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


FORM 10-Q


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


For the quarterly period ended June 30, 20182019


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


For the transition period from ______ to ______


Commission File Number: 001-34778
qepresourcesstackcmykra43.jpg
QEP RESOURCES, INC.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
STATE OF DELAWAREDelaware 87-0287750
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)


1050 17th Street, Suite 800, Denver, Colorado80265
(Address of principal executive offices)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code (303) (303) 672-6900


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par valueQEPNew York Stock Exchange

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 ý 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 (Section 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 ý No o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:


Large accelerated filerýAccelerated filero
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting companyo
  Emerging growth companyo






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 ý


At June 30, 2018,2019, there were 236,975,957237,912,768 shares of the registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding.







QEP Resources, Inc.
Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 20182019


TABLE OF CONTENTS
   Page
    
 ITEM 1.
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
 ITEM 2.
    
 ITEM 3.
    
 ITEM 4.
    
    
 ITEM 1.
    
 ITEM 1A.
    
 ITEM 2.
    
 ITEM 3.
    
 ITEM 4.
    
 ITEM 5.
    
 ITEM 6.
    




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
QEP RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
REVENUES(in millions, except per share amounts)(in millions, except per share amounts)
Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$520.3
 $373.0
 $930.1
 $758.2
$294.6
 $520.3
 $570.2
 $930.1
Other revenue3.0
 2.7
 8.0
 6.7
Other revenues1.6
 3.0
 5.3
 8.0
Purchased oil and gas sales9.1
 8.0
 23.2
 38.9

 9.1
 1.3
 23.2
Total Revenues532.4
 383.7
 961.3
 803.8
296.2
 532.4
 576.8
 961.3
OPERATING EXPENSES              
Purchased oil and gas expense9.8
 9.1
 25.3
 38.5

 9.8
 1.4
 25.3
Lease operating expense66.5
 70.0
 139.0
 139.2
45.7
 66.5
 97.2
 139.0
Transportation and processing costs31.2
 72.2
 65.2
 142.4
9.9
 31.2
 20.8
 65.2
Gathering and other expense3.4
 1.8
 6.2
 3.3
3.0
 3.4
 6.8
 6.2
General and administrative55.8
 31.3
 115.9
 64.9
31.5
 55.8
 94.8
 115.9
Production and property taxes37.6
 28.5
 66.5
 57.6
23.6
 37.6
 47.6
 66.5
Depreciation, depletion and amortization242.2
 191.5
 438.7
 383.3
128.0
 242.2
 251.3
 438.7
Exploration expenses0.1
 
 0.1
 0.4

 0.1
 
 0.1
Impairment403.7
 
 404.4
 0.1

 403.7
 5.0
 404.4
Total Operating Expenses850.3
 404.4
 1,261.3
 829.7
241.7
 850.3
 524.9
 1,261.3
Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs(3.9) 19.8
 (0.4) 19.8
17.8
 (3.9) 4.6
 (0.4)
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)(321.8) (0.9) (300.4) (6.1)72.3
 (321.8) 56.5
 (300.4)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative contracts (Note 7)(79.1) 106.7
 (132.3) 267.6
38.5
 (79.1) (143.2) (132.3)
Interest and other income (expense)(3.1) 1.8
 (3.8) 2.4
0.9
 (3.1) 3.7
 (3.8)
Interest expense(38.2) (34.9) (73.2) (68.7)(33.2) (38.2) (67.2) (73.2)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES(442.2) 72.7
 (509.7) 195.2
78.5
 (442.2) (150.2) (509.7)
Income tax (provision) benefit106.2
 (27.3) 120.1
 (72.9)(29.7) 106.2
 82.3
 120.1
NET INCOME (LOSS)$(336.0) $45.4
 $(389.6) $122.3
$48.8
 $(336.0) $(67.9) $(389.6)
              
Earnings (loss) per common share              
Basic$(1.42) $0.19
 $(1.63) $0.51
$0.20
 $(1.42) $(0.29) $(1.63)
Diluted$(1.42) $0.19
 $(1.63) $0.51
$0.20
 $(1.42) $(0.29) $(1.63)
              
Weighted-average common shares outstanding              
Used in basic calculation237.0
 240.5
 238.9
 240.4
238.0
 237.0
 237.5
 238.9
Used in diluted calculation237.0
 240.6
 238.9
 240.5
238.0
 237.0
 237.5
 238.9
Dividends per common share$
 $
 $
 $


Refer to Notes accompanying the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




QEP RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Net income (loss)$(336.0) $45.4
 $(389.6) $122.3
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:       
Postretirement medical plan change(1)

 
 
 1.6
Fair value of plan assets adjustment(2)

 
 0.3
 
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments:       
Amortization of prior service costs(3)
0.1
 0.2
 0.2
 0.3
Amortization of actuarial losses(4)
0.2
 (0.1) 0.4
 0.1
Other comprehensive income0.3
 0.1
 0.9
 2.0
Comprehensive income (loss)$(335.7) $45.5
 $(388.7) $124.3
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (in millions)
Net income (loss)$48.8
 $(336.0) $(67.9) $(389.6)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:       
Fair value of plan assets adjustment(1)

 
 
 0.3
Pension and other postretirement plans adjustments:       
Amortization of prior service costs(2)

 0.1
 0.1
 0.2
Amortization of actuarial losses(3)

 0.2
 0.1
 0.4
Net curtailment(4)
0.1
 
 (0.3) 
Other comprehensive income (loss)0.1
 0.3
 (0.1) 0.9
Comprehensive income (loss)$48.9
 $(335.7) $(68.0) $(388.7)
____________________________
(1) 
Presented net of income tax expense of $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.
(2)
Adjustment recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2018, related to a change in the fair value of plan assets as of December 31, 2017.
(3)(2) 
Presented net of income tax expense of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively. Presented net of income tax expense of $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively.
(4)(3) 
Presented net of income tax expense of $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively.
(4)
Presented net of income tax expense of $0.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017.2019, respectively.


Refer to Notes accompanying the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




QEP RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
ASSETS(in millions)(in millions)
Current Assets      
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $
$97.1
 $
Accounts receivable, net175.0
 141.8
93.5
 104.3
Income tax receivable5.3
 4.9
70.8
 75.9
Fair value of derivative contracts23.7
 3.4
2.7
 87.5
Prepaid expenses9.8
 10.1
7.1
 12.7
Other current assets0.3
 4.3
0.2
 0.2
Total Current Assets214.1
 164.5
271.4
 280.6
Property, Plant and Equipment (successful efforts method for oil and gas properties)      
Proved properties12,852.3

11,873.6
9,316.0

9,096.9
Unproved properties1,041.0

1,086.4
706.6

705.5
Gathering and other359.7

318.7
169.1

167.7
Materials and supplies32.2

32.9
20.9

29.9
Total Property, Plant and Equipment14,285.2
 13,311.6
10,212.6
 10,000.0
Less Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization      
Exploration and production7,267.1

6,642.9
5,050.9

4,882.4
Gathering and other116.2

124.3
58.4

58.1
Total Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization7,383.3
 6,767.2
5,109.3
 4,940.5
Net Property, Plant and Equipment6,901.9
 6,544.4
5,103.3
 5,059.5
Fair value of derivative contracts5.4
 0.1
15.2
 35.4
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net60.2
 
Other noncurrent assets56.5
 53.0
54.2
 49.6
Noncurrent assets held for sale211.8
 632.8

 692.7
TOTAL ASSETS$7,389.7

$7,394.8
$5,504.3

$6,117.8
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY   
   
Current Liabilities      
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances$8.5
 $44.0
$5.3
 $14.6
Accounts payable and accrued expenses388.0
 363.8
227.9
 258.1
Production and property taxes36.3
 31.6
15.9
 24.1
Current portion of long term debt51.7
 
Interest payable32.7
 26.0
32.5
 32.4
Fair value of derivative contracts155.2
 103.6
17.6
 
Current operating lease liabilities18.8
 
Asset retirement obligations6.0
 3.5
6.8
 5.1
Total Current Liabilities626.7
 572.5
376.5
 334.3
Long-term debt2,649.4
 2,160.8
2,028.1
 2,507.1
Deferred income taxes397.7
 518.0
181.4
 269.2
Asset retirement obligations154.6
 159.0
94.6
 96.9
Fair value of derivative contracts49.3
 31.8
0.9
 0.7
Operating lease liabilities47.9
 
Other long-term liabilities97.8
 102.2
85.6
 97.4
Other long-term liabilities held for sale52.8
 52.6

 61.3
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)


 


EQUITY      
Common stock – par value $0.01 per share; 500.0 million shares authorized; 239.7 million and 243.0 million shares issued, respectively2.4
 2.4
Treasury stock – 2.7 million and 2.0 million shares, respectively(41.2) (34.2)
Common stock – par value $0.01 per share; 500.0 million shares authorized; 242.0 million and 239.8 million shares issued, respectively2.4
 2.4
Treasury stock – 4.1 million and 3.1 million shares, respectively(53.6) (45.6)
Additional paid-in capital1,415.7
 1,398.2
1,446.3
 1,431.9
Retained earnings1,994.7
 2,442.6
1,308.6
 1,376.5
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(10.2) (11.1)(14.4) (14.3)
Total Common Shareholders' Equity3,361.4
 3,797.9
2,689.3
 2,750.9
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$7,389.7
 $7,394.8
$5,504.3
 $6,117.8


Refer to Notes accompanying the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




QEP RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSTATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(Unaudited)

Common Stock Treasury Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(Loss) TotalCommon Stock Treasury Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income(Loss) Total
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount 
(in millions)(in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017243.0
 $2.4
 (2.0) $(34.2) $1,398.2
 $2,442.6
 $(11.1) $3,797.9
Balance at March 31, 2019242.0
 $2.4
 (3.9) $(51.8) $1,440.2
 $1,259.8
 $(14.5) $2,636.1
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 (389.6) 
 (389.6)
 
 
 
 
 48.8
 
 48.8
Common stock repurchased and retired(6.2) (0.1) 
 
 
 (58.3) 
 (58.4)
Share-based compensation2.9
 0.1
 (0.7) (7.0) 17.5
 
 
 10.6

 
 (0.2) (1.8) 6.1
 
 
 4.3
Change in pension and postretirement liability, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 0.9
 0.9

 
 
 
 
 
 0.1
 0.1
Balance at June 30, 2018239.7
 $2.4
 (2.7) $(41.2) $1,415.7
 $1,994.7
 $(10.2) $3,361.4
Balance at June 30, 2019242.0
 $2.4
 (4.1) $(53.6) $1,446.3
 $1,308.6
 $(14.4) $2,689.3

Balance at December 31, 2018239.8
 $2.4
 (3.1) $(45.6) $1,431.9
 $1,376.5
 $(14.3) $2,750.9
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 (67.9) 
 (67.9)
Share-based compensation2.2
 
 (1.0) (8.0) 14.4
 
 
 6.4
Change in pension and postretirement liability, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 (0.1) (0.1)
Balance at June 30, 2019242.0
 $2.4
 (4.1) $(53.6) $1,446.3
 $1,308.6
 $(14.4) $2,689.3
Balance at March 31, 2018240.3
 $2.4
 (2.6) $(39.5) $1,408.0
 $2,336.3
 $(10.5) $3,696.7
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 (336.0) 
 (336.0)
Common stock repurchased and retired(0.6) 
 
 
 
 (5.6) 
 (5.6)
Share-based compensation
 
 (0.1) (1.7) 7.7
 
 
 6.0
Change in pension and postretirement liability, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 0.3
 0.3
Balance at June 30, 2018239.7
 $2.4
 (2.7) $(41.2) $1,415.7
 $1,994.7
 $(10.2) $3,361.4
Balance at December 31, 2017243.0
 $2.4
 (2.0) $(34.2) $1,398.2
 $2,442.6
 $(11.1) $3,797.9
Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 (389.6) 
 (389.6)
Common stock repurchased and retired(6.2) (0.1) 
 
 
 (58.3) 
 (58.4)
Share-based compensation2.9
 0.1
 (0.7) (7.0) 17.5
 
 
 10.6
Change in pension and postretirement liability, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 0.9
 0.9
Balance at June 30, 2018239.7
 $2.4
 (2.7) $(41.2) $1,415.7
 $1,994.7
 $(10.2) $3,361.4

Refer to Notes accompanying the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




QEP RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Six Months EndedSix Months Ended
June 30,June 30,
2018 20172019 2018
OPERATING ACTIVITIES(in millions)(in millions)
Net income (loss)$(389.6) $122.3
$(67.9) $(389.6)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation, depletion and amortization438.7
 383.3
251.3
 438.7
Deferred income taxes (benefit)(120.5) 67.2
(87.7) (120.5)
Impairment404.4
 0.1
5.0
 404.4
Share-based compensation23.4
 7.7
Non-cash share-based compensation11.2
 16.3
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts2.6
 3.1
2.7
 2.6
Bargain purchase gain from acquisition
 0.4
Net (gain) loss from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs0.4
 (19.8)(4.6) 0.4
Unrealized (gains) losses on marketable securities(0.4) (1.4)(2.7) (0.4)
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative contracts43.6
 (277.6)121.3
 43.6
Changes in operating assets and liabilities(25.7) 10.7
(32.9) (18.6)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities376.9
 296.0
195.7
 376.9
INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Property acquisitions(45.1) (76.6)(1.8) (45.1)
Property, plant and equipment, including exploratory well expense(764.3) (477.9)(316.8) (764.3)
Proceeds from disposition of assets48.8
 2.3
666.7
 48.8
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities(760.6)
(552.2)348.1

(760.6)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances(35.5) (0.5)(9.3) (35.5)
Long-term debt issuance costs paid
 (1.1)
Proceeds from credit facility2,029.5
 
56.0
 2,029.5
Repayments of credit facility(1,543.5) 
(486.0) (1,543.5)
Common stock repurchased and retired(58.4) 

 (58.4)
Treasury stock repurchases(5.9) (6.4)(6.3) (5.9)
Other capital contributions0.2
 

 0.2
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities386.4
 (8.0)(445.6) 386.4
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash2.7

(264.2)
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(1)
98.2

2.7
Beginning cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(1)
23.4
 465.4
28.1
 23.4
Ending cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(1)
$26.1
 $201.2
$126.3
 $26.1
      
Supplemental Disclosures:      
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest$63.5
 $64.3
$63.3
 $63.5
Cash paid for income taxes, net$0.2
 $
$1.5
 $0.2
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities$13.1
 $
Non-cash Operating Activities:   
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations$9.8
 $
Non-cash Investing Activities:      
Change in capital expenditure accruals and other non-cash adjustments$20.2
 $42.4
$20.3
 $20.2
____________________________
(1) 
Refer to New Accounting PronouncementsCash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash in Note 1 – Basis of Presentation.


Refer to Notes accompanying the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.




QEP RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES ACCOMPANYING THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Note 1 – Basis of Presentation


Nature of Business


QEP Resources, Inc. (QEP or the Company) is an independent crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations in two regions of the United States: the Southern Region (primarily in Texas and Louisiana)Texas) and the Northern Region (primarily in North Dakota and Utah)Dakota). Unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, all references to "QEP" or the "Company" are to QEP Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. QEP's corporate headquarters are located in Denver, Colorado and shares of QEP's common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "QEP".


Basis of Presentation of Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contain the accounts of QEP and its majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries. The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States and with the instructions for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Regulation S-X. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments and accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented. Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the year-end balance sheet do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for audited annual consolidated financial statements. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018.


The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes in conformity with GAAP requires that management make estimates and assumptions that affect revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from estimates. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018.2019.


Reclassifications


Certain prior period balances on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows have been reclassified due to noncurrent held for sale classification related to the signing of a purchase and sale agreement associated with the pending divestiture of the Uinta Basin assets and to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on the Company's net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share or retained earnings previously reported.


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets


During the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP recorded impairment charges of $5.0 million related to an office building lease.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP recorded impairment charges of $404.4 million, of which $402.8 million of proved and unproved properties impairment was triggered due to the signing of a purchase and sale agreement for the divestiture of the Uinta Basin assets. Additionally, QEP recorded $1.6 million related to expiring leaseholds on unproved properties and impairment of proved properties for a divestiture in the Other Northern area.


Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash


Cash equivalents consist principally of highly liquid investments in securities with original maturities of three months or less made through commercial bank accounts that result in available funds the next business day. Restricted cash are funds that are legally or contractually reserved for a specific purpose and therefore not available for immediate or general business use.





The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets to the amounts shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:


June 30,June 30,
2018 20172019 2018
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $178.8
$97.1
 $
Restricted cash(1)
26.1
 22.4
29.2
 26.1
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows$26.1
 $201.2
$126.3
 $26.1
_______________________
(1)
As of June 30, 2018, the restricted cash balance consisted of $26.1 million included within "Other noncurrent assets" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. As of June 30, 2017, the restricted cash balance consisted of $22.4 million included within "Other noncurrent assets" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet provided within the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. QEP's restricted cash is primarily cash deposited into an escrow account related to a title dispute between third parties in the Williston Basin.

(1) As of June 30, 2019 and 2018, the restricted cash balance is cash held in an escrow account related to a title dispute between outside parties in the Williston Basin, and the restricted cash balance is recorded within "Other noncurrent assets" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

New Accounting Pronouncements


In May 2014,February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which seeks to provide a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for all contracts with customers to improve comparability within industries, across industries and across capital markets. The revenue standard contains principles that an entity will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when revenue is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, new and enhanced disclosures are required. The amendment was effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and early adoption was permitted for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. The two permitted transition methods under the new standard are the full retrospective method, in which case the standard would be applied to each prior reporting period presented, or the modified retrospective method, in which case the cumulative effect of applying the standard would be recognized at the date of initial application. The Company has selected the modified retrospective method and adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2018. Refer to Note 2 – Revenue for more information.

In conjunction with ASU No. 2014-09, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from contracts with customers (Topic 606): Principal versus agent considerations (reporting revenue gross versus net), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from contracts with customers (Topic 606): Identifying performance obligations and licensing, which clarifies guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance contained in the new revenue recognition standard. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-11, Revenue recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC guidance because of ASU 2014-09 and 2014-16, which rescinds certain SEC staff observer comments that are codified in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from contracts with customers (Topic 606): Narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients, which intends to reduce the cost and complexity of applying the new revenue standard by narrowing the scope of improvements to the guidance on collectability, non-cash consideration, and completed contracts at transition. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which intends to make corrections or improvements to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification which includes guidance and reference clarification, simplification and minor improvements. These amendments were effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning on or after December 31, 2017, and early adoption was permitted for periods beginning on or after December 31, 2016. The Company adopted these ASUs in the first quarter of 2018.Refer to Note 2 – Revenue for more information.



In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessees to recognize the lease assets and lease liabilities classified as operating leases on the balance sheet and disclosingdisclose key quantitative and qualitative information about leasing arrangements. The amendment will be effectiveFASB subsequently issued various ASUs which provided additional implementation guidance. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach and elected to not adjust periods prior to January 1, 2019. The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which, among other things, allowed the carry forward of the historical lease classification, including accounting treatment for reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. QEP does not plan to early adopt this new standard.land easements. This standard does not apply to QEP's leases that provide the right to explore for or use minerals, oil or natural gas resources, includingresources. The adoption of this guidance resulted in the right to explore for those natural resources. QEP believes this new guidance will likely increase the recorded assetrecognition of net operating lease right-of-use assets and liability balancesoperating lease liabilities on the Company'sQEP's Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets dueSheets. These leases primarily relate to the required recognition of right-of-use assetsoffice buildings, compressors and corresponding lease liabilities, but has not determined the aggregate amount of change.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Accounting for Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Asset Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory,which intends to reduce the complexity in accounting standards related to intra-entity asset transfers by requiring a reporting entity to recognize the tax effects from the sale of assets when a transfer occurs, even though the pre-tax effects of the transaction are eliminated in consolidation.generators. This amendment was effective retrospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoptionguidance did not have a materialsignificant impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted cash,which intends to clarify how entities should present restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. This amendment was effective retrospectively for reporting periods after December 15, 2017, and early adoption was permitted. The Company adopted this standard in the first quarter of 2018 and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income statement - Reporting comprehensive income (Topic 220) - Reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The amendment will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which amends guidance on certain investments and income taxes as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The amendment is effective upon issuance. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Note 2 – Revenue

Adoption of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers

On January 1, 2018, QEP adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective approach, which was applied to those contracts which were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018, are presented in accordance with ASC Topic 606, while prior period amounts are reported in accordance with ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition.

In accordance with ASC Topic 606, QEP now records transportation and processing costs that are incurred after control of its product has transferred to the customer as a reduction of "Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales" on the Condensed Consolidated StatementsStatement of Operations. Prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 606, these transportation and processing costs were recorded as an expense within "Transportation and processing costs" onOperations or the Condensed Consolidated StatementsStatement of Operations. There was no impactCash Flows. Refer to net income (loss) or opening retained earnings as a result of adopting ASC Topic 606.Note 8 – Leases for more information.




Note 2 – Revenue
The following table presents the impact to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations as a result of adopting ASC Topic 606.

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2018
 As Reported ASC Topic 606 Adjustments 
As Adjusted(1)
 As Reported ASC Topic 606 Adjustments 
As Adjusted(1)
REVENUES(in millions, except per share amounts)
Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$520.3
 $12.4
 $532.7
 $930.1
 $25.1
 $955.2
Other revenue3.0
 
 3.0
 8.0
 
 8.0
Purchased oil and gas sales9.1
 
 9.1
 23.2
 
 23.2
Total Revenues532.4
 12.4
 544.8
 961.3
 25.1
 986.4
OPERATING EXPENSES           
Purchased oil and gas expense9.8
 
 9.8
 25.3
 
 25.3
Lease operating expense66.5
 
 66.5
 139.0
 
 139.0
Transportation and processing costs31.2
 12.4
 43.6
 65.2
 25.1
 90.3
Gathering and other expense3.4
 
 3.4
 6.2
 
 6.2
General and administrative55.8
 
 55.8
 115.9
 
 115.9
Production and property taxes37.6
 
 37.6
 66.5
 
 66.5
Depreciation, depletion and amortization242.2
 
 242.2
 438.7
 
 438.7
Exploration expenses0.1
 
 0.1
 0.1
 
 0.1
Impairment403.7
 
 403.7
 404.4
 
 404.4
Total Operating Expenses850.3

12.4
 862.7
 1,261.3

25.1
 1,286.4
Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs(3.9) 
 (3.9) (0.4) 
 (0.4)
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)(321.8)

 (321.8) (300.4)

 (300.4)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative contracts (Note 7)(79.1) 
 (79.1) (132.3) 
 (132.3)
Interest and other income (expense)(3.1) 
 (3.1) (3.8) 
 (3.8)
Interest expense(38.2) 
 (38.2) (73.2) 
 (73.2)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES(442.2)

 (442.2) (509.7)

 (509.7)
Income tax (provision) benefit106.2
 
 106.2
 120.1
 
 120.1
NET INCOME (LOSS)$(336.0)
$
 $(336.0) $(389.6)
$
 $(389.6)
            
Earnings (loss) per common share           
Basic$(1.42) $
 $(1.42) $(1.63) $
 $(1.63)
Diluted$(1.42) $
 $(1.42) $(1.63) $
 $(1.63)
            
Weighted-average common shares outstanding           
Used in basic calculation237.0
 
 237.0
 238.9
 
 238.9
Used in diluted calculation237.0
 
 237.0
 238.9
 
 238.9
Dividends per common share$
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
_______________________
(1)
This column excludes the impact of adopting ASC Topic 606 and is consistent with the presentation prior to January 1, 2018.




Revenue Recognition


QEP recognizes revenue from the salessale of oil and condensate, gas and NGL in the period that the performance obligations are satisfied. QEP's performance obligations are satisfied when the customer obtains control of product, when we haveQEP has no further obligations to perform related to the sale, when the transaction price has been determined and when collectability is probable. The salessale of oil and condensate, gas and NGL are made under contracts with customers, which typically include consideration that is based on pricing tied to local indices and volumes delivered in the current month. Reported revenues include estimates for the two most recent months using published commodity price indexesindices and volumes supplied by field operators. Performance obligations under our contracts with customers are typically satisfied at a point in time through monthly delivery of oil and condensate, gas and/or NGL. Our contracts with customers typically require payment for oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales within 30 days following the calendar month of delivery.


QEP's oil is typically sold at specific delivery points under contract terms that are common in ourthe industry. QEP's gas and NGL are also sold under contract types that are common in ourthe industry; however, under these contracts, the gas and its components, including NGL, may be sold to a single purchaser or the residue gas and NGL may be sold to separate purchasers. Regardless of the contract type, the terms of these contracts compensate the CompanyQEP for the value of the residue gas and NGL constituent components at market prices for each product. QEP also purchases and resells oil and gas primarily to mitigate losses on unutilized capacitycredit risk related to firm transportationthird party purchasers, to fulfill volume commitments when production does not fulfill contractual commitments and storage activities.to capture additional margin from subsequent sales of third party purchases. QEP recognizes revenue from these resale activities in the period that the performance obligations are satisfied. A wellhead imbalance liability is recorded to the extent that QEP has sold volumes in excess of its share of remaining reserves in an underlying property.




