SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31,June 30, 2018
OR
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from ___________ to ___________
 
Commission file number 001-36478
_____________________
California Resources Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
46-5670947
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
   
9200 Oakdale Avenue, Suite 900
Los Angeles, California
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
91311
(Zip Code)
 
(888) 848-4754
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
_____________________

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.     þ Yes   ¨ No

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    þ Yes   ¨ No
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. (See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Large Accelerated FileroAccelerated FilerþNon-Accelerated Filero
Smaller Reporting CompanyoEmerging 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. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    ¨ Yes   þ No
Shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31,June 30, 201845,337,48648,352,957


California Resources Corporation and Subsidiaries

Table of Contents
 Page
Part I  
Item 1Financial Statements (unaudited)
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
 Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 2Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 General
 Business Environment and Industry Outlook
 Seasonality
 Joint Ventures
Private Placement
 Acquisitions and Divestitures
 Operations
 Fixed and Variable Costs
 Production and Prices
 Balance Sheet Analysis
 StatementStatements of Operations Analysis
 Liquidity and Capital Resources
 2018 Capital Program
 Lawsuits, Claims, Contingencies and Commitments
 Significant Accounting and Disclosure Changes
 Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Outlook and Forward-Looking Information
Item 3Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4Controls and Procedures
   
Part II  
Item 1Legal Proceedings
Item 1ARisk Factors
Item 5Other Disclosures
Item 6Exhibits






PART I    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 

Item 1.
Financial Statements (unaudited)

CALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017
(in millions, except share data)
March 31, December 31,June 30, December 31,
2018 20172018 2017
CURRENT ASSETS      
Cash and cash equivalents$494
 $20
Cash$42
 $20
Trade receivables244
 277
282
 277
Inventories56
 56
63
 56
Other current assets, net155
 130
172
 130
Total current assets949
 483
559
 483
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT21,397
 21,260
22,146
 21,260
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization(15,683) (15,564)(15,812) (15,564)
Total property, plant and equipment, net5,714
 5,696
6,334
 5,696
OTHER ASSETS36
 28
47
 28
TOTAL ASSETS$6,699
 $6,207
$6,940
 $6,207
CURRENT LIABILITIES      
Accounts payable292
 257
330
 257
Accrued liabilities514
 475
563
 475
Total current liabilities806
 732
893
 732
LONG-TERM DEBT4,941
 5,306
5,075
 5,306
DEFERRED GAIN AND ISSUANCE COSTS, NET275
 287
265
 287
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES607
 602
617
 602
MEZZANINE EQUITY      
Redeemable noncontrolling interest724
 
735
 
EQUITY      
Preferred stock (20 million shares authorized at $0.01 par value) no shares outstanding at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017
 
Common stock (200 million shares authorized at $0.01 par value) outstanding shares (March 31, 2018 - 45,337,486 and December 31, 2017 - 42,901,946)
 
Preferred stock (20 million shares authorized at $0.01 par value) no shares outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017
 
Common stock (200 million shares authorized at $0.01 par value) outstanding shares (June 30, 2018 - 48,352,957 and December 31, 2017 - 42,901,946)
 
Additional paid-in capital4,930
 4,879
4,985
 4,879
Accumulated deficit(5,672) (5,670)(5,754) (5,670)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(21) (23)(20) (23)
Total equity attributable to common stock(763) (814)(789) (814)
Noncontrolling interests109
 94
144
 94
Total equity(654) (720)(645) (720)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$6,699
 $6,207
$6,940
 $6,207

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

2





CALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017
(in millions, except share data)

Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
REVENUES AND OTHER          
Oil and gas sales$575
 $487
$657
 $439
 $1,232
 $926
Net derivative (losses) gains(38) 73
Net derivative (loss) gain from commodity contracts(167) 43
 (205) 116
Other revenue72
 30
59
 34
 131
 64
Total revenues and other609
 590
549
 516
 1,158
 1,106
          
COSTS AND OTHER          
Production costs212
 211
231
 216
 443
 427
General and administrative expenses63
 63
90
 59
 153
 122
Depreciation, depletion and amortization119
 140
125
 138
 244
 278
Taxes other than on income38
 33
37
 31
 75
 64
Exploration expense8
 6
6
 6
 14
 12
Other expenses, net61
 22
49
 25
 110
 47
Total costs and other501
 475
538
 475
 1,039
 950
OPERATING INCOME108
 115
11
 41
 119
 156
          
NON-OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME          
Interest and debt expense, net(92) (84)(94) (83) (186) (167)
Net gains on early extinguishment of debt
 4
Gains on asset divestitures
 21
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt24
 
 24
 4
Gain on asset divestitures1
 
 1
 21
Other non-operating expenses(7) (4)(5) (5) (12) (9)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES9
 52
Income tax benefit
 
NET INCOME9
 52
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(11) 1
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES(63) (47) (54) 5
Income tax
 
 
 
NET (LOSS) INCOME(63) (47) (54) 5
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(19) (1) (30) 
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK$(2) $53
$(82) $(48) $(84) $5
          
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock per share          
Basic$(0.05) $1.23
Diluted$(0.05) $1.22
Basic and diluted$(1.70) $(1.13) $(1.81) $0.12

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3





CALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017
(in millions)

 Three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
Net income$9
 $52
Other comprehensive income items:   
Reclassification to income of realized losses on pension and postretirement(a)
2
 3
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax2
 3
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(11) 1
Comprehensive income attributable to common stock$
 $56
 Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net (loss) income$(63) $(47) $(54) $5
Other comprehensive income items:       
Reclassification of realized losses on pension and postretirement benefits to income(a)
1
 
 3
 3
Total other comprehensive income1
 
 3
 3
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(19) (1) $(30) $
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to common stock$(81) $(48) $(81) $8
(a)
No associated tax for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017. See Note 1011 Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans, for additional information.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

4





CALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017
(in millions)
Three months ended
March 31,
Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES      
Net income$9
 $52
Net (loss) income$(54) $5
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
      
Depreciation, depletion and amortization119
 140
244
 278
Net derivative (gains) losses38
 (73)
Net payments on settled derivatives(31) (1)
Net gains on early extinguishment of debt
 (4)
Net derivative loss (gain) from commodity contracts205
 (116)
Net (payments) proceeds on settled commodity derivatives(99) 7
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt(24) (4)
Amortization of deferred gain(19) (18)(38) (37)
Gains on asset divestitures
 (21)
Gain on asset divestitures(1) (21)
Other non-cash charges to income, net14
 15
39
 28
Dry hole expenses2
 1
4
 1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net68
 42
(42) (21)
Net cash provided by operating activities200
 133
234
 120
      
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES      
Capital investments(139) (50)(327) (132)
Changes in capital investment accruals5
 17
22
 26
Asset divestitures
 33
13
 33
Acquisitions and other(4) 
Acquisitions(512) 
Other(3) (1)
Net cash used in investing activities(138) 
(807) (74)
      
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES      
Proceeds from 2014 Revolving Credit Facility81
 221
1,150
 728
Repayments of 2014 Revolving Credit Facility(444) (299)(1,236) (733)
Payments on 2014 Term Loan
 (41)
 (66)
Debt repurchases(2) (24)(119) (24)
Debt transaction costs
 (2)
 (2)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest holders, net747
 49
Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders, net796
 49
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest holders(18) 
(41) (1)
Issuance of common stock50
 1
50
 1
Shares canceled for taxes(2) 
(5) (1)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities412
 (95)595
 (49)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents474
 38
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period20
 12
Cash and cash equivalents—end of period$494
 $50
Increase (decrease) in cash22
 (3)
Cash—beginning of period20
 12
Cash—end of period$42
 $9

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

5





CALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
For the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017
(in millions)

Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Equity Attributable to Common Stock Noncontrolling Interest Total EquityAdditional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Equity Attributable to Common Stock Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity
Balance, December 31, 2016$
 $4,861
 $(5,404) $(14) $(557) $
 $(557)$4,861
 $(5,404) $(14) $(557) $
 $(557)
Net income (loss)
 
 53
 
 53
 (1) 52
Net income
 5
 
 5
 
 5
Contribution from noncontrolling interest holders, net
 
 
 
 
 49
 49

 
 
 
 49
 49
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest holders
 
 
 
 (1) (1)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 3
 3
 
 3

 
 3
 3
 
 3
Share-based compensation, net
 6
 
 
 6
 
 6
10
 
 
 10
 
 10
Balance, March 31, 2017$
 $4,867
 $(5,351) $(11) $(495) $48
 $(447)
Balance, June 30, 2017$4,871
 $(5,399) $(11) $(539) $48
 $(491)
Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Equity Attributable to Common Stock Noncontrolling Interest Total EquityAdditional Paid-in Capital Accumulated Deficit 
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 Equity Attributable to Common Stock Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 
Total Equity(a)
Balance, December 31, 2017$
 $4,879
 $(5,670) $(23) $(814) $94
 $(720)$4,879
 $(5,670) $(23) $(814) $94
 $(720)
Net (loss) income(a)

 
 (2) 
 (2) (3) (5)
Net loss
 (84) 
 (84) (13) (97)
Contribution from noncontrolling interest holders, net
 
 
 
 
 33
 33

 
 
 
 82
 82
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest holders
 
 
 
 
 (15) (15)
 
 
 
 (19) (19)
Issuance of common stock(b)
 50
 
 
 50
 
 50
101
 
 
 101
 
 101
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 2
 2
 
 2

 
 3
 3
 
 3
Share-based compensation, net
 1
 
 
 1
 
 1
5
 
 
 5
 
 5
Balance, March 31, 2018$
 $4,930
 $(5,672) $(21) $(763) $109
 $(654)
Balance, June 30, 2018$4,985
 $(5,754) $(20) $(789) $144
 $(645)
(a)
Excludes $14 million of consolidated net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest recorded in mezzanine equity. See Note 6 Joint Ventures for more information.
(b)
Includes $51 million in shares issued to Chevron in connection with our acquisition of Chevron's working interest in Elk Hills unit. See Note 7 Acquisitions and Divestitures for more information.


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

6





CALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31,June 30, 2018

NOTE 1    THE SPIN-OFF AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Separation and Spin-off

We are an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company operating properties within California. We were incorporated in Delaware as a wholly owned subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Occidental) on April 23, 2014 and remained a wholly owned subsidiary of Occidental until November 30, 2014. On November 30, 2014, Occidental distributed shares of our common stock on a pro-rata basis to Occidental stockholders (the Spin-off). We became an independent, publicly traded company on December 1, 2014. Occidental initially retained approximately 18.5% of our outstanding shares of common stock, which were distributed to Occidental stockholders on March 24, 2016.

Except when the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, all references to ‘‘CRC,’’ the ‘‘company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to California Resources Corporation and its subsidiaries, and all references to ‘‘Occidental’’ refer to Occidental Petroleum Corporation, our former parent, and its subsidiaries.

Basis of Presentation

In the opinion of our management, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly present our financial position as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and the statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows and equity for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017.2017, as applicable. We have eliminated all of our significant intercompany transactions and accounts. We account for our share of oil and gas exploration and production ventures in which we have a direct working interest by reporting our proportionate share of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and cash flows within the relevant lines on our balance sheets, statements of operations and cash flows.

We have prepared this report pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States (U.S.) Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) applicable to interim financial information, which permit the omission of certain disclosures to the extent they have not changed materially since the latest annual financial statements. We believe our disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 20172018 presentation. On the statements of operations, we reclassified interest cost, expected return on assets, amortization of prior service costs and settlements/curtailments, all associated with defined benefit pension plans, from general and administrative expenses to other non-operating expenses, net in accordance with new accounting rules. See Note 2 Accounting and Disclosure Changes for more information.

NOTE 2ACCOUNTING AND DISCLOSURE CHANGES

Recently Issued Accounting and Disclosure Changes

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued rules requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for the rights and obligations created by all leases with terms of more than 12 months and to include qualitative and quantitative disclosures with respect to the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In January 2018, the FASB also issued an update to the lease standard providing a practical expedientan optional transition approach for the transition of land easements under theallowing entities to evaluate only new rules.or modified land easements. These rules will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier application permitted. We arehave completed a preliminary analysis of our leases and will be implementing processes to ensure compliance in the processsecond half of cataloging our existing lease contracts to determine the impactyear. We expect the adoption of these new rules onto increase both our consolidated financial statementsassets and related disclosures.liabilities by the same amount, which could be significant.



Recently Adopted Accounting and Disclosure Changes

In May 2014, the FASB issued rules on the recognition of revenue whichthat created Topic 606 (ASC 606), which wesuperseded existing revenue recognition requirements under GAAP, and required an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The new rules required certain sales-related costs to be reported as other expense as opposed to being netted against oil and gas sales or other revenue. We adopted ASC 606 on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method.method with no adjustments to opening retained earnings. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect prior to adoption. ASC 606 superseded existing revenue recognition requirements under GAAP and requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We did not have an adjustment to opening retained earnings upon adoption. The new revenue standard required certain sales-related costs to be reported as other expense as opposed to being netted against oil and gas sales or other revenue. See Note 1112 Revenue Recognition for more information.

In March 2017, the FASB issued rules requiring employers that sponsor defined benefit plans for pensions and postretirement benefits to present the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation costs arising from services rendered during the period. Only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization in assets. Employers are required to present the other components of the net periodic benefit cost separately from the line item that includes the service cost and outside of any subtotal of operating income. We adopted these rules in the first quarter of 2018 with no significant impact on our financial statements. The interest cost, expected return on assets, amortization of prior service costs and settlements/curtailments have been reclassified from general and administrative expense to other non-operating expenses. We elected to apply the practical expedient that permits use of the amounts disclosed for the various components of net periodic benefit cost in the pension and postretirement benefit plans footnote as the basis of the retrospective application.

In May 2017, the FASB issued rules to simplify the guidance on the modification of share-based payment awards. The amendments provide clarity on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting prospectively. We adopted these rules in the first quarter of 2018 with no impact on our financial statements.

In February 2018, the FASB issued rules that give entities the option to reclassify this residual difference from AOCI to retained earnings. Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) are recorded net of related taxes determined using prevailing rates when the components are initially recorded. When tax rates change, a difference can arise between tax amounts recorded to AOCI as compared to the expected tax amount. Our accounting policy is to remove such residual tax effects that may remain in AOCI when the related components are ultimately settled. The change in the U.S. federal corporate tax rate in December 2017 created a residual difference. In February 2018, the FASB issued rules that give entities the option to reclassify this residual difference from AOCI to retained earnings. We early adopted this accounting standard in the first quarter of 2018 without reclassifying this difference.

NOTE 3OTHER INFORMATION

Cash at June 30, 2018 and cash equivalents consists primarily of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or lessDecember 31, 2017 included approximately $23 million and are stated at cost,$5 million, respectively, which approximates fair value.


is restricted under our joint venture agreements.
Other current assets, net as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:
June 30, December 31,
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
2018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Amounts due from joint interest partners$76
 $76
$86
 $76
Derivative assets from commodities contracts44
 23
59
 23
Prepaid expenses23
 19
25
 19
Assets held for sale12
 12
Asset held for sale
 12
Other2
 
Other current assets, net$155
 $130
$172
 $130
In the second quarter of 2018, we divested a non-core asset that was held for sale in the prior period. See Note 7 Acquisitions and Divestitures for more information.


