RANGE RESOURCES CORP

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Summary of Organization and Nature of Business

Range Resources Corporation ("Range," "we," "us," or "our") is a Fort Worth, Texas-based independent natural gas, natural gas liquids ("NGLs"), crude oil and condensate company engaged in the exploration, development and acquisition of natural gas and oil properties in the Appalachian region of the United States. Our objective is to build stockholder value through returns-focused development of natural gas properties. Range is a Delaware corporation with our common stock listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RRC".

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements, including the notes, have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP") and include the accounts of all of our subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.

Estimated quantities of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and condensate reserves is a significant estimate that requires judgment. All of the reserve data included in this Form 10-K are estimates. Reservoir engineering is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and condensate. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and condensate reserves. The accuracy of any reserves estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. As a result, reserves estimates may be different from the quantities of natural gas, NGLs and crude oil and condensate that are ultimately recovered. See Note 15 for further detail.

Other items subject to estimates and assumptions include the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment, valuation of certain derivative instruments, exit cost liabilities and valuation allowances for deferred income tax assets, among others. Although we believe these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.

Business Segment Information

We have evaluated how we are organized and managed and have identified only one operating segment. We consider our gathering, processing and marketing functions as integral to our natural gas, crude oil and condensate producing activities. We have a single company-wide management team that administers all properties as a whole rather than by discrete operating segments. We track only basic operational data by area. We measure financial performance as a single enterprise and not on an area-by-area basis. All of our operating revenues, income from operations and assets are generated and located in the United States.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Natural gas, NGLs and oil sales revenues are recognized when control of the product is transferred to the customer and collectability is reasonably assured. See below for a more detailed summary of our product types.

Natural Gas and NGLs Sales. Under some of our gas processing contracts, we deliver natural gas to a midstream processing entity at the wellhead or the inlet of the midstream processing entity’s system. The midstream processing entity processes the natural gas and remits proceeds to us for the resulting sales of NGLs and residue gas. In these scenarios, we evaluate whether we are the principal or the agent in the transaction. For those contracts that we have concluded that we are the principal, the ultimate third party is our customer and we recognize revenue on a gross basis, with gathering, compression, processing and transportation fees presented as an expense. Alternatively, for those contracts that we have concluded that we are the agent, the midstream processing entity is our customer and we recognize revenue based on the net amount of the proceeds received from the midstream processing entity.

In other natural gas processing agreements, we may elect to take our residue gas and/or NGLs in kind at the tailgate of the midstream entity’s processing plant and subsequently market the product on our own. Through the marketing process, we deliver product to the ultimate third-party purchaser at a contractually agreed-upon delivery point and receive a specified index price from the purchaser. In this scenario, we recognize revenue when control transfers to the purchaser at the delivery point based on the index price received from the purchaser. The gathering, processing and compression fees attributable to the gas processing contract, as well as any transportation fees incurred to deliver the product to the purchaser, are presented as transportation, gathering, processing and compression expense.

Oil Sales. Our oil sales contracts are generally structured in one of the following ways:

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We sell oil production at the wellhead and collect an agreed-upon index price, net of transportation incurred by the purchaser (that is, a netback arrangement). In this scenario, we recognize revenue when control transfers to the purchaser at the wellhead at the net price received.

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We deliver oil to the purchaser at a contractually agreed-upon delivery point at which the purchaser takes custody, title, and risk of loss of the product. Under this arrangement, we pay a third party to transport the product and receive a specified index price from the purchaser with no deduction. In this scenario, we recognize revenue when control transfers to the purchaser at the delivery point based on the price received from the purchaser. The third-party costs are recorded as transportation, gathering, processing and compression expense.

Brokered Natural Gas, Marketing and Other. We realize brokered margins as a result of buying natural gas or NGLs utilizing separate purchase transactions, generally with separate counterparties, and subsequently selling that natural gas or NGLs under our existing contracts to fill our contract commitments or use existing infrastructure contracts to economically utilize available capacity. In these arrangements, we take control of the natural gas purchased prior to delivery of that gas under our existing gas contracts with a separate counterparty. Revenues and expenses related to brokering natural gas are reported gross as part of revenues and expenses in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Proceeds generated from the sale of excess firm transportation to third parties is also included here when we are determined to no longer be the primary obligor of such arrangement. Our net brokered margin was income of $4.2 million in 2023 compared to a loss of $5.4 million in 2022 and income of $1.1 million in 2021. Interest income included here was $5.9 million in 2023 compared to $2.5 million in 2022 and $243,000 in 2021.

The recognition of gains or losses on derivative instruments is not considered revenue from contracts with customers. We may use financial or physical contracts accounted for as derivatives as economic hedges to manage price risk associated with normal sales or in limited cases may use them for contracts we intend to physically settle but that do not meet all of the criteria to be treated as normal sales.

Accounts Receivable. Our accounts receivable consist mainly of receivables from oil and gas purchasers and joint interest owners on properties we operate. Although receivables are concentrated in the oil and gas industry, we do not view this as an unusual credit risk. However, this concentration has the potential to impact our overall exposure to credit risk in that our customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and financial conditions, commodity prices or other conditions. Each reporting period, we assess the recoverability of material receivables using historical data and current market conditions. The loss given default method is used when, based on management’s judgment, an allowance for expected credit losses is accrued on material receivables to reflect the net amount to be collected. In certain instances, we require purchasers to post stand-by letters of credit. For receivables from joint interest owners, we may have the ability to withhold future revenue disbursements to recover any non-payment of joint interest billings. We regularly review collectability and establish or adjust our allowance as necessary. We have allowances for doubtful accounts relating to exploration and production receivables of $308,000 at December 31, 2023 compared to $314,000 at December 31, 2022. We recordedno bad debt expense in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a reduction of $250,000 in the year ended December 31, 2022 and expense of $200,000 in the year ended December 31, 2021.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit and investments in highly liquid debt instruments with maturities of three months or less. Outstanding checks in excess of funds on deposit are included in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets and the change in such overdrafts is classified as a financing activity on the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Natural Gas and Oil Properties

Property Acquisition Costs. We use the successful efforts method of accounting for natural gas and oil producing activities. Costs to acquire mineral interests in natural gas and oil properties, to drill exploratory wells that find proved reserves and to drill development wells are capitalized. Costs to drill exploratory wells that do not find proved reserves, geological and geophysical costs, delay rentals and costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed. Costs incurred for exploratory wells that find reserves that cannot yet be classified as proved are capitalized if (a) the well has found a sufficient quantity of reserves to justify its completion as a producing well and (b) we are making sufficient progress assessing the reserves and the economic and operating viability of the project.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation, depletion and amortization of proved properties, including other property and equipment such as gathering lines related to natural gas and oil producing activities, is provided on the units of production method. Historically, we have adjusted our depletion rates in the fourth quarter of each year based on the year-end reserve report and at other times during the year when circumstances indicate there has been a significant change in reserves or costs.

Impairments. Our proved natural gas and oil properties are reviewed for impairment of value whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset. These assets are reviewed for potential impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows that are largely independent of other groups of assets which is the level at which depletion is calculated. Natural gas and oil properties deemed to be impaired are written down to their fair value, as determined by discounted future net cash flows or, if available, comparable market value.

