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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018

or

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

For the transition period from __________ to _________

Commission File Number 001-37419
logo123114a09.jpg
PDC ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware95-2636730
(State of incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado 80203
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 860-5800

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  x
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  o
 
Emerging growth company  o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 65,872,79066,065,856 shares of the Company's Common Stock ($0.01 par value) were outstanding as of OctoberApril 20, 2017.2018.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page
    
Item 1.Financial Statements  
  
  
  
  
  
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
    
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
    
Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
Item 5. 
Item 6. 
    
  




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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act"), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act"), and the United States ("U.S.") Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in and incorporated by reference into this report are "forward-looking statements." Words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates,expect, anticipate, intend, plan, believe, seek, estimate, and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements herein. Forward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements regarding the closing of pending transactions and the effects of such transactions, including the fact that the pending acquisition of certain properties owned by Bayswater Exploration & Production, LLC and certain related parties and the pending acreage exchanges are subject to continuing diligence between the parties and may not occur within the expected timeframe or we may not successfully close such transactions; the potential sale of our Utica Shale properties and the timing of such sale; the level of non-operated well activity following the pending acreage exchanges; future reserves,future: production, costs, and cash flows, and earnings;flows; drilling locations and zones and growth opportunities; commodity prices and differentials; capital investmentsexpenditures and projects, including expected lateral lengths of wells, drill times andthe number of rigs employed; potential future impairments;employed and the finalizationnumber of a consent decree resolving pending litigation; ratescompletion crews; renegotiation of return; operational enhancements and efficiencies;our credit facility; management of lease expiration issues; financial ratios; certain accounting and tax change impacts; midstream capacity and related curtailmentscurtailments; our ability to meet our volume commitments to midstream providers; ongoing compliance with our consent decree; and the estimated in-service datetiming and adequacy of the facilities being constructed byinfrastructure projects of our midstream providers.

The above statements are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements herein. Although forward-looking statements contained in this report reflect our good faith judgment, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to us. Forward-looking statements are always subject to risks and uncertainties, and become subject to greater levels of risk and uncertainty as they address matters further into the future. Throughout this report or accompanying materials, we may use the term “projection” or similar terms or expressions, or indicate that we have “modeled” certain future scenarios. We typically use these terms to indicate our current thoughts on possible outcomes relating to our business or our industry in periods beyond the current fiscal year. Because such statements relate to events or conditions further in the future, they are subject to increased levels of uncertainty.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

changes in worldwide production volumes and demand, including economic conditions that might impact demand and prices for the products we produce;
volatility of commodity prices for crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids ("NGLs") and the risk of an extended period of depressed prices;
volatility and widening of differentials;
reductions in the borrowing base under our revolving credit facility;
impact of governmental policies and/or regulations, including changes in environmental and other laws, the interpretation and enforcement of those laws and regulations, liabilities arising thereunder, and the costs to comply with those laws and regulations;
declines in the value of our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs properties resulting in impairments;
changes in estimates of proved reserves;
inaccuracy of reserve estimates and expected production rates;
potential for production decline rates from our wells being greater than expected;
timing and extent of our success in discovering, acquiring, developing, and producing reserves;
availability of sufficient pipeline, gathering, and other transportation facilities and related infrastructure to process and transport our production and the impact of these facilities and regional capacity on the prices we receive for our production;
timing and receipt of necessary regulatory permits;
risks incidental to the drilling and operation of crude oil and natural gas wells;
losses from our gas marketing business exceeding our expectations;
difficulties in integrating our operations as a result of any significant acquisitions including our pending acquisitions and acreage exchanges in the Wattenberg Field;exchanges;
increases or changes in operating costs, severance and ad valorem taxes, and increases or changes in drilling, completion, and facilities costs;expenses;
availability of supplies, materials, contractors, and services that may delay the drilling or completion of our wells;
potential losses of acreage due to lease expirations or otherwise;
increases or adverse changes in construction costs and procurement costs associated with future build out of midstream-related assets;


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future cash flows, liquidity, and financial condition;
competition within the oil and gas industry;
availability and cost of capital;
our success in marketing crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs;
effect of crude oil and natural gas derivatives activities;


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impact of environmental events, governmental and other third-party responses to such events, and our ability to insure adequately against such events;
cost of pending or future litigation, including recent environmental litigation;
effect that acquisitions we may pursue have on our capital requirements;
our ability to retain or attract senior management and key technical employees; and
success of strategic plans, expectations, and objectives for our future operations.
 
Further, we urge you to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and disclosures, specifically those under the heading "Risk Factors," made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162017 (the "2016"2017 Form 10-K"), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 28, 2017,27, 2018 and amended on May 1, 2018, and our other filings with the SEC for further information on risks and uncertainties that could affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, which are incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein. We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance occurring after the date of this report or currently unknown facts or conditions or the occurrence of unanticipated events. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

REFERENCES

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to "PDC Energy," "PDC," "the Company," "we," "us," "our," or "ours" refer to the registrant, PDC Energy, Inc. and all subsidiaries consolidated for the purposes of its financial statements, including our proportionate share of the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and operating activities of our affiliated partnerships.


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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share data)
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $136,429
 $244,100
 $45,923
 $180,675
Accounts receivable, net 167,276
 143,392
 181,025
 197,598
Fair value of derivatives 22,916
 8,791
 28,610
 14,338
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 8,081
 3,542
 8,897
 8,613
Total current assets 334,702
 399,825
 264,455
 401,224
Properties and equipment, net 3,882,700
 4,002,994
 4,231,257
 3,933,467
Assets held-for-sale, net 41,484
 5,272
 1,647
 40,084
Fair value of derivatives 4,605
 2,386
Goodwill 
 62,041
Other assets 43,796
 13,324
 24,798
 45,116
Total Assets $4,307,287
 $4,485,842
 $4,522,157
 $4,419,891
        
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $164,080
 $66,322
 $195,703
 $150,067
Production tax liability 36,954
 24,767
 36,650
 37,654
Fair value of derivatives 25,987
 53,595
 110,683
 79,302
Funds held for distribution 94,387
 71,339
 97,611
 95,811
Accrued interest payable 18,929
 15,930
 13,760
 11,815
Other accrued expenses 33,451
 38,625
 33,777
 42,987
Total current liabilities 373,788
 270,578
 488,184
 417,636
Long-term debt 1,051,571
 1,043,954
 1,154,528
 1,151,932
Deferred income taxes 326,472
 400,867
 187,183
 191,992
Asset retirement obligations 78,188
 82,612
 73,905
 71,006
Fair value of derivatives 7,261
 27,595
 26,426
 22,343
Other liabilities 43,405
 37,482
 94,557
 57,333
Total liabilities 1,880,685
 1,863,088
 2,024,783
 1,912,242
        
Commitments and contingent liabilities 
 
 
 
        
Stockholders' equity        
Common shares - par value $0.01 per share, 150,000,000 authorized, 65,928,295 and 65,704,568 issued as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 659
 657
Common shares - par value $0.01 per share, 150,000,000 authorized, 65,999,010 and 65,955,080 issued as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 660
 659
Additional paid-in capital 2,500,532
 2,489,557
 2,504,663
 2,503,294
Retained earnings (deficit) (70,933) 134,208
 (6,435) 6,704
Treasury shares - at cost, 62,772 and 28,763
as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
 (3,656) (1,668)
Treasury shares - at cost, 29,255 and 55,927
as of March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
 (1,514) (3,008)
Total stockholders' equity 2,426,602
 2,622,754
 2,497,374
 2,507,649
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,307,287
 $4,485,842
 $4,522,157
 $4,419,891


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PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017
Revenues            
Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales $232,733
 $141,805
 $636,027
 $328,013
 $305,225
 $189,692
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net of settlements (52,178) 19,397
 86,458
 (62,348)
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (47,240) 80,704
Other income 2,680
 2,688
 9,615
 9,153
 2,615
 3,311
Total revenues 183,235
 163,890
 732,100
 274,818
 260,600
 273,707
Costs, expenses and other            
Lease operating expenses 25,353
 14,001
 65,170
 43,006
 29,636
 19,789
Production taxes 15,516
 9,568
 42,957
 19,682
 20,169
 12,399
Transportation, gathering and processing expenses 9,794
 5,048
 22,184
 13,554
Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses 7,313
 5,902
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 2,646
 954
Impairment of properties and equipment 33,188
 2,193
General and administrative expense 29,299
 32,510
 85,145
 78,868
 35,696
 26,315
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 41,908
 241
 43,895
 688
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 125,238
 112,927
 360,567
 317,329
Impairment of properties and equipment 252,740
 933
 282,499
 6,104
Impairment of goodwill 75,121
 
 75,121
 
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 126,788
 109,316
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 1,472
 1,777
 4,906
 5,400
 1,288
 1,768
Gain on sale of properties and equipment (62) (219) (754) (43)
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable 
 (700) (40,203) 44,038
(Gain) loss on sale of properties and equipment 1,432
 (160)
Other expenses 2,947
 3,092
 10,365
 7,795
 2,768
 3,528
Total costs, expenses and other 579,326
 179,178
 951,852
 536,421
 260,924
 182,004
Loss from operations (396,091) (15,288) (219,752) (261,603)
Income (loss) from operations (324) 91,703
Interest expense (19,275) (20,193) (58,359) (42,759) (17,529) (19,467)
Interest income 479
 140
 1,487
 1,875
 148
 240
Loss before income taxes (414,887) (35,341) (276,624) (302,487)
Income tax benefit 122,350
 12,032
 71,483
 112,198
Net loss $(292,537) $(23,309) $(205,141) $(190,289)
Income (loss) before income taxes (17,705) 72,476
Income tax (expense) benefit 4,566
 (26,330)
Net income (loss) $(13,139) $46,146
            
Earnings per share:            
Basic $(4.44) $(0.48) $(3.12) $(4.16) $(0.20) $0.70
Diluted $(4.44) $(0.48) $(3.12) $(4.16) $(0.20) $0.70
            
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:            
Basic 65,865
 48,839
 65,825
 45,741
 65,957
 65,749
Diluted 65,865
 48,839
 65,825
 45,741
 65,957
 66,117
            


 
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited; in thousands)
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net loss $(205,141) $(190,289)
Adjustments to net loss to reconcile to net cash from operating activities:    
Net income (loss) $(13,139) $46,146
Adjustments to net income (loss) to reconcile to net cash from operating activities:    
Net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives (64,307) 230,177
 21,202
 (80,153)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 360,567
 317,329
 126,788
 109,316
Impairment of properties and equipment 282,499
 6,104
 33,188
 2,193
Impairment of goodwill 75,121
 
Exploratory dry hole costs 41,187
 
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable (40,203) 44,038
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 4,906
 5,400
 1,288
 1,768
Non-cash stock-based compensation 14,587
 15,205
 5,261
 4,454
Gain on sale of properties and equipment (754) (43)
(Gain) loss on sale of properties and equipment 1,432
 (160)
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs 9,628
 12,951
 3,246
 3,184
Deferred income taxes (71,529) (114,136) (4,809) 26,280
Other 986
 (526) 515
 722
Changes in assets and liabilities 3,855
 34,621
 30,177
 25,750
Net cash from operating activities 411,402
 360,831
 205,149
 139,500
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures for development of crude oil and natural gas properties (528,850) (352,213) (196,917) (129,826)
Capital expenditures for other properties and equipment (3,740) (1,509) (1,066) (821)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments and deposit for pending acquisition (14,482) (100,000)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments (180,825) 6,181
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 3,322
 4,945
 20
 737
Sale of promissory note 40,203
 
Proceeds from divestiture 39,023
 
Restricted cash (9,250) 
 1,249
 
Sale of short-term investments 49,890
 
Purchase of short-term investments (49,890) 
 
 (49,890)
Net cash from investing activities (512,797) (448,777) (338,516) (173,619)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from issuance of equity, net of issuance cost 
 855,072
Proceeds from senior notes 
 392,250
Proceeds from convertible senior notes 
 193,979
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 
 85,000
 35,000
 
Repayment of revolving credit facility 
 (122,000) (35,000) 
Redemption of convertible notes 
 (115,000)
Purchase of treasury shares (5,325) (5,106)
Purchase of treasury stock (2,255) (2,017)
Other (951) 593
 (379) (340)
Net cash from financing activities (6,276) 1,284,788
 (2,634) (2,357)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (107,671) 1,196,842
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 244,100
 850
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $136,429
 $1,197,692
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (136,001) (36,476)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 189,925
 244,100
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $53,924
 $207,624
        
Supplemental cash flow information:        
Cash payments (receipts) for:        
Interest, net of capitalized interest $45,719
 $19,499
 $12,343
 $13,224
Income taxes (2,623) 167
 193
 (39)
Non-cash investing and financing activities:        
Change in accounts payable related to purchases of properties and equipment $89,974
 $(31,497)
Change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures $51,093
 $69,604
Change in asset retirement obligations, with a corresponding change to crude oil and natural gas properties, net of disposals 3,357
 1,137
 5,354
 1,233
Purchase of properties and equipment under capital leases 3,363
 1,231
 348
 1,190
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Equity
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)

Common Stock   Treasury Stock    Common Stock   Treasury Stock    
Shares Amount Additional Paid-in Capital Shares Amount Retained Earnings (Deficit) Total Stockholders' EquityShares Amount Additional Paid-in Capital Shares Amount Retained Earnings (Deficit) Total Stockholders' Equity
                          
Balance, December 31, 201665,704,568
 $657
 $2,489,557
 (28,763) $(1,668) $134,208
 $2,622,754
Balance, December 31, 201765,955,080
 $659
 $2,503,294
 (55,927) $(3,008) $6,704
 $2,507,649
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 (205,141) (205,141)
 
 
 
 
 (13,139) (13,139)
Purchase of treasury shares
 
 
 (80,572) (5,325) 
 (5,325)
 
 
 (41,357) (2,255) 
 (2,255)
Issuance of treasury shares(49,446) 
 (3,513) 49,446
 3,513
 
 

 
 (3,891) 70,603
 3,891
 
 
Non-employee directors' deferred compensation plan
 
 
 (2,883) (176) 
 (176)
 
 
 (2,574) (142) 
 (142)
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures273,173
 2
 (2) 
 
 
 
43,930
 1
 (1) 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
 
 14,587
 
 
 
 14,587

 
 5,261
 
 
 
 5,261
Other
 
 (97) 
 
 
 (97)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, September 30, 201765,928,295
 $659
 $2,500,532
 (62,772) $(3,656) $(70,933) $2,426,602
Balance, March 31, 201865,999,010
 $660
 $2,504,663
 (29,255) $(1,514) $(6,435) $2,497,374


PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

PDC Energy, Inc. ("PDC", the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") is a domestic independent exploration and production company that produces,acquires, explores, and develops and exploresproperties for the production of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs, with primary operations in the Wattenberg Field in Colorado and beginning in December 2016, the Delaware Basin in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas. We also have operations in the Utica Shale in Southeastern Ohio. During the third quarter of 2017, as part of plans to divest the Utica Shale properties, we engaged an investment banking group and began actively marketing the properties for sale; therefore, these properties are classified as held-for-sale as they met the criteria for such classification during the third quarter of 2017. Texas. Our operations in the Wattenberg Field are focused in the horizontal Niobrara and Codell plays and our Delaware Basin operations are currently focused in the Wolfcamp zones. We previously operated properties in the Utica Shale in Southeastern Ohio; however, we divested these properties during the three months ended March 31, 2018. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we owned an interest in approximately 2,9003,000 gross productive wells. We are engaged in two operating segments: our oil and gas exploration and production segment and our gas marketing segment. Beginning in 2017, ourOur gas marketing segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds to require disclosure as a separate reportable segment. All of our material operations are attributable to our exploration and production business; therefore, all of our operations are presented as a single segment for all periods presented.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PDC, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and our proportionate share of our two affiliated partnerships. Pursuant to the proportionate consolidation method, our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include our pro rata share of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses of the entities which we proportionately consolidate. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In our opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of our financial statements for interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the SEC. Accordingly, pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain notes and other financial information included in audited financial statements have been condensed or omitted. The December 31, 20162017 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The information presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 20162017 Form 10-K. Our results of operations and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period.

Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to our prior period balance sheet and statement of operations to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassifications had no impact on previously reported cash flows, net earnings, earnings per share or stockholders' equity.

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Recently Adopted Accounting Standard

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting update to simplify the measurement of goodwill. The update eliminates the two-step process that required identification of potential impairment and a separate measure of actual impairment. The annual and/or interim assessments are still required to be completed. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt this standard in the second quarter of 2017. Our annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment was expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2017; however, we experienced an impairment triggering event as of September 30, 2017 and implemented the new guidance as part of the impairment evaluation. See the footnote titled Goodwill for a detailed description of the results of our impairment testing.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the International Accounting Standards Board issued their converged standard on revenue recognition that provides a single, comprehensive model that entities will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The standard has been updated and now includes technical corrections. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard outlines a five-step approach to apply the underlying principle: (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations, and (5) recognize revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied. The revenue standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period; we are adoptingWe adopted the standard effective January 1, 2018. The revenue standard can be adopted under the full retrospective method or modified retrospective method. In order to evaluate the impact that the adoption of the revenue standard will havehad on our consolidated financial statements, we are performingperformed a comprehensive review of our significant revenue streams. The focus of this review includes,included, among other things, the identification of the significant contracts and other arrangements we have with our customers to identify performance obligations and principal versus agent considerations, and factors affecting the determination of the transaction price. We are also reviewingreviewed our current accounting policies, procedures, and controls with respect to these contracts and arrangements to determine what changes, if any, maywould be required by the adoption of the revenue standard. We have determined that we willwould adopt the standard under the modified retrospective method. We have not made a complete determination regardingUpon adoption, no adjustment to our opening balance of retained earnings was deemed necessary.

In November 2016, the impactFASB issued an accounting update on statements of cash flows to address diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash. The accounting update requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption will have on our consolidated financial statements as of the timepermitted. The adoption of this filing.standard impacted our condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, which sum to the total of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows:
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands)
    
Cash and cash equivalents$45,923
 $180,675
Restricted cash8,001
 9,250
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows$53,924
 $189,925
Restricted cash is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. We did not have any cash classified as restricted cash at March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update aimed at increasing the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about related leasing arrangements. The standard has been updated and now includes amendments. For leases with terms of more than 12 months, the accounting update requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for its right to use the underlying asset and the corresponding lease obligation. Both the lease asset and liability will initially be measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Subsequent measurement, including the presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend upon the classification of the lease as either a finance or operating lease. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied as of the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The update does not apply to leases of mineral rights to explore for or use crude oil and natural gas. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016,2017, the FASB issued an accounting update on statementsto provide guidance for various components of cash flows to address diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classifiedhedge accounting, including hedge ineffectiveness, the expansion of types of permissible hedging strategies, reduced complexity in the statementapplication of cash flows. The update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objectivelong-haul method for fair value hedges and reduced complexity in assessment of reducing the existing diversity in practice.effectiveness. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017,2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update on statements of cash flows to address diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash. The accounting update requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting update clarifying the definition of a business, with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. This guidance is to be applied using a prospective method and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued an accounting update clarifying when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.



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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 3 - BUSINESS COMBINATION

Delaware Basin Acquisition. On December 6, 2016,In January 2018, we closed on anthe acquisition which was accountedof properties from Bayswater Exploration and Production LLC (the "Bayswater Acquisition") for as a business combination. The acquisition consisted of the purchase of stock of an entity and assets of other entities under common control. The transaction was for the purchase of approximately 57,900 net acres, approximately 30 completed and producing wells and related midstream infrastructure in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas, for an aggregate consideration to the sellers of approximately $1.64 billion, after preliminary post-closing adjustments. The total consideration to sellers was comprised of approximately $946.0$201.8 million in cash, including the payment of $40.0$21.0 million of debt of the sellers at closing and other purchase price adjustments, and 9.4 million shares of our common stock valued at approximately $690.7 million at the time the acquisition closed. The purchase accounting for the entity of which we acquired the stock reflected oil and gas assets that did not receive fair value step-up of the tax basis. As a result, a significant deferred income tax liability was calculated based on the acquired allocated fair value of the assetsdeposited into an escrow account in excess of the tax basis of assets inside the entity. This calculation resulted in approximately $375.0 million of non-cash basis needingSeptember 2017, subject to be allocated to the acquired assets. No deferred tax liability was established for the calculated goodwill as the goodwill did not qualify as tax goodwill.

The final fair value allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are presented below and includecertain customary post-closing adjustments. The most significant item to be completed during the final purchase price allocation$21.0 million deposit was included in the third quarter ofother assets on our December 31, 2017 was the final allocation of value to the unproved oilcondensed consolidated balance sheet. We acquired approximately 7,400 net acres, approximately 220 gross drilling locations, and gas properties associated with the acquired acreage. Adjustments to the preliminary purchase price primarily stem from additional information we obtained about facts and circumstances24 operated horizontal wells that existedwere either drilled uncompleted wells ("DUCs") or in-process wells at the acquisition date that impact the underlying valuetime of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including detailed lease terms, location of the acreage, and intent to develop the acreage as of the date of closing. There were a significant number of leases acquired with complex lease terms and evaluation of these terms and the timing of the lease expirations impacted the manner in which the final purchase price was allocated. Our final determination of the value of goodwill has been adjusted for all post-closing adjustments.

The details of the final purchase price and the allocation of the purchase price for the transaction, are presented below (in thousands):
 September 30, 2017
Acquisition costs: 
       Cash, net of cash acquired$905,962
       Retirement of seller's debt40,000
  Total cash consideration945,962
        Common stock, 9.4 million shares690,702
        Other purchase price adjustments426
  Total acquisition costs$1,637,090
  
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: 
Assets acquired: 
       Current assets$6,401
       Crude oil and natural gas properties - proved216,000
       Crude oil and natural gas properties - unproved1,697,000
       Infrastructure, pipeline, and other33,153
       Construction in progress12,323
       Goodwill75,121
Total assets acquired2,039,998
Liabilities assumed: 
       Current liabilities(24,496)
       Asset retirement obligations(3,705)
       Deferred tax liabilities, net(374,707)
Total liabilities assumed(402,908)
Total identifiable net assets acquired$1,637,090
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


The details of the estimated purchase price and the preliminary allocation of the purchase price for the transaction, are presented below (in thousands):
 March 31, 2018
Acquisition costs: 
       Cash$171,091
       Deposit made in prior period21,000
  Total cash consideration192,091
        Other purchase price adjustments9,734
  Total acquisition costs$201,825
  
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: 
Assets acquired: 
       Current assets$517
       Crude oil and natural gas properties - proved208,279
       Other assets2,796
Total assets acquired211,592
Liabilities assumed: 
       Current liabilities(5,080)
       Asset retirement obligations(4,687)
Total liabilities assumed(9,767)
Total identifiable net assets acquired$201,825

This acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method. Accordingly, we conducted assessments of the net assets acquired and recognized amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated acquisition date fair values, while transaction and integration costs associated with the acquisition were expensed as incurred. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on inputs that are not observable in the market, and therefore represent Level 3 inputs. The fair values of crude oil and natural gas properties and asset retirement obligations were measured using valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted amount. Significant inputs to the valuation of crude oil and natural gas properties include estimates of reserves, future operating and development costs, future commodity prices, estimated future cash flows, lease terms and expirations, and a market-based weighted-average cost of capital rate. Within the unprovenunproved properties, the allocation of the value to the underlying leases also requiredrequires significant judgment and wasis based on a combination of comparable market transactions, the term and conditions associated with the individual leases, our ability and intent to develop specific leases, and our initial assessment of the underlying relative value of the leases given our knowledge of the geology at the time of closing. These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by management at the time of the valuation and were the most sensitive and subject to change.

This acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method. Accordingly, we conducted assessments of net assets acquired and recognized amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated acquisition date fair values, while transaction and integration costs associated with the acquisition were expensed as incurred.

Goodwill. Goodwill was calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including the additional value resulting from the creation of the deferred tax liability, and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Among the factors that contributed to a purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired were the acquisition of an element of a workforce and the expected value from operations of the Delaware Basin acquisition to be derived in the future, such as production from future development of additional producing zones. The amount of the final goodwill that was recorded in the third quarter of 2017 related to the Delaware Basin acquisition was $75.1 million and was higher than the initial estimated amount recorded as of December 31, 2016, primarily related to finalization of the aggregate acreage position acquired and the related lease terms and a final settlement with the sellers in connection with a revised valuation of certain acquired leases and the retirement of estimated environmental remediation liabilities. Any value assigned to goodwill was not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

The following table presents the changes in goodwill from the preliminary allocation at December 31, 2016, and the final allocation determined during the quarter ended September 30, 2017:
 Amount
 (in thousands)
  
Preliminary purchase price allocation$62,041
Adjustments13,080
Final purchase price allocation$75,121

See the footnote titled Goodwill results of operations for the details regardingBayswater Acquisition for the impairmentthree months ended March 31, 2018 have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Pro forma results of goodwilloperations for the Bayswater Acquisition showing results as if the acquisition had been completed as of September 30,January 1, 2017. would not have been material to our condensed consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

NOTE 4 - PENDING ACQUISITION AND ACREAGE EXCHANGESREVENUE RECOGNITION

Pending Acquisition. In September 2017,On January 1, 2018, we entered into an acquisition agreementadopted the new accounting standard that was issued by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board that converged their standard on revenue recognition and provides a single, comprehensive model to acquire certain assets from Bayswater Exploration & Production, LLC ("Bayswater"determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized and all the related amendments (“new revenue standard”) using the modified retrospective method. The comparative information has not been restated and certain related parties, pursuantcontinues to which, subject tobe reported under the terms and conditionsaccounting standards in effect for those periods. Based upon our review, we determined that the adoption of the agreement, westandard would have agreed to acquirereduced our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales by approximately 8,300 net acres, 30 operated drilled uncompleted wells ("DUCs"), and an estimated 240 gross drilling locations, for approximately $210$2.5 million in cash, subject to certain pre- and post-closing adjustments. We plan to turn-in-line 18the first quarter of these DUCs at approximately year-end 2017 with the completion costs expected to be treated as an increase to the purchase price. Upon executing the purchasea corresponding decrease in transportation, gathering, and sale agreement, we paid a $21 million deposit toward the purchase price into an escrow account, which is included in other assetsprocessing expenses and no impact on our September 30, 2017 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Assuming all conditions required for closing are met, the acquisition is expected to close in December 2017 and is expected to be funded by a combination of available cash and debt.