Accrued liabilities as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:
June 30, December 31,
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
2018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Derivative liabilities from commodities contracts$170
 $154
$260
 $154
Accrued taxes other than on income143
 130
111
 130
Accrued employee-related costs77
 86
Accrued interest67
 23
20
 23
Accrued employee-related costs52
 86
Other82
 82
95
 82
Accrued liabilities$514
 $475
$563
 $475
Other long-term liabilities included asset retirement obligations of $407$417 million and $403 million at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash and other on-balance sheet financial instruments, other than debt, approximate fair value.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

We did not make U.S. federal and state income tax payments during the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017. Interest paid, net of capitalized amounts, totaled approximately $60$212 million and $44$194 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Non-cash financing activities in 2018 included 2.85 million shares of common stock (valued at $51 million) issued in connection with the Elk Hills transaction. See Note 7 Acquisitions and Divestitures for more on the Elk Hills transaction.
NOTE 4    INVENTORIES

Inventories as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 consisted of the following:
June 30, December 31,
March 31,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
2018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Materials and supplies$54
 $53
$60
 $53
Finished goods2
 3
3
 3
Total$56
 $56
$63
 $56



NOTE 5     DEBT

As of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, our long-term debt consisted of the following credit agreements, second lien notes and senior notes:
Outstanding Principal
(in millions)
 Interest Rate Maturity Security
Outstanding Principal
(in millions)
 Interest Rate Maturity Security
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 
Credit Agreements        
2014 Revolving Credit Facility$
 $363
 LIBOR plus 3.25%-4.00%
ABR plus 2.25%-3.00%
 June 30, 2021 Shared First-Priority Lien$277
 $363
 LIBOR plus 3.25%-4.00%
ABR plus 2.25%-3.00%
 June 30, 2021 Shared First-Priority Lien
2017 Credit Agreement1,300
 1,300
 LIBOR plus 4.75%
ABR plus 3.75%
 
December 31, 2022(a)
 Shared First-Priority Lien1,300
 1,300
 LIBOR plus 4.75%
ABR plus 3.75%
 
December 31, 2022(a)
 Shared First-Priority Lien
2016 Credit Agreement1,000
 1,000
 LIBOR plus 10.375%
ABR plus 9.375%
 December 31, 2021 First-Priority Lien1,000
 1,000
 LIBOR plus 10.375%
ABR plus 9.375%
 December 31, 2021 First-Priority Lien
Second Lien Notes        
Second Lien Notes2,248
 2,250
 8% 
December 15, 2022(b)
 Second-Priority Lien2,153
 2,250
 8% 
December 15, 2022(b)
 Second-Priority Lien
Senior Notes        
5% Senior Notes due 2020100
 100
 5% January 15, 2020 Unsecured100
 100
 5% January 15, 2020 Unsecured
5½% Senior Notes due 2021100
 100
 5.5% September 15, 2021 Unsecured100
 100
 5.5% September 15, 2021 Unsecured
6% Senior Notes due 2024193
 193
 6% November 15, 2024 Unsecured145
 193
 6% November 15, 2024 Unsecured
Total$4,941
 $5,306
 $5,075
 $5,306
 
(a)The 2017 Credit Agreement is subject to a springing maturity of 91 days prior to the maturity of our 2016 Credit Agreement if more than $100 million on the 2017 Credit Agreement is outstanding at that time.
(b)Under the termsThe Second Lien Notes require principal repayments of the indenture, approximately $340 million needs to be repaid byin June 2021 and another $70 million each byin December 2021 and June 2022.

Deferred Gain and Issuance Costs

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, net deferred gain and issuance costs were $275$265 million, consisting of $396$377 million of a deferred gainsgain offset by $85$76 million of deferred issuance costs and $36 million of original issue discount. The December 31, 2017 net deferred gain and issuance costs were $287 million, consisting of $415 million of a deferred gainsgain offset by $92 million of deferred issuance costs and $36 million of original issue discount.

2014 Revolving Credit Facility

In February 2018, we paid $297 million of the then outstanding balance on our $1 billion senior revolving loan facility (2014 Revolving Credit Facility) with proceeds from our midstream joint venture with Ares, in accordance with the terms of our credit agreement. See Note 6 Noncontrolling Interests for further information on this joint venture.

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had approximately $846$550 million of available borrowing capacity, before taking into account a $150 million month-end minimum liquidity requirement. The borrowing base under this facility was reaffirmed at $2.3 billion in May 2018. Our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility also includes a sub-limit of $400 million for the issuance of letters of credit. As of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had letters of credit outstanding of approximately $154$173 million and $148 million, respectively. These letters of credit were issued to support ordinary course marketing, insurance, regulatory and other matters.



Repurchases

In the first quarter of 2018, we repurchased $2 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8% senior secured second-lien notes due December 15, 2022 (Second Lien Notes) for $1.6 million in cash, resulting in a $0.4 million pre-tax gain. During AprilIn the second quarter of 2018, we repurchased $95 million and $48 million in aggregate principal amount of our Second Lien Notes and 6% senior notes due November 15, 2024 (2024 Notes), respectively, for $79$118 million in cash, resulting in a $15$24 million pre-tax gain, net of a $1 million write-off ofreduction for deferred issuance costs.

Fair Value

We estimate the fair value of fixed-rate debt, which is classified as Level 1, based on prices from known market transactions for our instruments. The estimated fair value of our debt at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, including the fair value of variable-rate debt, was approximately $4.4 billion and $4.8 billion respectively,for both periods, compared to a carrying value of approximately $4.9$5.1 billion and $5.3 billion, respectively.

Other

As of March 31,At June 30, 2018, we were in compliance with all financial and other debt covenants.

All obligations under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility, 2017 Credit Agreement and 2016 Credit Agreement (collectively, Credit Facilities) as well as our Second Lien Notes and Senior Notes are guaranteed both fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally by all of our material wholly owned subsidiaries.

Excluding our interest-rate derivative contracts, a one-eighth percent change in the variable interest rates on the borrowings under our Credit Facilities on June 30, 2018 would result in a $3 million change in annual interest expense.

For a detailed description of our credit agreements, second lien notesCredit Facilities, Second Lien Notes and senior notes,Senior Notes, please see our most recent Form 10-K.

NOTE 6NONCONTROLLING INTERESTSJOINT VENTURES

Noncontrolling Interests

The following table presents the changes in noncontrolling interests by entity,joint venture partner, reported in equity attributable to noncontrolling interest and mezzanine equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 (in millions):
    Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Mezzanine Equity - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest    Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Mezzanine Equity - Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest
Ares JV BSP JV Total Ares JVAres JV BSP JV Total Ares JV
Balance, December 31, 2017$
 $94
 94
 $
$
 $94
 $94
 $
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests1
 (4) (3) 14
Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests(6) (7) (13) 43
Contributions from noncontrolling interest holders, net33
 
 33
 714
33
 49
 82
 714
Distributions to noncontrolling interest holders(1) (14) (15) (4)(2) (17) (19) (22)
Balance, March 31, 2018$33
 $76
 $109
 $724
Balance, June 30, 2018$25
 $119
 $144
 $735



Ares Management L.P. (Ares)

In February 2018, we entered into a midstream JV with ECR Corporate Holdings L.P. (ECR), a portfolio company of Ares Management L.P. (Ares). This JV (Ares JV) holds the Elk Hills power plant, a 550-megawatt natural gas fired power plant, and a 200 million cubic foot per day cryogenic gas processing plant. Through one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, we hold 50% of the Class A common interest and 95.25% of the Class C common interest in the Ares JV. ECR holds 50% of the Class A common interest, 100% of the Class B preferred interest and 4.75% of the Class C common interest. We received $750 million in proceeds upon entering into the Ares JV, before $3 million for transaction costs.



The fair value of the Class A common interest and Class B preferred interestinterests held by Ares isECR are reported as redeemable noncontrolling interest in mezzanine equity and the fair value of thedue to an embedded optional redemption feature. The Class C common interest held by AresECR is reported in equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We have elected to apply the accretion method to adjust the redeemable noncontrolling interest to its redemption price with the measurement adjustment recorded as a component of equity. The measurement adjustment was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2018.sheets.

The Ares JV is required to make monthly distributions to the Class B holders. The Class B preferred interest has a deferred payment feature wherewhereby a portion of the monthly distributions may be deferred for the first three years to the fourth and fifth year. The deferred amounts accrue an additional return. Distributions to the Class B preferred interest holders are reported as a reduction to mezzanine equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.sheets. The Ares JV is also required to distribute its excess cash flow over its working capital requirements, on a pro-rata basis, to the Class C common interests.

We havecan cause the optionAres JV to redeem ECR's Class A and Class B interests, in whole, but not in part, at any time forby paying $750 million for the Class B interest and $60 million for the Class A interest, plus any previously accrued but unpaid preferred distributions and a make-whole payment if the redemption happens prior to five years.years from inception. We have the option to extend the redemption period for up to an additional two and one-half years, in which case the interests can be redeemed for $750 million for the Class B interest and $80 million for the Class A interest, plus any previously accrued but unpaid preferred distributions and a make-whole payment if the redemption happens prior to seven and one-half years.years from inception. If we do not exercise our option to redeem at the end of the seven and one-half year period, ECR can monetizeeither sell its Class A and Class B interests either in a market transaction or through acause the sale or lease of the Ares JV assets.

Our condensed consolidated resultsstatements of operations reflect the full operations of our Ares JV, with Ares'ECR's share of net income being reported asin net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

In the first quarter of 2018 and in connection with the formation of the Ares JV, an Ares-led investor group purchased approximately 2.3 million shares of our common stock in a noncontrolling interest on our statementprivate placement for an aggregate purchase price of operations.$50 million.

Benefit Street Partners (BSP)

In February 2017, we entered into a joint venture with BSP (BSP JV) where BSP will contribute up to $250 million, subject to agreement of the parties, in exchange for a preferred interest in the BSP JV. The funds contributed by BSP were used to develop certain of our oil and gas properties. BSP is entitled to preferential distributions and, if BSP receives cash distributions equal to a predetermined threshold, the preferred interest is automatically redeemed in full with no additional payment. BSP funded twothree $50 million tranches, before transaction costs, in March and2017, July 2017 before a $2 million total issuance fee. In 2017, the $98 million net proceeds wereand June 2018. The funds contributed by BSP are used to fund capital investmentsdevelop certain of $96 millionour oil and the remainder was used for hedging activities. gas properties.

The BSP JV holds net profits interests (NPI) in existing and future cash flow from certain of our properties and the proceeds from the NPIsNPI are used by the BSP JV to (1) pay quarterly minimum distributions to BSP, (2) pay for development costs within the project area, upon mutual agreement between members, and (3) make distributions to BSP until the predetermined threshold is achieved.

Our consolidated results reflect the full operations of our BSP JV, with BSP's share of net income being reported as ain net income attributable to noncontrolling interestinterests on our statementcondensed consolidated statements of operations.



Other

Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets Inc. (MIRA)

Our consolidated results only include our working interest share in a joint venture we entered into with Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets Inc. (MIRA) in April 2017. Subject to the agreement of the parties, MIRA will invest up to $300 million to develop certain of our oil and gas properties in exchange for a 90% working interest in the related properties (MIRA JV).properties. MIRA will fund 100% of the development cost of such properties. Our 10% working interest increases to 75% if MIRA receives cash distributions equal to a predetermined threshold return. MIRA initially committed $160 million, which iswas intended to be invested over two years. OfIn June 2018, the committed amount,parties amended the joint development program to $140 million. The agreement provides for a commitment of up to 110% of the program amount. MIRA contributedinvested $58 million in 2017 and $28 million in the first half of 2018. MIRA expects to contribute the remaining $54 million for drilling projects in 2017the second half of 2018 and is expected to contribute $75 million in 2018, of which $22 million was funded inthrough the first quarter of 2019.

NOTE 7    ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

Acquisitions

On April 9, 2018, we acquired the remaining working, surface and mineral interests in the 47,000-acre Elk Hills unit from Chevron U.S.A., Inc. (Chevron) (the Elk Hills transaction) for approximately $518 million, including $5 million of liabilities assumed relating to asset retirement obligations and customary purchase price adjustments. We accounted for the Elk Hills transaction as a business combination. After the transaction, we hold all of the working, surface and mineral interests in the Elk Hills unit. The effective date of the transaction was April 1, 2018.

As part of the Elk Hills transaction, Chevron reduced its royalty interest in one of our oil and gas properties by half and extended the time frame to invest the remainder of our capital commitment on that property by two years, to the end of 2020. As of June 30, 2018, the remaining commitment was approximately $23 million. Any deficiency in meeting this capital investment obligation will be paid in cash. We expect to fulfill the capital investment requirement within the extended period. In addition, the parties mutually agreed to release each other from pending claims with respect to the Elk Hills field.

The following table summarizes the total consideration, including customary closing adjustments, and the allocation of the consideration based on the fair value of the assets acquired as of the acquisition date:
 At June 30, 2018
 (in millions)
Consideration: 
Cash$462
Amounts due from Chevron(2)
Common stock issued (2.85 million shares)51
Liabilities assumed7
 $518
  
Identifiable assets acquired: 
Proved properties$435
Other property and equipment77
Materials and supplies6
 $518



The results of operations for the Elk Hills transaction were included in our condensed consolidated financial statements subsequent to the closing date.

On April 2, 2018, we acquired an office building in Bakersfield, California for $48.4 million, which we believe is significantly less than the estimated replacement value of the property and the land. We currently have approximately 500 employees using eight different locations in Bakersfield across multiple leases. We expect that the new building will create significant value by bringing our Bakersfield employees together into a single location over the next 12 to 15 months, which will increase the efficiency, effectiveness and collaboration of these employees. This building was the only available office space in the Bakersfield area large enough to allow us to consolidate our workforce into a single location. For the initial eight months, a former owner of the building will occupy most of the space as a tenant, from which we expect to generate rental income of approximately $4 million in 2018. In December 2018, this tenant will downsize the space they are leasing, with a corresponding reduction in rent, until December 2022. The vacated space will be available to lease to other tenants to generate additional income. In addition, the unimproved land may be monetized in the future. Approximately $6 million of the purchase price was allocated to the in-place leases, which is included in other assets and will be amortized into other expenses, net.

Divestitures

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we divested a non-core asset resulting in $13 million of proceeds and a $1 million gain.

During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we divested non-core assets resulting in $33 million of proceeds and a $21 million gain.

NOTE 78    LAWSUITS, CLAIMS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We, or certain of our subsidiaries, are involved, in the normal course of business, in lawsuits, environmental and other claims and other contingencies that seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract, property damage or other losses, punitive damages, civil penalties, or injunctive or declaratory relief.

We accrue reserves for currently outstanding lawsuits, claims and proceedings when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the liability can be reasonably estimated. Reserve balances at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were not material to our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of such dates. We also evaluate the amount of reasonably possible losses that we could incur as a result of these matters. We believe that reasonably possible losses that we could incur in excess of reserves accrued on our balance sheet would not be material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

We, our subsidiaries, or both, have indemnified various parties against specific liabilities those parties might incur in the future in connection with the Spin-off, purchases and other transactions that they have entered into with us. These indemnities include indemnities made to Occidental against certain tax-related liabilities that may be incurred by Occidental relating to the Spin-off and liabilities related to operation of our business while it was still owned by Occidental. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we are not aware of material indemnity claims pending or threatened against the company.

NOTE 89    DERIVATIVES

General

We use a variety of derivative instruments to protect our cash flow, operating margin and capital program from the cyclical nature of commodity prices while maintainingprices. These derivatives are intended to help us maintain adequate liquidity and improving our ability to comply with the covenants of our Credit Facilities in case of price deterioration. We will continue to be strategic and opportunistic in implementing our hedging program as market conditions permit. Derivatives are carried at fair value and on a net basis when a legal right of offset exists with the same counterparty.



