Table Ofof Contents





 

 

 



UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549



 

 



 

 

 

Form 10-Q



 

 

 

(Mark One)

[X]   Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016



 

 

 

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:  1-08246001-08246

Picture 1

Southwestern Energy Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



 

 

 



 

 

 

Delaware

71-0205415

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



 

 

 

10000 Energy Drive 

Spring, Texas

77389

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)



 

 

 

(832) 796-1000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)



 

 

 

Not Applicable

(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 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ☒  No ☐

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.

Large accelerated filer ☒

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer ☐

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 ☐     No ☒

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class

Outstanding as of October 20, 2015April 19, 2016

Common Stock, Par Value $0.01

384,478,569392,666,629







 


 

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SOUTHWESTERSOUTHWESTERNN ENERGY COMPANY



INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015MARCH 31, 2016



 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 



 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2.

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

27 

31

Results of Operations

29 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

33 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

44

37 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

46

38 



 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 



 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

47

38 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

47

38 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

47

38 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

47

38 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

47

38 

Item 5.

Other Information

47

38 

Item 6.

Exhibits

47

39 







CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS



All statements, other than historical fact or present financial information, may be deemed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).   All statements that address activities, outcomes and other matters that should or may occur in the future, including, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy, production and reserve growth and other plans and objectives for our future operations, are forward-looking statements.  Although we believe the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance.  We have no obligation and make no undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.



Forward-looking statements include the items identified in the preceding paragraph, information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations and other statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q identified by words such as “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “intend,“estimate,“estimate,“continue,” “potential,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “objective,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “expect,” “believe,” “predict,” “budget,” “projection,” “goal,” “plan,” “forecast,” “target” or similar expressions.words.



You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. They are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our operations, markets, products, services and prices and cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with forward-looking statements, risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to:



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·

the timing and extent of changes in market conditions and prices for natural gas, oil and oilnatural gas liquids (“NGLs”) (including regional basis differentials);

·

our ability to fund our planned capital investments;

·

a change in our credit rating;

·

the extent to which lower commodity prices impact our ability to transportservice or refinance our production to existing debt;

·

the most favorableimpact of volatility in the financial markets or at all;other global economic factors;

·

difficulties in appropriately allocating capital and resources among our strategic opportunities;

·

the timing and extent of our success in discovering, developing, producing and estimating reserves;

·

the economic viability of, and our success in drilling, our large positions in the Fayetteville Shale, Northeast Appalachia and Southwest Appalachia overall as well as relativeability to other productive shale gas plays;maintain leases that may expire if production is not established or profitability maintained;

·

our ability to realize the expected benefits from recent acquisitions;

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·

the impact of title and environmental defects and other matters on the value of the properties acquired in our recent acquisitions and any other future acquisitions;

·

difficulties in integrating our operations as a result of any significant acquisitions;

·

our ability to transport our production to the most favorable markets or at all;

·

the impact of government regulation, including the ability to obtain and maintain permits, any increase in severance or similar taxes, and legislation relating to hydraulic fracturing, climate and over-the-counter derivatives;

·

the costs and availability of oilfield personnel, services and drilling supplies, raw materials and equipment, including pressure pumping equipment and crews;

·

our ability to determine the most effective and economic fracture stimulation;

·

our future property acquisition or divestiture activities;

·

the impact of the adverse outcome of any material litigation against us;

·

the effects of weather;

·

increased competition and regulation;

·

the financial impact of accounting regulations and critical accounting policies;

·

the comparative cost of alternative fuels;

·

the different risks and uncertainties associated with proposed activities in Canada;

·

conditions in capital markets, changes in interest rates and the ability of our lenders to provide us with funds as agreed;

·

credit risk relating to the risk of loss as a result of non-performance by our counterparties; and

·

any other factors listed in the reports we have filed and may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 



Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described above or elsewhere in this Quarterly Report occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.  We specifically disclaim all responsibility to publicly update any information contained in a forward-looking statement or any forward-looking statement in its entirety and therefore disclaim any resulting liability for potentially related damages.



      All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

2


 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION



ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

(in millions, except share/per share amounts)

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas sales

$

458 

 

$

645 

 

$

1,540 

 

$

2,155 

Oil sales

 

19 

 

 

 

 

60 

 

 

12 

NGL sales

 

14 

 

 

–  

 

 

47 

 

 

Marketing

 

216 

 

 

227 

 

 

663 

 

 

765 

Gas gathering

 

42 

 

 

50 

 

 

136 

 

 

143 

 

 

749 

 

 

928 

 

 

2,446 

 

 

3,076 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing purchases

 

213 

 

 

220 

 

 

654 

 

 

752 

Operating expenses

 

176 

 

 

108 

 

 

507 

 

 

309 

General and administrative expenses

 

60 

 

 

54 

 

 

188 

 

 

162 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

275 

 

 

238 

 

 

876 

 

 

693 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 

2,839 

 

 

–  

 

 

4,374 

 

 

–  

(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net

 

 

 

–  

 

 

(276)

 

 

–  

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

27 

 

 

22 

 

 

84 

 

 

72 

 

 

3,591 

 

 

642 

 

 

6,407 

 

 

1,988 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(2,842)

 

 

286 

 

 

(3,961)

 

 

1,088 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on debt

 

51 

 

 

25 

 

 

153 

 

 

75 

Other interest charges

 

 

 

 

 

54 

 

 

Interest capitalized

 

(53)

 

 

(14)

 

 

(155)

 

 

(40)

 

 

–  

 

 

13 

 

 

52 

 

 

39 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income, Net

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

15 

 

 

78 

 

 

30 

 

 

(29)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

 

(2,827)

 

 

351 

 

 

(3,981)

 

 

1,021 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current

 

–  

 

 

32 

 

 

 

 

34 

Deferred

 

(1,088)

 

 

108 

 

 

(1,539)

 

 

375 

 

 

(1,088)

 

 

140 

 

 

(1,532)

 

 

409 

Net Income (Loss)

$

(1,739)

 

$

211 

 

$

(2,449)

 

$

612 

Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividend

 

27 

 

 

–  

 

 

79 

 

 

–  

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock

$

(1,766)

 

$

211 

 

$

(2,528)

 

$

612 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

   

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

(4.62)

 

$

0.60 

 

$

(6.65)

 

$

1.74 

Diluted

$

(4.62)

 

$

0.60 

 

$

(6.65)

 

$

1.74 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

382,098,080 

 

 

351,457,043 

 

 

379,909,748 

 

 

351,357,913 

Diluted

 

382,098,080 

 

 

352,327,250 

 

 

379,909,748 

 

 

352,334,546 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

For the three months ended

 

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

(in millions)

Net income (loss)

$

(1,739)

 

$

211 

 

$

(2,449)

 

$

612 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (1) 

 

(31)

 

 

(11)

 

 

(89)

 

 

29 

Ineffectiveness (2)

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

 

(1)

Change in fair value of derivative instruments (3)

 

 

 

48 

 

 

21 

 

 

(1)

Total change in derivatives

 

(22)

 

 

35 

 

 

(67)

 

 

27 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in value of pension and other postretirement liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost and net loss included in net periodic pension cost (4) 

 

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in currency translation adjustment

 

(5)

 

 

(4)

 

 

(9)

 

 

(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

(1,765)

 

$

242 

 

$

(2,524)

 

$

635 

(1)

Net of ($19), ($7),  ($56) and $19 million in taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

(2)

Net of ($1)million in taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2014.

(3)

Net of $5, $32,  $13 and ($1) million in taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

(4)

Net of $1 million in taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.



 

 

 

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)



For the three months ended



March 31,



2016

 

2015



(in millions, except share/per share amounts)

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Gas sales

$

315 

 

$

625 

Oil sales

 

11 

 

 

17 

NGL sales

 

17 

 

 

18 

Marketing

 

198 

 

 

225 

Gas gathering

 

38 

 

 

48 



 

579 

 

 

933 

Operating Costs and Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing purchases

 

196 

 

 

222 

Operating expenses

 

165 

 

 

155 

General and administrative expenses

 

54 

 

 

68 

Restructuring charges

 

64 

 

 

–  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

143 

 

 

293 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 

1,034 

 

 

–  

Taxes, other than income taxes

 

23 

 

 

30 



 

1,679 

 

 

768 

Operating Income (Loss)

 

(1,100)

 

 

165 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest on debt

 

53 

 

 

50 

Other interest charges

 

 

 

49 

Interest capitalized

 

(41)

 

 

(48)



 

14 

 

 

51 



 

 

 

 

 

Other Loss, Net

 

(3)

 

 

(1)

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

(14)

 

 

14 



 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

 

(1,131)

 

 

127 

Provision for Income Taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred

 

 

 

49 



 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

$

(1,132)

 

$

78 

Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividend

 

27 

 

 

25 

Participating securities - mandatory convertible preferred stock

 

–  

 

 

Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stock

$

(1,159)

 

$

46 



 

   

 

 

   

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

(3.03)

 

$

0.12 

Diluted

$

(3.03)

 

$

0.12 



 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

382,870,847 

 

 

375,444,030 

Diluted

 

382,870,847 

 

 

375,578,054 







The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2015

 

2014

ASSETS

(in millions)

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

15 

 

$

53 

Accounts receivable

 

355 

 

 

530 

Inventories

 

33 

 

 

37 

Derivative assets

 

112 

 

 

337 

Other current assets

 

55 

 

 

158 

Total current assets

 

570 

 

 

1,115 

Natural gas and oil properties, using the full cost method, including $4,902 million as of September 30, 2015 and $4,646  million as of December 31, 2014 excluded from amortization

 

22,127 

 

 

20,506 

Gathering systems

 

1,274 

 

 

1,439 

Other

 

616 

 

 

612 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(14,038)

 

 

(8,845)

Total property and equipment, net

 

9,979 

 

 

13,712 

Other long-term assets

 

176 

 

 

98 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

10,725 

 

$

14,925 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt

$

 

$

4,501 

Accounts payable

 

615 

 

 

653 

Taxes payable

 

49 

 

 

92 

Interest payable

 

32 

 

 

34 

Current deferred income taxes

 

24 

 

 

109 

Dividends payable

 

27 

 

 

–  

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

28 

 

 

30 

Total current liabilities

 

782 

 

 

5,428 

Long-term debt

 

4,663 

 

 

2,466 

Deferred income taxes

 

448 

 

 

1,951 

Pension and other postretirement liabilities

 

48 

 

 

44 

Other long-term liabilities

 

347 

 

 

374 

Total long-term liabilities

 

5,506 

 

 

4,835 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 1,250,000,000 shares; issued 384,552,961 shares as of September 30, 2015 and 354,488,992 as of December 31, 2014

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 6.25% Series B Mandatory Convertible, $1,000 per share liquidation preference, 1,725,000 shares issued and outstanding

 

–  

 

 

–  

Additional paid-in capital

 

3,396 

 

 

1,019 

Retained earnings

 

1,051 

 

 

3,577 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(13)

 

 

62 

Common stock in treasury, 45,990 shares as of September 30, 2015 and 11,055 shares as of December 31, 2014

 

(1)

 

 

–  

Total equity

 

4,437 

 

 

4,662 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

10,725 

 

$

14,925 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

(in millions)

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

(2,449)

 

$

612 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

877 

 

 

693 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 

4,374 

 

 

–  

Amortization of debt issuance cost

 

50 

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(1,539)

 

 

375 

Loss on derivatives excluding derivatives, settled

 

105 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

18 

 

 

13 

Gain on sale of assets, net

 

(276)

 

 

–  

Other

 

 

 

(3)

Change in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

175 

 

 

Inventories

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(55)

 

 

52 

Taxes payable (receivable)

 

(43)

 

 

Interest payable

 

(1)

 

 

(10)

Other assets and liabilities

 

(13)

 

 

22 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

1,227 

 

 

1,774 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investments

 

(1,392)

 

 

(1,511)

Acquisitions

 

(582)

 

 

(202)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

704 

 

 

20 

Other

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,263)

 

 

(1,687)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on current portion of long-term debt

 

(1)

 

 

(1)

Payments on long-term debt

 

(500)

 

 

–  

Payments on short-term debt

 

(4,500)

 

 

–  

Payments on revolving credit facility

 

(2,168)

 

 

(3,573)

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

2,148 

 

 

3,429 

Payments on commercial paper

 

(5,179)

 

 

–  

Borrowings under commercial paper

 

5,699 

 

 

–  

Change in bank drafts outstanding

 

26 

 

 

45 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

2,200 

 

 

–  

Debt issuance costs

 

(17)

 

 

–  

Proceeds from exercise of common stock options

 

–  

 

 

10 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

669 

 

 

–  

Proceeds from issuance of mandatory convertible preferred stock

 

1,673 

 

 

–  

Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividend

 

(52)

 

 

                    –  

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(2)

 

 

(90)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

(38)

 

 

(3)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

53 

 

 

23 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

15 

 

$

20 



 

 

 

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)



For the three months ended



March 31,



2016

 

2015



(in millions)

Net income (loss)

$

(1,132)

 

$

78 



 

 

 

 

 

Change in derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

Settlements (1) 

 

–  

 

 

(25)

Change in fair value of derivative instruments (2)

 

–  

 

 

17 

Total change in derivatives

 

–  

 

 

(8)



Change in value of pension and other postretirement liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost and net loss included in net periodic pension cost (3)

 

 

 

–  



 

 

 

 

 

Change in currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

(6)



 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

(1,128)

 

$

64 

(1)

Net of ($17) million in taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015. 

(2)

Net of $7 million in taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

(3)

Net of $1 million in taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2016.



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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��

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Stock

 

Additional

 

 

 

Other

Common

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

Shares

 

Paid-In

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

Stock in 

 

 

 

Issued

 

Amount

Issued

 

Capital

 

Earnings

 

Income (Loss)

Treasury

 

Total

 

(in millions, except share amounts)

Balance at December 31, 2014

354,488,992 

 

$

 

–  

 

$

1,019 

 

$

3,577 

 

$

62 

 

$

–  

 

$

4,662 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(2,449)

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(2,449)

Other comprehensive loss

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(75)

 

 

–  

 

 

(75)

Total comprehensive loss

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(2,524)

Stock-based compensation

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

35 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

35 

Preferred stock dividends

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(79)

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(79)

Issuance of restricted stock

105,584 

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Cancellation of restricted stock

(69,657)

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Issuance of common stock

30,000,000 

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

669 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

669 

Issuance of preferred stock

–  

 

 

–  

 

1,725,000 

 

 

1,673 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

1,673 

Treasury stock – non-qualified plan

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(1)

 

 

(1)

Tax withholding – stock compensation

(1,958)

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Non-controlling interest

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2015

384,522,961 

 

$

 

1,725,000 

 

$

3,396 

 

$

1,051 

 

$

(13)

 

$

(1)

 

$

4,437 



 

 

 

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)



March 31,

 

December 31,



2016

 

2015

ASSETS

(in millions)

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,597 

 

$

15 

Accounts receivable, net

 

224 

 

 

327 

Derivative assets

 

35 

 

 

Other current assets

 

28 

 

 

48 

Total current assets

 

1,884 

 

 

393 

Natural gas and oil properties, using the full cost method, including $3,505 million as of March 31, 2016 and $3,727  million as of December 31, 2015 excluded from amortization

 

22,610 

 

 

22,478 

Gathering systems

 

1,281 

 

 

1,280 

Other

 

602 

 

 

606 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(18,002)

 

 

(16,821)

Total property and equipment, net

 

6,491 

 

 

7,543 

Other long-term assets

 

143 

 

 

150 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

8,518 

 

$

8,086 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Short-term debt

$

 

$

Accounts payable

 

346 

 

 

513 

Taxes payable

 

52 

 

 

64 

Interest payable

 

32 

 

 

75 

Dividends payable

 

27 

 

 

27 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

Other current liabilities

 

12 

 

 

24 

Total current liabilities

 

478 

 

 

707 

Long-term debt

 

6,442 

 

 

4,704 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

–  

Pension and other postretirement liabilities

 

50 

 

 

50 

Other long-term liabilities

 

398 

 

 

343 

Total long-term liabilities

 

6,892 

 

 

5,097 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,250,000,000 shares authorized;  issued 389,673,678 shares as of March 31, 2016 (does not include 3,024,737 shares declared as a stock dividend on March 16, 2016 and issued on April 15, 2016)  and 390,138,549 as of December 31, 2015

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, 6.25% Series B Mandatory Convertible, $1,000 per share liquidation preference, 1,725,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, conversion in January 2018

 

–  

 

 

–  

Additional paid-in capital

 

3,403 

 

 

3,409 

Accumulated deficit

 

(2,214)

 

 

(1,082)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(44)

 

 

(48)

Common stock in treasury, 31,269 shares as of March 31, 2016 and 47,149 shares as of December 31, 2015, respectively

 

(1)

 

 

(1)

Total equity

 

1,148 

 

 

2,282 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

8,518 

 

$

8,086 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents



 

 

 

 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)



 

 

 

 

 



For the three months ended



March 31,



2016

 

2015



(in millions)

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

(1,132)

 

$

78 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

143 

 

 

293 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 

1,034 

 

 

–  

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

 

 

46 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

49 

Loss on derivatives, net of settlement

 

21 

 

 

21 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

Restructuring charges

 

42 

 

 

–  

Other

 

 

 

–  

Change in assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

103 

 

 

38 

Accounts payable

 

(124)

 

 

(35)

Taxes payable

 

(12)

 

 

(20)

Interest payable

 

(11)

 

 

(1)

Other assets and liabilities

 

11 

 

 

66 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

92 

 

 

541 



 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Capital investments

 

(196)

 

 

(508)

Acquisitions

 

–  

 

 

(591)

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

 

 –  

 

 

Other

 

 –  

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(196)

 

 

(1,095)



 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on short-term debt

 

 –  

 

 

(4,500)

Payments on revolving credit facility

 

(864)

 

 

(830)

Borrowings under revolving credit facility

 

2,600 

 

 

1,330 

Payments on commercial paper

 

(242)

 

 

–  

Borrowings under commercial paper

 

242 

 

 

–  

Change in bank drafts outstanding

 

(19)

 

 

(7)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

–  

 

 

2,200 

Debt issuance costs

 

 –  

 

 

(17)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

   

 

 

669 

Proceeds from issuance of mandatory convertible preferred stock

 

 –  

 

 

1,673 

Preferred stock dividend

 

(27)

 

 

–                     

Other

 

(4)

 

 

–  

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

1,686 

 

 

518 



 

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

1,582 

 

 

(36)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

15 

 

 

53 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

$

1,597 

 

$

17 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Common Stock

 

Preferred Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Shares Issued

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Additional Paid-In Capital

 

Accumulated Deficit

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Common Stock in Treasury

 

Total



(in millions, except share amounts)

Balance at December 31, 2015

390,138,549 

 

$

 

1,725,000 

 

$

3,409 

 

$

(1,082)

 

$

(48)

 

$

(1)

 

$

2,282 

Comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(1,132)

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(1,132)

Other comprehensive income

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

–  

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(1,128)

Stock-based compensation

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

26 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

26 

Preferred stock dividend

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

(27)

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(27)

Issuance of restricted stock

84,165 

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Cancellation of restricted stock

(24,333)

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Tax withholding – stock compensation

(524,703)

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

 

(5)

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(5)

Balance at March 31, 2016

389,673,678 

 

$

 

1,725,000 

 

$

3,403 

 

$

(2,214)

 

$

(44)

 

$

(1)

 

$

1,148 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these

unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGYENERGY COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION



Southwestern Energy Company (including its subsidiaries, collectively “Southwestern” or the “Company”) is an independent energy company engaged in natural gas and oil exploration, development and production (“E&P”).  The Company’s current operations are principally focused within the United States on the development of unconventional reservoirs located in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and West Virginia. Arkansas.  

The Company’s operations in Arkansas are primarily focused on an unconventional natural gas reservoir known as the Fayetteville Shale, and its operations in northeast Pennsylvania are primarily focused on anthe unconventional natural gas reservoir known as the Marcellus Shale (herein referred to as “Northeast Appalachia”). The Company also has a significant stake in properties located, its operations in West Virginia and adjacent areas in southwest Pennsylvania. These operations, primarily in West Virginia,Pennsylvania are focused on the Marcellus Shale, the Utica and the Upper Devonian unconventional natural gas and oil reservoirs (herein referred to as “Southwest Appalachia”).  To a lesser extent, and its operations in Arkansas are primarily focused on an unconventional natural gas reservoir known as the Company has explorationFayetteville Shale. Collectively, the Company’s properties located in Pennsylvania and production activities ongoing in Colorado, Louisiana and elsewhere inWest Virginia are herein referred to as the United States.“Appalachian Basin.”  The Company also actively seeks to find and develop new natural gas and oil plays with significant exploration and exploitation potential, which it refers to as “New Ventures,” and to obtain additional reserves through acquisitions.has exploration and production activities ongoing in Colorado and Louisiana, along with other areas in which it is currently exploring for new development opportunities.  The Company also operateshas drilling rigs in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia and Arkansas, as well as in other operating areas, and provides oilfield products and services, principally serving its exploration and production operations. Southwestern’s natural gas gathering and marketing (“Midstream Services”) activities primarily support the Company’s E&P activities in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and West Virginia.  



