exploration and development activities as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Release No. 33-8995, Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting Requirements (“SEC Release No. 33-8995”) and Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 932, Extractive Activities – Oil and Gas (“FASB ASC 932”). Under this method of accounting, the costs of unsuccessful, as well as successful, exploration and development activities are capitalized as oil and gas properties. This includes any internal costs that are directly related to exploration and development activities but does not include any costs related to production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. The carrying amount of oil and natural gas properties also includes estimated asset retirement costs recorded based on the fair value of the asset retirement obligation when incurred. Gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of oil and natural gas properties is not recognized, unless the gain or loss would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and natural gas attributable to a country.

The sum of net capitalized costs and estimated future development costs of oil and natural gas properties are amortized using the units-of-production method based on the Company’s proved reserves. Oil and natural gas reserves and production are converted into equivalent units based on relative energy content. Asset retirement costs are included in the base costs for calculating depletion.

Under the full cost method, costs of unevaluated properties and major development projects expected to require significant future costs may be excluded from capitalized costs being amortized. The Company excludes significant costs until proved reserves are found or until it is determined that the costs are impaired. The Company reviews its unproved leasehold costs quarterly or when management determines that events or circumstances indicate that the recorded carrying value of the unevaluated properties may not be recoverable. The fair values of unproved properties are evaluated utilizing a discounted net cash flows model based on management’s assumptions of future oil and gas production, commodity prices, operating and development costs, as well as appropriate discount rates. The estimated prices used in the cash flow analysis are determined by management based on forward price curves for the related commodities, adjusted for average historical location and quality differentials. Estimates of cash flows related to probable and possible reserves are reduced by additional risk-weighting factors. The amount of any impairment is transferred to the capitalized costs being amortized.

Companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas exploration and development activities are required to perform a ceiling test calculation each quarter. The full cost ceiling test is an impairment test prescribed by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10. The ceiling test is performed quarterly, on a country-by-country basis, utilizing the average of prices in effect on the first day of the month for the preceding twelve-month period in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8995. The ceiling limits such pooled costs to the aggregate of the present value of future net revenues attributable to proved crude oil and natural gas reserves discounted at 10%, plus the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties, less any associated tax effects. If such capitalized costs exceed the ceiling, the Company will record a write-down to the extent of such excess as a non-cash charge to earnings. Any such write-down will reduce earnings in the period of occurrence and results in a lower depletion, depreciation and amortization (“DD&A”) rate in future periods. A write-down may not be reversed in future periods even though higher oil and natural gas prices may subsequently increase the ceiling.  The Company did not incur a ceiling test write-down during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.

(g)  Inventories:   Inventory primarily includes $19.0 million in pipe and production equipment that will be utilized during the 2018-2019 drilling programs and $1.2 million in crude oil inventory as of September 30, 2018.  Materials and supplies inventories are carried at lower of cost or market and include expenditures and other charges directly and indirectly incurred in bringing the inventory to its existing condition and location.  Selling expenses and general and administrative expenses are reported as period costs and excluded from inventory cost.  The Company uses the weighted average method of recording its materials and supplies inventory.  Crude oil inventory is valued at lower of cost or market.

(h) Deferred Financing Costs: The Company follows ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs and includes the costs for issuing debt, including issuance discounts, except those related to the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below), as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the

8


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

related debt liability. Costs related to the issuance of the Revolving Credit Facility are recorded in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(i)  Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:   The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“FASB ASC 815”). The Company records the fair value of its commodity derivatives as an asset or liability in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, and records the changes in the fair value of its commodity derivatives in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The Company does not offset the value of its derivative arrangements with the same counterparty. See Note 7 for additional details.

(j)  Income Taxes:   Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are recorded related to deferred tax assets based on the “more likely than not” criteria described in FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes.  In addition, the Company recognizes the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit.

(k) Earnings Per Share:   Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by adjusting the average number of common shares outstanding for the dilutive effect, if any, of common stock equivalents. The Company uses the treasury stock method to determine the dilutive effect.

 

Certain share-based payments subject to performance or market conditions are considered contingently issuable shares for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share. Thus, they are not included in the diluted earnings per share denominator until the performance or market criteria are met. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company had 4.9 million and 2.5 million contingently issuable shares that are not included in the diluted earnings per share denominator as the performance or market criteria have not been met. See Note 5 for additional details.

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

 

(Share amounts in 000's)

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

18,563

 

 

$

(327,727

)

 

$

45,502

 

 

$

81,611

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

 

 

197,054

 

 

 

196,331

 

 

 

196,888

 

 

 

152,864

 

Effect of dilutive instruments

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

400

 

 

 

204

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

 

 

197,055

 

 

 

196,331

 

 

 

197,288

 

 

 

153,068

 

Net income (loss) per common share - basic

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

(1.67

)

 

$

0.23

 

 

$

0.53

 

Net income (loss) per common share - fully diluted

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

(1.67

)

 

$

0.23

 

 

$

0.53

 

 

(l)  Use of Estimates:   Preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(m)  Accounting for Share-Based Compensation:   The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, based on estimated fair values in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation.

(n)  Fair Value Accounting:   The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“FASB ASC 820”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting topics that require or permit fair value measurements.  See Note 8 for additional details.

9


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

(o)  Asset Retirement Obligation:   The initial estimated retirement obligation of properties is recognized as a liability with an associated increase in oil and gas proper ties for the asset retirement cost. Accretion expense is recognized over the estimated productive life of the related assets. If the fair value of the estimated asset retirement obligation changes, an adjustment is recorded to both the asset retirement obl igation and the asset retirement cost. Revisions in estimated liabilities can result from revisions of estimated inflation rates, changes in service and equipment costs and changes in the estimated timing of settling asset retirement obligations. As a full cost company, settlements for asset retirement obligations for abandonment are adjusted to the full cost pool.  The asset retirement obligation is included within other long-term obligations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.  

(p)  Revenue Recognition:   The Company generally sells oil and natural gas under both long-term and short-term agreements at prevailing market prices.  On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new accounting standard, ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all related amendments.  See Note 2 for additional details and disclosures related to the Company’s adoption of this standard.

(q) Other revenues : Other revenue is comprised of fees paid to us by the operators of the gas processing plants where our gas is processed .

(r) Capital Cost Accrual: The Company accrues for exploration and development costs in the period incurred, while payment may occur in a subsequent period.

(s)  Reclassifications:   Certain amounts in the financial statements of prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period financial statement presentation.

(t) Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

Leases.   In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , and has subsequently issued several supplemental and/or clarifying ASUs (collectively known as “ASC 842”).  The guidance requires that lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by all leases with terms of more than 12 months. The ASU will also require disclosures designed to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information.   For public companies, the standard will take effect for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with earlier application permitted. Ultra will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019. As permitted by ASU 2018-11,  Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements , the Company does not expect to adjust comparative-period financial statements. To facilitate compliance with ASC 842, the Company has formed an implementation work team, developed a project plan, educated departments affected by the standard, initiated the process of reviewing its contract portfolio, and implemented appropriate changes to business systems. The Company will continue to evaluate its processes and internal controls during 2018. Additionally, we are evaluating the disclosure requirements under the new standard to ensure the appropriate information will be available for these disclosures.  While we are continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard, we anticipate recognition of additional assets and corresponding liabilities related to leases. The overall financial impact is continuing to be evaluated by the Company.

Stock Compensation .  In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (“ASU No. 2017-09”) , which is intended to clarify and reduce diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award.  The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 on January 1, 2018 and the implementation of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives.   In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12,  Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)  (“ASU No. 2017-12”), which makes significant changes to the current hedge accounting rules.  The new guidance impacts the designation of hedging relationships; measurement of hedging relationships; presentation of the effects of hedging relationships; assessment of hedge effectiveness; and disclosures.  The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods.  The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

Fair Value Measurements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820. The ASU is effective for the public companies for

10


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its c ons olidated f inancial s tatements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers.   In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and in 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , and ASU 2016-10, Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , which supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and industry-specific guidance in Subtopic 932-605, Extractive Activities - Oil and Gas - Revenue Recognition. The new standard requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted the new accounting standard ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (the “new revenue standard”) using the modified retrospective method.  We recorded a net addition to beginning retained earnings of $1.8 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting the new revenue standard, with the impact related to changing from the entitlements method to the sales method to account for wellhead imbalances.  The impact to revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is immaterial to the overall consolidated financial statements as a result of applying the new revenue standard.  The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards for those periods.  See Note 2 for additional details related to the adoption of this standard. We expect the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard to be immaterial to our net income on an on-going basis.

2.    IMPACT OF ASC 606 ADOPTION

 

In accordance with the new revenue standard requirements, the disclosure of the impact of adoption on our condensed consolidated income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows:

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

 

 

 

Under ASC 606

 

 

Under ASC 605

 

 

Increase/ (Decrease)

 

 

 

(Amounts in 000's)

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

479,704

 

 

$

479,915

 

 

$

(211

)

Oil sales

 

 

125,974

 

 

 

125,974

 

 

 

 

Other revenues

 

 

13,611

 

 

 

13,611

 

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

 

 

619,289

 

 

 

619,500

 

 

 

(211

)

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production taxes

 

 

62,623

 

 

 

62,644

 

 

 

(21

)

Gathering fees

 

 

69,046

 

 

 

69,072

 

 

 

(26

)

Net income

 

$

45,502

 

 

$

45,666

 

 

$

(164

)

 

The change to sales of natural gas is due to the change from using the entitlements method for production imbalances to the sales method.  The Company evaluated the contracts for sales of oil and natural gas utilizing the principal versus agent indicators, noting no change in revenue recognition resulted from the analysis.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 

Sales of oil and natural gas are recognized at the point control of the product is transferred to the customer, collectability is reasonably assured, and the performance obligations are satisfied. Virtually all of our contracts’ pricing provisions are tied to a market index, with certain adjustments based on, among other factors, whether a well delivers to a gathering or transmission line, quality of the oil or natural gas, and prevailing supply and demand conditions. As a result, the price of the oil and natural gas fluctuates to remain competitive with other available oil and natural gas supplies.

11


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Natural gas sales

We sell natural gas production at the tailgate of the processing plant or at a delivery point downstream, as specified in the contracts with our customers.  The production is sold at set volumes and we collect (i) an agreed upon index price, (ii) a specific index price adjusted for pricing differentials, or (iii) a set price.  We recognize revenue when control transfers to the purchaser at the tailgate of the processing plant or at the agreed-upon delivery point at the net price received. For these contracts, we have concluded that the Company is the principal for our net revenue interest share of the volumes being sold.  Gathering fees are incurred prior to the customer taking control of the product, are not considered to be promised services, and are not included in the transaction price; thus, they are presented as expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

 

Our working interest partners are considered the principal for their working interest shares.  They have the option to take in kind their volumes.  The Company may act as an agent and market the other partners’ share of the natural gas production.  If it does so, the Company is considered the agent and revenue is recorded at the Company’s net revenue interest in the production.

Oil sales

We sell oil production at (a) the lease automatic custody transfer (“LACT”) meter for Wyoming condensate, (b) the tank battery for Utah wax/condensate, or (c) a delivery point downstream, as specified in the contracts with our customers.  The production is sold at set volumes and we collect (i) an agreed upon index price, net of pricing differentials or (ii) a set price.  We recognize revenue at the point when the customer takes control of the product.  For these contracts, we have concluded that the Company is the principal for its net revenue interest share of the volumes being sold.  Gathering fees are performed prior to the customer taking control of the product, are not considered to be promised services, and are not included in the transaction price; thus, they are presented as expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.  In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there was no change to the method used to recognize oil sales and there was no impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements for oil sales.

Our working interest partners are considered the principal for their working interest shares.  They have the option to take in kind their volumes.  The Company may act as an agent and market the other partners’ share of the oil production.  If it does so, the Company is considered the agent and revenue is recorded at the Company’s net revenue interest in the production.  

 

Other revenues

Our other revenue is comprised of fees paid to us by the operators of the gas processing plants where our gas is processed.  Control is transferred upon completion of the processing service.  The Company is considered the principal, and revenue is recognized at the point in time that the control is transferred.  In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there was no change to the method used to recognize other processing revenues and there was no impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements for other revenues.

 

Production imbalances

Previously, the Company elected to utilize the entitlements method to account for natural gas imbalances, which is no longer allowed under ASC 606.  In conjunction with the adoption of ASC 606, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there was no material impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements due to this change in accounting for our production imbalances.

 

Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations

A significant number of our product sales are short-term in nature with a contract term of one year or less. For those contracts, we have utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14 exempting the Company from disclosure of 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.

 

12


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

For our product sales that have a contract term greater than one year, we have utilized the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14(a) which states that the 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 obligati on. Under these sales contracts, each unit of product generally represents a separate performance obligation; therefore , future volumes are wholly unsatisfied and disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations is not req uired.

 

Contract balances

Under our product sales contracts, we invoice customers once our performance obligations have been satisfied, at which point payment is unconditional. Accordingly, our product sales contracts do not give rise to contract assets or liabilities under ASC 606.

 

Prior-period performance obligations

We record revenue in the month production is delivered to the purchaser. However, settlement statements for certain natural gas may not be received for 30 to 90 days after the date production is delivered, and as a result, we are required to estimate the amount of production 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 received for product sales in the month that payment is received from the purchaser. We have existing internal controls for our revenue estimation process and related accruals, and any identified differences between our revenue estimates and actual revenue received historically have not been significant. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenue recognized in the reporting period related to performance obligations satisfied in prior reporting periods was not material.

3.  OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT:

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Proven Properties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition, equipment, exploration, drilling and abandonment costs

 

$

11,491,066

 

 

$

11,215,563

 

Less:  Accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization

 

 

(10,031,400

)

 

 

(9,890,495

)

Oil and gas properties, net

 

$

1,459,666

 

 

$

1,325,068

 

 

4.  DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS:

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Total Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

$

4,875

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Term loan, secured due 2024

 

$

970,125

 

 

$

975,000

 

6.875% Senior, unsecured Notes due 2022

 

 

700,000

 

 

 

700,000

 

7.125% Senior, unsecured Notes due 2025

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

500,000

 

Credit Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total long-term debt

 

 

2,170,125

 

 

 

2,175,000

 

Less: Deferred financing costs

 

 

(51,796

)

 

 

(58,789

)

Total debt, net of deferred financing costs

 

$

2,123,204

 

 

$

2,116,211

 

Other long-term obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other long-term obligations

 

$

199,874

 

 

$

197,728

 

 

 

 

13


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Ultra Resources, Inc.

Credit Agreement. In April 2017, Ultra Resources, Inc. (“Ultra Resources”), as the borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) with the Company and UP Energy Corporation, as parent guarantors, with Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent, and with the other lenders party thereto from time to time, providing for a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) for an aggregate amount of $400.0 million and an initial borrowing base of $1.2 billion (which limits the aggregate amount of first lien debt under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Agreement (defined below)).  In September 2017, the administrative agent and the other lenders approved an increase in the borrowing base under the Credit Agreement from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion as requested by the Company, which included an increase in the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility to an aggregate amount of $425.0 million.  In April 2018, the administrative agent and the other lenders reaffirmed the borrowing base at $1.4 billion. In September 2018, the borrowing base was reduced to $1.3 billion in connection with the semi-annual redetermination.   At September 30, 2018, Ultra Resources had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, total commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility of $325.0 million and a borrowing base of $1.3 billion.

The Revolving Credit Facility has capacity for Ultra Resources to increase the commitments subject to certain conditions and has $50.0 million of the commitments available for the issuance of letters of credit. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest either at a rate equal to (a) a customary London interbank offered rate plus an applicable margin that varies from 250 to 350 basis points or (b) the base rate plus an applicable margin that varies from 150 to 250 basis points.  If borrowings are outstanding during a period that the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio exceeds 4.00 to 1.00 at the end of any fiscal quarter as described below, the interest rate on such borrowings shall be at a per annum rate that is 0.25% higher than the rate that would otherwise apply until the Company has provided financial statements indicating that the consolidated net leverage ratio no longer exceeds 4.00 to 1.00. The Revolving Credit Facility loans mature on January 12, 2022.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires Ultra Resources to maintain (i) an interest coverage ratio of 2.50 to 1.00; (ii) a current ratio, including the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility, of 1.00 to 1.00; (iii) a consolidated net leverage ratio that does not exceed  (a) 4.50 to 1.00, during the period ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2019, (b) 4.25 to 1.00, during the period beginning on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2019 and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2019, and (c) 4.00 to 1.00 beginning on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending on March 31, 2020; and (iv) after the Company has obtained investment grade rating, an asset coverage ratio of 1.50 to 1.00. At September 30, 2018, Ultra Resources was in compliance with all of its debt covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility.  

Under the Revolving Credit Facility, t he Company is subject to the following minimum hedging requirements: t hrough September 29, 2019, the Company is required to hedge a minimum of 65% of the quarterly projected volumes of natural gas from its proved developed producing (“PDP”) reserves; and during the period beginning on September 30, 2019 and ending on March 30, 2020, the Company is required to hedge a minimum of 50% of the quarterly projected volumes of natural gas from PDP reserves.  Beginning April 1, 2020, the Company will no longer be subject to a minimum hedging requirement. The Company expects to be in compliance with these requirements while the requirements remain effective.

Ultra Resources is required to pay a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility, which varies based upon a borrowing base utilization grid. Ultra Resources is also required to pay customary letter of credit and fronting fees.

The Revolving Credit Facility also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, as to compliance with laws (including environmental laws, ERISA and anti-corruption laws), delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements and oil and gas engineering reports, maintenance and operation of property (including oil and gas properties), restrictions on the incurrence of liens, indebtedness, asset dispositions, fundamental changes, restricted payments, hedging requirements and other customary covenants.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default and remedies for credit facilities of this nature. If Ultra Resources does not comply with the financial and other covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility, the lenders may, subject to customary cure rights, require immediate payment of all amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and any outstanding unfunded commitments may be terminated.

Term Loan. In April 2017 , Ultra Resources, as borrower, entered into a Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement with the Company and UP Energy Corporation, as parent guarantors, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and the other lenders

14


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

party thereto (the “Term Loan Agreement”), providing for senior secured first lien term loans for an aggregate amount of $800.0 million consisting of an initial term loan in th e amount of $600.0 million and an incremental term loan in the amount of $200.0 million to be drawn immediately after the funding of the initial term loan.  In September 2017, the Company closed an incremental senior secured term loan offering of $175.0 mi llion, increasing total borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement to $975.0 million.  As part of the Term Loan Agreement, Ultra Resources agreed to pay an original issue discount equal to one percent of the principal amount, which is included in the deferre d financing costs noted above.  The Term Loan Agreement has capacity to increase the commitments subject to certain conditions.  At September 30, 2018 , Ultra Resources had $ 975.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement , including cu rrent maturities .

The Term Loan Agreement bears interest either at a rate equal to (a) a customary London interbank offered rate plus 300 basis points or (b) the base rate plus 200 basis points.  The Term Loan Agreement amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount beginning on June 30, 2019. The Term Loan Agreement matures on April 12, 2024.

The Term Loan Agreement is subject to mandatory prepayments and customary reinvestment rights. The mandatory prepayments include, without limitation, a prepayment requirement with the total net proceeds from certain asset sales and net proceeds on insurance received on account of any loss of Ultra Resources’ property or assets, in each case subject to certain exceptions. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, there is a prepayment requirement if the asset coverage ratio is less than 2.0 to 1.0. To the extent any mandatory prepayments are required, prepayments are applied to prepay the Term Loan Agreement.

The Term Loan Agreement also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including as to compliance with laws (including environmental laws, ERISA and anti-corruption laws), delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements and oil and gas engineering reports, maintenance and operation of property (including oil and gas properties), restrictions on the incurrence of liens, indebtedness, asset dispositions, fundamental changes, restricted payments and other customary covenants. At September 30, 2018, Ultra Resources was in compliance with all of its debt covenants under the Term Loan Agreement.

The Term Loan Agreement contains customary events of default and remedies for credit facilities of this nature. If Ultra Resources does not comply with the financial and other covenants in the Term Loan Agreement, the lenders may, subject to customary cure rights, require immediate payment of all amounts outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement.

Senior Unsecured Notes . In April 2017, the Company issued $700.0 million of its 6.875% senior notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) and $500.0 million of its 7.125% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes,” and together with the 2022 Notes, the “Unsecured Notes”) and entered into an Indenture, dated April 12, 2017 (the “Indenture”), among Ultra Resources, as issuer, and the Company and its subsidiaries, as guarantors. The Unsecured Notes are treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture.

The Unsecured Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Unsecured Notes may be resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The 2022 Notes will mature on April 15, 2022. The interest payment dates for the 2022 Notes are April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 2025 Notes will mature on April 15, 2025. The interest payment dates for the 2025 Notes are April 15 and October 15 of each year. Interest will be paid on the Unsecured Notes from the issue date until maturity.  

Prior to April 15, 2019, Ultra Resources may, at any time or from time to time, redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes, in an amount no greater than the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.875% of the principal amount of the 2022 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, if at least 65% of the original principal amount of the 2022 Notes remains outstanding and the redemption occurs within 180 days of the closing of such equity offering. In addition, before April 15, 2019, Ultra Resources may redeem all or a part of the 2022 Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make-whole premium at the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, on or after April 15, 2019, Ultra Resources may redeem all or a part of the 2022 Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 103.438% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 15, 2019, 101.719% for the twelve-month period beginning

15


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

April 15, 2020, and 100.000% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2021 and at any time thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date on the 2022 Notes.

Prior to April 15, 2020, Ultra Resources may, at any time or from time to time, redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes, in an amount no greater than the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 107.125% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, if at least 65% of the original principal amount of the 2025 Notes remains outstanding and the redemption occurs within 180 days of the closing of such equity offering. In addition, before April 15, 2020, Ultra Resources may redeem all or a part of the 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make-whole premium at the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, on or after April 15, 2019, Ultra Resources may redeem all or a part of the 2025 Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 105.344% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 15, 2020, 103.563% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2021, 101.781% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2022, and 100.000% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2023 and at any time thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date on the 2025 Notes.

If Ultra Resources experiences certain change of control triggering events as set forth in the Indenture, each holder of the Unsecured Notes may require Ultra Resources to repurchase all or a portion of its Notes for cash at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Unsecured Notes, plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The Indenture contains customary covenants that restrict the ability of Ultra Resources and the guarantors and certain of its subsidiaries to: (i) sell assets and subsidiary equity; (ii) incur indebtedness; (iii) create or incur certain liens; (iv) enter into affiliate agreements; (v) enter into agreements that restrict distributions from certain restricted subsidiaries and the consummation of mergers and consolidations; (vi) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture); and (vii) create unrestricted subsidiaries. The covenants in the Indenture are subject to important exceptions and qualifications. Subject to conditions, the Indenture provides that the Company and its subsidiaries will no longer be subject to certain covenants when the Unsecured Notes receive investment grade ratings from any two of S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and Fitch Ratings, Inc. At September 30, 2018, Ultra Resources was in compliance with all of its debt covenants under the Unsecured Notes.

The Indenture contains customary events of default. Unless otherwise noted in the Indenture, upon a continuing event of default, the trustee under the Indenture (the “Trustee”), by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Unsecured Notes, by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may, declare the Unsecured Notes immediately due and payable, except that an event of default resulting from entry into a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Company, any Significant Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture) or group of Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture), that taken together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, will automatically cause the Unsecured Notes to become due and payable.

On October 17, 2018, the Company entered into an exchange agreement relating to the Unsecured Notes, as discussed further in Note 11.

Other long-term obligations:   These costs primarily relate to the long-term portion of production taxes payable and asset retirement obligations.