We evaluate our unproved property investment periodically for impairment. The majority of these costs generally relate to the acquisition of leasehold costs. The costs are capitalized and evaluated (at least quarterly) as to recoverability based on changes brought about by economic factors and potential shifts in business strategy employed by management which could impact the number of locations we intend to drill. Impairment of a significant portion of our unproved properties is assessed and amortized on an aggregate basis based on our average holding period, expected forfeiture rate and anticipated drilling success. Information such as reservoir performance or future plans to develop acreage is also considered. Impairment of individually significant unproved property is assessed on a property-by-property basis considering a combination of time, geologic and engineering factors. Unproved properties had a net book value of $789.9 million as of December 31, 2023 compared to $800.6 million in 2022. We have recorded abandonment and impairment expense related to unproved properties of $46.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $28.6 million in 2022 and $7.2 million in 2021.

Dispositions. Proceeds from the disposal of natural gas and oil producing properties that are part of an amortization base are credited to the net book value of the amortization group with no immediate effect on income. However, gain or loss is recognized if the disposition is significant enough to materially impact the depletion rate of the remaining properties in the amortization base. Dispositions are accounted for as a sale of assets.

Other Property and Equipment

Other property and equipment includes assets such as buildings, furniture and fixtures, field equipment, leasehold improvements and data processing and communication equipment. These items are generally depreciated by individual components on a straight-line basis over their economic useful life, which is generally from three toten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of their economic useful lives or the underlying terms of the associated leases. Depreciation expense was $1.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $2.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 and $2.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2021.

Leases

We determine if an arrangement is a lease at the inception of the arrangement. We lease certain drilling or completion equipment, office space, field equipment, vehicles and other equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable leases to support our operations. Certain of our lease agreements include lease and non-lease components. We account for these components as a single lease. Lease costs associated with drilling and completion equipment are capitalized as part of well costs.

Lease right-of-use ("ROU")assets and liabilities are initially recorded on the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our lease contracts do not provide an implicit discount rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate which is determined based on information available at the commencement date of a lease. Leases may include renewal, purchase or termination options that can extend or shorten the term of the lease. The exercise of those options is at our discretion and is evaluated at inception and throughout the contract to determine if a modification of the lease term is required. Leases with a term of 12 months or less are not recorded as a right-of-use asset and liability. The majority of our leases are classified as either short-term or long-term operating leases.

Our leased assets may be used in joint oil and gas operations with other working interest owners. We recognize lease liabilities and ROU assets only when we are the signatory to a contract as an operator of joint properties. Such lease liabilities and ROU assets are determined and disclosed based on gross contractual obligations. Our lease costs are also presented on a gross contractual basis.

Other Assets

Investments in unaffiliated equity securities held in our deferred compensation plans qualify as trading securities and are recorded at fair value. Investments held in the deferred compensation plans consist of various publicly-traded mutual funds. These funds include equity securities and money market instruments and are reported in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Other assets at December 31, 2023 include $72.0 million of marketable securities held in our deferred compensation plan, $7.3 million of deferred financing costs related to our bank credit facility and $9.7 million of investments and other. Other assets at December 31, 2022 included $57.7 million of marketable securities held in our deferred compensation plan and $10.4 million of investments and other.

Stock-based Compensation Arrangements

We account for stock-based compensation under the fair value method of accounting. We grant various types of stock-based awards including restricted stock and performance-based awards. The fair value of our restricted stock awards and our performance-based awards (where the performance condition is based on internal performance metrics) is based on the market value of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of our performance-based awards where the performance condition is based on market conditions is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation method.

We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. The expense we recognize is net of estimated forfeitures. We estimate our forfeiture rate based on prior experience and adjust it as circumstances warrant. If actual forfeitures are different than expected, adjustments to recognize expense may be required in future periods. To the extent possible, we limit the amount of shares to be issued for these awards by satisfying tax withholding requirements with cash. All awards have been issued at prevailing market prices at the time of grant and the vesting of these awards is based on an employee’s continued employment with us, with the exception of employment termination due to death, disability or retirement. For additional information regarding stock-based compensation, see Note 10.

Derivative Financial Instruments

All of our commodity derivative instruments are issued to manage the price risk attributable to our expected natural gas, NGLs and oil production. While there is risk that the financial benefit of rising natural gas, NGLs and oil prices may not be captured, we believe the benefits of stable and predictable cash flow are important. Among these benefits are more consistent returns on invested capital and better access to bank and other capital markets, more efficient utilization of existing personnel and planning for future staff additions, the flexibility to enter into long-term projects requiring substantial committed capital, smoother and more efficient execution of our ongoing development drilling and production enhancement programs. All unsettled commodity derivative instruments are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or a liability measured at their fair value. In most cases, our derivatives are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets on a net basis by brokerage firm when they are governed by master netting agreements, which in an event of default, allows us to offset payables to and receivables from the defaulting counterparty. Changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in earnings. Cash flows from derivative contract settlements are reflected in operating activities in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

All realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments are accounted for using the mark-to-market accounting method. We recognize all unrealized and realized gains and losses related to these contracts in each period in derivative fair value in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Certain of our commodity derivatives are swaps where we receive a fixed price for our production and pay market prices to the counterparty. We have collars which establish a minimum floor price and a predetermined ceiling price. Our program may also include a three-way collar which is a combination of three options: a sold call, a purchased put and a sold put. The sold call establishes the ceiling price while the purchased put establishes the floor price until the market price for the commodity falls below the sold put stock price at which time the value of the purchased put is effectively capped. We have also entered into natural gas derivative instruments containing a fixed price swap and a sold option (which we refer to as a swaption). We have entered into basis swap agreements. The price we receive for our natural gas production can be more or less than the NYMEX price because of adjustments for delivery location ("basis"), relative quality and other factors; therefore, we have entered into natural gas basis swap agreements that effectively fix our basis adjustments. For additional information regarding our derivative instruments, see Note 8.

From time to time, we may enter into derivative contracts and pay or receive premium payments at the inception of the derivative contract which represent the fair value of the contract at its inception. These amounts would be included within the net derivative asset or liability on our consolidated balance sheets. The amounts paid or received for derivative premiums reduce or increase the amount of gains and losses that are recorded in the earnings each period as the derivative contracts settle. We did not materially modify any existing derivative contracts in 2023, 2022 or 2021.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

As of December 31, 2023, our primary concentrations of credit risk are the risks of collecting accounts receivable and the risk of counterparties’ failure to perform under derivative contracts. Most of our receivables are from a diverse group of companies, including major energy companies, pipeline companies, local distribution companies, financial institutions, commodity traders and end-users in various industries and such receivables are generally unsecured. The nature of our customers’ businesses may impact our overall credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that these entities may be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions.

To manage risks of collecting accounts receivable, we monitor our counterparties’ financial strength and/or credit ratings and where we deem necessary, we obtain parent company guarantees, prepayments, letters of credit or other credit enhancements to reduce risk of loss. We may also limit the level of exposure with any single counterparty. We do not anticipate a material impact on our financial results due to non-performance by third parties.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we hadone customer that accounted for 10% or more of natural gas, NGLs and oil sales compared tono such customers for the year ended December 31, 2022 andone customer for the year ended December 31, 2021. We believe that the loss of any one customer would not have an adverse effect on our ability to sell our natural gas, NGLs and oil production.

