COMSTOCK RESOURCES INC - Quarter Report: 2011 September (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES | |
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES | |
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File No. 001-03262
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
NEVADA | 94-1667468 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification Number) |
5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500, Frisco, Texas 75034
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Address of principal executive offices)
Telephone No.: (972) 668-8800
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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and
posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12
months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post
such files).
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the
definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting
company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o | Smaller reporting company o | |||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
The number of shares outstanding of the registrants common stock, par value
$.50, as of November 4, 2011 was 47,645,226.
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT
For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2011
INDEX
2
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Table of Contents
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents |
$ | 4,544 | $ | 1,732 | ||||
Accounts Receivable: |
||||||||
Oil and gas sales |
40,705 | 28,705 | ||||||
Joint interest operations |
8,940 | 15,982 | ||||||
Marketable Securities |
31,707 | 84,637 | ||||||
Other Current Assets |
3,832 | 4,675 | ||||||
Total current assets |
89,728 | 135,731 | ||||||
Property and Equipment: |
||||||||
Unevaluated oil and gas properties |
199,541 | 225,884 | ||||||
Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method |
3,087,473 | 2,574,717 | ||||||
Other |
18,037 | 18,156 | ||||||
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization |
(1,214,497 | ) | (1,002,509 | ) | ||||
Net property and equipment |
2,090,554 | 1,816,248 | ||||||
Other Assets |
15,863 | 12,235 | ||||||
$ | 2,196,145 | $ | 1,964,214 | |||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Accounts Payable |
$ | 110,829 | $ | 123,275 | ||||
Deferred Income Taxes Payable |
1,164 | 10,339 | ||||||
Accrued Expenses |
41,359 | 21,450 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
153,352 | 155,064 | ||||||
Long-term Debt |
746,774 | 513,372 | ||||||
Deferred Income Taxes Payable |
223,237 | 217,993 | ||||||
Reserve for Future Abandonment Costs |
7,196 | 6,674 | ||||||
Other Non-Current Liabilities |
2,453 | 2,580 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
1,133,012 | 895,683 | ||||||
Commitments and Contingencies |
||||||||
Stockholders Equity: |
||||||||
Common stock $0.50 par, 75,000,000
shares authorized, 47,645,226 and
47,706,101 shares outstanding at
September 30, 2011 and December 31,
2010, respectively |
23,823 | 23,853 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
464,875 | 454,499 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
565,511 | 557,849 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
8,924 | 32,330 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
1,063,133 | 1,068,531 | ||||||
$ | 2,196,145 | $ | 1,964,214 | |||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
4
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Oil and gas sales |
$ | 119,422 | $ | 79,720 | $ | 319,911 | $ | 276,491 | ||||||||
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Production taxes |
141 | 3,062 | 2,230 | 9,543 | ||||||||||||
Gathering and transportation |
8,101 | 4,101 | 20,340 | 12,308 | ||||||||||||
Lease operating |
12,527 | 13,002 | 36,512 | 41,150 | ||||||||||||
Exploration |
447 | 1,238 | 10,066 | 2,506 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
77,518 | 46,796 | 212,532 | 163,603 | ||||||||||||
Impairment of oil and gas properties |
| 26 | | 213 | ||||||||||||
(Gain) loss on sale of assets |
(26 | ) | | 57 | 797 | |||||||||||
General and administrative, net |
8,628 | 9,400 | 25,973 | 28,965 | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
107,336 | 77,625 | 307,710 | 259,085 | ||||||||||||
Operating income |
12,086 | 2,095 | 12,201 | 17,406 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expenses): |
||||||||||||||||
Interest and other income |
187 | 105 | 580 | 408 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(9,988 | ) | (7,108 | ) | (30,682 | ) | (22,551 | ) | ||||||||
Gain on sale of marketable securities |
2,484 | | 32,213 | 5,692 | ||||||||||||
Total other income (expenses) |
(7,317 | ) | (7,003 | ) | 2,111 | (16,451 | ) | |||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes |
4,769 | (4,908 | ) | 14,312 | 955 | |||||||||||
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes |
(3,460 | ) | 208 | (6,650 | ) | 68 | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,309 | $ | (4,700 | ) | $ | 7,662 | $ | 1,023 | |||||||
Net income (loss) per share: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
$ | 0.03 | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.02 | |||||||
Diluted |
$ | 0.03 | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | 0.16 | $ | 0.02 | |||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding: |
||||||||||||||||
Basic |
46,011 | 45,623 | 45,992 | 45,537 | ||||||||||||
Diluted |
46,011 | 45,623 | 45,992 | 45,589 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
5
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(Unaudited)
AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
(Unaudited)
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common | Common | Additional | Other | |||||||||||||||||||||
Stock | Stock- | Paid-in | Retained | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||||||
(Shares) | Par Value | Capital | Earnings | Income | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2011 |
47,706 | $ | 23,853 | $ | 454,499 | $ | 557,849 | $ | 32,330 | $ | 1,068,531 | |||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation |
(61 | ) | (30 | ) | 10,988 | | | 10,958 | ||||||||||||||||
Excess income taxes from
stock-based compensation |
| | (612 | ) | | | (612 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income |
| | | 7,662 | | 7,662 | ||||||||||||||||||
Net change in unrealized
gains and losses on
marketable securities, net of
income taxes |
| | | | (23,406 | ) | (23,406 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Total comprehensive loss |
(15,744 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2011 |
47,645 | $ | 23,823 | $ | 464,875 | $ | 565,511 | $ | 8,924 | $ | 1,063,133 | |||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
6
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 7,662 | $ | 1,023 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Gain on sale of assets |
(32,156 | ) | (4,895 | ) | ||||
Deferred income taxes |
6,593 | 131 | ||||||
Dry hole costs and leasehold impairments |
9,819 | | ||||||
Impairment of oil and gas properties |
