UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

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

(Mark One)

ü
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2003

March 31, 2004

OR

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

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

Commission fileFile No. 0-16741

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


NEVADA
94-1667468
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
94-1667468
(I.R.S. Employer
(Identification Number)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500, Frisco, Texas 75034
(Address of principal executive offices)

Telephone No.:(972) 668-8800


     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes |X|     üNo  |  |


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes |X|     üNo  |  |


     The number of shares outstanding of the registrant'sregistrant’s common stock, par value $.50, as of November 10, 2003May 7, 2004 was 33,669,561.34,678,862.










COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT

For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2003

March 31, 2004

INDEX



PART I.  Financial Information   Page
 
 Item 1.Page
  
            Consolidated Balance Sheets -  
                  September 30, 20032003  4 
Three Months ended March 31, 2004 and Nine Months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002  5 
                  Nine— Three Months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004  6 
                  Nine— Three Months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003 and 2002  7 
  8 
  1613 
and Results of Operations  1714 
17
18
   20 
      Item 4. Controls and Procedures21
PART II.  Other Information
  2219 
Second Supplemental Indenture
Amendment No. 2 to 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement
Awareness Letter of Ernst & Young LLP
Section 302 Certification of CEO
Section 302 Certification of CFO
Section 906 Certification of CEO
Section 906 Certification of CFO

2


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)










3


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

September 30,
2003

December 31,
2002

(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents  $5,772 $1,682 
Accounts Receivable:  
     Oil and gas sales   37,645  30,135 
     Joint interest operations   4,480  5,407 
Other Current Assets   2,465  2,678 


                Total current assets   50,362  39,902 
Property and Equipment:  
     Unevaluated oil and gas properties   17,834  14,880 
     Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method   1,017,917  961,562 
     Other   3,705  2,570 
     Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization   (355,632) (314,804)


               Net property and equipment   683,824  664,208 
Derivatives   --  3 
Other Assets   6,329  6,940 


   $740,515 $711,053 


                          LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt  $1,012 $270 
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses   53,441  49,470 
Derivatives   34  57 


               Total current liabilities   54,487  49,797 
Long-Term Debt, less current portion   311,002  366,002 
Deferred Taxes Payable   79,430  52,577 
Reserve for Future Abandonment Costs   15,493  16,677 
Convertible Preferred Stock   --  17,573 
Stockholders' Equity:  
     Common stock--$0.50 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized,  
     �� 33,667,561 and 28,919,561 shares outstanding at  
       September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively   16,834  14,460 
     Additional paid-in capital   155,159  133,828 
     Retained earnings   109,380  61,663 
     Deferred compensation-restricted stock grants   (1,248) (1,487)
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (22) (37)


               Total stockholders' equity   280,103  208,427 


   $740,515 $711,053 



(Unaudited)
         
  March 31, December 31,
  2004
 2003
  (In thousands)
ASSETS
        
Cash and Cash Equivalents $2,463  $5,343 
Accounts Receivable:        
Oil and gas sales  26,825   36,468 
Joint interest operations  10,023   9,524 
Other Current Assets  3,932   4,802 
   
 
   
 
 
Total current assets  43,243   56,137 
Property and Equipment:        
Unevaluated oil and gas properties  19,358   18,075 
Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method  1,086,948   1,052,564 
Other  4,031   4,047 
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization  (391,551)  (376,000)
   
 
   
 
 
Net property and equipment  718,786   698,686 
Other Assets  8,011   6,133 
   
 
   
 
 
  $770,040  $760,956 
   
 
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
        
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt $233  $623 
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses  38,033   63,874 
   
 
   
 
 
Total current liabilities  38,266   64,497 
Long-Term Debt, less current portion  339,300   306,000 
Deferred Taxes Payable  78,823   81,629 
Reserve for Future Abandonment Costs  19,652   19,174 
Stockholders’ Equity:        
Common stock—$0.50 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 34,678,862 and 34,308,861 shares outstanding at March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively  17,339   17,154 
Additional paid-in capital  161,603   166,242 
Retained earnings  115,057   115,032 
Deferred compensation-restricted stock grants     (8,772)
   
 
   
 
 
Total stockholders’ equity  293,998   289,656 
   
 
   
 
 
  $770,040  $760,956 
   
 
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

4


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
2003
2002
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Oil and gas sales  $56,866 $35,550 $182,603 $100,044 
Operating expenses:  
    Oil and gas operating   11,812  7,944  33,708  24,526 
    Exploration   1,225  411  3,366  3,392 
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization   15,163  12,866  44,867  39,791 
    General and administrative, net   1,508  935  4,983  2,942 




         Total operating expenses   29,708  22,156  86,924  70,651 




Income from operations   27,158  13,394  95,679  29,393 
Other income (expenses):  
    Interest income   16  72  59  90 
    Interest expense   (7,370) (8,205) (22,648) (23,307)
    Loss from derivatives   --  (126) (3) (2,294)
    Other income   73  56  167  237 




    (7,281) (8,203) (22,425) (25,274)




Income from continuing operations  
    before income taxes   19,877  5,191  73,254  4,119 
Provision for income taxes   (6,957) (1,817) (25,639) (1,442)




Net income from continuing operations   12,920  3,374  47,615  2,677 




Discontinued operations including loss on  
    disposal, net of income taxes   --  57  --  (1,072)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   --  --  675  -- 




Net income   12,920  3,431  48,290  1,605 
Preferred stock dividends   --  (404) (573) (1,199)




Net income attributable to common stock  $12,920 $3,027 $47,717 $406 




Basic net income per share:  
         From continuing operations  $0.38 $0.10 $1.50 $0.05 
         Discontinued operations   --  --  --  (0.04)
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   --  --  0.02  -- 




   $0.38 $0.10 $1.52 $0.01 




Diluted net income per share:  
         From continuing operations  $0.36 $0.10 $1.36  0.05 
         Discontinued operations   --  --  --  (0.04)
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   --  --  0.02  -- 




   $0.36 $0.10 $1.38  0.01 




Weighted average common and common stock  
    equivalent shares outstanding:  
         Basic   33,562  28,835  31,336  28,731 




         Diluted   35,398  33,755  34,964  29,433 




         
  Three Months Ended
  March 31,
  2004
 2003
  (In thousands, except
  per share amounts)
Oil and gas sales $60,761  $68,576 
Operating expenses:        
Oil and gas operating  12,650   11,365 
Exploration  3,382   1,636 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization  15,809   14,887 
General and administrative, net  3,090   1,528 
   