Pending Acreage Exchanges.net earnings. In September 2017, we entered into an acreage exchange transaction to consolidate certain acreage positions in the core area of the Wattenberg Field. Pursuant to the transaction, we will exchange leasehold acreage with some limited in-process development wells. Upon closing, we expect to receive approximately 11,700 net acres in exchange for approximately 12,100 net acres with minimal cash exchanged between the parties. The difference in net acres isTo
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


primarily due to variances in workingdetermine the impact on our crude oil, natural gas, and net revenue interests. The acreage exchange is expected to close inNGLs sales and our transportation, processing, and gathering expenses for the fourth quarter of 2017; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to closing will be satisfied.

In Junethree months ended March 31, 2017, we entered into an acreage exchange transactionapplied the new guidance to contracts that also involves the consolidationwere not completed as of certain acreage positions in the core areaDecember 31, 2017. We do not expect adoption of the Wattenberg Field. Pursuantnew standard to the transaction, we will exchange leasehold acreage with some limited in-process development wells. Upon closing, we estimate that we will receive approximately 3,900have a significant impact on our net acres in exchange for approximately 4,100 net acres with minimal cash exchanged between the parties. The difference in net acres is primarily due to variances in working and net revenue interests. This acreage exchange is also expected to close in the fourth quarter 2017; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to closing will be satisfied.


PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 5 - EXPLORATION, GEOLOGIC, AND GEOPHYSICAL EXPENSE

The following table presents the major components of exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense:

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
        
Exploratory dry hole costs$41,187
 $
 $41,187
 $
Geological and geophysical costs, including seismic purchases463
 
 1,790
 
Operating, personnel and other258
 241
 918
 688
Total exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense$41,908
 $241
 $43,895
 $688
        
income going forward.

Exploratory dry hole costs. DuringCrude oil, natural gas, and NGLs revenues are recognized when we have transferred control of crude oil, natural gas, or NGLs production to the purchaser. We consider the transfer of control to have occurred when the purchaser has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits, from the crude oil, natural gas, or NGLs production. We record sales revenue based on an estimate of the volumes delivered at estimated prices as determined by the applicable sales agreement. We estimate our sales volumes based on company-measured volume readings. We then adjust our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales in subsequent periods based on the data received from our purchasers that reflects actual volumes and prices received. We receive payment for sales from one to two months after actual delivery has occurred. The differences in sales estimates and actual sales are recorded one to two months later. Historically, these differences have not been material. We account for natural gas imbalances using the sales method. For the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017 two exploratory dry hole wells, associated lease costs, and related infrastructure assets in the Delaware Basin were expensed atimpact of any natural gas imbalances was not significant. If a cost of $41.2 million. The conclusion to expense these items was due to the conclusion that the acreage on which these wells were drilled was exploratory in nature and, following drilling, the lack of hydrocarbon production necessarysale is deemed uncollectible, an allowance for the wells to be deemed economically viable.doubtful collection is recorded.

NOTE 6 - PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT AND ASSETS HELD-FOR-SALEOur crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales are recorded using either the “net-back” or "gross" method of accounting, depending upon the related purchase agreement. We use the net-back method when control of the crude oil, natural gas, or NGLs has been transferred to the purchasers of these commodities that are providing transportation, gathering, or processing services. In these situations, the purchaser pays us proceeds based on a percent of the proceeds or have fixed our sales price at index less specified deductions. The net-back method results in the recognition of a net sales price that is lower than the indices for which the production is based because the operating costs and profit of the midstream facilities are embedded in the net price we are paid.

The following table presentsWe use the componentsgross method of propertiesaccounting when control of the crude oil, natural gas, or NGLs is not transferred to the purchaser and equipment, netthe purchaser does not provide transportation, gathering, or processing services as a function of accumulated depreciation, depletion,the price we receive. Rather, we contract separately with midstream providers for the applicable transport and amortization ("DD&A"):processing on a per unit basis. Under this method, we recognize revenues based on the gross selling price and recognize transportation, gathering, and processing expenses.

 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
Properties and equipment, net:   
Crude oil and natural gas properties   
Proved$3,759,501
 $3,499,718
Unproved1,559,717
 1,874,671
Total crude oil and natural gas properties5,319,218
 5,374,389
Infrastructure, pipeline, and other104,568
 62,093
Land and buildings10,714
 6,392
Construction in progress177,341
 122,591
Properties and equipment, at cost5,611,841
 5,565,465
Accumulated DD&A(1,729,141) (1,562,471)
Properties and equipment, net$3,882,700
 $4,002,994
    

The following table presents impairment charges recorded forBased on our evaluation of when control of crude oil and natural gas properties:

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in thousands)

       
Impairment of unproved properties$252,623
 $338
 $282,188
 $2,391
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties117
 595
 311
 681
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
252,740
 933
 282,499
 3,072
Land and buildings
 
 
 3,032
Total impairment of properties and equipment$252,740
 $933
 $282,499
 $6,104

Duringsales are transferred to the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded a charge related to two exploratory dry holes we had drilledcustomer under the guidance of the new revenue recognition standard, certain crude oil sales in the western areaWattenberg Field that were recognized using the gross method prior to the adoption of our Culberson County acreage inthe new revenue standard will be recognized using the net-back method. In the Delaware Basin, as referenced previously.  We then assessedcertain crude oil and natural gas sales that were recognized using the impactgross method prior to the adoption of the dry holesnew revenue standard will be recognized using the net-back method.

As discussed above, we enter into agreements for the sale, transportation, gathering, and various factors related thereto, including (i)processing of our production. The terms of these agreements can result in variances in the operationalper unit realized prices that we receive for our crude oil, natural gas and geologic data obtained, (ii)NGLs. For crude oil, the average NYMEX prices are based upon average daily prices throughout each month and our natural gas average NYMEX pricing is based upon first-of-the-month index prices as this is how the majority of each of these commodities is sold pursuant to terms of the respective sales agreements.  For NGLs, we use the NYMEX crude oil price as a reference for presentation purposes.




PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


current increased cost environmentDisaggregated Revenue.The following table presents crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales disaggregated by commodity and operating region for drillingthe three months ended March 31, 2018 and completion services in2017 (in thousands):

  Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenue by Commodity and Operating Region 2018 2017 (2) Percentage Change
Crude oil      
Wattenberg Field $170,306
 $105,188
 61.9 %
Delaware Basin 53,418
 13,538
 294.6 %
Utica Shale (1) 2,696
 4,270
 (36.9)%
Total $226,420
 $122,996
 84.1 %
 Natural gas      
Wattenberg Field $29,772
 $32,614
 (8.7)%
Delaware Basin 7,679
 2,468
 211.1 %
Utica Shale (1) 1,110
 1,860
 (40.3)%
Total $38,561
 $36,942
 4.4 %
NGLs      
Wattenberg Field $28,770
 $25,318
 13.6 %
Delaware Basin 10,635
 2,947
 260.9 %
Utica Shale (1) 839
 1,489
 (43.7)%
Total $40,244
 $29,754
 35.3 %
Revenue by Operating Region      
Wattenberg Field $228,848
 $163,120
 40.3 %
Delaware Basin 71,732
 18,953
 278.5 %
Utica Shale (1) 4,645
 7,619
 (39.0)%
Total $305,225
 $189,692
 60.9 %
________________
(1) In March 2018, we completed the Delaware Basin, (iii)sale of our decreased future commodity price outlook, and (iv)Utica Shale properties.
(2) As we have elected the termsmodified retrospective method of adoption, revenues for the related lease agreements.  Based onthree months ended
March 31, 2017 have not been restated for the results of this assessment, we concluded that the underlying geologic risk and the challenged economics of future capital expenditures reduced the likelihood that wenew revenue recognition standard. Such amounts would perform future development in this area over the remaining lease term for this acreage.  Accordingly, we recorded an impairment of $251.6 million covering approximately 13,400 acres during the third quarter of 2017.  The amount of the impairment of these unproved properties was based on the value assigned to individual lease acres in the final purchase price allocation of the business combination.  This allocation had included the consideration paid to the sellers, including the effect of the non-cash impact from the deferred tax liability created at the time of the acquisition. Due to the aforementioned events and circumstances in the third quarter of 2017, we evaluated our proved property for possible impairment and concluded that these assets were not impaired during the period.
have been material.

ClassificationContract Assets.    Contract assets include material contributions in aid of Assets as Held-for-Sale. Duringconstruction ("CIAC"), which are common in purchase/purchase and processing agreements with midstream service providers that are our customers. Generally, the third quarterintent of 2017, as partthe payments is to reimburse the customer for actual costs incurred related to the construction of our plan to divest the Utica Shale properties, we engaged an investment banking groupits gathering and began actively marketing the properties for sale; therefore, these propertiesprocessing infrastructure. Contract assets that are classified as held-for-salecurrent assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. Contract assets that are classified as they met the criteria for such classificationlong-term are included in other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. The contract assets will be amortized as a reduction to crude oil, natural gas, or NGLs sales revenue during the third quarter of 2017.periods that the related production is transferred to the customer.

The following table presents balance sheet data related tothe changes in carrying amounts of the contract assets held-for-sale, which includeassociated with our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales revenue for the Utica Shale properties, field office facilities, and a parcel of land that are being marketed for sale. Assets held-for-sale represents the assets that are expected to be sold, net of liabilities, that are expected to be assumed by the purchasers:    three months ended March 31, 2018:
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
Assets   
  Properties and equipment, net$41,983
 $5,272
Total assets$41,983
 $5,272
    
Liabilities   
  Asset retirement obligation$499
 $
Total liabilities$499
 $
    
Net assets$41,484
 $5,272
 Amount
 (in thousands)
  
Beginning balance, January 1, 2018$4,446
Contract assets amortized as a reduction to crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales(1,233)
Ending balance, March 31, 2018$3,213


NOTE 7 - GOODWILL

The final goodwill that resultedCustomer Accounts Receivable. Our accounts receivable include amounts billed and currently due from the purchase price allocationsales of the assets acquired in the Delaware Basinour crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs production. Our gross accounts receivable balance from crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was determined$145.3 million and $154.3 million, respectively. Historically, we have not recorded a significant amount of write-offs related to be $75.1 million. With the creationour accounts receivable from sales of goodwill from this transaction, we expected to perform our evaluation of goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. However, primarily due to a combination of increases in per well developmentcrude oil, natural gas, and operational costs and our drilling of two exploratory dry holes in the Delaware Basin since the time of the acquisition, in conjunction with our lower future commodity price outlook, we determined a triggering event had occurred in the quarter ended September 30, 2017. In addition to the factors mentioned above, we also considered our recent impairments of certain unproven leasehold costs, and the impact of these items on our internal expectations for acceptable rates of return. We evaluated goodwill for impairment by performing a quantitative test, which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the goodwill asset group, which we define as the Delaware Basin, to the carrying value. We determined the fair value of the goodwill at September 30, 2017 by using an estimated after-tax future discounted cash flow analysis, along with a combination of market-based pricing factors for similar acreage, reserve valuation techniques, and other fair value considerations. The discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate fair value was based on known or knowable information at the interim measurement date. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. The quantitative test resulted in a determination that a full impairment charge of $75.1 million was required; therefore, the charge was recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2017.NGLs

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


sales, therefore; we did not record an allowance for doubtful accounts for these receivables at March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

NOTE 85 - COMMODITY DERIVATIVEFAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Determination of Fair Value

Our resultsfair value measurements are estimated pursuant to a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of operationsobservable inputs and operating cash flowsminimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are affected by changesdefined as:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in marketactive markets.

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for crude oil, natural gas,similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and NGLs. To manage a portion of our exposure to price volatilityinputs that are derived from producing crude oil, natural gas, and propane, whichobservable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is an element of our NGLs, we enter into commodity derivative contracts to protect against price declines in future periods. While we structure these commodity derivatives to reduce our exposure to decreases in commodity prices, they also limit the benefit we might otherwise receive from price increases.little, if any, market activity.

We believe our commodity derivative instruments continue to be effective in achieving the risk management objectives for which they were intended. As of September 30, 2017, we had derivative instruments, which were comprised of collars, fixed-price swaps, and basis protection swaps, in place for a portion of our anticipated 2017 and 2018 production for a total of 14,337 MBbls of crude oil, 69,715 BBtu of natural gas, and 412 MBbls of propane. Our commodity derivative contracts have been entered into at no cost to us as we hedge our anticipated production at the then-prevailing commodity market prices, without adjustment for premium or discount.Derivative Financial Instruments

We have not elected to designate any of our derivative instruments as cash flow hedges, and therefore these instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes inmeasure the fair value of our derivative instruments based upon a pricing model that utilizes market-based inputs, including, but not limited to, the contractual price of the underlying position, current market prices, crude oil and natural gas forward curves, discount rates such as the LIBOR curve for a similar duration of each outstanding position, volatility factors, and nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk considers the effect of our credit standing on the fair value of derivative liabilities and the effect of our counterparties' credit standings on the fair value of derivative assets. Both inputs to the model are recorded inbased on published credit default swap rates and the condensed consolidated statementsduration of operations.each outstanding derivative position.

We validate our fair value measurement through the review of counterparty statements and other supporting documentation, determination that the source of the inputs is valid, corroboration of the original source of inputs through access to multiple quotes, if available, or other information, and monitoring changes in valuation methods and assumptions. While we use common industry practices to develop our valuation techniques and believe our valuation method is appropriate and consistent with those used by other market participants, changes in our pricing methodologies or the underlying assumptions could result in significantly different fair values.

Our crude oil and natural gas fixed-price swaps are included in Level 2. Our collars and propane fixed-price swaps are included in Level 3. Our basis swaps are included in Level 2 and Level 3. The following table presents, for each applicable level within the balance sheet location and fair value amountshierarchy, our derivative assets and liabilities, including both current and non-current portions, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total
 (in thousands)
Assets:           
Total assets$22,467
 $6,143
 $28,610
 $12,949
 $1,389
 $14,338
Total liabilities122,133
 14,976
 137,109
 90,569
 11,076
 101,645
Net liability$(99,666) $(8,833) $(108,499) $(77,620) $(9,687) $(87,307)
            
The following table presents a reconciliation of our Level 3 assets measured at fair value:
  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2018 2017
  (in thousands)
Fair value of Level 3 instruments, net liability beginning of period $(9,687) $(9,574)
Changes in fair value included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:    
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (2,152) 13,360
Settlements included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line items:    
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net 3,006
 (1,470)
Fair value of Level 3 instruments, net asset (liability) end of period $(8,833) $2,316
     
Net change in fair value of Level 3 unsettled derivatives included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:    
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net $1,205
 $11,427
     

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of our derivative instruments oncontracts is the condensed consolidated balance sheets:implied volatility curve, which is provided by a third-party vendor. A significant increase or decrease in the implied volatility, in isolation, would have a directionally similar effect resulting in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement of our Level 3 derivative contracts. There has been no change in the methodology we apply to measure the fair value of our Level 3 derivative contracts during the periods covered by this report.
     Fair Value
Derivative instruments: Condensed consolidated balance sheet line item September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
     (in thousands)
Derivative assets:Current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives $19,042
 $8,490
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 3,874
 301
     22,916
 8,791
 Non-current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 3,942
 1,123
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 663
 1,263
     4,605
 2,386
Total derivative assets   $27,521
 $11,177
        
Derivative liabilities:Current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives $25,895
 $53,565
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 92
 30
     25,987
 53,595
 Non-current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 7,244
 27,595
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 17
 
     7,261
 27,595
Total derivative liabilities   $33,248
 $81,190
Non-Derivative Financial Assets and Liabilities

The carrying value of the financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

We utilize fair value on a nonrecurring basis to review our proved crude oil and natural gas properties for possible impairment when events and circumstances indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such assets. The fair value of the properties is determined based upon estimated future discounted cash flow, a Level 3 input, using estimated production and prices at which we reasonably expect the crude oil and natural gas will be sold.
 
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


The followingportion of our long-term debt related to our revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to the variable nature of related interest rates. We have not elected to account for the portion of our debt related to our senior notes under the fair value option; however, we have determined an estimate of the fair values based on measurements of trading activity and broker and/or dealer quotes, respectively, which are published market prices, and therefore are Level 2 inputs. The table below presents these estimates of the fair value of the portion of our long-term debt related to our senior notes and convertible notes as of March 31, 2018.
  Estimated Fair Value Percent of Par
  (in millions)  
Senior notes:   
 2021 Convertible Notes$194.0
 97.0%
 2024 Senior Notes409.0
 102.3%
 2026 Senior Notes593.3
 98.9%

The carrying value of our capital lease obligations approximates fair value due to the variable nature of the imputed interest rates and the duration of the related vehicle lease.

Concentration of Risk

Derivative Counterparties. A portion of our liquidity relates to commodity derivative instruments that enable us to manage a portion of our exposure to price volatility from producing crude oil and natural gas. These arrangements expose us to credit risk of nonperformance by our counterparties. We primarily use financial institutions who are also major lenders under our revolving credit facility as counterparties to our commodity derivative contracts. An insignificant portion of our commodity derivative instruments may be with other counterparties. To date, we have had no derivative counterparty default losses. We have evaluated the credit risk of our derivative assets from our counterparties using relevant credit market default rates, giving consideration to amounts outstanding for each counterparty and the duration of each outstanding derivative position. Based on our evaluation, we have determined that the potential impact of nonperformance of our current counterparties on the fair value of our derivative instruments on our condensed consolidated statementsis not significant at March 31, 2018, taking into account the estimated likelihood of operations:nonperformance.

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Condensed consolidated statement of operations line item 2017 2016 2017 2016
  (in thousands)
Commodity price risk management gain, net        
Net settlements $9,585
 $47,728
 $22,151
 $167,859
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives (61,763) (28,331) 64,307
 (230,207)
Total commodity price risk management gain, net $(52,178) $19,397
 $86,458
 $(62,348)
         
Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk as substantially all of our deposits held in financial institutions were in excess of the FDIC insurance limits at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents in the form of money market and checking accounts with financial institutions that we believe are creditworthy and are also major lenders under our revolving credit facility.

Net settlements of commodity derivatives decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.  We entered into agreements for the derivative instruments that settled throughout 2016 prior to commodity prices becoming depressed in late 2014.  Substantially all of these higher-value agreements settled by the end of 2016.  Net settlements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflect derivative instruments entered into since 2015, which more closely approximate recent realized prices.  Based on forward strip pricing at September 30, 2017, we expect that settlements will continue to be substantially lower in 2017 on a relative basis as compared to those in 2016.

All of our financial derivative agreements contain master netting provisions that provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in the event of early termination. We have elected not to offset the fair value positions recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following table reflects the impact of netting agreements on gross derivative assets and liabilities:
As of September 30, 2017 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
  (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $27,521
 $(15,010) $12,511
       
Liability derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $33,248
 $(15,010) $18,238
       
As of December 31, 2016 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
  (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $11,177
 $(10,930) $247
       
Liability derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $81,190
 $(10,930) $70,260
       

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 96 - FAIR VALUE OFCOMMODITY DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

DeterminationOur results of Fair Value

Our fair value measurementsoperations and operating cash flows are estimated pursuant to a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, giving the highest priority to quoted pricesaffected by changes in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are defined as:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quotedmarket prices for similar assets or liabilitiescrude oil, natural gas, and NGLs. To manage a portion of our exposure to price volatility from producing crude oil, natural gas, and propane, which is an element of our NGLs, we enter into commodity derivative contracts to protect against price declines in active markets, quotedfuture periods. While we structure these commodity derivatives to reduce our exposure to decreases in commodity prices, for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable forthey also limit the asset or liability, and inputs that are derivedbenefit we might otherwise receive from observable market data by correlation or other means.price increases.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We measurebelieve our commodity derivative instruments continue to be effective in achieving the fair valuerisk management objectives for which they were intended. As of March 31, 2018, we had derivative instruments, which were comprised of collars, fixed-price swaps, and basis protection swaps, in place for a portion of our anticipated 2018 and 2019 production. Our commodity derivative instruments based upon a pricing model that utilizes market-based inputs, including, but not limitedcontracts have been entered into at no cost to us as we hedge our anticipated production at the contractual price of the underlying position, currentthen-prevailing commodity market prices, crude oil and natural gas forward curves, discount rates such as the LIBOR curvewithout adjustment for a similar duration of each outstanding position, volatility factors, and nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk considers the effect of our credit standing on the fair value of derivative liabilities and the effect of our counterparties' credit standings on the fair value of derivative assets. Both inputs to the model are based on published credit default swap rates and the duration of each outstanding derivative position.premium or discount.

We validate our fair value measurement through the review of counterparty statements and other supporting documentation, determination that the source of the inputs is valid, corroboration of the original source of inputs through access to multiple quotes, if available, or other information, and monitoring changes in valuation methods and assumptions. While we use common industry practices to develop our valuation techniques and believe our valuation method is appropriate and consistent with those used by other market participants, changes in our pricing methodologies or the underlying assumptions could result in significantly different fair values.

Our crude oil and natural gas fixed-price swaps are included in Level 2. Our collars and propane fixed-price swaps are included in Level 3. Our basis swaps are included in Level 2 and Level 3. The following table presents, for each applicable level within the fair value hierarchy, our derivative assets and liabilities, including both current and non-current portions, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total
 (in thousands)
Assets:           
Total assets$24,553
 $2,968
 $27,521
 $6,350
 $4,827
 $11,177
Total liabilities(23,811) (9,437) (33,248) (66,789) (14,401) (81,190)
Net asset (liability)$742
 $(6,469) $(5,727) $(60,439) $(9,574) $(70,013)
            
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


TheAs of March 31, 2018, we had the following table presents a reconciliation of our Level 3 assets measured at fair value:

outstanding derivative contracts. When aggregating multiple contracts, the weighted average contract price is disclosed.
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
  (in thousands)
Fair value of Level 3 instruments, net asset (liability) beginning of period $8,619
 $27,375
 $(9,574) $91,288
Changes in fair value included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (14,075) 4,234
 8,547
 (16,023)
Settlements included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line items:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (1,013) (15,587) (5,442) (59,243)
Fair value of Level 3 instruments, net asset end of period $(6,469) $16,022
 $(6,469) $16,022
         
Net change in fair value of Level 3 unsettled derivatives included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net $(8,711) $(2,240) $(583) $(8,273)
         
  Collars Fixed-Price Swaps  
Commodity/ Index/
Maturity Period
 
Quantity
(Gas -
BBtu
Oil - MBbls)
 
Weighted-Average
Contract Price
 
Quantity (Oil - MBbls
Gas and Basis-
BBtu
 Propane - MBbls)
 
Weighted-
Average
Contract
Price
 
Fair Value
March 31,
2018 (1)
(in millions)
  Floors Ceilings   
Crude Oil            
NYMEX            
2018 1,784.0
 $46.64
 $57.53
 7,704.0
 $52.54
 $(91.4)
2019 400.0
 50.00
 60.67
 7,800.0
 53.20
 (42.9)
Total Crude Oil 2,184.0
     15,504.0
   $(134.3)
             
Natural Gas            
NYMEX            
2018 2,735.0
 $3.00
 $3.56
 40,335.0
 $2.94
 $5.1
2019 
 
 
 4,004.0
 2.77
 (0.1)
Total Natural Gas 2,735.0
     44,339.0
   $5.0
             
Basis Protection - Crude Oil            
Midland Cushing            
2018 
 $
 $
 1,456.1
 $(0.10) $5.4
Total Basis Protection - Crude Oil 
     1,456.1
   $5.4
             
Basis Protection - Natural Gas            
CIG            
2018 
 $
 $
 31,409.9
 $(0.43) $12.3
2019 
 
 
 4,004.0
 (0.88) (0.1)
Waha            
2018 
 
 
 4,923.8
 (0.50) 3.4
El Paso            
2018 
 
 
 2,450.0
 (0.62) 1.6
Total Basis Protection - Natural Gas 
     42,787.7
   $17.2
             
Propane            
Mont Belvieu            
2018 
 $
 $
 714.4
 $32.52
 $
Total Propane 
     714.4
   $
             
Rollfactor (2)            
Crude Oil CMA            
2018 
 $
 $
 4,192
 $0.12
 $(1.8)
Total Rollfactor 
     4,192
   $(1.8)
             
Commodity Derivatives Fair Value       $(108.5)

_____________
The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of our derivative contracts is the implied volatility curve, which is provided by a third-party vendor. A significant increase or decrease in the implied volatility, in isolation, would have a directionally similar effect resulting in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement of our Level 3 derivative contracts. There has been no change in the methodology we apply to measure the fair value of our Level 3 derivative contracts during the periods covered by this report.
Non-Derivative Financial Assets and Liabilities
(1)
Approximately 21.5 percent of the fair value of our commodity derivative assets and 10.9 percentof the fair value of our commodity derivative liabilities were measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).
(2)These positions hedge the timing risk associated with our physical sales. We generally sell crude oil for the delivery month at a sales price based on the average NYMEX West Texas Intermediate price during that month, plus an adjustment calculated as a spread between the weighted average prices of the delivery month, the next month and the following month during the period when the delivery month is the first month.

