Crescent Energy Co
For the period ended Mar 31, 2024. Filed May 6, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2024 · Filed May 6, 2024
Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.
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Item 1. Financial Statements
| CRESCENT ENERGY COMPANY | ||
|---|---|---|
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||
| (Unaudited) | ||
| (in thousands, except share data) | ||
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
| ASSETS | ||
| Current assets: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $5,321 | $2,974 |
| Accounts receivable, net | 461,836 | 504,630 |
| Accounts receivable – affiliates | 7,873 | 2,108 |
| Derivative assets – current | 36,513 | 54,321 |
| Prepaid expenses | 39,501 | 40,406 |
| Other current assets | 12,721 | 11,213 |
| Total current assets | 563,765 | 615,652 |
| Property, plant and equipment: | ||
| Oil and natural gas properties at cost, successful efforts method | ||
| Proved | 8,781,571 | 8,574,478 |
| Unproved | 290,904 | 283,324 |
| Oil and natural gas properties at cost, successful efforts method | 9,072,475 | 8,857,802 |
| Field and other property and equipment, at cost | 202,887 | 198,570 |
| Total property, plant and equipment | 9,275,362 | 9,056,372 |
| Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment | (3,108,052) | (2,940,546) |
| Property, plant and equipment, net | 6,167,310 | 6,115,826 |
| Derivative assets – noncurrent | 4,305 | 8,066 |
| Investments in equity affiliates | 6,203 | 6,076 |
| Other assets | 56,334 | 57,715 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $6,797,917 | $6,803,335 |
| The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements | ||
| CRESCENT ENERGY COMPANY | ||
|---|---|---|
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||
| (Unaudited) | ||
| (in thousands, except share data) | ||
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
| LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY | ||
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $574,633 | $613,543 |
| Accounts payable – affiliates | 35,983 | 52,607 |
| Derivative liabilities – current | 101,220 | 42,051 |
| Financing lease obligations – current | 4,148 | 4,233 |
| Other current liabilities | 32,092 | 37,823 |
| Total current liabilities | 748,076 | 750,257 |
| Long-term debt | 1,749,226 | 1,694,375 |
| Derivative liabilities – noncurrent | 2,059 | — |
| Asset retirement obligations | 424,232 | 418,319 |
| Deferred tax liability | 288,369 | 262,581 |
| Financing lease obligations – noncurrent | 6,187 | 7,066 |
| Other liabilities | 36,809 | 35,019 |
| Total liabilities | 3,254,958 | 3,167,617 |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 9) | ||
| Redeemable noncontrolling interests | 1,546,722 | 1,901,208 |
| Equity: | ||
| Class A common stock, $0.0001 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 106,480,353 and 92,680,353 shares issued, and 105,408,800 and 91,608,800 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | 11 | 9 |
| Class B common stock, $0.0001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized, 71,948,124 and 88,048,124 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | 7 | 9 |
| Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 500,000,000 shares authorized and 1,000 Series I preferred shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | — | — |
| Treasury stock, at cost; 1,071,553 shares of Class A common stock as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | (17,143) | (17,143) |
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,929,307 | 1,626,501 |
| Retained earnings | 58,630 | 95,447 |
| Noncontrolling interests | 25,425 | 29,687 |
| Total equity | 1,996,237 | 1,734,510 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND EQUITY | $6,797,917 | $6,803,335 |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Revenues: | ||
| Oil | $473,894 | $372,336 |
| Natural gas | 79,944 | 162,021 |
| Natural gas liquids | 66,947 | 42,523 |
| Midstream and other | 36,688 | 13,257 |
| Total revenues | 657,473 | 590,137 |
| Expenses: | ||
| Lease operating expense | 130,688 | 130,954 |
| Workover expense | 12,302 | 12,571 |
| Asset operating expense | 31,350 | 22,218 |
| Gathering, transportation and marketing | 69,569 | 47,403 |
| Production and other taxes | 32,523 | 54,923 |
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 176,564 | 146,483 |
| Midstream operating expense | 27,742 | 3,779 |
| General and administrative expense | 42,715 | 21,238 |
| Total expenses | 523,453 | 439,569 |
| Income (loss) from operations | 134,020 | 150,568 |
| Other income (expense): | ||
| Gain (loss) on derivatives | (105,602) | 150,310 |
| Interest expense | (42,686) | (29,320) |
| Loss from extinguishment of debt | (22,582) | — |
| Other income (expense) | 150 | 250 |
| Income (loss) from equity affiliates | 127 | 163 |
| Total other income (expense) | (170,593) | 121,403 |
| Income (loss) before taxes | (36,573) | 271,971 |
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 4,209 | (16,360) |
| Net income (loss) | (32,364) | 255,611 |
| Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (3,499) | (149) |
| Less: net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 11,695 | (195,668) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Crescent Energy | $(24,168) | $59,794 |
| Net income (loss) per share: | ||
| Class A common stock – basic | $(0.25) | $1.24 |
| Class A common stock – diluted | $(0.25) | $1.24 |
| Class B common stock – basic and diluted | $— | $— |
| Weighted average shares outstanding: | ||
| Class A common stock – basic | 94,793 | 48,282 |
| Class A common stock - diluted | 94,793 | 48,665 |
| Class B common stock – basic and diluted | 84,333 | 118,645 |
The accompanying notes to financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
| CRESCENT ENERGY COMPANY | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY | ||||||||||||
| (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Crescent Energy Company | ||||||||||||
| Class A Common Stock · Class B Common Stock · Series I Preferred Stock · Treasury Stock · Additional Paid-in Capital · Retained Earnings · Noncontrolling Interests · Total | ||||||||||||
| Shares · Amount · Shares · Amount · Shares · Amount · Shares · Amount | ||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2023 | 48,282 | $5 | 118,645 | $12 | 1 | $— | 1,151 | $(18,448) | $804,587 | $61,957 | $14,178 | $862,291 |
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 59,794 | 149 | 59,943 |
| Contributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 |
| Distributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (917) | (917) |
| Dividend to Class A common stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (8,208) | — | (8,208) |
| Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1,812 | — | 1,553 | 3,365 |
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | 48,282 | $5 | 118,645 | $12 | 1 | $— | 1,151 | $(18,448) | $806,399 | $113,543 | $14,966 | $916,477 |
| Balance at January 1, 2024 | 91,609 | $9 | 88,048 | $9 | 1 | $— | 1,071 | $(17,143) | $1,626,501 | $95,447 | $29,687 | $1,734,510 |
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (24,168) | 3,499 | (20,669) |
| Distributions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (8,037) | (8,037) |
| Dividend to Class A common stock | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (12,649) | — | (12,649) |
| Equity-based compensation | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 14,556 | — | 276 | 14,832 |