 
   
 
 
Total operating expenses  34,931   29,416 
   
 
   
 
 
Income from operations  25,830   39,160 
Other income (expenses):        
Other income  39   47 
Interest income  16   20 
Interest expense  (6,265)  (7,608)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt  (19,581)   
   
 
   
 
 
Total other expenses  (25,791)  (7,541)
   
 
   
 
 
Income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle  39   31,619 
Provision for income taxes  (14)  (11,067)
   
 
   
 
 
Income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle  25   20,552 
   
 
   
 
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes     675 
   
 
   
 
 
Net income  25   21,227 
Preferred stock dividends     (395)
   
 
   
 
 
Net income attributable to common stock $25  $20,832 
   
 
   
 
 
Net income per share before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle:        
Basic $0.00  $0.70 
   
 
   
 
 
Diluted $0.00  $0.60 
   
 
   
 
 
Net income per share:        
Basic $0.00  $0.72 
   
 
   
 
 
Diluted $0.00  $0.62 
   
 
   
 
 
Weighted average common and common stock equivalent shares outstanding:        
Basic  33,843   28,923 
   
 
   
 
 
Diluted  35,570   34,475 
   
 
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

5


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the NineThree Months Ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004
(Unaudited)

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Deferred
Compensation-
Restricted
Stock Grants

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Total
(In thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2002 $14,460 $133,828 $61,663 $(1,487)$(37)$208,427 
   Restricted stock grants   --  --  --  239  --  239
   Value of warrants issued for  
      exploration prospects, net of taxes   --  3,253  --  --  --  3,253 
   Exercise of stock options   177  2,702  --  --  --  2,879 
   Conversion of preferred stock   2,197  15,376  --  --  --  17,573 
   Preferred stock dividends   --  --  (573) --  --  (573)
   Comprehensive income:  
      Net income   --  --  48,290  --  --  48,290 
      Unrealized hedge income   --  --  --  --  15  15 

      Comprehensive income   --  --  --  --  --  48,305 






Balance at September 30, 2003  $16,834 $155,159 $109,380 $(1,248)$(22)$280,103 






                     
              Deferred  
      Additional     Compensation—  
  Common Paid-In Retained Restricted  
  Stock
 Capital
 Earnings
 Stock Grants
 Total
          (In thousands)        
Balance at December 31, 2003 $17,154  $166,242  $115,032  $(8,772) $289,656 
Adoption of SFAS 123     (8,772)     8,772    
Stock based compensation     1,222         1,222 
Exercise of stock options  185   2,911         3,096 
Net income        25      25 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Balance at March 31, 2004 $17,339  $161,603  $115,057  $  $293,999 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

6


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
   Net income  $48,290 $1,605 
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net  
     cash provided by operating activities:  
      Compensation paid in common stock   239  178 
      Dry hole costs   2,248  3,392 
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization   44,867  39,791 
      Debt issuance costs amortization   900  920 
      Deferred income taxes   25,639  1,442 
      Unrealized gains from derivatives   --  (189)
      Non-cash effect of discontinued operations, net   --  1,395 
      Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   (675) -- 


    121,508  48,534 


      Increase in accounts receivable   (6,583) (563)
      Decrease in other current assets   213  5,099 
      Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses   3,971  1,147 


                  Net cash provided by operating activities   119,109  54,217 


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
      Proceeds from sales of properties   --  3,478 
      Capital expenditures and acquisitions   (62,159) (57,784)


                  Net cash used for operating activities   (62,159) (54,306)


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
      Borrowings   16,401  20,736 
      Proceeds from issuance of senior notes   --  75,000 
      Debt issuance costs   --  (2,262)
      Proceeds from issuance of common stock   1,971  992 
      Principal payments on debt   (70,659) (95,726)
      Dividends paid on preferred stock   (573) (1,199)


      Net cash used for financing activities   (52,860) (2,459)


                  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   4,090  (2,548)
                  Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period   1,682  6,122 


                  Cash and cash equivalents, end of period  $5,772 $3,574 


  
         
  Three Months Ended
  March 31,
  2004
 2003
  (In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net income $25  $21,227 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:        
Dry hole costs  2,554   1,028 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization  15,809   14,887 
Stock based compensation  1,222   60 
Unrealized gains from derivatives     3 
Debt issuance costs amortization  277   300 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt  19,581    
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income taxes     (675)
Deferred income taxes  (1,986)  11,067 
   
 
   
 
 
   37,482   47,897 
   
 
   
 
 
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable  9,144   (20,009)
(Increase) decrease in other current assets  870   (2,218)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses  (27,095)  6,630 
   
 
   
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities  20,401   32,300 
   
 
   
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
Capital expenditures and acquisitions  (37,985)  (16,455)
   
 
   
 
 
Net cash used for operating activities  (37,985)  (16,455)
   
 
   
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
Borrowings  148,000   8,000 
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes  175,000    
Debt issuance costs  (5,881)   
Principal payments on debt  (304,691)  (23,205)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  2,276   296 
Dividends paid on preferred stock     (395)
   
 
   
 
 
Net cash used for financing activities  14,704   (15,304)
   
 
   
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  (2,880)  541 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period  5,343   1,682 
   
 
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $2,463  $2,223 
   
 
   
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

7


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2003

March 31, 2004
(Unaudited)

(1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

-

Basis of Presentation

     In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Comstock Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Comstock”) as of September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and the related results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 and cash flows for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002.2003.

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted accounting principlesin the United States have been omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although Comstock believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Comstock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.2003.

     The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 are not necessarily an indication of the results expectedforexpected for the full year.

      Reclassifications

      Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements to conform to the current presentation.

Supplementary Information With Respect to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

         
  For the Three Months
  Ended March 31,
  2004
 2003
  (In thousands)
Cash Payments -        
Interest payments $8,016  $1,307 
Income tax payments $2,700  $ 
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities -        
Value of warrants issued under exploration agreement $  $1,251 

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

2003
2002
(In thousands)
Cash Payments -      
            Interest payments  $15,815 $15,192 
            Income tax payments   --  -- 
 
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities -  
            Value of warrants issued  
                        under exploration agreement  $5,004 $836 

Income Taxes

     Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect the future tax consequences or benefits of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements using enacted tax rates.

