Nyse Xco 2015
Nyse Xco 2015
Nyse Xco 2015
FORM 10-K
______________________________
None
(Title of class)
______________________________
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. YES NO
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Act. YES NO
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 NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if
any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of
this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant is required to submit and post
such files). YES NO
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this
chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer,
or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act). YES NO
As of February 25, 2016, the registrant had 282,924,079 outstanding common shares, par value $0.001 per share,
which is its only class of common shares. As of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second
fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant's common shares held by non-affiliates was approximately
$186,183,000.
______________________________
Portions of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A to be furnished to shareholders in
connection with its 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Part III, Items 10-14 of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I.
Item 1. Business ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 1A. Risk Factors ......................................................................................................................................................... 30
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments ................................................................................................................................ 49
Item 2. Properties ............................................................................................................................................................. 49
Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................................................................................................................ 49
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures ...................................................................................................................................... 50
PART II.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 50
Securities..............................................................................................................................................................
Item 6. Selected Financial Data........................................................................................................................................ 51
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations............................... 53
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk............................................................................. 79
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................................................................................................... 81
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ............................. 130
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures ...................................................................................................................................... 130
Item 9B. Other Information ................................................................................................................................................ 130
PART III.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance................................................................................... 131
Item 11. Executive Compensation ..................................................................................................................................... 131
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters ........... 131
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .................................................... 131
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services .............................................................................................................. 131
Part IV.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules ....................................................................................................... 131
1
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
PART I
Item 1. Business
General
Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “EXCO,” “EXCO Resources,”
“Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are to EXCO Resources, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
We have provided definitions of terms commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry in the “Glossary of selected oil
and natural gas terms” beginning on page 26.
We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, exploitation, acquisition, development
and production of onshore U.S. oil and natural gas properties with a focus on shale resource plays. Our principal operations are
conducted in certain key U.S. oil and natural gas areas including Texas, Louisiana and the Appalachia region.
As of December 31, 2015, our Proved Reserves were approximately 907.3 Bcfe, of which 86% were natural gas and
48% were Proved Developed Reserves. As of December 31, 2015, the PV-10 and Standardized Measure of our Proved Reserves
were approximately $402.1 million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we produced 124.0 Bcfe of oil and natural gas.
Our primary strategy focuses on the exploitation and development of our shale resource plays and the pursuit of leasing
and acquisition opportunities. We plan to carry out this strategy by executing on a strategic plan that incorporates the following
three core objectives: (i) restructuring the balance sheet to enhance our business and extend structural liquidity; (ii)
transforming EXCO into the lowest cost producer; and (iii) optimizing and repositioning the portfolio. We believe this strategy
will allow us to create long-term value for our shareholders. The three core objectives and the Company's recent progress are
detailed below:
Restructuring the balance sheet to enhance our business and extend structural liquidity
We are focused on improving our capital structure and providing structural liquidity. In the fourth quarter of 2015, we
executed a series of transactions that resulted in the issuance of senior secured second lien term loans and utilized the proceeds
to reduce indebtedness under our credit agreement ("EXCO Resources Credit Agreement"), 7.5% senior unsecured notes due
September 15, 2018 ("2018 Notes") and 8.5% senior unsecured notes due April 15, 2022 ("2022 Notes"). The senior secured
second lien term loans are due on October 26, 2020 and bear interest at a rate of 12.5% per annum ("Second Lien Term
Loans"). Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2015, we repurchased $40.8 million in principal of the 2018 Notes through open
market purchases with $12.0 million in cash. These transactions and our operations enhanced our balance sheet and increased
our financial flexibility, including the accomplishment of the following results during the year ended December 31, 2015:
• reduced the principal amount of total outstanding indebtedness by $304.2 million, or 21%;
• reduced the principal amount of outstanding senior unsecured notes by $869.2 million, or 70%;
• reduced the principal amount of the nearest unsecured debt maturity, due in 2018, by $592.0 million, or 79%; and
• extended the weighted average debt maturity.
Our liquidity was $334.4 million as of December, 31, 2015 and we have approximately $125.0 million of additional liens
capacity that can be utilized for future exchanges or issuances of secured indebtedness. Since December 31, 2015, we have purchased
an additional $9.5 million of 2018 Notes and $39.9 million of 2022 Notes with $6.7 million in cash. The 2018 Notes and 2022
Notes repurchased will be canceled by the trustee following customary settlement procedures. We are currently evaluating additional
balance sheet restructuring transactions including the issuance of additional indebtedness, the restructuring or repurchase of existing
indebtedness, issuance of equity or divestitures of assets.
We continued to reduce costs through the restructuring of our commercial contracts, including the renegotiation of firm
transportation and sales contracts in the North Louisiana and South Texas regions. In North Louisiana, we were able to improve
our rate per Mcf of natural gas in exchange for extending the term of the contracts. In South Texas, we were able to improve our
2
realized price per barrel of oil with our primary purchaser. We remain committed to restructuring our gathering and
transportation contracts with our midstream providers.
We have implemented several initiatives to reduce our general and administrative costs and lease operating costs,
including significant reductions in our workforce. As a result of the reductions in force, our total employee count decreased to
315 persons at December 31, 2015, which represents a 44% decrease compared to December 31, 2014 and a 58% decrease
compared to December 31, 2013. The general and administrative cost saving initiatives also included reductions in benefits,
office expenses, software licenses and other costs. As such, we expect our general and administrative expenses and lease
operating expenses to continue to decrease in 2016 as we realize a full year of cost savings from the reduction in force and other
initiatives.
Our operational team is dedicated to the continuous improvement and innovation of well designs in order to maximize
our return on capital. The drilling program in the Shelby area of East Texas was the focal point of our 2015 capital program and
we achieved strong results in both the Haynesville and Bossier shales based on our enhanced completion methods. The
enhanced completion methods included higher levels of proppant, longer laterals and other optimizations to our completion
design. The improved well performance in the East Texas region resulted in an increase in the EUR to 1.5 Bcf per 1,000 lateral
feet for certain proved undeveloped Haynesville and Bossier shale locations compared to 1.3 Bcf per 1,000 lateral feet as of
December 31, 2014. We plan to apply similar completion methods in the development of our Haynesville shale assets in the
North Louisiana region during 2016. These enhanced well designs and completion methods also resulted in an increase in the
EUR to 2.0 Bcf per 1,000 lateral feet for certain proved undeveloped Haynesville shale locations in the Holly area of North
Louisiana from 1.6 Bcf per 1,000 lateral feet as of December 31, 2014. We have been able to reduce drilling and completion
costs across all regions through modifications to well designs, renegotiated contracts with vendors, and other efficiencies. We
have also seen sustained performance improvements in North Louisiana from the implementation of a full field compression
program, which is expected to flatten our base decline and reduce future capital requirements.
We have implemented a disciplined capital allocation approach to ensure the highest and best use of capital. Our use of
capital is allocated based on the highest risk adjusted rates of return, including both the development of our oil and natural gas
properties and liability management initiatives. Our development program during the first six months of 2016 is focused on
natural gas drilling and completion activities in North Louisiana that achieve the highest rates of return in our portfolio.
We focus on allocating capital to our drilling program to generate value by increasing our drilling inventory through
leasing and acquisitions. We continue to evaluate opportunities to add undeveloped locations in core areas that meet our
strategic objectives at a low cost. We are able to leverage our technical expertise and economies of scale to maximize our
returns in these areas. We will also evaluate divestitures of assets that would allow us to redeploy capital to projects with higher
rates of return.
3
Our strengths
Our core areas have an extensive inventory of drilling opportunities which includes a diverse portfolio of both oil and
natural gas assets that provide us the option to allocate capital to enhance our returns in various commodity price environments.
In addition, a significant portion of our acreage is held-by-production which allows us to develop these properties within an
optimum time frame. We hold significant acreage positions in three prominent shale plays in the United States:
• East Texas and North Louisiana - we currently hold approximately 83,800 net acres in the Haynesville and Bossier
shales;
• South Texas - we currently hold approximately 65,800 net acres in the Eagle Ford shale; and
• Appalachia - we currently hold approximately 137,400 net acres prospective for the Marcellus shale.
We have extensive amounts of technical and operational expertise within the Haynesville and Bossier shales. We have
accumulated significant amounts of contiguous acreage and are one of the largest operators within this region. Our economies
of scale and operational expertise have allowed us to efficiently develop our assets and minimize our costs through greater
utilization of multi-well pads and existing infrastructure and facilities.
We have applied our technical and operational expertise from other shale plays to our development of the Eagle Ford
shale. We have realized significant improvements in our drilling performance and the optimization of our well design has
yielded strong results. Our position includes producing properties and undeveloped locations in the Eagle Ford shale, Buda and
other formations.
Our position in the Marcellus shale requires low maintenance capital as a substantial portion of our acreage is held-by-
production, which gives us flexibility to control the timing of our development activities in the region.
Operational control
We operate a significant portion of our properties which allows us to manage our operating costs and better control
capital expenditures as well as the timing of development and exploitation activities. Therefore, we are able to allocate our
capital to the most attractive projects based on commodity prices, rates of return and industry trends. As of December 31, 2015,
we operated 6,380 of our 6,891 gross wells, or wells representing approximately 95% of our Proved Developed Reserves. We
have continued to demonstrate improved drilling and completion results in our operated areas while maintaining low capital and
operating costs.
We have developed a workforce of highly skilled technical and operational personnel who have been successful in
developing our shale resources. We leverage our technical expertise to exploit our asset base in an efficient and cost-effective
manner. We believe our technical expertise gives us a competitive advantage in our key operating areas.
Our management team has extensive industry experience in acquiring, exploring, exploiting and developing oil and
natural gas properties. We entered into a services and investment agreement with Energy Strategic Advisory Services LLC
("ESAS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bluescape Resources Company LLC (“Bluescape”), during 2015 to assist in the
development and execution of our business plan. The ESAS team has extensive experience in developing and executing
effective business strategies and complements the operating and financial capabilities of our management team. We believe that
we will be able to capitalize on the strengths of these teams, which will be instrumental in executing a disciplined approach to
accomplish our business strategies.
4
Plans for 2016
Our plans for 2016 focus primarily on the exploitation and development of the Haynesville shale in the Holly area in
North Louisiana and the Haynesville and Bossier shales in the Shelby area of East Texas. We believe the capital projects
included in our plans for 2016 provide attractive returns in the current depressed commodity price environment. We will
continue to focus on operational initiatives to enhance our well designs, optimize our base production and maximize the
recoveries from our properties. We will continue to focus on fiscal discipline, including the continuation of our operating and
general and administrative cost reduction efforts. Furthermore, we will continue to evaluate and pursue transactions to enhance
our financial flexibility and preserve our liquidity.
The following tables set forth summary operating information attributable to our principal geographic areas of operation
as of December 31, 2015:
(1) The total Proved Reserves and PV-10 as of December 31, 2015 were prepared in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The estimated future plugging and abandonment costs
necessary to compute PV-10 were computed internally.
(2) The PV-10 data used in this table was based on reference prices using the simple average of the spot prices for the trailing
12 month period using the first day of each month beginning on January 1, 2015 and ending on December 1, 2015, of
$2.59 per Mmbtu for natural gas and $50.28 per Bbl for oil, in each case adjusted for geographical and historical
differentials. Market prices for oil and natural gas are volatile (see “Item 1A. Risk Factors-Risks Relating to Our
Business”). We believe that PV-10, while not a financial measure in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States ("GAAP"), is an important financial measure used by investors and independent oil and
natural gas producers for evaluating the relative significance of oil and natural gas properties and acquisitions due to tax
characteristics which can differ significantly among comparable companies. The total Standardized Measure, a measure
recognized under GAAP, as of December 31, 2015 was $402.1 million. The Standardized Measure represents the PV-10
after giving effect to income taxes, and is calculated in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 932, Extractive Activities, Oil and Gas ("ASC 932"). Our existing
net operating loss carryforwards eliminated estimated future income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015. The
amount of estimated future plugging and abandonment costs, the PV-10 of these costs and the Standardized Measure were
determined by us. We do not designate our derivative financial instruments as hedges and accordingly, do not include the
impact of derivative financial instruments when computing the Standardized Measure.
(3) The average daily net production rate was calculated based on the average daily rate during the final month of the year
ended December 31, 2015. The 37 Mmcfe per day for Appalachia and other excludes shut-in volumes of approximately
13 Mmcfe per day as a result of low commodity prices in the region.
(4) The acreage in this region includes 38,500 net acres outside of our core area in Zavala County that are subject to our joint
venture partner's right to participate in each proposed well. The acreage outside of our core area is not subject to the
participation agreement with our joint venture partner ("Participation Agreement").
5
Our development and exploitation project areas
Our operations in East Texas and North Louisiana are focused on the Haynesville and Bossier shales which are primarily
located in Shelby, San Augustine and Nacogdoches Counties in Texas and DeSoto and Caddo Parishes in Louisiana. Our
acreage in this region is predominantly held-by-production. The Haynesville shale is located at depths of 12,000 to 14,500 feet
and is being developed with horizontal wells that typically have 4,300 to 7,500 foot laterals. The Bossier shale lies just above
certain portions of the Haynesville shale and also contains rich deposits of natural gas. The geographic position of our
properties in the Haynesville and Bossier shales provides us access to nearby markets with favorable natural gas price indices
compared to the rest of the country.
The Company entered 2015 with three operated rigs drilling in the Holly area of North Louisiana and subsequently
moved these rigs to the Shelby area of East Texas. We released one of these rigs and moved the other two rigs to resume
drilling in North Louisiana in early 2016. Our development activities in North Louisiana during 2016 will feature a modified
Haynesville shale well design which includes enhanced completion methods that have proven to be successful in our East Texas
region, including the use of more proppant, modified well spacing and longer laterals.
Our position in the Holly area consists of 29,200 net acres in DeSoto Parish and 8,600 net acres in Caddo Parish, which
are all held-by-production. At December 31, 2015, we had a total of 413 gross (205.9 net) operated horizontal wells flowing to
sales. We drilled 2 gross (1.7 net) operated wells and turned-to-sales 18 gross (11.9 net) operated wells in the Haynesville shale
during the first half of 2015 based on standard lateral lengths and completion designs. We turned-to-sales a test well in the
Bossier shale in DeSoto Parish in the 2015 using a restricted flowback methodology and will continue to evaluate the potential
for further development. Including non-operated volumes, our average natural gas production was approximately 167 net
Mmcfe per day during December 2015. We plan to operate an average of two drilling rigs to drill 9 gross (5.5 net) wells during
the first six months of 2016 and complete those wells during 2016. The average lateral lengths on the wells drilled and
completed during 2016 will range from 4,500 to 7,500 feet. The development in the North Louisiana region during 2016 will
feature these enhanced completion methods that have proven to be effective in our East Texas region. The enhanced well
6
designs and completion methods resulted in an increase of the EUR to 2.0 Bcf per 1,000 lateral feet as of December 31, 2015
for certain proved undeveloped Haynesville shale locations in our Holly area of North Louisiana, compared to 1.6 Bcf per
1,000 lateral feet as of December 31, 2014.
We have implemented several initiatives to enhance and manage our base production in the region. This includes a full
field compression program, foamer injection program and the installation of artificial lift. We entered into a contract with our
midstream service provider for additional compression services in the Holly area which began in late 2015. We have seen
sustained performance improvement from these initiatives as evidenced by a flattening of our base production decline by
lowering the overall gathering system pressure from approximately 1,185 psi to a target of 500 psi. The lower gathering
pressure allows the artificial lift and foamer injection to be more efficient, which flattens our base decline and reduces future
capital requirements.
Our operations in East Texas are focused on the Haynesville and Bossier shales. Our acreage is primarily located in
Harrison, Panola, Shelby, San Augustine and Nacogdoches Counties in Texas and is predominantly held-by-production. The
Haynesville and Bossier shales in East Texas are being developed with horizontal wells that typically have 6,000 to 7,500 foot
laterals. Our position in the Shelby area primarily consists of 31,400 net acres and includes a portion that is subject to
continuous drilling obligations. We plan to drill on the acreage subject to the continuous drilling obligation in the future to hold
the acreage. Excluding the acreage subject to the continuous drilling obligation, approximately 88% of our net acres are held-
by-production in the Shelby area. As of December 31, 2015, we had a total of 97 gross (43.6 net) operated horizontal wells
flowing to sales. We drilled 21 gross (10.0 net) wells in the area during 2015, which included 10 gross (4.6 net) operated wells
in the Haynesville shale and 11 gross (5.4 net) operated wells in the Bossier shale.
The wells turned-to-sales in this region during 2015 featured enhanced completion methods that continue to yield strong
results. These methods have included the use of more than 2,700 lbs of proppant per lateral foot on certain wells. The
improved well performance in the East Texas region resulted in an increase in the EUR to 1.5 Bcf per 1,000 lateral feet for
certain proved undeveloped Haynesville and Bossier shale locations compared to 1.3 Bcf per 1,000 lateral feet as of December
31, 2014. Including non-operated volumes, our average natural gas production was approximately 63 net Mmcfe per day
during December 2015. Our development in East Texas during the first six months of 2016 will focus on completing and
turning to sales 9 gross (4.1 net) wells drilled in 2015.
In the East Texas region, our average drilling and completion costs decreased from $12.1 million per well in 2014 to
$11.6 million per well in 2015 despite longer laterals and the use of more proppant in the completion phase. The decrease is
primarily a result of increased drilling efficiency as we moved from an appraisal mode to a manufacturing mode. This included
reductions in road and location costs through the utilization of multi-well pad sites and lower mobilization costs due to closer
proximity between well sites. We achieved improved drilling times during 2015, including drilling a Haynesville shale well in
35 days to a total measured depth of 19,860 feet and we recently completed a Haynesville shale well in Nacogdoches County,
Texas with a total measured depth of 21,289 feet, the longest in the Company's history. The average lateral length for the wells
drilled and completed in 2015 was 6,900 feet and represent some of our longest laterals drilled-to-date in the region.
South Texas
Our position in this region includes 65,800 net acres, of which approximately 81% is held-by-production, that cover
portions of Zavala, Dimmit and Frio Counties in Texas. Our acreage in the Eagle Ford shale is in the oil window and averages
375 feet in gross thickness at true vertical depths ranging from 5,400 to 6,800 feet. Our lateral lengths average 7,400 feet and
range from 5,000 to 9,000 feet and the total measured depth averages 14,600 feet. Our acreage in the area also includes
additional upside in formations such as the Austin Chalk, Buda and Pearsall formations.
As of December 31, 2015, we had a total of 235 gross (112.7 net) operated horizontal wells flowing to sales. We drilled
10 gross (2.8 net) wells and turned-to-sales 33 gross (7.7 net) wells in the Eagle Ford shale during the year ended December 31,
2015. The most recent Eagle Ford shale wells turned-to-sales featured enhanced completion methods, including longer laterals
and more proppant, and have provided our best results to date in the region. In the Buda formation, we drilled and turned-to-
sales 4 gross (3.3 net) wells and participated in 3 gross (0.5 net) during the year ended December 31, 2015. Including non-
7
operated volumes, our average oil production in South Texas was approximately 6,500 net barrels of oil per day during
December 2015. Our plans for 2016 do not include any development in this region as a result of low oil prices.