The following tables present ourQEP's revenues that are disaggregated by revenue source and by geographic area. Transportation and processing costs in the following tablestable are not all of the transportation and processing costs that the CompanyQEP incurs, only the


expenses that are netted against revenues pursuant to ASC Topic 606.
 Oil and condensate sales Gas sales NGL sales Transportation and processing costs included in revenue Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as reported
 (in millions)
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
Northern Region 
Williston Basin$107.5
 $7.5
 $5.8
 $(8.9) $111.9
Other Northern0.5
 0.1
 
 
 0.6
Southern Region        
Permian Basin177.6
 (0.6) 8.5
 (3.8) 181.7
Other Southern0.1
 0.3
 
 
 0.4
Total oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$285.7
 $7.3
 $14.3
 $(12.7) $294.6
          
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Northern Region 
Williston Basin$207.6
 $8.4
 $14.7
 $(10.7) $220.0
Uinta Basin9.5
 7.9
 1.7
 
 19.1
Other Northern0.9
 0.2
 0.1
 
 1.2
Southern Region        
Permian Basin190.3
 3.2
 9.9
 (1.7) 201.7
Haynesville/Cotton Valley0.2
 77.9
 
 
 78.1
Other Southern
 0.2
 
 
 0.2
Total oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$408.5
 $97.8
 $26.4
 $(12.4) $520.3

 Oil and condensate sales Gas sales NGL sales Transportation and processing costs included in revenue Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as reported
 (in millions)
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Northern Region         
Williston Basin$207.6
 $8.4
 $14.7
 $(10.7) $220.0
Uinta Basin9.5
 7.9
 1.7
 
 19.1
Other Northern0.9
 0.2
 0.1
 
 1.2
Southern Region         
Permian Basin190.3
 3.2
 9.9
 (1.7) 201.7
Haynesville/Cotton Valley0.2
 77.9
 
 
 78.1
Other Southern
 0.2
 
 
 0.2
Total oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$408.5
 $97.8
 $26.4
 $(12.4) $520.3
          
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2017(1)
Northern Region 
Williston Basin$135.4
 $11.0
 $9.3
 $
 $155.7
Pinedale6.0
 51.2
 8.4
 
 65.6
Uinta Basin6.9
 12.3
 1.1
 
 20.3
Other Northern1.4
 4.9
 0.1
 
 6.4
Southern Region         
Permian Basin66.0
 3.6
 3.8
 
 73.4
Haynesville/Cotton Valley0.2
 51.0
 0.1
 
 51.3
Other Southern0.1
 0.2
 
 
 0.3
Total oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$216.0
 $134.2
 $22.8
 $
 $373.0
_______________________
(1)
Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method.




 Oil and condensate sales Gas sales NGL sales Transportation and processing costs included in revenue Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as reported
 (in millions)
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Northern Region 
Williston Basin$217.4
 $20.0
 $13.2
 $(19.0) $231.6
Other Northern0.9
 0.3
 
 
 1.2
Southern Region        
Permian Basin316.8
 4.0
 18.0
 (7.5) 331.3
Other Southern0.1
 6.0
 
 
 6.1
Total oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$535.2
 $30.3
 $31.2
 $(26.5) $570.2
          
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Northern Region 
Williston Basin$368.1
 $18.2
 $26.5
 $(20.6) $392.2
Uinta Basin17.9
 18.0
 3.4
 
 39.3
Other Northern2.8
 1.2
 (0.1) 
 3.9
Southern Region        
Permian Basin320.1
 7.8
 16.4
 (4.5) 339.8
Haynesville/Cotton Valley0.6
 154.3
 
 
 154.9
Other Southern(0.3) 0.3
 
 
 
Total oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$709.2
 $199.8
 $46.2
 $(25.1) $930.1

 Oil and condensate sales Gas sales NGL sales Transportation and processing costs included in revenue Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as reported
 (in millions)
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Northern Region 
Williston Basin$368.1
 $18.2
 $26.5
 $(20.6) $392.2
Uinta Basin17.9
 18.0
 3.4
 
 39.3
Other Northern2.8
 1.2
 (0.1) 
 3.9
Southern Region         
Permian Basin320.1
 7.8
 16.4
 (4.5) 339.8
Haynesville/Cotton Valley0.6
 154.3
 
 
 154.9
Other Southern(0.3) 0.3
 
 
 
Total oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$709.2
 $199.8
 $46.2
 $(25.1) $930.1
          
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2017(1)
Northern Region 
Williston Basin$290.8
 $23.0
 $21.8
 $
 $335.6
Pinedale12.8
 111.8
 20.0
 
 144.6
Uinta Basin14.3
 26.9
 2.7
 
 43.9
Other Northern2.8
 10.8
 0.2
 
 13.8
Southern Region         
Permian Basin116.2
 6.8
 6.9
 
 129.9
Haynesville/Cotton Valley0.6
 89.2
 0.2
 
 90.0
Other Southern0.2
 0.2
 
 
 0.4
Total oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales$437.7
 $268.7
 $51.8
 $
 $758.2

_______________________
(1)
Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method.




Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures


Acquisitions


During the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP acquired various oil and gas properties, which primarily included proved leasehold acreage in the Permian Basin for an aggregate purchase price of $1.8 million, subject to post-closing purchase price adjustments.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP acquired various oil and gas properties, which primarily included proved and unproved leasehold acreage in the Permian Basin for an aggregate purchase price of $45.1 million, subject to post-closing purchase price adjustments.million. Of the $45.1 million, $37.5 million was related to acquisitions from various persons whoentities that owned additional oil and gas interests in certain properties included in the 2017 acquisition of oil and gas properties in the Permian Basin (the 2017 Permian Basin Acquisition) on substantially the same terms and conditions as the 2017 Permian Basin Acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2017.Acquisition.



During the six months ended June 30, 2017, QEP acquired various oil and gas properties, which primarily included proved and unproved leasehold acreage and additional surface acreage in the Permian Basin, for an aggregate purchase price of $76.6 million. In conjunction with these acquisitions, the Company recorded $5.3 million of goodwill, which was subsequently impaired in 2017.


Divestitures


In February 2018, QEP's Board of Directors unanimously approved certain strategic and financial initiatives (Strategic Initiatives) including plans to market its assets in the Williston Basin, the Uinta Basin and Haynesville/Cotton Valley and focus its activities in the Permian Basin. As a partThe Company subsequently closed the sale of this process, the Company engaged advisors to assist with the divestitures of its Williston Basin and Uinta Basin assets in the third quarter of 2018 and provided data for potential buyers to evaluate. Thethe sale of the Haynesville/Cotton Valley assets will be considered held for sale once it is deemed unlikely that there will be any significant changes to QEP's divestiture plan, which QEP believes is generally uponin the executionfirst quarter of purchase and sale agreements.

Uinta Basin Divestiture

On July 5,2019. In November 2018, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, QEP Energy Company, entered into a definitivepurchase and sale agreement for its assets in the Williston Basin, however, in February 2019, the Company agreed with the buyer to sellterminate the purchase and sale agreement.

Haynesville/Cotton Valley Divestiture

In January 2019, QEP closed the sale of its assets in Haynesville/Cotton Valley (Haynesville Divestiture), and in July 2019 QEP reached final settlement on asserted title defects. The purchase price, after adjustments, is $634.2 million. QEP received net cash proceeds of $627.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2019, and, as of June 30, 2019, recorded a $9.5 million receivable and a $2.4 million payable which were included in "Accounts receivable, net" and "Accounts payable and accrued expenses", respectively. The total pre-tax loss on sale was $3.7 million, of which $0.7 million was recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2019, within "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Included in the $0.7 million pre-tax loss on sale is $1.4 million of restructuring costs related to the Haynesville Divestiture. Refer to Note 9 – Restructuring for more information. As of December 31, 2018, it was deemed unlikely that there will be any significant changes to the Haynesville Divestiture. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities associated with the Haynesville Divestiture were classified as noncurrent assets and liabilities held for sale, on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP accounted for revenues and expenses related to Haynesville/Cotton Valley, including the pre-tax loss on sale of $0.7 million, as income from continuing operations on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations because the Haynesville Divestiture did not cause a strategic shift for the Company and therefore did not qualify as discontinued operations under ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, QEP recorded net income before income taxes related to the divested Haynesville/Cotton Valley properties of $14.4 million, which includes a pre-tax gain on sale of $14.3 million. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP recorded net income before income taxes related to the divested Haynesville/Cotton Valley properties of $3.3 million, which includes the pre-tax loss on sale of $0.7 million. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP recorded net income before income taxes related to the divested Haynesville/Cotton Valley properties of $7.4 million and $19.7 million, respectively.



The following table presents the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities related to the Haynesville Divestiture classified as noncurrent assets and liabilities held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
December 31, 2018(1)
 (in millions)
Assets 
Current assets, total$1.2
Net Property, Plant and Equipment683.7
Other noncurrent assets7.8
Noncurrent assets held for sale$692.7
Liabilities 
Current liabilities, total$3.4
Asset retirement obligations, current0.7
Asset retirement obligations, long-term56.9
Other long-term liabilities0.3
Other long-term liabilities held for sale$61.3

____________________________
(1)
The Haynesville Divestiture closed in January 2019, therefore there are no assets and liabilities held for sale as of June 30, 2019.

Uinta Basin Divestiture

In September 2018, QEP sold its natural gas and oil producing properties, undeveloped acreage and related assets located in the Uinta Basin for net cash proceeds of $155.0$153.0 million subject(Uinta Basin Divestiture). During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP recorded a pre-tax loss on sale of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, due to customarypost-closing purchase price adjustments, (the Uinta Basin Divestiture)which were recorded within "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs". The transaction is expected to close in September 2018. Since the transaction was substantially finalized at June 30, 2018, the assets and liabilities associated with the Uinta Basin Divestiture have been classified as noncurrent assets and liabilities held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the notes accompanying the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Pursuant to signing a purchase and sale agreement for the Uinta Basin Divestiture, QEP recorded $402.8 million of proved and unproved properties impairment duringFor the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, (refer to Note 1 – Basis of Presentation for more information). In addition, QEP recorded $1.9 million of estimated restructuring costsa net loss before income taxes related to this divestiture during the threedivested Uinta Basin assets of $409.9 million and six months ended June 30, 2018, included in "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive$414.9 million, respectively. The net loss before income taxes was primarily due to an impairment charge on proved and unproved properties of restructuring costs" on$402.8 million recognized as a result of signing the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (refer to Note 8 – Restructuring for more information).purchase and sale agreement.

The following table presents the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities classified as noncurrent assets and liabilities held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (in millions)
Assets   
Current assets, total$0.4
 $0.9
Property, Plant and Equipment192.5
 612.6
Other noncurrent assets18.9
 19.3
Noncurrent assets held for sale$211.8
 $632.8
Liabilities   
Current liabilities, total$0.9
 $0.8
Asset retirement obligations, current3.5
 4.0
Asset retirement obligations, long-term48.2
 47.6
Other long-term liabilities0.2
 0.2
Other long-term liabilities held for sale$52.8
 $52.6


Pinedale Divestiture


In September 2017, QEP sold its Pinedale assets in Pinedale (the Pinedale(Pinedale Divestiture), for net cash proceeds (after purchase price adjustments) of $718.2 million. ForDuring the six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $0.8 million, due to additional post-closing purchase price adjustments, which were recorded within "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, QEP had net income before income taxes related to the divested Pinedale properties of $15.0 million and $43.0 million, respectively..




As a part of the Pinedale Divestiture, QEP agreed to reimburse the buyer of its Pinedale assets for certain deficiency charges it incurs related to gas processing and NGL transportation and fractionation contracts, if any, between the effective date of the sale and December 31, 2019, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $45.0 million.As of June 30, 2018,2019, the remaining liability associated with estimated future payments for this commitment was $23.8$2.0 million whichand is reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within "Accounts payable and accrued expenses".


Other Divestitures


During the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP received net cash proceeds of $39.7 million and recorded a net pre-tax gain on sale of $5.5 million related to the divestiture of properties outside its main operating areas.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP received net cash proceeds of $48.8 million and recorded a net pre-tax gain on sale of $0.7 million, primarily related to the divestiture of properties outside ourits main operating areas in the Uinta Basin, Pinedale and Other Northern area, and the sale of an underground gas storage facility.


During the six months ended June 30, 2017, QEP received proceeds of $2.3 million and recorded accounts receivable of $36.7 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $19.8 million, primarily related to the divestiture of certain non-core properties in the Other Northern area.

TheThese gains and losses were recorded within "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.




Note 4 – Earnings Per Share


Basic earnings (loss) per share (EPS) are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted EPS includes the potential increase in the number of outstanding shares that could result from the exercise of in-the-money stock options. QEP's unvested restricted share awards are included in weighted-average basic common shares outstanding because, once the shares are granted, the restricted share awards are considered issued and outstanding, the historical forfeiture rate is minimal and the restricted share awards are eligible to receive dividends.


Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are considered participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings (loss) per share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company's unvested restricted share awards contain non-forfeitable dividend rights and participate equally with common stock with respect to dividends issued or declared. However, the Company's unvested restricted share awards do not have a contractual obligation to share in losses of the Company. The Company's unexercised stock options do not contain rights to dividends. Under the two-class method, the earnings used to determine basic earnings (loss) per common share are reduced by an amount allocated to participating securities. When the Company records a net loss, none of the loss is allocated to the participating securities since the securities are not obligated to share in Company losses. Use of the two-class method has an insignificant impact on the calculation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 there were no anti-dilutive shares. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, 0.1 million shares were not included in diluted common shares outstanding as they were anti-dilutive to QEP's net loss. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, there were no anti-dilutive shares.


The following is a reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted shares used in the EPS calculation:
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2019
2018 2019 2018
 (in millions)
Weighted-average basic common shares outstanding238.0
 237.0
 237.5
 238.9
Potential number of shares issuable upon exercise of in-the-money stock options under the Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
 
 
 
Average diluted common shares outstanding238.0
 237.0
 237.5
 238.9

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2018
2017 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Weighted-average basic common shares outstanding237.0
 240.5
 238.9
 240.4
Potential number of shares issuable upon exercise of in-the-money stock options under the Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan
 0.1
 
 0.1
Average diluted common shares outstanding237.0
 240.6
 238.9
 240.5




Note 5 – Asset Retirement Obligations


QEP records asset retirement obligations (ARO) associated with the retirement of tangible, long-lived assets. The Company's ARO liability applies primarily to abandonment costs associated with oil and gas wells and certain other properties. The fair values of such costs are estimated by Company personnel based on abandonment costs of similar assets and depreciated over the life of the related assets. Revisions to the ARO estimates result from changes in expected cash flows or material changes in estimated asset retirement costs. The ARO liability is adjusted to present value each period through an accretion calculation using a credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. Of the $160.6 million and $162.5 million ARO liability for the periods ended June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, $6.0 million and $3.5 million, respectively, were included as a current liability within "Asset retirement obligations" on the

The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.Sheet line items of QEP's ARO liability are presented in the table below:
 Asset Retirement Obligations
 June 30, December 31,
 2019 2018
Balance Sheet line item(in millions)
Current:   
Asset retirement obligations, current liability$6.8
 $5.1
Long-term:   
Asset retirement obligations94.6
 96.9
Other long-term liabilities held for sale
 57.6
Total ARO Liability$101.4
 $159.6




The following is a reconciliation of the changes in the Company's ARO for the period specified below:
 Asset Retirement Obligations
 (in millions)
ARO liability at January 1, 2019$159.6
Accretion3.1
Additions0.4
Revisions(0.3)
Liabilities related to assets sold(1)
(60.7)
Liabilities settled(0.7)
ARO liability at June 30, 2019$101.4
 Asset Retirement Obligations
 (in millions)
ARO liability at December 31, 2017(1)
$162.5
Accretion2.6
Additions3.5
Revisions(3.5)
Liabilities settled(4.5)
ARO liability at June 30, 2018(1)
$160.6

_______________________
(1) 
Excludes $51.6Liabilities related to assets sold during the six months ended June 30, 2019, includes $57.6 million of ARO classified as "Other long-term liabilities held for sale" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Uinta BasinHaynesville Divestiture as of both June 30, 2018(refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions and December 31, 2017.Divestitures for more information).


Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements


QEP measures and discloses fair values in accordance with the provisions of ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. This guidance defines fair value in applying GAAP, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.


QEP has determined that its commodity derivative instruments are Level 2. The Level 2 fair value of commodity derivative contracts (refer to Note 7 – Derivative Contracts)Contracts for more information) is based on market prices posted on the respective commodity exchange on the last trading day of the reporting period and industry standard discounted cash flow models. QEP primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements and maximizes its use of observable inputs and minimizes its use of unobservable inputs. QEP considers bid and ask prices for valuing the majority of its assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value. In addition to using market data, QEP makes assumptions in valuing its assets and liabilities, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. The Company's policy is to recognize significant transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period.


Certain of the Company's commodity derivative instruments are valued using industry standard models that consider various inputs, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility, and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument and can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable prices at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. The determination of fair value for derivative assets and liabilities also incorporates nonperformance risk for counterparties and for QEP. Derivative contract fair values are reported on a net basis to the extent a legal right of offset with the counterparty exists.





The fair value of financial assets and liabilities at June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, is shown in the table below:
 Fair Value Measurements
 Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities 
Netting Adjustments(1)
 Net Amounts Presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  
 (in millions)
Financial AssetsJune 30, 2019
Fair value of derivative contracts – short-term$
 $2.7
 $
 $
 $2.7
Fair value of derivative contracts – long-term
 15.2
 
 
 15.2
Total financial assets$
 $17.9
 $
 $
 $17.9

         
Financial Liabilities         
Fair value of derivative contracts – short-term$
 $17.6
 $
 $
 $17.6
Fair value of derivative contracts – long-term
 0.9
 
 
 0.9
Total financial liabilities$
 $18.5
 $
 $
 $18.5
          
 December 31, 2018
Financial Assets         
Fair value of derivative contracts – short-term(2)
$
 $88.2
 $
 $(0.4) $87.8
Fair value of derivative contracts – long-term
 35.4
 
 
 35.4
Total financial assets$
 $123.6
 $
 $(0.4) $123.2
          
Financial Liabilities         
Fair value of derivative contracts – short-term$
 $0.4
 $
 $(0.4) $
Fair value of derivative contracts – long-term
 0.7
 
 
 0.7
Total financial liabilities$

$1.1

$

$(0.4)
$0.7
 Fair Value Measurements
 Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities 
Netting Adjustments(1)
 Net Amounts Presented on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3  
 June 30, 2018
Financial Assets(in millions)
Fair value of derivative contracts – short-term$
 $28.0
 $
 $(4.3) $23.7
Fair value of derivative contracts – long-term
 7.3
 
 (1.9) 5.4
Total financial assets$
 $35.3
 $
 $(6.2) $29.1

         
Financial Liabilities         
Fair value of derivative contracts – short-term$
 $159.5
 $
 $(4.3) $155.2
Fair value of derivative contracts – long-term
 51.2
 
 (1.9) 49.3
Total financial liabilities$
 $210.7
 $
 $(6.2) $204.5
          
 December 31, 2017
Financial Assets         
Fair value of derivative contracts – short-term$
 $20.6
 $
 $(17.2) $3.4
Fair value of derivative contracts – long-term
 2.3
 
 (2.2) 0.1
Total financial assets$
 $22.9
 $
 $(19.4) $3.5
          
Financial Liabilities         
Fair value of derivative contracts – short-term$
 $120.8
 $
 $(17.2) $103.6
Fair value of derivative contracts – long-term
 34.0
 
 (2.2) 31.8
Total financial liabilities$

$154.8

$

$(19.4)
$135.4

_______________________
(1) 
The Company nets its derivative contract assets and liabilities outstanding with the same counterparty on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for the contracts that contain netting provisions. Refer to Note 7 – Derivative Contracts for additional information regarding the Company's derivative contracts.
(2)
Includes fair value of derivative contracts classified as "Noncurrent assets held for sale" of $0.3 million as of

December 31, 2018 on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Haynesville Divestiture.

The following table discloses the fair value and related carrying amount of certain financial instruments not disclosed in other Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
 Carrying Amount Level 1 Fair Value Carrying Amount Level 1 Fair Value
 June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Financial Assets(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$97.1
 $97.1
 $
 $
Financial Liabilities       
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances$5.3
 $5.3
 $14.6
 $14.6
Total debt outstanding$2,079.8
 $2,042.5
 $2,507.1
 $2,350.5

 Carrying Amount Level 1 Fair Value Carrying Amount Level 1 Fair Value
 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
Financial Assets(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$
 $
 $
 $
Financial Liabilities       
Checks outstanding in excess of cash balances$8.5
 $8.5
 $44.0
 $44.0
Long-term debt$2,649.4
 $2,684.2
 $2,160.8
 $2,256.2


The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents and checks outstanding in excess of cash balances approximate fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate long-term debt is based on the trading levels and dollar prices for the Company's debt at the end of the quarter. The carrying amount of variable-rate long-term debt approximates fair value because the floating interest rate paid on such debt was set for periods of one month.





The fair value of the deficiency charge obligation associated with the Pinedale Divestiture was measured utilizing an internally developed cash flow model discounted at QEP's weighted average cost of debt. Given the unobservable nature of the inputs, the fair value calculation associated with the deficiency charges is considered Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures for additionalmore information.


The initial measurement of ARO at fair value is calculated using discounted cash flow techniques and is based on internal estimates of future retirement costs associated with property, plant and equipment. Significant Level 3 inputs used in the calculation of ARO includes plugging costs and reserve lives. A reconciliation of the Company's ARO is presented in Note 5 – Asset Retirement Obligations.


Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements


The provisions of the fair value measurement standard are also applied to the Company's nonrecurring measurements. The Company utilizes fair value on a periodic basis, at least annually, to review its proved oil and gas properties and operating lease right-of-use assets for potential impairment when events and changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such property may not be recoverable. The fair value of property is measured utilizing the income approach and utilizing inputs that are primarily based upon internally developed cash flow models discounted at an appropriate weighted average cost of capital. Given the unobservable nature of the inputs, fair value calculations associated with proved oil and gas property impairments are considered Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. In addition, the signing of a purchase and sale agreement could also trigger an impairment of proved properties. For assets subject to a purchase and sale agreement, the terms of the purchase and sale agreement are used as an indicator of fair value. If a range is estimated for the amount of future cash flows, the fair value of property is measured pursuant toutilizing a probability-weighted approach in which the termslikelihood of possible outcomes is taken into consideration. Given the unobservable nature of the purchaseinputs, fair value calculations associated with long-term operating lease right-of-use assets and sale agreement.proved oil and gas property impairments are considered Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded impairment charges of $5.0 million related to an office building lease. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded impairments on certain proved oil and gas properties of $397.6 million, resulting in a reduction of the associated carrying amount to fair value. During the six months ended June 30, 2017, the Company recorded no impairments on proved oil and gas properties.million.


Acquisitions of proved and unproved properties are also measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company utilizes a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of acquired property as of the acquisition date, which utilizes the following inputs to estimate future net cash flows: (i) estimated quantities of oil and condensate, gas and NGL reserves; (ii) estimates of future commodity prices; and (iii) estimated production rates, and future operating and development costs, which are based on the Company's historic experience with similar properties. In some instances, market comparable information of recent transactions is used to estimate fair value of unproved acreage. Due to the unobservable characteristics of the inputs, the fair value of the acquired properties is considered Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures for more information on the fair value of acquired properties.


Note 7 – Derivative Contracts


QEP has established policies and procedures for managing commodity price volatility through the use of derivative instruments. In the normal course of business, QEP uses commodity price derivative instruments to reduce the impact of potential downward movements in commodity prices on cash flow, returns on capital investment, and other financial results. However, these instruments typically limit gains from favorable price movements. The volume of production subject to commodity derivative instruments and the mix of the instruments are frequently evaluated and adjusted by management in response to changing market conditions. QEP may enter into commodity derivative contracts for up to 100% of forecasted production, but generally, QEP enters into commodity derivative contracts for approximately 50% to 75% of its forecasted annual production by the end of the first quarter of each fiscal year. In addition, during the time that QEP has historicallyowned gas storage facilities or had contracts for gas storage capacity, QEP entered into commodity derivative contracts on a portion of its storage transactions. QEP does not enter into commodity derivative contracts for speculative purposes.


QEP uses commodity derivative instruments known as fixed-price swaps or costless collars to realize a known price or price range for a specific volume of production delivered into a regional sales point. QEP's commodity derivative instruments do not require the physical delivery of oil or gas between the parties at settlement. All transactions are settled in cash with one party paying the other for the net difference in prices, multiplied by the contract volume, for the settlement period. Oil price derivative instruments are typically structured as NYMEX fixed-price swaps based at Cushing, Oklahoma. Gas price derivative instruments are typically structured as fixed-price swaps or collars at NYMEX Henry Hub or regional price indices. QEP also enters into oil and gas basis swaps to achieve a fixed-price swap for a portion of its oil and gas sales at prices that reference specific regional index prices.





QEP does not currently have any commodity derivative transactionsinstruments that have margin requirements or collateral provisions that would require payments prior to the scheduled settlement dates. QEP's commodity derivative contract counterparties are typically financial institutions and energy trading firms with investment-grade credit ratings. QEP routinely monitors and manages its exposure to counterparty risk by requiring specific minimum credit standards for all counterparties, actively monitoring counterparties' public credit ratings and avoiding the concentration of credit exposure by transacting with multiple counterparties. The Company has master-netting agreements with some counterparties that allow the offsetting of receivables and payables in a default situation.