8


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

Earnings Per Share

     Basic earnings per share is determined without the effect of any outstanding potentially dilutive stock options or other convertible securities and diluted earnings per share is determined with the effect of outstanding stock options and other convertible securities that are potentially dilutive. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and nine months ended September 30, 2003, and 2002 were determined as follows:

                         
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2004
 2003
          Per         Per
  Income
 Shares
 Share
 Income
 Shares
 Share
      (In thousands, except per share amounts)    
Basic Earnings Per Share:
                        
Net Income Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle $25   33,843      $20,552   28,923     
Less Preferred Stock Dividends            (395)       
   
 
   
 
       
 
   
 
     
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle  25   33,843  $0.00   20,157   28,923  $0.70 
       
 
           
 
     
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, net of Income Taxes     33,843      675   28,923   0.02 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $25   33,843  $0.00  $20,832   28,923  $0.72 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                        
Net Income Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle $25   33,843      $20,552   28,923     
Effect of Dilutive Securities:                        
Stock, Grants and Options     1,727          1,159     
Convertible Preferred Stock               4,393     
   
 
   
 
       
 
   
 
     
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders With Assumed Conversions Before Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle  25   35,570  $0.00   20,552   34,475  $0.60 
       
 
           
 
     
Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle, net of Income Taxes     35,570      675   34,475   0.02 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders $25   35,570  $0.00  $21,227   34,475  $0.62 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Three Months Ended September 30,
2003
2002
Income
(loss)

Shares
Per
Share

Income
(loss)

Shares
Per
Share

(In thousands except per share data)
Basic Earnings Per Share:              
  Income from Continuing Operations  $12,920  33,562  $3,374  28,835  
   Less Preferred Stock Dividends   --  --    (404) --   




  Net Income from Continuing Operations  
     Available to Common Stockholders   12,920  33,562 $0.38  2,970  28,835 $0.10 


  Income from Discontinued Operations   --  33,562  --  57  28,835  -- 






  Net Income Available to Common  
   Stockholders  $12,920  33,562 $0.38 $3,027  28,835 $0.10 






Diluted Earnings Per Share:  
  Income from Continuing Operations  $12,920  33,562  $3,374  28,835  
  Effect of Dilutive Securities:  
   Stock Options   --  1,836    --  527 
   Convertible Preferred Stock   --  --   -- 4,393




  Net Income from Continuing Operations  
     Available to Common Stockholders  
      With Assumed Conversions   12,920  35,398 $0.36  3,374  33,755 $0.10 


  Income from Discontinued Operations   --  35,398  --  57  33,755  -- 






Net Income Available to Common  
     Stockholders  $12,920  35,398 $0.36 $3,431  33,755 $0.10 






9


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2003
2002
Income
(loss)

Shares
Per
Share

Income
(loss)

Shares
Per
Share

(In thousands except per share data)
Basic Earnings Per Share:              
  Income from Continuing Operations  $47,615  31,336  $2,677  28,731  
   Less Preferred Stock Dividends   (573) --    (1,199) --   




  Net Income from Continuing Operations  
     Available to Common Stockholders   47,042  31,336 $1.50  1,478  28,731 $0.05 


  Loss from Discontinued Operations   --  31,336  --  (1,072) 28,731  (0.04)


Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle  67531,336$0.02--28,731--






  Net Income Available to Common  
   Stockholders  $47,717  31,336 $1.52 $406  28,731 $0.01 






Diluted Earnings Per Share:  
  Income from Continuing Operations  $47,615  31,336  $2,677  28,731  
  Effect of Dilutive Securities:  
   Stock Options   --  1,531    --  702 
   Convertible Preferred Stock   --  2,097   (1,199) --




  Net Income from Continuing Operations  
     Available to Common Stockholders  
      With Assumed Conversions   47,615  34,964 $1.36  1,478  29,433 $0.05 


Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle67534,9640.02(1,072)29,433(0.04)






Net Income Available to Common  
     Stockholders  $48,290  34,964 $1.38 $406  29,433 $0.01 






      Stock Options(Continued)

     Stock Based Compensation

     Prior to January 1, 2004, Comstock appliesaccounted for employee stock based compensation using the intrinsic value-basedvalue method of accounting prescribed byin Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,”Employees” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations, in accounting. Under the intrinsic method, compensation cost for its incentive plan stock options. As such, compensation expense would be recorded onoptions is measured as the excess, if any, of the fair value of the Company’s common stock at the date of the grant only ifover the current market priceamount an employee must pay to acquire the common stock. Effective January 1, 2004, the Company changed its method of accounting for employee stock based compensation to the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price.preferable fair value based method prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,”Stock Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) established accounting. Under the fair value based method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and disclosure requirements using a fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans. As allowed by SFAS 123, Comstock has elected to continue to applyis recognized over the intrinsic value-based method of accounting described above, and has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123.

10


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

      The following table illustrates the effect on net income if the fair-value-based method had been applied to all outstanding stock options in eachaward vesting period. The fair value of each option grantaward is estimated onas of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes optionoptions pricing model. Under the modified prospective transition method selected by Comstock as described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure,” stock based compensation expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2004, is the same as that which would have been recognized had the fair value method of SFAS 123 been applied from its original effective date. During the three months ended March 31, 2004, the Company recorded $1.2 million in stock based compensation expense in general and administrative expenses.

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

2003
2002
2003
2002
(In thousands)
Net income, as reported  $12,920 $3,027 $47,717 $406 
Add stock-based employee compensation expense  
            included in reported net income, net of tax   78  39  155  116 
Deduct total stock-based employee compensation  
            expense determined under fair-value-based  
            method for all rewards, net of tax   (463) (211) (1,360) (818)




                        Pro forma net income (loss)  $12,535 $2,855 $46,512 $(296)




Basic earnings per share: As Reported  $0.38 $0.10 $1.52 $0.01 
            Pro Forma  $0.37 $0.10 $1.48 $(0.01)
Diluted earnings per share: As Reported  $0.36 $0.10 $1.38 $0.01 
            Pro Forma  $0.35 $0.10 $1.35 $(0.01)

     In accordance with the modified prospective transition method, results for years prior to 2004 have not been restated. For the three months ended March 31, 2003, the Company accounted for stock based compensation for employees under APB 25 and related interpretations, under which no compensation cost was recognized for employee stock options. If compensation costs had been determined in accordance with SFAS 123, the Company’s net income and net earnings per share would approximate the following pro forma amounts:

     
  For the Three
  Months Ended
  March 31, 2003
  (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income, as reported $20,832 
Add stock based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of income taxes  39 
Deduct total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair-value-based method for all rewards, net of income taxes  (447)
   
 
 
Pro forma net income $20,424 
   
 
 
