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EX-32 - CERTIFICATION OF CEO AND CFO UNDER RULE 13A -14(A) - UNIT CORPunt-20180930xex32.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CFO UNDER RULE 13A -14(A) - UNIT CORPunt-20180930xex312.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CEO UNDER RULE 13A -14(A) - UNIT CORPunt-20180930xex311.htm
EX-10.1 - FIFTH AMENDMENT TO SENIOR CREDIT AGREEMENT - UNIT CORPexhibit101fifthamendmentto.htm

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
[Commission File Number 1-9260]
image2a01a13.jpg
UNIT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
73-1283193
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
8200 South Unit Drive, Tulsa, Oklahoma
74132
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(918) 493-7700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
None
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes [x]            No [  ]                                                     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes [x]            No [  ]                                                     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer [ x ]            Accelerated filer [ ]                Non-accelerated filer [  ]
Smaller reporting company [  ]            Emerging growth company [ ]
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    [ ]        

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [  ]            No [x]                                                     
As of October 19, 2018, 54,058,016 shares of the issuer's common stock were outstanding.



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

1


Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking statements” – meaning, statements related to future events within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this document that addresses activities, events or developments we expect or anticipate will or may occur, are forward-looking statements. The words “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “predicts,” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. This report modifies and supersedes documents filed by us before this report. In addition, certain information we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information in this report.
 
These forward-looking statements include, among others, things as:

the amount and nature of our future capital expenditures and how we expect to fund our capital expenditures;
prices for oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas;
demand for oil, NGLs, and natural gas;
our exploration and drilling prospects;
the estimates of our proved oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserves;
oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserve potential;
development and infill drilling potential;
expansion and other development trends of the oil and natural gas industry;
our business strategy;
our plans to maintain or increase production of oil, NGLs, and natural gas;
the number of gathering systems and processing plants we plan to construct or acquire;
volumes and prices for natural gas gathered and processed;
expansion and growth of our business and operations;
demand for our drilling rigs and drilling rig rates;
our belief that the final outcome of legal proceedings involving us will not materially affect our financial results;
our ability to timely secure third-party services used in completing our wells;
our ability to transport or convey our oil or natural gas production to established pipeline systems;
impact of federal and state legislative and regulatory actions affecting our costs and increasing operating restrictions or delays and other adverse impacts on our business;
our projected production guidelines for the year;
our anticipated capital budgets;
our financial condition and liquidity;
the number of wells our oil and natural gas segment plans to drill or rework during the year;
our intended use of the proceeds from the sale of 50% of the interest we owned in our mid-stream segment; and
our estimates of the amounts of any ceiling test write-downs or other potential asset impairments we may have to record in future periods.
These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by us based on our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to several risks and uncertainties, any one or combination of which could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations and predictions, including:
the risk factors discussed in this document and in the documents (if any) we incorporate by reference;
general economic, market, or business conditions;
the availability of and nature of (or lack of) business opportunities we pursue;
demand for our land drilling services;
changes in laws or regulations;
changes in the current geopolitical situation;
risks relating to financing, including restrictions in our debt agreements and availability and cost of credit;
risks associated with future weather conditions;
decreases or increases in commodity prices;
putative class action lawsuits that may cause substantial expenditures and divert management's attention; and
other factors, most of which are beyond our control.

2


You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we disclaim any intention to update forward-looking information and to release publicly the results of any future revisions we may make to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after this document to reflect unanticipated events.

3


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(In thousands except share amounts)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
91,557

 
$
701

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,450 at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
 
122,123

 
111,512

Materials and supplies
 
505

 
505

Current derivative asset (Note 10)
 

 
721

Prepaid expenses and other
 
9,419

 
6,233

Total current assets
 
223,604

 
119,672

Property and equipment:
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas properties on the full cost method:
 
 
 
 
Proved properties
 
5,901,661

 
5,712,813

Unproved properties not being amortized
 
332,886

 
296,764

Drilling equipment
 
1,632,540

 
1,593,611

Gas gathering and processing equipment
 
751,715

 
726,236

Saltwater disposal systems
 
67,074

 
62,618

Corporate land and building
 
59,081

 
59,080

Transportation equipment
 
29,103

 
29,631

Other
 
56,750

 
53,439

 
 
8,830,810

 
8,534,192

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization, and impairment
 
6,325,160

 
6,151,450

Net property and equipment
 
2,505,650

 
2,382,742

Goodwill
 
62,808

 
62,808

Other assets
 
28,703

 
16,230

Total assets (1)
 
$
2,820,765

 
$
2,581,452


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

4


UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED

 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(In thousands except share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
143,552

 
$
112,648

Accrued liabilities (Note 5)
 
67,743

 
48,523

Income taxes payable
 
1,051

 

Current derivative liability (Note 10)
 
13,067

 
7,763

Current portion of other long-term liabilities (Note 6)
 
14,150

 
13,002

Total current liabilities
 
239,563

 
181,936

Long-term debt less debt issuance costs (Note 6)
 
643,921

 
820,276

Non-current derivative liability (Note 10)
 
1,542

 

Other long-term liabilities (Note 6)
 
101,410

 
100,203

Deferred income taxes
 
164,964

 
133,477

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
 

 

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
 

 

Common stock, $.20 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized, 54,063,705 and 52,880,134 shares issued as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively
 
10,414

 
10,280

Capital in excess of par value
 
626,746

 
535,815

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (Note 14)
 
(103
)
 
63

Retained earnings
 
830,680

 
799,402

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Unit Corporation
 
1,467,737

 
1,345,560

Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries
 
201,628

 

Total shareholders' equity
 
1,669,365

 
1,345,560

Total liabilities(1) and shareholders’ equity
 
$
2,820,765

 
$
2,581,452

_______________________
(1)
Unit Corporation's consolidated total assets as of September 30, 2018 include total current and long-term assets of its variable interest entity (VIE) (Superior Pipeline Company, L.L.C.) of $41.8 million and $416.7 million, respectively, which can only be used to settle obligations of the VIE. Unit Corporation's consolidated total liabilities as of September 30, 2018 include total current and long-term liabilities of the VIE of $38.6 million and $16.1 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIE have no recourse to Unit Corporation. See Note 13 – Variable Interest Entity Arrangements.


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


5


UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
$
111,623

 
$
85,470

 
$
317,040

 
$
256,241

Contract drilling
 
50,612

 
51,619

 
143,527

 
128,059

Gas gathering and processing
 
57,823

 
51,399

 
167,926

 
150,493

Total revenues
 
220,058

 
188,488

 
628,493

 
534,793

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
32,139

 
33,911

 
100,519

 
95,873

Contract drilling
 
32,032

 
34,747

 
95,593

 
91,213

Gas gathering and processing
 
43,134

 
38,116

 
124,441

 
111,862

Total operating costs
 
107,305

 
106,774

 
320,553

 
298,948

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
63,537

 
54,533

 
178,976

 
151,545

General and administrative
 
9,278

 
9,235

 
28,752

 
26,902

Gain on disposition of assets
 
(253
)
 
(81
)
 
(575
)
 
(1,153
)
Total operating expenses
 
179,867

 
170,461

 
527,706

 
476,242

Income from operations
 
40,191

 
18,027

 
100,787

 
58,551

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest, net
 
(7,945
)
 
(9,944
)
 
(25,678
)
 
(28,807
)
Gain (loss) on derivatives
 
(4,385
)
 
(2,614
)
 
(25,608
)
 
21,019

Other, net
 
6

 
5

 
17

 
14

Total other income (expense)
 
(12,324
)
 
(12,553
)
 
(51,269
)
 
(7,774
)
Income before income taxes
 
27,867

 
5,474

 
49,518

 
50,777

Income tax expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred
 
6,744

 
1,769

 
12,380

 
22,084

Total income taxes
 
6,744

 
1,769

 
12,380

 
22,084

Net income
 
21,123

 
3,705

 
37,138

 
28,693

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
 
2,224

 

 
4,586

 

Net income attributable to Unit Corporation
 
18,899

 
3,705

 
32,552

 
28,693

Net income attributable to Unit Corporation per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.63

 
$
0.56

Diluted
 
$
0.36

 
$
0.07

 
$
0.62

 
$
0.56


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


6


UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
21,123

 
$
3,705

 
$
37,138

 
$
28,693

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net of tax of ($13), $20, ($60) and $32
(38
)
 
33

 
(179
)
 
53

Comprehensive income
21,085

 
3,738

 
36,959

 
28,746

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interest
2,224

 

 
4,586

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
18,861

 
$
3,738

 
$
32,373

 
$
28,746


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


7


UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

 
Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Unit Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Capital In Excess
of Par Value
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Non-controlling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries
 
Total
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)
Balances, December 31, 2017
$
10,280

 
$
535,815

 
$
63

 
$
799,402

 
$

 
$
1,345,560

Cumulative effect adjustment for adoption of ASUs (Notes 1 and 2)

 

 
13

 
(1,274
)
 

 
(1,261
)
Net income

 

 

 
32,552

 
4,586

 
37,138

Other comprehensive loss (net of tax of ($60))

 

 
(179
)
 

 

 
(179
)
Total comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36,959

Contributions

 
102,958

 

 

 
197,042

 
300,000

Transaction costs associated with sale of non-controlling interest

 
(2,303
)
 

 

 

 
(2,303
)
Tax effect of the sale of non-controlling interest

 
(24,300
)
 

 

 

 
(24,300
)
Activity in employee compensation plans (1,183,571 shares)
134

 
14,576

 

 

 

 
14,710

Balances, September 30, 2018
$
10,414

 
$
626,746

 
$
(103
)
 
$
830,680

 
$
201,628

 
$
1,669,365


 
Shareholders' Equity Attributable to Unit Corporation
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Capital In Excess
of Par Value
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Non-controlling Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries
 
Total
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)
Balances, December 31, 2016
$
10,016

 
$
502,500

 
$

 
$
681,554

 
$

 
$
1,194,070

Net income

 

 

 
28,693

 

 
28,693

Other comprehensive income (net of tax of $32)

 

 
53

 

 

 
53

Total comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28,746

Activity in employee compensation plans (1,385,342 shares)
261

 
28,828

 

 

 

 
29,089

Balances, September 30, 2017
$
10,277

 
$
531,328

 
$
53

 
$
710,247

 
$

 
$
1,251,905


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



8


UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
37,138

 
$
28,693

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
178,976

 
151,545

Amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discount (Note 6)
 
1,645

 
1,616

(Gain) loss on derivatives (Note 10)
 
25,608

 
(21,019
)
Cash payments on derivatives settled, net (Note 10)
 
(18,040
)
 
(729
)
Deferred tax expense
 
12,380

 
22,084

Gain on disposition of assets
 
(575
)
 
(1,153
)
Stock compensation plans
 
17,397

 
12,478

Contract assets and liabilities, net (Note 2)
 
(3,671
)
 

Other, net
 
2,835

 
1,397

Changes in operating assets and liabilities increasing (decreasing) cash:
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(15,558
)
 
(36,381
)
Accounts payable
 
(14,867
)
 
4,873

Material and supplies
 

 
17

Income taxes
 

 
(15
)
Accrued liabilities
 
16,242

 
20,280

Other, net
 
(2,975
)
 
1,106

Net cash provided by operating activities
 
236,535

 
184,792

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
(304,054
)
 
(167,392
)
Producing properties and other acquisitions
 
(769
)
 
(55,429
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
 
25,316

 
20,137

Other
 

 
(1,500
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(279,507
)
 
(204,184
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
Borrowings under credit agreement
 
71,200

 
251,401

Payments under credit agreement
 
(249,200
)
 
(250,100
)
Payments on capitalized leases
 
(2,869
)
 
(2,967
)
Proceeds from common stock issued, net of issue costs (Note 14)
 

 
18,623

Proceeds from investments of non-controlling interest
 
300,000

 

Transaction costs associated with sale of non-controlling interest
 
(2,303
)
 

Book overdrafts
 
17,000

 
2,364

Net cash provided by financing activities
 
133,828

 
19,321

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
90,856

 
(71
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
701

 
893

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
91,557

 
$
822


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



9


UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
 
Cash paid during the year for:
 
 
 
 
Interest paid (net of capitalized)
 
14,418

 
14,601

Income taxes
 
3,600

 

Changes in accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to purchases of property, plant, and equipment
 
(28,770
)
 
(20,122
)
Non-cash (addition) reduction to oil and natural gas properties related to asset retirement obligations
 
8,546

 
(3,203
)

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

10


UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this report include the accounts of Unit Corporation and all its subsidiaries and affiliates and have been prepared under the rules and regulations of the SEC. The terms “company,” “Unit,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to Unit Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and one or more of its subsidiaries and affiliates, except as otherwise indicated or as the context otherwise requires. We consolidate the activities of Superior Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Superior), a 50/50 joint venture between Unit Corporation and SP Investor Holdings, LLC, which qualifies as a VIE under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). We have concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE, as defined in the accounting standards, since we have the power, through our 50% ownership, to direct those activities that most significantly affect the economic performance of Superior as further described in Note 13 – Variable Interest Entity Arrangements.

The condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and do not include all the notes in our annual financial statements. This report should be read with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes in our Form 10-K, filed February 27, 2018, for the year ended December 31, 2017 as amended by our Form 10-K/A filed on August 6, 2018.

In the opinion of our management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal recurring adjustments (including the elimination of all intercompany transactions) necessary to fairly state:

Balance Sheets at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017;
Income Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017;
Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017;
Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017; and
Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP, which requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that may affect the amounts reported in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results we may realize for the full year of 2018, or that we realized for the full year of 2017.

Accounting Changes - Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted

As of January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2018-02 Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This standard is explained further in Note 8 - New Accounting Pronouncements. We adopted this amendment early and it had no material effect to our financial statements. We previously used 37.75% to calculate the tax effect on AOCI and we now use 24.5%. This change is reflected in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and in Note 14 - Equity.

Also, as of January 1, 2018, we adopted ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Topic 606 (ASC 606) and all later amendments that modified ASC 606. This new revenue standard is explained further in Note 8 – New Accounting Pronouncements. We elected to apply this standard on the modified retrospective approach method to contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018, where the cumulative effect on adoption, which only affected our mid-stream segment, is recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018. This adjustment related to the timing of revenue recognition for certain demand fees. Our oil and natural gas and contract drilling segments had no retained earnings adjustment. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under ASC 605.

The additional disclosures required by the ASU are included in Note 2 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

NOTE 2 – REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

Our revenue streams are reported under three segments: oil and natural gas, contract drilling, and mid-stream. This is our disaggregation of revenue and how our segment revenue is reported (as reflected in Note 15 – Industry Segment Information). Revenue from the oil and natural gas segment is derived from sales of our oil and natural gas production. Revenue from the contract drilling segment is derived by contracting with upstream companies to drill an agreed-on number of wells or provide

11


drilling rigs and services over an agreed-on time period. Revenue from the mid-stream segment is derived from gathering, transporting, and processing natural gas production and selling those commodities. We sell the hydrocarbons (from the oil and natural gas and mid-stream segments) to mid-stream and downstream oil and gas companies.

We satisfy the performance obligation under each segment's contracts as follows: for the contract drilling and mid-stream contracts, we satisfy the performance obligation over the agreed-on time within the contracts, and for oil and natural gas contracts, we satisfy the performance obligation with each delivery of volumes. For oil and natural gas contracts, as it is more feasible, we account for these deliveries monthly. Per the contracts for all segments, customers pay for the services/goods received monthly within an agreed on number of days following the end of the month. Besides the mid-stream demand fees discussed further below, there were no other contract assets or liabilities falling within the scope of this accounting pronouncement.

Oil and Natural Gas Contracts, Revenues, Implementation Impact to Retained Earnings, and Performance Obligations

Typical types of revenue contracts signed by our segments are Oil Sales Contracts, Gas Purchase Agreements, North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB) Contracts, Gas Gathering and Processing Agreements, and revenues earned as the non-operated party with the operator serving as an agent on our behalf under our Joint Operating Agreements. Contract term can range from a single month to a term spanning a decade or more; some may also include evergreen provisions. Revenues from sales we make are recognized when our customer obtains control of the sold product. For sales to other mid-stream and downstream oil and gas companies, this would occur at a point in time, typically on delivery to the customer. Sales generated from our non-operated interest are recorded based on the information obtained from the operator. Our adoption of this standard required no adjustment to opening retained earnings.

Certain costs—as either a deduction from revenue or as an expense—is determined based on when control of the commodity is transferred to our customer, which would affect our total revenue recognized, but will not affect gross profit. For example, gathering, processing and transportation costs included as part of the contract price with the customer on transfer of control of the commodity are included in the transaction price, while costs incurred while we are in control of the commodity represent operating costs. The impact of the adoption of ASC 606 did not impact income from operations or net income for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2018. These tables summarize the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on revenue and operating costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
As Reported
 
Adjustments due to ASC 606
 
Amounts without the Adoption of ASC 606
 
 
(In thousands)
Oil and natural gas revenues
 
$
111,623

 
$
(5,200
)
 
$
116,823

Oil and natural gas operating costs
 
32,139

 
(5,200
)
 
37,339

Gross profit
 
$
79,484

 
$

 
$
79,484

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
As Reported
 
Adjustments due to ASC 606
 
Amounts without the Adoption of ASC 606
 
 
(In thousands)
Oil and natural gas revenues
 
$
317,040

 
$
(12,102
)
 
$
329,142

Oil and natural gas operating costs
 
100,519

 
(12,102
)
 
112,621

Gross profit
 
$
216,521

 
$

 
$
216,521


Our performance obligation for all commodity contracts is the delivery of oil and gas volumes to the customer. Typically, the contract is for a specified period (for example, a month or a year); however, each delivery under that contract can be considered separately identifiable since each delivery provides benefits to the customer on its own. For feasibility, as accounting for a monthly performance obligation is not materially different than identifying a more granular performance obligation, we conclude this performance obligation is satisfied monthly. We typically receive a payment within a set number of days following the end of the month which includes payment for all deliveries in that month. Depending on contract circumstances, judgment could be required to determine when the transfer of control occurs. Generally, depending of the facts

12


and circumstances, we consider the transfer of control of the asset in a commodity sale to occur at the point the commodity transfers to our purchaser.

Most of the consideration received by us for oil and gas sales is variable. Most of our contracts state the consideration is calculated by multiplying a variable quantity by an agreed-on index price less deductions related to gathering, transportation, fractionation, and related fuel charges. There are also instances where the consideration is quantity multiplied by a weighted average sales price. These different pricing tools can change the perception of when control transfers; however, when analyzed with other control factors, typically the accounting conclusion is the same for both pricing methods. In these instances, the variable consideration is partially constrained. In addition, all variable consideration is settled at the end of the month; therefore, whether the variability is constrained does not affect accounting for revenue under ASC 606 as the variability is known prior to each reporting period. An estimation and allocation of transaction price and future obligations are not required.

Contract Drilling Contracts, Revenues, Implementation impact to retained earnings, and Performance Obligations

The contracts our drilling segment uses are primarily industry standard IADC contracts model year 2003 and 2013. Contract terms range from six months to three or more years or can be based on terms to drill a specific number of wells. The allocation rules in ASC 606 (called the "series guidance") provide that a contract may contain a single performance obligation composed of a series of distinct goods or services if 1) each distinct good or service is substantially the same and would meet the criteria to be a performance obligation satisfied over time and 2) each distinct good or service is measured using the same method as it relates to the satisfaction of the overall performance obligation. We have determined that the delivery of drilling services is within the scope of the series guidance as both criteria noted above are met. Specifically, 1) each distinct increment of service (i.e. hour available to drill) that the drilling contractor promises to transfer represents a performance obligation that would meet the criteria for recognizing revenue over time, and 2) the drilling contractor would use the same method for measuring progress toward satisfaction of the performance obligation for each distinct increment of service in the series. At inception, the total transaction price will be estimated to include any applicable fixed consideration, unconstrained variable consideration (estimated day rate mobilization and demobilization revenue, estimated operating day rate revenue to be earned over the contract term, expected bonuses (if material and can be reasonably estimated without significant reversal), and penalties (if material and can be reasonably estimated without significant reversal)). Allocation rules under this new standard allow us to recognize revenues associated with our drilling contacts in materially the same manner as under the previous revenue accounting standard. A contract liability will be recorded for consideration received before the corresponding transfer of services. Those liabilities will generally only arise in relation to upfront mobilization fees paid in advance and are allocated/recognized over the entire performance obligation. Such balances will be amortized over the recognition period based on the same method of measure used for revenue. On adoption of the standard, no adjustment to opening retained earnings was required.

Our performance obligation for all drilling contracts is to drill the agreed-on number of wells or drill over an agreed-on period as stated in the contract. Any mobilization and demobilization activities are not considered distinct within the context of the contract and therefore, any associated revenue is allocated to the overall performance obligation of drilling services and recognized ratably over the initial term of the related drilling contract. It typically takes from 10 to 90 days to complete drilling a well; therefore, depending on the number of wells under a contract, the contract term could be up to three years. Most of the drilling contracts are for less than one year. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the company’s performance, and the company’s performance enhances an asset that the customer controls, the performance obligation to drill the well occurs over time. We typically receive payment within a set number of days following the end of the month and that payment includes payment for all services performed during that month (calculated on an hourly basis). The company satisfies its overall performance obligation when the well included in the contract is drilled to an agreed-on depth or by a set date.