The carrying value of the financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

We utilize fair value on a nonrecurring basis to review our crude oil and natural gas properties and goodwill for possible impairment when events and circumstances indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such assets. The fair value of the properties is determined based upon estimated future discounted cash flow, a Level 3 input, using estimated production and prices at which we reasonably expect the crude oil and natural gas will be sold. The fair value of the goodwill is determined using either a qualitative method or a quantitative method, both of which utilize market data, a Level 3 input, in the derivation of the value estimation.
The portion of our long-term debt related to our revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to the variable nature of related interest rates. We have not elected to account for the portion of our debt related to our senior notes under the fair value option; however, we have determined an estimate of the fair values based on measurements of trading activity and broker and/or dealer quotes, respectively, which are published market prices, and therefore are Level 2 inputs. The table below presents these estimates of the fair value of the portion of our long-term debt related to our senior notes and convertible notes as of September 30, 2017.
  Estimated Fair Value Percent of Par
  (in millions)  
Senior notes:   
 2021 Convertible Notes$196.3
 98.1%
 2022 Senior Notes521.9
 104.4%
 2024 Senior Notes412.5
 103.1%

The carrying value of our capital lease obligations approximates fair value due to the variable nature of the imputed interest rates and the duration of the related vehicle lease.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


We have not elected to designate any of our derivative instruments as cash flow hedges, and therefore these instruments do not qualify for hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value amounts of our derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
     Fair Value
Derivative instruments: Condensed consolidated balance sheet line item March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
     (in thousands)
Derivative assets:Current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives $5,958
 $7,340
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 22,652
 6,998
     28,610
 14,338
 Non-current   
 
Total derivative assets   $28,610
 $14,338
        
Derivative liabilities:Current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 108,763
 77,999
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 122
 234
 Rollfactor derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 1,798
 1,069
     110,683
 79,302
 Non-current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 26,447
 22,343
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives (21) 
     26,426
 22,343
Total derivative liabilities   $137,109
 $101,645

The following table presents the impact of our derivative instruments on our condensed consolidated statements of operations:

  Three Months Ended March 31,
Condensed consolidated statement of operations line item 2018 2017
  (in thousands)
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net    
Net settlements $(26,038) $551
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives (21,202) 80,153
Total commodity price risk management gain (loss), net $(47,240) $80,704
     

Net settlements of commodity derivatives and net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 as a result of the increase in future commodity prices during the first quarter of 2018 compared to a decrease during the first quarter of 2017. 

All of our financial derivative agreements contain master netting provisions that provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in the event of early termination. We have elected not to offset the fair value positions recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


The following table reflects the impact of netting agreements on gross derivative assets and liabilities:
As of March 31, 2018 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
  (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $28,610
 $(27,971) $639
       
Liability derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $137,109
 $(27,971) $109,138
       
As of December 31, 2017 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
  (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $14,338
 $(14,173) $165
       
Liability derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $101,645
 $(14,173) $87,472
       

NOTE 7 - PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

The following table presents the components of properties and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization ("DD&A"):

 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands)
Properties and equipment, net:   
Crude oil and natural gas properties   
Proved$4,706,258
 $4,356,922
Unproved1,055,774
 1,097,317
Total crude oil and natural gas properties5,762,032
 5,454,239
Infrastructure, pipeline, and other125,529
 109,359
Land and buildings12,679
 10,960
Construction in progress294,311
 196,024
Properties and equipment, at cost6,194,551
 5,770,582
Accumulated DD&A(1,963,294) (1,837,115)
Properties and equipment, net$4,231,257
 $3,933,467
    

The following table presents impairment charges recorded for crude oil and natural gas properties:

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017
 (in thousands)

   
Impairment of proved and unproved properties$33,130
 $2,102
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties58
 91
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
$33,188
 $2,193

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


During the three months ended March 31, 2018, we recorded impairment charges of $26.9 million, primarily related to certain unproved Delaware Basin leasehold positions that expired during the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Additionally, we corrected an error in our calculation of the unproved properties and goodwill impairment originally reported in the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The correction of the error resulted in an additional impairment charge of $6.3 million, recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2018, which we have included in the impairment of properties and equipment expense line in our condensed consolidated statement of operations. We evaluated the error under the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification 250, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections ("ASC 250"). Based on the guidance in ASC 250, we determined that the impact of the error did not have a material impact to our previously-issued financial statements or those of the period of correction.
Utica Shale Divestiture. In March 2018, we completed the sale of our Utica Shale properties (the "Utica Shale Divestiture") for net cash proceeds of approximately $39.0 million, subject to certain customary post-closing adjustments. We recorded a loss on sale of properties and equipment of $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The divestiture of the Utica Shale properties did not represent a strategic shift in our operations or have a significant impact on our operations or financial results; therefore, we did not account for it as a discontinued operation.
Classification of Assets as Held-for-Sale. Assets held-for-sale as of March 31, 2018 were$1.6 million for a field office facility. We subsequently sold the field office facility in April 2018 for $1.9 million and will record a gain on sale of properties and equipment of $0.3 million during the second quarter of 2018. Assets held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017 included $36.8 million and $3.3 million, representing our Utica Shale properties and field office facilities and a separate parcel of land, respectively.

The following table presents balance sheet data related to assets held-for-sale. Assets held-for-sale represents the assets that are expected to be sold, net of liabilities that are expected to be assumed by the purchasers:    
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands)
Assets   
  Properties and equipment, net$1,647
 $40,583
Total assets$1,647
 $40,583
    
Liabilities   
  Asset retirement obligation$
 $499
Total liabilities$
 $499
    
Assets held-for-sale, net$1,647
 $40,084
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)



Concentration of Risk

Derivative Counterparties.Suspended Well Costs. A portion of our liquidity relates to commodity derivative instruments that enable us to manage a portion of our exposure to price volatility from producing crude oil and natural gas. These arrangements expose us to credit risk of nonperformance by our counterparties. We primarily use financial institutions who are also major lenders under our revolving credit facility as counterparties to our commodity derivative contracts. An insignificant portion of our commodity derivative instruments may be with other counterparties. To date, we have had no derivative counterparty default losses. We have evaluated the credit risk of our derivative assets from our counterparties using relevant credit market default rates, giving consideration to amounts outstanding for each counterparty and the duration of each outstanding derivative position. Based on our evaluation, we have determined that the potential impact of nonperformance of our current counterparties on the fair value of our derivative instruments is not significant at September 30, 2017, taking into account the estimated likelihood of nonperformance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity ofspud three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk as substantially all of our deposits held in financial institutions were in excess of the FDIC insurance limits at September 30, 2017. We maintain our cash and cash equivalentswells in the form of money market and checking accountsDelaware Basin for which we are unable to make a final determination regarding whether proved reserves can be associated with financial institutions that we believe are creditworthy and are also major lenders under our revolving credit facility.


NOTE 10 - NOTE RECEIVABLE

In October 2014, we sold our entire 50 percent ownership interest in PDC Mountaineer, LLC to an unrelated third-party. As part of the consideration, we received a promissory note (the “Promissory Note”) for a principal sum of $39.0 million, bearing variable interest rates. The interest was to be paid quarterly, in arrears and at the option of the issuer could be paid-in-kind (“PIK Interest”). Any such PIK Interest would be subject to the then current interest rate.

We regularly analyzed the Promissory Note for evidence of collectability, evaluating factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuer of the Promissory Note and the value of the issuer's assets. Based upon this analysis, during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, we recognized a provision and recorded an allowance for uncollectible notes receivable for the $44.0 million accumulated outstanding balance, including interest. Commencing in the second quarter of 2016, we ceased recognizing interest income on the Promissory Note and began accounting for the interest on the Promissory Note under the cash basis method.

We performed this analysiswells as of March 31, 2017 and evaluated preliminary 2016 year-end financial statements of2018 as the note issuer which were available at such time, related information about the operations of the issuer, and existing market conditions for natural gas. Based upon this evaluation, it was determined that collection of the Promissory Note and the PIK Interest continued to be doubtful and the full valuation allowance on the Promissory Note remained appropriatewells had not been completed as of that date. This evaluation assumed that repaymentTherefore, we have classified the capitalized costs of the Promissory Note would be made exclusively fromwells as suspended well costs as of March 31, 2018 while we continue to conduct completion and testing operations to determine the existing operationsexistence of proved reserves.

The following table presents the issuercapitalized exploratory well cost pending determination of the Promissory Note basedproved reserves and included in properties and equipment, net on the latest available information.condensed consolidated balance sheets:

In April 2017, we sold the Promissory Note to an unrelated third-party buyer for approximately $40.2
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands, except for number of wells)
    
Beginning balance$15,448
 $
Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves17,143
 51,776
   Reclassifications to proved properties
 (36,328)
Ending balance$32,591
 $15,448
    
Number of wells pending determination at period end3
 3

Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense. Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense of $2.6 million in cash. The sales agreement transferred all of our legal rights to collect from the issuer of the Promissory Note. Accordingly, we reversed $40.2 million of the provision for uncollectible notes receivable during the second quarterthree months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily related to the purchase of 2017.

seismic data related to unproved acreage and lease costs associated with certain delayed drilling in the Delaware Basin. Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense of $1.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily related to drilling pilot holes in the Delaware Basin.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


NOTE 118 - INCOME TAXESOTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

We evaluateOther Accrued Expenses. The following table presents the components of other accrued expenses as of:
  March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
  (in thousands)
     
Employee benefits $10,901
 $22,383
Asset retirement obligations 15,944
 15,801
Environmental expenses 2,074
 1,374
Short-term deferred oil gathering credit 2,010
 
Other 2,848
 3,429
Other accrued expenses $33,777
 $42,987
     

Other Liabilities. The following table presents the components of other liabilities as of:
  March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
  (in thousands)
     
Production taxes $63,454
 $50,476
Long-term deferred oil gathering credit 21,608
 
Other 9,495
 6,857
Other liabilities $94,557
 $57,333
     

On January 31, 2018, we received a payment of $24.1 million from Saddle Butte Rockies Midstream, LLC for the execution of an amendment to an existing crude oil purchase and update our estimated annualsale agreement signed in December 2017. The amendment was effective income tax rate on a quarterly basis based on current and forecasted operating results and tax laws. Consequently, basedcontingent upon certain events which occurred in late January 2018. The amendment, among other things, dedicates crude oil from the mix and timingmajority of our actual annual earnings comparedWattenberg Field acreage to annual projections, our effective tax rate may vary quarterlySaddle Butte's gathering lines and may make quarterly comparisons not meaningful. The quarterly income tax provision is generally comprisedextends the term of tax expense on income or benefit on loss at the most recent estimated annual effective income tax rate, adjusted for the effect of discrete items.

The effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were 29.5 percent and 25.8 percent benefit on loss, respectively, compared to 34.0 percent and 37.1 percent benefit on loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The most significant element relatedagreement through December 2029. Subsequent to the decrease in the effective income tax ratereceipt of this payment, Saddle Butte was the impact from the $75.1 million impairmentpurchased by Black Diamond Gathering, LLC. The short-term portion of the goodwilldeferred oil gathering credit is included in other accrued expenses and the quarter ended September 30, 2017. This goodwill did not have an associated deferred tax liability atlong-term portion is included in other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018. The payment will be amortized using the time it was created, therefore, no deferred tax benefit was realized uponstraight-line method over the impairmentlife of the goodwill. The effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, are based upon a full year forecasted tax benefit on loss. In addition to the impact from the goodwill impairment, the effective income tax rateamendment. Amortization charges totaling approximately $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 includes discrete income tax benefits of $0.8 million for additional deductions and credits claimed on the filed 2016 federal and state income tax returns. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes discrete income tax benefits of $1.8 million relatingMarch 31, 2018 related to the excess income tax benefit recognized with the vestingdeferred oil gathering credit are included as a reduction to transportation, gathering, and processing expenses on our condensed consolidated statements of stock awards and $0.8 million for additional deductions and credits claimed on the filed 2016 federal and state tax returns. These discrete tax benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 resulted in a 0.2 percent and 0.9 percent increase to our effective income tax rates. We anticipate the potential for increased periodic volatility in future effective income tax rates from the impact of stock-based compensation tax deductions as they are treated as discrete tax items.

The effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, were based upon a full year forecasted income tax benefit on loss and were greater than the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to state income taxes and percentage depletion, partially offset by nondeductible officers’ compensation and nondeductible lobbying expenses. There were no significant discrete income tax items recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

As of September 30, 2017, there is no liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. As of the date of this report, we are current with our income tax filings in all applicable state jurisdictions and are not currently under any state income tax examinations. We continue to voluntarily participate in the Internal Revenue Service's Compliance Assurance Program for the 2016 and 2017 tax years, and received final acceptance of our 2015 federal income tax return and partial acceptance of the recently filed 2016 federal income tax return that is now going through the IRS CAP post-filing review process.

operations.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


NOTE 129 - LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of:
September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Senior notes:      
1.125% Convertible Notes due 2021:      
Principal amount$200,000
 $200,000
$200,000
 $200,000
Unamortized discount(32,153) (37,475)(28,478) (30,328)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(3,859) (4,584)(3,371) (3,615)
1.125% Convertible Notes due 2021, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs163,988
 157,941
168,151
 166,057
      
7.75% Senior Notes due 2022:   
5.75% Senior Notes due 2026:   
Principal amount500,000
 500,000
600,000
 600,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs(5,602) (6,443)(7,298) (7,555)
7.75% Senior Notes due 2022, net of unamortized debt issuance costs494,398
 493,557
5.75% Senior Notes due 2026, net of unamortized debt issuance costs592,702
 592,445
      
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024:      
Principal amount400,000
 400,000
400,000
 400,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs(6,815) (7,544)(6,325) (6,570)
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024, net of unamortized debt issuance costs393,185
 392,456
393,675
 393,430
      
Total senior notes1,051,571
 1,043,954
1,154,528
 1,151,932
      
Revolving credit facility
 

 
Total long-term debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs$1,051,571
 $1,043,954
$1,154,528
 $1,151,932
    
Senior Notes

2021 Convertible Notes. In September 2016, we issued $200 million of 1.125% convertible notes due 2021 (the "2021 Convertible Notes") in a public offering. The maturity for the payment of principal is September 15, 2021. Interest at the rate of 1.125% per year is payable in cash semiannually in arrears on each March 15 and September 15. The conversion stock price at maturity is $85.39 per share. We allocated the gross proceeds of the 2021 Convertible Notes between the liability and equity components of the debt. The initial $160.5 million liability component was determined based on the fair value of similar debt instruments, excluding the conversion feature, priced on the same day we issued the 2021 Convertible Notes. Approximately $4.8 million in costs associated with the issuance of the 2021 Convertible Notes have been capitalized as debt issuance costs. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the unamortized debt discount will be amortized over the remaining contractual term to maturity of the 2021 Convertible Notes using an effective interest rate of 5.8 percent.
 
Upon conversion, the 2021 Convertible Notes may be settled, at our sole election, in shares of our common stock, cash, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. We have initially elected a combination settlement method to satisfy our conversion obligation, which allows us to settle the principal amount of the 2021 Convertible Notes in cash and to settle the excess conversion value, if any, in shares of our common stock, as well aswith cash paid in lieu of fractional shares.
 
2022 Senior Notes. In October 2012, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount 7.75% senior notes due October 15, 2022 (the “2022 Senior Notes”). The 2022 Senior Notes accrue interest from the date of issuance and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15. Approximately $11.0 million in costs associated with the issuance of the 2022 Senior Notes have been capitalized as debt issuance costs and are being amortized as interest expense over the life of the notes using the effective interest method.

2024 Senior Notes.  In September 2016, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due September 15, 2024 (the “2024 Senior Notes”) in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers. In May 2017, in accordance with the registration rights agreement that we entered into with the initial purchasers when we issued the 2024
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


Senior Notes, we filed a registration statement with the SEC relating to an offer to exchange the 2024 Senior Notes for registered notes with substantially identical terms, and we completed the exchange offer in September 2017. The 2024 Senior Notes accrue interest from the date of issuance and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15. Approximately $7.8 million in costs associated with the issuance of the 2024 Senior Notes have been capitalized as debt issuance costs and are being amortized as interest expense over the life of the notes using the effective interest method.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


2026 Senior Notes. In JanuaryNovember 2017, pursuantwe issued $600 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% senior notes due May 15, 2026, in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers. The 2026 Senior Notes are governed by an indenture dated November 29, 2017 between us and the filingU.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.  The maturity for the payment of supplemental indentures forprincipal is May 15, 2026.  Interest at the rate of 5.75% per year is payable in cash semiannually in arrears on each May 15 and November 15, commencing on May 15, 2018. Approximately $7.6 million in costs associated with the issuance of the 2026 Senior Notes have been capitalized as debt issuance costs and are being amortized as interest expense over the life of the notes using the effective interest method.

Our wholly-owned subsidiary PDC Permian, Inc. guarantees our obligations under the 2021 Convertible Notes, 2022the 2026 Senior Notes, and the 2024 Senior Notes (collectively, the "Notes"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, PDC Permian, Inc. became a guarantor of our obligations under the Notes.. Accordingly, condensed consolidating financial information for PDC and PDC Permian, Inc. is presented in the footnote titled Subsidiary Guarantor.

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the Notes, and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period.

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility. The revolving credit facility is available for working capital requirements, capital investments, acquisitions, general corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. The revolving credit facility matures in May 2020 and provides for a maximum of $1.0 billion in allowable borrowing capacity, subject to the borrowing base and certain limitations under our senior notes. The borrowing base is based on, among other things, the loan value assigned to the proved reserves attributable to our crude oil and natural gas interests. The borrowing base is subject to a semi-annual redetermination on November 1 and May 1 based upon quantification of our reserves at June 30 and December 31, and is also subject to a redetermination upon the occurrence of certain events. The revolving credit facility is secured by a pledge of the stock of certain of our subsidiaries, mortgages of certain producing crude oil and natural gas properties and substantially all of our and such subsidiaries' other assets. Our affiliated partnerships are not guarantors of our obligations under the revolving credit facility.

In May and October 2017, we entered into athe Fifth Amendmentand Sixth Amendments, respectively, to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment, among other things, amendedAgreement to amend the revolving credit facility to reflect increases in the borrowing base. The Fifth amendment reflected an increase inof the borrowing base from $700 million to $950$950 million. In addition, and the Fifth Amendment made changes to certain of the financial and non-financial covenants in the existing agreement, as well as other administrative changes.

In October 2017, we entered into a Sixth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment amendsamended the revolving credit facility to allow the borrowing base to increase above the maximum allowable borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion. In addition, the Fifth Amendment made changes to certain of the covenants in the existing agreement as well as other administrative changes. We have elected to increase the fall 2017 borrowing base to $1.1 billion for our November 2017 borrowing base redetermination and have elected to maintain a $700 million commitment level as of the date of this report. As

In April 2018, we began negotiations with our bank group to enter into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and we anticipate closing to occur by the end of September 30, 2017, available funds under our revolving creditMay 2018.  This agreement is expected to replace the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.  Following the amendment and restatement, the facility were $700 million based on our elected commitment level.is expected to mature in May 2023.   

As of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2016,2017, debt issuance costs related to our revolving credit facility were $6.8$5.5 million and $8.8$6.2 million, respectively, and are included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We had no outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 or December 31, 2016.2017. The outstanding principal amount under the revolving credit facility accrues interest at a varying interest rate that fluctuates with an alternate base rate (equal to the greatest of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.'s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus a premium and the rate for dollar deposits in the London interbank market (“LIBOR”) for one month plus a premium), or at our election, a rate equal to LIBOR for certain time periods. Additionally, commitment fees, interest margin, and other bank fees, charged as a component of interest, vary with our utilization of the facility. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the applicable interest margin is 1.25 percent for the alternate base rate option or 2.25 percent for the LIBOR option, and the unused commitment fee is 0.5 percent. No principalPrincipal payments are generally not required until the revolving credit facility expires in May 2020 or in the event thatunless the borrowing base falls below the outstanding balance.

The revolving credit facility contains covenants customary for agreements of this type, with the most restrictive being certain financial tests on a quarterly basis. The financial tests, as defined per the revolving credit facility, include requirements to: (a) maintain a minimum current ratio of 1.0:1.0 and (b) not exceed a maximum leverage ratio of 4.0:1.0. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all the revolving credit facility covenants and expect to remain in
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


compliance throughout the next 12-month period. As defined by the revolving credit facility, our leverage ratio was 1.81.7 and our current ratio was 2.92.5 as of September 30, 2017.
Table of contentsMarch 31, 2018.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 13 - OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES

Other Accrued Expenses. The following table presents the components of other accrued expenses as of:

  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
  (in thousands)
     
Employee benefits $14,401
 $22,282
Asset retirement obligations 13,128
 9,775
Other 5,922
 6,568
Other accrued expenses $33,451
 $38,625
     

NOTE 1410 - CAPITAL LEASES

We periodically enter into non-cancelable lease agreements for vehicles utilized by our operations and field personnel. These leases are being accounted for as capital leases, as the present value of minimum monthly lease payments, including the residual value guarantee, exceeds 90 percent of the fair value of the leased vehicles at inception of the lease.
 
The following table presents vehicles under capital lease as of:
 

 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Vehicles $6,301
 $2,975
 $6,500
 $6,249
Accumulated depreciation (1,435) (776) (2,271) (1,882)
 $4,866
 $2,199
 $4,229
 $4,367
 
Future minimum lease payments by year and in the aggregate, under non-cancelable capital leases with terms of one year or more, consist of the following:
 
For the Twelve Months Ending September 30, Amount
For the Twelve Months Ending March 31, Amount
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
2018 $2,207
2019 1,617
 $1,952
2020 1,758
 2,061
2021 1,247
 5,582
 5,260
Less executory cost (258) (400)
Less amount representing interest (615) (501)
Present value of minimum lease payments $4,709
 $4,359
  
  
Short-term capital lease obligations $1,768
 $1,789
Long-term capital lease obligations 2,941
 2,570
 $4,709
 $4,359

Short-term capital lease obligations are included in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and long-term capital lease obligations are included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES

We evaluate and update our estimated annual effective income tax rate on a quarterly basis based on current and forecasted operating results and tax laws. Consequently, based upon the mix and timing of our actual annual earnings compared to annual projections, our effective tax rate may vary quarterly and may make quarterly comparisons not meaningful. The quarterly income tax provision is generally comprised of tax expense on income or benefit on loss at the most recent estimated annual effective income tax rate, adjusted for the effect of discrete items.

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was a 25.8 percent benefit on loss compared to a 36.3 percent expense on income for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018, is based upon a full year forecasted tax expense on income. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 includes discrete income tax benefits of $0.2 million relating to the excess tax benefit recognized with the vesting of stock awards during the three months ended March 31, 2018, which resulted in a 1.2 percent increase to our effective tax rate. The federal corporate statutory income tax rate decreased from 35 percent in 2017 to 21 percent in 2018 resulting from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "2017 Tax Act").

The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is based upon a full year forecasted tax expense on income and is greater than the statutory federal tax rate, primarily due to state taxes, nondeductible officers’ compensation, and nondeductible lobbying expenses, partially offset by stock-based compensation tax deductions. We anticipate the potential for increased periodic volatility in future effective tax rates from the impact of stock-based compensation tax deductions as they are treated as discrete tax items. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is based upon a full year forecasted tax expense on income and is greater than the statutory federal tax rate, primarily due to state taxes, nondeductible officers’ compensation and nondeductible lobbying expenses, partially offset by stock-based compensation tax deductions.

As of March 31, 2018, there is no liability for unrecognized income tax benefits. As of the date of this report, we are current with our income tax filings in all applicable state jurisdictions and are not currently under any state income tax examinations. We continue to voluntarily participate in the Internal Revenue Service's ("IRS") Compliance Assurance Program for the 2017 and 2018 tax years. We have received final acceptance of our 2016 federal income tax return from the IRS; however, this return is going through the Joint Tax Committee review process due to tax refunds requested.

NOTE 1512 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

The following table presents the changes in carrying amounts of the asset retirement obligations associated with our working interests in crude oil and natural gas properties:
AmountAmount
(in thousands)(in thousands)
  
Balance at December 31, 2016$92,387
Balance at December 31, 2017$87,306
Obligations incurred with development activities3,296
620
Obligations incurred with acquisition4,687
Accretion expense4,906
1,288
Revisions in estimated cash flows155
50
Obligations discharged with asset retirements(8,929)
Balance at September 30, 201791,815
Less liabilities held for sale(499)
Obligations discharged with asset retirements and divestiture(4,102)
Balance at March 31, 201889,849
Less current portion(13,128)(15,944)
Long-term portion$78,188
$73,905
  
Our estimated asset retirement obligations liability is based on historical experience in plugging and abandoning wells, estimated economic lives and estimated plugging and abandonment costs considering federal and state regulatory requirements in effect. The liability is discounted using the credit-adjusted risk-free rate estimated at the time the liability is incurred or revised. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the credit-adjusted risk-free rates used to discount our plugging and abandonment liabilities ranged from 6.5 percent to 8.27.5 percent. In periods subsequent to initial measurement of the liability, we must recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time, revisions to either the amount of the original estimate of undiscounted cash flows or changes in inflation factors, and changes to our credit-adjusted risk-free rate as market conditions
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


warrant. Short-term asset retirement obligations are included in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

NOTE 1613 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Firm Transportation and Processing Agreements. We enter into contracts that provide firm transportation and processing on pipeline systems through which we transport or sell crude oil and natural gas. Satisfaction of the volume requirements includes volumes produced by us, purchased from third parties, and produced by our affiliated partnerships and other third-party working, royalty, and overriding royalty interest owners whose volumes we market on their behalf. Our condensed consolidated statements of operations reflect our share of these firm transportation and processing costs. These contracts require us to pay these transportation and processing charges whether or not the required volumes are delivered.