| 213 | ||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
212,532 | 163,603 | ||||||
Debt issuance cost and discount amortization |
3,351 | 1,834 | ||||||
Stock-based compensation |
10,958 | 12,930 | ||||||
Excess income taxes from stock-based compensation |
612 | (1,503 | ) | |||||
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable |
(4,958 | ) | 8,096 | |||||
Decrease in other current assets |
2,275 | 49,428 | ||||||
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses |
861 | 18,376 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
217,549 | 249,236 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(489,625 | ) | (406,778 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from asset sales |
49,077 | 11,624 | ||||||
Net cash used for investing activities |
(440,548 | ) | (395,154 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Borrowings |
520,000 | 60,000 | ||||||
Principal payments on debt |
(287,000 | ) | (3,000 | ) | ||||
Debt issuance costs |
(6,577 | ) | | |||||
Proceeds from issuance of common stock |
| 1,293 | ||||||
Excess income taxes from stock-based compensation |
(612 | ) | 1,503 | |||||
Net cash provided by financing activities |
225,811 | 59,796 | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
2,812 | (86,122 | ) | |||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
1,732 | 90,472 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
$ | 4,544 | $ | 4,350 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
7
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2011
(Unaudited)
(Unaudited)
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
In managements opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain
all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the
financial position of Comstock Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries (Comstock or the Company) as of
September 30, 2011 and the related results of operations for the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 2011 and 2010 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to
the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and
disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted pursuant to those rules and
regulations, although Comstock believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the
information presented not misleading. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be
read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Comstocks Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 are
not necessarily an indication of the results expected for the full year.
These unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Comstock and its
wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods financial statements to conform to
the current presentation.
Marketable Securities
As of September 30, 2011 the Company held 1,956,000 shares of Stone Energy Corporation common
stock which were reflected in the consolidated balance sheets as marketable securities. As of
September 30, 2011, the cost basis of the marketable securities was $18.0 million and the estimated
fair value was $31.7 million, after recognizing an unrealized gain after income taxes of $8.9
million. The Company does not exert influence over the operating and financial policies of Stone
Energy Corporation, and has classified its investment in these shares as an available-for-sale
security in the consolidated balance sheets. Available-for-sale securities are accounted for at
fair value, with any unrealized gains and unrealized losses not determined to be other than
temporary reported in the consolidated balance sheet within accumulated other comprehensive income
as a separate component of stockholders equity. The Company utilizes the specific identification
method to determine the cost of any securities sold. During the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 2011 the Company sold 100,000 and 1,841,000 shares, respectively, of Stone Energy
Corporation for $3.4 million and $49.1 million, respectively. Comstock realized a gain before
income taxes on these sales of $2.5 million
8
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
(Continued)
and $32.2 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company sold 520,000 shares of Stone Energy
Corporation for $10.5 million and realized gains before income taxes of $5.7 million on these
sales.
Property and Equipment
The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and natural gas
properties. Costs incurred to acquire oil and gas leasehold are capitalized. Unproved oil and gas
properties are periodically assessed and any impairment in value is charged to exploration expense.
The costs of unproved properties which are determined to be productive are transferred to oil and
gas properties and amortized on an equivalent unit-of-production basis. An impairment charge of
$9.8 million related to certain leases that were expected to expire prior to the Company conducting
drilling operations was recognized in exploration expense in the nine months ended September 30,
2011.
The Company also assesses the need for an impairment of the costs capitalized for its oil and
gas properties on a property or cost center basis. The Company recognized impairment charges
related to its oil and gas properties of $0.2 million during the nine months ended September 30,
2010. There were no impairment charges related to oil and gas properties recognized during the
three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011.
Reserve for Future Abandonment Costs
Comstocks asset retirement obligations relate to future plugging and abandonment expenses on
its oil and gas properties and related facilities disposal. The following table summarizes the
changes in Comstocks total estimated liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and
2010:
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Beginning future abandonment costs |
$ | 6,674 | $ | 6,561 | ||||
Accretion expense |
282 | 290 | ||||||
New wells placed on production and changes in estimates |
289 | 190 | ||||||
Liabilities settled |
(49 | ) | (66 | ) | ||||
Future abandonment costs end of period |
$ | 7,196 | $ | 6,975 | ||||
Revenue Recognition and Gas Balancing
Comstock utilizes the sales method of accounting for oil and natural gas revenues whereby
revenues are recognized at the time of delivery based on the amount of oil or natural gas sold to
purchasers. Revenue is typically recorded in the month of production based on an estimate of the
Companys share of volumes produced and prices realized. Revisions to such estimates are recorded
as actual results are known. The amount of oil or natural gas sold may differ from the amount to
which the Company is entitled based on its revenue interests in the properties. The Company did
not have any significant imbalance positions at September 30, 2011 or December 31, 2010.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company did not have any derivative financial instruments outstanding during the three
months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 or September 30, 2010.