We have utilized our expertise from other shale developments and have realized significant operational efficiencies in
our Eagle Ford assets. This includes improved drilling times per well in the Eagle Ford shale and decreased average drilling and
completion costs from $7.1 million per well in 2014 to $5.7 million per well in 2015 despite longer laterals and the use of more
proppant in the completion phase.
There are third-party operated central production facilities connected to the wells in our core area and a pipeline from the
facilities to an oil pipeline in Dilley, Texas. This infrastructure allows us to increase the efficiency of our production and reduce
costs associated with wells in our core area. We are evaluating the design of an electrical distribution network over the core
development area that could provide a more efficient cost structure to operate the field. We were also able to significantly
reduce our operating costs in the region during 2015 through the execution of several initiatives such as reductions in service
costs with certain key vendors, including rental equipment and chemical treating programs. In addition, we successfully
renegotiated a sales contract in this region during 2015 which improved our net realized price for the related oil production.
Appalachia
Our operations in the Appalachia region have primarily included testing and selectively developing the Marcellus shale
with horizontal drilling while maintaining our existing conventional production from shallow vertical wells. We currently hold
approximately 269,800 net acres in the Appalachian basin, with approximately 137,400 of these net acres prospective for the
Marcellus shale. As of December 31, 2015, we had a total of 5,509 gross (2,626.9 net) operated vertical shallow wells flowing
to sales with an average production rate of approximately 11 net Mmcfe per day. As of December 31, 2015, we operated a total
of 126 gross (46.2 net) horizontal wells in the Marcellus shale with an average production rate of approximately 25 net Mmcfe
per day. During 2015, we proactively shut-in wells in the Marcellus shale due to low regional gas prices which resulted in 1.1
Bcfe of shut-in production for the year. Including non-operated volumes, our production in the Appalachia region was
approximately 37 net Mmcfe per day during December 2015, which excludes shut-in volumes of approximately 13 Mmcfe per
day as a result of low commodity prices in the region.
Our Pennsylvania acreage encompasses 22 counties. Drilling, completion and production activities target the Marcellus
shale as well as the Upper Devonian, Venanago, Bradford and Elk sandstone groups at depths ranging from 1,800 to more than
12,000 feet. Our West Virginia area includes 27 counties and stretches from the northern to the southern areas of the state.
Drilling, completion and production activities target the Marcellus shale and multiple reservoirs of the Mississippian and
Devonian formations found at depths ranging from 1,500 to 8,100 feet. A portion of our acreage in the Appalachia region is
prospective for the Utica shale and we are currently assessing its potential.
Marcellus shale
We suspended our drilling program in this region in response to low realized natural gas prices from the widening of
regional price differentials to focus on projects with higher rates of return. Approximately 84% of our acreage is held-by-
production, which allows us to control the timing of the development of this region. In 2015, we turned-to-sales 1 gross (0.5
net) operated appraisal well in Clinton County targeting the Marcellus shale. In 2016, we have plans to connect and turn to sales
1 gross (0.5 net) appraisal well to sales in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. We have an extensive inventory of undeveloped
locations prospective for the Marcellus shale that would provide attractive rates of return in an improved commodity price
environment.
We have effectively managed our base production declines as a result of increased automation and surveillance
equipment to reduce downtime as well as artificial lift installations. We also implemented a reduction in force, reducing our
field employee count in the area by 41% from 147 employees as of December 31, 2014 to 87 employees as of December 31,
2015. As a result of this reduction in force, we restructured our field organization to better align the operations personnel with
the asset base and reduce our operating costs.
8
Company-wide operational effectiveness
The current commodity price environment resulted in the reduction of service costs, such as rig and completion service
contracts, throughout the industry. We will remain focused on reducing our well costs attributable to drilling while continuing
to optimize our completions. We have continued to improve our well design by increasing the amount of proppant used in the
hydraulic fracturing process on recent completions. These changes in our well design have improved our well performance and
EUR.
Our production operations team is focused on lowering our direct operating costs, including water management, efficient
utilization of our personnel, equipment rentals and chemicals. As a result of the current commodity price environment, we have
negotiated significant reductions in service costs with vendors. Through the use of automation at well sites, we can better
utilize company personnel time to perform maintenance work and reduce the use of third party services. We also have an
operations tracking database system in place that enables us to be proactive in maintenance and repairs which results in cost
efficiencies and minimizes production downtime. We plan to continue to efficiently manage our chemical programs which will
allow us to reduce costs by minimizing well intervention work.
We have a Dallas-based operations control center that is staffed 24 hours a day that monitors our Haynesville, Bossier,
Eagle Ford and Marcellus shale wells. This control system gives us the ability to monitor and control natural gas flow over a
large portion of our fields, which allows us to optimize the daily natural gas flow from our assets and minimize downtime.
Oil and natural gas may be recovered from our properties through the use of sophisticated drilling and hydraulic
fracturing techniques. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand, gel and chemicals under pressure into
formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. Our hydraulic fracturing activities are primarily focused
in the Eagle Ford shale in South Texas, Haynesville and Bossier shales in East Texas and North Louisiana and Marcellus shale
in the Appalachia region. Predominantly all of our Proved Reserves are associated with shale assets in these areas.
Although the cost of each well will vary, the costs associated with hydraulic fracturing activities on average represent the
following portions of the total costs of drilling and completing a well: 30-40% in the Haynesville and Bossier shale formation;
30-40% in the Eagle Ford shale formation; and 25-35% in the Marcellus shale formation.
We review best practices and industry standards to comply with regulatory requirements in the protection of potable
water sources when drilling and completing our wells. Protective practices include, but are not limited to, setting multiple
strings of protection pipe across potable water sources and cementing these pipe strings to surface, continuously monitoring the
hydraulic fracturing process in real time and disposing of non-recycled produced fluids in authorized disposal wells at depths
below the potable water sources. In addition, we actively seek methods to minimize the environmental impact of our hydraulic
fracturing operations in all of our operating areas. For example, we use discharge water from a local paper plant as a key water
source for our fracture stimulation operations in North Louisiana. We recycle flowback fluids when economically feasible.
For more information on the risks of hydraulic fracturing, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors-Our business exposes us to
liability and extensive regulation on environmental matters, which could result in substantial expenditures” and “Item 1A. Risk
Factors-Federal and state legislation and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing could result in increased costs and
additional operating restrictions or delays.”
Our Proved Reserves as of December 31, 2015 were approximately 907.3 Bcfe, of which approximately 97% were
related to our shale properties. Of our Proved Reserves attributed to shale properties, approximately 82% were located in the
Haynesville/Bossier shales, 15% in the Eagle Ford shale and 3% in the Marcellus shale. Our non-shale Proved Reserves
represented approximately 3% of total Proved Reserves as of December 31, 2015, which consisted primarily of conventional
assets in the Appalachia region.
The following table summarizes Proved Reserves as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. This information was
prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. The comparability of our reserves is impacted by purchases
and sales of reserves in place, production, revisions of previous estimates and discoveries and extensions. See "Management's
discussion and analysis of oil and natural gas reserves" for a summary of the changes in our Proved Reserves.
9
As of December 31,
2015 2014 2013
Oil (Mbbls)
Developed................................................. 12,056 14,429 11,274
Undeveloped............................................. 8,383 3,258 4,104
Total.......................................................... 20,439 17,687 15,378
(1) Beginning in 2015, we began reporting our natural gas liquids ("NGLs") as a component of natural gas since NGLs are
not considered to be significant. Primarily all of our prior period NGLs were associated with properties owned by
Compass, which EXCO divested in 2014. Prior period information has been conformed to be consistent with current
period information.
(2) The PV-10 is based on the following average spot prices, in each case adjusted for historical differentials. Prices
presented on the table below are the trailing 12 month simple average spot price at the first of the month for natural gas at
Henry Hub and West Texas Intermediate crude oil at Cushing, Oklahoma.
(3) There is no difference in Standardized Measure and PV-10 for all years presented as the impacts of net operating loss
carry-forwards eliminated future income taxes.
We believe that PV-10, while not a financial measure in accordance with GAAP, is an important financial measure used
by investors and independent oil and natural gas producers for evaluating the relative significance of oil and natural gas
properties and acquisitions due to tax characteristics, which can differ significantly among comparable companies. The
Standardized Measure represents the PV-10 after giving effect to income taxes, and is calculated in accordance with ASC 932.
Management has established, and is responsible for, internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that the
estimates of Proved Reserves are computed and reported in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC as
well as established industry practices used by independent engineering firms and our peers. These internal controls include
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documented process workflows, qualified professional engineering and geological personnel with specific reservoir experience.
Our internal audit function routinely tests our processes and controls. We also retain outside independent engineering firms to
prepare or audit estimates of our Proved Reserves. Senior management reviews and approves our reserve estimates, whether
prepared internally or by third parties. Our Vice President of Engineering and Geoscience oversees our outside independent
engineering firms, Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc. ("Lee Keeling"), Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), and
Ryder Scott Company, L.P. ("Ryder Scott") in connection with the preparation of their estimates of our Proved Reserves or their
audit of the Proved Reserves prepared by EXCO's internal engineers. We also regularly communicate with our outside
independent engineering firms throughout the year regarding technical and operational matters critical to our reserve
estimations. Our Vice President of Engineering and Geoscience is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas with
over 34 years of experience in the oil and natural gas industry. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in
Petroleum Engineering. Our Chief Operating Officer and our Vice President of Engineering and Geoscience, with input from
other members of senior management, are responsible for the selection of our third-party engineering firms and receive the
reports generated by such firms. The third-party engineering reports are also provided to our audit committee.
The estimates of Proved Reserves and future net cash flows for our non-shale properties as of December 31, 2015, 2014
and 2013 have been prepared by Lee Keeling. Our estimated Proved Reserves and future net cash flows for our shale
properties in the South Texas region were prepared by Ryder Scott as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Our estimated
Proved Reserves and future net cash flows for our shale properties in all regions except South Texas were prepared by NSAI as
of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and were prepared by our internal engineers and audited by NSAI as of December 31, 2013.
Lee Keeling, NSAI and Ryder Scott are independent petroleum engineering firms that perform a variety of reserve engineering
and valuation assessments for public and private companies, financial institutions and institutional investors. Lee Keeling,
NSAI and Ryder Scott have performed these services for over 50 years. Our internal technical employees responsible for
reserve estimates and interaction with our independent engineers include corporate officers with petroleum and other
engineering degrees, professional certifications and industry experience similar to those of our independent engineering firms.
Estimates of oil and natural gas reserves are projections based on a process involving an independent third party
engineering firm's communication with EXCO's engineers and geologists, the collection of any and all required geological,
geophysical, engineering and economic data, and such firm's complete external preparation of all required estimates and are
forward-looking in nature. These reports rely on various assumptions, including definitions and economic assumptions required
by the SEC, including the use of constant oil and natural gas pricing, use of current and constant operating costs and capital
costs. We also make assumptions relating to availability of funds and timing of capital expenditures for development of our
Proved Undeveloped Reserves. These reports should not be construed as the current market value of our Proved Reserves. The
process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves is also dependent on geological, engineering and economic data for each
reservoir. Because of the uncertainties inherent in the interpretation of this data, we cannot ensure that the Proved Reserves will
ultimately be realized. Our actual results could differ materially. See “Note 17. Supplemental information relating to oil and
natural gas producing activities (unaudited)” in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information
regarding our oil and natural gas reserves and the Standardized Measure.
Lee Keeling, NSAI and Ryder Scott also examined our estimates with respect to reserve categorization, using the
definitions for Proved Reserves set forth in SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10(a) and SEC staff interpretations and guidance. In
preparing an estimate or performing an audit of our Proved Reserves and future net cash flows attributable to our interests, Lee
Keeling, NSAI and Ryder Scott did not independently verify the accuracy and completeness of information and data furnished
by us with respect to ownership interests, oil and natural gas production, well test data, historical costs of operation and
development, product prices, or any agreements relating to current and future operations of the properties and sales of
production. However, if in the course of the examination anything came to the attention of Lee Keeling, NSAI or Ryder Scott
which brought into question the validity or sufficiency of any such information or data, Lee Keeling, NSAI or Ryder Scott did
not rely on such information or data until they had satisfactorily resolved their questions relating thereto or had independently
verified such information or data. Lee Keeling, NSAI and Ryder Scott determined that their estimates of Proved Reserves or
our audited estimates of Proved Reserves conform to the guidelines of the SEC, including the criteria of Reasonable Certainty,
as it pertains to expectations about the recoverability of Proved Reserves in future years, under existing economic and operating
conditions, consistent with the definition in Rule 4-10(a)(24) of SEC Regulation S-X.
The following discussion and analysis of our proved oil and natural gas reserves and changes in our Proved Reserves is
intended to provide additional guidance on the operational activities, transactions, economic and other factors which
significantly impacted our estimate of Proved Reserves as of December 31, 2015 and changes in our Proved Reserves during
2015. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with “Note 17. Supplemental information relating to oil and
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natural gas producing activities (unaudited)” and in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” addressing the uncertainties inherent in the
estimation of oil and natural gas reserves elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table summarizes the
changes in our Proved Reserves from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.
Equivalent
Natural gas natural gas
Oil (Mbbls) (Mmcf) (1) (Mmcfe)
Proved Developed Reserves ......................................................................................... 12,056 364,932 437,268
Proved Undeveloped Reserves ..................................................................................... 8,383 419,742 470,040
Total Proved Reserves.............................................................................................. 20,439 784,674 907,308
The changes in reserves for the year are as follows:
January 1, 2015............................................................................................................. 17,687 1,157,674 1,263,796
Purchases of reserves in place ...................................................................................... 459 122 2,876
Discoveries and extensions........................................................................................... 7,602 152,473 198,085
Revisions of previous estimates (2):
Changes in price....................................................................................................... (2,821) (598,865) (615,791)
Other factors............................................................................................................. (145) 184,641 183,771
Sales of reserves in place.............................................................................................. (1) (1,445) (1,451)
Production..................................................................................................................... (2,342) (109,926) (123,978)
December 31, 2015....................................................................................................... 20,439 784,674 907,308
(1) Beginning in 2015, we began reporting our NGLs as a component of natural gas. Primarily all of our prior period NGLs
were associated with properties owned by Compass, which EXCO divested in 2014. Prior period information has been
conformed to be consistent with current period information.
(2) Revisions of previous estimates include both reserves in place at the beginning of the year and acquisitions and
divestitures, if any, during the year. We reclassified 223.0 Bcfe of Proved Undeveloped Reserves to unproved as a result
of decreased commodity prices, which shortened the economic life of certain producing properties and resulted in the
reclassification of Proved Undeveloped properties to unproved locations that became uneconomical when using prices
prescribed by the SEC.
Purchases of reserves in place consisted primarily of our acquisition of certain proved developed producing properties in
South Texas in connection with the Participation Agreement. The reserve quantities attributable to purchases of reserves in
place were calculated based on our estimates and assumptions as of the respective acquisition dates.
Proved Reserve additions from discoveries and extensions in 2015 were 198.1 Bcfe which were primarily due to 125.9
Bcfe, 47.5 Bcfe and 24.7 Bcfe of discoveries and extensions from our East Texas, South Texas and North Louisiana regions,
respectively. The discoveries and extensions in the East Texas region were due to the development of our Shelby area and
consist of both the Haynesville and Bossier shales. The discoveries and extensions in the South Texas region were the result of
our Eagle Ford shale development. The discoveries and extensions in the North Louisiana region were due to the development
of our Holly area focused on the Haynesville shale.
Our revisions of previous estimates included downward revisions to our Proved Reserve quantities of 615.8 Bcfe as a
result of decreased commodity prices, which shortened the economic life of certain producing properties and resulted in the
reclassification of Proved Undeveloped properties to unproved locations that became uneconomical when using prices
prescribed by the SEC. This change in price was primarily driven by the decrease in the trailing 12 month average of oil and
natural gas prices. The trailing 12 month average oil price decreased from $94.99 per Bbl for the year ended December 31,
2014 to $50.28 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the trailing 12 month average natural gas price decreased
from $4.35 per Mmbtu for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $2.59 per Mmbtu for the year ended December 31, 2015.
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Our revisions of previous estimates also included 183.8 Bcfe upward revisions due to performance and other factors.
This included 152.2 Bcfe of upward revisions in the North Louisiana region primarily due to modifications in the well design to
incorporate more proppant and longer laterals. The upward revisions also included 36.7 Bcfe from our East Texas region
primarily due to strong results in both the Haynesville and Bossier shales based on similar modifications in the well design
which included higher levels of proppant, longer laterals and other optimizations to our completion design. The upward
revision also reflects a reduction in capital costs and operating expenses, which extended the economic life of certain properties
and resulted in upward revisions to our reserve quantities. As a result of the current commodity price environment, we have
negotiated reductions in service costs with various vendors and have realized lower operating expenses primarily due to
reductions in our workforce.
Total oil and natural gas production in 2015 was 124.0 Bcfe, which included approximately 8.4 Bcfe in production from
extensions and discoveries that were not reflected in our Proved Reserves at January 1, 2015.
The following table summarizes the changes in our Proved Undeveloped Reserves, all of which are expected to be
developed within five years, for the year ended December 31, 2015:
Mmcfe
Proved Undeveloped Reserves at January 1, 2015 .......................................................... 672,586
New discoveries and extensions (1) ................................................................................. 145,556
Proved Undeveloped Reserves transferred to developed (2) ........................................... (73,372)
Proved Undeveloped Reserves transferred to unproved (3)............................................. (222,960)
Other revisions of previous estimates of Proved Undeveloped Reserves (4) .................. (51,770)
Proved Undeveloped Reserves at December 31, 2015 .................................................... 470,040
(1) Approximately 62%, 25% and 13% of the discoveries and extensions of Proved Undeveloped Reserves in 2015 occurred
in the East Texas, South Texas and North Louisiana regions, respectively. The discoveries and extensions in the East
Texas region were due to the development of Haynesville and Bossier shales in the Shelby area which was the main focus
of our 2015 development program.
(2) Approximately 85%, 9% and 6% of the Proved Undeveloped Reserves transferred to Proved Developed Reserves were in
the North Louisiana, East Texas and South Texas regions, respectively. Capital costs incurred to convert Proved
Undeveloped Reserves to Proved Developed Reserves were $76.5 million. The Proved Undeveloped Reserves
transferred to Proved Developed Reserves in the North Louisiana region primarily relate to wells drilled in this region in
2014 that were completed in early 2015.
(3) This represents Proved Undeveloped Reserves reclassified to unproved as a result of decreased commodity prices, which
shortened the economic life of certain producing properties and resulted in the reclassification of Proved Undeveloped
properties to unproved locations that became uneconomical when using prices prescribed by the SEC. As a result of the
decrease in commodity prices, we do not have any Proved Undeveloped Reserves in the Appalachia region as of
December 31, 2015.