| Change in deferred taxes related to basis differences associated with the 2024 Equity Transactions | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (30,713) | — | — | (30,713) |
| Change in equity associated with the 2024 Equity Transactions | 13,800 | 2 | (16,100) | (2) | — | — | — | — | 318,963 | — | — | 318,963 |
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | 105,409 | $11 | 71,948 | $7 | 1 | $— | 1,071 | $(17,143) | $1,929,307 | $58,630 | $25,425 | $1,996,237 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||
| Net income (loss) | $(32,364) | $255,611 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities | ||
| Depreciation, depletion and amortization | 176,564 | 146,483 |
| Deferred tax expense (benefit) | (4,925) | 15,848 |
| (Gain) loss on derivatives | 105,602 | (150,310) |
| Net cash (paid) received on settlement of derivatives | (22,806) | (47,157) |
| Non-cash equity-based compensation expense | 28,174 | 7,605 |
| Amortization of debt issuance costs, premium and discount | 4,376 | 1,050 |
| Loss from debt extinguishment | 22,582 | — |
| Settlement of acquired derivative contracts | — | (18,647) |
| Other | (6,098) | (5,125) |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||
| Accounts receivable | 42,794 | (8,952) |
| Accounts receivable – affiliates | (5,765) | (90) |
| Prepaid and other current assets | (430) | (4,586) |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (101,948) | 34,681 |
| Accounts payable – affiliates | (20,524) | 11,861 |
| Other | (1,462) | 1,818 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 183,770 | 240,090 |
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||
| Development of oil and natural gas properties | (136,816) | (190,478) |
| Acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties, net of cash acquired | (19,532) | (11,353) |
| Proceeds from the sale of oil and natural gas properties | — | 4,890 |
| Purchases of restricted investment securities – HTM | (1,776) | (1,780) |
| Maturities of restricted investment securities – HTM | 1,800 | 1,800 |
| Other | (1,137) | 1,808 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (157,461) | (195,113) |
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||
| Proceeds from the issuance of Senior Notes, after discount and underwriting fees | 690,375 | 394,000 |
| Repurchase of Senior Notes, including extinguishment costs | (714,817) | — |
| Revolving Credit Facility borrowings | 684,600 | 218,000 |
| Revolving Credit Facility repayments | (626,800) | (613,400) |
| Payment of debt issuance costs | (3,721) | (2,621) |
| Redeemable noncontrolling interest distributions | (88) | — |
| Dividend to Class A common stock | (12,649) | (8,208) |
| Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests related to Class A common stock dividend | (8,274) | (20,171) |
| Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests related to Manager Compensation | (6,798) | (9,471) |
| Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interests related to income taxes | (66) | (54) |
| Repurchase of redeemable noncontrolling interests related to 2024 Equity Transactions | (22,701) | — |
| Noncontrolling interest distributions | (1,858) | (924) |
| Noncontrolling interest contributions | — | 3 |
| Other | (1,070) | (826) |
| Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities | (23,867) | (43,672) |
| Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | 2,442 | 1,305 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 8,729 | 15,304 |
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $11,171 | $16,609 |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Except as noted within the context of each footnote disclosure, the dollar amounts presented in the tabular data within these footnote disclosures are stated in thousands of dollars.)
Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise indicates, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” "Crescent" and the “Company” or similar expressions refer to Crescent Energy Company and its subsidiaries.
NOTE 1 –Organization and Basis of Presentation
Organization
Crescent is a differentiated U.S. energy company committed to delivering value for shareholders through a disciplined growth through acquisition strategy and consistent return of capital. Our portfolio of low-decline, cash-flow oriented assets comprises both mid-cycle unconventional and conventional assets with a long reserve life and deep inventory of high-return development locations in the Eagle Ford and Uinta basins.
Corporate Structure
Our Class A Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “CRGY.” We are structured as an “Up-C,” and Crescent is a holding company, the sole material assets of which are units ("OpCo Units") of Crescent Energy OpCo LLC ("OpCo"). The assets and liabilities of OpCo represent substantially all of our consolidated assets and liabilities, with the exception of certain current and deferred taxes and certain liabilities under the Management Agreement, as defined within NOTE 11 – Related Party Transactions. Certain restrictions and covenants related to the transfer of assets from OpCo are discussed further in NOTE 7 – Debt. Shares of Crescent Class A common stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Class A Common Stock") have both voting and economic rights with respect to Crescent. Holders of Crescent Class B common stock, par value $0.0001 per share ("Class B Common Stock"), which shares of Class B Common Stock have voting (but no economic) rights with respect to Crescent, hold a corresponding amount of economic, non-voting OpCo Units. OpCo Units may be redeemed or exchanged for Class A Common Stock or, at our election, cash on the terms and conditions set forth in the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of OpCo (“OpCo LLC Agreement”). Additionally, an affiliate of KKR & Co. Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the "KKR Group") is the sole holder of Crescent's non-economic Series I preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share, which entitles the holder thereof to appoint the Board of Directors of Crescent and to certain other approval rights.
2024 Equity Transactions
In March 2024,16.1 million OpCo Units were acquired from Independence Energy Aggregator L.P., the entity through which certain private investors in affiliated KKR entities hold their interests in us, and we cancelled a corresponding number of shares of Class B Common Stock (the "March 2024 Redemption"). Of the total OpCo Units acquired,13.8 million were acquired for shares of Class A Common Stock, which were subsequently sold in an underwritten public offering at a price to the public of $10.50 per share, or a net price of $9.87 per share after deducting the underwriters' discounts and commissions, from which we did not receive any proceeds, nor incur any material expenses with respect to such acquisition. In connection with the underwritten public offering, we repurchased 2.3 million OpCo Units from Independence Energy Aggregator L.P. for $22.7 million in cash and we cancelled a corresponding number of shares of Class B Common Stock (the "March 2024 Repurchase," together with the March 2024 Redemption, the "March 2024 Equity Transactions").
As a result of the March 2024 Equity Transactions, the total number of shares of our Class A Common Stock increased by 13.8 million shares and the total number of shares of our Class B Common Stock decreased by 16.1 million shares. Redeemable noncontrolling interests decreased by $341.7 million while APIC increased by $319.0 million as a result of the March 2024 Equity Transactions to reflect the new ownership of OpCo as of March 31, 2024.