9
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
(Continued)
Stock-Based Compensation
Comstock accounts for employee stock-based compensation under the fair value method.
Compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is
recognized over the award vesting period. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 and
2010, the Company recognized $3.9 million and $4.4 million, respectively, of stock-based
compensation expense within general and administrative expenses related to awards of restricted
stock or stock options to its employees and directors. During the nine months ended September 30,
2011 and 2010, the Company recognized $11.0 million and $12.9 million, respectively, of stock-based
compensation expense within general and administrative expenses related to awards of restricted
stock or stock options.
As of September 30, 2011, Comstock had 1,634,450 shares of unvested restricted stock
outstanding at a weighted average grant date fair value of $35.18 per share. Total unrecognized
compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock grants of $23.9 million as of September 30,
2011 is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.2 years. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2011 the Company awarded a total of 26,000 shares of restricted stock to its
independent directors which will vest three years from the date of the grant. The grant date fair
value was $26.52 per share for the 2011 awards.
As of September 30, 2011, Comstock had outstanding options to purchase 203,150 shares of
common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $36.64 per share. All of the stock options
were exercisable and there were no unrecognized costs related to the options as of September 30,
2011. The Company received $1.3 million in cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options during
the nine months ended September 30, 2010. No stock options were exercised during the nine months
ended September 30, 2011.
Income Taxes
The following is an analysis of consolidated income tax expense:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Current provision (benefit) |
$ | (512 | ) | $ | (382 | ) | $ | 57 | $ | (199 | ) | |||||
Deferred provision |
3,972 | 174 | 6,593 | 131 | ||||||||||||
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes |
$ | 3,460 | $ | (208 | ) | $ | 6,650 | $ | (68 | ) | ||||||
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
(Continued)
Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect the future tax consequences or benefits of
differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the
financial statements using enacted tax rates. The difference between the Companys customary rate
of 35% and the effective tax rate on income before income taxes is due to the following:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
Tax at statutory rate
|
35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | ||||||||
Tax effect of: |
||||||||||||||||
Nondeductible stock-based compensation
|
41.9 | % | (26.6 | %) | 12.6 | % | (11.9 | %) | ||||||||
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
|
(6.7 | %) | (3.1 | %) | (2.1 | %) | 9.0 | % | ||||||||
Net operating loss carryback adjustments
|
| % | | % | | % | (38.7 | %) | ||||||||
Other
|
2.4 | % | (1.0 | %) | 1.0 | % | (0.5 | %) | ||||||||
Effective tax rate
|
72.6 | % | 4.3 | % | 46.5 | % | (7.1 | %) | ||||||||
The Companys non-deductible stock-based compensation has the effect of increasing the
Companys annualized effective tax rate in the case of an income tax provision or decreasing the
effective tax rate in the case of an income tax benefit. The effective tax rate for the nine
months ended September 30, 2011 reflects the benefit from a decrease in non-deductible compensation
which resulted from the early retirement of one of the Companys executives. The 2010 effective
tax rate was based on an expected income tax benefit for the full year and reflects a benefit from
adjustments related to refund claims resulting from net operating loss carrybacks.
The Companys federal income tax returns for the years subsequent to December 31, 2006 remain
subject to examination. The Companys income tax returns in major state income tax jurisdictions
remain subject to examination from various periods subsequent to December 31, 2005. State tax
returns in two state jurisdictions are currently under review. The Company has evaluated the
preliminary findings in these jurisdictions and believes it is more likely than not that the
ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on its financial statements.
The Company currently believes that all other significant filing positions are highly certain and
that all of its other significant income tax positions and deductions would be sustained under
audit or the final resolution would not have a material effect on the consolidated financial
statements. Therefore the Company has not established any significant reserves for uncertain tax
positions.
Fair Value Measurements
As of September 30, 2011, the Company held certain items that are required to be measured at
fair value. These included cash held in bank accounts and marketable securities comprised of
shares of Stone Energy Corporation common stock. Fair value is defined as the price that would be
received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most
advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market
participants on the measurement date. The estimated fair value for the items in the Companys
financial statement were based on Level 1 inputs where the inputs used to measure fair value are
unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or
liabilities as of the reporting date.