16


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

5.  SHARE BASED COMPENSATION:

Valuation and Expense Information  

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Total cost of share-based payment plans

 

$

2,148

 

 

$

10,276

 

 

$

15,321

 

 

$

46,166

 

Amounts capitalized in oil and gas properties and equipment

 

$

724

 

 

$

2,358

 

 

$

3,774

 

 

$

11,984

 

Amounts charged against income, before income tax benefit

 

$

1,424

 

 

$

7,918

 

 

$

11,547

 

 

$

34,182

 

Amount of related income tax benefit recognized in income before valuation allowance

 

$

299

 

 

$

3,151

 

 

$

2,425

 

 

$

13,604

 

 

Performance Share Plans :

2017 Stock Incentive Plan.   In April 2017, the Ultra Petroleum Corp. 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (“2017 Stock Incentive Plan”) was established pursuant to which 7.5% of the equity in the Company (on a fully-diluted/fully-distributed basis) is reserved for grants to be made from time to time to the directors, officers, and other employees of the Company (the “Reserve”). During 2017, Management Incentive Plan Grants (the “Initial MIP Grants”) were made to members of the board of directors (the “Board”), officers, and other employees of the Company subject to the conditions and performance requirements provided in the grants, including the limitations that one-third of the Initial MIP Grants will vest, if at all, at such time when the total enterprise value of the Company equals or exceeds $6.0 billion based upon the volume weighted average price of the common stock during a consecutive 30-day period, that one-third of the Initial MIP Grants will vest, if at all, at such time when the total enterprise value of the Company equals or exceeds 110% of $6.0 billion based upon the volume weighted average price of the common stock during a consecutive 30-day period, and, that if any Initial MIP Grants do not vest before the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date, as defined in Note 10, such Initial MIP Grants shall automatically expire.  The balance of the Reserve is available to be granted by the Board from time to time.

On June 8, 2018, each of the Board and the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) approved an amendment and restatement of the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended and restated, the “A&R Stock Incentive Plan”). The A&R Stock Incentive Plan amends and restates the 2017 Stock Incentive Plan to, among other things:

provide that consultants, independent contractors and advisors are eligible to participate and receive equity awards in the A&R Stock Incentive Plan;

limit the aggregate incentive awards available to be granted to any outside director during a single calendar year to a maximum of $750,000;

revise the definition of a Change of Control to exclude a change in a majority of the members on the Board;

provide that, with respect to awards granted on or after June 8, 2018, no such awards will vest solely as a result of a Change of Control (as defined in the A&R Stock Incentive Plan) unless expressly provided otherwise in the applicable grant agreement or unless otherwise determined by the Committee; and

make certain other changes related to revisions to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

In July 2018, the Company modified its incentive plan and recipients of the Initial MIP Grants were offered an opportunity to exchange the unvested portion of their Initial MIP Grants for a new equity awards of time-based restricted stock units (the “2018 RSUs”) effective July 31, 2018 on a one-for-one basis. All 2018 RSUs are time-based awards and will vest in equal tranches on May 25, 2019, May 25, 2020, and May 25, 2021.

Stock-Based Compensation Cost :

Market-Based Condition Awards. When vesting of an award of stock-based compensation is dependent, at least in part, on the value of a company’s total equity, for purposes of FASB ASC 718, the award is subject to a “market condition”. Because the Company’s total equity value is a component of its enterprise value, the awards based on enterprise value are subject to a market

17


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

condition. Unlike the valuation of an award that is subject to a service conditi on (i.e., time vested awards) or a performance condition that is not related to stock price, FASB ASC 718 requires the impact of the market condition to be considered when estimating the fair value of the award. As a result, we have used a Monte Carlo simu lation model to estimate the fair value of the Initial MIP Grants that include a market condition prior to the modification thereof in July 2018 .

FASB ASC 718 requires the expense for an award of stock-based compensation that is subject to a market condition that can be attained at any point during the performance period to be recognized over the shorter of (a) the period between the date of grant and the date the market condition is attained, and (b) the award’s derived service period. For purposes of FASB ASC 718, the derived service period represents the duration of the median of the distribution of share price paths on which the market condition is satisfied. That median is the middle share price path (the midpoint of the distribution of paths) on which the market condition is satisfied. The duration is the period from the service inception date to the expected date of market condition satisfaction. Compensation expense is recognized regardless of whether the market condition is satisfied.

Modification. The incremental expense recognized from the modification was $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

 

Expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized $11.5 million in pre-tax compensation expense, of which $10.9 million related to the Initial MIP Grants and is included within General and administrative expenses on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized $34.2 million in pre-tax compensation expense, of which $32.9 million related to the Initial MIP Grants.        

6.  INCOME TAXES:

The Company’s overall effective tax rate on pre-tax income was different than the statutory rate of 21% due primarily to valuation allowances.

The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2018.  Some or all of this valuation allowance may be reversed in future periods against future income. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted into law.  The legislation, which became effective on January 1, 2018, decreased the U.S. corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%. The TCJA also included a number of provisions, including the elimination of loss carrybacks and limitations on the use of future losses, repeal of the Alternative Minimum Tax regime, the limitation on the deductibility of certain expenses, including interest expense, and changes in the way that capital costs are recovered.

Given the significant complexity of the TCJA and anticipated additional implementation guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, further implications of TCJA may be identified in future periods.  Amounts recorded in the condensed consolidated financial statements are provisional.

7.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Objectives and Strategy:    The Company’s major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to its natural gas and oil production. Realized pricing is currently driven primarily by the prevailing price for the Company’s natural gas production. Historically, prices received for natural gas production have been volatile and unpredictable. Pricing volatility is expected to continue.  The prices we receive for our production depend on many factors outside of our control, including volatility in the differences between product prices at sales points and the applicable index price.  

The Company relies on various types of derivative instruments to manage its exposure to commodity price risk and to provide a level of certainty in the Company’s forward cash flows supporting the Company’s capital investment program.  These types of instruments may include fixed price swaps, costless collars, or basis differential swaps.  These contracts are financial instruments, and do not require or allow for physical delivery of the hedged commodity. While mitigating the effects of fluctuating commodity prices, these derivative contracts may limit the benefits we would receive from increases in commodity prices above the fixed hedge prices.

The Company’s hedging policy limits the volumes hedged to not be greater than 50% of its forecasted production volumes without Board approval. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Board approved all commodity derivative hedge contracts for volumes exceeding 50% of forecasted production volumes.

18


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

Fair Value of Commodity Derivatives:    FASB ASC 815 requires that all derivatives be recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as either an asset or liability and be measured at fair value. Changes in the derivative’s fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  The Company does not apply hedge accounting to any of its derivative instruments.

Derivative contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded as derivative assets and liabilities at fair value on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the associated unrealized gains and losses are recorded as current income or expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Unrealized gains or losses on commodity derivatives represent the non-cash change in the fair value of these derivative instruments.

Commodity Derivative Contracts:   At September 30, 2018, the Company had the following open commodity derivative contracts to manage commodity price risks.  For the fixed price swaps, the Company receives the fixed price for the contract and pays the variable price to the counterparty.  For the basis swaps, the Company receives a fixed price for the difference between two sales points for a specified commodity volume over a specified time period.  The reference prices of these commodity derivative contracts are typically referenced to index prices as published by independent third parties .

 

Year

 

Index

 

Total Volumes

 

 

Weighted Average Price per Unit

 

 

Fair Value -

September 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset (Liability)

 

Natural gas fixed price swaps

 

 

 

(Mmbtu)

 

 

($/Mmbtu)

 

 

 

 

 

2018 (October through December)

 

NYMEX-Henry Hub

 

 

60.5

 

 

$

2.88

 

 

$

(9,536

)

2019

 

NYMEX-Henry Hub

 

 

163.9

 

 

$

2.82

 

 

 

(188

)

2020

 

NYMEX-Henry Hub

 

 

15.5

 

 

$

2.76

 

 

 

(1,673

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas basis swaps (1)

 

 

 

(Mmbtu)

 

 

($/Mmbtu)

 

 

 

 

 

2018 (October through December)

 

NW Rockies Basis Swap

 

 

51.5

 

 

$

(0.66

)

 

$

(4,170

)

2019

 

NW Rockies Basis Swap

 

 

84.5

 

 

$

(0.70

)

 

 

(10,523

)

2020

 

NW Rockies Basis Swap

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crude oil fixed price swaps

 

 

 

(Bbl)

 

 

($/Bbl)

 

 

 

 

 

2018 (October through December)

 

NYMEX-WTI

 

 

0.6

 

 

$

60.45

 

 

$

(7,472

)

2019

 

NYMEX-WTI

 

 

1.7

 

 

$

58.83

 

 

 

(21,295

)

2020

 

NYMEX-WTI

 

 

0.1

 

 

$

60.05

 

 

 

(734

)

 

(1)

Represents swap contracts that fix the basis differentials for gas sold at or near Opal, Wyoming and the value of natural gas established on the last trading day of the month by the NYMEX for natural gas swaps for the respective period.

Subsequent to September 30, 2018 and through October 25, 2018, the Company entered into the following open commodity derivative contracts to manage commodity price risk.

 

Type

 

Index

 

Remaining Contract Period

 

Volume/MMBTU/Day

 

 

Weighted Average

Floor Price

($/MMBTU)

 

Weighted Average Ceiling Price

($/MMBTU)

Collars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYMEX

 

January - March 2020

 

 

100,000

 

 

2.75

 

3.18

 

 

19


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

The following table summarizes the pre-tax realized and unrealized gain (loss) the Company recognized related to its derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

For the Nine Months

 

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

Commodity Derivatives:

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Realized gain (loss) on commodity derivatives - natural gas

 

$

(5,468

)

 

$

8,884

 

 

$

6,958

 

 

$

8,016

 

Realized loss on commodity derivatives - oil

 

 

(5,318

)

 

 

 

 

 

(10,008

)

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivatives

 

 

(11,018

)

 

 

(4,234

)

 

 

(72,557

)

 

 

4,133

 

Total gain (loss) on commodity derivatives

 

$

(21,804

)

 

$

4,650

 

 

$

(75,607

)

 

$

12,149

 

 

The realized gain or loss on commodity derivatives relates to actual amounts received or paid or to be received or paid under the Company’s derivative contracts and the unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivatives represents the change in the fair value of these derivative instruments over the remaining term of the contract.

 

8.  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

As required by FASB ASC 820, the Company defines fair value 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 and establishes a three-level hierarchy for measuring fair value. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

 

Level 1 :

Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 :

Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means. Instruments categorized in Level 2 include non-exchange traded derivatives such as over-the-counter forwards and swaps.

 

Level 3 :

Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current derivative asset

 

$

 

 

$

12,728

 

 

$

 

 

$

12,728

 

Long-term derivative asset (1)

 

 

 

 

 

1,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,454

 

Total derivative instruments

 

$

 

 

$

14,182

 

 

$

 

 

$

14,182

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current derivative liability

 

$

 

 

$

61,926

 

 

$

 

 

$

61,926

 

Long-term derivative liability (2)

 

 

 

 

 

7,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,847

 

Total derivative instruments

 

$

 

 

$

69,773

 

 

$

 

 

$

69,773

 

(1)

Included in Other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(2)

Included in Other long-term obligations in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

The Company entered into commodity derivative contracts and as a result, we expose ourselves to counterparty credit risk.  Credit risk is the potential failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of a derivative contract.  In order to minimize our credit risk in derivative instruments, we (i) enter into derivative contracts with counterparties that our management has deemed credit worthy as competent and competitive market makers and (ii) routinely monitor and review the credit of our counterparties.  In addition, each of our current counterparties are lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility.  We believe that

20


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

all of our counterparties are of substantial credit quality.  Other than as provided in our Revolving Credit Facility, we are not requir ed to provide credit support or collateral to any of our counterparties under our derivative contracts, nor are they required to provide credit support to us.  As of September 30, 2018 , we did not have any past-due receivables from, or payables to, any of the counterparties of our derivative contracts.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of financial instruments is the estimated amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties. The carrying amounts reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The Company uses available market data and valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of its debt. The valuation assumptions utilized to measure the fair value of the Company’s debt are considered Level 2 inputs.  This disclosure is presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, and does not impact the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 

 

September 30, 2018

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Estimated

 

 

Carrying

 

 

Estimated

 

 

 

Amount

 

 

Fair Value

 

 

Amount

 

 

Fair Value

 

Term loan, secured, due April 2024

 

$

975,000

 

 

$

877,500

 

 

$

975,000

 

 

$

975,000

 

6.875% Notes, unsecured, due April 2022, issued 2017

 

 

700,000

 

 

 

336,000

 

 

 

700,000

 

 

 

701,750

 

7.125% Notes, unsecured, due April 2025, issued 2017

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

209,210

 

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

505,000

 

Total debt

 

$

2,175,000

 

 

$

1,422,710

 

 

$

2,175,000

 

 

$

2,181,750

 

 

9.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

The Plan (defined below) provides for the treatment of claims against our bankruptcy estates, including claims for prepetition liabilities that have not otherwise been satisfied or addressed before we emerged from chapter 11 proceedings. As noted in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the claims resolution process associated with our chapter 11 proceedings is on-going, and we expect it to continue for an indefinite period of time.

Pending Claims – Ultra Resources Indebtedness

Our chapter 11 filings as described in Note 10 constituted events of default under Ultra Resources’ prepetition debt agreements. During our bankruptcy proceedings, many holders of this indebtedness filed proofs of claim with the Bankruptcy Court (as defined in Note 10), asserting various claims against us, including claims for unpaid postpetition interest (including interest at the default rates under the prepetition debt agreements), make-whole amounts, and other fees and obligations allegedly arising under the prepetition debt agreements. We disputed the claims made by the holders of the Ultra Resources’ indebtedness for certain make-whole amounts and postpetition interest at the default rates provided for in the prepetition debt agreements. As previously disclosed, on September 22, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court denied our objection to the pending make-whole and postpetition interest claims.  Further, on October 6, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order requiring us to distribute amounts attributable to the disputed claims to the applicable parties.  Pursuant to the order, on October 12, 2017, we distributed $399.0 million from a $400.0 million reserve fund set up in connection with our emergence from chapter 11 proceedings to the parties asserting the make-whole and postpetition interest claims and $1.3 million (the balance remaining after distributions to the parties asserting claims) was returned to the Company.  The disbursement of $399.0 million was comprised of $223.8 million representing the fees owed under the make-whole claims described above and $175.2 million representing postpetition interest at the default rate.  The Company is appealing the court order denying its objections to these claims, but it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters at this time.

Royalties

On April 19, 2016, the Company received a preliminary determination notice from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Natural Resources Revenue (“ONRR”) asserting that the Company’s allocation of certain processing costs and plant fuel use at certain processing plants were impermissibly charged as deductions in the determination of royalties owed under federal oil and gas leases.  ONRR also filed a proof of claim in our bankruptcy proceedings asserting approximately $35.1

21


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

million in claims related to these matters.  We dispute the preliminary determination and the proof of claim.  We have notified ONRR of several matters we believe ONRR may not have considered in preparing the preliminary determination notice, and we continue to be in discussions with ONRR related to these matters. This claim and the preliminary determination notice could ultimately resu lt in us being ordered to pay additional royalty to ONRR for prior, current and future periods.  The Company is not able to determine the likelihood or range of any additional royalties or, if and when assessed, whether such amounts would be material.

Oil Sales Contract

On April 29, 2016, the Company received a letter from counsel to Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P. (“SPMT”) asserting that (1) we had breached, by anticipatory repudiation, a contract for the purchase and sale of crude oil between Ultra Resources and SPMT and (2) the contract was terminated. In the letter, SPMT demanded payment for damages resulting from the breach in the amount of $38.6 million. On August 31, 2016, SPMT filed a proof of claim with the Bankruptcy Court for $16.9 million. On December 13, 2016, we filed an objection to SPMT’s proof of claim, and on December 14, 2016, we filed an adversary proceeding against SPMT related to matters we believe constitute breach of contract by SPMT during the prepetition period (as amended, the “Sunoco Adversary”).  In its April 25, 2017 reply to the Sunoco Adversary complaint, Sunoco asserted a counterclaim for matters addressed in its proof of claim.  On October 16, 2018, the Company reached a settlement agreement with SPMT. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will pay SPMT a total of $2.0 million.  At September 30, 2018, the Company accrued the payment of $2.0 million and wrote off the related receivable of approximately $0.7 million.

Other Claims

We are also party to various disputes with respect to certain overriding royalty and net profits interests in certain of our operated leases in Pinedale, Wyoming. At this time, no determination of the outcome of these claims can be made, and we cannot reasonably estimate the potential impact of these claims. We are defending all these claims vigorously, and we expect these claims to be resolved in our chapter 11 proceedings. In addition, we are currently involved in various routine disputes and allegations incidental to our business operations. While it is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters, we believe the resolution of all such routine disputes and allegations is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

10.   CHAPTER 11 PROCEEDINGS

Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11

On April 29, 2016 (the “Petition Date”), the Company and its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Bankruptcy Court”). Our chapter 11 cases were jointly administered under the caption In re Ultra Petroleum Corp. , et al, Case No. 16-32202 (MI) (Bankr. S.D. Tex.).

On February 13, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court approved our amended Disclosure Statement (by order subsequently amended on February 21, 2017), on March 14, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed our Debtors’ Second Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”), and on April 12, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), we emerged from bankruptcy.

Plan of Reorganization

Pursuant to the Plan, the significant transactions that occurred upon our emergence from chapter 11 proceedings were as follows:

 

On November 21, 2016, we entered into a Plan Support Agreement (as amended, the “PSA”) with certain holders of the Company’s prepetition indebtedness and outstanding common stock as well as a Backstop Commitment Agreement (“BCA”). Pursuant to the BCA, we agreed to conduct a rights offering for new common stock in the Company to be issued upon the effectiveness of the Plan for an aggregate purchase price of $580.0 million (the “Rights Offering”).

 

On February 8, 2017, we entered into a commitment letter with Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) (as amended, the “Commitment Letter”) pursuant to which, in connection with the consummation of the Plan, Barclays agreed to

22


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

 

provide us with secured and unsecured financings in an aggregate amount of up to $2.4 billion (the “Debt Financings”).

 

On the Effective Date, the principal obligations outstanding of $999.0 million under the prepetition credit agreement and $1.46 billion under the prepetition senior notes, as well as prepetition interest and other undisputed amounts, were paid in full.  The Company’s obligations under the prepetition credit agreement and the prepetition senior notes were cancelled and extinguished as provided in the Plan.  

 

On the Effective Date, the claims of $450.0 million related to the unsecured 5.75% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) and $850.0 million related to the unsecured 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) were allowed in full, each holder of a claim related to the 2018 Notes and the 2024 Notes received a distribution of common stock in the amount of such holder’s applicable claim, and the Company’s obligations under the 2018 Notes and the 2024 Notes were cancelled and extinguished as provided in the Plan.  

 

On the Effective Date, we consummated the Rights Offering and the Debt Financings and, as noted above, emerged from bankruptcy.

Fresh Start Accounting

As previously disclosed, we were not required to apply fresh start accounting to our financial statements in connection with our emergence from bankruptcy because the reorganization value of our assets immediately prior to confirmation of the Plan exceeded our aggregate postpetition liabilities and allowed claims.

Bankruptcy Claims Resolution Process

The claims filed against us during our chapter 11 proceedings were voluminous. In addition, claimants may file amended or modified claims in the future, which modifications or amendments may be material. The claims resolution process is on-going, and the ultimate number and amount of prepetition claims are not presently known, nor can the ultimate recovery with respect to allowed claims be presently ascertained.

As a part of the claims resolution process, we are working to resolve differences between amounts we listed in information filed during our bankruptcy proceedings and the amounts of claims filed by our creditors. We have filed, and we will continue to file, objections with the Bankruptcy Court as necessary with respect to claims we believe should be disallowed.

Costs of Reorganization

During 2017, we incurred significant costs associated with our reorganization and the chapter 11 proceedings. For additional information about the costs of our reorganization and chapter 11 proceedings, see “Reorganization items, net” below.

The following table summarizes the components included in Reorganization items, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

September 30, 2017

 

Professional fees

 

$

(3,285

)

 

$

(65,289

)

Gains (losses) (1)

 

 

 

 

 

431,107

 

Make-whole fees

 

 

(223,838

)

 

 

(223,838

)

Other (2)

 

 

 

 

 

167

 

Total Reorganization items, net

 

$

(227,123

)

 

$

142,147

 

 

(1)

Gains (losses) represent the net gain on the debt to equity exchange related to the 2018 Notes and 2024 Notes.

(2)

Cash interest income earned for the period after the Petition Date on excess cash over normal invested capital.

23


ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

(Unaudited)

 

11.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

The Company has evaluated the period subsequent to September 30, 2018 for events that did not exist at the balance sheet date but arose after that date and determined that no subsequent events arose that should be disclosed in order to keep the financial statements from being misleading, except as set forth below:

 

On October 16, 2018, the Company reached a settlement agreement with SPMT. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company will pay SPMT a total of $2.0 million. Refer to Note 9 for additional details.

 

On October 17, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with holders (the “Supporting Noteholders”) of (i) approximately $556.4 million aggregate principal amount, or 79.5%, of the 2022 Notes and (ii) approximately $267.1 million aggregate principal amount, or 53.4%, of the 2025 Notes of Ultra Resources, pursuant to which the Supporting Noteholders have agreed to exchange all of the Unsecured Notes held by each such Supporting Noteholder for (a) new 9.00% Cash / 2.00% PIK Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due July 2024 of Ultra Resources (the “New Notes”) and (b) new warrants of the Company entitling each holder thereof to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of $0.01 per share (the “Warrants”).

For each $1,000 aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes validly exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Supporting Noteholders will receive (i) $720 aggregate principal amount of New Notes issued by Ultra Resources and (ii) 14.0 Warrants issued by the Company; and, for each $1,000 aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes validly exchanged pursuant to the Exchange Agreement, the Supporting Noteholders will receive (i) $660 aggregate principal amount of New Notes issued by Ultra Resources and (ii) 14.0 Warrants issued by the Company.

Each Warrant will be exercisable at the option of the holders thereof for one common share of the Company, at any time following the date on which the volume-weighted average price of the common shares is at least $2.50 for 30 consecutive trading days. In the aggregate, if all Warrants are exercised, total shareholder dilution will be approximately 6%.

The obligations of the Supporting Noteholders under the Exchange Agreement, including their obligation to exchange their 2022 Notes and 2025 Notes pursuant to the exchange transaction, are subject to the conditions set forth in the Exchange Agreement, including: (a) the Company receiving a consent of the requisite lenders under the Credit Agreement to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement; (b) the Company receiving a consent of the requisite lenders under the Term Loan Agreement to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement; (c) entry into a customary intercreditor agreement between the agent for the Credit Agreement, the agent for the Term Loan Agreement and trustee collateral agent for the New Notes; and (d) the execution and delivery of an indenture pursuant to which the New Notes will be governed and other definitive documentation. Accordingly, there can be no assurance if or when the Company will consummate the exchange transaction and the other transactions contemplated by the Exchange Agreement.

The Exchange Agreement may be terminated by the Company, on the one hand, or the Supporting Noteholders owning at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of each series of the 2022 Notes and the 2025 Notes, on the other hand, on behalf of the Supporting Noteholders, upon written notice of termination to the other parties, if the closing of the exchange transaction has not occurred on or before November 15, 2018 or by any single Supporting Noteholder, solely with respect to itself, if the closing of the exchange transaction has not occurred on or before December 15, 2018.

 

Subsequent to September 30, 2018, the Company entered into settlement agreements (collectively, the “Settlement Agreements”) with holders of certain claims related to Ultra Resources’ prepetition indebtedness (the “Claimants”) pursuant to which the parties agreed to settle the pending disputes between the Claimants and the Company. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreements, the Claimants collectively agreed to pay approximately $13.2 million to the Company. The Company will continue to pursue its appeal against all non-settled parties. See Note 9 for additional information.

 

In November 2018, the Company announced the appointment of David Honeyfield as Chief Financial Officer, and Andrew Kidd as Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Honeyfield and Mr. Kidd succeed Garland Shaw and Garrett Smith respectively, who both did not relocate from Houston following the move of the Company’s headquarters to Englewood, Colorado.

 

 

24


 

ITEM 2  — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of the financial condition and operating results of the Company should be read in conjunction with the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes. Except as otherwise indicated, all amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars.

Overview

Ultra Petroleum Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”, “Ultra”, “our”, “we”, “us”) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the development, production, operation, exploration and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties. Ultra Petroleum Corp. is incorporated under the laws of Yukon, Canada. The Company’s principal business activities are developing its long-life natural gas reserves in the Pinedale and Jonah fields of the Green River Basin of Wyoming.

Substantially all of the Company’s oil and natural gas activities are conducted jointly with others and, accordingly, amounts presented reflect only the Company’s proportionate interest in such activities. The Company continues to focus on improving its drilling and production results through gaining efficiencies with the use of advanced technologies, detailed technical analysis of its properties and leveraging its experience into improved operational efficiencies.  Inflation has not had, nor is it expected to have in the foreseeable future, a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

The Company currently generates its revenue, earnings and cash flow primarily from the production and sales of natural gas and condensate from its properties in southwest Wyoming with a portion of the Company’s revenues coming from oil sales from its properties in the Uinta Basin in Utah.