Commodity Contracts

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we did not have any derivatives designated as hedges. Unless otherwise indicated, we use the term "hedge" to describe derivative instruments that are designed to achieve our hedging program goals, even though they are not necessarily accounted for as cash-flow or fair-value hedges. As part of our hedging program, we entered into a number of derivative transactions that resulted in the following Brent-based crude oil contracts as of March 31,June 30, 2018:
Q2
2018
 
Q3
2018
 
Q4
2018
 
Q1
2019
 
Q2
2019
 Q3
2019
 Q4
2019
 
FY
2020
Q3
2018
 Q4
2018
 Q1
2019
 Q2
2019
 Q3
2019
 Q4
2019
 FY
2020
 
FY
2021
Sold Calls:                              
Barrels per day6,168
 6,127
 16,086
 16,057
 6,023
 991
 961
 503
6,127
 16,086
 16,057
 6,023
 991
 961
 503
 
Weighted-average price per barrel$60.24
 $60.24
 $58.91
 $65.75
 $67.01
 $60.00
 $60.00
 $60.00
$60.24
 $58.91
 $65.75
 $67.01
 $60.00
 $60.00
 $60.00
 $
                              
Purchased Calls:                              
Barrels per day
 
 
 2,000
 
 
 
 

 
 2,000
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average price per barrel$
 $
 $
 $71.00
 $
 $
 $
 $
$
 $
 $71.00
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
                              
Purchased Puts:                              
Barrels per day1,168
 6,127
 1,086
 24,057
 11,023
 991
 961
 503
6,922
 1,851
 34,793
 31,733
 11,676
 1,623
 1,506
 574
Weighted-average price per barrel$45.83
 $61.47
 $45.85
 $60.00
 $60.05
 $45.85
 $45.85
 $43.91
$61.31
 $51.70
 $62.77
 $66.21
 $62.79
 $49.58
 $47.97
 $45.00
                              
Sold Puts:                              
Barrels per day29,000
 24,000
 19,000
 25,000
 5,000
 
 
 
24,000
 19,000
 35,000
 25,000
 10,000
 
 
 
Weighted-average price per barrel$45.00
 $46.04
 $45.00
 $49.00
 $50.00
 $
 $
 $
$46.04
 $45.00
 $50.71
 $54.00
 $50.00
 $
 $
 $
                              
Swaps:                              
Barrels per day44,350
 
19,000(1)

 
19,000(1)

 
7,000(2)

 
 
 
 
48,000
 
29,000(1)

 
7,000(2)

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average price per barrel$60.00
 $60.13
 $60.13
 $67.71
 $
 $
 $
 $
$60.35
 $60.50
 $67.71
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Note:Additional hedges for 2019 were put in place after March 31,June 30, 2018 that are not included in the table above.
(1)Certain of our counterparties have options to increase swap volumes by up to 29,00019,000 barrels per day at a weighted-average Brent price of $60.50$60.13 for the second halffourth quarter of 2018.
(2)Certain of our counterparties have options to increase swap volumes by up to 5,000 barrels per day at a weighted-average Brent price of $70.00 for the first quarter of 2019.

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, a small portion of the crude oil derivatives in the table above were entered into by the BSP JV, including all of the 2020 and 2021 hedges. This joint venture also entered into natural gas swaps for insignificant volumes for periods through July 2020.May 2021.

The outcomes of the derivative positionsinstruments are as follows:

Sold calls – we make settlement payments for prices above the indicated weighted-average price per barrel.
Purchased calls – we receive settlement payments for prices above the indicated weighted-average price per barrel.
Purchased puts – we receive settlement payments for prices below the indicated weighted-average price per barrel.
Sold puts – we make settlement payments for prices below the indicated weighted-average price per barrel.

From time to time, we may use combinations of these positionsand other derivative instruments to increase the efficacy of our commodity hedging program.



Interest-Rate Contracts

In May 2018, we entered into derivative contracts that limit our interest rate exposure with respect to $1.3 billion of our variable-rate indebtedness.�� These interest-rate contracts reset monthly and require the counterparties to pay any excess interest owed on such amount in the event the one-month LIBOR exceeds 2.75% for any monthly period prior to May 4, 2021.

Fair Value of Derivatives
Our commodity derivativesderivative contracts are measured at fair value using industry-standard models with various inputs, including quoted forward prices, and are all classified as Level 2 in the required fair value hierarchy for the periods presented. We recognize fair value changes on derivative instruments in each reporting period. The changes in fair value result from new positions and settlements that occurred during the period, as well as the relationship between contract prices or interest rates and the associated forward curves.
Commodity Contracts
The following table presents the fair values (at gross and net) of our outstanding commodity derivatives as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in millions):
June 30, 2018
Balance Sheet Classification Gross Amounts Recognized at Fair Value Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet Net Fair Value Presented in the Balance Sheet
Assets:      
  Other current assets $59
 $
 $59
  Other assets 7
 
 7
       
Liabilities:      
  Accrued liabilities (260) 
 (260)
  Other long-term liabilities (6) 
 (6)
Total derivatives $(200) $
 $(200)
 March 31, 2018
 Balance Sheet Classification Gross Amounts Recognized at Fair Value Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet Net Fair Value Presented in the Balance Sheet
Assets       
Commodity ContractsOther current assets $52
 $(8) $44
Commodity ContractsOther assets 7
 
 7
        
Liabilities       
Commodity ContractsAccrued liabilities (178) 8
 (170)
Commodity ContractsOther long-term liabilities (7) 
 (7)
Total derivatives  $(126) $
 $(126)
December 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Classification Gross Amounts Recognized at Fair Value Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet Net Fair Value Presented in the Balance Sheet
Assets:      
  Other current assets $39
 $(16) $23
  Other assets 1
 
 1
       
Liabilities:      
  Accrued liabilities (170) 16
 (154)
  Other long-term liabilities (3) 
 (3)
Total derivatives $(133) $
 $(133)
 December 31, 2017
 Balance Sheet Classification Gross Amounts Recognized at Fair Value Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet Net Fair Value Presented in the Balance Sheet
Assets       
Commodity ContractsOther current assets $39
 $(16) $23
Commodity ContractsOther assets 1
 
 1
        
Liabilities       
Commodity ContractsAccrued liabilities (170) 16
 (154)
Commodity ContractsOther long-term liabilities (3) 
 (3)
Total derivatives  $(133) $
 $(133)

Interest-Rate Contracts

As of June 30, 2018, we reported the fair value of our interest rate derivatives of $8 million in other assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheets. For both the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, we reported a $1 million loss on these contracts in other non-operating expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.



NOTE 910    EARNINGS PER SHARE

We compute basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) using the two-class method required for participating securities. Certain of our restricted and performance stock awards are considered participating securities when such sharesbecause they have non-forfeitable dividend rights at the same rate as our common stock.

Under the two-class method, undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities are subtracted from net income attributable to common stock in determining net income available to common stockholders. In loss periods, no allocation is made to participating securities because the participating securities do not share in losses. For basic EPS, the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes outstanding shares related to unvested restricted stock awards. For diluted EPS, the basic shares outstanding are adjusted by adding all potentially dilutive securities.



The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in millions, except per-share amounts)(in millions, except per-share amounts)
Basic EPS calculation   
Net income$9
 $52
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(11) 1
Net (loss) income$(63) $(47) $(54) $5
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(19) (1) (30) 
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock(2) 53
(82) (48) (84) 5
Less: net income (loss) allocated to participating securities
 (1)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities
 
 
 
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders$(2) $52
$(82) $(48) $(84) $5
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic44.2
 42.3
48.2
 42.4
 46.3
 42.4
Basic EPS$(0.05) $1.23
$(1.70) $(1.13) $(1.81) $0.12
          
Diluted EPS calculation   
Net income$9
 $52
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(11) 1
Net (loss) income$(63) $(47) $(54) $5
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest(19) (1) (30) 
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock(2) 53
(82) (48) (84) 5
Less: net income (loss) allocated to participating securities
 (1)
Less: net income allocated to participating securities
 
 
 
Net (loss) income available to common stockholders$(2) $52
$(82) $(48) $(84) $5
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic44.2
 42.3
48.2
 42.4
 46.3
 42.4
Dilutive effect of potentially dilutive securities
 0.3

 
 
 0.3
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted44.2
 42.6
48.2
 42.4
 46.3
 42.7
Diluted EPS$(0.05) $1.22
$(1.70) $(1.13) $(1.81) $0.12
Weighted-average anti-dilutive shares2.5
 1.5
3.0
 2.7
 2.9
 1.8



NOTE 1011    PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The following table sets forth the components of the net periodic benefit costs for our defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans:
Three months ended March 31,Three months ended June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Pension
Benefit
 Postretirement
Benefit
 Pension
Benefit
 Postretirement
Benefit
Pension
Benefit
 Postretirement
Benefit
 Pension
Benefit
 Postretirement
Benefit
(in millions)(in millions)
Service cost$
 $1
 $
 $1
$
 $1
 $
 $1
Interest cost1
 1
 1
 1
1
 1
 1
 1
Expected return on plan assets(1) 
 (1) 
(1) 
 (1) 
Recognized actuarial loss
 
 1
 
Settlement loss2
 
 3
 
2
 
 
 
Total$2
 $2
 $3
 $2
$2
 $2
 $1
 $2
 Six months ended June 30,
 2018 2017
 Pension
Benefit
 Postretirement
Benefit
 Pension
Benefit
 Postretirement
Benefit
 (in millions)
Service cost$
 $2
 $
 $2
Interest cost1
 2
 1
 2
Expected return on plan assets(1) 
 (1) 
Recognized actuarial loss1
 
 1
 
Settlement loss4
 
 3
 
Total$5
 $4
 $4
 $4

During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, weWe contributed $1 million to our defined benefit pension plans in each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2018 and $42017. We contributed $2 million and $5 million, respectively, to our defined benefit pension plans.plans in the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017. We expect to satisfy minimum funding requirements with contributions of $3$2 million to our defined benefit pension plans during the remainder of 2018. The 2018 and 2017 settlements were associated with early retirements.



NOTE 1112    REVENUE RECOGNITION

We account for revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which we adopted on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method, which was applied to all contracts that were not completed as of that date. Prior period results arewere not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. The new standard did not affect the timing of our revenue recognition and did not impact net income; accordingly, we did not record an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings.

We derive substantially all of our revenue from sales of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs), with the remaining revenue generated from marketing activities related to storage and managing excess pipeline capacity and sales of power.

The following is a description of our principal activities from which we generate revenue. Revenues are recognized when control of promised goods is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods.



Commodity Sales Contracts

We recognize revenue from the sale of our oil, natural gas and NGL production when delivery has occurred and control passes to the customer. Our commodity contracts are short term, typically less than a year. We consider our performance obligations to be satisfied upon transfer of control of the commodity. In certain instances, transportation and processing fees are incurred by us prior to control being transferred to customers. These costs were previously offset against oil and gas sales. Upon adoption of ASC 606, we are recording these costs as a component of other expenses, net.net on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Our commodity sales contracts are indexed to a market price or an average index price. We recognize revenue in the amount whichthat we have a right to invoice once we are able to adequately estimate the consideration (i.e., when market prices are known). Our contracts with customers typically require payment within 30 days following invoicing.

Electricity

The electrical output of our Elk Hills power plant that is not used in our operations is sold to the grid through wholesale power marketing entities and to a utility under a power purchase and salesales agreement, which includes a capacity payment. Revenue is recognized when obligations under the terms of a contract with our customer are satisfied; generally, this occurs upon delivery of the electricity. We report electricity sales as other revenue.revenue on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive based on average index pricing with payment due the month following the delivery of our product. Capacity payments are based on a fixed annual amount per kilowatt hour and monthly rates vary based on seasonality, which is consistent with how we earn the capacity payment. Capacity payments are settled monthly. We consider our performance obligations to be satisfied upon delivery of electricity or as the contracted amount of energy is made available to the customer in the case of capacity payments.

Marketing

Marketing revenues represent our activities associated with storing and transporting our production and other marketing revenue. With respect to our natural gas liquids,NGLs, we may enter into contracts, typically with durations of one year or less, for refrigerated storage services that assist us in managing the seasonality of our products.

To transport our natural gas, we have entered into firm pipeline commitments. Depending on market conditions, we may have excess capacity, in which case we may enter into natural gas purchase and sale agreements with third parties. We consider our performance obligations to be satisfied upon transfer of control of the commodity.

We report our marketing activities on a gross basis with purchases and costs reported in other expenses, net and sales recorded in other revenue.revenue on our condensed consolidated statements of operations.



Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table provides disaggregated revenue for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 (in millions):
Three months ended
June 30, 2018
 
Six months ended
June 30, 2018
Oil and gas sales:    
Oil$466
$553
 $1,019
NGLs63
61
 124
Natural gas46
43
 89
575
657
 1,232
Other revenue:    
Electricity24
21
 45
Marketing47
38
 85
Interest income1

 1
72
59
 131
Net derivative losses(38)
Net derivative loss from commodity contracts(167) (205)
Total revenues and other$609
$549
 $1,158

The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on our condensed consolidated statementstatements of operations for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 was as follows (in millions):
Three months ended
June 30, 2018
 
Six months ended
June 30, 2018
As Reported
ASC 606
 
Previous
U.S. GAAP
 Change
As Reported
ASC 606
 
Previous
U.S. GAAP
 Change 
As Reported
ASC 606
 
Previous
U.S. GAAP
 Change
REVENUES AND OTHER                
Oil and gas sales$575
 $568
 $7
$657
 $652
 $5
 $1,232
 $1,220
 $12
Net derivative losses(38) (38) 
Net derivative loss from commodity contracts(167) (167) 
 (205) (205) 
Other revenue72
 37
 35
59
 28
 31
 131
 65
 66
Total revenues and other609
 567
 42
549
 513
 36
 1,158
 1,080
 78
                
COSTS AND OTHER                
Production costs212
 212
 
231
 231
 
 443
 443
 
General and administrative expenses63
 63
 
90
 90
 
 153
 153
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization119
 119
 
125
 125
 
 244
 244
 
Taxes other than on income38
 38
 
37
 37
 
 75
 75
 
Exploration expense8
 8
 
Exploration expenses6
 6
 
 14
 14
 
Other expenses, net61
 19
 42
49
 13
 36
 110
 32
 78
Total costs and other501
 459
 42
538
 502
 36
 1,039
 961
 78
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME108
 108
 
OPERATING INCOME11
 11
 
 119
 119
 
                
NON-OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME                
Interest and debt expense, net(92) (92) 
(94) (94) 
 (186) (186) 
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt24
 24
 
 24
 24
 
Gain on asset divestitures1
 1
 
 1
 1
 
Other non-operating expenses(7) (7) 
(5) (5) 
 (12) (12) 
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES9
 9
 
Income tax benefit
 
 
NET (LOSS) INCOME9
 9
 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(11) (11) 
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK$(2) $(2) $
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES(63) (63) 
 (54) (54) 
Income tax
 
 
 
 
 
NET LOSS(63) (63) 
 (54) (54) 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(19) (19) 
 (30) (30) 
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK$(82) $(82) $
 $(84) $(84) $



The adoption of ASC 606 did not have an impact on our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017.