All consideration received for contract drilling is variable, excluding termination fees, which we have concluded will not apply to our contracts as of the reporting date. The consideration is calculated by multiplying a variable quantity (number of days/hours) by an agreed-on daily price (for the daily rate, mobilization and demobilization revenue). Other revenue items under the contract may include bonus/penalty revenue, reimbursable revenue, drilling fluid rates, and early termination fees. All variable consideration is not constrained but is settled at the end of the month; therefore, whether the variability is constrained or not does not affect accounting for revenue under ASC 606 as the variability is known before each reporting period excluding certain bonuses/penalties which might be based on activity that occurs over the entire term of the contract. We have evaluated the mobilization and de-mobilization charges on outstanding contracts, however, the impact to the financial statements was immaterial. As of September 30, 2018, we had 34 contract drilling contracts (21 of which are long-term) for a duration of two months to almost three years.


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Under the guidance in relation to disclosures regarding the remaining performance obligations, there is a practical expedient for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less (ASC 606-10-50-14) and for contracts where the entity can recognize revenue as invoiced (ASC 606-10-55-18). The majority of our drilling contracts have an original term of less than one year; however, the remaining performance obligations under the contracts that have a longer duration are not material.

Mid-stream Contracts Revenues, and Implementation impact to retained earnings, and Performance Obligations

Revenues are generated from the fees earned for gas gathering and processing services provided to a customer. The typical revenue contracts used by this segment are gas gathering and processing agreements. Contract terms range from a single month to terms spanning a decade or more, some include evergreen provisions. Fees for mid-stream services (gathering, transportation, processing) are performance obligations and meet the criteria of over time recognition which could be considered a series of distinct performance obligations that represents one overall performance obligation of gas gathering and processing services.

On adoption of the standard, an adjustment to opening retained earnings was made for $1.7 million ($1.3 million, net of tax). This adjustment—related to the timing of revenue recognized on certain demand fees—impacted our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (for the periods indicated) as follows:
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments due to ASC 606
 
Balance at January 1,
 2018
 
 
(In thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
 
$
16,230

 
$
10,798

 
$
27,028

Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of other long-term liabilities
 
13,002

 
2,748

 
15,750

Other long-term liabilities
 
100,203

 
9,737

 
109,940

Deferred income taxes
 
133,477

 
(413
)
 
133,064

Retained earnings
 
799,402

 
(1,274
)
 
798,128


At September 30, 2018:
 
 
As Reported
 
Adjustments due to ASC 606
 
Amounts without the Adoption of ASC 606
 
 
(In thousands)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
$
9,419

 
$
206

 
$
9,213

Other assets
 
28,703

 
12,383

 
16,320

Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current portion of other long-term liabilities
 
14,150

 
2,874

 
11,276

Other long-term liabilities
 
101,410

 
7,731

 
93,679

Deferred income taxes
 
164,964

 
486

 
164,478

Retained earnings
 
830,680

 
1,498

 
829,182



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For the three months ended September 30, 2018:
 
 
As Reported
 
Adjustments due to ASC 606
 
Amounts without the Adoption of ASC 606
 
 
(In thousands)
Gas gathering and processing revenues
 
$
57,823

 
$
1,300

 
$
56,523

Deferred income tax expense
 
6,744

 
318

 
6,426

Net income
 
21,123

 
982

 
20,141


This adjustment related to the timing of revenue recognized on certain demand fees and had the following impact to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statement for the nine months ended September 30, 2018:
 
 
As Reported
 
Adjustments due to ASC 606
 
Amounts without the Adoption of ASC 606
 
 
(In thousands)
Gas gathering and processing revenues
 
$
167,926

 
$
3,671

 
$
164,255

Deferred income tax expense
 
12,380

 
899

 
11,481

Net income
 
37,138

 
2,772

 
34,366


The only fixed consideration related to mid-stream consideration is a demand fee calculated by multiplying an agreed-on price by a fixed number of volumes per month over a specified term in the contract.

Included below is the additional fixed revenue we will earn over the remaining term of the contracts and excludes all variable consideration to be earned with the associated contract.
Contract
Remaining Term of Contract
October - December 2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Total Remaining Impact to Revenue
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Demand fee contracts
4-5 years
$
1,299

$
2,632

$
(3,781
)
$
(3,507
)
$
1,374

$
(1,983
)

Before implementing ASC 606, we immediately recognized the entire demand fee since the fee was payable within the first five years from the effective date of the contract and not over the entire term of the contract. However, as the demand fee does not specifically relate to a distinct performance obligation, under the new standard that amount should now be recognized over the life of the contract. Therefore, the demand fee previously recognized for $1.7 million ($1.3 million, net of tax) was adjusted to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018 and will be recognized over the remaining term of the contract. As this amount is fixed, recognition of the remaining portion will be stable. Besides the demand fee, there were no other contract assets or liabilities (see above for the balance sheet line items where they are reported). For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, $1.3 million and $3.7 million, respectively, was recognized in revenue for these demand fees.
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
January 1,
2018
 
Change
 
 
(In thousands)
Contract assets
 
$
12,589

 
$
10,798

 
$
1,791

Contract liabilities
 
10,605

 
12,485

 
(1,880
)
Contract assets (liabilities), net
 
$
1,984

 
$
(1,687
)
 
$
3,671


Our performance obligations for all contracts is to gather, transport, or process an agreed-on number of volumes as stated in the contract. Typically, the contract will establish a period over which the company will perform the mid-stream services. Certain contracts also include an agreed-on quantity (or an agreed-on minimum quantity) of volumes that the company will deliver or service. The term under mid-stream service contracts is typically five to ten years. Under service contracts, as the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the entity’s performance as the entity performs, the performance obligation to gather, transport, or process occurs over time. We typically receive payment within a set number of

15


days following the end of the month and includes payment for all services performed that month. Our overall performance obligation is satisfied at the end of the contract term.

Most of the consideration received under mid-stream service contracts is variable. The consideration is calculated by multiplying a variable quantity (number of volumes) by an agreed-on price per MCF (commodity fee and the gathering fee). One fixed component of revenue is calculated by multiplying an agreed-on price by a certain volume commitment (MCF per day). Other revenue items may include shortfall fees. All variable consideration is settled at the end of the month; therefore, whether or not the variability is constrained does not affect accounting for revenue under ASC 606 as the variability is known before each reporting period. However, this excludes the shortfall fee as this fee could be based on a set number of volumes over the course of more than one month.

Per the new guidance related to disclosures for remaining performance obligations, there is a practical expedient for contracts with an original expected duration of one year or less (ASC 606-10-50-14). There is also a practical expedient for “variable consideration [that] is allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation… that forms part of a single performance obligation… for which the criteria in paragraph 606-10-32-40 have been met” (ASC 606-10-50-14A). As stated previously, the contract term for mid-stream services is typically longer than one year. However, based on the guidance at 606-10-32-40, we determined some of the variable payment in mid-stream service agreements specifically relates to the entity’s efforts to satisfy the performance obligation and that “allocating the variable amount entirely to the distinct good or service is consistent with the allocation objective in paragraph 606-10-32-28.” Therefore, the practical expedient relates to this variable consideration: the commodity fee and the gathering fee. The last time we received a shortfall fee was in 2016 and the amount was immaterial to total mid-stream revenues. These terms have historically been limited in our contracts.

We calculate revenue earned from the variable consideration related to mid-stream services by multiplying the number of volumes serviced times an agreed-on price. Therefore, the variable portion of this consideration is due to the change in volumes. This variability is resolved at the end of each month as the company will know the number of volumes serviced under each contract and payment is received monthly. The mid-stream gathering service contracts remaining are for a duration of less than one year to 15 years.

While long term service contracts are in place as of the reporting date, due to the variable volumes an estimation and allocation of transaction price and future obligations are not required.

NOTE 3 – DIVESTITURES
    
Divestitures

Oil and Natural Gas

We sold non-core oil and natural gas assets, net of related expenses, for $22.3 million during the first nine months of 2018, compared to $18.0 million during the first nine months of 2017. Proceeds from those sales reduced the net book value of our full cost pool with no gain or loss recognized.

Mid-Stream

On April 3, 2018, we sold 50% of the ownership interest in our mid-stream segment, Superior. The purchaser is SP Investor Holdings, LLC, a holding company jointly owned by OPTrust and funds managed and/or advised by Partners Group, a global private markets investment manager. We received $300.0 million because of this sale. A portion of the proceeds were used to pay down our bank debt and the remainder will accelerate the drilling program of our upstream subsidiary, Unit Petroleum Company, make additional capital investments in the jointly owned Superior, and for general working capital purposes. In connection with the sale of the interest in Superior, we took the necessary actions under the Indenture governing our outstanding senior subordinated notes to secure the ability to close the sale and have Superior released from the Indenture.

Superior will be governed and managed under its Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement and the Master Services and Operating Agreement (MSA) signed by Superior and an affiliate of Unit, as both agreements may be amended occasionally. Further details are in Note 13 – Variable Interest Entity Arrangements.


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NOTE 4 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

Information related to the calculation of earnings per share attributable to Unit Corporation follows:
 
 
Earnings
(Numerator)
 
Weighted
Shares
(Denominator)
 
Per-Share
Amount
 
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)
For the three months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings attributable to Unit Corporation per common share
 
$
18,899

 
52,068

 
$
0.36

Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock
 

 
1,072

 

Diluted earnings attributable to Unit Corporation per common share
 
$
18,899

 
53,140

 
$
0.36

For the three months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings attributable to Unit Corporation per common share
 
$
3,705

 
51,386

 
$
0.07

Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and stock appreciation rights (SARs)
 

 
586

 

Diluted earnings attributable to Unit Corporation per common share
 
$
3,705

 
51,972

 
$
0.07


The following table shows the number of stock options and SARs (and their average exercise price) excluded because their option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Stock options and SARs
 
66,500

 
178,755

Average exercise price
 
$
44.42

 
$
47.75


 
 
Earnings (Loss)
(Numerator)
 
Weighted
Shares
(Denominator)
 
Per-Share
Amount
 
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings attributable to Unit Corporation per common share
 
$
32,552

 
51,951

 
$
0.63

Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock
 

 
808

 
(0.01
)
Diluted earnings attributable to Unit Corporation per common share
 
$
32,552

 
52,759

 
$
0.62

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings attributable to Unit Corporation per common share
 
$
28,693

 
51,019

 
$
0.56

Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted stock, and SARs
 

 
550

 

Diluted earnings attributable to Unit Corporation per common share
 
$
28,693

 
51,569

 
$
0.56


The following table shows the number of stock options and SARs (and their average exercise price) excluded because their option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
Stock options and SARs
 
66,500

 
178,755

Average exercise price
 
$
44.42

 
$
47.75



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NOTE 5 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consisted of:
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Employee costs
 
$
17,880

 
$
19,521

Interest payable
 
17,446

 
6,745

Lease operating expenses
 
11,474

 
11,819

Taxes
 
10,317

 
3,404

Derivative settlements
 
3,383

 

Third-party credits
 
2,099

 
2,240

Other
 
5,144

 
4,794

Total accrued liabilities
 
$
67,743

 
$
48,523

 
NOTE 6 – LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Long-Term Debt

Our long-term debt as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Unit credit agreement with an average interest rate of 3.4% at December 31, 2017
 
$

 
$
178,000

Superior credit agreement
 

 

6.625% senior subordinated notes due 2021
 
650,000

 
650,000

Total principal amount
 
650,000

 
828,000

Less: unamortized discount
 
(1,780
)
 
(2,234
)
Less: debt issuance costs, net
 
(4,299
)
 
(5,490
)
Total long-term debt
 
$
643,921

 
$
820,276


Unit Credit Agreement. On October 18, 2018, we signed a Fifth Amendment to our Senior Credit Agreement (Unit credit agreement) originally scheduled to mature on April 10, 2020. The details of this amendment are discussed in Note 17 – Subsequent Events and have not been incorporated into the discussion of the Unit credit agreement immediately below.

On April 2, 2018, we entered into a fourth amendment to the Unit credit agreement (Fourth Amendment). The Fourth Amendment provided, among other things, for a reduction of the maximum credit amount from $875.0 million to $425.0 million, a reduction in the borrowing base from $475.0 million to $425.0 million, a reduction in the total commitment amount from $475.0 million to $425.0 million; and the full release of Superior and its subsidiaries as a borrower and co-obligor under the Unit credit agreement. Under the amendment, once the sale of the interest in Superior was completed, we had to use part of the proceeds to pay down the Unit credit agreement. The Superior sale closed on April 3, 2018 and the pay down was made that day.

On May 2, 2018, the company signed a Pledge Agreement with BOKF, NA (dba Bank of Oklahoma), as administrative agent to benefit the secured parties, under which we granted a security interest in the limited liability membership interests and other equity interests we own in Superior (which as of this report is 50% of the aggregate outstanding equity interests of Superior) as additional collateral for our obligations under the Unit credit agreement.

We are charged a commitment fee of 0.50% on the amount available but not borrowed. That fee varies based on the amount borrowed as a percentage of the total borrowing base. We paid $1.0 million in previous origination, agency, syndication, and other related fees. We incurred no additional fees related to the fourth amendment. We are amortizing these fees over the life of the Unit credit agreement. Under the Unit credit agreement, we have pledged as collateral 85% of the proved developed producing (discounted as present worth at 8%) total value of our oil and gas properties.


18


The borrowing base amount is subject to redetermination by the lenders on April 1st and October 1st of each year and is based on a percentage of the discounted future value of our oil and natural gas reserves. We or the lenders may request a onetime special redetermination of the borrowing base between each scheduled redetermination. In addition, we may request a redetermination following the completion of an acquisition that meets the requirements in the Unit credit agreement.

At our election, any part of the outstanding debt under the Unit credit agreement can be fixed at a London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). LIBOR interest is computed as the LIBOR base for the term plus 2.00% to 3.00% depending on the level of debt as a percentage of the borrowing base and is payable at the end of each term, or every 90 days, whichever is less. Borrowings not under LIBOR bear interest at the prime rate specified in the Unit credit agreement but in no event less than LIBOR plus 1.00% plus a margin. Interest is payable at the end of each month and the principal may be repaid in whole or in part at any time, without a premium or penalty. At September 30, 2018, we had no outstanding borrowings under the Unit credit agreement.

We can use borrowings for financing general working capital requirements for (a) exploration, development, production, and acquisition of oil and gas properties, (b) acquisitions and operation of mid-stream assets up to certain limits, (c) issuance of standby letters of credit, (d) contract drilling services and acquisition of contract drilling equipment, and (e) general corporate purposes.

The Unit credit agreement prohibits, among other things:

the payment of dividends (other than stock dividends) during any fiscal year over 30% of our consolidated net income for the preceding fiscal year;
the incurrence of additional debt with certain limited exceptions;
the creation or existence of mortgages or liens, other than those in the ordinary course of business and with certain limited exceptions, on any of our properties, except in favor of our lenders; and
investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Unit credit agreement) over $200.0 million.

Effective September 30, 2018, the Unit credit agreement also requires that we have at the end of each quarter:

a current ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of not less than 1 to 1.
a leverage ratio of funded debt to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Unit credit agreement) for the most recently ended rolling four fiscal quarters of no greater than 4 to 1.

As of September 30, 2018, we were in compliance with the Unit credit agreement covenants.

Superior Credit Agreement. On May 10, 2018, Superior signed a five-year, $200.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility with an option to increase the credit amount up to $250.0 million, subject to certain conditions (Superior credit agreement). The amounts borrowed under the Superior credit agreement bear annual interest at a rate, at Superior’s option, equal to (a) LIBOR plus the applicable margin of 2.00% to 3.25% or (b) the alternate base rate (greater of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (ii) the prime rate, and (iii) third day LIBOR plus 1.00%) plus the applicable margin of 1.00% to 2.25%. The obligations under the Superior credit agreement are secured by, among other things, mortgage liens on certain of Superior’s processing plants and gathering systems.

Superior is charged a commitment fee of 0.375% on the amount available but not borrowed which varies based on the amount borrowed as a percentage of the total borrowing base. Superior paid $1.7 million in origination, agency, syndication, and other related fees. These fees are being amortized over the life of the Superior credit agreement.

The Superior credit agreement requires that Superior maintain a Consolidated EBITDA to interest expense ratio for the most-recently ended rolling four quarters of at least 2.50 to 1.00, and a funded debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio of not greater than 4.00 to 1.00. The Superior credit agreement also contains several customary covenants that restrict (subject to certain exceptions) Superior’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create additional liens on its assets, make investments, pay distributions, sign sale and leaseback transactions, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, engage in mergers or consolidations, sign hedging arrangements, and acquire or dispose of assets. As of September 30, 2018, Superior was in compliance with the Superior credit agreement covenants.
 
The borrowings under the Superior credit agreement will fund capital expenditures and acquisitions, provide general working capital, and for letters of credit for Superior.

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On June 27, 2018, Superior and the lenders amended the Superior credit agreement to revise certain definitions in the agreement.

Superior's credit agreement is not guaranteed by Unit.

6.625% Senior Subordinated Notes. We have an aggregate principal amount of $650.0 million, 6.625% senior subordinated notes (the Notes) outstanding. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually (in arrears) on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The Notes mature on May 15, 2021. In issuing the Notes, we incurred fees of $14.7 million that are being amortized as debt issuance cost over the life of the Notes.

The Notes are subject to an Indenture dated as of May 18, 2011, between us and Wilmington Trust, National Association (successor to Wilmington Trust FSB), as Trustee (the Trustee), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 18, 2011, between us, the Guarantors, and the Trustee, and as further supplemented by the Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 7, 2013, between us, the Guarantors, and the Trustee (as supplemented, the 2011 Indenture), establishing the terms of and providing for issuing the Notes. The Guarantors are most of our direct and indirect subsidiaries. The discussion of the Notes in this report is qualified by and subject to the actual terms of the 2011 Indenture.

Unit, as the parent company, has no significant independent assets or operations. The guarantees by the Guarantors of the Notes (registered under registration statements) are full and unconditional, joint and several, subject to certain automatic customary releases, are subject to certain restrictions on the sale, disposition, or transfer of the capital stock or substantially all of the assets of a subsidiary guarantor, and other conditions and terms set out in the 2011 Indenture. Effective April 3, 2018, Superior is no longer a Guarantor of the Notes. Any of our other subsidiaries that are not Guarantors are minor. There are no significant restrictions on our ability to receive funds from any of our subsidiaries through dividends, loans, advances, or otherwise.

We may redeem all or, occasionally, a part of the Notes at certain redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If a “change of control” occurs, subject to certain conditions, we must offer to repurchase from each holder all or any part of that holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The 2011 Indenture contains customary events of default. The 2011 Indenture also contains covenants including those that limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on our capital stock or redeem capital stock or subordinated indebtedness; transfer or sell assets; make investments; incur liens; enter into transactions with our affiliates; and merge or consolidate with other companies. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Notes as of September 30, 2018.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Asset retirement obligation (ARO) liability
 
$
62,727

 
$
69,444

Workers’ compensation
 
12,832

 
13,340

Capital lease obligations
 
12,355

 
15,224

Contract liability
 
10,605

 

Separation benefit plans
 
8,135

 
6,524

Deferred compensation plan
 
5,623

 
5,390

Gas balancing liability
 
3,283

 
3,283

 
 
115,560

 
113,205

Less current portion
 
14,150

 
13,002

Total other long-term liabilities
 
$
101,410

 
$
100,203


Estimated annual principal payments under the terms of our long-term debt and other long-term liabilities during the five successive twelve-month periods beginning October 1, 2018 (and through 2023) are $14.1 million, $43.1 million, $659.8 million, $4.6 million, and $2.3 million, respectively.


20


Capital Leases

In 2014, Superior entered into capital lease agreements for 20 compressors with initial terms of seven years. The underlying assets are included in gas gathering and processing equipment. The $4.0 million current portion of the capital lease obligations is included in current portion of other long-term liabilities and the non-current portion of $8.4 million is included in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018. These capital leases are discounted using annual rates of 4.00%. Total maintenance and interest remaining related to these leases are $4.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively, at September 30, 2018. Annual payments, net of maintenance and interest, average $4.2 million annually through 2021. At the end of the term, Superior has the option to purchase the assets at 10% of their then fair market value.

Future payments required under the capital leases at September 30, 2018 are:
 
 
Amount
Beginning October 1,
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
$
6,195

2019
 
6,195

2020
 
5,322

Total future payments
 
17,712

Less payments related to:
 
 
Maintenance
 
4,601

Interest
 
756

Present value of future minimum payments
 
$
12,355


NOTE 7 – ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

We are required to record the estimated fair value of the liabilities relating to the future retirement of our long-lived assets. Our oil and natural gas wells are plugged and abandoned when the oil and natural gas reserves in those wells are depleted or the wells are no longer able to produce. The plugging and abandonment liability for a well is recorded in the period in which the obligation is incurred (at the time the well is drilled or acquired). None of our assets are restricted for purposes of settling these AROs. All our AROs relate to the plugging costs associated with our oil and gas wells.

The following table shows certain information about our AROs for the periods indicated:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
ARO liability, January 1:
 
$
69,444

 
$
70,170

Accretion of discount
 
1,829

 
2,112

Liability incurred
 
244

 
1,123

Liability settled
 
(3,907
)
 
(1,350
)
Liability sold
 
(105
)
 
(1,563
)
Revision of estimates (1)
 
(4,778
)

4,993

ARO liability, September 30:
 
62,727

 
75,485

Less current portion
 
1,451

 
2,947

Total long-term ARO
 
$
61,276

 
$
72,538

_______________________ 
(1)
Plugging liability estimates were revised in both 2018 and 2017 for updates in the cost of services used to plug wells over the preceding year. We had various upward and downward adjustments.