We have executed International Swap Dealers Association Master Agreements ("ISDA Agreements") with counterparties for the purpose of entering into derivative contracts. To manage counterparty risk associated with our derivatives, we select and monitor counterparties based on assessment of their financial strength and/or credit ratings. Additionally, the terms of our ISDA Agreements provide us and our counterparties with netting rights such that we may offset payables against receivables with a counterparty under separate derivative contracts. Our ISDA Agreements also generally contain set-off rights such that, upon the occurrence of defined acts of default by either us or a counterparty to a derivative contract, the non-defaulting party may set-off receivables owed under all derivative contracts against payables from other agreements with that counterparty. None of our derivative contracts have a margin requirement or collateral provision that would require us to fund or post additional collateral prior to the scheduled cash settlement date.

At December 31, 2023, our derivative counterparties included fourteen financial institutions and commodity traders, of which all butsix are secured lenders in our bank credit facility. At December 31, 2023, our net derivative asset includes a payable toone counterparty not included in our bank credit facility totaling $329,000 and a receivable from the remaining five counterparties of $26.4 million. In determining fair value of derivative assets, we evaluate the risk of non-performance and incorporate factors such as amounts owed under other agreements permitting set-off, as well as pricing of credit default swaps for the counterparty. Historically, we have not experienced any issues of non-performance by derivative counterparties. Net derivative liabilities are determined in part by using our market based credit spread to incorporate our theoretical risk of non-performance.

Asset Retirement Obligations

The fair value of asset retirement obligations ("ARO")is recognized in the period they are incurred, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Asset retirement obligations primarily relate to the abandonment of natural gas and oil producing properties and include costs to dismantle and relocate or dispose of production platforms, wells and related structures. Estimates are based on historical experience of plugging and abandoning wells, estimated remaining lives of those wells based on reserve estimates, external estimates of the cost to plug and abandon the wells in the future, federal and state regulatory requirements, inflation rates and credit-adjusted-risk-free interest rates. Depreciation of capitalized asset retirement costs will generally be determined on a units-of-production basis while accretion to be recognized will escalate over the life of the producing assets. See Note 7 for additional information.

Exit Costs

We recognize the fair value of a liability for an exit cost in the period in which a liability is incurred. The recognition and fair value estimation of an exit cost liability requires that management take into account certain estimates and assumptions. Fair value estimates are based on future discounted cash outflows required to satisfy the obligation. In periods subsequent to initial measurement, changes to an exit cost liability, including changes resulting from revisions to either the timing or the amount of estimated cash flows over the future contract period, are recognized as an adjustment to the liability in the period of the change utilizing the initial discount rate. These costs, including associated accretion expense, are included in exit costs in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. See Note 14 for additional information.

Contingencies

We are subject to legal proceedings, claims, and liabilities and environmental matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. We accrue for losses when such losses are considered probable and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. See Note 13 for a more detailed discussion regarding our contingencies.

Environmental Costs

Environmental expenditures are capitalized if the costs mitigate or prevent future contamination or if the costs improve environmental safety or efficiency of the existing assets. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations that have no future economic benefits are expensed.

Deferred Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities, measured by the enacted tax rates, are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases as reported in our filings with the respective taxing authorities. Deferred tax assets are recorded when it is more likely than not that they will be realized. The realization of deferred tax assets is assessed periodically based on several interrelated factors. These factors may include whether we are in a cumulative loss position in recent years, our reversal of temporary differences and our expectation to generate sufficient taxable income in the periods before tax credits and operating loss carryforwards expire. All deferred taxes are classified as long-term in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Treasury Stock

Treasury stock purchases are recorded at cost. Upon reissuance, the cost of treasury shares held is reduced by the average purchase price per share of the aggregate treasury shares held.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

There have not been any new standards issued we consider material to our accounting or disclosures. There are no issued but pending standards expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

(3) Revenues from Contracts with Customers

Disaggregation of Revenue

We have identified three material revenue streams in our business: natural gas sales, NGLs sales, crude oil and condensate sales. Brokered revenue attributable to each product sales type is included here because the volume of product that we purchase is subsequently sold to separate counterparties in accordance with existing sales contracts under which we also sell our production. Revenue attributable to each of our identified revenue streams is disaggregated below (in thousands):

Performance Obligations and Contract Balance

A significant number of our product sales are short-term in nature with a contract term of one year or less. We typically satisfy our performance obligation upon transfer of control and record revenue in the month production is delivered to the purchaser. Settlement statements for certain gas and NGLs sales may be received 30 to 90 days after the date production is delivered, and as a result, we are required to estimate the amount of production that was delivered to the purchaser and the price that will be received for the sale of the product. We record the differences between our estimates and the actual amounts for product sales in the month that payment is received from the purchaser. We have internal controls in place for our estimation process and any identified differences between our revenue estimates and actual revenue received historically have not been significant. For the three years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, revenue recognized in the reporting period related to performance obligations satisfied in prior reporting periods was not material. Under our sales contracts, we invoice customers once our performance obligations have been satisfied, at which point payment is unconditional. Accordingly, our product sales contracts do not give rise to contract assets or liabilities. Accounts receivable attributable to our revenue contracts with customers was $263.9 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $463.3 million at December 31, 2022.

(4) Income Taxes

Our income tax expense was $229.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to expense of $230.5 million in 2022 and a benefit of $9.7 million in 2021. The effective income tax rate is influenced by a variety of factors including geographic sources and relative magnitude of these sources of income. Reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and our effective income tax rate is as follows:

Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income before income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):

Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

At December 31, 2023, deferred tax liabilities exceeded deferred tax assets by $561.3 million. As of December 31, 2023, we have a state valuation allowance of $172.0 million related to state tax attributes in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia. As of December 31, 2023, we have federal valuation allowances of $23.4 million primarily related to our federal basis differences. The net change in our deferred tax asset valuation allowances was an increase of $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a reduction in our valuation allowances of $78.3 million in 2022 and a reduction of $108.0 million in 2021. We continue to evaluate the realizability of our federal and state deferred tax assets.

At December 31, 2023, we had federal NOL carryforwards of $1.8 billion. This includes $157.5 million that expires in 2037 and also includes $1.7 billion of NOL carryforwards generated after 2017 that do not expire. We have state NOL carryforwards in Pennsylvania of $811.1 million that expire between 2031 and 2042 and in Louisiana, we have state NOL carryforwards of $1.6 billion that do not expire. We file a consolidated tax return in the United States federal jurisdiction. We file separate company state income tax returns in Louisiana and Pennsylvania and file consolidated or unitary state income tax returns in Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia. We are subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for the years 2020 and after and we are subject to various state tax examinations for years 2019 and after. We have not extended the statute of limitation period in any income tax jurisdiction. Our policy is to recognize interest related to income tax expense in interest expense and penalties in general and administrative expense. We donot have any material accrued interest or penalties related to tax amounts as of December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022. Throughout 2023, 2022 and 2021, our unrecognized tax benefits were not material.

On July 12, 2022, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania enacted legislation to reduce the corporate net income tax rate from 9.99% to 8.99% in 2023 and continues to reduce that rate by 0.5% per year beginning in 2024, with the rate becoming 4.99% in 2031 and each year thereafter.