(4) The other revisions of previous estimates included downward revisions due to price of 232.1 Bcfe offset by upward
revisions due to performance and other factors of 180.3 Bcfe. The revisions due to price related to decreased oil and
natural gas prices. The revisions due to performance and other factors were primarily in the Haynesville shale in our
North Louisiana region due to modifications in the well design to incorporate more proppant and longer laterals. In
addition, as a result of the current commodity price environment, we have negotiated reductions in service costs with
various vendors, which extended the economic life of certain properties and resulted in upward revisions to our reserve
quantities.
Our depletion rate decreased to $1.72 per Mcfe in 2015 from $1.90 per Mcfe in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to
the impairments of our oil and natural gas properties during 2015, which lowered our depletable base.
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Our production, prices and expenses
The following table summarizes revenues, net production, average sales price per unit and costs and expenses associated
with the production of oil and natural gas. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period information to conform to
current period presentation.
We had two fields that exceeded 15% of our total Proved Reserves as of December 31, 2015. The Holly field in North
Louisiana and Shelby field in East Texas represented approximately 53% and 26% of our total Proved Reserves, respectively.
The following table provides additional information related to our Holly and Shelby fields:
The following table quantifies information regarding productive wells (wells that are currently producing oil or natural
gas or are capable of production), including temporarily shut-in wells. The number of total gross oil and natural gas wells
excludes any multiple completions. Gross wells refer to the total number of physical wells in which we hold a working interest,
regardless of our percentage interest. A net well is not a physical well, but is a concept that reflects the actual total working
interests we hold in all wells. We compute the number of net wells by totaling the percentage interests we hold in all our gross
wells.
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At December 31, 2015
Gross wells (1) Net wells
Oil Natural gas Total Oil Natural gas Total
Producing region:
North Louisiana ................................. — 608 608 — 217.6 217.6
East Texas .......................................... — 136 136 — 47.0 47.0
South Texas........................................ 250 4 254 114.0 1.6 115.6
Appalachia and other ......................... 339 5,554 5,893 164.8 2,543.4 2,708.2
Total................................................. 589 6,302 6,891 278.8 2,809.6 3,088.4
(1) As of December 31, 2015, we held interests in 1 gross well with multiple completions.
As of December 31, 2015, we operated 6,380 gross (3,035.3 net) wells, which represented approximately 95% of our
Proved Developed Reserves.
Our drilling activities are primarily focused on horizontal drilling in shale plays, particularly in the Haynesville, Bossier,
Eagle Ford and Marcellus shales. The following tables summarize our approximate gross and net interests in the operated wells
we drilled during the periods indicated and refer to the number of wells completed during the period, regardless of when
drilling was initiated. At December 31, 2015, we had 2 gross (0.7 net) wells being drilled and 7 gross (3.4 net) wells being
completed or awaiting completion.
Development wells
Gross Net
Productive Dry Total Productive Dry Total
Year ended December 31, 2015 (1) ............... 63 — 63 25.3 — 25.3
Year ended December 31, 2014..................... 98 — 98 29.6 — 29.6
Year ended December 31, 2013..................... 105 2 107 48.7 0.5 49.2
Exploratory wells
Gross Net
Productive Dry Total Productive Dry Total
Year ended December 31, 2015 (1) ............... 5 — 5 3.9 — 3.9
Year ended December 31, 2014..................... — — — — — —
Year ended December 31, 2013 (2) ............... 15 — 15 7.7 — 7.7
(1) Our development wells in 2015 included the Haynesville and Bossier shales in the Shelby area of East Texas and the
Holly area of North Louisiana. Our development wells also included the Eagle Ford shale in our core area in Zavala and
Frio Counties, Texas. We completed one gross exploratory well in the Bossier shale in the North Louisiana region and
four gross exploratory wells in the Buda formation in the South Texas region.
(2) Exploratory wells in 2013 included certain wells drilled in the Eagle Ford shale under the farmout agreement outside of
our core area in Zavala County, Texas and certain wells in the Marcellus shale in Jefferson, Clarion and Sullivan
Counties, Pennsylvania.
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Our developed and undeveloped acreage
Developed acreage includes those acres spaced or assignable to producing wells or wells capable of producing.
Undeveloped acreage represents those acres that do not currently have completed wells capable of producing commercial
quantities of oil or natural gas, regardless of whether the acreage contains Proved Reserves. The definitions of gross acres and
net acres conform to how we determine gross wells and net wells. The following table sets forth our developed and
undeveloped acreage:
At December 31, 2015
Developed Undeveloped
Area Gross Net Gross Net
North Louisiana............................................... 95,700 47,900 7,100 3,600
East Texas........................................................ 48,600 21,600 71,600 24,500
South Texas..................................................... 101,200 52,700 16,300 13,100
Appalachia and other ...................................... 401,200 182,400 206,600 90,400
Total................................................................. 646,700 304,600 301,600 131,600
The primary term of our oil and natural gas leases expire at various dates. Most of our undeveloped acreage is held-by-
production, which means that these leases are active as long as we produce oil or natural gas from the acreage or comply with
certain lease terms. Upon ceasing production, these leases will expire. We have 13,200, 4,700 and 31,000 net acres with lease
expirations in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The majority of this acreage with lease expirations is located in the
Appalachia region. In addition, we have 10,200 net acres that are subject to continuous drilling obligations which are primarily
located in the Shelby area of East Texas. Predominantly all of our expiring acreage is located within our shale resource plays.
We plan to drill on the acreage subject to the continuous drilling obligation in the future to hold the acreage. We have no
significant Proved Undeveloped Reserves associated with acreage expiring in 2016.
The held-by-production acreage in many cases represents potential additional drilling opportunities through down-
spacing and drilling of proved undeveloped and unproved locations in the same formation(s) already producing, as well as other
non-producing formations, in a given oil or natural gas field without the necessity of purchasing additional leases or producing
properties.
In 2015, sales to BG Energy Merchants LLC and Chesapeake Energy Marketing Inc. accounted for approximately 20%
and 38%, respectively, of our total consolidated revenues. BG Energy Merchants LLC is a subsidiary of BG Group, plc ("BG
Group") and Chesapeake Energy Marketing Inc. is a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation ("Chesapeake"). We are
managing our credit risk as a result of the current commodity price environment through the attainment of financial assurances
from certain customers. The loss of any significant customer may cause a temporary interruption in sales of, or lower price for,
our oil and natural gas production.
Competition
The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive, particularly with respect to acquiring prospective oil and natural
gas properties and oil and natural gas reserves. We encounter strong competition from other independent operators and from
major oil companies in acquiring properties, contracting for drilling equipment and securing trained personnel. Many of these
competitors have substantially greater financial, managerial, technological and other resources than we do. Many of these
companies not only engage in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil and natural gas, but also have
refining operations, market refined products and their own drilling rigs and oilfield services.
The oil and natural gas industry has periodically experienced shortages of drilling rigs, equipment, pipe and personnel,
which have delayed development drilling and other exploitation activities and have caused significant price increases and
operational delays. Depending on the region, we may experience difficulties in obtaining drilling rigs and other services in
certain areas as well as an increase in the cost for these services and related material and equipment. We are unable to predict
when, or if, supply or demand imbalances occur or how these market-driven factors impact prices, which affects our
development and exploitation programs. Competition also exists for hiring experienced personnel, particularly in petroleum
engineering, geoscience, accounting and financial reporting, tax and land professions. In addition, the market for oil and natural
gas producing properties is competitive. We are often outbid by competitors in our attempts to lease or acquire properties. The
16
oil and natural gas industry also faces competition from alternative fuel sources, including other fossil fuels such as
coal. Competitive conditions may be affected by future legislation and regulations as the U.S. develops new energy and
climate-related policies. All of these challenges could make it more difficult to execute our growth strategy or result in an
increase in our costs.
General
The oil and natural gas industry is extensively regulated by numerous federal, state and local authorities. Laws and
regulations affecting the oil and natural gas industry are under constant review for amendment or expansion, which could
increase the regulatory burden and financial sanctions for noncompliance. Although the regulatory burden on the oil and natural
gas industry increases our cost of doing business and, consequently, affects our profitability, we believe these burdens do not
affect us any differently or to any greater or lesser extent than they affect others in our industry with similar types, quantities
and locations of production.
The following is a summary of the more significant existing environmental, safety and other laws and regulations to
which our business operations are subject and with which compliance may have a material adverse effect on our capital
expenditures, earnings or competitive position.
Production regulation
Our operations are subject to a number of regulations at the federal, state and local levels. These regulations require,
among other things, permits for the drilling of wells, drilling bonds and reports concerning operations. Many states, counties
and municipalities in which we operate also regulate one or more of the following:
State laws regulate the size and shape of drilling and spacing units or proration units governing the pooling of oil and
natural gas properties. Some states, including Louisiana and Texas, allow forced pooling or integration of tracts to facilitate
exploration while other states rely on voluntary pooling of lands and leases. In some instances, forced pooling or unitization
may be implemented by third parties and may reduce our interest in the unitized properties. In addition, state conservation laws
establish maximum rates of production from oil and natural gas wells and generally prohibit the venting or flaring of natural
gas and require that oil and natural gas be produced in a prorated, equitable system. These laws and regulations may limit the
amount of oil and natural gas we can produce from our wells or limit the number of wells or the locations at which we can drill.
Moreover, most states generally impose a production, ad valorem or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil
and natural gas within its jurisdiction. Many local authorities also impose an ad valorem tax on the minerals in place. States do
not generally regulate wellhead prices or engage in other, similar direct economic regulation, but there can be no assurance they
will not do so in the future.
Our operations are subject to numerous stringent federal and state statutes and regulations governing the discharge of
materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection, some of which carry substantial
administrative, civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply. These laws and regulations may require the acquisition of a
permit before drilling commences, restrict the types, quantities and concentrations of various substances that can be released
into the environment in connection with drilling, production and transportation of oil and natural gas, govern the sourcing,
storage and disposal of water used or produced in the drilling and completion process, restrict or prohibit drilling activities in
certain areas and on certain lands lying within wetlands and other protected areas, require closing earthen impoundments and
impose liabilities for pollution resulting from operations or failure to comply with regulatory filings.
Statutes, rules and regulations that apply to the exploration and production of oil and natural gas are often reviewed,
amended, expanded and reinterpreted, making the prediction of future costs or the impact of regulatory compliance to new laws
and statutes difficult. The regulatory burden on the oil and natural gas industry increases its cost of doing business and,
consequently, adversely affects its (and our) profitability.
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FERC and CFTC matters
The availability, terms and cost of downstream transportation significantly affect sales of natural gas and oil. The
interstate transportation of natural gas, including regulation of the terms, conditions and rates for interstate transportation and
storage of natural gas, is subject to federal regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) under the
Natural Gas Act (“NGA”). Transportation rates under the NGA must be just and reasonable. Since 1985, FERC has
implemented regulations intended to increase competition within the natural gas industry by requiring that interstate natural gas
transportation be made available on an open-access, not unduly discriminatory basis. FERC’s jurisdiction under the NGA
excludes gathering and distribution of natural gas, so gathering and distribution of natural gas are subject to regulation by
individual state laws. State regulations also govern the rates and terms for access to, and transportation of natural gas on,
intrastate pipeline facilities (while intrastate pipelines may from time to time provide specific services that are subject to
limited regulation by FERC). The interstate transportation of oil, including regulation of the rates, terms and conditions of
service, is subject to federal regulation by FERC under the Interstate Commerce Act. Rates for such oil transportation must be
just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory. Oil transportation that is not federally regulated is left to state regulation.
The federal government recently ended its decades-old prohibition of exports of crude oil produced in the lower 48 states
of the U.S. It is too recent an event to determine the impact this regulatory change may have on our operations or our sales of
oil. The general perception in the industry is that ending the prohibition on exports of oil produced in the U.S. may have a
positive impact on U.S. producers.
Wholesale prices for natural gas and oil are not currently regulated and are determined by the market. We cannot predict,
however, whether new legislation to regulate the price of energy commodities might be proposed, what proposals, if any, might
actually be enacted by Congress or the various state legislatures, and what effect, if any, the proposals might have on the
operations of the underlying properties.
Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, FERC possesses regulatory oversight over natural gas markets, including the
purchase, sale and transportation activities of natural gas market participants other than intrastate pipelines. The Commodity
Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) also holds authority to monitor markets and enforce anti-market manipulation
regulations with respect to the physical and financial (futures, options and swaps) energy commodities market pursuant to the
Commodity Exchange Act and the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd Frank Act”).
With regard to our physical sales of natural gas and oil, our gathering of any of these energy commodities, and any related
hedging activities that we undertake, we are required to observe these anti-market manipulation laws and related regulations
enforced by FERC and/or the CFTC. These agencies hold substantial enforcement authority, including the ability to assess civil
penalties of up to $1 million per day per violation, to order disgorgement of profits and to recommend criminal penalties.
Should we violate the anti-market manipulation laws and regulations, we could also be subject to related third party damage
claims by, among others, sellers, royalty owners and taxing authorities.
In the event we conduct operations on federal, state or Indian oil and natural gas leases, these operations must comply
with numerous regulatory restrictions, including various nondiscrimination statutes, royalty and related valuation requirements,
and certain of these operations must be conducted pursuant to certain on-site security regulations and other appropriate permits
issued by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Bureau of Safety and Environmental
Enforcement or other appropriate federal, state or tribal agencies.
In addition, a number of states and some tribal nations have enacted surface damage statutes (“SDAs”). These laws are
designed to compensate for damage caused by mineral development. Most SDAs contain entry notification and negotiation
requirements to facilitate contact between operators and surface owners/users. Most also contain bonding requirements
and specific expenses for exploration and surface activities. Costs and delays associated with SDAs could impair operational
effectiveness and increase development costs.
Other regulatory matters relating to our pipeline and gathering system assets and rail transportation
The pipelines we use to gather and transport our oil and natural gas are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of
Transportation (“DOT”) under the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979, as amended (“HLPSA”) with respect to oil,
and the Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968, as amended (“NGPSA”) with respect to natural gas. The HLPSA and NGPSA
govern the design, installation, testing, construction, operation, replacement and management of natural gas and hazardous
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liquids pipeline facilities, including pipelines transporting crude oil. Where applicable, the HLPSA and NGPSA also require us
and other pipeline operators to comply with regulations issued pursuant to these acts that are designed to permit access to and
allow copying of records and to make certain reports available and provide information as required by the Secretary of
Transportation.
The Pipeline Safety Act of 1992, as reauthorized and amended (“Pipeline Safety Act”) mandates requirements in the
way that the energy industry ensures the safety and integrity of its pipelines. The law applies to natural gas and hazardous
liquids pipelines, including some gathering pipelines. Central to the law are the requirements it places on each pipeline operator
to prepare and implement an “integrity management program.” The Pipeline Safety Act mandates a number of other
requirements, including increased penalties for violations of safety standards and qualification programs for employees who
perform sensitive tasks. The DOT has established a number of rules carrying out the provisions of this act. The DOT Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”) has established a new risk-based approach to determine which
gathering pipelines are subject to regulation, and what safety standards regulated pipelines must meet. We could incur
significant expenses as a result of these laws and regulations.
The Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011 was signed into law on January 3, 2012. This
law includes a number of provisions affecting pipeline owners and operators that became effective upon approval, including
increased civil penalties for violators of pipeline regulations and additional reporting requirements. Most of the changes do not
impact gathering lines. The legislation requires the PHMSA to issue or revise certain regulations and to conduct various
reviews, studies and evaluations. In addition, the PHMSA in August 2011 issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(“ANPR”) regarding pipeline safety. As described in the ANPR, PHMSA is considering regulations regarding, among other
things, the designation of additional high consequence areas along pipelines, minimum requirements for leak detection systems,
installation of emergency flow restricting devices, and revision of valve spacing requirements. If revisions to gathering line
regulations are enacted by PHMSA as a result of such ANPR, we could incur significant expenses. In October 2015, the
PHMSA issued proposed new safety regulations for hazardous liquid pipelines, including a requirement that all hazardous
liquid pipelines have a system for detecting leaks and that operators establish a timeline for inspections of affected pipelines
following extreme weather events or natural disasters.
Any transportation of the Company’s crude oil or natural gas liquids by rail is also subject to regulation by the DOT’s
PHMSA and the DOT’s Federal Railroad Administration (“FRA”) under the Hazardous Materials Regulations at 49 CFR Parts
171-180 (“HMR”), including Emergency Orders by the FRA and new regulations being proposed by the PHMSA, arising due
to the consequences of train accidents and the increase in the rail transportation of flammable liquids.
In September 2013, the PHMSA issued a final rule updating its regulations to increase the maximum civil penalty from
$100,000 to $200,000 for each violation for each day the violation continues, and to increase from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000
the limitation that the maximum administrative civil penalty may not exceed for any related series of violations.
Federal income tax laws significantly affect our operations. The principal provisions that affect us are those that permit
us, subject to certain limitations, to deduct as incurred, rather than to capitalize and amortize, our share of the domestic
“intangible drilling and development costs” and to claim depletion on a portion of our domestic oil and natural gas properties
(up to an aggregate of 1,000 Bbls per day of domestic crude oil and/or equivalent units of domestic natural gas). Further, the
federal government may adopt tax laws and/or regulations that will possibly materially adversely affect us. Some possible
measures that have been proposed in the past include the repeal or elimination of percentage depletion and the immediate
deduction or write-offs of intangible drilling costs. Because of the speculative nature of such measures at this time, we are
unable to determine what effect, if any, future proposals would have on product demand or our results of operations.
The exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas, including the operation of saltwater injection and
disposal wells, are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations
can increase the costs of planning, designing, installing and operating oil and natural gas wells. Federal environmental statutes
to which our domestic activities are subject include, but are not limited to:
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• the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”);
• the Clean Air Act (“CAA”);
• the Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”);
• the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 ("TSCA");
• the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (the "ESA"); and
• the Notional Environment Policy Act of 1969 (the "NEPA")
In general, the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry has been the subject of increasing scrutiny and
regulation by environmental authorities. For example, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has
identified environmental compliance by the energy extraction section as one of its enforcement initiatives for 2014-2016 (and
has solicited comments on continuing this initiative for fiscal years 2017-2019). Further, in September of 2015, the EPA issued
a Compliance Alert stating that it has concerns regarding significant emissions from storage vessels, such as tanks or
containers, at onshore oil and natural gas production facilities.
Our domestic activities are subject to regulations promulgated under federal statutes and comparable state statutes. We
also are subject to regulations governing the handling, transportation, storage and disposal of naturally occurring radioactive
materials that are found in our oil and natural gas operations. Administrative, civil and criminal penalties, as well as injunctive
relief, may be imposed for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Additionally, these laws and regulations
may require the acquisition of permits or other governmental authorizations before we undertake certain activities, limit or
prohibit other activities because of protected areas or species, restrict the types of substances used in our drilling operations,
impose certain substantial liabilities for the clean-up of pollution, impose certain reporting requirements, regulate remedial
plugging operations to prevent future contamination, and require substantial expenditures for compliance. We cannot predict
what effect future regulation or legislation, enforcement policies, and claims for damages to property, employees, other persons
and the environment resulting from our operations could have on our activities.