NOTE 8 – NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The FASB issued ASU 2018-13 to modify the disclosure requirements in Topic 820. Part of the disclosures were

21


removed or modified and other disclosures were added. The amendment will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Also it is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosure and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. This amendment will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The FASB issued ASU 2018-07, to improve financial reporting for nonemployee share-based payments. The amendment expands Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods or services. The amendment will be effective for years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those years. This amendment will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Income Taxes - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05 which updates the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification to reflect the guidance in SAB 118, which adds Section EE, “Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” to SAB Topic 5, “Miscellaneous Accounting.” SAB 118 also provides guidance on applying ASC 740, Income Taxes, if the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is incomplete when the financial statements are issued for a reporting period.

Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The FASB issued ASU 2017-04, to simplify the measurement of goodwill. The amendment eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendment will be effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. This amendment will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Leases. The FASB has issued several accounting standards updates and amendments related to leases in the past two years, which are codified within Topic 842. For public companies, these are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The standard requires lessees to recognize at the commencement date of a lease a lease liability, which represents the lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which represents the lessee's right to use a specified asset for the lease term. Other recently issued amendments to Topic 842 have provided clarifying guidance regarding land easements, an additional modified retrospective transition method, and added several practical expedients to apply Topic 842 for both lessees and lessors. The standard will not apply to leases of mineral rights.

We have an implementation team working through the provisions of the new guidance including a review of different types of contracts to document our lease portfolio and assess the impact on our accounting, disclosures, processes, internal control over financial reporting, and the election of certain practical expedients. Our evaluation of the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements is on-going.

We have made certain accounting policy decisions including that we plan to adopt the short-term lease recognition exemption, accounting for certain asset classes at a portfolio level, and establishing a balance sheet recognition capitalization threshold. Our transition will utilize the modified retrospective approach to adopting the new standard, and will be applied at the beginning of the period adopted (January 1, 2019) in accordance with ASU 2018-11. We expect to elect the transition practical expedient, which allows us to not evaluate land easements that existed prior to January 1, 2019, and the optional transition method to record the adoption impact through a cumulative adjustment to equity. We expect for certain lessee asset classes to elect the practical expedient and not separate lease and nonlease components. For these asset classes, we will account for the agreements as a single lease component.

We expect for certain lessor asset classes to elect the practical expedient and not separate lease and nonlease components and determine the appropriate accounting based on the predominate component of the contract. The assessment of predominance is ongoing.

We anticipate a material impact to the balance sheet across segments as we recognize Right of Use assets and liabilities but no material impact to the income statement (from the lessee's perspective). The assessment of the dollar value impact of adoption is on-going.

Adopted Standards

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The FASB issued ASU 2018-02, an amendment which provides financial statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within AOCI to retained earnings caused by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Organizations should apply the

22


proposed amendments either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. We adopted this amendment early and it had no material effect to our financial statements. We previously used 37.75% to calculate the tax effect on AOCI and now we are using 24.5%. The change is reflected in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and in Note 14 - Equity.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606. This new revenue standard provides for a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is to be recognized. The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. Under the standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We applied the five-step method outlined in the ASU to all our revenue streams in the scope of ASC 606 and elected the modified retrospective approach method. Under that approach the cumulative effect on adoption is recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018. Only our mid-stream segment was affected. This adjustment related to the timing of revenue on certain demand fees. Both our oil and natural gas and contract drilling segments had no retained earnings adjustment. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under ASC 605.

The additional disclosures required by ASC 606 have been included in Note 2 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Our internal control framework did not materially change because of this standard, but the existing internal controls have been modified to consider our new revenue recognition policy effective January 1, 2018. As we implement the new standard, we have added internal controls to ensure that we adequately evaluate new contracts under the five-step model under ASU 2014-09.

NOTE 9 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

For restricted stock awards and stock options, we had:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In millions)
Recognized stock compensation expense
 
$
4.1

 
$
3.2

 
$
13.6

 
$
9.0

Capitalized stock compensation cost for our oil and natural gas properties
 
0.6

 
0.5

 
1.6

 
1.3

Tax benefit on stock-based compensation
 
1.0

 
1.2

 
3.3

 
3.4


The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards at September 30, 2018 is approximately $19.0 million, of which $2.4 million is anticipated to be capitalized. The weighted average period over which this cost will be recognized is 1.0 year.

Our Second Amended and Restated Unit Corporation Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan effective May 6, 2015 (the amended plan) allows us to grant stock-based and cash-based compensation to our employees (including employees of subsidiaries) and to non-employee directors. 7,230,000 shares of the company's common stock are authorized for issuance to eligible participants under the amended plan with 2,000,000 shares being the maximum number of shares that can be issued as "incentive stock options."


23


We granted no SARs or stock options during either of the three or nine month periods ending September 30, 2018 or 2017. We did not grant any restricted stock awards during either of the three month periods ending September 30, 2018 or 2017. This table shows the fair value of restricted stock awards granted to employees and non-employee directors during the periods indicated:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
September 30, 2017
 
 
Time
Vested
 
Performance Vested
 
Time
Vested
 
Performance Vested
Shares granted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employees
 
844,498

 
362,070

 
475,799

 
173,373

Non-employee directors
 
44,312

 

 
49,104

 

 
 
888,810

 
362,070

 
524,903

 
173,373

Estimated fair value (in millions):(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employees
 
$
16.2

 
$
7.3

 
$
11.8

 
$
4.5

Non-employee directors
 
0.9

 

 
0.9

 

 
 
$
17.1

 
$
7.3

 
$
12.7

 
$
4.5

Percentage of shares granted expected to be distributed:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Employees
 
95
%
 
74
%
 
95
%
 
91
%
Non-employee directors
 
100
%
 
N/A

 
100
%
 
N/A

_______________________
(1)
The performance shares represent 100% of the grant date fair value. (We recognize the grant date fair value minus estimated forfeitures.)

The time vested restricted stock awards granted during the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 are being recognized over a three-year vesting period. During the first quarter of 2018 and 2017, two performance vested restricted stock awards were granted to certain executive officers. The first will cliff vest three years from the grant date based on the company's achievement of certain stock performance measures (TSR) at the end of the term and will range from 0% to 200% of the restricted shares granted as performance shares. The second will vest, one-third each year, over a three-year vesting period subject to the company's achievement of cash flow to total assets (CFTA) performance measurement each year and will range from 0% to 200%. Based on a probability assessment of the selected TSR performance criteria at September 30, 2018, the participants are estimated to receive 49% of the 2018, 92% of the 2017, and 170% of the 2016 performance-based shares. The CFTA performance measurement at September 30, 2018 was assessed to vest at target or 100%. The total aggregate stock compensation expense and capitalized cost related to oil and natural gas properties for 2018 awards for the first nine months of 2018 was $7.5 million.

NOTE 10 – DERIVATIVES

Commodity Derivatives

We have signed various types of derivative transactions covering some of our projected natural gas and oil production. These transactions are intended to reduce our exposure to market price volatility by setting the price(s) we will receive for that production. Our decisions on the price(s), type, and quantity of our production subject to a derivative contract are based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions. As of September 30, 2018, these hedges made up our derivative transactions:

Swaps. We receive or pay a fixed price for the commodity and pay or receive a floating market price to the counterparty. The fixed-price payment and the floating-price payment are netted, resulting in a net amount due to or from the counterparty.

Basis/Differential Swaps. We receive or pay the NYMEX settlement value plus or minus a fixed delivery point price for the commodity and pay or receive the published index price at the specified delivery point. We use basis/differential swaps to hedge the price risk between NYMEX and its physical delivery points.


24


Collars. A collar contains a fixed floor price (put) and a ceiling price (call). If the market price exceeds the call strike price or falls below the put strike price, we receive the fixed price and pay the market price. If the market price is between the call and the put strike price, no payments are due from either party.

Three-way collars. A three-way collar contains a fixed floor price (long put), fixed subfloor price (short put), and a fixed ceiling price (short call). If the market price exceeds the ceiling strike price, we receive the ceiling strike price and pay the market price. If the market price is between the ceiling and the floor strike price, no payments are due from either party. If the market price is below the floor price but above the subfloor price, we receive the floor strike price and pay the market price. If the market price is below the subfloor price, we receive the market price plus the difference between the floor and subfloor strike prices and pay the market price.

We have documented policies and procedures to monitor and control the use of derivative transactions. We do not engage in derivative transactions not otherwise tied to our projected production. Any changes in the fair value of our derivative transactions before maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported in gain (loss) on derivatives in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements.

At September 30, 2018, these derivatives were outstanding:
Term
 
Commodity
 
Contracted Volume
 
Weighted Average 
Fixed Price
 
Contracted Market
Oct'18
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.005
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Nov’18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.013
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.810
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Oct'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.190)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.678)
 
PEPL
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.568)
 
NGPL MIDCON
Nov’18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.208)
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.659)
 
PEPL
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.625)
 
NGL MIDCON
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.265)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Jan'20 – Dec'20
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.275)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – three-way collar
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.00 - $2.50 - $3.51
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – swap
 
4,000 Bbl/day
 
$53.52
 
WTI – NYMEX
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – price differential risk
 
500 Bbl/day
 
$7.00
 
LLS/WTI
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – three-way collar
 
2,000 Bbl/day
 
$47.50 - $37.50 - $56.08
 
WTI – NYMEX
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Crude oil – three-way collar
 
4,000 Bbl/day
 
$61.25 - $51.25 - $72.93
 
WTI – NYMEX

After September 30, 2018, the following derivatives were entered into:
Term
 
Commodity
 
Contracted Volume
 
Weighted Average 
Fixed Price
 
Contracted Market
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.850
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – collar
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.63 - $3.03
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Mar'19
 
Natural gas – three-way collar
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.00 - $2.75 - $4.35
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)


25


The following tables present the fair values and locations of the derivative transactions recorded in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
 
 
 
Derivative Assets
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Commodity derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
Current derivative asset
 
$

 
$
721

Long-term
 
Non-current derivative asset
 

 

Total derivative assets
 
 
 
$

 
$
721

 
 
 
 
Derivative Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31,
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Commodity derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current
 
Current derivative liability
 
$
13,067

 
$
7,763

Long-term
 
Non-current derivative liability
 
1,542

 

Total derivative liabilities
 
 
 
$
14,609

 
$
7,763


All our counterparties are subject to master netting arrangements. If we have a legal right of set-off, we net the value of the derivative transactions we have with the same counterparty in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Following is the effect of derivative instruments on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements for the three months ended September 30:
Derivatives Instruments
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain 
(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Commodity derivatives
 
Loss on derivatives (1)
 
$
(4,385
)
 
$
(2,614
)
Total
 
 
 
$
(4,385
)
 
$
(2,614
)
_______________________
(1)
Amounts settled during the 2018 and 2017 periods include net payments of $9.1 million and net proceeds of $0.8 million, respectively.

Following is the effect of derivative instruments on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements for the nine months ended September 30:
Derivatives Instruments
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Commodity derivatives
 
Gain (loss) on derivatives (1)
 
$
(25,608
)
 
$
21,019

Total
 
 
 
$
(25,608
)
 
$
21,019

_______________________
(1)
Amounts settled during the 2018 and 2017 periods include net payments of $18.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively.


26


NOTE 11 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The estimated fair value of our available-for-sale securities, reflected on our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as Non-current other assets, is based on market quotes. The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities:

 
 
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
(In thousands)
Equity Securities:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
$
830

 
$

 
$
137

 
$
693

December 31, 2017
 
$
830

 
$
102

 
$

 
$
932


During the second quarter of 2017, we received available-for-sale securities for early termination fees associated with a long-term drilling contract. We will evaluate the marketability of those equity securities to determine if any decline in fair value below cost is other-than-temporary. If a decline in fair value below cost is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge will be recorded, and a new cost basis established. We will review several factors to determine whether a loss is other-than-temporary. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) the time a security is in an unrealized loss position, (ii) the extent to which fair value is less than cost, (iii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (iv) our intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid for transferring a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (in either case, an exit price). To estimate an exit price, a three-level hierarchy is used prioritizing the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels with the highest priority given to Level 1 and the lowest priority given to Level 3. The levels are summarized as follows:

Level 1—unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2—significant observable pricing inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Essentially, inputs (variables used in the pricing models) that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3—generally unobservable inputs developed based on the best information available and may include our own internal data.

The inputs available to us determine the valuation technique we use to measure the fair values of our financial instruments.


27


The following tables set forth our recurring fair value measurements:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Effect
of Netting
 
Net Amounts Presented
 
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets (liabilities):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
$

 
$
1,282

 
$
88

 
$
(1,370
)
 
$

Liabilities
 

 
(8,372
)
 
(7,607
)
 
1,370

 
(14,609
)
Total commodity derivatives
 

 
(7,090
)
 
(7,519
)
 

 
(14,609
)
Equity securities
 
693

 

 

 

 
693

 
 
$
693

 
$
(7,090
)
 
$
(7,519
)
 
$

 
$
(13,916
)
 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Effect
of Netting
 
Net Amounts Presented
 
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets (liabilities):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
$

 
$
2,137

 
$
3,344

 
$
(4,760
)
 
$
721

Liabilities
 

 
(8,973
)
 
(3,550
)
 
4,760

 
(7,763
)
Total commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
(6,836
)
 
$
(206
)
 
$

 
$
(7,042
)
Equity securities
 
932

 

 

 

 
932

 
 
$
932

 
$
(6,836
)
 
$
(206
)
 
$

 
$
(6,110
)

All our counterparties are subject to master netting arrangements. If a legal right of set-off exists, we net the value of the derivative transactions we have with the same counterparty. We are not required to post cash collateral with our counterparties and no collateral has been posted as of September 30, 2018.

We used the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair values of the assets and liabilities in the table above. There were no transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 financial assets (liabilities).

Level 1 Fair Value Measurements

Equity Securities. We measure the fair values of our available for sale securities based on market quotes.

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements

Commodity Derivatives. We measure the fair values of our crude oil and natural gas swaps using estimated internal discounted cash flow calculations based on the NYMEX futures index.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Commodity Derivatives. The fair values of our natural gas and crude oil collars and three-way collars are estimated using internal discounted cash flow calculations based on forward price curves, quotes obtained from brokers for contracts with similar terms, or quotes obtained from counterparties to the agreements.


28


The following table is a reconciliation of our level 3 fair value measurements: 
 
 
Net Derivatives
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Beginning of period
 
$
(6,135
)
 
$
4,093

 
$
(206
)
 
$
(7,122
)
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings (1)
 
(3,700
)
 
(2,015
)
 
(12,324
)
 
9,102

Settlements
 
2,316

 
(592
)
 
5,011

 
(494
)
End of period
 
$
(7,519
)
 
$
1,486

 
$
(7,519
)
 
$
1,486

Total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gain relating to assets still held at end of period
 
$
(1,384
)
 
$
(2,607
)
 
$
(7,313
)
 
$
8,608

_______________________
(1)
Commodity derivatives are reported in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements in gain (loss) on derivatives.

The following table provides quantitative information about our Level 3 unobservable inputs at September 30, 2018:
Commodity (1)
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
 
Range
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil three-way collars
 
$
(7,607
)
 
Discounted cash flow
 
Forward commodity price curve
 
$0 - $17.65
Natural gas three-way collars
 
$
88

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Forward commodity price curve
 
$0 - $0.12
 _______________________
(1)
The commodity contracts detailed in this category include non-exchange-traded crude oil and natural gas three-way collars that are valued based on NYMEX. The forward pricing range represents the low and high price expected to be paid or received within the settlement period.

Our valuation at September 30, 2018 reflected that the risk of non-performance was immaterial.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

This disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments is made under accounting guidance for financial instruments. We have determined the estimated fair values by using market information and valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Using different market assumptions or valuation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

At September 30, 2018, the carrying values on the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents (composed of bank and money market accounts - classified as Level 1), accounts receivable, accounts payable, other current assets, and current liabilities approximate their fair value because of their short-term nature.

Based on the borrowing rates available to us for credit agreement debt with similar terms and maturities and considering the risk of our non-performance, long-term debt under our credit agreements approximate their fair value and at September 30, 2018 we did not have any outstanding borrowings under either the Unit or Superior credit agreement. Borrowings from our Unit credit agreement at December 31, 2017 were $178.0 million. These borrowings would be classified as Level 2.

The carrying amounts of long-term debt associated with the Notes, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, reported in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were $643.9 million and $642.3 million, respectively. We estimate the fair value of the Notes using quoted marked prices at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 was $655.5 million and $649.7 million, respectively. The Notes would be classified as Level 2.

Fair Value of Non-Financial Instruments

The initial measurement of AROs at fair value is calculated using discounted cash flow techniques and based on internal estimates of future retirement costs associated with property, plant, and equipment. Significant Level 3 inputs used in the

29


calculation of AROs include plugging costs and remaining reserve lives. A reconciliation of the company’s AROs is presented in Note 7 – Asset Retirement Obligations.

NOTE 12 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We lease office space or yards in Edmond and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Houston, Texas; Englewood, Colorado; Pinedale, Wyoming; and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania under the terms of operating leases expiring through December 2021. We own our corporate headquarters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We also have several compressor rentals, equipment leases, and lease space on short-term commitments to stack excess drilling rig equipment and production inventory. Future minimum rental payments under the terms of the leases are approximately $5.1 million, $2.1 million, $0.6 million, and less than $0.1 million in twelve-month periods beginning October 1, 2018 (and through 2021), respectively. Total rent expense incurred was $7.2 million and $6.4 million for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

In 2014, Superior signed capital lease agreements for 20 compressors with initial terms of seven years. Estimated annual capital lease payments under the terms during the four successive twelve-month periods beginning October 1, 2018 (and through the end of 2021) are $6.2 million, $6.2 million, and $5.3 million. Total maintenance and interest remaining related to these leases are $4.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively at September 30, 2018. Annual payments, net of maintenance and interest, average $4.2 million annually through 2021. At the end of the term, Superior has the option to purchase the assets at 10% of their then fair market value.

The employee oil and gas limited partnerships require, on the election of a limited partner, that we repurchase the limited partner’s interest at amounts to be determined by appraisal. In any one year, these repurchases are limited to 20% of the units outstanding. We made repurchases of approximately $1,700 and $2,900 in the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

We manage our exposure to environmental liabilities on properties to be acquired by identifying existing problems and assessing the potential liability. We also conduct periodic reviews, on a company-wide basis, to identify changes in our environmental risk profile. These reviews evaluate whether there is a probable liability, its amount, and the likelihood that the liability will be incurred. Any potential liability is determined by considering, among other matters, incremental direct costs of any likely remediation and the proportionate cost of employees expected to devote significant time directly to any possible remediation effort. As it relates to evaluations of purchased properties, depending on the extent of an identified environmental problem, we may exclude a property from the acquisition, require the seller to remediate the property to our satisfaction, or agree to assume liability for the remediation of the property.

We have not historically experienced any environmental liability while being a contract driller since the greatest portion of risk is borne by the operator. Any liabilities we have incurred have been small and have been resolved while the drilling rig is on the location and the cost has been included in the direct cost of drilling the well.

During the second quarter of 2018, as part of the Superior transaction, we entered into a contractual obligation that commits us to spend $150.0 million to drill wells in the Granite Wash/Buffalo Wallow area over three years starting January 1, 2019. This amount is already included in our drilling plan. For each dollar of the $150.0 million that we do not spend (over the three year period), we would forgo receiving $0.58 of future distributions from our 50% ownership interest in our consolidated mid-stream subsidiary. If we elected not to drill or spend any money in the designated area over the three year period, the maximum amount we could forgo from distributions would be $87.0 million.

For the next twelve months, we have committed to purchase approximately $10.1 million of new drilling rig components.

NOTE 13 – VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY ARRANGEMENTS

On April 3, 2018 we sold 50% of the ownership interest in Superior. The 50% interest in Superior we sold was acquired by SP Investor Holdings, LLC, a holding company jointly owned by OPTrust and funds managed and/or advised by Partners Group, a global private markets investment manager. Superior will be governed and managed under the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement and the MSA. The MSA is between our affiliate, SPC Midstream Operating, L.L.C. (the Operator) and Superior. The Operator is owned 100% by Unit Corporation. Under the guidance in ASC 810, Consolidation, we have determined that Superior is a VIE. The two variable interests applicable to Unit include the 50% equity investment in Superior and the MSA. The MSA houses the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Superior's operating performance. The MSA is a separate variable interest. Unit through the MSA has the power to direct Superior’s most significant activities; reciprocally the equity investors lack the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. Because of this, Unit is considered the primary beneficiary. There have been no changes to the primary beneficiary during the quarter ended September 30, 2018.

30


As the primary beneficiary of this VIE, we consolidate in the financial statements the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of this VIE, and all intercompany balances and transactions between us and the VIE are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Cash distributions of income, net of agreed on expenses, and estimated expenses are allocated to the equity owners as specified in the relevant agreements.

On the sale or liquidation of Superior, distributions would occur in the order and priority specified in the relevant agreements.

As the Operator, we provide services, such as operations and maintenance support, accounting, legal, and human resources to Superior for a monthly service fee of $250,000. Superior's creditors have no recourse to our general credit. Superior's credit agreement is not guaranteed by Unit. The obligations under Superior's credit agreement are secured by, among other things, mortgage liens on certain of Superior’s processing plants and gathering systems.