On September 25, 2018, the Company completed the sale of its Utah assets to an unnamed third party for net cash proceeds of $69.3 million, including management fees of $0.6 million. The divested assets consisted primarily of oil and gas properties.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS:

The prices of oil and natural gas are critical factors to the Company’s business. The prices of oil and natural gas have historically been volatile, and this volatility could be detrimental to the Company’s financial performance.  As a result, from time to time, the Company tries to limit the impact of this volatility on its results by entering into swap agreements and/or fixed price forward physical delivery contracts for natural gas and oil. See Note 7 for additional details.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the average price realization for the Company’s natural gas was $2.38 per Mcf, including realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, compared with $2.87 per Mcf during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.  The Company’s average price realization for natural gas was $2.46 per Mcf, excluding the realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, as compared with $2.74 per Mcf during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the average price realization for the Company’s oil was $58.02 per barrel, including realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, compared to $45.86 per barrel during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.  The Company’s average price realization for oil was $66.54 per barrel, excluding the realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, as compared with $45.86 per barrel during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

25


 

2017 Chapter 11 Proceedings

As discussed in Note 10, the Company emerged from chapter 11 proceedings during the year ended December 31, 2017.  The effects of the Plan (defined below) were included in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2017 and the related adjustments thereto were recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as reorganization items for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

Voluntary Reorganization Under Chapter 11

On April 29, 2016 (the “Petition Date”), the Company and its subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (the “Bankruptcy Court”). Our chapter 11 cases were jointly administered under the caption In re Ultra Petroleum Corp. , et al, Case No. 16-32202 (MI) (Bankr. S.D. Tex.).

On February 13, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court approved our amended Disclosure Statement (by order subsequently amended on February 21, 2017), on March 14, 2017, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed our Debtors’ Second Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (the “Plan”), and on April 12, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), we emerged from bankruptcy. See Note 10 for additional details.

Plan of Reorganization

Pursuant to the Plan:

 

On November 21, 2016, we entered into a Plan Support Agreement (as amended, the “PSA”) with certain holders of the Company’s prepetition indebtedness and outstanding common stock as well as a Backstop Commitment Agreement (“BCA”). Pursuant to the BCA, we agreed to conduct a rights offering for new common stock in the Company to be issued upon the effectiveness of the Plan for an aggregate purchase price of $580.0 million (the “Rights Offering”).

 

On February 8, 2017, we entered into a commitment letter with Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”) (as amended, the “Commitment Letter”) pursuant to which, in connection with the consummation of the Plan, Barclays agreed to provide us with secured and unsecured financings in an aggregate amount of up to $2.4 billion (the “Debt Financings”).

 

On the Effective Date, the principal obligations outstanding of $999.0 million under the prepetition credit agreement and $1.46 billion under the prepetition senior notes, as well as prepetition interest and other undisputed amounts, were paid in full.  The Company’s obligations under the prepetition credit agreement and the prepetition senior notes were cancelled and extinguished as provided in the Plan.  

 

On the Effective Date, the claims of $450.0 million related to the unsecured 5.75% Senior Notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”) and $850.0 million related to the unsecured 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) were allowed in full. Each holder of a claim related to the 2018 Notes and the 2024 Notes received a distribution of common stock in the amount of such holder’s applicable claim, and the Company’s obligations under the 2018 Notes and the 2024 Notes were cancelled and extinguished as provided in the Plan.  

 

On the Effective Date, we consummated the Rights Offering and the Debt Financings and, as noted above, emerged from bankruptcy.

Fresh Start Accounting

As previously disclosed, we were not required to apply fresh start accounting to our financial statements in connection with our emergence from bankruptcy because the reorganization value of our assets immediately prior to confirmation of the Plan exceeded our aggregate postpetition liabilities and allowed claims.  

Bankruptcy Claims Resolution Process

The claims filed against us during our chapter 11 proceedings were voluminous. In addition, claimants may file amended or modified claims in the future, which modifications or amendments may be material. The claims resolution process is on-going, and the ultimate number and amount of prepetition claims is not presently known, nor can the ultimate recovery with respect to allowed claims be presently ascertained.

As a part of the claims resolution process, we are working to resolve differences between amounts we listed in information filed during our bankruptcy proceedings and the amounts of claims filed by our creditors. We have filed, and we will continue to file, objections with the Bankruptcy Court as necessary with respect to claims we believe should be disallowed.

26


 

Costs of Reorganization

During 2017, we incurred significant costs associated with our reorganization and the chapter 11 proceedings. For additional information about the costs of our reorganization and chapter 11 proceedings, see “Reorganization items, net” below.

The following table summarizes the components included in Reorganization items, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017:

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2017

 

 

September 30, 2017

 

Professional fees

 

$

(3,285

)

 

$

(65,289

)

Gains (losses) (1)

 

 

 

 

 

431,107

 

Make-whole fees

 

 

(223,838

)

 

 

(223,838

)

Other (2)

 

 

 

 

 

167

 

Total Reorganization items, net

 

$

(227,123

)

 

$

142,147

 

 

(1)

Gains (losses) represent the net gain on the debt to equity exchange related to the 2018 Notes and 2024 Notes.

(2)

Cash interest income earned for the period after the Petition Date on excess cash over normal invested capital.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations is based upon consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). In addition, application of GAAP requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the revenues and expenses reported during the period. Changes in these estimates related to judgments and assumptions will occur as a result of future events, and, accordingly, actual results could differ from amounts estimated. Set forth below is a discussion of the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements which we believe involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.   The Company follows Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“FASB ASC 815”).  The Company records the fair value of its commodity derivatives as an asset or liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and records the changes in the fair value of its commodity derivatives in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Fair Value Measurements.   The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“FASB ASC 820”). Under FASB ASC 820, fair value is defined 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 measurement date and establishes a three-level hierarchy for measuring fair value.

 

 

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Total

 

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current derivative asset

 

$

 

 

$

12,728

 

 

$

 

 

$

12,728

 

Long-term derivative asset (1)

 

 

 

 

 

1,454

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,454

 

Total derivative instruments

 

$

 

 

$

14,182

 

 

$

 

 

$

14,182

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current derivative liability

 

$

 

 

$

61,926

 

 

$

 

 

$

61,926

 

Long-term derivative liability (2)

 

 

 

 

 

7,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,847

 

Total derivative instruments

 

$

 

 

$

69,773

 

 

$

 

 

$

69,773

 

(1)

Included in Other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

(2)

Included in Other long-term obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

Asset Retirement Obligation.   The Company’s asset retirement obligations (“ARO”) consist primarily of estimated costs of dismantlement, removal, site reclamation and similar activities associated with its oil and natural gas properties. FASB ASC Topic 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations (“FASB ASC 410”) requires that the fair value of a liability for an ARO be recognized in the period in which it is incurred with the associated asset retirement cost capitalized as part of the carrying cost of the oil and natural gas asset. The recognition of an ARO requires that management make numerous estimates,

27


 

assumptions and judgments regarding such factors as the existence of a legal obligation for an ARO, amounts and timing of settlements, the credit-adjusted, risk-fre e rate to be used, inflation rates, and future advances in technology. In periods subsequent to initial measurement of the ARO, the Company must recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time and revisions to either the timing or the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows. Increases in the ARO liability due to the passage of time impact net income as accretion expense. The related capitalized costs, including revisions thereto, are charged to expen se through depletion, depreciation and amortization (“DD&A”).  As a full cost company, settlements for asset retirement obligations for abandonment are adjusted to the full cost pool.  The asset retirement obligation is included within other long-term obli gations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Share-Based Payment Arrangements.   The Company applies FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC 718”), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including employee stock options, based on estimated fair values. Share-based compensation expense recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $11.5 million and $34.2 million, respectively. See Note 5 for additional details.

Property, Plant and Equipment.   Capital assets are recorded at cost and depreciated using the declining-balance method based on their respective useful life.

Full Cost Method of Accounting.   The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas exploration and development activities as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) Release No. 33-8995, Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting Requirements (“SEC Release No. 33-8995”) and FASB ASC Topic 932, Extractive Activities – Oil and Gas (“FASB ASC 932”). Under the full cost method of accounting, all costs associated with the exploration for and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized on a country-by-country basis. Such costs include land acquisition costs, geological and geophysical expenses, carrying charges on non-producing properties, costs of drilling both productive and non-productive wells and overhead charges directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities. Substantially all of the oil and gas activities are conducted jointly with others and, accordingly, the amounts reflect only the Company’s proportionate interest in such activities.

Companies that use the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas exploration and development activities are required to perform a ceiling test calculation each quarter. The full cost ceiling test is an impairment test prescribed by SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10. The ceiling test is performed quarterly, on a country-by-country basis, utilizing the average of prices in effect on the first day of the month for the preceding twelve-month period in accordance with SEC Release No. 33-8995. The ceiling limits such pooled costs to the aggregate of the present value of future net revenues attributable to proved crude oil and natural gas reserves discounted at 10% plus the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties less any associated tax effects. If such capitalized costs exceed the ceiling, the Company will record a write-down to the extent of such excess as a non-cash charge to earnings. Any such write-down will reduce earnings in the period of occurrence and results in a lower DD&A rate in future periods. A write-down may not be reversed in future periods even though higher oil and natural gas prices may subsequently increase the ceiling.

The calculation of the ceiling test is based upon estimates of proved reserves. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, in projecting the future rates of production and in the timing of development activities. 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. The Company did not have any write-downs related to the full cost ceiling limitation during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2017.  

Revenue Recognition.   The Company generally sells oil and natural gas under both long-term and short-term agreements at prevailing market prices. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company adopted the new accounting standard, ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all related amendments.  See Note 2 for additional details and disclosures related to the Company’s adoption of this standard.

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets.    The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying values and their respective income tax basis (temporary differences).

To assess the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management

28


 

considers the sc heduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded an expected benefit for the recovery of the Company’s carryforward Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) credits.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.4 million related to the Internal Revenue Service effect of a 6.6% sequestration rate on the expected AMT credit.

The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against all of its deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2018.  Some or all of this valuation allowance may be reversed in future periods against future income. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was enacted into law.  The legislation, which became effective on January 1, 2018, decreased the U.S. corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%.  The TCJA also included a number of provisions, including the elimination of loss carrybacks and limitations on the use of future losses, repeal of the AMT regime, the limitation on the deductibility of certain expenses, including interest expense, and changes in the way that capital costs are recovered.

Deferred Financing Costs.    The Company follows ASU No. 2015-3, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, and includes the costs for issuing debt, including issuance discounts, except those related to the Revolving Credit Facility, as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. Costs related to the issuance of the Revolving Credit Facility are recorded as an asset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets .

Conversion of Barrels of Oil to Mcfe of Gas .  The Company converts Bbls of oil and other liquid hydrocarbons to Mcfe at a ratio of one Bbl of oil or liquids to six Mcfe.  This conversion ratio, which is typically used in the oil and gas industry, represents the approximate energy equivalent of a barrel of oil or other liquids to an Mcf of natural gas.  The sales price of one Bbl of oil or liquids has been much higher than the sales price of six Mcf of natural gas over the last several years, so a six to one conversion ratio does not represent the economic equivalency of six Mcf of natural gas to a Bbl of oil or other liquids.

Recent accounting pronouncements:

Leases.   In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , and has subsequently issued several supplemental and/or clarifying ASUs (collectively known as “ASC 842”).  The guidance requires that lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by all leases with terms of more than 12 months. The ASU will also require disclosures designed to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative information.   For public companies, the standard will take effect for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with earlier application permitted. Ultra will adopt this ASU on January 1, 2019. As permitted by ASU 2018-11,  Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements , the Company does not expect to adjust comparative-period financial statements. To facilitate compliance with ASC 842, the Company has formed an implementation work team, developed a project plan, educated departments affected by the standard, initiated the process of reviewing its contract portfolio, and implemented appropriate changes to business systems. The Company will continue to evaluate its processes and internal controls during 2018. Additionally, we are evaluating the disclosure requirements under the new standard to ensure the appropriate information will be available for these disclosures.  While we are continuing to assess all potential impacts of the standard, we anticipate recognition of additional assets and corresponding liabilities related to leases. The overall financial impact is continuing to be evaluated by the Company.

Stock Compensation .  In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (“ASU No. 2017-09”) , which is intended to clarify and reduce diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award.  The Company adopted ASU 2017-09 on January 1, 2018 and the implementation of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives.   In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12,  Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)  (“ASU No. 2017-12”), which makes significant changes to the current hedge accounting rules.  The new guidance impacts the designation of hedging relationships; measurement of hedging relationships; presentation of the effects of hedging relationships; assessment of hedge effectiveness; and disclosures.  The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods.  The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU No. 2017-12 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurements. In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework — Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The amendments in this update

29


 

modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820. The ASU is effective for the public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this standard on its c onsolidated f inancial s tatements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers.   In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and in 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) , and ASU 2016-10, Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing , which supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and industry-specific guidance in Subtopic 932-605, Extractive Activities - Oil and Gas - Revenue Recognition. The new standard requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted the new accounting standard ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (the “new revenue standard”) to all contracts entered into in 2017 using the modified retrospective method.  We recorded a net addition to beginning retained earnings of $1.8 million as of January 1, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606, with the impact related to changing from the entitlements method to the sales method to account for wellhead imbalances.  The impact to revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is immaterial to the overall consolidated financial statements as a result of applying Topic 606.  The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards for those periods.  See Note 2 for further details related to the adoption of this standard. We expect the impact of the adoption of the new revenue standard to be immaterial to our net income on an on-going basis.

30


 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:

The following table summarizes our unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

For the Quarter Ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Nine Months

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

%

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

%

 

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Variance

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

Variance

 

 

 

(Amounts in thousands, except per unit data)

 

Production, Commodity Prices and Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas (Mcf)

 

 

63,790

 

 

 

66,845

 

 

 

(5

)%

 

 

198,917

 

 

 

189,902

 

 

 

5

%

Crude oil and condensate (Bbl)

 

 

624

 

 

 

705

 

 

 

(11

)%

 

 

1,969

 

 

 

2,043

 

 

 

(4

)%

Total production (Mcfe)

 

 

67,534

 

 

 

71,075

 

 

 

(5

)%

 

 

210,731

 

 

 

202,160

 

 

 

4

%

Commodity Prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas ($/Mcf, excluding hedges)

 

$

2.46

 

 

$

2.74

 

 

 

(10

)%

 

$

2.41

 

 

$

2.91

 

 

 

(17

)%

Natural gas ($/Mcf, including realized hedges)

 

$

2.38

 

 

$

2.87

 

 

 

(17

)%

 

$

2.45

 

 

$

2.95

 

 

 

(17

)%

Oil and condensate ($/Bbl, excluding hedges)

 

$

66.54

 

 

$

45.86

 

 

 

45

%

 

$

63.98

 

 

$

46.21

 

 

 

38

%

Oil and condensate ($/Bbl, including realized hedges)

 

$

58.02

 

 

$

45.86

 

 

27%

 

$

58.89

 

 

$

46.21

 

 

 

27

%

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

156,986

 

 

$

182,949

 

 

 

(14

)%

 

$

479,704

 

 

$

551,797

 

 

 

(13

)%

Oil sales

 

 

41,523

 

 

 

32,334

 

 

 

28

%

 

 

125,974

 

 

 

94,415

 

 

 

33

%

Other revenues

 

 

5,267

 

 

 

2,348

 

 

 

124

%

 

 

13,611

 

 

 

5,035

 

 

 

170

%

Total operating revenues

 

$

203,776

 

 

$

217,631

 

 

 

(6

)%

 

$

619,289

 

 

$

651,247

 

 

 

(5

)%

Derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized (Loss) gain on commodity derivatives

 

$

(10,786

)

 

$

8,884

 

 

 

(221

)%

 

$

(3,050

)

 

$

8,016

 

 

 

(138

)%

Unrealized (Loss) gain on commodity derivatives

 

 

(11,018

)

 

 

(4,234

)

 

 

160

%

 

 

(72,557

)

 

 

4,133

 

 

 

(1856

)%

Total (Loss) gain on commodity derivatives

 

$

(21,804

)

 

$

4,650

 

 

 

(569

)%

 

$

(75,607

)

 

$

12,149

 

 

 

(722

)%

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

$

25,817

 

 

$

23,140

 

 

 

12

%

 

$

71,226

 

 

$

69,365

 

 

 

3

%

Facility lease expense

 

$

6,875

 

 

$

5,254

 

 

 

31

%

 

$

19,557

 

 

$

15,706

 

 

 

25

%

Production taxes

 

$

20,470

 

 

$

22,482

 

 

 

(9

)%

 

$

62,623

 

 

$

66,369

 

 

 

(6

)%

Gathering fees

 

$

21,810

 

 

$

22,182

 

 

 

(2

)%

 

$

69,046

 

 

$

63,753

 

 

 

8

%

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

 

$

49,672

 

 

$

41,089

 

 

 

21

%

 

$

151,954

 

 

$

111,516

 

 

 

36

%

General and administrative expenses

 

$

1,482

 

 

$

8,247

 

 

 

(82

)%

 

$

16,233

 

 

$

34,308

 

 

 

(53

)%

Per Unit Costs and Expenses ($/Mcfe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

 

$

0.38

 

 

$

0.33

 

 

 

15

%

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

 

 

Facility lease expense

 

$

0.10

 

 

$

0.07

 

 

 

43

%

 

$

0.09

 

 

$

0.08

 

 

 

13

%

Production taxes

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

(6

)%

 

$

0.30

 

 

$

0.33

 

 

 

(9

)%

Gathering fees

 

$

0.32

 

 

$

0.31

 

 

 

3

%

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

0.32

 

 

 

3

%

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

 

$

0.74

 

 

$

0.58

 

 

 

28

%

 

$

0.72

 

 

$

0.55

 

 

 

31

%

General and administrative expenses

 

$

0.02

 

 

$

0.12

 

 

 

(83

)%

 

$

0.08

 

 

$

0.17

 

 

 

(53

)%

 

Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 vs. Quarter Ended September 30, 2017

Production, Commodity Derivatives and Revenues:

Production.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, total production decreased on a gas equivalent basis to 67.5 Bcfe compared to 71.1 Bcfe for the same period in 2017. The decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in capital investment and development activity, and a decrease in production due to the sale of the non-core assets in Pennsylvania during the fourth quarter of 2017 and the assets in Utah during the third quarter of 2018.

Commodity Prices – Natural Gas.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, realized natural gas prices, including realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, decreased 17% to $2.38 per Mcf as compared to $2.87 per Mcf for the same period in 2017.  The Company has entered into various natural gas price commodity derivative contracts with contract periods

31


 

extending through the first quarter of 2020 . See Note 7 for additional details.  During the quarter ended September 30, 2018 , the Company’s average price , excluding realiz ed gains and losses on commodity derivatives, for natural gas was $2.46 per Mcf as compared to $2.74 per Mcf for the same period in 2017.

Commodity Prices – Oil.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the average price realization for the Company’s oil, including realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, increased to $58.02 per barrel as compared to $45.86 per barrel for the same period in 2017. The Company has entered into various oil price commodity derivative contracts with contract periods extending through 2020. See Note 7 for additional details. During the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s average price for oil, excluding realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, was $66.54 per barrel as compared to $45.86 per barrel for the same period in 2017.

Revenues.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, revenues decreased to $203.8 million as compared to $217.6 million for the same period in 2017.  This decrease is primarily attributable to the decrease in average natural gas prices and total production, partially offset by the increase in average oil prices.

Operating Costs and Expenses:

Lease Operating Expense.   Lease operating expense (“LOE”) increased to $25.8 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $23.1 million during the same period in 2017 due mainly to a higher well count in Wyoming resulting from the Company’s drilling program. On a unit of production basis, LOE costs increased to $0.38 per Mcfe during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 as compared with $0.33 per Mcfe during the same period in 2017, due to higher absolute costs and decreased total production during the period ended September 30, 2018.

Facility Lease Expense.   During December 2012, the Company sold a system of liquids gathering pipelines and central gathering facilities (the “LGS”) and certain associated real property rights in the Pinedale Anticline in Wyoming. The Company entered into a long-term, triple net lease agreement with the buyer relating to the use of the LGS (the “Lease Agreement”). The Lease Agreement provides for an initial term of 15 years, and annual base rent of $20.0 million during the initial term (as adjusted annually for changes based on the consumer price index), which base rent may increase if certain volume thresholds are exceeded. We expect to incur additional rent expense in 2018 due to exceeding volume thresholds. The lease is classified as an operating lease. For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized operating lease expense associated with the Lease Agreement of $6.9 million, or $0.10 per Mcfe, as compared to $5.3 million, or $0.07 per Mcfe for the same period in 2017.

Production Taxes.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, production taxes decreased to $20.5 million compared to $22.5 million during the same period in 2017, or $0.30 per Mcfe compared to $0.32 per Mcfe, respectively. Production taxes are primarily calculated based on a percentage of revenue from production in Wyoming and Utah after certain deductions and were 10.0% of revenues for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 and 10.3% of revenues for the same period in 2017.  The decrease in per unit taxes was primarily attributable to decreased natural gas prices during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.

Gathering Fees.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, gathering fees decreased to $21.8 million compared to $22.2 million during the same period in 2017, related to decreased production volumes.  On a per unit basis, gathering fees increased to $0.32 per Mcfe for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared with $0.31 per Mcfe for the same period in 2017.

Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, DD&A expense increased to $49.7 million compared to $41.1 million for the same period in 2017.  The increase is primarily attributable to a higher depletion rate due to a higher depletable base from the increase in capital expenditures as part of the Company’s drilling program and the recognition of proved undeveloped properties, offset by decreased production volumes during the quarter ended September 30, 2018.  On a unit of production basis, the DD&A rate increased to $0.74 per Mcfe for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared to $0.58 per Mcfe for the same period in 2017.

General and Administrative Expenses. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, general and administrative expenses decreased to $1.5 million as compared to $8.2 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease is primarily attributable to the $7.9 million of non-cash stock incentive compensation expense that was incurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 as part of the Management Incentive Plan. See Note 5 for additional details.  On a per unit basis, general and administrative expenses decreased to $0.02 per Mcfe for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared to $0.12 per Mcfe for the same period in 2017.

32


 

Other Inco me and Expenses:

Interest Expense.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, interest expense of $38.4 million decreased as compared to $210.1 million during the same period in 2017.  The decrease is primarily attributable to the postpetition interest of $175.2 million recognized in the quarter ending September 30, 2017, related to the Bankruptcy Court order denying our objection to postpetition interest claims. See Note 4 for additional details related to the Revolving Credit Facility, Term Loan Agreement, and the Unsecured Notes.

Contract Settlement Expense.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred $2.7 million in expense related to the Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P. (“SPMT”) settlement.  SPMT filed a claim in 2016 against the Company in regard to an alleged breach of contract, and the Company reached a settlement in October 2018.  There were no material contract settlement expenses for the same period in 2017. See Note 9 for additional details regarding the SPMT settlement.

Deferred Gain on Sale of Liquids Gathering System (“LGS”).   During the quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $2.6 million in deferred gain on the sale of the LGS and certain associated real property rights in the Pinedale Anticline in Wyoming during December 2012.

Commodity Derivat ives:

(Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivatives. During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized a loss of $21.8 million, as compared to a gain of $4.7 million related to commodity derivatives for the same period in 2017. Of this total, the Company recognized $10.8 million related to a realized loss on commodity derivatives during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 compared with $8.9 million related to a realized gain on commodity derivatives during the same period in 2017. The realized gain or loss on commodity derivatives relates to actual amounts received or paid under the Company’s derivative contracts. This amount also includes an unrealized loss of $11.0 million on commodity derivatives during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, as compared to an unrealized loss of $4.2 million during the same period in 2017. The unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivatives represents the non-cash charge attributable to the change in the fair value of these derivative instruments over the remaining term of the contract.  See Note 7 for additional details.

Reorganization Items:

Reorganization Items, Net. Reorganization items, net was $227.1 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.  The $227.1 million incurred represents $3.3 million of professional fees incurred related to the Company’s chapter 11 proceedings and $223.8 million related to the Bankruptcy Court order denying our objection to the make-whole claims as further described in Note 10.