Derivative Contracts Production
The following table presents QEP's volumes and average prices for its commodity derivative swap contracts as of June 30, 2018:2019:
Year Index Total Volumes Average Swap Price per Unit
    (in millions)  
Oil sales   (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
2019 NYMEX WTI 6.6
 $55.24
2019 ICE Brent 0.9
 $66.73
2019 Argus WTI Houston 0.2
 $65.70
2020 NYMEX WTI 6.2
 $60.07
2020 Argus WTI Midland 0.7
 $60.00

Year Index Total Volumes Average Swap Price per Unit
    (in millions)  
Oil sales   (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
2018 NYMEX WTI 8.3
 $52.46
2019 NYMEX WTI 9.5
 $52.66
2020 NYMEX WTI 1.5
 $60.47
Gas sales   (MMBtu)
 ($/MMBtu)
2018  NYMEX HH 53.7
 $3.00
2019 NYMEX HH 43.8
 $2.86


QEP uses oil and gas basis swaps, combined with NYMEX WTI and NYMEX HH fixed pricefixed-price swaps, to achieve fixed price swaps for the location at which it sells its physical production. The following table presents details of QEP's oil and gas basis swaps as of June 30, 2018:2019:
Year Index Basis Total Volumes Weighted-Average Differential Index Basis Total Volumes Weighted-Average Differential
 (in millions)   (in millions)  
Oil sales (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
 (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
2018 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 4.6
 $(0.99)
2018 NYMEX WTI 
Argus WTI Houston(1)
 0.2
 $6.30
2019 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 4.7
 $(0.77) NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 3.3
 $(2.22)
2019 NYMEX WTI 
Argus WTI Houston(1)
 0.4
 $4.35
 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Houston 0.9
 $3.69
2020 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 1.5
 $(1.01) NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 4.4
 $(0.02)
Gas sales (MMBtu)
 ($/MMBtu)
2018 NYMEX HH IFNPCR 3.7
 $(0.16)
2020 (January - June) NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Houston 0.4
 $3.75


____________________________
(1)
Argus WTI Houston is an index price reflecting the weighted average price of WTI at Magellan's East Houston crude oil terminal.


QEP Derivative Financial Statement Presentation
The following table identifies the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet location of QEP's outstanding derivative contracts on a gross contract basis as opposed to the net contract basis presentation on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related fair values at the balance sheet dates:
   Gross asset derivative
instruments fair value
 Gross liability derivative
instruments fair value
 Balance Sheet line item June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Current:  (in millions)
Commodity(1)
Fair value of derivative contracts $2.7
 $88.2
 $17.6
 $0.4
Long-term:         
CommodityFair value of derivative contracts 15.2
 35.4
 0.9
 0.7
Total derivative instruments $17.9
 $123.6
 $18.5
 $1.1

   Gross asset derivative
instruments fair value
 Gross liability derivative
instruments fair value
 Balance Sheet line item June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
Current:  (in millions)
CommodityFair value of derivative contracts $28.0
 $20.6
 $159.5
 $120.8
Long-term:         
CommodityFair value of derivative contracts 7.3
 2.3
 51.2
 34.0
Total derivative instruments $35.3
 $22.9
 $210.7
 $154.8
_______________________
(1)
Includes fair value of derivative contracts classified as "Noncurrent assets held for sale" of $0.3 million as of December 31, 2018 on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet related to the Haynesville Divestiture.



The effects of the change in fair value and settlement of QEP's derivative contracts recorded in "Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative contracts" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations are summarized in the following table:
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
Derivative contractsJune 30, June 30,
2019 2018 2019 2018
Realized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts(in millions)
Production       
Oil derivative contracts$(16.0) $(52.0) $(19.0) $(96.3)
Gas derivative contracts
 6.4
 (2.9) 7.3
Gas Storage       
Gas derivative contracts
 0.1
 
 0.3
Realized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts(16.0) (45.5) (21.9) (88.7)
Unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts       
Production       
Oil derivative contracts54.5
 (20.6) (122.8) (27.5)
Gas derivative contracts
 (13.0) (0.3) (15.8)
Gas Storage       
Gas derivative contracts
 
 
 (0.3)
Unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts54.5
 (33.6) (123.1) (43.6)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts related to production and storage$38.5
 $(79.1) $(145.0) $(132.3)
        
Derivatives associated with Haynesville Divestiture       
Unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts       
Production       
Gas derivative contracts
 
 1.8
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts related to divestitures(1)
$
 $
 $1.8
 $
        
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts$38.5
 $(79.1) $(143.2) $(132.3)

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
Derivative contractsJune 30, June 30,
2018 2017 2018 2017
Realized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts(in millions)
Production       
Oil derivative contracts$(52.0) $11.5
 $(96.3) $9.5
Gas derivative contracts6.4
 (5.1) 7.3
 (19.3)
Gas Storage       
Gas derivative contracts0.1
 
 0.3
 (0.2)
Realized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts(45.5) 6.4
 (88.7) (10.0)
Unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts       
Production       
Oil derivative contracts(20.6) 70.5
 (27.5) 174.8
Gas derivative contracts(13.0) 29.4
 (15.8) 100.5
Gas Storage       
Gas derivative contracts
 0.4
 (0.3) 2.3
Unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts(33.6) 100.3
 (43.6) 277.6
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts$(79.1) $106.7
 $(132.3) $267.6
_______________________
(1)
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivative contracts related to the Haynesville Divestiture were comprised of derivatives included as part of the Haynesville/Cotton Valley purchase and sale agreement, which were subsequently novated to the buyer upon the closing of the sale in January 2019. Refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures for more information. The unrealized gains (losses) on commodity derivatives associated with the Haynesville Divestiture are offset by an equal amount recorded within "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.


Note 8 – RestructuringLeases

Adoption of ASC Topic 842, Leases

On January 1, 2019, QEP adopted ASC Topic 842, Leases, using the modified retrospective approach, which was applied to historical leases that were still effective as of January 1, 2019. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019, are presented in accordance with ASC Topic 842, while prior period amounts are reported in accordance with historical accounting treatment under ASC Topic 840, Leases.


On February 28,
In accordance with the adoption of ASC Topic 842, QEP now records a net operating lease right-of-use (ROU) asset and operating lease liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for all operating leases with a contract term in excess of 12 months. Prior to the adoption of ASC Topic 842, these same leases were treated as operating leases under ASC Topic 840 and therefore were not recorded on the December 31, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets. There was no impact to retained earnings and no significant impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations or the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows as a result of adopting ASC Topic 842.

Lease Recognition

QEP announcedenters into contractual lease arrangements to rent office space, compressors, generators, drilling rigs and other equipment from third-party lessors. ROU assets represent QEP’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent QEP’s obligation to make future lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recorded at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognizes lease expense for these short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. With the exception of generators, QEP does not account for lease components separately from the non-lease components. The contractual consideration provided under QEP's leased generators is allocated between lease components, such as equipment, and non-lease components, such as maintenance service fees, based on estimated costs from the vendor. QEP uses the implicit interest rate when readily determinable. However, most of QEP's lease agreements do not provide an implicit interest rate. As such, QEP uses its intention to becomeincremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date of the contract in determining the present value of future lease payments. The incremental borrowing rate is calculated using a pure-play Permian Basin company, whichrisk-free interest rate adjusted for QEP's risk. The operating lease ROU asset also includes plans to market its assetsany lease incentives received in the Williston Basin, the Uinta Basin and Haynesville/Cotton Valley. As a partrecognition of the Strategic Initiatives,present value of future lease payments. Certain of QEP's leases may also include escalation clauses or options to extend or terminate the lease. These options are included in the present value recorded for the leases when it is reasonably certain that QEP will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
QEP determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception of the contract and records the resulting operating lease asset on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Operating lease right-of-use assets, net” with offsetting liabilities recorded as “Current operating lease liabilities” and “Operating lease liabilities.” QEP recognizes a lease in the financial statements when the arrangement either explicitly or implicitly involves property, plant, or equipment (PP&E), the contract terms are dependent on the use of the PP&E, and QEP has the ability or right to operate the PP&E or to direct others to operate the PP&E and receive the majority of the economic benefits of the assets. As of June 30, 2019, QEP does not have any financing leases.

Lease costs represent the straight-line lease expense of ROU assets and short-term leases. The components of lease cost are classified as follows:
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2019(1)
 
June 30, 2019(1)
Lease Cost included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets(in millions)
Property, Plant and Equipment acquisitions(2)
$4.1
 $8.8
    
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2019(1)
 
June 30, 2019(1)
Lease Cost included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations(in millions)
Lease operating expense$3.0
 $6.1
Gathering and other expense2.3
 3.8
General and administrative1.6
 3.2
    
Total lease cost$11.0
 $21.9
____________________________
(1)
Prior periods are not presented as prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method for the new lease recognition rule. Refer to Note 1 – Basis of Presentation for additional information.
(2)
Represents short-term lease capital expenditures related to drilling rigs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. These costs are capitalized as a part of "Proved properties" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.



Lease term and discount rate related to the Company's leases are as follows:
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2019(1)
 
June 30, 2019(1)
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)3.6
 3.6
Weighted-average discount rate7.7% 7.7%

____________________________
(1)
Prior periods are not presented as prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method for the new lease recognition rule. Refer to Note 1 – Basis of Presentation for additional information.

Refer to Note 11 – Commitments and Contingencies for a reconciliation of our minimum future lease payments to the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 9 – Restructuring

In February 2018, QEP's Board of Directors approved certain strategic and financial initiatives. In February 2019, QEP's Board of Directors commenced a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. In connection with these activities, QEP has incurred or expects to incur various restructuring costs associated with contractual termination benefits including severance, and accelerated vesting of share-based compensation. Thesecompensation and other expenses. The termination benefits will be accounted for under ASC 712, Compensation - Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits and ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation.





Restructuring costs recognized associated with the restructuring are summarized below:

 Total recognized Recognized in "General and administrative" Recognized in "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" Recognized in "Interest and other income (expense)"
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 (in millions)
Termination benefits$(0.1) $(0.1) $
 $
Office lease termination costs
 
 
 
Accelerated share-based compensation(1)
1.3
 1.3
 
 
Retention expense (including share-based compensation)4.8
 4.8
 
 
Pension and Medical Plan curtailment0.1
 
 
 0.1
Total restructuring costs$6.1
 $6.0
 $
 $0.1
        
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
        
Termination benefits$6.7
 $6.6
 $0.1
 $
Office lease termination costs0.6
 0.6
 
 
Accelerated share-based compensation(1)
9.7
 8.2
 1.5
 
Retention expense (including share-based compensation)10.9
 10.9
 
 
Pension and Medical Plan curtailment(0.4) 
 (0.2) (0.2)
Total restructuring costs$27.5
 $26.3
 $1.4
 $(0.2)
        
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
Termination benefits$3.6
 $1.7
 $1.9
 
Office lease termination costs0.3
 0.3
 
 
Accelerated share-based compensation1.2
 1.2
 
 
Retention expense (including share-based compensation)6.3
 6.3
 
 
Total restructuring costs$11.4
 $9.5
 $1.9
 $
        
 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
Termination benefits$7.0
 $5.1
 $1.9
 
Office lease termination costs0.3
 0.3
 
 
Accelerated share-based compensation4.0
 4.0
 
 
Retention expense (including share-based compensation)8.0
 8.0
 
 
Total restructuring costs$19.3
 $17.4
 $1.9
 $

 Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 Total recognized Recognized in "General and administrative" Recognized in "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" Total recognized Recognized in "General and administrative" Recognized in "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs"
 (in millions)
Termination benefits$3.6
 $1.7
 $1.9
 $7.0
 $5.1
 $1.9
Office lease termination costs0.3
 0.3
 
 0.3
 0.3
 
Accelerated share-based compensation1.2
 1.2
 
 4.0
 4.0
 
Retention expense6.3
 6.3
 
 8.0
 8.0
 
Pension curtailment
 
 
 
 
 
Total restructuring costs$11.4
 $9.5
 $1.9
 $19.3
 $17.4
 $1.9

 Costs recognized period from inception to June 30, 2018 Total remaining costs expected to be incurred 
 (in millions) 
Termination benefits$7.0
 $
(1) 
Office lease termination costs0.3
 
(1) 
Accelerated share-based compensation4.0
 
(1) 
Retention expense8.0
 16.0
(2) 
Pension curtailment
 
(1) 
Total restructuring costs$19.3
 $16.0
 
____________________________
(1) 
Accelerated share-based compensation represents the additional expense or loss recognized in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019. Total accelerated share based compensation was $2.8 million and $21.7 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, and was determined based on the contractual vesting date, with $1.3 million and $9.7 million recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, as shown above, and the remaining amount recognized in prior periods.







 
Costs recognized from inception to June 30, 2019(1)
 Total remaining costs expected to be incurred 
 (in millions) 
Termination benefits$38.9
 $
(2) 
Office lease termination costs1.6
 
(2) 
Accelerated share-based compensation21.0
 
(2) 
Retention expense (including share-based compensation)29.7
 10.1
 
Pension and Medical Plan curtailment(0.2) 
(2) 
Total restructuring costs$91.0
 $10.1
 
____________________________
(1)
Represents costs incurred since February 2018 when QEP's Board of Directors approved certain strategic and financial initiatives.
(2)
Due to the nature of the Strategic Initiatives and uncertain factors suchstrategic initiatives, as timing and terms of the potential divestitures,June 30, 2019, the Company is not able to reasonably estimate the total cost to be incurred as a part of this restructuring.
(2)
QEP expects to incur an additional $12.0 million of expense in 2018 and $4.0 million in 2019 related to the retention program.connection with these restructurings.


The following table is a reconciliation of QEP's restructuring liability, which is included within "Accounts payable and accrued expenses" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
 Restructuring liability
 Termination benefits Office lease termination costs Accelerated share-based compensation Retention expense Pension curtailment Total
 (in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2018$19.5
 $
 $
 $10.8
 $
 $30.3
Costs incurred and charged to expense6.7
 0.6
 9.7
 10.9
 (0.4) 27.5
Costs paid or otherwise settled(23.9) (0.6) (9.7) (15.9) 0.4
 (49.7)
Balance at June 30, 2019$2.3
 $
 $
 $5.8
 $
 $8.1

 Restructuring liability
 Termination benefits Office lease termination costs Accelerated share-based compensation Retention expense Total
 (in millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017$
 $
 $
 $
 $
Costs incurred and charged to expense7.0
 0.3
 4.0
 8.0
 19.3
Costs paid or otherwise settled(3.7) (0.3) (4.0) 
 (8.0)
Balance at June 30, 2018(1)
$3.3
 $
 $
 $8.0
 $11.3




Note 910 – Debt


As of the indicated dates, the principal amount of QEP's debt consisted of the following:
 June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 (in millions)
Revolving Credit Facility due 2022$
 $430.0
6.80% Senior Notes due 202051.7
 51.7
6.875% Senior Notes due 2021397.6
 397.6
5.375% Senior Notes due 2022500.0
 500.0
5.25% Senior Notes due 2023650.0
 650.0
5.625% Senior Notes due 2026500.0
 500.0
Less: unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs(19.5) (22.2)
Total principal amount of debt (including current portion)2,079.8
 2,507.1
Less: current portion of long-term debt(51.7) 
Total long-term debt outstanding$2,028.1
 $2,507.1

 June 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 (in millions)
Revolving Credit Facility due 2022$575.0
 $89.0
6.80% Senior Notes due 202051.7
 51.7
6.875% Senior Notes due 2021397.6
 397.6
5.375% Senior Notes due 2022500.0
 500.0
5.25% Senior Notes due 2023650.0
 650.0
5.625% Senior Notes due 2026500.0
 500.0
Less: unamortized discount and unamortized debt issuance costs(24.9) (27.5)
Total long-term debt outstanding$2,649.4
 $2,160.8


Of the total debt outstanding on June 30, 2018,2019, the 6.80% Senior Notes due March 1, 2020, the 6.875% Senior Notes due March 1, 2021, the 5.375% Senior Notes due October 1, 2022 and the 5.25% Senior Notes due May 1, 2023, will mature within the next five years. In addition, the revolving credit facility matures on September 1, 2022.2022.



Credit Facility
QEP's revolving credit facility, which matures, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, in September 2022, provides for loan commitments of $1.25 billion. The credit facility provides for borrowings at short-term interest rates and contains customary covenants and restrictions. The credit agreement governing QEP's revolving credit facility contains financial covenants (that are defined in the credit agreement) that limit the amount of debt the Company can incur and may limit the amount available to be drawn under the credit facility including: (i) a net funded debt to capitalization ratio that may not exceed 60%, (ii) a leverage ratio under which net funded debt may not exceed 4.003.75 times consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2018, through the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2018, and 3.75 times thereafter, and (iii) during a ratings trigger period (as defined), a present value coverage ratio under which the present value of the Company's proved reserves must exceed net funded debt by 1.25 times at any time prior to January 1, 2019, must exceed net funded debt by 1.40 times commencing on January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019, and must exceed net funded debt by 1.50 times at any time on or after January 1, 2020. The Company is currently not subject to the present value coverage ratio. At June 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, QEP was in compliance with the covenants under the credit agreement.


During the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, QEP's weighted-average interest ratesrate on borrowings from its credit facility were 4.22%was 4.73%. As of June 30, 2019, QEP had no borrowings outstanding and $2.9 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2018, QEP had $575.0$430.0 million of borrowings outstanding and $0.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2017, QEP had $89.0 million of borrowings outstanding and $1.0 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility.


Senior Notes
At June 30, 2018,2019, the Company had $2,099.3 million in principal amount of senior notes outstanding with maturities ranging from March 1, 2020 to March 1, 2026 and coupons ranging from 5.25% to 6.875%. The senior notes pay interest semi-annually, are unsecured senior obligations and rank equally with all of ourQEP's other existing and future unsecured and senior obligations. QEP may redeem some or all of its senior notes at any time before their maturity at a redemption price based on a make-whole amount plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The indentures governing QEP's senior notes contain customary events of default and covenants that may limit QEP's ability to, among other things, place liens on its property or assets.


Note 1011 – Commitments and Contingencies


The Company is involved in various commercial and regulatory claims, litigation and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. In each reporting period, the Company assesses these claims in an effort to determine the degree of probability and range of possible loss for potential accrual in its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies, an accrual is recorded for a material loss contingency when its occurrence is probable and damages are reasonably estimable based on the anticipated most likely outcome or the minimum amount within a range of possible outcomes.




Legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions can occur. Assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgment about uncertain future events. When evaluating contingencies related to legal proceedings, the Company may be unable to estimate losses due to a number of factors, including potential defenses, the procedural status of the matter in question, the presence of complex legal and/or factual issues and the ongoing discovery and/or development of information important to the matter.


Landowner Litigation – In October 2017, the owners of certain surface and mineral interests in Martin and Andrews County, Texas, filed suit against QEP, alleging QEP improperly used the surface of the properties and failed to correctly pay royalties, and are seeking money damages and a declaratory judgment that portions of the oil and gas leases covering the properties are no longer in effect.

Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation ("MHA Nation") Title Dispute – In June 2018, the MHA Nation notified QEP of its position that QEP has no valid lease covering certain minerals underlying the Missouri and Little Missouri Riverbeds on the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. The Company continuesMHA Nation also passed a resolution purporting to evaluaterescind those portions of QEP's IMDA lease covering the allegations and its defenses. disputed minerals underlying the Missouri River.  

The Company is unable to make an estimate of the range of reasonably possible loss at this early stage.related to its contingencies.



Commitments

QEP has entered into contractual lease arrangements to rent office space, compressors, generators, drilling rigs and other equipment from third-party lessors. On January 1, 2019, QEP adopted ASC Topic 842, Leases, using the modified retrospective approach. Refer to Note 8 – Leases for additional information.

As of June 30, 2019, minimum future payments, including imputed interest, for long-term operating leases under the scope of ASC 842 are as follows:
YearAmount
 (in millions)
2019$12.4
2020$21.1
2021$19.4
2022$14.9
2023$9.4
After 2023$0.5
Less: Interest(1)
$(11.0)
Present value of lease liabilities(2)
$66.7
 ____________________________
(1)
Calculated using the estimated or stated interest rate for each lease.
(2)
Of the total present value of lease liabilities, $18.8 million was recorded in "Current operating lease liabilities" and $47.9 million was recorded in "Operating lease liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 31, 2018, minimum future contractual payments for long-term operating leases under the scope of ASC 840 are as follows:
YearAmount
 (in millions)
2019$17.4
2020$13.8
2021$9.1
2022$7.4
2023$4.5
After 2023$


Note 1112 – Share-Based Compensation


In 2018, QEP's Board of Directors and QEP's shareholders approved the QEP Resources, Inc. 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), which replaces the 2010 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan (LTSIP) and provides for the issuance of up to 10.0 million shares such that the Board of Directors may grant long-term incentive compensation. QEP issueshas issued stock options, restricted share awards, and restricted share units under its LTSIP or LTIP and awards performance share units under its Cash Incentive Plan (CIP) to certain officers, employees and non-employee directors. Grants issued prior to May 15, 2018 arewere under the LTSIP and the grants issued on or after May 15, 2018 are under the LTIP. QEP recognizes the expense over the vesting periods for the stock options, restricted share awards, restricted share units and performance share units. There were 10.08.3 million shares available for future grants under the LTIP at June 30, 2018.2019.



Share-based compensation expense is generally recognized within "General and administrative" expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and is summarized in the table below. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded an additional $1.3 million and $9.7 million, respectively, of share-based compensation expense related to the acceleration of vesting that occurred as part of the restructuring program, of which $1.5 million was recorded in "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and the remaining $1.3 million and $8.2 million, respectively, is included in the table below. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded an additional $1.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively of share-based compensation expense, related to the acceleration of vesting that occurred as part of the restructuring program, andall of which is included in share-based compensation expense below (referthe table below. Refer to Note 89 – Restructuring for additional information):information.
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
 (in millions)
Stock options$
 $0.2
 $0.3
 $0.7
Restricted share awards4.8
 6.8
 10.9
 15.6
Performance share units0.3
 5.1
 5.5
 7.0
Restricted share units0.1
 0.1
 0.2
 0.1
Total share-based compensation expense$5.2
 $12.2
 $16.9
 $23.4

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Stock options$0.2
 $0.6
 $0.7
 $1.2
Restricted share awards6.8
 6.0
 15.6
 13.3
Performance share units5.1
 (4.9) 7.0
 (6.8)
Restricted share units0.1
 
 0.1
 
Total share-based compensation expense$12.2
 $1.7
 $23.4
 $7.7


Stock Options
QEP uses the Black-Scholes-Merton mathematical model to estimate the fair value of stock option awards at the date of grant. Fair value calculations rely upon subjective assumptions used in the mathematical model and may not be representative of future results. The Black-Scholes-Merton model is intended for calculating the value of stock options not traded on an exchange. The Company utilizes the "simplified" method to estimate the expected term of the stock options granted as there is limited historical exercise data available in estimating the expected term of the stock options. QEP uses a historical volatility method to estimate the fair value of stock optionsoption awards and the risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on U.S. Treasury strips with maturities similar to those of the expected term of the stock options. The stock options typically vest in equal installments over a three-year periodthree years from the grant date and are exercisable immediately upon vesting through the seventh anniversary of the grant date. To fulfill options exercised, QEP either reissues treasury stock or issues new shares. The Company recognizes forfeitures of stock options as they occur.

In 2018, During the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP did not issue stock options to better align our long-term incentive awards with those typical of the industry.options.




Stock option transactions under the terms of the LTSIP are summarized below:
 Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value
   (per share) (in years) (in millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 20182,098,933
 $22.27
    
Cancelled(283,029) 30.90
    
Outstanding at June 30, 20191,815,904
 $20.93
 2.80 $
Options Exercisable at June 30, 20191,761,139
 $21.08
 2.74 $
Unvested Options at June 30, 201954,765
 $15.92
 4.69 $

 Options Outstanding Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value
   (per share) (in years) (in millions)
Outstanding at December 31, 20172,354,277
 $23.62
    
Exercised(23,337) 10.12
    
Canceled(202,235) 39.07
    
Outstanding at June 30, 20182,128,705
 $22.30
 3.32 $1.0
Options Exercisable at June 30, 20181,734,134
 $24.07
 2.87 $0.6
Unvested Options at June 30, 2018394,571
 $14.51
 5.31 $0.3


The total intrinsic value (the difference between the market price at the exercise date and the exercise price) of stock options exercised was $0.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018. During the six months ended June 30, 2017,2019 there were no exercises of stock options. As of June 30, 2018, $0.92019, $0.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options granted under the LTSIP is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.630.78 years. The weighted-average vesting period may be reduced due to accelerated vestings under the restructuring program (referprogram. Refer to Note 89 – Restructuring for additional information).information.



Restricted Share Awards
Restricted share award grants typically vest in equal installments over a three-year periodthree years from the grant date. The grant date fair value is determined based on the closing bid price of the Company's common stock on the grant date. The Company recognizes restricted share forfeitures as they occur. The total fair value of restricted share awards that vested during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 and 2017 was $24.6$25.0 million and $20.3$24.6 million, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted share awards was $9.55$7.98 per share and $16.69$9.55 per share for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. As of June 30, 2018, $30.22019, $18.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted share awards granted under the LTSIP and LTIP is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.372.31 years. The weighted-average vesting period may be reduced due to accelerated vestings under the restructuring program (referprogram. Refer to Note 89 – Restructuring for additional information).information.


Transactions involving restricted share awards under the terms of the LTSIP and LTIP are summarized below:
 Restricted Share Awards Outstanding Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
   (per share)
Unvested balance at December 31, 20183,822,133
 $10.76
Granted2,217,794
 7.98
Vested(2,261,323) 11.05
Forfeited(178,985) 9.23
Unvested balance at June 30, 20193,599,619
 $8.94

 Restricted Share Awards Outstanding Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
   (per share)
Unvested balance at December 31, 20173,721,334
 $13.23
Granted2,933,607
 9.55
Vested(1,743,969) 14.12
Forfeited(127,920) 11.19
Unvested balance at June 30, 20184,783,052
 $10.71




Performance Share Units
The payouts for performance share units are dependent upon the Company's total shareholder return compared to a group of its peers over a three-year period.three years. The awards are denominated in share units and have historically been paid in cash. Beginning with awards granted in 2015, theThe Company has the option to settle earned awards in cash or shares of common stock under the Company's LTIP; however, as of June 30, 2018,2019, the Company expects to settle all awards in cash under the CIP. These awards are classified as liabilities and are included within "Other long-term liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. As these awards are dependent upon the Company's total shareholder return and stock price, they are remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The Company paid $11.4 million and $2.0 million for vested performance share units during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the performance share units was $9.55 per share and $16.98 per share forgranted during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $7.93 and 2017,$9.55 per share, respectively. As of June 30, 2018, $16.42019, $7.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense,cost, which represents the unvested portion of the fair market value of performance shares granted, is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 2.192.33 years. The weighted-average vesting period may be reduced due to accelerated vestings under the restructuring program (referprogram. Refer to Note 89 – Restructuring for additional information).information.