The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Certain information relating to the Company’s organization and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been appropriately condensed or omitted in this Quarterly Report. The Company believes the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.



The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report include all normal and recurring material adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented herein. It is recommended that these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 20142015 (“20142015 Annual Report”).



The Company’s significant accounting policies, which have been reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, are summarized in Note 1 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 20142015 Annual Report.

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the 2016 presentation.  The effects of the reclassifications were not material to the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. 







(2)  CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The following table presents a summary of Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:



 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 



March 31,

 

December 31,



2016

 

2015



 

(in millions)



 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$

57 

 

$

15 

Marketable securities

 

1,540 

 

 

 

Total cash and cash equivalents

$

1,597 

 

$

15 

On March 30, 2016, the Company borrowed $1.55 billion on its revolving credit facility with the proceeds invested in marketable securities.  The $1.55 billion borrowing was repaid on April 1, 2016.  For related discussion see Note 10 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report.

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Table of Contents

(3) REDUCTION IN WORKFORCE

In January 2016, the Company announced a 40% workforce reduction of approximately 1,100 employees as a result of lower anticipated drilling activity.  This reduction was substantially complete as of March 31, 2016.  The following table presents a summary of the restructuring charges for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

For the three months

ended March 31, 2016

(in millions)

Severance (including payroll taxes)

$

42 

Stock-based compensation

18 

Benefits

Outplacement services, other

Total restructuring charges (1)

$

64 

(1)

Total restructuring charges were $61 million and $3 million for the Company’s E&P and Midstream segments, respectively.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company recorded a liability of $24 million for severance payments (including payroll taxes) which is reflected in accounts payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  A substantial portion of this liability will be paid in April 2016.

(4) ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES



In May 2015, the Company sold conventional oil and gas assets located in East Texas and the Arkoma Basin for approximately $214$211 million.  The net book value of these assets was primarily in the full cost pool and was held in the E&P segment as of the closing date.  The proceeds from the transaction were used to reduce Companythe Company’s debt.  Approximately $206$205 million of the proceeds received were recorded as a reduction of the capitalized costs of the Company’s natural gas and oil properties in the United States pursuant to the full cost method of accounting. The transaction is subject to customary post-closing adjustments.



In April 2015, the Company sold its gathering assets located in Bradford and Lycoming counties in northeasternnortheast Pennsylvania to Howard Midstream Energy Partners, LLC for an adjusted sales price of approximately $489 million.  The net book value of these assets was $206 million and was held in the Midstream segment as of the closing date.  A gain on sale of $283 million was recognized and is included in (Gain) lossgain on sale of assets, net on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations.  The assets include approximately 100 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines, with nearly 600 million cubic feet per day of capacity. The proceeds from the transaction were used to substantially repay borrowings under the Company’s $500 million term loan facility that would have matured in December 2016.



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Table of Contents

In January 2015, the Company completed an acquisition of certain natural gas and oil assets including approximately 46,700 net acres in northeast Pennsylvania from WPX Energy, Inc. for an adjusted purchase price of $270 million (the “WPX Property Acquisition”).  This acreage was producing approximately 50 million net cubic feet of gas per day from 63 operated horizontal wells as of December 2014. As part of this transaction, the Company assumed firm transportation capacity of 260 million cubic feet of gas per day predominantly on the Millennium pipeline.  The firm transport is being amortized over 19 years. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 the Company has amortized $10 million and $8 million, respectively. This transaction was funded with the revolving credit facility and was accounted for as a business combination. The Company allocated approximately $151 million of the purchase price of the WPX Property Acquisition to natural gas and oil properties and approximately $119 million to intangible assets in other current assets and other long-term assets, based on the respective fair values of the assets acquired which have been updated to reflect final settlement adjustments.  



In January 2015, the Company completed an acquisition in which the Company’s subsidiary acquired certain natural gas and oil assets from Statoil ASA covering approximately 30,000 acres in West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania comprising approximately 20% of Statoil’s interests in that acreage for $365$357 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments (the “Statoil Property Acquisition”).  All of these assets are also assets in which the Company has acquired interests under the Chesapeake Property Acquisition, (asas defined below).below. This transaction was funded with the revolving credit facility and was accounted for as a business combination. The Company allocated approximately $365$357 million of the purchase price to natural gas and oil properties, based on the respective fair values of the assets acquired.



In December 2014, the Company completed an acquisition of certain naturaloil and gas and oil assets from Chesapeake Energy Corporation covering approximately 413,000 net acres in West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania targeting natural gas, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and crude oil contained in the Upper Devonian, Marcellus and Utica Shales for approximately $5.0 billion subject to customary post-closing adjustments (the “Chesapeake Property Acquisition”).  The transaction was temporarily financed using a $4.5 billion 364-day senior unsecured bridge term loan credit facility and a $500 million two-year unsecured term loan.  The Company repaid all principal and interest outstanding on the $4.5 billion bridge facility in January 2015 after permanent financing was finalized and, as a result, expensed $47 million of short-term unamortized debt issuance costs related to the bridge facility in January 2015 recognized in other interest charges on the unaudited condensed consolidated

9


Table of Contents

statement of operations.  The term loan facility was repaid in full in April 2015 with proceeds from the divestiture of the Company’s northeastern Pennsylvania gathering assets and borrowings under the revolving credit facility.



The Chesapeake Property Acquisition qualified as a business combination, and as a result, the Company estimated the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the December 22, 2014 acquisition date. The fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements also utilize assumptions of market participants. The Company used a discounted cash flow model and made market assumptions as to future commodity prices, projections of estimated quantities of oil and natural gas reserves, expectations for timing and amount of future development and operating costs, projections of future rates of production, expected recovery rates and risk adjusted discount rates. These assumptions represent Level 3 inputs, as defined in Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements. The following table summarizes the consideration paid for the Chesapeake Property Acquisition and the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and has been adjusted to reflect changes in unproved property and working capital.  These amounts are subject to further adjustments and will be finalized as soon as possible, but no later than December 2015.

Consideration (in millions):

    Cash

$

4,959 

Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

Assets acquired:

      Proved natural gas and oil properties

1,418 

      Unproved natural gas and oil properties

3,574 

      Other property and equipment

33 

      Inventory

Total assets acquired

5,028 

Liabilities assumed:

      Asset retirement obligations

(42)

         Other liabilities

(27)

Total liabilities assumed

(69)

$

4,959 

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Summarized below are the consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 on an unaudited pro forma basis, as if the acquisition and financing had occurred on January 1, 2013. The unaudited pro forma financial information was derived from the historical consolidated statement of operations of the Company and the statement of revenues and direct operating expenses for the Chesapeake Property Acquisition properties. The unaudited pro forma financial information does not purport to be indicative of results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisition and related permanent financing occurred on the basis assumed above, nor is such information indicative of the Company’s expected future results of operations. The unaudited pro forma financial information excludes the WPX Property and Statoil Property Acquisitions as the impacts are immaterial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30, 2014

 

September 30, 2014

 

(unaudited)

 

(in millions, except per share amounts)

Revenues

$

1,019 

 

$

3,416 

Net Income

$

234 

 

$

720 

Earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.46 

 

$

1.43 

Diluted

$

0.45 

 

$

1.42 

In the second and third quarters of 2014, the Company completed several acquisitions to purchase approximately 380,000 net acres in northwest Colorado principally in the Niobrara formation for approximately $215 million. The Company utilized its revolving credit facility to finance these acquisitions and accounted for them as asset acquisitions.

(3) INVENTORY

Inventory is comprised of tubulars and other equipment and natural gas in underground storage. Tubulars and other equipment are carried at the lower of cost or market and are accounted for by a moving weighted average cost method that is applied within specific classes of inventory items. Natural gas in underground storage is carried at the lower of cost or market and accounted for by a weighted average cost method.

The components of inventory recorded in current assets as of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

2015

 

2014

 

(in millions)

Tubulars and other equipment

$

31 

 

$

33 

Natural gas in underground storage

$

 

$

(4)(5) NATURAL GAS AND OIL PROPERTIES



The Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for costs related to the exploration, development and acquisition of natural gas and oil reserves.properties.   Under this method, all such costs (productive and nonproductive), including salaries, benefits and other internal costs directly attributable to these activities are capitalized on a country by countrycountry-by-country basis and amortized over the estimated lives of the properties using the units-of-production method.  These capitalized costs less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes, are subject to a ceiling test that limits such pooled costs, net of applicable deferred taxes, to the aggregate of the present value of future net revenues attributable to proved natural gas, oil and oilNGL reserves discounted at 10%  (standardized measure) plus the lower of cost or market value of unproved properties.  Any costs in excess of the ceiling are written off as a non-cash expense.  The expense may not be reversed in future periods, even though higher natural gas, oil and oilNGL prices may subsequently increase the ceiling.  Companies using the full cost method mustare required to use the average quoted price from the first day of each month from the previous 12 months, including the impact of derivatives qualifying as cash flow hedges, to calculate the ceiling value of their reserves.

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Using the average quoted price from the first day of each month from the previous 12 months for Henry Hub natural gas of $3.06$2.40 per MMBtu, West Texas Intermediate oil of $55.73$42.77 per barrel and NGLs of $8.62$5.76 per barrel, adjusted for market differentials, the Company’s net book value of its United States natural gas and oil properties exceeded the ceiling by $1,746$641 million (net of tax) at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and resulted in a non-cash ceiling test impairment. CashThe Company had no hedge positions accounted for as cash flow hedges of natural gas production in place increased the ceiling amount by approximately $40 million as of September 30, 2015. In the second quarter of 2015, the Company’s net book value of its United States natural gas and oil properties exceeded the ceiling by approximately $944 million (net of tax) at June 30, 2015 and resulted in a non-cash ceiling test impairment.March 31, 2016. Decreases in market prices as well as changes in production rates, levels of reserves, evaluation of costs excluded from amortization, future development costs and production costs could result in future ceiling test impairments. Using the first-day-of-the-month prices of natural gas for the first ten months of 2015 and NYMEX strip prices for the remainder of 2015, as applicable, the prices required to be used to determine the ceiling amount in the Company’s full cost ceiling test are likely to require  a material write-down in the fourth quarter of 2015. The Company assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to utilize its deferred tax assets.  A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized. While the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the amounts at this time, based on the expected material write-downs of the value of its oil and natural gas properties, it is possible the Company’s deferred tax assets will not be realized in subsequent quarters.



Using the average quoted price from the first day of each month from the previous 12 months for Henry Hub natural gas of $4.24$3.88 per MMBtu, West Texas Intermediate oil of $95.56$79.21 per barrel and NGLs of $36.70$16.38 per barrel, adjusted for market differentials, the net book value of the Company’s United States natural gas and oil properties did not exceed the ceiling amount and did not result in a ceiling test impairment at September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015. Cash flow hedges of natural gas production in place increased the ceiling amount by approximately $14$45 million as of September 30, 2014.

AllMarch 31, 2015.    In the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015, the Company’s costs directly associated withnet book value of its United States natural gas and oil properties exceeded the acquisition and evaluationceiling by approximately $944 million (net of properties in Canada relating to its exploration program astax) at June 30, 2015, $1,746 million (net of tax) at September 30, 2015 were unproved and did not exceed the ceiling amount. If the Company’s exploration program$1,586 million (net of tax) at December 31, 2015, resulting in Canada is terminated or otherwise unsuccessful on all or a portion of the Company’s Canadian assets, including the effects of the recently imposed moratorium in New Brunswick and changes in laws or regulations or otherwise, anon-cash ceiling test impairment may resultimpairments in the future.each quarter.



(5)(6) EARNINGS PER SHARE



Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year.the reportable period.   The diluted earnings per share calculation adds to the weighted average number of common shares outstanding: the incremental shares that would have been outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options, the vesting of unvested restricted shares of common stock and performance units and the assumed conversion of mandatory convertible preferred stock.  An antidilutive impact is an increase in earnings per share or a reduction in net loss per share resulting from the conversion, exercise, or contingent issuance of certain securities.



In January 2015, the Company completed concurrent underwritten public offerings of 30,000,000 shares of its common stock and 34,500,000 depositary shares (both share counts include shares issued as a result of the underwriters exercising their options to purchase additional shares).  The common stock offering was priced at $23.00 per share. Net proceeds, after underwriting discount and expenses, from the common stock offering were approximately $669 million.  Net proceeds, after underwriting discount and expenses, from the depositary share offering were approximately $1.7 billion. Each depositary share represents a 1/20th interest in a share of the Company’s mandatory convertible preferred stock, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to a $50 liquidation preference per depositary share). The proceeds from the offerings were used to partially repay borrowings under the Company’s $4.5 billion 364-day bridge facility with the remaining balance of the bridge facility fully repaid with proceeds from the Company’s January 2015 public offering of $2.2 billion in long-term senior notes.



The mandatory convertible preferred stock entitles the holdersholder to a proportional fractional interest in the rights and preferences of the convertible preferred stock, including conversion, dividend, liquidation and voting rights.  Unless converted earlier at the option of the holders, on or around January 15, 2018 each share of convertible preferred stock will automatically convert into between 37.0028 and 43.4782 shares of the Company’s common stock (and, correspondingly, each depositary share will convert into between 1.85014 and 2.17391 shares of the Company’s common stock), subject

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to customary anti-dilution adjustments, depending on the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common stock over a 20 trading day averaging period immediately prior to that date.



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The mandatory convertible preferred stock has the non-forfeitable right to participate on an as convertedas-converted basis at the conversion rate then in effect in any common stock dividends declared and as such, is considered a participating security.  Accordingly, it is included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share, pursuant to the two-class method.  In the calculation of basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, participating securities are allocated earnings based on actual dividend distributions received plus a proportionate share of undistributed net income attributable to common shareholders, if any, after recognizing distributed earnings.  The Company’s participating securities do not participate in undistributed net losses because they are not contractually obligated to do so.



On March 16, 2016, the Company declared its quarterly dividend, payable to holders of the mandatory convertible preferred stock, and announced that it would pay the dividend in common stock, in lieu of cash, to the extent permitted by the certificate of designations for the Series B preferred stock.  The Company issued 3,024,737shares of common stock on April 15, 2016 in payment of the dividend.

The following table presents the computation of earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014:2015:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

For the three months ended

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

March 31,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2016

 

2015

(in millions, except share/per share amounts)

 

(in millions, except share/per share amounts)

Net income (loss)

$

(1,739)

 

$

211 

 

$

(2,449)

 

$

612 

 

$

(1,132)

 

$

78 

Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividend

 

27 

 

 

   

 

 

79 

 

 

 – 

 

 

27 

 

 

25 

Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders

 

 

(1,159)

 

 

53 

Participating securities - mandatory convertible preferred stock

 

 

–  

 

 

Net income (loss) attributable to common stock

 

(1,766)

 

 

211 

 

 

(2,528)

 

 

612 

 

$

(1,159)

 

$

46 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of common shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average outstanding

 

382,098,080 

 

 

351,457,043 

 

 

379,909,748 

 

 

351,357,913 

 

 

382,870,847 

 

 

375,444,030 

Issued upon assumed exercise of outstanding stock options (1)

 

–  

 

 

235,944 

 

 

–  

 

 

354,940 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Effect of issuance of non-vested restricted common stock (2)

 

–  

 

 

514,668 

 

 

–  

 

 

484,786 

 

 

–  

 

 

133,634 

Effect of issuance of non-vested performance units (3)

 

–  

 

 

119,595 

 

 

–  

 

 

136,907 

 

 

–  

 

 

390 

Effect of issuance of mandatory convertible preferred stock (4)

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Effect of declaration of preferred stock dividends (5)

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Weighted average and potential dilutive outstanding

 

382,098,080 

 

 

352,327,250 

 

 

379,909,748 

 

 

352,334,546 

 

 

382,870,847 

 

 

375,578,054 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

(4.62)

 

$

0.60 

 

$

(6.65)

 

$

1.74 

 

$

($3.03)

 

$

0.12 

Diluted

$

(4.62)

 

$

0.60 

 

$

(6.65)

 

$

1.74 

 

$

($3.03)

 

$

0.12 

(1)

Due to the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the unvested stock options of 3,796,778were not recognized in diluted earnings per share calculations as they would be antidilutive.  Options for 5,732,521 shares and 3,778,1403,704,089 shares respectively, were antidilutive and excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.  Forshares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, options of 1,254,842 sharesMarch 31, 2016 and 1,111,128 shares,2015, respectively, werebecause they would have had an antidilutive and excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. effect.

(2)

Due to the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015,  1,469,380March 31, 2016, the unvested share-based payments were not recognized in diluted earnings per share calculations as they would be antidilutive.  The calculation excluded 5,779,820 shares and 1,472,3791,916,645 shares respectively, of restricted stock werefor the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because they would have had an antidilutive andeffect. 

(3)

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, 297,297 shares of performance units were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, 27,916 shares and 24,215 shares, respectively, of restricted stock were antidilutive and excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share. share as they would be antidilutive.

(3)(4)

Due to the net loss forFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, 89,802 sharesMarch 31, 2016 and 135,836 shares, respectively, of performance units were antidilutive and excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

(4)

Due to the net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, 74,999,895 and 69,505,39758,333,252, respectively, of weighted average common shares issuable upon the assumed conversion of the mandatory convertible preferred stock respectively, were antidilutive and excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.share calculation as they would be antidilutive.

(5)

Due to the net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016, 3,024,737 shares of common stock declared as preferred stock dividends were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculations as they would have had an antidilutive effect.



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(6)(7) DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT



The Company is exposed to volatility in market prices and basis differentials for natural gas, oil and oilNGLs which impacts the predictability of its cash flows related to the sale of natural gas, NGLs and oil.those commodities.   These risks are managed by the Company’s use of certain derivative financial instruments.  As of September  30, 2015 and DecemberMarch 31, 2014,2016, the Company’s derivative financial instruments consisted of fixed price swaps, floating price swaps, basis swaps, fixed pricesold call options, purchased put options and interest rate swaps.  The Company also had basis swaps and sold call options as of December 31, 2015.  The basis swaps settled in the first quarter of 2016. A description of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is provided below:



 

Fixed price swaps

The Company receives a fixed price for the contract and pays a floating market price to the counterparty.



 

Floating price swapsSold call options

The Company receivessells call options in exchange for a floatingpremium.  If the market price exceeds the strike price of the call option  at the time of settlement, the Company pays the counterparty such excess on sold call options. If the market price settles below the call’s strike price, no payment is due from either party.

Purchased put options

The Company purchases put options from the counterparty and paysby payment of a fixed price.cash premium.  If the market price is lower than the put’s strike price at the time of settlement, the Company receives from the counterparty such difference on purchased put options.  If the market price settles above the put’s strike price, no payment is due from either party.



 

Basis swaps

Arrangements that guarantee a price differential for natural gas from a specified delivery point.  The Company receives a payment from the counterparty if the price differential is greater than the stated terms of the contract and pays the counterparty if the price differential is less than the stated terms of the contract.



 

Fixed price call options

The Company sells fixed price call options in exchange for a premium. At the time of settlement, if the market price exceeds the fixed price of the call option, the Company pays the counterparty such excess on sold fixed price call options. If the market price settles below the fixed price of the call option, no payment is due from either party.

Interest rate swaps

Interest rate swaps are used to fix or float interest rates on existing or anticipated indebtedness.  The purpose of these instruments is to manage the Company’s existing or anticipated exposure to unfavorable interest rate changes.

All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability and are measured at fair value other than transactions for which normal purchase/normal sale is applied. Certain criteria must be satisfied in order for derivative financial instruments to be classified and accounted for as either a cash flow or a fair value hedge. Accounting for qualifying hedges requires a derivative’s gains and losses to be recorded either in earnings or as a component of other comprehensive income. In the period of settlement, the Company recognizes the gains and losses from these qualifying hedges in operating revenues. Gains and losses on derivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting treatment or that do not meet hedge accounting requirements are recorded in earnings as a component of gain (loss) on derivatives. Within the gain (loss) on derivatives component of the statement of operations are gains (losses) on derivatives excluding derivatives, settled and gains (losses) on derivatives, settled. The Company calculates gains (losses) on derivatives, settled, as the summation of gains and losses on positions which have settled within the period.



The Company utilizes counterparties for its derivative instruments that it believes are credit-worthy at the time the transactions are entered into and the Company closely monitors the credit ratings of these counterparties.  Additionally, the Company performs both quantitative and qualitative assessments of these counterparties based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable. However, the events in the financial markets in recent years demonstrate there can be no assurance that a counterparty will be able to meet its obligations to the Company.