Income (Loss) from Operations:

Pretax Income (Loss).   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized income before income taxes of $18.6 million compared to loss before income taxes of $334.6 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in earnings is largely attributable to the reorganization items related to the Bankruptcy Court order denying our objection to the make-whole recognized in the third quarter of 2017 related to the Company’s emergence from chapter 11 proceedings.  See Note 10 for additional details.

Income Taxes.   The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2018.  Some or all of this valuation allowance may be reversed in future periods against future income.

Net Income.   During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized net income of $18.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, as compared to net loss of $327.7 million, or $1.67 per diluted share, for the same period in 2017. The increase in earnings is largely attributable to the reorganization items related to the Bankruptcy Court order denying our objection to the make-whole recognized in the third quarter of 2017 related to the Company’s emergence from chapter 11 proceedings.  See Note 10 for additional details.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 vs. Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

Production, Commodity Derivatives and Revenues:

Production.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, total production increased by 4% on a gas equivalent basis to 210.7 Bcfe compared to 202.2 Bcfe for the same period in 2017, primarily attributable to an increase in capital

33


 

investment and development activity and partially offset by the sale of the non-core assets in Pennsylvania during the fourth quarter of 2017 and the assets in Utah during the third quarter of 2018.

Commodity Prices – Natural Gas.   Realized natural gas prices, including realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, decreased 17% to $2.45 per Mcf during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $2.95 per Mcf for the same period in 2017.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company entered into additional natural gas price commodity derivative contracts with contract periods extending through 2020. See Note 7 for additional details. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s average price for natural gas excluding realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives was $2.41 per Mcf as compared to $2.91 per Mcf for the same period in 2017.

Commodity Prices – Oil.   Realized oil prices, including realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives, increased to $58.89 per barrel during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $46.21 per barrel for the same period in 2017.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company entered into additional oil price commodity derivative contracts with contract periods extending through the first quarter of 2020.  See Note 7 for additional details.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s average price for oil excluding realized gains and losses on commodity derivatives was $63.98 per barrel as compared to $46.21 per barrel for the same period in 2017.  

Revenues.   Decreased average natural gas prices, partially offset by increased production and average oil prices, resulted in revenues decreasing to $619.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $651.2 million for the same period in 2017.

Operating Costs and Expenses:

Lease Operating Expense.   LOE increased to $71.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $69.4 million during the same period in 2017. On a unit of production basis, LOE costs remained flat at $0.34 per Mcfe during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Facility Lease Expense.   During December 2012, the Company sold the LGS and certain associated real property rights in the Pinedale Anticline in Wyoming and the Company entered into the Lease Agreement. The Lease Agreement provides for an initial term of 15 years, and annual base rent of $20.0 million during the initial term (as adjusted annually for changes based on the consumer price index), which base rent may increase if certain volume thresholds are exceeded. We expect to incur additional rent expense in 2018 due to exceeding volume thresholds. The lease is classified as an operating lease. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized operating lease expense associated with the Lease Agreement of $19.6 million, or $0.09 per Mcfe, as compared to $15.7 million, or $0.08 per Mcfe, for the same period in 2017.

Production Taxes.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, production taxes were $62.6 million compared to $66.4 million during the same period in 2017, or $0.30 per Mcfe compared to $0.33 per Mcfe. Production taxes are primarily calculated based on a percentage of revenue from production in Wyoming and Utah after certain deductions and were 10.1% of revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 10.2% of revenues for the same period in 2017.  The decrease in per unit taxes is primarily attributable to decreased natural gas prices during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.

Gathering Fees.   Gathering fees increased to $69.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $63.8 million during the same period in 2017, largely related to increased production.  On a per unit basis, gathering fees increased slightly to $0.33 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $0.32 per Mcfe for the same period in 2017.

Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization.   DD&A expenses increased to $152.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $111.5 million for the same period in 2017, primarily attributable to a higher depletion rate due to a higher depletable base from the increase in capital expenditures as part of the Company’s drilling program and the recognition of proved undeveloped properties for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. On a unit of production basis, the DD&A rate increased to $0.72 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $0.55 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased to $16.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $34.3 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease is primarily attributable to the $34.2 million of non-cash stock incentive compensation expense that was incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as part of the Management Incentive Plan. See Note 5 for additional details. On a per unit basis, general and administrative

34


 

expe nses decreased to $ 0.08 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $ 0.17 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 .

Other Income and Expenses:

Interest Expense.   Interest expense decreased to $111.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $325.0 million during the same period in 2017. The decrease in interest expense is primarily attributable to recurring interest expense on the Revolving Credit Facility, Term Loan Agreement, and the Unsecured Notes incurred during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the non-recurring accrued postpetition interest, related to the Bankruptcy Court order denying our objection to postpetition interest claims.  See Note 4 for additional details related to the Revolving Credit Facility, Term Loan Agreement, and the Unsecured Notes, and see Note 10 for additional details related to our chapter 11 proceedings.

Contract Settlement Expense.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred $2.7 million in expense related to the SPMT settlement.  SPMT filed a claim in 2016 against the Company in regard to an alleged breach of contract, and the Company reached a settlement in October 2018.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company incurred $52.7 million in expense related to the Sempra Rockies Marketing, LLC (“Sempra”) settlement.  Sempra filed a claim in 2016 against the Company in regard to an alleged breach of contract, and the Company reached a settlement in April 2017.  See Note 9 for additional details regarding the SPMT settlement.

Deferred Gain on Sale of Liquids Gathering System.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized $7.9 million in deferred gain on the sale of the LGS and certain associated real property rights in the Pinedale Anticline in Wyoming during December 2012.

Commodity Derivatives:

(Loss) Gain on Commodity Derivatives. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized a loss of $75.6 million related to commodity derivatives as compared to a gain of $12.1 million related to commodity derivatives during the same period in 2017. Of this total, the Company recognized $3.1 million related to realized loss on commodity derivatives during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared with $8.0 million related to a realized gain on commodity derivatives during the same period in 2017. The realized gain or loss on commodity derivatives relates to actual amounts received or paid under the Company’s derivative contracts. This gain or loss on commodity derivatives also includes a $72.6 million unrealized loss on commodity derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to a $4.1 million unrealized gain on commodity derivatives for the same period in 2017. The unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivatives represents the non-cash charge attributable to the change in the fair value of these derivative instruments over the remaining term of the contract.  See Note 7 for additional details.

Reorganization Items:

Reorganization Items, Net. Reorganization items, net was $142.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The $142.1 million is primarily comprised of expenses of $65.2 million in professional fees, settlements, and interest income associated with the Company’s chapter 11 cases and of $223.8 million related to the Bankruptcy Court order denying our objection to the make-whole claims offset by the gain of $431.1 million, which primarily represents the gain on the debt for equity exchange related to the 2018 Notes and 2024 Notes.  See Note 10 for additional details.

Income from Operations:

Pretax Income.   The Company recognized income before income taxes of $45.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $74.7 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease in earnings is primarily attributable to the gain on the debt for equity exchange related to the 2018 Notes and 2024 Notes recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as part of the Company’s emergence from chapter 11 proceedings.  See Note 10 for additional details.

Income Taxes.   The Company recorded a $0.4 million tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to the revised sequestration rate of 6.6% on the expected AMT credit. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against all deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2018.  Some or all of this valuation allowance may be reversed in future periods against future income.

35


 

At December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately $2.1 billion of U.S. federal tax net operating loss carryforwards that expire at various dates from 2033 through 2037 and approximately $102.2 million of Utah state tax net operat ing loss carryforwards that expire at various dates from 2033 through 2037.

Given the significant complexity of the TCJA and anticipated additional implementation guidance from the Internal Revenue Service, further implications of TCJA may be identified in future periods.  Amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements are provisional.

Net Income.   For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recognized net income of $45.5 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, as compared to $81.6 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, for the same period in 2017. The decrease in earnings is primarily attributable to the gain on the debt for equity exchange related to the 2018 Notes and 2024 Notes recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as part of the Company’s emergence from chapter 11 proceedings.  See Note 10 for additional details.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we funded our operations primarily through cash flows from operating activities and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (defined below).  At September 30, 2018, the Company reported a cash position of $13.1 million. At September 30, 2018, the Company had no outstanding borrowings and $325.0 million of available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Given the current level of volatility in the market and the unpredictability of certain costs that could potentially arise in our operations, the Company’s liquidity needs could be significantly higher than the Company currently anticipates.  The Company’s ability to maintain adequate liquidity depends on the prevailing market prices for oil and natural gas, the successful operation of the business, and appropriate management of operating expenses and capital spending.  The Company’s anticipated liquidity needs are highly sensitive to changes in each of these and other factors.  

Capital Expenditures. For the nine month period ended September 30, 2018, total capital expenditures were $339.9 million. During this period, the Company participated in 101 gross (73.4 net) wells in Wyoming that were drilled to total depth and cased.  The wells drilled to total depth and cased included 82 gross (59.0 net) vertical wells and 19 gross (14.4 net) horizontal wells. In September 2018, the Company divested all of its Utah assets and as such, no expenditures will be incurred for this property going forward.

2018 Capital Investment Plan. For 2018, our capital expenditures are expected to be $400.0 million to $415.0 million. We expect to fund these capital expenditures through cash flows from operations, borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (defined below), the proceeds of the sale of our Utah assets, and cash on hand. We expect to allocate nearly all of our capital investments to development activities in our Pinedale field in Wyoming.

Ultra Resources, Inc.

Credit Agreement. In April 2017, Ultra Resources, Inc. (“Ultra Resources”), as the borrower, entered into a Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) with the Company and UP Energy Corporation, as parent guarantors, with Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent, and with the other lenders party thereto from time to time, providing for a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) for an aggregate amount of $400.0 million and an initial borrowing base of $1.2 billion (which limits the aggregate amount of first lien debt under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term Loan Agreement (defined below)).  In September 2017, the administrative agent and the other lenders approved an increase in the borrowing base under the Revolving Credit Facility from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion as requested by the Company, which included an increase in the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility to an aggregate amount of $425.0 million.  In April 2018, the administrative agent and the other lenders reaffirmed the borrowing base at $1.4 billion.  In September 2018, the borrowing base was reduced to $1.3 billion in connection with the semi-annual redetermination. At September 30, 2018, Ultra Resources had no outstanding borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, total commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility of $325.0 million and a borrowing base of $1.3 billion.

The Revolving Credit Facility has capacity for Ultra Resources to increase the commitments subject to certain conditions, and has $50.0 million of the commitments available for the issuance of letters of credit. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest either at a rate equal to (a) a customary London interbank offered rate plus an applicable margin that varies from 250 to 350 basis points or (b) the base rate plus an applicable margin that varies from 150 to 250 basis points.  If borrowings are outstanding during a period that the Company’s consolidated net leverage ratio exceeds 4.00 to 1.00 at the end of any fiscal quarter, the interest rate on such borrowings shall be at a per annum rate that is 0.25% higher than the rate that would otherwise

36


 

apply until the Company has provided financial statements indicating that the conso lidated net leverage ratio no longer exceeds 4.00 to 1.00.  The Revolving Credit Facility loans mature on January 12, 2022.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires Ultra Resources to maintain (i) an interest coverage ratio of 2.50 to 1.00; (ii) a current ratio, including the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility, of 1.00 to 1.00; (iii) a consolidated net leverage ratio that does not exceed (a) 4.50 to 1.00, during the period ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending June 30, 2019, (b) 4.25 to 1.00, during the period beginning on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2019 and ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2019, and (c) 4.00 to 1.00 beginning on the last day of the fiscal quarter ending on March 31, 2020; and (iv) after the Company has obtained investment grade rating, an asset coverage ratio of 1.50 to 1.00. At September 30, 2018, Ultra Resources was in compliance with all of its debt covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Under the Revolving Credit Facility, t he Company is subject to the following minimum hedging requirements: t hrough September 29, 2019, the Company is required to hedge a minimum of 65% of the quarterly projected volumes of natural gas from its proved developed producing (“PDP”) reserves; and during the period beginning on September 30, 2019 and ending on March 30, 2020, the Company is required to hedge a minimum of 50% of the quarterly projected volumes of natural gas from PDP reserves.  Beginning April 1, 2020, the Company will no longer be subject to a minimum hedging requirement. The Company expects to be in compliance with these requirements while the requirements remain effective.  

Ultra Resources is required to pay a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility, which varies based upon a borrowing base utilization grid. Ultra Resources is also required to pay customary letter of credit and fronting fees.

The Revolving Credit Facility also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including, among other things, as to compliance with laws (including environmental laws, ERISA and anti-corruption laws), delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements and oil and gas engineering reports, maintenance and operation of property (including oil and gas properties), restrictions on the incurrence of liens, indebtedness, asset dispositions, fundamental changes, restricted payments, hedging requirements and other customary covenants.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains customary events of default and remedies for credit facilities of this nature. If Ultra Resources does not comply with the financial and other covenants in the Revolving Credit Facility, the lenders may, subject to customary cure rights, require immediate payment of all amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and any outstanding unfunded commitments may be terminated.

Term Loan. In April 2017 , Ultra Resources, as borrower, entered into a Senior Secured Term Loan Agreement with the Company and UP Energy Corporation, as parent guarantors, Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto (the “Term Loan Agreement”), providing for senior secured first lien term loans for an aggregate amount of $800.0 million consisting of an initial term loan in the amount of $600.0 million and an incremental term loan in the amount of $200.0 million to be drawn immediately after the funding of the initial term loan.  In September 2017, the Company closed an incremental senior secured term loan offering of $175.0 million, increasing total borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement to $975.0 million.  As part of the Term Loan Agreement, Ultra Resources agreed to pay an original issue discount equal to one percent of the principal amount, which is included in deferred financing costs noted in the table above.  The Term Loan Agreement has capacity to increase the commitments subject to certain conditions.  At September 30, 2018, Ultra Resources had $975.0 million in outstanding borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement, including current maturities.

The Term Loan Agreement bears interest either at a rate equal to (a) a customary London interbank offered rate plus 300 basis points or (b) the base rate plus 200 basis points.  The Term Loan Agreement amortizes in equal quarterly installments in aggregate annual amounts equal to 0.25% of the aggregate principal amount beginning on June 30, 2019. The Term Loan Agreement matures on April 12, 2024.

The Term Loan Agreement is subject to mandatory prepayments and customary reinvestment rights. The mandatory prepayments include, without limitation, a prepayment requirement with the total net proceeds from certain asset sales and net proceeds on insurance received on account of any loss of Ultra Resources’ property or assets, in each case subject to certain exceptions. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, there is a prepayment requirement if the asset coverage ratio is less than 2.0 to 1.0. To the extent any mandatory prepayments are required, prepayments are applied to prepay the Term Loan Agreement.

The Term Loan Agreement also contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including as to compliance with laws (including environmental laws, ERISA and anti-corruption laws), delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements and oil and gas engineering reports, maintenance and operation of property (including oil and gas properties), restrictions on the

37


 

incurrence of liens, indebtedness, asset dispositio ns, fundamental changes, restricted payments and other customary covenants. At September 30, 2018 , Ultra Resources was in compliance with all of its debt covenants under the Term Loan Agreement.

The Term Loan Agreement contains customary events of default and remedies for credit facilities of this nature. If Ultra Resources does not comply with the financial and other covenants in the Term Loan Agreement, the lenders may, subject to customary cure rights, require immediate payment of all amounts outstanding under the Term Loan Agreement.

Senior Unsecured Notes . In April 2017, the Company issued $700.0 million of its 6.875% senior notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) and $500.0 million of its 7.125% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes,” and together with the 2022 Notes, the “Notes”) and entered into an Indenture, dated April 12, 2017 (the “Indenture”), among Ultra Resources, as issuer, and the Company and its subsidiaries, as guarantors. The Unsecured Notes are treated as a single class of securities under the Indenture.

The Unsecured Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or any state securities laws, and unless so registered, the securities may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. The Unsecured Notes may be resold to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or to non-U.S. persons pursuant to Regulation S under the Securities Act.

The 2022 Notes will mature on April 15, 2022. The interest payment dates for the 2022 Notes are April 15 and October 15 of each year. The 2025 Notes will mature on April 15, 2025. The interest payment dates for the 2025 Notes are April 15 and October 15 of each year. Interest will be paid on the Unsecured Notes from the issue date until maturity.

Prior to April 15, 2019, Ultra Resources may, at any time or from time to time, redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Notes, in an amount no greater than the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.875% of the principal amount of the 2022 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, if at least 65% of the original principal amount of the 2022 Notes remains outstanding and the redemption occurs within 180 days of the closing of such equity offering. In addition, before April 15, 2019, Ultra Resources may redeem all or a part of the 2022 Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make-whole premium at the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, on or after April 15, 2019, Ultra Resources may redeem all or a part of the 2022 Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 103.438% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 15, 2019, 101.719% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2020, and 100.000% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2021 and at any time thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date on the 2022 Notes.

Prior to April 15, 2020, Ultra Resources may, at any time or from time to time, redeem in the aggregate up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes, in an amount no greater than the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 107.125% of the principal amount of the 2025 Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption, if at least 65% of the original principal amount of the 2025 Notes remains outstanding and the redemption occurs within 180 days of the closing of such equity offering. In addition, before April 15, 2020, Ultra Resources may redeem all or a part of the 2025 Notes at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make-whole premium at the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date. In addition, on or after April 15, 2019, Ultra Resources may redeem all or a part of the 2025 Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 105.344% for the twelve-month period beginning on April 15, 2020, 103.563% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2021, 101.781% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2022, and 100.000% for the twelve-month period beginning April 15, 2023 and at any time thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date on the 2025 Notes.

If Ultra Resources experiences certain change of control triggering events as set forth in the Indenture, each holder of the Unsecured Notes may require Ultra Resources to repurchase all or a portion of its Notes for cash at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of such Unsecured Notes, plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.

The Indenture contains customary covenants that restrict the ability of Ultra Resources and the guarantors and certain of its subsidiaries to: (i) sell assets and subsidiary equity; (ii) incur indebtedness; (iii) create or incur certain liens; (iv) enter into affiliate agreements; (v) enter into agreements that restrict distributions from certain restricted subsidiaries and the consummation of mergers and consolidations; (vi) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture); and (vii) create unrestricted subsidiaries. The covenants in the Indenture are subject to important exceptions and qualifications. Subject to conditions, the Indenture provides that the Company and its subsidiaries will no longer be subject to certain covenants when the Unsecured Notes receive investment grade

38


 

ratings from any two of S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and Fitch Ratings, Inc. At September 30, 2018 , Ultra Resourc es was in compliance with all of its debt covenants under the Unsecured Notes.

The Indenture contains customary events of default. Unless otherwise noted in the Indenture, upon a continuing event of default, the trustee under the Indenture (the “Trustee”), by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding Unsecured Notes, by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may, declare the Unsecured Notes immediately due and payable, except that an event of default resulting from entry into a bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Company, any Significant Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture) or group of Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture), that taken together would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, will automatically cause the Unsecured Notes to become due and payable.

On October 17, 2018, the Company entered into an exchange agreement relating to the Unsecured Notes, as discussed further in Note 11.

Other long-term obligations:   These costs primarily relate to the long-term portion of production taxes payable and asset retirement obligations.

Cash flows provided by (used in):

Operating Activities.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net cash provided by operating activities was $314.7 million compared to $148.8 million for the same period in 2017. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities is largely attributable to the timing of nonrecurring expenses related to the Company’s reorganization under chapter 11 proceedings in 2017 and partially offset by the decrease in natural gas prices.

Investing Activities.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net cash used in investing activities was $315.1 million as compared to $374.0 million for the same period in 2017. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities is largely related to increased capital investments associated with the Company’s drilling activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, partially offset by the proceeds from the sale of the Utah assets in September 2018.

Financing Activities.   During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, net cash used in financing activities was $2.7 million as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $227.3 million for the same period in 2017. The change in net cash used in financing activities is primarily due to the restructuring of debt and equity as part of the Company’s emergence from chapter 11 proceedings during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  See Note 10 for additional details.  

OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

The Company did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of September 30, 2018.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SAFE HARBOR PROVISION OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This report contains or incorporates by reference forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this document, including without limitation, statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations regarding the Company’s financial position, estimated quantities and net present values of reserves, business strategy, plans and objectives of the Company’s management for future operations, covenant compliance and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believe”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “estimates”, “projects”, “target”, “goal”, “plans”, “objective”, “should”, or similar expressions or variations on such expressions are forward-looking statements. The Company can give no assurances that the assumptions upon which such forward-looking statements are based will prove to be correct nor can the Company assure adequate funding will be available to execute the Company’s planned future capital program.

Other risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the price the Company receives for oil and gas production, reductions in the quantity of oil and gas sold due to increased industry-wide demand and/or curtailments in production from specific properties due to mechanical, marketing or other problems, operating and capital expenditures that are either significantly higher or lower than anticipated because the actual cost of identified projects varied from original estimates and/or from the number of exploration and development opportunities being greater or fewer than currently anticipated and

39


 

increased financing costs due to a significant increase in interest rates. See the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for additional risks related to the Company’s business .

ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Commodity Price Risk

Objectives and Strategy:   The Company is exposed to commodity price risk.  The following quantitative and qualitative information is provided about financial instruments to which we were a party at September 30, 2018, and from which we may incur future gains or losses from changes in commodity prices.  We do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  

The Company’s major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to its natural gas and oil production. Realized pricing is currently driven primarily by the prevailing price for the Company’s natural gas production. Historically, prices received for natural gas production have been volatile and unpredictable. Pricing volatility is expected to continue.  The prices we receive for our production depend on many factors outside of our control, including volatility in the differences between product prices at sales points and the applicable index price.  

The Company relies on various types of derivative instruments to manage its exposure to commodity price risk and to provide a level of certainty in the Company’s forward cash flows supporting the Company’s capital investment program.  These types of instruments may include fixed price swaps, costless collars, or basis differential swaps.  These contracts are financial instruments, and do not require or allow for physical delivery of the hedged commodity. While mitigating the effects of fluctuating commodity prices, these derivative contracts may limit the benefits we would receive from increases in commodity prices above the fixed hedge prices.

The Company’s hedging policy limits the volumes hedged to not be greater than 50% of its forecasted production volumes without Board approval. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Board approved all commodity derivative hedge contracts for volumes exceeding 50% of forecasted production volumes.

Fair Value of Commodity Derivatives:   FASB ASC 815 requires that all derivatives be recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as either an asset or liability and be measured at fair value. Changes in the derivative’s fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.  The Company does not apply hedge accounting to any of its derivative instruments.

Derivative contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recorded as derivative assets and liabilities at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the associated unrealized gains and losses are recorded as current expense or income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Unrealized gains or losses on commodity derivatives represent the non-cash change in the fair value of these derivative instruments and do not impact operating cash flows on the cash flow statement.  See Note 7 for the detail of the fair value of the following derivatives.

Commodity Derivative Contracts:   At September 30, 2018, the Company had the following open commodity derivative contracts to manage commodity price risk.  For the fixed price swaps, the Company receives the fixed price for the contract and pays the variable price to the counterparty.  For the basis swaps, the Company receives a fixed price for the difference between two sales points for a specified commodity volume over a specified time period.  The reference prices of these commodity derivative contracts are typically referenced to index prices as published by independent third parties .

40


 

 

Year

 

Index

 

Total Volumes

 

 

Weighted Average Price per Unit

 

 

Fair Value -

September 30, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset (Liability)

 

Natural gas fixed price swaps

 

 

 

(Mmbtu)

 

 

($/Mmbtu)

 

 

 

 

 

2018 (October through December)

 

NYMEX-Henry Hub

 

 

60.5

 

 

$

2.88

 

 

$

(9,536

)

2019

 

NYMEX-Henry Hub

 

 

163.9

 

 

$

2.82

 

 

 

(188

)

2020

 

NYMEX-Henry Hub

 

 

15.5

 

 

$

2.76

 

 

 

(1,673

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas basis swaps (1)

 

 

 

(Mmbtu)

 

 

($/Mmbtu)

 

 

 

 

 

2018 (October through December)

 

NW Rockies Basis Swap

 

 

51.5

 

 

$

(0.66

)

 

$

(4,170

)

2019

 

NW Rockies Basis Swap

 

 

84.5

 

 

$

(0.70

)

 

 

(10,523

)

2020

 

NW Rockies Basis Swap

 

 

 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crude oil fixed price swaps

 

 

 

(Bbl)

 

 

($/Bbl)

 

 

 

 

 

2018 (October through December)

 

NYMEX-WTI

 

 

0.6

 

 

$

60.45

 

 

$

(7,472

)

2019

 

NYMEX-WTI

 

 

1.7

 

 

$

58.83

 

 

 

(21,295

)

2020

 

NYMEX-WTI

 

 

0.1

 

 

$

60.05

 

 

 

(734

)

 

(1) Represents swap contracts that fix the basis differentials for gas sold at or near Opal, Wyoming and the value of natural gas established on the last trading day of the month by the NYMEX for natural gas swaps for the respective period.