Transactions involving performance share units under the terms of the CIP are summarized below:
 Performance Share Units Outstanding Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
   (per share)
Unvested balance at December 31, 20181,559,312
 $11.47
Granted589,412
 7.93
Vested and paid(1,117,848) 10.73
Unvested balance at June 30, 20191,030,876
 $9.63
 Performance Share Units Outstanding Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
   (per share)
Unvested balance at December 31, 20171,199,336
 $14.59
Granted724,095
 9.55
Vested(277,604) 19.73
Unvested balance at June 30, 20181,645,827
 $11.47




Restricted Share Units
Employees may elect to defer their grants of restricted share awards and these deferred awards are designated as restricted share units. Restricted share units vest over a three-year periodthree years and are deferred into the Company's nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation plan at the time of vesting. These awards are ultimately paid in cash. They are classified as liabilities and are included in "Other long-term liabilities" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the restricted share units was $9.55$7.93 and $16.98$9.55 per share for the six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. As of June 30, 2018, $0.42019, $0.2 million of unrecognized compensation expense,cost, which represents the unvested portion of the fair market value of restricted share units granted, is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.701.64 years. The weighted-average vesting period may be reduced due to accelerated vestings under the restructuring program (referprogram. Refer to Note 89 – Restructuring for additional information).information.


Transactions involving restricted share units under the terms of the LTSIP and LTIP are summarized below:
 Restricted Share Units Outstanding Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
   (per share)
Unvested balance at December 31, 201842,675
 $10.47
Granted37,224
 7.93
Vested and paid(36,392) 10.67
Unvested balance at June 30, 201943,507
 $8.16

 Restricted Share Units Outstanding Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
   (per share)
Unvested balance at December 31, 201721,946
 $13.22
Granted31,835
 9.55
Vested(9,320) 12.56
Unvested balance at June 30, 201844,461
 $10.73


Note 1213 – Employee Benefits


Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
The Company provides pension and other postretirement benefits to certain employees through three retiree benefit plans: the QEP Resources, Inc. Retirement Plan (the Pension Plan), the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the SERP), and a postretirement medical plan (the Medical Plan).




The Pension Plan is a closed, qualified, defined-benefit pension plan that is funded and provides pension benefits to certain QEP employees. During the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, the Company made contributions of $3.0$5.0 million to the Pension Plan and expectsdoes not expect to make anany additional $1.0 million to the Pension Plancontributions during the remainder of 2018.2019. Contributions to the Pension Plan increase plan assets. The Pension Plan was amended in June 2015 and was frozen effective January 1, 2016, such that employees do not earn additional defined benefits for future services. During the six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company has not made discretionary contributions to active participants of the Pension Plan but expects to contribute $0.4 million to eligible participants in the fourth quarter of 2018.


The SERP is a nonqualified retirement plan that is unfunded and provides pension benefits to certain QEP employees. During the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, the Company made contributions of $0.5$0.2 million to itsthe SERP and expects to contribute an additional $0.2$0.3 million to itsthe SERP during the remainder of 2018.2019. Contributions to the SERP are used to fund current benefit payments. The SERP was amended and restated in June 2015 and was closed to new participants effective January 1, 2016.


The Medical Plan is a self-insured plan. It is unfunded and provides other postretirement benefits including certain health care and life insurance benefits for certain retired QEP employees. During the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, the Company made contributions of $0.1 million to itsthe Medical Plan and expects to contribute an additional $0.1$0.2 million to itsthe Medical Plan during the remainder of 2018.2019. Contributions to the Medical Plan are used to fund current benefit payments.


In February 2017, the Company changed the eligibility requirements for active employees eligible for the Medical Plan, as well as retirees currently enrolled. Effective July 1, 2017, the Company no longer offers the Medical Plan to retirees and spouses that are both Medicare eligible. In addition, the Company no longer offers life insurance to individuals retiring on or after July 1, 2017.


The Company's Strategic Initiativesimplementation of its strategic initiatives may trigger curtailments related to the Pension Plan, SERP and/or Medical Plan atupon the closing of the various transactions (referany transaction. Refer to Note 89 – Restructuring for more information).information. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized a $0.4 million pension curtailment gain related to strategic initiatives, of which $0.5 million of curtailment gain was related to the Haynesville Divestiture and included in "Interest and other income (expense)" and "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, and $0.1 million of curtailment loss was related to corporate restructuring activities and included as "Interest and other income (expense)" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.



The Company recognizes service costs related to SERP and Medical Plan benefits on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within "General and administrative" expense. All other expenses related to the Pension Plan, SERP and Medical Plan are recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within "Interest and other income (expense)".




The following table sets forth the Company's net periodic benefit costs related to its Pension Plan, SERP and Medical Plan:
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2019 2018 2019 2018
Pension Plan and SERP benefits(in millions)
Service cost$
 $0.2
 $0.1
 $0.4
Interest cost1.2
 1.1
 2.4
 2.2
Expected return on plan assets(1.4) (1.5) (2.9) (2.9)
Amortization of prior service costs(1)
0.1
 0.2
 0.2
 0.4
Amortization of actuarial losses(1)

 0.3
 0.1
 0.6
Curtailment (gain) loss(2)
0.1
 
 0.4
 
Periodic expense$
 $0.3
 $0.3
 $0.7
        
Medical Plan benefits       
Interest cost$0.1
 $0.1
 $0.1
 $0.1
Amortization of prior service costs(1)

 
 
 (0.1)
Curtailment (gain) loss(2)

 
 (0.8) 
Periodic expense$0.1
 $0.1
 $(0.7) $
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 June 30, June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Pension Plan and SERP benefits(in millions)
Service cost$0.2
 $0.1
 $0.4
 $0.4
Interest cost1.1
 1.2
 2.2
 2.4
Expected return on plan assets(1.5) (1.4) (2.9) (2.7)
Amortization of prior service costs(1)
0.2
 0.3
 0.4
 0.6
Amortization of actuarial losses(1)
0.3
 (0.1) 0.6
 0.2
Periodic expense$0.3
 $0.1
 $0.7
 $0.9
        
Medical Plan benefits       
Interest cost$0.1
 $0.1
 $0.1
 $0.1
Amortization of prior service costs(1)

 
 (0.1) (0.1)
Periodic expense$0.1
 $0.1
 $
 $

____________________________
(1) 
Amortization of prior service costs and actuarial losses out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within "Interest and other income (expense)".
(2)
A curtailment is recognized when there is a significant reduction in, or an elimination of, defined benefit accruals for current employees' future services. The net curtailment gain between the SERP and Medical Plan of $0.4 million is related to the Haynesville Divestiture and corporate restructuring activities. Of the $0.4 million curtailment gain recognized, $0.2 million was recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within "Interest and other income (expense)" and $0.2 million was recognized on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations within "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" for the six months ended June 30, 2019.


Employee Investment Plan
QEP employees may participate in the QEP Employee Investment Plan, a defined-contribution plan (the 401(k) Plan). The 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to make investments, including purchasing shares of QEP common stock, through payroll deduction at the current fair market value on the transaction date. Both employees and QEP make contributions to the 401(k) Plan. The Company may contribute a discretionary portion beyond the Company's matching contribution to employees not in the Pension Plan or SERP. During the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, the Company made contributions of $3.6$2.6 million to the 401(k) Plan and expects to contribute an additional $2.4$1.8 million to the 401(k) Plan during the remainder of 2018.2019. The Company recognizes expense equal to its yearly contributions. Due to the Company's Strategic Initiatives,strategic initiatives, the amount expected to be contributed to the 401(k) Plan is subject to change (refermay change. Refer to Note 89 – Restructuring for more information).information.


As a result of freezing benefits under the Pension Plan, the 401(k) Plan and a nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation plan (the Wrap Plan) were amended to allow the Company to make discretionary contributions (Company Transition Credits) to eligible participants. Eligible participants are certain employees who were active participants in the Pension Plan on December 31, 2015. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company did not make a discretionary contribution to active participants of the Pension Plan but expects to contribute $0.1 million to eligible participants during the fourth quarter of 2019.



Note 14 – Subsequent Event

Subsequent to June 30, 2019, QEP's Board of Directors completed its comprehensive review of strategic alternatives and determined that the best alternative for QEP's shareholders is to move forward as an independent company. The Company is not able to reasonably estimate the future costs to be incurred in connection with the review of strategic alternatives.

On August 6, 2019, QEP's Board of Directors approved the reinstatement of a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share of common stock, payable on September 10, 2019 to shareholders of record on August 20, 2019.

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


Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to provide the reader of the financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of management on the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect the Company's operating results. MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


The following information updates the discussion of QEP's financial condition provided in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (20172018 (2018 Form 10-K) and analyzes the changes in the results of operations between the three and six months ended June 30, 20182019 and 2017.2018. For definitions of commonly used oil and gas terms found in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, please refer to the "Glossary of Terms" provided in the 20172018 Form 10-K.


OVERVIEW


QEP Resources, Inc. is an independent crude oil and natural gas exploration and production company with operations in two regions of the United States: the Southern Region (primarily in Texas and Louisiana)Texas) and the Northern Region (primarily in North Dakota and Utah)Dakota). Unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, all references to "QEP" or the "Company" are to QEP Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. QEP's corporate headquarters are located in Denver, Colorado and shares of QEP's common stock trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "QEP".




In February 2018,2019, QEP's Board of Directors unanimously approved certaincommenced a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value, which included the evaluation of a merger, sale of the Company or other transaction involving the Company's assets. In August 2019, QEP's Board of Directors completed their comprehensive review of strategic alternatives and financial initiatives (Strategic Initiatives), includingdetermined that the best alternative for QEP's shareholders is to move forward as an independent company.

QEP's strategy will be a continued focus on high-return investments in its business with disciplined production growth. QEP is committed to strengthening its balance sheet, reducing leverage and returning capital to shareholders. QEP plans to marketfulfill this commitment by continuing to reassess its assets in the Williston Basin, the Uinta Basinorganizational needs and Haynesville/Cotton Valleyreducing its general and focusadministrative expense to ensure its activities in the Permian Basin. As a partcost structure is competitive with industry peers and lowering drilling, completion and facility costs. All of this process, the Company engaged advisors to assist with the divestitures of its Williston Basinis underpinned by improved performance and Uinta Basin assets and provided data for potential buyers to evaluate. We continue to engage in discussions with several potential buyers regarding the sale of all or a portiondeliverability of our Williston assets. high-quality, oil weighted asset base.

As a part of the Strategic Initiatives,2018 and 2019 strategic initiatives, QEP has incurred or expects to incur additional costs associated with contractual termination benefits, including severance, and accelerated vesting of share-based compensation.compensation and other expenses. Refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures and Note 89 – Restructuring in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information.

On July 5, 2018, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, QEP Energy Company, entered into a definitive agreement to sell natural gas and oil producing properties, undeveloped acreage and related assets located in the Uinta Basin for proceeds of $155.0 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments (the Uinta Basin Divestiture). The transaction is expected to close in September 2018. Since the transaction was substantially finalized at June 30, 2018, the assets and liabilities associated with the Uinta Basin Divestiture have been classified as noncurrent assets and liabilities held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the notes accompanying the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Pursuant to signing a purchase and sale agreement for the Uinta Basin Divestiture, QEP recorded $402.8 million of proved and unproved properties impairment during the six months ended June 30, 2018. In addition, QEP recorded $1.9 million of estimated restructuring costs related to this divestiture during the six months ended June 30, 2018 included in the "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Refer to Note 1, – Basis of Presentation, Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures and Note 8 – Restructuring, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.

Since the beginning of 2014, the Company has made approximately $2.5 billion of acquisitions of properties in the Permian Basin and spent approximately 40% of its capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions) on its properties in the Permian Basin. In 2018, the Company plans to spend approximately 70% of total planned capital expenditures to develop the Permian Basin.

Outlook

The Company continuesincurred $26.3 million of general and administrative restructuring costs related to focus on reducing its operating costs and per well drilling costs and managing its liquidity as it executes on its plan to transition from a natural gas weighted company to a pure play Permian Basin company. We believe our balance sheet and sufficient liquidity will allow us to grow oil and condensate production inorganizational changes implemented during the Permian Basin and achieve our Strategic Initiatives.first half of 2019.

Based on current commodity prices, we expect to be able to fund our planned capital program for the remainder of 2018 with cash flow from operating activities and borrowings under our credit facility. Our total capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions) for 2018 are expected to be approximately $1,120.0 million, a decrease of approximately 8% from 2017 capital expenditures. We continuously evaluate our level of drilling and completion activity in light of drilling results, commodity prices and changes in our operating and development costs and may adjust our capital investment program based on such evaluations. See "Cash Flow from Investing Activities" for further discussion of our capital expenditures.


Acquisitions and Divestitures


While we believe our extensive inventory of identified drilling locations provides a solid base for growth in production and reserves, the Company continueswe will continue to evaluate and acquire properties in the Permian Basinour operating areas to add additional development opportunities and facilitate the drilling of long lateral wells.


Acquisitions

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP acquired various oil and gas properties, which primarily included proved acreage in the Permian Basin for an aggregate purchase price of $1.8 million, subject to post-closing purchase price adjustments.



During the six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP acquired various oil and gas properties, which primarily included proved and unproved leasehold acreage in the Permian Basin for an aggregate purchase price of $45.1 million, subject to customarypost-closing purchase price adjustments. Of the $45.1 million, $37.5 million was related to acquisitions from various persons whoentities that owned additional oil and gas interests in certain properties included in the 2017 acquisition of oil and gas properties in the Permian Basin Acquisition(2017 Permian Basin Acquisition) on substantially the same terms and conditions as the 2017 Permian Basin Acquisition.



InAcquisition in the fourth quarter of 2017,2017.

Divestitures

In January 2019, QEP acquired additional oil and gas properties in the Permian Basin (the 2017 Permian Basin Acquisition) for an aggregate purchase price of $720.7 million, subject to post-closing purchase price adjustments. The 2017 Permian Basin Acquisition consists of approximately 15,100 acres, mainly in Martin County, Texas, which are held by production from existing vertical wells. QEP structured the transaction as a like-kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Service Code and funded the purchase price with the proceeds fromclosed the sale of QEP's Pinedale assets.

Duringits assets in Haynesville/Cotton Valley (Haynesville Divestiture) and in July 2019 reached final settlement on asserted title defects. The purchase price, after adjustments, is $634.2 million. QEP received net cash proceeds of $627.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2017,2019. Additionally, a total pre-tax loss on sale of $3.7 million was recognized. Refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures in Part 1, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information.

In addition to the Haynesville Divestiture, during the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP acquired various oilreceived net cash proceeds of $39.6 million and gas properties, which primarily included proved and unproved leasehold acreage and additional surface acreage in the Permian Basin, for an aggregate purchase pricerecorded a net pre-tax gain on sale of $76.6 million. In conjunction with these acquisitions, the Company recorded $5.3 million related to the divestiture of goodwill, which was subsequently impaired in 2017.properties outside our main operating areas.

Divestitures


During the six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP recorded a pre-tax loss of $1.9 million related to estimated restructuring costs associated with the Uinta Basin Divestiture (refer to Note 89 – Restructuring in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information), partially offset by a pre-tax gain of $0.7 million related to the divestiture of properties outside our main operating areas in the Uinta Basin, Pinedale and the Other Northern area, and the sale of an underground gas storage facility, in which QEP received aggregate net cash proceeds of $48.8 million. In addition, QEP recorded a pre-tax gain of $0.8 million related to the sale of QEP's assets in Pinedale (the Pinedale Divestiture).

In September 2017, QEP closed on the Pinedale Divestiture for net cash proceeds (after purchase price adjustments) of $718.2 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $0.8 million, due to post-closing purchase price adjustments, which was recorded within "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the year ended December 31, 2017, QEP recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $180.4 million, which was recorded within "Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In connection with the Pinedale Divestiture, QEP agreed to reimburse the buyer for certain deficiency charges it incurs related to gas processing and NGL transportation and fractionation contracts between the effective date of the sale and December 31, 2019, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $45.0 million. As of June 30, 2018, the remaining liability associated with estimated future payments for this commitment was $23.8 million.


Financial and Operating Highlights


During the three months ended June 30, 2018,2019, QEP:

Delivered record oil and condensate production of 6.6 MMbbls, a 35% increase over 2017 volumes;
Increased oil and condensate production by 121% to a record 3.2 MMbbls in the Permian Basin;
Increased gas production in Haynesville/Cotton Valley to 28.5 Bcf, a 71% increase over 2017 volumes, primarily due to successful refracturing and drilling programs;
Reported net realized oil prices of $54.30 per bbl, a 16% increase over 2017;
Repurchased and retired 0.6 million shares of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock for $5.6 million;
Generated a net lossincome of $336.0$48.8 million, or $1.42$0.20 per diluted share; and
Reported Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure defined and reconciled below) of $282.6 million, a 59% increase over 2017.$166.5 million;

Increased oil and condensate production in the Permian Basin by 2% to 3.3 MMbbls compared to the second quarter 2018;
Reduced capital expenditures by $249.1 million compared to the second quarter 2018; and
Reduced general and administrative expenses by 44% compared to the second quarter 2018.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, QEP:

Delivered oil and condensate production of 11.5 MMbbls, a 21% increase over 2017 volumes;
Increased oil and condensate production by 119% to a record 5.4 MMbbls in the Permian Basin;
Increased gas production in Haynesville/Cotton Valley to 54.2 Bcf, an 88% increase over 2017 volumes, primarily due to successful refracturing and drilling programs;
Reported net realized oil prices of $53.11 per bbl, a 13% increase over 2017;
Repurchased and retired 6.2 million shares of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock for $58.4 million;
Generated a net loss of $389.6$67.9 million, or $1.63$0.29 per diluted share; and
Reported Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure defined and reconciled below) of $454.5$286.3 million;
Closed the Haynesville Divestiture for a total estimated purchase price of $634.2 million;
Increased oil and condensate production in the Permian Basin by 15% to 6.2 MMbbls compared to the first half of 2018;
Reduced capital expenditures by $490.8 million compared to the first half of 2018; and
Reduced general and administrative expenses by 18% compared to the first half of 2018.

Outlook

QEP's strategy will be a continued focus on high-return investments in our business with disciplined production growth. QEP is committed to strengthening our balance sheet, reducing leverage and returning capital to shareholders. We plan to fulfill this commitment by continuing to reassess our organizational needs and reducing our general and administrative expense to ensure our cost structure is competitive with industry peers and lowering drilling, completion and facility costs. All of this is underpinned by improved performance and deliverability of our high-quality, oil weighted asset base.



Based on current commodity prices, we expect to be able to fund our planned capital program for 2019 with cash flow from operating activities, cash on hand and borrowings under our credit facility. Our total capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions) for 2019 are expected to be approximately $590.0 million, a 31% increase over 2017.decrease of approximately 50% from 2018 capital expenditures. We continuously evaluate our level of drilling and completion activity in light of drilling results, commodity prices and changes in our operating and development costs and will adjust our capital investment program based on such evaluations. See "Cash Flow from Investing Activities" for further discussion of our capital expenditures.




Factors Affecting Results of Operations


Shareholder Activism
Elliott Management Corporation (Elliott), is a beneficial holder of approximately 4.9% of our common stock (based on Elliott's Form 13F-HR filed on May 15, 2019). Elliott has actively engaged in discussions with us regarding certain aspects of our business and operations. In addition, on January 7, 2019, Elliott made a proposal to our Board of Directors to acquire all of our outstanding shares of common stock. As a result of that proposal, our Board of Directors engaged in a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives and concluded that the best alternative for QEP's shareholders was to move forward as an independent company. Our business and/or operations could be adversely affected by any future actions of activist shareholders. Responding to actions by activist shareholders could be costly and time-consuming, disrupting our operations and diverting the attention of our management and employees. Activities of activist shareholders could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan or realize short- or long-term value from our assets.

Supply, Demand, Market Risk and their Impact on Oil and Gas Prices
Oil and gas prices are affected by many factors outside of our control, including changes in market supply and demand, which are impacted by weather conditions, pipeline capacity constraints, inventory storage levels, basis differentials, export capacity, strength of the U.S. dollar and other factors. In recent years, oil and gas prices have been affected by supply growth, particularly in the U.S. oil and gas production,, driven by advances in drilling and completion technologies, and fluctuations in demand driven by a variety of factors.


Changes in the market prices for oil gas and NGL directly impact many aspects of QEP's business, including its financial condition, revenues, results of operations, planned drilling and completion activity and related capital expenditures, ourits proved undeveloped (PUD) reserves conversion rate, liquidity, rate of growth, costs of goods and services required to drill, complete and operate wells, and the carrying value of its oil and gas properties. Historically, field-level prices received for QEP's oil and gas production have been volatile. During the past five years, the posted price for WTI crude oil has ranged from a low of $26.19 per barrel in February 2016 to a high of $110.62$106.06 per barrel in September 2013. The Henry Hub spot market price of natural gas has ranged from a low of $1.49 per MMBtu in March 2016 to a high of $8.15 per MMBtu in FebruaryJuly 2014. If prices of oil gas or NGLprices decline to early 2016 levels or further, our operations, financial condition and level of expenditures for the development of our oil and gas reserves may be materially and adversely affected.


Global Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
QEP continues to monitor the global economy, including Europe and China's economic outlook; the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) countriescountries' oil production and policies regarding production quotas; political unrest and global economic issues in South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa;issues; slowing growth in certain emerging market economies; actions taken by the United States Congress and the president of the United States; the U.S. federal budget deficit; changes in regulatory oversight policy; commodity price volatility; tariffs on goods we use in our operations or on the products we sell; the impact of a potential increase in interest rates; volatility in various global currencies; and other factors. A dramatic decline in regional or global economic conditions, a major recession or depression, regional political instability, economic sanctions, war, or other factors beyond the control of QEP could have a significant impact on oil, gas and NGL supply, demand and prices and the Company's ability to continue its planned drilling programs and could materially impact the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flow from operations. Disruption to the global oil supply system, political and/or economic instability, fluctuations in currency values, and/or other factors could trigger additional volatility in oil prices.


Due to continued global economic uncertainty and the corresponding volatility of commodity prices, QEP continues to focus on maintaining a sufficient liquidity position to ensure financial flexibility. QEP uses commodity derivatives to reduce the volatility of the prices QEP receives for a portion of its production and to partially protect cash flow and returns on invested capital from a drop in commodity prices. Generally, QEP intends to enter into commodity derivative contracts for approximately 50% to 75% of its forecasted annual production by the end of the first quarter of each fiscal year. At June 30, 2018,2019, QEP forecasted the midpoint of its 20182019 annual production to be approximately 51.130.5 MMboe and had approximately 66%67% of its forecasted oil production and 69% of its forecasted gascondensate production covered with fixed-price swaps and collars.fixed price swaps. See Part 1, Item 3 – "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk-Commodity Price Risk Management" for further details on QEP's commodity derivatives transactions.



Potential for Future Asset Impairments
The carrying values of the Company's properties are sensitive to declines in oil, gas and NGL prices as well as increases in various development and operating costs and expenses and, therefore, are at risk of impairment. The Company uses a cash flow model to assess its proved oil and gas properties and operating lease right-of-use assets for impairment. The cash flow model includes numerous assumptions, including estimates of future oil, gas and NGL production, estimates of future prices for production that are based on the price forecast that management uses to make investment decisions, including estimates of basis differentials, future operating costs, transportation expenses, production taxes, and development costs that management believes are consistent with its price forecast, and discount rates. Management also considers a number of other factors, including the forward curve for future oil and gas prices, and developments in regional transportation infrastructure when developing its estimate of future prices for production. All inputs for the cash flow model are evaluated at each date of estimate.




We base our fair value estimates on projected financial information that we believe to be reasonably likely to occur. An assessment of the sensitivity of our capitalized costs to changes in the assumptions in our cash flow calculations is not practicable, given the numerous assumptions (e.g., future oil, gas and NGL prices; production and reserves; pace and timing of development drilling plans; timing of capital expenditures; operating costs; drilling and development costs; and inflation and discount rates) that can materially affect our estimates. Unfavorable adjustments to some of the above listed assumptions would likely be offset by favorable adjustments in other assumptions. For example, the impact of sustained reduced oil, gas and NGL prices on future undiscounted cash flows would likely be offset by lower drilling and development costs and lower operating costs. The signing of a purchase and sale agreement could also cause the Company to recognize an impairment of proved properties. For assets subject to a purchase and sale agreement, the terms of the purchase and sale agreement are used as an indicator of fair value.


IfDuring the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded impairment charges of $5.0 million related to an office building lease.

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, QEP recorded an impairment charge of $404.4 million, of which $402.8 million of proved and unproved properties impairment was triggered by the Uinta Basin Divestiture and $1.6 million was related to expiring leaseholds on unproved properties and impairment of proved properties related to a divestiture in the Other Northern area.

We could be at risk for proved and unproved property and operating lease right-of-use asset impairments if forward oil and gas prices decline significantly from June 30, 20182019 levels, or we experience negative changes in estimated reserve quantities or we enter into purchase and sale agreements for less than net book value, we have proved and unproved property with a net book value of approximately $2.7 billion at risk for impairment, associated with the Williston Basin and proved and unproved property and gathering assets with a net book value of approximately $718 million at risk for impairment, associated with Haynesville/Cotton Valley as of June 30, 2018.from our strategic initiative results. The actual amount of impairment incurred, if any, for these properties will depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, subsequent forward price curve changes, entering into purchase and sale agreements for less than net book value of the assets, the additional risk-adjusted value of probable and possible reserves associated with the properties, weighted-average cost of capital, operating cost estimates and future capital expenditure estimates.