The following table provides information about the Company’s financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in commodity prices and that are used to protect the Company’s exposure.  None of the financial instruments below are designated for hedge accounting treatment.  The table presents the notional amount in Bcf, the weighted average contract prices and the fair value by expected maturity dates as of March 31, 2016.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

Weighted Average Price per MMBtu

 

 

 



Volume (Bcf)

 

Swaps

 

Purchased Puts

 

Sold Calls

 

Fair value at March 31, 2016
($ in millions)

Natural Gas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Price Swaps:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

64 

 

$

2.48 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

20 

Purchased Put Options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

43 

 

$

–  

 

$

2.35 

 

$

–  

 

$

15 

Sold Call Options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

90 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

5.00 

 

$

–  

2017

86 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

3.25 

 

$

(16)

2018

63 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

3.50 

 

$

(12)

2019

52 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

3.50 

 

$

(13)

2020

32 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

3.75 

 

$

(9)

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The balance sheet classification of the assets related to derivative financial instruments (none of which are designated for hedge accounting) are summarized below as of September  30, 2015March  31, 2016  and December 31, 2014:2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Assets

 

Derivative Assets

 

September 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

March 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

(in millions)

 

 

(in millions)

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed price swaps

 

Derivative assets

 

$

55 

 

Derivative assets

 

$

165 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$

55 

 

 

 

$

165 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basis swaps

 

Derivative assets

 

$

 

Derivative assets

 

$

 

Derivative assets

 

$

–  

 

$

Fixed price swaps

 

Derivative assets

 

 

54 

 

Derivative assets

 

 

163 

 

Derivative assets

 

 

20 

 

 

–  

Basis swaps

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

–  

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

Interest rate swaps

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

–  

 

Other long-term assets

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$

57 

 

 

 

$

174 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased put options

 

Derivative assets

 

 

15 

 

 

–  

Total derivative assets

 

 

 

$

112 

 

 

 

$

339 

 

 

 

$

35 

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Liabilities

 

Derivative Liabilities

 

September 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

Balance Sheet Classification

 

Fair Value

 

 

 

March 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

(in millions)

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basis swaps

 

Derivative liabilities

 

$

 

Derivative liabilities

 

$

Fixed price call options

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

– 

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sold call options

 

Derivative liabilities

 

$

 

$

–  

Interest rate swaps

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

 

Basis swaps

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

 –  

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

Fixed price call options

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

10 

Sold call options

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

45 

 

 

–  

Interest rate swaps

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

 

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

 

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

$

11 

 

 

 

$

23 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total derivative liabilities

 

 

 

$

11 

 

 

 

$

23 

 

 

 

$

58 

 

$

At March 31, 2016, the net fair value of the Company’s financial instruments related to natural gas was a  $15 million liability.  The net fair value of the Company’s interest rate swaps was an $8 million liability at March 31, 2016.

Derivative Contracts not Designated for Hedge Accounting



As of September  30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the Company had fixed price swap derivativesdid not have any positions designated for hedge accounting and not designated for hedge accounting on the following volumes of natural gas production (in Bcf):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year

 

Fixed price swaps designated for hedge accounting

 

Fixed price swaps not designated for

hedge accounting

 

Total

 

Weighted Average Swap Price ($/MMBtu) (1)

2015

 

30  

 

30  

 

60

 

$4.40

(1)

The weighted average swap price is $4.40 for each category and in total.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Company has certain fixed price swaps that are designated for hedge accounting. The reporting of gainstreatment.  Gains and losses on cash flow derivative hedging instruments depends on whether the gains or losses are effective at offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. The effective portion of the gains and losses on the derivative hedging instruments are recorded in other comprehensive income until recognized in earnings during the period that the hedged transaction takes place. The ineffective portion of the gains and losses from the derivative hedging instrument are recognized in earnings immediately and had an inconsequential impact to the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September  30, 2015 and 2014.

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As of September  30, 2015, accumulated other comprehensive income includes a gain related to its hedging activities of $31 million net of a deferred income tax liability of $23 million. The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income will be relieved over time and recognized in the statement of operations as the physical transactions being hedged occur. Assuming the market prices of natural gas futures as of September  30, 2015 remain unchanged, the Company would expect to transfer an aggregate after-tax net gain of approximately $31 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings during the next 12 months. Gains or losses from derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are reflected as adjustments to natural gas sales in the consolidated statements of operations. Volatility in net income, comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income may occur in the future as a result of the Company’s derivative activities.

The following tables summarize the before tax effect of all fixed price swaps designated for hedge accounting on the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September  30, 2015 and 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Other Comprehensive Loss

 

 

 

 

(Effective Portion)

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Derivative Instrument

 

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

Fixed price swaps

 

 

 

$

14 

 

$

80 

 

$

35 

 

$

(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Classification of Gain (Loss)

 

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated

 

 

Reclassified from

 

Other Comprehensive Income

 

 

Accumulated Other

 

into Earnings (Effective Portion)

 

 

Comprehensive Income

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

 

into Earnings

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

Derivative Instrument

 

(Effective Portion)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

Fixed price swaps

 

Gas sales

 

$

50 

 

$

18 

 

$

145 

 

$

(48)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Derivative Contracts

For other derivative contracts, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged item are recognized in earnings immediately through gain (loss) on derivatives. Although the Company’s basis swaps meet the objective of managing commodity price exposure, these trades are typically not entered into concurrent with the Company’s derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges and therefore do not generally qualify for hedge accounting. Basis swap derivative instrumentsderivatives that are not designated for hedge accounting treatment, or that do not meet hedge accounting requirements, are recorded on the balance sheet at their fair values under derivative assets, other long-term assets, other current liabilities, and other long-term liabilities, as applicable and all gains and losses related to these contracts are recognized immediately in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations as a component of gain (loss) on derivatives. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had basis swaps on natural gas production that were not designated for hedge accounting of 4 Bcf and 4 Bcf  in 2015 and 2016, respectively.

As of September  30, 2015, the Company had fixed price call options on 50 Bcf and 120 Bcf of natural gas production in 2015 and 2016, respectively, not designated for hedge accounting and fixed price swaps of 30 Bcf of natural gas production in 2015 not designated for hedge accounting.

As of September 30, 2015 the Company had a floating price swap on less than 1 Bcf of natural gas production in 2015 not designated for hedge accounting which had an inconsequential impactderivatives on the unauditedcondensed consolidated financial statements.statements of operations.  Accordingly, the gain (loss) on derivatives component of the statements of operations reflects the gains and losses on both settled and unsettled derivatives.  The Company calculates gains and losses on settled derivatives as the summation of gains and losses on positions which have settled within the reporting period.  Only the settled gains and losses are included in the Company’s realized commodity price calculations.



The Company is a party to interest rate swaps that were entered into to mitigate the Company’s exposure to volatility in interest rates.  The interest rate swaps have a notional amount of $170 million and expire in June 2020.  The Company did not designate the interest rate swaps for hedge accounting.  ��Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are included in gain (loss) on derivatives in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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The following tables summarize the before tax effect of fixed price swaps, basis swaps, fixed pricesold call options, purchased put options and interest rate swaps not designated for hedge accounting on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September  30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014:2015:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

 

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives,

 

 

 

Excluding Derivatives, Settled

 

 

 

Unsettled

 

 

 

Recognized in Earnings

 

 

 

Recognized in Earnings

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months  ended

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

For the three months ended

 

Classification of Gain (Loss) on

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Classification of Gain (Loss) on

 

March 31,

Derivative Instrument

 

Derivatives, Net of Settlement

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

Derivatives, Unsettled

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

(in millions)

Basis swaps

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

 

$

(3)

 

$

(4)

 

$

(16)

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

(3)

 

$

(8)

Fixed price call options

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

 

$

11 

 

$

11 

 

$

(11)

Sold call options

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

 

(50)

 

 

Purchased put options

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

 

15 

 

 

–  

Fixed price swaps

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

(37)

 

$

45 

 

$

(110)

 

$

24 

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

 

20 

 

 

(18)

Interest rate swaps

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

(1)

 

$

 

$

(2)

 

$

(4)

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

 

(3)

 

 

(3)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total loss on unsettled derivatives

Total loss on unsettled derivatives

 

$

(21)

 

$

(21)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

on Derivatives, Settled (1)

 

 

 

on Derivatives, Settled (1)

 

 

 

Recognized in Earnings

 

 

 

Recognized in Earnings

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

For the three months ended

 

Classification of Gain (Loss)

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

Classification of Gain (Loss)

 

March 31,

Derivative Instrument

 

on Derivatives, Settled (1)

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

on Derivatives, Settled (1)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

 

 

(in millions)

Basis swaps

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

–  

 

$

 

$

(6)

 

$

–  

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

 

$

(6)

Fixed price swaps

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

49 

 

$

15 

 

$

143 

 

$

(21)

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

 

 

 

42 

Interest rate swaps

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

$

–  

 

$

– 

 

$

(2)

 

$

(1)

 

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

 

 

(1)

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gain on settled derivatives (2)

Total gain on settled derivatives (2)

 

$

 

$

35 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gain (loss) on derivatives

Total gain (loss) on derivatives

 

$

(14)

 

$

14 

(1)

The Company calculates gain (loss) on derivatives, settled, as the summation of gains and losses on positions that have settled within the period reported.period.

(2)

These amounts are included, along with gas sales revenues, in the calculation of the Company’s realized natural gas price.



Derivative Contracts Designated for Hedge Accounting

All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability and are measured at fair value other than transactions for which normal purchase/normal sale is applied.  Certain criteria must be satisfied in order for derivative financial instruments to be designated for hedge accounting.  Accounting guidance for qualifying hedges allows an unsettled derivative’s unrealized gains and losses to be recorded either in earnings or as a component of other comprehensive income until settled.  In the period of settlement, the Company recognizes the gains and losses from these qualifying hedges in operating revenues.  In 2015, the Company had certain fixed price swaps that were designated for hedge accounting.  For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company reported a gain in other comprehensive income of $24 million (pre-tax) related to the effective portion of our unsettled fixed price swaps.  The ineffective portion of those fixed price swaps was recognized in earnings and had an inconsequential impact to the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three ended March 31, 2015.  During the first quarter of 2015, a gain of $42 million (pre-tax) on settled fixed price swaps was transferred from other comprehensive income into gas sales revenues in the consolidated statements of operations.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company did not have any positions designated for hedge accounting treatment.

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(7)(8) RECLASSIFICATIONS FROM ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



The following tables detail the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and the related tax effects for the ninethree months ended September  30, 2015:March  31, 2016:





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the nine months ended

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

 

(in millions) (1)

 

 

Cash Flow Hedges

 

 

Pension and Other Postretirement

 

 

Foreign Currency

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance at December 31, 2014

 

$

98 

 

 

$

(24)

 

 

$

(12)

 

 

$

62 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

 

21 

 

 

 

–  

 

 

 

(9)

 

 

 

12 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts reclassified from/to other comprehensive income (loss) (2)

 

 

(88)

 

 

 

 

 

 

–   

 

 

 

(87)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(67)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(9)

 

 

 

(75)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance at September 30, 2015

 

$

31 

 

 

$

(23)

 

 

$

(21)

 

 

$

(13)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

For the three months ended



 

March 31, 2016



 

Pension and Other Postretirement

 

 

Foreign Currency

 

 

Total



 

(in millions) (1)

Beginning balance at December 31, 2015

 

$

(25)

 

 

$

(23)

 

 

$

(48)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 

 

 –  

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amounts reclassified from other comprehensive income (loss) (2)

 

 

 

 

 

–  

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balance at March 31, 2016

 

$

(24)

 

 

$

(20)

 

 

$

(44)

(1)

All amounts are net of tax.

(2)

See separate table below for details about these reclassifications.













 

 

 

 

 

Details about Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income

 

Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

Amount Reclassified from/tofrom Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income



 

 

 

 

For the ninethree months ended
September 30, 2015March 31, 2016



 

 

 

 

(in millions)

Cash flow hedges

Settlements

Gas sales

$

(145)

Ineffectiveness

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes

(56)

Net Income (Loss)

$

(88)

Pension and other postretirement

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost and net loss (1)

 

General and administrative expenses

 

$



 

Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxesincome taxes

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

$

Total reclassifications for the period

 

Net Income (Loss)loss

 

$

(87)



(1)

See Note 1112 for additional details regarding the Company’s retirement and employee benefit plans.



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Table of Contents

(8)9) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS



The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September  30, 2015March  31, 2016 and December 31, 20142015 were as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

December 31, 2014

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Amount

 

Value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

$

15 

 

$

15 

 

$

53 

 

$

53 

Credit facility

$

280 

 

$

280 

 

$

300 

 

$

300 

Commercial paper

$

520 

 

$

520 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

Term loan facility (1)

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

500 

 

$

500 

Bridge facility (2)

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

4,500 

 

$

4,500 

Senior notes

$

3,864 

 

$

3,716 

 

$

1,667 

 

$

1,751 

Derivative instruments, net

$

101 

 

$

101 

 

$

316 

 

$

316 

(1)

The term loan facility was repaid in full in April 2015 with proceeds from the divestiture of the Company’s northeastern Pennsylvania gathering assets and borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

(2)

The bridge facility was repaid in full in January 2015 with proceeds from the issuance of $2.2 billion of long-term senior notes and the $2.3 billion issuance of common and preferred stock.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



March 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015



Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying

 

Fair



Amount

 

Value

 

Amount

 

Value



(in millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,597 

 

$

1,597 

 

$

15 

 

$

15 

Credit facility

 

1,852 

 

 

1,852 

 

 

116 

 

 

116 

Term loan facility

 

748 

 

 

748 

 

 

747 

 

 

747 

Senior notes

 

3,843 

 

 

2,729 

 

 

3,842 

 

 

2,651 

Derivative instruments, net

 

(23)

 

 

(23)

 

 

(2)

 

 

(2)



The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other current assets and current liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.  For debt and derivative instruments, the following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value:



Debt:  The fair values of the Company’s senior notes were based on the market value of the Company’s publicly traded debt as determined based on the yield of the Company’s senior notes.





The carrying values of the borrowings under the Company’s unsecured revolving credit facility, commercial paper program and previously, bridge and term loan facilities approximate fair value because the interest rate is variable and reflective of market rates.  The Company considers the fair value of its debt to be a Level 2 measurement on the fair value hierarchy. 



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Table of Contents

Derivative Instruments:  The fair value of all derivative instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties.  The amounts are based on quoted market prices, best estimates obtained from counterparties and an option pricing model, when necessary, for price option contracts.



The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. As presented in the tables below, this hierarchy consists of three broad levels:



Level 1 valuations - Consist of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and have the highest priority.



Level 2 valuations - Consist of quoted market information for the calculation of fair market value.



Level 3 valuations - Consist of internal estimates and have the lowest priority.



The Company has classified its derivatives into these levels depending upon the data utilized to determine their fair values.  The Company’s fixed price swaps (Level 2) are estimated using third-party discounted cash flow calculations using the NYMEX futures index.  The Company utilized discounted cash flow models for valuing its interest rate derivatives (Level 2).  The net derivative values attributable to the Company's interest rate derivative contracts as of September  30, 2015March 31, 2016 are based on (i) the contracted notional amounts, (ii) active market-quoted London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) yield curves and (iii) the applicable credit-adjusted risk-free rate yield curve.  The Company’s fixed pricesold call options and purchased put options (Level 3) are valued using the Black-Scholes model, an industry standard option valuation model that takes into account inputs such as contract terms, including maturity, and market parameters, including assumptions of the NYMEX futures index, interest rates, volatility and credit worthiness.  The Company’s basis swaps (Level 3) are estimated using third-party calculations based upon forward commodity price curves.

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Table of Contents

Inputs to the Black-Scholes model, including the volatility input, which is the significant unobservable input for Level 3 fair value measurements, are obtained from a third-party pricing source, with independent verification of the most significant inputs on a monthly basis.  An increase (decrease) in volatility would result in an increase (decrease) in fair value measurement, respectively.  However, such changes would not have a significant impact.



Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below (in millions):



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30, 2015

 

March 31, 2016

 

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

Significant

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

Significant

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

Markets

 

Observable Inputs

 

Inputs

 

Assets (Liabilities)

 

Markets

 

Observable Inputs

 

Inputs

 

Assets (Liabilities)

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

at Fair Value

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

at Fair Value

Fixed price swap assets

 

$

–  

 

$

109 

 

$

–  

 

$

109 

 

$

–  

 

$

20 

 

$

–  

 

$

20 

Interest rate swap assets

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Basis swap assets

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

Purchased put option assets

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

15 

 

 

15 

Interest rate swap liabilities

 

 

–  

 

 

(7)

 

 

–  

 

 

(7)

 

 

–  

 

 

(8)

 

 

–  

 

 

(8)

Basis swap liabilities

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(3)

 

 

(3)

Fixed price call option liabilities

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(1)

 

 

(1)

Sold call option liabilities

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(50)

 

 

(50)

Total

 

$

–  

 

$

102 

 

$

(1)

 

$

101 

 

$

–  

 

$

12 

 

$

(35)

 

$

(23)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2014

 

December 31, 2015

 

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements Using:

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

Significant

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Other

 

Significant

 

 

 

 

in Active

 

Other

 

Unobservable

 

 

 

 

Markets

 

Observable Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

Assets (Liabilities)

 

Markets

 

Observable Inputs

 

Inputs

 

Assets (Liabilities)

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

at Fair Value

 

(Level 1)

 

(Level 2)

 

(Level 3)

 

at Fair Value

Fixed price swap assets

 

$

–  

 

$

328 

 

$

–  

 

$

328 

Interest rate swap assets

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

–  

 

 

Basis swap assets

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

10 

 

 

10 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

 

$

Interest rate swap liabilities

 

 

–  

 

 

(5)

 

 

–  

 

 

(5)

 

 

–  

 

 

(5)

 

 

–  

 

 

(5)

Basis swap liabilities

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(6)

 

 

(6)

Fixed price call option liabilities

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(12)

 

 

(12)

Total

 

$

–  

 

$

324 

 

$

(8)

 

$

316 

 

$

–  

 

$

(5)

 

$

 

$

(2)



1916


 

Table of Contents

 

The table below presents reconciliations for the change in net fair value of derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September  30, 2015March  31, 2016 and 2014.2015.   The fair values of Level 3 derivative instruments are estimated using proprietary valuation models that utilize both market observable and unobservable parameters.  Level 3 instruments presented in the table consist of net derivatives valued using pricing models incorporating assumptions that, in the Company’s judgment, reflect reasonable assumptions a marketplace participant would have used as of September  30, 2015March  31, 2016 and September  30, 2014.

2015.



















 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

For the three months ended

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

March 31,

 

(in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

Balance at beginning of period

 

$

(5)

 

$

(55)

 

$

(8)

 

$

(19)

 

$

 

$

(8)

Total gains (losses):

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Included in earnings

 

 

 

 

18 

 

 

(27)

 

 

(34)

 

 

(6)

Included in other comprehensive loss

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

–  

Purchases, issuances, and settlements:

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

   

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Purchases

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

–  

Issuances

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

–  

 

–  

Settlements

 

 

–  

 

 

(9)

 

 

–  

 

 

(4)

 

 

Transfers into/out of Level 3

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Balance at end of period

 

$

(1)

 

$

(46)

 

$

(1)

 

$

(46)

 

$

(35)

 

$

(8)

Change in gains (losses) included in earnings relating to derivatives still held as of September 30

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

(27)

Change in losses included in earnings relating to derivatives still held as of March 31

 

$

(38)

 

$

–  



20


Table of Contents



(9)

(10) DEBT



The components of debt as of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016  and December 31, 20142015 consisted of the following:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

(in millions)

Short-term debt:

 

 

7.15% Senior Notes due 2018

 

$

 

$

Variable rate (1.515% at December 31, 2014) bridge facility, due December 2015 (1)

 

 

 –  

 

 

4,500 

Total short-term debt

 

$

 

$

4,501 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial paper (1.266% at September 30, 2015)

 

$

520 

 

$

–  

Variable rate (1.664% and 1.515% at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively) unsecured revolving credit facility

 

 

280 

 

 

300 

Variable rate (1.545% at December 31, 2014) term loan facility, due December 2016 (2)

 

 

–  

 

 

500 

7.35% Senior Notes due 2017

 

 

15 

 

 

15 

7.125% Senior Notes due 2017

 

 

25 

 

 

25 

7.15% Senior Notes due 2018

 

 

27 

 

 

27 

3.3% Senior Notes due 2018

 

 

350 

 

 

–  

7.5% Senior Notes due 2018

 

 

600 

 

 

600 

4.05% Senior Notes due 2020

 

 

850 

 

 

–  

4.10% Senior Notes due 2022

 

 

1,000 

 

 

1,000 

4.95% Senior Notes due 2025

 

 

1,000 

 

 

–  

Unamortized discount

 

 

(4)

 

 

(1)

Total long-term debt

 

$

4,663 

 

$

2,466 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

$

4,664 

 

$

6,967 



(1)

The bridge facility was repaid in full in January 2015 with proceeds from the issuance of $2.2 billion of long-term senior notes and $2.3 billion of common and mandatory convertible preferred stock.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

March 31, 2016



 

 

(in millions)



 

Debt Instrument

 

Unamortized Issuance Cost

 

Unamortized Debt Discount

 

Total

Short-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.15% Senior Notes due May 2018

 

$

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

Total short-term debt

 

$

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate (4.154% at March 31, 2016) credit facility, expires December 2018

 

 

1,852 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

1,852 

Variable rate (2.025% at March 31, 2016) term loan facility, due November 2018

 

 

750 

 

 

(2)

 

 

–  

 

 

748 

7.35% Senior Notes due October 2017

 

 

15 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

15 

7.125% Senior Notes due October 2017

 

 

25 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

25 

3.3% Senior Notes due January 2018

 

 

350 

 

 

(2)

 

 

–  

 

 

348 

7.5% Senior Notes due February 2018

 

 

600 

 

 

(2)

 

 

–  

 

 

598 

7.15% Senior Notes due May 2018

 

 

26 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

26 

4.05% Senior Notes due January 2020

 

 

850 

 

 

(5)

 

 

–  

 

 

845 

4.10% Senior Notes due March 2022

 

 

1,000 

 

 

(5)

 

 

(1)

 

 

994 

4.95% Senior Notes due January 2025

 

 

1,000 

 

 

(7)

 

 

(2)

 

 

991 

Total long-term debt

 

$

6,468 

 

$

(23)

 

$

(3)

 

$

6,442 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

$

6,469 

 

$

(23)

 

$

(3)

 

$

6,443 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

The term loan facility was repaid in full in April 2015 with proceeds from the divestiture of the Company’s northeastern Pennsylvania gathering assets and borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

Commercial Paper

In April 2015, the Company entered into a commercial paper program. The Company may issue up to $2 billion in commercial paper under the program. However, outstanding borrowings from the commercial paper program combined with outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility may not exceed $2 billion. The commercial paper issuance may have terms of up to 397 days and will bear interest at rates agreed upon at the time of each issuance. The Company’s short-term corporate credit ratings are currently A-3 by Standard & Poor’s, P-3 by Moody’s and F3 by Fitch Investor Services. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had $520 million of outstanding issuance under its commercial paper program at an average rate of 1.266%. As the Company has the intent, if necessary, and ability to refinance the balance due with borrowings under its revolving credit facility, the $520 million outstanding under the commercial paper program was classified as long-term debt on the September 30, 2015 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.