(5) Net Income per Common Share

Basic income or loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed as (i) income or loss attributable to common stockholders (ii) less income allocable to participating securities (iii) divided by weighted average basic shares outstanding. Diluted income or loss per share attributable to common stockholders is computed as (i) basic income or loss attributable to common stockholders (ii) plus diluted adjustments to income allocable to participating securities (iii) divided by weighted average diluted shares outstanding. Diluted net income or loss per share is calculated under both the two class method and the treasury stock method and the more dilutive of the two calculations is presented. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income or loss to basic income or loss attributable to common stockholders and to diluted income or loss attributable to common stockholders (in thousands except per share amounts):

The following table details basic weighted average common shares outstanding and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic excludes 4.1 million shares of restricted stock Liability Awards held in our deferred compensation plans (although all awards are issued and outstanding upon grant) for the period ended December 31, 2023 compared to 6.1 million shares for the period ended December 31, 2022 and 6.5 million shares for the period ended December 31, 2021. Equity grants of 3,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 5,000 shares for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 18,000 shares for the year ended December 31, 2021 were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted net income because the grant prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares and would be anti-dilutive to the computations.

(6) Indebtedness

We had the following debt outstanding as of the dates shown below. The expenses of issuing debt are generally capitalized and included as a reduction to debt in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. For December 31, 2023, deferred financing costs for our bank credit facility are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. These costs are amortized over the expected life of the related instruments. When debt is retired before maturity, or modifications significantly change the cash flows, the related unamortized costs are expensed. No interest was capitalized in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023. The components of our debt outstanding, including the effects of debt issuance costs, is as follows (in thousands):

Bank Debt

In April 2022, we entered into an amended and restated revolving bank facility, which we refer to as our bank debt or our bank credit facility, and is secured by substantially all of our assets and has a maturity date of April 14, 2027. The bank credit facility provides for a maximum facility amount of $4.0 billion and an initial borrowing base of $3.0 billion. The bank credit facility provides for a borrowing base subject to redeterminations and for event-driven unscheduled redeterminations. Our current bank group is composed ofseventeen financial institutions. The borrowing base may be increased or decreased based on our request and sufficient proved reserves, as determined by the bank group. The commitment amount may be increased to the borrowing base, subject to payment of a mutually acceptable commitment fee to those banks agreeing to participate in the facility increase. Borrowings under the bank facility can either be at the alternate base rate ("ABR," as defined in the bank credit agreement) plus a spread ranging from 0.75% to 1.75% or at the secured overnight financing rate ("SOFR", as defined in the bank credit agreement) plus a spread ranging from 1.75% to 2.75%. The applicable spread is dependent upon borrowings relative to the borrowing base. We may elect, from time to time, to convert all or any part of our SOFR loans to ABR loans or to convert all or any part of our ABR loans to SOFR loans. The weighted average interest rate was 8.4% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 4.1% for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2.1% for the year ended December 31, 2021. A commitment fee is paid on the undrawn balance based on an annual rate of 0.375% to 0.50%. At December 31, 2023, the commitment fee was 0.375%, the interest rate margin was 0.75% on our ABR loans and 1.75% on our SOFR loans.

On December 31, 2023, bank commitments totaled $1.5 billion and we hadno outstanding borrowings under our bank credit facility. Additionally, we had $173.4 million of undrawn letters of credit leaving $1.3 billion of committed borrowing capacity available under the facility. As part of our redetermination completed in September 2023, our borrowing base was reaffirmed for $3.0 billion and our bank commitment was also reaffirmed at $1.5 billion.

Senior Note Redemptions

If we experience a change of control, noteholders may require us to repurchase all or a portion of our senior notes at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. We currently intend to retire our outstanding long-term debt as it matures, is callable or when market conditions are favorable to repurchase in the open market.

In 2023, we repurchased in the open market $61.6 million principal amount of our 4.875% senior notes due 2025 at a discount. We recognized a gain on early extinguishment of debt of $438,000, net of the remaining deferred financing costs on the repurchased debt. Although we have no obligation to do so, we may continue, from time-to-time, to retire our outstanding debt through privately negotiated transactions, open market repurchases, redemptions or otherwise.

In January 2024, we repurchased in the open market $8.7 million aggregate to principal amount of our 4.875% senior notes due 2025 at a discount.

Guarantees

Range Resources Corporation is a holding company which owns no operating assets and has no significant operations independent of its subsidiaries. The guarantees by our wholly-owned subsidiaries, which are directly or indirectly owned by Range, of our senior notes and our bank credit facility are full and unconditional and joint and several, subject to certain customary release provisions. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of Range and our guarantor subsidiaries are not materially different than our consolidated financial statements. A subsidiary guarantor may be released from its obligations under the guarantee:

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in the event of a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the subsidiary guarantor or a sale or other disposition of all the capital stock of the subsidiary guarantor, to any corporation or other person (including an unrestricted subsidiary of Range) by way of merger, consolidation, or otherwise; or

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if Range designates any restricted subsidiary that is a guarantor to be an unrestricted subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the indenture.

Debt Covenants and Maturity

Our bank credit facility contains negative covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to pay cash dividends, incur additional indebtedness, sell assets, enter into certain hedging contracts, change the nature of our business or operations, merge, consolidate, or make certain investments. We are required to maintain a ratio of debt-to-EBITDAX (as defined in the credit agreement) of less than 3.75 x and a minimum current ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of 1.0 x. We were in compliance with applicable covenants under the bank credit facility at December 31, 2023. The following is the principal maturity schedule for our long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

(7) Asset Retirement Obligations

ARO primarily represents the present value of the estimated amounts we will incur to plug, abandon and remediate our producing properties at the end of their productive lives. Significant inputs used in determining such obligations include estimates of plugging and abandonment costs, estimated future inflation rates and well lives. The inputs are calculated based on historical data as well as current estimated costs. The following is a reconciliation of our liability for plugging and abandonment costs as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Accretion expense is recognized as an increase to depreciation, depletion and amortization expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(8) Derivative Activities

We use commodity-based derivative contracts to manage exposure to commodity price fluctuations. We do not enter into these arrangements for speculative or trading purposes. We do not utilize complex derivatives as we typically utilize commodity swaps or collar contracts to (1) reduce the effect of price volatility of the commodities we produce and sell and (2) support our annual capital budget and expenditure plans. Every derivative instrument is required to be recorded on our consolidated balance sheets as either an asset or a liability measured at its fair value. Their fair value, which is represented by the estimated amount that would be realized upon termination, based on a comparison of the contract price and a reference price (generally NYMEX for natural gas and crude oil), approximated a net derivative asset of $424.4 million at December 31, 2023. These contracts expire monthly through December 2026. The following table sets forth the derivative volumes by year as of December 31, 2023, excluding our basis swaps which are discussed separately below:

Basis Swap Contracts

In addition to the commodity derivatives described above, at December 31, 2023, we had natural gas basis swap contracts which lock in the differential between NYMEX and certain of our physical pricing points in Appalachia. These contracts settle monthly through December 2026 and include a total volume of 313,453,000 Mmbtu. The fair value of these contracts was a net derivative asset of $18.3 million on December 31, 2023.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities

The combined fair value of derivatives included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 is summarized below (in thousands). As of December 31, 2023, we are conducting derivative activities with fourteen counterparties, of which all but six are secured lenders in our bank credit facility. We believe all of these counterparties are acceptable credit risks. At times, such risks may be concentrated with certain counterparties. The credit worthiness of our counterparties is subject to periodic review. The assets and liabilities are netted where derivatives with both gain and loss positions are held by a single counterparty and we have master netting arrangements.

The effects of our derivatives on our consolidated statements of income for the last three years are summarized below (in thousands).