Basic earnings per share:    
As Reported $0.72 
   
 
 
Pro forma $0.71 
   
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:    
As Reported $0.62 
   
 
 
Pro forma $0.60 
   
 
 

10


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

     Comstock periodically uses swaps, floors and collars to hedge oil and natural gas prices.prices and interest rates. Swaps are settled monthly based on differences between the prices specified in the instruments and the settlement prices of futures contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange.contracts. Generally, when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, Comstock receives a settlement from the counterpartycounter party based on the difference multiplied by the volume or amounts hedged. Similarly, when the applicable settlement price exceeds the price specified in the contract, Comstock pays the counterpartycounter party based on the difference. Comstock generally receives a settlement from the counterpartycounter party for floors when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, which is based on the difference multiplied by the volumes amounts hedged. For collars, generally Comstock receives a settlement from the counterpartycounter party when the settlement price is below the floor and pays a settlement to the counterpartycounter party when the settlement price exceeds the cap. No settlement occurs when the settlement price falls between the floor and cap.

     The following table sets out theComstock had no derivative financial instrumentinstruments outstanding at September 30, 2003 which is held for naturalas of March 31, 2004 and had none of its oil and gas price risk management:

Period Beginning
Period Ending
Volume
(MMBtu)

Type
of Instrument

Floor
Price

     October 1, 2003               December 31, 2003               562,500                    Floor                    $2.00          

11


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

      Comstock periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the impact of interest rate changes on itsproduction or floating rate long-term debt. As a result of certain hedging transaction for interest rates, Comstock has realizeddebt hedged during the following losses which were included in interest expense:three months ended March 31, 2004.

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
(In thousands)
Realized Losses  $72 $218 

      As of September 30, 2003,     Comstock had an interest rate swap agreement covering $25.0 million of its floating rate debtdate in place during the three months ended March 31, 2003 which fixed the LIBOR rate at 1.7%resulted in a realized loss of $14,000 which was included in interest expense for the period January 2003 through Decemberthree months ended March 31, 2003. Comstock has designated this position as a hedge. The change in fair value of this instrument resulted in unrealized after tax income of $15,000, which was recognized in other comprehensive income.

      New Accounting Standards

     In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issuedAsset Retirement Obligations

     Comstock adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, (“SFAS 143”) “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which Comstock adopted effectiveObligations” (“SFAS 143”), on January 1, 2003. This statement requiresrequired Comstock to record a liability in the period in which an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) is incurred, in an amount equal to the discounted estimated fair value of the obligation. Also, upon initial recognition of the liability, Comstock capitalized additional asset cost equal to the amount of the liability.obligation that is capitalized. Thereafter, each quarter, this liability is accreted up to the final retirement cost.

The adoption of SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003 resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment to record (i) a $3.7 million decrease in the carrying value of oil and gas properties, (ii) a $3.3 million decrease in accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization, and (iii) a $1.5 million decrease in reserve for future abandonment, and (iv) a gain of $0.7 million,$675,000, net of tax,income taxes, which was reflected as athe cumulative effect of a change in accounting change. The following table shows pro forma net income and basic and diluted earnings per share as if Comstock had adopted SFAS 143 as of January 1, 2002:principle.

Three Months
Ended
September 30,

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,

2002
2002
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
As Reported:        
   Net income attributable to common stock  $3,027 $406 
   Basic net income per common share  $0.10 $0.01 
   Diluted net income per common share  $0.10 $0.01 
Pro Forma:  
   Net income attributable to common stock  $2,991 $1,311 
   Basic net income per common share  $0.10 $0.05 
   Diluted net income per common share  $0.10 $0.04 

12


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

     Comstock’s primary asset retirement obligations relate to future plugging and abandonment expenses on its oil and gas properties and related facilities disposal. As of September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, Comstock had $1.5$1.6 million held in an escrow account from which funds are released only for reimbursement of plugging and abandonment expenses on certain offshore oil and gas properties. This amount is included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes the changes in Comstock’s total estimated liability fromduring the amount recorded upon adoption of SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003:

(In thousands)
Future abandonment liability on January 1, 2003  $15,201 
   Accretion expense   558 
   Reduction in liability   (266)

Future abandonment liability on September 30, 2003  $15,493 

      In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”). This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards that are effective for exit or disposal activities beginning after Decemberthree months ended March 31, 2002 which require that a liability be recognized for an exit or disposal activity when that liability is incurred. The adoption of SFAS 146 had no effect on Comstock’s financial statements.2004:

         
  For the Three Months
  Ended March 31,
  2004
 2003
  (In thousands)
Future abandonment liability — beginning of period $19,174  $16,677 
Cumulative effect adjustment     (1,476)
Accretion expense  231   184 
New wells placed on production  247   51 
   
 
   
 
 
Future abandonment liability — end of period $19,652  $15,436 
   
 
   
 
 

      In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” This Statement amends No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are included in the notes to these consolidated financial statements.11

      In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirement for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the obligations it has undertaken in issuing a guarantee. This liability would be recorded at the inception of a guarantee and would be measured at fair value. Certain guarantees are excluded from the measurement and disclosure provisions while certain other guarantees are excluded from the measurement provisions of the interpretation. The adoption of the statement on January 1, 2003 had no effect on Comstock’s financial statements.


      In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 requires an entity to consolidate a variable interest entity if it is designated as the primary beneficiary of that entity even if the entity does not have a majority of voting interests. A variable interest entity is generally defined as an entity whose equity is unable to finance its activities or where the owners of the entity lack the risk and rewards of ownership. The provisions of FIN 46 apply at inception for any entity created after January 31, 2003. For an entity created before February 1, 2003, the provisions of this interpretation must be applied at the beginning of the first interim or annual period beginning after September 15, 2003. Comstock is not the primary beneficiary of any variable interest entities, and accordingly, the adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to have a material effect on the Comtock’s financial statements when adopted.