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Table of Contents



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

December 31, 2015



 

 

(in millions)



 

Debt Instrument

 

Unamortized Issuance Cost

 

Unamortized Debt Discount

 

Total

Short-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.15% Senior Notes due May 2018

 

$

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

Total short-term debt

 

$

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variable rate (1.886% at December 31, 2015) credit facility, expires December 2018

 

 

116 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

116 

Variable rate (1.775% at December 31, 2015) term loan facility, due November 2018

 

 

750 

 

 

(3)

 

 

–  

 

 

747 

7.35% Senior Notes due October 2017

 

 

15 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

15 

7.125% Senior Notes due October 2017

 

 

25 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

25 

3.3% Senior Notes due January 2018

 

 

350 

 

 

(2)

 

 

–  

 

 

348 

7.5% Senior Notes due February 2018

 

 

600 

 

 

(2)

 

 

–  

 

 

598 

7.15% Senior Notes due May 2018

 

 

26 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

26 

4.05% Senior Notes due January 2020

 

 

850 

 

 

(5)

 

 

(1)

 

 

844 

4.10% Senior Notes due March 2022

 

 

1,000 

 

 

(5)

 

 

(1)

 

 

994 

4.95% Senior Notes due January 2025

 

 

1,000 

 

 

(7)

 

 

(2)

 

 

991 

Total long-term debt

 

$

4,732 

 

$

(24)

 

$

(4)

 

$

4,704 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

$

4,733 

 

$

(24)

 

$

(4)

 

$

4,705 

Credit Facility 

The Company’s revolving credit facility entered into in December 2013, provides a borrowing capacity of up to $2.0 billion, reduced for any outstanding letters of credit, and matures in December 2018, with options for two one-year extensions with participating lender approval.  The Company had $148 million of letters of credit outstanding as of March 31, 2016.  The borrowing capacity available under the revolving credit facility may be increased by  $500  million upon the Company’s agreement with its participating lenders. The interest rate on the revolving credit facility is calculated based upon the Company’s public debt ratings from Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and was 200.0 basis points over LIBOR as of March 31, 2016.  Since the adjustment ceiling per the terms of the revolving credit facility is 200.0 basis points, the interest rate sensitivity on the Company’s revolving credit facility currently correlates directly to changes in LIBOR.  On March 30, 2016, the Company borrowed $1.55 billion on the revolving credit facility.  On April 1, 2016, the Company repaid the $1.55 billion borrowing in full.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company had $1.9  billion drawn on the credit facility and $0.1 billion in letters of credit.

The revolving credit facility and the term loan facility are unsecured and are not guaranteed by any subsidiaries of the Company.  The revolving credit facility and the term loan facility contain covenants imposing certain restrictions on the Company, including a financial covenant under which Southwestern may not issue total debt in excess of 60% of its total adjusted book capital.  This financial covenant with respect to capitalization percentages excludes the effects of any full cost ceiling impairments, certain hedging activities, unamortized issuance cost, unamortized debt discount and the Company’s pension and other postretirement liabilities.  As of March 31, 2016, the Company’s adjusted capital structure was 45% debt and 55% equity and was in compliance with the covenants of its revolving credit facility, term loan facility and other debt agreements. 

Term Facility 

In November 2015, the Company entered into a $750 million unsecured three-year term loan credit agreement with various tenders that was utilized to repay borrowings under the revolving credit facility.  The interest rate on the term loan facility is determined based upon the Company’s public debt ratings from S&P and Moody’s and was 162.5 basis points over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as of March 31, 2016.  The term loan facility requires prepayment under certain circumstances from the net cash proceeds of sales of equity or certain assets and borrowings outside the ordinary course of business.

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Table of Contents 

Public Offering of Senior Notes



In January 2015, the Company completed a public offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.30% senior notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”), $850 million aggregate principal amount of its 4.05% senior notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) and $1 billion aggregate principal amount of its 4.95% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes” together with the 2018 and 2020 Notes, the “Notes”), with net proceeds from the offering totaling approximately $2.2 billion after underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The Notes were sold to the public at a price of 99.949% of their face value for the 2018 Notes, 99.897% of their face value for the 2020 Notes and 99.782% of their face value for the 2025 Notes.  The proceeds from this offering were used to repay the remaining principal and interest outstanding under the Company’s $4.5 billion 364-day bridge term loan facility, which was first reduced with proceeds from the Company’s concurrent underwritten public offerings of common and preferred stock, and were also used to repay a portion of amounts outstanding under the Company’s revolving credit facility.  As a result of this repayment, the Company expensed $47 million of short-term unamortized debt issuance costs related to the bridge facility in January 2015 recognized in other interest charges on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2015.  

CreditThe Notes were sold to the public at a price of 99.949% of their face value for the 2018 Notes, 99.897% of their face value for the 2020 Notes and Term Facilities 

The Company’s revolving credit facility, entered into in December 2013, provides a borrowing capacity99.782% of up to $2.0 billion and matures in December 2018, with optionstheir face value for two one-year extensions with participating lender approval.  The amount available under the revolving credit facility may be increased by  $500  million upon the Company’s agreement with its participating lenders.2025 Notes.  The interest raterates on the revolving credit facilityNotes is calculateddetermined based upon the Company’s creditpublic debt ratings from S&P and Moody’s.  Downgrades from either rating and is currently 150agency increase interest costs by 25.0 basis points overper downgrade level on the current LIBOR as of September 30, 2015. The revolvingfollowing semi-annual bond interest payment.  In February 2016, S&P and Moody’s downgraded the Company’s credit facility is unsecured and is not guaranteedratings, increasing the interest rates on these notes by any subsidiaries125.0 basis points effective July 2016.  As a result of the Company. The revolving credit facility contains covenants imposing certain restrictions on the Company, including a financial covenant under which Southwestern may not issue total debt in excess of 60% of its total adjusted book capital. This financial covenant with respect to capitalization percentages excludes the effects of any full cost ceiling impairments, certain hedging activities anddowngrade, the Company’s pension and other postretirement liabilities. As of September 30, 2015,  the Company wasinterest expense for 2016 will increase $14 million.  The first higher interest rate coupon payment to bondholders will be paid in compliance with the covenants of its revolving credit facility and other debt agreements. January 2017.



On December 19, 2014,Commercial Paper

In April 2015, the Company entered into a $500 million unsecured two-year term loan credit agreementcommercial paper program which allowed it to issue up to $2.0 billion in commercial paper provided that borrowings from its commercial paper program combined with various lenders. The term loan facility, prior to its termination, required prepayment under certain circumstances from the net cash proceeds of sales of equity or certain assets and borrowings outside the ordinary course of business. The term loan facility was repaid in full in April 2015 with proceeds from the divestiture of the Company’s northeast Pennsylvania gathering assets andoutstanding borrowings under the Company’sits revolving credit facility.  facility, not exceed $2.0 billion. The commercial paper issuance had terms of up to 397 days and carried interest at rates agreed upon at the time of each issuance.    As of March 31, 2016, the Company had no outstanding issuances under its commercial paper program and had no plans of utilizing the commercial paper market for the remainder of 2016.



(10)(11) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES



Operating Commitments and Contingencies



In the first quarter of 2010, the Company was awarded exclusive licenses by the Province of New Brunswick in Canada to conduct an exploration program covering approximately 2.5 million acres in the province. The licenses require the Company to make certain capital investments in New Brunswick of approximately $47 million Canadian dollars in the aggregate over the license periods. In order to obtain the licenses, the Company provided promissory notes payable on demand to the Minister of Finance of the Province of New Brunswick with an aggregate principal amount of $45 million Canadian dollars. The promissory notes secure the Company’s capital expenditure obligations under the licenses and are returnable to the Company to the extent the Company performs such obligations. If the Company fails to fully perform, the Minister of Finance may retain a portion of the applicable promissory notes in an amount equal to any deficiency. The Company commenced its Canada exploration program in 2010 and, as of September 30, 2015 has invested $45 million Canadian dollars, or $44 million US dollars, in New Brunswick towards the Company’s commitment, fully covering the promissory notes held by the Province of New Brunswick. No liability has been recognized in connection with the promissory notes due to the Company’s investments in New Brunswick as of September 30, 2015 and its future investment plans. In December 2014, New Brunswick’s provincial government announced its intent to impose a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in the province, and, on March 27, 2015, the provincial legislature approved enabling legislation. The Company has been granted an extension of its licenses. The provincial government has announced a list of conditions that must be met before the moratorium can be lifted, but because these conditions are subjective and the government has discretion whether to grant an extension, the Company cannot predict the duration of the moratorium or whether it will continue beyond the expiration of the licenses, as their terms have been, or in the future may be, extended. Unless and until the moratorium is lifted, the Company will not be able to continue with its program in New Brunswick. If the licenses expire before the moratorium is lifted or the Company can complete its program, the Company may be required to write off its investment.

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Table of Contents

As of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the Company’s contractual obligations for demand and similar charges under firm transportation and gathering agreements to guarantee access capacity on operational natural gas and liquids pipelines and gathering systems totaled approximately $8.8$8.6 billion, 36%$3.3 billion of which related to access capacity on future pipeline and gathering infrastructure projects that still require the granting of regulatory approvals and additional construction efforts.  The Company also had guarantee obligations of up to $605$861 million of that amount.



Environmental Risk



The Company is subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  Environmental and cleanup related costs of a non-capital nature are accrued when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount can be reasonably estimated.  Management believes any future remediation or other compliance related costs will not have a material effect on the financial position or reported results of operations of the Company.



Litigation



The Company is subject to lawsvarious litigation, claims and regulations relatingproceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business, such as for alleged breaches of contract, miscalculation of royalties, and pollution, contamination or nuisance.  Management believes that such litigation, claims and proceedings, individually or in aggregate and after taking into account insurance, are not likely to have a material adverse impact on the protectionCompany’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Many of these matters are in early stages, so the environment. The Company’s policy isallegations and the damage theories have not been fully developed, and are all subject to accrue environmental and cleanup related costsinherent uncertainties; therefore, management’s view may change in the future.  If an unfavorable final outcome were to occur, there exists the possibility of a non-capital naturematerial impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the effect becomes reasonably estimable.  The Company accrues for such items when ita liability is both probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount can be reasonably estimated. Management believes any future remediation or other compliance related costs will not have a material effect on our financial position, results

19


Table of operations, and cash flows.Contents

Tovah Energy 



In February 2009, one of the Company’s subsidiaries was added as a defendant in a case then styled Tovah Energy, LLC and Toby Berry-Helfand v. David Michael Grimes, et, al., pending in the 273rd District Court in Shelby County, Texas. By the time of trial in December 2010, Ms. Berry-Helfand (the only remaining plaintiff) alleged that, in 2005, she provided ourthe Company’s subsidiary with proprietary data regarding two prospects in the James Lime formation pursuant to a confidentiality agreement and that the Company’s subsidiary refused to return the proprietary data to the plaintiff, subsequently acquired leases based upon such proprietary data and profited therefrom.  Among other things, she alleged various statutory and common law claims, including, but not limited to, claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, violation of the Texas Theft Liability Act, breach of fiduciary duty and confidential relationships, various fraud based claims and breach of contract, including a claim of breach of a purported right of first refusal on all interests acquired by ourthe Company’s subsidiary between February 2005 and February 2006. She also sought disgorgement of the Company’s subsidiary’s profits. A former associate of the plaintiff intervened in the matter claiming to have helped develop the prospect years earlier.

   

The jury found in favor of the plaintiff and the intervenor with respect to all of the statutory and common law claims and awarded $11 million in compensatory damages but no special, punitive or other damages.  Separately, the jury determined that the Company’s subsidiary’s profits for purposes of disgorgement, if ordered as a remedy, were $382 million. (Disgorgement of profits is an equitable remedy determined by the judge, and it is within the judge’s discretion to award none, some or all of unlawfully obtained profits.) In August 2011, a judgment was entered pursuant to which the plaintiff and the intervenor were entitled to recover approximately $11 million in actual damages and approximately $24 million in disgorgement as well as prejudgment interest and attorneys’ fees, which currently are estimated to be up to $9 million, and all costs of court of the plaintiff and intervenor.

   

Both sides appealed and in July 2013, the Tyler Court of Appeals ordered that (1) the judgment awarding the plaintiff and the intervenor $24 million as disgorgement of illicit gains be reversed and judgment rendered that they take nothing, (2) the award of $11 million for actual damages, insofar as it is based on the jury’s findings of breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of contract, and theft of trade secret is reversed and judgment rendered that the plaintiff and the intervenor take nothing under those theories of recovery, (3) the award of $11 million to the plaintiff and the intervenor as damages for misappropriation of trade secretsecrets is affirmed, (4) the case be remanded to the trial court for a determination and award of attorney’s fees for the Company’s subsidiary as the prevailing party under the Texas Theft Liability Act, and (5) in all other respects, the judgment is affirmed.  All parties petitioned for rehearing. The Tyler Court of Appeals denied rehearing in November 2013.

   

23


Table of Contents

The Company’s subsidiary filed a petition for review in the Supreme Court of Texas in February 2014.  The plaintiff and the intervenor filed a cross-petition for review in April 2014, but conditioned their filing on the court’s granting the Company’s subsidiary’s petition for review; i.e., if the court denies the Company’s subsidiary’s petition for review, then the plaintiff and the intervenor are not seeking further review of the court of appeals’ judgment.  The Supreme Court granted the parties’ petitions for review and heard oral argument on the case in October 2015 but has not yet issued a decision.  Based on the Company’s understanding and judgment of the facts and merits of this case, including appellate matters, and after considering the advice of counsel, the Company has determined that, although reasonably possible, a materially adverse final outcome to this action is not probable. As such, the Company has not accrued any amounts with respect to this action. If the Supreme Court affirms all aspects of the court of appeals’ judgment, then the Company’s subsidiary would owe the $11 million in damages, plus interest and attorneys’ fees, offset by any award of attorneys’ fees for its prevailing on the theft count. The Company’s assessment may change in the future depending on the Supreme Court’s decision, and such a re-assessment could lead to the determination that the potential liability is probable and could be material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows. 



Arkansas Royalty Litigation



The Company or certainCertain of the Company’s subsidiaries are defendants in three cases, two filed in Arkansas state court in 2010 and 2013 and one in federal court in 2014, on behalf of putative classes of royalty owners on some of ourthe Company’s leases located in Arkansas.  The chief complaint in all three cases is that one of the Company’s subsidiaries underpaid the royalty owners by, among other things, deducting from royalty payments costs for gathering, transportation, and compression of natural gas in excess of what is permitted by the relevant leases.  In September and October 2014 the judges in the two Arkansas state actions entered orders certifying classes of royalty owners who are citizens of Arkansas.  The Company’s subsidiaries are appealinghave appealed those orders.  In OctoberOral argument has not yet been set in either case.

20


Table of Contents

On November 17, 2015, the court in the federal case conducted a hearing ondenied the plaintiff'splaintiff’s motion to certify a class of royalty owners not included in either of the two state cases.  The Company and certain of its subsidiaries asserted thatOn April 11, 2016, the federal court should not certify any class, but that, if it did, it should certifycertified a broader class that would, among other things, encompass all cost-bearing royalty owners with leases for propertyincludes Arkansas residents and citizens.   The plaintiff in the Fayetteville Shale.  The federal court has not yet ruled on this issue.

Discovery regarding the plaintiffs’ theories of liability and amount of claimed damages is ongoing.  None of the plaintiffs in any of the cases has specified the specific range of damages being sought, but each hascase presented two alternative damages theories.  Under one theory, plaintiffs have asserted that obligations to affiliates are not “incurred” and therefore the exploration and production subsidiary was not entitled to deduct any post-production costs.  Plaintiffs appear to contend that damages undercosts; the federal court has granted partial summary judgment for the Company’s subsidiaries on this theory would be based on the aggregate amount deducted from royalty payments for gathering, treating, and compressing gas, which, based on discovery, could exceed $200 million.theory.  Under another theory, plaintiffs assert that the gathering and treating rates it deducted from royalty payments exceeded the affiliates’ actual costs or otherwise were not reasonable.  The plaintiffs have not disclosed what they contenda specific damage calculation for any putative class, but based on the appropriate rate is.  class representative’s disclosure regarding the calculation of claimed damages, class-wide damages could exceed $100 million.  Although trial previously was set for March 15, 2016, following transfer to a different judge and the certification of the class described above, that trial date has been vacated and no new date set.



In addition, in September 2015 three cases were filed in Arkansas state court on behalf of a total of 248 individually named plaintiffs.  Each case asserts complaints that are in substance virtually identical to the above-described case.  The Company and its subsidiaries have removed two of the cases to federal court, and those cases have been assigned to the court in which the above-described federal case is pending.  All three cases have been stayed.



Management believes that, in all of the above cases, the deductions from royalty payments as calculated are permitted and intends to defend the cases vigorously.  The Company’s assessment may change in the future due to the occurrence of certain events, such as adverse judgments, and such a re-assessment could lead to the determination that the potential liability is probable and could be material to the Company’s results of operations, financial position or cash flows.



Other

The Company is subject to various other litigation, claims and proceedings that have arisen in the ordinary course of business, such as for alleged breaches of contract, miscalculation of royalties, and pollution, contamination or nuisance. Management believes that such litigation, claims and proceedings, individually or in aggregate and after taking into account insurance, are not likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Many of these matters are in early stages, so the allegations and the damage theories have not been fully developed, and are all subject to inherent uncertainties; therefore, Management’s view may change in the future. If an unfavorable final outcome were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the effect becomes reasonably estimable. The Company accrues for such items when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

24


Table of Contents

Indemnifications



The Company provides certain indemnifications in relation to dispositions of assets.  These indemnifications typically relate to disputes, litigation or tax matters existing at the date of disposition.  No liability has been recognized in connection with these indemnifications.



(11)(12) PENSION PLAN AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS



The Company has defined pension and postretirement benefit plans which cover substantially all of the Company’s employees. Net periodic pension costs include the following components for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014:2015:  



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

Pension Benefits

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

For the three months ended

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

March 31,

 

(in millions)

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)

Service cost

 

$

 

$

 

$

12 

 

$

10 

 

$

 

$

Interest cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(2)

 

 

(1)

 

 

(6)

 

 

(5)

 

 

(2)

 

 

(2)

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

– 

 

 

–  

 

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Amortization of net loss

 

 

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

– 

 

 

–  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

$

 

$

 

$

12 

 

$

 

$

 

$



The Company’s postretirement benefit plan had a net periodic benefit cost of $1 $1,  $3 and $2 million as of the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014, and nine2015. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the Company has contributed $9 million to the pension plan and expects to contribute an additional $3 million to the pension planand postretirement benefit plans. In January 2016, the Company initiated a reduction in 2015.workforce that was effectively completed by the end of the first quarter. As a result of the workforce reduction, the Company continues to evaluate its pension and other postretirement benefit funding requirements and will disclose its funding plans once reasonably determined.