(9) Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There are three approaches for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: the market approach, the income approach and the cost approach, each of which includes multiple valuation techniques. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to measure fair value by converting future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, into a single present value amount using current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace the service capacity of an asset. This is often referred to as current replacement cost. The cost approach assumes that the fair value would not exceed what it would cost a market participant to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence.

The fair value accounting standards do not prescribe which valuation technique should be used when measuring fair value and does not prioritize among the techniques. These standards establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in applying the various valuation techniques. Inputs broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make pricing decisions, including assumptions about risk. Level 1 inputs are given the highest priority in the fair value hierarchy, while Level 3 inputs are given the lowest priority. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

•

Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

•

Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. These are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.

•

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability being measured. These inputs reflect management’s best estimates of the assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value. Our Level 3 measurements consist of instruments using standard pricing models and other valuation methods that utilize unobservable pricing inputs that are significant to the overall value.

Valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs are favored. Assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest priority level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the levels of the fair value hierarchy. When transfers between levels occur, it is our policy to assume the transfer occurred at the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer.

Fair Values-Recurring

We use a market approach for our recurring fair value measurements and endeavor to use the best information available. Accordingly, valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable impacts are favored. The following tables present the fair value hierarchy table for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, on a recurring basis (in thousands):

Our trading securities in Level 1 are exchange-traded and measured at fair value with a market approach using December 31, 2023 market values. Derivatives in Level 2 are measured at fair value with a market approach using third-party pricing services, which have been corroborated with data from active markets or broker quotes. Derivatives in Level 3 are measured at fair value with a market approach using third-party pricing services, which have been corroborated with data from active markets or broker quotes but will also utilize unobservable pricing inputs that are significant to overall value. As of December 31, 2023, a portion of our natural gas instruments contain swaptions where the counterparty has the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a fixed price swap on a pre-determined date. If exercised, the swaption contract becomes a swap treated consistently with our fixed-price swaps. At December 31, 2023, we used a weighted average implied volatility of 18% for our swaptions. The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for derivative instruments classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):

Our trading securities held in the deferred compensation plan are accounted for using the mark-to-market accounting method and are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We elected to adopt the fair value option to simplify our accounting for the investments in our deferred compensation plan. Interest, dividends, and mark-to-market gains or losses are included in deferred compensation plan expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. For the year ended December 31, 2023, interest and dividends were $1.6 million and mark-to-market was a gain of $7.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2022, interest and dividends were $1.1 million and mark-to-market was a loss of $14.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2021, interest and dividends were $951,000 and mark-to-market was a gain of $3.0 million.

Fair Values-Non-recurring

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances. Our proved natural gas and oil properties are reviewed for impairment periodically as events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. There were no proved property impairment charges for the three-year period ended December 31, 2023.

Fair Values-Reported

The following table presents the carrying amounts and the fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Our current assets and liabilities contain financial instruments, the most significant of which are trade accounts receivables and payables. We believe the carrying values of our current assets and liabilities approximate fair value. Our fair value assessment incorporates a variety of considerations, including (1) the short-term duration of the instruments and (2) our historical incurrence of and expected future insignificance of bad debt expense. Non-financial liabilities initially measured at fair value include asset retirement obligations, operating lease liabilities and the divestiture contract obligation that we incurred in conjunction with the sale of our North Louisiana assets.

(10) Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Description of the Plans

We havetwo active equity-based stock plans, our Amended and Restated 2005 Equity-Based Compensation Plan, which we refer to as the 2005 Plan and the Amended and Restated 2019 Equity-Based Compensation Plan, which we refer to as the 2019 Plan. Under these plans, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors may grant, various awards to non-employee directors and employees. Shares issued as a result of awards granted are generally new common shares but can be funded out of treasury shares, if available.

Total Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation represents amortization of restricted stock and performance units. Unlike the other forms of stock-based compensation, the mark-to-market adjustment of the liability related to the vested restricted stock held in our deferred compensation plan is directly tied to the change in our stock price and not directly related to the functional expenses and therefore, is not allocated to the financial categories. The following details the allocation of stock-based compensation that is allocated to functional expense categories for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

In 2023, we recorded an additional tax benefit of an estimated $10.6 million for the tax effect of financial accounting expense compared to the corporate income tax deduction for equity compensation that vested during the year compared to additional tax benefit of $7.2 million in 2022 and additional tax benefit of $340,000 in 2021.

Stock-Based Awards

Restricted Stock Awards. We grant restricted stock units and restricted stock under our equity-based stock compensation plans to our employees, which we refer to as restricted stock Equity Awards. The restricted stock units generally vest over athree-year period and are contingent on the recipient’s continued employment. Beginning in 2023, we began granting restricted stock (that was previously placed in our deferred compensation plan) that vests at the end of athree-year period for employee grants and at the end of aone-year period for non-employee directors. Vesting is also based upon the employee's continued employment with us. Prior to vesting, recipients of restricted stock typically earn dividends payable in cash upon vesting but they have no voting rights prior to vesting.

The Compensation Committee has granted restricted stock to certain employees and non-employee directors of the board of directors as part of their compensation. Upon grant of these restricted shares, which we refer to as restricted stock Liability Awards, these shares were placed in our deferred compensation plan and, upon vesting, withdrawals are allowed in either cash or in stock. Compensation expense is recognized over the balance of the vesting period, which is typically at the end of three years for employee grants and at the end of a one-year period for non-employee directors. All Liability Awards were issued at prevailing market prices at the time of the grant and the vesting is based upon an employee’s continued employment with us. Prior to vesting, Liability Awards recipients have the right to vote such stock and receive dividends thereon. These Liability Awards are classified as a liability and are remeasured at fair value each reporting period. This mark-to-market amount is reported in deferred compensation plan expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Stock-Based Performance Awards - (PSUs). We granttwo types of performance share awards: one based on performance conditions measured against internal performance metrics andone based on market conditions measured based on Range’s performance relative to a predetermined peer group ("TSR Awards").

Each unit granted representsone share of our common stock. These units are settled in stock and the amount of the payout is based on the vesting percentage, which can range from zero to 200%, and (1) the internal performance metrics achieved, which is determined by the Compensation Committee and (2) for our TSR Awards, the value of our common stock on the vesting date compared to our peers. Dividend equivalents accrue during the performance period and are paid in stock at the end of the performance period. The performance period isthree years.

Restricted Stock – Equity Awards

In 2023, we granted 1.6 million restricted stock Equity Awards to employees which generally vest over athree-year period compared to 1.4 million in 2022 and 2.3 million in 2021. We recorded compensation expense for these outstanding awards of $31.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $21.0 million in 2022 and $19.6 million in 2021. The vesting date fair value of restricted stock Equity Awards which vested during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $31.9 million, $20.3 million and $17.6 million. The weighted average grant date fair value of these Equity Awards was $22.82, $14.44 and $7.39 for awards unvested at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there was $31.2 million of unrecognized compensation related to Equity Awards expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. These awards are not issued until such time as they are vested and the grantees do not have the option to receive cash.