13


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

      Comstock has been made aware of an issue that has arisen in the industry regarding the application of certain provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141”) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (“SFAS 142”) to companies in the extractive industries, including oil and gas exploration and production companies. The issue is whether the provisions of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142 require companies to classify costs associated with mineral rights, including both proved and unproved lease acquisition costs, as intangible assets on the balance sheet, apart from other capitalized oil and gas property costs. Historically, Comstock has included oil and gas lease acquisition costs as a component of oil and gas properties. Also under consideration is whether SFAS 142 requires companies to provide additional disclosures prescribed by SFAS 142 for intangible assets for costs associated with mineral rights. In the event it is determined that costs associated with mineral rights are required to be classified as intangible assets, a substantial portion of Comstock’s capitalized oil and gas property costs would be separately classified on our balance sheet as intangible assets. The reclassification of these amounts would not affect the method in which such costs are amortized or the manner in which Comstock assesses impairment of capitalized costs. As a result net income would not be affected by the reclassification if it were to occur.(Continued)

(2)    LONG-TERM DEBT —
(2)LONG-TERM DEBT —

     As of September 30, 2003,At March 31, 2004, Comstock’s long-term debt was comprised of the following:

     
  (In thousands)
Revolving Bank Credit Facility $142,000 
6 7/8% Senior Notes due 2012  175,000 
11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007  22,300 
Other  233 
   
 
 
   339,533 
Less current portion  (233)
   
 
 
  $339,300 
   
 
 

(In thousands)
Revolving Bank Credit Facility  $91,000 
11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007   220,000 
Other   1,014 

    312,014 
Less current portion   (1,012)

   $311,002 

     Comstock’sComstock had $220.0 million in principal amount of 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 (the “1999 Notes”) outstanding on January 1, 2004. Pursuant to a tender offer, on February 25, 2004 Comstock repurchased $197.7 million in principal amount of the 1999 Notes for $212.2 million plus accrued interest. On May 1, 2004, the Company redeemed the remaining $22.3 million in principal amount of the 1999 Notes outstanding for $23.6 million plus accrued interest. The early extinguishment of the 1999 Notes resulted in a loss of $19.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2004 which was comprised of the premium paid for repurchase of the 1999 Notes together with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the 1999 Notes.

     In connection with the repurchase of the 1999 Notes, Comstock sold $175.0 million of its senior notes in an underwritten public offering. The new senior notes are due March 1, 2012 and bear interest at 6 7/8%, which is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 2004. The notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and are currently guaranteed by all of its subsidiaries.

     On February 25, 2004, Comstock also entered into a new $400.0 million bank credit facility consistswith Bank of Montreal, as the administrative agent. The new credit facility is a $350.0 million three-yearfour-year revolving credit commitment providedthat matures on February 25, 2008. Borrowings under the new credit facility are limited to a borrowing base that was set at $300.0 million upon the retirement of the 1999 Notes. Borrowings under the new credit facility were used to refinance amounts outstanding under the prior bank credit facility and to fund the repurchase of the 1999 Notes.

     Indebtedness under the new credit facility is secured by a syndicatesubstantially all of banks for which Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. serves as administrative agent.Comstock’s and its subsidiaries’ assets and is guaranteed by all of the subsidiaries. The new credit facility is subject to borrowing base availability, which iswill be redetermined semiannually based on the banks’ estimates of the future net cash flows of Comstock’sthe Company’s oil and natural gas properties. The borrowing base may be affected by the performance of Comstock’s properties and changes in oil and natural gas prices. The determination of the borrowing base is at September 30, 2003 was $260.0 million. The revolvingthe sole discretion of the administrative agent and the bank group. Borrowings under the new credit line bearsfacility bear interest, based on the utilization of the borrowing base, at theComstock’s option of Comstock at either (i)(1) LIBOR plus 1.5%1.25% to 2.375%1.75% or (ii)(2) the base rate (which is the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate) plus 0.5%0% to 1.375%0.5%. A commitment fee of 0.375% is payable on the unused borrowing base. The facility matures on January 2, 2005. Indebtedness under the bank credit facility is secured by substantially all of Comstock’s assets. The banknew credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the payment of cash dividends, limit the amount of consolidated debt that Comstock may incur and limit Comstock’sthe Company’s ability to make certain loans and investments. FinancialThe only financial covenants includeare the maintenance of a current ratio maintenance of tangible net worth and maintenance of an interest coverage ratio. Comstocka minimum tangible net worth. The Company was in compliance with all thethese covenants during the three months ended September 30, 2003.as of March 31, 2004.

      Comstock issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 11¼% Senior Notes due in 2007 (the “Notes”) on April 29, 1999. Interest on the Notes is payable semiannually on May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 1999. The Notes are unsecured obligations of Comstock. Comstock repurchased $5.0 million of the Notes in July 2001. The Notes can be redeemed beginning on May 1, 2004. On March 7, 2002, Comstock closed on a private placement of an additional $75.0 million of the Notes at a net price of 97.25% after placements agents’ discount. As a result of this transaction, $220.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes are outstanding. The net proceeds of the $75.0 million Notes placement were used to reduce amounts outstanding under the bank credit facility.12

14


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

(3)DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

      In April and July 2002, Comstock sold certain marginal oil and gas properties for cash proceeds of $3.5 million plus forgiveness of certain accounts payable related to the properties. The properties sold include various interests in nonoperated properties in Nueces, Hardeman, Montague and Wharton counties in Texas. The results of operations of these sold properties, including the losses on disposal, have been presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

(4)CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

      On December 31, 2002, Comstock had 1,757,310 shares of convertible preferred stock (the “Series 1999 Preferred Stock”) outstanding. The Series 1999 Preferred Stock accrued dividends at an annual rate of 9% which were payable quarterly in cash or Comstock had the option to issue shares of common stock. Each share of the Series 1999 Preferred Stock was convertible, at the option of the holder, into 2.5 shares of common stock. In April and June of 2003, the holders of the Series 1999 Preferred Stock converted their preferred shares into 4,393,275 shares of common stock. This conversion reduced Comstock’s annual preferred stock dividend requirement by $1.6 million and increased common stockholders’ equity by $17.6 million.

15


INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS’ REVIEW REPORT

To the Board of Directors of Comstock Resources, Inc:

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet, statement of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flow statement of Comstock Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries (a Nevada corporation) (the Company) as of September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods then ended and stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the nine-month period then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. The interim consolidated balance sheetfinancial statements of Comstock Resources, Inc. for the year ended Decemberand subsidiaries as of March 31, 2002, was audited by other accountants whose report (dated March 19, 2003) stated that the balance sheet was presented fairly, in all material respects, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The related consolidated statements of operations of Comstock Resources, Inc.2003, and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002, and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine monthsperiod then ended were reviewed by other accountants whose report (dated NovemberMay 7, 2002)2003) stated that they were unawarenot aware of any material modifications that should be made to those statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

We have conducted our reviewreviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which will be performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements at September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, and for the three-month and nine-month periodsperiod then ended for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

                                                                                   /s/As discussed in Note 1 to the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements, on January 1, 2004, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure.”