The carrying value of Superior's assets and liabilities, after eliminations of any intercompany transactions and balances, in the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
 
 
September 30,
2018
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
9,039

Accounts receivable
 
29,991

Prepaid expenses and other
 
2,756

Total current assets
 
41,786

Property and equipment:
 
 
Gas gathering and processing equipment
 
751,715

Transportation equipment
 
3,064

 
 
754,779

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization, and impairment
 
353,476

Net property and equipment
 
401,303

Other assets
 
15,411

Total assets
 
$
458,500

 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
28,183

Accrued liabilities
 
3,574

Current portion of other long-term liabilities
 
6,836

Total current liabilities
 
38,593

Long-term debt less debt issuance costs
 

Other long-term liabilities
 
16,126

Total liabilities
 
$
54,719


NOTE 14 – EQUITY

At-the-Market (ATM) Common Stock Program 

On April 4, 2017, we signed a Distribution Agreement (the Agreement) with a sales agent, under which we could offer and sell, from time to time, through the sales agent shares of our common stock, par value $.20 per share (the Shares), up to an aggregate offering price of $100.0 million. Net proceeds from any of these sales could be used to fund (or offset costs of) acquisitions, future capital expenditures, repay amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility, and general corporate purposes.

31


On May 2, 2018, we terminated the Distribution Agreement. The Distribution Agreement was terminable at will on written notification by us with no penalty. As of the date of termination, we had sold 787,547 shares of our common stock under the Distribution Agreement resulting in net proceeds of approximately $18.6 million. We paid the sales agent a commission of 2.0% of the gross sales price per share sold. As a result of the termination, there will be no more sales of our common stock under the Distribution Agreement.
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows for the three months ended September 30:
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Unrealized appreciation on securities, before tax
 
$
(51
)
 
$
53

Tax benefit (expense)
 
13

(1) 
(20
)
Unrealized appreciation on securities, net of tax
 
$
(38
)
 
$
33

_______________________
(1)
Due to the implementation of ASU 2018-02, the tax rate changed from 37.75% to 24.5%.

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the three months ended September 30 are as follows:
 
 
Net Gains on Equity Securities
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Balance at June 30:
 
$
(65
)
 
$
20

Unrealized appreciation (loss) before reclassifications
 
(38
)
(1) 
33

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(38
)
 
33

Balance at September 30:
 
$
(103
)
 
$
53

_______________________
(1)
Due to the implementation of ASU 2018-02, the tax rate changed from 37.75% to 24.5%.

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows for the nine months ended September 30:
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Unrealized appreciation (loss) on securities, before tax
 
$
(239
)
 
$
85

Tax benefit (expense)
 
60

(1) 
(32
)
Unrealized appreciation (loss) on securities, net of tax
 
$
(179
)
 
$
53

_______________________
(1)
Due to the implementation of ASU 2018-02, the tax rate changed from 37.75% to 24.5%.


32


Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of tax, for the nine months ended September 30 are as follows:
 
 
Net Gains on Equity Securities
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2017
 
$
63

 
$

Adjustment due to ASU 2018-02
 
13

(1) 

Balance at January 1:
 
76

 

Unrealized appreciation (loss) before reclassifications
 
(179
)
(1) 
53

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 

 

Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(179
)
 
53

Balance at September 30:
 
$
(103
)
 
$
53

_______________________
(1)
Due to the implementation of ASU 2018-02, the tax rate changed from 37.75% to 24.5%.

NOTE 15 – INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have three main business segments offering different products and services within the energy industry:
 
Oil and natural gas,
Contract drilling, and
Mid-stream

Our oil and natural gas segment is engaged in the acquisition, development, and production of oil, NGLs, and natural gas properties. The contract drilling segment is engaged in the land contract drilling of oil and natural gas wells and the mid-stream segment is engaged in the buying, selling, gathering, processing, and treating of natural gas and NGLs.

We evaluate each segment’s performance based on its operating income, which is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses and depreciation, depletion, amortization, and impairment. We have no oil and natural gas production outside the United States.


33


The following tables provide certain information about the operations of each of our segments:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Oil and Natural Gas
 
Contract Drilling
 
Mid-stream
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Total Consolidated
 
 
(In thousands)
Revenues: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
$
111,623

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
111,623

Contract drilling
 

 
58,012

 

 

 
(7,400
)
 
50,612

Gas gathering and processing
 

 

 
82,882

 

 
(25,059
)
 
57,823

Total revenues
 
111,623

 
58,012

 
82,882

 

 
(32,459
)
 
220,058

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
33,400

 

 

 

 
(1,261
)
 
32,139

Contract drilling
 

 
38,246

 

 

 
(6,214
)
 
32,032

Gas gathering and processing
 

 

 
66,932

 
3,808

 
(27,606
)
 
43,134

Total operating costs
 
33,400

 
38,246

 
66,932

 
3,808

 
(35,081
)
 
107,305

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
35,460

 
14,889

 
11,265

 
1,923

 

 
63,537

Total expenses
 
68,860

 
53,135

 
78,197

 
5,731

 
(35,081
)
 
170,842

General and administrative
 

 

 

 
9,278

 

 
9,278

Gain on disposition of assets
 
(7
)
 
(230
)
 
(16
)
 

 

 
(253
)
Income (loss) from operations
 
42,770

 
5,107

 
4,701

 
(15,009
)
 
2,622

 
40,191

Loss on derivatives
 

 

 

 
(4,385
)
 

 
(4,385
)
Interest, net
 

 

 
(381
)
 
(7,564
)
 

 
(7,945
)
Other
 

 

 

 
3,814

 
(3,808
)
 
6

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
42,770

 
$
5,107

 
$
4,320

 
$
(23,144
)
 
$
(1,186
)
 
$
27,867

_______________________
(1)
The revenues for oil and natural gas occur at a point in time. The revenues for contract drilling and gas gathering and processing occur over time.


34


 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Oil and Natural Gas
 
Contract Drilling
 
Mid-stream
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Total Consolidated
 
 
(In thousands)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
$
85,470

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
85,470

Contract drilling
 

 
55,588

 

 

 
(3,969
)
 
51,619

Gas gathering and processing
 

 

 
69,057

 

 
(17,658
)
 
51,399

Total revenues
 
85,470

 
55,588

 
69,057

 

 
(21,627
)
 
188,488

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
35,082

 

 

 

 
(1,171
)
 
33,911

Contract drilling
 

 
38,115

 

 

 
(3,368
)
 
34,747

Gas gathering and processing
 

 

 
54,602

 

 
(16,486
)
 
38,116

Total operating costs
 
35,082

 
38,115

 
54,602

 

 
(21,025
)
 
106,774

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
26,460

 
15,280

 
10,880

 
1,913

 

 
54,533

Total expenses
 
61,542

 
53,395

 
65,482

 
1,913

 
(21,025
)
 
161,307

General and administrative expense
 

 

 

 
9,235

 

 
9,235

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
 
1

 
(68
)
 
(14
)
 

 

 
(81
)
Income (loss) from operations
 
23,927

 
2,261

 
3,589

 
(11,148
)
 
(602
)
 
18,027

Loss on derivatives
 

 

 

 
(2,614
)
 

 
(2,614
)
Interest, net
 

 

 

 
(9,944
)
 

 
(9,944
)
Other
 

 

 

 
5

 

 
5

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
23,927

 
$
2,261

 
$
3,589

 
$
(23,701
)
 
$
(602
)
 
$
5,474



35


 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
 
Oil and Natural Gas
 
Contract Drilling
 
Mid-stream
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Total Consolidated
 
 
(In thousands)
Revenues: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
$
317,040

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
317,040

Contract drilling
 

 
161,489

 

 

 
(17,962
)
 
143,527

Gas gathering and processing
 

 

 
232,938

 

 
(65,012
)
 
167,926

Total revenues
 
317,040

 
161,489

 
232,938

 

 
(82,974
)
 
628,493

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
104,234

 

 

 

 
(3,715
)
 
100,519

Contract drilling
 

 
111,121

 

 

 
(15,528
)
 
95,593

Gas gathering and processing
 

 

 
185,738

 
7,384

 
(68,681
)
 
124,441

Total operating costs
 
104,234

 
111,121

 
185,738

 
7,384

 
(87,924
)
 
320,553

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
97,797

 
41,927

 
33,493

 
5,759

 

 
178,976

Total expenses
 
202,031

 
153,048

 
219,231

 
13,143

 
(87,924
)
 
499,529

General and administrative expense
 

 

 

 
28,752

 

 
28,752

Gain on disposition of assets
 
(136
)
 
(314
)
 
(95
)
 
(30
)
 

 
(575
)
Income (loss) from operations
 
115,145

 
8,755

 
13,802

 
(41,865
)
 
4,950

 
100,787

Loss on derivatives
 

 

 

 
(25,608
)
 

 
(25,608
)
Interest, net
 

 

 
(834
)
 
(24,844
)
 

 
(25,678
)
Other
 

 

 

 
7,401

 
(7,384
)
 
17

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
115,145

 
$
8,755

 
$
12,968

 
$
(84,916
)
 
$
(2,434
)
 
$
49,518

_______________________
(1)
The revenues for oil and natural gas occur at a point in time. The revenues for contract drilling and gas gathering and processing occur over time.


36


 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
 
Oil and Natural Gas
 
Contract Drilling
 
Mid-stream
 
Other
 
Eliminations
 
Total Consolidated
 
 
(In thousands)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
$
256,241

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
256,241

Contract drilling
 

 
137,617

 

 

 
(9,558
)
 
128,059

Gas gathering and processing
 

 

 
198,632

 

 
(48,139
)
 
150,493

Total revenues
 
256,241

 
137,617

 
198,632

 

 
(57,697
)
 
534,793

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas
 
99,349

 

 

 

 
(3,476
)
 
95,873

Contract drilling
 

 
99,794

 

 

 
(8,581
)
 
91,213

Gas gathering and processing
 

 

 
156,525

 

 
(44,663
)
 
111,862

Total operating costs
 
99,349

 
99,794

 
156,525

 

 
(56,720
)
 
298,948

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
71,544

 
41,896

 
32,547

 
5,558

 

 
151,545

Total expenses
 
170,893

 
141,690

 
189,072

 
5,558

 
(56,720
)
 
450,493

General and administrative expense
 

 

 

 
26,902

 

 
26,902

Gain on disposition of assets
 
(176
)
 
(106
)
 
(58
)
 
(813
)
 

 
(1,153
)
Income (loss) from operations
 
85,524

 
(3,967
)
 
9,618

 
(31,647
)
 
(977
)
 
58,551

Gain on derivatives
 

 

 

 
21,019

 

 
21,019

Interest, net
 

 

 

 
(28,807
)
 

 
(28,807
)
Other
 

 

 

 
14

 

 
14

Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
85,524

 
$
(3,967
)
 
$
9,618

 
$
(39,421
)
 
$
(977
)
 
$
50,777


NOTE 16 – SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION

We have no significant assets or operations other than our investments in our subsidiaries. Our wholly owned subsidiaries are the guarantors of our Notes. On April 3, 2018, we sold 50% of the ownership interest in our mid-stream segment, Superior and that company and its subsidiaries are no longer guarantors of the Notes. Instead of providing separate financial statements for each subsidiary issuer and guarantor, we have included the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidating financial statements based on Rule 3-10 of the SEC's Regulation S-X.

For purposes of the following footnote:

we are referred to as "Parent",
the direct subsidiaries are 100% owned by the Parent and the guarantee is full and unconditional and joint and several and referred to as "Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries", and
Superior and its subsidiaries and the Operator are referred to as "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries."

The following unaudited supplemental condensed consolidating financial information reflects the Parent's separate accounts, the combined accounts of the Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries', the combined accounts of the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries', the combined consolidating adjustments and eliminations, and the Parent's consolidated amounts for the periods indicated.

37


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
 
September 30, 2018
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
82,267

 
$
251

 
$
9,039

 
$

 
$
91,557

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,450 (Guarantor of $1,245 and Non-Guarantor of $1,205)
1,374

 
92,078

 
28,671

 

 
122,123

Materials and supplies

 
505

 

 

 
505

Current derivative asset

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other
3,125

 
3,538

 
2,756

 

 
9,419

Total current assets
86,766

 
96,372

 
40,466

 

 
223,604

Property and equipment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas properties on the full cost method:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved properties

 
5,901,661

 

 

 
5,901,661

Unproved properties not being amortized

 
332,886

 

 

 
332,886

Drilling equipment

 
1,632,540

 

 

 
1,632,540

Gas gathering and processing equipment

 

 
751,715

 

 
751,715

Saltwater disposal systems

 
67,074

 

 

 
67,074

Corporate land and building

 
59,081

 

 

 
59,081

Transportation equipment
9,273

 
16,766

 
3,064

 

 
29,103

Other
28,506

 
28,244

 

 

 
56,750

 
37,779

 
8,038,252

 
754,779

 

 
8,830,810

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization, and impairment
25,922

 
5,945,762

 
353,476

 

 
6,325,160

Net property and equipment
11,857

 
2,092,490

 
401,303

 

 
2,505,650

Intercompany receivable
907,907

 

 

 
(907,907
)
 

Goodwill

 
62,808

 

 

 
62,808

Investments
1,248,309

 
1,500

 

 
(1,248,309
)
 
1,500

Other assets
5,605

 
6,186

 
15,412

 

 
27,203

Total assets
$
2,260,444

 
$
2,259,356

 
$
457,181

 
$
(2,156,216
)
 
$
2,820,765



38


 
September 30, 2018
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
28,116

 
$
90,543

 
$
24,893

 
$

 
$
143,552

Accrued liabilities
36,444

 
26,583

 
4,716

 

 
67,743

Income taxes payable
1,051

 

 

 

 
1,051

Current derivative liability
13,067

 

 

 

 
13,067

Current portion of other long-term liabilities
966

 
6,348

 
6,836

 

 
14,150

Total current liabilities
79,644

 
123,474

 
36,445

 

 
239,563

Intercompany debt

 
906,296

 
1,086

 
(907,382
)
 

Bonds payable less debt issuance costs
643,921

 

 

 

 
643,921

Non-current derivative liabilities
1,542

 

 

 

 
1,542

Other long-term liabilities
12,790

 
72,494

 
16,126

 

 
101,410

Deferred income taxes
54,707

 
110,257

 

 

 
164,964

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.20 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized, 54,063,705 shares issued
10,414

 

 

 

 
10,414

Capital in excess of par value
626,746

 
45,921

 
197,042

 
(242,963
)
 
626,746

Contributions from Unit

 

 
525

 
(525
)
 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 
(103
)
 

 

 
(103
)
Retained earnings
830,680

 
1,001,017

 
4,329

 
(1,005,346
)
 
830,680

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Unit Corporation
1,467,840

 
1,046,835

 
201,896

 
(1,248,834
)
 
1,467,737

Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries

 

 
201,628

 

 
201,628

Total shareholders' equity
1,467,840

 
1,046,835

 
403,524

 
(1,248,834
)
 
1,669,365

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,260,444

 
$
2,259,356

 
$
457,181

 
$
(2,156,216
)
 
$
2,820,765



39


 
December 31, 2017
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
510

 
$
191

 
$

 
$

 
$
701

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,450 (Guarantor of $1,245 and Non-Guarantor of $1,205)
154

 
83,442

 
27,916

 

 
111,512

Materials and supplies

 
505

 

 

 
505

Current derivative asset
721

 

 

 

 
721

Prepaid expenses and other
2,986

 
2,370

 
877

 

 
6,233

Total current assets
4,371

 
86,508

 
28,793

 

 
119,672

Property and equipment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and natural gas properties on the full cost method:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proved properties

 
5,712,813

 

 

 
5,712,813

Unproved properties not being amortized

 
296,764

 

 

 
296,764

Drilling equipment

 
1,593,611

 

 

 
1,593,611

Gas gathering and processing equipment

 

 
726,236

 

 
726,236

Saltwater disposal systems

 
62,618

 

 

 
62,618

Corporate land and building

 
59,080

 

 

 
59,080

Transportation equipment
9,270

 
17,423

 
2,938

 

 
29,631

Other
28,039

 
25,400

 

 

 
53,439

 
37,309

 
7,767,709

 
729,174

 

 
8,534,192

Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization, and impairment
21,268

 
5,807,757

 
322,425

 

 
6,151,450

Net property and equipment
16,041

 
1,959,952

 
406,749

 

 
2,382,742

Intercompany receivable
1,155,725

 

 

 
(1,155,725
)
 

Goodwill

 
62,808

 

 

 
62,808

Investments
1,044,709

 
1,500

 

 
(1,044,709
)
 
1,500

Other assets
5,373

 
6,328

 
3,029

 

 
14,730

Total assets
$
2,226,219

 
$
2,117,096

 
$
438,571

 
$
(2,200,434
)
 
$
2,581,452



40


 
December 31, 2017
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
13,124

 
$
81,334

 
$
18,190

 
$

 
$
112,648

Accrued liabilities
26,165

 
19,134

 
3,224

 

 
48,523

Current derivative liability
7,763

 

 

 

 
7,763

Current portion of other long-term liabilities
657

 
8,501

 
3,844

 

 
13,002

Total current liabilities
47,709

 
108,969

 
25,258

 

 
181,936

Intercompany debt

 
870,582

 
285,143

 
(1,155,725
)
 

Long-term debt
178,000

 

 

 

 
178,000

Bonds payable less debt issuance costs
642,276

 

 

 

 
642,276

Other long-term liabilities
11,257

 
77,566

 
11,380

 

 
100,203

Deferred income taxes
1,480

 
85,443

 
46,554

 

 
133,477

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.20 par value, 175,000,000 shares authorized, 52,880,134 shares issued
10,280

 

 

 

 
10,280

Capital in excess of par value
535,815

 
45,921

 
15,549

 
(61,470
)
 
535,815

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 
63

 

 

 
63

Retained earnings
799,402

 
928,552

 
54,687

 
(983,239
)
 
799,402

Total shareholders’ equity attributable to Unit Corporation
1,345,497

 
974,536

 
70,236

 
(1,044,709
)
 
1,345,560

Non-controlling interests in consolidated subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

Total shareholders' equity
1,345,497

 
974,536

 
70,236

 
(1,044,709
)
 
1,345,560

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
2,226,219

 
$
2,117,096

 
$
438,571

 
$
(2,200,434
)
 
$
2,581,452



41


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
Revenues
$

 
$
169,635

 
$
82,882

 
$
(32,459
)
 
$
220,058

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs

 
71,646

 
66,932

 
(31,273
)
 
107,305

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
1,923

 
50,349

 
11,265

 

 
63,537

General and administrative

 
9,252

 
26

 

 
9,278

Gain on disposition of assets

 
(237
)
 
(16
)
 

 
(253
)
Total operating costs
1,923

 
131,010

 
78,207

 
(31,273
)
 
179,867

Income from operations
(1,923
)
 
38,625

 
4,675

 
(1,186
)
 
40,191

Interest, net
(7,564
)
 

 
(381
)
 

 
(7,945
)
Loss on derivatives
(4,385
)
 

 

 

 
(4,385
)
Other, net
6

 
(1
)
 
1

 

 
6

Income (loss) before income taxes
(13,866
)
 
38,624

 
4,295

 
(1,186
)
 
27,867

Income tax expense (benefit)
(3,688
)
 
9,839

 
593

 

 
6,744

Equity in net earnings from investment in subsidiaries, net of taxes
29,077

 

 

 
(29,077
)
 

Net income
18,899

 
28,785

 
3,702

 
(30,263
)
 
21,123

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 
2,224

 

 
2,224

Net income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
18,899

 
$
28,785

 
$
1,478

 
$
(30,263
)
 
$
18,899

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
Revenues
$

 
$
141,058

 
$
69,057

 
$
(21,627
)
 
$
188,488

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs

 
73,197

 
54,603

 
(21,026
)
 
106,774

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
1,913

 
41,740

 
10,880

 

 
54,533

General and administrative

 
7,083

 
2,152

 

 
9,235

Gain on disposition of assets

 
(67
)
 
(14
)
 

 
(81
)
Total operating costs
1,913

 
121,953

 
67,621

 
(21,026
)
 
170,461

Income (loss) from operations
(1,913
)
 
19,105

 
1,436

 
(601
)
 
18,027

Interest, net
(9,776
)
 

 
(168
)
 

 
(9,944
)
Loss on derivatives
(2,614
)
 

 

 

 
(2,614
)
Other, net
5

 

 

 

 
5

Income (loss) before income taxes
(14,298
)
 
19,105

 
1,268

 
(601
)
 
5,474

Income tax expense (benefit)
(5,626
)
 
7,003

 
392

 

 
1,769

Equity in net earnings from investment in subsidiaries, net of taxes
12,377

 

 

 
(12,377
)
 

Net income
3,705

 
12,102

 
876

 
(12,978
)
 
3,705

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
3,705

 
$
12,102

 
$
876

 
$
(12,978
)
 
$
3,705

    

42


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
Revenues
$

 
$
478,529

 
$
232,938

 
$
(82,974
)
 
$
628,493

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs

 
215,355

 
185,738

 
(80,540
)
 
320,553

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
5,759

 
139,724

 
33,493

 

 
178,976

General and administrative

 
26,136

 
2,616

 

 
28,752

Gain on disposition of assets
(30
)
 
(450
)
 
(95
)
 

 
(575
)
Total operating costs
5,729

 
380,765

 
221,752

 
(80,540
)
 
527,706

Income (loss) from operations
(5,729
)
 
97,764

 
11,186

 
(2,434
)
 
100,787

Interest, net
(24,844
)
 

 
(834
)
 

 
(25,678
)
Loss on derivatives
(25,608
)
 

 

 

 
(25,608
)
Other, net
17

 

 

 

 
17

Income (loss) before income taxes
(56,164
)
 
97,764

 
10,352

 
(2,434
)
 
49,518

Income tax expense (benefit)
(14,356
)
 
25,299

 
1,437

 

 
12,380

Equity in net earnings from investment in subsidiaries, net of tax
74,360

 

 

 
(74,360
)
 

Net income
32,552

 
72,465

 
8,915

 
(76,794
)
 
37,138

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 
4,586

 