Basis of Presentation
Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries after the elimination of intercompany transactions and balances, are presented in accordance with U.S. general accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for the respective interim periods. We have no elements of other comprehensive income for the periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited combined and consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report.
Crescent is a holding company that conducts substantially all of its business through its consolidated subsidiaries, including (i) OpCo, which at March 31, 2024, is owned approximately 59% by Crescent and approximately 41% by holders of our redeemable noncontrolling interests, and (ii) Crescent Energy Finance LLC, OpCo's wholly owned subsidiary. Crescent and OpCo have no operations, or material cash flows, assets or liabilities other than their investment in Crescent Energy Finance LLC. The assets and liabilities of OpCo represent substantially all of our consolidated assets and liabilities with the exception of certain current and deferred taxes and certain liabilities under the Management Agreement, as defined within NOTE 11 – Related Party Transactions. Certain restrictions and covenants related to the transfer of assets from OpCo are discussed further in NOTE 7 – Debt.
The financial statements include undivided interests in oil and natural gas properties. We account for our share of oil and natural gas properties by reporting our proportionate share of assets, liabilities, revenues, costs and cash flows within the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets, condensed consolidated statements of operations, and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
NOTE 2 –Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We use historical experience and various other assumptions and information that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances in developing our estimates and judgments. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty and, accordingly, these estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as our operating environment changes. While we believe that the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the financial statements are appropriate, actual results may differ from these estimates. Our significant estimates include the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities, oil and natural gas reserves, impairment of proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties and valuation of derivative instruments and income taxes.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash consists of funds earmarked for a special purpose and therefore not available for immediate and general use. The majority of our restricted cash is composed of cash that is contractually required to be restricted to pay for the future abandonment of certain wells. Restricted cash is included in Other current assets and Other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and restricted cash presented on our balance sheets to amounts shown in our consolidated statements of cash flows:
| As of March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $5,321 | $2,930 |
| Restricted cash – current | 261 | 8,631 |
| Restricted cash – noncurrent | 5,589 | 5,048 |
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $11,171 | $16,609 |
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Pursuant to the OpCo LLC Agreement, holders of OpCo Units, other than the Company, may redeem all or a portion of their OpCo Units for either (a) shares of Class A Common Stock or (b) at the election of the Company, an approximately equivalent amount of cash as determined pursuant to the terms of the OpCo LLC Agreement. In connection with such redemption, a corresponding number of shares of Class B Common Stock will be cancelled. The cash redemption election is not considered to be within the control of the Company because the holders of Class B Common Stock and their affiliates control the Company through direct representation on the Board of Directors. As a result, we present the noncontrolling interests in OpCo as redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity. Redeemable noncontrolling interests are recorded at the greater of the carrying value or redemption amount with a corresponding adjustment to additional paid-in capital. The cash redemption amount for OpCo Units for this purpose is based on the 10-day volume-weighted average closing price of Class A Common Stock at the end of the reporting period. Changes in the redemption value are recognized immediately as they occur, as if the end of the reporting period was also the redemption date for the instrument, with an offsetting entry to additional paid-in capital. Additionally, certain other subsidiaries have agreements whereby certain employees have the option to sell their noncontrolling interest in such subsidiaries back to us at fair value and these interests are treated as redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity.
During March 2024, the 2024 Equity Transactions reduced the number of shares of our Class B Common Stock by 16.1 million shares. In addition, the 2024 Equity Transactions resulted in the transfer of 13.8 million OpCo Units to Crescent and the repurchase, by OpCo, of 2.3 million OpCo Units for $22.7 million in cash. As a result of the transfer of additional OpCo Units to Crescent, we reclassified $319.0 million from Redeemable noncontrolling interests to Additional paid-in capital.
From December 31, 2023 through March 31, 2024, we recorded adjustments to the value of our redeemable noncontrolling interests as shown below:
| Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests | |
|---|---|
| (in thousands) | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | $1,901,208 |
| Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | (11,695) |
| Distributions | (88) |
| Distributions from OpCo related to Class A common stock dividend and income taxes, net | (8,362) |
| Accrued OpCo distribution related to Manager Compensation | (5,627) |
| Equity-based compensation | 12,950 |
| Change in redeemable noncontrolling interests associated with the 2024 Equity Transactions | (341,664) |
| Balance as of March 31, 2024 | $1,546,722 |
Income Taxes
Crescent is a holding company, the sole material assets of which are OpCo Units. OpCo is a partnership and is generally not subject to U.S. federal and certain state taxes. Crescent is subject to U.S. federal and certain state taxes on its allocable share of any taxable income of OpCo. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023, we recognized income tax benefit of $4.2 million and income tax expense of $16.4 million for an effective tax rate of 11.5% and 6.0%, respectively. Our effective tax rate is lower than the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to effects of removing income and losses related to our noncontrolling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests.
We evaluate and update the estimated annual effective income tax rate on a quarterly basis based on current and forecasted operating results and tax laws. Consequently, based upon the mix and timing of our actual earnings compared to annual projections, our effective tax rate may vary quarterly and may make quarterly comparisons not meaningful. The quarterly income tax provision is generally composed of tax expense on income or benefit on loss at the most recent estimated annual effective tax rate. The tax effect of discrete items is recognized in the period in which they occur at the applicable statutory rate.
We continually assess the available positive and negative evidence to determine if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use the existing deferred tax assets. On the basis of this evaluation a valuation allowance is recorded to recognize only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable; however, could be adjusted in the future.
We have U.S. federal net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") and recognized built-in-loss ("RBIL") property that are subject to limitation under Section 382. Pursuant to Sections 382 and 383 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, utilization of our NOLs and RBIL carryforwards is subject to an annual limitation. These annual limitations may result in the expiration of NOLs and RBIL carryforwards prior to utilization; accordingly, we have maintained a valuation allowance related to U.S. federal NOLs and RBIL carryforwards that we do not believe are recoverable due to these Section 382 limitations.
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we did not have any uncertain tax positions.
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
The following table presents our supplemental cash flow disclosures for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) | ||
| Supplemental cash flow disclosures: | ||
| Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized | $50,069 | $7,447 |
| Income tax payments (refunds) | 86 | 20 |
| Non-cash investing and financing activities: | ||
| Capital expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $136,630 | $88,540 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for leases | 3,673 | 2,485 |
NOTE 3 –Acquisitions and Divestitures
Acquisitions
In February 2024, we acquired a portfolio of oil and natural gas mineral interests located in the Karnes Trough of the Eagle Ford Basin from an unrelated third-party (the "Eagle Ford Minerals Acquisition") for total cash consideration of approximately $25.0 million, including customary purchase price adjustments. The purchase price was funded using borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.