Restricted Stock – Liability Awards

In 2023, we granted 13,000 shares of restricted stock Liability Awards as compensation to employees at a grant date fair value of $25.61 which generally vest at the end of athree-year period and 8,000 shares were granted to non-employee directors, at an average grant date fair value of $25.07 with vesting at the end ofone year. In 2022, we granted 603,000 shares of restricted stock liability awards as compensation to employees at an average grant date value of $20.44 with vesting generally at the end of athree-year period and 47,000 shares were granted to non-employee directors at an average grant date fair value of $27.52 with vesting at the end ofone year. In 2021, we granted 1.2 million shares of restricted stock liability awards of compensation to employees at an average grant date value of $9.31 with vesting generally at the end of athree year period and 102,000 shares were granted to non-employee directors at an average grant date fair value $12.49 with vesting at the end ofone year. In 2023, the number of shares granted into our deferred compensation plan was reduced in favor of restricted stock Equity Awards. We recorded compensation expense for these restricted stock Liability Awards of $4.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $13.6 million in 2022 and $11.4 million in 2021. The vesting date fair value of these Liability Awards vested during 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $4.3 million, $13.2 million and $12.1 million. The weighted average grant date fair value of these Liability Awards was $19.44, $14.71 and $6.49 for awards unvested at December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there was $1.0 million of unrecognized compensation related to restricted stock Liability Awards expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of less thanone year. These awards are held in our deferred compensation plan, are classified as a liability and are remeasured at fair value each reporting period. This mark-to-market amount is reported as deferred compensation expense in our consolidated statements of income (see additional discussion below). The proceeds received from the sale of stock held in our deferred compensation plan were $75.2 million in 2023 compared to $22.2 million in 2022 and $5.9 million in 2021.

Stock-Based Performance Awards

Internal Performance Metric Awards. These awards vest at the end of thethree-year performance period. The performance metrics are set by the Compensation Committee. If the performance metric for the applicable period is not met, that portion is considered forfeited and there is an adjustment to the expense recorded.

Internal performance metric awards granted in 2023 and 2022 are earned based on:

•

Net debt (total debt less cash on hand balance); and

•

GHG emissions intensity.

Internal performance metric awards granted in 2021 are earned based on:

•

Debt/EBITDAX (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization and exploration expense); and

•

GHG emissions intensity.

In 2023, we granted 81,000 units as compensation to employees at a grant date fair value of $24.08 which vest at the end of athree-year period compared to 153,000 units at a grant date fair value of $20.38 in 2022 and 303,000 units at a grant date fair value of $9.81 in 2021. We recorded compensation expense for these awards of $2.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $6.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 and $6.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there was $1.7 million of unrecognized compensation related to these internal performance metric awards to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.

TSR awards. These awards are earned, or not earned, based on the comparative performance of Range’s common stock measured against a predetermined group of companies in the peer group over athree-year performance period. The fair value of the TSR awards is estimated on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model which utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award grant and calculates the fair value of the award. The fair value is recognized as stock-based compensation expense over the three-year performance period. Expected volatilities utilized in the model were estimated using a combination of a historical period consistent with the remaining performance period of three years and option implied volatilities. The risk-free interest rate was based on the United States Treasury rate for a term commensurate with the life of the grant. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the TSR awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

In 2023, we granted 64,000 units as compensation to employees which vest at the end of athree-year period compared to 112,000 in 2022 and 224,000 in 2021. We recorded TSR award compensation expense of $1.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $3.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 and $2.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2021. As of December 31, 2023, there was $1.7 million of unrecognized compensation related to these TSR awards to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.

The following is a summary of the activity for our restricted stock and performance awards for the year ended December 31, 2023:

401(k) Plan

We maintain a 401(k) benefit plan that allows employees to contribute up to 75% of their salary (subject to Internal Revenue Service limitations) on a pretax basis. We match up to 6% of salary in cash and vesting of those contributions is immediate. In 2023, we contributed $5.2 million to the 401(k) Plan compared to $4.8 million in 2022 and $4.6 million in 2021. Employees have a variety of investment options in the 401(k) benefit plan.

Deferred Compensation Plan

Our deferred compensation plan gives directors, officers and key employees the ability to defer all or a portion of their salaries and bonuses and invest in Range common stock or make other investments at the individual’s discretion. Range provides a partial matching contribution which vests at the end ofthree years. The assets of the plans are held in a grantor trust, which we refer to as the Rabbi Trust, and are therefore available to satisfy the claims of our creditors in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency. Our stock held in the Rabbi Trust is treated as a liability award as employees are allowed to take withdrawals from the Rabbi Trust either in cash or in Range stock. The liability for the vested portion of the stock held in the Rabbi Trust is reflected in the deferred compensation liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and is adjusted to fair value each reporting period by a charge or credit to deferred compensation plan expense on our consolidated statements of income. The assets of the Rabbi Trust, other than our common stock, are invested in marketable securities and reported at their market value in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The deferred compensation liability reflects the vested market value of the marketable securities and Range stock held in the Rabbi Trust. Changes in the market value of the marketable securities and changes in the fair value of the deferred compensation plan liability are charged or credited to deferred compensation plan expense each quarter. We recorded mark-to-market loss of $26.6 million in 2023 compared to a loss of $61.9 million in 2022 and a loss of $68.4 million in 2021. The Rabbi Trust held 1.6 million shares (1.5 million of vested shares) of Range stock at December 31, 2023 compared to 5.6 million (5.3 million of vested shares) at December 31, 2022.

(11) Capital Stock

We have authorized capital stock of 485.0 million shares, which includes 475.0 million shares of common stock and 10.0 million shares of preferred stock. The following is a schedule of changes in the number of common shares outstanding since the beginning of 2022:

Common Stock Dividends

In January 2020, we announced that the board of directors had suspended our common stock dividend. The quarterly cash dividend was reinstated by our board of directors in third quarter 2022. The determination of the amount of future dividends, if any, to be declared and paid is at the sole discretion of the board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, levels of indebtedness, our future business prospects and other matters our board of directors deems relevant. Our bank credit facility allows for the payment of common dividends, with certain limitations, as described in the facility agreement.

Stock Repurchase Program

In October 2019, the board of directors approved a stock repurchase program which was increased in size in 2022. Under this program, we may repurchase shares of our common stock in open market transactions, from time to time, in accordance with applicable SEC rules and federal securities laws. In 2023, we repurchased 715,000 shares at an aggregate value of $19.0 million. As of December 31, 2023, we have approximately $1.1 billion of remaining authorization under this program. The following is a schedule of the change in treasury shares since the beginning of 2022:

(12) Supplemental Cash Flow Information

(13) Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

We are the subject of, or party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions and administrative proceedings or investigations arising in the ordinary course of our business including, but not limited to, royalty claims, contract claims and environmental claims. While many of these matters involve inherent uncertainty, we believe that the amount of the liability, if any, ultimately incurred with respect to proceedings or claims will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position as a whole or on our liquidity, capital resources or future annual results of operations.

When deemed necessary, we establish reserves for certain legal proceedings. The establishment of a reserve is based on an estimation process that includes the advice of legal counsel and subjective judgment of management. While management believes these reserves to be adequate, it is reasonably possible we could incur additional losses with respect to those matters in which reserves have been established. We will continue to evaluate our litigation on a quarterly basis and will establish and adjust any litigation reserves as appropriate to reflect our assessment of the then current status of litigation.

We have incurred and will continue to incur capital, operating and remediation expenditures as a result of environmental laws and regulations. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, liabilities for remediation were not material. We are not aware of any environmental claims existing as of December 31, 2023 that have not been provided for or would otherwise have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. Environmental liabilities normally involve estimates that are subject to revision until final resolution, settlement or remediation occurs. We believe that substantially all of our competitors must comply with similar environmental laws and regulations.