 
4,586

Net income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
32,552

 
$
72,465

 
$
4,329

 
$
(76,794
)
 
$
32,552

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
Revenues
$

 
$
393,858

 
$
198,632

 
$
(57,697
)
 
$
534,793

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating costs

 
199,143

 
156,525

 
(56,720
)
 
298,948

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
5,558

 
113,440

 
32,547

 

 
151,545

General and administrative

 
20,880

 
6,022

 

 
26,902

Gain on disposition of assets
(813
)
 
(282
)
 
(58
)
 

 
(1,153
)
Total operating costs
4,745

 
333,181

 
195,036

 
(56,720
)
 
476,242

Income (loss) from operations
(4,745
)
 
60,677

 
3,596

 
(977
)
 
58,551

Interest, net
(28,276
)
 

 
(531
)
 

 
(28,807
)
Gain on derivatives
21,019

 

 

 

 
21,019

Other, net
14

 

 

 

 
14

Income (loss) before income taxes
(11,988
)
 
60,677

 
3,065

 
(977
)
 
50,777

Income tax expense (benefit)
(4,895
)
 
25,357

 
1,622

 

 
22,084

Equity in net earnings from investment in subsidiaries, net of tax
35,786

 

 

 
(35,786
)
 

Net income
28,693

 
35,320

 
1,443

 
(36,763
)
 
28,693

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interest

 

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
28,693

 
$
35,320

 
$
1,443

 
$
(36,763
)
 
$
28,693

                                

43


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
18,899

 
$
28,785

 
$
3,702

 
$
(30,263
)
 
$
21,123

Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss on securities, net of tax ($13)

 
(38
)
 

 

 
(38
)
Comprehensive income
18,899

 
28,747

 
3,702

 
(30,263
)
 
21,085

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 
2,224

 

 
2,224

Comprehensive income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
18,899

 
$
28,747

 
$
1,478

 
$
(30,263
)
 
$
18,861

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
3,705

 
$
12,102

 
$
876

 
$
(12,978
)
 
$
3,705

Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax of $20

 
33

 

 

 
33

Comprehensive income
3,705

 
12,135

 
876

 
(12,978
)
 
3,738

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
3,705

 
$
12,135

 
$
876

 
$
(12,978
)
 
$
3,738

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
32,552

 
$
72,465

 
$
8,915

 
$
(76,794
)
 
$
37,138

Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized loss on securities, net of tax of ($60)

 
(179
)
 

 

 
(179
)
Comprehensive income
32,552

 
72,286

 
8,915

 
(76,794
)
 
36,959

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 
4,586

 

 
4,586

Comprehensive income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
32,552

 
$
72,286

 
$
4,329

 
$
(76,794
)
 
$
32,373

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
Net income
$
28,693

 
$
35,320

 
$
1,443

 
$
(36,763
)
 
$
28,693

Other comprehensive income, net of taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax of $32

 
53

 

 

 
53

Comprehensive income
28,693

 
35,373

 
1,443

 
(36,763
)
 
28,746

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to Unit Corporation
$
28,693

 
$
35,373

 
$
1,443

 
$
(36,763
)
 
$
28,746



44


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(103,436
)
 
215,350

 
(3,984
)
 
128,605

 
236,535

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
22

 
(275,434
)
 
(28,642
)
 

 
(304,054
)
Producing properties and other acquisitions

 
(769
)
 

 

 
(769
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
30

 
25,199

 
87

 

 
25,316

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
52

 
(251,004
)
 
(28,555
)
 

 
(279,507
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings under credit agreement
69,200

 

 
2,000

 

 
71,200

Payments under credit agreement
(247,200
)
 

 
(2,000
)
 

 
(249,200
)
Intercompany borrowings (advances), net
248,343

 
35,714

 
(155,977
)
 
(128,080
)
 

Payments on capitalized leases

 

 
(2,869
)
 

 
(2,869
)
Proceeds from investments of non-controlling interest
102,958

 

 
197,042

 

 
300,000

Contributions from Unit

 

 
525

 
(525
)
 

Transaction costs associated with sale of non-controlling interest
(2,303
)
 

 

 

 
(2,303
)
Book overdrafts
14,143

 

 
2,857

 

 
17,000

Net cash provided by financing activities
185,141

 
35,714

 
41,578

 
(128,605
)
 
133,828

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
81,757

 
60

 
9,039

 

 
90,856

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
510

 
191

 

 

 
701

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
82,267

 
$
251

 
$
9,039

 
$

 
$
91,557

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Parent
 
Combined Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Consolidating Adjustments
 
Total Consolidated
 
(In thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
822

 
149,963

 
34,007

 

 
184,792

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(3,595
)
 
(152,055
)
 
(11,742
)
 

 
(167,392
)
Producing properties and other acquisitions

 
(55,429
)
 

 

 
(55,429
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
955

 
19,124

 
58

 

 
20,137

Other

 
(1,500
)
 

 

 
(1,500
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(2,640
)
 
(189,860
)
 
(11,684
)
 

 
(204,184
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Borrowings under credit agreement
251,401

 

 

 

 
251,401

Payments under credit agreement
(250,100
)
 

 

 

 
(250,100
)
Intercompany borrowings (advances), net
(20,483
)
 
39,839

 
(19,356
)
 

 

Payments on capitalized leases

 

 
(2,967
)
 

 
(2,967
)
Proceeds from common stock issued, net of issue costs
18,623

 

 

 

 
18,623

Book overdrafts
2,364

 

 

 

 
2,364

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
1,805

 
39,839

 
(22,323
)
 

 
19,321

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(13
)
 
(58
)
 

 

 
(71
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
517

 
376

 

 

 
893

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
504

 
$
318

 
$

 
$

 
$
822




45


NOTE 17 – SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On October 18, 2018, we signed the fifth amendment to the Unit credit agreement originally scheduled to mature on April 10, 2020. The Fifth Amendment, among other things, (i) extends the term of the Unit credit agreement to October 18, 2023, subject to certain conditions; (ii) reduces the pricing for borrowing and non-use fees; and (iii) eliminates the requirement that the company maintain a senior indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA ratio. The total commitment of credit and the borrowing base both remain unchanged at $425.0 million.

A copy of the Fifth Amendment is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this report.

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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) provides you with an understanding of our operating results and financial condition by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year or period to period. MD&A is organized into these sections: 

General;
Business Outlook;
Executive Summary;
Financial Condition and Liquidity;
New Accounting Pronouncements; and
Results of Operations.

Please read the information in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (and any amendments thereto) in conjunction with your review of the information below and our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes.

Unless otherwise indicated or required by the content, when used in this report the terms “company,” “Unit,” “us,” “our,” “we,” and “its” refer to Unit Corporation or, as appropriate, one or more of its subsidiaries. References to our mid-stream segment refers to Superior Pipeline Company, L.L.C. of which we own 50%.

General

We operate, manage, and analyze the results of our operations through our three principal business segments: 

Oil and Natural Gas – carried out by our subsidiary Unit Petroleum Company. This segment explores, develops, acquires, and produces oil and natural gas properties for our own account.
Contract Drilling – carried out by our subsidiary Unit Drilling Company. This segment contracts to drill onshore oil and natural gas wells for others and for our oil and natural gas segment.
Mid-Stream – carried out by Superior Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries. This segment buys, sells, gathers, processes, and treats natural gas for third parties and for our oil and natural gas segment.

Business Outlook

As discussed in other parts of this report, our success depends, to a large degree, on the prices we receive for our oil and natural gas production, the demand for oil, natural gas, and NGLs, and the demand for our drilling rigs which influences the amounts we can charge for those drilling rigs. While our operations are within the United States, events outside the United States affect us and our industry.

Fluctuating commodity prices worldwide during the past several years brought about significant and adverse changes to our industry and us. Industry wide reductions in drilling activity and spending reduced the rates for and the number of our drilling rigs we were able to put to work.

Recently, commodity prices have improved. Reflecting that improvement, during the first quarter of 2018, our oil and natural gas segment put four of our drilling rigs to work and increased the number to six drilling rigs for a brief period during

46


the third quarter of 2018. We have subsequently reduced our operated rig count. Our contract drilling segment finished constructing its 11th BOSS drilling rig and that drilling rig was placed into service in mid-July. During the second quarter and third quarter of 2018, we were awarded term contracts to build our 12th and 13th BOSS drilling rigs. Construction is in progress and the drilling rigs will be placed into service in the first quarter of 2019. Rig utilization fluctuated over the past year due to commodity prices changing and budget constraints on operators in the fourth quarter of 2017. We expect commodity prices and budget constraints on operators to continue to affect rig utilization through 2018.

Other recent improvements:

We have not incurred a non-cash ceiling test write-down since 2016. We had no write-down in the third quarter of 2018 nor the third quarter of 2017. It is hard to predict with any reasonable certainty the need for or amount of any future impairments given the many factors that go into the ceiling test calculation including, future pricing, operating costs, drilling and completion costs, upward or downward oil and gas reserve revisions, oil and gas reserve additions, and tax attributes. Subject to these inherent uncertainties, if we hold these same factors constant as they existed at September 30, 2018, and only adjust the 12-month average price to an estimated fourth quarter ending average (holding October 2018 prices constant for the remaining two months of the fourth quarter of 2018), our forward looking expectation is that we will not recognize an impairment in the fourth quarter of 2018. But commodity prices (and other factors) remain volatile and they could negatively affect the 12-month average price resulting in the potential for a future impairment.

In 2018, our oil and natural gas segment plans to participate in drilling 95-105 wells (depending on future commodity prices). In 2017, we drilled 70 wells up from 21 in 2016 due to increased cash flow resulting from improvement in commodity prices.

On April 3, 2018, the company completed the sale of 50% of the ownership interests in Superior to SP Investor Holdings, LLC, a holding company jointly owned by OPTrust and funds managed and/or advised by Partners Group, a global private markets investment manager, for cash consideration of $300.0 million. Part of the proceeds from the sale were used to pay down our bank debt and the balance will be used to accelerate the drilling program of our upstream subsidiary, Unit Petroleum Company, make additional capital investments in Superior, and for general working capital purposes.

Executive Summary

Oil and Natural Gas

Third quarter 2018 production from our oil and natural gas segment was 4,359,000 barrels of oil equivalent (Boe), an increase of 3% over the second quarter of 2018 and an increase of 7% over the third quarter of 2017, respectively. The increases for both comparative periods were primarily from new wells drilled during 2017 and the first nine months of 2018.

Third quarter 2018 oil and natural gas revenues increased 9% over the second quarter of 2018 and increased 31% over the third quarter of 2017. The increase over the second quarter of 2018 was due primarily to an increase in NGLs and natural gas production volumes and an increase in commodity prices partially offset by lower oil production volumes. The increase over the third quarter of 2017 was due primarily to higher oil and NGLs prices and higher production volumes.

Our oil prices for the third quarter of 2018 increased 2% over the second quarter of 2018 and increased 22% over the third quarter of 2017. Our NGLs prices increased 16% over the second quarter of 2018 and increased 40% over the third quarter of 2017. Our natural gas prices increased 4% over the second quarter of 2018 and decreased 4% from the third quarter of 2017.

Operating cost per Boe produced for the third quarter of 2018 decreased 4% from the second quarter of 2018 and decreased 12% from the third quarter of 2017. The decrease from the second quarter of 2018 was primarily due to lower lease operating expenses and increased equivalent production partially offset by increased gross production tax expense. The decrease from the third quarter of 2017 was primarily due to the reclassification of deducts from the ASC 606 revenue recognition standard.

47


At September 30, 2018, these derivatives were outstanding:
Term
 
Commodity
 
Contracted Volume
 
Weighted Average 
Fixed Price
 
Contracted Market
Oct'18
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.005
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Nov’18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.013
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.810
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Oct'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.190)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.678)
 
PEPL
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.568)
 
NGPL MIDCON
Nov’18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.208)
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.659)
 
PEPL
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.625)
 
NGL MIDCON
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.265)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Jan'20 – Dec'20
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.275)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – three-way collar
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.00 - $2.50 - $3.51
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – swap
 
4,000 Bbl/day
 
$53.52
 
WTI – NYMEX
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – price differential risk
 
500 Bbl/day
 
$7.00
 
LLS/WTI
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – three-way collar
 
2,000 Bbl/day
 
$47.50 - $37.50 - $56.08
 
WTI – NYMEX
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Crude oil – three-way collar
 
4,000 Bbl/day
 
$61.25 - $51.25 - $72.93
 
WTI – NYMEX

After September 30, 2018, the following derivatives were entered into:
Term
 
Commodity
 
Contracted Volume
 
Weighted Average 
Fixed Price
 
Contracted Market
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.850
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – collar
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.63 - $3.03
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Mar'19
 
Natural gas – three-way collar
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.00 - $2.75 - $4.35
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we completed drilling 73 gross wells (21.06 net wells). For all of 2018, we anticipate participating in the drilling of approximately 95 to 105 gross wells. Excluding a reduction in ARO liability and any possible acquisitions, our estimated 2018 capital expenditures for this segment are approximately $333.0 million. Our current 2018 production guidance is approximately 17.1 to 17.3 MMBoe, an increase of 7-8% from 2017, although actual results continue to be subject to many factors.

Contract Drilling

The average number of drilling rigs we operated in the third quarter of 2018 was 34.2 compared to 32.2 and 34.6 in the second quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2017, respectively. As of September 30, 2018, 34 of our drilling rigs were operating.

Revenue for the third quarter of 2018 increased 8% over the second quarter of 2018 and decreased 2% from the third quarter of 2017. The increase over the second quarter of 2018 was primarily due to increased utilization and dayrates. The decrease from the third quarter of 2017 was primarily due to increased eliminations with a large percentage of our drilling rig usage coming from our oil and gas segment in 2018 compared to 2017 partially offset by higher dayrates.

Dayrates for the third quarter of 2018 averaged $17,589, a 2% increase over the second quarter of 2018 and a 7% increase over the third quarter of 2017. The increase over the second quarter of 2018 was primarily due to general increases with the improving market and the addition of a BOSS drilling rig. The increase over the third quarter of 2017 was due to two labor increases passed through to contracted rigs rates and improving market dayrates.

Operating costs for the third quarter of 2018 were essentially unchanged from the second quarter of 2018 and decreased 8% from the third quarter of 2017. The decrease from the third quarter of 2017 was primarily due to increased eliminations with a larger percentage of our drilling rig usage coming from our oil and gas segment in 2018 and lower per day costs.

48


Currently, we have 21 term drilling contracts with original terms ranging from six months to three years. Five are up for renewal in the fourth quarter of 2018, 13 in 2019, one in 2020, and two after 2020. The drilling rigs for the two expiring after 2020 are still under construction and will be placed into service in the first quarter of 2019. Term contracts may contain a fixed rate during the contract or provide for rate adjustments within a specific range from the existing rate.

All eleven of our existing BOSS drilling rigs are under contract. Our estimated 2018 capital expenditures for this segment are approximately $73.0 million.

Competition to keep qualified labor continues to be an issue we face in this segment and in response, we implemented pay rate increases in certain areas in the first quarter of 2018. We do not believe this shortage of qualified labor will keep us from working additional drilling rigs, but it could cause some delays in the time to crew new drilling rigs.

Mid-Stream

Third quarter 2018 liquids sold per day increased 4% over the second quarter of 2018 and increased 32% over the third quarter of 2017, respectively. The increase over the second quarter of 2018 was due to operating in higher recovery mode during the third quarter. The increase over the third quarter of 2017 was primarily due to increased volume available to process at our processing facilities due to additional well connects along with operating in higher recovery mode. For the third quarter of 2018, gas processed per day was essentially unchanged from the second quarter of 2018 and increased 14% over the third quarter of 2017. The increase over the third quarter of 2017 was primarily due to higher volumes from new wells connected to our processing facilities. For the third quarter of 2018, gas gathered per day increased 6% and 8% over the second quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2017, respectively. The increases over the second quarter of 2018 and the third quarter of 2017 were primarily due to connecting additional wells to our systems.

NGLs prices in the third quarter of 2018 increased 8% over the prices received in the second quarter of 2018 and increased 13% over the prices received in the third quarter of 2017. Because certain of the contracts used by our mid-stream segment for NGLs transactions are commodity-based contracts–under which we receive a share of the proceeds from the sale of the NGLs–our revenues from those commodity-based contracts fluctuate based on the price of NGLs.

Total operating cost for our mid-stream segment for the third quarter of 2018 increased 9% over the second quarter of 2018 and increased 13% over the third quarter of 2017. The increase over the second quarter of 2018 was primarily due to higher gas and NGLs prices. The increase over the third quarter of 2017 was primarily due to higher purchased volumes and purchase prices.

In the Appalachian region at the Pittsburgh Mills gathering system, average gathered volume for the third quarter of 2018 increased to approximately 142.6 MMcf per day after we added seven new infill wells late in the second quarter. All the new infill wells are currently online and flowing gas. We are completing construction of the new pipeline to connect the next scheduled well pad to our system. Construction of this pipeline is operationally complete and the improvements to the compressor station are expected to be completed early in the fourth quarter. We anticipate receiving production from this pad early in the first quarter of 2019.

At the Hemphill Texas system, average total throughput volume increased to 74.1 MMcf per day for the third quarter of 2018 and total production of NGLs increased to approximately 316,110 gallons per day. During the third quarter, we connected one new well in the Buffalo Wallow area. This new well along with increased production from recently drilled wells in this area contributed to our increased throughput volume. The increased liquid production was due to operating in ethane recovery mode. Unit Petroleum continues to operate a rig in the Buffalo Wallow area and we anticipate connecting additional wells to this system in the 4th quarter. Additionally, we have completed a construction project that increased our compression capacity at the Buffalo Wallow compressor station to accommodate expected additional volumes.  

At the Cashion processing facility in central Oklahoma, total throughput volume for the second quarter of 2018 averaged approximately 47.5 MMcf per day and total production of NGLs increased to approximately 233,700 gallons per day. This system is operating at full processing capacity and we are in the process of adding additional capacity on this system. We have begun the relocation of a 60 MMcf per day processing plant from our Bellmon facility to the Cashion system. This $20.0 million plant expansion/relocation project is underway and will increase our total processing capacity to approximately 105 MMcf per day. This project is expected to be completed and operational in the first quarter of 2019. We connected eight new wells to this system in the third quarter of 2018 and we are continuing to connect additional wells from a third party producer who is active in this area.


49


At the Segno gathering facility in Southeast Texas, gathered volume for the third quarter of 2018 averaged approximately 83.1 MMcf per day. At this facility, the existing gathering and dehydration capacity will allow us to gather up to 120 MMcf per day. In the third quarter of 2018, we added one new well to this system. Unit Petroleum is actively drilling in the Segno area, as well as, reworking and recompleting existing wells that are connected to our system which will continue to add additional volume.

Our estimated 2018 capital expenditures for this segment are approximately $50.0 million.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Summary

Our financial condition and liquidity depends on the cash flow from our operations and borrowings under our credit agreements. Our cash flow is based primarily on:
 
the amount of natural gas, oil, and NGLs we produce;
the prices we receive for our natural gas, oil, and NGLs production;
the demand for and the dayrates we receive for our drilling rigs; and
the fees and margins we obtain from our natural gas gathering and processing contracts.

We believe we will have enough cash flow and liquidity to meet our obligations and remain in compliance with our debt covenants for the next twelve months. Our ability to meet our debt covenants (under our credit agreements and our 2011 Indenture) and our capacity to incur additional indebtedness will depend on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic, regulatory, and other factors. For example, if we experience lower oil, natural gas, and NGLs prices since the last borrowing base determination under the Unit credit agreement, it could reduce the borrowing base and therefore reduce or limit our ability to incur indebtedness. We monitor our liquidity and capital resources, endeavor to anticipate potential covenant compliance issues, and work, where possible, with our lenders to address those issues ahead of time.
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
%
Change
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
(In thousands except percentages)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
236,535

 
$
184,792

 
28
%
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(279,507
)
 
(204,184
)
 
37
%
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
133,828

 
19,321

 
NM

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
90,856

 
$
(71
)
 
 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Our operating cash flow is primarily influenced by the prices we receive for our oil, NGLs, and natural gas production, the quantity of oil, NGLs, and natural gas we produce, settlements of derivative contracts, and third-party demand for our drilling rigs and mid-stream services and the rates we obtain for those services. Our cash flows from operating activities are also affected by changes in working capital.

Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2018 increased by $51.7 million as compared to the first nine months of 2017. The increase resulted from increased operating profit in all three segments and a smaller decrease in changes in operating assets and liabilities related to the timing of cash receipts and disbursements partially offset by decreases in cash for derivatives settled.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

We dedicate and expect to continue to dedicate a substantial portion of our capital budget to the exploration for and production of oil, NGLs, and natural gas. These expenditures are necessary to off-set the inherent production declines typically experienced in oil and gas wells.


50


Cash flows used in investing activities increased by $75.3 million for the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017. The change was due primarily to an increase in capital expenditures for development drilling and construction of BOSS drilling rigs partially offset by a reduction of cash spent on producing properties and other acquisitions. See additional information on capital expenditures below under Capital Requirements.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash flows provided by financing activities increased by $114.5 million for the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017. The increase was primarily due to the proceeds from the sale of 50% interest in our mid-stream segment partially offset by the pay down of our outstanding debt under the Unit credit agreement.

At September 30, 2018, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents totaling $91.6 million and had not borrowed any of the $425.0 million or $200.0 million we had elected to have available under either of the Unit or Superior credit agreements, respectively. The credit agreements are used primarily for working capital and capital expenditures. On April 3, 2018, we paid down the outstanding debt under the Unit credit agreement.