 

Subsequent to September 30, 2018 and through October 25, 2018, the Company entered into the following open commodity derivative contracts to manage commodity price risk.

 

Type

 

Index

 

Remaining Contract Period

 

Volume/MMBTU/Day

 

 

Weighted Average

Floor Price

($/MMBTU)

 

Weighted Average Ceiling Price

($/MMBTU)

Collars

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NYMEX

 

January - March 2020

 

 

100,000

 

 

2.75

 

3.18

 

The following table summarizes the pre-tax realized and unrealized gain (loss) the Company recognized related to its derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017: 

 

 

 

For the Three Months

 

 

For the Nine Months

 

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

Commodity Derivatives:

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

Realized gain (loss) on commodity derivatives - natural gas

 

$

(5,468

)

 

$

8,884

 

 

$

6,958

 

 

$

8,016

 

Realized loss on commodity derivatives - oil

 

 

(5,318

)

 

 

 

 

 

(10,008

)

 

 

 

Unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivatives

 

 

(11,018

)

 

 

(4,234

)

 

 

(72,557

)

 

 

4,133

 

Total gain (loss) on commodity derivatives

 

$

(21,804

)

 

$

4,650

 

 

$

(75,607

)

 

$

12,149

 

 

The realized gain or loss on commodity derivatives relates to actual amounts received or paid or to be received or paid under the Company’s derivative contracts and the unrealized gain or loss on commodity derivatives represents the change in the fair value of these derivative instruments over the remaining term of the contract.

ITEM 4  — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company has performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that it has designed to

41


 

ensure that it re cords, processes, accumulates and communicates information to the Company’s management, including its Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and submissions within the time peri ods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those determined to be effective can provide only a reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement p reparation and presentation. Based on the evaluation, the Company’s management, including its Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 20 18 .

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTH ER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Other Claims :    See Note 9 for additional discussion of on-going claims and disputes in our chapter 11 proceedings, certain of which may be material. The Company is also currently involved in various routine disputes and allegations incidental to its business operations. While it is not possible to determine or predict the ultimate disposition of these matters, the Company believes that the resolution of all such pending or threatened litigation is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, or results of operations.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

Our business has many risks.  Any of the risks discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or in our other SEC filings, could have a material impact on our business, financial position, or results of operations.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial may also impair our business operations.  There have been no material changes to the risks described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.  This information should be considered carefully, together with other information in this report and other reports and materials we file with the SEC.

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

Appointment of Chief Financial Officer

On November 5, 2018, the Board appointed Mr. David Honeyfield as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective November 9, 2018.  Mr. Honeyfield, age 51, most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PDC Energy, Inc. from December 2016 to January 2018, and as Chief Financial Officer of Jonah Energy LLC from August 2014 to December 2016. Also, his previous experience includes six years at Intrepid Potash, Inc., including most recently as President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, he served in various leadership roles including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SM Energy, and Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Cimarex Energy Co.  Prior to that, Mr. Honeyfield was a Senior Audit Manager with Arthur Andersen LLP in Denver, where he focused on clients in the oil and gas exploration and production, manufacturing and mining sectors. Mr. Honeyfield holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Colorado and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. Honeyfield was not appointed pursuant to any arrangement or understanding with any other person, and there are no transactions with Mr. Honeyfield that would be reportable under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Employment Agreement

On November 7, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Honeyfield (the “Employment Agreement”).  The Employment Agreement provides Mr. Honeyfield with an initial base salary of $500,000 per year; an aggregate sign-on bonus of $100,000 payable in two equal installments (the “Sign-On Bonus”); eligibility to receive cash-based incentive compensation pursuant to the Company’s short-term incentive programs as in effect from time to time with a target amount equal to 90% of his annual base salary; and eligibility to receive grants of equity-based incentive compensation in the form of restricted stock units and performance based restricted stock units.  The Employment Agreement also provides Mr. Honeyfield with other benefits, including health insurance and the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) plan, to the same extent as such benefits are available to the Company’s other salaried employees.

The Employment Agreement provides that either the Company or Mr. Honeyfield can terminate his employment relationship. The Company’s right to terminate the employment relationship is subject to its obligation to make certain severance

43


 

paym ents and provide certain other benefits to Mr. Honeyfield , depending upon the circumstances under which the employment relationship is terminated.  The Company is generally not obligated, under the Employment Agreement, to provide any severance payments or benefits if Mr. Honeyfield is terminated for cause or if Mr. Honeyfield resigns without good reason, and the Company is generally obligated, under the Employment Agreement, to provide the severance payments and benefits as set forth in the Employment Agre ement if the Company terminates him without cause, or if he resigns with good reason (each, as defined in the Employment Agreement).  In the event Mr. Honeyfield ’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause, or in the event Mr. Honeyfield resigns for good reason, the Company will be obligated (subject to Mr. Honeyfield ’s timely execution and non-revocation of a release of claims) to provide Mr. Honeyfield with the following severance benefits: (i) payment of any accrued but unpaid compensa tion as of the termination date, (ii) payment of a prorated portion of Mr. Honeyfield ’s annual cash incentive compensation based on the Company’s actual performance at the conclusion of the performance period, (iii) a lump-sum payment equal to Mr. Honeyfie ld ’s then-current annual base salary, and (iv) continued coverage under the Company’s health and welfare benefits programs for the shorter of (x) 12 months following Mr. Honeyfield ’s termination and (y) the date on which Mr. Honeyfield is eligible for comp arable coverage under a subsequent employer. In addition, Mr. Honeyfield must repay to the Company (i) the full amount of the Sign-On Bonus previously paid to Mr. Honeyfield , if his employment is terminated by the Company for cause, or if he resigns other than for good reason, in each case before November 9 , 2019, or (ii) $ 2 5,000 of the Sign-On Bonus, if his employment is terminated due to death or disability before November 9 , 2019.

The Employment Agreement also contains various other ordinary and customary covenants for the Company’s benefit by Mr. Honeyfield with respect to inventions, non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, confidentiality, and cooperation and assistance with respect to litigation or other adjudicatory proceedings.

The foregoing description of the Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Employment Agreement, which will be filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2018.

Grant of Restricted Stock Units

In connection with Mr. Honeyfield’s appointment as Chief Financial Officer, the Company will grant, effective November 9, 2018, an aggregate of 613,584 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to Mr. Honeyfield pursuant to a restricted stock unit grant agreement (the “RSU Grant Agreement”).  The RSU Grant Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the A&R Stock Incentive Plan, and generally provides for the following terms:

 

One-third of the RSUs granted will vest in equal installments on each of November 9, 2019, November 9, 2020, and November 9, 2021, provided that Mr. Honeyfield remains employed on the applicable vesting date. Two-thirds of the RSUs granted will vest based on the extent to which both performance-based and time-based vesting conditions are achieved.

 

The performance-based vesting conditions are assessed based on the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common shares as measured over 60 consecutive trading days relative to pre-established price goals.

 

Once a performance-based vesting condition is achieved, the RSUs that have become performance vested will time-vest over the two or three-year period following the date on which they became performance vested.

 

In the event Mr. Honeyfield’s employment is terminated by the Company due to disability, death or without cause, or by Mr. Honeyfield for good reason pursuant to his existing employment agreement with the Company, a pro-rata portion of the time-vesting RSUs will vest, and any performance-based RSUs will immediately vest upon the termination.

The foregoing description of the RSU Grant Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of RSU Grant Agreement, of which a copy is attached to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as Exhibit 10.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

44


 

ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS

(a)  Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number

 

Description

    2.1

 

Debtors’ Second Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of the Order Confirming Debtors’ Second Amended Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Ultra Petroleum Corp. on March 16, 2017 ).

 

 

    3.1

 

Articles of Reorganization of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed by Ultra Petroleum Corp. on April 12, 2017).

 

 

 

    3.2

 

Second Amended and Restated Bylaw No. 1 of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Ultra Petroleum Corp. on March 12, 2018).

 

 

 

    4.1

 

Specimen Common Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Ultra Petroleum Corp. on April 18, 2017).

 

 

 

    4.2

 

Indenture dated April 12, 2017 among Ultra Resources, Inc., Ultra Petroleum Corp., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Ultra Petroleum Corp. on April 18, 2017).

 

 

  10.1

 

Ultra Petroleum Corp. Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Ultra Petroleum Corp. on July 12, 2018).

  10.2

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (Stratton) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Ultra Petroleum Corp. on July 12, 2018).

  *10.3

 

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement.

  *10.4

 

Transition Agreement dated as of September 5, 2018, by and between Ultra Petroleum Corp. and Garland R. Shaw.

  *10.5

 

Transition Agreement dated as of September 5, 2018, by and between Ultra Petroleum Corp., and Garrett B. Spear-Smith.

  *10.6

 

Employment Agreement dated as of August 15, 2018, by and between Ultra Petroleum Corp., and Maree K. Delgado.

  *31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

  *31.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

  *32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

  *32.2

 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

  *101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

 

  *101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

 

  *101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

  *101.LAB

 

XBRL Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

  *101.PRE

 

XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

  *101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition.

 

*

Filed herewith.

45


 

SIGNA TURES

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.

 

 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Brad Johnson

 

 

Name:

Brad Johnson

 

 

Title:

Interim Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

Date: November 8, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Garland R. Shaw

 

 

Name:

Garland R. Shaw

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

Date: November 8, 2018

 

 

 

 

46

Exhibit 10.3

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT

(“AGREEMENT”)

PURSUANT TO THE ULTRA PETROLEUM 2017 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN,
AS AMENDED AND RESTATED EFFECTIVE JUNE 8, 2018

Name of Participant:

[●] (“ Participant ”)

Date of Grant of RSUs:

[●] (“ Grant Date ”)

Restricted Stock Units Granted:

[●] (the “ Target Number ”)

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Ultra Petroleum Corp., a Yukon corporation (the “ Company ”) has approved an award of restricted stock units (“ RSUs ”) to you, an employee of Ultra Resources, Inc. (“ Employer ”), and the Company does hereby grant to you, as of the Grant Date specified above, the number of RSUs specified above. The RSUs will only vest to the extent provided in and subject to the conditions described in the attached Schedule 1 .

Please indicate your acceptance of this Agreement by signing below, and then returning the original to the Company.

You should keep a copy of this Agreement for your records.

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

By: _____________________________

 

Brad Johnson
Interim Chief Executive Officer

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:

Participant: [●]

Signature: ____________________

 

 


 

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
SCHEDULE 1

This award described in the cover letter to which this Schedule 1 is attached (the “ Letter ”) is subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and in the Plan. Definitions of certain terms used herein are in the last section hereof.

2.

1.

Incorporation By Reference; Plan Document . Except as provided herein, this Agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto adopted at any time and from time to time unless such amendments are expressly intended not to apply to the Award provided hereunder), all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this Agreement as if they were each expressly set forth herein. Except as provided otherwise herein, any capitalized term not defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as is ascribed thereto in the Plan. Participant acknowledges the Plan has been made available to Participant and Participant has read or could have read and understood the Plan.

2.

Grant of Award . The Company hereby grants to Participant, as of the Grant Date specified in the Letter, the number of RSUs specified in the Letter. Except as otherwise provided by the Plan, Participant understands and agrees that nothing contained in this Agreement provides, or is intended to provide, Participant with any protection against potential future dilution of Participant’s interest in the Company for any reason, and no adjustments shall be made for dividends in cash or other property, distributions or other rights in respect of the shares of common stock underlying the Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”), except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Plan or this Agreement.

3.

Vesting; Forfeiture .

 

3.1.

The Target Number of RSUs will be subject to both time-based and performance-based vesting.  The RSUs will performance-vest based on the extent to which the Performance Criterion outlined in Exhibit A attached hereto are satisfied on or before the third anniversary of the [Grant Date][first date of your employment with the Company] (such three year period, the “ Performance Period ”).

 

3.2.

All RSUs that have not fully vested as of Participant’s date of termination (determined after application of Section 3.5) shall be immediately forfeited.  Any RSU that does not performance vest prior to the conclusion of the Performance Period will automatically be forfeited for no consideration at the conclusion of the Performance Period.

 

3.3.

Any RSUs that performance vest during the Performance Period in accordance with the Performance Criterion will be subject to time-based vesting in accordance with the following schedule:

 

(i)

one-third (1/3) of any Base RSUs (as defined below) and one-fourth (1/4) of any Supplemental RSUs (as defined below) that have previously performance vested will time-vest on the date on which such RSUs performance vest; and

 

(ii)

one-third (1/3) of any Base RSUs and one-fourth (1/4) of any Supplemental RSUs that

 

have previously performance vested will time-vest on the first two (in the case of Base RSUs) or three (in the case of Supplemental RSUS) anniversaries of the date on which such RSUs performance vest.  For this purpose, “Base RSUs” means the number of RSUs that performance vest  up to 100% of the Target Number of RSUs granted hereby, and “Supplemental RSUs” means the number of RSUs that performance vest in excess of 100% of the Target Number of RSUs granted hereby.

 

3.4.

Any RSU that has both performance vested and time vested (including time vesting pursuant to Section 3.5 hereof) shall be referred to herein as a “Vested RSU”.

 

3.5.

One-hundred percent (100%) of any Base RSUs and Supplemental RSUs that have previously performance vested will immediately vest in  the event of Participant’s termination due to death, disability, termination by the Company without Cause, subject to the Participant executing and not revoking a customary release of claims provided by the Company no later than the 60th day following the Participant’s termination of employment.  Any RSUs that have not performance-vested in accordance with Section 3.1 hereof will automatically expire and terminate for no consideration as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment.

4.

Payment; Withholding .

 

4.1.

Except as otherwise provided herein or in the Plan, the Company will deliver to Participant an amount of shares of its common stock equal to the number of Vested RSUs awarded to Participant herein no later than the conclusion of the fiscal quarter in which such RSU first became a Vested RSU.

 

4.2.

Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Company has the power and right to deduct or withhold, or require Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state, local and foreign taxes of any kind (including, but not limited to, Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations) which the Company, in its good faith discretion, deems necessary to be withheld or remitted to comply with the Code and/or any other applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to the RSUs, and if the withholding requirement cannot be satisfied, the Company may otherwise refuse to issue or transfer any shares of common stock otherwise required to be issued pursuant to this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing, Participant agrees that the Company may withhold shares of common stock otherwise deliverable to Participant hereunder with a Fair Market Value equal to Participant’s total income and employment taxes imposed as a result of

Schedule 2 – Page 1

 


 

 

the vesting and/or settlement of the RSUs to the extent provided in the Plan.

5.

Non-Transferability .

 

5.1.

No portion of or interest in the RSUs may be sold, assigned, transferred, encumbered, hypothecated or pledged by Participant, other than to the Company as a result of forfeiture of the RSUs as provided herein.

 

5.2.

The Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, Transfer any shares of Common Stock acquired upon settlement of the RSUs granted hereunder, unless in each such instance the Participant (or estate or legal representative) shall have first made an irrevocable offer to the Company for the Common Stock proposed to be Transferred.  The right of first refusal must be exercised by the Company by delivering to the Participant (or the estate or legal representative) written notice of such exercise within ten (10) business days following the Company's receipt of written notification of the irrevocable offer.  Upon the exercise of a right of first refusal, the Common Stock offered to the Company shall be purchased by the Company at the closing price per share on the day offered to the Company.  The notice of exercise of the right of first refusal shall specify the date and location for the closing of such purchase, which closing shall take place no later than four (4) business days following the expiration of the ten (10) business day offer period.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant shall not, without Committee consent, directly or indirectly Transfer more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the aggregate shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to this RSU in any fiscal quarter.

6.

Dividends; Rights as Stockholder . Cash dividends on the number of shares of Common Stock issuable hereunder shall be credited to a dividend book entry account on behalf of Participant with respect to each RSU granted to Participant, provided that such cash dividends shall not be deemed to be reinvested in shares of Common Stock and shall be held uninvested and without interest and paid in cash at the same time that the shares of Common Stock underlying the RSUs are delivered to Participant in accordance with the provisions hereof. Stock or property dividends on shares of Common Stock shall be credited to a dividend book entry account on behalf of Participant with respect to each RSU granted to Participant, provided that such stock or property dividends shall be paid in (i) shares of Common Stock, (ii) in the case of a spin-off, shares of stock of the entity that is spun-off from the Company, or (iii) other property, as applicable and in each case, at the same time that the shares of Common Stock underlying the RSUs are delivered to Participant in accordance with the provisions hereof. Except as otherwise provided herein, Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock covered by any RSU unless and until Participant has become the holder of record of such shares.

7.

Additional Provisions .

 

7.1.

All questions concerning the construction, validity and interpretation of this Agreement shall be

 

governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.

 

7.2.

The Company may at any time place legends referencing any applicable federal, state or foreign securities law restrictions on all certificates, if any, representing shares of common stock issued pursuant to this Agreement. Participant shall, at the request of the Company, promptly present to the Company any and all certificates, if any, representing shares of common stock acquired pursuant to this Agreement in the possession of Participant in order to carry out the provisions of this paragraph.

 

7.3.

No waiver or non-action by either party hereto with respect to any breach by the other party of any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of such provision, or as a waiver of the provision itself.

 

7.4.

This Agreement, together with the Plan, contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements or prior understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties relating to such subject matter. The Compensation Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan. This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company and Participant. The Company shall give written notice to Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof.

 

7.5.

Any notice hereunder by Participant shall be given to the Company in writing and such notice shall be deemed duly given only upon receipt thereof by the Director of Human Employer and the General Counsel of the Company. Any notice by the Company shall be given to Participant in writing and such notice shall be deemed duly given only upon receipt thereof at such address as Participant may have on file with the Company.

 

7.6.

Any questions as to whether and when there has been a Termination and the cause of such Termination shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Committee. Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates to terminate Participant’s employment or service at any time, for any reason and with or without Cause.

 

7.7.

Participant unambiguously authorizes, agrees and consents to transmission by the Company (or any Subsidiary) of any personal data information related to the RSUs awarded under this Agreement for legitimate business purposes (including, without limitation, the administration of the Plan). This consent and authorization is freely given.

 

7.8.

The grant of RSUs and the issuance of shares of common stock hereunder shall be subject to, and shall comply with, any applicable requirements of

Schedule 2 – Page 2

 


 

 

any foreign and U.S. federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and in each case any respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and any other applicable law, rule, regulation or exchange requirement. The Company shall not be obligated to issue RSUs or shares of common stock pursuant to this Agreement if any such issuance would violate any such requirements. As a condition to settlement of the RSUs, the Company may require Participant to satisfy any qualifications necessary or appropriate to evidence compliance with any applicable law or regulation.

 

7.9.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. Participant shall not assign any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.

 

7.10.

The titles and headings herein are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.

 

7.11.

This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

7.12.

Each party hereto shall do and perform (or shall cause to be done and performed) all such further acts and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as either party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes hereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and the Plan; provided that no such additional documents shall contain terms or conditions inconsistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

 

7.13.

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

7.14.

Participant acknowledges and agrees that: (a) the Company may terminate or amend the Plan at any time; (b) the award of RSUs made under this Agreement is completely independent of any other award or grant and is made at the sole discretion of the Company; (c) no past grants or awards (including, without limitation, the RSUs awarded hereunder) give Participant any right to any grants or awards in the future whatsoever; and (d) any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of Participant’s ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation.

8.

Definitions . Certain terms used herein are defined in the Plan. Certain other terms are defined below:

 

8.1.

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

8.2.

“Employer” means Ultra Resources, Inc.

 

8.3.

“Participant” is defined in the Letter.

 

8.4.

“Plan” means the Ultra Petroleum Corp. 2017 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated effective as of June 8, 2018.

 

Schedule 2 – Page 3

 


 

EXHIBIT A

PERFORMANCE CRITERION

During the Performance Period, the RSUs subject to this Agreement will performance vest based on the “60-Day VWAP” (as defined below) as follows:

 

15% of the Base RSUs will performance-vest if the 60-Day VWAP is above $[●];

 

 

an additional 25% of the Base RSUs will performance-vest if the 60-Day VWAP is above $[●] (for an aggregate of 40% of the Target Number of RSUs);

 

 

an additional 50% of the Base RSUs will performance-vest if the 60-Day VWAP is above $[●] (for an aggregate of 90% of the Target Number of RSUs);

 

 

the remaining 10% of the Base RSUs granted will performance-vest if the 60-Day VWAP is above $[●] (for an aggregate of 100% of the Target Number of RSUs);

 

 

an additional 25% of the RSUs will performance-vest if the 60-Day VWAP is above $[●] (for an aggregate of 125% of the Target Number of RSUs);

 

 

an additional 25% of the RSUs will performance-vest if the 60-Day VWAP is above $[●] (for an aggregate of 150% of the Target Number of RSUs);

 

 

an additional 25% of the RSUs will performance-vest if the 60-Day VWAP is above $[●] (for an aggregate of 175% of the Target Number of RSUs); and

 

 

an additional 25% of the RSUs will performance-vest if the 60-Day VWAP is above $[●] (for an aggregate of 200% of the Target Number of RSUs).

 

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS :

1.

As used herein, the term “ 60-Day VWAP ” means, as of any date, the volume-weighted average price per share of the common stock of Ultra Petroleum Corp. measured from 9:30 am eastern time on the trading day that is sixty (60) trading days preceding such date to 4:00 pm eastern time on the trading day immediately preceding such date.

2.

For the sake of clarity, the RSUs that performance vest pursuant to the first four bullets above are Base  RSUs and the RSUs that performance vest pursuant to the last four bullets above are Supplemental RSUs (as those terms are used in Schedule 1 to the Agreement).

 

 

 

Exhibit 10.4

 

Executed Version

 

 

 

TRANSITION AGREEMENT

 

This TRANSITION AGREEMENT (this Agreement ”) dated as of September 5, 2018, by and between Ultra Petroleum Corp, a Yukon Corporation (the Company ”) and Garland R. Shaw (the Executive ”), sets forth the terms and understandings regarding Executive’s continued service with and termination of employment from the Company.

 

WHEREAS, the Executive is party to that certain Employment Agreement, dated November 6, 2017 by and between the Company and the Executive, as amended effective June 28, 2018 (the Employment Agreement ”) and Executive is a party to that certain Restricted Stock Unit Agreement by and between Executive and the Company dated April 12, 2017 pursuant to the Ultra Petroleum 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the Emergence Agreement ”, and collectively with the Employment Agreement, the Subject Agreements ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Executive is entitled to certain payments and benefits upon certain terminations of Executive’s employment;

 

WHEREAS, the Company has publicly announced its plans to relocate its headquarters from Houston, Texas, the Executive’s primary place of employment, to Englewood, Colorado with an effective date of and closure of the Houston office as of September 30, 2018 and Executive may have a right to resign his employment for Good Reason in the event that the Company asks the Executive to relocate his primary place of business;

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to employ Executive to serve in his current role as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as further described below, until a future date mutually agreed between the parties as set forth below; and

 

WHEREAS, and the Company and the Executive wish to stipulate their mutual rights and obligations under the Employment Agreement arising in connection with the Executive’s continued service with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, the Company Group ”) from and following the date hereof the Executive’s separation from service to the Company Group.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

Continued Employment . Effective as of the date hereof and concluding on the Separation Date (as defined below) (such period, the Transition Period ”), the Executive will continue to serve as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. During the Transition Period, the Executive will continue to provide the services associated with his title and position, and will, if and when directed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, provide transition services to facilitate a smooth transition of the Executive’s job responsibilities and perform such other duties and responsibilities prior to the Separation Date as reasonably requested by the Company consistent with Executive’s positions. During the Transition Period, the Executive will

 

 


continue to be entitled to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 4 of the Employment Agreement and as such shall (a) receive continued payment of base salary of

$425,000 per year, (b) remain eligible to earn the Executive’s annual cash bonus compensation pursuant to the Company’s 2018 Annual Incentive Plan and Section 4(b) of the Employment Agreement with a target bonus amount equal to ninety-percent (90%) of Executive’s base salary, (c) remain eligible for all other Company compensation, benefit or fringe benefit plans, policies or programs, including as set forth in the Employment Agreement as well as accruing vacation days and being reimbursed for business expenses, and (d) continue to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement, including Amendment 1 thereto.