In July 2023, we consummated the acquisition contemplated by the Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2023, between our subsidiary and Comanche Holdings, LLC ("Comanche Holdings") and SN EF Maverick, LLC ("SN EF Maverick," and together with Comanche Holdings, the "Seller"), pursuant to which we agreed to acquire operatorship and incremental working interests (the "July Western Eagle Ford Acquisition") in certain of our existing Western Eagle Ford assets from the Seller for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $592.7 million, including capitalized transaction costs and certain final purchase price adjustments.
In October 2023, we consummated an unrelated acquisition contemplated by the Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2023, between our subsidiary and an unaffiliated third party, pursuant to which we agreed to acquire certain incremental working interests in oil and natural gas properties (the "October Western Eagle Ford Acquisition," and together with the July Western Eagle Ford Acquisition, the "Western Eagle Ford Acquisitions") in certain of our existing Western Eagle Ford assets from the seller for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $235.1 million, including certain customary purchase price adjustments.
Consideration Transferred
The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the net assets acquired for our asset acquisitions during 2024 and 2023 that impact the periods presented:
| As of March 31, 2024 · As of December 31, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Ford Minerals Acquisition | July Western Eagle Ford Acquisition | October Western Eagle Ford Acquisition | |
| (in thousands) | |||
| Consideration transferred: | |||
| Cash consideration | $25,000 | $592,735 | $235,069 |
| Total | $25,000 | $592,735 | $235,069 |
| Assets acquired and liabilities assumed: | |||
| Prepaid and other current assets | $— | $355 | $— |
| Oil and natural gas properties - proved | 12,865 | 595,025 | 239,573 |
| Oil and natural gas properties - unproved properties | 12,135 | 22,310 | 9,819 |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | — | (12,668) | (5,790) |
| Asset retirement obligations | — | (10,541) | (7,908) |
| Other liabilities | — | (1,746) | (625) |
| Net assets acquired | $25,000 | $592,735 | $235,069 |
NOTE 4 –Derivatives
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to certain risks including changes in the prices of oil, natural gas and NGLs which may impact the cash flows associated with the sale of our future oil and natural gas production. We enter into derivative contracts with lenders under our Revolving Credit Facility that consists of either a single derivative instrument or a combination of instruments to manage our exposure to these risks.
As of March 31, 2024, our commodity derivative instruments consisted of fixed price swaps and collars which are described below:
Fixed Price and Basis Swaps: Fixed price swaps receive a fixed price and pay a floating market price to the counterparty on the notional amount. Our basis swaps fix the basis differentials between the index price at which we sell our production as compared to the index price used in the basis swap. Under a swap contract, we will receive payment if the settlement price is less than the fixed price and would be required to make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price is greater than the fixed price.
Collars: Collars provide a minimum and maximum price on a notional amount of sales volume. Under a collar, we will receive payment if the settlement price is less than the minimum price of the range and make a payment to the counterparty if the settlement price is greater than the maximum price of the range. We would not be required to make a payment or receive payment if the settlement price falls within the range.
The following table details our net volume positions by commodity as of March 31, 2024:
| Production Period · Volumes · WeightedAverageFixed Price · FairValue | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) · (in thousands) | ||||||
| Crude oil swaps – WTI (Bbls): | ||||||
| 2024 | 8,065 | $68.24 | $(95,743) | |||
| Crude oil swaps – Brent (Bbls): | ||||||
| 2024 | 181 | $70.98 | (2,388) | |||
| Crude oil collars – WTI (Bbls): | ||||||
| 2024 | 5,244 | $63.16 | — | $81.71 | (16,446) | |
| 2025 | 2,738 | $60.00 | — | $79.42 | (5,201) | |
| 2025(1) | 1,460 | $60.00 | — | $85.00 | (3,805) | |
| Crude oil collars – Brent (Bbls): | ||||||
| 2024 | 110 | $65.00 | — | $100.00 | (2) | |
| 2025 | 365 | $65.00 | — | $91.61 | 96 | |
| Natural gas swaps (MMBtu): | ||||||
| 2024 | 30,860 | $3.69 | 39,487 | |||
| Natural gas collars (MMBtu): | ||||||
| 2024 | 13,750 | $3.38 | — | $4.56 | 14,133 | |
| 2025 | 58,765 | $3.00 | — | $6.03 | 10,296 | |
| Crude oil basis swaps (Bbls): | ||||||
| 2024 | 5,885 | $1.51 | (716) | |||
| 2025 | 913 | $1.80 | 1 | |||
| Natural gas basis swaps (MMBtu): | ||||||
| 2024 | 24,392 | $(0.18) | 1,067 | |||
| 2025 | 5,037 | $0.32 | (147) | |||
| Calendar Month Average roll swaps (Bbls): | ||||||
| 2024 | 5,959 | $0.43 | (2,929) | |||
| 2025 | 1,460 | $0.45 | (164) | |||
| Total | $(62,461) | |||||
(1)Represents outstanding crude oil collar options exercisable by the counterparty until December 16, 2024.
We use derivative commodity instruments and enter into swap contracts that are governed by International Swaps and Derivatives Association master agreements. The following table shows the effects of master netting arrangements on the fair value of our derivative contracts as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| Gross FairValue | Effect ofCounterpartyNetting | Net CarryingValue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | |||
| Assets: | |||
| Derivative assets – current | $68,237 | $(31,724) | $36,513 |
| Derivative assets – noncurrent | 20,802 | (16,497) | 4,305 |
| Total assets | $89,039 | $(48,221) | $40,818 |
| Liabilities: | |||
| Derivative liabilities – current | $(132,944) | $31,724 | $(101,220) |
| Derivative liabilities – noncurrent | (18,556) | 16,497 | (2,059) |
| Total liabilities | $(151,500) | $48,221 | $(103,279) |
| Assets: | |||
| Derivative assets – current | $93,720 | $(39,399) | $54,321 |
| Derivative assets – noncurrent | 22,686 | (14,620) | 8,066 |
| Total assets | $116,406 | $(54,019) | $62,387 |
| Liabilities: | |||
| Derivative liabilities – current | $(81,450) | $39,399 | $(42,051) |
| Derivative liabilities – noncurrent | (14,620) | 14,620 | — |
| Total liabilities | $(96,070) | $54,019 | $(42,051) |
See NOTE 5 – Fair Value Measurements for more information.