NOTE 1213    INCOME TAXES
For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017, we did not provide any current or deferred tax provision or benefit. The difference between our statutory tax rate and our effective tax rate of zero for the periods presented is primarily related to an increase in our valuation allowance based on the expectation of a tax loss for theeach year. Given our recent and anticipated future earnings trends, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax asset and do not believe any of our valuation allowance as of March 31, 2018 will be released withinasset. However, the next 12 months. The amount of the net deferred tax assets considered realizable could however be adjusted if estimates change.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law on December 22, 2017 and included significant changes to corporate tax provisions such as a reduction in the corporate tax rate, limitations on certain corporate deductions and favorable capital recovery provisions. The California Franchise Tax Board released its summary of Federal Income Tax Changes for 2017 on April 19, 2018, which identifiesidentified how these U.S. federal changes interact with California law. California law was not conformed to the corporate provisions which werethat are the most significant to our business.

NOTE 13    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 2, 2018, we acquired an office building in Bakersfield, California for $48.4 million. We currently have close to 500 employees in nine different locations in Bakersfield across multiple leases. We expect that the new building will create significant value for us by bringing all of our Bakersfield employees together into a single location over the next 12 to 18 months, which will increase the efficiency, effectiveness and collaboration of these employees. We also plan on moving our backbone infrastructure, which is also in several different buildings, including our data center and records department, into the building within a year. For the initial eight months, a former owner of the building will occupy most of the space as a tenant, from which we expect to generate rental income of approximately $4 million in 2018. In December 2018, this tenant will downsize the space they are leasing, with a corresponding reduction in rent, until December 2022. The building is large enough to house all of our Bakersfield employees and still allow us to lease out space to other tenants after December 2018 to generate additional rental income.

On April 9, 2018, we acquired the remaining working, surface and mineral interests in the Elk Hills field from Chevron U.S.A., Inc. (Chevron) for approximately $510 million consisting of $460 million in cash and 2.85 million in unregistered shares of CRC common stock (the Elk Hills transaction). After the transaction, we hold in fee simple a 100% working interest, a 100% net revenue interest and all of the surface land in the Elk Hills field. The effective date of the transaction was April 1, 2018. We also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which we agreed to register for resale the shares issued to Chevron within two business days following the filing of this Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018. The Registration Rights Agreement limits Chevron’s ability to resell shares as follows: (1) up to 1 million shares in the first 30 days following effectiveness of the registration statement, (2) up to 1 million additional shares (plus the balance of any unsold shares in the first 30-day period) in the 30 days thereafter, and (3) any remaining shares thereafter.

As part of the Elk Hills transaction, Chevron reduced its royalty interest in one of our oil and gas properties by half and extended, by two years to the end of 2020, the time frame to invest the remainder of our capital commitment on that property. As of March 31, 2018, the remaining commitment was approximately $58 million. Any deficiency in meeting this capital investment obligation would still need to be paid in cash. We expect to fulfill the capital investment requirement within the extended period. In addition, the parties mutually agreed to release each other from pending claims with respect to Elk Hills.

NOTE 14    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Our Credit Facilities, and Second Lien Notes and Senior Notes are guaranteed both fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally by our material wholly owned subsidiaries (Guarantor Subsidiaries). Certain of our subsidiaries do not guarantee our Credit Facilities, and Second Lien Notes and Senior Notes (Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries) either because they hold assets that are less than 1% of our total consolidated assets or because they are not considered a "subsidiary" under the applicable financing agreement. The following condensed consolidating balance sheets at March 31,as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and the condensed consolidating statements of operations and statements of cash flows for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017 reflect the condensed consolidating financial information of our parent company, CRC (Parent), our combined Guarantor Subsidiaries, our combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries and the elimination entries necessary to arrive at the information for CRC on a consolidated basis.



The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of results of operations, cash flows or financial position had the Guarantor Subsidiaries operated as independent entities.


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
Parent Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations ConsolidatedParent Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
As of March 31, 2018(in millions)
As of June 30, 2018(in millions)
Total current assets$491
 $414
 $51
 $(7) $949
$14
 $468
 $85
 $(8) $559
Total property, plant and equipment, net23
 5,153
 538
 
 5,714
22
 5,761
 551
 
 6,334
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries5,050
 95
 
 (5,145) 
5,625
 141
 
 (5,766) 
Other assets
 22
 14
 
 36
9
 24
 14
 
 47
TOTAL ASSETS$5,564
 $5,684
 $603
 $(5,152) $6,699
$5,670
 $6,394
 $650
 $(5,774) $6,940
                  
Total current liabilities125
 680
 8
 (7) 806
102
 788
 11
 (8) 893
Long-term debt4,941
 
 
 
 4,941
5,075
 
 
 
 5,075
Deferred gain and issuance costs, net275
 
 
 
 275
265
 
 
 
 265
Other long-term liabilities153
 448
 6
 
 607
155
 454
 8
 
 617
Amounts due to (from) affiliates833
 (833) 
 
 
862
 (862) 
 
 
Mezzanine equity
 
 724
 
 724

 
 735
 
 735
Total equity(763) 5,389
 (135) (5,145) (654)(789) 6,014
 (104) (5,766) (645)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$5,564
 $5,684
 $603
 $(5,152) $6,699
$5,670
 $6,394
 $650
 $(5,774) $6,940
As of December 31, 2017 
Total current assets$13
 $464
 $12
 $(6) $483
Total property, plant and equipment, net24
 5,580
 92
 
 5,696
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries5,105
 606
 
 (5,711) 
Other assets
 27
 1
 
 28
TOTAL ASSETS$5,142
 $6,677
 $105
 $(5,717) $6,207
          
Total current liabilities122
 613
 3
 (6) 732
Long-term debt5,306
 
 
 
 5,306
Deferred gain and issuance costs, net287
 
 
 
 287
Other long-term liabilities154
 445
 3
 
 602
Amounts due to (from) affiliates87
 (87) 
 
 
Total equity(814) 5,706
 99
 (5,711) (720)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY$5,142
 $6,677
 $105
 $(5,717) $6,207



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations
Condensed Consolidating Statements of OperationsCondensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
Parent Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations ConsolidatedParent Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
                  
For the three months ended March 31, 2018(in millions)
For the three months ended June 30, 2018(in millions)
Total revenues and other$1
 $585
 $65
 $(42) $609
$
 $526
 $94
 $(71) $549
Total costs and other44
 460
 39
 (42) 501
64
 499
 46
 (71) 538
Non-operating loss(98) (1) 
 
 (99)(74) 
 
 
 (74)
NET (LOSS) INCOME(141) 124
 26
 
 9
(138) 27
 48
 
 (63)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (11) 
 (11)
 
 (19) 
 (19)
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK$(141) $124
 $15
 $
 $(2)$(138) $27
 $29
 $
 $(82)
For the three months ended March 31, 2017         
For the three months ended June 30, 2017         
Total revenues and other$
 $589
 $1
 $
 $590
$18
 $515
 $4
 $(21) $516
Total costs and other53
 420
 2
 
 475
54
 439
 3
 (21) 475
Non-operating (loss) income(81) 18
 
 
 (63)(88) 
 
 
 (88)
NET (LOSS) INCOME(134) 187
 (1) 
 52
(124) 76
 1
 
 (47)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 1
 
 1

 
 (1) 
 (1)
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK$(134) $187
 $
 $
 $53
$(124) $76
 $
 $
 $(48)

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
 Parent Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
          
For the six months ended June 30, 2018(in millions)
Total revenues and other$1
 $1,111
 $159
 $(113) $1,158
Total costs and other107
 960
 85
 (113) 1,039
Non-operating loss(173) 
 
 
 (173)
NET (LOSS) INCOME(279) 151
 74
 
 (54)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
 (30) 
 (30)
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK$(279) $151
 $44
 $
 $(84)
For the six months ended June 30, 2017         
Total revenues and other$17
 $1,105
 $5
 $(21) $1,106
Total costs and other107
 859
 5
 (21) 950
Non-operating (loss) income(169) 18
 
 
 (151)
NET (LOSS) INCOME(259) 264
 
 
 5
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
NET (LOSS) INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCK$(259) $264
 $
 $
 $5



 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
 Parent Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
          
For the three months ended March 31, 2018(in millions)
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities$(154) $327
 $27
 $
 $200
Net cash used in investing activities(1) (136) (1) 
 (138)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities633
 (199) (22) 
 412
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents478
 (8) 4
 
 474
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period7
 8
 5
 
 20
Cash and cash equivalents—
end of period
$485
 $
 $9
 $
 $494
 Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
 Parent Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
          
For the six months ended June 30, 2018(in millions)
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities$(334) $480
 $88
 $
 $234
Net cash used in investing activities(1) (776) (30) 
 (807)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities334
 293
 (32) 
 595
(Decrease) increase in cash(1) (3) 26
 
 22
Cash—beginning of period7
 8
 5
 
 20
Cash—end of period$6
 $5
 $31
 $
 $42
For the three months ended March 31, 2017         
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities$(139) $274
 $(2) $
 $133
Net cash (used) provided by investing activities(1) 1
 
 
 
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities140
 (284) 49
 
 (95)
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 (9) 47
 
 38
Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period
 12
 
 
 12
Cash and cash equivalents—
end of period
$
 $3
 $47
 $
 $50
For the six months ended June 30, 2017         
Net cash (used) provided by operating activities$(319) $437
 $2
 $
 $120
Net cash used in investing activities(1) (26) (47) 
 (74)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities321
 (417) 47
 
 (49)
Increase (decrease) in cash1
 (6) 2
 
 (3)
Cash—beginning of period
 12
 
 
 12
Cash—end of period$1
 $6
 $2
 $
 $9


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

We are an independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company operating properties within California. We are incorporated in Delaware and became a publicly traded company on December 1, 2014. Except when the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated, all references to ‘‘CRC,’’ the ‘‘company,’’ ‘‘we,’’ ‘‘us’’ and ‘‘our’’ refer to California Resources Corporation and its subsidiaries.

Business Environment and Industry Outlook
 
Our operating results and those of the oil and gas industry as a whole are heavily influenced by commodity prices. Oil and gas prices and differentials may fluctuate significantly generally as a result of numerous market-related variables such as consumption patterns; inventory levels; global and local economic conditions; the actions of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other producers and governments; actual or threatened disruptions in production, refining and processing; currency exchange rates; worldwide drilling and exploration activities; the effects of conservation, weather, geophysical and technical limitations; technological advances; transportation and storage capacity, bottlenecks and costs in producing areas; alternative energy sources; regional market conditions; and other matters affecting the supply and demand dynamics for our products; as well as the effect of changes in these variables on market perceptions.variables. These and other factors make it impossible to predict realized prices reliably.

Much of the global exploration and production industry has been challenged in the low-commodity price cycle in recent years, putting pressure on the industry's ability to generate positive cash flow and access capital. Global oil prices were higher in the second quarter and the first quartersix months of 2018 compared to the same periodperiods of 2017. Prices for natural gas liquids (NGLs) have improved relative to crude oil prices due to tighter local supplies and higher contract prices across the NGL spectrum. Natural gas prices in the U.S. were lower in the second quarter and the first quartersix months of 2018 than the comparable periodperiods of 2017 due to higher natural gas production.production, which has outpaced demand.

The following table presents the average daily Brent, WTI and NYMEX prices for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Brent oil ($/Bbl)$67.18
 $54.66
$74.90
 $50.92
 $71.04
 $52.79
WTI oil ($/Bbl)$62.87
 $51.91
$67.88
 $48.29
 $65.37
 $50.10
NYMEX gas ($/MMBtu)$2.87
 $3.26
$2.75
 $3.14
 $2.81
 $3.20

We currently sell all of our crude oil into the California refining market, which offers relatively favorable pricing compared to other U.S. regions for similar grades. California is heavily reliant on imported sources of energy, with approximately 72%73% of the oil consumed in 2017the first half of 2018 imported from outside the state. A vast majority of the imported oil arrives via supertanker, mostly from foreign locations. As a result, California refiners have typically purchased crude oil at international waterborne-based prices. We believe that the limited crude transportation infrastructure from other parts of the U.S. into California will continue to contribute to higher realizations than most other U.S. oil markets for comparable grades. Additionally, our differentials improved against Brent during 2017, continuing into the early partfirst half of 2018, in response to strong demand for California crude oil to optimize local refinery yields as well as a decline in overall California crude oil production.
 
Prices and differentials for NGLs are related to the supply and demand for the products making up these liquids. Some of them more typically correlate to the price of oil while others are affected by natural gas prices as well as the demand for certain chemical products for which they are used as feedstock. In addition, infrastructure constraints and seasonality can magnify pricing volatility.


Natural gas prices and differentials are strongly affected by local market fundamentals, as well as availability of transportation capacity from producing areas. Transportation capacity influences prices because California imports aboutover 90% of its natural gas from other states and Canada. As a result, we typically enjoy favorable pricing relative to out-of-state producers since we can deliver our gas for lower transportation costs. Due to our much lower natural gas production compared to our oil production, the changes in natural gas prices have a smaller impact on our operating results.



In addition to selling natural gas, we also use gas for our steamfloods and power generation. As a result, the positive impact of higher natural gas prices is partially offset by higher operating costs, but higher prices still have a net positive effect on our operating results. Conversely, lower natural gas prices generally have a net negative effect on our results, but lower the cost of our steamflood projects and power generation.

Our earnings are also affected by the performance of our processing and power generationpower-generation assets. We process our wet gas to extract NGLs and other natural gas byproducts. We then deliver dry gas to pipelines and separately sell the NGLs. The efficiency with which we extract liquids from the wet gas stream affects our operating results. Additionally, we use part of the electricity from the Elk Hills power plant to reduce operating costs at our Elk Hills and nearby fields and increase reliability. The remaining electricity is sold to the grid and a utility under a power purchase and sales agreement that includes a capacity payment. The price obtained for excess power impacts our earnings but generally by an insignificant amount.

We believe the improvement of oil prices over the past year, coupled with management actions, such as the 2017 Credit Agreement in November 2017, the Ares JV in February 2018 and the Elk Hills transaction in April 2018, contributed to our stock price increase by 430% from $8.55 at June 30, 2017 to $45.44 as of June 30, 2018. As a result, our market capitalization increased from $366 million to $2.2 billion during this period.

Tariffs of 25% for steel and 10% for aluminum on foreign imports from certain countries were made effective on March 23,in the first quarter of 2018. We procure tubular goods and equipment from multiple vendors. We do not expect these tariffs and currently proposed additional tariffs to have a material impact on our costs.costs in the foreseeable future.

We opportunistically seek strategic hedging transactions to help protect our cash flow, operating margin and capital program from both the cyclical nature of commodity prices and interest rate movements while maintaining adequate liquidity and improving our ability to comply with our debt covenants in case of price deterioration. We are building our 2019 commodity hedge positions to protect our downside risk without significantly limiting our upside potential. We can give no assurances that our hedges will be adequate to accomplish our objectives. Unless otherwise indicated, we use the term "hedge" to describe derivative instruments that are designed to achieve our hedging program goals, even though they are not necessarily accounted for as cash-flow or fair-value hedges.

We respond to economic conditions by adjusting the amount and allocation of our capital program, aligning the size of our workforce with our level of activity and continuing to identify efficiencies, some of which are achieved from data tools, and cost savings. The reductions in our capital program in 2015 and 2016 negatively impacted our 2017 production levels. With our increased capital program in 2017, our oil production flattened.stabilized in early 2018 and started showing sequential increases in the first two quarters of the year, excluding the impact of our PSC-type contracts and the additional Elk Hills interest acquired in the second quarter of 2018. With our 2018 program, even excluding acquisitions, we expect to achievefurther oil production growth in the second half of the year from strong well performance as well as the acceleration of workover activity and expect to exit the year with higher production than the beginning of the year. Volatility in oil prices may materially affect the quantities of oil and gas reserves we can economically produce over the longer term.