Obligations Following Divestitures

Certain contractual obligations were retained by us after our divestiture of our North Louisiana assets in 2020. These obligations are primarily related to gathering, processing and transportation agreements including certain minimum volume commitments. For additional information see Note 14.

Lease Commitments

The components of our total lease expense for the two years ended December 31, 2023, the majority of which is included as part of natural gas and oil properties on our consolidated balance sheets, are as follows (in thousands):

Supplemental cash flow information related to our operating leases is included in the table below (in thousands):

Supplemental balance sheet information related to our operating leases is included in the table below (in thousands):

Our weighted average remaining lease term and weighted average discount rate for our operating leases are as follows:

Our lease liabilities with enforceable contract terms that are greater than one year mature as follows (in thousands):

In late 2023, we entered into two-year commitments for drilling and completions equipment with gross lease payments of approximately $152.0 million. These leases are effective January 1, 2024 and will be recognized on our balance sheet as a lease in 2024.

Transportation, Gathering and Processing Contracts

We have entered into firm transportation and gathering contracts with various pipeline carriers for the future transportation and gathering of natural gas, NGLs and oil production from our properties in Pennsylvania. Under these contracts, we are obligated to transport or gather minimum daily natural gas volumes or pay for any deficiencies at a specified reservation fee rate. Our production committed to these pipelines is currently expected to exceed the minimum daily volumes provided in the contracts. However, if in the future we fail to deliver the committed volumes, we would recognize a deficiency payment in the period in which the under-delivery takes place and the related liability has been incurred. As of December 31, 2023, future minimum transportation and gathering fees under our commitments are as follows (in thousands):

In addition to the amounts included in the above table, we have entered into an additional agreement which modifies existing contracts that are included in the table above but are contingent on additional facility construction. This agreement is expected to begin in 2024 with atwelve-year term and adds to our ability to efficiently flow production volumes. The revised agreement covers 650,000 mcf per day but declines in the last five years of the contract ending at 300,000 mcf per day.

Not included in the table above is our estimate of accrued contractual obligations retained by us after our divestiture of our North Louisiana assets. These contractual obligations are related to gathering, processing and transportation agreements including certain minimum volume commitments. There are inherent uncertainties surrounding the retained obligation and, as a result, the determination of the accrued obligation required significant judgment and estimation. The actual settlement amount and timing may differ from our estimates. See also Note 14 for more information. As of December 31, 2023, the carrying value of this obligation was $397.4 million and is included in divestiture contract obligation in our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2023, our estimated settlement of this retained obligation based on a discounted value is as follows (in thousands):

We have various volume delivery commitments that are related to our Marcellus Shale properties. We expect to be able to fulfill our contractual obligations from our own production; however, we may purchase third-party volumes to satisfy our commitments or pay demand fees for commitment shortfalls, should they occur. As of December 31, 2023, our delivery commitments through 2037 were as follows:

Other

We have lease acreage that is generally subject to expiration if initial wells are not drilled within a specified period, generally between three andfive years. We do not expect to lose significant lease acreage because of failure to drill due to inadequate capital, equipment or personnel. However, based on our evaluation of prospective economics, including the cost of infrastructure to connect production, we have allowed acreage to expire and will allow additional acreage to expire in the future. To date, our expenditures to comply with environmental or safety regulations have not been a significant component of our cost structure and are not expected to be significant in the future. However, new regulations, enforcement policies, claims for damages or other events could result in significant future costs. We also regularly provide letters of credit in the normal course of business under certain contracts that may be drawn if we fail to perform under those contracts.

(14) Exit Costs

Exit Costs

In August 2020, we sold our North Louisiana assets and retained certain gathering, transportation and processing obligations which extend into 2030. These are contracts where we will not realize any future benefit. The estimated obligations are included in current and long-term divestiture contract obligation in our consolidated balance sheets. In the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, we recorded accretion expense of $41.9 million compared to $43.6 million in 2022 and $47.9 million in 2021. In second quarter 2023, we recorded a net adjustment of $37.8 million to increase this obligation primarily for higher rates due to inflation. In fourth quarter 2023, we recorded an additional $18.0 million adjustment to increase the obligation for a change to our forecasted drilling plans of the buyer along with adjusting for the difference between estimated and actual payments. In 2022, we recorded a net adjustment of $26.2 million to increase this obligation for a change in our forecasted drilling plans of the buyer along with adjusting the difference between estimated and actual payments. The present value of our estimated obligations related to these assets was initially recorded in 2020 as an exit cost at a total of $479.8 million. The estimated discounted value for this divestiture contract obligation was $397.4 million at December 31, 2023.

In second quarter 2020, we negotiated capacity releases on certain transportation pipelines in Pennsylvania effective May 31, 2020 and extending through the remainder of the contract. As a result of these releases, we recorded exit costs of $10.4 million which represented the discounted present value of our remaining obligations to the third party. The remaining carrying value for these transportation capacity releases as of December 31, 2023 was $2.5 million.

The following summarizes our exit costs for the three years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands):

The following details the accrued exit cost liability activity for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

(15) Supplemental Information on Natural Gas and Oil Exploration, Development and Production Activities (Unaudited)

Our natural gas and oil producing activities are conducted onshore within the continental United States and all of our proved reserves are located within the United States.

Capitalized Costs and Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(a)

(a)

Includes capitalized asset retirement costs and the associated accumulated amortization.

Costs Incurred for Property Acquisition, Exploration and Development(a)

(a)

Includes cost incurred whether capitalized or expensed.

Reserves Audit

All reserve information in this report is based on estimates prepared by our petroleum engineering staff. At year-end 2023, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., an independent petroleum consultant, conducted an audit of our 2023 reserves in Appalachia. These engineers were selected for their geographic expertise and their historical experience in engineering certain properties. At December 31, 2023, our consultant audited approximately 96% of our proved reserves. A copy of the summary reserve report prepared by our independent petroleum consultant is included as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The technical professional at our independent petroleum consulting firm responsible for reviewing the reserve estimates presented herein meets the requirements regarding qualifications, independence, objectivity and confidentiality set forth in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. We maintain an internal staff of petroleum engineers and geoscience professionals who work closely with our independent petroleum consultant to ensure the integrity, accuracy and timeliness of data furnished during the reserves audit process. Throughout the year, our technical team meets periodically with representatives of our independent petroleum consultant to review properties and discuss methods and assumptions. While we have no formal committee specifically designated to review reserves reporting and the reserves estimation process, our senior management reviews and approves any significant changes to our proved reserves. We provide historical information to our consultant for our largest producing properties such as ownership interest, natural gas, NGLs and oil production, well test data, commodity prices and operating and development costs. The consultants perform an independent analysis and differences are reviewed with our Senior Vice President of Reservoir Engineering and Economics. In some cases, additional meetings are held to review identified reserve differences. The reserve auditor estimates of proved reserves and the pretax present value of such reserves discounted at 10% did not differ from our estimates by more than 10%in the aggregate. However, when compared lease-by-lease, field-by-field or area-by-area, some of our estimates may be greater and some may be less than the estimates of our reserve auditor. When such differences do not exceed 10% in the aggregate, our reserve auditor is satisfied that the proved reserves and pretax present value of such reserves discounted at 10% are reasonable and will issue an unqualified opinion. Remaining differences are not resolved due to the limited cost benefit of continuing such analysis.