The amounts recognized in Gain (loss) on derivatives in our condensed consolidated statements of operations were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) | ||
| Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | ||
| Realized gain (loss) on oil positions | $(44,062) | $(38,105) |
| Realized gain (loss) on natural gas positions | 21,256 | (16,536) |
| Realized gain (loss) on NGL positions | — | 7,484 |
| Total realized gain (loss) on derivatives | (22,806) | (47,157) |
| Unrealized gain (loss) on commodity hedges | (82,796) | 197,467 |
| Gain (loss) on derivatives | $(105,602) | $150,310 |
NOTE 5 –Fair Value Measurements
GAAP defines fair value as 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 (exit price). Generally, the determination of fair value requires the use of significant judgment and different approaches and models under varying circumstances. Under a market-based approach, we consider prices of similar assets, consult with brokers and experts or employ other valuation techniques. Under an income-based approach, we generally estimate future cash flows and then discount them at a risk-adjusted rate. We classify the inputs used to measure the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities into the following hierarchy:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities 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: Quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active or other than quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly, and can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect management’s best estimates and assumptions of what market participants would use in measuring the fair value of an asset or liability.
Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of significance for a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect our valuation of the fair value assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy levels.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 by level within the fair value hierarchy:
| Fair Value Measurement Using | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Financial assets: | ||||
| Derivative assets | $— | $89,039 | $— | $89,039 |
| Financial liabilities: | ||||
| Derivative liabilities | $— | $(151,500) | $— | $(151,500) |
| Financial assets: | ||||
| Derivative assets | $— | $116,406 | $— | $116,406 |
| Financial liabilities: | ||||
| Derivative liabilities | $— | $(96,070) | $— | $(96,070) |
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
Certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. We utilize fair value measurement on a non-recurring basis to value our oil and natural gas properties when the carrying value of such property exceeds the respective undiscounted future cash flows. The inputs used to determine such fair value are primarily based upon internally developed cash flow models, as well as market-based valuations and are classified within Level 3. Significant Level 3 assumptions associated with discounted cash flows include estimates of future prices, production costs, development expenditures, anticipated production, appropriate risk-adjusted discount rates, and other relevant data.
Our other non-recurring fair value measurements include the estimates of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through business combinations. Oil and natural gas properties are valued based on an income approach using a discounted cash flow model utilizing Level 3 inputs, including internally generated development and production profiles and price and cost assumptions. Net derivative liabilities assumed in acquisitions are valued based on Level 2 inputs similar to the Company's other commodity price derivatives.
Other Fair Value Measurements
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Our long-term debt obligations under our Revolving Credit Facility also approximate fair value because the associated variable rates of interest are market based. The fair value of the Senior Notes (as defined below) as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was approximately $1,763.9 million and $1,750.7 million based on quoted market prices.
NOTE 6 –Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities: | ||
| Accounts payable | $138,478 | $125,010 |
| Accrued lease and asset operating expense | 72,028 | 58,847 |
| Accrued capital expenditures | 98,687 | 74,206 |
| Accrued general and administrative expense | 12,139 | 16,441 |
| Accrued gathering, transportation and marketing expense | 38,366 | 56,088 |
| Accrued revenue and royalties payable | 153,360 | 154,345 |
| Accrued interest expense | 14,437 | 45,546 |
| Accrued severance taxes | 37,903 | 58,100 |
| Other | 9,235 | 24,960 |
| Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $574,633 | $613,543 |
NOTE 7 –Debt
Senior Notes
In March 2024, we issued $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% senior notes due 2032 (the "2032 Notes") at par (the “2032 Notes Offering”). The 2032 Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 7.625%, which is payable on April 1 and October 1 of each year, and mature on April 1, 2032. The proceeds from the 2032 Notes Offering were approximately $686.2 million, after deducting the initial purchasers' discount and offering expenses. We used the net proceeds and additional borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility to finance the consideration of the Tender Offer and Redemption (each term as defined below) of all of the aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes outstanding for $714.8 million after including extinguishment costs, as discussed further below.
We may, at our option, redeem all or a portion of the 2032 Notes at any time on or after April 1, 2027 at certain redemption prices. We may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2032 Notes before April 1, 2027 with an amount of cash not greater than the net proceeds that we raise in certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 107.625% of the principal amount of the 2032 Notes being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding the redemption date. In addition, prior to April 1, 2027, we may redeem some or all of the 2032 Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding the redemption date.
In February 2023, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.250% senior notes due 2028 (the "2028 Notes"). In July 2023, we issued an additional $300.0 million, aggregate principal amount of 2028 Notes at 98.000% of par. In September 2023, we issued an additional $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2028 Notes at 101.125% of par. In December 2023, we issued an additional $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2028 Notes at 102.125% of par. The aggregate proceeds from the offerings of the 2028 Notes were $977.4 million, after adjusting for discounts, premiums and offering expenses, but excluding accrued interest payable by purchasers of the 2028 Notes. We used the aggregate net proceeds to repay a portion of our outstanding balance under our Revolving Credit Facility (as defined herein) and to fund a portion of the Western Eagle Ford Acquisitions.
All issuances of the 2028 Notes are treated as a single series of securities under the indenture governing the 2028 Notes, will vote together as a single class, and have substantially identical terms, other than the issue date, the issue price, and the first interest payment date.
The 2028 Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 9.250%, which is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, and mature on February 15, 2028. We may, at our option, redeem all or a portion of the 2028 Notes at any time on or after February 15, 2025 at certain redemption prices. In addition, prior to February 15, 2025, we may redeem some or all of the 2028 Notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make-whole” premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding the redemption date.
2026 Notes
At December 31, 2023 we had $700.0 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of 7.250% senior notes due 2026 (the "2026 Notes") that were subject to the indenture dated May 6, 2021, as supplemented to the date hereof, between us and our trustee (the "2021 Indenture"). In March 2024, pursuant to a cash tender offer (the "Tender Offer") and redemption of any remaining 2026 Notes following the Tender Offer (the "Redemption"), we extinguished all of our 2026 Notes. After the Tender Offer and the Redemption, the 2021 Indenture was satisfied and discharged on March 26, 2024, and we have no further obligations under the 2021 Indenture at March 31, 2024. We repurchased all of the 2026 Notes at a blended price of 101.857% of par and thus incurred a Loss on the extinguishment of debt of $22.6 million, including the write-off of our remaining deferred financing costs.