11
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
(Continued)
The following table summarizes financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair
value, as determined using Level 1 inputs, as of September 30, 2011:
Carrying Value | ||||
Measured at | ||||
Fair Value | ||||
(In thousands) | ||||
Items measured at fair value on a recurring basis: |
||||
Cash held in bank accounts |
$ | 4,544 | ||
Marketable securities |
31,707 | |||
Total assets |
$ | 36,251 | ||
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair value of the
Companys other financial instruments as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
As of September 30, 2011 | As of December 31, 2010 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying | Fair | Carrying | Fair | |||||||||||||
Value | Value | Value | Value | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion |
$ | 746,774 | $ | 724,500 | $ | 513,372 | $ | 518,930 |
The fair market value of the Companys fixed rate debt was based on their market prices as of
September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The fair value of the floating rate debt outstanding at
September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 approximated its carrying value.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is determined without the effect of any outstanding potentially
dilutive stock options and diluted earnings per share is determined with the effect of outstanding
stock options that are potentially dilutive. Unvested share-based payment awards containing
nonforfeitable rights to dividends are considered to be participatory securities and are included
in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. Basic
and diluted earnings per share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and
2010, respectively, were determined as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Per | Income | Per | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income | Shares | Share | (Loss) | Shares | Share | |||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) |
$ | 1,309 | $ | (4,700 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income Allocable to Unvested Stock Grants |
(45 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Basic Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
Common Stock |
$ | 1,264 | 46,011 | $ | 0.03 | $ | (4,700 | ) | 45,623 | $ | (0.10 | ) | ||||||||||||
Effect of Dilutive Securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Options |
| | | | ||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Attributable to
Common Stock |
$ | 1,264 | 46,011 | $ | 0.03 | $ | (4,700 | ) | 45,623 | $ | (0.10 | ) | ||||||||||||
12
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
(Continued)
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Per | Per | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income | Shares | Share | Income | Shares | Share | |||||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income |
$ | 7,662 | $ | 1,023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income Allocable to Unvested Stock Grants |
(268 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||
Basic Net Income Attributable to
Common Stock |
$ | 7,394 | 45,992 | $ | 0.16 | $ | 1,023 | 45,537 | $ | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||
Effect of Dilutive Securities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Options |
| | | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted Net Income Attributable to
Common Stock |
$ | 7,394 | 45,992 | $ | 0.16 | $ | 1,023 | 45,589 | $ | 0.02 | ||||||||||||||
At September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 1,634,450 and 2,069,275 shares of restricted
stock are included in common stock outstanding as such shares have a nonforfeitable right to
participate in any dividends that might be declared and have the right to vote.
Weighted average
shares of unvested restricted stock were as follows:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Unvested restricted stock |
1,635 | 1,695 | 1,665 | 1,697 |
The shares of unvested stock were excluded from the computation of earnings per share as
anti-dilutive to earnings for the three month period ended September 30, 2010 due to the net loss
in that period.
Options to purchase common stock that were outstanding and that were excluded as anti-dilutive
from the determination of diluted earnings per share were as follows:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Weighted average anti-dilutive stock options |
203 | 240 | 218 | 210 | ||||||||||||
Weighted average exercise price |
$ | 36.64 | $ | 36.01 | $ | 36.35 | $ | 36.94 |
The excluded options that were anti-dilutive were at exercise prices in excess of the
average stock price for each of the periods presented. All stock options were excluded as
anti-dilutive for the three months ended September 30, 2010 due to the net loss in that period.
Supplementary Information With Respect to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly
liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents.
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
(Continued)
The following is a summary of cash payments made for interest and income taxes:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Cash Payments: |
||||||||
Interest payments |
$ | 21,733 | $ | 26,940 | ||||
Income tax payments (refunds) |
$ | (30 | ) | $ | (48,844 | ) |
The Company capitalizes interest on its unevaluated oil and gas property costs during
periods when it is conducting exploration activity on this acreage. For the three months and nine
months ended September 30, 2011, the Company capitalized interest of $3.4 million and $10.0
million, respectively, which reduced interest expense and increased the carrying value of its
unevaluated oil and gas properties. The Company capitalized interest of $3.5 million and $9.0
million during the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of the following:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) |
$ | 1,309 | $ | (4,700 | ) | $ | 7,662 | $ | 1,023 | |||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss): |
||||||||||||||||
Realized gain on marketable securities reclassified to earnings, net of
income tax expense of $869, $, $11,274 and $1,992 |
(1,614 | ) | | (20,938 | ) | (3,700 | ) | |||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of
income tax expense (benefit) of ($9,580), $5,994, ($1,329), and ($5,195) |
(17,793 | ) | 11,132 | (2,468 | ) | (9,646 | ) | |||||||||
Total comprehensive income (loss) |
$ | (18,098 | ) | $ | 6,432 | $ | (15,744 | ) | $ | (12,323 | ) | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 2011, which is related solely to changes in the fair value of our marketable
securities, is comprised of the following:
Three Months | Nine Months | |||||||
Ended | Ended | |||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
2011 | 2011 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Balance as of beginning of the period |
$ | 28,331 | $ | 32,330 | ||||
Realized gain on sale of marketable securities, net of income taxes, reclassified to earnings |
(1,614 | ) | (20,938 | ) | ||||
Changes in the value of marketable securities, net of income taxes |
(17,793 | ) | (2,468 | ) | ||||
Balance as of September 30, 2011 |
$ | 8,924 | $ | 8,924 | ||||
Subsequent Events
Subsequent events were evaluated through the issuance date of these consolidated financial statements.
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
(Continued)
(2) LONG-TERM DEBT
At September 30, 2011, long-term debt was comprised of:
(In thousands) | ||||
Bank credit facility |
$ | 150,000 | ||
8⅜% Senior Notes due 2017 |
296,774 | |||
7¾% Senior Notes due 2019 |
300,000 | |||
$ | 746,774 | |||
The Company has a $850.0 million bank credit facility with Bank of Montreal, as the
administrative agent. The credit facility is a five-year revolving credit commitment that matures
on November 30, 2015. Indebtedness under the credit facility is secured by substantially all of
Comstocks assets and is guaranteed by all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. The credit facility
is subject to borrowing base availability, which is redetermined semiannually based on the banks
estimates of the Companys future net cash flows of oil and natural gas properties. The borrowing
base may be affected by the performance of Comstocks properties and changes in oil and natural gas
prices. The determination of the borrowing base is at the sole discretion of the administrative
agent and the bank group. As of September 30, 2011, the borrowing base was $500.0 million, $350.0
million of which was available. Effective October 31, 2011 the borrowing base was increased to
$550.0 million. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, based on the utilization of
the borrowing base, at Comstocks option at either (1) LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.75% or (2) the base
rate (which is the higher of the administrative agents prime rate, the federal funds rate plus
0.5% or 30 day LIBOR plus 1.0%) plus 0.75% to 1.75%. A commitment fee of 0.5% is payable annually
on the unused borrowing base. The credit facility contains covenants that, among other things,
restrict the payment of cash dividends in excess of $50.0 million, limit the amount of consolidated
debt that Comstock may incur and limit the Companys ability to make certain loans and investments.