Under the CWA, which was amended and augmented by OPA, our release or threatened release of oil or hazardous
substances into or upon waters of the United States, adjoining shorelines and wetlands and offshore areas could result in our
being held responsible for: (1) the costs of removing or remediating a release; (2) administrative, civil or criminal fines or
penalties; or (3) specified damages, such as loss of use, property damage and natural resource damages. The scope of our
liability could be extensive depending upon the circumstances of the release. Liability can be joint and several and without
regard to fault. The CWA also may impose permitting requirements for discharges of pollutants as well as certain discharges of
dredged or fill material into waters of the United States, including certain wetlands, which may apply to various of our
construction activities, as well as requirements to develop Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plans and Facility
Response Plans to address potential discharges of oil into or upon waters of the United States and adjoining shorelines. State
laws governing discharges to water also may require permitting provide varying civil, criminal and administrative penalties and
impose liabilities in the case of a discharge of petroleum or its derivatives, or other hazardous substances, into state waters.
CERCLA, often referred to as Superfund, and comparable state statutes, impose liability that is generally joint and
several and that is retroactive for costs of investigation and remediation and for natural resource damages, without regard to
fault or the legality of the original conduct, on specified classes of persons for the release of a “hazardous substance” or under
state law, other specified substances, into the environment. So-called potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”) include the
current and certain past owners and operators of a facility where there has been a release or threat of release of a hazardous
substance and persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at a site. CERCLA also
authorizes the EPA and, in some cases, third parties to take actions in response to threats to the public health or the environment
and to seek to recover from the PRPs the cost of such action. Liability can arise from conditions on properties where operations
are conducted, even under circumstances where such operations were performed by third parties not under our control, and/or
from conditions at third party disposal facilities where wastes from operations were sent. Although CERCLA currently exempts
petroleum (including oil and natural gas) from the definition of hazardous substance, some similar state statutes do not provide
such an exemption. We cannot ensure that this exemption will be preserved in any future amendments of the act. Such
amendments could have a material impact on our costs or operations. Additionally, our operations may involve the use or
handling of other materials that may be classified as hazardous substances under CERCLA or regulated under similar state
statutes. We may also be the owner or operator of sites on which hazardous substances have been released.
Oil and natural gas exploration and production, and possibly other activities, have been conducted at a majority of our
properties by previous owners and operators. Materials from these operations remain on some of the properties and in certain
instances may require remediation. In some instances, we have agreed to indemnify the sellers of producing properties from
whom we have acquired reserves against certain liabilities for environmental claims associated with the properties. We do not
believe the costs to be incurred by us for compliance and remediating previously or currently owned or operated properties will
be material, but we cannot guarantee that result.
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RCRA and comparable state and local programs impose requirements on the management, generation, treatment,
storage, disposal and remediation of both hazardous and nonhazardous solid wastes. Although we believe we utilize operating
and waste disposal practices that are standard in the industry, hydrocarbons or other solid wastes may have been disposed or
released on or under the properties we own or lease, in addition to the locations where such wastes have been taken for
disposal. In addition, many of these properties have been owned or operated by third parties. We have not had control over such
parties' treatment of hydrocarbons or other solid wastes and the manner in which such substances may have been disposed or
released. We also generate hazardous and non-hazardous solid waste in our routine operations. It is possible that certain wastes
generated by our operations, which are currently exempt from “hazardous waste” regulations under RCRA, may in the future
be designated as “hazardous waste” under RCRA or other applicable state statutes and become subject to more rigorous and
costly management and disposal requirements; these wastes may not be exempt under current applicable state statutes. Non-
exempt waste is subject to more rigorous and costly disposal requirements.
Our operations are subject to local, state and federal regulations for the control of emissions from sources of air
pollution. The CAA and analogous state laws require certain new and modified sources of air pollutants to obtain permits prior
to commencing construction. Smaller sources may qualify for exemption from permit requirements or for more streamlined
permitting, for example, through qualifications for permits by rule, standard permits or general permits. Major sources of air
pollutants are subject to more stringent, federally imposed requirements including additional operating permits. Federal and
state laws designed to control hazardous (i.e., toxic) air pollutants may require installation of additional controls.
Administrative enforcement actions for failure to comply strictly with air pollution regulations or permits are generally
resolved by payment of monetary fines and correction of any identified deficiencies. Alternatively, regulatory agencies could
bring lawsuits for civil penalties or require us to suspend or forgo construction, modification or operation of certain air
emission sources.
On April 17, 2012, the EPA issued final rules to subject oil and natural gas operations to regulation under the New
Source Performance Standards (“NSPS”), and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (“NESHAPS”),
programs under the CAA, and to impose new and amended requirements under both programs. The EPA rules include NSPS
standards for completions of hydraulically fractured natural gas wells. Before January 1, 2015, these standards require owners/
operators to reduce volatile organic compound (“VOC”) emissions from natural gas not sent to the gathering line during well
completion either by flaring using a completion combustion device or by capturing the natural gas using green completions
with a completion combustion device. Beginning January 1, 2015, operators must capture the natural gas and make it available
for use or sale, which can be done through the use of green completions. The standards are applicable to new hydraulically
fractured wells and also existing wells that are refractured. Further, the finalized regulations also establish specific new
requirements, which became effective in 2012, for emissions from compressors, controllers, dehydrators, storage tanks, natural
gas processing plants and certain other equipment. These rules may require changes to our operations, including the installation
of new equipment to control emissions. We continuously evaluate the effect these rules and amendments will have on our
business.
In September of 2015 the EPA proposed rules that would establish new air emission controls for emissions of methane
from certain equipment and processes in the oil and natural gas source category, including production, processing, transmission
and storage activities. The EPA’s proposed rule package includes first-time standards to address emissions of methane from
equipment and processes across the source category, including hydraulically fractured oil and natural gas well completions,
fugitive emissions from well sites and compressors, equipment leaks at natural gas processing plants, and pneumatic pumps.
In addition, the rule would extend current volatile organic compound requirements established in 2012 to remaining
unregulated equipment within the source category, such as hydraulically fractured oil well completions, fugitive emissions from
well sites and compressor stations, and pneumatic pumps. Another key component of the proposal is that it contemplates
periodically monitoring methane emissions using imaging optical gas imaging instead of traditional observation methods.
Concurrent with this proposal, the EPA published another proposal to clarify the term “adjacent” in the definitions of:
“building, structure, facility or installation” used to determine the “stationary source” for purposes of the Prevention of
Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) programs and “major source” in the title V
program as applied to the oil and natural gas sector. The grouping together of sources may cause a group of sources to be
treated as a “major source” and face enhanced regulation under federal environmental laws, including the CAA.
More stringent laws and regulations protecting the environment may be adopted in the future and we may be required to
incur material expenses to comply with them. For example, although federal legislation regarding the control of emissions of
greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) for the present, appears unlikely, the EPA has been implementing regulatory measures under
existing CAA authority and some of those regulations may affect our operations. GHGs are certain gases, including carbon
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dioxide, a product of the combustion of natural gas, and methane, a primary component of natural gas, that may be contributing
to warming of the Earth's atmosphere resulting in climatic changes. These GHG regulations could require us to incur increased
operating costs and could have an adverse effect on demand for the oil and natural gas we produce.
There are various federal and state programs that regulate the conservation and development of coastal resources. The
federal Coastal Zone Management Act (“CZMA”) was passed in 1972 to preserve and, where possible, restore the natural
resources of the coastal zone of the United States. The CZMA provides for federal grants for state management programs that
regulate land use, water use and coastal development. Many states, including Texas, also have coastal management programs,
which provide for, among other things, the coordination among local and state authorities to protect coastal resources through
regulating land use, water, and coastal development. Coastal management programs also may provide for the review of state
and federal agency rules and agency actions for consistency with the goals and policies of the state coastal management plan. In
the event our activities trigger these programs, this review of agency rules and actions may impact other agency permitting and
review activities, resulting in possible delays or restrictions of our activities and adding an additional layer of review to certain
activities undertaken by us.
ESA was established to protect endangered and threatened species. Pursuant to that act, if a species is listed as threatened
or endangered, restrictions may be imposed on activities adversely affecting that species’ habitat. Similar protections are
offered to migratory birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must also designate the
species’ critical habitat and suitable habitat as part of the effort to ensure survival of the species. A critical habitat or suitable
habitat designation could result in further material restrictions to land use and may materially delay or prohibit land access for
oil and natural gas development. If we were to have a portion of our leases designated as critical or suitable habitat, it may
adversely impact the value of the affected leases.
Oil and natural gas exploration and production activities on federal lands may be subject to the NEPA, which requires
federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior (the “DOI”), to evaluate major agency actions having the potential to
significantly impact the environment. In the course of such evaluations, an agency will prepare an Environmental Assessment
that assesses the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project and, if necessary, will prepare a more
detailed Environmental Impact Statement that may be made available for public review and comment. To the extent that our
exploration and development plans include leases on federal lands, the NEPA requirements have the potential to delay or
impose additional conditions upon the development of oil and natural gas projects.
Over the past few years, there has been an increased focus on environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing activities in
the United States. While hydraulic fracturing is typically regulated by state oil and natural gas commissions in the United
States, there have recently been a number of regulatory initiatives at the federal and local levels as well as by other state
agencies.
Nearly all of our exploration and production operations depend on the use of hydraulic fracturing to enhance production
from oil and natural gas wells. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into
formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate production. Our hydraulic fracturing activities are focused in our
shale plays in South Texas, East Texas, North Louisiana and Appalachia. Predominantly all of our undeveloped properties
would not be economical without the use of hydraulic fracturing to stimulate production from the well.
The SDWA currently exempts from regulation the injection of fluids or propping agents (other than diesel fuels) for
hydraulic fracturing operations. Congress has periodically considered legislation to amend the federal SDWA to remove the
exemption from regulation and permitting that is applicable to hydraulic fracturing operations and to require reporting and
disclosure of chemicals used by the oil and natural gas industry in the hydraulic fracturing process. Sponsors of bills previously
introduced before the Senate and House of Representatives have asserted that chemicals used in the fracturing process could
adversely affect drinking water supplies. Many states have considered or adopted legislation regulating hydraulic fracturing,
including the disclosure of chemicals used in the process. These bills, or similar legislation, if adopted, could increase the
possibility of litigation and establish an additional level of regulation at the federal level that could lead to operational delays or
increased operating costs and could result in additional regulatory burdens, making it more difficult to perform hydraulic
fracturing and increasing our costs of compliance.
In addition, the EPA has recently been taking action to assert federal regulatory authority over hydraulic fracturing using
diesel under the SDWA's Underground Injection Control Program and has issued guidance regarding its authority over the
permitting of these activities. At the same time, the White House Council on Environmental Quality is coordinating an
administration-wide review of hydraulic fracturing practices and the EPA has commenced a study of the potential impacts of
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hydraulic fracturing activities on drinking water resources. As part of these studies, the EPA has requested that certain
companies provide them with information concerning the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. These studies,
depending on their results, could spur additional initiatives to regulate hydraulic fracturing under the SDWA or otherwise.
The EPA also proposed new effluent limitations for the treatment of and discharge of wastewater resulting from
hydraulic fracturing activity. If enacted, theses limits may increase our disposal costs and our business operations.
Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management has proposed regulations on hydraulic fracturing activities on Federal
land. The EPA has also announced an initiative under the TSCA to develop regulations governing the disclosure and evaluation
of hydraulic fracturing chemicals, and is working on regulations governing wastewater generated by hydraulic fracturing. In
addition, state, local and river basin conservancy districts have all previously exercised their various regulatory powers to
curtail and, in some cases, place moratoriums on hydraulic fracturing. Regulations include express inclusion of hydraulic
fracturing into existing regulations covering other aspects of exploration and production and specifically may include, but not
be limited to, the following:
• requirement that logs and pressure test results are included in disclosures to state authorities;
• disclosure of hydraulic fracturing fluids, chemicals, proppants and the ratios of same used in operations;
• specific disposal regimens for hydraulic fracturing fluid;
• replacement/remediation of contaminated water assets; and
• minimum depth of hydraulic fracturing.
Local regulations, which may be preempted by state and federal regulations, have included the following which may
extend to all operations including those beyond hydraulic fracturing:
If in the course of our routine oil and natural gas operations, surface spills and leaks occur, including casing leaks of oil
or other materials, we may incur penalties and costs for waste handling, remediation and third party actions for damages.
Moreover, we are only able to directly control the operations of the wells that we operate. Notwithstanding our lack of control
over wells owned by us but operated by others, the failure of the operator to comply with applicable environmental regulations
may be attributable to us and may impose legal liabilities upon us.
If substantial liabilities to third parties or governmental entities are incurred, the payment of such claims may reduce or
eliminate the funds available for project investment or result in loss of our properties. Although we maintain insurance
coverage we consider to be customary in the industry, we are not fully insured against all of these risks, either because
insurance is not available or because of high premiums. Accordingly, we may be subject to liability or may lose substantial
portions of properties due to hazards that cannot be insured against or have not been insured against due to prohibitive
premiums or for other reasons. The imposition of any of these liabilities or compliance obligations on us may have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We do not anticipate that we will be required in the near future to expend amounts that are material in relation to our
total capital expenditures program complying with current environmental laws and regulations. As these laws and regulations
are frequently changed and are subject to interpretation, our assessment regarding the cost of compliance or the extent of
liability risks may change in the future.
To the extent not preempted by other applicable laws, we are subject to the requirements of the federal OSHA and
comparable state statutes, where applicable. The OSHA hazard communication standard, the EPA community right-to-know
regulations under the Title III of CERCLA and similar state statutes, where applicable, require that we maintain and/or disclose
information about hazardous materials used or produced in our operations. We believe that we are in substantial compliance
with these applicable requirements and with other OSHA and comparable state requirements.
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Title to our properties
When we acquire developed properties we conduct a title investigation, which will most often include either reviewing
or obtaining a title opinion. However, when we acquire undeveloped properties, as is common industry practice, we usually
conduct little or no investigation of title other than a preliminary review of local real property and/or mineral records. We will
conduct title investigations and, in most cases, obtain a title opinion of local counsel for the drill site before we begin drilling
operations. We believe that the methods we utilize for investigating title prior to acquiring any property are consistent with
practices customary in the oil and natural gas industry and that our practices are adequately designed to enable us to acquire
marketable title to properties. However, some title risks cannot be avoided, despite the use of customary industry practices.
We believe that none of these burdens materially detract from the value of our properties or materially interfere with
property used in the operation of our business. In addition to the foregoing listed burdens, substantially all of our properties are
pledged as collateral under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement and the Second Lien Term Loans.
Oil and natural gas exploration and development involves a high degree of risk. In the event of explosions,
environmental damage, or other accidents such as well fires, blowouts, equipment failure and human error, substantial
liabilities to third parties or governmental entities may be incurred, the satisfaction of which could substantially reduce
available cash and possibly result in the loss of oil and natural gas properties. As is common in the oil and natural gas industry,
we are not fully insured against all risks associated with our business either because such insurance is not available or because
we believe the premium costs are prohibitive. A loss not fully covered by insurance could have a materially adverse effect on
our operating results, financial position or cash flows. For further discussion on risks see “Item 1A. Risk Factors - We are
exposed to operating hazards and uninsured risks that could adversely impact our results of operations and cash flows.”
We currently carry automobile liability, general liability and excess liability insurance with a combined annual limit of
$101 million per occurrence and in the aggregate. These insurance policies contain maximum policy limits and deductibles
ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 that must be met prior to recovery, and are subject to customary exclusions and limitations.
Our automobile and general liability insurance covers us and our subsidiaries for third-party claims and liabilities arising out of
lease operations and related activities. The excess liability insurance is in addition to, and is triggered if; the automobile and
general liability insurance per occurrence limit is reached. Further, we currently carry $45 million of pollution coverage, $25
million of well control (blowout) coverage and $79 million of wellhead, surface equipment and tank coverage with deductibles
ranging from $100,000 to $500,000.
We require our third-party contractors to sign master service agreements in which they generally agree to indemnify us
for the injury and death of the service provider's employees as well as contractors and subcontractors that are hired by the
service provider. Similarly, we agree to indemnify our third-party contractors against claims made by our employees and our
other contractors. Additionally, each party generally is responsible for damage to its own property.
Our third-party contractors that perform hydraulic fracturing operations for us sign master service agreements
containing the indemnification provisions noted above. We do not currently have any insurance policies in effect that are
intended to provide coverage for losses solely related to hydraulic fracturing operations. We believe that our general liability,
excess liability and pollution insurance policies would cover third-party claims related to hydraulic fracturing operations and
associated legal expenses, in accordance with, and subject to, the terms of such policies. However, these policies generally will
not cover fines and penalties. Further, these policies may not cover the costs and expenses related to government-mandated
environmental clean-up responsibilities, or may do so on a limited basis.
Our employees
As of December 31, 2015, we employed 315 persons. None of our employees are represented by unions or covered by
collective bargaining agreements. To date, we have not experienced any strikes or work stoppages due to labor problems, and
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we consider our relations with our employees to be satisfactory. We also utilize the services of independent consultants and
contractors.
Forward-looking statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements, as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("the Exchange
Act"). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, the following:
We have based these forward-looking statements on our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future
events. We use the words “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential,”
“project,” “budget” and other similar words to identify forward-looking statements. The statements that contain these words
should be read carefully because they discuss future expectations, contain projections of results of operations or our financial
condition and/or state other “forward-looking” information. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable securities laws. These statements also involve risks and
uncertainties that could cause our actual results or financial condition to materially differ from our expectations in this
prospectus and the documents incorporated herein by reference, including, but not limited to:
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• actions of third party co-owners of interests in properties in which we also own an interest;
• fluctuations in interest rates;
• our ability to effectively integrate companies and properties that we acquire; and
• our ability to execute our business strategies and other corporate actions.
We believe that it is important to communicate our expectations of future performance to our investors. However, events
may occur in the future that we are unable to accurately predict, or over which we have no control. We caution users of the
financial statements not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. When considering our forward-looking
statements, keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The risk factors
noted in this Annual Report on Form 10-K provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results
to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Please see “Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain
risks related to our business, indebtedness and common shares.
Our revenues, operating results and financial condition depend substantially on prevailing prices for oil and natural gas
and the availability of capital from the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement and other sources. Declines in oil or natural gas
prices may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, the amount of oil or natural
gas that we can produce economically and the ability to fund our operations. Historically, oil and natural gas prices and markets
have been volatile, with prices fluctuating widely, and they are likely to continue to be volatile.
The following are abbreviations and definitions of terms commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2-D seismic. Geophysical data that depicts the subsurface strata in two dimensions.