After the completion of the Tender Offer and Redemption, the 2028 Notes and 2032 Notes (collectively, the "Senior Notes") are our senior unsecured obligations and the Senior Notes and the related guarantees rank equally in right of payment with the borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and any of our other future senior indebtedness and senior to any of our future subordinated indebtedness. The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of our existing and future subsidiaries that will guarantee our Revolving Credit Facility. The Senior Notes and the guarantees are effectively subordinated to all of our secured indebtedness (including all borrowings and other obligations under our Revolving Credit Facility) to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness and structurally subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of any future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Senior Notes.
The indentures governing the Senior Notes contain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue certain types of preferred stock; (ii) pay dividends or distributions in respect of its equity or redeem, repurchase or retire its equity or subordinated indebtedness; (iii) transfer or sell assets; (iv) make investments; (v) create certain liens; (vi) enter into agreements that restrict dividends or other payments from any non-Guarantor restricted subsidiary to it; (vii) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets; (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates; and (ix) create unrestricted subsidiaries.
If we experience certain kinds of changes of control accompanied by a ratings decline, holders of the Senior Notes may require us to repurchase all or a portion of their notes at certain redemption prices. The Senior Notes are not listed, and we do not intend to list the notes in the future, on any securities exchange, and currently there is no public market for the notes.
Revolving Credit Facility
Overview
We are party to a senior secured reserve-based revolving credit agreement (as amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified to date, the "Revolving Credit Facility") with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders and letter of credit issuer, and the lenders from time to time party thereto. From time to time, we have entered into amendments to the Revolving Credit Facility, which have, as of March 31, 2024, (i) increased our elected commitment amount from $700.0 million to $1.3 billion, (ii) increased our borrowing base from $1.3 billion to $2.0 billion, (iii) increased our maximum credit amount from $1.5 billion to $3.0 billion, (iv) extended the maturity date from May 6, 2025 to September 23, 2027 and (v) reduced the applicable margin by 0.50% so that loans under the Revolving Credit Facility will be priced based on
SOFR (as defined herein) plus 2.35% to 3.35% or an adjusted base rate plus 1.25% to 2.25%, in each case, based on utilization of the Revolving Credit Facility. Our Revolving Credit Facility contains terms that if certain conditions regarding our outstanding Senior Notes exist in January 2026, it will mature in January 2026 prior to the extended maturity date. Subsequent to March 31, 2024, we further amended the Revolving Credit Facility. See NOTE 13 – Subsequent Eventsfor additional information.
At March 31, 2024, we had $81.3 million of borrowings and $21.6 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility remain secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the Company’s and the guarantors’ tangible and intangible assets, including without limitation, oil and natural gas properties and associated assets and equity interests owned by the Company and such guarantors. In connection with each redetermination of the borrowing base, the Company must maintain mortgages on at least 85% of the net present value, discounted at 9% per annum (“PV-9”) of the oil and natural gas properties that constitute borrowing base properties. The Company’s domestic direct and indirect subsidiaries are required to be guarantors under the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to certain exceptions.
The borrowing base is subject to semi-annual scheduled redeterminations on or about April 1 and October 1 of each year, as well as (i) elective borrowing base interim redeterminations at our request not more than twice during any consecutive 12-month period or the required lenders not more than once during any consecutive 12-month period and (ii) elective borrowing base interim redeterminations at our request following any acquisition of oil and natural gas properties with a purchase price in the aggregate of at least 5.0% of the then effective borrowing base. The borrowing base will be automatically reduced upon (i) the issuance of certain permitted junior lien debt and other permitted additional debt, (ii) the sale or other disposition of borrowing base properties if the aggregate PV-9 of such properties sold or disposed of is in excess of 5.0% of the borrowing base then in effect and (iii) early termination or set-off of swap agreements (a) the administrative agent relied on in determining the borrowing base or (b) if the value of such swap agreements so terminated is in excess of 5.0% of the borrowing base then in effect.
Interest
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at either (i) a U.S. dollar alternative base rate (based on the prime rate, the federal funds effective rate or an adjusted secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”), plus an applicable margin or (ii) SOFR, plus an applicable margin, at the election of the borrowers. The applicable margin varies based upon our borrowing base utilization then in effect. The fee payable for the unused revolving commitments is 0.5% per year and is included within interest expense on our condensed consolidated statements of operations. Our weighted average interest rate on loan amounts outstanding at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was 9.75%.
Covenants
The Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants that restrict the payment of cash dividends, certain borrowings, sales of assets, loans to others, investments, merger activity, commodity swap agreements, liens and other transactions without the adherence to certain financial covenants or the prior consent of our lenders. We are subject to (i) maximum leverage ratio and (ii) current ratio financial covenants calculated as of the last day of each fiscal quarter. The Revolving Credit Facility also contains representations, warranties, indemnifications and affirmative and negative covenants, including events of default relating to nonpayment of principal, interest or fees, inaccuracy of representations or warranties in any material respect when made or when deemed made, violation of covenants, bankruptcy and insolvency events, certain unsatisfied judgments and change of control. If an event of default occurs and we are unable to cure such default, the lenders will be able to accelerate maturity and exercise other rights and remedies.
Letters of Credit
From time to time, we may request the issuance of letters of credit for our own account. Letters of credit accrue interest at a rate equal to the margin associated with SOFR borrowings. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had letters of credit outstanding of $21.6 million and $14.4 million, respectively, which reduce the amount available to borrow under our Revolving Credit Facility.