Seasonality
 
While certain aspects of our operations are affected by seasonal factors, such as electricity costs, overall, seasonality ishas not been a material driver of changes in our quarterly results during the year.

Joint Ventures

Exploration and Development Joint Ventures

In line with our strategy, we have entered into a number of joint ventures (JVs) which allow us to accelerate the development of our assets while providing us with operational and financial flexibility as well as near term production benefits.



In February 2017, we entered into a joint venture with Benefit Street Partners (BSP) where BSP will contribute up to $250 million, subject to agreement of the parties, in exchange for a preferred interest in the BSP joint venture (BSP JV). The funds contributed by BSP were used to develop certain of our oil and gas properties. BSP is entitled to preferential distributions and, if BSP receives cash distributions equal to a predetermined threshold, the preferred interest is automatically redeemed in full with no additional payment. BSP funded twothree $50 million tranches, before transaction costs, in March and2017, July 2017 before a $2 million total issuance fee. In 2017, the $98 million net proceeds wereand June 2018. The funds contributed by BSP are used to fund capital investmentsdevelop certain of $96 millionour oil and the remainder was used for hedging activities. We expect funding of the third tranche of BSP capital in the second quarter of 2018. gas properties.

The BSP JV holds net profits interests (NPI) in existing and future cash flow from certain of our properties and the proceeds from the NPIsNPI are used by the BSP JV to (1) pay quarterly minimum distributions to BSP, (2) pay for development costs within the project area, upon mutual agreement between members, and (3) make distributions to BSP until the predetermined threshold is achieved. Our consolidated results reflect the full operations of our BSP JV, with BSP's share of net income andbeing reported in net assets being shown separately as aincome attributable to noncontrolling interest in the accompanyinginterests on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and consolidated balance sheets, respectively.operations.

In April 2017, we entered into a JV with Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets Inc. (MIRA) under which MIRA will invest up to $300 million, subject to agreement of the parties, to develop certain of our oil and gas properties in exchange for a 90% working interest in the related properties (MIRA JV). MIRA will fund 100% of the development cost of such properties. Our 10% working interest increases to 75% if MIRA receives cash distributions equal to a predetermined threshold return. MIRA initially committed $160 million, which iswas intended to be invested over two years. OfIn June 2018, the committed amount,parties amended the joint development program to $140 million. The agreement provides for a commitment of up to 110% of the program amount. MIRA contributedinvested $58 million in 2017 and $28 million in the first half of 2018. MIRA expects to contribute the remaining $54 million for drilling projects in 2017the second half of 2018 and is expected to contribute $75 million in 2018, of which $22 million was funded inthrough the first quarter of 2018.2019. Our consolidated results reflect only our working interest share in our MIRA JV.

We have also entered into a number of exploration joint ventures where our partners carry all or substantially all of our exploration costs. These JV partners have committed capital of approximately $30 million and could provide an additional $45 million in capital if certain milestones are met.

Midstream Joint Venture

In February 2018, we entered into a midstream JV with ECR Corporate Holdings L.P. (ECR), a portfolio company of Ares Management L.P. (Ares). This JV (Ares JV) holds the Elk Hills power plant, a 550-megawatt natural gas fired power plant, and a 200 million cubic foot per day cryogenic gas processing plant. Through one of our wholly owned subsidiaries, we hold 50% of the Class A common interest and 95.25% of the Class C common interest in the Ares JV. ECR holds 50% of the Class A common interest, 100% of the Class B preferred interest and 4.75% of the Class C common interest. We received $750 million in proceeds upon entering into the Ares JV, before $3 million offor transaction costs.

The fair value of the Class A common interest and Class B preferred interestinterests held by Ares isECR are reported as redeemable noncontrolling interest in mezzanine equity and the fair value of thedue to an embedded optional redemption feature. The Class C common interest held by AresECR is reported in equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. We have elected to apply the accretion method to adjust the redeemable noncontrolling interest to its redemption price with the measurement adjustment recorded as a component of equity. The measurement adjustment was not material for the three months ended March 31, 2018.sheets.

The Ares JV is required to make monthly distributions to the Class B holders. The Class B preferred interest has a deferred payment feature wherewhereby a portion of the monthly distributions may be deferred for the first three years to the fourth and fifth year. The deferred amounts accrue an additional return. Distributions to the Class B preferred interest holders are reported as a reduction to mezzanine equity on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.sheets. The Ares JV is also required to distribute its excess cash flow over its working capital requirements, on a pro-rata basis, to the Class C common interests.



We havecan cause the optionAres JV to redeem ECR's Class A and Class B interests, in whole, but not in part, at any time forby paying $750 million for the Class B interest and $60 million for the Class A interest, plus any previously accrued but unpaid preferred distributions and a make-whole payment if the redemption happens prior to five years.years from inception. We have the option to extend the redemption period for up to an additional two and one-half years, in which case the interests can be redeemed for $750 million for the Class B interest and $80 million for the Class A interest, plus any previously accrued but unpaid preferred distributions and a make-whole payment if the redemption happens prior to seven and one-half years.years from inception. If we do not exercise our option to redeem at the end of the seven and one-half year period, ECR can monetizeeither sell its Class A and Class B interests either in a market transaction or through acause the sale or lease of the Ares JV assets.

Our condensed consolidated resultsstatements of operations reflect the full operations of our Ares JV, with Ares'ECR's share of net income being reported as ain net income attributable to noncontrolling interest on our statement of operations.interests.

Private Placement

In February 2018 and in connection with the formation of the Ares JV, an Ares-led investor group purchased approximately 2.3 million shares of our common stock in a private placement for an aggregate purchase price of $50 million.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Acquisitions

On April 9, 2018, we acquired the remaining working, surface and mineral interests in the 47,000-acre Elk Hills unit from Chevron U.S.A., Inc. (Chevron) (the Elk Hills transaction) for approximately $518 million, including $5 million of liabilities assumed relating to asset retirement obligations and customary purchase price adjustments. We accounted for the Elk Hills transaction as a business combination and allocated $435 million to proved properties, $77 million to other property, plant and equipment and $6 million to materials and supplies. The consideration paid consisted of $462 million in cash and 2.85 million shares of CRC common stock issued at the close of the transaction (valued at $51 million). After the transaction, we hold all of the working, surface and mineral interests in the Elk Hills unit. The effective date of the transaction was April 1, 2018. Since the acquisition we have implemented approximately $15 million in annualized synergies by streamlining operations and consolidating infrastructure. We have identified additional cost saving opportunities and expect to exceed our target of $20 million in annualized synergies over 18 months. Chevron has sold all of the shares of CRC common stock it acquired in the Elk Hills transaction.

As part of the Elk Hills transaction, Chevron reduced its royalty interest in one of our oil and gas properties by half and extended the time frame to invest the remainder of our capital commitment on that property by two years, to the end of 2020. As of June 30, 2018, the remaining commitment was approximately $23 million. Any deficiency in meeting this capital investment obligation will be paid in cash. We expect to fulfill the capital investment requirement within the extended period. In addition, the parties mutually agreed to release each other from pending claims with respect to the Elk Hills field.

On April 2, 2018, we acquired an office building in Bakersfield, California for $48.4 million.million, which we believe is significantly less than the estimated replacement value of the property and the land. We currently have close toapproximately 500 employees in nineusing eight different locations in Bakersfield across multiple leases. We expect that the new building will create significant value for us by bringing all of our Bakersfield employees together into a single location over the next 12 to 1815 months, which will increase the efficiency, effectiveness and collaboration of these employees. We also plan on movingThis building was the only available office space in the Bakersfield area large enough to allow us to consolidate our backbone infrastructure, which is alsoworkforce in several different buildings, including our data center and records department, into the building within a year.single location. For the initial eight months, a former owner of the building will occupy most of the space as a tenant, from which we expect to generate rental income of approximately $4 million in 2018. In December 2018, this tenant will downsize the space they are leasing, with a corresponding reduction in rent, until December 2022. The building is large enoughvacated space will be available to house all of our Bakersfield employees and still allow us to lease out space to other tenants after December 2018 to generate additional rental income.

On April 9, 2018, we acquired the remaining working, surface and mineral interests in the Elk Hills field from Chevron U.S.A., Inc. (Chevron) for approximately $510 million consisting of $460 million in cash and 2.85 million in unregistered shares of CRC common stock (the Elk Hills transaction). After the transaction, we hold in fee simple a 100% working interest, a 100% net revenue interest and all of the surface land in the Elk Hills field. The effective date of the transaction was April 1, 2018. We also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which we agreed to register for resale the shares issued to Chevron within two business days following the filing of this Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018. The Registration Rights Agreement limits Chevron’s ability to resell shares as follows: (1) up to 1 million shares in the first 30 days following effectiveness of the registration statement, (2) up to 1 million additional shares (plus the balance of any unsold shares in the first 30-day period) in the 30 days thereafter, and (3) any remaining shares thereafter.

As part of the Elk Hills transaction, Chevron reduced its royalty interest in one of our oil and gas properties by half and extended, by two years to the end of 2020, the time frame to invest the remainder of our capital commitment on that property. As of March 31, 2018, the remaining commitment was approximately $58 million. Any deficiency in meeting this capital investment obligation would still need to be paid in cash. We expect to fulfill the capital investment requirement within the extended period. In addition, the parties mutually agreedunimproved land may be monetized in the future. Approximately $6 million of the purchase price was allocated to release eachthe in-place leases, which is included in other from pending claims with respect to Elk Hills.assets and will be amortized into other expenses, net.

In FebruaryDivestitures

During the six months ended June 30, 2018, we divested a non-core asset resulting in $13 million of proceeds and a $1 million gain.

During the six months ended June 30, 2017, we divested non-core assets resulting in $32$33 million of proceeds and a $21 million gain.



Operations

We conduct our operations on properties that we hold through fee interests, mineral leases and other contractual arrangements. We believe we are the largest private oil and natural gas mineral acreage holder in California, with interests in approximately 2.3 million net mineral acres, approximately 60% of which we hold in fee and approximately 15% of which is held by production. Our oil and gas leases have primary terms ranging from one to ten years, which are extended through the end of production once it commences.commenced. We also own a network of strategically placed infrastructure that is integrated with, and complementary to, our operations, including gas plants, oil and gas gathering systems, power plants and other related assets, which we use to maximize the value generated from our production.



Our share of production and reserves from operations in the Wilmington field is subject to contractual arrangements similar to production-sharing contracts (PSCs) that are in effect through the economic life of the assets. Under such contracts we are obligated to fund all capital and production costs. We record a share of production and reserves to recover a portion of such capital and production costs and an additional share for profit. Our portion of the production represents volumes: (i) to recover our partners’ share of capital and production costs that we incur on their behalf, (ii) for our share of contractually defined base production, and (iii) for our share of remaining production thereafter. We recover our share of capital and production costs, and generate returns through our defined share of production from (ii) and (iii) above. These contracts do not transfer any right of ownership to us and reserves reported from these arrangements are based on our economic interest as defined in the contracts. Our share of production and reserves from these contracts decreases when product prices rise and increases when prices decline, assuming comparable capital investment and production costs. However, our net economic benefit is greater when product prices are higher. The contracts represented overapproximately 15% of our production for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018.

In addition, in line with industry practice for reporting PSC-type contracts, we report 100% of operating costs under the PSCsPSC-type contracts in our consolidated statements of operations as opposed to reporting only our share of those costs.costs, which is in line with industry practice for reporting PSC-type contracts. We report the proceeds from production designed to recover our partners' share of such costs (cost recovery) in our revenues. Our reported production volumes reflect only our share of the total volumes produced, including cost recovery, which is less than the total volumes produced under the PSCs.PSC-type contracts. This difference in reporting full operating costs but only our net share of production inflates our operating costs per barrel, with an equal corresponding increase in revenues, withand has no effect on our net results.

With our significant land holdings in California, we have undertaken new initiatives to unlock additional value from our real estate. Our developing real estate development initiatives include exploring opportunities to use our land for renewable energy opportunities on our land such as solar energy projects; agricultural activities such as the production of fruits and nuts; and commercial real estate. We are also exploring carbon dioxide capture and storage projects and reclaimed water opportunities.

Fixed and Variable Costs
Our total production costs consist of variable costs that tend to vary depending on production levels, and fixed costs that typically do not vary with changes in production levels or well counts, especially in the short term. The substantial majority of our near-term fixed costs become variable over the longer term because we manage them based on the field’s stage of life and operating characteristics. For example, portions of labor and material costs, energy, workovers and maintenance expenditures correlate to well count, production and activity levels. Portions of these same costs can be relatively fixed over the near term; however, they are managed down as fields mature in a manner that correlates to production and commodity price levels. While a certain amount of costs for facilities, surface support, surveillance and related maintenance can be regarded as fixed in the early phases of a program, as the production from a certain area matures, well count increases and daily per well production drops, such support costs can be reduced and consolidated over a larger number of wells, reducing costs per operating well. Further, many of our other costs, such as property taxes and oilfield services, are variable and will respond to activity levels and tend to correlate with commodity prices. Overall, we believe approximately one-third of our operating costs are fixed over the life cycle of our fields. We actively manage our fields to optimize production and costs. When we see growth in a field we increase capacities, and similarly when a field nears the end of its economic life we manage the costs while it remains economically viable to produce.



Production and Prices

The following table sets forth our average production volumes of oil, NGLs and natural gas per day for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Oil (MBbl/d)          
San Joaquin Basin49
 54
54
 52
 52
 52
Los Angeles Basin24
 27
25
 26
 24
 27
Ventura Basin4
 5
4
 5
 4
 5
Sacramento Basin
 

 
 
 
Total77
 86
83
 83
 80
 84
NGLs (MBbl/d)          
San Joaquin Basin15
 15
15
 15
 15
 15
Los Angeles Basin
 

 
 
 
Ventura Basin1
 1
1
 1
 1
 1
Sacramento Basin
 

 
 
 
Total16
 16
16
 16
 16
 16
Natural gas (MMcf/d)          
San Joaquin Basin143
 141
172
 141
 157
 141
Los Angeles Basin1
 1
1
 
 1
 1
Ventura Basin7
 8
8
 8
 7
 8
Sacramento Basin31
 31
29
 33
 31
 33
Total182
 181
210
 182
 196
 183
          
Total Production (MBoe/d)(a)
123
 132
134
 129
 129
 131
Note:MBbl/d refers to thousands of barrels per day; MMcf/d refers to millions of cubic feet per day; MBoe/d refers to thousands of barrels of oil equivalent per day.
(a)Natural gas volumes have been converted to Boe based on the equivalence of energy content between six Mcf of natural gas and one barrel of oil. Barrels of oil equivalence does not necessarily result in price equivalence.

The following table sets forth the average realized prices for our products for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Oil prices with hedge ($ per Bbl)$62.77
 $50.24
$64.11
 $47.98
 $63.47
 $49.12
          
Oil prices without hedge ($ per Bbl)$67.26
 $50.40
$73.19
 $46.95
 $70.35
 $48.70
NGLs prices ($ per Bbl)$43.13
 $34.33
$42.13
 $30.08
 $42.63
 $32.20
Natural gas prices ($ per Mcf)(a)
$2.81
 $2.90
$2.25
 $2.47
 $2.51
 $2.68
(a)For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, the realized gas price was impacted by the adoption of new accounting rules on revenue recognition by $0.28 and would have been $2.53$2.06 and $2.28 per Mcf, respectively, under prior accounting standards.