The Company maintains a non-qualified deferred compensation supplemental retirement savings plan (“Non-Qualified Plan”) for certain key employees who may elect to defer and contribute a portion of their compensation, as permitted by the plan.  Shares of the Company’s common stock purchased under the terms of the Non-Qualified Plan are presented as treasury stock and totaled 45,99031,269 shares at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 compared to 11,05547,149  shares at December 31, 2014.2015.



(12)

21


Table of Contents

(13) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION



The Company recognized the following amounts in employee stock-based compensation costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014:2015:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

For the three months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

March 31,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

2016

 

2015

 

(in millions)

 

(in millions)

Stock-based compensation cost – expensed

 

$

 

$

 

$

18 

 

$

13 

Stock-based compensation cost – expensed (1)

 

$

23 

 

$

Stock-based compensation cost – capitalized

 

$

 

$

 

$

17 

 

$

13 

 

$

 

$

(1)

Includes $18 million related to the reduction in workforce that occurred in the first quarter of 2016.

In January 2016, the Company announced a 40% workforce reduction that was substantially concluded by the end of March 2016.  Affected employees were offered a severance package that included, if applicable, amendments to outstanding equity awards that modified forfeiture provisions on separation from the Company.  As a result, unvested stock-based equity awards became fully vested at the time of separation.  These shares were revalued and recognized immediately as a component of restructuring charges on the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.



As of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016,  there was $80$86 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the Company’s unvested stock option grants, restricted stock grants and performance units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 23 years.

25


Table of ContentsStock Options



The following table summarizes stock option activity for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and provides information for options outstanding and options exercisable as of September 30, 2015:March 31, 2016:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

Number

 

Weighted Average

 

 

 

Average

 

of Options

 

Exercise Price

 

Number

 

Exercise

 

(in thousands)

 

(per share)

 

of Options

 

Price

 

(in thousands)

 

(per share)

Outstanding at December 31, 2014

 

3,622 

 

$

35.41 

Outstanding at December 31, 2015

 

 

5,623 

 

$

24.57 

Granted

 

224 

 

 

26.35 

 

 

156 

 

 

8.60 

Exercised

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

Forfeited or expired

 

(67)

 

 

38.97 

 

 

(10)

 

 

30.29 

Outstanding at September 30, 2015

 

3,779 

 

$

34.82 

Exercisable at September 30, 2015

 

2,249 

 

$

36.17 

Outstanding at March 31, 2016

 

 

5,769 

 

 

24.13 

Exercisable at March 31, 2016

 

 

2,567 

 

$

36.12 

Restricted Stock



The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and provides information for unvested shares as of September 30, 2015:March 31, 2016:  



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Number

 

Grant Date

 

 

of Shares

 

Fair Value

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(per share)

Unvested shares at December 31, 2014

 

2,376 

 

$

34.00 

Granted

 

103 

 

 

26.05 

Vested

 

(98)

 

 

34.96 

Forfeited

 

(70)

 

 

33.54 

Unvested shares at September 30, 2015

 

2,311 

 

$

33.61 



 

 

 

 

 



 

Number

 

Weighted Average



 

of Shares

 

Fair Value



 

(in thousands)

 

(per share)

Unvested shares at December 31, 2015

 

 

7,222 

 

$

13.24 

Granted

 

 

77 

 

 

8.35 

Vested (1)

 

 

(1,947)

 

 

8.32 

Forfeited

 

 

(24)

 

 

12.11 

Unvested shares at March 31, 2016

 

 

5,328 

 

$

13.24 

(1)

Includes 1,887,160 shares related to the reduction in workforce that occurred in the first quarter of 2016.

22


Table of Contents

Equity-Classified Performance Units



The following table summarizes performance unit activity to be paid out in Company stock for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and provides information for unvested units as of September 30, 2015.March 31, 2016.   The performance units awarded in 2013 and 2014 include a market condition based on Relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) and a performance condition based on the Company's Present Value Index (“PVI”), collectively the “Performance Measures.”  The fair value of the TSR market condition of the performance units is based on a Monte Carlo model and is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the award. The fair value of the PVI performance condition of the performance units is based on the economic analysis for each investment opportunity based upon the expected present value added for each dollar to be invested and amortized to compensation expense on a straight line basis over the vesting period of the award. The performance units awarded in 2015 are based exclusively on TSR.  The grant date fair value is calculated using the Performance Measures and the closing price of the Company’s common stock at the grant date.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

 

Average

 

 

Number

 

Grant Date

 

 

of Units (1)

 

Fair Value

 

 

(in thousands)

 

(per unit)

Unvested units at December 31, 2014

 

223 

 

$

40.44 

Granted

 

443 

 

 

35.22 

Vested

 

– 

 

 

– 

Forfeited

 

– 

 

 

– 

Unvested units at September 30, 2015

 

666 

 

$

36.97 



 

 

 

 

 



 

Number

 

Weighted Average



 

of Units (1)

 

Fair Value



 

(in thousands)

 

(per share)

Unvested units at December 31, 2015

 

 

407 

 

$

36.65 

Granted (2)

 

 

1,061 

 

 

8.31 

Vested (3)

 

 

(5)

 

 

8.08 

Forfeited

 

 

(38)

 

 

8.08 

Unvested units at March 31, 2016

 

 

1,425 

 

$

14.47 

(1)

These amounts reflect the number of performance units granted in thousands.  The actual payout of shares may range from a minimum of zero shares to a maximum of two shares contingent upon the actual performance against the Performance Measures.

26

(2)

Excludes 441,450 units in excess of individual award limits subject to shareholder approval of the amended 2013 Incentive Plan at the annual meeting on May 17, 2016.


(3)

Includes 5,168 units related to the reduction in workforce that occurred in the first quarter of 2016.



Table of Contents

Liability-Classified Performance Units



CertainPrior to 2013, certain employees were provided performance units vesting equally over three years.years, payable in cash.  The payout of these units iswas based on certain metrics, such as total shareholder return and reserve replacement efficiency, compared to a predetermined group of peer companies and Company goals.  At the end of each performance period, the value of the vested performance units, if any, iswould be paid in cash.  AsIn the first quarter of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014,2016, the Company’s liabilityCompany completed the final payout under thethese performance unit agreements was $24 million and $51 million, respectively.agreements.



(13)(14) SEGMENT INFORMATION



The Company’s reportable business segments have been identified based on the differences in products or services provided. Revenues for the E&P segment are derived from the production and sale of natural gas and liquids.  The Midstream Services segment generates revenue through the marketing of both Company and third-party produced natural gas and liquids volumes and through gathering fees associated with the transportation of natural gas to market.



Summarized financial information for the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of the 20142015 Annual Report. Management evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income, defined as operating revenues less operating costs.  Income before income taxes, for the purpose of reconciling the operating income amount shown below to consolidated income before income taxes, is the sum of operating income, interest expense, gain (loss) on derivatives, and other income (loss).loss.  The “Other” column includes items not related to the Company’s reportable segments including real estate and corporate items.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

Midstream

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production

 

Services

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

(in millions)

Three months ended September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

491 

 

$

258 

 

$

– 

 

$

749 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

(3)

 

 

489 

 

 

– 

 

 

486 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

(2,910)

 

 

68 

 

 

– 

 

 

(2,842)

Gain on derivatives

 

 

15 

 

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

15 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

255 

 

 

20 

 

 

– 

 

 

275 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 

 

2,839 

 

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

2,839 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1)

 

 

(1,112)

 

 

24 

 

 

– 

 

 

(1,088)

Assets

 

 

9,159 

 

 

1,329 

 

 

237 

(2)

 

10,725 

Capital investments (3)

 

 

461 

 

 

 

 

– 

 

 

468 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

652 

 

$

276 

 

$

– 

 

$

928 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

 

 

707 

 

 

– 

 

 

710 

Operating income

 

 

189 

 

 

97 

 

 

– 

 

 

286 

Gain (loss) on derivatives

 

 

79 

 

 

  – 

 

 

(1)

 

 

78 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

223 

 

 

15 

 

 

– 

 

 

238 

Interest expense (1)

 

 

10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1)

 

 

107 

 

 

34 

 

 

(1)

 

 

140 

Assets

 

 

7,461 

 

 

1,494 

 

 

222 

(2)

 

9,177 

Capital investments (3)

 

 

531 

 

 

34 

 

 

 

 

574 

2723


 

Table of Contents

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and

 

Midstream

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production

 

Services

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

(in millions)

Nine months ended September 30, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

1,647 

 

$

798 

 

$

 

$

2,446 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

(14)

 

 

1,653 

 

 

– 

 

 

1,639 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

(4,471)

 

 

511 

 

 

(1)

 

 

(3,961)

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

Gain (loss) on derivatives

 

 

32 

 

 

– 

 

 

(2)

 

 

30 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

824 

 

 

52 

 

 

– 

 

 

876 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 

 

4,374 

 

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

4,374 

Interest expense (1)

 

 

45 

 

 

 

 

– 

 

 

52 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1)

 

 

(1,724)

 

 

193 

 

 

(1)

 

 

(1,532)

Assets

 

 

9,159 

 

 

1,329 

 

 

237 

(2)

 

10,725 

Capital investments (3)

 

 

1,880 

 

 

164 

 

 

10 

 

 

2,054 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2014:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

2,169 

 

$

907 

 

$

– 

 

$

3,076 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

13 

 

 

2,437 

 

 

– 

 

 

2,450 

Operating income (loss) 

 

 

817 

 

 

272 

 

 

(1)

 

 

1,088 

Other income, net

 

 

 

 

– 

 

 

               –

 

 

Loss on derivatives

 

 

(27)

 

 

(1)

 

 

(1)

 

 

(29)

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

650 

 

 

43 

 

 

– 

 

 

693 

Interest expense (1)

 

 

29 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1)

 

 

309 

 

 

101 

 

 

(1)

 

 

409 

Assets

 

 

7,461 

 

 

1,494 

 

 

222 

(2)

 

9,177 

Capital investments (3)

 

 

1,706 

 

 

109 

 

 

22 

 

 

1,837 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Exploration and

 

Midstream

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Production

 

Services

 

Other

 

Total



 

(in millions)

Three months ended March 31, 2016:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

343 

 

$

236 

 

$

– 

 

$

579 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

(7)

 

 

385 

 

 

– 

 

 

378 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense

 

 

127 

 

 

16 

 

 

– 

 

 

143 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 

 

1,034 

 

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

1,034 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

(1,160)

(1)

 

60 

(2)

 

– 

 

 

(1,100)

Interest expense (3)

 

 

14 

 

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

14 

Other loss, net

 

 

(2)

 

 

(1)

 

 

– 

 

 

(3)

Loss on derivatives

 

 

(13)

 

 

(1)

 

 

– 

 

 

(14)

Provision for income taxes (3)

 

 

 

 

– 

 

 

– 

 

 

Assets

 

 

5,538 

 

 

1,220 

 

 

1,760 

 (4)

 

8,518 

Capital investments (5)

 

 

120 

 

 

 

 

– 

 

 

122 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended March 31, 2015:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues from external customers

 

$

660 

 

$

273 

 

$

–  

 

$

933 

Intersegment revenues

 

 

(5)

 

 

665 

 

 

 

 

661 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense

 

 

278 

 

 

15 

 

 

–  

 

 

293 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

78 

 

 

88 

 

 

(1)

 

 

165 

Interest expense (3)

 

 

45 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

51 

Other loss, net

 

 

(1)

 

 

–  

 

 

–  

 

 

(1)

Gain (loss) on derivatives

 

 

15 

 

 

–  

 

 

(1)

 

 

14 

Provision for income taxes (3)

 

 

18 

 

 

31 

 

 

–  

 

 

49 

Assets

 

 

13,703 

 

 

1,616 

 

 

242 

(4)

 

15,561 

Capital investments (5)

 

 

1,030 

 

 

138 

 

 

 

 

1,171 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



(1)

Operating income (loss) for the E&P segment includes $61 million related to restructuring charges.

(2)

Operating income (loss) for the Midstream segment includes $3 million related to restructuring charges.

(3)

Interest expense and the provision for income taxes by segment are allocatedan allocation of corporate amounts as they are incurred at the corporate level.

(2)(4)

Other assets represent corporate assets not allocated to segments and assets for non-reportable segments.  At March 31, 2016, other assets includes $1.55 billion in marketable securities, which were sold on April 1, 2016 to repay revolver debt.  See Note 2 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for additional discussion.

(3)(5)

Capital investments includes a  $6$78 million increasedecrease and a $53 millionan immaterial increase for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively, and a $5 million decrease and a $114 million increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, relating to the change in accrued expenditures between periods.  E&P capital for the ninethree month period ended September 30,March 31, 2015 includes approximately $516$534 million related to the WPX Property and Statoil Property Acquisitions. Midstream capital for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2015 includes approximately $119 million associated with the intangible asset related to the firm transportation acquired through the WPX Property Acquisition.



Included in intersegment revenues of the Midstream Services segment are $414$319 million and $612$576 million for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively, and $1.4  billion and $2.2 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively for marketing of the Company’s E&P sales.  Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, furniture and fixtures prepaid debt and other costs. Corporate general and administrative costs, depreciation expense and taxes other than income are allocated to the segments. Capital investments within the E&P segment include $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, related to the Company’s activities in Canada.  The Company’s E&P segment assets included $69$53 million and $78$71 million at September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively, related to the Company’s activities in Canada.

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Table of Contents

 

(14)  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED(15)  INCOME TAXES



In May 2014,The Company’s effective tax rate was approximately 0% for the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenuethree months ended March 31, 2016, primarily as a result of the recognition of a valuation allowance.  A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, is recognized when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“Update 2014-09”), which seeksthe deferred tax asset will not be realized.  To assess that likelihood, the Company uses estimates and judgment regarding future taxable income, and considers the tax consequences in the jurisdiction where such taxable income is generated, to provide clarity for recognizing revenue. Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers will supersede the revenue recognition requirement as in Topic 605 Revenue Recognition. Update 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to those goods or services. Entities may apply the amendments in Update 2014-09 either (a) retrospectively to each reporting period presented, and the entity may electdetermine whether a practical expedient per the update, or (b) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying Update 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application – if an entity elects this transition method it also should provide the additional disclosures in reporting periods. In April 2015, the FASB proposed to delay the effective date one year. The proposal was approved in July 2015. For public entities, Update 2014-09valuation allowance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of Update 2014-09 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidatedrequired.  Such evidence can include current financial position, results of operations, financial position or cash flows.both actual and forecasted, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, and tax planning strategies as well as the current and forecasted business economics of the oil and gas industry. 



In November 2014,Due to the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-16, Derivativesmaterial write-downs of the carrying value of oil and Hedging – Determining Whethernatural gas properties and operating results, the Host ContractCompany is in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issuednet deferred tax asset position.  The Company believes it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized and recorded a $431 million tax expense for the increase in our valuation allowance.  Management assesses the Formavailable positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit the use of a Share Is More Akindeferred tax assets.  A significant piece of objective negative evidence evaluated is the projected cumulative loss incurred over the three-year period ending December 31, 2016.  Such objective negative evidence limits the ability to Debtconsider other subjective positive evidence, such as projections for future growth. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income are reduced or to Equity (Subtopic 815-15) (“Update 2014-16”), addresses diversity in practice related to the determination of whether derivative features embedded in hybrid instruments issuedincreased or if objective negative evidence in the form of a share should be bifurcatedcumulative losses is no longer present and accounted for separately. For public entities, Update 2014-16additional weight is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of Update 2014-16 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.given to subjective evidence such as future expected growth.

(16)  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

New Accounting Standards Implemented



In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) (“Update 2015-03”), which seeksin an effort to simplify presentation of debt issuance costs. Update 2015-03 requiresrequired that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts.  The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs arewas not affected by the amendments in this Update. Entities shouldwere required to apply the amendments in Update 2015-03 on a retrospective basis, whereinwith the balance sheet of each individual period presented should be adjusted to reflect the period-specific effects of applying the new guidance. In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-15, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) (“Update 2015-15”), which addressesaddressed the presentation or subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, given the absence of authoritative guidance within Update 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements.  For public entities, Update 2015-03 and Update 2015-15 arewere effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluatingadopted this update in the provisionsfirst quarter of Update 2015-03 and Update 2015-15 to assess the2016 resulting in an immaterial impact if any, they may have on its unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position orand cash flows. At December 31, 2015, the Company had $24 million in unamortized debt expense that was classified as a long-term asset.  As of March 31, 2016, long-term debt included a contra liability of $23 million for unamortized debt expense previously recognized as a long-term asset.



In May 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-07, Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (Or Its Equivalent) (“Update 2015-07”), which amends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement.  The standard removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient and removes certain related disclosure requirements. The amendments in Update 2015-07 are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluatingadopted this update in the provisionsfirst quarter of Update 2015-07 and assessing the2016 resulting in no impact if any, it may have on its unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) (“Update 2015-11”), which seeks to simplify the measurement of inventory. Update 2015-11 requires that an entity should measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, where net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. For public entities, the amendments in Update 2015-11 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of Update 2015-11 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

29


Table of Contents

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-12, which consists of three related parts: (1) Plan Accounting: Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962); Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts (“Part I”); (2) Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960); Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962); Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): Plan Investment Disclosures (“Part II”); and (3) Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pension Plans (Topic 960); Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962); Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965): Measurement Date Practical Expedient (“Part III”). Part I requires (1) fully benefit-responsive investment contracts to be measured at contract value; and (2) an adjustment to reconcile contract value to fair value, when these measures differ, on the face of the plan financial statements. Part II eliminates the current requirement for both participant-directed investments and non-participant-directed investments to disclose individual investments representing 5% or more of net assets available for benefits, as well as the net appreciation or depreciation for investments by general type on a disaggregated basis.  Part III permits plans to measure investments and investment-related accounts as of a month-end date that is closest to the plan’s fiscal year-end, when the fiscal period does not coincide with a month-end. The amendments in Update 2015-12 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of Update 2015-12 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.



In September 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805) (“Update 2015-16”), which seeks to reduce the complexity of amounts recognized in a business combination.  The amendments in Update 2015-16 require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined.  The amendments in Update 2015-16 require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date.  The amendments in Update 2015-16 require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date.  The amendments in Update 2015-16 are2015-

25


Table of Contents

16 were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this update in the first quarter of 2016 resulting in no impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

In November 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-16, Derivatives and Hedging – Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity (Subtopic 815-15) (“Update 2014-16”), addresses diversity in practice related to the determination of whether derivative features embedded in hybrid instruments issued in the form of a share should be bifurcated and accounted for separately. For public entities, Update 2014-16 was effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 including interim periods within that reporting period.  The Company adopted this update in the first quarter of 2016 resulting in no impact on its unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“Update 2014-09”), which seeks to provide clarity for recognizing revenue.  Topic 606 Revenue from Contracts with Customers will supersede the revenue recognition requirement as in Topic 605 Revenue Recognition.  Update 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to those goods or services.  Entities may apply the amendments in Update 2014-09 either (a) retrospectively to each reporting period presented, and the entity may elect a practical expedient per the update, or (b) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying Update 2014-09 recognized at the date of initial application – if an entity elects this transition method it also should provide the additional disclosures in reporting periods.  In August 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)(“Update 2015-14”).  Deferral of the Effective Date, which finalizes proposed ASU No. 2015-240 of the same name and responds to stakeholders’ request to defer the effective date of the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09. In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)(“Updated 2016-08”), which finalized proposed ASU No. 2015-290 of the same name and clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations.  For public entities, Update 2014-09, Update 2015-14, and Update 2016-08 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of Update 2015-162014-09, Update 2015-14 and Update 2016-08 and assessing the impact, if any, they may have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In July 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) (“Update 2015-11”), which seeks to simplify the measurement of inventory. Update 2015-11 requires that an entity should measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value, where net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. For public entities, the amendments in Update 2015-11 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of Update 2015-11 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“Update 2016-02”), which seeks to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by, among other things, recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements.  For public entities, Update 2016-02 becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of Update 2016-02 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (“Update 2016-09”), which seeks to simplify accounting for share-based payment transactions including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and the classification on the statement of cash flows.  For public entities, Update 2016-09 becomes effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of Update 2016-09 and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

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



The following updates information as to Southwestern Energy Company’s financial condition provided in our 20142015 Annual Report and analyzes the changes in the results of operations between the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014.2015.  For definitions of commonly used natural gas and oil terms used in this Quarterly Report, please refer to the “Glossary of Certain Industry Terms” provided in our 20142015 Annual Report.