3-D seismic. Geophysical data that depicts the subsurface strata in three dimensions. 3-D seismic typically provides a
more detailed and accurate interpretation of the subsurface strata than 2-D seismic.
Appraisal wells. Wells drilled to convert an area or sub-region from the resource to the reserves category.
Analogous reservoir. Analogous reservoirs, as used in resources assessments, have similar rock and fluid properties,
reservoir conditions (depth, temperature, and pressure) and drive mechanisms, but are typically at a more advanced
stage of development than the reservoir of interest and thus may provide concepts to assist in the interpretation of
more limited data and estimation of recovery. When used to support proved reserves, an “analogous reservoir” refers
to a reservoir that shares the following characteristics with the reservoir of interest: (i) same geological formation (but
not necessarily in pressure communication with the reservoir of interest); (ii) same environment of deposition; (iii)
similar geological structure; and (iv) same drive mechanism.
Bbl. One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used in reference to oil, NGLs or other liquid
hydrocarbons.
Bcf. One billion cubic feet of natural gas.
Bcfe. One billion cubic feet equivalent calculated by converting one Bbl of oil or NGLs to six Mcf of natural gas. This
ratio of Bbl to Mcf is commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and represents the approximate energy
equivalent of natural gas to oil or NGLs, and does not represent the sales price equivalency of natural gas to oil or
NGLs. Currently the sales price of a Bbl or NGL is significantly higher than the sales price of six Mcf of natural gas.
Boepd. Barrels of oil equivalent per day.
Btu. British thermal unit, which is the heat required to raise the temperature of a one pound mass of water from 58.5
to 59.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Completion. The installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or natural gas, or, in the case of a dry
hole, the reporting to the appropriate authority that the well has been abandoned.
Deterministic method. The method of estimating reserves or resources when a single value for each parameter (from
the geoscience, engineering, or economic data) in the reserves calculation is used in the reserves estimation procedure.
Developed acreage. The number of acres which are allocated or assignable to producing wells or wells capable of
production.
Development well. A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a
stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.
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Dry hole; Dry well. A well found to be incapable of producing either oil or natural gas in sufficient quantities to
justify completion as an oil or natural gas well.
Economically producible. As it relates to a resource, a resource which generates revenue that exceeds, or is
reasonably expected to exceed, the costs of the operation.
Estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). Estimated ultimate recovery is the sum of reserves remaining as of a given date
and cumulative production as of that date.
Exploitation. The continuing development of a known producing formation in a previously discovered field. To
maximize the ultimate recovery of oil or natural gas from the field by development wells, secondary recovery
equipment or other suitable processes and technology.
Exploratory well. An exploratory well is a well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field
previously found to be productive of oil or natural gas in another reservoir. Generally, an exploratory well is any well
that is not a development well, a service well, or a stratigraphic test well.
Farmout. An assignment of an interest in a drilling location and related acreage conditional upon the drilling of a well
on that location.
Formation. A succession of sedimentary beds that were deposited under the same general geologic conditions.
Fracture stimulation. A stimulation treatment routinely performed involving the injection of water, sand and
chemicals under pressure to stimulate hydrocarbon production.
Full cost pool. The full cost pool consists of all costs associated with property acquisition, exploration, and
development activities for a company using the full cost method of accounting. Additionally, any internal costs that
can be directly identified with acquisition, exploration and development activities are included. Any costs related to
production, general corporate overhead or similar activities are not included.
Gross acres or gross wells. The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in which a working interest is owned.
Held-by-production. A provision in an oil, natural gas and mineral lease that perpetuates a company's right to operate
a property or concession as long as the property or concession produces a minimum paying quantity of oil or natural
gas.
Horizontal wells. Wells which are drilled at angles greater than 70 degrees from vertical.
Initial production rate. Generally, the maximum 24 hour production volume from a well.
Mbbl. One thousand stock tank barrels.
Mcf. One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.
Mcfe. One thousand cubic feet equivalent calculated by converting one Bbl of oil or NGLs to six Mcf of natural gas.
Mmbbl. One million stock tank barrels.
Mmbtu. One million British thermal units.
Mmcf. One million cubic feet of natural gas.
Mmcf/d. One million cubic feet of natural gas per day.
Mmcfe. One million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent calculated by converting one Bbl of oil or NGLs to six Mcf
of natural gas. This ratio of Bbl to Mcf is commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and represents the
approximate energy equivalent of natural gas to oil or NGLs, and does not represent the sales price equivalency of
natural gas to oil or NGLs. Currently the sales price of a Bbl or NGL is significantly higher than the sales price of six
Mcf of natural gas.
Mmcfe/d. One million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent per day calculated by converting one Bbl of oil or NGLs to
six Mcf of natural gas.
Mmmbtu. One billion British thermal units.
Net acres or net wells. Exists when the sum of fractional ownership interests owned in gross acres or gross wells
equals one. We compute the number of net wells by totaling the percentage interest we hold in all our gross wells.
NYMEX. New York Mercantile Exchange.
NGLs. The combination of ethane, propane, butane and natural gasolines that when removed from natural gas become
liquid under various levels of higher pressure and lower temperature.
Overriding royalty interest. An interest in an oil and/or natural gas property entitling the owner to a share of oil and
natural gas production free of the costs of production.
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Pad drilling. The drilling of multiple wells from the same site.
Play. A term applied to a portion of the exploration and production cycle following the identification by geologists and
geophysicists of areas with potential oil and natural gas reserves.
Present value of estimated future net revenues or PV-10. The present value of estimated future net revenues is an
estimate of future net revenues from a property at the date indicated, without giving effect to derivative financial
instrument activities, after deducting production and ad valorem taxes, future capital costs, abandonment costs and
operating expenses, but before deducting future income taxes. The future net revenues have been discounted at an
annual rate of 10% to determine their “present value.” The present value is shown to indicate the effect of time on the
value of the net revenue stream and should not be construed as being the fair market value of the properties. Estimates
have been made using constant oil and natural gas prices and operating and capital costs at the date indicated, at its
acquisition date, or as otherwise indicated.
Probabilistic method. The method of estimation of reserves or resources when the full range of values that could
reasonably occur for each unknown parameter (from the geoscience and engineering data) is used to generate a full
range of possible outcomes and their associated probabilities of occurrence.
Productive well. A productive well is a well that is not a dry well.
Proved Developed Reserves. These reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:
(i) through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required
equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and (ii) through installed extraction equipment and
infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.
Proved Reserves. Proved oil and natural gas reserves are those quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of
geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with Reasonable Certainty to be economically producible from a
given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and
government regulations, prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence
indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for
the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably
certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.
The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes: (i) the area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts,
if any, and (ii) adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with Reasonable Certainty, be judged to be
continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and
engineering data.
In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons
(LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology
establishes a lower contact with Reasonable Certainty. Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a
highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be
assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and
reliable technology establish the higher contact with Reasonable Certainty.
Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but
not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when: (i) successful testing by a pilot project in
an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed
program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the
Reasonable Certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and (ii) the project has
been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.
Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be
determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period
covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each
month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon
future conditions.
Proved Undeveloped Reserves. Reserves of any category that are expected to be recovered from new wells on
undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.
Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are
reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes
Reasonable Certainty of economic producibility at greater distances. Undrilled locations can be classified as having
undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled
within five years, unless the specific circumstances justify a longer time.
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Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an
application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been
proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir or by other evidence using reliable
technology establishing Reasonable Certainty.
Recompletion. An operation within an existing well bore to make the well produce oil and/or natural gas from a
different, separately producible zone other than the zone from which the well had been producing.
Reasonable Certainty. If deterministic methods are used, Reasonable Certainty means a high degree of confidence
that the quantities will be recovered. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90% probability that
the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the estimate. A high degree of confidence exists if the quantity is
much more likely to be achieved than not, and, as changes due to increased availability of geoscience (geological,
geophysical, and geochemical), engineering, and economic data are made to EUR with time, reasonably certain EUR
is much more likely to increase or remain constant than to decrease.
Reservoir. A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/
or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other
reservoirs.
Resources. Resources are quantities of oil and natural gas estimated to exist in naturally occurring accumulations. A
portion of the resources may be estimated to be recoverable, and another portion may be considered to be
unrecoverable. Resources include both discovered and undiscovered accumulations.
Royalty interest. An interest in an oil and/or natural gas property entitling the owner to a share of oil and natural gas
production free of the costs of production.
Shale. Fine-grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently
occurring sedimentary rock.
Shut-in well. A producing well that has been closed down temporarily for, among other things, economics, cleaning
out, building up pressure, lack of a market or lack of equipment.
Spud. To start the well drilling process.
Standardized Measure of discounted future net cash flows or the Standardized Measure. Under the Standardized
Measure, future cash flows are estimated by applying the simple average spot prices for the trailing 12 month period
using the first day of each month beginning on January 1 and ending on December 1 of each respective year, adjusted
for price differentials, to the estimated future production of year-end Proved Reserves. Future cash inflows are reduced
by estimated future production and development costs based on period-end and future plugging and abandonment
costs to determine pre-tax cash inflows. Future income taxes are computed by applying the statutory tax rate to the
excess of pre-tax cash inflows over our tax basis in the associated properties. Future net cash inflows after income
taxes are discounted using a 10% annual discount rate to arrive at the Standardized Measure.
Stock tank barrel. 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume.
Tcf. One trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
Tcfe. One trillion cubic feet equivalent calculated by converting one Bbl of oil or NGLs to six Mcf of natural gas. This
ratio of Bbl to Mcf is commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and represents the approximate energy
equivalent of natural gas to oil or NGLs, and does not represent the sales price equivalency of natural gas to oil or
NGLs. Currently the sales price of a Bbl or NGL is significantly higher than the sales price for six Mcf of natural gas.
Undeveloped acreage. Leased acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit
the production of economic quantities of oil and natural gas regardless of whether such acreage contains Proved
Reserves.
Working interest. The operating interest that gives the owner the right to drill, produce and conduct activities on the
property and a share of production.
Workovers. Operations on a producing well to restore or increase production.
Available information
We make available, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports
on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports on our website at www.excoresources.com as soon as reasonably practicable
after those reports and other information is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
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Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risk factors noted in this section and other factors noted throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including
those risks identified in “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”
describe examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained
in any forward-looking statement.
If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes
may vary materially from those included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Oil and natural gas prices, which are subject to fluctuations, have declined substantially from historical highs and may
remain depressed for the foreseeable future. The depression in oil and natural gas prices has, and is expected to continue
to, adversely affect our revenues as well as our ability to maintain or increase our borrowing capacity, repay current or
future indebtedness and obtain additional capital on attractive terms.
Our future financial condition, access to capital, cash flow and results of operations depend upon the prices we receive
for our oil and natural gas. We are particularly dependent on prices for natural gas. As of December 31, 2015, approximately
86% of our Proved Reserves, 89% of our production and 69% of our total revenues were natural gas. Historically, oil and
natural gas prices have been volatile and are subject to fluctuations in response to changes in supply and demand, market
uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control.
In the past, prices of oil and natural gas have been extremely volatile, and we expect this volatility to continue. During
2015, the NYMEX price for natural gas fluctuated from a high of $3.23 per Mmbtu to a low of $1.76 per Mmbtu, while the
NYMEX West Texas Intermediate crude oil price ranged from a high of $61.43 per Bbl to a low of $34.73 per Bbl. For the five
years ended December 31, 2015, the NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas price ranged from a high of $6.15 per Mmbtu to a low of
$1.76 per Mmbtu, while the NYMEX West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") crude oil price ranged from a high of $113.93 per Bbl
to a low of $34.73 per Bbl.
During 2015, oil and natural gas prices experienced a significant decline and the depression of oil and natural gas prices
may continue for the foreseeable future. On December 31, 2015, the spot market price for natural gas at Henry Hub was $2.34
per Mmbtu, a 19% decrease from December 31, 2014. On December 31, 2015, the spot market price for crude oil at Cushing
was $37.04 per Bbl, a 30% decrease from December 31, 2014. For 2015, our average realized prices (before the impact of
derivative financial instruments) for oil and natural gas were $43.89 per Bbl and $2.05 per Mcf, respectively, compared with
2014 average realized prices of $87.80 per Bbl and $3.79 per Mcf, respectively.
Our revenues, cash flow and profitability and our ability to maintain or increase our borrowing capacity, to repay current
or future indebtedness and to obtain additional capital on attractive terms depend substantially upon oil and natural gas prices.
The lower average prices realized for oil and natural gas in 2015, coupled with the slow recovery in financial markets that has
significantly limited and increased the cost of capital, have compelled most oil and natural gas producers, including us, to
reduce levels of exploration, drilling and production activity. This has had a significant effect on our capital resources, liquidity
and operating results. Any sustained reductions in oil and natural gas prices will directly affect our revenues and can indirectly
impact expected production by changing the amount of funds available to us to reinvest in exploration and development
activities. Further reductions in oil and natural gas prices could also reduce the quantities of reserves that are commercially
recoverable. A reduction in our reserves could have other adverse consequences, including a possible downward
redetermination of the availability of borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, which would further restrict
our liquidity. Additionally, further or continued declines in prices could result in additional non-cash charges to earnings due to
impairments to our oil and natural gas properties. Any such impairments could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations in the period taken.
Changes in the differential between NYMEX or other benchmark prices of oil and natural gas and the reference or regional
index price used to price our actual oil and natural gas sales could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition.
The reference or regional index prices that we use to price our oil and natural gas sales sometimes reflect a discount to
the relevant benchmark prices, such as NYMEX. The difference between the benchmark price and the price we reference in our
sales contracts is called a differential. We cannot accurately predict oil and natural gas differentials. Changes in differentials
between the benchmark price for oil and natural gas and the reference or regional index price we reference in our sales
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contracts could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. We have experienced
significant volatility in our price differentials including crude oil production from the Eagle Ford shale and natural gas
production from certain areas in Appalachia. Our crude oil production from the Eagle Ford shale is currently sold at a price
based on the Phillips 66 West Texas Intermediate index plus or minus the differential to the Argus Louisiana Light Sweet index.
During 2015, the monthly average of this differential ranged from a high of Phillips 66 West Texas Intermediate plus $6.68 per
barrel to a low of Phillips 66 West Texas Intermediate plus $1.40 per barrel. Our natural gas production from the Marcellus
shale in Northeast Pennsylvania is sold at a price based on a Platts index that represents value into the Transco Leidy Pipeline.
Due to the increased production in this region without an offsetting increase in pipeline capacity or infrastructure to the
Northeast United States markets, this differential in 2015 ranged from a low of NYMEX less $0.87 per Mmbtu to a high of
NYMEX less $1.85 per Mmbtu. These differentials vary depending on factors such as supply, demand, pipeline capacity,
infrastructure, and weather.
Continuing impairments of our asset values could have a substantial negative effect on our results of operations and net
worth.
We follow the full cost method of accounting for our oil and natural gas properties. Depending upon oil and natural gas
prices in the future, and at the end of each quarterly and annual period when we are required to test the carrying value of our
assets using full cost accounting rules, we may be required to record an impairment to the value of our oil and natural gas
properties if the present value of the after-tax future cash flows from our oil and natural gas properties falls below the net book
value of these properties. We have in the past experienced, and may experience in the future, ceiling test impairments with
respect to our oil and natural gas properties.
Our evaluation of impairment is based upon estimates of Proved Reserves. The value of our Proved Reserves may be
lowered in future periods as a result of a decline in prices of oil and natural gas, a downward revision of our oil and natural gas
reserves or other factors. As a result, our evaluation of impairment for future periods is subject to uncertainties inherent in
estimating quantities of Proved Reserves, in projecting the future rates of production and in the timing of development
activities. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological
interpretation and judgment. Because several of these factors are beyond our control, we cannot accurately predict or control
the amount of ceiling test impairments in future periods. Future ceiling test impairments could negatively affect our results of
operations and net worth.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized impairments of $1.2 billion to our proved oil and natural gas
properties. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we did not recognize any impairments to our proved oil and natural gas
properties and for the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized impairments of $108.5 million to our proved oil and
natural gas properties. We may have additional impairments of our oil and natural gas properties in future periods if the cost of
our unamortized proved oil and natural gas properties exceeds the limitation under the full cost method of accounting. As a
result of the decline in oil and natural gas prices during 2015, we expect to recognize additional impairments to our oil and
natural gas properties in 2016 if prices do not increase. We also may recognize impairments if some of our undeveloped
locations are determined to no longer be economically viable as a result of low prices. In addition to the negative effect this has
on our balance sheet and retained earnings and the reduction in our assets, future reductions in the value of our properties could
cause a downward redetermination of our borrowing capacity under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement.
We also test goodwill for impairment annually or when circumstances indicate that an impairment may exist. If the book
value of our reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value of the reporting unit, an impairment charge will occur, which would
negatively impact our results of operations and net worth. As a result of our testing of goodwill for impairment, we did not
record an impairment charge for the periods ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Our short-term liquidity is constrained and could severely impact our cash flow and our development of properties.
Currently, our principal sources of liquidity are cash flows from operations and borrowings under the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement. Our borrowing base under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement is currently $375.0 million and is
scheduled for redetermination in March 2016. While we believe our existing capital resources are sufficient to conduct our
operations through 2016, any reduction in our borrowing base could result in our liquidity being limited to our cash flow from
operations, which is currently in decline as a result of the depressed commodity price environment. If our borrowing base is
materially reduced or we are no longer able to draw on the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement or generate sufficient cash flow
from operations, we may not be able to fund our operations and drilling activities or pay the interest on our debt, which would
result in us defaulting under our various debt instruments and may force us to seek bankruptcy protection or pursue other
restructuring alternatives.
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The depressed commodity price environment coupled with our substantial indebtedness and liquidity issues may impact our
business and operations.
In light of the depressed commodity price environment, there is risk that, among other things:
• third parties’ confidence in our commercial or financial ability to explore and produce oil and natural gas could
erode, which could impact our ability to execute on our business strategy;
• it may become more difficult to retain, attract or replace key employees;
• employees could be distracted from performance of their duties or more easily attracted to other career
opportunities; and
• our suppliers, hedge counterparties, vendors and service providers could renegotiate the terms of our arrangements,
terminate their relationship with us or require financial assurances from us.
The occurrence of certain of these events may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
In the future, we may seek bankruptcy protection, which may harm our business and place our equity holders at significant
risk of losing all of their interests in our business.
We are analyzing various strategic alternatives to address our liquidity and capital structure, including strategic and
refinancing alternatives. However, if oil and natural gas prices do not improve in the future, a filing under Chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code may be unavoidable. Seeking bankruptcy protection could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. So long as a proceeding related to a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding is
ongoing, our senior management would be required to spend a significant amount of time and effort dealing with the
reorganization instead of focusing exclusively on our business operations. Bankruptcy protection also might make it more
difficult to retain management and other key personnel necessary to the success and growth of our business. In addition, the
longer a proceeding related to a bankruptcy continues, the more likely it is that our customers and suppliers would lose
confidence in our ability to reorganize our businesses successfully and would seek to establish alternative commercial
relationships or request financial assurances such as letters of credit and cash deposits.