The following table presents our average price realizations as a percentage of Brent, WTI and NYMEX for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Oil with hedge as a percentage of Brent93% 92%86% 94% 89% 93%
Oil with hedge as a percentage of WTI100% 97%94% 99% 97% 98%
          
Oil without hedge as a percentage of Brent100% 92%98% 92% 99% 92%
Oil without hedge as a percentage of WTI107% 97%108% 97% 108% 97%
NGLs as a percentage of Brent64% 63%56% 59% 60% 61%
NGLs as a percentage of WTI69% 66%62% 62% 65% 64%
Natural gas as a percentage of NYMEX(a)
98% 89%82% 79% 89% 84%
(a)For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, the gas price realization as a percentage of NYMEX was impacted by the adoption of new accounting rules on revenue recognition and would have been 88%75% and 81%, respectively, under prior accounting standards.

Balance Sheet Analysis

The changes in our balance sheet from December 31, 2017 to March 31,June 30, 2018 are discussed below:
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents$494
 $20
Cash$42
 $20
Trade receivables$244
 $277
$282
 $277
Inventories$56
 $56
$63
 $56
Other current assets, net$155
 $130
$172
 $130
Property, plant and equipment, net$5,714
 $5,696
$6,334
 $5,696
Other assets$36
 $28
$47
 $28
Accounts payable$292
 $257
$330
 $257
Accrued liabilities$514
 $475
$563
 $475
Long-term debt$4,941
 $5,306
$5,075
 $5,306
Deferred gain and issuance costs, net$275
 $287
$265
 $287
Other long-term liabilities$607
 $602
$617
 $602
Mezzanine equity$724
 $
$735
 $
Equity attributable to common stock$(763) $(814)$(789) $(814)
Equity attributable to noncontrolling interests$109
 $94
$144
 $94

Cash at June 30, 2018 and cash equivalents at MarchDecember 31, 20182017 included the remaining proceeds from the issuance of the preferredapproximately $23 million and common member interests in the Ares JV, after the pay off of $297$5 million, on the then outstanding balance ofrespectively, that is restricted under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility.joint venture agreements. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional discussion of changes inour cash and cash equivalents.flow analysis.

The decrease in trade receivables was largely the result of lower production volumes partially offset by higher prices in the first quarter of 2018 compared to the fourth quarter of 2017. The increase in other current assets, net was primarily reflected increases in the value of certain derivative contracts resulting from higher Brent prices between periods, amounts due to changes in derivative assets.from joint interest partners and prepaid power plant major maintenance expenses, partially offset by the sale of a non-core asset. The increase in property, plant and equipment primarily reflected proved reserves acquired in connection with the Elk Hills transaction and our Bakersfield building as well as capital investments for the period, partially offset by depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A). The increase in other assets was primarily due to fair value changes in our long-term derivative assets from our commodity and interest-rate contracts.



The increase in accounts payable for the quarter ended March 31,June 30, 2018 was primarily due to the timing of payments and reflected the gradual ramp up of activity.increase in activity between periods. The increase in accrued liabilities was primarily due to higher property taxes,the change in value of certain derivative obligations and obligations related to our joint ventures, as well as higher accrued interest on our Second Lien Notespositions due to the timing of payments. These increases werehigher Brent prices between periods. This increase was partially offset by a decrease inpayments made for greenhouse gas obligations and lower accrued employee-related costs, which reflectedprimarily resulting from employee bonus payments in the first quarter of 2018. The decrease in long-term debt primarily reflected the pay off of thea reduction in amounts outstanding balance onunder our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility and repurchases of our Second Lien Notes.Notes and our 2024 Notes in the first half of the year. The decrease in deferred gain and issuance costs, net, reflected the amortization of deferred gains, partially offset by the amortization of deferred issuance costs.

Mezzanine equity reflected the valuecarrying amount of the noncontrolling interestClass A common and Class B preferred interests held by ECR in our Ares JV held by ECR, which has an embedded optional redemption feature.JV. The increase in equity attributable to common stock primarily reflected the issuance of common stock in a private placement.connection with the Ares JV and the Elk Hills transaction, partially offset by our net loss for the period. Equity attributable to noncontrolling interest primarily reflected the contributioncontributions from Ares, partially offset byand distributions to AresECR's Class C common interest and BSP.BSP's preferred interest as well as their respective share of net loss for the period. See Note 6 Joint Ventures in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Form 10-Qfor more information.

StatementStatements of Operations Analysis

Results of Oil and Gas Operations

The following represents key operating data for our oil and gas operations, excluding certain corporate items, on a per Boe basis:
Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
Production costs$19.08
 $17.70
$18.93
 $18.34
 $19.01
 $18.02
Production costs, excluding effects of PSC contracts(a)
$17.47
 $16.66
Production costs, excluding effects of PSC-type contracts(a)
$17.41
 $17.18
 $17.44
 $16.92
Field general and administrative expenses(b)
$0.72
 $0.76
$1.07
 $0.76
 $0.90
 $0.76
Field depreciation, depletion and amortization(b)
$9.63
 $11.07
$9.18
 $10.95
 $9.40
 $11.01
Field taxes other than on income(b)
$2.70
 $2.27
$2.38
 $2.12
 $2.53
 $2.19
(a)
As described in the Operations section, the reporting of our PSC-likePSC-type contracts creates a difference between reported production costs, which are for the full field, and reported volumes, which are only our net share, inflating the per barrel production costs. TheThese amounts represent the production costs for the company after adjusting for this difference.
(b)Excludes corporate amounts.


Consolidated Results of Operations

The following represents key operating data for consolidated operations for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 and 2017:
Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Oil and gas sales(a)
$575
 $487
$657
 $439
 $1,232
 $926
Net derivative (losses) gains(38) 73
Net derivative (loss) gain(167) 43
 (205) 116
Other revenue(a)
72
 30
59
 34
 131
 64
Production costs(212) (211)(231) (216) (443) (427)
General and administrative expenses(b)
(63) (63)(90) (59) (153) (122)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(119) (140)(125) (138) (244) (278)
Taxes other than on income(38) (33)(37) (31) (75) (64)
Exploration expense(8) (6)(6) (6) (14) (12)
Other expenses, net(a)
(61) (22)(49) (25) (110) (47)
Interest and debt expense, net(92) (84)(94) (83) (186) (167)
Net gains on early extinguishment of debt
 4
Gains on asset divestitures
 21
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt24
 
 24
 4
Gain on asset divestitures1
 
 1
 21
Other non-operating expenses(b)(7) (4)(5) (5) (12) (9)
Income before income taxes9
 52
Income tax benefit
 
Net income9
 52
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests(11) 1
(Loss) income before income taxes(63) (47) (54) 5
Income tax
 
 
 
Net (loss) income(63) (47) (54) 5
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(19) (1) (30) 
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock$(2) $53
$(82) $(48) $(84) $5
          
Adjusted net income (loss)$8
 $(43)
Adjusted net loss$(14) $(78) $(6) $(121)
Adjusted EBITDAX$250
 $200
$245
 $161
 $495
 $361
Effective tax rate% %% % % %
(a)
We adopted the new revenue recognition standard on January 1, 2018 which required certain sales-related costs to be reported as expense as opposed to being netted against revenue. The adoption of this standard does not affect net income. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the new accounting standard while prior periods are not adjusted and continue to be reported under accounting standards in effect for the prior period. Under prior accounting standards, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, total oil and gas sales would have been $568$652 million and $1,220 million, respectively, other revenue would have been $37$28 million and $65 million, respectively, and other expenses, net would have been $19 million.$13 million and $32 million, respectively. See Note 1112 Revenue Recognitionin the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Form 10-Q for more information.
(b)
CertainFor the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, certain pension benefit costs of $4$2 million and $6 million, respectively, have been reclassified to other non-operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 to conform to the current year presentation in accordance with new accounting rules adopted duringon January 1, 2018 related to the period related topresentation of net periodic benefit costs for pensionspension and postretirement benefits.benefits in the Statements of Operations. See SignificantNote 2 Accounting and Disclosure Changes in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Form 10-Q for more information.

Stock-Based Compensation

Our consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 include the effects of our significantly higher stock price for certain long-term incentive plans. We have stock-based compensation plans under which we annually grant stock-based awards to executives, non-executive employees and directors that are payable in shares of our common stock or phantom shares that are ultimately settled in cash and are generally paid out over a three-year time period. Our Board of Directors instituted these cash-settled long-term incentive awards for non-executives near the bottom of the price cycle to limit share dilution. Accounting rules require that we adjust our obligation for all vested but unpaid cash-settled awards under our long-term incentive program to the amount that would be paid using our stock price as of the end of each quarter. Conversely, stock-based compensation cost for our equity-settled awards are not similarly adjusted for changes in stock price.



Our stock price increased $36.89 or over 430% from $8.55 as of June 30, 2017 to $45.44 as of June 30, 2018. Due to our stock price increase, we must accrue and mark-to-market the cash-settled long-term incentive awards based on the stock price each quarter, which has introduced volatility to our income statement. In the second quarter of 2018, we recognized a significant increase in stock-based compensation expense that is included in both general and administrative expenses and production costs as shown in the following table:
 Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in millions)
General and administrative expenses       
Cash-settled awards$19
 $
 $22
 $1
Equity-settled awards4
 4
 7
 7
   Total stock-based compensation in G&A$23
 $4
 $29
 $8
   Total stock-based compensation in G&A per Boe$1.89
 $0.34
 $1.24
 $0.34
        
Production costs       
Cash-settled awards$5
 $
 $6
 $
Equity-settled awards1
 1
 2
 2
 Total stock-based compensation in production costs$6
 $1
 $8
 $2
   Total stock-based compensation in production costs per Boe$0.49
 $0.08
 $0.34
 $0.08
        
Total company stock-based compensation$29
 $5
 $37
 $10
Total company stock-based compensation per Boe$2.38
 $0.42
 $1.58
 $0.42

Three months ended June 30, 2018 vs. 2017

Oil and gas sales increased 50%, or $218 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, due to increases of approximately $197 million and $18 million from higher oil and NGL realized prices, respectively, and $6 million and $2 million from higher natural gas and oil production, respectively. These increases were partially offset by the effects of lower natural gas realized prices of $4 million and lower NGL production of $1 million. The higher realized oil prices reflected the significant increase in global oil prices and improved differentials.

Our total daily production volumes averaged 134 MBoe per day in the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared with 129 MBoe per day in the comparable period of 2017, representing a year-over-year increase of 4%. Our total daily production volumes included the Elk Hills transaction in the second quarter of 2018. PSC-type contracts negatively impacted our second quarter 2018 production by 2 MBoe per day compared to the prior year quarter, without which the year-over-year production increase would have been 5%.

Net derivative loss was $167 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to a net gain of $43 million in the comparable period of 2017, representing an overall change of $210 million. We made cash payments of $68 million in the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to receiving $8 million in the prior year primarily due to the upward movement of Brent prices compared to the strike price on our derivative contracts. The non-cash change of $134 million reflected changes in the commodity price curves based on our derivative positions at the end of each of the respective periods.

The increase in other revenue of $25 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, was the result of the adoption of new accounting rules on the recognition of revenue on January 1, 2018 while the prior comparative period was not adjusted. The increase resulting from the accounting change was offset by an increase in other expenses, net with no effect on net income.



Production costs for the three months ended June 30, 2018 increased $15 million to $231 million or $18.93 per Boe, compared to $216 million or $18.34 per Boe for the same period of 2017, resulting in a 7% increase on an absolute dollar basis. Without the effect of the Elk Hills transaction and stock-based compensation, which added $12 million and $5 million, respectively, to the 2018 costs, our production costs decreased by $2 million. The Elk Hills unit production costs are lower than the average company-wide production cost per barrel. As a result, the Elk Hills transaction had a favorable effect on production costs per barrel. Second quarter 2018 production costs also reflect cost savings achieved following the Elk Hills transaction of $4 million.

Our general and administrative (G&A) expenses increased $31 million to $90 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the same period of 2017. Our stock-based compensation expense for cash-settled awards increased $19 million due to the increase in our stock price as noted in the stock-based compensation table above. Additionally, the Elk Hills transaction contributed $3 million to G&A in the current quarter. The rest of the year-over-year increase was due to higher bonus accruals related to better-than-expected performance as well as the timing of certain expenses.

DD&A expense decreased by $13 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, primarily resulting from the decrease in the DD&A rate due to increased reserves at higher SEC pricing, partially offset by higher volumes from the Elk Hills transaction.

Taxes other than on income increased 19% for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, largely due to higher property taxes resulting from the increase in commodity prices.

The increase in other expenses of $24 million to $49 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $25 million in the same period of 2017, was largely the result of the adoption of new accounting rules on revenue recognition that impact the current period but not the prior period. The increase resulting from the accounting change was offset by an increase in oil and gas sales and other revenue with no effect on net income.

Interest and debt expense, net, increased to $94 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $83 million in the same period of 2017, primarily due to higher interest on our variable-rate debt, partially offset by lower interest due to paying off our 2014 Term Loan and repurchases of our Second Lien Notes and Senior Notes.

Net gain on early extinguishment of debt for the three months ended June 30, 2018 consisted of the gain on open-market repurchases during the quarter. No debt was repurchased during the comparable period of the prior year.

Gain on asset divestitures reflected a non-core asset sale during the three months ended June 30, 2018.

Six months ended June 30, 2018 vs. 2017

Oil and gas sales increased 33%, or $306 million, for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, due to increases of approximately $330 million and $31 million from higher oil and NGL realized prices, respectively, and an increase of $7 million from higher natural gas production. These increases were partially offset by $54 million and $2 million from lower oil and NGL production, respectively, and the effects of lower natural gas realized prices of $6 million. The higher realized oil prices reflected the significant increase in global oil prices and improved differentials.

Our total daily production volumes averaged 129 MBoe in the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared with 131 MBoe in the comparable period of 2017, representing a year-over-year decline rate of 2%. Our total daily production volumes included the Elk Hills transaction in the second quarter of 2018. Our PSC-type contracts negatively impacted our 2018 production by 2 MBoe per day compared with the prior year period, without which production would have been the same in both periods.

Net derivative loss was $205 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to a gain of $116 million in the comparable period of 2017, representing an overall change of $321 million. We made cash payments of $99 million in the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to receiving $7 million in the prior year primarily due to the upward movement of Brent prices compared to the strike price on our derivative contracts. The non-cash change of $215 million reflected changes in the commodity price curves based on our derivative positions at the end of each of the respective periods.



The increase in other revenue of $67 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, was largely the result of the adoption of new accounting rules on the recognition of revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2018 while the prior comparative period was not adjusted. The increase resulting from the accounting change was offset in its entirety by an increase in other expenses, net with no effect on net income.

Production costs for the six months ended June 30, 2018 increased $16 million to $443 million or $19.01 per Boe, compared to $427 million or $18.02 per Boe for the same period of 2017, resulting in a 4% increase on an absolute dollar basis. Without the Elk Hills transaction and our stock-based compensation, our production costs decreased by $2 million. The Elk Hills unit production costs are lower than the average company-wide production cost per barrel. As a result, the Elk Hills transaction had a favorable effect on production costs per barrel.

Our G&A expenses increased $31 million to $153 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017. Our stock-based compensation increased $21 million due to the increase in our stock price as noted in the stock-based compensation table above. Additionally, the Elk Hills transaction contributed $3 million to G&A in the current year. The rest of increase was due to higher bonus accruals related to better-than-expected performance as well as the timing of certain expenses.

DD&A expense decreased by $34 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, primarily resulting from lower DD&A rates due to increased reserves at higher SEC pricing.

Taxes other than on income increased 17% for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, largely due to higher property taxes and greenhouse gas allowance costs.