The following discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the risks described in the “Cautionary Statement About Forward-Looking Statements” in the forepart of this Quarterly Report, in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in Part I and elsewhere in our 20142015 Annual Report, and Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in Part II in this Quarterly Report and any other quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed during the fiscal year.  You should read the following discussion with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this Quarterly Report.



OVERVIEW



Background



Southwestern Energy Company (including its subsidiaries, collectively, “we”, “our”, “us” or “Southwestern”) is an independent energy company engaged in natural gas and oil exploration, development and production, or Ewhich we refer to as “E&P.  We are also focused on creating and capturing additional value through our natural gas gathering and marketing businesses, which we refer to as Midstream Services.  We operate principally in two segments: E&P and Midstream Services.



Our primary business is the exploration, fordevelopment and production of natural gas and oil, with ouroil.  Our current operations are principally focused withinon the United States on development of unconventional natural gas reservoirs located in Arkansas,Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Arkansas.  Our operations in northeast Pennsylvania, which we refer to as “Northeast Appalachia” are primarily focused on the unconventional natural gas reservoir known as the Marcellus Shale.  Our operations in West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania, which we refer to as “Southwest Appalachia,” are focused on the Marcellus Shale, the Utica and the Upper Devonian unconventional natural gas and oil reservoirs.  Collectively, we refer to our properties located in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.Virginia as the “Appalachian Basin.”  Our operations in Arkansas are primarily focused on an unconventional natural gas reservoir known as the Fayetteville Shale, and our operations in northeast Pennsylvania are focused on an unconventional natural gas reservoir known as the Marcellus Shale (herein referred to as “Northeast Appalachia”). We also have a significant stake in properties located in West Virginia and adjacent areas in southwest Pennsylvania. These operations, primarily in West Virginia, are focused on the Marcellus, the Utica and the Upper Devonian unconventional natural gas and oil reservoirs (herein referred to as “Southwest Appalachia”). To a lesser extent, we have exploration and production activities ongoing in Colorado, Louisiana and elsewhere in the United States.Shale.  We also actively seek to find and develop new natural gas and oil plays with significant exploration and exploitation potential, which we refer to as “New Ventures,Ventures.”  Under our New Ventures operations, we have exploration and to obtain additional reserves through acquisitions.production activities ongoing in Colorado and Louisiana, along with other areas in which we are currently exploring for new development opportunities.  We also operate drilling rigs in Arkansas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and provide oilfield products and services, principally serving our exploration and production operations.operations, though the level of these services in 2016 will depend on our capital investing for the year.  Our natural gas gathering and marketing (“Midstream Services”) activities primarily support our E&P activities in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and West Virginia.



We are focused on providing long-term growth in the net asset value per share of our business.  We deriveHistorically, the vast majority of our operating income and cash flow has been derived from the production associated with our E&P business and expect this to continuebusiness.  However, in the future. We expect2015, depressed commodity prices significantly decreased our production volumes will continue to increase due to the ongoing developmentE&P results of our Northeast and Southwest Appalachia properties.operations.   The price we expect to receive for our production is a critical factor in the capital investments we make in order to develop our properties.    In recent years, there has been significant volatilitythe fourth quarter of 2015, we decreased activity in natural gas pricesthe Appalachian Basin and the Fayetteville Shale as evidenced by New York Mercantile Exchange, or NYMEX, natural gas prices ranging from a highresult of $13.58 per MMBtu in 2008 to a low of $1.91 per MMBtu in 2012 with wider fluctuations recently seen at regional pricing points reflecting basis differentials. Since the second half of 2014, the industry has faced an increasingly challenginglower commodity price environment.  WhileBased on current forward pricing, we believe there may be improving supplyexpect this decreased activity to continue throughout 2016.  We anticipate adjusting our activity levels throughout our portfolio and demand dynamics in the future, we will continue to exercise flexibility and discretion with ourare targeting a capital investment program.program aligned with the cash flow expected to be generated during the year.  Natural gas prices fluctuate due to a variety of factors we cannot control or predict.  These factors, which include increased supplies of natural gas due to greater exploration and development activities, weather conditions, political and economic events, and competition from other energy sources, impact supply and demand for natural gas, which in turn determines the sales prices for our production.  Going forward, we will beWe  are impacted by crude oil and natural gas liquids (“NGL”NGLs”) prices, which have been volatile and have recently declined significantly. In addition to the factors identified above, the prices we realize for our production are affected by our hedging activities as well as locational differences in market prices, including basis differentials. Considering price impacts only and using the first-day-of-the-month prices ofCurrent 2016 forward pricing will likely result in additional impairments to our natural gas and oil and NGLs for the first ten months of 2015 and forecast prices for the remainder of 2015, we expect that a material amount of our proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2014 will be revised downward at year-end 2015.  Our proved undeveloped reserves were approximately 45% of our total proved reserves at December 31, 2014.  Using the same pricing scenario to determine the ceiling amount in our full cost ceiling test is likely to result in a material write-downproperties in the fourthsecond quarter of 2015 similar2016 ranging from approximately $250 million to $350 million, net of taxes, when excluding future changes in costs excluded from amortization, with material impairments likely continuing beyond the second quarter.

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in magnitude to the write-down in the second quarter of 2015 ($944 million, net of tax), or larger, before consideration of moves from unevaluated properties.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared with Three Months Ended September 30, 2014Recent Financial and Operating Results



We reported a net loss attributable to common stock of $1.8$1.2  billion for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, or ($4.62)3.03) per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to common stock of $211$46 million, or $0.60$0.12 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015.  

 

Our natural gas and liquids production increased to 249237 Bcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016,  up 27%2% from 196233 Bcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2014. This 53March 31, 2015.   The 4 Bcfe increase was due to a  3711 Bcf and 10 Bcfe increase in net production from our Southwest Appalachia properties, a 27 Bcf increaseincreases in net production from our Northeast and Southwest Appalachia properties, and wasrespectively, partially offset by an 11 Bcfea 17 Bcf decrease in net production from our Fayetteville Shale and other properties.  The average price realized for our gas production, including the effects of hedges,derivatives,  decreased 36%51% to $2.21$1.48 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $3.43$2.99 per Mcf for the same period in 2014.2015.  The average price realized for our oil production decreased 66%40% to $33.50$18.65 per barrel for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $97.71$30.90 for the same period in 2014.2015.  The average price realized for our NGL production decreased 87%52% to $4.72$4.98 per barrel for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $35.57$10.35 for the same period in 2014.2015.  We did not hedgefinancially protect our 20152016 or 20142015 oil or NGL production.



Our E&P segment reported an operating loss of $2.9$1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, down from operating income of $189$78 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015.   This decrease was primarily due to a $2.8$1.0 billion non-cash ceiling test impairment.  Excluding the impairment, our E&P segment reported an operating loss of $126 million, primarily due to a 45%51%, or $1.44$1.51 per Mcf, decrease in our realized natural gas price excluding hedges,(including derivatives) along with decreases in our realized oil and NGL prices, and a $93 million increase in operating costs and expenses, excluding the ceiling test impairment, that resulted from increased activity levels,prices.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the revenue impact of our 27%, or 53a 4 Bcfe increase in production and an increase in hedge settlement proceeds. In May 2015, we sold our conventional oil and gas assets located in East Texas and the Arkoma Basin that accounted for $1a $115 million decrease in operating losscosts and $5 million in operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.expenses.



Operating income for our Midstream Services segment was $68$60 million for the three months ended September  30, 2015,March 31, 2016, down from $97$88 million for the three months ended September  30, 2014,March 31, 2015, due to a $26$34 million decrease in gas gathering revenues a $3 million decrease in the margin generated from our natural gas and liquids marketing activities, and a $1 million loss on sale of assets, slightlypartially offset by a $1$6 million decrease in operating costs and expenses.  In Aprilthe second quarter of 2015, we sold our northeastern Pennsylvania and East Texas gathering assets that accounted for $8$13 million in operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015.  



Capital investments were $468$122 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 (including $41 million in capitalized interest and $21 million in capitalized expenses) of which $461$120 million was invested in our E&P segment, compared to $574 million$1.2 billion for the same period of 2014, of which $531 million was invested in our E&P segment.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 Compared with Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014

We reported a net loss attributable to common stock of $2.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, or ($6.65) per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to common stock of $612 million, or $1.74 per diluted share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Our natural gas and liquids production increased to 727 Bcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, up 28% from 567 Bcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This 160 Bcfe increase was due to a 103 Bcfe increase in net production from our Southwest Appalachia properties, a 78 Bcf increase in net production from our Northeast Appalachia properties, and was partially offset by a 21 Bcfe decrease in net production from our Fayetteville Shale and other properties.  The average price realized for our gas production, including the effects of hedges, decreased 35% to $2.47 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $3.79 per Mcf for the same period in 2014. The average price realized for our oil production decreased 65% to $35.23 per barrel for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $100.39 for the same period in 2014. The average price realized for our NGL production decreased 84% to $6.43 per barrel for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $40.73 for the same period in 2014. We did not hedge our 2015 or 2014 oil or NGL production.

Our E&P segment reported an operating loss of $4.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, down from operating income of $817 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease was primarily due to a $4.4 billion non-cash ceiling test impairment, a 48%, or $1.86 per Mcf, decrease in our realized natural gas price

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excluding hedges, decreases in our realized oil and NGL prices, and a $365 million increase in operating costs and expenses, excluding the ceiling test impairment, that resulted from increased activity levels, partially offset by an increase in the revenue impact of our 28%, or 160 Bcfe, increase in production and an increase in hedge settlement proceeds.  In May 2015, we sold our conventional oil and gas assets located in East Texas and the Arkoma Basin that accounted for $24 million in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Operating income for our Midstream Services segment was $511 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, up from $272 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, due to a $277 million net gain on sale of assets and a $3 million increase in the margin generated from our natural gas and liquids marketing activities, partially offset by a decrease of $38 million in gas gathering revenues and an increase in operating costs and expenses of $3 million.  In April 2015, we sold our northeastern Pennsylvania gathering assets that accounted for $13 million and $27 million in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. A gain on sale of $283 million was recognized and is included in (Gain) loss on sale of assets, net in the unaudited condensed consolidating statement of operations.

Capital investments were $2.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 (including $635$653 million, in total, related to the acquisitions from WPX Energy, Inc. and Statoil ASA) of which $1.9 billion was invested in our E&P segment, compared to $1.8 billion for the same period of 2014, of which $1.7$1.0 billion was invested in our E&P segment.



RESULTS

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



The following discussion of our results of operations for our segments is presented before intersegment eliminations. We evaluate our segments as if they were stand-alone operations and accordingly discuss their results prior to any intersegment eliminations. Interest expense and income tax expense are discussed on a consolidated basis.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exploration and Production

Exploration and Production

Exploration and Production

For the three months

 

For the nine months

For the three months

ended September 30,

 

ended September 30,

ended March 31,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues (in millions)

$

488 

 

$

655 

 

$

1,633 

 

$

2,182 

$

336 

 

$

655 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties (in millions)

$

2,839 

 

$

–  

 

$

4,374 

 

$

–  

$

1,034 

 

$

–  

Operating costs and expenses (in millions)

$

559 

 

$

466 

 

$

1,730 

 

$

1,365 

$

462 

 

$

577 

Operating income (loss) (in millions)

$

(2,910)

 

$

189 

 

$

(4,471)

 

$

817 

$

(1,160)

 

$

78 

Gain (loss) on derivatives (in millions) (1)

$

50 

 

$

24 

 

$

138 

 

$

(21)

Gain on derivatives, settled (in millions) (1)

$

 

$

36 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas production (Bcf)

 

228 

 

 

196 

 

 

673 

 

 

566 

 

213 

 

 

219 

Oil production (MBbls)

 

562 

 

 

51 

 

 

1,696 

 

 

114 

 

607 

 

 

545 

NGL production (MBbls)

 

3,034 

 

 

11 

 

 

7,374 

 

 

27 

 

3,376 

 

 

1,766 

Total production (Bcfe)

 

249 

 

 

196 

 

 

727 

 

 

567 

 

237 

 

 

233 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average realized gas price per Mcf, including hedges (2)

$

2.21 

 

$

3.43 

 

$

2.47 

 

$

3.79 

Average realized gas price per Mcf, excluding hedges

$

1.77 

 

$

3.21 

 

$

2.05 

 

$

3.91 

Average oil price per Bbl

$

33.50 

 

$

97.71 

 

$

35.23 

 

$

100.39 

Average NGL price per Bbl

$

4.72 

 

$

35.57 

 

$

6.43 

 

$

40.73 

Average realized gas price per Mcf, including derivatives (2)

$

1.48 

 

$

2.99 

Average realized gas price per Mcf, excluding derivatives

$

1.44 

 

$

2.63 

Average realized oil price per Bbl

$

18.65 

 

$

30.90 

Average realized NGL price per Bbl

$

4.98 

 

$

10.35 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average unit costs per Mcfe:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expenses

$

0.92 

 

$

0.91 

 

$

0.92 

 

$

0.91 

$

0.88 

 

$

0.92 

General and administrative expenses

$

0.20 

 

$

0.23 

 

$

0.22 

 

$

0.24 

General & administrative expenses (3)

$

0.19 

 

$

0.24 

Taxes, other than income taxes(4)

$

0.10 

 

$

0.10 

 

$

0.11 

 

$

0.11 

$

0.08 

 

$

0.12 

Full cost pool amortization

$

0.98 

 

$

1.09 

 

$

1.08 

 

$

1.10 

$

0.49 

 

$

1.15 

(1)

Represents the gain (loss) on derivatives, settled associated with derivatives not designated for hedge accounting.commodity derivatives.

(2)

IncludingIncludes the gain (loss) on derivatives excluding derivatives, settled effectscommodity derivatives.

(3)

Excludes $58 million of commodity hedging contracts not designated for hedge accounting, resultsrestructuring charges in an average price2016.

(4)

Excludes $3 million of $2.07, $3.71, $2.32 and $3.78 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.restructuring charges in 2016.

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Revenues



Revenues for our E&P segment were $488down $319 million, or 49%, for the three months ended September 30, 2015, down $167 million, or 25%,March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2014.2015.  A decrease in the price realized from the sale of our natural gas production decreased revenue by $325 million, partially offset by an increase$254 million.  Additionally there was a decrease of $102 million due to higher natural gas production volumes and an increase of $29$42 million in hedge settlement proceeds. Additionally, there wasproceeds, a $157 million increase due to increased liquid production volumes, partially offset by a $130$26 million decrease as a result of decreased liquids pricing. E&P revenues were $1.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, down $549pricing and a decrease of $16 million or 25%, compareddue to the same period in 2014. A  decrease in the price realized from the sale of ourlower natural gas decreased revenue by $1,251 million,production volumes, partially offset by a $416 million increase due to higher natural gas production volumes and an increase of $192 million in hedge settlement proceeds. Additionally there was a $458$19 million increase due to increased liquid production volumes, partially offset by a $364 million decreasevolumes. For the remainder of 2016, we expect to have decreased activity in our Appalachian Basin and Fayetteville Shale assets as a result of decreased liquids pricing.We expect our production volumes to continue to increase due to the development of our Northeast and Southwest Appalachia properties.lower commodity price environment.  Natural gas, oil, and NGL prices are difficult to predict and are subject to wide price fluctuations.  As of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, we had hedged 60protected 107 Bcf of our remaining 20152016 natural gas production to limit our exposure to price fluctuations. We refer you to Note 67 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report and to the discussion of “Commodity Prices” provided below for additional information.  In May 2015, we sold our conventional oil and gas assets located in East Texas and the Arkoma Basin that accounted for $16$10 million of our oilnatural gas and gasoil revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and $15 and $56 million of our oil and gas revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.March 31, 2015.



Production



For the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, our natural gas and liquids production increased 27%2% to 249237 Bcfe,  up from 196233 Bcfe from the same period in 2014,2015, and was produced entirely by our properties in the United States.  The 534 Bcfe increase in our 2015 production was due to a 3711 Bcf and 10 Bcfe increase in net production from our Southwest Appalachia properties, a 27 Bcf increaseincreases in net production from our Northeast and Southwest Appalachia properties, and wasrespectively, partially offset by an 11 Bcfea 17 Bcf decrease in net production infrom our Fayetteville Shale and other properties.    Net production from our Northeast Appalachia, Southwest Appalachia and Fayetteville Shale Northeast Appalachia and Southwest Appalachia properties was 11894 Bcf, 9340 Bcfe and 103 Bcf and 37 Bcfe respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 compared to 12683 Bcf, 6630 Bcfe, and 115 Bcf, and zero, respectively, for the same period in 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, our natural gas and liquids production increased 28% to 727 Bcfe, up from 567 Bcfe from the same period in 2014, and was produced entirely by our properties in the United States. The 160 Bcfe increase in our 2015 production was due to a 103 Bcfe increase in net production from our Southwest Appalachia properties, a 78 Bcf increase in net production from our Northeast Appalachia properties, and was partially offset by a 21 Bcfe decrease in net production in our Fayetteville Shale and other properties. Net production from our Fayetteville Shale, Northeast Appalachia and Southwest Appalachia properties was 354 Bcf, 263 Bcf and 103 Bcfe respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 369 Bcf, 185 Bcf, and zero, respectively, for the same period in 2014.2015.



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Commodity Prices



The average price realized for our natural gas production, including the effects of hedges,derivatives,  decreased to $2.21$1.48 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, as compared to $3.43$2.99 for the same period in 2014.2015.  The decrease was the result of a $1.44$1.19 per Mcf decrease in the average natural gas price, excluding hedges, partially offset by higherderivatives,  and lower proceeds from our hedgederivative program during the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2014.2015. The average price realized for our natural gas production, excluding the effects of hedges,derivatives,  decreased 45% to $1.77$1.44 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period in 2014.2015.  Our hedgesderivatives increased the average realized natural gas price by $0.44$0.04 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 compared to an increase of $0.22$0.36 per Mcf for the same period in 2014. The average2015.

Our E&P segment receives a sales price realized for our natural gas production, includingat a discount to average monthly NYMEX settlement prices due to heating content of the effects of hedges, decreased to $2.47 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to $3.79 for the same period in 2014.  The decrease was the result ofgas, locational basis differentials, transportation and fuel charges. Additionally, we receive a $1.86 per Mcf decrease in the average natural gassales price excluding hedges, partially offset by higher proceeds from our hedge program during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The average price realized for our natural gas production, excluding the effects of hedges, decreased 48%oil and NGLs at a discount to $2.05 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014.  Our hedges increased the average realized natural gas price by $0.42 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 comparedmonthly West Texas Intermediate settlement and Mont Belvieu NGL composite prices, respectively, due to a decreasenumber of $0.12 per Mcf for the same period in 2014.factors including product quality, composition and types of NGLs sold, locational basis differentials, transportation and fuel charges.



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We periodically enter into various hedging and other financial arrangements with respect to a portion of our projected natural gas production in order to ensure certain desired levels of cash flow and to minimize the impact of price fluctuations, including fluctuations in locational market differentials.  We refer you to Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” and Note 67 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for additional discussion.

Our E&P segment receives a sales price fordiscussion about our natural gas at a discount to average monthly NYMEX settlement prices due to heating content of the gas, locational basis differentials, transportation chargesderivatives and fuel charges.  Additionally, we receive a sales price for our oil and NGLs at a discount to average monthly West Texas Intermediate settlement and Mont Belvieu NGL composite prices, respectively, due to a number of factors including product quality, composition and types of NGLs sold, locational basis differentials, transportation and fuel charges.risk management activities.



Excluding the impact of hedges,derivatives, the average price received for our natural gas production for the ninethree months ended September 30,  2015March 31, 2016 of $2.05$1.44 per Mcf was approximately $0.75$0.65 lower than the average monthly NYMEX settlement price, primarily due to locational basis differentials and transportation costs. We protected approximately 44% of our natural gas production for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 from the impact of widening basis differentials through our sales arrangements and hedging activities andactivities.  For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we protected the basis on approximately 94 Bcf of our natural gas production through physical sales arrangements.  At September 30, 2015, we hadWe have protected basis protected on approximately 82160 Bcf and 69 Bcf of our remaining 20152016 and 2017 expected natural gas production through physical sales arrangements and financial hedging activities at a basis differential to NYMEX natural gas prices of approximately ($0.17)0.19) per Mcf excluding transportation and fuel charges. In addition to($0.19) per Mcf for the remainder of 2016 and 2017, respectively.  We had 5 Bcf of basis hedge positions in place during the first quarter of 2016.  As of March 31, 2016, we had no future financial basis hedges at September  30, 2015, we had NYMEX fixed price hedges in place on notional volumes of 60 Bcf of our remaining 2015 natural gas production at an average price of $4.40 per MMBtu. Natural gas accounted for approximately 92% and 100% of our total production for the nine months ended September  30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.place.



We realized an average sales price of $33.50$18.65 per barrel for our oil production for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, down approximately 66%40% from $97.71$30.90 per barrel for the same period in 2014. We realized an average sales price of $35.23 per barrel for our oil production for nine months ended September 30, 2015, down approximately 65% from $100.39 per barrel for the same period in 2014.2015.   We did not hedgefinancially protect our 20152016 or 20142015 oil production.  Oil accounted for 1%2% and less than  1% of our total production for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively.