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Dallas, Texas
May 5, 2004

Dallas, Texas
November 5, 200313

16



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

     This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements due to many factors.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report and in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.2003.

Results of Operations

     The following table reflects certain summary operating data for the periods presented:

         
  Three Months Ended
  March 31,
  2004
 2003
Net Production Data:
        
Oil (Mbbls)  396   415 
Natural gas (MMcf)  8,322   8,346 
Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)  10,696   10,838 
Average Sales Price:
        
Oil (per Bbl) $34.69  $33.75 
Natural gas (per Mcf)  5.65   6.54 
Average equivalent price (per Mcfe)  5.68   6.33 
Expenses ($  per Mcfe):
        
Oil and gas operating(1) $1.18  $1.05 
General and administrative  0.29   0.14 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(2)  1.45   1.35 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
2003
2002
Net Production Data:          
  Oil (Mbbls)   377  296  1,174  972 
  Natural gas (MMcf)   9,080  8,297  25,912  25,053 
  Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)   11,343  10,071  32,954  30,884 
Average Sales Price:  
  Oil (per Bbl)  $29.50 $27.30 $30.79 $24.16 
  Natural gas (per Mcf)   5.04  3.31  5.65  3.06 
  Average equivalent price (per Mcfe)   5.01  3.53  5.54  3.24 
Expenses ($ per Mcfe):  
  Oil and gas operating(1)  $1.04 $0.79 $1.02 $0.79 
  General and administrative   0.13  0.09  0.15  0.10 
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization(2)   1.33  1.26  1.35  1.28 
Cash Margin ($ per Mcfe)(3)  $3.84 $2.65 $4.37 $2.35 
__________


(1)(1)Includes lease operating costs and production and ad valorem taxes.
 
(2)Represents depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and gas properties only.
(3)Represents average equivalent price per Mcfe less oil and gas operating expenses per Mcfe and general and administrative expenses per Mcfe. Cash margin per Mcfe is presented because management believes it to be useful to investors in analyzing our operations.

Revenues -

     Our oil and gas sales increased $21.3decreased $7.8 million (60%(11%) in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004 to $60.8 million, from $68.6 million in the first quarter of 2003, due primarily to $56.9 million, from $35.6 million in 2002‘s third quarter due to higherlower natural gas and crude oil prices and increaseda slight decrease in our oil and gas production. Our average realized natural gas price increaseddecreased by 52%14% and our average realized crude oil price increased by 8%3% in the thirdfirst quarter of 20032004 as compared to 2002.2003. Our production in the thirdfirst quarter of 2003 increased2004 decreased by 13% over production in the third quarter of 2002. For the nine months of 2003, our oil and gas sales increased $82.6 million (83%) to $182.6 million from $100.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase is primarily attributable to higher realized natural gas prices, which increased by 85% in 2003, and higher realized crude oil prices, which increased by 27% in 2003. In the first nine months of 2003, production on an equivalent basis, increased by 7%1% from production in the same period in 2002.first quarter of 2003.

17


Costs and Expenses-

     Our oil and gas operating expenses, including production taxes, increased $3.9$1.3 million (49%(11%) to $11.8$12.7 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20032004 from $7.9$11.4 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2002.2003. Oil and gas operating expenses per equivalent Mcf produced increased $0.25 (32%$0.13 (12%) to $1.04$1.18 in the thirdfirst quarter of 20032004 from $0.79$1.05 in the thirdfirst quarter of 2002.2003. The increase in operating expenses is primarily related to the 13% increase in production and higher production and ad valorem taxes resulting from the significantly higher oil and gas prices in 2003. Oil and gasadditional fixed operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased $9.2 million (37%)relating to $33.7 million from $24.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Oil and gas operating expenses per equivalent Mcf produced increased $0.23 to $1.02 for nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $0.79 for the same periodour Ship Shoal 113 Unit in 2002. The increase is also primarily due to the 7% higher production and the increased production and ad valorem taxes resulting from of the significantly higher oil and gas priceswhich we acquired an additional working interest in late 2003.

14


     In the thirdfirst quarter of 2003,2004, we had a $1.2$3.4 million in exploration expense as compared to a $0.4$1.6 million in 2002‘s third quarter.the first quarter of 2003. The provision in the thirdfirst quarter of 20032004 primarily relates to twothree exploratory dry holes drilled in South Texasthe first quarter, as well as costs related to acquisition of seismic data. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we had exploration expense totaling $3.4 million as compared to $3.4 million in the same period in 2002. The 2003 provision primarily relates to four exploratory dry holes and expenditures relating to the acquisition of seismic data in 2003.

     Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) increased $2.3$0.9 million (18%(6%) to $15.2$15.8 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2004 from $14.9 million in the first quarter of 2003 from $12.9 million in the third quarter of 2002 due to the 13% increase in our production and a 6%an increase in our average amortizationDD&A rate. Our DD&A per equivalent Mcf produced increased by $0.07$0.10 to $ 1.33 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $1.26$1.45 for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, DD&A increased $5.1 million (13%) to $44.9 millionMarch 31, 2004 from $39.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase is due to the 7% increase in our production and our higher average amortization rate. DD&A per equivalent Mcf increased by $0.07 to $1.35 for the nine monthsquarter ended September 30, 2003 from $1.28 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002.March 31, 2003.

     General and administrative expenses, which are reported net of overhead reimbursements, increased by $1.6 million to $3.1 million for the first quarter of 2004 as compared to general and administrative expenses of $1.5 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 2003 were 61% higher than general and administrative expenses of $0.9 million for2003. The increase was primarily related to the thirdstock based compensation expense that we recorded in the first quarter of 2002. For the first nine months2004 of 2003, general and administrative expenses increased to $5.0$1.2 million resulting from $2.9 millionour adoption of a fair value-based method of accounting for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increases are due primarily to the opening of an offshore operations office in Houston, Texas as well as an increase in personnel costs in 2003.employee stock based compensation including employee stock options on January 1, 2004.

     Interest expense decreased $0.8$1.3 million (10%(18%) to $7.4$6.3 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 20032004 from $8.2$7.6 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2002.2003. The decrease is due to a reduction in the average borrowings outstanding under our credit facility of $103.9$110.6 million during the thirdfirst quarter of 20032004 as compared to $163.3$149.3 million outstanding during the thirdfirst quarter of 2002.2003. The average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility also decreased to 2.9%2.6% in the thirdfirst quarter of 20032004 as compared to 3.6%3.2% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2002. Interest expense2003.