Tax Legislation
The Tax Legislation enacted in December 2017 reduced our federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. In addition, the Tax Legislation eliminated Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and QEP has the ability to offset its regular tax liability or claim refunds for taxable years 2018 through 2021 for AMT credits carried forward from prior years. The Company currently anticipates it will realize approximately $148.4 million in AMT credit refunds and overpayments. The Company expects to receive the $148.4 million over the next four years, including $75.0 million in 2019. The amount expected to be refunded in 2019 is included in "Income tax receivable" with the remaining $73.4 million included in "Deferred income taxes" on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2019.

Multi-Well Pad Drilling and Completion
To reduce the costs of well location construction and rig mobilization and demobilization and to obtain other efficiencies, QEP utilizes multi-well pad drilling, where practical. For example, in the Permian Basin, QEP utilizes "tank-style" development, in which we simultaneously develop multiple subsurface targets by drilling and completing all wells in a given "tank" before any individual well is turned to production. We believe this approach maximizes the economic recovery of oil through the simultaneous development of multiple subsurface targets, while improving capital efficiency though shared surface facilities, which we believe will reduce per-unit operating costs and result in expanded operating margins and improve our returns on invested capital. In certain of our producing areas, wells drilled on a pad are not completed and brought into production until all wells on the pad are drilled and the drilling rig is moved from the location. As a result, multi-well pad drilling delays the completion of wells and the commencement of production. In addition, existing wells that offset new wells being completed by QEP or offset operators may need to be temporarily shut-in during the completion process. Such delays and well shut-ins have caused and may continue to cause volatility in QEP's quarterly operating results. In addition, delays in completion of wells may impact the timing of planned conversion of PUD reserves to proved developed reserves.



Uncertainties Related to Claims
QEP is currently subject to claims that could adversely impact QEP's liquidity, operating results and/orand capital expenditures for a particular reporting period, including, but not limited to those described in Note 1011 – Commitments and Contingencies, in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Given the uncertainties involved in these matters, QEP is unable to predict the ultimate outcomes.


Critical Accounting Estimates
QEP's significant accounting policies are described in Item 7 of Part II of its 20172018 Form 10-K. The Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of the Company's Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make assumptions and estimates that affect the reported results of operations and financial position. QEP's accounting policies on oil and gas reserves, successful efforts accounting for oil and gas operations, capitalized exploratory well costs, impairment of long-lived assets, asset retirement obligations, revenue recognition, litigation and other contingencies, environmental obligations, derivative contracts, pension and other postretirement benefits, share-based compensation, income taxes and purchase price allocations, among others, may involve a high degree of complexity and judgment on the part of management.




Drilling, Completion and Production Activities
The following table presents operated and non-operated wells in the process of being drilled or waiting on completion atas of June 30, 2018:2019:
  Operated Non-operated  Operated Non-operated
Drilling Drilling Waiting on completion Drilling Waiting on completionDrilling Drilling Waiting on completion Drilling Waiting on completion
Rigs Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross NetRigs Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Northern Region                                  
Williston Basin(1)
 
 
 
 
 1
 
 9
 0.1
1
 2
 2.0
 5
 4.4
 3
 0.1
 12
 1.7
Uinta Basin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Northern
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Region                                  
Permian Basin(1)
5
 25
 24.8
 27
 26.5
 
 
 
 
Haynesville/Cotton Valley
 
 
 1
 1.0
 3
 0.2
 7
 0.3
Permian Basin(2)
2
 5
 5.0
 44
 44.0
 
 
 
 
Other Southern
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
____________________________
(1) 
The 2 gross operated drilling well countwells in the Williston Basin represent wells in which intermediate casing had been set as of June 30, 2019.
(2)
The 5 gross operated drilling wells in the Permian Basin includes 13represent wells for which surface casing hashad been set but as of June 30, 2018, did not have a rig drilling.2019.


Each gross well completed in more than one producing zone is counted as a single well. Delays and well shut-ins resulting from multi-well pad drilling have caused and may continue to cause volatility in QEP's quarterly operating results. In addition, delays in completion of wells could impact planned conversion of PUD reserves to proved developed reserves. QEP had 2849 gross operated wells waiting on completion as of June 30, 2018.2019.



The following table presents the number of operated and non-operated wells completed and turned to sales (put on production) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018:2019:
Operated Put on Production Non-operated Put on ProductionOperated Put on Production Non-operated Put on Production
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, 2018 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2018 June 30, 2018June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019 June 30, 2019
Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross NetGross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net
Northern Region                              
Williston Basin11
 10.1
 11
 10.1
 2
 0.1
 2
 0.1

 
 
 
 5
 0.1
 5
 0.1
Uinta Basin
 
 2
 2.0
 
 
 
 
Other Northern
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Southern Region                              
Permian Basin37
 36.1
 68
 67.1
 
 
 
 
23
 23.0
 35
 34.9
 5
 0.4
 5
 0.4
Haynesville/Cotton Valley1
 1.0
 3
 3.0
 3
 0.1
 9
 0.5
Other Southern
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 




The following table presents the number of operated wells in the process of being drilled or waiting on completion at June 30, 20182019 and operated wells completed and turned to sales (put on production) for the six months ended June 30, 2018:2019:
Permian Basin Williston Basin Haynesville/Cotton Valley Uinta BasinPermian Basin Williston Basin
As of June 30, 2018As of June 30, 2019
Gross Net Gross Net Gross Net Gross NetGross Net Gross Net
Well Progress                      
Drilling25
 24.8
 
 
 
 
 
 
5
 5.0
 2
 2.0
                      
At total depth - under drilling rig2
 2.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
 6.0
 
 
Waiting to be completed12
 11.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
22
 22.0
 5
 4.4
Undergoing completion5
 4.8
 
 
 
 
 
 
4
 4.0
 
 
Completed, awaiting production8
 8.0
 
 
 1
 1.0
 
 
12
 12.0
 
 
Waiting on completion27
 26.5
 
 
 1
 1.0
 
 
44
 44.0
 5
 4.4
                      
Put on production68
 67.1
 11
 10.1
 3
 3.0
 2
 2.0
35
 34.9
 
 



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Net Income


QEP generated a net lossincome during the second quarter of 20182019 of $48.8 million or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $336.0 million or $1.42 per diluted share, compared to net income of $45.4 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2017. QEP's net loss was primarily due to a $403.7 million increase in impairment expense and a $185.8 million increase in unrealized and realized derivative losses. These increases to the net loss were partially offset by a $192.5 million increase in oil and condensate sales due to a 35% increase in oil and condensate production and a 16% increase in average net realized oil prices2018. QEP generated more income in the second quarter of 2019 than in 2018 comparedprimarily due to $403.7 million impairment expense recorded in the second quarter of 2017.2018.


During the first half of 2019, QEP generated a net loss during the first half of 20182019 of $67.9 million or $0.29 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $389.6 million or $1.63 per diluted share, compared to net income of $122.3 million or $0.51 per diluted share, in the first half of 2017. QEP's net loss was primarily due to a $404.3 million increase in impairment expense and a $399.9 million increase in unrealized and realized derivative losses. These increases to the net loss were partially offset by a $271.5 million increase in oil and condensate sales due to a 21% increase in oil and condensate production and a 13% increase in average net realized oil prices2018. QEP generated more income in the first half of 2019 than in 2018 comparedprimarily due to $403.7 million impairment expense recorded the in first half of 2017.2018.

See below for additional discussion regarding the components of net income (loss) for each of the periods presented.



Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)


Management defines Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization (EBITDA), adjusted to exclude changes in fair value of derivative contracts, exploration expenses, gains and losses from asset sales, impairment and certain other items. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate QEP's financial performance and trends, make operating decisions and allocate resources. Management believes the measure is useful supplemental information for investors because it eliminates the impact of certain nonrecurring, non-cash and/or other items that management does not consider as indicative of QEP's performance from period to period. QEP's Adjusted EBITDA may be determined or calculated differently than similarly titled measures of other companies in our industry, which would reduce the usefulness of this non-GAAP financial measure when comparing our performance to that of other companies.




Below is a reconciliation of net income (loss) (a(the most comparable GAAP measure) to Adjusted EBITDA. This non-GAAP measure should be considered by the reader in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.


Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172019 2018 2019 2018
(in millions)(in millions)
Net income (loss)$(336.0) $45.4
 $(389.6) $122.3
$48.8
 $(336.0) $(67.9) $(389.6)
Interest expense38.2
 34.9
 73.2
 68.7
33.2
 38.2
 67.2
 73.2
Interest and other (income) expense3.1
 (1.8) 3.8
 (2.4)(0.9) 3.1
 (3.7) 3.8
Income tax provision (benefit)(106.2) 27.3
 (120.1) 72.9
29.7
 (106.2) (82.3) (120.1)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization242.2
 191.5
 438.7
 383.3
128.0
 242.2
 251.3
 438.7
Unrealized (gains) losses on derivative contracts33.6
 (100.3) 43.6
 (277.6)(54.5) 33.6
 121.3
 43.6
Exploration expenses0.1
 
 0.1
 0.4

 0.1
 
 0.1
Net (gain) loss from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs3.9
 (19.8) 0.4
 (19.8)(17.8) 3.9
 (4.6) 0.4
Impairment403.7
 
 404.4
 0.1

 403.7
 5.0
 404.4
Adjusted EBITDA$282.6
 $177.2
 $454.5
 $347.9
$166.5
 $282.6
 $286.3
 $454.5


In the second quarter of 2019, Adjusted EBITDA increaseddecreased to $166.5 million compared to $282.6 million in the second quarter of 2018, from $177.2 million in the second quarter of 2017, primarily due to the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures, lower equivalent production in the Williston Basin and an 11% decrease in average field-level oil prices, partially offset by a 35%13% increase in oil and condensateequivalent production mainly in the Permian Basin, a 16% increase in average net realized oil prices and a 71% increase in gas production in Haynesville/Cotton Valley. These changes were partially offset by a $51.9$29.5 million increasedecrease in realized derivative losses a $36.4and $24.3 million decrease in gas sales primarily due togeneral and administrative expenses.

In the Pinedale divestiture, and a 4% reduction in average net realized gas prices in the second quarterfirst half of 2018 compared to the second quarter of 2017.

2019, Adjusted EBITDA increaseddecreased to $286.3 million compared to $454.5 million in the first half of 2018, from $347.9 millionprimarily due to the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures, lower equivalent production in the first half of 2017, primarily fromWilliston Basin and a 21%15% decrease in average field-level oil prices, partially offset by a 27% increase in oil and condensateequivalent production mainly in the Permian Basin, a 13% increase in average net realized oil prices and an 88% increase in gas production in Haynesville/Cotton Valley. These increases in the first half of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017 were partially offset by a $78.7$66.8 million increasedecrease in realized derivative losses and a $68.9$21.1 million decrease in gas sales, primarily due to the Pinedale Divestiture.general and administrative expenses.




Revenue


The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source.


Three Months Ended Six Months EndedThree Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,June 30, June 30,
2018 
2017(1)
 Change 2018 
2017(1)
 Change2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
      (in millions)(in millions)
Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as presented$294.6
 $520.3
 $(225.7) $570.2
 $930.1
 $(359.9)
Transportation and processing costs included in revenue(1)
12.7
 12.4
 0.3
 26.5
 25.1
 1.4
Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as adjusted(2)
307.3
 $532.7
 $(225.4) $596.7
 $955.2
 $(358.5)
           
Oil and condensate sales$408.5
 $216.0
 $192.5
 $709.2
 $437.7
 $271.5
$285.7
 $408.5
 $(122.8) $535.2
 $709.2
 $(174.0)
Gas sales97.8
 134.2
 (36.4) 199.8
 268.7
 (68.9)7.3
 97.8
 (90.5) 30.3
 199.8
 (169.5)
NGL sales26.4
 22.8
 3.6
 46.2
 51.8
 (5.6)14.3
 26.4
 (12.1) 31.2
 46.2
 (15.0)
Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as adjusted(2)
532.7
 373.0
 $159.7
 955.2
 758.2
 197.0
$307.3
 532.7
 $(225.4) $596.7
 $955.2
 $(358.5)
Transportation and processing costs included in revenue(3)
(12.4) 
 (12.4) (25.1) 
 (25.1)
Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as presented$520.3
 $373.0
 $147.3
 $930.1
 $758.2
 $171.9
____________________________
(1) 
Prior period amounts have not been adjusted underTransportation and processing costs are deducted from revenue and are a portion of total transportation and processing costs incurred. Refer to the modified retrospective methodOperating Expenses section below for the new revenue recognition rule, refer to Note 2 – Revenue in Part 1, Item Ia reconciliation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.total transportation and processing costs.


(2) 
Above is a reconciliation of Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales (a(the most comparable GAAP measure) as presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations is reconciled to Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as adjusted. Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as adjusted (a non-GAAP measure). Management excludes transportation and processing costs that are included as part of "Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Management removes these costsdeducted from "Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales" included on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operationsrevenue to reflect total revenue associated with its production prior to deducting any expenses. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure is useful supplemental information for investors as it is reflective of the total revenue generated from its wells for the period and is a more comparable measure to reported revenue of its peers.period. This non-GAAP measure should be considered by the reader in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statementsmeasure prepared in accordance with GAAP. Refer to Note 2 – Revenue in Part 1, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
(3)
Transportation and processing costs in the table above is not representative of total transportation and processing costs incurred. Refer to the Operating Expenses section below for a reconciliation of total transportation and processing costs.


Revenue, Volume and Price Variance Analysis


The following table shows volume and price related changes for each of QEP's adjusted production-related revenue categories for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017:2018:
Oil and condensate Gas NGL TotalOil and condensate Gas NGL Total
(in millions)(in millions)
Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as adjusted              
Three months ended June 30, 2017$216.0
 $134.2
 $22.8
 $373.0
Three months ended June 30, 2018$408.5
 $97.8
 $26.4
 $532.7
Changes associated with volumes(1)
75.3
 (21.9) (3.4) 50.0
(88.0) (79.4) 0.7
 (166.7)
Changes associated with prices(2)
117.2
 (14.5) 7.0
 109.7
(34.8) (11.1) (12.8) (58.7)
Three months ended June 30, 2018$408.5
 $97.8
 $26.4
 $532.7
Three months ended June 30, 2019$285.7
 $7.3
 $14.3
 $307.3
              
Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales, as adjusted              
Six months ended June 30, 2017$437.7
 $268.7
 $51.8
 $758.2
Six months ended June 30, 2018$709.2
 $199.8
 $46.2
 $955.2
Changes associated with volumes(1)
91.1
 (44.8) (12.5) 33.8
(80.4) (155.1) 7.0
 (228.5)
Changes associated with prices(2)
180.4
 (24.1) 6.9
 163.2
(93.6) (14.4) (22.0) (130.0)
Six months ended June 30, 2018$709.2
 $199.8
 $46.2
 $955.2
Six months ended June 30, 2019$535.2
 $30.3
 $31.2
 $596.7
____________________________


(1) 
The revenue variance attributed to the change in volume is calculated by multiplying the change in volume from the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, by the average field-level price for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017.2018.
(2) 
The revenue variance attributed to the change in price is calculated by multiplying the change in average field-level price from the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2017,2018, by the respective volumes for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.2019. Pricing changes are driven by changes in commodity average field-level prices, excluding the impact from commodity derivatives.




Production and Pricing
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
Total production volumes (Mboe)                      
Northern Region                      
Williston Basin4,459.7
 4,573.9
 (114.2) 8,189.4
 9,407.9
 (1,218.5)2,962.4
 4,459.7
 (1,497.3) 6,339.4
 8,189.4
 (1,850.0)
Pinedale
 3,316.7
 (3,316.7) 0.1
 6,831.6
 (6,831.5)
Uinta Basin821.7
 897.0
 (75.3) 1,626.2
 1,865.3
 (239.1)
 821.7
 (821.7) 
 1,626.2
 (1,626.2)
Other Northern42.8
 337.1
 (294.3) 148.2
 667.5
 (519.3)21.0
 42.8
 (21.8) 45.7
 148.3
 (102.6)
Southern Region    

     

    

     

Permian Basin4,016.2
 1,932.1
 2,084.1
 6,799.1
 3,321.6
 3,477.5
4,552.4
 4,016.2
 536.2
 8,634.7
 6,799.1
 1,835.6
Haynesville/Cotton Valley4,761.3
 2,792.3
 1,969.0
 9,051.8
 4,839.0
 4,212.8
(6.3) 4,761.3
 (4,767.6) 310.9
 9,051.8
 (8,740.9)
Other Southern4.4
 11.5
 (7.1) 15.9
 18.0
 (2.1)5.2
 4.4
 0.8
 10.3
 15.9
 (5.6)
Total production14,106.1
 13,860.6
 245.5
 25,830.7
 26,950.9
 (1,120.2)7,534.7
 14,106.1
 (6,571.4) 15,341.0
 25,830.7
 (10,489.7)
                      
Total equivalent prices (per Boe)                      
Average field-level equivalent price$37.77
 $26.91
 $10.86
 $36.98
 $28.13
 $8.85
$40.77
 $37.77
 $3.00
 $38.89
 $36.98
 $1.91
Commodity derivative impact(3.23) 0.46
 (3.69) (3.45) (0.36) (3.09)(2.13) (3.23) 1.10
 (1.43) (3.45) 2.02
Net realized equivalent price$34.54
 $27.37
 $7.17
 $33.53
 $27.77
 $5.76
$38.64
 $34.54
 $4.10
 $37.46
 $33.53
 $3.93





Oil and Condensate Volumes and Prices
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
Oil and condensate production volumes (Mbbl)                      
Northern Region                      
Williston Basin3,166.8
 3,076.5
 90.3
 5,779.0
 6,413.2
 (634.2)1,861.4
 3,166.8
 (1,305.4) 4,019.4
 5,779.0
 (1,759.6)
Pinedale
 137.7
 (137.7) 
 280.7
 (280.7)
Uinta Basin168.6
 162.5
 6.1
 320.3
 328.6
 (8.3)
 168.6
 (168.6) 
 320.3
 (320.3)
Other Northern19.2
 37.3
 (18.1) 57.0
 64.2
 (7.2)13.0
 19.2
 (6.2) 24.0
 57.0
 (33.0)
Southern Region 
  
  
       
  
  
      
Permian Basin3,207.2
 1,449.6
 1,757.6
 5,366.3
 2,451.3
 2,915.0
3,273.9
 3,207.2
 66.7
 6,188.4
 5,366.3
 822.1
Haynesville/Cotton Valley4.5
 5.7
 (1.2) 10.3
 12.9
 (2.6)
 4.5
 (4.5) (0.4) 10.3
 (10.7)
Other Southern1.3
 1.0
 0.3
 8.7
 2.1
 6.6
2.0
 1.3
 0.7
 2.5
 8.7
 (6.2)
Total production6,567.6
 4,870.3
 1,697.3
 11,541.6
 9,553.0
 1,988.6
5,150.3
 6,567.6
 (1,417.3) 10,233.9
 11,541.6
 (1,307.7)
Average field-level oil prices (per bbl)                      
Northern Region$64.99
 $43.86
 $21.13
 $63.14
 $45.27
 $17.87
$57.60
 $64.99
 $(7.39) $54.00
 $63.14
 $(9.14)
Southern Region$59.30
 $45.49
 $13.81
 $59.51
 $47.39
 $12.12
$54.24
 $59.30
 $(5.06) $51.18
 $59.51
 $(8.33)
                      
Average field-level price$62.21
 $44.35
 $17.86
 $61.45
 $45.82
 $15.63
$55.46
 $62.21
 $(6.75) $52.30
 $61.45
 $(9.15)
Commodity derivative impact(7.91) 2.37
 (10.28) (8.34) 0.99
 (9.33)(3.11) (7.91) 4.80
 (1.85) (8.34) 6.49
Net realized price$54.30
 $46.72
 $7.58
 $53.11
 $46.81
 $6.30
$52.35
 $54.30
 $(1.95) $50.45
 $53.11
 $(2.66)


Oil and condensate revenues increased $192.5decreased $122.8 million, or 89%30%, in the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 2017,2018, due to higherlower oil and condensate production volumes and lower average field-level prices. The 22% decrease in production volumes was primarily driven by a decrease in production in the Williston Basin due to the lack of new well completions in 2019 and the Uinta Basin Divestiture, partially offset by an increase in production in the Permian Basin due to continued drilling and completion activity. Average field-level oil prices decreased 11% in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018 primarily driven by a decrease in average NYMEX-WTI oil prices for the comparable periods, partially offset by a $1.46 per bbl, or 25%, decrease in the basis differential relative to the average NYMEX-WTI oil price in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018.

Oil and condensate revenues decreased $174.0 million, or 25%, in the first half of 2019 compared to the first half of 2018, due to lower average field-level prices and higherlower oil and condensate production volumes. Average field-level oil prices increased 40%decreased 15% in the second quarterfirst half of 20182019 compared to the second quarterfirst half of 20172018 primarily driven by an increasea decrease in average NYMEX-WTI oil prices for the comparable periods.periods and a $1.01 per bbl, or 25%, increase in the basis differential relative to the average NYMEX-WTI oil price in the first half of 2019 compared to the first half of 2018. The 35% increase11% decrease in production volumes was driven by increases in the Permian Basin due to increased drilling activity, partially offset by a loss of volumes from Pinedale as a result of the Pinedale Divestiture.

Oil and condensate revenues increased $271.5 million, or 62%, in the first half of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017, due to higher average field-level prices and higher oil and condensate production volumes. Average field-level oil prices increased 34% in the first half of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017 primarily driven by an increase in average NYMEX-WTI oil prices for the comparable periods. The 21% increase in production volumes was driven by an increase in the Permian Basin due to increased drilling activity, partially offset by decrease in production in the Williston Basin due to the lack of new well completions in 2019 and a loss of volumes from Pinedale as a result of the Pinedale Divestiture.Uinta Basin Divestiture, partially offset by an increase in production in the Permian Basin due to continued drilling and completion activity.





Gas Volumes and Prices
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018
2017 Change 2018 2017 Change2019
2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
Gas production volumes (Bcf)                      
Northern Region                      
Williston Basin3.8
 4.1
 (0.3) 7.2
 8.1
 (0.9)3.5
 3.8
 (0.3) 7.3
 7.2
 0.1
Pinedale
 17.6
 (17.6) 
 36.1
 (36.1)
Uinta Basin3.7
 4.2
 (0.5) 7.4
 8.8
 (1.4)
 3.7
 (3.7) 
 7.4
 (7.4)
Other Northern0.1
 1.8
 (1.7) 0.5
 3.6
 (3.1)
 0.1
 (0.1) 0.1
 0.5
 (0.4)
Southern Region          

          

Permian Basin2.1
 1.3
 0.8
 4.0
 2.5
 1.5
3.7
 2.1
 1.6
 7.1
 4.0
 3.1
Haynesville/Cotton Valley28.5
 16.7
 11.8
 54.2
 28.9
 25.3

 28.5
 (28.5) 1.9
 54.2
 (52.3)
Other Southern0.1
 0.1
 
 0.1
 0.1
 

 0.1
 (0.1) 
 0.1
 (0.1)
Total production38.3
 45.8
 (7.5) 73.4
 88.1
 (14.7)7.2
 38.3
 (31.1) 16.4
 73.4
 (57.0)
Average field-level gas prices (per Mcf)                      
Northern Region$2.17
 $2.86
 $(0.69) $2.48
 $3.05
 $(0.57)$2.15
 $2.17
 $(0.02) $2.72
 $2.48
 $0.24
Southern Region$2.65
 $3.03
 $(0.38) $2.78
 $3.05
 $(0.27)$(0.06) $2.65
 $(2.71) $1.12
 $2.78
 $(1.66)
                      
Average field-level price$2.55
 $2.93
 $(0.38) $2.72
 $3.05
 $(0.33)$1.01
 $2.55
 $(1.54) $1.84
 $2.72
 $(0.88)
Commodity derivative impact0.17
 (0.11) 0.28
 0.10
 (0.22) 0.32

 0.17
 (0.17) (0.18) 0.10
 (0.28)
Net realized price$2.72
 $2.82
 $(0.10) $2.82
 $2.83
 $(0.01)$1.01
 $2.72
 $(1.71) $1.66
 $2.82
 $(1.16)


Gas revenues decreased $36.4$90.5 million, or 27%93%, in the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 2017,2018, due to lower gas production volumes and lower average field-level prices. Production volumes decreased primarily due to the Pinedale Divestiture and divestitures in the Other Northern area. These production decreases were partially offset by an increase in production81% in the second quarter of 2018 in Haynesville/Cotton Valley. The 71% increase in gas production in Haynesville/Cotton Valley was due to the continued refracturing and drilling programs. Average field-level gas prices decreased 13% in the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 2017,2018, primarily due to the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. Average field-level gas prices decreased 60% in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018, primarily driven by a decrease in average NYMEX-HH gas spot prices and regional basis differentials, particularly in the Permian Basin, for the comparable periods.


Gas revenues decreased $68.9$169.5 million, or 26%85%, in the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017,2018, due to lower gas production volumes and lower average field-level prices. Production volumes decreased primarily due to the Pinedale Divestiture, divestitures in the Other Northern area and decreases in the Uinta Basin due to normal decline, partially offset by two new well completions in the Uinta Basin late in the first quarter of 2018. These production decreases were partially offset by an 87% increase in gas production78% in the first half of 2018 in Haynesville/Cotton Valley. The increase in gas production in Haynesville/Cotton Valley was due to the continued refracturing and drilling programs. Average field-level gas prices decreased 11% in the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017,2018, primarily driven by a decrease in average NYMEX-HH gas prices for the comparable periods.