The only financial covenants are the maintenance of a ratio of current assets, including
availability under the bank credit facility, to current liabilities of at least one-to-one and
maintenance of a minimum tangible net worth. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as
of September 30, 2011.
On March 14, 2011, Comstock issued $300.0 million of senior notes (the 2019 Notes) pursuant
to an underwritten public offering. The 2019 Notes are due on April 1, 2019 and bear interest at
7¾%, which is payable semiannually on each April 1 and October 1. The 2019 Notes are unsecured
obligations of Comstock and are guaranteed by all of the Companys material subsidiaries. Comstock
also has $300.0 million of 8⅜% senior notes outstanding which mature on October 15, 2017 (the 2017
Notes). Interest on the 2017 Notes is payable semiannually on each April 15 and October 15. The
2017 Notes are also unsecured obligations of Comstock and are guaranteed by all of Comstocks
material subsidiaries. The subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned and all of the guarantees are full
and conditional and joint and several. As of September 30, 2011, Comstock had no material assets
or operations which are independent of its subsidiaries. There are no restrictions on the ability
of Comstock to obtain funds from its subsidiaries through dividends or loans.
On January 1, 2011, Comstock had $172.0 million in principal amount of
6⅞% senior notes
outstanding due on March 1, 2012 (the 2012 Notes). In 2011 Comstock redeemed all of the 2012
Notes for $172.4 million. The early extinguishment of the 2012 Notes resulted in a loss of $1.1
million which is included in interest expense in the consolidated financial statements. This loss
is comprised of the premium paid for the redemption of the 2012 Notes, the costs incurred related
to the tender offer, and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the 2012
Notes.
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COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
(Continued)
(3) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, Comstock is involved in certain litigation that arises in the normal course
of its operations. The Company records a loss contingency for these matters when it is probable
that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The
Company does not believe the resolution of these matters will have a material effect on the
Companys financial position or results of operations.
In connection with its exploration and development activities, the Company holds contracts for
drilling rigs that will expire at various dates through June 2015. As of September 30, 2011, the
Company had commitments for contracted drilling services of $56.1 million. The Company has also
entered into agreements for well completion services through June 30, 2012 which require minimum
future payments totaling $4.5 million.
The Company has entered into natural gas transportation agreements to support its production
operations in North Louisiana through July 2019. Maximum commitments under these transportation
agreements as of September 30, 2011 totaled $37.5 million.
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ITEM 2: MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that are
made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking
statements due to many factors. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report and in our annual
report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per unit amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
Net Production Data: |
||||||||||||||||
Natural gas (Mmcf) |
25,057 | 16,154 | 67,162 | 52,657 | ||||||||||||
Oil (Mbbls) |
195 | 171 | 492 | 557 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe) |
26,224 | 17,185 | 70,113 | 56,002 | ||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Natural gas sales |
$ | 102,396 | $ | 68,557 | $ | 274,372 | $ | 239,399 | ||||||||
Oil sales |
17,026 | 11,163 | 45,539 | 37,092 | ||||||||||||
Total oil and gas sales |
$ | 119,422 | $ | 79,720 | $ | 319,911 | $ | 276,491 | ||||||||
Expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Production taxes |
$ | 141 | $ | 3,062 | $ | 2,230 | $ | 9,543 | ||||||||
Gathering and transportation |
8,101 | 4,101 | 20,340 | 12,308 | ||||||||||||
Lease operating(1) |
12,527 | 13,002 | 36,512 | 41,150 | ||||||||||||
Exploration expense |
447 | 1,238 | 10,066 | 2,506 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization |
77,518 | 46,796 | 212,532 | 163,603 | ||||||||||||
Average Sales Price: |
||||||||||||||||
Natural gas (per Mcf) |
$ | 4.09 | $ | 4.24 | $ | 4.09 | $ | 4.55 | ||||||||
Oil (per Bbl) |
$ | 87.55 | $ | 64.97 | $ | 92.59 | $ | 66.54 | ||||||||
Average equivalent (Mcfe) |
$ | 4.55 | $ | 4.64 | $ | 4.56 | $ | 4.94 | ||||||||
Expenses ($ per Mcfe): |
||||||||||||||||
Production taxes |
$ | 0.01 | $ | 0.18 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.17 | ||||||||
Gathering and transportation |
$ | 0.31 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 0.29 | $ | 0.22 | ||||||||
Lease operating(1) |
$ | 0.47 | $ | 0.75 | $ | 0.52 | $ | 0.73 | ||||||||
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(2) |
$ | 2.95 | $ | 2.71 | $ | 3.02 | $ | 2.91 |
(1) | Includes ad valorem taxes. | |
(2) | Represents depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and gas properties only. |
Revenues
In the third quarter of 2011, our oil and natural gas sales increased $39.7 million (50%) to
$119.4 million from $79.7 million for the third quarter of 2010. The increase was related to
higher production in the quarter offset in part by lower natural gas prices. Our production of
26.2 Bcfe in the third quarter of 2011 was 53% greater than the 17.2 Bcfe that we produced in the
third quarter of 2010. Production in the third quarter of 2011, which averaged 285 MMcfe per day,
was 8% higher than our average daily production in the second quarter of 2011 of 263 MMcfe per day.