Additionally, we have a significant amount of indebtedness that is senior to our existing common shares in our capital
structure. As a result, we believe that seeking bankruptcy protection could cause our common shares to be canceled, resulting in
a limited recovery for shareholders, if any, and place equity holders at significant risk of losing all of their interests in our
business.
We may encounter obstacles to marketing our oil and natural gas, which could adversely impact our revenues.
Our ability to market our oil and natural gas production will depend upon the availability and capacity of gathering
systems, pipelines and other transportation facilities. We are primarily dependent upon third parties to transport our production.
Transportation space on the gathering systems and pipelines we utilize is occasionally limited or unavailable due to repairs,
outages caused by accidents or other events, or improvements to facilities or due to space being utilized by other companies
that have priority transportation agreements. We have experienced production curtailments in our producing regions resulting
from capacity restraints, offsetting fracturing stimulation operations and short term shutdowns of certain pipelines for
maintenance purposes. As we have increased our knowledge of our shale properties, we have begun to shut in production on
adjacent wells when conducting completion operations. Due to the high production capabilities of these wells, these volumes
can be significant. Our access to transportation options can also be affected by U.S. federal and state regulation of oil and
natural gas production and transportation, general economic conditions and changes in supply and demand. These factors and
the availability of markets are beyond our control. If market factors dramatically change, the impact on our revenues could be
substantial and could adversely affect our ability to produce and market oil and natural gas and the value of our common
shares.
We have entered into marketing agreements with third-parties to sell a significant percentage of our anticipated oil and
natural gas production in the East Texas, North Louisiana and South Texas regions. If these third-parties are unable or
otherwise fail to market the oil and natural gas we produce, we would be required to find alternate means to market our
production, which could increase our costs, reduce the revenues we might obtain from the sale of our oil and natural gas
production or have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
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We may experience a financial loss if any of our significant customers fail to pay us for our oil or natural gas or reduce the
volume of oil and natural gas that they purchase from us.
Our ability to collect payments from the sale of oil and natural gas to our customers depends on the payment ability of
our customer base, which includes several significant customers. If any one or more of our significant customers fails to pay us
for any reason, we could experience a material loss. We are managing our credit risk as a result of the current commodity price
environment through the attainment of financial assurances from certain customers. In addition, if any of our significant
customers cease to purchase our oil or natural gas or reduce the volume of the oil or natural gas that they purchase from us, the
loss or reduction could have a detrimental effect on our production volumes and may cause a temporary interruption in sales of,
or a lower price for, our oil and natural gas.
Market conditions or operational impediments, such as lack of available transportation or infrastructure, may hinder our
production or adversely impact our ability to receive market prices for our production or to achieve expected drilling results.
Market conditions or the unavailability of satisfactory oil and natural gas transportation arrangements or infrastructure
may hinder our access to oil and natural gas markets or delay our production. The availability of a ready market for our oil and
natural gas production depends on a number of factors, including the demand for and supply of oil and natural gas and the
proximity of reserves to pipelines and terminal facilities. Our ability to market our production depends, in substantial part, on
the availability and capacity of gathering systems, pipelines, processing facilities and oil and condensate trucking operations
owned and operated by third-parties. Our failure to obtain these services on acceptable terms could have a material adverse
effect on our business. We may be required to shut in wells due to lack of a market or inadequacy or unavailability of crude oil
or natural gas pipelines, gathering systems or trucking capacity. A portion of our production may also be interrupted, or shut in,
from time to time for numerous other reasons, including as a result of accidents, excessive pressures, maintenance, weather,
field labor issues or other disruptions of service. Curtailments and disruptions may last from a few days to several months, and
we have no control over when or if third-party facilities are restored.
In the past we have experienced production curtailments due to infrastructure and market constraints in the Eagle Ford
shale formation, which has caused oil production to be shut in and natural gas production to be shut in or flared. Any significant
curtailment in gathering, processing or pipeline system capacity, significant delay in the construction of necessary facilities or
lack of availability of transportation would interfere with our ability to market our oil and natural gas production, and could
have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and results of operations.
We have entered into significant natural gas firm transportation and marketing agreements primarily in East Texas and
North Louisiana that require us to pay fixed amounts of money to the shippers or marketers regardless of quantities actually
shipped or marketed. If we are unable to deliver the necessary quantities of natural gas, our results of operations and
liquidity could be adversely affected.
We have entered into significant natural gas firm transportation contracts primarily in East Texas and North Louisiana
that require us to pay fixed amounts of money to the shippers regardless of quantities actually shipped. The use of firm
transportation agreements allows us priority space in a shippers’ pipeline. Historically, we have paid significant amounts for the
unused portion of these firm transportation agreements and expect to continue incurring significant costs for unused firm
transportation in the future.
We have entered into an agreement to deliver an aggregate minimum volume commitment of natural gas production
from the Holly and Shelby fields to certain gathering systems over a five-year period ending on December 1, 2018. If there is a
shortfall to the minimum volume commitment in any year, then we are severally responsible with a joint venture partner to pay
fixed amounts of money to the gatherer regardless of quantities actually produced in to the systems. For the twelve months
ended December 1, 2015, our net share of the shortfall was $8.2 million and we remitted payment for this shortfall in January
2016.
In addition, we have also entered into a marketing agreement with respect to our Haynesville production whereby we are
required to deliver a minimum amount of natural gas from the Haynesville shale. We will be required to make material
expenditures for these agreements if we fail to deliver the required quantities of natural gas in the future.
We anticipate the deliveries of natural gas in future periods will not meet the minimum quantities set forth in certain of
these agreements and will require us to make payments for the shortfall below the minimum quantities. In the event the
quantities delivered under these arrangements are significantly below the minimum volumes within the agreements, it could
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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There are risks associated with our drilling activity that could impact our results of operations and financial condition. Our
ability to develop properties in new or emerging formations may be subject to more uncertainties than drilling in areas that
are more developed or have a longer history of established production.
Our drilling involves numerous risks, including the risk that we will not encounter commercially productive oil or
natural gas reservoirs. We must incur significant expenditures to identify and acquire properties and to drill and complete wells.
Additionally, seismic and other technology does not allow us to know conclusively prior to drilling a well that oil or natural gas
is present or economically producible. The costs of drilling and completing wells are often uncertain, and drilling operations
may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors, including unexpected drilling conditions, pressure or
irregularities in formations, equipment failures or accidents, weather conditions and shortages or delays in the delivery of
equipment. We have experienced some delays in contracting for drilling rigs, obtaining fracture stimulation crews and
materials, which result in increased costs to drill wells. Also, we may experience issues with the availability of water and sand
used in our drilling and hydraulic fracturing activities. All of these risks could adversely affect our results of operations and
financial condition.
The results of our drilling in new or emerging formations, including our properties in shale formations, are more
uncertain initially than drilling results in areas that are developed, have established production or where we have a longer
history of operation. Because new or emerging formations have limited or no production history, we are less able to use past
drilling results in those areas to help predict future drilling results. Our experience with horizontal drilling in these areas to
date, as well as the industry’s drilling and production history, while growing, is limited. The ultimate success of these drilling
and completion techniques will be better evaluated over time as more wells are drilled and production profiles are better
established. We have implemented several initiatives to manage our base production and minimize the decline from our shale
properties. If these initiatives are not successful and we are required to incur significant expenditures to manage our base
production, this could negatively impact our production and cash flows from operations.
If our drilling results are less than anticipated or we are unable to execute our drilling program because of capital
constraints, lease expirations, and/or natural gas and oil prices decline, our investment in these areas may not be as attractive as
we anticipate and we could incur material impairments of undeveloped properties and the value of our undeveloped acreage
could decline in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Certain of our undeveloped leasehold assets are subject to leases that will expire over the next several years unless
production is established on the acreage.
Leases on oil and natural gas properties typically have a term after which they expire unless, prior to expiration, a well is
drilled and production of hydrocarbons in paying quantities is established. If our leases expire and we are unable to renew the
leases, we will lose our right to develop the related properties. While we seek to actively manage our leasehold inventory
through drilling wells to hold the leasehold acreage that we believe is material to our operations, our drilling plans for these
areas are subject to change.
We conduct a substantial portion of our operations through joint ventures, and our failure to continue such joint ventures
or resolve any material disagreements with our partners could have a material adverse effect on the success of these
operations, our financial condition and our results of operations. Furthermore, the actions taken by other working interest
owners could prevent or alter our development plans.
We conduct a substantial portion of our operations through joint ventures with third parties, principally BG Group, plc
and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. ("KKR"). We may also enter into other joint venture arrangements in the future. In
many instances we depend on these third parties for elements of these arrangements that are important to the success of the
joint venture, such as agreed payments of substantial development costs pertaining to the joint venture and their share of other
costs of the joint venture. The performance of these third party obligations or the ability of third parties to meet their
obligations under these arrangements is outside our control. If these parties do not meet or satisfy their obligations under these
arrangements, the performance and success of these arrangements, and their value to us, may be adversely affected. If our
current or future joint venture partners are unable to meet their obligations, we may be forced to undertake the obligations
ourselves and/or incur additional expenses in order to have some other party perform such obligations. In such cases we may
also be required to enforce our rights, which may cause disputes among our joint venture partners and us. If any of these events
occur, they may adversely impact us, our financial performance and results of operations, these joint ventures and/or our ability
to enter into future joint ventures.
Such joint venture arrangements may involve risks not otherwise present when exploring and developing properties
directly, including, for example:
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• our joint venture partners may share certain approval rights over major decisions;
• the possibility that our joint venture partners might become insolvent or bankrupt, leaving us liable for their shares
of joint venture liabilities;
• the possibility that we may incur liabilities as a result of an action taken by our joint venture partners;
• joint venture partners may be in a position to take action contrary to our instructions or requests or contrary to our
policies or objectives;
• disputes between us and our joint venture partners may result in litigation or arbitration, including the lawsuit filed
against us by the affiliates of KKR described below, that would increase our expenses, delay or terminate projects
and prevent our officers and directors from focusing their time and effort on our business;
• that under certain joint venture arrangements, neither joint venture partner may have the power to control the
venture, and an impasse could be reached which might have a negative influence on our investment in the joint
venture; and
• our joint venture partners may decide to terminate their relationship with us in any joint venture company or sell
their interest in any of these companies and we may be unable to replace such joint venture partner or raise the
necessary financing to purchase such joint venture partner’s interest.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, our Eagle Ford joint venture partner purported to accept our third quarterly offer
under the Participation Agreement to purchase interests in 21 gross (10.3 net) wells for $42.7 million, subject to purchase price
adjustments subsequent to the effective date of June 30, 2015. We notified our joint venture partner that we do not intend to
close this acquisition and our joint venture partner filed a petition for injunctive relief and damages alleging that, among other
things, we breached our obligation under the Participation Agreement. The court denied our joint venture partner’s motion for
injunctive relief and their request to restrain us from disbursing proceeds from the production of the assets. We filed a
counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that, among other things, we are not obligated to purchase the disputed wells as
our partner's purported acceptance had not been received in a timely manner under the terms of the Participation Agreement. In
addition, quarterly offers four and five are also now in dispute for various reasons. We cannot estimate or predict the outcome
of the litigation with the our joint venture partner and we may not have sufficient funds or borrowing capacity under the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement to complete any acquisitions pursuant to the Participation Agreement or pay any damages for
failure to complete a purchase that a court may determine, including the wells related to the claim by our joint venture partner.
In the event we fail to purchase a group of wells that we are required to make an offer on, there are remedies available to our
joint venture partner which allow them to reject our future offers, terminate the Participation Agreement, remove EXCO as the
operator or pursue other legal remedies.
The failure to continue some of our joint ventures or to resolve disagreements with our joint venture partners,
including the dispute subject to litigation with the KKR affiliates, could adversely affect our ability to transact the business that
is the subject of such joint venture, including, with respect to the Participation Agreement, our ability to increase our assets in
the Eagle Ford shale through acquisitions of KKR’s producing properties. As a result, our financial condition and results of
operations would be negatively affected.
The owners of working interests may not consent to the development of certain properties that we operate which may
require us to assume their share of the working interest during the development and a period after the well is on production.
This may require us to expend additional capital not already anticipated as part of our development plans and assume additional
risks associated with the development and future performance of the properties. The owners of working interests in certain
properties that we operate may also hold rights within the respective operating agreements that could prevent us from
performing additional development activities on the properties such as recompletions and other workovers without their
consent.
The growth of our business requires substantial capital on a continuing basis. Due to the amount of debt we have
incurred and factors related to the depressed commodity price environment, we anticipate that it will be difficult for us in the
foreseeable future to obtain additional equity or debt financing or to obtain additional secured financing other than purchase
money indebtedness. If we are unable to obtain additional capital on satisfactory terms and conditions or at all, we may lose
opportunities to acquire oil and natural gas properties and businesses and, therefore, be unable to implement our growth
strategy.
We may be unable to acquire or develop additional reserves, which would reduce our revenues and access to capital.
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Our success depends upon our ability to find, develop or acquire additional oil and natural gas reserves that are
profitable to produce. Factors that may hinder our ability to acquire or develop additional oil and natural gas reserves include
competition, access to capital, prevailing oil and natural gas prices and the number and attractiveness of properties for sale. If
we are unable to conduct successful development activities or acquire properties containing Proved Reserves, our total Proved
Reserves will generally decline as a result of production. Also, our production will generally decline. In addition, if our reserves
and production decline, then the amount we are able to borrow under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement will also decline.
We may be unable to locate additional reserves, drill economically productive wells or acquire properties containing Proved
Reserves.
Acquisitions, development drilling and exploratory drilling are the main methods of replacing reserves. However,
development and exploratory drilling operations may not result in any increases in reserves for various reasons. Our future oil
and natural gas production depends on our success in finding or acquiring additional reserves. If we fail to replace reserves
through drilling or acquisitions, our level of production and cash flows will be adversely affected. The planned reduction in our
development program in 2016 could negatively impact our ability to replace our reserves in the future.
We may not identify all risks associated with the acquisition of oil and natural gas properties, and any indemnification we
receive from sellers may be insufficient to protect us from such risks, which may result in unexpected liabilities and costs to
us.
Generally, it is not feasible for us to review in detail every individual property involved in an acquisition. Any future
acquisitions will require an assessment of recoverable reserves, title, future oil and natural gas prices, operating costs, potential
environmental hazards and liabilities, potential tax and liabilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended, other liabilities and similar factors. Ordinarily, our review efforts are focused on the higher-valued properties.
Even a detailed review of properties and records may not reveal existing or potential problems, nor will it permit us to become
sufficiently familiar with the properties to fully assess their deficiencies and capabilities. We do not inspect every well that we
acquire. Potential problems, such as deficiencies in the mechanical integrity of equipment or environmental conditions that may
require significant remedial expenditures, are not necessarily observable even when we inspect a well. Any unidentified
problems from acquisitions could result in material liabilities and costs that could negatively impact our financial condition and
results of operations.
Even if we are able to identify problems with an acquisition, the seller may be unwilling or unable to provide effective
contractual protection or indemnify us against all or part of these problems. Even if a seller agrees to provide indemnification,
the indemnification may not be fully enforceable and may be limited by floors and caps on such indemnification.
We may not correctly evaluate reserve data or the exploitation potential of properties as we engage in our acquisition,
exploration, development and exploitation activities.
Our future success will depend on the success of our acquisition, exploration, development and exploitation activities.
Our decisions to purchase, explore, develop or otherwise exploit properties or prospects will depend in part on the evaluation of
data obtained from production reports and engineering studies, geophysical and geological analyses and seismic and other
information, the results of which are often inconclusive and subject to various interpretations. These decisions could
significantly reduce our ability to generate cash needed to service our debt and fund our capital program and other working
capital requirements.
We may be unable to successfully integrate the operations of acquisitions with our operations and we may not realize all the
anticipated benefits of any acquisitions.
Integration of our acquisitions with our business and operations has been a complex, time consuming and costly process.
Failure to successfully assimilate our past or future acquisitions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of
operations.
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• the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
• the failure to realize expected profitability or growth;
• the failure to realize expected synergies and cost savings;
• coordinating geographically disparate organizations, systems and facilities; and
• coordinating or consolidating corporate and administrative functions.
Further, unexpected costs and challenges may arise whenever businesses with different operations or management are
combined, and we may experience unanticipated delays in realizing the benefits of an acquisition. If we consummate any future
acquisitions, our capitalization and results of operations may change significantly, and you may not have the opportunity to
evaluate the economic, financial and other relevant information that we will consider in evaluating future acquisitions.
Our estimates of oil and natural gas reserves involve inherent uncertainty, which could materially affect the quantity and
value of our reported reserves, our financial condition and the value of our common shares.
Numerous uncertainties are inherent in estimating quantities of Proved Reserves, including many factors beyond our
control. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains estimates of our Proved Reserves and the PV-10 and Standardized Measure
of our Proved Reserves. These estimates are based upon reports of our independent petroleum engineers. These reports rely
upon various assumptions, including assumptions required by the SEC as to oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating
expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. These estimates should not be construed as the current market
value of our estimated Proved Reserves.
The process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex, requiring significant decisions and assumptions in the
evaluation of available geological, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. As a result, the estimates are inherently
imprecise evaluations of reserve quantities and future net revenue and such estimates prepared by different engineers or by the
same engineers at different times, may vary substantially.
Our actual future production, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of
recoverable oil and natural gas reserves may vary substantially from those we have assumed in the estimates. Any significant
variance in our assumptions could materially affect the quantity and value of reserves, the amount of PV-10 and Standardized
Measure described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and our financial condition. In addition, our reserves, the amount of
PV-10 and Standardized Measure may be revised downward or upward, based upon production history, results of future
exploitation and development activities, prevailing oil and natural gas prices, decisions and assumptions made by engineers and
other factors. A material decline in prices paid for our production can adversely impact the estimated volumes and values of our
reserves. Similarly, a decline in market prices for oil or natural gas may adversely affect our PV-10 and Standardized Measure.
Any of these negative effects on our reserves or PV-10 and Standardized Measure may negatively affect the value of our
common shares.
We currently have negative shareholders’ equity, which could adversely affect our financial condition and otherwise
adversely impact our business and growth
We have recently experienced losses as a result of the recent decline in oil and natural gas prices, and, as of December
31, 2015, we had negative shareholders’ equity of $662.3 million, which means that our total liabilities exceeded our total
assets. We may not be able to return to profitability in the near future, or at all, and the continuing existence of negative
shareholders’ equity may limit our ability to obtain future debt or equity financing or to pay future dividends or other
distributions. If we are unable to obtain financing in the future, it could have a negative effect on our operations and our
liquidity.
We are exposed to operating hazards and uninsured risks that could adversely impact our results of operations and cash
flow.