Below, we summarize certain financial information as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
September 30,
 
%
Change
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
(In thousands except percentages)
Working capital
 
$
(15,959
)
 
$
(62,181
)
 
74
 %
Long-term debt less debt issuance costs
 
$
643,921

 
$
803,833

 
(20
)%
Unit Corporation's shareholders’ equity
 
$
1,467,737

 
$
1,251,905

 
17
 %
Net income attributable to Unit Corporation
 
$
32,552

 
$
28,693

 
13
 %

Working Capital

Typically, our working capital balance fluctuates, in part, because of the timing of our trade accounts receivable and accounts payable and the fluctuation in current assets and liabilities associated with the mark to market value of our derivative activity. We had negative working capital of $16.0 million and negative working capital of $62.2 million as of September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in working capital is primarily due to increased cash and cash equivalents from the sale of 50% interest in our mid-stream segment and increased accounts receivable due to increased revenues partially offset by increased accounts payable due to increased activity in our drilling program and increased drilling rig utilization and the change in the value of outstanding derivatives. The Unit and Superior credit agreements are used primarily for working capital and capital expenditures. At September 30, 2018, we had not borrowed any of the $425.0 million or the $200.0 million available under the Unit or Superior credit agreements, respectively. The effect of our derivative contracts decreased working capital by $13.1 million as of September 30, 2018 and increased working capital by $0.4 million as of September 30, 2017.


51


This table summarizes certain operating information:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
%
Change
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
Oil and Natural Gas:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil production (MBbls)
 
2,121

 
1,990

 
7
 %
NGLs production (MBbls)
 
3,702

 
3,476

 
7
 %
Natural gas production (MMcf)
 
41,572

 
37,317

 
11
 %
Average oil price per barrel received
 
$
56.40

 
$
47.62

 
18
 %
Average oil price per barrel received excluding derivatives
 
$
65.89

 
$
46.99

 
40
 %
Average NGLs price per barrel received
 
$
23.03

 
$
17.05

 
35
 %
Average NGLs price per barrel received excluding derivatives
 
$
23.55

 
$
17.05

 
38
 %
Average natural gas price per Mcf received
 
$
2.35

 
$
2.50

 
(6
)%
Average natural gas price per Mcf received excluding derivatives
 
$
2.26

 
$
2.55

 
(11
)%
Contract Drilling:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average number of our drilling rigs in use during the period
 
32.7

 
29.7

 
10
 %
Total number of drilling rigs owned at the end of the period
 
96

 
95

 
1
 %
Average dayrate
 
$
17,327

 
$
16,120

 
7
 %
Mid-Stream:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas gathered—Mcf/day
 
393,414

 
385,846

 
2
 %
Gas processed—Mcf/day
 
157,313

 
133,986

 
17
 %
Gas liquids sold—gallons/day
 
651,979

 
518,054

 
26
 %
Number of natural gas gathering systems
 
22

(1) 
25

 
(12
)%
Number of processing plants
 
14

 
13

 
8
 %
_______________________
(1)    In the first quarter of 2018, our mid-stream segment transferred two natural gas gathering systems to our oil and natural gas segment.

Oil and Natural Gas Operations

Any significant change in oil, NGLs, or natural gas prices has a material effect on our revenues, cash flow, and the value of our oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserves. Generally, prices and demand for domestic natural gas are influenced by weather conditions, supply imbalances, and by worldwide oil price levels. Global oil market developments primarily influence domestic oil prices. These factors are beyond our control and we cannot predict nor measure their future influence on the prices we will receive.

Based on our first nine months of 2018 production, a $0.10 per Mcf change in what we are paid for our natural gas production, without the effect of derivatives, would cause a corresponding $447,000 per month ($5.4 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. The average price we received for our natural gas production, including the effect of derivatives, during the first nine months of 2018 was $2.35 compared to $2.50 for the first nine months of 2017. Based on our first nine months of 2018 production, a $1.00 per barrel change in our oil price, without the effect of derivatives, would have a $225,000 per month ($2.7 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow and a $1.00 per barrel change in our NGLs prices, without the effect of derivatives, would have a $398,000 per month ($4.8 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. In the first nine months of 2018, our average oil price per barrel received, including the effect of derivatives, was $56.40 compared with an average oil price, including the effect of derivatives, of $47.62 in the first nine months of 2017 and our first nine months of 2018 average NGLs price per barrel received, including the effect of derivatives was $23.03 compared with an average NGLs price per barrel of $17.05 in the first nine months of 2017.

Because commodity prices affect the value of our oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserves, declines in those prices can cause a decline in the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties. At September 30, 2018, the 12-month average unescalated prices were $63.43 per barrel of oil, $38.69 per barrel of NGLs, and $2.91 per Mcf of natural gas, and then are adjusted for price differentials. We did not take a write down in the first nine months of 2018.


52


It is hard to predict with any reasonable certainty the need for or amount of any future impairments given the many factors that go into the ceiling test calculation including, but not limited to, future pricing, operating costs, drilling and completion costs, upward or downward oil and gas reserve revisions, oil and gas reserve additions, and tax attributes. Subject to these inherent uncertainties, if we hold these same factors constant as they existed at September 30, 2018, and only adjust the 12-month average price to an estimated fourth quarter ending average (holding October 2018 prices constant for the remaining two months of the fourth quarter of 2018), our forward looking expectation is that we will not recognize an impairment in the fourth quarter of 2018. But commodity prices (and other factors) remain volatile and they could negatively affect the 12-month average price resulting in the potential for a future impairment.

Our natural gas production is sold to intrastate and interstate pipelines and to independent marketing firms and gatherers under contracts with terms ranging from one month to five years. Our oil production is sold to independent marketing firms generally under six month contracts.

Contract Drilling Operations

Many factors influence the number of drilling rigs we are working and the costs and revenues associated with that work. These factors include the demand for drilling rigs in our areas of operation, competition from other drilling contractors, the prevailing prices for oil, NGLs, and natural gas, availability and cost of labor to run our drilling rigs, and our ability to supply the equipment needed.

Most of our working drilling rigs were drilling horizontal or directional wells for oil and NGLs. The continuous fluctuations in commodity prices for oil and natural gas changes the demand for drilling rigs. These factors ultimately affect the demand and mix of the type of drilling rigs used by our customers. The future demand for and the availability of drilling rigs to meet that demand will affect our future dayrates. For the first nine months of 2018, our average dayrate was $17,327 per day compared to $16,120 per day for the first nine months of 2017. The average number of our drilling rigs used in the first nine months of 2018 was 32.7 drilling rigs compared with 29.7 drilling rigs in the first nine months of 2017. Based on the average utilization of our drilling rigs during the first nine months of 2018, a $100 per day change in dayrates has a $3,270 per day ($1.2 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow.

Our contract drilling segment provides drilling services for our exploration and production segment. Some of the drilling services we perform on our properties are, depending on the timing of those services, deemed to be associated with acquiring an ownership interest in the property. In those cases, revenues and expenses for those services are eliminated in our income statements, with any profit recognized as a reduction in our investment in our oil and natural gas properties. The contracts for these services are issued under the same conditions and rates as the contracts entered into with unrelated third parties. We eliminated revenue of $18.0 million and $9.6 million for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively, from our contract drilling segment and eliminated the associated operating expense of $15.5 million and $8.6 million during the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively, yielding $2.4 million and $1.0 million during the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively, as a reduction to the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties.

Mid-Stream Operations

Our mid-stream segment is engaged primarily in the buying, selling, gathering, processing, and treating of natural gas. It operates three natural gas treatment plants, 14 processing plants, 22 gathering systems, and approximately 1,470 miles of pipeline. It operates in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Besides serving third parties, this segment also enhances our ability to gather and market our own natural gas and NGLs and serving as a mechanism through which we can construct or acquire existing natural gas gathering and processing facilities. During the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, our mid-stream operations purchased $59.8 million and $43.2 million, respectively, of our natural gas production and NGLs, and provided gathering and transportation services of $5.2 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Intercompany revenue from services and purchases of production between this business segment and our oil and natural gas segment has been eliminated in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

This segment gathered an average of 393,414 Mcf per day in the first nine months of 2018 compared to 385,846 Mcf per day in the first nine months of 2017. It processed an average of 157,313 Mcf per day in the first nine months of 2018 compared to 133,986 Mcf per day in the first nine months of 2017. The NGLs sold was 651,979 gallons per day in the first nine months of 2018 compared to 518,054 gallons per day in the first nine months of 2017. Gas gathered volumes per day in the first nine months of 2018 increased 2% compared to the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to connecting additional wells to our Cashion and Hemphill facilities. Gas processed volumes for the first nine months of 2018 increased 17% over the first nine months of 2017 due to connecting new wells at the Cashion and Hemphill processing facilities. NGLs sold increased 26% over the comparative period due to higher volume available to process at our plants along with operating in higher recovery mode.

53


At-the-Market (ATM) Common Stock Program 

On May 2, 2018, we terminated the Distribution Agreement dated April 4, 2017, as amended (the Distribution Agreement), between the company and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (the Sales Agent). The Distribution Agreement was terminable at will on written notification by the company with no penalty. Under the Distribution Agreement, the company was entitled to issue and sell, from time to time, through or to the Sales Agent shares of its common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $100.0 million in an “at-the-market” offering program. As of the date of termination, the company sold 787,547 shares of its Common Stock under the Distribution Agreement. As a result of the termination, there will be no more sales of the our common stock under the Distribution Agreement.

Our Credit Agreements and Senior Subordinated Notes

Unit Credit Agreement. On October 18, 2018, we signed the fifth amendment to the Unit credit agreement originally scheduled to mature on April 10, 2020 (Fifth Amendment). The Fifth Amendment amends our existing credit agreement entered into between the Company and certain lenders on September 13, 2011, as amended September 12, 2012, as further amended April 10, 2015, as further amended on April 8, 2016, as further amended on April 2, 2018, attached as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 15, 2011, September 11, 2012, April 13, 2015, April 8, 2016, and April 6, 2018, respectively, and the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on April 13, 2016, and each incorporated by reference herein.

The Fifth Amendment, among other things, (i) extends the term of the Unit credit agreement to October 18, 2023, subject to certain conditions; (ii) reduces the pricing for borrowing and non-use fees; and (iii) eliminates the requirement that the company maintain a senior indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA ratio. The total commitment of credit and the borrowing base both remain unchanged at $425.0 million.

Under the Unit credit agreement, the amount we can borrow is the lesser of the amount we elect as the commitment amount or the value of the borrowing base as determined by the lenders, but in either event not to exceed the maximum credit agreement. We are charged a commitment fee of 0.375% on the amount available but not borrowed. That fee varies based on the amount borrowed as a percentage of the total borrowing base. Total amendment fees of $3.3 million in origination, agency, syndication, and other related fees are being amortized over the life of the Unit credit agreement. Under the Unit credit agreement, we have pledged as collateral 80% of the proved developed producing (discounted as present worth at 8%) total value of our oil and gas properties.

On April 2, 2018, we signed the fourth amendment to the Unit credit agreement. The Fourth Amendment provided, among other things, for a reduction of the maximum credit amount from $875.0 million to $425.0 million, a reduction in the borrowing base from $475.0 million to $425.0 million, a reduction in the total commitment amount from $475.0 million to $425.0 million; and the full release of Superior and its subsidiaries as a borrower and co-obligor under the Unit credit agreement. Under the amendment once the sale of the interest in Superior was completed, we were required to us part of the proceeds to pay down the Unit credit agreement. The Superior sale closed on April 3, 2018 and the pay down was made that day.

On May 2, 2018, as contemplated under the Fourth Amendment, we entered into a Pledge Agreement with BOKF, NA (dba Bank of Oklahoma), as administrative agent for the benefit of the secured parties, under which we granted a security interest in the limited liability membership interests and other equity interests we own in Superior (which as of the date of this report is 50% of the aggregate outstanding equity interests of Superior) as additional collateral for our obligations under the Unit credit agreement.


54


The current lenders under our Unit credit agreement and their respective participation interests are:
Lender
 
Participation
Interest
BOK (BOKF, NA, dba Bank of Oklahoma)
 
17.060
%
BBVA Compass Bank
 
17.060
%
BMO Harris Financing, Inc.
 
15.294
%
Bank of America, N.A.
 
15.294
%
Comerica Bank
 
8.235
%
Toronto Dominion Bank, New York Branch
 
8.235
%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
 
8.235
%
Arvest Bank
 
3.529
%
Branch Banking & Trust
 
3.529
%
IBERIABANK
 
3.529
%
 
 
100.000
%

The borrowing base amount which is subject to redetermination by the lenders on April 1st and October 1st of each year is based on a percentage of the discounted future value of our oil and natural gas reserves. We or the lenders may request a onetime special redetermination of the borrowing base between each scheduled redetermination. In addition, we may request a redetermination following the completion of an acquisition that meets the requirements in the Unit credit agreement.

At our election, any part of the outstanding debt under the Unit credit agreement could be fixed at a London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). LIBOR interest is computed as the LIBOR base for the term plus 1.50% to 2.50% depending on the level of debt as a percentage of the borrowing base and is payable at the end of each term, or every 90 days, whichever is less. Borrowings not under LIBOR bear interest at the prime rate specified in the Unit credit agreement that cannot be less than LIBOR plus 1.00% plus a margin. Interest is payable at the end of each month and the principal may be repaid in whole or in part at any time, without a premium or penalty. At September 30, 2018, we did not have any outstanding borrowings. The outstanding balance was paid down on April 3, 2018.

We can use borrowings for financing general working capital requirements for (a) exploration, development, production, and acquisition of oil and gas properties, (b) acquisitions and operation of mid-stream assets up to certain limits, (c) issuance of standby letters of credit, (d) contract drilling services and acquisition of contract drilling equipment, and (e) general corporate purposes.

The Unit credit agreement prohibits, among other things:

the payment of dividends (other than stock dividends) during any fiscal year over 30% of our consolidated net income for the preceding fiscal year;
the incurrence of additional debt with certain limited exceptions;
the creation or existence of mortgages or liens, other than those in the ordinary course of business and with certain limited exceptions, on any of our properties, except in favor of our lenders;
investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries in excess of $200.0 million.

The Unit credit agreement also requires that we have at the end of each quarter:

a current ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of not less than 1 to 1.

a leverage ratio of funded debt to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Unit credit agreement) for the most recently ended rolling four fiscal quarters of no greater than 4 to 1.

As of September 30, 2018, we were in compliance with the Unit credit agreement covenants.

Superior Credit Agreement. On May 10, 2018, Superior, a limited liability company equally owned between the Company and SP Investor Holdings, LLC, entered into a five-year, $200.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility with an option to increase the credit amount up to $250.0 million, subject to certain conditions. The amounts borrowed under the

55


Superior credit agreement bear annual interest at a rate, at Superior’s option, equal to (a) LIBOR plus the applicable margin of 2.00% to 3.25% or (b) the alternate base rate (greater of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (ii) the prime rate, and (iii) third day LIBOR plus 1.00%) plus the applicable margin of 1.00% to 2.25%. The obligations under the Superior credit agreement are secured by, among other things, mortgage liens on certain of Superior’s processing plants and gathering systems.

Superior is charged a commitment fee of 0.375% on the amount available but not borrowed which varies based on the amount borrowed as a percentage of the total borrowing base. Superior paid $1.7 million in origination, agency, syndication, and other related fees. These fees are being amortized over the life of the Superior credit agreement.

The Superior credit agreement requires that Superior maintain a Consolidated EBITDA to interest expense ratio for the most-recently ended rolling four quarters of at least 2.50 to 1.00, and a funded debt to Consolidated EBITDA ratio of not greater than 4.00 to 1.00. Additionally, the Superior credit agreement contains a number of customary covenants that, among other things, restrict (subject to certain exceptions) Superior’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create additional liens on its assets, make investments, pay distributions, enter into sale and leaseback transactions, engage in certain transactions with affiliates, engage in mergers or consolidations, enter into hedging arrangements, and acquire or dispose of assets. As of September 30, 2018, Superior was in compliance with the Superior credit agreement covenants.
 
The borrowings the Superior credit agreement will be used to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions, provide general working capital, and for letters of credit for Superior.

On June 27, 2018, Superior and the lenders amended the Superior credit agreement to revise certain definitions in the agreement.

Superior's credit agreement is not guaranteed by Unit.

The current lenders under the Superior credit agreement and their respective participation interests are:
Lender
 
Participation
Interest
BOK (BOKF, NA, dba Bank of Oklahoma)
 
17.50
%
Compass Bank
 
17.50
%
BMO Harris Financing, Inc.
 
13.75
%
Toronto Dominion (New York), LLC
 
13.75
%
Bank of America, N.A.
 
10.00
%
Branch Banking and Trust Company
 
10.00
%
Comerica Bank
 
10.00
%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
 
7.50
%
 
 
100.00
%

6.625% Senior Subordinated Notes. We have an aggregate principal amount of $650.0 million, 6.625% senior subordinated notes (the Notes) outstanding. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually (in arrears) on May 15 and November 15 of each year. The Notes mature on May 15, 2021. In issuing the Notes, we incurred fees of $14.7 million that are being amortized as debt issuance cost over the life of the Notes.

The Notes are subject to an Indenture dated as of May 18, 2011, between us and Wilmington Trust, National Association (successor to Wilmington Trust FSB), as Trustee (the Trustee), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 18, 2011, between us, the Guarantors, and the Trustee, and as further supplemented by the Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 7, 2013, between us, the Guarantors, and the Trustee (as supplemented, the 2011 Indenture), establishing the terms of and providing for issuing the Notes. The Guarantors are most of our direct and indirect subsidiaries, but excluding Superior. The discussion of the Notes in this report is qualified by and subject to the actual terms of the 2011 Indenture.

Unit, as the parent company, has no significant independent assets or operations. The guarantees by the Guarantors of the Notes (registered under registration statements) are full and unconditional, joint and several, subject to certain automatic customary releases, are subject to certain restrictions on the sale, disposition, or transfer of the capital stock or substantially all of the assets of a subsidiary guarantor, and other conditions and terms set out in the 2011 Indenture. Effective April 3, 2018, Superior is no longer a Guarantor of the Notes. Any of our subsidiaries that are not Guarantors are minor. There are no

56


significant restrictions on our ability to receive funds from any of our subsidiaries through dividends, loans, advances, or otherwise.

We may redeem all or, occasionally, a part of the Notes at certain redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If a “change of control” occurs, subject to certain conditions, we must offer to repurchase from each holder all or any part of that holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. The 2011 Indenture contains customary events of default. The 2011 Indenture also contains covenants including those that limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; pay dividends on our capital stock or redeem capital stock or subordinated indebtedness; transfer or sell assets; make investments; incur liens; enter into transactions with our affiliates; and merge or consolidate with other companies. We were in compliance with all covenants of the Notes as of September 30, 2018.

Capital Requirements

Oil and Natural Gas Segment Dispositions, Acquisitions, and Capital Expenditures. Most of our capital expenditures for this segment are discretionary and directed toward future growth. Our decisions to increase our oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserves through acquisitions or through drilling depends on the prevailing or expected market conditions, potential return on investment, future drilling potential, and opportunities to obtain financing under the circumstances which provide us with flexibility in deciding when and if to incur these costs. We completed drilling 73 gross wells (21.06 net wells) in the first nine months of 2018 compared to 43 gross wells (15.10 net wells) in the first nine months of 2017.

Capital expenditures for oil and gas properties on the full cost method for the first nine months of 2018 by this segment, excluding $0.8 million for acquisitions and a $8.5 million reduction in the ARO liability, totaled $259.4 million. Capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2017, excluding $56.4 million for acquisitions and a $2.8 million reduction in the ARO liability, totaled $143.7 million.

We anticipate participating in drilling approximately 95 to 105 gross wells in 2018 and our total estimated capital expenditures (excluding a reduction in ARO liability and any possible acquisitions) for this segment are approximately $333.0 million. Whether we can drill the full number of wells planned depends on several factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the availability of drilling rigs, availability of pressure pumping services, prices for oil, NGLs, and natural gas, demand for oil, NGLs, and natural gas, the cost to drill wells, the weather, and the efforts of outside industry partners.

Contract Drilling Segment Dispositions, Acquisitions, and Capital Expenditures. During the first quarter of 2018, we were awarded a term contract to build our 11th BOSS drilling rig. Construction has been completed and the drilling rig was placed into service in mid-July. During the second quarter and third quarter of 2018, we were awarded term contracts to build our 12th and 13th BOSS drilling rigs. Construction is in progress and the drilling rigs will be placed into service in the first quarter of 2019.

Our estimated 2018 capital expenditures for this segment are approximately $73.0 million. At September 30, 2018, we had commitments to purchase approximately $10.1 million for drilling equipment over the next year. We have spent $46.5 million for capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2018, compared to $30.0 million for capital expenditures during the first nine months of 2017.

Mid-Stream Dispositions, Acquisitions, and Capital Expenditures. In the Appalachian region at the Pittsburgh Mills gathering system, average gathered volume for the third quarter of 2018 increased to approximately 142.6 MMcf per day after we added seven new infill wells late in the second quarter. All the new infill wells are currently online and flowing gas. We are completing construction of the new pipeline to connect the next scheduled well pad to our system. Construction of this pipeline is operationally complete and the improvements to the compressor station are expected to be completed early in the fourth quarter. We anticipate receiving production from this pad early in the first quarter of 2019.

At the Hemphill Texas system, average total throughput volume increased to 74.1 MMcf per day for the third quarter of 2018 and total production of NGLs increased to approximately 316,110 gallons per day. During the third quarter, we connected one new well in the Buffalo Wallow area. This new well along with increased production from recently drilled wells in this area contributed to our increased throughput volume. The increased liquid production was due to operating in ethane recovery mode. Unit Petroleum continues to operate a rig in the Buffalo Wallow area and we anticipate connecting additional wells to this system in the 4th quarter. Additionally, we have completed a construction project that increased our compression capacity at the Buffalo Wallow compressor station to accommodate expected additional volumes.  