Our average realized natural gas price decreased by 4% and our average realized oil price
increased by 35% in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to the third quarter of 2010.
Our oil and natural gas sales increased $43.4 million (16%) to $319.9 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 2011 from $276.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.
This increase was also the result of an increase in natural gas production offset in part by weaker
natural gas prices. Our production in the first nine months of 2011 of 70.1 Bcfe increased 25% as
compared to the 56.0 Bcfe that we produced in the first nine months of 2010. Our average realized
natural gas price decreased by 10% while our average realized oil price increased by 39% in the
first nine months of 2011 as compared to the first nine months of 2010.
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The higher production level in 2011 is mainly attributable to our drilling activity in the
Haynesville and Bossier shale program and the resumption of completion activities which were
limited during 2010 due to shortages in third party completion services available to us.
Production from our Haynesville and Bossier shale properties in East Texas and North Louisiana
averaged 200 MMcf per day in the third quarter of 2011, 136% higher than production of 85 MMcf per
day in the third quarter of 2010. Production from our Haynesville and Bossier shale properties of
170 MMcf per day for the first nine months of 2011 was 82% higher than production of 93 MMcf per
day in the first nine months of 2010. Our Haynesville and Bossier shale wells that were drilled
and waiting on completion decreased from 35 (23.4 net to us) at December 31, 2010 to 21 (8.9 net to
us) at September 30, 2011.
Costs and Expenses
Production taxes decreased $3.0 million to $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2011 from
$3.1 million in the third quarter of 2010. Production taxes also decreased by $7.3 million to $2.2
million for the first nine months of 2011 from $9.5 million in the first nine months of 2010. Our
Haynesville and Bossier shale wells, which comprise a larger percentage of our production, qualify
for exemption from certain production taxes. The exempt wells together with the lower natural gas
prices for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 account for the decrease.
Gathering and transportation costs for the third quarter of 2011 increased $4.0 million to
$8.1 million as compared to $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2010. Gathering and
transportation costs for the first nine months of 2011 increased $8.0 million to $20.3 million as
compared to $12.3 million in the first nine months of 2010. The increases mainly reflect the
transportation costs relating to increased production from our Haynesville and Bossier shale wells.
Our lease operating expenses decreased by $0.5 million to $12.5 million for the third quarter
of 2011 as compared to $13.0 million for the third quarter of 2010. As a result of the growth in
our production and the lower lease operating expenses, our lease operating expense per Mcfe
produced decreased by 37% to $0.47 per Mcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as
compared to $0.75 per Mcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2010. Our lease operating
expenses for the first nine months of 2011 of $36.5 million decreased from our lease operating
expenses of $41.2 million for the first nine months of 2010. Our lease operating expense per Mcfe
produced has decreased by 29% to $0.52 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 as
compared to $0.73 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decreases in lease
operating expenses are primarily due to the sale of our higher operating cost properties in
Mississippi in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Exploration costs of $0.4 million and $10.1 million in the three months and nine months ended
September 30, 2011, respectively, primarily relate to impairments on certain of our unevaluated
properties where we no longer expect to conduct drilling operations prior to the expiration of the
lease term. Exploration costs of $1.2 million and $2.5 million in the three months and nine months
ended September 30, 2010, respectively, primarily related to geological and geophysical costs
incurred.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A) increased $30.7 million (66%) to $77.5
million in the third quarter of 2011 from $46.8 million in the third quarter of 2010. The increase
was primarily the result of our higher production in 2011 and an increase in our DD&A rate. Our
DD&A per equivalent Mcf produced increased $0.24 (9%) to $2.95 for the three months ended September
30, 2011 from $2.71 for the three months ended September 30, 2010. DD&A for the first nine months
of 2011 increased $48.9 million (30%) to $212.5 million from $163.6 million for the nine months
ended September 30, 2010. Our DD&A rate per Mcfe for the first nine months of 2011 of $3.02
increased $0.11 (4%) from the DD&A rate of $2.91 for the first nine months of 2010. The higher
DD&A rates per Mcfe mainly reflect the costs incurred during 2011 to complete the wells that were
drilled but not completed during 2010.
General and administrative expense, which is reported net of overhead reimbursements, of $8.6
million for the third quarter of 2011 decreased from general and administrative expenses of $9.4
million for the third quarter of 2010. Included in general and administrative expense is
stock-based compensation of $3.9 million and $4.4 million for the three months ended September 30,
2011 and 2010, respectively. For the first nine months of 2011, general and administrative
18
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expense decreased to $26.0 million from the $29.0 million for the nine months ended September
30, 2010. Included in general and administrative expense is stock-based compensation of $11.0
million and $12.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The
decrease in stock-based compensation and general and administrative expenses in 2011 is primarily
due to the benefit of forfeited stock awards related to the early retirement of one of our
executive officers in the first quarter of 2011 as well as the lower cost of our stock-based
compensation in 2011.