The increase in other expenses of $63 million to $110 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $47 million in the same period of 2017, was largely the result of the adoption of new accounting rules on revenue recognition that impact the current period but not the prior period. The increase resulting from the accounting change was offset by an increase in oil and gas sales and other revenue with no effect on net income.

Interest and debt expense, net, increased to $186 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018, compared to $167 million in the same period of 2017, primarily due to higher interest on our variable-rate debt, partially offset by lower interest due to paying off our 2014 Term Loan and repurchases of our Second Lien Notes and Senior Notes.

Net gain on early extinguishment of debt consisted of the gain on open-market repurchases for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Gain on asset divestitures reflected non-core asset sales during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

Other non-operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 reflected transaction costs related to our JVs as well as net periodic benefit costs related to our defined benefit pension plans.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our results of operations can include the effects of unusual, out-of-period and infrequent transactions and events affecting earnings that vary widely and unpredictably (in particular certain non-cash items such as derivativesderivative gains and losses) in nature, timing, amount and frequency. Therefore, management uses a measure called adjusted net income (loss)loss which excludes those items. This measure is not meant to disassociate items from management's performance, but rather is meant to provide useful information to investors interested in comparing our performance between periods. Reported earnings are considered representative of management's performance over the long term. Adjusted net income (loss)loss is not considered to be an alternative to net income (loss) reported in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).



We define Adjusted EBITDAX as earnings before interest expense; income taxes; depreciation, depletion and amortization; exploration expense; other unusual, out-of-period and infrequent items; and other non-cash items. We believe Adjusted EBITDAX provides useful information in assessing our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and is widely used by the industry, the investment community and our lenders. While Adjusted EBITDAX is a non-GAAP measure, the amounts included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDAX were computed in accordance with GAAP. A version of this measure is a material component of certain of our financial covenants under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility and is provided in addition to, and not as an alternative for, income and liquidity measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing our financial performance, such as our cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic cost of depreciable and depletable assets. Adjusted EBITDAX should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net (loss) income attributable to common stock to the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted net income (loss)loss and presents the GAAP financial measure of net (loss) income attributable to common stock per diluted share and the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted net income (loss)loss per diluted share:
 Three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock$(2) $53
Unusual, infrequent and other items:   
Non-cash derivative losses (gains), excluding noncontrolling interest7
 (75)
Early retirement, severance and other costs2
 3
Net gains on early extinguishment of debt
 (4)
Gains on asset divestitures
 (21)
Other, net1
 1
Total unusual, infrequent and other items10
 (96)
Adjusted net income (loss)$8
 $(43)
    
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock per diluted share$(0.05) $1.22
Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share$0.18
 $(1.02)
 Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock$(82) $(48) $(84) $5
Unusual, infrequent and other items:       
Non-cash derivative loss (gain), excluding noncontrolling interest92
 (35) 99
 (110)
Early retirement and severance costs2
 
 4
 3
Net gain on early extinguishment of debt(24) 
 (24) (4)
Gain on asset divestitures(1) 
 (1) (21)
Other, net(1) 5
 
 6
Total unusual, infrequent and other items68
 (30) 78
 (126)
Adjusted net loss$(14) $(78) $(6) $(121)
        
Net (loss) income attributable to common stock per diluted share$(1.70) $(1.13) $(1.81) $0.12
Adjusted net loss per diluted share$(0.29) $(1.83) $(0.13) $(2.85)



The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net (loss) income to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDAX:
Three months ended
March 31,
Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Net income$9
 $52
Net (loss) income$(63) $(47) $(54) $5
Interest and debt expense, net92
 84
94
 83
 186
 167
Interest income(1) 
 (1) 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization119
 140
125
 138
 244
 278
Exploration expense8
 6
6
 6
 14
 12
Unusual, infrequent and other items10
 (96)68
 (30) 78
 (126)
Other non-cash items12
 14
16
 11
 28
 25
Adjusted EBITDAX$250
 $200
$245
 $161
 $495
 $361


The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the GAAP measure of net cash provided by operating activities to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDAX:
 Six months ended
June 30,
 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities$234
 $120
Cash interest215
 195
Exploration expenditures10
 11
Changes in operating assets and liabilities37
 29
Other, net(1) 6
Adjusted EBITDAX$495
 $361

The following table presents the components of our net derivative (losses) gains:(loss) gain from commodity contracts:
 Three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Non-cash derivative (losses) gains, excluding noncontrolling interest$(7) $75
Non-cash derivative losses for noncontrolling interest
 (1)
Net payments on settled derivatives(31) (1)
Net derivative (losses) gains$(38) $73

Three months ended March 31, 2018 vs. 2017

Oil and gas sales increased 18%, or $88 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, due to increases of approximately $130 million and $13 million from higher oil and NGL realized prices, respectively, partially offset by $1 million from lower natural gas realized prices and the effects of lower oil and NGL production of $53 million and $1 million, respectively. The higher realized oil prices reflected the significant increase in global oil prices and improved differentials. Our total daily production volumes averaged 123 MBoe in the first quarter of 2018, compared with 132 MBoe in the first quarter of 2017, representing a year-over-year decline rate of 7%. The 2018 production was negatively impacted by 3 MBoe per day due to the PSCs governing our Long Beach operations. Excluding this PSC effect, our year-over-year production decline would have been under 5%. Average oil production decreased by 10%, or 9,000 barrels per day, to 77,000 barrels per day in the three months ended March 31, 2018. NGL production was 16,000 barrels per day for each of the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. Natural gas production increased by 1% to 182 MMcf per day.

Net derivative losses were $38 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to gains of $73 million in the comparable period of 2017, representing an overall change of $111 million. We recorded non-cash derivative losses of $7 million for the first quarter of 2018, compared to gains of $74 million in the prior comparative period, and made cash payments of $31 million and $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The non-cash change reflected changes in the commodity price curves based on our derivative positions at the end of each of the respective periods.

The increase in other revenue of $42 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, was largely the result of $35 million from the adoption of new accounting rules on the recognition of revenue in the three months ended March 31, 2018 while the prior comparative period was not adjusted. The increase resulting from the accounting change was offset in its entirety by an increase in other expenses, net with no effect on net income.

Production costs were comparable for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the same period of the prior year on an absolute dollar basis. Production costs per Boe increased 8% to $19.08 per Boe for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $17.70 per Boe for the same period of 2017, due to lower production volumes between comparative periods.

Our general and administrative expenses were comparable for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and the same period of 2017. The non-cash portion of general and administrative expenses, primarily comprising equity compensation costs, was approximately $4 million and $5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

DD&A expense decreased by $21 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, due to lower DD&A rates and lower volumes resulting in decreases of $14 million and $7 million, respectively.

Taxes other than on income increased 15% for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, largely due to higher greenhouse gas allowance costs.
 Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Non-cash derivative (loss) gain, excluding noncontrolling interest$(92) $35
 $(99) $110
Non-cash derivative loss included in noncontrolling interest(7) 
 (7) (1)
Net (payments) proceeds on settled commodity derivatives(68) 8
 (99) 7
Net derivative (loss) gain from commodity contracts$(167) $43
 $(205) $116



The increase in other expenses of $39 million to $61 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $22 million in the same period of 2017, was largely the result of impacts from the adoption of new accounting rules on the recognition of revenue and recording of expenses on the statement of operations. Transportation and processing fees that were previously netted against oil and gas sales were reclassified to other expenses in accordance with these new rules.

Interest and debt expense, net, increased to $92 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $84 million in the same period of 2017, primarily due to higher blended interest rates resulting from our 2017 Credit Agreement entered into in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Net gains on early extinguishment of debt consisted of the gains on open-market repurchases for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Gains on asset divestitures reflected non-core asset sales during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Other non-operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2018 reflected transaction costs related to our JVs as well as net periodic benefit costs.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash Flow Analysis
Three months ended
March 31,
Six months ended
June 30,
2018 20172018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities$200
 $133
$234
 $120
Net cash used in investing activities$(138) $
Net cash used in investing activities:   
Capital investments, net of accruals$(305) $(106)
Acquisitions, divestitures and other$(502) $32
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities$412
 $(95)$595
 $(49)
Adjusted EBITDAX$250
 $200
$495
 $361

Our net cash provided by operating activities is sensitive to many variables, including market changes in commodity prices. Commodity price sensitivity also leads to changes in other variables in our business including our level of capital workover activity and adjustments to our capital program. Our operating cash flow increased 50%95%, or $67$114 million, to $200$234 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 from $133$120 million in the same period of 2017 due to higher realized prices, including the effect of hedges, on lower volumes.
Cash interest increased by $17$20 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 due to higher blended interest rates and the timing of interest payments.on our variable-rate debt. Taxes other than on income increased $5$11 million from the first quarter ofsix months ended June 30, 2017 primarily due to price increases forhigher property taxes and greenhouse gas allowances. Changescosts. In 2018, changes in working capital for the period also contributed to the increase inreduced our operating cash flow.flow by $42 million compared to a reduction of $21 million in 2017.
Our net cash used in investing activities of $138$807 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 included approximately $134$512 million of acquisition costs primarily related to the Elk Hills transaction and our new building in Bakersfield. Cash used in investing activities also included $305 million of capital investments (net of $5$22 million in capital-related accruals) and approximately $3, of which $18 million was funded by BSP. These increases were partially offset by $13 million in proceeds from the sale of acquisition-related prepayments on the office building purchased in April 2018.a non-core asset. Our net cash used in investing activities of zero$74 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2017 primarily included $33$106 million of capital investments (net of $17$26 million in capital-related accruals), of which $52 million was funded by BSP. This overall increase was partially offset by $33 million in proceeds from asset divestitures.

Our net cash provided by financing activities of $412$595 million for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2018 primarily comprised of $747$796 million in net contributions related to our Ares JV and BSP JV and $50 million from the issuance of common stock to an Ares-led investor group in connection with the Ares JV, partially offset by $363$119 million net payments on our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility, $18 million of distributions paid to our JV partners and $2 million ofused for debt repurchases on our Second Lien Notes. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our net cash used by financing activities of $95 million included approximately $78Notes and 2024 Notes, $86 million of net payments on our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility and $41 million of distributions paid to our JV partners. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, our net cash used in financing activities of $49 million primarily included approximately $66 million of payments on the 2014 Term Loan, and $26 million of debt repurchases and transaction costs and $5 million of net payments on our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility, partially offset by $49 million in net contributions related to our BSP JV of $49 million.



The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the GAAP measure of net cash provided by operating activities to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDAX:
 Three months ended
March 31,
 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities$200
 $133
Cash interest61
 44
Exploration expenditures6
 5
Other changes in operating assets and liabilities(18) 17
Other, net1
 1
Adjusted EBITDAX$250
 $200

The increase in Adjusted EBITDAX for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the same period of 2017, primarily resulted from higher realized prices after hedge settlements.JV.

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flow from operations and available borrowing capacity under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility. We also rely on other sources such as JV funding to supplement our capital program. In February 2018, we entered into the Ares JV where we received $747 million in net proceeds and raised $50 million in a private placement of our common stock with an Ares-led investor group. The net proceeds from the Ares JV were used to pay off the then outstanding balance on our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility of $297 million.Facility. During 2017, we closed two key JV transactions.transactions with BSP and MIRA. Under these arrangements, our JV partners have invested $154approximately $200 million in our drilling programs from inception through June 30, 2018, some of which is not included in our consolidated results. In April 2018, we acquired the remaining working, surface and mineral interests in ourthe Elk Hills Unitunit for $460$462 million in cash and 2.85 million shares of CRC common stock. Afterstock in the Elk Hills transaction. As a result of the transaction, we expect to add operating cash flow in excess of approximately $100 million per year, at a flat $65 Brent. We also expect to achieve annualized operational savings of $5 million in the short term and approximately $15 million of additional synergies within the following 18 months. We expect the combination of these sources of capital will be adequate to fund our future capital expenditures, debt service and operating needs.about current prices.



Significant changes in oil and natural gas prices have a material impact on our liquidity. Declining commodity prices negatively affect our operating cash flow but lower natural gas prices have a positive indirect effect on operating expenses. The inverse is also true during periods of rising commodity prices. To mitigate some of the risk inherent in oil prices, we have utilized various derivative instruments to hedge price risk. If commodity prices were to prevail throughout 2018 at about current levels,We have historically matched our development and exploration capital programs with our cash flow from operations, and we wouldcurrently expect to be able to fund our portion of the planned 2018 capital programs with cash flow from operations and capital program withfunds available under our operating cash flows. We maintain flexibility within our capital program that helps us to scale our internally funded capitalrevolving credit facility as necessary to stay within our operating cash flow.needed.

Given our net operating loss carryforwards from prior periods, we do not expect to pay cash taxes for the foreseeable future.

As of March 31, 2018, we have approximately $846 million of available borrowing capacity under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility, before taking into account a monthly minimum $150 million liquidity requirement. Following the Elk Hills transaction and the debt repurchases completed during April 2018, our available borrowing capacity, on a pro forma basis, would be approximately $800 million. Our ability to borrow funds under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility is limited by the terms and conditions of that facility and our ability to comply with its covenants. At March 31, 2018, we were in compliance with our debt covenants.



As of March 31,June 30, 2018, our long-term debt consisted of the following credit agreements, second lien notes and senior notes:
Outstanding Principal
(in millions)
 Interest Rate Maturity Security
Outstanding Principal
(in millions)
 Interest Rate Maturity Security
Credit Agreements    
2014 Revolving Credit Facility$
 LIBOR plus 3.25%-4.00%
ABR plus 2.25%-3.00%
 June 30, 2021 Shared First-Priority Lien$277
 LIBOR plus 3.25%-4.00%
ABR plus 2.25%-3.00%
 June 30, 2021 Shared First-Priority Lien
2017 Credit Agreement1,300
 LIBOR plus 4.75%
ABR plus 3.75%
 
December 31, 2022(a)
 Shared First-Priority Lien1,300
 LIBOR plus 4.75%
ABR plus 3.75%
 
December 31, 2022(a)
 Shared First-Priority Lien
2016 Credit Agreement1,000
 LIBOR plus 10.375%
ABR plus 9.375%
 December 31, 2021 First-Priority Lien1,000
 LIBOR plus 10.375%
ABR plus 9.375%
 December 31, 2021 First-Priority Lien
Second Lien Notes    
Second Lien Notes2,248
 8% 
December 15, 2022(b)
 Second-Priority Lien2,153
 8% 
December 15, 2022(b)
 Second-Priority Lien
Senior Notes    
5% Senior Notes due 2020100
 5% January 15, 2020 Unsecured100
 5% January 15, 2020 Unsecured
5½% Senior Notes due 2021100
 5.5% September 15, 2021 Unsecured100
 5.5% September 15, 2021 Unsecured
6% Senior Notes due 2024193
 6% November 15, 2024 Unsecured145
 6% November 15, 2024 Unsecured
Total$4,941
 $5,075
 
(a)The 2017 Credit Agreement is subject to a springing maturity of 91 days prior to the maturity of our 2016 Credit Agreement if more than $100 million on the 2017 Credit Agreement is outstanding at that time.
(b)Under the termsThe Second Lien Notes require principal repayments of the indenture, approximately $340 million needs to be repaid byin June 2021 and another $70 million each byin December 2021 and June 2022.

Credit Agreements

For a detailed description of our credit agreements, second lien notes and senior notes, please see our most recent Form 10-K.