We realized an average sales price of $4.72$4.98 per barrel for our NGL production for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, down approximately 87%52% from  $35.57$10.35 per barrel for the same period in 2014. We realized an average sales price of $6.43 per barrel for our NGL production for nine months ended September 30, 2015, down approximately 84% from the $40.73 per barrel for the same period in 2014.2015.    We did not hedgefinancially protect our 20152016 or 20142015 NGL production. NGLs accounted for 7%9% and less than 1%5% of our total production for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively.



Operating Income



Our E&P segment reported an operating loss of $2.9$1.2 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, down from operating income of $189$78 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014.March 31, 2015.   This decrease was primarily due to a $2.8$1.0 billion non-cash ceiling test impairment.  Excluding the impairment, our E&P segment reported an operating loss of $126 million, primarily due to a 45%51%, or $1.44$1.51 per Mcf, decrease in our realized natural gas price excluding hedges,(including derivatives) along with decreases in our realized oil and NGL prices,prices.   These decreases were partially offset by a 4 Bcfe increase in production and a $93$115 million increasedecrease in operating costs and expenses.  The $115 million decrease in operating costs and expenses excluding the ceiling test impairment, that resulted primarily from increased activity levels,a $151 million decrease in DD&A, an $11 million decrease in general and administrative expenses, a $7 million decrease in operating expenses and a $7 million decrease in taxes other than income partially offset by an increase in the revenue impact of our 27%, or 53 Bcfe, increase in production and an increase in hedge settlement proceeds. Our E&P segment reported operating loss of $4.5 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, down from operating income of $817 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. This decrease was primarily due to a $4.4 billion non-cash ceiling test impairment, a 48%, or $1.86 per Mcf, decrease in our realized natural gas price, excluding hedges, decreases in our realized oil and NGL prices, and a $365$61 million increase in operating costs and expenses, excluding the ceiling test impairment, that resulted from increased activity levels, partially offset by an increase in the revenue impact of our 28%, or 160 Bcfe, increase in production and an increase in hedge settlement proceeds.restructuring charges.  In May 2015, we sold our conventional oil and gas assets located in East Texas and the Arkoma Basin that accounted for ($1), $5 and $24$2 million of our natural gas and oil operating income (loss) for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.March 31, 2015.



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Operating Costs and Expenses



Lease operating expenses per Mcfe for the E&P segment were $0.92$0.88 for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $0.91$0.92 for the same period in 2014.2015. Lease operating expenseexpenses per unit of production increaseddecreased for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, as compared to the same period of 20142015 primarily due to an increase indecreased gathering charges resulting from the successful renegotiation of our existing gathering and processing charges. Lease operating expenses per Mcferates for the E&P segment were $0.92 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $0.91 for the same period in 2014. Lease operating expense per unit of production increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to an increase in gathering and processing charges.our Southwest Appalachia production. 

 

GeneralExcluding the restructuring charges associated with our workforce reduction, general and administrative expenses for the E&P segment were $0.20$0.19 per Mcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $0.23 per Mcfe for the same period in 2014 primarily due to an increase in production volumes. General and administrative expenses for the E&P segment were $0.22 per Mcfe for the nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $0.24 per Mcfe for the same period in 20142015 primarily due to an increasethe decrease in production volumes.employee costs.  In total, excluding restructuring charges, general and administrative expenses for the E&P segment were $50$45 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, compared to $44$56 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to increased personnelMarch 31, 2015.  Including restructuring charges, general and administrative costs associated withfor the expansionfirst quarter of 2016 were $103 million for our E&P operations due to the development of our Northeast and Southwest Appalachia assets. In total, general and administrative expenses for the E&P segment were $158 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, compared to $134 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, primarily due to increased personnel costs associated with the expansion of our E&P operations due to the development of our Northeast and Southwest Appalachia assets.segment.



Taxes other than income taxes per Mcfe were $0.10$0.08 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, and $0.11March 31, 2016 (excluding $3 million related to restructuring charges), compared to $0.12 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.same period in 2015.   Taxes other than income taxes per Mcfe vary from period to period due to changes in severance and ad valorem taxes that result from the mix of our production volumes and fluctuations in commodity prices.



Our full cost pool amortization rate averaged $0.98$0.49 per Mcfe for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $1.09$1.15 for the same period in 2014. For the first nine months of 2015, our full cost pool amortization rate was $1.08 per Mcfe compared to $1.10 per Mcfe for the same period in 2014.2015.  The amortization rate is impacted by the timing and amount of reserve additions and the costs associated with those additions, revisions of previous reserve estimates due to both price and well performance, write-downs that result from full cost ceiling tests, proceeds from the sale of properties that reduce the full cost pool and the levels of costs subject to amortization.  We cannot predict our future full cost pool amortization rate with accuracy due to the variability of each of the factors discussed above, as well as other factors, including but not limited to the uncertainty of the amount of future reserve changes. 



Unevaluated costs excluded from amortization were $4.9$3.5 billion at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $4.6$3.7 billion at December 31, 2014.2015. The increasedecrease in unevaluated costs primarily resulted from the WPX Property and Statoil Property Acquisitions.our evaluation of a portion of our New Ventures assets.  Unevaluated costs excluded from amortization at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 included $69$53 million related to our properties in Canada, compared to $76$50 million at December 31, 2014.

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Table of Contents2015.





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midstream Services

Midstream Services

Midstream Services

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

For the three months ended

September 30,

 

September 30,

March 31,

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

2016

 

2015

($ in millions, except volumes)

($ in millions, except volumes)

Marketing revenues

$

630 

 

$

840 

 

$

2,072 

 

$

2,927 

$

518 

 

$

801 

Gas gathering revenues

$

117 

 

$

143 

 

$

379 

 

$

417 

$

103 

 

$

137 

Marketing purchases

$

615 

 

$

822 

 

$

2,025 

 

$

2,883 

$

503 

 

$

786 

Operating costs and expenses(1)

$

63 

 

$

64 

 

$

192 

 

$

189 

$

58 

 

$

64 

Gain (loss) on sale of assets, net

$

(1)

 

$

–  

 

$

277 

 

$

–  

Operating income

$

68 

 

$

97 

 

$

511 

 

$

272 

$

60 

 

$

88 

Volumes marketed (Bcfe)

 

288 

 

 

229 

 

 

837 

 

 

670 

 

279 

 

 

260 

Volumes gathered (Bcf)

 

186 

 

 

247 

 

 

620 

 

 

719 

 

165 

 

 

233 

(1)

Includes $3 million of restructuring charges in 2016.



Revenues



Revenues from our marketing activities were down 25%35% to $630$518 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2014 and were down 29% to $2,072 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.2015.  For the three months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, the price received for volumes marketed decreased 40% and the volumes marketed increased 26%7% compared to the same period in 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the price received for volumes marketed decreased 43% and the volumes marketed increased 25% compared to the same period in 2014.2015.  Increases and decreases in marketing revenues due to changes in commodity prices are largely offset by corresponding changes in marketing purchase expenses. Of the total natural gas volumes marketed, production from our affiliated E&P operated wells accounted for 97%96% and 95%, respectively,98% of the natural gas marketed volumes for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, production from our affiliated E&P operated wells accounted for 97% and 98% of the marketed volumes, respectively.  Our Midstream Services segment marketed approximately 64%67% and 40% of our combined oil and NGL production for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 58% of our combined oil and NGL production for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.respectively.



Revenues from our gathering activities were down 18%25% to $117$103 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2014 and down 9% to $379 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.2015. The decrease in gathering revenues for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 was primarily due to the divestiture of our northeast Pennsylvania and East Texas gathering assets in April 2015.2015 and decreased

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volumes in the Fayetteville Shale.  The divested gathering assets accounted for $17$20 million of our gathering revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and $21 and $49 million of our gathering revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.March 31, 2015.



Operating Income



Operating income from our Midstream Services segment decreased 30%32% to $68$60 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $97$88 million for the same period in 2014 and increased 88% to $511 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $272 million for the same period in 2014.2015.  The $29$28 million decrease in operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 was due to a $26$34 million decrease in gas gathering revenues a $3 million decrease in the margin generated from our natural gas and liquids marketing activities, and a $1 million loss on sale of assets, slightly offset by a $1$6 million decrease in operating costs and expenses.  Included inIn the operating costs and expensessecond quarter of the Midstream Services segment for the three months ended September 30, 2015 is $6 million for the amortization associated with the intangible asset related to the firm transportation acquired through the WPX property acquisition.  The $239 million increase in operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was due to a $277 million net gain on sale of assets and an increase of $3 million in the margin generated from our natural gas and liquids marketing activities, partially offset by a decrease of $38 million in gas gathering revenues and an increase in operating costs and expenses of $3 million. Included in the operating costs and expenses of the Midstream Services segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 is $10 million for the amortization associated with the intangible asset related to the firm transportation acquired through the WPX property acquisition. In April 2015, we sold our northeastern Pennsylvania and East Texas gathering assets that accounted for $8$13 million of our operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2014, and $13 and $27 million of our operating income for the nine months ended September 30,

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2015 and 2014, respectively. A gain on this sale of $283 million was recognized and is included in (Gain) loss on sale of assets, net in the unaudited condensed consolidating statement of operations.March 31, 2015.



The margin generated from gas marketing activities was $15 million and $18 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and 2014, respectively. The margin generated from gas marketing activities was $47 million and $44 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.2015.   Margins are driven primarily by volumes of natural gas marketed and may fluctuate depending on the prices paid for commodities and the ultimate disposition of those commodities.  We enter into hedging activities from time to time with respect to our natural gas marketing activities to provide margin protection. WeFor more information about our derivatives and risk management activities, we refer you to Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” included in this Quarterly Report for additional information.



Restructuring Charges

In January 2016, we announced a 40% workforce reduction that was substantially concluded by the end of March 2016.  Affected employees were offered a severance package which included a one-time cash payment depending on length of service and, if applicable, accelerated vesting of outstanding stock-based equity awards.  As a result of this workforce reduction, we recognized restructuring charges of $64 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Interest Expense



ForInterest expense, net of capitalization, was $14 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, we had no interest expense, net of capitalization,March 31, 2016, compared to $13$51 million for the same period in 2014. Interest expense, net of capitalization, increased to $52 million for the nine  months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $39 million for the same period in 2014. The decrease in interest expense, net of capitalization, for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to higher capitalized interest while the increase in interest expense, net of capitalization, for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily due to expensing2015.  Excluding a $47 million in remainingcharge for unamortized fees associated with the repayment of our bridge facility in January 2015. We capitalizedthe first quarter of 2015, interest expense, net of $53 and $14capitalization, increased $10 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and capitalized interest of $155 and $40 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase in capitalized interest for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to the same periodsperiod in 2014 was2015, primarily due to an increase in our unevaluated property balance.cost of debt. We capitalized interest of $41 and  $48 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The decrease in capitalized interest for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 was primarily due to the evaluation of a portion of our Southwest Appalachia assets, acquired in December 2014.    



Gain (Loss) on Derivatives



At September 30, 2015,In general, our basis swaps, certain fixed price swaps, fixed pricesold call options, purchased put options and interest rate swaps wereare not designated for hedge accounting treatment.  Changes in the fair value of derivatives that wereare not designated as cash flow hedgesfor hedge accounting are recorded in gain (loss) on derivatives.  We recorded a $14 million net loss on our derivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2016 consisting of a $21 million loss on unsettled derivatives partially offset by a $7 million gain on settled derivatives.  For the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2015, we recorded a $14 million net gain on our derivatives excluding derivatives, settledconsisting of $11a $21 million related to fixed price call options not designated for hedge accounting treatment, a loss on unsettled derivatives excluding derivatives,more than offset by a $35 million gain on settled of $110 million relatedderivatives.  We refer you to fixed price swaps not designatedNote 7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for hedge accounting, a lossadditional detail about our gain (loss) on derivatives excluding derivatives, settled of $4 million related to basis swaps not designated for hedge accounting treatment and a loss on derivatives excluding derivatives, settled of $2 million related to interest rate swaps not designated for hedge accounting. Derivatives not designated for hedge accounting that were settled resulted in a gain of $135 million and a loss of $22 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.derivatives.  In general and without consideration of volatility or duration, as 20152016 natural gas prices increase from September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 levels, we will recognize losses in future periods and, likewise, as 20152016 natural gas prices decline from September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 levels, we will recognize gains in future periods on our derivative contracts not accounted for under hedge accounting prior to settlement.



Income Taxes



Our effective tax rate was 38%approximately 0% and 40%39% for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  We recorded income tax expenses of $1 million and 2014, respectively, and 38% and 40%$49 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, we recorded anrespectively.  The low effective income tax benefit of $1.1 billion compared to an income tax expense of $140 million forrate at March 31, 2016 was the same period in 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded an income tax benefit of $1.5 billion compared to an income tax expense of $409 million for the same period in 2014.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

We report our financial results in accordance with GAAP. However, management believes certain non-GAAP performance measures may provide users of this financial information additional meaningful comparisons between current results and the resultsresult of our peers andrecognition of prior periods.a valuation allowance that reduced the deferred tax asset primarily related to our current net operating loss carryforward.  A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, is recognized when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

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We define adjusted EBITDA as net income plus interest, income tax expense, non-cash impairment of natural gas and oil properties, (gain) loss on asset sales, depreciation, depletion and amortization and (gain) loss on derivatives, excluding derivatives, settled.  Management presents measures such as adjusted EBITDA because it is used by many investors and it is a financial measure commonly usedNew Accounting Standards Implemented in the energy industry. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, net cash provided by operating activities or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP, or as a measure of the company’s profitability or liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA as defined above may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA, as defined, with net income.this Report



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended

 

For the nine months ended

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

2015

 

2014

 

2015

 

2014

 

(in millions)

Net income (loss) attributable to common stock

$

(1,766)

 

$

211 

 

$

(2,528)

 

$

612 

Mandatory convertible preferred stock dividend

 

27 

 

 

  

 

 

79 

 

 

–  

Net income (loss)

$

(1,739)

 

$

211 

 

$

(2,449)

 

$

612 

Add back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest expense

 

 –  

 

 

13 

 

 

52 

 

 

39 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 

(1,088)

 

 

140 

 

 

(1,532)

 

 

409 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

275 

 

 

238 

 

 

876 

 

 

693 

Impairment of natural gas and oil properties

 

2,839 

 

 

  

 

 

4,374 

 

 

–  

(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net

 

 

 

  

 

 

(276)

 

 

–  

(Gain) loss on derivatives excluding derivatives, settled

 

34 

 

 

(54)

 

 

105 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

$

322 

 

$

548 

 

$

1,150 

 

$

1,760 

Refer to Note 16 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of this Quarterly Report for further discussion of new accounting standards implemented.



New Accounting Standards Not Yet Implemented in this Report



Refer to Note 1416 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of this Quarterly Report for a discussion of new accounting standards which have not yet been implemented. 

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LIQUIDTable of Contents

LIQUIDITYITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES



We depend primarily on internally-generatedinternally generated funds, our $2.0 billion revolving credit facility,  funds accessed through commercial paperterm loans such as our $750 million term loan facility, our cash and cash equivalents balance and capital markets as our primary sources of liquidity.



During 2015, dependingIn the first quarter of 2016, we decreased activity in the Appalachian Basin and Fayetteville Shale as a result of the low commodity price environment.  Based on commodity prices,current forward pricing, we planexpect this decreased activity to continue throughout 2016.  Accordingly, we anticipate adjusting our activity levels and are targeting a capital investment program aligned with the cash flow expected to be generated during the year.  We have the financial flexibility to draw on a portion of the funds available under our revolving credit facility or cash and our commercial paper programcash equivalents balance to fund the portion of our planned capital investments exceeding our operating cash flow as necessary (discussed below under “Capital Investments”).  We refer you to Note 910 of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report and the section below under “Financing Requirements” for additional discussion of our revolving credit facility and commercial paper program.



At March 31, 2016, our capital structure consisted of 81% net debt and 19% equity, excluding $23 million and $3 million of unamortized issuance cost and unamortized debt discount, respectively.  This temporary high level of debt resulted from a drawdown of $1.55 billion on our revolving credit facility on March 30, 2016 that was repaid on April 1, 2016.  As part of our ongoing review of options to address our long-term debt maturities, having the cash from the $1.55 borrowing as an asset on our consolidated balance sheet as of the last day of the first quarter of 2016 expanded our flexibility by increasing the maximum amount of our secured debt or debt of our subsidiaries that may be incurred during the second quarter of 2016 in accordance with our credit facilities and indentures, if we should decide to utilize debt of these types to retire, rearrange or extend existing debt and credit facilities.  We believe that our operating cash flow and available funds under our revolving credit facility along with our cash and cash equivalents will be adequate to meet our capital and operating requirements for the remainder of 2016.  If we do not have adequate liquidity or are unable to obtain financing on favorable terms or at all, however, we may not be able to make intended capital investments, which could restrict our ability to grow and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.  Additionally, our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future.  The credit status of the financial institutions participating in our revolving credit facility could adversely impact our ability to borrow funds under the revolving credit facility.  Although we believe all of the lenders under the facility have the ability to provide funds, we cannot predict whether each will be able to meet their obligation to us.  We refer you to the section below under “Financing Requirements” for additional discussion of our compliance with the covenants of our revolving credit and term loan facilities.

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased 31%83% to $1.2 billion$92 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, down from $1.8 billion$541 million for the same period in 2014,2015, due to a decrease in net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and changes in working capital accounts. During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, requirements for our capital investments were funded primarily from our cash generated by operating activities, net proceeds from borrowings under our revolving credit facility, commercial paper, and cash and cash equivalents. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, net cash generated from our operating activities funded 60%provided 75% of our cash requirements for capital investments, including acquisitions, compared to 97%46% for the same period in 2014.2015. 



Our cash flow from operating activities is highly dependent upon the sales prices that we receive for our natural gas and liquids production.  Natural gas, oil and oilNGL prices are subject to wide fluctuations and are driven by market supply and demand, which is impacted by many factors.  The sales price we receive for our production is also influenced by our commodity hedging activities. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks” in Item 3 and Note 6 in7 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for further details.  Our commodity hedging activities are subject to the credit risk of our counterparties being financially unable to complete the transaction.  We actively monitor the credit status of our counterparties, performing both quantitative and qualitative assessments based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable, and to date have not had any

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Table of Contents

credit defaults associated with our transactions.  However, any future failures by one or more counterparties could negatively impact our cash flow from operating activities.



Additionally, our short-term cash flows are dependent on the timely collection of receivables from our customers and co-owners. We actively manage this risk through credit management activities and, through the date of this filing have not experienced any significant write-offs for non-collectable amounts.  However, any sustained inaccessibility of credit by our customers and co-owners could adversely impact our cash flows.

Due to these above factors, we are unable to forecast with certainty our future level of cash flow from operations.  Accordingly, we will adjust our discretionary uses of cash dependent upon available cash flow.

The credit status of the financial institutions participating in our revolving credit facility could adversely impact our ability  Further, we may from time to borrow funds under the revolving credit facility. Although we believetime seek to retire or rearrange some or all of the lenders under the facility have the ability to provide funds, we cannot predict whether eachour outstanding debt or preferred stock through cash purchases, and/or exchanges, open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers or otherwise.  Such transactions, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be able to meet our obligation.material.



Capital Investments



Our capital investments for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 were $122 million and $1.2 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, were $2.1 billion, including $635which included $653 million, in total, related to the acquisitions from WPX Energy, Inc. (“WPX”) and Statoil ASA (“Statoil”), and $1.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2014..  Our E&P segment investments were $1.9 billion$120 million and $1.7$1.0 billion for the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2016 and 2015, and 2014, respectively.  Our E&P segment capitalized internal costs of $244$27 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 compared to $238$86 million for the comparable period in 2014.2015.  These internal costs were directly related to acquisition, exploration and development activities and are included as part of the cost of natural gas and oil properties.

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Excluding the capital associated with the closing of the WPX and Statoil acquisitions, ourOverall planned capital investments for 20152016 are plannedexpected to range between $350 million and $400 million.  We anticipate adjusting our activity levels throughout our portfolio and are targeting a capital investment aligned with the cash flow expected to be $1.9 billion, consisting of approximately $1.8 billion for E&P, $80 million for Midstream Services and $35 million for E&P services and corporate. Ofgenerated during the approximately $1.8 billion, we expect to allocate approximately $560 million toyear.  Although our Fayetteville Shale properties, approximately $605 million to our Northeast Appalachia properties, approximately $510 million to our Southwest Appalachia properties and approximately $85 million to our other properties. Our planned level of capital investments in 2015 is expected to allow us to continue our progress in the Fayetteville Shale and Northeast Appalachia programs, initiate our development program in Southwest Appalachia and explore and develop other existing natural gas and oil properties and generate new drilling prospects. Our 20152016 capital investment program has been, and is expected to continue to be funded through cash flow from operations, andwe have the financial flexibility to utilize borrowings under our revolving credit facility along with our cash and commercial paper. The planned capital program for the remainder of 2015 is flexible, and we will reevaluate our proposed investments needed to take into account prevailing market conditions. cash equivalents.