The following table presents gross volume information related to our long-term firm transportation and processing agreements for pipeline capacity:
  For the Twelve Months Ending September 30,    
Area 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and
Through
Expiration
 Total Expiration
Date
               
Natural gas (MMcf)              
Wattenberg Field 
 16,760
 30,850
 31,025
 131,287
 209,922
 March 31, 2026
Delaware Basin 14,600
 14,600
 14,640
 3,680
 
 47,520
 December 31, 2020
Gas Marketing 7,117
 7,117
 7,136
 7,117
 6,227
 34,714
 August 31, 2022
Utica Shale 2,738
 2,738
 2,745
 2,738
 5,016
 15,975
 July 22, 2023
Total 24,455
 41,215
 55,371
 44,560
 142,530
 308,131
  
               
Crude oil (MBbls)              
Wattenberg Field 2,413
 2,413
 1,812
 
 
 6,638
 June 30, 2020
               
Dollar commitment (in thousands) $18,410
 $35,170
 $44,949
 $33,776
 $129,546
 $261,851
  
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)

  For the Twelve Months Ending March 31,    
Area 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 and
Through
Expiration
 Total Expiration
Date
               
Natural gas (MMcf)              
Wattenberg Field 7,416
 27,794
 31,025
 31,025
 114,272
 211,532
 April 30, 2026
Delaware Basin 25,520
 25,600
 11,000
 
 
 62,120
 December 31, 2020
Gas Marketing 7,117
 7,136
 7,117
 6,965
 2,830
 31,165
 August 31, 2022
Total 40,053
 60,530
 49,142
 37,990
 117,102
 304,817
  
               
Crude oil (MBbls)              
Wattenberg Field 7,438
 8,062
 5,085
 4,563
 4,937
 30,085
 April 30, 2023
Delaware Basin 4,493
 8,227
 8,580
 7,392
 14,080
 42,772
 December 31, 2023
Total 11,931
 16,289
 13,665
 11,955
 19,017
 72,857
  
               
Dollar commitment (in thousands) $64,690
 $99,560
 $69,434
 $65,060
 $160,183
 $458,927
  

In March 2018, we completed the sale of our Utica Shale properties. Upon closing, the related commitment was assumed by the purchaser of the Utica Shale properties.

In anticipation of our future drilling activities in the Wattenberg Field, we have entered into two facilities expansion agreements with our primary midstream provider to expand and improve its natural gas gathering pipelines and processing facilities. The midstream provider is expected to construct two new 200 MMcfd cryogenic plants. We will be bound to the volume requirements in these agreements on the first day of the calendar month afterfollowing the actual in-service datedates of the plants, which, as reflected in the above table, isare currently scheduled to be in the fourththird quarter of 2018 for the first plant and Aprilthe second quarter of 2019 for the second plant. We are currently working with this midstream provider to identify opportunities to accelerate the completion of the first of these processing facilities. Both agreements require baseline volume commitments, consisting of our gross wellhead volume delivered in November 2016, to this midstream provider, and incremental wellhead volume commitments of 51.5 MMcfd and 33.5 MMcfd for the first and second agreements, respectively, for seven years. We may be required to pay shortfall fees for any volumes under the 51.5 MMcfd and 33.5 MMcfd incremental commitments. Any shortfall ofin these volume commitments may be offset by additional third partyother producers’ volumes sold to the midstream provider that are greater than a certain total baseline volume. We are also required for the first three years of the contracts to guarantee a certain target profit margin to the midstream provider on these incremental volumes. We currently expect that our future development plans will supportmeet both the utilization ofbaseline and incremental volumes, and we believe that the incremental commitments.contractual target profit margin will be achieved without additional payment from us.

In April 2017,2018, we entered into a five-year firm transportation service agreement, for deliveryeffective May 1, 2018, with a third-party crude oil pipeline company to transport 12,500 barrels of 40,000 dekathermscrude oil per day from our Wattenberg Field via pipeline to Cushing, Oklahoma and other area refineries. This agreement is reflected in the pipeline capacity commitment table above.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


In May 2018, we entered into a firm sales agreement that is effective from June 1, 2018 through December 31, 2023 for an initial 11,400 barrels of crude oil per day and incrementally increasing to 26,400 barrels of crude oil per day with a large integrated marketing company for our crude oil production in the Delaware Basin natural gas productionBasin. This agreement is expected to provide price diversification through realization of export market pricing via a Corpus Christi terminal and exposure to Brent-weighted prices. The fixed transportation charge associated with this agreement is reflected in the Waha market hub in West Texas. pipeline capacity commitment table above.

For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, commitments for long-term transportation volumes, net to our interest, for Wattenberg Field crude oil and Delaware Basin natural gas, and Utica Shale natural gas were $2.6 million, and $7.4 million, respectively,in accordance with the guidance in the new revenue recognition standard, were netted against our crude oil and were recorded in transportation, gathering, and processing expensesnatural gas sales in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, commitments for long-term transportation volumes for Wattenberg Field crude oil and Utica Shale natural gas were $2.6$2.2 million and $7.2 million, respectively.were recorded in transportation, gathering, and processing expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Litigation and Legal Items. The Company isWe are involved in various legal proceedings. The Company reviewsWe review the status of these proceedings on an ongoing basis and, from time to time, may settle or otherwise resolve these matters on terms and conditions that management believes are in theour best interests of the Company. Management hasinterests. We have provided the necessary estimated accruals in the accompanying balance sheets where deemed appropriate for litigation and legal related items that are ongoing and not yet concluded. However, the liability ultimately incurred with respect to a matter may exceed the related accrual. Although the results cannot be known with certainty, we currently believe that the ultimate results of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
Action Regarding Partnerships. In December 2017, we received an action entitled Dufresne, et al. v. PDC Energy, et al., filed in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The complaint states that it is a derivative action brought by a number of limited partner investors seeking to assert claims on behalf of our two affiliated partnerships, Rockies Region 2006 LP and Rockies Region 2007 LP, against PDC and includes claims for breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract. The plaintiffs also included claims against two of our senior officers for alleged breach of fiduciary duty. The lawsuit accuses PDC, as the managing general partner of the two partnerships, of, among other things, failing to maximize the productivity of the partnerships’ crude oil and natural gas wells. We filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit on February 1, 2018, on the grounds that the complaint is deficient, including because the plaintiffs failed to allege that PDC refused a demand to take action on their claims. On March 14, 2018, the motion was denied as moot by the court because the plaintiffs requested leave to amend their complaint. In late April 2018, the plaintiffs filed an amendment to their complaint.  Such amendment primarily alleges additional facts to support the plaintiffs’ claims and purports to add direct class action claims in addition to the original derivative claims.  The amendment also adds three new individual defendants, all of which are independent members of our Board of Directors. We are currently unable to estimate any potential damages as a result of this lawsuit.

Environmental.Due to the nature of the natural gas and oil industry, we are exposed to environmental risks. We have various policies and procedures to minimize and mitigate the risks from environmental contamination. We conduct periodic reviews and simulated drills to identify changes in our environmental risk profile. Liabilities are recorded when environmental damages resulting from past events are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Except as discussed herein, we are not aware of any material environmental claims existing as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 which have not been provided for or would otherwise have a material impact on our financial statements; however, there can be no assurance that current regulatory requirements will not change or that unknown potential past non-compliance with environmental laws or other environmental liabilities will not be discovered on our properties. However, the liability ultimately incurred with respect to a matter may exceed the related accrual. Accrued environmental liabilities are recorded in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The liability ultimately incurred with respect to a matter may exceed the related accrual.

Clean Air Act Tentative Agreement and Related Consent Decree. In August 2015, we received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request (the "Information Request") from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The Information Request sought, among other things, information related to the design, operation, and maintenance of our Wattenberg Field production facilities in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of Colorado ("DJ Basin"). The Information Request focused on historical operation and design information for 46 of our production facilities and requested sampling and analyses at the identified 46 facilities. We responded to the Information Request with the requested data in January 2016.
 
In addition, in December 2015, we received a Compliance Advisory pursuant to C.R.S. 25-7-115(2) from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (“CDPHE”) Air Quality Control Commission's Air Pollution Control Division alleging that we failed to design, operate, and maintain certain condensate collection, storage, processing, and handling
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


operations to minimize leakage of volatile organic compounds at 65 facilities consistent with applicable standards under Colorado law.

For more than a year, we held a series of meetings withIn June 2017, the EPA,U.S. Department of Justice, (“DOJ”) and CDPHE on the above matters. On June 26, 2017, the DOJ on behalf of the EPA and the Statestate of Colorado, filed a complaint against us based onin the above matters. We continuedU.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, claiming that we failed to conduct meetingsoperate and maintain certain condensate collection facilities at 65 facilities so as to minimize leakage of volatile organic compounds in compliance with these agencies in working towardapplicable law. In October 2017, we entered into a resolution of the matters. On September 28, 2017, the parties jointly filed for an extension of time for PDC to reply to the complaint. The extension was requested because the parties reached an agreementconsent decree to resolve the case subjectlawsuit. Pursuant to final approval by the appropriate persons within the federal government and state government, as well as outcome of the period of public comment on the proposed decree.

A consent decree, was signed by all parties on October 31, 2017we agreed to implement a variety of operational enhancements and is subject to a 30-day comment period in which it will be publicly published in the Federal Register. The consent decree provides that we will implement changes to our design, operation,mitigation and maintenance of most of our field-wide storage tank systems to enhance our emission management in the DJ Basin.  Agreed upon and planned efforts include, but are not limited to,similar projects, including vapor control system modifications and verification, increased inspection and monitoring, and installation of tank pressure monitors. We voluntarily included in the consent decree approximately 40 additional facilities associated with our pending acquisition of additional assets in the basin. The three primary elements of the consent decree are: (i) fine/supplemental environmental projects ($1.5 million cash fine, plus $1 million in supplemental environmental projects); of which the cash fines were paid in the first quarter of 2018 and the environmental projects have been accrued in other accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2018 (ii) injunctive relief with an estimated cost of approximately $18 million, primarily representing capital enhancements to our operations; and (iii) mitigation with an estimated cost of $1.7 million. Certain expenditures for the injunctive relief are believedWe continue to have been incurred in 2016 and 2017,incur costs associated with these activities. If we fail to comply fully with the remainder expectedrequirements of the consent decree with respect to those matters, we could be incurred oversubject to additional liability. In addition, we could be the next few years.subject of other enforcement actions by regulatory authorities in the future relating to our past, present or future operations. We do not believe that the expenditures resulting from the settlement will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Although we believe

Since our entry into the consent decree will be approved bywe have implemented a comprehensive program to comply with all of its requirements. As of the court followingdate of the comment period,filing of this cannot be guaranteed.  report, all aspects of the consent decree compliance program are on or ahead of schedule.


NOTE 1714 - COMMON STOCK

Sale of Equity Securities

During December 2016, we issued 9.4 million shares of our common stock as partial consideration for 100 percent of the common stock of Arris Petroleum and for the acquisition of certain Delaware Basin properties. Pursuant to the terms of previously disclosed lock-up agreements, the resale of these shares was restricted. The lock-up period ended on June 4, 2017. We have registered the 9.4 million shares of our common stock for resale under the Securities Act of 1933.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

The following table provides a summary of the impact of our outstanding stock-based compensation plans on the results of operations for the periods presented:

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
            
Stock-based compensation expense $4,761
 $4,079
 $14,587
 $15,205
 $5,261
 $4,453
Income tax benefit (1,781) (1,552) (5,457) (5,786) (1,261) (1,666)
Net stock-based compensation expense $2,980
 $2,527
 $9,130
 $9,419
 $4,000
 $2,787
            

Stock Appreciation Rights

The stock appreciation right ("SARs") vest ratably over a three-year period and may be exercised at any point after vesting through ten years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to the terms of the awards, upon exercise, the executive officers will receive, in shares of common stock, the excess of the market price of the award on the date of exercise over the market price of the award on the date of issuance.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors No SARs were awarded SARs to our executive officersor expired during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The fair value of each SAR award was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes pricing model using the following assumptions:

 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
    
Expected term of award (in years)6
 6
Risk-free interest rate2.0% 1.8%
Expected volatility53.3% 54.5%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$38.58
 $26.96

The expected term of the award was estimated using historical stock option exercise behavior data. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yields approximating the expected life of the award in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatilities were based on our historical volatility. We do not expect to pay or declare dividends in the foreseeable future.March 31, 2018.
    
The following table presents the changes in our SARs for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:

 Number of
SARs
 Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price
 Average Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016244,078
 $41.36
 6.9
 $7,620
Awarded54,142
 74.57
 
 
Outstanding at September 30, 2017298,220
 47.39
 6.7
 2,043
Exercisable at September 30, 2017186,248
 39.38
 5.6
 1,867

Total compensation cost related to non-vested SARs granted and not yet recognized in our condensed consolidated statement of operations as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $2.3$1.4 million. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.91.52 years.
    
Restricted Stock Awards

Time-Based Awards. The fair value of the time-based restricted shares is amortized ratably over the requisite service period, primarily three years. The time-based shares generally vest ratably on each anniversary following the grant date provided that a participant is continuously employed.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


The following table presents the changes in non-vested time-based awards to all employees, including executive officers, for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017:March 31, 2018:
 Shares Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value per Share
    
Non-vested at December 31, 2016479,642
 $56.09
Granted260,019
 66.00
Vested(206,242) 56.44
Forfeited(7,990) 64.32
Non-vested at September 30, 2017525,429
 60.73
    

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)

 Shares Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value per Share
    
Non-vested at December 31, 2017472,132
 $60.23
Granted136,256
 50.94
Vested(66,253) 58.16
Forfeited(5,800) 68.18
Non-vested at March 31, 2018536,335
 58.04
    

The following table presents the weighted-average grant date fair value per share and related information as of/for the periods presented:
As of/Nine Months Ended September 30,

As of/Three Months Ended March 31,

2017 20162018 2017
(in thousands, except per share data)(in thousands, except per share data)
      
Total intrinsic value of time-based awards vested$13,266
 $14,675
$3,530
 $3,602
Total intrinsic value of time-based awards non-vested25,762
 35,079
26,297
 33,366
Market price per common share as of September 30,49.03
 67.06
Market price per share as of March 31,49.03
 62.35
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share66.00
 57.12
50.94
 73.28

Total compensation cost related to non-vested time-based awards and not yet recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $22.0$20.6 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.92.0 years.

Market-Based Awards. The fair value of the market-based restricted shares is amortized ratably over the requisite service period, primarily three years. The market-based shares vest if the participant is continuously employed throughout the performance period and the market-based performance measure is achieved, with a maximum vesting period of three years. All compensation cost related to the market-based awards will be recognized if the requisite service period is fulfilled, even if the market condition is not achieved.
    
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors awarded a total of 28,06990,778 market-based restricted shares to our executive officers during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. In addition to continuous employment, the vesting of these shares is contingent on our total stockholder return ("TSR"), which is essentially our stock price change including any dividends as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies. The shares are measured over a three-year period ending on December 31, 2019,2020, and can result in a payout between 0 percent and 200 percent of the total shares awarded. The weighted-average grant date fair value per market-based share for these awards was computed using the Monte Carlo pricing model using the following assumptions:
Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
      
Expected term of award (in years)3
 3
3
 3
Risk-free interest rate1.4% 1.2%2.4% 1.4%
Expected volatility51.4% 52.3%42.3% 51.4%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$94.02
 $72.54
$69.98
 $94.02

The expected term of the awards was based on the requisite service period. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant and extrapolated to approximate the life of the award. The expected volatility was based on our historical volatility.
    
The following table presents the change in non-vested market-based awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2017:
  Shares
 Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value per Share
     
Non-vested at December 31, 2016
 48,420
 $64.97
Granted
 28,069
 94.02
Non-vested at September 30, 2017
 76,489
 75.63
     


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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


The following table presents the change in non-vested market-based awards during the three months ended March 31, 2018:
  Shares
 Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value per Share
     
Non-vested at December 31, 2017
 52,349
 $84.06
Granted
 90,778
 69.98
Forfeited
 (4,128) 94.02
Non-vested at March 31, 2018 138,999
 74.57
     

The following table presents the weighted-average grant date fair value per share and related information as of/for the periods presented:
As of /Nine Months Ended September 30,As of Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 20162018 2017
(in thousands, except per share data)(in thousands, except per share data)
      
Total intrinsic value of market-based awards vested$
 $1,174
Total intrinsic value of market-based awards non-vested3,750
 5,670
$6,815
 $4,769
Market price per common share as of September 30,49.03
 67.06
Market price per common share as of March 31,49.03
 62.35
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share94.02
 72.54
69.98
 94.02

Total compensation cost related to non-vested market-based awards not yet recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $2.9$7.9 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.92.5 years.

Treasury Share Purchases

In June 2010, our stockholders approved a long-term equity compensation plan for our employees and non-employee directors (the "2010 Plan"). In accordance with the 2010 Plan, as amended in June 2013, up to 3,000,000 new shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance. Shares granted may be either authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares, or any combination of these shares. Additionally, the 2010 Plan permits the reuse or reissuance of shares of common stock which were canceled, expired, forfeited or, in the case of SARs, paid out in the form of cash. In accordance with our stock-based compensation plans, employees and directors may surrender shares of our common stock to pay tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and exercise of share-based awards. Shares acquired that had been issued pursuant to the 2010 Plan are reissued for new grants. For shares reissued for new grants under the 2010 Plan, shares are recorded at cost and upon reissuance we reduce the carrying value of shares acquired and held pursuant to the 2010 Plan by the weighted-average cost per share with an offsetting charge to additional paid-in capital. As of December 31, 2016, we had 10,397 shares remaining available for reissuance pursuant to our 2010 plan. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016, we had 18,366 of shares of treasury stock related to a rabbi trust. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we acquired 80,572 shares pursuant to our stock-based compensation plans for payment of tax liabilities, of which 49,446 shares were reissued and 41,523 shares are available for reissuance pursuant to the 2010 Plan.

Preferred Stock

We are authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, which may be issued in one or more series, with such rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions as shall be fixed by our Board of Directors from time to time. Through September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, no preferred shares have been issued.

NOTE 1815 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is similarly computed, except that the denominator includes the effect, using the treasury stock method, of unvested restricted stock, outstanding SARs, stock options, convertible notes, and shares held pursuant to our non-employee director deferred compensation plan, if including such potential shares of common stock is dilutive.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


The following table presents a reconciliation of the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding:

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
          
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic65,865
 48,839
 65,825
 45,741
65,957
 65,749
Dilutive effect of:   
Restricted stock
 211
Convertible notes
 157
Weighted-average common shares and equivalents outstanding - diluted65,865
 48,839
 65,825
 45,741
65,957
 66,117

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


We reported a net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.March 31, 2018. As a result, our basic and diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were the same for eachthat period because the effect of the common share equivalents was anti-dilutive.

The following table presents the weighted-average common share equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
(in thousands)(in thousands)
          
Weighted-average common share equivalents excluded from diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect:          
Restricted stock588
 660
 585
 705
491
 76
Convertible notes
 
 
 345

 
Other equity-based awards48
 97
 82
 103
198
 18
Total anti-dilutive common share equivalents636
 757
 667
 1,153
689
 94
          

In September 2016, we issued the 2021 Convertible Notes, which give the holders, at our election, the right to convert the aggregate principal amount into 2.3 million shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $85.39 per share. The 2021 Convertible Notes could be included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method if the average market share price exceeds the $85.39 conversion price during the periods presented. During the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2018 and 2017, the average market price of our common stock did not exceed the conversion price; therefore, shares issuable upon conversion of the 2021 Convertible Notes were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation.

In November 2010, we issued $115.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes that were due in 2016 ("2016 Convertible Notes"), which gave the holders the right to convert the aggregate principal amount into 2.7 million shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $42.40 per share. The 2016 Convertible Notes matured in May 2016. Prior to maturity, the 2016 Convertible Notes were included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method when the average market share price exceeded the $42.40 conversion price during the periods presented.

NOTE 1916 - SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR

Our subsidiary PDC Permian, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, guarantees our obligations under our publicly-registered Notes.senior notes. The following presents the condensed consolidating financial information separately for:

(i)PDC Energy, Inc. ("Parent"), the issuer of the guaranteed obligations, including non-material subsidiaries;
(ii)PDC Permian, Inc., the guarantor subsidiary ("Guarantor"), as specified in the indentures related to our Notes;senior notes;
(iii)Eliminations representing adjustments to (a) eliminate intercompany transactions between or among Parent, Guarantor, and our other subsidiaries and (b) eliminate the investments in our subsidiaries; and
(iv)Parent and subsidiaries on a consolidated basis ("Consolidated").

The Guarantor is 100%100 percent owned by the Parent beginning in December 2016.Parent. The Notessenior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Guarantor. The guarantee is subject to release in limited circumstances only upon
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


the occurrence of certain customary conditions. Each entity in the condensed consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The following condensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared on the same basis of accounting as our condensed consolidated financial statements. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate the Parent and Guarantor are reflected in the eliminations column.

  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
  September 30, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
Assets        
Current assets $299,239
 $35,463
 $
 $334,702
Properties and equipment, net 1,911,759
 1,970,941
 
 3,882,700
Intercompany receivable 199,871
 
 (199,871) 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,467,623
 
 (1,467,623) 
Noncurrent assets 89,245
 640
 
 89,885
Total Assets $3,967,737
 $2,007,044
 $(1,667,494) $4,307,287
         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Current liabilities $310,997
 $62,791
 $
 $373,788
Intercompany payable 
 199,871
 (199,871) 
Long-term debt 1,051,571
 
 
 1,051,571
Other noncurrent liabilities 178,567
 276,759
 
 455,326
Stockholders' equity 2,426,602
 1,467,623
 (1,467,623) 2,426,602
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $3,967,737
 $2,007,044
 $(1,667,494) $4,307,287



  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
  December 31, 2016
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
Assets        
Current assets $387,309
 $12,516
 $
 $399,825
Properties and equipment, net 1,884,147
 2,118,847
 
 4,002,994
Intercompany receivable 9,415
 
 (9,415) 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,765,092
 
 (1,765,092) 
Goodwill 
 62,041
 
 62,041
Noncurrent assets 20,811
 171
 
 20,982
Total Assets $4,066,774
 $2,193,575
 $(1,774,507) $4,485,842
         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Current liabilities $235,121
 $35,457
 $
 $270,578
Intercompany payable 
 9,415
 (9,415) 
Long-term debt 1,043,954
 
 
 1,043,954
Other noncurrent liabilities 164,945
 383,611
 
 548,556
Stockholders' equity 2,622,754
 1,765,092
 (1,765,092) 2,622,754
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,066,774
 $2,193,575
 $(1,774,507) $4,485,842




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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Operating and other revenues $150,015
 $33,220
 $
 $183,235
Production and other operating expenses 41,891
 13,129
 
 55,020
General and administrative 26,207
 3,092
 
 29,299
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 217
 41,691
 
 41,908
Depreciation depletion and amortization 106,623
 18,615
 
 125,238
Impairment of properties and equipment 1,148
 251,592
 
 252,740
Impairment of goodwill 
 75,121
 
 75,121
Interest (expense) income (19,168) 372
 
 (18,796)
   Loss before income taxes (45,239) (369,648) 
 (414,887)
Income tax benefit 30,274
 92,076
 
 122,350
Equity in loss of subsidiary (277,572) 
 277,572
 
   Net loss $(292,537) $(277,572) $277,572
 $(292,537)
  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
  March 31, 2018
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $45,923
 $
 $
 $45,923
Accounts receivable, net 143,250
 37,775
 
 181,025
Fair value of derivatives 28,610
 
 
 28,610
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 7,116
 1,781
 
 8,897
Total current assets 224,899
 39,556
 
 264,455
Properties and equipment, net 2,139,471
 2,091,786
 
 4,231,257
Assets held-for-sale, net 1,647
 
 
 1,647
Intercompany receivable 294,476
 
 (294,476) 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,605,330
 
 (1,605,330) 
Other assets 23,339
 1,459
 
 24,798
Total Assets $4,289,162
 $2,132,801
 $(1,899,806) $4,522,157
         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $113,529
 $82,174
 $
 $195,703
Production tax liability 35,309
 1,341
 
 36,650
Fair value of derivatives 110,683
 
 
 110,683
Funds held for distribution 80,203
 17,408
 
 97,611
Accrued interest payable 13,756
 4
 
 13,760
Other accrued expenses 33,136
 641
 
 33,777
Total current liabilities 386,616
 101,568
 
 488,184
Intercompany payable 
 294,476
 (294,476) 
Long-term debt 1,154,528
 
 
 1,154,528
Deferred income taxes 62,088
 125,095
 
 187,183
Asset retirement obligations 67,922
 5,983
 
 73,905
Fair value of derivatives 26,426
 
 
 26,426
Other liabilities 94,208
 349
 
 94,557
Total liabilities 1,791,788
 527,471
 (294,476) 2,024,783
         
Commitments and contingent liabilities        
         
Stockholders' Equity        
Stockholders' equity        
   Common shares 660
 
 
 660
Additional paid-in capital 2,504,663
 1,766,777
 (1,766,777) 2,504,663
Retained earnings (6,435) (161,447) 161,447
 (6,435)
  Treasury shares (1,514) 
 