NGL Volumes and Prices
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change
NGL production volumes (Mbbl)           
Northern Region           
Williston Basin666.7
 822.7
 (156.0) 1,218.1
 1,645.9
 (427.8)
Pinedale
 231.5
 (231.5) 
 524.0
 (524.0)
Uinta Basin34.9
 33.6
 1.3
 71.2
 75.0
 (3.8)
Other Northern2.4
 3.9
 (1.5) 5.7
 8.2
 (2.5)
Southern Region          

Permian Basin448.4
 259.8
 188.6
 761.3
 447.6
 313.7
Haynesville/Cotton Valley0.2
 2.7
 (2.5) 0.3
 8.7
 (8.4)
Other Southern0.2
 0.7
 (0.5) 0.6
 0.9
 (0.3)
Total production1,152.8
 1,354.9
 (202.1) 2,057.2
 2,710.3
 (653.1)
Average field-level NGL prices (per bbl)           
Northern Region$23.44
 $17.37
 $6.07
 $23.05
 $19.82
 $3.23
Southern Region$21.91
 $14.77
 $7.14
 $21.49
 $15.62
 $5.87
            
Average field-level price$22.84
 $16.86
 $5.98
 $22.47
 $19.11
 $3.36
Commodity derivative impact
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized price$22.84
 $16.86
 $5.98
 $22.47
 $19.11
 $3.36

NGL production volumes and revenues represent the sale of liquids derived from the processing of QEP's natural gas production. NGL revenues increased $3.6 million, or 16%, during the second quarter of 2018 compared to the second quarter of 2017, due to higher average field-level prices, partially offset by lower NGL production volumes. The 35% increase in NGL prices during the second quarter of 2018 compared to the second quarter of 2017, was primarily driven by an increase in propane, ethane and other NGL component prices. The increase in price was partially offset by a 15% decrease in NGL production volumes. The decrease was primarily driven by a loss of volumes from Pinedale due to the Pinedale DivestitureHaynesville/Cotton Valley and a production decrease in the WillistonUinta Basin due to declining gas volumes and a lower amount of ethane allocated to us by the midstream provider in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the second quarter of 2017. These production decreases weredivestitures, partially offset by an increase in production in the Permian Basin due to increasedcontinued drilling and completion activity.

NGL revenues Average field-level gas prices decreased $5.6 million, or 11%, during32% in the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017,2018, primarily driven by a decrease in average NYMEX-HH gas spot prices and regional basis differentials for the comparable periods.



NGL Volumes and Prices
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
NGL production volumes (Mbbl)           
Northern Region       ��   
Williston Basin526.6
 666.7
 (140.1) 1,105.4
 1,218.1
 (112.7)
Uinta Basin
 34.9
 (34.9) 
 71.2
 (71.2)
Other Northern0.7
 2.4
 (1.7) 0.4
 5.7
 (5.3)
Southern Region          

Permian Basin658.6
 448.4
 210.2
 1,258.5
 761.3
 497.2
Haynesville/Cotton Valley
 0.2
 (0.2) 
 0.3
 (0.3)
Other Southern0.1
 0.2
 (0.1) 0.5
 0.6
 (0.1)
Total production1,186.0
 1,152.8
 33.2
 2,364.8
 2,057.2
 307.6
Average field-level NGL prices (per bbl)           
Northern Region$10.96
 $23.44
 $(12.48) $11.91
 $23.05
 $(11.14)
Southern Region$12.94
 $21.91
 $(8.97) $14.30
 $21.49
 $(7.19)
            
Average field-level price$12.06
 $22.84
 $(10.78) $13.18
 $22.47
 $(9.29)
Commodity derivative impact
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized price$12.06
 $22.84
 $(10.78) $13.18
 $22.47
 $(9.29)

NGL revenues decreased $12.1 million, or 46%, during the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018, due to lower NGL production volumes,average field-level prices, partially offset by higher average field-level prices.NGL production volumes. The 24%47% decrease in NGL production volumesprices during the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018 was primarily driven by a lossdecrease in propane, ethane and other NGL component prices. The decrease in price was partially offset by a 3% increase in NGL production volumes primarily driven by continued drilling and completion activity and higher gas capture rates as a result of volumes from Pinedale due to the Pinedale Divestiture andcompletion of our midstream infrastructure in the Permian Basin, partially offset by production decreases in the Williston Basin due to declining gas volumesthe lack of new well completions in 2019 and a lower amountthe Uinta Basin Divestiture.

NGL revenues decreased $15.0 million, or 32%, during the first half of ethane allocated2019 compared to us by the midstream provider in the first half of 2018, compareddue to the first half 2017. These decreases werelower average field-level prices, partially offset by an increase inhigher NGL production in the Permian Basin due to increased drilling activity.volumes. The overall41% decrease in production volumes was partially offset by an 18% increase in NGL prices during the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017,2018 was primarily driven by an increasea decrease in propane, ethane and other NGL component prices. The decrease in price was partially offset by a 15% increase in NGL production volumes primarily driven by continued drilling and completion activity and higher gas capture rates as a result of the completion of our midstream infrastructure in the Permian Basin, partially offset by production decreases in the Williston Basin due to the lack of new well completions in 2019 and the Uinta Basin Divestiture.




Resale Margin and Storage Activity


QEP purchases and resells oil and gas primarily to mitigate losses on unutilized capacitycredit risk related to third party purchasers, to fulfill volume commitments when our production does not fulfill contractual commitments and to capture additional margin from subsequent sales of third party purchases. With the Pinedale and Uinta Basin divestitures in 2018 and the Haynesville Divestiture (which included our firm transportation commitmentsagreements) in the first quarter of 2019, purchase and storage activities. resale of gas will be minimal going forward. The following table is a summary of QEP's financial results from its resale activities.
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
(in millions)(in millions)
Purchased oil and gas sales$9.1
 $8.0
 $1.1
 $23.2
 $38.9
 $(15.7)$
 $9.1
 $(9.1) $1.3
 $23.2
 $(21.9)
Purchased oil and gas expense(9.8) (9.1) (0.7) (25.3) (38.5) 13.2

 (9.8) 9.8
 (1.4) (25.3) 23.9
Realized gains (losses) on gas storage derivative contracts0.1
 
 0.1
 0.3
 (0.2) 0.5

 0.1
 (0.1) 
 0.3
 (0.3)
Resale margin$(0.6) $(1.1) $0.5
 $(1.8) $0.2
 $(2.0)$
 $(0.6) $0.6
 $(0.1) $(1.8) $1.7


Purchased oil and gas sales and expense increased duringwere lower in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018, compared to second quarter of 2017,primarily due to an increase in resale volumesthe fulfillment of a gas sales agreement related to meet Northern Region gas transportation commitmentsPinedale that was retained inand not part of the various divestitures partially offset by lower resale volumes needed to meet gas transportationPinedale Divestiture, and fulfillment of our firm volume commitments in the Southern Region due to increased production.Haynesville/Cotton Valley and our underground storage facility, which were divested in January 2019 and May 2018, respectively.


Purchased oil and gas sales and expense decreased duringwere lower in the first half of 2019 compared to the first half of 2018, compared to first half of 2017,primarily due to lower resale volumes neededthe fulfillment of a gas sales agreement related to meet gas transportationPinedale that was retained and not part of the Pinedale Divestiture, and fulfillment of our firm volume commitments in the Southern Region due to increased production.Haynesville/Cotton Valley and our underground storage facility, which were divested in January 2019 and May 2018, respectively.






Operating Expenses


The following table presents QEP production costs and production costs on a per unit of production basis:


Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
(in millions)(in millions)
Lease operating expense$66.5
 $70.0
 $(3.5) $139.0
 $139.2
 $(0.2)$45.7
 $66.5
 $(20.8) $97.2
 $139.0
 $(41.8)
Adjusted transportation and processing costs(1)
43.6
 72.2
 (28.6) 90.3
 142.4
 (52.1)22.6
 43.6
 (21.0) 47.3
 90.3
 (43.0)
Production and property taxes37.6
 28.5
 9.1
 66.5
 57.6
 8.9
23.6
 37.6
 (14.0) 47.6
 66.5
 (18.9)
Total production costs$147.7
 $170.7
 $(23.0) $295.8
 $339.2
 $(43.4)$91.9
 $147.7
 $(55.8) $192.1
 $295.8
 $(103.7)
(per Boe)(per Boe)
Lease operating expense$4.71
 $5.05
 $(0.34) $5.38
 $5.17
 $0.21
$6.06
 $4.71
 $1.35
 $6.34
 $5.38
 $0.96
Adjusted transportation and processing costs(1)
3.09
 5.21
 (2.12) 3.49
 5.28
 (1.79)3.00
 3.09
 (0.09) 3.09
 3.49
 (0.40)
Production and property taxes2.66
 2.06
 0.60
 2.57
 2.14
 0.43
3.13
 2.66
 0.47
 3.10
 2.57
 0.53
Total production costs$10.46
 $12.32
 $(1.86) $11.44
 $12.59
 $(1.15)$12.19
 $10.46
 $1.73
 $12.53
 $11.44
 $1.09
____________________________
(1) 
Below are reconciliations of transportation and processing costs (a(the most comparable GAAP measure) as presented on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and on a unit of production basis to adjusted transportation and processing costs. Adjusted transportation and processing costs includes transportation and processing costs that are reflected as part of "Oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales" on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Management adds these costs together with transportation and processing costs reflected on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations to reflect the total operating costs associated with its production. Management believes that this non-GAAP measure is useful supplemental information for investors as it is reflective of the total production costs required to operate the wells for the period and is a more comparable measure to the operating costs of its peers.period. This non-GAAP measure should be considered by the reader in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statementsmeasure prepared in accordance with GAAP. Refer to Note 2 – Revenue in Part 1, Item I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 
2017(1)
 Change 2018 
2017(1)
 Change2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
(in millions)(in millions)
Transportation and processing costs, as presented$9.9
 $31.2
 $(21.3) $20.8
 $65.2
 $(44.4)
Transportation and processing costs deducted from oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales12.7
 12.4
 0.3
 26.5
 25.1
 1.4
Adjusted transportation and processing costs$43.6
 $72.2
 $(28.6) $90.3
 $142.4
 $(52.1)$22.6
 $43.6
 $(21.0) $47.3
 $90.3
 $(43.0)
(per Boe)
Transportation and processing costs, as presented$1.31
 $2.21
 $(0.90) $1.36
 $2.52
 $(1.16)
Transportation and processing costs deducted from oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales(12.4) 
 (12.4) (25.1) 
 (25.1)1.69
 0.88
 0.81
 1.73
 0.97
 0.76
Transportation and processing costs, as presented$31.2
 $72.2
 $(41.0) $65.2
 $142.4
 $(77.2)
(per Boe)
Adjusted transportation and processing costs$3.09
 $5.21
 $(2.12) $3.49
 $5.28
 $(1.79)$3.00
 $3.09
 $(0.09) $3.09
 $3.49
 $(0.40)
Transportation and processing costs deducted from oil and condensate, gas and NGL sales(0.88) 
 (0.88) (0.97) 
 (0.97)
Transportation and processing costs, as presented$2.21
 $5.21
 $(3.00) $2.52
 $5.28
 $(2.76)
    ____________________________
(1)
Prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method for the new revenue recognition rule. Refer to Note 2 – Revenue in Part 1, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.



Lease operating expense (LOE). QEP's LOE decreased $3.5$20.8 million, or 5%31%, in the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 20172018, primarily due to the Pinedale Divestiture.Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. Excluding Pinedale,those divestitures, LOE increased $5.0decreased $5.8 million, primarily driven by increasesa decrease in maintenance and repair expenses, labor and water disposal in the Permian Basin due to the 2017 Permian Basin Acquisition, and increased maintenance and repairs, power and fuel and chemical expenses.Williston Basin.



During the second quarter of 2018,2019, LOE decreased $0.34increased $1.35 per Boe, or 7%29%, compared withto the second quarter of 2017,2018, but was down 19%flat excluding the loss of lower LOE production in Pinedale as a result ofdue to the Pinedale Divestiture.Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. The 19%flat per BOE decreaserate was related to lower cost production from the recent horizontal well completions in the Permian Basin and Haynesville/Cotton Valley.offset by decreased production in the Williston Basin.


QEP's LOE decreased $0.2$41.8 million, or 30%, in the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017,2018, primarily due to the Pinedale Divestiture.Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. Excluding Pinedale,those divestitures, LOE increased $17.1decreased $9.6 million, primarily driven by increasesa decrease in workovers and maintenance and repair expenses in the Permian Basin, Williston Basin and Haynesville/Cotton Valley. The Permian Basin increase relates to the 2017 Permian Basin Acquisition, and increased maintenance and repairs, power and fuel and chemical expenses. The Williston Basin increase was due to increased power and fuel, compression and labor costs. The Haynesville/Cotton Valley increase was due to higher labor and water disposal costs.Basin.


During the first half of 2018,2019, LOE increased $0.21$0.96 per Boe, or 4%18%, compared withto the first half of 2017, due to2018, but was down 8% excluding the loss of lower LOE production in Pinedale as a result ofdue to the Pinedale Divestiture. Excluding the Pinedale Divestiture, LOEHaynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. The 8% per BoeBOE decrease was down 12% primarily duerelated to lower cost production from the recent horizontal well completions in the Permian Basin, and Haynesville/Cotton Valley partially offset by an increasedecreased production in ourthe Williston Basin rate due to increased expenses on declining production volumes.Basin.


Adjusted transportation and processing costs.costs (non-GAAP). Adjusted transportation and processing costs decreased $28.6$21.0 million, or 40%48%, in the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018. The decrease in expense was primarily due to the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. Excluding those divestitures, adjusted transportation and processing costs decreased $1.7 million, primarily due to decreased production in the Williston Basin, partially offset by increased production in the Permian Basin.

During the second quarter of 2019, adjusted transportation and processing costs decreased $0.09 per Boe, or 3%, during the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 2017.2018. The decrease in expense was primarily attributable to the Pinedale Divestiture.

During the second quarter of 2018, adjusted transportation and processing costs decreased $2.12 per Boe, or 41%, compared to the second quarter of 2017, due to the Pinedale Divestiture,Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures, which had higher adjusted transportation and processing costs per Boe. Excluding the Pinedale Divestiture,Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures, adjusted transportation and processing costs per Boe were down 28% due to decreases in both Haynesville/Cotton Valley and the Permian Basin during the second quarter of 2018 compared to the second quarter of 2017. The cost per Boe decreased in Haynesville/Cotton Valleyup 5% due to increased gas and NGL production, that increased utilization of the Company's firm transportation commitments on interstate pipelines. The cost per Boe decrease in the Permian Basin was driven by increased production and associated throughput under lower costwhich has higher adjusted transportation and processing contracts.costs per Boe.


Adjusted transportation and processing costs decreased $52.1$43.0 million, or 37%48%, in the first half of 2019 compared to the first half of 2018. The decrease in expense was primarily due to the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. Excluding those divestitures, adjusted transportation and processing costs decreased $1.0 million, primarily due to decreased production in the Williston Basin, partially offset by increased production in the Permian Basin.

During the first half of 2019, adjusted transportation and processing costs decreased $0.40 per Boe, or 11%, during the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017.2018. The decrease in expense was primarily attributable to the Pinedale Divestiture.

During the first half of 2018, adjusted transportation and processing costs decreased $1.79 per Boe, or 34%, compared to the first half of 2017, due to the Pinedale Divestiture,Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures, which had higher adjusted transportation and processing costs per Boe. Excluding the Pinedale Divestiture,Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures, adjusted transportation and processing costs per Boe were down 23% due to a decrease in Haynesville/Cotton Valley and the Permian Basin during the first half of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017. The cost per Boe decreased in Haynesville/Cotton Valley2% due to increased production that increased utilization of the Company's firm transportation commitments on interstate pipelines. The cost per Boe decrease in the Permian Basin, was driven by increased production and associated throughput underwhich has lower costadjusted transportation and processing contracts.costs per Boe.


General and administrative (G&A) expense. During the second quarter of 2018, G&A expense increased $24.5 million, or 78%, compared to the second quarter of 2017. During the second quarter of 2018, QEP incurred $9.5 million in restructuring costs associated with the implementation of our Strategic Initiatives, of which $6.3 million relates to retention expense, $1.7 million of termination benefits, $1.2 million of accelerated share-based compensation and $0.3 million related to office lease termination costs (refer to Note 8 – Restructuring, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). In addition to these restructuring related costs, QEP recognized an $11.7 million increase in share-based compensation and changes in the mark-to-market value of the Deferred Compensation Wrap Plan and a $4.5 million increase related to reduced overhead recoveries, primarily associated with our Pinedale Divestiture.



During the first half of 2018, G&A expense increased $51.0 million, or 79%, compared to the first half of 2017. During the first half of 2018, QEP incurred $17.4 million in restructuring costs associated with the implementation of our Strategic Initiatives, of which $8.0 million relates to retention expense, $5.1 million of termination benefits $4.0 million of accelerated share-based compensation and $0.3 million related to office lease termination costs (refer to Note 8 – Restructuring, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). In addition to these restructuring related costs, QEP recognized a $16.7 million increase in share-based compensation and changes in the mark-to-market value of the Deferred Compensation Wrap Plan, a $8.2 million increase related to reduced overhead recoveries, primarily associated with our Pinedale Divestiture and a $5.0 million increase in legal and outside expenses related to our Strategic Initiatives.

Production and property taxes. In most states in which QEP operates, QEP pays production taxes based on a percentage of field-level revenue, except in Louisiana, where severance taxes are volume-based. Production and property taxes increased $9.1decreased $14.0 million, or 32%37%, in the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 2017,2018, primarily due to increased oil pricing and increased oil and condensate productiondecreased revenues in the Williston and Permian basins, and increased gas production inBasin as well as the Haynesville/Cotton Valley partially offset by the Pinedale Divestiture.and Uinta Basin divestitures.


During the second quarter of 2018,2019, production and property taxes increased $0.60$0.47 per Boe, or 29%18%, compared to the second quarter of 2017,2018, but increased 63%decreased 16% excluding the Pinedale Divestiture.Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. The 63% increase16% decrease was due to an increase in average field-level equivalent prices in the Permian and Williston basins offset by a lower rate per Boe in Haynesville/Cotton Valley due to lower non-operated ad valorem charges and franchise taxes per Boe.

Production and property taxes increased $8.9 million, or 15%, in the first half of 2018 compared to the first half of 2017, primarily due to increased oil pricing and increased oil and condensate production in the Permian Basin, and increased gas production in Haynesville/Cotton Valley, partially offset by the Pinedale Divestiture.

During the first half of 2018, production and property taxes increased $0.43 per Boe, or 20%, compared to the first half of 2017, but increased 57% excluding the Pinedale Divestiture. The 57% increase was due to an increasedecrease in average field-level equivalent prices in the Permian and Williston basins, partially offset by a lower ratehigher ad valorem charges per Boe in the Permian Basin.

Production and property taxes decreased $18.9 million, or 28%, in the first half of 2019 compared to the first half of 2018, primarily due to decreased revenues in the Williston Basin as well as the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures.

During the first half of 2019, production and property taxes increased $0.53 per Boe, or 21%, compared to the first half of 2018, but decreased 14% excluding the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures. The 14% decrease was due to lower non-operateda decrease in average field-level equivalent prices in the Permian and Williston basins, partially offset by higher ad valorem charges and franchise taxes per Boe.Boe in the Permian Basin.



Depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A). DD&A expense increased $50.7decreased $114.2 million in the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 2017,2018, primarily in the Williston Basin due to increaseda lower rate and decreased production, as well as the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and a higherUinta Basin divestitures. The decreased DD&A rate in the PermianWilliston Basin and Haynesville/Cotton Valley,was driven by a 2018 impairment. This decrease was partially offset by lowerincreased DD&A in the Permian Basin due to the Pinedale Divestiture.increased volumes and a slightly higher DD&A rate.


DD&A expense increased $55.4decreased $187.4 million in the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017,2018, primarily in the Williston Basin due to increaseda lower DD&A rate and decreased production, as well as the Haynesville/Cotton Valley and a higherUinta Basin divestitures. The decreased DD&A rate in the PermianWilliston Basin and Haynesville/Cotton Valley,was driven by a 2018 impairment. This decrease was partially offset by lowerincreased DD&A in the Permian Basin due to the Pinedale Divestiture.increased volumes and a slightly higher DD&A rate.


Impairment expense. During the second quarter of 2019, there were no impairment charges. During the second quarter of 2018, QEP recorded impairment charges of $403.7 million, which were primarily due to the impairment of proved and unproved properties related to the Uinta Basin Divestiture.


During the first half of 2019, QEP recorded impairment charges of $5.0 million, which related to impairment of an office building operating lease. During the first half of 2018, QEP recorded impairment charges of $404.4 million, of which $402.8 million of proved and unproved properties impairment was triggered by the Uinta Basin Divestiture and $1.6 million was related to expiring leaseholds on unproved properties and impairment of proved properties related to a divestiture in the Other Northern area.


General and administrative (G&A) expense. During the second quarter of 2019, G&A expense decreased $24.3 million, or 44%, compared to the second quarter of 2018. During the second quarter of 2019 and 2018, QEP incurred $7.2 million and $13.0 million, respectively, in costs associated with the implementation of our strategic initiatives, of which $6.0 million and $9.5 million, respectively, related to restructuring costs (refer to Note 9 – Restructuring, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). Excluding these costs, G&A expense decreased by $18.7 million, primarily due to $19.1 million lower labor, benefits and other associated costs due to the reduction in our workforce, partially offset by a $2.3 million decrease in overhead recoveries, primarily associated with our Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures.

During the first half of 2019, G&A expense decreased $21.1 million, or 18%, compared to the first half of 2018. During the first half of 2019 and 2018, QEP incurred $33.2 million and $22.5 million, respectively, in costs associated with the implementation of our strategic initiatives, of which $26.3 million and $17.4 million, respectively, related to restructuring costs (refer to Note 9 – Restructuring, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). Excluding these costs, G&A expense decreased by $31.9 million, primarily due to $29.1 million lower labor, benefits and other associated costs due to the reduction in our workforce and $4.6 million in lower legal and outside service costs, partially offset by a $5.0 million decrease in overhead recoveries, primarily associated with our Haynesville/Cotton Valley and Uinta Basin divestitures.

Net gain (loss) from asset sales, inclusive of restructuring costs. During the second quarter of 2019, QEP recognized a gain on the sale of assets of $17.8 million, of which $14.3 million related to the Haynesville Divestiture. During the second quarter of 2018, QEP recognized a loss on the sale of assets of $3.9 million primarily related to a pre-tax loss of $1.9 million related to estimated restructuring costs associated with the Uinta Basin Divestiture (refer to Note 89 – Restructuring, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information). In addition, QEP recognized a pre-tax loss of $2.0 million related to the divestiture of properties outside our main operating areas in the Uinta Basin and the Other Northern area, and an underground gas storage facility.

During the second quarterfirst half of 2017,2019, QEP recognized a gain on the sale of assets of $19.8$4.6 million primarily related to the $5.5 million gain from the divestiture of other properties, partially offset by a net pre-tax loss on sale of $0.7 million related to the saleour Haynesville Divestiture, which included $4.3 million of non-core Other Northern properties.

restructuring costs (refer to Note 9 – Restructuring, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information). During the first half of 2018, QEP recognized a loss on the sale of assets of $0.4 million primarily comprised of $1.9 million of estimated restructuring costs associated with the Uinta Basin Divestiture (refer to Note 89 – Restructuring, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information) partially offset by a net pre-tax gain on sale of assets of $1.5 million related to the divestiture of properties outside our main operating areas in the Uinta Basin, Pinedale and the Other Northern area, and an underground gas storage facility. During the first half of 2017, QEP recognized a gain on the sale of assets of $19.8 million related to the sale of non-core Other Northern properties.





Non-operating Expenses


Realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative contracts. Gains and losses on derivative contracts are comprised of both realized and unrealized gains and losses on QEP's commodity derivative contracts, which are marked-to-market each quarter. During the second quarter of 2019, gains on commodity derivative contracts were $38.5 million, of which $54.5 million were unrealized gains and $16.0 million were realized losses on settled derivative contracts. During the second quarter of 2018, losses on commodity derivative contracts were $79.1 million, of which $45.5 million were realized losses and $33.6 million were unrealized losses.

During the second quarterfirst half of 2017, gains2019, losses on commodity derivative contracts were $106.7$143.2 million, of which $100.3$123.1 million were unrealized losses, $21.9 million were realized losses on settled derivative contracts, and $1.8 million were unrealized gains and $6.4 million were realized gains.

related to the Haynesville Divestiture (refer to Note 7 – Derivative Contracts, in Item I of Part I of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information). During the first half of 2018, losses on commodity derivative contracts were $132.3 million, of which $88.7 million were realized losses and $43.6 million were unrealized losses. During the first half of 2017, gains on commodity derivative contracts were $267.6 million, of which $277.6 million were unrealized gains and $10.0 million were realized losses.


Interest expense. Interest expense increased $3.3decreased $5.0 million, or 9%13%, during the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 2017.2018. The increasedecrease during the second quarter of 20182019 was primarily related to increased interest on thedecreased borrowings under the credit facility partially offset by lower interest rates on senior notes.facility.


Interest expense increased $4.5decreased $6.0 million, or 7%8%, during the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017.2018. The increasedecrease during the first half of 20182019 was primarily related to increased interest on thedecreased borrowings under the credit facility partially offset by lower interest rates on senior notes.facility.


Income tax (provision) benefit. Income tax benefitexpense increased $133.5$135.9 million during the second quarter of 20182019 compared to the second quarter of 2017.2018. The increase in benefitexpense was the result of net income during the second quarter of 2019 compared to a net loss during the second quarter of 2018 compared to net2018. QEP’s effective federal and state income tax rate of 37.8% during the second quarter of 2017 and2019 compared to a lowerrate of 24.0% during the second quarter of 2018 is primarily driven by the impact of non-deductible executive compensation during the second quarter of 2019 compared to the second quarter of 2018.