2014 Revolving Credit Facility

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had approximately $846$550 million of available borrowing capacity, before taking into account a $150 million month-end minimum liquidity requirement. Our ability to borrow funds is limited by the terms and conditions of the facility and our ability to comply with its covenants. The borrowing base under this facility was reaffirmed at $2.3 billion in May 2018. Our $1 billion senior revolving loan facility (2014 Revolving Credit Facility) also includes a sub-limit of $400 million for the issuance of letters of credit. As of March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had letters of credit outstanding of approximately $154$173 million and $148 million, respectively. These letters of credit were issued to support ordinary course marketing, insurance, regulatory and other matters.



Repurchases

In the first quarter of 2018, we repurchased $2 million in aggregate principal amount of our 8% senior secured second-lien notes due December 15, 2022 (Second Lien Notes) for $1.6 million in cash, resulting in a $0.4 million pre-tax gain. During AprilIn the second quarter of 2018, we also repurchased $95 million and $48 million in aggregate principal amount of our Second Lien Notes and 6% notes due November 15, 2024 (2024 Notes), respectively, for $79$118 million in cash, resulting in a $15$24 million pre-tax gain, net of a $1 million write-off of deferred issuance costs.

Other

At March 31,June 30, 2018, we were in compliance with all financial and other debt covenants.

All obligations under our 2014 Revolving Credit Facility, 2017 Credit Agreement and 2016 Credit Agreement (collectively, Credit Facilities) as well as our Second Lien Notes and Senior Notes are guaranteed both fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally by all of our material wholly owned subsidiaries.



AExcluding our interest-rate derivative contracts, a one-eighth percent change in the variable interest rates on the borrowings under our Credit Facilities on March 31,June 30, 2018 would result in a $3 million change in annual interest expense.

Hedging

Derivatives

Commodity Contracts

Our strategy for protecting our cash flow, operating margin and capital program, while maintaining adequate liquidity, also includes our hedging program. We currently have the following Brent-based crude oil contracts, which include activityincluding contracts entered into subsequent to March 31,June 30, 2018:
Q2
2018
 
Q3
2018
 
Q4
2018
 
Q1
2019
 
Q2
2019
 Q3
2019
 Q4
2019
 
FY
2020
Q3
2018
 
Q4
2018
 
Q1
2019
 
Q2
2019
 Q3
2019
 Q4
2019
 
FY
2020
 
FY
2021
Sold Calls:                              
Barrels per day6,168
 6,127
 16,086
 16,057
 6,023
 991
 961
 503
6,127
 16,086
 16,057
 6,023
 991
 961
 503
 
Weighted-average price per barrel$60.24
 $60.24
 $58.91
 $65.75
 $67.01
 $60.00
 $60.00
 $60.00
$60.24
 $58.91
 $65.75
 $67.01
 $60.00
 $60.00
 $60.00
 $
                              
Purchased Calls:                              
Barrels per day
 
 
 2,000
 
 
 
 

 
 2,000
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average price per barrel$
 $
 $
 $71.00
 $
 $
 $
 $
$
 $
 $71.00
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
                              
Purchased Puts:                              
Barrels per day1,168
 6,127
 1,086
 29,057
 21,023
 10,991
 961
 503
6,922
 1,851
 34,793
 36,733
 31,676
 21,623
 1,506
 574
Weighted-average price per barrel$45.83
 $61.47
 $45.85
 $60.86
 $62.40
 $63.27
 $45.85
 $43.91
$61.31
 $51.70
 $62.77
 $67.40
 $70.50
 $73.09
 $47.97
 $45.00
                              
Sold Puts:                              
Barrels per day29,000
 24,000
 19,000
 30,000
 15,000
 10,000
 
 
24,000
 19,000
 35,000
 30,000
 30,000
 20,000
 
 
Weighted-average price per barrel$45.00
 $46.04
 $45.00
 $49.17
 $50.00
 $50.00
 $
 $
$46.04
 $45.00
 $50.71
 $55.00
 $56.67
 $60.00
 $
 $
                              
Swaps:                              
Barrels per day44,350
 
19,000(1)

 
19,000(1)

 
7,000(2)

 
 
 
 
48,000
 
29,000(1)

 
7,000(2)

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average price per barrel$60.00
 $60.13
 $60.13
 $67.71
 $
 $
 $
 $
$60.35
 $60.50
 $67.71
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
(1)Certain of our counterparties have options to increase swap volumes by up to 29,00019,000 barrels per day at a weighted-average Brent price of $60.50$60.13 for the second halffourth quarter of 2018.
(2)Certain of our counterparties have options to increase swap volumes by up to 5,000 barrels per day at a weighted-average Brent price of $70.00 for the first quarter of 2019.

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, a small portion of the crude oil derivatives in the table above were entered into by ourthe BSP joint venture entity,JV, including all of the 2020 and 2021 hedges. This joint venture also entered into natural gas swaps for insignificant volumes for periods through July 2020.May 2021.

Excluding derivatives entered into by our BSP joint venture entity, our hedge program currently covers a significant portionRefer to Note 9 Derivatives in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Form 10-Q for more information on the outcomes of our oil production for full year 2018. In the first and second quarters of 2019, we hedged approximately 35,000 and 20,000 barrels per day, respectively. The hedges generally form an effective floor around $63 Brent so long as Brent trades above $50 per barrel. A portion of these hedge volumes continues to provide us with upside at prices above $67. For the third quarter of 2019, we have hedged 10,000 barrels of oil per day, providing an effective oil price floor at $65 Brent so long as Brent trades above $50 per barrel. At prices above $65, we continue to benefit from upside. Our philosophy regarding hedging continues to target up to 50% of our production in order to provide more certainty in cash flows and underpin our capital program.derivative instruments.

Interest-Rate Contracts

In May 2018, we entered into derivativesderivative contracts that caplimit our interest rate exposure with respect to $1.3 billion of variable rateour variable-rate indebtedness. The interest rate capscontracts reset monthly and require the counterparties to pay any excess interest owed on such amount in the event the one monthone-month LIBOR exceeds 2.75% for any monthly period prior to May 4, 2021.



2018 Capital Program

With stronger expected cash flows from commodity price improvements and increased production from the recent Elk Hills transaction, alongcombined with expected synergies resulting from the transaction, we increased our planned 2018 capital program to a range from $550of $650 million to $600$700 million which includes(including approximately $100 million or more of JV capital) subject to $150 million of capital to be funded by our JV partners. The additional capital projects will commence in the second quarter of 2018 with the majority of the investments occurringfurther adjustments based on commodity prices in the second half of the year.year and other developments. The additional capital will primarily be deployed to drilling, workovers and facilities in the San Joaquin, Los Angeles and Ventura basins. The following table presents our currently expected 2018 program by category (in millions):


Drilling$315
47%
Development facilities140
21%
Capital workovers90
13%
Exploration20
3%
Corporate and other10
1%
   Total internally funded capital575
 
Joint venture capital100
15%
   Total capital$675


We are focusing our 2018 capital on oil projects, which provide higherhigh margins and low decline rates that we believe will generate cash flow to fund increasing capital budgets that will grow production. Our approach to our 2018 drilling program is consistent with our stated strategy to remain financially disciplined and fund projects through either internally generated cash flow or JV capital to maintain our liquidity and further strengthen our balance sheet.disciplined. We continue to deploy our partners' capital as part of our BSP and MIRA joint ventures and opportunistically pursue additional strategic relationships. We will deploy capital to projects that help continue to stabilize our production, develop our long-term resources and return our production to a growth profile. Our current drilling inventory comprises a diversified portfolio of oil and natural gas locations that are economically viable in a variety of operating and commodity price conditions and includes our core fields: Elk Hills, Wilmington, Kern Front, Huntington Beach and the continued delineation and appraisal of our assets which offer future value driven growth such as the Buena Vista, and the fields in the Ventura and southern San Joaquin areas.

Our 2018 drilling program includes development of conventional and unconventional resources. The depth of our primary conventional wells is expected to range from 2,000 to 15,000 feet. With a significant reduction in our drilling costs since 2014, many of our deep conventional and unconventional wells have become more competitive. We expect to use 60%62% of our total capital (including JV capital) on drilling projects, which includes 18%projects. In the second half of JV funded capital. We are focusingthe year, our program will focus on conventional program primarily indrilling across our primary assets, including Wilmington, Huntington Beach, Kern Front, Pleito Ranch, Yowlumne and Mount Poso which will largely consist of waterfloods and steamfloods along with primary drilling. We intend to drill unconventional wellsfields in Buena Vista.the southern San Joaquin areas.

We also plan to use 16%13% of our 2018 capital program for capital workovers on existing well bores. Capital workovers are some of the highest Value Creation Index (VCI) projects in our portfolio and generally include well deepenings, recompletions, changes of lift methods and other activities designed to add incremental productive intervals and reserves.

Further, approximately 21% of our 2018 capital program is intended for development facilities for our newer projects, including pipeline and gathering line interconnections, gas compression, water management systems and associated safety and environmental controls, and about 3%5% is intended to be used to maintain the mechanical integrity, safety and environmental performance of existing systems and for exploration.

Lawsuits, Claims, Contingencies and Commitments

We are involved, in the normal course of business, in lawsuits, environmental and other claims and other contingencies that seek, among other things, compensation for alleged personal injury, breach of contract, property damage or other losses, punitive damages, civil penalties, or injunctive or declaratory relief.



We accrue reserves for currently outstanding lawsuits, claims and proceedings when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the liability can be reasonably estimated. Reserve balances at March 31,June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were not material to our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of such dates. We also evaluate the amount of reasonably possible losses that we could incur as a result of these matters. We believe that reasonably possible losses that we could incur in excess of reserves accrued on our balance sheet would not be material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

We, our subsidiaries, or both, have indemnified various parties against specific liabilities those parties might incur in the future in connection with the Spin-off, purchases and other transactions that they have entered into with us. These indemnities include indemnities made to Occidental against certain tax-related liabilities that may be incurred by Occidental relating to the Spin-off and liabilities related to operation of our business while it was still owned by Occidental. As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we are not aware of material indemnity claims pending or threatened against us.

Significant Accounting and Disclosure Changes

See Note 2 Accounting and Disclosure Changes underin the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I Item 1 of this reportForm 10-Q for a discussion of new accounting matters.



Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Outlook and Forward-Looking Information

The information in this document includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could materially affect our expected results of operations, liquidity, cash flows and business prospects. Such statements specifically include our expectations as to our future financial position, liquidity, cash flows, results of operations and business prospects, budgets, drilling and workover program, maintenance capital requirements, production, costs, operations, reserves, hedging activities, transactions and capital investments and other guidance. Actual results may differ from anticipated results, sometimes materially, and reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance. You can typically identify forward-looking statements by words such as aim, anticipate, believe, budget, continue, could, effort, estimate, expect, forecast, goal, guidance, intend, likely, may, might, objective, outlook, plan, potential, predict, project, seek, should, target, will or would and other similar words that reflect the prospective nature of events or outcomes. For any such forward-looking statement that includes a statement of the assumptions or bases underlying such forward-looking statement, we caution that, while we believe such assumptions or bases to be reasonable and make them in good faith, assumed facts or bases almost always vary from actual results, sometimes materially. Material risks that may affect our results of operations and financial position appear in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors of the 2017 Form 10-K.

Factors (but not necessarily all the factors) that could cause results to differ include: commodity price fluctuations; the effect of our debt on our financial flexibility; insufficient capital or changes to our capital plan, including as a result of lender restrictions or reductions in our borrowing base, lower-than-expected operating cash flow, unavailability of capital markets or inability to attract investors; equipment, service or labor price inflation or unavailability; inability to replace reserves; inability to timely obtain government permits and approvals; inability to monetize selected assets or enter into favorable joint ventures; effects of PSC-type contracts on production and unit production costs; the effect of stock price on costs associated with incentive compensation; restrictions imposed by regulations including those related to drilling, completion, well stimulation, operation, maintenance or abandonment of wells or facilities, managing energy, water, land, greenhouse gases or other emissions, protection of health, safety and the environment, or transportation, marketing and sale of our products; risks of drilling; unexpected geologic conditions; tax law changes; changes in business strategy; competition with larger, better funded competitors for and costs of oilfield equipment, services, qualified personnel and acquisitions; incorrect estimates of reserves and related future net cash flows; risks related to our disposition, joint venture and acquisition activities;activities and our ability to achieve expected synergies; the recoverability of resources; the effects of hedging transactions and limitations on our ability to enter into efficient hedgingsuch transactions; steeper-than-expected production decline rates; lower-than-expected production, reserves or resources from development projects or acquisitions; the effects of litigation; insufficient insurance against and concentration of exposure in California to accidents, mechanical failures, transportation or storage constraints, labor difficulties, cyber attacks or other catastrophic events.  Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no responsibility to publicly release the result of any revision of our forward-looking statements after the date they are made.



All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this report are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we or persons acting on our behalf may issue.



Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2018, there were no material changes in the information required to be provided under Item 305 of Regulation S-K included under the caption Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Incorporating Item 7A) – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk in the 2017 Form 10-K, except as discussed below.
Commodity Price Risk
As of March 31,June 30, 2018, we had a net derivative liability of $126$200 million carried at fair value, as determined from prices provided by external sources that are not actively quoted, which predominantly matureexpire in 2018.2018 and 2019. See additional hedging information in Item 2 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources.

Counterparty Credit Risk
Our credit risk relates primarily to trade receivables and derivative financial instruments. Credit exposure for each customer is monitored for outstanding balances and current activity. For derivative instruments entered into as part of our hedging program, we are subject to counterparty credit risk to the extent the counterparty is unable to meet its settlement commitments. We actively manage this credit risk by selecting counterparties that we believe to be financially strong and continuing to monitor their financial health. Concentration of credit risk is regularly reviewed to ensure that counterparty credit risk is adequately diversified.

As of March 31,June 30, 2018, the substantial majority of the credit exposures related to our business was with investment-grade counterparties. We believe exposure to credit-related losses related to our business at March 31,June 30, 2018 was not material and losses associated with credit risk have been insignificant for all years presented.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer supervised and participated in our evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31,June 30, 2018.
During the first quarter of 2018, we adopted the new accounting standard for revenue recognition, Topic 606, and there wereThere has been no changeschange in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


PART II    OTHER INFORMATION
 

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

In November 2017, Chevron initiated a contractual dispute resolution process regarding audit claims alleging that it has been underallocated NGLs by approximately $200 million and overcharged for power by $50 million at the Elk Hills field. After extensive review of these claims, we believed that we had in fact overallocated oil, NGLs and natural gas to Chevron. As part of our acquisition of Chevron’s interest in the Elk Hills Unit in April 2018, the parties released their claims against each other under the Unit Operating Agreement.

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note 78 Lawsuits, Claims and Contingencies in the Notes to the consolidated financial statementsCondensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Form 10-Q, Part II, Item 1, Legal Proceedings in the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018 and Part I, Item 3, Legal Proceedings in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Item 1.A.
Risk Factors

We are subject to various risks and uncertainties in the course of our business. A discussion of such risks and uncertainties may be found under the heading Risk Factors in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Item 5.
Other Disclosures

None.



Item 6.
Exhibits
 
4.14.1*
4.2*
4.3
10.1*
10.2*
10.3*
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
  
12*
  
31.1*
  
31.2*
  
32.1*
  
101.INS*XBRL Instance Document.
  
101.SCH*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
  
101.CAL*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
  
101.LAB*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
  
101.PRE*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
  
101.DEF*XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
* - Filed 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.



 CALIFORNIA RESOURCES CORPORATION 


DATE:  May 9,August 2, 2018/s/ Roy Pineci 
  Roy Pineci 
  Executive Vice President - Finance 
  (Principal Accounting Officer) 


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