 

2.

Long-Term Incentive Plan . In lieu of Executive receiving incentive compensation in respect of the 2018 calendar year pursuant to the long-term incentive program established by the Company, Executive will be entitled to receive a cash payment upon the Separation Date if the Separation Date is due to a Qualifying Termination (as defined below) equal to $128,853 (the LTIP Payment ”). The LTIP Payment is contingent on Executive’s acknowledgment that Executive shall not have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment due to the Company’s failure to provide Executive with the Target LTIP Amount (as defined in the Employment Agreement).

 

 

3.

Separation from the Company . Executive’s employment with the Company shall continue until the first to occur of (a) the date the Company terminates Executive’s employment for or without Cause (both as defined in the Employment Agreement), (b) the date the Executive resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or without Good Reason, in each case in accordance with the Employment Agreement; provided , the Executive agrees and acknowledges that Executive shall be ineligible to resign for Good Reason prior to November 15, 2018, and (c) Executive’s death or Disability, in each case in accordance with the Employment Agreement (such date, the Separation Date ”). The Company agrees and acknowledges that Executive shall have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment as of November 15, 2018, and Executive may voluntarily resign for any reason following November 15, 2018 and prior to February 1, 2019 and such resignation will constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement and Section 5 of this Agreement, provided Executive has not incurred a termination for Cause prior to such date. To resign after November 15, 2018, Executive should provide written notice in accordance with Section 5(a)(iv)(A) of the Employment Agreement and Section 14 of this Agreement. Effective as of the Separation Date, the Executive shall cease to be an employee of the Company and shall resign from all other positions as an employee or officer of any member of the Company Group. The Executive shall promptly execute any additional documentation the Company may request to reflect such resignations.

 

 

4.

Accrued Benefits . Upon the Separation Date, the Executive shall be entitled to receive any unpaid Base Salary through the Separation Date and shall be entitled to reimbursement within 30 days of submission of any unreimbursed expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Company policies prior to the Separation Date. Executive shall also receive such other compensation (including any other equity-related payments) and benefits, if any, to which Executive may be entitled from time to time

 

 

2

 


pursuant to the terms and conditions of the employee compensation, incentive, equity, benefit or fringe benefit plans, policies or programs of the Company. All payments under this Section 4 shall be made in accordance with the timing of payments set forth in Section 5(a)(ix)(A) of the Employment Agreement.

 

5.

Separation Payments and Benefits . In accordance with the terms of the Subject Agreements, if the Separation Date occurs due to the Executive’s resignation for Good Reason (including, for the avoidance of doubt , any voluntary resignation by Executive after November 15, 2018 and prior to February 1, 2019) or due to a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company other than for Cause (a Qualifying Termination ”), the Executive shall be entitled to receive in full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under Section 5 of the Employment Agreement:

 

 

 

(a)

Separation Payment . Subject to Section 5(d) herein, and in full satisfaction of Executive’s rights under Section 5(b)(ix)(A)(i) or Section 5(b)(ix)(B) or (C) of the Employment Agreement, Executive will be entitled to an amount equal to (i) $1,625,209.70 if the Separation Date occurs prior to a Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and clause (ii) does not apply and (ii) $3,594,273.00 if the Separation Date occurs on or after a Change in Control or Executive’s termination of employment is in anticipation of a Change in Control (the Separation Payment ”). In addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of any portion of the LTIP Payment not previously paid in accordance with Section 2 of this Agreement. The Company shall pay the Separation Payment and any unpaid LTIP Payment in a lump sum no later than thirty (30) days following the Separation Date.

 

 

 

(b)

Continuation of Benefits . Subject solely to Section 13(f) of the Employment Agreement, the Company shall make available to Executive, at the Company’s cost and expense, continued participation in the Company’s life insurance, disability insurance, directors and officers liability insurance, health and accident plans (including medical, dental and vision plans) and any other welfare, fringe or employee benefit plans Executive was participating in immediately prior to the Separation Date (collectively, the Welfare Benefits ”) for a period beginning on the Separation Date and continuing for at least 18 months or, if earlier occurring, such time as Executive obtains other employment that provides the Executive with benefits (other than directors and officers liability insurance) at least as favorable to the Executive as the Welfare Benefits.

 

 

 

(c)

Company Equity Awards . Upon the Release Effective Date, all outstanding and unvested awards granted pursuant to the Emergence Agreement held by Executive as of the Separation Date (i.e., 392,172 shares) will automatically, and without any action on the part of the Executive, become vested and delivered to the Executive (the Equity Acceleration ”). The Company agrees that such shares will be delivered net of the shares withheld to pay the withholding taxes due upon delivery of such shares. Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that as of the date hereof, Executive has no outstanding equity incentives other than those set forth in the Emergence Agreement.      The Company

 

 

3

 


acknowledges that following the Separation Date, there are no Company-imposed restrictions on Executive’s ability to transfer or sell any stock he owns (or will own upon delivery of the shares in accordance with this clause (c)) in the Company.

 

 

(d)

Release of Claims . The rights, payments and benefits to be provided to the Executive under Section 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) of this Agreement are subject to the Executive’s execution and delivery to the Company of an effective general release and waiver of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Release ”) following the Executive’s Separation Date and the period during which the Release may be revoked having expired within thirty (30) days following the Separation Date (the date on which the release becomes effective and is no longer subject to revocation, the Release Effective Date ”).

 

 

For the avoidance of doubt, if the Separation Date occurs because of Executive’s death or Disability, he (or his estate) shall be entitled to the payments and entitlements set forth in the Employment Agreement for a termination due to death or Disability, as applicable.

 

 

6.

Return of Company Property . The Executive shall promptly following the Separation Date return to the Company all documents, records, files and other information and property belonging or relating to the Company, its affiliates, customers, clients or employees. The Executive acknowledges that all such materials are, and will remain, the exclusive property of the Company, and the Executive may not retain originals or copies of such materials without the express written approval of the Company.

 

 

7.

Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

 

8.

Waiver . No waiver by either party of any breach by the other party of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of any other provision or condition at the time or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

 

9.

Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of Colorado, without reference to its choice of law rules. Any dispute between the parties with respect to this Agreement shall be governed by Section 13(e)(ii) of the Employment Agreement.

 

 

10.

Withholding . The Company shall deduct or withhold, or require the Executive to remit to the Company, the minimum statutory amount to satisfy federal, state or local taxes required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any benefit provided hereunder.

 

 

11.

Representations. The Company represents and warrants to Executive that all corporate action required to be taken to authorize the Company to enter into this

 

 

4

 


Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder has been taken and the person signing this Agreement on behalf of the Company is duly authorized to do so.

 

12.

Indemnification/D&O Liability Insurance. Nothing in this Agreement (including the Release) shall affect any rights Executive has to be indemnified and/or advanced expenses for third party claims or to be covered under any applicable directors’ and officers’ insurance policies, including any tail directors’ and officers’ insurance policies he was covered pursuant to immediately prior to the Separation Date.

 

 

13.

Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Release shall constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings, written or oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein, including, the Subject Agreements. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is not relying on any representations or promises by any representative of the Company concerning the meaning of any aspect of this Agreement or the Release. This Agreement and the Release may not be altered or modified other than in a writing signed by the Executive and an authorized representative of the Company. The Company confirms that the only restrictive covenants applicable to Executive following the Separation Date are set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

 

14.

Notices . Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand, or sent by priority, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by recognized overnight delivery or courier service (regularly providing proof of delivery), addressed to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer at the Company’s then principal office, or to Executive at the address set forth under Executive’s signature below, as the case may be, or to such other address or addresses as any party hereto may from time to time specify in writing. Notices shall be deemed given when received.

 

 

15.

Successors and Assigns . This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive, the Company and their respective heirs, successors and assigns, except that the Executive may not assign Executive’s rights or delegate Executive’s obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive should die while any payment and/or entitlement is due to him hereunder, such payment or entitlement shall be paid or provided to his designated beneficiary (or if there is no designated beneficiary, to his estate).

 

 

16.

Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Additionally, the parties agree that electronic reproduction of signatures (i.e. scanned PDF versions of original signatures, facsimile transmissions, and the like) shall be treated as original signatures for purposes of execution of this Agreement.

 

 

17.

Section 409A . The intent of the parties is that the payments and benefits contemplated under this Agreement that are subject to Section 409A of the Code and the regulations    and guidance promulgated   thereunder and comply with   the requirements

 

 

5

 


thereof (including any applicable exemptions) and accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Agreement will be interpreted to be in compliance therewith. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, separation payments and benefits pursuant to Section 5 hereof, to the extent of payments made from the Separation Date through March 15 of the calendar year following the Separation Date, are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations and thus are payable pursuant to the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. To the extent such payments are made following said March 15, they are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations to the maximum extent permitted by said provision, with any excess amount being regarded as subject to the distribution requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(A) of the Code, including, without limitation, the requirement of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code that payment be delayed until six (6) months after separation from service if Executive is a “specified employee” with the meaning of the aforesaid section of the Code at the time of such separation from service. In addition, the provisions of the Employment Agreement relating to Section 409A of the Code, including Section 5(a)(ix), Section 6 and Schedule 2, are incorporated into this Agreement with full force and effect.

 

 

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

6

 


 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of

the dates set forth below.

 

 

 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

By:    /s/ Brad Johnson     Date: 5 Sep 2018

Name: Brad Johnson

Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer

    

 

Garland R. Shaw

 

By:     /s/ Garland Shaw           Date: 9/5/18

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Signature Pag e to Transition Agreement]

 

 


 

EXHIBIT A

 

Y OU SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING THIS RELEASE OF CLAIMS .

 

Release

 

1. In consideration of the payments and benefits set forth in Section 5 of the Transition Agreement dated as of September 5, 2018, by and between Ultra Petroleum Corp, a Yukon Corporation (the Company ”) and Garland R. Shaw (the Executive ”) (the T ransition Agreement ”) (each of the Executive and the Company, a Party and collectively, the Parties ”), the sufficiency of which the Executive acknowledges, the Executive, with the intention of binding himself and his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does hereby release, remise, acquit and forever discharge the Company and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates (the Company Affiliated Gro up”), their present and former officers, directors, executives, shareholders, agents, attorneys, employees and employee benefit plans (and the fiduciaries thereof), and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing (collectively, the Company Released Parties ”), of and from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, complaints, charges, demands, rights, damages, debts, sums of money, accounts, financial obligations, suits, expenses, attorneys’ fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity or otherwise, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise and whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which the Executive, individually or as a member of a class, now has, owns or holds, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held, arising on or prior to the date hereof, against any Company Released Party, including without limitation any claim that arises out of, or relates to, (i) Employment Agreement, dated November 6, 2017 by and between the Company and the Executive as amended effective June 28, 2018 (the Employment Agreement ”), the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement by and between Executive and the Company dated April 12, 2017 pursuant to the Ultra Petroleum 2017 Stock Incentive Plan, the Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, or any termination of such employment,

(ii) for severance or vacation benefits, unpaid wages, salary or incentive payments, (iii) breach of contract, wrongful discharge, impairment of economic opportunity, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional harm or other tort, (iv) any violation of applicable state and local labor and employment laws (including, without limitation, all laws concerning unlawful and unfair labor and employment practices) and/or (v) for employment discrimination under any applicable federal, state or local statute, provision, order or regulation, and including, without limitation, any claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“ Title VII ”), the Civil Rights Act of 1988, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ ADA ”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ ADEA ”), the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, TX Labor Code § 21.001 et seq ., the Texas Payday Law, TX Labor Code § 61.001 et seq ., the Texas Minimum Wage Act, TX Labor Code § 62.001 et seq ., and the Texas Communicable Disease Act, TX Health and Safety Code § 81.101 et seq ., all as amended , and any similar or analogous state statute, excepting only:

 

1

 


 

 

A.

rights of the Executive to the LTIP Payment (if not previously paid), the accrued benefits set forth in Section 4 of the Transition Agreement, the Separation Payment, the Welfare Benefits, the Equity Acceleration (as all such terms are defined in the Transition Agreement) and all other rights of the Executive as set forth in the Transition Agreement;

 

 

 

B.

the right of the Executive to receive COBRA continuation coverage in accordance with applicable law;

 

 

 

C.

claims for benefits under any health, disability, retirement, deferred compensation, life insurance or other similar employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) of the Company Affiliated Group; and

 

 

 

D.

rights to indemnification the Executive has or may have under an agreement with any member of the Company Affiliated Group, the by-laws or certificate of incorporation of any member of the Company Affiliated Group or as an insured under any director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy now or previously in force, including any tail policy.

 

 

In addition, nothing in this Release prevents Executive from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Department of Labor, except that Executive hereby waives his right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding. Nothing contained in this Release shall be construed to prohibit the Executive from reporting possible violations of federal or state law or regulation to any governmental agency or regulatory body or making other disclosures that are protected under any whistleblower provisions of federal or state law or regulation, or from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by any governmental agency or regulatory body. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive is not releasing claims with respect to any rights he had upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy with respect to his rights to be indemnified or covered under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies, including any tail policies, or to be released from certain claims. For the avoidance of doubt by executing this Release, the Executive is not forfeiting his common stock ownership in the Company.

 

2. The Company confirms that as of the date it signs this Release that the board of directors of the Company is not aware of any claim any member of the Company Affiliated Group has or may have against the Executive.

 

3. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), an individual may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (i) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.

 

2

 


 

Additionally, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual: (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal and (B) does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order.

 

4. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release is not to be construed in any way as an admission of any liability whatsoever by any Company Released Party, any such liability being expressly denied. The Company acknowledges and agrees that this Release is not to be construed in any way as an admission of any liability whatsoever by the Executive, any such liability being expressly denied.

 

5. This Release applies to any relief no matter how called, including, without limitation, wages, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive damages, damages for pain or suffering, costs, and attorneys’ fees and expenses but does not apply to the claims not released by the Executive in Section 1 above.

 

6. The Executive specifically acknowledges that his acceptance of the terms of this Release is, among other things, a specific waiver of his rights, claims and causes of action under Title VII, ADEA, ADA and any state or local law or regulation in respect of discrimination of any kind; provided , however , that nothing herein shall be deemed, nor does anything contained herein purport, to be a waiver of any right or claim or cause of action which by law the Executive is not permitted to waive.

 

7. As to rights, claims and causes of action arising under ADEA, the Executive acknowledges that he been given a period of twenty-one (21) days to consider whether to execute this Release. If the Executive accepts the terms hereof and executes this Release, he may thereafter, for a period of seven (7) days following (and not including) the date of execution, revoke this Release as it relates to the release of claims arising under ADEA. If no such revocation occurs, this Release shall become irrevocable in its entirety, and binding and enforceable against the Executive, on the day next following the day on which the foregoing seven-day period has elapsed. If such a revocation occurs, the Transition Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect, and the Executive shall irrevocably forfeit any right to payment of the Separation Payment, the Welfare Benefits, and the Equity Acceleration (other than $1,000 as consideration for the rights, claims and causes of actions that continue to be waived hereunder and his rights to be indemnified and covered under any applicable directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies) or any other cash severance, benefits continuation or other post-termination benefits pursuant to the Employment Agreement (other than rights to the accrued benefits set forth in Section 4 of the Transition Agreement) and any rights to be indemnified or covered under any applicable directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies), but the remainder of the Employment Agreement shall continue in full force.

 

8. Other than as to rights, claims and causes of action arising under ADEA, this Release shall be immediately effective upon execution by the Executive.

 

3

 


 

9. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has not, with respect to any transaction or state of facts existing prior to the date hereof, filed any complaints, charges or lawsuits against any Company Released Party with any governmental agency, court or tribunal.

 

10. The Executive acknowledges that he has been advised to seek, and has had the opportunity to seek, the advice and assistance of an attorney with regard to this Release, and has been given a sufficient period within which to consider this Release.

 

11. The Executive acknowledges that this Release relates only to claims that exist as of the date of this Release.

 

12. The Executive acknowledges that the Separation Payment, the Welfare Benefits, and the Equity Acceleration he is receiving in connection with this Release and his obligations under this Release are in addition to anything of value to which the Executive is entitled from the Company.

 

13. Each provision hereof is severable from this Release, and if one or more provisions hereof are declared invalid, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect. If any provision of this Release is so broad, in scope, or duration or otherwise, as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

 

14. This Release constitutes the complete agreement of the Parties in respect of the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior agreements between the Parties in respect of the subject matter hereof except to the extent set forth herein. For the avoidance of doubt, this Release does not supersede the Transition Agreement.

 

15. The failure to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Release or to require at any time performance by another party of any of the provisions hereof shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provisions or to affect the validity of this Release, or any part hereof, or the right of any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision in accordance with the terms of this Release.

 

16. This Release may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures delivered by facsimile shall be deemed effective for all purposes.

 

17. This Release shall be binding upon any and all successors and assigns of the Executive and the Company.

 

18. Except for issues or matters as to which federal law is applicable, this Release shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

4

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this Release as of the date written below.

 

 

 

 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

By: Name:

Title: Date:

 

5

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has executed this Release as of the date written below.

 

 

 

 

 

Accepted and Agreed:

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Garland R. Shaw

Date:

6

 

Exhibit 10.5

 

Executed Version

 

 

 

TRANSITION AGREEMENT

 

This TRANSITION AGREEMENT (this Agreement ”) dated as of September 5, 2018, by and between Ultra Petroleum Corp, a Yukon Corporation (the Company ”) and Garrett B. Spear-Smith (the Executive ”), sets forth the terms and understandings regarding Executive’s continued service with and termination of employment from the Company.

 

WHEREAS, the Executive is party to that certain Employment Agreement, dated November 6, 2017 by and between the Company and the Executive (the Employment Agreement ”) and Executive is a party to that certain Restricted Stock Unit Agreement by and between Executive and the Company dated April 12, 2017 pursuant to the Ultra Petroleum 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (the Emergence Agreement ”, and collectively with the Employment Agreement, the Subject Agreements ”);

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Executive is entitled to certain payments and benefits upon certain terminations of Executive’s employment;

 

WHEREAS, Executive has provided the Company with a notice of his right to resign for Good Reason under the Employment Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to employ Executive to serve in his current role as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company, as further described below, until a future date mutually agreed between the parties as set forth below; and

 

WHEREAS, and the Company and the Executive wish to stipulate their mutual rights and obligations under the Employment Agreement arising in connection with the Executive’s continued service with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, the Company Group ”) from and following the date hereof the Executive’s separation from service to the Company Group.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises herein contained, the Company and the Executive hereby agree as follows:

 

1.

Continued Employment . Effective as of the date hereof and concluding on the Separation Date (as defined below) (such period, the Transition Period ”), the Executive will continue to serve as the Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Company, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. During the Transition Period, the Executive will continue to provide the services associated with his title and position, and will, if and when directed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, provide transition services to facilitate a smooth transition of the Executive’s job responsibilities and perform such other duties and responsibilities prior to the Separation Date as reasonably requested by the Company consistent with Executive’s positions. During the Transition Period, the Executive will continue to be entitled to the payments and benefits set forth in Section 4 of the Employment Agreement and as such shall (a) receive continued payment of base salary of $325,000 per year, (b) remain eligible to earn the Executive’s annual cash bonus compensation pursuant to the Company’s 2018

 

 


Annual Incentive Plan and Section 4(b) of the Employment Agreement with a target bonus amount equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of Executive’s base salary, (c) remain eligible for all other Company compensation, benefit or fringe benefit plans, policies or programs, including as set forth in the Employment Agreement as well as accruing vacation days and being reimbursed for business expenses, and (d) continue to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement.

 

2.

Long-Term Incentive Plan . In lieu of Executive, receiving incentive compensation in respect of the 2018 calendar year pursuant to the long-term incentive program established by the Company, Executive will be entitled to receive a cash payment upon the Separation Date if the Separation Date is due to a Qualifying Termination (as defined below) equal to $51,541 (the LTIP Payment ”). The LTIP Payment is contingent on Executive’s acknowledgment that Executive shall not have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment due to the Company’s failure to provide Executive with the Target LTIP Amount (as defined in the Employment Agreement).

 

 

3.

Separation from the Company . Executive’s employment with the Company shall continue until the first to occur of (a) the date the Company terminates Executive’s employment for or without Cause (both as defined in the Employment Agreement), (b) the date the Executive resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the Employment Agreement) or without Good Reason, in each case in accordance with the Employment Agreement; provided , the Executive agrees and acknowledges that Executive shall be ineligible to resign for Good Reason prior to November 15, 2018, and (c) Executive’s death or Disability, in each case in accordance with the Employment Agreement (such date, the Separation Date ”). The Company agrees and acknowledges that Executive shall have Good Reason to terminate Executive’s employment as of November 15, 2018, and Executive may voluntarily resign for any reason following November 15, 2018 and prior to February 1, 2019 and such resignation will constitute a termination of employment for Good Reason in accordance with the terms of the Employment Agreement and Section 5 of this Agreement, provided Executive has not incurred a termination for Cause prior to such date. To resign after November 15, 2018, Executive should provide written notice in accordance with Section 5(a)(v)(A) of the Employment Agreement and Section 14 of this Agreement. Effective as of the Separation Date, the Executive shall cease to be an employee of the Company and shall resign from all other positions as an employee or officer of any member of the Company Group. The Executive shall promptly execute any additional documentation the Company may request to reflect such resignations.

 

 

4.

Accrued Benefits . Upon the Separation Date, the Executive shall be entitled to receive any unpaid Base Salary through the Separation Date and shall be entitled to reimbursement within 30 days of submission of any unreimbursed expenses properly incurred by Executive in accordance with Company policies prior to the Separation Date. Executive shall also receive such other compensation (including any other equity-related payments) and benefits, if any, to which Executive may be entitled from time to time pursuant to the terms and conditions of the employee compensation, incentive, equity, benefit or fringe benefit plans, policies or programs of the Company. All payments under

 

 

2

 

 


this Section 4 shall be made in accordance with the timing of payments set forth in Section 5(a)(ix)(A) of the Employment Agreement.

 

5.

Separation Payments and Benefits . In accordance with the terms of the Subject Agreements, if the Separation Date occurs due to the Executive’s resignation for Good Reason (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any voluntary resignation by Executive after November 15, 2018 and prior to February 1, 2019) or due to a termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company other than for Cause (a Qualifying Termination ”), the Executive shall be entitled to receive in full satisfaction of the Company’s obligations under Section 5 of the Employment Agreement:

 

 

(a)

Separation Payment . Subject to Section 5(d) herein, and in full satisfaction of Executive’s rights under Section 5(b)(ix)(A)(i) or Section 5(b)(ix)(B) or (C) of the Employment Agreement, Executive will be entitled to an amount equal to (i) $885,752.03 if the Separation Date occurs prior to a Change in Control (as defined in the Employment Agreement) and clause (ii) does not apply and (ii) $1,756,504 if the Separation Date occurs on or after a Change in Control or Executive’s termination of employment is in anticipation of a Change in Control (the Separation Payment ”). In addition, Executive shall be entitled to receive payment of any portion of the LTIP Payment not previously paid in accordance with Section 3 of this Agreement. The Company shall pay the Separation Payment and any unpaid LTIP Payment in a lump sum no later than thirty (30) days following the Separation Date.

 

 

(b) Continuation of Benefits . Subject solely to Section 13(f) of the Employment Agreement, the Company shall make available to Executive, at the Company’s cost and expense, continued participation in the Company’s life insurance, disability insurance, directors and officers liability insurance, health and accident plans (including medical, dental and vision plans) and any other welfare, fringe or employee benefit plans Executive was participating in immediately prior to the Separation Date (collectively, the Welfare Benefits ”) for a period beginning on the Separation Date and continuing for at least 12 months or, if earlier occurring, such time as Executive obtains other employment that provides the Executive with benefits (other than directors and officers liability insurance) at least as favorable to the Executive as the Welfare Benefits.

 

(c) Company Equity Awards . Upon the Release Effective Date, all outstanding and unvested awards granted pursuant to the Emergence Agreement held by Executive as of the Separation Date (i.e., 151,459 shares) will automatically, and without any action on the part of the Executive, become vested and delivered to the Executive (the Equity Acceleration ”). The Company agrees that such shares will be delivered net of the shares withheld to pay the withholding taxes due upon delivery of such shares. Executive and the Company acknowledge and agree that as of the date hereof, Executive has no outstanding equity incentives other than those set forth in the Emergence Agreement. The Company acknowledges that following the Separation Date, there are no Company- imposed restrictions on Executive’s ability to transfer or sell any stock he owns (or will own upon delivery of the shares in accordance with this clause (c)) in the Company.