Income tax benefit decreased $37.8 million during the first half of 2019 compared to the first half of 2018. QEP's income tax benefit during the first half of 2019 was impacted by a higher combined effective federal and state income tax rate of 24.0% during the second quarter of 2018 compared to a rate of 37.6% during the second quarter of 2017. The decrease in income tax rate was primarily the result of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (H.R. 1) signed into law in December 2017.

Income tax benefit increased $193.0 million54.8% during the first half of 20182019 compared to the first half of 2017. The increase in benefit was the result of a net loss during the first half of 2018 compared to net income during the first half of 2017 and a lower combined effective federal and state income tax rate of 23.6% during the first half of 2018 compared2018. The increase in effective income tax rate was primarily driven by the re-measurement of QEP's deferred tax assets and liabilities at a lower blended state tax rate due to exiting the state of Louisiana as a rateresult of 37.3%the Haynesville Divestiture during the first half of 2017. The decrease in income tax rate was primarily the result of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (H.R. 1) signed into law in December 2017.2019.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES


QEP strives to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure financial flexibility, withstand commodity price volatility and fund its development projects, operations, capital expenditures, debt maturities, quarterly dividends and Strategic Initiatives.costs related to its strategic initiatives. The Company utilizes derivative contracts to reduce the financial impact of commodity price volatility and provide a level of certainty to the Company's cash flows. QEP generally funds its operations and planned capital expenditures with cash flow from its operating activities, cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility. QEP also periodically accesses debt and equity markets and sells properties to enhance its liquidity. The Company expects that cash flows from its operating activities, cash on hand and borrowings under its revolving credit facility will be sufficient to fund its operations, and capital expenditures, debt maturities and quarterly dividends during the next 12 months and the foreseeable future.


During the six months ended June 30, 2019, QEP also periodically accesses debt and equity markets and sells properties. Inclosed the first halfHaynesville Divestiture for net cash proceeds of 2018,$627.1 million, subject to post closing purchase price adjustments. QEP engaged advisors to assist with the divestiture of its Williston Basin and Uinta Basin assets and provided data for potential buyers to evaluate. If the marketing of these assets is successful, the Company plans to useused the proceeds to fund on-going operations, reduce debt, repurchase sharesrepay the outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. In July 2019, QEP reached final settlement on asserted title defects and received an additional $9.5 million.


As of June 30, 2019, the Company had $97.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, no borrowings under its revolving credit facility and $2.9 million in letters of credit outstanding. The Company estimates that as of June 30, 2018,2019, it could incur additional indebtedness of approximately $675.0$551.1 million and be in compliance with the covenants contained in its revolving credit facility. To the extent actual operating results, realized commodity prices or uses of cash differ from the Company's assumptions, QEP's ability to incur additional indebtedness and liquidity could be adversely affected.





Credit Facility
QEP's revolving credit facility, which matures, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, in September 2022, provides for loan commitments of $1.25 billion. The credit facility provides for borrowings at short-term interest rates and contains customary covenants and restrictions. The credit agreement governing QEP's revolving credit facility contains financial covenants (that are defined in the credit agreement) that limit the amount of debt the Company can incur and may limit the amount available to be drawn under the credit facility including: (i) a net funded debt to capitalization ratio that may not exceed 60%, (ii) a leverage ratio under which net funded debt may not exceed 4.003.75 times consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement) commencing with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2018, through the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2018,, and 3.75 times thereafter, and (iii) during a ratings trigger period (as defined), a present value coverage ratio under which the present value of the Company's proved reserves must exceed net funded debt by 1.25 times at any time prior to January 1, 2019, must exceed net funded debt by 1.40 times commencing on January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019, and must exceed net funded debt by 1.50 times at any time on or after January 1, 2020. The Company is currently not subject to the present value coverage ratio. As of June 30, 20182019 and 2017,December 31, 2018, QEP was in compliance with the covenants under the credit agreement.


During the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, QEP's weighted-average interest rate on borrowings from its credit facility was 4.22%4.73%. As of June 30, 2019, QEP had no borrowings outstanding and $2.9 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2018, QEP had $575.0$430.0 million of borrowings outstanding and $0.3 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. As of December 31, 2017,July 19, 2019, QEP had $89.0 million ofno borrowings outstanding and $1.0 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility. As of July 20, 2018, QEP had $525.0 million of borrowings outstanding, had $0.3$2.9 million in letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility and was in compliance with the covenants under the credit agreement.


Senior Notes
The Company's senior notes outstanding as of June 30, 2018,2019, totaled $2,099.3 million principal amount and are comprised of five issuances as follows:


$51.7 million 6.80% Senior Notes due March 2020;
$397.6 million 6.875% Senior Notes due March 2021;
$500.0 million 5.375% Senior Notes due October 2022;
$650.0 million 5.25% Senior Notes due May 2023; and
$500.0 million 5.625% Senior Notes due March 2026.


Cash Flow from Operating Activities


Cash flows from operating activities are primarily affected by oil and condensate, gas and NGL production volumes and commodity prices (including the effects of settlements of the Company's derivative contracts) and by changes in working capital. QEP typically enters into commodity derivative transactions covering a substantial, but varying, portion of its anticipated future oil and gascondensate production for the next 12 to 24 months.


Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities is presented below:
Six Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 Change2019 2018 Change
(in millions)(in millions)
Net income (loss)$(389.6) $122.3
 $(511.9)$(67.9) $(389.6) $321.7
Non-cash adjustments to net income (loss)792.2
 163.0
 629.2
296.5
 785.1
 (488.6)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities(25.7) 10.7
 (36.4)(32.9) (18.6) (14.3)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$376.9
 $296.0
 $80.9
$195.7
 $376.9
 $(181.2)

Net cash provided by operating activities was $195.7 million during the first half of 2019, which included $67.9 million of net loss, $296.5 million of non-cash adjustments to the net loss and $32.9 million in changes in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash adjustments to the net loss of $296.5 million primarily included DD&A expense of $251.3 million, $121.3 million of unrealized losses on derivative contracts and $11.2 million of non-cash share-based compensation expense, partially offset by $87.7 million of deferred income taxes benefit and net gain from assets sales, inclusive of restructuring costs, of $4.6 million.

The decrease in changes in operating assets and liabilities of $32.9 million primarily resulted from decreases in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $54.0 million, other long-term liabilities of $11.8 million and accrued production and property taxes of $8.0 million, partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable of $21.2 million, a decrease in inventory of $9.0 million, an increase in accrued income taxes of $5.1 million and a decrease in prepaid expenses of $4.0 million.



Net cash provided by operating activities was $376.9 million during the first half of 2018, which included $389.6 million of net loss, $792.2$785.1 million of non-cash adjustments to the net loss and $25.7$18.6 million in changes in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash adjustments to the net loss of $792.2$785.1 million primarily included DD&A expense of $438.7 million, $404.4 million of impairment expense, $43.6 million of unrealized losses on derivative contracts and $23.4$16.3 million of non-cash share-based compensation expense, partially offset by $120.5 million of deferred income taxes. tax benefit.

The decrease in changes in operating assets and liabilities of $25.7$18.6 million primarily resulted from an increase in accounts receivable of $32.6 million and a decrease in other long-term liabilities of $9.6$2.4 million, partially offset by an increase in interest payable of $6.7 million and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $3.2 million.



Net cash provided by operating activities was $296.0 million during the first half of 2017, which included $122.3 million of net income, $163.0 million of non-cash adjustments to net income and a $10.7 million increase in changes in operating assets and liabilities. Non-cash adjustments to net income of $163.0 million primarily included DD&A expense of $383.3 million and $67.2 million of deferred income taxes, partially offset by unrealized gains on derivative contracts of $277.6 million. The increase in changes in operating assets and liabilities of $10.7 million primarily resulted from a decrease in accounts receivable of $27.4 million, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $7.8 million and a decrease in the ARO liability of $2.0 million.


Cash Flow from Investing Activities


A comparison of capital expenditures for the first half of 20182019 and 2017,2018, are presented in the table below:
Six Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2018 2017 Change2019 2018 Change
(in millions)(in millions)
Property acquisitions$45.1
 $76.6
 $(31.5)$1.8
 $45.1
 $(43.3)
Property, plant and equipment capital expenditures784.5
 520.3
 264.2
337.1
 784.5
 (447.4)
Total accrued capital expenditures829.6
 596.9
 232.7
338.9
 829.6
 (490.7)
Change in accruals and other non-cash adjustments(20.2) (42.4) 22.2
(20.3) (20.2) (0.1)
Total cash capital expenditures$809.4
 $554.5
 $254.9
$318.6
 $809.4
 $(490.8)


In the first half of 2019, on an accrual basis, the Company invested $337.1 million on property, plant and equipment capital expenditures (which excludes property acquisitions), a decrease of $447.4 million compared to the first half of 2018. In the first half of 2019, QEP's primary capital expenditures included $307.0 million in the Permian Basin (including midstream infrastructure of $32.9 million, primarily related to oil and gas gathering and water handling) and $31.0 million in the Williston Basin.

In the first half of 2018, on an accrual basis, the Company invested $784.5 million on property, plant and equipment capital expenditures (which excludes property acquisitions), an increase of $264.2 million compared to the first half of 2017. In the first half of 2018,. QEP's significant capital expenditures included $498.9 million in the Permian Basin (including midstream infrastructure of $38.3 million, primarily related to fresh water supply, produced water gathering, salt water disposal and oil and gas gathering), $157.8 million in the Williston Basin, $120.6 million in Haynesville/Cotton Valley (including midstream infrastructure of $7.5 million, primarily related to gas gathering) and $4.5 million in the Uinta Basin. In addition, in the first half of 2018, QEP acquired various oil and gas properties, primarily proved and unproved leasehold acreage in the Permian Basin for an aggregate purchase price of $45.1 million, of which $37.5 million was related to the 2017 Permian Basin Acquisition.

In the first half of 2017, on an accrual basis, the Company invested $520.3 million on property, plant and equipment capital expenditures (which excludes property acquisitions), including $297.7 million in the Permian Basin, $128.1 million in the Williston Basin, $72.2 million in Haynesville/Cotton Valley and $12.3 million in Pinedale. In addition, during the first half of 2017, QEP acquired various oil and gas properties, primarily proved and unproved leaseholds and additional surface acreage primarily in the Permian Basin, for an aggregate purchase price of $76.6 million.


The mid-point of our 20182019 forecasted capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions) is $1,120.0$590.0 million. QEP intends to fund capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions) with cash flow from operating activities, cash on hand and borrowings under the credit facility. The aggregate levels of capital expenditures for 20182019 and the allocation of those expenditures are dependent on a variety of factors, including drilling results, oil, gas and NGL prices, industry conditions, the extent to which properties or working interests are acquired, the availability of capital resources to fund the expenditures and changes in management's business assessments as to where QEP's capital can be most profitably deployed. Accordingly, the actual levels of capital expenditures and the allocation of those expenditures may vary materially from QEP's estimates.


Cash Flow from Financing Activities


In the first half of 2018,2019, net cash used in financing activities was $445.6 million compared to net cash provided by financing activities wasof $386.4 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $8.0 million in the first half of 2017. 2018. During the first half of 2019, QEP made repayments on its credit facility of $486.0 million and had borrowings from the credit facility of $56.0 million. In addition, QEP had treasury stock repurchases of $6.3 million related to the settlement of income tax and related benefit withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted share grants. During the first half of 2019, QEP had a decrease in checks outstanding in excess of cash balances of $9.3 million.



During the first half of 2018, QEP had borrowings from theits credit facility of $2,029.5 million and repayments on its credit facility of $1,543.5 million. In addition, QEP used $58.4 million of cash to repurchase common stock under the Company's share repurchase program and had treasury stock repurchases of $5.9 million related to the settlement of income tax and related benefit withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted share grants. QEP also had a decrease in checks outstanding in excess of cash balances of $35.5 million. During the first half of 2017, QEP had treasury stock repurchases of $6.4 million, a decrease in long-term debt issuance costs paid of $1.1 million and a decrease in checks outstanding in excess of cash balances of $0.5 million.




As of June 30, 2018,2019, long-term debt consisted of $2,649.4$2,079.8 million, of which $2,099.3 million is senior notes $575.0and $19.5 million outstanding on the credit facility and a $24.9 million reduction related to theof net original issue discount and unamortized debt issuance costs.


Significant Accounting PoliciesOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements


ReferQEP may enter into off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that can give rise to Note 2 – Revenuematerial off-balance sheet obligations. At June 30, 2019, the Company's material off-balance sheet arrangements included drilling, gathering, processing and firm transportation arrangements and undrawn letters of credit. There are no other off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on QEP's financial condition, changes in Part 1, Item 1financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of this Quarterlyoperations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. For more information regarding off-balance sheet arrangements, we refer you to "Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commitments" in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-Q for changes10-K.

Contractual Cash Obligations and Other Commitments

We have various contractual obligations in QEP's revenue recognition policy as a resultthe normal course of our operations and financing activities. The close of the adoption of ASC Topic 606, effective January 1, 2018.Haynesville Divestiture resulted in a $195.4 million reduction in contractual cash obligations and other commitments subsequent to December 31, 2018, primarily related to firm transportation agreements and asset retirement obligations. There have been no other material changes to our contractual obligations from those disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.







ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


QEP's primary market risks arise from changes in the market price for oil, gas and NGL and volatility in interest rates. These risks can affect revenues and cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities. Commodity prices have historically been volatile and are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. If commodity prices fluctuate significantly, revenues and cash flow may significantly decrease or increase. QEP has long-term contracts for pipeline capacity and is obligated to pay for transportation services with no guarantee that it also will be able to fully utilize the contractual capacity of these transportation commitments. In addition, additional non-cash impairment expense of the Company's oil and gas properties may be required if future oil and gas commodity prices experience a significant decline. Furthermore, the Company's revolving credit facility has a floating interest rate, which exposes QEP to interest rate risk if QEP has borrowings outstanding. To partially manage the Company's exposure to these risks, QEP enters into commodity derivative contracts in the form of fixed-price and basis swaps and collars to manage commodity price risk and periodically enters into interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk.


Commodity Price Risk Management


QEP uses commodity derivative instruments in the normal course of business to reduce the risk of adverse commodity price movements. However, these arrangements typically limit future gains from favorable price movements. The types of commodity derivative instruments currently utilized by the Company are fixed-price and basis swaps and collars. The volume of commodity derivative instruments utilized by the Company may vary from year to year based on QEP's forecasted production. The Company's current derivative instruments do not have margin requirements or collateral provisions that would require payments prior to the scheduled cash settlement dates. As of June 30, 2019, QEP held commodity price derivative contracts, excluding basis swaps, totaling 14.6 million barrels of oil and no commodity price gas derivatives. As of December 31, 2018, QEP held commodity price derivative contracts, excluding basis swaps, totaling 19.313.9 million barrels of oil and 97.543.8 million MMBtu of gas.




The following tables present QEP's volumes and average prices for its derivative positions as of July 20, 2018.19, 2019. Refer to Note 7 – Derivative Contracts in Part 1, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for open derivative positions as of June 30, 2018.2019.


Production Commodity Derivative Swaps
Year Index Total Volumes Average Swap Price per Unit Index Total Volumes Average Swap Price per Unit
 (in millions)   (in millions)  
Oil sales (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
 (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
2018 NYMEX WTI 8.3
 $52.46
2019 NYMEX WTI 6.6
 $55.24
2019 ICE Brent 0.9
 $66.73
2019 NYMEX WTI 9.5
 $52.66
 Argus WTI Houston 0.2
 $65.70
2020 NYMEX WTI 1.8
 $60.77
 NYMEX WTI 7.5
 $59.70
Gas sales (MMBtu)
 ($/MMBtu)
2018 NYMEX HH 44.1
 $3.00
2019 NYMEX HH 43.8
 $2.86
2020 Argus WTI Midland 0.7
 $60.00


Production Commodity Derivative Basis Swaps
Year Index Basis Total Volumes Weighted-Average Differential Index Basis Total Volumes Weighted-Average Differential
     (in millions)       (in millions)  
Oil sales (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
 (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
2018 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 4.6
 $(0.99)
2018 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Houston 0.2
 $6.30
2019 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 4.7
 $(0.77) NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 3.3
 $(2.22)
2019 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Houston 0.4
 $4.35
 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Houston 0.9
 $3.69
2020 NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 1.5
 $(1.01) NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Midland 4.4
 $(0.02)
Gas sales (MMBtu)
 ($/MMBtu)
2018 NYMEX HH IFNPCR 3.1
 $(0.16)
2020 (January - June) NYMEX WTI Argus WTI Houston 0.4
 $3.75


In conjunction with the execution of the purchase and sale agreement for the Uinta Basin Divestiture, QEP, at the request of the buyer, entered into the derivative contracts listed below. Upon the closing of the sale in the third quarter of 2018, the derivative contracts will be novated to the buyer. Refer to Note 3 – Acquisitions and Divestitures, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for more information. The following tables present QEP's volumes and average prices for the Uinta Basin Divestiture derivative positions as of July 20, 2018.



Uinta Basin Divestiture Commodity Derivative Swaps
Year Index Total Volumes Average Swap Price per Unit
    (in millions)  
Oil sales   (bbls)
 ($/bbl)
2018 NYMEX WTI 0.1
 $68.55
2019 NYMEX WTI 0.5
 $65.30
2020 NYMEX WTI 0.6
 $61.20
2021 NYMEX WTI 0.6
 $58.50
2022 NYMEX WTI 0.4
 $56.15
2023 NYMEX WTI 0.2
 $55.00
Gas sales   (MMBtu)
 ($/MMBtu)
2018 NYMEX HH 2.9
 $2.86
2019 NYMEX HH 13.4
 $2.74
2020 NYMEX HH 20.2
 $2.63
2021 NYMEX HH 19.3
 $2.59
2022 NYMEX HH 8.7
 $2.61
2023 NYMEX HH 5.4
 $2.68
Uinta Basin Divestiture Commodity Derivative Basis Swaps
Year Index Basis Total Volumes Weighted-Average Differential
Gas sales     (MMBtu)
 ($/MMBtu)
2018 NYMEX HH IFNPCR 2.9
 $(0.63)
2019 NYMEX HH IFNPCR 13.4
 $(0.77)
2020 NYMEX HH IFNPCR 20.2
 $(0.77)

Changes in the fair value of derivative contracts from December 31, 20172018 to June 30, 20182019, are presented below:
 Commodity derivative contracts
 (in millions)
Net fair value of oil and gas derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2017$(131.9)
Contracts settled88.7
Change in oil and gas prices on futures markets61.2
Contracts added(193.4)
Net fair value of oil and gas derivative contracts outstanding at June 30, 2018$(175.4)
 Commodity derivative contracts
 (in millions)
Net fair value of oil and gas derivative contracts outstanding at December 31, 2018$122.5
Contracts settled21.9
Change in oil prices on futures markets300.5
Contracts added(445.5)
Net fair value of oil derivative contracts outstanding at June 30, 2019$(0.6)


The following table shows the sensitivity of the fair value of oil and gas derivative contracts to changes in the market price of oil gas and basis differentials:
 June 30, 2018
 (in millions)
Net fair value – asset (liability)$(175.4)
Fair value if market prices of oil, gas and basis differentials decline by 10%$(157.8)
Fair value if market prices of oil, gas and basis differentials increase by 10%$(192.9)
 June 30, 2019
 (in millions)
Net fair value – asset (liability)$(0.6)
Fair value if market prices of oil and basis differentials decline by 10%$(0.5)
Fair value if market prices of oil and basis differentials increase by 10%$(0.7)




Utilizing the actual derivative contractual volumes, a 10% increase in underlying commodity prices would reduce the fair value of these instruments by $17.5$0.1 million, while a 10% decrease in underlying commodity prices would increase the fair value of these instruments by $17.6$0.1 million as of June 30, 2018.2019. However, a gain or loss eventually would be offset by the actual sales value of the physical production covered by the derivative instruments. For additional information regarding the Company's commodity derivative transactions, refer to Note 7 – Derivative Contracts in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.


Interest Rate Risk Management


The Company's ability to borrow and the rates offered by lenders can be adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and the Company's credit rating, as described in the risk factors in Item 1A of Part I of its 2017 Form 10-K. The Company's revolving credit facility has a floating interest rate, which exposes QEP to interest rate risk if QEP has borrowings outstanding. At June 30, 2018,2019, the Company had $575.0 million ofno borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility. If interest rates were to increase or decrease 10% during the six months ended June 30, 2018,2019, at our average level of borrowing for those same periods, the Company's interest expense would increase or decrease by $0.8less than $0.1 million for the threesix months ended June 30, 2018,2019, or approximatelyless than 1% of total interest expense.


The remaining $2,099.3 million of the Company's debt is senior notes with fixed interest rates; therefore, it is not affected by interest rate movements. For additional information regarding the Company's debt instruments, refer to Note 910 – Debt, in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.






Forward-Looking Statements


The quarterly report contains information that includes or is based upon "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. We use words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to, among other things:


our Strategic Initiativescomprehensive review of strategic alternatives to transitionmaximize shareholder value, resulting in our decision to a pure-play Permian Basin company,move forward as an independent company;
our strategy to continue to focus on high-return investments in our business with disciplined production growth;
our commitment to strengthening our balance sheet, reducing leverage and returning capital to shareholders;
improved performance and deliverability of our asset base;
plans to reduce general and administrative expense significantly;
timing of the implementation of organizational changes;
expected costs associated with contractual termination benefits, including severance and accelerated vesting of share-based compensations, as part of the use of proceeds from such asset sales;strategic initiatives;
reducingplans to reduce operating and per well drilling, completion and facility costs and managing liquidity;
plans to grow oil and condensate production in the Permian Basin;production;
drilling and completion plans and strategies;
acquiringadding additional acreage in our operating areas;
adequacy of procedures implemented to protect against credit-related losses;
expectations and assumptions regarding oil, gas and NGL prices, including volatility and effects on our business;
our ability to meet delivery and sales commitments;
impact of potential activist shareholders to our operations, personnel retention, strategies and costs;
the Permian Basin to add development opportunities and facilitate the drillingunfunded status of long lateral wells;our pension plan;
estimatedestimates of future payments to reimburse the buyer in the Pinedale Divestitureliability for certain deficiency charges related toin connection with the gas processing and NGL transportation and fractionation contracts;
future development costs and funding for such development costs;divestiture of our assets in Pinedale;
the conditions impacting the timing and amount of share repurchases under our share repurchase program;
the adjustments made to GAAP measures to arrive at non-GAAP measures and the usefulness of non-GAAP financial measures;
our inventory of drilling locations;
ability of our inventory locations to provide a solid base for growth in production and reserves;reserves provided by our inventory of drilling locations;
adjustments to our capital investment program based on a variety of factors; including an evaluation of potential acquisitionsdrilling and divestiture opportunities;
our balance sheetcompletion activities and liquidity position allowing us to grow oil production in the Permian Basin and achieve our Strategic Initiatives;drilling results;
amount and allocation of forecasted capital expenditures (excluding property acquisitions) and plans and sources for funding operations and capital investments;
impact of lower or higher commodity prices and interest rates;
potential for asset impairments including estimated impairment amounts, and factors impacting impairment amounts;
fair value estimates and related assumptions and assessment of the sensitivity of changes in assumptions and critical accounting estimates, including estimated asset retirement obligations and fair valueobligations;
critical accounting estimates, of stock options;including assets retirement obligations;
impact of global geopolitical and macroeconomic events and monitoring of such events;
plans regarding derivative contracts, including the volumes utilized, and the anticipated benefits derived there from;
outcome and impact of various claims;
expected cost savings and other efficiencies from multi-well pad drilling, including "tank-style" development;
delays in completion of wells, well shut-ins and volatility to operating results caused by multi-well pad drilling, including the effect of such delays on quarterly operating results;results and planned conversion of PUD reserves;
plans and ability to pursue acquisition opportunities;
sufficiency of ourmaintaining a sufficient liquidity position to ensure financial flexibility, withstand commodity price volatility, and fund our development projects, operations, capital expenditures and capital expenditures;costs related to strategic initiatives;
estimates of the amount of additional indebtedness we may incur under our revolving credit facility;
implementation and impactfactors impacting ability to incur additional indebtedness;
off-balance sheet arrangements;
redemption of new accounting pronouncements;senior notes;
assumptions regarding share-based compensation;
settlement of performance share units and restricted share units in cash;
recognition of compensation expense related to share-based compensation grants;AMT credits amount and timing; and
expectedour plans regarding contributions to our employee benefit plans;the nonqualified retirement plan (SERP), medical plan and 401(k) plan.
novation of commodity derivatives upon the closing of the Uinta Basin Divestiture;
effect of the Strategic Initiatives on employee benefit plans; and
costs associated with employee retention program and contractual termination benefits, including severance and accelerated vesting of share-based compensations.


Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining actual future results. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to the following:


the risk factors discussed in Item 1A of Part I of the 20172018 Form 10-K and Item 1A of Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q;
any potential impact from the announcement that the Board of Directors of the Company completed its comprehensive review of strategic alternatives and is moving forward as an independent company;
changes in oil, gas and NGL prices;
global geopolitical and macroeconomic factors;
general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates;


the risks and liabilities associated with acquired assets;
asset impairments;
fair value estimates;
timing of and proceeds from asset divestitures;
liquidity constraints, including those resulting from the cost and availability of debt and equity financing;
drilling and completion strategies, methods and results;
assumptions around well density/spacing and recoverable reserves per well prove to be inaccurate;
changes in estimated reserve quantities;
changes in management's assessments as to where QEP's capital can be most profitably deployed;
shortages and costs of oilfield equipment, services and personnel;
changes in development plans;
lack of available pipeline, processing and refining capacity;
processing volumes and pipeline throughput;
risks associated with hydraulic fracturing;
the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings;
delays in obtaining permits and governmental approvals;
operating risks such as unexpected drilling conditions and risks inherent in the production of oil and gas;
weather conditions;
changes in, adoption of and compliance with laws and regulations, including decisions and policies concerning: the environment, climate change, greenhouse gas or other emissions, renewable energy mandates, natural resources, fish and wildlife, hydraulic fracturing, water use and drilling and completion techniques, as well as the risk of legal proceedings arising from such matters, whether involving public or private claimants or regulatory investigative or enforcement measures;
derivative activities;
potential losses or earnings reductions from our commodity price risk management programs;
volatility in the commodity-futures market;
failure of internal controls and procedures;
failure of our information technology infrastructure or applications to prevent a cyberattack;
elimination of federal income tax deductions for oil and gas exploration and development costs;
production, severance and property taxation rates;
the amount of AMT credit refunds realized;
tariffs on products we use in our operations on products we sell;
discount rates;
regulatory approvals and compliance with contractual obligations;
actions of, or inaction by federal, state, local or tribal governments, foreign countries and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries;
lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our production;
competitive conditions;
production and sales volumes;
actions of operators on properties in which we own an interest but do not operate;
estimates of oil and gas reserve quantities;
reservoir performance;
operating costs;
inflation;
capital costs;
creditworthiness and performance of the Company's counterparties, including financial institutions, operating partners and other parties;


volatility in the securities, capital and credit markets;
actions by credit rating agencies and their impact on the Company;
changes in guidance issued related to tax reform legislation;
actions of activist shareholders; and
other factors, most of which are beyond the Company's control.


QEP undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, in other documents, or on the Company's website to reflect future events or circumstances. All such statements are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.




ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), as of June 30, 2018.2019. Based on such evaluation, such officers have concluded that, as of June 30, 2018,2019, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are designed and effective to ensure that information required to be included in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC'sSecurities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


In designing and evaluating the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system will be met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and the application of judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Because of these and other inherent limitations of control systems, there is only reasonable assurance that the Company's controls will succeed in achieving their goals under all potential future conditions.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined by Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2018,2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.




PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


There have been noThe Company is involved in various commercial and regulatory claims, litigation and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Item 103 of the SEC's Regulation S-K requires disclosure of material changes with respectpending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the legalbusiness, to which QEP or any of its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject. Item 103 also requires disclosure of certain environmental matters when a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings reported in our 2017 Form 10-K. and the proceedings involve potential monetary sanctions that the Company reasonably believes could exceed $100,000. The matter below is disclosed pursuant to that second requirement. Refer to Note 1011 – Commitments and Contingencies in Item I of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding our legal proceedings.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Request for Information- As previously disclosed, in July 2015, QEP received an information request from the EPA pursuant to Section 114(a) of the Clean Air Act. The information request sought facts and data about certain tank batteries in QEP's Williston Basin operations. QEP timely responded to the information request, and has been in discussions with the EPA regarding this matter. In June, 2019, QEP and the EPA entered into a Consent Agreement under which QEP agreed to pay an immaterial monetary penalty and adopt an enhanced inspection, monitoring and repair program.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS


Risk factors relating to the Company are set forth in its 20172018 Form 10-K. There have been no material changes to such risk factors since filing the 20172018 Form 10-K, except for the risk factorsfactor below. The risks described below and in the 20172018 Form 10‑K are not the only risks facing QEP. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to QEP or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect its business, financial condition, or future results.


QEPUncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process and potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021 may be unable to successfully execute certain aspectsadversely affect the market value of its announced Strategic Initiatives.QEP announced Strategic Initiatives to transition to a pure-play Permian Basin company. This transition contemplates QEP divesting its assetsQEP’s current or future debt obligations, including QEP’s revolving credit facility. Regulators and law enforcement agencies in the Williston Basin, Uinta BasinUnited Kingdom and Haynesville Shale. Any divestiture of a business or assets involves potential risks.

Organizational modifications due to divestitures or other strategic changes can alterelsewhere are conducting civil and criminal investigations into whether the risk and control environments; disrupt ongoing business; distract management and employees; increase expenses; result in additional liabilities, investigations and litigation; harm QEP's strategy; and adversely affect results of operations. Even if these challenges are dealt with successfully, the anticipated benefits of the divestitures may not be realized.

QEP is subject to complex federal, state, tribal, local and other laws and regulationsbanks that could adversely affect its cost of doing business and recording of proved reserves. QEP's operations are subject to extensive federal, state, tribal and local tax, energy, environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. The failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in substantial penalties and may threaten the Company's authorization to operate.



Environmental laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more onerous over time. This regulatory burden on the Company's operations increases its cost of doing business and, consequently, affects its profitability. In additioncontributed to the costsBritish Bankers Association (BBA) in connection with the calculation of compliance, substantial costsdaily LIBOR may be incurredhave been under-reporting or otherwise manipulating or attempting to take corrective actions at both ownedmanipulate LIBOR. A number of BBA member banks have entered into settlements with their regulators and previously owned facilities. Accidental spills and leaks requiring cleanup may occur inlaw enforcement agencies with respect to this alleged manipulation of LIBOR. Actions by the ordinary courseBBA or any other administrator of QEP's business. As standards change, the Company may incur significant costs in cases where past operations followed practices that were considered acceptable at the time, but now require remedial work to meet current standards. Failure to comply with these laws and regulationsLIBOR, regulators or law enforcement agencies may result in fines, significant costs for remedial activities, other damages,changes to the manner in which LIBOR is determined, the phasing out of LIBOR or injunctionsthe establishment of alternative reference rates. For example, in July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. As a result, LIBOR may be discontinued by 2021. Furthermore, in the United States, efforts to identify a set of alternative U.S. dollar reference interest rates that could limitreplace LIBOR include proposals by the scopeAlternative Reference Rates Committee of the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. At this time, it is not possible to predict whether any such changes will occur, whether LIBOR will be phased out or any such alternative reference rates or other reforms to LIBOR will be enacted in the United Kingdom, the United States or elsewhere or the effect that any such changes, phase out, alternative reference rates or other reforms, if they occur, would have on the amount of interest paid on, or the market value of, QEP’s current or future debt obligations, including QEP's revolving credit facility. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential changes, phase out, alternative reference rates or other reforms may materially adversely affect the terms of QEP's planned operations.

Clean Air Act regulations at 40 C.F.R Part 60, Subpart OOOO (Subpart OOOO) became effective in 2012, with further amendments effective in 2013revolving credit facility. Reform of, or the replacement or phasing out of, LIBOR and 2014. Subpart OOOO imposes air quality controlsproposed regulation of LIBOR and requirements upon QEP's operations. Additionally, in June 2016,other "benchmarks" may materially adversely affect the EPA finalized closely related rules in new Subpart OOOOa to achieve additional methane and volatile organic compound reductions from certain activities in the oil and gas industry. The new rules include, among others, new requirements for finding and repairing leaks at new well sites and "reduced emission completion" requirements for hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells. The future status of Subpart OOOOa remains uncertain given ongoing litigation and administrative regulatory actions. EPA has proposed a two-year staymarket value of, the effective datesapplicable interest rate on and the amount of several requirementsinterest paid on QEP’s current or future debt obligations, including QEP's revolving credit facility.

Our business could be negatively affected as a result of Subpart OOOOa, including fugitive emission requirements, well site pneumatic pump standards,actions of activist shareholders, and requirements for certificationsuch activism could impact the strategic direction of closed vent systems. The rules, however, remain in effect asQEP and the trading value of the filingour securities.Elliott Management Corporation (Elliott), a beneficial holder of this report. The regulatory uncertainty surrounding the implementationapproximately 4.9% of this rule poses some complications for QEP's operations and compliance efforts. Additionally, many states are adopting air permitting and other air quality control regulations specificour common stock (based on Elliott's Form 13F-HR filed on May 15, 2019), made a proposal to oil and gas exploration, production, gathering and processing that are more stringent than existing requirements under federal regulations.

On April 30, 2018, EPA formally designated muchour Board on January 7, 2019, to acquire all shares of the Uinta Basin as marginal nonattainment under the 2015 ozone standard, effective on August 3, 2018.our common stock. As a result of this designation, oilthat proposal, our Board of Directors engaged in a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives and gas operators onconcluded that the Uinta and Ouray Indian Reservation (U&O Reservation) in the Uinta Basin will not be ablebest alternative for QEP's shareholders was to obtain permits by rule for new and modified oil and gas facilities under the federal implementation plan (FIP) established in 2016 for a Federal Minor New Source Review Program in Indian Country.  Operators will, instead, be required to obtain individual permits, which may increase the time and expensemove forward as an independent company. Activities of obtaining permits on the U&O Reservation.  While EPA has recently proposed amendments to apply the FIP to the U&O Reservation portion of the intended Uinta Basin Ozone Nonattainment Area, such amendments may not become effective in time and may not become effective at all, resulting in the unavailability for a period of several months or more of a streamlined permit-by-rule process under the FIP.  As a result, our operational costs may increase or our production may be restricted in the Uinta Basin, whichactivist shareholders could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results ofbusiness and/or operations because:

responding to actions by activist shareholders could be costly and time-consuming, disrupting our operations and cash flows.diverting the attention of our management and employees; and

QEP may be unable to divest of assets on financially attractive terms, resulting in reduced cash proceeds. QEP has announced the sale of certain upstream and midstream assets. QEP's success in divesting assets depends, in part, upon QEP's ability to identify suitable buyers or joint venture partners; assess potential transaction terms; negotiate agreements; and, if applicable, obtain required approvals. Various factorssuch activities could materially affect QEP's ability to dispose of assets on terms acceptable to QEP. Such factors include, but are not limited to: current and forecasted commodity prices; current laws, regulations and permitting processes impacting oil and gas operations in the areas where the assets are located; covenants under QEP's credit agreement; tax impacts; willingness of the purchaser to assume certain liabilities such as asset retirement obligations; QEP's willingness to indemnify buyers for certain matters; and other factors.

In addition, QEP's credit agreement contains limitations on the amount of asset sales that it is permitted to divest each year. If QEP seeks to sell more assets than is permitted under the credit agreement and is unable to receive waivers of such restrictions, then it may be unable to divest of these assets.



Regulatory requirements to reduce gas flaring and to further restrict emissions could have an adverse effect on our operations.  Wells in the Williston Basin of North Dakota and the Permian Basin of Texas, where QEP has significant operations, produce natural gas as well as crude oil. Constraints in third party gas gathering and processing systems in certain areas have resulted in some of that natural gas being flared instead of gathered, processed and sold. In June 2014, the North Dakota Industrial Commission (NDI Commission), North Dakota's chief energy regulator, adopted a policy to reduce the volume of natural gas flared from oil wells in the Williston Basin. The NDI Commission requires operators to develop gas capture plans that describe how much natural gas is expected to be produced, how it will be delivered to a processor and where it will be processed. Production caps or penalties may be imposed on certain wells that cannot meet the capture goals. It is possible that other states will require gas capture plans in the future to reduce flaring. Additionally, in November 2016, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) finalized a new rule related to further controls on the venting, flaring and emissions of natural gas on BLM and tribal leases (the 2016 Venting and Flaring Rule). The rule took effect in January 2017. Some provisions of the rule required compliance in January 2017, including the royalty provisions, while other provisions including those related to further controls on the venting and flaring of natural gas, did not require compliance until January 2018. The 2016 Venting and Flaring Rule is the subject of active litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming. In December 2017, the BLM published a rule to delay the January 2018 compliance deadlines and suspend the obligation to complyinterfere with certain provisions that had required compliance in January 2017, until January 2019 (2017 Delay Rule). Certain states and environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) filed litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California challenging the 2017 Delay Rule, and the court preliminarily enjoined the 2017 Delay Rule on February 22, 2018, requiring operators to immediately comply with the 2016 Venting and Flaring Rule. These state and federal gas capture requirements, and any similar future obligations in North Dakota or our other locations, increase our operational costs and may restrict our production, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. On April 4, 2018, the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming stayed certain compliance obligations required by the 2016 Venting and Flaring while the BLM completes a rulemaking process in which it may revise the 2016 Venting and Flaring Rule. The District of Wyoming's decision has been appealed to the U.S Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Restrictions on drilling activities intended to protect certain species of wildlife may adversely affect our ability to conduct drilling activities in areas where we operate. Oil and natural gas operations inexecute our operating areas may be adversely affected by seasonalstrategic plan or permanent restrictions on drilling activities designed to protect various species and wildlife. Seasonal restrictions may limitrealize short- or long-term value from our ability to operate in protected areas and can intensify competition for drilling rigs, oilfield equipment, services, supplies and qualified personnel, which may lead to periodic shortages when drilling is allowed. These constraints and the resulting shortages or high costs could delay our operations or materially increase our operating and capital costs. Permanent restrictions imposed to protect threatened and endangered species could prohibit drilling in certain areas or require the implementation of expensive mitigation measures. The designation of previously unprotected species as threatened or endangered in areas where we operate could cause us to incur increased costs arising from species protection measures or could result in limitations on our exploration and production activities that could have a material adverse effect on our ability to develop and produce our reserves. For example, the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) listed the Louisiana Pine Snake as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in April 2018. The FWS identified Bienville Parish as one of the parishes where the snake can be found. QEP operates within Bienville Parish. Additionally, the FWS plans to issue a proposed rule listing the Lesser Prairie-Chicken as a threatened or endangered species. The Lesser Prairie-Chicken is a grouse species native to Texas, including parts of the Permian Basin where QEP operates. The FWS is in the process of making a final determination in 2018 of whether to list under the ESA.assets.





Climate change and climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives could result in increased operating costs and decreased demand for the oil and natural gas that we produce. Climate change, the costs that may be associated with its effects and the regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have the potential to affect our business in many ways, including increasing the costs to provide our products, reducing the demand for and consumption of our products (due to changes in both costs and weather patterns) and negatively impacting the economic health of the regions in which we operate, all of which can create financial risks. In addition, if restrictions on GHG emissions significantly increase our costs to produce oil and gas, or significantly decrease demand for our products, the value of our oil and gas reserves may decrease. To the extent financial markets view climate change and GHG emissions as a financial risk, this could negatively impact our cost of and access to capital. In addition, legislative and regulatory responses related to GHG emissions and climate change may result in increased operating costs, delays in obtaining air emissions and other necessary permits for new or modified facilities and reduced demand for the oil, gas and NGL that QEP produces. Federal and state courts and administrative agencies are considering the scope and scale of climate change regulation under various laws pertaining to the environment, energy use and energy resource development. Federal, state and local governments may also pass laws mandating the use of alternative energy sources, such as wind power and solar energy, or banning the use of gasoline or diesel powered vehicles, which may reduce demand for oil and natural gas. Further, state and local governments may pursue litigation against producers for damages allegedly resulting from climate change. QEP's ability to access and develop new oil and gas reserves may also be restricted by climate change regulation, including GHG reporting and regulation.



Congress has previously considered but not adopted proposed legislation aimed at reducing GHG emissions. The EPA has adopted final regulations under the Clean Air Act for the measurement and reporting of GHG emitted from certain large facilities and, as discussed above, has adopted additional regulations at 40 C.F.R Part 60, Subparts OOOO and OOOOa, to include additional requirements to reduce methane and volatile organic compound emissions from oil and natural gas facilities. The status of Subpart OOOOa is uncertain given the ongoing litigation, administrative reconsideration and proposed action to stay portions of those rules. Additionally, in June 2014, the United States Supreme Court upheld a portion of EPA's GHG stationary source permitting program in Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA, but also invalidated a portion of it. The Court's holding does not prevent states from considering and adopting state-only major source permitting requirements based solely on GHG emission levels. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and/or criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the Clean Air Act and associated state laws and regulations to which QEP's operations are subject.

In December 2015, over 190 countries, including the U.S., reached an agreement in Paris (COP 21) to reduce global emissions of GHG (the Paris Agreement). The Paris Agreement provides for the cutting of carbon emissions every five years, beginning in 2023, and sets a goal of keeping global warming to a maximum limit of two degrees Celsius and a target limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius greater than pre-industrial levels. In June 2017, President Trump announced that the U.S. would initiate the formal process to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. Withdrawal will take a few years to implement due to the Paris Agreement's legal structure and language. The current state of development of ongoing international climate initiatives and any related domestic actions make it difficult to assess the timing or effect on our operations or to predict with certainty the future costs that we may incur in order to comply with future international treaties or domestic regulations. Following the initiation of the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, state and local regulation efforts are expected to increase. In several of the states in which QEP operates the regulatory authorities are considering various GHG registration and reduction programs, including methane leak detection monitoring and repair requirements specific to oil and gas facilities. For example, in January 2018, the Utah Department of Environment Quality (UDEQ) adopted additional rules that impose leak detection and repair requirements at certain oil and gas facilities in Utah. In addition, the failure of the federal government to address climate change concerns, including, for example, a protracted delay by President Trump's administration in determining its own carbon-cost estimate (i.e., the estimate of how much carbon pollution costs society via climate damages) after rejecting the $40 per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent estimate of the Obama administration, could empower ENGOs to pursue legal challenges to oil and gas drilling and pipeline projects.

Moreover, some experts believe climate change poses potential physical risks, including an increase in sea level and changes in weather conditions, such as an increase in precipitation and extreme weather events. In addition, warmer winters as a result of global warming could also decrease demand for natural gas. To the extent that such unfavorable weather conditions are exacerbated by climate change or otherwise, our operations may be adversely affected to a greater degree than we have previously experienced, including increased delays and costs. However, the uncertain nature of changes in extreme weather events (such as increased frequency, duration, and severity) and the long period of time over which any changes would take place make any estimations of future financial risk to our operations caused by these potential physical risks of climate change unreliable.



QEP relies on highly skilled personnel and, if QEP is unable to retain or motivate key personnel, hire qualified personnel, or transfer knowledge from retiring personnel, QEP's operations may be negatively impacted. QEP's performance largely depends on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. QEP's future success depends on its continuing ability to identify, hire, develop, motivate, and retain highly skilled personnel for all areas of its organization. Competition in the oil and gas industry for qualified employees is intense. QEP's continued ability to compete effectively depends on its ability to attract new employees and to retain and motivate its existing employees. QEP does not maintain key-man insurance for its key management personnel. In connection with the announcement of its plans to divest of its assets in the Williston Basin, the Uinta Basin and Haynesville/Cotton Valley, QEP entered into retention and severance agreements with its executives and other key management personnel. Nonetheless, the loss of services of one or more of its key management personnel could have a negative impact on QEP's financial condition and results of operations.

General economic and other conditions could negatively impact QEP's operating results. QEP's operating results may also be negatively affected by changes in global economic conditions; availability and economic viability of oil and gas properties for sale or exploration; rate of inflation and interest rates; weather and natural disasters; changes in customers' credit ratings; competition from other forms of energy and other pipeline and storage facilities; effects of accounting policies issued periodically by accounting standard-setting bodies; tariffs on steel and steel products used in oil and gas operations; tariffs on oil, gas and NGLs: and terrorist attacks or acts of war.


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


On February 28, 2018, QEP announced the authorization by its Board of Directors to repurchase up to $1.25 billion of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock (the February 2018 $1.25 billion Repurchase Program). The timing and amount of any QEP share repurchases will be subject to available liquidity and market conditions and proceeds from the asset sales.conditions. The share repurchase program does not obligate QEP to acquire any specific number of shares and may be discontinued at any time.


During the three months ended June 30, 2019, no shares were repurchased under the previously announced plan. The following repurchases of QEP shares were made by QEP in association with vested restricted share awards withheld for
taxes and pursuant to the Company's share repurchase authorization.
Period 
Total shares purchased(1)(2)
 Weighted-average price paid per share Total shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs Remaining dollar amount that may be purchased under the plans or programs
        (in millions)
April 1, 2018 - April 30, 2018 651,838
 $9.64
 592,310
 $1,191.6
May 1, 2018 - May 31, 2018 35,214
 $12.20
 
 $1,191.6
June 1, 2018 - June 30, 2018 7,812
 $12.06
 
 $1,191.6
Total 694,864
   592,310
  
Period 
Total shares purchased(1)
 Weighted-average price paid per share Total shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs Remaining dollar amount that may be purchased under the plans or programs
        (in millions)
April 1, 2019 - April 30, 2019 48,090
 $8.05
 
 $1,191.6
May 1, 2019 - May 31, 2019 11,248
 $7.44
 
 $1,191.6
June 1, 2019 - June 30, 2019 6,997
 $6.01
 
 $1,191.6
Total 66,335
   
  
____________________________
(1) 
During the three months ended June 30, 2018,2019, QEP purchased 102,55466,335 shares from employees in connection with the settlement of income tax and related benefit withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted share grants.
(2)
During the three months ended June 30, 2018, QEP repurchased and retired 592,310 shares under the February 2018 $1.25 billion Repurchase Program at a weighted average price of $9.37 per share, excluding commission of $0.02 per share, for $5.6 million. Shares are as of the settlement date.


ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


None.


ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Not applicable.


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION


None.Amended and Restated Executive Severance Compensation Plan - CIC



On August 5, 2019, the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors approved an amendment and restatement, effective August 7, 2019, of the Company’s Executive Severance Compensation - CIC (CIC Plan), to, among other things, clarify the manner in which severance calculations will be made for certain executives. The CIC Plan provides severance compensation and other benefits to eligible executive officers upon a termination of their employment without cause or a resignation of their employment for good reason, in either case within three years following a change in control. Payments and benefits upon such a qualifying termination generally consist of a payment measured based on a multiple of annual base salary and average annual incentive awards (depending on seniority), a pro-rated annual incentive award payment for the year of termination, a payment in respect of certain enhanced retirement benefits and continued participation (without cost) in health and welfare benefit programs for either two or three years (depending on level of position). Payments are generally made in a lump sum shortly following termination (except the pro-rated annual incentive award payment is paid following the end of the year in which the termination occurs), subject to any legally required delay, and may be reduced in certain circumstances on account of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). No Code Section 280G gross ups are provided.

A copy of the CIC Plan is filed with this Form 10-Q and attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing description of the CIC Plan is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the CIC Plan.

Letter Agreement

On August 6, 2019, QEP entered into an agreement (Agreement) with Elliott Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation (Elliott).




Under the terms of the Agreement, the Company agreed to issue a press release announcing, among other things, Elliott’s support of QEP and its strategy to move forward as an independent company.

The Agreement also provides that Elliott and the Company will cooperate with each other to select two individuals (New Directors)to be appointed to the Company’s board of directors (Board)as soon as reasonably practical, but in any event within 75 days of signing the Agreement. The New Directors will qualify as independent under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, will have technical and operating oil and gas experience and will not be affiliated with Elliott. QEP also agreed to include the New Directors in the slate of directors to be proposed for election by the Board in QEP’s proxy statement (2020 Proxy Statement) for the 2020 annual meeting (2020 Annual Meeting). Elliott and the Company further agreed that, following the appointment of the New Directors, the Board will form a five-person Operations Committee comprised of the chief executive officer, the New Directors and two existing members of the Board. The purpose of the Operations Committee will be to identify best operating practices in the areas of the Company’s operations and to work with management to focus on continuous operational improvement and excellence.

The Agreement also provides that at the 2020 Annual Meeting, Elliott will, so long as the Company’s nominees for the Board include the New Directors, vote or cause to be voted any shares of common stock of the Company that it or certain of its affiliates have the right to vote, as of the record date, in favor of the election of directors nominated by the Company and in accordance with the recommendations of the Board on the other proposals in the Proxy Statement not related to an extraordinary transaction.

Elliott further agreed that, subject to certain exceptions, until the earlier of (i) June 30, 2020 and (ii) the second business day after the completion of the 2020 Annual Meeting, not to, among other things and subject to certain exceptions: (a) make any "solicitation" of proxies (as such terms are used in the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission), (b) form, join or act in concert with any "group" as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act), other than solely with affiliates of Elliott with respect to voting securities now or hereafter held by them, (c) acquire, offer or seek to acquire any voting securities of the Company that would result in Elliott having a net long position of, or voting rights with respect to, more than 9.9% of the voting securities of the Company, (d) effect or seek to effect, whether alone or in concert with others, any extraordinary transaction involving the Company, (e) enter into any voting trust or similar arrangement, (f) seek to (i) elect or appoint to, or have representation on, the Board or (ii) remove any member of the Board, (g) make or be the proponent of any shareholder proposal (pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act or otherwise) or (h) enter into any discussions, negotiations, agreements or understandings with any third party with respect to the foregoing.

A copy of the Agreement is filed with this Form 10-Q and attached hereto as Exhibit 10.3 and incorporated by reference herein. The foregoing description of the Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Agreement.







ITEM 6. EXHIBITS


The following exhibits are being filed as part of this report:
Exhibit No. ExhibitsDescription of Exhibit
3.1 
3.2 
10.1+
10.2*10.1*+ 
10.3*+
10.4*+
31.110.2*+ 
10.3*
31.1*
31.231.2* 
32.132.1** 
101.INS** XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH** XBRL Schema DocumentDocument.
101.CAL** XBRL Calculation Linkbase DocumentDocument.
101.LAB** XBRL Label Linkbase DocumentDocument.
101.PRE** XBRL Presentation Linkbase DocumentDocument.
101.DEF** XBRL Definition Linkbase DocumentDocument.
____________________________
+Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*Filed herewithherewith.
**These interactive data files are furnished and deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.Furnished herewith.





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.


 QEP RESOURCES, INC.
 (Registrant)
  
July 25, 2018August 7, 2019/s/ Charles B. StanleyTimothy J. Cutt
 Charles B. Stanley,Timothy J. Cutt,
 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
  
July 25, 2018August 7, 2019/s/ Richard J. Doleshek
 Richard J. Doleshek,
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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