Interest expense increased $2.9 million to $10.0 million for the third quarter of 2011 from
interest expense of $7.1 million in the third quarter of 2010. The increase was primarily related
to the increase in debt outstanding during 2011 including the issuance of $300.0 million in senior
notes in March 2011. We had average borrowings of $129.4 million outstanding under our bank credit
facility during the third quarter of 2011 as compared to $54.9 million of average borrowings
outstanding during the third quarter of 2010. We capitalized interest of $3.4 million and $3.5
million on our unevaluated properties during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010,
respectively. Interest expense increased $8.1 million to $30.7 million for the first nine months
of 2011 from interest expense of $22.6 million in the first nine months of 2010. We had $87.5
million in average borrowings outstanding under our bank credit facility during the first nine
months of 2011 as compared to $8.6 million of average borrowings outstanding in the first nine
months of 2010. We capitalized interest of $10.0 million and $9.0 million on our unevaluated
properties during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Interest
expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 includes $1.1 million for the early retirement
of our 6⅞% senior notes which were due in March 2012.
During the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2011 we recognized gains of $2.5
million and $32.2 million, respectively, from sales of 100,000 and 1.8 million shares of common
stock in Stone Energy Corporation held as marketable securities. During the nine months ended
September 30, 2010 we recognized a gain of $5.7 million from the sale of approximately 0.5 million
shares of Stone Energy Corporation common stock.
We had a $3.5 million provision for income taxes in the third quarter of 2011 as compared to a
benefit for income taxes of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010. Income tax
expense for the first nine months of 2011 consisted of a provision of $6.7 million as compared to a
benefit for income taxes of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Our
effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2011 was a provision of 46.5% as compared to our
effective tax rate of a benefit of 7.1% for the first nine months of 2010. Income tax expense in
2011 increased from 2010 mainly due to our higher income in 2011.
We reported net income of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 or
3¢ per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $4.7 million, or 10¢ per
share, for the three months ended September 30, 2010. We reported net income of $7.7 million for
the nine months ended September 30, 2011 or 16¢ per diluted share as compared to net
income of $1.0 million or 2¢ per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30,
2010. The increases in earnings are primarily due to our higher natural gas production combined
with the gains we realized from sales of marketable securities in 2011.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Funding for our activities has historically been provided by our operating cash flow, debt or
equity financings or asset dispositions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, our primary
sources of funds were net cash flow from operations of $217.5 million, $293.4 million of net
proceeds from our senior notes offering, net borrowings of $105.0 million under our bank credit
facility and proceeds from sales of marketable securities of $49.1 million. Our net cash flow from
operating activities decreased $31.7 million (13%) in the first nine months of 2011 to $217.5
million from $249.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The decrease in
operating cash flow is primarily due to working capital changes between the periods including the
receipt of an income tax refund of $48.8 million in 2010.
Our primary needs for capital, in addition to funding our ongoing operations, relate to the
acquisition, development and exploration of our oil and gas properties and the repayment of our
debt. In the first nine months of 2011, we incurred
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capital
expenditures of $496.1 million primarily for our development and exploration
activities. We also spent $172.4 million in 2011 to retire $172.0 million in senior notes. We
funded our 2011 capital program with cash flow provided by operating activities, proceeds from
sales of marketable securities and borrowings, including the issuance of senior notes in March
2011.
The following table summarizes our capital expenditure activity, on an accrual basis, for the
nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||
Leasehold costs |
$ | 52,621 | $ | 130,434 | ||||
Development drilling |
360,217 | 200,955 | ||||||
Exploratory drilling |
77,607 | 56,237 | ||||||
Other development |
5,547 | 5,326 | ||||||
495,992 | 392,952 | |||||||
Other |
143 | 11,475 | ||||||
$ | 496,135 | $ | 404,427 | |||||
We expect to spend approximately $575.0 million for developmental and exploratory
drilling during 2011 and an additional $125.0 million to acquire additional acreage. We expect to
fund our development and exploration activities with operating cash flow, proceeds from asset sales
including sales of our marketable securities and borrowings including the issuance of senior notes
in March 2011.
The timing of most of our capital expenditures is discretionary because we have no material
long-term capital expenditure commitments except for commitments for contract drilling services.
Consequently, we have a significant degree of flexibility to adjust the level of our capital
expenditures as circumstances warrant. As of September 30, 2011, we have contracted for the
services of drilling rigs through June 2015 at an aggregate cost of $56.1 million and minimum
future commitments for well completion services of $4.5 million through June 30, 2012. In
addition, we have maximum commitments of $37.5 million to transport natural gas through July 2019.
We have obligations to incur future payments for dismantlement, abandonment and restoration costs
of oil and gas properties. These payments are currently estimated to be incurred primarily after
2016. We record a separate liability for the fair value of these asset retirement obligations
which totaled $7.2 million as of September 30, 2011.