 

3

 

 


(d) Release of Claims . The rights, payments and benefits to be provided to the Executive under Section 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) of this Agreement are subject to the Executive’s execution and delivery to the Company of an effective general release and waiver of claims in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (the Release ”) following the Executive’s Separation Date and the period during which the Release may be revoked having expired within thirty (30) days following the Separation Date (the date on which the release becomes effective and is no longer subject to revocation, the Release Effective Date ”).

 

For the avoidance of doubt, if the Separation Date occurs because of Executive’s death or Disability, he (or his estate) shall be entitled to the payments and entitlements set forth in the Employment Agreement for a termination due to death or Disability, as applicable.

 

6.

Return of Company Property . The Executive shall promptly following the Separation Date return to the Company all documents, records, files and other information and property belonging or relating to the Company, its affiliates, customers, clients or employees. The Executive acknowledges that all such materials are, and will remain, the exclusive property of the Company, and the Executive may not retain originals or copies of such materials without the express written approval of the Company.

 

 

7.

Severability . In the event that any one or more of the provisions of this Agreement are held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

 

8.

Waiver . No waiver by either party of any breach by the other party of any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of any other provision or condition at the time or at any prior or subsequent time.

 

 

9.

Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of Colorado, without reference to its choice of law rules. Any dispute between the parties with respect to this Agreement shall be governed by Section 13(e)(ii) of the Employment Agreement.

 

 

10.

Withholding . The Company shall deduct or withhold, or require the Executive to remit to the Company, the minimum statutory amount to satisfy federal, state or local taxes required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any benefit provided hereunder.

 

 

11.

Representations . The Company represents and warrants to Executive that all corporate action required to be taken to authorize the Company to enter into this Agreement and perform its obligations hereunder has been taken and the person signing this Agreement on behalf of the Company is duly authorized to do so.

 

 

4

 

 


12.

Indemnification/D&O Liability Insurance . Nothing in this Agreement (including the Release) shall affect any rights Executive has to be indemnified and/or advanced expenses for third party claims or to be covered under any applicable directors’ and officers’ insurance policies, including any tail directors’ and officers’ insurance policies he was covered pursuant to immediately prior to the Separation Date.

 

 

13.

Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Release shall constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior agreements, arrangements and understandings, written or oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein, including, the Subject Agreements. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that Executive is not relying on any representations or promises by any representative of the Company concerning the meaning of any aspect of this Agreement or the Release. This Agreement and the Release may not be altered or modified other than in a writing signed by the Executive and an authorized representative of the Company. The Company confirms that the only restrictive covenants applicable to Executive following the Separation Date are set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

 

14.

Notices . Any notice required or permitted by this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand, or sent by priority, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by recognized overnight delivery or courier service (regularly providing proof of delivery), addressed to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer at the Company’s then principal office, or to Executive at the address set forth under Executive’s signature below, as the case may be, or to such other address or addresses as any party hereto may from time to time specify in writing. Notices shall be deemed given when received.

 

 

15.

Successors and Assigns . This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive, the Company and their respective heirs, successors and assigns, except that the Executive may not assign Executive’s rights or delegate Executive’s obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Executive should die while any payment and/or entitlement is due to him hereunder, such payment or entitlement shall be paid or provided to his designated beneficiary (or if there is no designated beneficiary, to his estate).

 

 

16.

Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Additionally, the parties agree that electronic reproductions of signatures (i.e., scanned PDF versions of original signatures, facsimile transmissions, and the like) shall be treated as original signatures for purposes of execution of this Agreement.

 

 

17.

Section 409A . The intent of the parties is that the payments and benefits contemplated under this Agreement that are subject to Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder and comply with the requirements thereof (including any applicable exemptions) and accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted,    this   Agreement    will    be   interpreted    to   be   in   compliance    therewith.

 

 

5

 

 


Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, separation payments and benefits pursuant to Section 5 hereof, to the extent of payments made from the Separation Date through March 15 of the calendar year following the Separation Date, are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations and thus are payable pursuant to the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations. To the extent such payments are made following said March 15, they are intended to constitute separate payments for purposes of Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations to the maximum extent permitted by said provision, with any excess amount being regarded as subject to the distribution requirements of Section 409A(a)(2)(A) of the Code, including, without limitation, the requirement of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code that payment be delayed until six (6) months after separation from service if Executive is a “specified employee” with the meaning of the aforesaid section of the Code at the time of such separation from service. In addition, the provisions of the Employment Agreement relating to Section 409A of the Code, including Section 5(a)(ix), Section 6 and Schedule 2, are incorporated into this Agreement with full force and effect.

 

 

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

6

 

 


 

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREO F , the parties hereto have e xe cuted this Agreement as of the dates set forth below.

 

 

 

 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

By:    /s/ Brad Johnson     Date: 5 Sep 2018

Name: Brad Johnson

Title: Interim Chief Executive Officer

    

 

Garrett B. Spear-Smith

 

By:     /s/ Garrett Spear-Smith    Date: 5 Sep 2018

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Signature Page to Transition Agreement)

 

 


EXHIBIT A

 

Y OU SHOULD CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING THIS RELEASE OF CLAIMS .

 

Release

 

1. In consideration of the payments and benefits set forth in Section 5 of the Transition Agreement dated as of September 5, 2018, by and between Ultra Petroleum Corp, a Yukon Corporation (the Company ”) and Garrett B. Spear-Smith (the Executive ”) (the Transition Agreement ”) (each of the Executive and the Company, a Party and collectively, the Parties ”), the sufficiency of which the Executive acknowledges, the Executive, with the intention of binding himself and his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does hereby release, remise, acquit and forever discharge the Company and each of its subsidiaries and affiliates (the Company Affiliated Group ”), their present and former officers, directors, executives, shareholders, agents, attorneys, employees and employee benefit plans (and the fiduciaries thereof), and the successors, predecessors and assigns of each of the foregoing (collectively, the Company Released Parties ”), of and from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, complaints, charges, demands, rights, damages, debts, sums of money, accounts, financial obligations, suits, expenses, attorneys’ fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in law, equity or otherwise, whether accrued, absolute, contingent, unliquidated or otherwise and whether now known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, which the Executive, individually or as a member of a class, now has, owns or holds, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held, arising on or prior to the date hereof, against any Company Released Party, including without limitation any claim that arises out of, or relates to, (i) Employment Agreement, dated November 6, 2017 by and between the Company and the Executive (the Employment Agreement ”), the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement by and between Executive and the Company dated April 12, 2017 pursuant to the Ultra Petroleum 2017 Stock Incentive Plan, the Executive’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, or any termination of such employment, (ii) for severance or vacation benefits, unpaid wages, salary or incentive payments, (iii) breach of contract, wrongful discharge, impairment of economic opportunity, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional harm or other tort, (iv) any violation of applicable state and local labor and employment laws (including, without limitation, all laws concerning unlawful and unfair labor and employment practices) and/or (v) for employment discrimination under any applicable federal, state or local statute, provision, order or regulation, and including, without limitation, any claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“ Title VII ”), the Civil Rights Act of 1988, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ ADA ”), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ ADEA ”), the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, TX Labor Code § 21.001 et seq ., the Texas Payday Law, TX Labor Code § 61.001 et seq ., the Texas Minimum Wage Act, TX Labor Code § 62.001 et seq ., and the Texas Communicable Disease Act, TX Health and Safety Code § 81.101 et seq ., all as amended , and any similar or analogous state statute, excepting only:

 

 

A.

rights of the Executive to the LTIP Payment (if not previously paid), the accrued benefits set forth in Section 4 of the Transition Agreement, the Separation Payment, the Welfare Benefits, the Equity Acceleration (as all such terms are defined in the Transition Agreement) and all other rights of the Executive as set forth in the Transition Agreement;

 

 

1

 

 


 

B.

the right of the Executive to receive COBRA continuation coverage in accordance with applicable law;

 

 

 

C.

claims for benefits under any health, disability, retirement, deferred compensation, life insurance or other similar employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA) of the Company Affiliated Group; and

 

 

 

D.

rights to indemnification the Executive has or may have under an agreement with any member of the Company Affiliated Group, the by-laws or certificate of incorporation of any member of the Company Affiliated Group or as an insured under any director’s and officer’s liability insurance policy now or previously in force, including any tail policy.

 

 

In addition, nothing in this Release prevents Executive from filing, cooperating with, or participating in any proceeding before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the Department of Labor, except that Executive hereby waives his right to any monetary benefits in connection with any such claim, charge or proceeding. Nothing contained in this Release shall be construed to prohibit the Executive from reporting possible violations of federal or state law or regulation to any governmental agency or regulatory body or making other disclosures that are protected under any whistleblower provisions of federal or state law or regulation, or from filing a charge with or participating in any investigation or proceeding conducted by any governmental agency or regulatory body. For the avoidance of doubt, Executive is not releasing claims with respect to any rights he had upon the Company’s emergence from bankruptcy with respect to his rights to be indemnified or covered under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies, including any tail policies, or to be released from certain claims. For the avoidance of doubt by executing this Release, the Executive is not forfeiting his common stock ownership in the Company.

 

2. The Company confirms that as of the date it signs this Release that the board of directors of the Company is not aware of any claim any member of the Company Affiliated Group has or may have against the Executive.

 

3. Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b), an individual may not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that:

(i) is made (A) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (B) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law or (ii) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Additionally, an individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose a trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual: (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal and (B) does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order.

 

4. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Release is not to be construed in any way as an admission of any liability whatsoever by any Company Released Party, any such liability being expressly denied.    The Company acknowledges and agrees that this

 

2

 

 


Release is not to be construed in any way as an admission of any liability whatsoever by the Executive, any such liability being expressly denied.

 

5. This Release applies to any relief no matter how called, including, without limitation, wages, back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, liquidated damages, punitive damages, damages for pain or suffering, costs, and attorneys’ fees and expenses but does not apply to the claims not released by the Executive in Section 1 above.

 

6. The Executive specifically acknowledges that his acceptance of the terms of this Release is, among other things, a specific waiver of his rights, claims and causes of action under Title VII, ADEA, ADA and any state or local law or regulation in respect of discrimination of any kind; provided , however , that nothing herein shall be deemed, nor does anything contained herein purport, to be a waiver of any right or claim or cause of action which by law the Executive is not permitted to waive.

 

7. As to rights, claims and causes of action arising under ADEA, the Executive acknowledges that he been given a period of twenty-one (21) days to consider whether to execute this Release. If the Executive accepts the terms hereof and executes this Release, he may thereafter, for a period of seven (7) days following (and not including) the date of execution, revoke this Release as it relates to the release of claims arising under ADEA. If no such revocation occurs, this Release shall become irrevocable in its entirety, and binding and enforceable against the Executive, on the day next following the day on which the foregoing seven-day period has elapsed. If such a revocation occurs, the Transition Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect, and the Executive shall irrevocably forfeit any right to payment of the Separation Payment, the Welfare Benefits, and the Equity Acceleration (other than $1,000 as consideration for the rights, claims and causes of actions that continue to be waived hereunder and his rights to be indemnified and covered under any applicable directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies) or any other cash severance, benefits continuation or other post-termination benefits pursuant to the Employment Agreement (other than rights to the the accrued benefits set forth in Section 4 of the Transition Agreement) and any rights to be indemnified or covered under any applicable directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies), but the remainder of the Employment Agreement shall continue in full force.

 

8. Other than as to rights, claims and causes of action arising under ADEA, this Release shall be immediately effective upon execution by the Executive.

 

9. The Executive acknowledges and agrees that he has not, with respect to any transaction or state of facts existing prior to the date hereof, filed any complaints, charges or lawsuits against any Company Released Party with any governmental agency, court or tribunal.

 

10. The Executive acknowledges that he has been advised to seek, and has had the opportunity to seek, the advice and assistance of an attorney with regard to this Release, and has been given a sufficient period within which to consider this Release.

 

11. The Executive acknowledges that this Release relates only to claims that exist as of the date of this Release.

 

3

 

 


12. The Executive acknowledges that the Separation Payment, the Welfare Benefits, and the Equity Acceleration he is receiving in connection with this Release and his obligations under this Release are in addition to anything of value to which the Executive is entitled from the Company.

 

13. Each provision hereof is severable from this Release, and if one or more provisions hereof are declared invalid, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect. If any provision of this Release is so broad, in scope, or duration or otherwise, as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

 

14. This Release constitutes the complete agreement of the Parties in respect of the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all prior agreements between the Parties in respect of the subject matter hereof except to the extent set forth herein. For the avoidance of doubt, this Release does not supersede the Transition Agreement.

 

15. The failure to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Release or to require at any time performance by another party of any of the provisions hereof shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provisions or to affect the validity of this Release, or any part hereof, or the right of any party thereafter to enforce each and every such provision in accordance with the terms of this Release.

 

16. This Release may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Signatures delivered by facsimile shall be deemed effective for all purposes.

 

17. This Release shall be binding upon any and all successors and assigns of the Executive and the Company.

 

18. Except for issues or matters as to which federal law is applicable, this Release shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to the conflicts of law principles thereof.

 

4

 

 


 

below.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this Release as of the date written

 

 

 

 

 

 

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

By: Name:

Title: Date:

 

5

 

 


 

below.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Executive has executed this Release as of the date written

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accepted and Agreed:

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Garrett B. Spear-Smith

Date:

6

 

 

Exhibit 10.6

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into by and between ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP., a Yukon corporation (“ Ultra ”), and MAREE K. DELGADO (“ Executive ”).

WHEREAS, Ultra desires to employ Executive and to embody herein the terms of such employment, and considers it to be in its best interests and in the best interests of its stockholders to employ Executive during the Employment Period (as defined in Section 1 below); and

WHEREAS, Executive is willing to accept such employment with Ultra upon the terms and conditions of this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.

Effective Date; Employment Period .

 

(a)

This Agreement is effective as of August 15, 2018 (the “ Effective Date ”).

 

(b)

The employment period under this Agreement begins on the Effective Date and shall continue until the termination of Executive’s employment under this Agreement (the “ Employment Period ”).

2.

Positions and Duties . While this Agreement is in effect:

 

(a)

Executive shall serve as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of Ultra and for the Subsidiaries, and shall have the normal authority, responsibilities and duties of an executive in such position and such other reasonably related duties and responsibilities, in each case, that are assigned by the Company.

 

(b)

Executive shall report to the Chief Financial Officer of Ultra.

 

(c)

Executive agrees to devote her full business time and attention to the business and affairs of Ultra; provided, however, that Executive may also manage her personal, financial, and legal affairs and engage in other passive professional, charitable or community activities so long as such other activities do not conflict with Ultra’s interests, interfere with Executive’s duties and responsibilities to Ultra or the Subsidiaries, or violate any of Executive’s duties and obligations hereunder.

 

(d)

Executive agrees to comply with and, where applicable, enforce the policies of Ultra and of the Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, such policies with respect to legal compliance, conflicts of interest, confidentiality, professional conduct and business ethics as are from time to time in effect. Executive shall cooperate with any investigation or inquiry authorized by the Board or conducted by a governmental authority related to the business of Ultra or any of the Subsidiaries or Executive’s performance under this Agreement.

 


 

3.

Compensation and Reimbursements . While this Agreement is in effect:

 

(a)

Base Salary .

 

(i)

Beginning on the Effective Date and continuing during the Employment Period, Ultra agrees to pay Executive a base salary (the “ Base Salary ”) at the annual rate of $310,000, payable in regular installments in accordance with Ultra’s usual payroll practices.

 

(ii)

Executive’s Base Salary will be reviewed at least annually by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (the “ Compensation Committee ”) and may be adjusted in its sole discretion.

 

(b)

Incentive Compensation (Cash) .

 

(i)

Executive shall be eligible to receive cash incentive compensation (any such compensation, a “ Cash Incentive ”) pursuant to the short-term incentive program for Ultra established by the Compensation Committee for senior executives of Ultra (such program, an “ AIP ”). Executive’s target Cash Incentive amount shall be equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of Executive’s Base Salary (the “ Target AIP Amount ”).

 

(ii)

Executive’s Target AIP Amount will be reviewed at least annually by the Compensation Committee and may be adjusted in its sole discretion.

 

(iii)

During the first quarter after the end of the performance period applicable to an AIP, the Compensation Committee will evaluate Ultra’s performance compared to the performance targets and goals in the then-applicable AIP and determine the aggregate amount that has been earned by participants under the AIP. Thereafter, the Compensation Committee shall determine, taking into account Executive’s performance, the amount of any AIP payout to Executive, which may be between 0% and 200% of Executive’s Target AIP Amount, and cause Ultra Resources to pay the applicable Cash Incentive, if any, to Executive.

 

(iv)

Executive must be employed by Ultra on the date a Cash Incentive is to be paid in order to receive the payment.

 

(c)

Incentive Compensation (Equity) . Executive will be eligible to receive an award of restricted stock units under the Stock Incentive Plan (defined below), subject to approval of the Compensation Committee and the terms and conditions of the Stock Incentive Plan and the award agreement attached hereto as Schedule 2 .

 

(d)

Employee Benefits and Insurance .

 

(i)

Executive is entitled to participate in and receive full rights and benefits available under all of the following, to the extent existing on the Effective

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Date or enacted or implemented after the Effective Date: life insurance; disability insurance; directors and officers liability insurance; health and accident plans, including medical, dental and vision plans; 401(k) plan; and any other welfare, fringe or employee benefits plans or programs implemented by Ultra or any of the Subsidiaries.

 

(ii)

Ultra is not required to have or maintain any employee benefit programs or insurance, and Ultra may modify any employee benefit programs or insurance applicable to Executive.

 

(e)

Vacation . Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation equal to 5 weeks, such vacation to be taken in accordance with Ultra’s vacation policy; provided, however, Executive’s vacations shall be taken at times that are consistent with Ultra’s reasonable business needs; and, provided, further, that Executive agrees not to take vacation for more than ten (10) consecutive business days at any given time without prior consent from Executive’s Supervisor.

 

(f)

Business Expenses; Reimbursement . Ultra shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business expenses incurred during the performance of Executive’s duties hereunder to the extent consistent with its written policies in effect from time to time, including with respect to the reporting and documentation of such expenses.

4.

Termination of Employment . While this Agreement is in effect:

 

(a)

Ultra may terminate Executive’s employment at any time and for whatever reason, and Executive may resign Executive’s employment at any time and for whatever reason upon no less than 30 days’ notice. The remaining clauses of this Section 4(a) set forth and shall determine the respective rights and obligations of Ultra and Executive arising upon and resulting from any such termination or resignation. The definitions of certain capitalized terms used in this Section 4 are set forth in Section 4(b).

 

(i)

Termination by Ultra: For “Cause.”

 

(A)

If Cause exists, then Ultra may terminate Executive’s employment for Cause; provided that if Ultra elects to terminate Executive’s employment for Cause, then Ultra shall provide written notice to Executive specifying that Ultra is terminating Executive’s employment for Cause, providing a reasonable description of the basis therefor, and specifying the effective date of such termination, which may be immediate.

 

(B)

If Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, then Ultra shall pay Executive any Accrued Obligations as of the Termination Date but shall have no other obligation to pay or provide Executive any severance or benefits, and Executive shall have no right to any other payments, severance or other benefits.

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(C)

In addition, if Executive’s employment is terminated for Cause, Executive will forfeit all outstanding Equity Incentives and any other outstanding equity awards of Ultra, whether vested or unvested, and will remain bound by any Ultra’s clawback policy in effect as of the date of termination.

 

(ii)

Termination by Ultra: Without “Cause.”

 

(A)

Ultra may terminate Executive’s employment without Cause; provided that if Ultra elects to terminate Executive’s employment without Cause, then Ultra shall provide written notice to Executive specifying that Ultra is terminating Executive’s employment without Cause and specifying the effective date of such termination, which may be immediate.

 

(B)

If Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause, then Ultra shall pay or provide to Executive: (i) any Accrued Obligations as of the Termination Date, (ii) the Pro-Rata Cash Incentive, (iii) the Severance Payment; and (iv) the Severance Benefits. Ultra will have no other obligation to pay Executive any other severance or termination benefits.

 

(iii)

Resignation by Executive: Without “Good Reason”

 

(A)

Executive may resign Executive’s employment for any reason; provided that if Executive elects to resign, then Executive shall provide written notice to Ultra specifying that Executive is resigning and specifying the effective date thereof, which shall be no less than 30 days after delivery of such notice .

 

(B)

If Executive resigns Executive’s employment, then Ultra shall pay Executive any Accrued Obligations as of the Termination Date but shall have no other obligation to pay or provide Executive any severance or benefits, and Executive shall have no right to any other payments, severance or other benefits.

 

(iv)

Resignation by Executive: With “Good Reason”

 

(A)

Executive may resign Executive’s employment with Ultra with Good Reason; provided that if Executive elects to resign Executive’s employment with Good Reason, then Executive shall provide written notice to Ultra specifying that Executive is resigning with Good Reason.

 

(B)

If Executive’s resigns Executive’s employment with Good Reason, then Ultra shall pay or provide to Executive: (i) any Accrued Obligations as of the Termination Date, (ii) the Pro-Rata Cash Incentive, (iii) the Severance Payment; and (iv) the Severance

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Benefits. Ultra will have no other obligation to pay Executive any other severance or termination benefits.

 

(v)

Executive’s “Disability.”

 

(A)

Ultra may terminate Executive’s employment and officer and director positions upon a determination that Executive has suffered a Disability; provided, however, that if Ultra elects to terminate Executive’s employment because Executive has suffered a Disability, Ultra must provide written notice to Executive specifying that Ultra is terminating Executive’s employment as a result of a Disability and specifying the effective date thereof, which may be immediate.

 

(B)

Upon a termination of Executive’s employment due to Disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive, and Ultra shall pay to Executive, as promptly as possible, any Accrued Obligations as of the Termination Date and the Pro-Rata Cash Incentive.

 

(vi)

Executive’s Death .

 

(A)

Executive’s employment and officer and director positions shall terminate upon Executive’s death. In the event of Executive’s death, the Termination Date shall be deemed to be the date of Executive’s death.

 

(B)

Upon Executive’s death, Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive, and Ultra shall pay to Executive’s estate, as promptly as possible, any Accrued Obligations as of the Termination Date and the Pro-Rata Cash Incentive.

 

(vii)

Timing of Payments and Benefits . The payments and benefits contemplated in this Section 4(a) shall be provided to Executive at the times and in the manner specified below:

 

(A)

The Accrued Obligations shall be paid pursuant to Ultra’s standard payroll and other practices and at the time and in the manner required by applicable law but in no event later than thirty days after the Termination Date; provided, however, the Accrued Obligations described in clause (C) of the definition of Accrued Obligations shall be paid or provided at the time and pursuant to the terms of the applicable plans or programs at the Termination Date.

 

(B)

The Pro-Rata Cash Incentive shall be paid as soon as is administratively feasible after the end of the performance period for the applicable Cash Incentive, but in no event later than March

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15 of the calendar year following the calendar year to which such Cash Incentive relates.

 

(C)

The Severance Benefits shall be paid or provided at the time and pursuant to the terms of the applicable plans or programs at the Termination Date.

 

(D)

The Severance Payment shall be paid in cash and in a lump sum within thirty (30) days following Executive’s timely execution and non-revocation of the release of claims in favor of Ultra as described in Section 4(e).

 

(b)

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

(i)

Accrued Obligations ” means, collectively: (A) any accrued and unpaid Base Salary through Termination Date; (B) any unreimbursed Business Expenses incurred and paid by Executive up to and including the Termination Date; and (C) any other vested compensation or benefits payable to Executive based on the express terms of Ultra’s compensation or benefit plans or programs and Executive’s participation therein.

 

(ii)

Cause ” means the occurrence of one or more of the following as determined by the Board:

 

(A)

Executive’s willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of Executive’s duties to Ultra; or

 

(B)

 Executive’s repeated failure to perform Executive’s duties to Ultra or to follow the lawful directives of the Board or other applicable supervisor (other than as a result of death or physical or mental incapacity); or

 

(C)

Executive’s commission of, indictment for, conviction of, or pleading of guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or

 

(D)

Executive’s performance of any act of theft, embezzlement, fraud, malfeasance, dishonesty or misappropriation of Ultra’s or any of its customer’s, supplier’s or distributor’s property; or

 

(E)

Executive’s use of illegal drugs or Executive’s abuse of alcohol that materially impairs Executive’s ability to perform Executive’s duties to Ultra; or

 

(F)

Executive’s material breach of any fiduciary duty owed to Ultra (including, without limitation, the duty of care and the duty of loyalty); or

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(G)

Executive’s material breach of any agreement with Ultra, or a material violation of Ultra’s code of conduct or other written policy.