Our operations are subject to the risks inherent in the oil and natural gas industry, including the risks of:
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We have in the past experienced some of these events during our drilling, production and midstream operations. These
events may result in substantial losses to us from:
As is customary in our industry, we maintain insurance against some, but not all, of these risks. Our insurance may not
be adequate to cover these potential losses or liabilities. Furthermore, insurance coverage may not continue to be available at
commercially acceptable premium levels or at all. Due to cost considerations, from time to time we have declined to obtain
coverage for certain drilling activities. We do not carry business interruption insurance. Losses and liabilities arising from
uninsured or under-insured events could require us to make large unbudgeted cash expenditures that could adversely impact our
results of operations and cash flow.
Our operations are conducted primarily in Texas, North Louisiana and Appalachia. The weather in these areas can be
extreme and can cause interruption in our exploration and production operations. Severe weather can result in damage to our
facilities entailing longer operational interruptions and significant capital investment.
Likewise, our operations are subject to disruption from earthquakes, hurricanes, winter storms and severe cold, which
can limit operations involving fluids and impair access to our facilities. Additionally, many municipalities in Appalachia
impose weight restrictions on the paved roads that lead to our jobsites due to the conditions caused by spring thaws.
We are subject to complex federal, state, local and other laws and regulations that could adversely affect the cost, manner or
feasibility of conducting our operations.
Our oil and natural gas development and production operations are subject to complex and stringent laws and
regulations. In order to conduct our operations in compliance with these laws and regulations, we must obtain and maintain
numerous permits, approvals and certificates from various federal, state and local governmental authorities. We may incur
substantial costs in order to comply with these existing laws and regulations. In addition, our costs of compliance may increase
if existing laws and regulations are revised or reinterpreted, or if new laws and regulations become applicable to our operations.
Our business is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations as interpreted and enforced by governmental authorities
possessing jurisdiction over various aspects of the exploration for, production and sale of, oil and natural gas. Failure to comply
with such laws and regulations, as interpreted and enforced, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Certain federal income tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and natural gas exploration and development
may be eliminated as a result of future legislation.
The Obama administration’s budget proposals for fiscal year 2016 contain numerous proposed tax changes, and from
time to time, legislation has been introduced that would enact many of these proposed changes. The proposed budget and
legislation would repeal many tax incentives and deductions that are currently used by U.S. oil and natural gas companies and
impose new fees. Among others, the provisions include: elimination of the ability to fully deduct intangible drilling costs in the
year incurred; repeal of the percentage depletion deduction for oil and gas properties; repeal of the domestic manufacturing tax
deduction for oil and natural gas companies; increase in the geological and geophysical amortization period for independent
producers. The passage of legislation containing some or all of these provisions or any other similar change in U.S. federal
income tax law could eliminate or postpone certain tax deductions that are currently available to us with respect to oil and
natural gas exploration and development, and any such change could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our ability to use net operating loss carryovers to reduce future tax payments may be limited.
Our net operating loss and other tax attribute carryovers ("NOLs") may be limited if we undergo an ownership change.
Generally, an ownership change occurs if certain persons or groups increase their aggregate ownership in us by more than 50
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percentage points looking back over a rolling three-year period. If an ownership change occurs, our ability to use our NOLs to
reduce income taxes is limited to an annual amount, or the Section 382 limitation, equal to the fair market value of our common
shares immediately prior to the ownership change multiplied by the long term tax-exempt interest rate, which is published
monthly by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). In the event of an ownership change, NOLs can be used to offset taxable
income for years within a carryforward period subject to the Section 382 limitation. Any excess NOLs that exceed the
Section 382 limitation in any year will continue to be allowed as carryforwards for the remainder of the carryforward period.
Whether or not an ownership change occurs, the carryforward period for NOLs is 20 years from the year in which the losses
giving rise to the NOLs were incurred. If the carryforward period for any NOL were to expire before that NOL had been fully
utilized, the unused portion of that NOL would be lost. Our use of new NOLs arising after the date of an ownership change
would not be affected by the Section 382 limitation (unless there is another ownership change after the new NOLs arise).
Our business exposes us to liability and extensive regulation on environmental matters, which could result in substantial
expenditures.
Our operations are subject to numerous complex U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the
protection of the environment, including those governing the discharge of materials into the water and air, the generation,
management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes and the clean-up of contaminated sites. Laws, rules and
regulations protecting the environment have changed frequently and the changes often include increasingly stringent
requirements.
In general, the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry has been the subject of increasing scrutiny and
regulation by environmental authorities. For example, the EPA has identified environmental compliance by the energy
extraction section as one of its enforcement initiatives for 2014-2016 (and has solicited comments on continuing this initiative
for fiscal years 2017 - 2019). Further, in September of 2015, the EPA issued a compliance alert stating that it has concerns
regarding significant emissions from storage vessels, such as tanks or containers, at onshore oil and natural gas production
facilities.
Compliance with environmental laws and regulations often increases our cost of doing business and, in turn, decreases
our profitability. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and
criminal penalties, the incurrence of investigatory or remedial obligations, or the issuance of cease and desist orders. Any
changes that result in more stringent or costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or cleanup requirements could
require us to make significant expenditures to maintain compliance, and may otherwise have a material adverse effect on our
earnings, results of operations, competitive position or financial condition. Changes to the requirements for drilling,
completing, operating, and abandoning wells and related facilities could have similar adverse effects on us.
In addition, we could incur substantial expenditures complying with environmental laws and regulations, including
future environmental laws and regulations which may be more stringent than those currently in effect. For example, the
regulation of GHG emissions by the EPA or by various states in the areas in which we conduct business could have an adverse
effect on our operations and demand for our oil and natural gas production. Moreover, the EPA has shown a general increased
scrutiny on the oil and gas industry through its regulations under the CAA, SDWA, RCRA, TSCA and CWA.
The environmental laws and regulations to which we are subject may, among other things:
• require us to apply for and receive a permit before drilling commences or certain associated facilities are developed;
• restrict the types, quantities and concentrations of substances that can be released into the environment in
connection with drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and production activities;
• limit or prohibit drilling activities on certain lands lying within wilderness, wetlands and other “waters of the United
States,” threatened and endangered species habitats and other protected areas;
• require remedial measures to mitigate pollution from former operations, such as plugging abandoned wells;
• require additional control and monitoring devices on equipment; and
• impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations.
Our operations may be impacted by upcoming regulatory changes, including proposed effluent limitation guidelines
established by the EPA which could limit our ability to dispose of waste water from hydraulic fracturing activities into
wastewater treatment systems. The EPA and state regulators are also reviewing the practices for the disposal of solid waste in
surface impoundments from exploration and production facilities under Subtitle D of RCRA and may continue to refine those
requirements. The EPA and state regulators are also expanding National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting for
storm water discharges at drilling sites. These actions may limit the options for disposal of hydraulic fracturing waste and
increase costs associated with disposal.
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In addition, on May 19, 2014, the EPA issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the
types of chemical mixtures used in hydraulic fracturing fluid which might be reported under the TSCA. This may require more
extensive reporting obligations for oil and gas exploration activities that use hydraulic fracturing.
Moreover, as part of the Obama administration’s continued focus on climate change, the EPA has outlined a series of
actions to encourage reduction in methane and VOC emissions from the oil and gas industry. To this end, the EPA has adopted
rules subjecting oil and natural gas operations to regulation under the NSPS, NESHAPS and programs under the CAA;
imposing new and amended requirements under these programs for the control of VOCs. Among other things, the rules amend
standards applicable to natural gas processing plants and expand the NSPS to include all oil and natural gas operations,
imposing requirements on those operations. The rule also imposes NSPS standards for completions of hydraulically fractured
natural gas wells. These standards include the reduced emission completion techniques. The NESHAPS also includes
maximum achievable control technology standards for certain glycol dehydrators and storage vessels, and revises applicability
provisions, alternative test protocols and the availability of the startup, shutdown and maintenance exemption. The
implementation of these new requirements may result in increased operating and compliance costs, increased regulatory
burdens and delays in our operations. There may also be further refinement to existing NSPS standards for VOCs as data is
gathered about the implementation of those requirements.
Additionally, the EPA recently proposed an NSPS aimed at methane emissions from oil and natural gas operations.
Changes in regulation can also occur at a state or local level. For example, the State of Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection is updating oil and gas regulations which include more stringent permitting requirements, waste
handling disposal and water restoration requirements. Some localities, for example in Texas, are enacting water usage
restrictions that may impact oil and gas exploration. In addition, some states have considered, and notably California has
adopted, a state specific GHG regulatory program that may limit GHG emissions or may require costs in association with the
control of GHG emissions.
The implementation of climate change regulations could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for our oil
and natural gas production.
Although federal legislation regarding the control of emissions of GHGs for the present appears unlikely, the EPA has
been implementing regulations under its existing CAA authority, and some of these regulations and proposed regulations may
affect our operations. GHGs are certain gases, including carbon dioxide, a product of the combustion of natural gas, and
methane, a primary component of natural gas, that may be contributing to the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in
climatic changes. These GHG regulations could require us to incur increased operating costs and could have an adverse effect
on demand for our oil and natural gas production.
In the absence of comprehensive federal legislation on GHG emission control, the EPA attempted to require the
permitting of GHG emissions. Although the U.S. Supreme Court struck down GHG permitting requirements for GHG as a
stand-alone pollutant, it upheld the EPA’s authority to control GHG emissions when a source has to secure a major source
permit to control the emissions of other criteria pollutants. The EPA established GHG reporting requirements for a broad range
of sources, including in the petroleum and natural gas industry, requiring those sources to monitor, maintain records on, and
annually report their GHG emissions. Although this rule does not limit the amount of GHGs that can be emitted, it requires us
to incur costs to monitor record and report GHG emissions associated with our operations.
The Obama administration has also implemented a series of executive branch actions as part of its Climate Action Plan,
the goal of which is to reduce GHGs in order to address the effects of global climate change. The Climate Action Plan has
three main components: (i) cut carbon pollution (this includes GHGs and methane); (ii) prepare the U.S. for the impacts of
climate change and (iii) lead efforts to combat global climate change. Another component of the administration’s plan to cut
carbon pollution is the development of an interagency strategy with the EPA, the DOI, the DOT, Department of Energy and
Department of Labor to cut methane emissions. As part of this strategy, each federal agency is charged with promulgating new
standards that may impact our operations by increasing costs and/or lowering demand for oil and natural gas.
As part of the directive to cut carbon pollution in the Climate Action Plan, the EPA proposed rules that would establish
new air emission controls for emissions of methane from certain equipment and processes in the oil and natural gas source
category, including production, processing, transmission and storage activities. The EPA’s proposed rule package includes first-
time standards to address emissions of methane from equipment and processes across the source category, including
hydraulically fractured oil and natural gas well completions, fugitive emissions from well sites and compressors, equipment
leaks at natural gas processing plants, and pneumatic pumps.
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In addition, the rule would extend current VOC requirements established in 2012 to remaining unregulated equipment
within the source category, such as hydraulically fractured oil well completions, fugitive emissions from well sites and
compressor stations and pneumatic pumps. Another key component of the proposal is that it contemplates periodically
monitoring methane emissions using imaging optical gas imaging instead of traditional observation methods.
Concurrent with this proposal, the EPA published another proposal to clarify the term “adjacent” in the definitions of:
“building, structure, facility or installation” used to determine the “stationary source” for purposes of the Prevention of
Significant Deterioration (PSD) and Nonattainment New Source Review (NNSR) programs and “major source” in the title V
program as applied to the oil and natural gas sector. In this proposal, the EPA states that any oil and gas exploration facilities
that have a common owner and that are “adjacent” to each other are a single source. The proposal offers two approaches for
public comment on how “adjacent” should be defined. Although the EPA expresses a preference for defining “adjacency” in
the oil and gas sector in terms of proximity, the EPA is also soliciting comment on an option to define “adjacency” in terms of
“functional interrelatedness.” The grouping together of sources may cause a group of sources to be treated as a “major source”
and face enhanced regulation under federal environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act.
Federal and state legislation and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing could result in increased costs and
additional operating restrictions or delays.
Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into rock formations to stimulate
natural gas production. Most hydraulic fracturing (other than hydraulic fracturing using diesel) is exempted from regulation
under the SDWA. Congress has considered legislation to amend the federal SDWA to remove the exemption from regulation
and permitting that is applicable to hydraulic fracturing operations and require reporting and disclosure of chemicals used by
the oil and natural gas industry in the hydraulic fracturing process. Sponsors of bills previously introduced before the Senate
and House of Representatives have asserted that chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect drinking water
supplies. Many states have adopted or are considering legislation regulating hydraulic fracturing, including the disclosure of
chemicals used in the process. Such bills or similar legislation, if adopted, could increase the possibility of litigation and
establish an additional level of regulation at the federal level that could lead to operational delays or increased operating costs
and could result in additional regulatory burdens, making it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing and increasing our
costs of compliance. At the state and local levels, some jurisdictions have adopted, and others are considering adopting,
requirements that could impose more stringent permitting, public disclosure or well construction requirements on hydraulic
fracturing activities, as well as bans on hydraulic fracturing activities. In the event that new or more stringent state or local legal
restrictions relating to the hydraulic fracturing process are adopted in areas where we have properties, we could incur
potentially significant added costs to comply with such requirements, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of
exploration, development or production activities, and perhaps even be precluded from drilling wells.
In addition, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority over hydraulic fracturing using diesel under the SDWA’s
Underground Injection Control Program (“UIC”). Further, in June of 2015, the EPA released a draft assessment of the potential
impacts of oil and gas hydraulic fracturing activities on the quality and quantity of drinking water resources in the United States
for public comment and peer review by the Science Advisory Board. The public comment process for this assessment will
conclude on October 30, 2016. The findings in this report may result in additional regulation and permitting requirements for
oil and gas exploration. These may include additional restrictions on the disposal options for waste water, storm water and other
wastes generated from hydraulic fracturing activities.
This draft assessment could result in additional regulatory scrutiny that could make it difficult to perform hydraulic
fracturing and increase our costs of compliance and doing business. Consequently, these studies and initiatives could spur
further legislative or regulatory action regarding hydraulic fracturing or similar production operations.
In addition, the EPA has issued guidance under the SDWA providing direction on how it will address the use of diesel in
hydraulic fracturing activities and how its UIC program will be applied to such hydraulic fracturing activities. Moreover, the
EPA has proposed new effluent limitations for the treatment and discharge of wastewater resulting from hydraulic fracturing
activities. The EPA has also announced an initiative under the TSCA to develop regulations governing the disclosure and
evaluation of hydraulic fracturing chemicals.
If these new effluent limitations are enacted it may increase our cost of disposal and impact our business operations. If
hydraulic fracturing is regulated at the federal level at private drilling sites like it is now regulated on federal and tribal land,
our hydraulic fracturing activities could become subject to additional permit requirements or operations restrictions which
could lead to permitting delays and potential increases in costs. Restrictions on hydraulic fracturing could reduce the amount of
oil and natural gas that we ultimately are able to produce.
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Competition in our industry is intense and we may be unable to compete in acquiring properties, contracting for drilling
equipment and hiring experienced personnel.
The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive. We encounter strong competition from other independent
operators and from major oil companies in acquiring properties, contracting for drilling equipment and securing trained
personnel. Many of these competitors have greater financial and technical resources and a larger headcount than we do. As a
result, our competitors may be able to pay more for desirable leases, or to evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of
properties or prospects than our financial or personnel resources will permit. The oil and natural gas industry has periodically
experienced shortages of drilling rigs, equipment, pipe and personnel, which has delayed development drilling and other
exploitation activities and has caused significant expense/cost increases. We may experience difficulties in obtaining drilling
rigs and other services in certain areas as well as an increase in the cost for these services and related material and equipment.
We are unable to predict when, or if, such shortages may again occur or how such shortages and price increases will affect our
development and exploitation program. Competition has also been strong in hiring experienced personnel, particularly in
petroleum engineering, geoscience, accounting and financial reporting, tax and land professions. In addition, competition is
strong for attractive oil and natural gas producing properties, oil and natural gas companies, and undeveloped leases and
drilling rights. We are often outbid by competitors in our attempts to acquire properties or companies. All of these challenges
could make it more difficult to execute our growth strategy.
Our use of derivative financial instruments is subject to risks that our counterparties may default on their contractual
obligations to us and may cause us to forego additional future profits or result in us making cash payments.
To reduce our exposure to changes in the prices of oil and natural gas, we have entered into, and may in the future enter
into, derivative financial instrument arrangements for a portion of our oil and natural gas production. The agreements that we
have entered into generally have the effect of providing us with a fixed price for a portion of our expected future oil and natural
gas production over a fixed period of time. Our derivative financial instruments are subject to mark-to-market accounting
treatment. The change in the fair market value of these instruments is reported as a non-cash item in our consolidated
statements of operations each quarter, which typically results in significant variability in our net income or loss. Derivative
financial instruments expose us to the risk of financial loss and may limit our ability to benefit from increases in oil and natural
gas prices in some circumstances, including the following:
• market prices may exceed the prices which we are contracted to receive, resulting in our need to make significant
cash payments;
• there may be a change in the expected differential between the underlying price in the derivative financial
instrument agreement and actual prices received; or
• the counterparty to the derivative financial instrument contract may default on its contractual obligations to us.
Our use of derivative financial instruments could have the effect of reducing our revenues and the value of our securities.
During the year ended December 31, 2015 we received cash receipts from settlements on our derivative financial instrument
contracts totaling $128.8 million and during the year ended December 31, 2014, we paid cash settlements of $19.0 million. For
the year ended December 31, 2015, a $1.00 increase in the average commodity price per Mcfe would have resulted in an
increase in cash settlement payments (or a decrease in settlements received) of approximately $56.5 million for oil and natural
gas swaps. As of December 31, 2015, our oil and natural gas derivative financial instrument contracts were in the net asset
position of $45.6 million. The ultimate settlement amount of these unrealized derivative financial instrument contracts is
dependent on future commodity prices. We may incur significant realized and unrealized losses in the future from our use of
derivative financial instruments to the extent market prices increase and our derivatives contracts remain in place.
Any constituent could bring suit regarding our existing or planned operations or allege a violation of an existing
contract. Any such action could delay when planned operations can actually commence or could cause a halt to existing
production until such alleged violations are resolved by the courts. Not only could we incur significant legal and support
expenses in defending our rights, but halting existing production or delaying planned operations could impact our future
operations and financial condition. In addition, we are defendants in numerous cases involving claims by landowners for
surface or subsurface damages arising from our operations and for claims by unleased mineral owners and royalty owners for
unpaid or underpaid revenues customary in our business. We incur costs in defending these claims and from time to time must
pay damages or other amounts due. Such legal disputes can also distract management and other personnel from their primary
responsibilities.
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On December 15, 2015, certain affiliates of KKR filed a petition for injunctive relief and damages alleging that, among
other things, EOC, a wholly owned subsidiary of EXCO, breached its obligation under the Participation Agreement to purchase
the Q3 Wells from the KKR affiliates. For additional information, see “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”
Our business could be negatively impacted by security threats, including cybersecurity threats, and other disruptions.