Total Debt Outstanding
The following table summarizes our debt balances as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
| Debt Outstanding | Letters of Credit Issued | Borrowing Base | Maturity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (in thousands) | ||||
| Revolving Credit Facility | $81,300 | $21,586 | $2,000,000 | 9/23/2027 |
| 9.250% Senior Notes due 2028 | 1,000,000 | — | — | 2/15/2028 |
| 7.625% Senior Notes due 2032 | 700,000 | — | — | 4/1/2032 |
| Less: Unamortized discount, premium and issuance costs | (32,074) | |||
| Total long-term debt | $1,749,226 | |||
| Revolving Credit Facility | $23,500 | $14,408 | $2,000,000 | 9/23/2027 |
| 7.250% Senior Notes due 2026 | 700,000 | — | — | 5/1/2026 |
| 9.250% Senior Notes due 2028 | 1,000,000 | — | — | 2/15/2028 |
| Less: Unamortized discount, premium and issuance costs | (29,125) | |||
| Total long-term debt | $1,694,375 | |||
NOTE 8 –Asset Retirement Obligations
Our asset retirement obligation ("ARO") liabilities are based on our net ownership in wells and facilities and management’s estimate of the costs to abandon and remediate those wells and facilities together with management’s estimate of the future timing of the costs to be incurred. The following table summarizes activity related to our ARO liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2024:
| Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | |
|---|---|
| (in thousands) | |
| Balance at beginning of period | $445,060 |
| Additions | 596 |
| Retirements | (3,111) |
| Accretion expense | 7,729 |
| Balance at end of period | 450,274 |
| Less: current portion | (26,042) |
| Balance at end of period, noncurrent portion | $424,232 |
NOTE 9 –Commitments and Contingencies
From time to time, we may be a plaintiff or defendant in a pending or threatened legal proceeding arising in the normal course of business. In accordance with ASC 450, Contingencies, an accrual is recorded for a material loss contingency when its occurrence is probable and damages are reasonably estimable based on the anticipated most likely outcome or the minimum amount within a range or possible outcomes.
Legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable, and unfavorable resolutions can occur. Assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgement about uncertain future events. When evaluating contingencies related to legal proceedings, we may be unable to estimate losses due to a number of factors, including potential defenses, the procedural status of the matter in question, the presence of complex legal and/or factual issues, and the ongoing discovery and/or development of information important to the matter. We are unable to make an estimate of the range of reasonably possible losses related to our contingencies, but we are currently unaware of any proceedings that, in the opinion of management, will individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
We are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and may require us to remove or mitigate the environmental effects of the disposal or release of petroleum or chemical substances at various sites. We believe we are currently in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations and do not have any material liabilities recorded at March 31, 2024.
NOTE 10 –Equity-Based Compensation Awards
Overview
We and certain of our subsidiaries have entered into incentive compensation award agreements to grant profits interests, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), performance stock units ("PSUs") and other incentive awards to our employees, our Manager, and non-employee directors. Our equity-based compensation awards may contain certain service-based, performance-based, and market-based vesting conditions. The following table summarizes compensation expense we recognized in connection with our equity-based compensation awards for the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) | ||
| Equity-based compensation expense (income): | ||
| Liability-classified profits interest awards | $393 | $(212) |
| Equity-classified profits interest awards | 276 | 1,553 |
| Equity-classified LTIP RSU awards | 297 | 391 |
| Equity-classified LTIP PSU awards | 159 | — |
| Equity-classified Manager PSUs | 27,049 | 5,873 |
| Total equity-based compensation expense (income) | $28,174 | $7,605 |
Equity-classified LTIP RSU Awards
We did not grant any equity-classified LTIP RSU awards during the three months ended March 31, 2024. In April 2024, we granted 116 thousand equity-classified LTIP RSUs under the Crescent Energy Company 2021 Equity Incentive Plan to certain directors, officers and employees. Each LTIP RSU represents the contingent right to receive one share of Class A Common Stock. The grant date fair value was $11.68 per LTIP RSU, and the LTIP RSUs will vest over a period ofone tothree years, with equity-based compensation expense recognized ratably over the applicable vesting period. Compensation cost for these awards is presented within General and administrative expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations with a corresponding credit to Additional paid-in capital and Redeemable noncontrolling interest on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Equity-classified Manager PSUs
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, in conjunction with the March 2024 Equity Transactions, the number of shares of our Class A Common Stock increased by 13.8 million shares. As a result, the number of equity-classified PSU target Class A Shares granted under the Crescent Energy Company 2021 Manager Incentive Plan increased by 1.4 million shares for the three months ended March 31, 2024. We accounted for this increase as a change in estimate and recognized additional expense of $14.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
NOTE 11 –Related Party Transactions
KKR Group
Management Agreement
In connection with the Merger Transactions, we entered into a management agreement (the "Management Agreement") with KKR Energy Assets Manager LLC (the "Manager"). Pursuant to the Management Agreement, the Manager provides the Company with its senior executive management team and certain management services. The Management Agreement has an initial term ofthree years and shall renew automatically at the end of the initial term for an additional three-year period unless the Company or the Manager elects not to renew the Management Agreement.
As consideration for the services rendered pursuant to the Management Agreement and the Manager’s overhead, including compensation of the executive management team, the Manager is entitled to receive compensation ("Manager Compensation") on a quarterly basis equal to our pro rata share (based on our relative ownership of OpCo) of an annual $55.5 million fee. This amount will increase over time as our ownership percentage of OpCo increases. In addition, as our business and assets expand, Manager Compensation may increase by an amount equal to 1.5% per annum of the net proceeds from all future issuances of our equity securities (including in connection with acquisitions). However, incremental Manager Compensation will not apply to the issuance of our shares upon the redemption or exchange of OpCo Units. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded general and administrative expense of $8.2 million and $3.9 million, respectively, and made cash distributions of $6.8 million and $9.5 million, respectively, to our redeemable noncontrolling interests related to the Management Agreement. In addition, at March 31, 2024, in relation to the Management Agreement, we accrued a $5.6 million distribution to redeemable noncontrolling interests that will be paid during the second quarter of 2024. At both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had $13.9 million included within Accounts payable – affiliates on the consolidated balance sheets, associated with the Management Agreement.
Additionally, the Manager is entitled to receive incentive compensation ("Incentive Compensation") under which the Manager is targeted to receive 10% of our outstanding Class A Common Stock based on the achievement of certain performance-based measures. The Incentive Compensation consists offive tranches that settle over afive-year period beginning in 2024, and each tranche relates to a target number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to 2% of the outstanding Class A Common Stock as of the time such tranche is settled. So long as the Manager continuously provides services to us until the end of the performance period applicable to a tranche, the Manager is entitled to settlement of such tranche with respect to a number of shares of Class A Common Stock ranging from 0% to 4.8% of the of the outstanding Class A Common Stock at the time each tranche is settled. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we recorded general and administrative expense of $27.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively, related to Incentive Compensation. See NOTE 10 – Equity-Based Compensation Awards for more information.