 

(H)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Executive’s resignation after an event that would be grounds for a termination for Cause shall be treated as a termination for Cause.

 

(iii)

Disability ” means Executive’s inability to perform the essential duties, responsibilities and functions of Executive’s positions as a result of a physical illness or impairment, a mental illness or impairment, or another physical, mental or legal incapacity, during a period of twelve consecutive weeks or a cumulative period of ninety days during any twelve-month period.

 

(iv)

Good Reason ” means the occurrence of one or more of the following:

 

(A)

Any material reduction of Executive’s then-existing annual Base Salary or Target AIP Amount;

 

(B)

Any material diminution of Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authority set forth in Section 2, unless Executive consents in writing to any such diminution; or

 

(C)

A relocation of Executive’s principal workplace to a work site that would increase the Executive’s one-way commute distance by more than fifty (50) miles from Executive’s then existing principal workplace, unless Executive consents in writing to such relocation.

 

(v)

Pro-Rata Cash Incentive ” means an amount equal to the product of: (x) the Cash Incentive which Executive would have earned pursuant to Section 3(c) hereof for the calendar year during which the Termination Date occurred, as determined based on Executive’s Target AIP Amount and Ultra’s performance relative to the performance targets in goals specified in the applicable AIP; and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days between January 1 of the applicable calendar year and the Termination Date, and the denominator of which is 365.

 

(vi)

Severance Benefits ” means the benefits described in Section 3(e)(i) hereof, which Ultra shall make available to Executive, at Ultra’s cost and expense, for a period beginning on the Termination Date and continuing for 12 months or, if earlier occurring, such time as Executive obtains other employment that provides Executive with benefits at least as favorable to Executive as the benefits described in Section 3(e)(i) hereof.

 

(vii)

Severance Payment ” means an amount, payable in U.S. dollars, equal to the sum of: (x) one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s Base Salary in

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effect on the Termination Date and (y) any Cash Incentive earned, but not yet paid, for the year prior to the year of termination.

 

(viii)

Stock Incentive Plan ” means the Ultra Petroleum Corp. 2017 Amended and Restated Stock Incentive Plan, dated and effective as of June 8, 2018.

 

(ix)

Termination Date ” means the effective date of a termination or resignation, as applicable, as specified or provided for under Section 4(a) above.

 

(c)

Resignations . Upon any termination of Executive’s employment hereunder for any reason:

 

(i)

Executive agrees to resign from all officer, director, and other positions Executive may then hold with Ultra and each of the Subsidiaries and any other affiliates of Ultra or any Subsidiary existing at such time; and

 

(ii)

Executive agrees to execute and deliver any reasonable documentation requested by Ultra or any Subsidiary reflecting such resignations.

 

(iii)

Notwithstanding the foregoing and for the avoidance of doubt, any termination of Executive’s employment shall constitute and be deemed to signify an automatic resignation of Executive, as of the Termination Date, from all positions he then holds as an employee, officer, director, manager or other service provider to Ultra and each Subsidiary.

 

(d)

Exclusive Compensation and Benefits; Time Periods . The compensation and benefits described in this Section 4, along with the associated terms for payment, constitute all of Ultra’s obligations to Executive and all of Executive rights with respect to Ultra in connection with any termination of Executive’s employment; provided, however, that nothing herein, is intended to limit any rights Executive may have to continue or convert insurance coverage under certain employee benefit plans in accordance with the terms of those plans and applicable law and further provided that nothing herein is intended to limit any rights Executive has pursuant to the Stock Incentive Plan. Time periods applicable to the determination of a Severance Payment amount shall include periods prior to the Effective Date, as applicable.

 

(e)

Conditions, Release of Claims . Any and all amounts payable and benefits or additional rights provided pursuant to this Agreement beyond the Accrued Obligations shall only be payable if Executive delivers to Ultra and does not revoke a general release of claims in favor of Ultra in Ultra’s then customary form. Such release shall be executed and delivered (and no longer subject to revocation, if applicable) within sixty (60) days following termination. In no event shall Executive be obligated to seek other employment or take any other action by way of mitigation of the amounts payable to Executive under any of the provisions of this Agreement, nor shall the amount of any payment hereunder be reduced by any compensation earned by Executive as a result of employment by a

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subsequent employer, Subject to the provisions of Schedule 1 hereof and the limitations of applicable wage laws, Ultra’s obligation to pay Executive amounts hereunder shall be subject to set-off, counterclaim or recoupment of amounts owed by Executive to Ultra or any of its affiliates.

5.

Tax Matters . The provisions of Schedule 1 attached hereto setting out the parties intent with respect to certain tax matters and addressing the applicability of certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder apply to the matters addressed herein as though set forth in full herein and are deemed incorporated into this Agreement for all purposes.

6.

Confidential Information .

 

(a)

Executive agrees to maintain all Confidential Information in confidence in a fiduciary capacity for the exclusive benefit of Ultra and the Subsidiaries and further agrees not to disclose, directly or indirectly, any of the Confidential Information except as and to the extent required for the performance of Executive’s duties, responsibilities or functions under this Agreement.

 

(b)

Executive acknowledges that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Section 6 by Executive, and Executive agrees that Ultra or any affected Subsidiary may enforce the provisions of this Section 6 by obtaining an order for specific performance and/or injunctive relief as remedies for any such breach or threatened breach. Such remedies are not the exclusive remedies for a breach of this Section 6, but shall be in addition to all remedies available at law or in equity to Ultra.

 

(c)

As used herein, “ Confidential Information ” means all information and material which is confidential or proprietary to Ultra or any of the Subsidiaries, including any non-public operational, financial or other business information and any trade secrets, whether or not any such information is reduced to writing or other tangible form, whether or not any such information is marked as “confidential ” or “proprietary,” and whether or not any such information is prepared by or for Ultra or any of the Subsidiaries.

 

(d)

At the termination of Executive’s employment hereunder, Executive shall deliver to Ultra all Confidential Information then in Executive’s possession or control and shall not retain or use any copies or summaries thereof.

 

(e)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Ultra may transfer or assign the benefits of this provision to a party that acquires all or substantially all of Ultra’s assets or all or substantially all of the oil and gas assets owned by the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

7.

Inventions .

 

(a)

Executive shall hold any Inventions (as defined below) in trust for the benefit of Ultra, Executive shall disclose any Inventions promptly and fully to Ultra in

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writing, and Executive hereby assigns any Inventions, and binds her heirs, executors, and administrators to assign any Inventions, to Ultra or its designee.

 

(b)

Any and all Inventions shall be and are Ultra’s sole and exclusive property, whether patentable, copyrightable, or neither, and Executive shall assist and fully cooperate in every way, at Ultra’s expense, in securing, maintaining, and enforcing, for the benefit of Ultra or its designee, patents, copyrights or other types of proprietary or intellectual property protection for such Developments in any and all countries. Further, all works of authorship created by Executive, solely or jointly with others, shall be considered works made for hire under the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, and shall be owned entirely by Ultra.

 

(c)

As used herein, “ Inventions ” means any and all inventions, discoveries, ideas, concepts, improvements, works of authorship (including copyrightable works), and other developments that are conceived, made, discovered or developed by Executive, solely or jointly with others, during the term of her employment by Ultra, whether during or outside of usual working hours and whether on Ultra’s premises or not, to the extent any of the foregoing relate in any manner to the past, present or anticipated business of Ultra or any of the Subsidiaries.

 

(d)

18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) provides: “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (x) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (y) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.” Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Accordingly, the parties to this Agreement have the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to federal, state, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. The parties also have the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure.

8.

Cooperation and Assistance . During a three-year period following a Termination Date, at Ultra’s request Executive will reasonably cooperate in connection with any litigation or other fact-finding or adjudicative proceedings involving Ultra or any Subsidiary, provided Executive is not required to travel beyond the city or town where Executive then lives or to provide assistance that unreasonably interferes with Executive’s employment or other activities or endeavors and Executive is not required to provide over 50 hours assistance during any 12-month period. Ultra will pay Executive a reasonable hourly rate for Executive’s assistance, reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Executive in connection with rendering such assistance, and provide Executive counsel reasonably suitable to Executive to represent Executive in connection with providing such assistance if Executive reasonably requests.

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9.

Protected Disclosures and Actions . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted so as to impede Executive (or any other individual) from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation. Executive does not need the prior authorization of Ultra to make any such reports or disclosures and Executive shall not be required to notify Ultra that such reports or disclosures have been made.

10.

Non-Competition. Executive expressly covenants and agrees that, without the prior written consent of Ultra, during a one-year period beginning on the Termination Date (as determined pursuant to the terms hereof) and ending on the first anniversary of such Termination Date, Executive shall not participate or engage in, directly or indirectly (as an owner, partner, employee, officer, director, independent contractor, consultant, advisor or in any other capacity calling for the rendition of services, advice, or acts of management, operation or control) any business for a Competitor (as defined below) anywhere within Sublette County, Wyoming or within or twenty miles of any properties owned by the Company in the United States on the Termination Date. The term "Competitor" means any business, individual, partnership, firm, corporation or other entity engaged in oil and gas exploration and production.

11.

Non-Solicitation . Executive expressly covenants and agrees that, without the prior written consent of Ultra, during a one-year period beginning on the Termination Date (as determined pursuant to the terms hereof) and ending on the first anniversary of such Termination Date, Executive will not directly or indirectly: (i) solicit the employment or engagement as a consultant of any person who is or was an employee of or a consultant to Ultra or any Subsidiary at any time during the last twelve months of Executive’s employment with Ultra; or (ii) hire or engage any such person.

12.

Non-Disparagement . Executive agrees not to make or publish any Disparaging Remarks (as defined below) to any other person about: (i) Ultra or any Subsidiary; (ii) any business conducted by Ultra or any Subsidiary; or (iii) any past or present member of Ultra’s management or board of directors in their capacity as such. As used herein, the term “ Disparaging Remarks ” means any statement, whether written or oral, that has the intention or tendency to degrade, diminish, or harm the reputation or standing of an individual or entity in the estimation of a community, including by deterring or having a tendency to deter others from associating, employing, or otherwise dealing with them.

13.

Reasonableness of Covenants. In signing this Agreement, Executive gives Ultra assurance that Executive has carefully read and considered all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the restraints imposed under Section 6 though Section 12. Executive agrees that these restraints are necessary for the reasonable and proper protection of Ultra and its affiliates and their Confidential Information and that each and every one of the restraints is reasonable in respect of subject matter, length of time and geographic area, and that these restraints, individually or in the aggregate, will not prevent Executive from obtaining other suitable employment during the period in which

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Executive is bound by the restraints. Executive acknowledges that each of these covenants has a unique, very substantial and immeasurable value to Ultra and its affiliates and that Executive has sufficient assets and skills to provide a livelihood while such covenants remain in force. Executive further covenants that Executive will not challenge the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the covenants and that the Executive will reimburse Ultra and its affiliates for all costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with any action to enforce any of the provisions of Sections 6 through Section 12 if either Ultra and/or its affiliates prevails on any material issue involved in such dispute or if Executive challenges the reasonableness or enforceability of any of the provisions of Section 6 through Section 12. It is also agreed that each of Ultra’s affiliates will have the right to enforce all of Executive’s obligations to that affiliate under this Agreement, including without limitation pursuant to Section 6 through Section 12. Upon Executive’s material breach of the provisions of Section 6 through Section 12, Executive will be required to repay the Severance Payment to Ultra.

14.

Reformation. If it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in any state that any restriction in Section 6 through Section 12 is excessive in duration or scope or is unreasonable or unenforceable under applicable law, it is the intention of the parties that such restriction may be modified or amended by the court to render it enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by the laws of that state.

15.

Tolling. In the event of any violation of the provisions of Section 6 through Section 12, the Executive acknowledges and agrees that the post-termination restrictions contained in this Section 6 through Section 12 shall be extended by a period of time equal to the period of such violation, it being the intention of the parties hereto that the running of the applicable post-termination restriction period shall be tolled during any period of such violation.

16.

Survival of Provisions. The obligations contained in Section 6 through Section 12 hereof shall survive the termination or expiration of the Employment Period and Executive’s employment with Ultra and shall be fully enforceable thereafter.

17.

General Provisions .

 

(a)

Amendments and Waiver; Prior Agreements .

 

(i)

The terms and provisions of this Agreement may not be modified or amended, nor may any of the provisions hereof be waived, temporarily or permanently, unless such modification or amendment is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive, on the one hand, and by a duly authorized person on behalf of Ultra, on the other hand.

 

(ii)

Any failure of any party hereto to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement shall in no way be construed as a waiver of such provisions and shall not affect the right of such party thereafter to enforce each and every provision of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, and,

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further, a waiver by a party on one occasion shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the same or any other type of breach on a future occasion.

 

(iii)

Except to the extent set forth in the plan or program documents related to the employee benefits plans or programs of Ultra or any of the Subsidiaries, this Agreement supersedes and replaces any other employment agreement between Ultra and Executive. Any such other employment agreement shall no longer be in force and effect.

 

(b)

Binding Agreement; Permitted Successors and Assigns .

 

(i)

This Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs and personal representatives and estates, as the case may be, and this Agreement shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any other person or legal entity.

 

(ii)

Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder of any party may be assigned or delegated without the prior written consent of the other party; provided, Executive may direct distribution of any benefits or compensation that, upon Executive’s death, accrue hereunder.

 

(iii)

Executive shall not have any right to pledge, hypothecate, anticipate, or in any way create a lien upon any payments or other benefits provided under this Agreement; and no benefits payable under this Agreement shall be assignable in anticipation of payment either by voluntary or involuntary acts, or by operation of law, except by will or pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution.

 

(c)

Survival . The termination of Executive’s employment shall not impair the rights or obligations of any party that have accrued prior to such termination or which by their nature or terms survive termination of the Term, including without limitation the parties’ respective obligations under Sections 4 through 12 hereof.

 

(d)

Validity . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.

 

(e)

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Venue; Jury-Trial Waiver; Fees and Expenses .

 

(i)

This Agreement is governed by and shall be construed and enforced in accordance with Colorado law, excluding its choice-of-law principles, except where federal law may preempt the application of state law.

 

(ii)

The parties hereto: (A) submit and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction, including removal jurisdiction, of the state and federal courts located in Denver, Colorado for any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or Executive’s employment; (B) waive any objection to such venue; (C)

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agree that any judgment in any such action or proceeding may be enforced in other jurisdictions; and (D) irrevocably waive the right to trial by jury and agree not to ask for a jury in any such proceeding.

 

(f)

No Obligation to Pay . With regard to any payment due to Executive under this Agreement, it shall not be a breach of any provision of this Agreement for Ultra to fail to make such payment to Executive if, by doing so, Ultra would violate any applicable law.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Employment Agreement intending it to be made effective as of the Effective Date.

ULTRA:

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.,
a Yukon corporation

 

By: /s/ Brad Johnson

 

Name:

Brad Johnson

 

Title:

Interim Chief Executive Officer

EXECUTIVE:

 

/s/ Maree K. Delgado

Maree K. Delgado

NOTICE PROVISION:

For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (i) when received, if delivered personally or by courier, (ii) on the date receipt is acknowledged, if delivered by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (iii) one day after transmission, if sent by facsimile transmission with confirmation of transmission, as follows:

If to Executive, at:

At the most recent address in Ultra’s records.

If to Ultra, at:

Ultra Petroleum Corp.
116 Inverness Drive East, Suite 400
Englewood, Colorado 80112
Attention:  Chief Executive Officer

With a copy to:

Kirkland & Ellis LLP
601 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Attention:  Executive Compensation Group

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


 

SCHEDULE 1

TAX MATTERS

I.

General Provisions.

 

(A)

All compensation paid or awarded to Executive hereunder shall be subject to applicable withholding, payroll and other taxes. Accordingly, with respect to any payment to be made to Executive, Ultra shall deduct, where applicable, any amounts authorized by Executive, and shall withhold and report all amounts required to be withheld and reported by applicable law.

 

(B)

Capitalized terms used in this Schedule 1 but not defined herein have the meanings set forth in the Employment Agreement to which this Schedule 1 is attached and into which it is incorporated.

 

(C)

The term “ Code, ” as used herein, means the Title 26 of the United States Code, commonly referred to as the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

II.

Regarding Excise Taxes.

 

(A)

If Executive is a “disqualified individual ” (as defined in Section 280G(c) of the Code), and the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement, together with any other payments and benefits which Executive has the right to receive from Ultra or any Subsidiary, would constitute a “parachute payment ” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code), then notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the payments and benefits provided for in this Agreement shall be either (a) reduced (but not below zero) so that the present value of such total amounts and benefits received by Executive from Ultra and its affiliates will be one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Executive’s “base amount” (as defined in Section 280G(b)(3) of the Code) and so that no portion of such amounts and benefits received by Executive shall be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or (b) paid in full, whichever produces the better net after-tax position to Executive (taking into account any applicable excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code and any other applicable taxes).

 

(B)

The reduction of payments and benefits hereunder, if applicable, shall be made by reducing, first, payments or benefits to be paid in cash hereunder in the order in which such payment or benefit would be paid or provided (beginning with such payment or benefit that would be made last in time and continuing, to the extent necessary, through to such payment or benefit that would be made first in time) and, then, reducing any benefit to be provided in-kind hereunder in a similar order.

 

(C)

The determination as to whether any such reduction in the amount of the payments and benefits provided hereunder is necessary shall be made by Ultra in good faith. If a reduced payment or benefit is made or provided and through error or otherwise that payment or benefit, when aggregated with other payments and benefits from Ultra (or its affiliates) used in determining if a “parachute payment” exists, exceeds one dollar ($1.00) less than three times Executive’s base amount, then Executive shall immediately repay such excess to Ultra upon notification that an overpayment has been made.

 


 

 

(D)

Nothing in this Agreement, including the foregoing paragraphs (A) through (C), shall require Ultra to be responsible for, or have any liability or obligation with respect to, Executive’s excise tax liabilities under Section 4999 of the Code, if any.

REGARDING CODE SECTION 409A

III.

Statement of Intent. The provisions of this Schedule 1 shall apply solely to the extent that a payment under this Agreement is subject to Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “ Section 409A ”). The intent of the parties to this Agreement is that the payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with or be exempt from Section 409A including, but not limited to, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulations Sections 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(5), and 1.409A-(b)(9) and this Agreement will be construed to the greatest extent possible as consistent with those provisions. The commencement of payment or provision of any payment or benefit under this Agreement shall be deferred to the minimum extent necessary to prevent the imposition of any excise taxes on Ultra or Executive.

IV.

Notification; Reformation. If Executive receives advice, from an attorney with demonstrable tax expertise, that any provision of this Agreement would cause Executive to incur any additional tax or interest under Section 409A (with specificity as to the reason therefor), and notifies Ultra thereof, or if Ultra independently makes such determination, then Ultra may, to the extent possible and after consulting with Executive, reform such provision to try to comply with Section 409A through good faith modifications to the minimum extent reasonably appropriate to conform with Section 409A. To the extent that any provision hereof is modified in order to comply with or be exempt from Section 409A, such modification shall be made in good faith and shall, to the maximum extent reasonably possible, maintain the original intent and economic benefit to Executive and Ultra of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Section 409A.

V.

Annual Cash Incentive Payments. Any Cash Incentive that Executive is awarded or becomes entitled to receive pursuant to Section 4(b) of the Agreement will be paid during the calendar year immediately following the calendar year to which such Cash Incentive relates and will be paid to Executive as soon as administratively feasible following preparation of Ultra’s unaudited financial statements for the applicable calendar year.

VI.

Separation from Service.

 

(A)

If any payment, compensation or other benefit provided to Executive under this Agreement in connection with a “ separation from service ” (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i)) is determined, in whole or in part, to constitute “ nonqualified deferred compensation ” (within the meaning of Section 409A) and Executive is a “ specified employee ” (as defined in Section 409A(2)(B)(i)) at the time of the separation from service, then notwithstanding anything in the Agreement to the contrary, no part of any such payments shall be paid to Executive before the earlier of (i) the day that is six (6) months plus one (1) day after the date of the separation from service (the “ New Payment Date ”), (ii) the date of Executive’s death, or (iii) any date that otherwise complies with Section 409A.

 

(B)

The aggregate of any payments and benefits that otherwise would have been paid and/or provided to Executive during the period between the date of the separation from service and the New Payment Date shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum on the date Ultra’s first regular payroll is made following the New Payment Date, and no interest will be

 


 

 

paid by Ultra with respect to any such payments and benefits. Thereafter, any payments and/or benefits that remain outstanding as of the day immediately following the New Payment Date shall be paid without delay over the time period originally scheduled, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(C)

For purposes of Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be and shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments. Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days (e.g., payment shall be made within thirty (30) days), the actual date of payment within such period shall be within the sole discretion of Ultra.

 

(D)

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent that the foregoing delay applies to the provision of any ongoing welfare benefits, Executive shall pay the full cost of premiums for such welfare benefits due and payable prior to the New Payment Date, and Ultra shall pay Executive an amount equal to the amount of such premiums which otherwise would have been paid by Ultra during such period on the date Ultra’s first regular payroll is made following the New Payment Date.

 

(E)

A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits subject to Section 409A upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “ separation from service ” (within the meaning of Section 409A), and for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references in the Agreement to a “ resignation, ” “ termination, ” “ resign, ” “ terminate, ” “ resignation of employment, ” “ termination of employment ” or other like terms shall mean “ separation from service ” (within the meaning of Section 409A).

 

(F)

If in connection with a termination or resignation of Executive’s employment under the Agreement, Executive is required to execute a release to receive any payments from Ultra that constitute “ nonqualified deferred compensation ” (within the meaning of Section 409A), then payments of such amounts shall not be made or commence until the sixtieth (60th) day following such termination or resignation. Any payments suspended during such 60 day period shall be paid on the date Ultra’s first regular payroll is made after the end of such period.

VII.

Expenses and Reimbursements.

 

(A)

This Section VII shall apply to payments of any amounts under this Agreement that are treated as “ reimbursement payments ” under Section 409A.

 

(B)

All expenses or other reimbursements as provided herein shall be payable in accordance with Ultra’s policies in effect from time to time, but in any event shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive to the extent any such payments are subject to Section 409A. Ultra shall have no obligation to reimburse Executive for any expenses submitted after the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive.

 

(C)

With regard to any provision of the Agreement that provides for reimbursement of costs and expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Section 409A: (i) the right to

 


 

 

reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit; and (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursements or in-kind benefits provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided in any other taxable year (other than an arrangement providing for the reimbursement of medical expenses referred to in Section 105(b) of the Code).

VIII.

No Representations or Warranties.

 

(A)

Nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute any representation or warranty by Ultra or Executive regarding compliance with Section 409A.

 

(B)

Ultra has no obligation to take any action to prevent the assessment of any excise tax under Section 409A on any person, and neither Ultra nor any of the Subsidiaries nor any employee or other representative of Ultra or any of the Subsidiaries shall have any liability to Executive with respect to any such assessment.

 

 

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Brad Johnson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Ultra Petroleum Corp.;

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; and

(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 controls over financial reporting.

 

 

 

/s/ Brad Johnson

 

 

Brad Johnson,

 

 

Interim Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Date: November 8, 2018

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Garland R. Shaw, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Ultra Petroleum Corp.;

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; and

(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 controls over financial reporting.

 

 

 

/s/ Garland R. Shaw

 

 

Garland R. Shaw,

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Date: November 8, 2018

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (the “Company” ) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report” ), I, Brad Johnson, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

 

/s/ Brad Johnson

 

 

Brad Johnson,

 

 

Interim Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

Dated: November 8, 2018

This certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Report pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and, accordingly, will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification will not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.2

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

ULTRA PETROLEUM CORP.

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Ultra Petroleum Corp. (the “Company” ) on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report” ), I, Garland R. Shaw, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

 

 

/s/ Garland R. Shaw

 

 

Garland R. Shaw,

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

Dated: November 8, 2018

This certification is being furnished as an exhibit to the Report pursuant to Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code) and, accordingly, will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification will not be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.