 (1,514)
Total stockholders' equity 2,497,374
 1,605,330
 (1,605,330) 2,497,374
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,289,162
 $2,132,801
 $(1,899,806) $4,522,157

  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Operating and other revenues $657,102
 $74,998
 $
 $732,100
Production and other operating expenses 118,779
 26,049
 
 144,828
General and administrative 76,353
 8,792
 
 85,145
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 744
 43,151
 
 43,895
Depreciation depletion and amortization 317,088
 43,479
 
 360,567
Impairment of properties and equipment 2,282
 280,217
 
 282,499
Impairment of goodwill 
 75,121
 
 75,121
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable (40,203) 
 
 (40,203)
Interest (expense) income (57,557) 685
 
 (56,872)
  Income (loss) before income taxes 124,502
 (401,126) 
 (276,624)
Income tax expense (benefit) (32,174) 103,657
 
 71,483
Equity in loss of subsidiary (297,469) 
 297,469
 
   Net loss $(205,141) $(297,469) $297,469
 $(205,141)

Net losses of the Guarantor for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are primarily the result of the exploratory dry hole expense, impairment of certain unproved Delaware Basin leasehold positions during the relevant periods, and the impairment of goodwill during the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Table of contents
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Cash flows from operating activities $382,715
 $28,687
 $
 $411,402
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures for development of crude oil and natural properties (315,718) (213,132) 
 (528,850)
Capital expenditures for other properties and equipment (2,488) (1,252) 
 (3,740)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments and deposit for pending acquisition (19,761) 5,279
 
 (14,482)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 3,322
 
 
 3,322
Sale of promissory note 40,203
 
 
 40,203
Restricted cash (9,250) 
 
 (9,250)
Sales of short-term investments 49,890
 
 
 49,890
Purchases of short-term investments (49,890) 
 
 (49,890)
Intercompany transfers (189,239) 
 189,239
 
Net cash from investing activities (492,931) (209,105) 189,239
 (512,797)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Purchase of treasury stock (5,325) 
 
 (5,325)
Other (906) (45) 
 (951)
Intercompany transfers 
 189,239
 (189,239) 
Net cash from financing activities (6,231) 189,194
 (189,239) (6,276)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (116,447) 8,776
 
 (107,671)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 240,487
 3,613
 
 244,100
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $124,040
 $12,389
 $
 $136,429
  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
  December 31, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $180,675
 $
 $
 $180,675
Accounts receivable, net 160,490
 37,108
 
 197,598
Fair value of derivatives 14,338
 
 
 14,338
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 8,284
 329
 
 8,613
Total current assets 363,787
 37,437
 
 401,224
Properties and equipment, net 1,891,314
 2,042,153
 
 3,933,467
Assets held-for-sale, net 40,084
 
 
 40,084
Intercompany receivable 250,279
 
 (250,279) 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,617,537
 
 (1,617,537) 
Other assets 42,547
 2,569
 
 45,116
Total Assets $4,205,548
 $2,082,159
 $(1,867,816) $4,419,891
         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $85,000
 $65,067
 $
 $150,067
Production tax liability 35,902
 1,752
 
 37,654
Fair value of derivatives 79,302
 
 
 79,302
Funds held for distribution 83,898
 11,913
 
 95,811
Accrued interest payable 11,812
 3
 
 11,815
Other accrued expenses 42,543
 444
 
 42,987
Total current liabilities 338,457
 79,179
 
 417,636
Intercompany payable 
 250,279
 (250,279) 
Long-term debt 1,151,932
 
 
 1,151,932
Deferred income taxes 62,857
 129,135
 
 191,992
Asset retirement obligations 65,301
 5,705
 
 71,006
Fair value of derivatives 22,343
 
 
 22,343
Other liabilities 57,009
 324
 
 57,333
Total liabilities 1,697,899
 464,622
 (250,279) 1,912,242
         
Commitments and contingent liabilities        
         
Stockholders' Equity        
Stockholders' equity        
   Common shares 659
 
 
 659
Additional paid-in capital 2,503,294
 1,766,775
 (1,766,775) 2,503,294
Retained earnings 6,704
 (149,238) 149,238
 6,704
  Treasury shares (3,008) 
 
 (3,008)
Total stockholders' equity 2,507,649
 1,617,537
 (1,617,537) 2,507,649
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,205,548
 $2,082,159
 $(1,867,816) $4,419,891

Table of contents
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Revenues        
Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales $233,494
 $71,731
 $
 $305,225
Commodity price risk management loss, net (47,240) 
 
 (47,240)
Other income 2,516
 99
 
 2,615
Total revenues 188,770
 71,830
 
 260,600
Costs, expenses and other        
Lease operating expenses 21,362
 8,274
 
 29,636
Production taxes 16,081
 4,088
 
 20,169
Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses 3,231
 4,082
 
 7,313
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 313
 2,333
 
 2,646
Impairment of properties and equipment 6
 33,182
 
 33,188
General and administrative expense 31,559
 4,137
 
 35,696
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 94,376
 32,412
 
 126,788
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 1,200
 88
 
 1,288
Loss on sale of properties and equipment 1,432
 
 
 1,432
Other expenses 2,768
 
 
 2,768
Total costs, expenses and other 172,328
 88,596
 
 260,924
Income (loss) from operations 16,442
 (16,766) 
 (324)
Interest expense (18,097) 568
 
 (17,529)
Interest income 148
 
 
 148
Loss before income taxes (1,507) (16,198) 
 (17,705)
Income tax benefit 577
 3,989
 
 4,566
Equity in loss of subsidiary (12,209) 
 12,209
 
Net loss $(13,139) $(12,209) $12,209
 $(13,139)


Table of contents
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Revenues        
Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales $170,739
 $18,953
 $
 $189,692
Commodity price risk management gain, net 80,704
 
 
 80,704
Other income 3,297
 14
 
 3,311
Total revenues 254,740
 18,967
 
 273,707
Costs, expenses and other        
Lease operating expenses 15,816
 3,973
 
 19,789
Production taxes 11,144
 1,255
 
 12,399
Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses 5,215
 687
 
 5,902
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 271
 683
 
 954
Impairment of properties and equipment 604
 1,589
 
 2,193
General and administrative expense 23,529
 2,786
 
 26,315
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 101,738
 7,578
 
 109,316
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 1,685
 83
 
 1,768
Gain on sale of properties and equipment (160) 
 
 (160)
Other expenses 3,528
 
 
 3,528
Total costs, expenses and other 163,370
 18,634
 
 182,004
Income from operations 91,370
 333
 
 91,703
Interest expense (19,597) 130
 
 (19,467)
Interest income 240
 
 
 240
Income before income taxes 72,013
 463
 
 72,476
Income tax expense (26,162) (168) 
 (26,330)
Equity in income of subsidiary 295
 
 (295) 
Net income $46,146
 $295
 $(295) $46,146


Table of contents
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2018
(unaudited)


  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Cash flows from operating activities $149,009
 $56,140
 $
 $205,149
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures for development of crude oil and natural gas properties (97,286) (99,631) 
 (196,917)
Capital expenditures for other properties and equipment (701) (365) 
 (1,066)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments (180,825) 
 
 (180,825)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 20
 
 
 20
Proceeds from divestiture 39,023
 
 
 39,023
Restricted cash 1,249
 
 
 1,249
Intercompany transfers (43,891) 
 43,891
 
Net cash from investing activities (282,411) (99,996) 43,891
 (338,516)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 35,000
 
 
 35,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility (35,000) 
 
 (35,000)
Purchase of treasury stock (2,255) 
 
 (2,255)
Other (344) (35) 
 (379)
Intercompany transfers 
 43,891
 (43,891) 
Net cash from financing activities (2,599) 43,856
 (43,891) (2,634)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (136,001) 
 
 (136,001)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 189,925
 
 
 189,925
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $53,924
 $
 $
 $53,924

  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Cash flows from operating activities $131,661
 $7,839
 $
 $139,500
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures for development of crude oil and natural gas properties (82,489) (47,337) 
 (129,826)
Capital expenditures for other properties and equipment (890) 69
 
 (821)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments 
 6,181
 
 6,181
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 737
 
 
 737
Purchase of short-term investments (49,890) 
 
 (49,890)
Intercompany transfers (33,795) 
 33,795
 
Net cash from investing activities (166,327) (41,087) 33,795
 (173,619)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Purchase of treasury stock (2,017) 
 
 (2,017)
Other (330) (10) 
 (340)
Intercompany transfers 
 33,795
 (33,795) 
Net cash from financing activities (2,347) 33,785
 (33,795) (2,357)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash (37,013) 537
 
 (36,476)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period 240,487
 3,613
 
 244,100
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period $203,474
 $4,150
 $
 $207,624
Table of contents
PDC ENERGY, INC.

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

The following discussion and analysis, as well as other sections in this report, should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Further, we encourage you to review the Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Production and Financial Overview

Production volumes increased to 8.5 MMboe and 23.28.9 MMboe for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018, representing increasesan increase of 42 percent and 4734 percent as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The increases in production volumes were primarily attributable to the continued success of our horizontal Niobrara and Codell drilling program in the Wattenberg Field and growing production from our Delaware Basin properties.March 31, 2017. Crude oil production increased 4751 percentfor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.March 31, 2017. Crude oil production comprised approximately 4043 percent and 38 percent of total production in each offor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. NGLMarch 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. NGLs production increased 33 percent and 5420 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. Natural gas production increased 4226 percent and 43 percent infor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. On a combined basis, total liquids production comprised 63 percent of our total production during each of the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and 62 percentMarch 31, 2018 and 61 percent of total production during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, we maintained an average daily production rate of approximately 92,500 Boe per day, including 12,800 Boe per day from the Delaware Basin, up from approximately65,300 Boe per day for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

On a sequential quarterly basis, total production and crude oil production volumes for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2017 increased with contributions from both the Wattenberg Fieldslightly by three percent and Delaware Basin. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017, total production and crude oil production each increased by six percent.two percent, respectively. Continued high line pressures, fewer production days, gathering line freezing issues, and unexpected gathering system facility downtime in the Wattenberg Field have temporarily tempered the growth rate in the field. These operating challenges do not impact our expected full year 2018 production outlook as discussed under 2018 Operational and Financial Outlook. High line pressures in the Wattenberg Field;Field are expected to remain a concern until our primary third-party midstream provider completes the construction of additional processing facilities. We expect significant production growth in the Wattenberg Field during the second half of 2018 once an additional facility is completed and on line, which is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2018. We expect our company-wide production to increase modestly in the second quarter of 2018, led by the continued successful development of our Delaware Basin properties. However, our production and realized prices in the Delaware Basin may be negatively impacted by ongoing increased crude oil and natural gas takeaway capacity constraints and widening differentials. Such constraints could hinder production growth and result in further widening of price differentials for our commodities in the basin; however, we are expectingcurrently investigating various options to mitigate this risk. In an overall modest sequential quarterly increaseeffort to address these issues, in production in the fourth quarterMay 2018, we entered into an agreement for pipeline capacity for a portion of 2017.our Delaware Basin crude oil production. See Results of Operations - Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Production for further details of this agreement.

Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales revenue increased to $232.7$305.2 million and $636.0 million infor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to $141.8$189.7 million and $328.0 million infor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. These 64March 31, 2017. The 61 percent and 94 percent increasesincrease in sales revenues werewas driven by the 42a 34 percent and 47 percent increasesincrease in production and 16a 20 percent and 32 percent increasesincrease in average realized commodity prices. The adoption of the new revenue recognition standard at January 1, 2018 did not significantly impact the change in our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. See the footnote titled Revenue Recognition to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report foradditional information regarding the new revenue recognition standard.

We had positivenegative net settlements from our commodity derivative contracts of $9.6$26.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 as compared to positive net settlements of $47.7$0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. We had positive net settlements of $22.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to positive net settlements of $167.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. We entered into agreements for the derivative instruments that settled throughout 2016 prior to commodity prices becoming depressed in late 2014.  Substantially all of these higher-value derivatives settled by the end of 2016.  Net settlements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflect derivative instruments entered into since 2015, which more closely approximate recent realized prices.  Based upon the forward strip pricing at September 30, 2017, we expect that settlements will continue to be substantially lower in 2017 than in 2016.March 31, 2017.  See Results of Operations - Commodity Price Risk Management, Net for further details of our settlements of derivatives and changes in the fair value of unsettled derivatives.

The combined revenue from crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales and net settlements received on our commodity derivative instruments increased 2847 percent to $242.3$279.2 million infor the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 from $189.5$190.2 million infor the three months ended September 30, 2016, and increased 33 percent to $658.2 million inMarch 31, 2017.
During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017 from $495.9March 31, 2018, we recorded impairment charges totaling $33.2 million, inprimarily related to certain unproved Delaware Basin leasehold positions that expired during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.
March 31, 2018.



Table of contents
PDC ENERGY, INC.

DuringFor the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded exploratory dry hole well expense of $41.2 million, an unproved property impairment charge of $251.6 million, and we impaired all of the goodwill associated with the assets acquired in the Delaware Basin, which resulted in an impairment charge of $75.1 million. For more information regarding these expenses and charges see Results of Operations - Exploration, Geologic, and Geophysical Expense, Results of Operations - Impairments of Properties, and Results of Operations - Impairment of Goodwill.

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we generated a net loss of $292.5$13.1 million and $205.1 million, respectively, or $4.44 and $3.12$0.20 per diluted share, respectively.share. Our net incomeloss was most negatively impacted by the commodity price risk management loss and the aforementioned impairment charges and expensing of exploratory dry hole well costs.Delaware Basin leasehold impairments. During the same periods,period, our adjusted EBITDAX, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $166.9$190.1 million, and $497.6 million, respectively. Beginning in 2017, we have included non-cash stock-based compensation and exploration, geologic and geophysical expense in our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDAX.  In prior periods, we reported adjusted EBITDA, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure that did not include these adjustments.  All prior periods have been conformed for comparability of this updated presentation. Inup 46 percent from the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our net lossincome per diluted share was $0.48 and $4.16, respectively,$0.70 and our adjusted EBITDAX was $133.0$130.2 million. The increase in our adjusted EBITDAX for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily due to the increase in crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales of $115.5 million. These increases were partially offset by an increase in operating costs of $28.4 million and $313.3 million, respectively.a decrease in commodity derivative settlements of $26.6 million. Our cash flowflows from operations was $411.4were $205.1 million and our adjusted cash flow from operations, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $407.5$174.9 million infor the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. See Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures, below, for a more detailed discussion of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of these measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

Liquidity

Available liquidity as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018, was $836.4$745.9 million, which was comprised of $136.4$45.9 million of cash and cash equivalents and $700 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility at our current commitment level. We expect decreases inBased on our cash balance duringcurrent production forecast for the remainder of 2017 due to: (i)2018 and assuming averages of approximately $62.00 NYMEX crude oil price for the expected closingyear and a $2.85 NYMEX natural gas price, less the associated differential, we expect 2018 capital investments to exceed our 2018 cash flows from operations by approximately $65 million. We anticipate that the proceeds received from the sale of our Utica Shale assets and an amendment to a midstream dedication agreement will fund this outspend. We expect this outspend to occur during the first half of 2018, with cash flows exceeding capital investment during the second half of the pending Wattenberg Field acquisition described below, (ii) continued planned development in the core Wattenberg Field, and (iii) further capital investment in our Delaware Basin assets. In October 2017,year. As a result, we entered into a Sixth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment allowed the borrowing baseexpect to be set above the $1.0 billion allowable borrowing capacity of the facility. The borrowing base redetermination for the fall of 2017 was confirmedundrawn on our credit facility at $1.1 billion and we elected to maintain a $700 million commitment level as of the date of this report.December 31, 2018.

We intend to continue to manage our liquidity position by a variety of means, including through the generation of cash flows from operations, investment in projects with attractive rates of return, protection of cash flows on a portion of our anticipated sales through the use of an active commodity derivative hedging program, potential utilization of our borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, and if warranted, capital markets transactions from time to time.


Pending AcquisitionAcquisitions and Acreage ExchangesDivestitures

PendingBayswater Acquisition.In September 2017,January 2018, we entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire certain assets fromclosed the Bayswater and certain related parties, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement, we have agreed to acquire approximately 8,300 net acres, 30 DUCs, and an incremental 240 gross drilling locations,Acquisition for approximately $210$201.8 million, in cash, subject to certain pre- andcustomary post-closing adjustments. We planSee the footnote titled Business Combination to turn-in-line 18 of these DUCs at approximately year-end 2017, with the completion costs expected to be treated as an increase to the purchase price. Upon executing the purchase and sale agreement, we paid a $21 million deposit toward the purchase price into an escrow account, which is included in other assets in our September 30, 2017 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Assuming all conditions requiredfinancial statements included elsewhere in this report for closing are met,further details regarding the acquisition is expected to close in December 2017 and will be funded by a combination of available cash and debt.Bayswater Acquisition.

Pending Acreage Exchanges.Utica Shale Divestiture. In September 2017,March 2018, we entered into an acreage exchange transactioncompleted the Utica Shale Divestiture for net cash proceeds of approximately $39 million, subject to consolidate certain acreage positionscustomary post-closing adjustments. We do not believe the divestiture of these assets will have a material impact on our results of operations or reserves. See the footnote titled Properties and Equipment to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for further details regarding the core area of the Wattenberg Field. Pursuant to the transaction, we will exchange leasehold acreage with some limited in-process development wells. Upon closing, we expect to receive approximately 11,700 net acres in exchange for approximately 12,100 net acres, with minimal cash exchanged between the parties. The difference in net acres is primarily due to variances in working and net revenue interests. The acreage exchange is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2017; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to closing will be satisfied.Utica Shale Divestiture.

In June 2017, we entered into an acreage exchange transaction that also involves the consolidation of certain acreage positions in the core area of the Wattenberg Field. Pursuant to the transaction, we will exchange leasehold acreage with some limited in-process development wells. Upon closing, we estimate that we will receive approximately 3,900 net acres in
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PDC ENERGY, INC.

exchange for approximately 4,100 net acres with minimal cash exchanged between the parties. The difference in net acres is primarily due to variances in working and net revenue interests. This acreage exchange is also expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to closing will be satisfied.

Operational Overview

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we continued to execute our strategic plan to grow production while preserving our financial strength and liquidity. OurDuring the three months ended March 31, 2018, we ran three drilling efficiencyrigs in the Wattenberg Field over the last nine months has resulted in shorter drill cycle times; therefore, we decreased our rig count to threeand briefly ran four drilling rigs in the fourth quarter of 2017. Because of the shorterDelaware Basin while we swapped out a rig to focus on improved drill times the impact of the reducedbefore returning to three rigs. We expect to maintain a three rig count on our expected turn-in-line count in both the Wattenberg Field is expected to be minimal in 2017. Inand the Delaware Basin during the three months ended September 30, 2017, we adjusted to operating three drilling rigs. During the third quarterremainder of 2017, we turned in line to sales 39 wells in Wattenberg and four wells in the Delaware Basin.2018.
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The following tables summarizes our drilling and completion activity for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017:March 31, 2018:

  Wells Operated by PDC
  Wattenberg Field Delaware Basin Total
   Gross  Net Gross Net Gross Net
In-process as of December 31, 2016 64
 52.7
 5
 4.8
 69
 57.5
Wells spud 119
 105.6
 18
 16.6
 137
 122.2
Wells turned-in-line to sales (111) (93.6) (11) (10.2) (122) (103.8)
 Exploratory dry holes 
 
 (2) (2.0) (2) (2.0)
In-process as of September 30, 2017 72
 64.7
 10
 9.2
 82
 73.9
  Wells Operated by PDC
  Wattenberg Field Delaware Basin Total
   Gross  Net Gross Net Gross Net
In-process as of December 31, 2017 87
 80.1
 13
 12.2
 100
 92.3
Wells spud 35
 32.7
 8
 6.8
 43
 39.5
Acquired DUCs (1) 12
 11.0
 
 
 12
 11.0
Wells turned-in-line (29) (26.8) (7) (6.5) (36) (33.3)
In-process as of March 31, 2018 105
 97.0
 14
 12.5
 119
 109.5

  Wells Operated by Others
  Wattenberg Field Delaware Basin Total
   Gross  Net Gross Net Gross Net
In-process as of December 31, 2016 18
 3.4
 
 
 18
 3.4
Wells spud 89
 12.2
 7
 1.0
 96
 13.2
Wells turned-in-line to sales (40) (4.5) (2) (0.4) (42) (4.9)
In-process as of September 30, 2017 67
 11.1
 5
 0.6
 72
 11.7
  Wells Operated by Others
  Wattenberg Field Delaware Basin Total
   Gross  Net Gross Net Gross Net
In-process as of December 31, 2017 14
 2.6
 8
 1.0
 22
 3.6
Wells spud 22
 3.7
 3
 0.1
 25
 3.8
Acquired DUCs (operated at March 31, 2018) (1) (3) (1.5) 
 
 (3) (1.5)
Wells turned-in-line (4) (0.3) (2) (0.7) (6) (1.0)
In-process as of March 31, 2018 29
 4.5
 9
 0.4
 38
 4.9

______________
(1) Represents DUCs that we acquired with the Bayswater Acquisition in January 2018.
Our in-process wells represent wells that are in the process of being drilled and/or have been drilled and are waiting to be fractured and/or for gas pipeline connection. Our DUCs are generally completed and turned in-line to sales within three to nine months of drilling. The majority of the PDC-operated in-process wells at each period end are DUCs, as we do not begin the completion process until the entire well pad is drilled. As we continue to monitor our capital investment and due to the efficiencies gained by our operating team in the Wattenberg Field, we expect that we will have an increase of approximately 25 wells in our in-process well count at December 31, 2017 relative to September 30, 2017. All appropriate costs incurred through the end of the period have been capitalized, while the capital investment to complete the wells will be incurred in the period in which the wells are completed. We expect that the level of non-operated well activity reflected in the table above will decrease upon the anticipated closing of our aforementioned pending acreage exchanges.

20172018 Operational and Financial Outlook

Based onAs previously disclosed, we expect our revised timing of well completionsproduction for 2018 to range between 38 MMBoe and the estimated productivity of wells associated with our capital investment program, we42 MMBoe, or approximately 104,000 Boe to 115,000 Boe per day. We currently believe that our 2017 production will be approximately 32 MMBoe. We expect that approximately 4042 to 45 percent of our 20172018 production will be crude oil and approximately 2319 to 22 percent will be NGLs, for total liquids of approximately 6361 to 67 percent. The anticipated percentageOur 2018 capital forecast of production from NGLs has increased due to the success of field recovery effortsbetween $850 million and improved yields by our third-party processors$920 million is focused on continued execution in the Wattenberg Field.Field and Delaware Basin with three drilling rigs and one completion crew in each basin throughout the year.

We expectbelieve that we maintain significant operational flexibility to control the pace of our capital expendituresspending.  As we execute our capital investment program, we continually monitor, among other things, commodity prices, development costs, midstream capacity, and offset and continuous drilling obligations.  While we have started to be approximately $800 millionexperience service cost increases, certain drilling efficiencies are helping to offset these increases. Should commodity pricing or the operating environment deteriorate, we may determine that an adjustment to our development plan is appropriate.  We believe we have ample opportunities to reduce capital spending in 2017, which takes into accountorder to stay within the current increased per well costsrange of our capital investment plan, including but not limited to reducing the number of rigs being utilized in our drilling program and/or managing our completion schedule.  This flexibility is more limited in the Delaware Basin and the anticipated increasegiven leasehold maintenance requirements.

Wattenberg Field. We are drilling in the expected number ofNiobrara and Codell plays within the field and anticipate spudding and turning-in-line approximately 135 to 150 operated wells in 2018. Our 2018 capital investment program is estimated to be spudapproximately $470 million to $500 million in the Wattenberg Field, duringof which approximately 90 percent is anticipated to be invested in operated drilling and completion activity. The remainder of the year comparedWattenberg Field capital investment program is expected to our original 2017 budget. As previously disclosed, we added a thirdbe used for non-operated wells and fourth rig in the first quarter of 2017miscellaneous workover and capital projects.

Delaware Basin. Total capital investment in the Delaware Basin in 2018 is estimated to be approximately $380 million to $420 million, of which was sooner than initially contemplatedapproximately 75 percent is allocated to both spud and turn-in-line approximately 25 to 30 operated wells targeting the Wolfcamp formation.  Based on the timing of our operations and requirements to hold acreage, we may adapt our capital investment program to drill wells different from or in addition to those currently anticipated, as we are continuing to analyze the terms of the relevant leases. We plan to invest approximately 10 percent of our budget, in order to protect certain leasehold positionscapital for leasing, non-operated capital, seismic, and to create greater future operational flexibility. Finally, sometechnical studies, with an additional approximately 15 percent for midstream-related
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PDC ENERGY, INC.

capital investment has been included in our forecast for the closedprojects, including oil and anticipated Wattenberg Field acreage trades that would, if completed, increase our working interest in certain wells.