KKR Funds
From time to time, we may invest in upstream oil and gas assets alongside EIGF II and/or other KKR funds ("KKR Funds") pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreement. In these instances, certain of our consolidated subsidiaries enter into Master Service Agreements ("MSAs") with entities owned by KKR Funds, pursuant to which our subsidiaries provide certain services to such KKR Funds, including the allocation of the production and sale of oil, natural gas and NGLs, collection and disbursement of revenues, operating expenses and general and administrative expenses in the respective oil and natural gas properties, and the payment of all capital costs associated with the ongoing operations of the oil and natural gas assets. Our subsidiaries settle balances due to or due from KKR Funds on a monthly basis. The administrative costs associated with these MSAs are allocated by us to KKR Funds based on (i) an actual basis for direct expenses we may incur on their behalf or (ii) an allocation of such charges between the various KKR Funds based on the estimated use of such services by each party. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had a related party receivable of $5.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively, included within Accounts receivable – affiliates and a related party payable of $8.3 million and $27.9 million, respectively, included within Accounts payable – affiliates on our condensed consolidated balance sheets associated with KKR Funds transactions.
KKR Capital Markets LLC ("KCM")
We may engage KCM, an affiliate of KKR Group, for capital market transactions including notes offerings and equity offerings. The following table summarizes fees, discounts and commissions paid to KCM by Crescent in connection with our debt and equity transactions:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands) | ||
| Amounts paid to KCM | $1,838 | $1,100 |
Other Transactions
In March 2024, OpCo repurchased 2.3 million OpCo Units from Independence Energy Aggregator L.P., the entity through which certain private investors in affiliated KKR entities hold their interests in us, for $22.7 million. Refer to further discussion in NOTE 1 – Organization and Basis of Presentation. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 we made cash distributions of $8.3 million and $20.2 million, respectively, to our redeemable noncontrolling interests related to their pro rata share of cash distributions made to Crescent Energy to pay dividends and income taxes. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2024, we reimbursed KKR $1.3 million for costs incurred on our behalf. In 2023 we entered into an office sublease agreement with KKR and at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had $5.8 million and $6.6 million, respectively, included in Accounts payable - affiliates on the consolidated balance sheet related to our allocable share of leasehold improvement costs under the office sublease.
Board of Directors
In March 2023, we signed aten-year office lease with an affiliate of Crescent Real Estate LLC. John C. Goff, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, is affiliated with Crescent Real Estate LLC. The terms of the lease provide for annual base rent of approximately $0.3 million, increasing over the term of the lease, and the payment by one of our subsidiaries of certain other customary expenses. In addition, the lease provides for reimbursement of our costs up to $1.1 million for tenant improvement expenses. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we received $1.1 million reimbursement for our leasehold improvements. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, we entered into an amendment to the original lease agreement for additional office space. Under the amended agreement our annual base rent is $0.4 million increasing to $0.5 million over the life of the agreement.
NOTE 12 –Earnings Per Share
We havetwo classes of common stock in the form of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock. Our shares of Class A Common Stock are entitled to dividends and shares of Class B Common Stock do not have rights to participate in dividends or undistributed earnings. However, shareholders of Class B Common Stock receive pro rata distributions from OpCo through their ownership of OpCo Units. We apply the two-class method for purposes of calculating earnings per share. The two-class method determines earnings per share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend equivalents declared during the period and each security's respective participation rights in undistributed earnings and losses. Net income (loss) per share - diluted excludes the effect of 0.9 million PSUs and 0.1 million RSUs for the three months ended March 31, 2024 that were not included in the computation of EPS because to do so would have been antidilutive due to our net loss.
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| (in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | ||
| Numerator: | ||
| Net income (loss) | $(32,364) | $255,611 |
| Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests | (3,499) | (149) |
| Less: net (income) loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interests | 11,695 | (195,668) |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Crescent Energy - basic | (24,168) | 59,794 |
| Add: Reallocation of net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the dilutive effect of RSUs | — | 55 |
| Add: Reallocation of net income attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the dilutive effect of PSUs | — | 360 |
| Net income (loss) attributable to Crescent Energy - diluted | $(24,168) | $60,209 |
| Denominator: | ||
| Weighted-average Class A common stock outstanding – basic | 94,793,415 | 48,282,163 |
| Add: dilutive effect of RSUs | — | 50,579 |
| Add: dilutive effect of PSUs | — | 332,610 |
| Weighted-average Class A common stock outstanding – diluted | 94,793,415 | 48,665,352 |
| Weighted-average Class B common stock outstanding – basic and diluted | 84,332,739 | 118,645,323 |
| Net income (loss) per share: | ||
| Class A common stock – basic | $(0.25) | $1.24 |
| Class A common stock – diluted | $(0.25) | $1.24 |
| Class B common stock – basic and diluted | $— | $— |
NOTE 13 –Subsequent Events
Dividend
On May 6, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share, or $0.48 per share on an annualized basis, to be paid to shareholders of our Class A Common Stock with respect to the first quarter of 2024. The quarterly dividend is payable on June 7, 2024 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 21, 2024. OpCo unitholders will also receive an equivalent distribution based on their pro rata ownership of OpCo Units.
The payment of quarterly cash dividends is subject to management’s evaluation of our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in connection with such payments and approval by our Board of Directors. Management and the Board of Directors will evaluate any future changes in cash dividends on a quarterly basis.
April 2024 Class A Conversion
On April 1, 2024, Independence Energy Aggregator L.P., the entity through which certain private investors in affiliated KKR entities hold their interests in us, exchanged 6.0 million OpCo Units (and we cancelled a corresponding number of shares of Class B Common Stock) for an equivalent number of shares of Class A Common Stock (the "April 2024 Class A Conversion"). The shares of Class A Common Stock were sold at a price per share of $10.74, pursuant to Rule 144, through a broker-dealer. We did not receive any proceeds or incur any material expenses related to the April 2024 Class A Conversion.
Revolving Credit Facility Amendment
On April 10, 2024, we entered into the Seventh Amendment to the credit agreement governing our Revolving Credit Facility. Among other things, the amendment included a reduction of the borrowing base to $1.7 billion from $2.0 billion, maintained elected commitments at $1.3 billion and extended the maturity date of any revolving loans under the Revolving Credit Facility to April 10, 2029. The amendment also modified the fee payable for the unused revolving commitments such that it is 0.375% or 0.50% per year based on utilization of the Revolving Credit Facility and maintained the applicable margin, so that the loans under the Revolving Credit Facility will continue to be priced based on SOFR plus 2.35% to 3.35% or an adjusted base rate plus 1.25% to 2.25%, in each case, based on utilization of the Revolving Credit Facility.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.