We have a $850.0 million bank credit facility with Bank of Montreal, as the administrative
agent. The bank credit facility is a five-year revolving credit commitment that matures on
November 30, 2015. Indebtedness under the bank credit facility is secured by all of our and our
subsidiaries assets and is guaranteed by all of our wholly owned subsidiaries. The bank credit
facility is subject to borrowing base availability, which is redetermined semiannually based on the
banks estimates of the future net cash flows of our oil and natural gas properties. The borrowing
base may be affected by the performance of our properties and changes in oil and natural gas
prices. The determination of the borrowing base is at the sole discretion of the administrative
agent and the bank group. As of September 30, 2011, the borrowing base was $500.0 million, $350.0
million of which was available. Effective October 31, 2011 the borrowing base was increased to
$550.0 million. Borrowings under the bank credit facility bear interest, based on the utilization
of the borrowing base, at our option at either (1) LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.75% or (2) the base rate
(which is the higher of the administrative agents prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or
30 day LIBOR plus 1.0%) plus 0.75% to 1.75%. A commitment fee of 0.5% is payable on the unused
borrowing base. The bank credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the
payment of cash dividends in excess of $50.0 million, limit the amount of consolidated debt that we
may incur and limit our ability to make certain loans and investments. The only financial
covenants are the maintenance of a ratio of current assets, including the availability under the
bank credit facility, to current liabilities of at least one-to-one and maintenance of a minimum
tangible net worth. We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2011.
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On March 14, 2011, we issued $300.0 million of senior notes (the 2019 Notes) pursuant to an
underwritten public offering. The 2019 Notes are due on April 1, 2019 and bear interest at 73/4%,
which is payable semiannually on each April 1 and October 1. We also
have $300.0 million of 8⅜%
senior notes outstanding which are due on October 15, 2017 (the 2017 Notes). Interest on the
2017 Notes is payable semiannually on each April 15 and October 15. Our senior notes are unsecured
obligations and are guaranteed by all of our material subsidiaries.
On January 1, 2011, we had $172.0 million in principal amount of 6⅞% senior notes outstanding
due on March 1, 2012 (the 2012 Notes). During the first quarter of 2011, we redeemed all of the
2012 Notes for $172.4 million plus accrued interest. The early extinguishment of the 2012 Notes
resulted in a loss of $1.1 million which is comprised of the premium paid for the redemption of the
2012 Notes, the costs incurred related to the tender offer, and the write-off of unamortized debt
issuance costs related to the 2012 Notes.
We believe that our cash flow from operations, cash on hand and available borrowings under our
bank credit facility will be sufficient to fund our operations and future growth as contemplated
under our current business plan. However, if our plans or assumptions change or if our assumptions
prove to be inaccurate, we may be required to seek additional capital. We cannot provide any
assurance that we will be able to obtain such capital, or if such capital is available, that we
will be able to obtain it on acceptable terms.
ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Oil and Natural Gas Prices
Our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources are highly dependent upon
the prevailing market prices of natural gas and oil. These commodity prices are subject to wide
fluctuations and market uncertainties due to a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our
control. Factors influencing oil and natural gas prices include the level of global demand for
crude oil, the foreign supply of oil and natural gas, the establishment of and compliance with
production quotas by oil exporting countries, weather conditions that determine the demand for
natural gas, the price and availability of alternative fuels and overall economic conditions. It
is impossible to predict future oil and natural gas prices with any degree of certainty. Sustained
weakness in natural gas and oil prices may adversely affect our financial condition and results of
operations, and may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas reserves that we can produce
economically. Any reduction in our natural gas and oil reserves, including reductions due to price
fluctuations, can have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain capital for our exploration and
development activities. Similarly, any improvements in natural gas and oil prices can have a
favorable impact on our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources. Based on
our oil and natural gas production for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a $1.00 change in
the price per Mcf of natural gas would have changed our cash flow by approximately $66.7 million
and a $1.00 change in the price per barrel of oil would have resulted in a change in our cash flow
for such period by approximately $0.8 million.
Interest Rates
At September 30, 2011, we had total long-term debt of $746.8 million. Of this amount, $296.8
million bears interest at a fixed rate of 8⅜% with an effective
interest rate of 8⅝% and $300.0
million bears interest at a fixed rate of 73/4%. We had $150.0 million outstanding under our bank
credit facility, which bears interest at a fluctuating rate that is linked to LIBOR or the
corporate base rate, at our option. Any increases in these interest rates can have an adverse
impact on our results of operations and cash flow. Based on borrowings outstanding at September
30, 2011, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would change our interest expense for the nine
months ended September 30, 2011 by approximately $1.1 million.
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ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
As of September 30, 2011, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the
participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of
the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer
and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as
of September 30, 2011 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by
us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms,
and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated
and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial
officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There were no
changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule
13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the quarter ended
September 30, 2011, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our
internal controls over financial reporting.
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PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6: EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. | Description | |
10.1* |
Assignment and First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 31, 2011, among Comstock Resources, Inc., as the borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, and Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent. | |
31.1*
|
Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer. | |
31.2*
|
Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer. | |
32.1
|
Certification for the Chief Executive Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
32.2
|
Certification for the Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. | |
101**
|
The following materials from the Comstock Resources, Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statement of Stockholders Equity and Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |
* | Filed herewith. | |
| Furnished herewith. | |
** | Submitted electronically herewith. |
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL information in Exhibit 101 to this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), or otherwise subject to the liability
of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or
other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as
shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. |
||||
Date: November 4, 2011 | /s/ M. JAY ALLISON | |||
M. Jay Allison, Chairman, President and Chief | ||||
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||||
Date: November 4, 2011 | /s/ ROLAND O. BURNS | |||
Roland O. Burns, Senior Vice President, | ||||
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||||
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