Wattenberg Field. The 2017 capital investment forecast is estimated at approximately $450 milliongas gathering systems and water supply and disposal systems.    In addition, we are in the Wattenberg Field. Our plan contemplates running three rigs in the field in the fourth quarterprocess of 2017. Approximately $445 million is expectedevaluating our strategic alternatives with respect to be allocated to development activities, comprised of approximately $425 million for our operated drilling program and approximately $20 million for wells drilled and operated by others. The remainder is expected to be used for miscellaneous well equipment and capital projects. Wells in the Wattenberg Field typically have productive horizons at a depth of approximately 6,500 to 7,500 feet below the surface. Our revised investment forecast anticipates spudding approximately 155 and turning-in-line approximately 133 horizontal operated wells with lateral lengths of 4,000 to 10,000 feet. We do not expect to increase our 2017 capital investment forecast in connection with the acquisition agreement we entered into with Bayswater and certain related parties, as the acquisition is expected to close late in December. There are expected to be costs in addition to the $210 million purchase price as a result of continued capital activity on the DUCs being acquired in the transaction, which will be accounted for as additional purchase price.

Delaware Basin. We are currently operating a three-rig drilling programmidstream assets in the Delaware Basin. Total capital investment in the Delaware Basin

Financial Guidance.
The following table provides projected financial guidance for the year is estimatedended December 31, 2018:
 Low High
Operating Expenses
Lease operating expenses ($/Boe)$2.75
 $3.00
Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses ("TGP") ($/Boe)$0.60
 $0.80
Production taxes (% of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales)6% 8%
General and administrative expense ($/Boe)$3.40
 $3.70
    
Estimated Price Realizations (% of NYMEX, excludes TGP)
Crude oil91% 95%
Natural gas55% 60%
NGLs30% 35%

Colorado Ballot Initiative Update

As previously disclosed, certain interest groups opposed to oil and natural gas development generally, and hydraulic fracturing in particular, from time to time advance various ballot initiatives in Colorado that, if implemented, would significantly limit or prevent oil and natural gas development in the state. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Business and the Industry-Changes in laws and regulations applicable to us could increase our costs, impose additional operating restrictions or have other adverse effects on us” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. In particular, we are aware of a potential “setback” initiative that would require all new oil and gas development facilities, including wells, to be approximately $345 million, of which approximately $285 million is expectedlocated at least 2,500 feet away from any occupied structures or other designated areas. Another initiative would increase severance taxes on oil and natural gas production in Colorado. We do not know whether either initiative will meet the signature requirements to be used to spud 24 and turn-in-line an estimated 20 wells. Expected per well drilling costs inincluded on the Delaware Basin have increased by approximately 10 to 15 percent during the third quarter of 2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2017, primarily due to higher costs of services and supplies and longer than anticipated drill cycle times.  To enhance our understanding of the geology in the Delaware Basin, we initiated various engineering studies on a large portion of our Delaware Basin wells, including expanded depth pilot holes and logging/seismic services. These studies are providing important information to our operating team; however, they have come with additional unexpected costs. Additionally, mechanical issues have resulted in cost overruns for certain wells we have drilled in the area. Of the 20 planned turn-in-lines during 2017, nine are expected to have extended laterals of approximately 10,000 horizontal feet with an estimated 70 to 75 completion stages per well. Similarly spaced completion stages are anticipated for the remaining 11 turn-in-lines. Wells in the Delaware Basin typically have productive horizons at a depth of approximately 9,000 to 11,000 feet below the surface. We plan to invest approximately $15 million for leasing, seismic, and technical studies with an additional $35 million for midstream-related projects including gas connections and surface location infrastructure. The remaining $10 million of the Delaware Basin capital investment program is expected to be used for non-operated capital projects.November ballot.





 
PDC ENERGY, INC.

Results of Operations

Summary Operating Results

The following table presents selected information regarding our operating results:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 2016 Percentage Change 2017 2016 Percentage Change2018 2017 Percentage Change
(dollars in millions, except per unit data)(dollars in millions, except per unit data)
Production                
Crude oil (MBbls)3,439
 2,340
 47.0 % 9,184
 6,241
 47.2 %3,798
 2,508
 51.4 %
Natural gas (MMcf)19,070
 13,417
 42.1 % 52,437
 36,768
 42.6 %19,587
 15,584
 25.7 %
NGLs (MBbls)1,892
 1,428
 32.5 % 5,249
 3,402
 54.3 %1,846
 1,543
 19.6 %
Crude oil equivalent (MBoe)8,509
 6,004
 41.7 % 23,172
 15,771
 46.9 %8,908
 6,648
 34.0 %
Average Boe per day (Boe)92,491
 65,263
 41.7 % 84,880
 57,558
 47.5 %98,980
 73,866
 20.1 %
Crude Oil, Natural Gas and NGLs Sales                
Crude oil$157.0
 $98.5
 59.4 % $428.8
 $233.0
 84.0 %$226.4
 $123.0
 84.1 %
Natural gas41.5
 27.4
 51.5 % 116.7
 59.6
 95.8 %38.6
 36.9
 4.6 %
NGLs34.2
 15.9
 115.1 % 90.5
 35.4
 155.6 %40.2
 29.8
 34.9 %
Total crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales$232.7
 $141.8
 64.1 % $636.0
 $328.0
 93.9 %$305.2
 $189.7
 60.9 %
                
Net Settlements on Commodity Derivatives                
Crude oil$5.4
 $39.5
 (86.3)% $7.4
 $131.6
 (94.4)%$(27.0) $(3.2) *
Natural gas6.3
 8.2
 (23.2)% 16.8
 36.3
 (53.7)%2.7
 3.7
 (27.0)%
NGLs (propane portion)(2.1) 
 *
 (2.0) 
 *
(1.7) 
 *
Total net settlements on derivatives$9.6
 $47.7
 (79.9)% $22.2
 $167.9
 (86.8)%$(26.0) $0.5
 *
                
Average Sales Price (excluding net settlements on derivatives)Average Sales Price (excluding net settlements on derivatives)        Average Sales Price (excluding net settlements on derivatives)  
Crude oil (per Bbl)$45.66
 $42.11
 8.4 % $46.69
 $37.33
 25.1 %$59.62
 $49.04
 21.6 %
Natural gas (per Mcf)2.17
 2.04
 6.4 % 2.23
 1.62
 37.7 %1.97
 2.37
 (16.9)%
NGLs (per Bbl)18.11
 11.12
 62.9 % 17.24
 10.41
 65.6 %21.80
 19.29
 13.0 %
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)27.35
 23.62
 15.8 % 27.45
 20.80
 32.0 %34.26
 28.53
 20.1 %
                
Average Costs and Expenses (per Boe)                
Lease operating expenses$2.98
 $2.33
 27.9 % $2.81
 $2.73
 2.9 %$3.33
 $2.98
 11.7 %
Production taxes1.82
 1.59
 14.5 % 1.85
 1.25
 48.0 %2.26
 1.87
 20.9 %
Transportation, gathering and processing expenses1.15
 0.84
 36.9 % 0.96
 0.86
 11.6 %
Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses0.82
 0.89
 (7.9)%
General and administrative expense3.44
 5.41
 (36.4)% 3.67
 5.00
 (26.6)%4.01
 3.96
 1.3 %
Depreciation, depletion and amortization14.72
 18.81
 (21.7)% 15.56
 20.12
 (22.7)%
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization14.23
 16.44
 (13.4)%
                
Lease Operating Expenses by Operating Region (per Boe)Lease Operating Expenses by Operating Region (per Boe)          Lease Operating Expenses by Operating Region (per Boe)    
Wattenberg Field$2.49
 $2.39
 4.2 % $2.45
 $2.77
 (11.6)%$3.02
 $2.66
 13.5 %
Delaware Basin6.07
 
 *
 5.76
 
 *
4.44
 6.48
 (31.5)%
Utica Shale(1)1.91
 1.27
 50.4 % 1.60
 1.87
 (14.4)%3.46
 1.60
 116.3 %

*Percentage change is not meaningful.
Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.

_________________
(1) In March 2018, we completed the sale of our Utica Shale properties.



PDC ENERGY, INC.

Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Sales

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales revenue increased compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 due to the following (in millions):

September 30, 2017Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedMarch 31, 2018
(in millions)(in millions)
Increase in production$63.0
 $154.5
$78.6
Increase in average crude oil price12.2
 86.0
40.2
Increase in average natural gas price2.5
 31.7
Decrease in average natural gas price(7.9)
Increase in average NGLs price13.2
 35.8
4.6
Total increase in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales revenue$90.9
 $308.0
$115.5

Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Production

The following tables presenttable presents crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs production. Our acquisitions of assets in the Delaware Basin closed in December 2016; therefore, there is no comparative data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
Production by Operating Region 2017 2016 Percentage Change 2017 2016 Percentage Change 2018 2017 Percentage Change
Crude oil (MBbls)                  
Wattenberg Field 2,943
 2,216
 32.8 % 7,883
 5,929
 33.0 % 2,881
 2,142
 34.5 %
Delaware Basin 436
 
 *
 1,075
 
 *
 871
 275
 *
Utica Shale 60
 124
 (51.4)% 226
 312
 (27.7)%
Utica Shale (1) 46
 91
 (49.5)%
Total 3,439
 2,340
 47.0 % 9,184
 6,241
 47.2 % 3,798
 2,508
 51.4 %
Natural gas (MMcf)                  
Wattenberg Field 15,788
 12,700
 24.3 % 44,694
 34,968
 27.8 % 15,524
 13,714
 13.2 %
Delaware Basin 2,781
 
 *
 6,052
 
 *
 3,649
 1,246
 *
Utica Shale 501
 717
 (30.2)% 1,691
 1,800
 (6.0)%
Utica Shale (1) 414
 624
 (33.7)%
Total 19,070
 13,417
 42.1 % 52,437
 36,768
 42.6 % 19,587
 15,584
 25.7 %
NGLs (MBbls)                  
Wattenberg Field 1,564
 1,353
 15.6 % 4,473
 3,240
 38.0 % 1,428
 1,358
 5.2 %
Delaware Basin 282
 
 *
 625
 
 *
 383
 131
 *
Utica Shale 46
 75
 (38.7)% 151
 162
 (7.3)%
Utica Shale (1) 35
 54
 (35.2)%
Total 1,892
 1,428
 32.5 % 5,249
 3,402
 54.3 % 1,846
 1,543
 19.6 %
Crude oil equivalent (MBoe)                  
Wattenberg Field 7,138
 5,686
 25.5 % 19,805
 14,997
 32.1 % 6,896
 5,786
 19.2 %
Delaware Basin 1,182
 
 *
 2,709
 
 *
 1,862
 613
 *
Utica Shale 189
 318
 (40.6)% 658
 774
 (15.0)%
Utica Shale (1) 150
 249
 (39.8)%
Total 8,509
 6,004
 41.7 % 23,172
 15,771
 46.9 % 8,908
 6,648
 34.0 %
Average crude oil equivalent per day (Boe)            Average crude oil equivalent per day (Boe)    
Wattenberg Field 77,582
 61,804
 25.5 % 72,545
 54,733
 32.5 % 76,623
 64,288
 19.2 %
Delaware Basin 12,845
 
 *
 9,923
 
 *
 20,690
 6,811
 *
Utica Shale 2,064
 3,459
 (40.3)% 2,412
 2,825
 (14.6)%
Utica Shale (1) 1,667
 2,767
 (39.8)%
Total 92,491
 65,263
 41.7 % 84,880
 57,558
 47.5 % 98,980
 73,866
 34.0 %
* Percentage change is not meaningful.
Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
_________________
(1) In March 2018, we completed the sale of our Utica Shale properties.
PDC ENERGY, INC.


The following table presents our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs production ratio by operating region:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
         
  Crude Oil Natural Gas NGLs Total
Wattenberg Field 42% 37% 21% 100%
Delaware Basin 47% 32% 21% 100%
         
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
         
  Crude Oil Natural Gas NGLs Total
Wattenberg Field 37% 40% 23% 100%
Delaware Basin 45% 34% 21% 100%

Wattenberg Field.In the Wattenberg Field, we rely on third-party midstream service providers to construct gathering, compression, and processing facilities to keep pace with our and the overall field's natural gas production growth. From time-to-time,During the three months ended March 31, 2018, our production has beenwas adversely affectedimpacted by high line pressures on the gas gathering facilities, primarily due to higher ambient temperatures and increases in field-wide production volumes. As a result, we have experienced somevolumes, gathering line freezes that occur more often at higher line pressures, and unexpected facility downtime. Line pressures did not materially affect our production
PDC ENERGY, INC.

curtailments from time to time, including in during the third quarter of 2017. We believe that our 2017 production guidance range appropriately reflects the impact of such higher gathering system line pressures. Our primary midstream service provider has added some additional capacity to its system in 2017, and cooler weather is expected to help increase the efficiency of the system in the fourth quarter of 2017. For the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2017. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, 9397 percent and 91 percent, respectively, of our production in the Wattenberg Field was delivered from horizontal wells, with the remaining seven percentproduction coming from vertical wells. The horizontal wells are less prone to issuescurtailments than the vertical wells in thatbecause they are newer and have greater producing capacity and higher formation pressures and therefore tend to be more resilient to gas system pressure issues. While this will lessenissues; however, all of our wells in the impact of the pressures, wefield are currently experiencing some impact. We expect to continue to operate in a constrained environment throughinto the first nine monthsthird quarter of 2018, at which time additional processing capacity is scheduled to be brought into operation by our primary midstream provider.DCP Midstream, LP ("DCP").

We continue to work closely with our third-party midstream providers in an effort to ensure that adequate midstream system capacity is available going forward in the Wattenberg Field. We, along with other operators, have made a commitment with DCP Midstream, LP ("DCP") to support DCP'sits construction of two additional processing facilities with associated gathering pipe and compression in the field. These expansions are expected to increase DCP's system capacity, assist in the control of line pressures on its natural gas gathering facilities, and reduce production curtailments in the field. We will be bound to the incremental volume requirements in these agreements for a period of seven years beginning on the first day of the calendar month after the actual in-service dates of the plants, which are currently scheduled to occur in the fourththird quarter of 2018 and April 2019. We are currently working with DCP to identify opportunities to acceleratein the completionsecond quarter of the first of these facilities.2019, respectively. The agreements impose a baseline volume commitment and a guarantee of a certain target profit margin to DCP on those volumes during the initial three years of the contracts. Under our current drilling plans and in the current commodity pricing environment, we expect to meet both the baseline and incremental volume commitments, and we believe that the contractual target profit margin will be achieved without additional payment from us. See the footnote titled Commitments and Contingencies to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional details regarding the agreements. In addition, we have begun early discussions with DCP with respect to further increasing its processing facilities in the Wattenberg Field. We also continue to work with all of our other midstream service providers in the field in an effort to ensure all of the existing infrastructure is fully utilized and that all options for system expansions are evaluated and implemented, where possible.

The ultimate timing and availability of adequate infrastructure is not within our control and if our midstream service providers' construction projects are delayed, we could experience higher gathering line pressures that maywould negatively impact our ability to fulfillmeet our growth plans. Total systemproduction targets.

Delaware Basin. Due to prolific development and the resulting increased production in the Delaware Basin, product takeaway infrastructure performancedownstream of in-field gathering and processing is nearing capacity. We are dependent upon third parties to construct additional facilities. This has the potential to lead to near term production constraints until new capacity is added, which we expect to occur in the second half of 2019. As a result, our production may also be affected bynegatively impacted from time to time. We have the option to transport a numberportion of other factors,our crude oil production via truck or rail; however, doing so would decrease the realized prices we receive. A current trucking shortage in the basin could result in increased differentials. In May 2018, we executed a firm sales agreement for a significant portion of our Delaware Basin crude oil production with the marketing division of a large international energy company. The agreement is effective June 1, 2018 and runs through December 31, 2023 and provides for firm physical takeaway for approximately 85 percent of our forecasted 2018 and 2019 Delaware Basin crude oil volumes. The agreement is expected to provide us with price diversification through realization of export market pricing via a Corpus Christi terminal and exposure to Brent-weighted prices. Taking the effect of this agreement into account, we currently expect to realize between 88 and 92 percent of NYMEX pricing for our Delaware Basin production through 2018 and 2019, after including potential additional increases in production from the Wattenberg Field.

transportation, gathering, and processing expenses.
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Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Pricing

Our results of operations depend upon many factors. Key factors include the price of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs and our ability to market our production effectively. Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLNGLs prices have a high degree of volatility and our realizations can change substantially. Our sales prices for crude oil natural gas, and NGLs increased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. NYMEX average daily crude oil prices increased seven21 percent and 20 percent, respectively, and NYMEX first-of-the-month natural gas prices increased sevendecreased 12 percent and 38 percent, respectively, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The NGL prices in the Wattenberg Field are reflected in the tables below, net of the processing and transport costs that are embedded in the applicable percent-of-proceeds contracts, as are a portion of our Delaware Basin NGL sales.March 31, 2017.

The following tables present weighted-average sales prices of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs for the periods presented. Our acquisitions of assets in the Delaware Basin closed in December 2016; therefore, there is no comparative data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Weighted-Average Realized Sales Price by Operating Region     Percentage Change     Percentage Change
(excluding net settlements on derivatives) 2017 2016  2017 2016 
Crude oil (per Bbl)            
Wattenberg Field $45.80
 $42.29
 8.3% $46.84
 $37.42
 25.2%
Delaware Basin 45.06
 
 *
 46.05
 
 *
Utica Shale 43.03
 38.93
 10.5% 44.51
 35.61
 25.0%
Weighted-average price 45.66
 42.11
 8.4% 46.69
 37.33
 25.1%
 Natural gas (per Mcf)            
Wattenberg Field $2.09
 $2.08
 0.5% $2.23
 $1.63
 36.8%
Delaware Basin 2.74
 
 *
 2.13
 
 *
Utica Shale 1.81
 1.33
 36.1% 2.56
 1.44
 77.8%
Weighted-average price 2.17
 2.04
 6.4% 2.23
 1.62
 37.7%
NGLs (per Bbl)            
Wattenberg Field $17.49
 $11.07
 58.0% $16.68
 $10.32
 61.6%
Delaware Basin 20.87
 
 *
 20.02
 
 *
Utica Shale 22.00
 12.14
 81.2% 22.40
 12.22
 83.3%
Weighted-average price 18.11
 11.12
 62.9% 17.24
 10.41
 65.6%
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)            
Wattenberg Field $27.33
 $23.77
 15.0% $27.44
 $20.83
 31.7%
Delaware Basin 28.07
 
 *
 27.65
 
 *
Utica Shale 23.75
 20.98
 13.2% 26.98
 20.26
 33.2%
Weighted-average price 27.35
 23.62
 15.8% 27.45
 20.80
 32.0%
* Percentage change is not meaningful.
  Three Months Ended March 31,
 Weighted-Average Realized Sales Price by Operating Region     Percentage Change
(excluding net settlements on derivatives) 2018 2017 
Crude oil (per Bbl)      
Wattenberg Field $59.13
 $49.12
 20.4 %
Delaware Basin 61.34
 49.28
 24.5 %
Utica Shale (1) 58.10
 46.55
 24.8 %
Weighted-average price 59.62
 49.04
 21.6 %
 Natural gas (per Mcf)      
Wattenberg Field $1.92
 $2.38
 (19.3)%
Delaware Basin 2.10
 1.98
 6.1 %
Utica Shale (1) 2.68
 2.98
 (10.1)%
Weighted-average price 1.97
 2.37
 (16.9)%
NGLs (per Bbl)      
Wattenberg Field $20.14
 $18.64
 8.0 %
Delaware Basin 27.76
 22.58
 22.9 %
Utica Shale (1) 24.29
 27.75
 (12.5)%
Weighted-average price 21.80
 19.29
 13.0 %
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)      
Wattenberg Field $33.18
 $28.19
 17.7 %
Delaware Basin 38.52
 30.93
 24.5 %
Utica Shale (1) 30.98
 30.55
 1.4 %
Weighted-average price 34.26
 28.53
 20.1 %
Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
_________________
(1) In March 2018, we completed the sale of our Utica Shale properties.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the weighted-average realized sales price forCrude oil, natural gas, inand NGLs revenues are recognized when we have transferred control of crude oil, natural gas, or NGLs production to the Delaware Basin was impactedpurchaser. We consider the transfer of control to have occurred when the purchaser has the ability to direct the use of, and obtain substantially all of the remaining benefits, from the crude oil, natural gas, or NGLs production. We record sales revenue based on an estimate of the volumes delivered at estimated prices as determined by the entry into aapplicable sales agreement. We estimate our sales volumes based on company-measured volume readings. We then adjust our crude oil, natural gas, gathering contract that we accounted for under the gross method of accounting; therefore, our realized price wasand NGLs sales in subsequent periods based on the gross selling price.data received from our purchasers that reflects actual volumes and prices received.

Our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales are recorded underusing either the “net-back” or "gross" method of accounting, depending upon the related purchase agreement. We use the net-back method when control of accounting forthe crude oil, natural gas, andor NGLs as well as the majority of our crude oil production from the Wattenberg Field, for all of our crude oil, NGLs, and a portion of our natural gas in the Delaware Basin, and for crude oil from the Utica Shale, ashas been transferred to the purchasers of these commodities also providethat are providing transportation, gathering, or processing services. In these situations, the purchaser pays us proceeds based on a percent of the proceeds or have fixed our sales price at index less specified deductions. We sell our commodities at the wellhead, or what is equivalent to the wellhead in situations where we gather multiple wells into larger pads, and collect a price and recognize revenues based on the wellhead sales price, as transportation and processing costs downstream of the wellhead are incurred by the purchaser and therefore embedded in the wellhead price. The net-back method results in the recognition of a net sales
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price that is lower than the indices for which the production is based because the operating costs and profit of the midstream facilities are embedded in the net price we earn.are paid.
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We use the gross method of accounting for Wattenberg Fieldwhen control of the crude oil, delivered through certain pipelines, a portion of our natural gas, in the Delaware Basin, and for natural gas andor NGLs sales relatedis not transferred to production from the Utica Shale, as the purchasers doand the purchaser does not provide transportation, gathering, or processing services as a function of the price we receive. Rather, we contract separately with midstream providers for the applicable transport and processing based on a per unit basis. Under this method, we recognize revenues based on the gross selling price and recognize transportation, gathering, and processing expenses.

We adopted a new revenue recognition accounting standard effective January 1, 2018. Under the guidance of the new revenue recognition standard, certain crude oil sales in the Wattenberg Field that were recognized using the gross method prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard will be recognized using the net-back method. In the Delaware Basin, certain crude oil and natural gas sales that were recognized using the gross method prior to the adoption of the new revenue standard will be recognized using the net-back method. If we had adopted the standard on January 1, 2017, we estimate that the average realization percentage before transportation, gathering, and processing expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017 would have been 93 percent, 71 percent, and 37 percent for crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs, respectively, as $2.5 million in expenses currently recorded in transportation, gathering, and processing expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations for that period would, in that case, have been reflected as a reduction to the sales price. However, the net realized price would remain unchanged.

As discussed above, we enter into agreements for the sale and transportation, gathering, and processing of our production, the terms of which can result in variances in the per unit realized prices that we receive for our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. Information related to the components and classifications in the condensed consolidated statements of operations is shown below. For crude oil, the average NYMEX prices shown below are based upon average daily prices throughout each month and our natural gas average NYMEX pricing is based upon first-of-the-month index prices as this is the method used to sell the majority of each of these commodities pursuant to terms of the respective sales agreements.  For NGLs, we use the NYMEX crude oil price as a reference for presentation purposes. The average realized price both before and after transportation, gathering, and processing expenses shown in the table below represents our approximate composite per barrel price for NGLs.
For the three months ended
September 30, 2017
 Average NYMEX Price Average Realization Percentage Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price After Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses
Crude oil (per Bbl) $48.20
 95% $45.66
 $1.41
 $44.25
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 3.00
 72% 2.17
 0.24
 1.93
NGLs (per Bbl) 48.20
 38% 18.11
 0.25
 17.86
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 36.92
 74% 27.35
 1.15
 26.20
           
For the three months ended
September 30, 2016
 Average NYMEX Price Average Realization Percentage Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price After Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses
Crude oil (per Bbl) $44.94
 94% $42.11
 $1.52
 $40.59
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 2.81
 73% 2.04
 0.08
 1.96
NGLs (per Bbl) 44.94
 25% 11.12
 0.29
 10.83
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 34.48
 69% 23.62
 0.84
 22.78
For the three months ended March 31, 2018 Average NYMEX Price Average Realized Price Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realization Percentage Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price After Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realization Percentage After Transportation, Gathering, and Processing Expenses
Crude oil (per Bbl) $62.87
 $59.62
 95% $0.67
 $58.95
 94%
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 3.00
 1.97
 66% 0.22
 1.75
 58%
NGLs (per Bbl) 62.87
 21.80
 35% 0.24
 21.56
 34%
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 46.43
 34.26
 74% 0.82
 33.44
 72%
             
For the three months ended March 31, 2017 Average NYMEX Price Average Realized Price Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realization Percentage Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price After Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realization Percentage After Transportation, Gathering, and Processing Expenses
Crude oil (per Bbl) $51.92
 $49.04
 94% $1.58
 $47.46
 91%
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 3.32
 2.37
 71% 0.06
 2.31
 70%
NGLs (per Bbl) 51.92
 19.29
 37% 0.22
 19.07
 37%
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 39.42
 28.53
 72% 0.89
 27.64
 70%

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For the nine months ended
September 30, 2017
 Average NYMEX Price Average Realization Percentage Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price After Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses
Crude oil (per Bbl) $49.47
 94% $46.69
 $1.42
 $45.27
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 3.17
 70% 2.23
 0.15
 2.08
NGLs (per Bbl) 49.47
 35% 17.24
 0.29
 16.95
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 37.99
 72% 27.45
 0.96
 26.49
           
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2016
 Average NYMEX Price Average Realization Percentage Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price After Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses
Crude oil (per Bbl) $41.33
 90% $37.33
 $1.56
 $35.77
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 2.29
 71% 1.62
 0.08
 1.54
NGLs (per Bbl) 41.33
 25% 10.41
 0.29
 10.12
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 30.61
 68% 20.80
 0.86
 19.94

Commodity Price Risk Management, Net

We use commodity derivative instruments to manage fluctuations in crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs prices. We have in place a variety of collars, fixed-price swaps, and basis swaps on a portion of our estimated crude oil, natural gas, and propane production. Because we sell all of our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs production at prices related to the indexes inherent to our underlying derivative instruments, we ultimately realize value related to our collars of no less than the floor and no more than the ceiling. For our commodity swaps, we ultimately realize the fixed price value related to the swaps. See the footnote titled Commodity Derivative Financial Instruments to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a detailed presentation of our derivative positions as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018.