57


At the Cashion processing facility in central Oklahoma, total throughput volume for the second quarter of 2018 averaged approximately 47.5 MMcf per day and total production of NGLs increased to approximately 233,700 gallons per day. This system is operating at full processing capacity and we are in the process of adding additional capacity on this system. We have begun the relocation of a 60 MMcf per day processing plant from our Bellmon facility to the Cashion system. This $20.0 million plant expansion/relocation project is underway and will increase our total processing capacity to approximately 105 MMcf per day. This project is expected to be completed and operational in the first quarter of 2019. We connected eight new wells to this system in the third quarter of 2018 and we are continuing to connect additional wells from a third party producer who is active in this area.

At the Segno gathering facility in Southeast Texas, gathered volume for the third quarter of 2018 averaged approximately 83.1 MMcf per day. At this facility, the existing gathering and dehydration capacity will allow us to gather up to 120 MMcf per day. In the third quarter of 2018, we added one new well to this system. Unit Petroleum is actively drilling in the Segno area, as well as, reworking and recompleting existing wells that are connected to our system which will continue to add additional volume.

On April 3, 2018, the company completed the sale of 50% of the ownership interests in Superior to SP Investor Holdings, LLC, a holding company jointly owned by OPTrust and funds managed and/or advised by Partners Group, a global private markets investment manager, for cash consideration of $300.0 million.

During the first nine months of 2018, our mid-stream segment incurred $29.0 million in capital expenditures as compared to $10.1 million in the first nine months of 2017. For 2018, our estimated capital expenditures are approximately $50.0 million.

Contractual Commitments

At September 30, 2018, we had certain contractual obligations including:
 
 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
Total
 
Less
Than
1 Year
 
2-3
Years
 
4-5
Years
 
After
5 Years
 
 
(In thousands)
Long-term debt (1)
 
$
762,906

 
$
43,063

 
$
719,843

 
$

 
$

Operating leases (2)
 
7,967

 
5,144

 
2,798

 
25

 

Capital lease interest and maintenance(3)
 
5,357

 
2,234

 
3,123

 

 

Drill pipe, drilling components, and equipment purchases (4)
 
10,064

 
10,064

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations
 
$
786,294

 
$
60,505

 
$
725,764

 
$
25

 
$

_______________________ 
(1)
See previous discussion in MD&A regarding our long-term debt. This obligation is presented in accordance with the terms of the Notes and credit agreement and includes interest calculated using our September 30, 2018 interest rates of 6.625% for the Notes. At September 30, 2018, our credit agreement had a maturity date of April 10, 2020. The outstanding credit facility balance was paid down on April 3, 2018 and as of September 30, 2018, we did not have any outstanding borrowings.

(2)
We lease office space or yards in Edmond and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Houston, Texas; Englewood, Colorado; Pinedale, Wyoming; and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania under the terms of operating leases expiring through December 2021. Additionally, we have several equipment leases and lease space on short-term commitments to stack excess drilling rig equipment and production inventory.

(3)
Maintenance and interest payments are included in our capital lease agreements. The capital leases are discounted using annual rates of 4.00%. Total maintenance and interest remaining are $4.6 million and $0.8 million, respectively.

(4)
We have committed to pay $10.1 million for drilling rig components, drill pipe, and related equipment over the next year.

During the second quarter of 2018, we entered into a contractual obligation that commits us to spend $150.0 million for drilling wells in the Granite Wash/Buffalo Wallow area over the next three years starting January 1, 2019. This amount is already included in our drilling plan. For each dollar of the $150.0 million that we do not spend (over the three year period), we would forgo receiving $0.58 of future distributions from our 50% ownership interest in our consolidated mid-stream subsidiary. If we elected not to drill or spend any money in the designated area over the three year period, the maximum amount we could forgo from distributions would be $87.0 million.



58


At September 30, 2018, we also had the following commitments and contingencies that could create, increase, or accelerate our liabilities:
 
 
Estimated Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
Other Commitments
 
Total
Accrued
 
Less
Than 1
Year
 
2-3
Years
 
4-5
Years
 
After 5
Years
 
 
(In thousands)
Deferred compensation plan (1)
 
$
5,623

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

Separation benefit plans (2)
 
$
8,135

 
$
966

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

Asset retirement liability (3)
 
$
62,727

 
$
1,451

 
$
36,308

 
$
3,747

 
$
21,221

Gas balancing liability (4)
 
$
3,283

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

Repurchase obligations (5)
 
$

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

 
Unknown

Workers’ compensation liability (6)
 
$
12,832

 
$
4,897

 
$
2,501

 
$
1,067

 
$
4,367

Capital leases obligations (7)
 
$
12,355

 
$
3,961

 
$
8,394

 
$

 
$

Contract liability (8)
 
$
10,605

 
$
2,875

 
$
5,654

 
$
2,076

 
$

_______________________ 
(1)
We provide a salary deferral plan which allows participants to defer the recognition of salary for income tax purposes until actual distribution of benefits, which occurs at either termination of employment, death, or certain defined unforeseeable emergency hardships. We recognize payroll expense and record a liability, included in other long-term liabilities in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, at the time of deferral.

(2)
Effective January 1, 1997, we adopted a separation benefit plan (“Separation Plan”). The Separation Plan allows eligible employees whose employment is involuntarily terminated or, in the case of an employee who has completed 20 years of service, voluntarily or involuntarily terminated, to receive benefits equivalent to four weeks salary for every whole year of service completed with the company up to a maximum of 104 weeks. To receive payments the recipient must waive certain claims against us in exchange for receiving the separation benefits. On October 28, 1997, we adopted a Separation Benefit Plan for Senior Management (“Senior Plan”). The Senior Plan provides certain officers and key executives of the company with benefits generally equivalent to the Separation Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has absolute discretion in the selection of the individuals covered in this plan. Currently there are no participants in the Senior Plan. On May 5, 2004 we also adopted the Special Separation Benefit Plan (“Special Plan”). This plan is identical to the Separation Benefit Plan with the exception that the benefits under the plan vest on the earliest of a participant’s reaching the age of 65 or serving 20 years with the company.

(3)
When a well is drilled or acquired, under ASC 410 “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” we record the discounted fair value of liabilities associated with the retirement of long-lived assets (mainly plugging and abandonment costs for our depleted wells).

(4)
We have recorded a liability for those properties we believe do not have sufficient oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserves to allow the under-produced owners to recover their under-production from future production volumes.

(5)
We formed The Unit 1984 Oil and Gas Limited Partnership and the 1986 Energy Income Limited Partnership along with private limited partnerships (the “Partnerships”) with certain qualified employees, officers and directors from 1984 through 2011. One of our subsidiaries serves as the general partner of each of these programs. Effective December 31, 2014, The Unit 1984 Oil and Gas Limited Partnership dissolved and effective December 31, 2016, the two 1986 partnerships were dissolved. The Partnerships were formed for the purpose of conducting oil and natural gas acquisition, drilling and development operations and serving as co-general partner with us in any additional limited partnerships formed during that year. The Partnerships participated on a proportionate basis with us in most drilling operations and most producing property acquisitions commenced by us for our own account during the period from the formation of the Partnership through December 31 of that year. These partnership agreements require, on the election of a limited partner, that we repurchase the limited partner’s interest at amounts to be determined by appraisal in the future. Repurchases in any one year are limited to 20% of the units outstanding. We made repurchases of approximately $1,700 and $2,900 in the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(6)
We have recorded a liability for future estimated payments related to workers’ compensation claims primarily associated with our contract drilling segment.

(7)
The amount includes commitments under capital lease arrangements for compressors in Superior.

(8)
We have recorded a liability related to the timing of revenue recognized on certain demand fees for Superior.

Derivative Activities

Periodically we enter into derivative transactions locking in the prices to be received for a portion of our oil, NGLs, and natural gas production.






59


Commodity Derivatives. Our commodity derivatives are intended to reduce our exposure to price volatility and manage price risks. Our decision on the type and quantity of our production and the price(s) of our derivative(s) is based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions. At September 30, 2018, based on our third quarter 2018 average daily production, the approximated percentages of our production under derivative contracts are as follows:
 
 
2018
 
2019
 
 
Q4
 
 
Daily oil production
 
80
%
 
53
%
Daily natural gas production
 
28
%
 
13
%

With respect to the commodities subject to derivative contracts, those contracts serve to limit the risk of adverse downward price movements. However, they also limit increases in future revenues that would otherwise result from price movements above the contracted prices.

The use of derivative transactions carries with it the risk that the counterparties may not be able to meet their financial obligations under the transactions. Based on our September 30, 2018 evaluation, we believe the risk of non-performance by our counterparties is not material. At September 30, 2018, the fair values of the net assets (liabilities) we had with each of the counterparties to our commodity derivative transactions are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
(In millions)
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
 
$

Bank of America
 
(2.2
)
Bank of Montreal
 
(12.4
)
Total liabilities
 
$
(14.6
)

If a legal right of set-off exists, we net the value of the derivative transactions we have with the same counterparty in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. At September 30, 2018, we recorded the fair value of our commodity derivatives on our balance sheet as current and non-current derivative liabilities of $13.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017, we recorded the fair value of our commodity derivatives on our balance sheet as current derivative assets of $0.7 million and current derivative liabilities of $7.8 million.

For our economic hedges any changes in their fair value occurring before their maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported in gain (loss) on derivatives in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements. These gains (losses) at September 30 are as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
(In thousands)
Gain (loss) on derivatives:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on derivatives, included are amounts settled during the period of ($9,112), $840, ($18,040) and ($729), respectively
 
$
(4,385
)
 
$
(2,614
)
 
$
(25,608
)
 
$
21,019

 
 
$
(4,385
)
 
$
(2,614
)
 
$
(25,608
)
 
$
21,019


Stock and Incentive Compensation

During the first nine months of 2018, we granted awards covering 1,250,880 shares of restricted stock. These awards had an estimated fair value as of their grant date of $24.4 million. Compensation expense will be recognized over the three year vesting periods, and during the nine months of 2018, we recognized $6.6 million in compensation expense and capitalized $1.0 million for these awards. During the first nine months of 2018, we recognized compensation expense of $13.6 million for all of our restricted stock and capitalized $1.6 million of compensation cost for oil and natural gas properties.

During the first nine months of 2017, we granted awards covering 698,276 shares of restricted stock. These awards had an estimated fair value as of their grant date of $17.2 million. Compensation expense will be recognized over the three year

60


vesting periods, and during the nine months of 2017, we recognized $5.0 million in compensation expense and capitalized $0.8 million for these awards. During the first nine months of 2017, we recognized compensation expense of $9.0 million for all of our restricted stock, stock options, and SAR grants and capitalized $1.3 million of compensation cost for oil and natural gas properties.

Insurance

We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers’ compensation, general liability, control of well, and employee medical benefits. Insured policies for other coverage contain deductibles or retentions per occurrence that range from zero to $1.0 million. We have purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit, to the extent feasible, per occurrence and aggregate exposure to certain types of claims. There is no assurance that the insurance coverage we have will protect us against liability from all potential consequences. If insurance coverage becomes more expensive, we may choose to self-insure, decrease our limits, raise our deductibles, or any combination of these rather than pay higher premiums.

Oil and Natural Gas Limited Partnerships and Other Entity Relationships

We are the general partner of 13 oil and natural gas partnerships which were formed privately or publicly. Each partnership’s revenues and costs are shared under formulas set out in that partnership’s agreement. The partnerships repay us for contract drilling, well supervision, and general and administrative expense. Related party transactions for contract drilling and well supervision fees are the related party’s share of such costs. These costs are billed on the same basis as billings to unrelated third parties for similar services. General and administrative reimbursements consist of direct general and administrative expense incurred on the related party’s behalf as well as indirect expenses assigned to the related parties. Allocations are based on the related party’s level of activity and are considered by us to be reasonable. For the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, the total we received for all of these fees was $0.1 million in each period. Our proportionate share of assets, liabilities, and net income relating to the oil and natural gas partnerships is included in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. The FASB issued ASU 2018-13 to modify the disclosure requirements in Topic 820. Part of the disclosures were removed or modified and other disclosures were added. The amendment will be effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted. Also it is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosure and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. This amendment will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The FASB issued ASU 2018-07, to improve financial reporting for nonemployee share-based payments. The amendment expands the scope of Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation to include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods or services. The amendment will be effective for years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those years. This amendment will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Income Taxes - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118. In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-05 which updates the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification to reflect the guidance in SAB 118, which adds Section EE, “Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” to SAB Topic 5, “Miscellaneous Accounting.” SAB 118 also provides guidance on applying ASC 740, Income Taxes, if the accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is incomplete when the financial statements are issued for a reporting period.

Intangibles—Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The FASB issued ASU 2017-04, to simplify the measurement of goodwill. The amendment eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendment will be effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. This amendment will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Leases. The FASB has issued several accounting standards updates and amendments related to leases in the past two years, which are codified within Topic 842. For public companies, these are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods. The standard requires lessees to recognize at the commencement date of a lease a lease liability, which represents the lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which represents the lessee's right to use a specified asset for the lease term. Other recently issued amendments to Topic 842 have provided clarifying guidance regarding land easements, an

61


additional modified retrospective transition method, and added several practical expedients to apply Topic 842 for both lessees and lessors. The standard will not apply to leases of mineral rights.

We have an implementation team working through the provisions of the new guidance including a review of different types of contracts to document our lease portfolio and assess the impact on our accounting, disclosures, processes, internal control over financial reporting, and the election of certain practical expedients. Our evaluation of the impact of the new guidance on our financial statements is on-going.

We have made certain accounting policy decisions including that we plan to adopt the short-term lease recognition exemption, accounting for certain asset classes at a portfolio level, and establishing a balance sheet recognition capitalization threshold. Our transition will utilize the modified retrospective approach to adopting the new standard, and will be applied at the beginning of the period adopted (January 1, 2019) in accordance with ASU 2018-11. We expect to elect the transition practical expedient, which allows us to not evaluate land easements that existed prior to January 1, 2019, and the optional transition method to record the adoption impact through a cumulative adjustment to equity. We expect for certain lessee asset classes to elect the practical expedient and not separate lease and nonlease components. For these asset classes, we will account for the agreements as a single lease component.

We expect for certain lessor asset classes to elect the practical expedient and not separate lease and nonlease components and determine the appropriate accounting based on the predominate component of the contract. The assessment of predominance is ongoing.

We anticipate a material impact to the balance sheet across segments as we recognize Right of Use assets and liabilities but no material impact to the income statement (from the lessee's perspective). The assessment of the dollar value impact of adoption is on-going.

Adopted Standards

Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The FASB issued ASU 2018-02, an amendment which provides financial statement preparers with an option to reclassify stranded tax effects within AOCI to retained earnings caused by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Organizations should apply the proposed amendments either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. We adopted this amendment early and it had no material effect to our financial statements. We previously used 37.75% to calculate the tax effect on AOCI and now we are using 24.5%. The change is reflected in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and in Note 14 - Equity.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606. This new revenue standard provides for a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is to be recognized. The guidance in this update supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. Under the standard, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In addition, the standard requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. We applied the five step method outlined in the ASU to all of our revenue streams in the scope of ASC 606 and elected the modified retrospective approach method. Under that approach the cumulative effect on adoption is recognized as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at January 1, 2018. Only our mid-stream segment was affected. This adjustment related to the timing of revenue on certain demand fees. Both our oil and natural gas and contract drilling segments had no retained earnings adjustment. Comparative prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under ASC 605.

The additional disclosures required by ASC 606 have been included in Note 2 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Our internal control framework did not materially change as a result of this standard, but the existing internal controls have been modified to consider our new revenue recognition policy effective January 1, 2018. As we implement the new standard, we have added internal controls to ensure that we adequately evaluate new contracts under the five-step model under ASU 2014-09.


62


Results of Operations
Quarter Ended September 30, 2018 versus Quarter Ended September 30, 2017
Provided below is a comparison of selected operating and financial data:
 
 
Quarter Ended September 30,
 
Percent
Change (1)
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
(In thousands unless otherwise specified)
 
 
Total revenue
 
$
220,058

 
$
188,488

 
17
 %
Net income
 
$
21,123

 
$
3,705

 
NM

Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
 
$
2,224

 
$

 
 %
Net income attributable to Unit Corporation
 
$
18,899

 
$
3,705

 
NM

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Natural Gas:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
111,623

 
$
85,470

 
31
 %
Operating costs excluding depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
$
32,139

 
$
33,911

 
(5
)%
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
$
35,460

 
$
26,460

 
34
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average oil price received (Bbl)
 
$
57.72

 
$
47.29

 
22
 %
Average NGLs price received (Bbl)
 
$
25.66

 
$
18.35

 
40
 %
Average natural gas price received (Mcf)
 
$
2.27

 
$
2.36

 
(4
)%
Oil production (Bbl)
 
692,000

 
633,000

 
9
 %
NGLs production (Bbl)
 
1,278,000

 
1,243,000

 
3
 %
Natural gas production (Mcf)
 
14,336,000

 
13,085,000

 
10
 %
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization rate (Boe)
 
$
7.56

 
$
6.18

 
22
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contract Drilling:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
50,612

 
$
51,619

 
(2
)%
Operating costs excluding depreciation
 
$
32,032

 
$
34,747

 
(8
)%
Depreciation
 
$
14,889

 
$
15,280

 
(3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage of revenue from daywork contracts
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 %
Average number of drilling rigs in use
 
34.2

 
34.6

 
(1
)%
Average dayrate on daywork contracts
 
$
17,589

 
$
16,454

 
7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mid-Stream:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
57,823

 
$
51,399

 
12
 %
Operating costs excluding depreciation and amortization
 
$
43,134

 
$
38,116

 
13
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
11,265

 
$
10,880

 
4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas gathered—Mcf/day
 
415,862

 
383,787

 
8
 %
Gas processed—Mcf/day
 
160,294

 
140,246

 
14
 %
Gas liquids sold—gallons/day
 
700,523

 
530,028

 
32
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense
 
$
9,278

 
$
9,235

 
 %
Other depreciation
 
$
1,923

 
$
1,913

 
1
 %
Gain on disposition of assets
 
$
253

 
$
81

 
NM

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
385

 
$

 
 %
Interest expense, net
 
$
(8,330
)
 
$
(9,944
)
 
(16
)%
Loss on derivatives
 
$
(4,385
)
 
$
(2,614
)
 
68
 %
Other
 
$
6

 
$
5

 
20
 %
Income tax expense
 
$
6,744

 
$
1,769

 
NM

Average long-term debt outstanding
 
$
635,870

 
$
804,617

 
(21
)%
Average interest rate
 
6.7
%
 
6.0
%
 
12
 %
_________________________
(1)
NM – A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to a zero-value denominator or a percentage change greater than 200.

63


Oil and Natural Gas

Oil and natural gas revenues increased $26.2 million or 31% in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to higher oil and NGLs prices and higher production volumes partially offset by lower gas prices. In the third quarter of 2018, as compared to the third quarter of 2017, oil production increased 9%, natural gas production increased 10%, and NGLs production increased 3%. Average oil prices increased 22% to $57.72 per barrel, average natural gas prices decreased 4% to $2.27 per Mcf, and NGLs prices increased 40% to $25.66 per barrel.

Oil and natural gas operating costs decreased $1.8 million or 5% between the comparative third quarters of 2018 and 2017 due to the impact of the ASC 606 Revenue Recognition classification of certain deducts partially offset by higher gross production taxes.

Depreciation, depletion, and amortization (DD&A) increased $9.0 million or 34% due primarily to a 22% increase in the DD&A rate and an 7% increase in equivalent production. The increase in our DD&A rate in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 resulted primarily from the cost of wells drilled in the last three months of 2017 and the first nine months of 2018.

Contract Drilling

Drilling revenues decreased $1.0 million or 2% in the third quarter of 2018 versus the third quarter of 2017. The decrease was due primarily to an 1% decrease in the average number of drilling rigs in use and an increase in eliminations with an increase percentage of our drilling rigs being used by our oil and gas segment partially offset by a 7% increase in the average dayrate. Average drilling rig utilization decreased from 34.6 drilling rigs in the third quarter of 2017 to 34.2 drilling rigs in the third quarter of 2018.

Drilling operating costs decreased $2.7 million or 8% between the comparative third quarters of 2018 and 2017. The decrease was due primarily to less drilling rigs operating partially offset by increase in per day operating expense. Contract drilling depreciation decreased $0.4 million or 3% in the third quarter of 2018 versus the third quarter of 2017 also due to less drilling rigs operating.

Mid-Stream

Our mid-stream revenues increased $6.4 million or 12% in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to the third quarter of 2017 due primarily to higher volumes and increases in NGL and condensate prices partially offset by decreased natural gas prices. Gas processed volumes per day increased 14% between the comparative quarters primarily due to additional wells connected to our processing systems. Gas gathered volumes per day increased 8% between the comparative quarters primarily due to connecting new wells to our systems.

Operating costs increased $5.0 million or 13% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to higher gas purchase volumes and higher field direct and general and administrative expenses due to increased employee cost and from a $250,000 monthly service fee for outside services. Depreciation and amortization increased $0.4 million, or 4%, primarily due to new capital assets placed in service.

Gain on Disposition of Assets

There was a $0.3 million gain on disposition of assets in the third quarter of 2018 primarily due to the sale of drilling rig components and vehicles, compared to a gain of $0.1 million for the disposition of assets in the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to the sale of vehicles.

Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, decreased $1.6 million between the comparative third quarters of 2018 and 2017 due primarily to a 21% decrease in average long-term debt outstanding in the third quarter of 2018 and increased interest capitalized partially offset by a higher average interest rate. We had interest earned of $0.4 million from the cash in our investment account from the excess proceeds from the sale of 50% of Superior. We capitalized interest based on the net book value associated with undeveloped leasehold not being amortized, the construction of additional drilling rigs, and the construction of gas gathering systems. Capitalized interest for the third quarter of 2018 was $4.2 million compared to $4.0 million in the third quarter of 2017, and was netted against our gross interest of $12.5 million and $14.0 million for the third quarters of 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our average interest rate increased from 6.0% in the third quarter of 2017 to 6.7% in

64


the third quarter of 2018 and our average debt outstanding was $168.7 million lower in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to the third quarter of 2017 primarily due to the pay down of the Unit credit agreement in the second quarter of 2018.

Loss on Derivatives

Loss on derivatives increased $1.8 million primarily due to losses on derivatives settled partially offset by a gain from fluctuations in forward prices used to estimate the fair value in mark-to-market accounting.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increased $5.0 million between the comparative third quarters of 2018 and 2017 primarily due to increased pre-tax income but was tempered to a certain degree by our lower statutory tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Act, and elimination of non-controlling interest income. Our effective tax rate was 24.2% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 32.3% for the second quarter of 2017. The rate change was again primarily due to the lower federal statutory tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Act and elimination of non-controlling interest income. There was no current income tax expense in the third quarter of 2018 or 2017. We paid $3.6 million in income taxes in the third quarter of 2018 related to our sale of 50% of Superior. Under the guidance in ASC 810, Consolidation, we have determined that Superior is a VIE. The tax effects related to the gain recognized on the sale have been recorded to Capital in excess of par value.


65


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Provided below is a comparison of selected operating and financial data:
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
Percent
Change
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
(In thousands unless otherwise specified)
 
 
Total revenue
 
$
628,493

 
$
534,793

 
18
 %
Net income
 
$
37,138

 
$
28,693

 
29
 %
Net income attributable to non-controlling interest
 
$
4,586

 
$

 
 %
Net income attributable to Unit Corporation
 
$
32,552

 
$
28,693

 
13
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oil and Natural Gas:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
317,040

 
$
256,241

 
24
 %
Operating costs excluding depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
$
100,519

 
$
95,873

 
5
 %
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
 
$
97,797

 
$
71,544

 
37
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average oil price received (Bbl)
 
$
56.40

 
$
47.62

 
18
 %
Average NGLs price received (Bbl)
 
$
23.03

 
$
17.05

 
35
 %
Average natural gas price received (Mcf)
 
$
2.35

 
$
2.50

 
(6
)%
Oil production (Bbl)
 
2,121,000

 
1,990,000

 
7
 %
NGLs production (Bbl)
 
3,702,000

 
3,476,000

 
7
 %
Natural gas production (Mcf)
 
41,572,000

 
37,317,000

 
11
 %
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization rate (Boe)
 
$
7.32

 
$
5.76

 
27
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contract Drilling:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
143,527

 
$
128,059

 
12
 %
Operating costs excluding depreciation
 
$
95,593

 
$
91,213

 
5
 %
Depreciation
 
$
41,927

 
$
41,896

 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage of revenue from daywork contracts
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
 %
Average number of drilling rigs in use
 
32.7

 
29.7

 
10
 %
Average dayrate on daywork contracts
 
$
17,327

 
$
16,120

 
7
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mid-Stream:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
 
$
167,926

 
$
150,493

 
12
 %
Operating costs excluding depreciation and amortization
 
$
124,441

 
$
111,862

 
11
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
33,493

 
$
32,547

 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gas gathered—Mcf/day
 
393,414

 
385,846

 
2
 %
Gas processed—Mcf/day
 
157,313

 
133,986

 
17
 %
Gas liquids sold—gallons/day
 
651,979

 
518,054

 
26
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate and other:
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense
 
$
28,752

 
$
26,902

 
7
 %
Other depreciation
 
$
5,759

 
$
5,558

 
4
 %
Gain on disposition of assets
 
$
575

 
$
1,153

 
(50
)%
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
 
$
796

 
$

 
 %
Interest expense, net
 
$
(26,474
)
 
$
(28,807
)
 
(8
)%
Gain (loss) on derivatives
 
$
(25,608
)
 
$
21,019

 
NM

Other
 
$
17

 
$
14

 
21
 %
Income tax expense
 
$
12,380

 
$
22,084

 
(44
)%
Average long-term debt outstanding
 
$
700,378

 
$
811,159

 
(14
)%
Average interest rate
 
6.5
%
 
6.0
%
 
8
 %
_________________________
(1)
NM – A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to a zero-value denominator or a percentage change greater than 200.


66


Oil and Natural Gas

Oil and natural gas revenues increased $60.8 million or 24% in the first nine months 2018 as compared to the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to higher oil and NGLs prices and higher production volumes. In the first nine months of 2018, as compared to the first nine months of 2017, oil production increased 7%, natural gas production increased 11%, and NGLs production increased 7%. Average oil prices increased 18% to $56.40 per barrel, average natural gas prices decreased 6% to $2.35 per Mcf, and NGLs prices increased 35% to $23.03 per barrel.

Oil and natural gas operating costs increased $4.6 million or 5% between the comparative first nine months of 2018 and 2017 due to higher LOE, saltwater disposal, and gross production tax partially offset by the impact of the change in classification of certain deducts due to the implementation on January 1, 2018 of ASC 606 Revenue Recognition reclass.

DD&A increased $26.3 million or 37% due primarily to a 27% increase in our DD&A rate and a 9% increase in equivalent production. The increase in our DD&A rate in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 resulted primarily from the cost of wells drilled in the last three months of 2017 and the first nine months of 2018.

Contract Drilling

Drilling revenues increased $15.5 million or 12% in the first nine months of 2018 versus the first nine months of 2017. The increase was due primarily to a 10% increase in the average number of drilling rigs in use and an a 7% increase in the average dayrate along with increased revenues from mobilizations. Average drilling rig utilization increased from 29.7 drilling rigs in the first nine months of 2017 to 32.7 drilling rigs in the first nine months of 2018.

Drilling operating costs increased $4.4 million or 5% between the comparative first nine months of 2018 and 2017. The increase was due primarily to more drilling rigs operating. Contract drilling depreciation was essentially unchanged.

Mid-Stream

Our mid-stream revenues increased $17.4 million or 12% in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to the first nine months of 2017 due primarily to an increase in NGLs and condensate prices and volumes along with an increase in gas volumes sold partially offset by a decrease in natural gas prices. Gas processed volumes per day increased 17% between the comparative periods primarily due to connecting new wells at the Cashion and Hemphill processing facilities. Gas gathered volumes per day increased 2% between the comparative periods primarily due to connecting new wells at the Cashion and Hemphill facilities partially offset by declines in volumes in the Appalachian area.

Operating costs increased $12.6 million or 11% in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to increased purchase volumes along with higher field direct and general and administrative expenses due to increased employee cost and from a $250,000 monthly outside service fee incurred in the second quarter. Depreciation and amortization increased $0.9 million, or 3%, primarily due to new capital assets placed into service.

Other Depreciation

Other depreciation increased 4% during the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 due primarily to the ERP accounting and reporting system that was implemented during the first quarter of 2017.

General and Administrative

Corporate general and administrative expenses increased $1.9 million or 7% in the first nine months of 2018 compared to the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to higher employee costs.

Gain on Disposition of Assets

There was an $0.6 million gain on disposition of assets in the first nine months of 2018 primarily due to the sale of drilling rig components and vehicles, compared to a gain of $1.2 million for the disposition of assets in the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to the sale of a corporate aircraft and vehicles.


67


Other Income (Expense)

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, decreased $2.3 million between the comparative first nine months of 2018 and 2017 due primarily to a 14% decrease in the average long-term debt outstanding and an increase in interest capitalized partially offset by a higher average interest rate. We had interest earned of $0.8 million from the excess cash in our investment account from the sale of 50% of Superior. We capitalized interest based on the net book value associated with undeveloped leasehold not being amortized, the construction of additional drilling rigs, and the construction of gas gathering systems. Capitalized interest for the first nine months of 2018 was $12.1 million compared to $11.9 million in the first nine months of 2017, and was netted against our gross interest of $38.6 million and $40.7 million for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively. Our average interest rate increased from 6.0% to 6.5% and our average debt outstanding was $110.8 million lower in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to the first nine months of 2017 primarily due to the pay down of our Unit credit agreement in the second quarter of 2018.

Gain (Loss) on Derivatives

Gain (loss) on derivatives decreased $46.6 million primarily due to increased losses on derivaties settled along with losses on unrealized hedges compared to gains on unrealized value in 2017.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense decreased $9.7 million between the comparative first nine months of 2018 and 2017 primarily due to decreased pre-tax income, lower statutory tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Act, and elimination of non-controlling interest income. Our effective tax rate was 25.0% for the first nine months of 2018 compared to 43.5% for the first nine months of 2017. The decrease was again primarily due to the lower federal statutory tax rate due to the 2017 Tax Act, elimination of non-controlling interest income, and to a lesser extent, smaller deferred income tax expense related to our restricted stock vestings in the first nine months of 2018 as compared to the first nine months of 2017. There was no current income tax expense in the first nine months of 2018 or 2017. We paid $3.6 million in income taxes in the first nine months of 2018 related to the our sale of 50% of Superior. Under the guidance in ASC 810, Consolidation, we have determined that Superior is a VIE. The tax effects related to the gain recognized on the sale have been recorded to Capital in excess of par value.

Safe Harbor Statement

This report, including information included in, or incorporated by reference from, future filings by us with the SEC, as well as information contained in written material, press releases, and oral statements issued by or on our behalf, contain, or may contain, certain statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this report, which address activities, events, or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur, are forward-looking statements. The words “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “predicts,” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements include, among others, things as:

the amount and nature of our future capital expenditures and how we expect to fund our capital expenditures;
prices for oil, NGLs, and natural gas;
demand for oil, NGLs, and natural gas;
our exploration and drilling prospects;
the estimates of our proved oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserves;
oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserve potential;
development and infill drilling potential;
expansion and other development trends of the oil and natural gas industry;
our business strategy;
our plans to maintain or increase production of oil, NGLs, and natural gas;
the number of gathering systems and processing plants we plan to construct or acquire;

68


volumes and prices for natural gas gathered and processed;
expansion and growth of our business and operations;
demand for our drilling rigs and drilling rig rates;
our belief that the final outcome of legal proceedings involving us will not materially affect our financial results;
our ability to timely secure third-party services used in completing our wells;
our ability to transport or convey our oil or natural gas production to established pipeline systems;
impact of federal and state legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to hydrocarbon fracturing impacting our costs and increasing operating restrictions or delays as well as other adverse impacts on our business;
our projected production guidelines for the year;
our anticipated capital budgets;
our financial condition and liquidity;
the number of wells our oil and natural gas segment plans to drill or rework during the year;
our intended use of the proceeds from the sale of 50% of the interest we owned in our mid-stream segment; and
our estimates of the amounts of any ceiling test write-downs or other potential asset impairments we may have to record in future periods.

These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us based on our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, including:

the risk factors discussed in this report and in the documents we incorporate by reference;
general economic, market, or business conditions;
the availability of and nature of (or lack of) business opportunities that we pursue;
demand for our land drilling services;
changes in laws or regulations;
changes in the current geopolitical situation;
risks relating to financing, including restrictions in our debt agreements and availability and cost of credit;
risks associated with future weather conditions;
decreases or increases in commodity prices;
putative class action lawsuits that may result in substantial expenditures and divert management's attention; and
other factors, most of which are beyond our control.
You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we disclaim any intention to update forward-looking information and to release publicly the results of any future revisions we may make to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

A more thorough discussion of forward-looking statements with the possible impact of some of these risks and uncertainties is provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. We encourage you to get and read that document.


69


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Our operations are exposed to market risks primarily because of changes in commodity prices and interest rates.

Commodity Price Risk. Our major market risk exposure is in the prices we receive for our oil, NGLs, and natural gas production. These prices are primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and market prices applicable to our NGLs and natural gas production. Historically, these prices have fluctuated and we expect this to continue. The prices for oil, NGLs, and natural gas also affect the demand for our drilling rigs and the amount we can charge for the use of our drilling rigs. Based on our first nine months 2018 production, a $0.10 per Mcf change in what we are paid for our natural gas production, without the effect of hedging, would result in a corresponding $447,000 per month ($5.4 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. A $1.00 per barrel change in our oil price, without the effect of hedging, would have a $225,000 per month ($2.7 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow and a $1.00 per barrel change in our NGLs prices, without the effect of hedging, would have a $398,000 per month ($4.8 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow.

We use derivative transactions to manage the risk associated with price volatility. Our decisions regarding the amount and prices at which we choose to enter into a contract for certain of our products is based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions. The transactions we use include financial price swaps under which we will receive a fixed price for our production and pay a variable market price to the contract counterparty. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes.

At September 30, 2018, these derivatives were outstanding:
Term
 
Commodity
 
Contracted Volume
 
Weighted Average 
Fixed Price
 
Contracted Market
Oct'18
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.005
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Nov’18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.013
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.810
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Oct'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.190)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.678)
 
PEPL
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.568)
 
NGPL MIDCON
Nov’18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.208)
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.659)
 
PEPL
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.625)
 
NGL MIDCON
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.265)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Jan'20 – Dec'20
 
Natural gas – basis swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$(0.275)
 
NGPL TEXOK
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Natural gas – three-way collar
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.00 - $2.50 - $3.51
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – swap
 
4,000 Bbl/day
 
$53.52
 
WTI – NYMEX
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – price differential risk
 
500 Bbl/day
 
$7.00
 
LLS/WTI
Oct'18 – Dec'18
 
Crude oil – three-way collar
 
2,000 Bbl/day
 
$47.50 - $37.50 - $56.08
 
WTI – NYMEX
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Crude oil – three-way collar
 
4,000 Bbl/day
 
$61.25 - $51.25 - $72.93
 
WTI – NYMEX

After September 30, 2018, the following derivatives were entered into:
Term
 
Commodity
 
Contracted Volume
 
Weighted Average 
Fixed Price
 
Contracted Market
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.850
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Dec'19
 
Natural gas – collar
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$2.63 - $3.03
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan'19 – Mar'19
 
Natural gas – three-way collar
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$3.00 - $2.75 - $4.35
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)

Interest Rate Risk. Our interest rate exposure relates to our long-term debt under our credit agreements and the Notes. The credit agreement, at our election bears interest at variable rates based on the Prime Rate or the LIBOR Rate. At our election, borrowings under our credit agreements may be fixed at the LIBOR Rate for periods of up to 180 days. As of October 19, 2018,

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we did not have any outstanding debt under our credit agreements. Under our Notes, we pay a fixed rate of interest of 6.625% per year (payable semi-annually in arrears on May 15 and November 15 of each year).

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) (Disclosure Controls) or our internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there is no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to an error or fraud may occur and not be detected. We monitor our Disclosure Controls and ICFR and make modifications as necessary; our intent in this regard is that the Disclosure Controls and ICFR will be modified as systems change, and conditions warrant.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our Disclosure Controls under the Exchange Act in ensuring the information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported in our periodic SEC filings relating to the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) and is accumulated and communicated to the CEO, CFO, and management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our Disclosure Controls were not effective as of September 30, 2018 due to a material weakness in ICFR described below.

Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in ICFR, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

We did not design and maintain effective controls to verify the proper presentation and disclosure of our interim and annual consolidated financial statements. Specifically, our controls were not sufficiently precise to allow for the effective review of the underlying information used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, nor verify that transactions were appropriately presented. This control deficiency led to a misstatement that resulted in the revision of our statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017, and the restatement of our statement of cash flows for the interim period ended March 31, 2018. This material weakness could result in misstatements of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements or disclosures that would not be prevented or detected.

Plan for Remediation of the Material Weakness. We have dedicated significant time and resources that we believe will address the underlying cause of the material weakness, including:

engaged a consultant specializing in internal controls to assist with the remediation efforts;
recruited, added, and trained an additional staff position in the financial reporting department;
redesigned and enhanced controls related to the preparation and review of the consolidated financial statements; and
provided additional training to financial reporting personnel with respect to the preparation and review of the consolidated financial statements.

Management believes the measures described above will remediate the material weakness that we have identified. This material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable remedial controls operate for a sufficient period of time. As management continues to evaluate and improve internal controls over financial reporting, we may decide to take additional measures to address this control deficiency or determine to modify certain of the remediation measures.


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Changes in Internal Controls. There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting (ICFR) during the quarter ended September 30, 2018, that materially affected our ICFR or are reasonably likely to materially affect it, as defined in Rule 13a – 15(f) under the Exchange Act.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Panola Independent School District No. 4, et al. v. Unit Petroleum Company, No. CJ-07-215, District Court of Latimer County, Oklahoma.
Panola Independent School District No. 4, Michael Kilpatrick, Gwen Grego, Carla Lessel, Thelma Christine Pate, Juanita Golightly, Melody Culberson, and Charlotte Abernathy are the Plaintiffs and are royalty owners in oil and gas drilling and spacing units for which the company’s exploration segment distributes royalty. The Plaintiffs’ central allegation is that the company’s exploration segment has underpaid royalty obligations by deducting post-production costs or marketing related fees. Plaintiffs sought to pursue the case as a class action on behalf of persons who receive royalty from us for our Oklahoma production. We have asserted several defenses including that the deductions are permitted under Oklahoma law. We have also asserted that the case should not be tried as a class action due to the materially different circumstances that determine what, if any, deductions are taken for each lease. On December 16, 2009, the trial court entered its order certifying the class. On May 11, 2012 the court of civil appeals reversed the trial court’s order certifying the class. The Plaintiffs petitioned the Supreme Court for certiorari and on October 8, 2012, the Plaintiff’s petition was denied. On January 22, 2013, the Plaintiffs filed a second request to certify a class of royalty owners slightly smaller than their first attempt. Since then, the Plaintiffs have further amended their proposed class to just include royalty owners entitled to royalties under certain leases in Latimer, Le Flore, and Pittsburg Counties, Oklahoma. In July 2014, a second class certification hearing was held where, besides the defenses described above, we argued that the amended class definition is still deficient under the court of civil appeals opinion reversing the initial class certification. Closing arguments were held on December 2, 2014. There is no timetable for when the court will issue its ruling. The merits of Plaintiffs’ claims will remain stayed while class certification issues are pending.

Cockerell Oil Properties, Ltd., v. Unit Petroleum Company, No. 16-cv-135-JHP, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

On March 11, 2016, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against Unit Petroleum Company styled Cockerell Oil Properties, Ltd., v. Unit Petroleum Company in LeFlore County, Oklahoma. We removed the case to federal court in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The plaintiff alleges that Unit Petroleum wrongfully failed to pay interest with respect to untimely royalty payments under Oklahoma’s Production Revenue Standards Act. The lawsuit seeks actual and punitive damages, an accounting, disgorgement, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees. Plaintiff is seeking relief on behalf of royalty owners in our Oklahoma wells. We have asserted several defenses including that the case cannot be properly certified as a class action because of the wide variety of circumstances that determine whether a royalty payment was timely made or has accrued interest under Oklahoma law. At this point, the court has not taken any action on the issue of class certification.

Chieftain Royalty Company v. Unit Petroleum Company, No. CJ-16-230, District Court of LeFlore County, Oklahoma.

On November 3, 2016, a putative class action lawsuit was filed against Unit Petroleum Company styled Chieftain Royalty Company v. Unit Petroleum Company in LeFlore County, Oklahoma. Plaintiff alleges that Unit Petroleum breached its duty to pay royalties on natural gas used for fuel off the lease premises. The lawsuit seeks actual and punitive damages, an accounting, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees. Plaintiff is seeking relief on behalf of Oklahoma citizens who are or were royalty owners in our Oklahoma wells. We filed a motion to dismiss on the basis that the claims asserted by the Plaintiff and the putative class are barred because they have already been asserted by the putative class in the Panola lawsuit and are subject to its reversal of class certification. The court denied our motion to dismiss and we have asked the court to certify its order so that it can be immediately appealed. That issue is still pending before the court. If we do not ultimately prevail on our claim of issue preclusion, we have several other defenses, including that the case cannot be properly certified as a class action because of the wide variety of circumstances that determine whether a royalty payment was wrongfully withheld. At this point, the issue of class certification has not been set before the court.

We continue to vigorously defend against each of the pending claims. At this time we are unable to express an opinion with respect to the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or provide an estimate of potential losses, if any.


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Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this quarterly report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed below, if any, and in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and/or operating results.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table provides information relating to our repurchase of common stock for the three months ended September 30, 2018:
Period
 
(a)
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
(b)
Average Price Paid
Per Share
 
(c)
Total Number of Shares Purchased As Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
(d)
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1, 2018 to July 31, 2018
 

 
$

 

 

August 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018
 

 

 

 

September 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018
 

 

 

 

Total
 

 
$

 

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.


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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits:
 
10.1
 
 
31.1
 
 
31.2
 
 
32
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
_______________________
*Certain schedules referenced in the agreement have been omitted in accordance with Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A copy of any omitted schedule will be furnished supplementary to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
Unit Corporation
 
 
 
Date:
November 6, 2018
By: /s/ Larry D. Pinkston
 
 
LARRY D. PINKSTON
 
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
 
 
 
Date:
November 6, 2018
By: /s/ Les Austin
 
 
LES AUSTIN
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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