 

Financing Requirements



Our total debt outstanding was $4.7$6.5 billion at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016, compared to $7.0$4.7 billion at December 31, 2014.  2015.   The increase at March 31, 2016 related primarily to short-term borrowing on our revolving credit facility of $1.55 billion on March 30, 2016 that was repaid on April 1, 2016.  As part of our ongoing review of options to address our long-term debt maturities, having the cash from the $1.55 borrowing as an asset on our consolidated balance sheet as of the last day of the first quarter of 2016 expanded our flexibility by increasing the maximum amount of our secured debt or debt of our subsidiaries that may be incurred during the second quarter of 2016 in accordance with our credit facilities and indentures, if we should decide to utilize debt of these types to retire, rearrange or extend existing debt and credit facilities.  See Note 2 and Note 10 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for further details.

In November 2015, we entered into a $750 million unsecured three-year term loan credit agreement with various lenders that was used to repay borrowings under the revolving credit facility.  The interest rate on the term loan facility is determined based upon our public debt ratings from S&P and Moody’s and was 162.5 basis points over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) as of March 31, 2016.  The term loan facility requires prepayment under certain circumstances from the net cash proceeds of sales of equity or certain assets and borrowings outside the ordinary course of business.



In April 2015, we entered into a commercial paper program. We mayprogram which allowed us to issue up to $2.0 billion in commercial paper, under the program. However,provided that outstanding borrowings from our commercial paper program, combined with outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility, may not exceed $2.0 billion.  The commercial paper issuance may havehad terms of up to 397 days and will bearcarried interest at rates agreed upon at the time of each issuance. Our short-term corporate credit ratings are currently A-3 by Standard & Poor’s, P-3 by Moody’s and F3 by Fitch Investor Services. As of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, we had $520 million ofno outstanding issuanceissuances under our commercial paper program at an average rateand have no plans of 1.266%. As we have the intent, if necessary, and ability to refinance the balance due with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, the $520 million outstanding underutilizing the commercial paper program was classified as long-term debt onmarket for the September 30, 2015 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.remainder of 2016.



In January 2015, we completed concurrent underwritten public offerings of 30,000,000 shares of our common stock and 34,500,000 depositary shares (both share counts include shares issued as a result of the underwriters exercising their options to purchase additional shares).  Net proceeds from the offerings totaled approximately $2.3 billion after underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The common stock offering was priced at $23.00 per share. Net proceeds, after underwriting discount and expenses, from the depositary share offering were approximately $1.7 billion.expenses.  Each depositary share represents a 1/20th interest in a share of our mandatory

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convertible preferred stock, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to a $50 liquidation preference per depositary share).  The proceeds from the offerings were used to partially repay borrowings under oura  $4.5 billion 364-day bridge facility that we entered into in December 2014 in connection with our acquisition of assets in Southwest Appalachia, with the remaining balance fully repaid with proceeds from our January 2015 public offering of $2.2 billion in senior notes.



The mandatory convertible preferred stock entitles the holders to a proportional fractional interest in the rights and preferences of the convertible preferred stock, including conversion, dividend, liquidation and voting rights.  Dividends are to be paid at a rate of 6.25% per annum on the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share and can be paid in cash, common stock or a combination of both.  Unless converted earlier at the option of the holders, on or around January 15, 2018 each share of convertible preferred stock will automatically convert into between 37.0028 and 43.4782 shares of our common stock (and, correspondingly, each depositary share will convert into between 1.85014 and 2.17391 shares of our common stock), subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, depending on the volume-weighted average price of our common stock over a 20 trading day averagingtrading-day period immediately prior to that date.



Our mandatory convertible preferred stock has the non-forfeitable right to participate on an as convertedas-converted basis at the conversion rate then in effect in any common stock dividends declared and as such, is considered a participating security. As such, it is included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share, pursuant to the two-class method.  In the calculation of basic earnings per share attributable to common shareholders, participating securities are allocated earnings based on actual dividend distributions received plus a proportionate share of undistributed net income attributable to common shareholders, if any, after recognizing distributed earnings.



In January 2015, we completed a public offering of $350 million aggregate principal amount of our 3.30% senior notes due 2018 (the “2018 Notes”), $850 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.05% senior notes due 2020 (the “2020 Notes”) and $1$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of our 4.95% senior notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes” and together with the 2018 and 2020 Notes, the “Notes”), with net proceeds from the offering totaling approximately $2.2 billion after underwriting discounts and offering expenses. The Notes were sold to the public at a price of 99.949% of their face value for the 2018 Notes, 99.897% of their face value for the 2020 Notes and 99.782% of their face value for the 2025 Notes.  The proceeds from the sale of the Notes were used to repay all principal and interest remaining outstanding under our $4.5 billion 364-day bridge facility, which was first reduced with proceeds from our concurrent underwritten public offerings of common stock and depositary shares. Proceeds from the sale of the Notes were also used to repay a portion of amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

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In December 2014, we entered into99.949% of their face value for the 2018 Notes, 99.897% of their face value for the 2020 Notes and 99.782% of their face value for the 2025 Notes.  The interest rates on the Notes is determined based on our public debt ratings from S&P and Moody’s.  Downgrades from either rating agency increase our interest costs by 25.0 basis points per downgrade level on the following semi-annual bond interest payment.  Based on the February 2016 downgrades from S&P and Moody’s, our interest rates on these notes will increase by 125.0 basis points effective July 2016.  As a $500 million unsecured two-year term loan credit agreement with various lenders. The term loan facility required prepayments under certain circumstances fromresult of the net cash proceeds of sales of equity or certain assets and borrowings outside the ordinary course of business ordowngrade, our interest expense for specified uses and was repaid in full in April 2015 principally with proceeds from the divestiture of our northeastern Pennsylvania gathering assets and borrowings under our revolving credit facility.2016 will increase $14 million.



In December 2013, we entered into a credit agreement that exchanged our previous revolving credit facility.    Under the revolving credit facility, we have a borrowing capacity of $2.0 billion.billion reduced for outstanding letters of credit.  We had $148 million in letters of credit outstanding as of March 31, 2016.  The amount available under our credit facility could be further reduced by up to $250 million related to potential requirements to post additional letters of credit.  Our current revolving credit facility has a maturity date of December 2018 and options for two one-year extensions with participating lender approval.  The amount available under the revolving credit facility may be increased by $500 million upon our agreement with our participating lenders.2018.  The interest rate on the revolving credit facility is determined based upon our public debt ratingratings from S&P and is currently 150Moody’s and was 200 basis points over LIBOR as of September 30, 2015.March 31, 2016.  The revolving credit facility is unsecured and is not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. Contemporaneously with the execution of the credit agreement, in December 2013, we obtained releases of subsidiary guarantees under the 7.15%, 7.5%, 7.35%, 7.125% and 4.10% senior notes.



At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, we had a long-term issuer credit rating of BBB-BB+ by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Investor ServicesS&P and a long-term debt rating of Baa3B1 by Moody’s.  Any further downgrades in our public debt ratings by Standard & Poor’sS&P or Moody’s could increase our cost of funds and decrease our liquidity under the revolving credit facility.



Our revolving credit facility containsand term loan facilities contain covenants that impose certain restrictions on us.  Under our revolving credit facility,and term loan facilities, we must keep our total debt at or below 60% of our total adjusted book capital.  This financial covenant with respect to capitalization percentages excludes the effects of any non-cash impacts from any full cost ceiling impairments, certain non-cash hedging activities, unamortized issuance cost, unamortized debt discount and our pension and other postretirement liabilities.  Therefore, under our revolving credit facility,and term loan facilities,  our adjusted capital structure as of September  30,  2015,March 31, 2016,  was 36%45% debt and 64%55% equity.   We were in compliance with all of the covenants of our revolving credit facilityand term loan facilities as of September 30, 2015.March 31, 2016.   Although we do not anticipate any violations of our financial covenants, our ability to comply with these covenants areis dependent upon the success of our exploration and development program and upon factors beyond our control, such as the market prices for natural gas and oil.  If we are unable to borrow under our revolving credit facility, we may have to decrease our capital investment plans.

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At September  30, 2015, on a GAAP basis,March 31, 2016, our capital structure consisted of 51%81%  net debt and 49%19% equity  (exclusive of(including $1,597 million in cash and cash equivalents),  compared to 67% net debt and 33% equity (including  $15 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to 60% debt and 40% equity and $53 million in cash and cash equivalentsequivalents) at December 31, 2014. Equity at September  30, 2015 included an accumulated other comprehensive income gain of $31 million related to our hedging activities offset by a $23 million loss in pension and other postretirement liabilities. The amount recorded in equity for our hedging activities is based on current market values for our hedges at September  30, 2015 and does not necessarily reflect the value that we will receive or pay when the hedges are ultimately settled, nor does it take into account revenues to be received associated with the physical delivery of sales volumes hedged.2015.



Our hedgesderivative contracts allow us to ensure a certain level of cash flow to fund our operations.  At October  20, 2015,April 19, 2016, we had NYMEX commodity price hedgesderivatives in place on 60107 Bcf of our remaining targeted 20152016 natural gas production.  The amount of long-term debt we incur will be largely dependent upon commodity prices and our capital investment plans.



Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We may enter into off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that can give rise to material off-balance sheet obligations.  As of September  30, 2015,March 31, 2016, our material off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions include operating lease arrangements.  There are no other transactions, arrangements or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or availability of our capital resources.  For more information regarding off-balance sheet arrangements, we refer you to “Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments” in our 20142015 Annual Report.

Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities and Commitments



We have various contractual obligations in the normal course of our operations and financing activities.  Other than the firm transportation agreements discussed below, there have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from those disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report. 

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Contingent Liabilities and Commitments



In the first quarter of 2010, we were awarded exclusive licenses by the Province of New Brunswick in Canada to conduct an exploration program covering approximately 2.5 million acres in the province. The licenses require us to make certain capital investments in New Brunswick of approximately $47 million Canadian dollars in the aggregate over the license periods. In order to obtain the licenses, we provided promissory notes payable on demand to the Minister of Finance of the Province of New Brunswick with an aggregate principal amount of $45 million Canadian dollars. The promissory notes secure our capital expenditure obligations under the licenses and are returnable to us to the extent we perform such obligations. If we fail to fully perform, the Minister of Finance may retain a portion of the applicable promissory notes in an amount equal to any deficiency. We commenced our Canada exploration program in 2010 and, as of September  30, 2015, have invested $45 million Canadian dollars, or $44 million US dollars, in New Brunswick towards our commitment, fully covering the promissory notes held by the Province of New Brunswick. No liability has been recognized in connection with the promissory notes due to our investments in New Brunswick as of September  30, 2015 and our future investment plans. In December 2014, New Brunswick’s provincial government announced its intent to impose a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in the province, and, on March 27, 2015, the provincial legislature approved enabling legislation.  We have been granted an extension of our licenses. The provincial government has announced a list of conditions that must be met before the moratorium can be lifted, but because these conditions are subjective and the government has discretion whether to grant an extension, we cannot predict the duration of the moratorium or whether it will continue beyond the expiration of the licenses, as their terms have been, or in the future may be, extended. Unless and until the moratorium is lifted, we will not be able to continue with our program in New Brunswick. If the licenses expire before the moratorium is lifted or the Company can complete its program, the Company may be required to write off its investment.

As of September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, our contractual obligations for demand and similar charges under firm transportation and gathering agreements to guarantee access capacity on operational natural gas and liquids pipelines and gathering systems totaled approximately $8.8$8.6 billion, 36%$3.3 billion of which related to access capacity on future pipeline and gathering infrastructure projects that still require the granting of regulatory approvals andand/or additional construction efforts.  WeThis amount also hadincluded guarantee obligations of up to $605 million$861 million.  As of that amount.March 31, 2016, future payments under non-cancelable firm transportation and gathering agreements are as follows:



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Payments Due by Period



Total

 

Less than 1 Year

 

1 to 3 Years

 

3 to 5 Years

 

More than 5 Years



 

(in millions)

Infrastructure Currently in Service

$

5,305 

 

$

591 

 

$

1,164 

 

$

932 

 

$

2,618 

Infrastructure Pending Regulatory Approval and/or Construction (1)

 

3,311 

 

 

10 

 

 

200 

 

 

444 

 

 

2,657 

  Total Transportation and Gathering Charges

$

8,616 

 

$

601 

 

$

1,364 

 

$

1,376 

 

$

5,275 

(1)

Based on the estimated in-service dates as of March 31, 2016.



Substantially all of our employees are covered by defined benefit and postretirement benefit plans. For the ninethree months ended September  30, 2015,March 31, 2016, we have contributed $9 million to the pension plan and expect to contribute an additional $3 million to the pension planand postretirement benefit plans.  In January 2016, the Company initiated a reduction in 2015.  At September  30,workforce that was effectively completed by the end of the first quarter.  As a result of the workforce reduction, the Company continues to evaluate its pension and other postretirement benefit funding requirements and will disclose its funding plans once reasonably determined. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we recognized a liability of $48$50 million as a result of the underfunded status of our pension and other postretirement benefit plans compared to a liability of $44 million at December 31, 2014.plans.



We are subject to litigation, claims and proceedings (including with respect to environmental matters) that arise in the ordinary course of business.business, such as for alleged breaches of contract, miscalculation of royalties and pollution, contamination or nuisance.  Management believes individually or in aggregate,that such litigation, claims and proceedings, willindividually or in aggregate and after taking into account insurance, are not likely to have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, butflows.  Many of these matters are in early stages, so the allegations and the damage theories have not been fully developed, and are all subject to inherent uncertainties anduncertainties; therefore, management’s view may change in the future.  If an unfavorable final outcome were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the effect becomes reasonably estimable.    We accrue for such items when a liability is both probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.  For further information, we refer you to “Legal Proceedings” in Item 1 of Part II of this Quarterly Report.

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We are also subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment.  Environmental and cleanup related costs of a non-capital nature are accrued when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and when the amount can be reasonably estimated.  Management believes any future remediation or other compliance related costs will not have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.  



Working Capital



We maintain access to funds that may be needed to meet capital requirements through our revolving credit facility described in “Financial“Financing Requirements” above.  We had negativepositive working capital of $212$1,406 million at September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 and negative working capital of $4.3 billion$314 million at December 31, 2014.2015.  The positive working capital as of March 31, 2016 was primarily due to $1.55 billion of marketable securities borrowed on our revolving credit facility and paid back on April 1, 2016.  The negative working capital as of September  30,December 31, 2015 was primarily due to a decrease in derivative assets in 2015.  The negative working capital as of December 31, 2014 was primarily due to the outstanding balance on our bridge facility, which was repaid in full in January 2015.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.



Market risks relating to our operations result primarily from the volatility in commodity prices, basis differentials and interest rates, as well as credit risk concentrations.  We use natural gas fixed price swap agreements, fixed price options, basis swaps and interest rate swaps to reduce the volatility of earnings and cash flow due to fluctuations in the prices of natural gas and interest rates.  Our Board of Directors has approved risk management policies and procedures to utilize financial products for the reduction of defined commodity price risk.  Utilization of financial products for the reduction of interest rate risks is subject to the approval of our Board of Directors.  These policies prohibit speculation with derivatives and limit swap agreements to counterparties with appropriate credit standings.



Credit Risk



Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables and derivative contracts associated with commodities trading.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to the large number of our purchasers and their dispersion across geographic areas.  No single purchaser accounted for greater than 10% of revenues for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2015.March 31, 2016.  See “Commodities Risk” below for discussion of credit risk associated with commodities trading.



Interest Rate Risk



At September 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, we had approximately $3.9 billion of outstanding senior notes with a weighted average interest rate of 4.818%4.817%$280$750 million of term loan facility debt with a variable interest rate of 2.025%, $1,852 million of borrowings under our revolving credit facility with a weighted averagevariable interest rate of 1.664%4.154%, and $520 millionno outstanding throughbalance on our commercial paper program with an interest rateprogram.  The increase in borrowings on our revolving credit facility at March 31, 2016 related primarily to short-term borrowing of 1.266%.$1.55 billion on March 30, 2016 that was repaid on April 1, 2016.  We currently have an interest rate swap in effect to mitigate a portion of our exposure to volatility in interest rates.



Commodities Risk



We use over-the-counter natural gas and oil fixed price swap agreements and fixed price options to hedgeprotect sales of our production against the inherent risks of adverse price fluctuations or locational pricing differences between a published index and the NYMEX futures market.  These swaps and options include transactions in which one party will pay a fixed price (or variable price) for a notional quantity in exchange for receiving a variable price (or fixed price) based on a published index (referred to as price swaps) and transactions in which parties agree to pay a price based on two different indices (referred to as basis swaps).  For additional information on our derivatives and risk management, see Note 7 in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report.



The primary market risks relating to our derivative contracts are the volatility in market prices and basis differentials for natural gas and oil.gas.  However, the market price risk is offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the related sale or purchase of the natural gas that is hedged.financially protected.  Credit risk relates to the risk of loss as a result of non-performance by our counterparties.  The counterparties are primarily major commercial banks, investment banks and integrated energy companies that management believes present minimal credit risks.  The credit quality of each counterparty and the level of financial exposure we have to each counterparty are closely monitored to limit our credit risk exposure.  Additionally, we perform both quantitative and qualitative assessments of these counterparties based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable.  We have not incurred any counterparty losses related to non-performance and do not anticipate any losses given the information we have currently.  However, we cannot be certain that we will not experience such losses in the future.



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Exploration and Production

The following table provides information about our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in commodity prices and that are used to hedge prices for natural gas production. The table presents the notional amount in Bcf, the weighted average contract prices and the fair value by expected maturity dates. At September 30, 2015, the net fair value of our financial instruments related to natural gas production was a $108 million asset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Volume (Bcf)

 

Weighted Average Fixed Price Swaps ($/MMBtu)

 

Weighted Average Ceiling Price ($/MMBtu)

 

Weighted Average Basis Differential ($/MMBtu)

 

Fair value at September 30, 2015

($ in millions)

Natural Gas (Bcf):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed Price Swaps:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

60 

 

$

4.40 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

109 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basis Swaps:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

0.14 

 

$

2016

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

 

$

0.72 

 

$

(2)

Fixed Price Call Options:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015

50 

 

–  

 

$

5.09 

 

$

–  

 

$

–  

2016

120 

 

$

–  

 

$

5.00 

 

$

–  

 

$

(1)

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.



Disclosure Controls and Procedures



We have performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our 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.  Our disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that we have designed to ensure that we record, process, accumulate and communicate information to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures and submission within the time periods 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 level of reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  Based on the evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 at a reasonable assurance level.



Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting



There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2015March 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



In December 2014, we completed the acquisition of certain oil and gas assets from Chesapeake Energy Corporation in West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania (“Chesapeake Property Acquisition”). Management continues to integrate the Chesapeake Property Acquisitions’ internal controls over financial reporting with our internal controls over financial reporting. This integration may lead to changes in our controls in future fiscal periods, but management does not expect these changes to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. Management will complete the integration process during 2015.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION



ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. 

Refer to “Litigation” and “Environmental Risk” in Note 1011 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report for a discussion of the Company’s legal proceedings.



ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS. 



There were no additions or material changes to our risk factors as disclosed in Item 1A of Part I in the Company’s 20142015 Annual Report.



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



Not applicable.



ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.



Not applicable.



ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.



Our sand mining operations in support of our E&P business are subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Information concerning mine safety violations or other regulatory matters required by Section 1503(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 104 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.106) is included in Exhibit 95.1 to this Quarterly Report.



ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.



Not applicable.

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Table of Contents

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.





 

(10.1)

Southwestern Energy Company 2013 Incentive Plan Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement.

(10.2)

Retirement Agreement dated January 11, 2016 between Southwestern Energy Company and Steven L. Mueller.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (Commission File No. 1-08246) for the year ended December 31, 2015)

(31.1)

Certification of CEO filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(31.2)

Certification of CFO filed pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(32.1)

Certification of CEO furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(32.2)

Certification of CFO furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(95.1)

Mine Safety Disclosure.

(101.INS)

Interactive Data File Instance Document.

(101.SCH)

Interactive Data File Schema Document.

(101.CAL)

Interactive Data File Calculation Linkbase Document.

(101.LAB)

Interactive Data File Label Linkbase Document.

(101.PRE)

Interactive Data File Presentation Linkbase Document.

(101.DEF)

Interactive Data File Definition Linkbase Document.



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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.





 

 

SOUTHWESTERN ENERGY COMPANY



 

 

Registrant







 

 

 

Dated:

October 22, 2015April 21, 2016

 

/s/ R. CRAIG OWEN



 

 

R. Craig Owen



 

 

Senior Vice President



 

 

and Chief Financial Officer



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