Commodity price risk management, net, includes cash settlements upon maturity of our derivative instruments, as well as the change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives related to our crude oil, natural gas, and propane production. Commodity price risk management, net, does not include derivative transactions related to our gas marketing, which are included in other income and other expenses.

Net settlements of commodity derivative instruments are based on the difference between the crude oil, natural gas, and propane index prices at the settlement date of our commodity derivative instruments compared to the respective strike prices contracted for the settlement months that were established at the time we entered into the commodity derivative transaction. The net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives is comprised of the net value increase or decrease in the beginning-of-period fair value of commodity derivative instruments that settled during the period, and the net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives during the period or from inception of any new contracts entered into during the applicable period. The corresponding impact of settlement of the commodity derivative instruments during the period is included in net settlements for the period. The net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives during the period is primarily related to shifts in the crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs forward curves and changes in certain differentials.
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The following table presents net settlements and net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives included in commodity price risk management, net:

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net:          
Net settlements of commodity derivative instruments:          
Crude oil fixed price swaps and collars$5.4
 $39.5
 $7.4
 $131.6
$(26.8) $(3.2)
Crude oil basis protection swaps(0.2) 
Natural gas fixed price swaps and collars5.1
 7.7
 13.5
 35.8
0.1
 3.6
Natural gas basis protection swaps1.2
 0.5
 3.3
 0.5
2.6
 0.1
NGLs (propane portion) fixed price swaps(2.1) 
 (2.0) 
(1.7) 
Total net settlements of commodity derivative instruments9.6
 47.7
 22.2
 167.9
(26.0) 0.5
Change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivative instruments:          
Reclassification of settlements included in prior period changes in fair value of commodity derivative instruments(15.6) (40.6) 31.0
 (169.5)20.3
 9.1
Crude oil fixed price swaps and collars(40.0) 4.8
 26.3
 (48.3)
Crude oil fixed price swaps, collars, and rollfactors(52.6) 56.2
Natural gas fixed price swaps and collars(2.1) 6.1
 9.2
 (13.1)(0.8) 11.2
Natural gas basis protection swaps1.5
 1.4
 3.4
 0.7
10.6
 3.3
NGLs (propane portion) fixed price swaps(5.6) 
 (5.6) 
1.3
 0.4
Net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivative instruments(61.8) (28.3) 64.3
 (230.2)(21.2) 80.2
Total commodity price risk management gain (loss), net$(52.2) $19.4
 $86.5
 $(62.3)$(47.2) $80.7

Net settlements of commodity derivatives decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.  We entered into agreements for the derivative instruments that settled throughout 2016 prior to commodity prices becoming depressed in late 2014.  Substantially all of these higher-value agreements had settled by the end of 2016.  Net settlements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, reflect derivative instruments entered into since 2015, which more closely approximate recent realized prices.  Based upon the forward strip pricing at September 30, 2017, we expect that settlements will continue to be substantially lower in 2017 on a relative basis as compared to those in 2016.March 31, 2017.   

Lease Operating Expenses

Lease operating expenses increased to $2.98 per Boe and $2.81 per Boe during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to $2.33 per Boe and $2.73 per Boe during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Our lease operating expenses per Boe were $2.50 per Boe during$29.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2017 and $2.98 per Boe duringMarch 31, 2018 compared to $19.8 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. Our per Boe costs have increased compared to prior year periods primarily due to the expected higher per Boe costs in the Delaware Basin. The per Boe costs during the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to increases of $0.19 per Boe for water disposal, $0.15 per Boe for environmental remediation costs, and $0.14 per Boe for increased workover projects.

Aggregate lease operating expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 increased $11.4$9.8 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, of which $7.2 million related to our properties in the Delaware Basin.The increase of $11.4 million is primarily due to increases of $2.9$1.9 million for payroll and employee benefits related to increases in headcount, $1.9 million for produced water disposal, $1.8 million for increased workover projects, $1.5 million for environmental remediation costs, and $1.3 million related to additional compressor rentals to combat increased gathering system line pressures.

Aggregate lease operating expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, increased $22.2 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, of which $15.6 million related to our properties in the Delaware Basin. The increase of $22.2 million is primarily due to increases of $7.2 million for payroll and employee benefits related to increases in headcount, $3.7 million for produced water disposal, $3.5 million for workover projects, $3.1 million related to$1.7
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million related to midstream expense in the Delaware Basin, $1.1 million related to additional compressor rentals, to combat increased gathering system line pressures, and $2.5$0.9 million for environmental remediation expenses, $0.8 million related to vehiclechemical treatment programs, $0.6 million for expenses related to non-operated wells, $0.6 million related to oil inventory valuation, $0.5 million for produced water disposal, and equipment expenses. We expect continued increases in our headcount through$0.3 million for increased workover projects. Lease operating expense per Boe increased by 12 percent to $3.33 for the remainder of 2017 as we grow our Delaware Basin production base and production team. On a per unit basis, we expect much of this increased cost of personnel will be offset by increases in our production.three months ended March 31, 2018 from $2.98 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Production Taxes

Production taxes are comprised mainly of severance tax and ad valorem tax and are directly related to crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales and are generally assessed as a percentage of net revenues. From time-to-time,time to time, there are adjustments to the statutory rates for these taxes based upon certain credits that are determined based upon activity levels and relative commodity prices from year-to-year. The $5.9$7.8 million and $23.3 million increasesincrease in production taxes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 were primarily related to the 6461 percent and 94 percent increasesincrease in crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales.

Transportation, Gathering, and Processing Expenses

Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses increased $4.7 million and $8.6$1.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. The primary drivers of these increases wereincrease was mainly attributable to a $1.3 million and $3.7 million increasesincrease in oil transportation costs due to increasedadditional volumes delivered through a pipelinepipelines in the Wattenberg Field and increasesan increase of $3.8$2.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively, related to natural gas gathering and transportation operations in the Delaware Basin. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were slightlyBasin, partially offset by decreases related to lower production ina $2.8 million decrease resulting from the Utica Shale. When feasible,adoption of the new revenue standard on January 1, 2018 whereby we use pipelines in the Wattenberg Field to deliver crude oilrecord certain portions of our current transportation, gathering, and processing expense as a reduction to the market in an effort to decrease field truck traffic and air emissions.sales price. Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses per Boe increaseddecreased to $1.15 and $0.96$0.82 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to $0.84 and $0.86$0.89 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.March 31, 2017.As discussed in As disclosed previously in this section, there is an interaction with the marketing contracts in determining ifCrude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Pricing, whether transportation, gathering, and processing costs are presented separately or presentedare reflected as a reduction to net in the revenue section of our financial statements; therefore, the net realized price analysis is a useful analysis to understand our net realized prices.function of the terms of the relevant marketing contract.

Exploration, Geologic, and Geophysical Expense

The following table presents the major components of exploration, geologic,Exploration, geological and geophysical expense:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in millions)
        
Exploratory dry hole costs$41.2
 $
 $41.2
 $
Geological and geophysical costs, including seismic purchases0.5
 
 1.8
 
Operating, personnel and other0.2
 0.2
 0.9
 0.7
Total exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense$41.9
 $0.2
 $43.9
 $0.7
        

Exploratory dry hole costs. Duringexpense increased $1.7 million to $2.7 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, two exploratory dry hole wells, associatedMarch 31, 2018 compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in the three months ended March 31, 2018 was primarily related to the purchase of seismic data related to unproved acreage and lease costs and related infrastructure assetsassociated with certain delayed drilling in the Delaware Basin, were expensed atwhich was partially offset by a cost of $41.2 million. The conclusiondecrease in costs related to expense these items was due todrilling pilot holes in the determination thatDelaware Basin during the acreage on which these wells were drilled was exploratory in nature and, following drilling, the lack of hydrocarbon production necessary for the wells to be deemed economically viable.three months ended March 31, 2017.
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Impairment of Properties and Equipment
    
The following table sets forth the major components of our impairment of properties and equipment expense:

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in millions)
        
Impairment of unproved properties$252.6
 $0.3
 $282.2
 $2.4
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties0.1
 0.6
 0.3
 0.7
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
252.7
 0.9
 282.5
 3.1
Land and buildings
 
 
 3.0
Total impairment of properties and equipment$252.7
 $0.9
 $282.5
 $6.1

Impairment of unproved properties. Amounts represent the retirement or expiration of certain leases that are no longer part of our development plan or that we do not plan to extend and will allow to expire. Deterioration of commodity prices or other operating circumstances could result in additional impairment charges as such a change could decrease the number of wells drilled in future periods.
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017
 (in millions)
    
Impairment of proved and unproved properties$33.1
 $2.1
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties0.1
 0.1
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
$33.2
 $2.2

During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we recorded a chargeimpairment charges primarily related to two exploratory dry holes we had drilled in the western area of our Culberson County acreage in thecertain unproved Delaware Basin as referenced previously.  We then assessed the impact of the dry holes and various factors related thereto, including (i) the operational and geologic data obtained, (ii) the current increased cost environment for drilling and completion services in the Delaware, (iii) our decreased future commodity price outlook, and (iv) the terms of  the related lease agreements.  Based on the results of this assessment, we concludedleasehold positions that the underlying geologic risk and the challenged economics of future capital expenditures reduced the likelihood that we would perform future development in this area over the remaining lease term for this acreage.  Accordingly, we recorded an impairment of $251.6 million covering approximately 13,400 acresexpired during the third quarter of 2017.  The amount of the impairment was based on the value assigned to individual lease acres in the final purchase price allocation of the business combination.  This allocation had included the consideration paid to the sellers, including the effect of the non-cash impact from the deferred tax liability created at the time of the acquisition. Due to the aforementioned events and circumstances in the third quarter of 2017, we evaluated our proved property for possible impairment and concluded that these assets were not impaired during the period.three months ended March 31, 2018.

Impairment of Goodwill

The final goodwill that resulted from the purchase price allocation of the assets acquired in the Delaware Basin was determined to be $75.1 million. With the creation of goodwill from this transaction, we expected to perform our evaluation of goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. However, primarily due to a combination of increases in per well development and operational costs and our drilling of two exploratory dry holes in the Delaware Basin since the time of the acquisition, in conjunction with our lower future commodity price outlook, we determined a triggering event had occurred in the quarter ended September 30, 2017. In addition to the factors mentioned above, we also considered our recent impairments of certain unproven leasehold costs, and the impact of these items on our internal expectations for acceptable rates of return. We evaluated goodwill for impairment by performing a quantitative test, which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the goodwill asset group, which we define as the Delaware Basin, to the carrying value. We determined the fair value of the goodwill at September 30, 2017 by using an estimated after-tax future discounted cash flow analysis, along with a combination of market-based pricing factors for similar acreage, reserve valuation techniques, and other fair value considerations. The discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate fair value was based on known or knowable information at the interim measurement date. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. The quantitative test resulted in a determination that a full impairment charge of $75.1 million was required; therefore, the charge was recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense decreased $3.2increased $9.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. The decreaseincrease of $3.2$9.4 million was primarily attributable to a decrease of $10.2$6.1 million increase in professional feespayroll and employee benefits and a $2.1 million increase related to the Delaware Basin acquisition that were incurred in 2016, partially offset byprofessional services.
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increases of $3.7 million in payroll and employee benefits related to an increase in headcount for 2017 as compared to 2016, $2.0 million related to professional services, and $0.8 million for adjustments to the accounts receivable allowance.

General and administrative expense increased $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase of $6.3 million was primarily attributable to increases of $7.5 million in payroll and employee benefits due to an increase in headcount for 2017 as compared to 2016, $2.9 million related to professional services, $2.4 million related to legal settlements, $1.0 million in software maintenance agreements and subscriptions, and $1.0 million in rent expense. The increases were partially offset by a decrease of $10.2 million in professional fees related to the Delaware Basin acquisition during the third quarter of 2016. We expect continued increases in our headcount through the remainder of 2017 as we build out our Delaware Basin operations and the associated supporting service elements.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Expense

Crude oil and natural gas properties. DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties is directly related to proved reserves and production volumes. DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties was $123.6 million and $355.7$124.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to $112.1 million and $314.4$107.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.March 31, 2017.

The period-over-period change in DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties was primarily due to the following:
 September 30, 2017 Three Months Ended
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended March 31, 2018
 (in millions) (in thousands)
Increase in production $44.5
 $138.5
 $32,005
Decrease in weighted-average depreciation, depletion and amortization rates (33.0) (97.2)
Decrease in weighted-average depreciation, depletion, and amortization rates (15,035)
Total increase in DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties $11.5
 $41.3
 $16,970

The following table presents our per Boe DD&A expense rates for crude oil and natural gas properties:

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
Operating Region/Area 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017
 (per Boe) (per Boe)
Wattenberg Field $14.60
 $19.17
 $15.53
 $20.42
 $13.53
 $16.94
Delaware Basin 15.14
 
 15.32
 
 16.91
 11.46
Utica Shale(1) 7.64
 9.59
 10.21
 10.52
 
 11.24
Total weighted-average 14.52
 18.66
 15.35
 19.94
 $14.01
 $16.22

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, as part of plans to divest the(1) The Utica Shale properties we engaged an investment banking group and began actively marketing the properties for sale; therefore, these properties arewere classified as held-for-sale as they metduring the criteria for such classification at the beginningthird quarter of September 2017. As a result of the properties being classified as held-for-sale,2017;
therefore, we stopped recordingdid not record DD&A expense on these properties duringfor the three month period months
ended September 30, 2017, which has lowered the rate for the quarter.March 31, 2018.

Non-crude oil and natural gas properties. Depreciation expense for non-crude oil and natural gas properties was $1.7 million and $4.8$2.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 compared to $0.9 million and $2.9$1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.March 31, 2017.

Provision for Uncollectible Notes Receivable

In the first quarter of 2016, we recorded a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $44.7 million to impair two third-party notes receivable whose collection was not reasonably assured. As described in the footnote titled Fair Value of Financial Instruments, in April 2017, we signed a definitive agreement and simultaneously closed on the sale of one of the associated notes receivable to an unrelated third-party. Accordingly, we reversed $40.2 million of the provision for
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uncollectible notes receivable during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, since all cash was collected in April 2017 from the sale of the note.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $0.9$2.0 million to $19.3$17.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 compared to $20.2$19.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. The decrease iswas primarily attributablerelated to a $9.0 million charge for a bridge loan commitment related to acquisitions of properties in the Delaware Basin during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and a $0.4$10.0 million decrease in interest expense on our 2016 Convertible Notes, which were settledrelating to the net settlement of $500 million 7.75% senior notes in May 2016.December 2017 and a $0.9 million increase in capitalized interest. The decreases were partially offset by a $5.3an $8.8 million increase in interest relatingexpense related to the issuance of our 20242026 Senior Notes a $2.6 million increase in interest expense relating to the issuance of our 2021 Convertible Notes, and a $0.9 million increase related to fees for the redetermination of the borrowing base under our revolving credit facility.November 2017.

Interest expense increased $15.6 million to $58.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $42.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase is primarily attributable to an $18.0 million increase in interest expense relating to the issuance of our 2024 Senior Notes, a $7.7 million increase in interest expense relating to the issuance of our 2021 Convertible Notes, and a $2.5 million increase related to fees for the redetermination of the borrowing base under our revolving credit facility. These increases were partially offset by a $9.0 million charge for the bridge loan commitment related to acquisitions of properties in the Delaware Basin during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and a $3.9 million decrease in interest expense on our 2016 Convertible Notes, which were settled in May 2016.

Provision for Income Taxes

The effective income tax ratesrate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were 29.5 percent andMarch 31, 2018 was a 25.8 percent benefit on loss respectively, compared to 34.0a 36.3 percent and 37.1 percent benefitexpense on lossincome for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The most significant element related to the decrease in the effective income tax rate was the impact from the impairment of the goodwill in the quarter ended September 30,March 31, 2017. This goodwill did not have an associated deferred tax liability associated with the goodwill at the time it was created, therefore, no deferred tax benefit was realized upon the impairment of the goodwill. The effective income tax rates are based upon a full year forecasted pre-tax lossincome for the year adjusted for permanent differences. The federal corporate statutory income tax rate decreased from 35 percent in 2017 to 21 percent in 2018 resulting from the 2017 Tax Act. The forecasted full year effective income tax rate has been applied to the quarter-to-date pre-tax loss, resulting in an income tax benefit for the period. Because the estimate of full-year income or loss may change from quarter to quarter, the effective income tax rate for any particular quarter may not have a meaningful relationship to pre-tax income or loss for the quarter or the actual annual effective income tax rate that is determined at the end of the year. In addition to the impact from the goodwill impairment, theThe effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 includes discrete income tax benefits of $0.8$0.2 million for additional deductions and credits claimed on the filed 2016 federal and state income tax returns. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes discrete income tax benefits of $1.8 million relatingrelated to the excess income tax benefit recognized with the vesting of stock awards, and $0.8 million for additional deductions and credits claimed on the filed 2016 federal and state tax returns. These discrete tax benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017which resulted in a 0.2 percent and 0.91.2 percent increase to our effective income tax rates.rate. The excess tax benefit recognized with the vesting of stock awards was the only discrete tax item reported for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and resulted in a 2.2 percent reduction to our effective tax rate.

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Net Income (Loss)/Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
 
The factors resulting in changes in net loss in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 of $292.5$13.1 million and $205.1 million, respectively, and a net lossincome in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016March 31, 2017 of $23.3$46.1 million and $190.3 million, respectively, are discussed above. These same reasons similarly impactedAdjusted net income, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and adjusted net loss, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, withwas $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. With the exception of the tax affected net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives of $38.6 million and $40.3$16.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively,March 31, 2018 and $17.5 million and $142.6$50.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. AdjustedMarch 31, 2017, these same factors impacted adjusted net loss,income (loss), a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $253.9 million and $245.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and adjusted net loss was $5.8 million and $47.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.measure. See Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures below for a more detailed discussion of thisthese non-U.S. GAAP financial measuremeasures and a reconciliation of this measurethese measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure.measures.

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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash flows from operating activities, our revolving credit facility, proceeds raised in debt and equity capital market transactions, and asset sales. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, our net cash flows from operating activities were $411.4$205.1 million.

Our primary source of cash flows from operating activities is the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs. Fluctuations in our operating cash flows are principally driven by commodity prices and changes in our production volumes. Commodity prices have historically been volatile and we manage a portion of this volatility through our use of derivative instruments. We enter into commodity derivative instruments with maturities of no greater than five years from the date of the instrument. Our revolving credit facility imposes limits on the amount of our production we can hedge, and we may choose not to hedge the maximum amounts permitted. Therefore, we may still have fluctuations in our cash flows from operating activities due to the remaining non-hedged portion of our future production. Based upon our hedge position and assuming forward strip pricing as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, our derivatives may notare expected to be a significant source of net cash flowoutflow in the near term.

Our working capital fluctuates for various reasons, including, but not limited to, changes in the fair value of our commodity derivative instruments and changes in our cash and cash equivalents due to our practice of utilizing excess cash to reduce the outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility. At September 30,We had working capital deficits of $223.7 million and $16.4 million at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had arespectively. The increase in working capital deficit of $39.1 million compared to working capital of $129.2 million at December 31, 2016. The decrease in working capital as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 of $207.3 million is primarily the result of a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $107.7$134.8 million related to capital investment exceeding operating cash flowsthe Bayswater Acquisition which was partially offset by the proceeds received from the Utica Divestiture and an amendment to a midstream dedication agreement, an increase in accounts payable of $97.8$45.6 million related to increased development and exploration activity, which was partially offset by an increasea decrease in the net fair value of our unsettled commodity derivative instruments of $41.7$17.1 million, and a decrease in accounts receivable of $16.6 million.

Our cash and cash equivalents were $136.4$45.9 million at September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and availability under our revolving credit facility was $700.0 million, providing for a total liquidity position of $836.4$745.9 million as of September 30, 2017. Our liquidity was augmentedMarch 31, 2018. Based on the pricing assumptions described in 2017Executive Summary - Liquidity, we expect our 2018 capital investments to exceed our 2018 cash flows from operations by the $40.2 million of proceeds received in the second quarter of 2017 from the sale of the Promissory Note, as described previously.approximately $65 million. We anticipate that ourthe proceeds received from the Utica Shale Divestiture and an amendment to a midstream dedication agreement will fund this outspend. We expect this capital investments will exceed ourinvestment outspend to occur during the first half of 2018, with cash flows from operating activities in 2017. With this outspend, along withexceeding capital investment during the expected closingsecond half of the acquisition of certain properties owned by Bayswater and certain related parties,year. As a result, we expect to have borrowingsbe undrawn on our revolving credit facility at December 31, 2017.2018.

Based on our expected cash flows from operations, our cash and cash equivalents, and availability under our revolving credit facility, we believe that we will have sufficient capital available to fund our planned activities during 2017.through the 12-month period following the filing of this report.

Our revolving credit facility is a borrowing base facility and availability under the facility is subject to redetermination, generally each May and November, based upon a quantification of our proved reserves at each December 31 and June 30, respectively. The maturity date of our revolving credit facility is May 2020. Our ability to borrow under the revolving credit facility is limited under our 2022 Senior Notes to the greater of $700 million or the calculated value under an Adjusted Consolidated Tangible Net Asset test, as defined.

In May and October 2017, we entered into athe Fifth Amendmentand Sixth Amendments, respectively, to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment, among other things, amendsAgreement to amend the revolving credit facility to reflect increases in the borrowing base. The Fifth Amendment reflected an increase of the borrowing base from $700 million to $950 million.million and the Sixth Amendment amended the revolving credit facility to allow the borrowing base to increase above the borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion. In addition, the Fifth Amendment made changes to certain of the covenants in the existing agreement as well as other administrative changes.

In October 2017, we entered into a Sixth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment amends the revolving credit facility to allow the borrowing base to increase above the maximum allowable borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion. We have elected to increase the borrowing base to $1.1 billion for our fallNovember 2017 borrowing base redetermination and have elected to maintain a $700 million commitment level as of the date of this report.
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In April 2018, we began negotiations with our bank group to enter into the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, and we anticipate closing to occur by the end of May 2018.  This agreement is expected to replace the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.  Following the amendment and restatement, the facility is expected to mature in May 2023. 

Amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility bear interest at either an alternate base rate option or a LIBOR option as defined in the revolving credit facility plus an applicable margin, depending on the percentage of the commitment that has been utilized. As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, the applicable margin is 1.25 percent for the alternate base rate option or 2.25 percent for the LIBOR option, and the unused commitment fee is 0.5 percent.

We had no balance outstanding on our revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2017.March 31, 2018. In May 2017, we replaced our $11.7 million irrevocable standby letter of credit that we held in favor of a third-party transportation service
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provider to secure a firm transportation obligation with a $9.3 millioncash deposit, which is classified as restricted cash and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30,March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had $8.0 million and $9.3 million in restricted cash, respectively. As of March 31, 2018, the available funds under our revolving credit facility were $700 million based on our elected commitment level.

Our revolving credit facility contains financial maintenance covenants. The covenants require that we maintain (i) a leverage ratio defined as total debt of less than 4.0 times the trailing 12 months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives, exploration expense, gains (losses) on sales of assets and other non-cash gains (losses) and (ii) an adjusted current ratio of at least 1.0:1.0. Our adjusted current ratio is adjusted by eliminating the impact on our current assets and liabilities of recording the fair value of crude oil and natural gas commodity derivative instruments. Additionally, available borrowings under our revolving credit facility are added to the current asset calculation and the current portion of our revolving credit facility debt is eliminated from the current liabilities calculation. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all debt covenants as defined by the revolving credit agreement, with a leverage ratio of 1.81.7 and a current ratio of 2.9.2.5. We expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period.period following the filing of this report.

The indentures governing our 20222024 Senior Notes and 20242026 Senior Notes contain customary restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (a) incur additional debt including under our revolving credit facility, (b) make certain investments or pay dividends or distributions on our capital stock or purchase, redeem, or retire capital stock, (c) sell assets, including capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries, (d) restrict the payment of dividends or other payments by restricted subsidiaries to us, (e) create liens that secure debt, (f) enter into transactions with affiliates, and (g) merge or consolidate with another company. At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with all covenants and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period.

In January 2017, pursuant to the filing of the supplemental indentures for the 2021 Convertible Senior Notes the 2022 Senior Notes, and the 2024 Senior Notes, our subsidiary PDC Permian, Inc. became a guarantor of the notes. PDC Permian, Inc. is also the guarantor of our 2026 Senior Notes issued in November 2017.