Historical variances between our reserve estimates and the aggregate estimates of our independent petroleum consultants have been approximately 5%. All of our reserve estimates are reviewed and approved by our Senior Vice President of Reservoir Engineering and Economics, who reports directly to our President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Alan Farquharson, our Senior Vice President of Reservoir Engineering and Economics, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. Before joining Range, he held various technical and managerial positions with Amoco, Hunt Oil and Union Pacific Resources and has more than forty years of engineering experience in the oil and gas industry. During the year, our reserves group may also perform separate, detailed technical reviews of reserve estimates for significant acquisitions or for properties with problematic indicators such as excessively long lives, sudden changes in performance or changes in economic or operating conditions.

Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves

Reserves of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and condensate are estimated by our petroleum engineering staff and are adjusted to reflect contractual arrangements and royalty rates in effect at the end of each year. Many assumptions and judgmental decisions are required to estimate reserves. Reported quantities are subject to future revisions, some of which may be substantial, as additional information becomes available from reservoir performance, new geological and geophysical data, additional drilling, technological advancements, price changes, production taxes and other economic factors.

The SEC defines proved reserves as those volumes of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and condensate that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty are recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions. Proved developed reserves are those proved reserves which can be expected to be recovered from existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves are volumes expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those drilling units offsetting productive units that are reasonably certain of production when drilled. Proved reserves for other undrilled units can be claimed only where it can be demonstrated with certainty that there is continuity of production from the existing productive formation. Proved undeveloped reserves can only be assigned to acreage for which improved recovery technology is contemplated when such techniques have been proven effective by actual tests in the area and in the same reservoir. Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating each location isscheduled to be drilled within five years from the date it was booked as proved reserves, unless specific circumstances justify a longer time.

The reported value of proved reserves is not necessarily indicative of either fair market value or present value of future net cash flows because prices, costs and governmental policies do not remain static, appropriate discount rates may vary, and extensive judgment is required to estimate the timing of production. Other logical assumptions would likely have resulted in significantly different amounts.

The average realized prices used at December 31, 2023 to estimate reserve information were $68.32 per barrel of oil, $24.91 per barrel of NGLs and $2.20 per mcf for gas using a benchmark (NYMEX) of $78.10 per barrel and $2.62 per Mmbtu. The average realized prices used at December 31, 2022 to estimate reserve information were $87.14 per barrel of oil, $38.35 per barrel of NGLs and $6.08 per mcf for gas using a benchmark (NYMEX) of $94.13 per barrel and $6.36 per Mmbtu. The average realized prices used at December 31, 2021 to estimate reserve information were $59.35 per barrel of oil, $28.41 per barrel of NGLs and $3.30 per mcf for gas using a benchmark (NYMEX) of $66.34 per barrel and $3.60 per Mmbtu.

(a)

Oil and NGLs volumes are converted to mcfe at the rate of one barrel equals six mcf based upon the approximate relative energy content of oil to natural gas, which is not indicative of the relationship between oil and natural gas prices.

During 2023, revisions of previous estimates of a positive 608.8 Bcfe include a positive revision of 280.2 Bcfe for previously proved undeveloped properties reclassified from non-proved properties due to their addition to our five-year development plan and positive performance revisions of 701.4 Bcfe due to improved well performance and longer lateral lengths partially offset by negative pricing revisions and 370.6 Bcfe reclassified to unproved for previously planned wells not to be drilled within the original five-year development horizon. We added approximately 207.3 Bcfe of proved reserves from drilling activities and evaluation of proved areas in the Marcellus Shale.

During 2022, we added approximately 1.7 Tcfe of proved reserves from drilling activities and evaluation of proved areas in the Marcellus Shale. Approximately 77% of the 2022 reserve additions are attributable to natural gas. Revisions of previous estimates of a negative 592.0 Bcfe include a positive revision of 716.2 Bcfe for previously proved undeveloped properties reclassified from non-proved properties due to their addition to our five-year development plan, positive performance revisions of 72.8 Bcfe and positive pricing revisions more than offset by 1.4 Tcfe reclassified to unproved for previously planned wells not to be drilled within the original five-year development horizon. These wells were removed due to the out-performance of existing wells which resulted in a higher utilization of in-field gathering capacity and a reallocation of capital due to the drilling of longer laterals on existing locations.

During 2021, we added approximately 1.6 Tcfe of proved reserves from drilling activities and evaluation of proved areas in the Marcellus Shale. Approximately 72% of the 2021 reserve additions are attributable to natural gas. Revisions of previous estimates of a negative 252.9 Bcfe include positive performance revisions of 1.0 Tcfe and positive pricing revisions of 22.6 Bcfe more than offset by 1.3 Tcfe reclassified to unproved for previously planned wells not to be drilled within the original five-year development horizon.

The following details the changes in proved undeveloped reserves for 2023 (Mmcfe):

(a)

Includes 280.2 Bcfe positive revision for previously proved undeveloped properties due to their addition back into our five year development plan along with positive revisions for longer laterals offset by 370.6 Bcfe of proved undeveloped reserves removed and deferred due to the five-year rule which can be included in our future proved reserves as these locations are added back to our five-year development plan.

During 2023, we spent approximately $495.1 million on development costs related to proved undeveloped reserves that were transferred to developed reserves. Estimated future development costs of proved undeveloped reserves are projected to be approximately $2.6 billion. As of December 31, 2023, we have 90.2 Bcfe that have been reported for more than five years from their original date of booking, all of which are in the process of being completed and are expected to turn to sales in 2024. All of our recorded proved undeveloped drilling locations are scheduled to be drilled within five years of initial disclosure.

Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (Unaudited)

The following summarizes the policies we used in the preparation of the accompanying natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and condensate reserve disclosures, standardized measures of discounted future net cash flows from proved natural gas, NGLs and oil reserves and the reconciliations of standardized measures from year to year. The information disclosed is an attempt to present the information in a manner comparable with industry peers.

The information is based on estimates of proved reserves attributable to our interest in natural gas and oil properties as of December 31 of the years presented. These estimates were prepared by our petroleum engineering staff. Proved reserves are estimated quantities of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and condensate, which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from production of proved reserves was developed as follows:

Estimates are made of quantities of proved reserves and future amounts expected to be produced based on current year-end economic conditions.

For the years ended 2023, 2022 and 2021, estimated future cash inflows are calculated by applying a twelve-month average price of natural gas, NGLs and oil relating to our proved reserves to the quantities of those reserves produced in each future year.

Future cash flows are reduced by estimated production costs, administrative costs, costs to develop and produce the proved reserves and abandonment costs, all based on current year-end economic conditions. Future income tax expenses are based on current year-end statutory tax rates giving effect to the remaining tax basis in the natural gas, NGLs and oil properties, other deductions, credits and allowances relating to our proved natural gas and oil reserves.

The resulting future net cash flows are discounted to present value by applying a discount rate of 10%.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows does not purport, nor should it be interpreted, to present the fair value of our natural gas, NGLs and oil reserves. An estimate of fair value would also take into account, among other things, the recovery of reserves not presently classified as proved, anticipated future changes in prices and costs and a discount factor more representative of the time value of money and the risks inherent in reserve estimates.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and condensate reserves is as follows and excludes cash flows associated with derivatives outstanding at each of the respective reporting dates. Future cash inflowsare net of third-party transportation, gathering and compression expense.

(a)

2023 includes $358.7 million of undiscounted future asset retirement costs as of December 31, 2023, using current estimates of future abandonment costs.

The following table summarizes changes in the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.