     We reported a net income of $25,000 for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003 decreased $0.7 million (3%) to $22.6 million from $23.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease is attributable to a decrease in interest related to our bank credit facility which was partially offset by the issuance of the additional 11¼% Senior Notes in March 2002. Our average outstanding borrowings under the bank credit facility decreased to $128.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 200331, 2004, as compared to $176.5 million in the same period in 2002. The average interest rate under the bank credit facilty also decreased to 3.1% in the first nine months of 2003 as compared to 3.8% in the first nine months of 2002.

      We reported net income of $12.9$21.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003, as compared toMarch 31, 2003. The net income of $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. Net income per share for the thirdfirst quarter of 20032004 was $0.36$0.00 on weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 35.435.6 million as compared to $0.10$0.62 for the thirdfirst quarter of 20022003 on weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 33.834.6 million. NetThe first quarter 2004 results include a charge of $19.6 million ($12.5 million after income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $47.7 million, as compared to net income of $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Net income per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $1.38 as compared to net income of $0.01 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

18


      Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 included $0.7 million in income ($0.02taxes or 35¢ per share) relatedrelating to the cumulative effectearly retirement of a change in our accounting for future abandonment cost for our oil and gas properties.11¼% Senior Notes due 2007.

     In 2002, we sold certain marginal oil and gas properties. The operating results of these properties in 2002 including the loss on disposal of $1.1 million ($0.04 per share) have been reflected as discontinued operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

     The information included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20022003 is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no material changes to our accounting policies during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 with the exception of theour adoption of SFAS 143a fair value-based method of accounting for stock based compensation including employee stock options as discussed in Note 1 to the accompanying financial statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     Funding for our activities has historically been provided by our operating cash flow, debt or equity financings or asset dispositions. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, our net cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $119.1$20.4 million and we had total borrowingsreceived proceeds of $16.4 million.$175.0 million from a public offering of eight-year senior notes and borrowed $148.0 million under a new four-year bank credit facility.

     Our primary needs for capital, in addition to funding our ongoing operations, relate to the acquisition, development and exploration of our oil and gas properties and the repayment of our debt. In the first nine monthsquarter of 2003,2004, we incurred capital expenditures of $62.2$38.0 million primarily for our development and exploration activities and we made principal paymentsretired $304.7 million of $70.7 million to reduce our outstandinglong-term debt.

15


     The following table summarizes our capital expenditure activity for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 and 2002:2003:

         
  Three Months Ended
  March 31,
  2004
 2003
  (In thousands)
Acquisitions $715  $ 
Leasehold costs  1,418   1,209 
Development drilling  21,010   2,917 
Exploratory drilling  7,852   10,723 
Offshore production facilities  2,148   147 
Workovers and recompilations  4,828   1,275 
Other  14   184 
   
 
   
 
 
  $37,985  $16,455 
   
 
   
 
 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
(In thousands)
Acquisitions  $684 $1,758 
Leasehold costs   4,140  7,238 
Development drilling   15,097  16,040 
Exploratory drilling   29,399  22,838 
Offshore production facilities   3,258  3,560 
Workovers and recompletions   7,977  6,222 
Other  $1,604  128 


   $62,159 $57,784 


     The timing of most of our capital expenditures is discretionary because we have no material long-term capital expenditure commitments. Consequently, we have a significant degree of flexibility to adjust the level of our capital expenditures as circumstances warrant. We spent $60.6$37.3 million and $57.7$16.3 million on development and exploration activities in the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2004 and 2003, and 2002, respectively. We have budgeted approximately $100.0$110.0 million for development and exploration projects in 2003.2004. We expect to use internally generated cash flow to fund our development and exploration activity.

19


     We do not have a specific acquisition budget for 20032004 since the timing and size of acquisitions are not predictable. We intend to use borrowings under our bank credit facility, or other debt or equity financings to the extent available, to finance significant acquisitions. The availability and attractiveness of these sources of financing will depend upon a number of factors, some of which will relate to our financial condition and performance and some of which will be beyond our control, such as prevailing interest rates, oil and natural gas prices and other market conditions.

     We had $220.0 million in principal amount of our 11¼% Senior Notes due 2007 (the “1999 Notes”) outstanding on January 1, 2004. Pursuant to a tender offer, on February 25, 2004 we repurchased $197.7 million in principal amount of the 1999 Notes for $212.2 million plus accrued interest. On December 17, 2001,May 1, 2004, we redeemed the remaining $22.3 million in principal amount of the 1999 Notes outstanding for $23.6 million plus accrued interest. The early extinguishment of the 1999 Notes resulted in a loss of $19.6 million in the first quarter which was comprised of the premium paid for repurchase the of 1999 Notes together with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the 1999 Notes.

     In connection with the repurchase of the 1999 Notes, we sold $175.0 million of senior notes in an underwritten public offering. The new senior notes are due March 1, 2012 and bear interest at 6 7/8%, which is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1, commencing September 1, 2004. The notes are unsecured obligations and are currently guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries.

     On February 25, 2004, we also entered into a new three year $350.0$400.0 million revolvingbank credit facility with Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc.Bank of Montreal, as the administrative agent. The new credit facility is a four-year revolving credit commitment that matures on February 25, 2008. Borrowings under the new credit facility are limited to a borrowing base that was set at $300.0 million upon the retirement of the 1999 Notes. Borrowings under the new credit facility were used to refinance amounts outstanding under our prior bank credit facility and to fund the repurchase of the 1999 Notes.

     Indebtedness under the new bank credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets.and our subsidiaries’ assets and is guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries. The revolvingnew credit linefacility is subject to borrowing base availability,

16


which will be redetermined semiannually based on the banks’ estimates of the future net cash flows of our oil and natural gas properties. The current borrowing base is $260.0 million. The borrowing base may be affected by the performance of our properties and changes in oil and natural gas prices. The determination of the borrowing base is at the sole discretion of the administrative agent and the bank group. The revolvingBorrowings under the new credit line bearsfacility bear interest, based on the utilization of the borrowing base, at our option at either (i)(1) LIBOR plus 1.5%1.25% to 2.375%1.75% or (ii)(2) the base rate (which is the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate) plus 0.5%0% to 1.375%0.5%. A commitment fee of 0.375% is payable on the unused borrowing base. The banknew credit facility matures on January 2, 2005 and contains covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to paythe payment of cash dividends, limit the amount of our consolidated debt that we may incur and limit our ability to make certain loans and investments. FinancialThe only financial covenants includeare the maintenance of a current ratio maintenance of tangible net worth and maintenance of an interest coverage ratio.