Cash Flows

Operating Activities. Our net cash flows from operating activities are primarily impacted by commodity prices, production volumes, net settlements from our commodity derivative positions, operating costs, and general and administrative expenses. Cash flows from operating activities increased by $50.6$65.6 million to $411.4$205.1 million for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 compared to the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, primarily due to increases in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales of $308.0$115.5 million. These increases wereThis increase was offset in part by a decrease in commodity derivative settlements of $145.7$26.6 million and a decrease in changes in assets and liabilities of $30.8 million related to the timing of cash payments and increases in production taxes of $23.3 million, lease operating expenses of $22.2$9.8 million, interest expense of $15.6 million, transportation, gathering, and processing expenses of $8.6 million, and general and administrative expenses of $6.3$9.4 million, and production taxes of $7.8 million.

Adjusted cash flows from operations, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, increased by $81.3$61.2 million to $407.5$174.9 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 compared to the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to the same factors mentioned above for changes in cash flows provided by operating activities, without regard to timing of cash payments and receipts of assets and liabilities. 

Adjusted EBITDAX, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, increased by $184.3$59.9 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, compared to the ninethree months ended September 30, 2016.March 31, 2017. The increase was primarily the result of increasesan increase in
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crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales of $308.0 million, the recording of a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $44.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and the reversal of a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $40.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  These increases were$115.5 million.  This increase was partially offset by a decrease in commodity derivative settlements of $145.7$26.6 million and increases in production taxes of $23.3 million, lease operating expenses of $22.2$9.8 million, transportation, gathering, and processing expenses of $8.6 million, and general and administrative expenses of $6.3$9.4 million, and production taxes of $7.8 million.

See Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures, below, for a more detailed discussion of non-U.S. GAAP financial measures.

Investing Activities. Because crude oil and natural gas production from a well declines rapidly in the first few years of production, we need to continue to commit significant amounts of capital in order to maintain and grow our production and replace our reserves. If capital is not available or is constrained in the future, we will be limited to our cash flows from operations and liquidity under our revolving credit facility as the sources for funding our capital investments.

Cash flows from investing activities primarily consist of the acquisition, exploration, and development of crude oil and natural gas properties, net of dispositions of crude oil and natural gas properties. Net cash used in investing activities of $512.8$338.5 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018 was primarily related to cash utilized for our drilling operations, including completion activities of $528.9 million, $21.0 million deposit toward the purchase price of the acquisitionBayswater Acquisition of certain
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properties owned by Bayswater and certain related parties, purchases of short-term investments of $49.9$180.8 million and a $9.3 million deposit with a third-party transportation service provider for suretyour drilling and completion activities of an existing firm transportation obligation previously secured by a letter of credit.$196.9 million.  Partially offsetting these investments was the receipt of approximately $49.9$39.0 million related to the sale of short-term investments, $40.2 million from the sale of the Promissory Note, and $5.4 million related to post-closing settlements of properties acquired in 2016.Utica Shale Divestiture.

Financing Activities. Net cash fromused in financing activities forof $2.6 million during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017 decreased by approximately $1,291.1 million comparedMarch 31, 2018 was primarily related to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Certain capital markets and financing activities occurred in 2016 including $855.1 million received from an issuancepurchases of our common stock, $392.3 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Senior Notes, and the $194.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 2021 Convertible Notes. These amounts were partially offset by the $115.0 million payment of principal amounts owed upon the maturity of the 2016 Convertible Notes and net payments of approximately $37.0 million to pay down amounts borrowed under our revolving credit facility in the first quarter of 2016.treasury stock.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules, which have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital investments, or capital resources.



Commitments and Contingencies

See the footnote titled Commitments and Contingencies to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Recent Accounting Standards

See the footnote titled Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Recent Regulatory Developments

On May 2, 2017, in response to an incident in Firestone, Colorado, the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (“COGCC”) issued a Notice to Operators (the “Notice”). Among other things, the Notice included requirements for all operators of oil and gas wells in Colorado to inspect all existing flowlines and pipelines located within 1,000 feet of a building unit; inspect any abandoned flowlines or pipelines, regardless of distance to ensure proper abandonment; and test integrity of all connected flowlines.

We timely complied with both phases of the Notice. We have an existing Flowline Integrity Management Program to inspect all Denver-Julesburg Basin wells and related pipelines on an annual basis, and will continue to engage in this process.

On August 22, 2017, the State announced its response to the incident, following a three month review of oil and gas operations. The policy initiatives proposed could come either through rulemaking or legislation.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP required management to use judgment in making estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses.

There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates or in the underlying accounting assumptions and estimates used in these critical accounting policies from those disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes contained in our 20162017 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2017.27, 2018 and amended on May 1, 2018.

Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures

We use "adjusted cash flows from operations," "adjusted net income (loss)" and "adjusted EBITDAX," non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, for internal management reporting, when evaluating period-to-period changes and, in some cases, providing public guidance on possible future results. Beginning in 2017, we have included non-cash stock-based compensation and exploration, geologic and geophysical expense in our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDAX calculation.  In prior periods, we included adjusted EBITDA, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure that did not include these adjustments.  We have elected to disclose Adjusted EBITDAX rather than Adjusted EBITDA in this report and other public disclosures because we believe it is more comparable to similar metrics presented by others in the industry. All prior periods have been conformed for comparability of this information. These measures are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss) or cash flows from operations, investing or financing activities, and should not be viewed as liquidity measures or indicators of cash flows reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-U.S. GAAP financial measures that we use may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Also, in the future, we may disclose different non-U.S. GAAP financial measures in
PDC ENERGY, INC.

order to help our investors more meaningfully evaluate and compare our future results of operations to our previously reported results of operations. We strongly encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

Adjusted cash flows from operations. We define adjusted cash flows from operations as the cash flows earned or incurred from operating activities, without regard to changes in operating assets and liabilities. We believe it is important to consider adjusted cash flows from operations, as well as cash flows from operations, as we believe it often provides more transparency into what drives the changes in our operating trends, such as production, prices, operating costs, and related operational factors, without regard to whether the related asset or liability was received or paid during the same period. We
PDC ENERGY, INC.

also use this measure because the timing of cash received from our assets, cash paid to obtain an asset or payment of our obligations has generally been a timing issue from one period to the next as we have not had significant accounts receivable collection problems, nor been unable to purchase assets or pay our obligations.

Adjusted net income (loss). We define adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss), plus loss on commodity derivatives, less gain on commodity derivatives, and net settlements on commodity derivatives, each adjusted for tax effect. We believe it is important to consider adjusted net income (loss), as well as net income (loss). We believe this measure often provides more transparency into our operating trends, such as production, prices, operating costs, net settlements from derivatives, and related factors, without regard to changes in our net income (loss) from our mark-to-market adjustments resulting from net changes in the fair value of unsettled derivatives. Additionally, other items which are not indicative of future results may be excluded to clearly identify operating trends.

Adjusted EBITDAX. We define adjusted EBITDAX as net income (loss), plus loss on commodity derivatives, interest expense, net of interest income, income taxes, impairment of properties and equipment, exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, accretion of asset retirement obligations, and non-cash stock-based compensation, less gain on commodity derivatives and net settlements on commodity derivatives. Adjusted EBITDAX is not a measure of financial performance or liquidity under U.S. GAAP and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss), and should not be considered an indicator of cash flows reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDAX includes certain non-cash costs incurred by us and does not take into account changes in operating assets and liabilities. Other companies in our industry may calculate adjusted EBITDAX differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. We believe adjusted EBITDAX is relevant because it is a measure of our operational and financial performance, as well as a measure of our liquidity, and is used by our management, investors, commercial banks, research analysts, and others to analyze such things as:

operating performance and return on capital as compared to our peers;
financial performance of our assets and our valuation without regard to financing methods, capital structure, or historical cost basis;
our ability to generate sufficient cash to service our debt obligations; and
the viability of acquisition opportunities and capital expenditure projects, including the related rate of return.

    

PDC ENERGY, INC.


The following table presents a reconciliation of each of our non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to its most comparable U.S. GAAP measure:

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Adjusted cash flows from operations:          
Net cash from operating activities$148.2
 $163.0
 411.4
 $360.8
$205.1
 $139.5
Changes in assets and liabilities2.7
 (40.4) (3.9) (34.6)(30.2) (25.8)
Adjusted cash flows from operations$150.9
 $122.6
 $407.5
 $326.2
$174.9
 $113.7
          
Adjusted net loss:       
Net loss$(292.5) $(23.3) $(205.1) $(190.3)
Adjusted net income (loss):   
Net income (loss)$(13.1) $46.1
(Gain) loss on commodity derivative instruments52.2
 (19.4) (86.5) 62.3
47.2
 (80.7)
Net settlements on commodity derivative instruments9.6
 47.7
 22.2
 167.9
(26.0) 0.5
Tax effect of above adjustments(23.2) (10.8) 24.0
 (87.6)(5.1) 30.0
Adjusted net loss$(253.9) $(5.8) $(245.4) $(47.7)
Adjusted net income (loss)$3.0
 $(4.1)
          
Net loss to adjusted EBITDAX:       
Net loss$(292.5) $(23.3) $(205.1) $(190.3)
Net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDAX:   
Net income (loss)$(13.1) $46.1
(Gain) loss on commodity derivative instruments52.2
 (19.4) (86.5) 62.3
47.2
 (80.7)
Net settlements on commodity derivative instruments9.6
 47.7
 22.2
 167.9
(26.0) 0.5
Non-cash stock-based compensation4.8
 4.1
 14.6
 15.2
5.3
 4.5
Interest expense, net18.8
 20.1
 56.9
 40.9
17.4
 19.2
Income tax benefit(122.4) (12.0) (71.5) (112.2)
Income tax expense (benefit)(4.6) 26.3
Impairment of properties and equipment252.7
 0.9
 282.5
 6.1
33.2
 2.2
Impairment of goodwill75.1
 
 75.1
 
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense41.9
 0.2
 43.9
 0.7
2.6
 1.0
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization125.2
 112.9
 360.6
 317.3
126.8
 109.3
Accretion of asset retirement obligations1.5
 1.8
 4.9
 5.4
1.3
 1.8
Adjusted EBITDAX$166.9
 $133.0
 $497.6
 $313.3
$190.1
 $130.2
          
Cash from operating activities to adjusted EBITDAX:          
Net cash from operating activities$148.2
 $163.0
 $411.4
 $360.8
$205.1
 $139.5
Interest expense, net18.8
 20.1
 56.9
 40.9
17.4
 19.2
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs(3.2) (9.9) (9.6) (13.0)(3.2) (3.2)
Gain on sale of properties and equipment0.1
 0.2
 0.8
 
Gain (loss) on sale of properties and equipment(1.4) 0.2
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense41.9
 0.2
 43.9
 0.7
2.6
 1.0
Exploratory dry hole costs(41.2) 
 (41.2) 
Other(0.4) (0.2) 39.3
 (41.5)(0.2) (0.7)
Changes in assets and liabilities2.7
 (40.4) (3.9) (34.6)(30.2) (25.8)
Adjusted EBITDAX$166.9
 $133.0
 $497.6
 $313.3
$190.1
 $130.2


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PDC ENERGY, INC.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market-Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management

We are exposed to market risks associated with interest rate risks, commodity price risk and credit risk. We have established risk management processes to monitor and manage these market risks.

Interest Rate Risk

Changes in interest rates affect the amount of interest we earn on our interest bearing cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash accounts and the interest we pay on borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Our 2021 Convertible Notes, 2024 Senior Notes, and 20222026 Senior Notes have fixed rates, and therefore near-term changes in interest rates do not expose us to risk of earnings or cash flow loss; however, near-term changes in interest rates may affect the fair value of our fixed-rate debt.

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, our interest-bearing deposit accounts included money market accounts certificates of deposit, and checking and savings accounts with various banks. The amount of our interest-bearing cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 was $105.6$12.8 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 1.01.4 percent. Based on a sensitivity analysis of our interest-bearing deposits as of September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 and assuming we had $105.6$12.8 million outstanding throughout the period, we estimate that a one percent increase in interest rates would have increased interest income for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017March 31, 2018 by approximately $0.8$0.1 million.

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we had no outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility.
    
Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to the potential risk of loss from adverse changes in the market price of crude oil, natural gas, natural gas basis, and NGLs. Pursuant to established policies and procedures, we manage a portion of the risks associated with these market fluctuations using commodity derivative instruments. These instruments help us predict with greater certainty the effective crude oil, natural gas, and propane prices we will receive for our hedged production. We believe that our commodity derivative policies and procedures are effective in achieving our risk management objectives.

Table See the footnote titled Commodity Derivative Financial Instruments to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a description of contents
PDC ENERGY, INC.

The following table presents our commodity and basis derivative positions related to crude oil, natural gas, and propane in effect as of September 30, 2017:
  Collars Fixed-Price Swaps  
Commodity/ Index/
Maturity Period
 
Quantity
(Gas -
BBtu
Oil - MBbls)
 
Weighted-Average
Contract Price
 
Quantity (Oil - MBbls
Gas and Basis-
BBtu
 Propane - MBbls)
 
Weighted-
Average
Contract
Price
 
Fair Value
September 30,
2017 (1)
(in millions)
  Floors Ceilings   
Crude Oil            
NYMEX            
2017 616.0
 $49.54
 $62.32
 1,837.1
 $50.13
 $(2.6)
2018 1,512.0
 41.85
 54.31
 7,972.0
 52.11
 (0.6)
2019 
 
 
 2,400.0
 50.25
 (1.8)
Total Crude Oil 2,128.0
     12,209.1
   $(5.0)
             
Natural Gas            
NYMEX            
2017 2,895.1
 $3.38
 $4.02
 10,310.0
 $3.39
 $4.6
2018 5,230.0
 3.00
 3.54
 51,280.0
 2.95
 (4.1)
Total Natural Gas 8,125.1
     61,590.0
   $0.5
             
Basis Protection            
CIG            
2017 
 
 
 13,264.2
 $(0.34) $0.6
2018 
 
 
 30,200.0
 (0.34) 3.7
Waha            
2018 
 
 
 6,000.0
 (0.50) 0.1
Total Basis Protection 
     49,464.2
   $4.4
             
Propane            
Mont Belvieu            
2017 
 
 
 411.9
 $27.22
 $(4.3)
2018 
 
 
 428.6
 29.14
 (1.3)
Total Propane       840.5
   $(5.6)
Commodity Derivatives Fair Value       $(5.7)
             
____________

(1)Approximately 10.8 percent of the fair value of our commodity derivative assets and 28.4 percent of the fair value of our commodity derivative liabilities were measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

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PDC ENERGY, INC.

In addition to ouropen commodity derivative positions as of September 30, 2017, we entered into the following commodity derivative positions subsequent to September 30, 2017 that are effective as of November 3, 2017:at March 31, 2018.

  Fixed-Price Swaps
Commodity/ Index/
Maturity Period
 
Quantity (Oil - MBbls
Gas and Basis-
BBtu
 Propane - MBbls)
 
Weighted-
Average
Contract
Price
  
Crude Oil    
NYMEX    
2018 600.0
 $53.30
2019 600.0
 $51.43
     
Total Crude Oil 1,200.0
  
     
Basis Protection    
CIG    
2018 5,000.0
 $(0.51)
     
El Paso    
2018 3,000.0
 $(0.62)
     
Total Basis Swaps 8,000.0
  
     
Rollfactor (1)    
2018 3,648.0
 $0.03

(1)These positions hedge the timing risk associated with our physical sales. We generally sell crude oil for the delivery month at a sales price based on the average NYMEX West Texas Intermediate price during that month, plus an adjustment calculated as a spread between the weighted average prices of the delivery month, the next month and the following month during the period when the delivery month is the first month (the "trade month roll").

Our realized prices vary regionally based on local market differentials and our transportation agreements. The following table presents average market index prices for crude oil and natural gas for the periods identified, as well as the average sales prices we realized for our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs production:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Year EndedThree Months Ended Year Ended
September 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
Average NYMEX Index Price:        
Crude oil (per Bbl)$48.20
 $49.47
 $43.32
$62.87
 $50.95
Natural gas (per MMBtu)3.00
 3.17
 2.46
3.00
 3.11
        
Average Sales Price Realized:        
Excluding net settlements on commodity derivativesExcluding net settlements on commodity derivatives    Excluding net settlements on commodity derivatives  
Crude oil (per Bbl)$45.66
 $46.69
 $39.96
$59.62
 $48.45
Natural gas (per Mcf)2.17
 2.23
 1.77
1.97
 2.21
NGLs (per Bbl)18.11
 17.24
 11.80
21.80
 18.59

Based on a sensitivity analysis as of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we estimate that a ten percent increase in natural gas, crude oil, and the propane portion of NGLs prices, inclusive of basis, over the entire period for which we have commodity derivatives
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PDC ENERGY, INC.

in place, would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of our derivative positions of $83.9$113.0 million, whereas a ten percent decrease in prices would have resulted in an increase in fair value of $83.7$111.6 million.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.

Credit Risk

Credit risk represents the loss that we would incur if a counterparty fails to perform its contractual obligations. We attempt to reduce credit risk by diversifying our counterparty exposure and entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. When exposed to significant credit risk, we analyze the counterparty’s financial condition prior to entering into an agreement, establish credit limits and monitor the appropriateness of those limits on an ongoing basis. We monitor the creditworthiness of significant counterparties through our credit committee, which utilizes a number of qualitative and quantitative tools to assess credit risk and takes mitigative actions if deemed necessary. While we believe that our credit risk analysis and monitoring procedures are reasonable, no amount of analysis can assure performance by our counterparties.

Our oil and gas exploration and production business's crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales are concentrated with a few predominately large customers. This concentrates our credit risk exposure with a small number of large customers.

Amounts due to our gas marketing business are from a diverse group of entities, including major upstream and midstream energy companies, financial institutions, and end-users in various industries. The underlying operations of these entities are geographically concentrated in the same region, which increases the credit risk associated with this business. As natural gas prices continue to remain depressed, certain third-party producers relating to our gas marketing business continue to experience financial distress, which has led to certain contractual defaults and litigation; however, to date, we have had no material counterparty default losses. We have initiated several legal actions for breach of contract, collection and related claims against certain third-party producers that are delinquent in their payment obligations, which have to date resulted in two default judgments. We expect this trend to continue for this business.

We primarily use financial institutions which are lenders in our revolving credit facility as counterparties for our derivative financial instruments. Disruption in the credit markets, changes in commodity prices and other factors may have a significant adverse impact on a number of financial institutions. To date, we have had no material counterparty default losses from our commodity derivative financial instruments. See the footnote titled Commodity Derivative Financial Instruments to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail on our commodity derivative financial instruments.

Disclosure of Limitations

Because the information above included only those exposures that existed at September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, it does not consider those exposures or positions which could arise after that date. As a result, our ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate and commodity price fluctuations will depend on the exposures that arise during the period, our commodity price risk management strategies at the time, and interest rates and commodity prices at the time.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e).

Based on the results of this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of September 30,March 31, 2018 because of the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting described below.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.


During 2017, we did not maintain a sufficient complement of personnel within the Land Department as a result of increased volume of leases, which contributed to the ineffective design and maintenance of controls to verify the completeness and accuracy of land administrative records associated with unproved leases, which are used in verifying the completeness, accuracy, valuation, rights and obligations over the accounting of properties and equipment, sales and accounts receivable, and costs and expenses.  These control deficiencies resulted in immaterial adjustments of our unproved properties, impairment of unproved properties, sales, accounts receivable, and depletion expense accounts and related disclosures during 2017.
Additionally, these control deficiencies could result in misstatements of substantially all accounts and disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected.  Accordingly, our management has determined that these control deficiencies constitute material weaknesses.  
Remediation Plan for Material Weaknesses

In response to the identified material weaknesses, our management, with the oversight of the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, has begun the process of assessing a number of different remediation initiatives to improve our internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2018.  We are currently in the process of evaluating the material weaknesses and are developing a plan of remediation to strengthen our overall controls over the sufficient complement of personnel within the Land Department and the completeness and accuracy of land administration records.  We are committed to continuing to improve our internal control processes and will continue to review, optimize, and enhance our internal control environment.  These material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until the applicable remedial controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively. 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the three months ended September 30, 2017,March 31, 2018, we made no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, we are a party to variousInformation regarding our legal proceedings can found in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any litigation that we believe would have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

footnote titled
Commitments and Contingencies -
EnvironmentalLitigation and Legal Items

Due to the nature of the natural gas and oil industry, we are exposed to environmental risks. We have various policies and procedures to minimize and mitigate the risks from environmental contamination. We conduct periodic reviews and simulated drills to identify changes in our environmental risk profile. Liabilities are recorded when environmental damages resulting from past events are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. Except as discussed herein, we are not aware of any environmental claims existing as of September 30, 2017 which have not been provided for or would otherwise have a material impact on our financial statements; however, there can be no assurance that current regulatory requirements will not change or that unknown past non-compliance with environmental laws will not be discovered on our properties. Accrued environmental liabilities are recorded in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Clean Air Act Tentative Agreement and Related Consent Decree

In August 2015, we received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request (the "Information Request") from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The Information Request sought, among other things, information related to the design, operation, and maintenance of our Wattenberg Field production facilities in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of Colorado ("DJ Basin"). The Information Request focused on historical operation and design information for 46 of our production facilities and requested sampling and analyses at the identified 46 facilities. We responded to the Information Request with the requested data in January 2016.
In addition, in December 2015, we received a Compliance Advisory pursuant to C.R.S. 25-7-115(2) from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (“CDPHE”) Air Quality Control Commission's Air Pollution Control Division alleging that we failed to design, operate, and maintain certain condensate collection, storage, processing, and handling operations to minimize leakage of volatile organic compounds at 65 facilities consistent with applicable standards under Colorado law.

For more than a year, we held a series of meetings with the EPA, Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and CDPHE on the above matters. On June 26, 2017, the DOJ on behalf of the EPA and the State of Colorado filed a complaint against us based on the above matters. We continued to conduct meetings with these agencies in working toward a resolution of the matters. On September 28, 2017, the parties jointly filed for an extension of time for PDC to reply to the complaint. The extension was requested because the parties reached an agreement to resolve the case subject to final approval by the appropriate persons within the federal government and state government, as well as outcome of the period of public comment on the proposed decree.

A consent decree was signed by all parties on October 31, 2017 and is subject to a 30-day comment period in which it will be publicly published in the Federal Register. The consent decree provides that we will implement changes to our design, operation, and maintenance of most of our field-wide storage tank systems to enhance our emission management in the DJ Basin.  Agreed upon and planned efforts include, but are not limited to, vapor control system modifications and verification, increased inspection and monitoring, and installation of tank pressure monitors. We voluntarily included in the consent decree approximately 40 additional facilities associated with our pending acquisition of additional assets in the basin.  The three primary elements of the consent decree are: (i) fine/supplemental environmental projects ($1.5 million cash fine, plus $1 million in supplemental environmental projects); (ii) injunctive relief with an estimated cost of approximately $18 million, primarily representing capital enhancements to our operations; and (iii) mitigation with an estimated cost of $1.7 million.  Certain expenditures for the injunctive relief are believed to have been incurred in 2016 and 2017, with the remainder expected to be incurred over the next few years. We do not believe that the expenditures resulting from the settlement will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Although we believe the consent decree will be approved by the court following the comment period, this cannot be guaranteed. 

Action Regarding Firm Transportation Contracts
In June 2016, a group of 42 independent West Virginia natural gas producers filed a lawsuit in Marshall County, West Virginia, naming Dominion Transmission, Inc. ("Dominion"), certain entities affiliated with Dominion, and our


subsidiary RNG as defendants, alleging various contractual, fiduciary and related claims against the defendants, all of which are associated with firm transportation contracts entered into by plaintiffs and relating to pipelines owned and operated by Dominion and its affiliates. The case has been transferred to the Business Court Division of the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia, and the parties are awaiting that court's ruling on previously-filed pre-trial pleadings. RNG is unable to estimate any potential damages associated with the claims, but believes the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously pursue its defenses.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We face many risks. Factors that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, or liquidity and the trading price of our common stock are described under Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our 20162017 Form 10-K. This information should be considered carefully, together with other information in this report and other reports and materials we file with the SEC.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 20162017 Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
    
    
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Period Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share
     
July 1 - 31, 2017 1,360
 $42.68
August 1 - 31, 2017 
 
September 1 - 30, 2017 12
 39.58
Total third quarter 2017 purchases 1,372
 $42.65
     
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share
     
January 1 - 31, 2018 34,846
 $55.37
February 1 - 28, 2018 6,511
 50.04
March 1 - 31, 2018 
 
Total first quarter 2018 purchases 41,357
 $54.53
     
__________
(1)Purchases primarily represent shares purchased from employees for the payment of their tax liabilities related to the vesting of securities issued pursuant to our stock-based compensation plans.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES - Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION - None.

PDC ENERGY, INC.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number  Exhibit Description Form  SEC File Number  Exhibit Filing Date  Filed Herewith
10.1

X
             
31.1          X
             
31.2          X
             
32.1*           
99.1X
99.2X
99.3X
             
101.INS XBRL Instance Document         X
             
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document         X
             
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document         X
             
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document         X
             
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document         X
             
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document         X
* Furnished herewith.
PDC ENERGY, INC.

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.

 PDC Energy, Inc.
 (Registrant)
  
  
  
  
Date: November 6, 2017May 2, 2018/s/ Barton R. Brookman
 Barton R. Brookman
 President and Chief Executive Officer
 (principal executive officer)
  
 /s/ David W. HoneyfieldR. Scott Meyers
 David W. HoneyfieldR. Scott Meyers
 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 (principal financial officer)
  
  
  
  
  

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