      Ona minimum tangible net worth. We were in compliance with these covenants as of March 7, 2002, we closed the sale in a private placement of an additional $75.0 million of our 11¼% Senior Notes due 2007 (the “Notes”) at a net price of 97.25% after the placements agents’ discount. As a result of this transaction, $220.0 million of aggregate principal amount of the Notes are outstanding. The net proceeds of the $75.0 million placement were used to reduce amounts outstanding under our bank credit facility.

      In April and June 2003, our holders of the Series 1999 Preferred Stock converted their preferred shares into 4,393,275 shares of our common stock. This conversion reduced our annual preferred stock dividend requirement by $1.6 million and increased our common stockholders’ equity by $17.6 million.31, 2004.

     We believe that our cash flow from operations and our available borrowings under the newour bank credit facility will be sufficient to fund our operations and future growth as contemplated under our current business plan. However, if our plans or assumptions change or if our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, we may be required to seek additional capital. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to obtain such capital, or if such capital is available, that we will be able to obtain it on terms acceptable to us.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISKS

Oil and Natural Gas Prices

     Our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources are highly dependent upon the prevailing market prices of oil and natural gas. These commodity prices are subject to wide fluctuations and market uncertainties due to a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Factors influencing oil and natural gas prices include the level of global demand for crude oil, the foreign supply of oil and natural gas, the establishment of and compliance with production quotas by oil exporting countries, weather conditions that determine the demand for natural gas, the price and availability of alternative fuels and overall economic conditions. It is impossible to predict future oil and natural gas prices with any degree of certainty. Sustained weakness in oil and natural gas prices may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, and may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas reserves that we can produce economically. Any reduction in our oil and natural gas reserves, including reductions due to price fluctuations, can have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain capital for our exploration and development activities. Similarly, any improvements in oil and natural gas prices can have a favorable impact on our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources. Based on our oil and natural gas production in the ninethree months ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, a $1.00 change in the price per barrel of oil would have resulted in a change in our cash flow for such period by approximately $1.1$0.4 million and a $1.00 change in the price per Mcf of natural gas would have changed our cash flow by approximately $25.0$8.0 million.

20


     We periodically use hedging transactions with respect to a portion of our oil and natural gas production to mitigate our exposure to price changes. While the use of these hedging arrangements limits the downside risk of price declines, such use may also limit any benefits that may be derived from price increases. We use swaps, floors and collars to hedge oil and natural gas prices. Swaps are settled monthly based on differences between the prices specified in the instruments and the settlement prices of futures contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Generally, when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, we receive a settlement from the counterpartycounter party based on the difference multiplied by the volume hedged. Similarly, when the applicable settlement price exceeds the price specified in the contract, we pay the counterpartycounter party based on the difference. We generally receive a settlement from the counterpartycounter party for floors when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, which is based on the difference multiplied by the volumes hedged. For collars, we generally receive a

17


settlement from the counterpartycounter party when the settlement price is below the floor and pay a settlement to the counterpartycounter party when the settlement price exceeds the cap. No settlement occurs when the settlement price falls between the floor and cap. None of our oil and gas production was hedged in the period ended March 31, 2004 or 2003.

     The following table sets out the derivative financial instrument outstanding at September 30, 2003 which is held for natural gas price risk management:

Period Beginning
Period Ending
Volume
(MMBtu)

Type
of Instrument

Floor
Price

     October 1, 2003               December 31, 2003               562,500                    Floor                    $2.00          

Interest Rates

     At September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, we had long-term debt of $311.0$339.3 million. Of this amount, $220.0$175.0 million bears interest at a fixed rate of 6 7/8% and $22.3 million carried an interest rate of 11¼%. We had $91.0$142.0 million outstanding under our revolving bank credit facility, which is subject to floating market rates of interest. Borrowings under the bank credit facility bear interest at a fluctuating rate that is linked to LIBOR or the corporate base rate, at our option. Any increases in these interest rates can have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flow. In December 2002, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge the impact of interest rate changes on $25.0 million of our floating rate debt beginning on January 2003 and expiring in December 2003. As a result of this interest rate swap, we realized a loss of $72,000 in the first nine months of 2003. The fair value of this interest rate derivative financial instrument was a liability of $34,000 at September 30, 2003.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     As of September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2003March 31, 2004 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by itus under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

     There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2003,March 31, 2004, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

2118


PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a.Exhibits
4.1*Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 11, 2004 between Comstock, the Guarantors and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., Trustee for the 6 7/8% Notes due 2012.
 a.Exhibits
10.1*#Amendment No. 2 dated April 7, 2004 to the Comstock Resources, Inc. 1999 Long- term Incentive Plan.
10.2*Amendment No. 1 dated March 31, 2004 to the Credit Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2004, by and among Comstock, as borrower, each lender from time to time party thereto, Bank of Montreal, as administrative agent and issuing bank.
15.1*Awareness Letter of Ernst & Young LLP.
 
31.1*Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
 
31.2*Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
 
32.1*Certification for the Chief Executive Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2*Certification for the Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


*_______________
* Filed herewith















 
#Management contract or compensatory plan document.

b.Reports on Form 8-K

                     Form 8-K Reports filed subsequent to June 30, 2003 are as follows:

Date
Item
Description
 August 7,Form 8-K Reports filed subsequent to December 31, 2003 are as follows:
 5 (12)  Earnings release for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.
 
Date
November 5, 2003Item
Description
January 28, 2004 12 Earnings releaseOil and gas reserves for the quarterfiscal year ended September 30,December 31, 2003.
November 7, 2003February 5, 2004 12 Amendment No. 1 to the November 5, 2003 Form 8-K - Earnings
releaseDrilling results for the quarterfiscal year ended September 30, 2003.
December 31, 2003 and capital expenditure budget for 2004.
February 17, 2004 12Financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2003.
February 24, 20045Tender offer for 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007 and sale of 6 7/8% Senior Notes due 2012.
May 4, 20045Repurchase of remaining 11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007.
May 4, 200412Financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2004.







19


SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
 
DateMay 7, 2004/s/M. JAY ALLISON


 
DateNovember 10, 2003M. Jay Allison, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer (Principle(Principal Executive Officer)
 
DateMay 7, 2004/s/ROLAND O. BURNS


 
DateNovember 10, 2003Roland O,O. Burns
, Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

2220