As an oil and natural gas production company, we face various security threats, including cybersecurity threats to gain
unauthorized access to sensitive information or to render data or systems unusable; threats to the safety of our employees;
threats to the security of our facilities and infrastructure or third party facilities and infrastructure, such as processing plants and
pipelines; and threats from terrorist acts. Although we utilize various procedures and controls to monitor these threats and
mitigate our exposure to such threats, there can be no assurance that these procedures and controls will be sufficient in
preventing security threats from materializing. If any of these events were to materialize, they could lead to losses of sensitive
information, critical infrastructure, personnel or capabilities, essential to our operations and could have a material adverse
effect on our reputation, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Cybersecurity attacks in particular are evolving
and include but are not limited to, malicious software, attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, and other electronic
security breaches that could lead to disruptions in critical systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected
information and corruption of data. These events could damage our reputation and lead to financial losses from remedial
actions, loss of business or potential liability.
There are inherent limitations in all internal control over financial reporting, and misstatements due to error or fraud may
occur and not be detected.
While we have taken actions designed to address compliance with the internal control, disclosure control and other
requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC
implementing these requirements, there are inherent limitations in our ability to control all circumstances. Our management,
including our chief financial officer and chief accounting officer, does not expect that our internal controls and disclosure
controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only
reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. In addition, the design of a control system
must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefit of controls must be 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, in our 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 simple errors or mistakes. Further, controls can be
circumvented by individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more persons, or by management override of the
controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future
events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future
conditions. Over time, a control may be inadequate because of changes in conditions, such as growth of our company or
increased transaction volume, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of inherent
limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
We have engaged in transactions with related persons and may do so in the future. The terms of such transactions and the
resolution of any conflicts that may arise may not always be in our or our shareholders’ best interests.
We have engaged in transactions and may continue to engage in transactions with related persons. As described in our
filings with the SEC, these transactions include, among others, issuances of securities to affiliates of certain of our directors,
strategic consulting services provided to us by an affiliate of a director and the issuance of a term loan to us by an affiliate of a
director. The resolution of any conflicts that may arise in connection with such related person transactions may not always be in
our or our shareholders’ best interests because the affiliates of such related persons may have the ability to influence the
outcome of these conflicts.
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which may adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to operate our
business, remain in compliance with debt covenants and make payments on our debt.
As of December 31, 2015 we had approximately $1.1 billion of aggregate principal indebtedness, including $67.5
million of indebtedness subject to variable interest rates. Our total interest expense, excluding amortization of deferred
financing costs, on an annual basis based on currently available interest rates would be approximately $70.5 million and would
change by approximately $0.7 million for every 1% change in interest rates. Our total interest expense, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, excludes the annual cash payments of $50.0 million on the Exchange Term Loan. See "Note 5. Debt"
43
in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information and the accounting treatment of the Exchange
Term Loan.
Our level of debt could have important consequences, including the following:
• it may be more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, and any failure to comply
with the obligations of any of our debt agreements, including financial and other restrictive covenants, could result
in an event of default under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, Second Lien Term Loans, the indenture
governing the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes ("Indenture"), and the agreements governing our other indebtedness;
• we may have difficulty borrowing money in the future for acquisitions (including any acquisition of interests in
wells pursuant to the Participation Agreement with KKR), capital expenditures or to meet our operating expenses or
other general corporate obligations;
• the amount of our interest expense may increase because certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;
• we will need to use a substantial portion of our cash flows to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will
reduce the amount of money we have for operations, working capital, capital expenditures, expansion, acquisitions
or general corporate or other business activities;
• we may have a higher level of debt than some of our competitors, which may put us at a competitive disadvantage;
• we may be more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our industry or the economy in
general, especially declines in oil and natural gas prices;
• when oil and natural gas prices decline, our ability to maintain compliance with our financial covenants becomes
more difficult and our borrowing base is subject to reductions, which may reduce or eliminate our ability to fund our
operations; and
• our debt level could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in
which we operate.
Our ability to meet our expenses and debt obligations will depend on our future performance, which will be affected by
financial, business, economic, regulatory and other factors. We will be unable to control many of these factors, such as
economic conditions and governmental regulation. The current low commodity price environment has had a significant,
adverse impact on our business, including substantially reduced cash flows from operations due the decline in oil and natural
gas prices and the roll off of our hedging arrangements. While we are not in default under our existing debt instruments, our
ability to service our debt, including the 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and Second Lien Term Loans, and fund our operations is at
risk in a sustained continuation of the current commodity price environment. If the current low commodity price environment
continues, we would need some additional form of debt restructuring, capital raising or asset sale in order to fund our
operations and meet our substantial debt service obligations. Our management is actively pursuing additional strategies to
improve our liquidity and reduce our future debt service obligations.
If we are unable to restructure our outstanding debt, obtain additional debt or equity financing, or raise adequate
proceeds from sales of assets, we may not be able to make payments on our indebtedness, our secured lenders could foreclose
against the assets securing their borrowings, and we may find it necessary to file a voluntary petition for reorganization relief
under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in order to provide us with additional time to identify an appropriate solution to our
financial situation and implement a plan of reorganization aimed at improving our capital structure. Further, failing to comply
with the financial and other restrictive covenants in the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, the Indenture or the term loan
agreements governing the Second Lien Term Loans could result in an event of default under such agreement, and any event of
default may cause a default or accelerate our obligations with respect to our other outstanding indebtedness. A default or
acceleration of our indebtedness would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may incur substantially more debt, which may intensify the risks described above, including our ability to service our
indebtedness.
Together with our subsidiaries, we may incur substantially more debt in the future in connection with our exploration,
exploitation, development, acquisitions of undeveloped acreage and producing properties. The restrictions in our debt
agreements on our incurrence of additional indebtedness are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and under
certain circumstances, indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. Also, these restrictions
do not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute indebtedness. To the extent new indebtedness is added to our
current indebtedness, the risks described above could substantially increase. Significant additions of undeveloped acreage
financed with debt may result in increased indebtedness without any corresponding increase in borrowing base, which could
curtail drilling and development of this acreage or could cause us to not comply with our debt covenants.
44
To service our indebtedness, fund our planned capital expenditure programs and fund acquisitions, we will require a
significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control, and any failure to
meet our debt obligations could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend
on our ability to generate cash flow from operations and other resources in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to
general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control, including the
prices that we receive for oil and natural gas.
Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations and future borrowings may not be available to us in
an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness to fund planned capital expenditures or to fund our other liquidity
needs. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt obligations and capital expenditure programs, we
may be forced to sell assets, issue additional equity or debt securities or restructure our debt. These remedies may not be
available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In addition, any failure to make scheduled payments of interest and
principal on our outstanding indebtedness would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to
incur additional indebtedness on acceptable terms. Our cash flow and capital resources may be insufficient for payment of
interest on and principal of our debt in the future, which could cause us to default on our obligations and could impair our
liquidity.
Our borrowing base under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement is subject to semi-annual redetermination, with the
next scheduled redetermination set to occur in March 2016. The borrowing base redetermination process considers
assumptions related to future commodity prices; therefore, our borrowing capacity could be negatively impacted by further
declines in oil and natural gas prices. If our borrowing base were to be reduced to a level which was less than the current
borrowings, we would be required to reduce our borrowings to a level sufficient to cure any deficiency. We may be required to
sell assets or seek alternative debt or equity which may not be available at commercially reasonable terms, if at all.
In addition, we conduct certain of our operations through our joint ventures and subsidiaries. Accordingly, repayment of
our indebtedness, including the 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and the Second Lien Term Loans, is dependent on the generation of
cash flow by our joint ventures and subsidiaries and their ability to make such cash available to us, by dividend, debt repayment
or otherwise. Unless they are guarantors of the 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes, Second Lien Term Loans or our other indebtedness,
our joint ventures and subsidiaries do not have any obligation to pay amounts due on the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes, Second
Lien Term Loans or our other indebtedness or to make funds available for that purpose. Our joint ventures and subsidiaries may
not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness.
Each joint venture and subsidiary is a distinct legal entity, and, under certain circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions
may limit our ability to obtain cash from our joint ventures and subsidiaries. While the Indenture, the term loan agreements
governing the Second Lien Term Loans and the agreements governing certain of our other existing indebtedness limit the
ability of certain of our joint ventures and subsidiaries to incur consensual restrictions on their ability to pay dividends or make
other intercompany payments to us, these limitations are subject to qualifications and exceptions. In the event that we do not
receive distributions from our joint ventures and subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required principal and interest
payments on our indebtedness.
If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and holders of the 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and
the Second Lien Term Loans could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, the lenders under the
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement could terminate their commitments to loan money, our secured lenders could foreclose
against the assets securing their borrowings and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. Our inability to generate
sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at
all, would materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.
Restrictive debt covenants could limit our growth and our ability to finance our operations, fund our capital needs, respond
to changing conditions and engage in other business activities that may be in our best interests.
The EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, the Indenture and the Second Lien Term Loans contain a number of significant
covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to:
• dispose of assets;
• incur or guarantee additional indebtedness and issue certain types of preferred shares;
• pay dividends on our capital stock;
• create liens on our assets;
• enter into sale or leaseback transactions;
45
• enter into specified investments or acquisitions;
• repurchase, redeem or retire our capital stock or subordinated debt;
• merge or consolidate, or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries;
• engage in specified transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates; or
• pursue other corporate activities.
Also, the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement requires us to maintain compliance with certain financial covenants. Our
ability to comply with these financial covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, and, as a result, we may be
unable to meet these financial covenants. These financial covenants could limit our ability to obtain future financings, make
needed capital expenditures, withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general or otherwise conduct
necessary corporate activities. We may also be prevented from taking advantage of business opportunities that arise because of
the limitations imposed on us by the restrictive covenants under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, the Indenture and the
term loan agreements governing the Second Lien Term Loans. A breach of any of these covenants or our inability to comply
with the required financial covenants could result in an event of default under the applicable indebtedness. When oil and/or
natural gas prices decline for an extended period of time, our ability to comply with these covenants becomes more difficult.
Although we are currently in compliance with these covenants, if oil and gas prices continue to decline, we may default on one
or more of these covenants. Such a default, if not cured or waived, may allow the creditors to accelerate the related
indebtedness and could result in acceleration of any other indebtedness to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision
applies.
An event of default under the Indenture or the term loan agreements governing the Second Lien Term Loans would
permit the lenders under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement to terminate all commitments to extend further credit under
the agreement. Furthermore, if we were unable to repay the amounts due and payable under the EXCO Resources Credit
Agreement, those lenders could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. In the event that our
lenders or noteholders accelerate the repayment of our borrowings, we and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient assets to
repay that indebtedness. As a result of these restrictions, we may be:
The term loan agreements governing the Second Lien Term Loans contain restrictive covenants that substantially limit our
ability to incur additional indebtedness, which may limit our future sources of financing and our ability to raise additional
capital to fund our
The term loan agreements governing the Second Lien Term Loans contain restrictive covenants that, among other things,
substantially limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness. See further details on these covenants in "Note 5. Debt" in the
Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. These restrictive covenants may materially impact our ability to finance our
operations, fund our capital needs or obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all. As a result, we may be unable to
obtain funding for, among other things, future acquisitions, operating activities, capital expenditures or debt service
requirements, which would have a material impact on our business and financial condition.
As a result of the Fairfax Term Loan, there may be an actual or apparent conflict of interest between Hamblin Watsa and a
member of our Board of
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. ("Hamblin Watsa"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fairfax, is the administrative
agent of the Fairfax Term Loan. Samuel A. Mitchell, a member of our Board of Directors, is a Managing Director of Hamblin
Watsa and a member of Hamblin Watsa’s investment committee, which consists of seven members that manage the investment
portfolio of Fairfax. Additionally, based on filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Fairfax is the beneficial
owner of approximately 9.0% of our outstanding common shares.
As a result, there may be an actual or apparent conflict of interest between Mr. Mitchell’s duties to our company and Mr.
Mitchell’s duties to Hamblin Watsa, including, among other things, with respect to the fairness of the terms of the Fairfax Term
Loan to EXCO. In accordance with the charter of the audit committee of our Board of Directors, our audit committee reviewed
and pre-approved the terms of the Fairfax Term Loan as a potential related party transaction, and our Board of Directors
determined that the terms of the Fairfax Term Loan were no less favorable to EXCO or our subsidiaries than those that could be
obtained in arm’s length dealings with non-affiliates, and, in the good faith judgment of our Board of Directors, no comparable
transaction was available with which to compare the Fairfax Term Loan and the Fairfax Term Loan was fair, from a financial
point of view, to EXCO.
46
Despite the approval of the terms of the Fairfax Term Loan, there can be no assurance that any actual or potential
conflicts of interest between Mr. Mitchell’s duties to EXCO and Mr. Mitchell’s duties to Hamblin Watsa will be resolved in a
manner that does not adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, any actual or
perceived conflict of interest may have a negative impact the value of our common shares.
We may not be able to repurchase or repay our indebtedness upon a change of control.
If we experience certain kinds of changes of control, we may be required to offer to repurchase or repay all or a portion
of our existing indebtedness, including the 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and the Second Lien Term Loans. We may not be able to
repurchase or repay our indebtedness following a change of control because we may not have sufficient financial resources or
sufficient access to financing.
A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies may increase our future
borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.
Each of our 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and Second Lien Term Loans currently has a non-investment grade rating, and any
rating assigned could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency’s judgment, future
circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Consequently, real or anticipated changes
in the credit ratings of our 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes or Second Lien Term Loans will generally affect the market value of such
debt. We have been informed by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services and Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. that our 2018 Notes,
2022 Notes and Second Lien Term Loans have been placed on a watch list for future downgrading.
Any future lowering of our ratings likely would make it more difficult or more expensive for us to obtain additional debt
financing and may increase the cost of debt financing. In addition, if any credit rating initially assigned to the 2018 Notes, 2022
Notes or Second Lien Term Loans is subsequently lowered or withdrawn for any reason, it may have an adverse effect on the
market price of such notes.
We have exposure to different counterparties, and we have entered into transactions with counterparties in the financial
services industry, including commercial banks, investment banks, insurance companies and other institutions. These
transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty. Deterioration in the credit markets may impact
the credit ratings of our current and potential counterparties and affect their ability to fulfill their existing obligations to us and
their willingness to enter into future transactions with us. We have exposure to financial institutions in the form of derivative
transactions in connection with our hedges and insurance companies in the form of claims under our policies. In addition, if any
lender under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement is unable to fund its commitment, our liquidity will be reduced by an
amount up to the aggregate amount of such lender’s commitment under the credit agreement.
Our common shares trade on the NYSE but an active trading market for our common shares may not be sustained. The
market price of our common shares could fluctuate significantly as a result of:
Many of these factors are beyond our control and we cannot predict their potential effects on the price of our common
shares. In addition, the stock markets in general can experience considerable price and volume fluctuations.
47
If we fail to comply with the continued listing standards of the NYSE, it may result in a delisting of our common shares
from the NYSE.
Our common shares are currently and have been listed for trading on the NYSE, and the continued listing of our
common shares on the NYSE is subject to our compliance with a number of listing standards. To maintain compliance with
these continued listing standards, the Company is required to maintain an average closing price of $1.00 or more over a
consecutive 30 trading-day period. On July 30, 2015, we received a notice from the NYSE that the average closing price of our
common shares over the prior 30 consecutive trading days was below $1.00 per share, and, as a result, the price per share of the
common shares was below the minimum average closing price required to maintain listing on the NYSE. The notice stated that
we had six months to regain compliance with the NYSE continued listing standards, or until January 30, 2016, or the NYSE
would initiate procedures to suspend and delist the common shares. On November 2, 2015, we received a notice from the
NYSE stating that we had regained compliance with the NYSE continued listing standards because the price of our common
shares on October 30, 2015 and the average price of our common shares over the thirty trading days prior to October 30, 2015
exceeded $1.00 per share. On February 26, 2016 we received a second notice from the NYSE of our noncompliance with the
continued listing standard. We intend to notify the NYSE of our intent to cure this noncompliance and are currently exploring
options for regaining compliance, including a potential reverse share split of our common shares.
The price of our common shares is volatile and may fail to comply with the NYSE’s minimum average closing price
requirement in the future. If so, we may effect a reverse share split to regain compliance with NYSE listing standards. At a
Special Meeting of Shareholders held on November 16, 2015, our shareholders authorized our Board of Directors to effect a
reverse share split at a ratio of up to 1-for-10 common shares. The decision to effect a reverse share split and the exact ratio of
the reverse share split will be made by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion. If we effect a reverse share split, the
common shares will be deemed to be in compliance with NYSE standards if, promptly after the reverse share split, the price per
common share exceeds $1.00 per share and remains above that level for at least the following 30 trading days.
Our amended and restated certificate of formation permits us to issue preferred shares that may restrict a takeover attempt
that you may favor.
Our amended and restated certificate of formation permits our board to issue up to 10,000,000 preferred shares and to
establish by resolution one or more series of preferred shares and the powers, designations, preferences and participating,
optional or other special rights of each series of preferred shares. The preferred shares may be issued on terms that are
unfavorable to the holders of our common shares, including the grant of superior voting rights, the grant of preferences in favor
of preferred shareholders in the payment of dividends and upon our liquidation and the designation of conversion rights that
entitle holders of our preferred shares to convert their shares into common shares on terms that are dilutive to holders of our
common shares. The issuance of preferred shares in future offerings may make a takeover or change in control of us more
difficult.
We may in the future issue additional common shares or other securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our
common shares at prices that may not be the same price as holders of our common shares paid for their shares. We are currently
authorized to issue up to 780,000,000 common shares and 10,000,000 preferred shares with such designations, preferences and
rights as determined by our Board of Directors. We have an effective shelf registration statement from which additional
common shares and other securities can be offered. The issuance of additional common shares may substantially dilute the
ownership interests of our existing shareholders. Furthermore, sales of a substantial amount of our common shares in the public
market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could reduce the market price of our common shares. This could also
impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our securities.
Our amended and restated certificate of formation contains a provision waiving the duty of a member of our Board of
Directors to present corporate opportunities to us, which could adversely affect our shareholders.
Pursuant to our services and investment agreement with ESAS, we recently amended and restated our certificate of
formation to provide that, C. John Wilder, a member of our Board of Directors, is not required to present corporate
opportunities to us. As a result of the waiver, Mr. Wilder and certain of his affiliates have the ability to engage in the same or
similar lines of business as us and will not be obligated to, among other things, offer us an opportunity to participate in any
business opportunities that involve any aspect of the energy business or industry that are presented or become known to Mr.
Wilder and certain of his affiliates. These potential conflicts of interest could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations if attractive corporate opportunities are allocated by Mr. Wilder to himself or his
affiliates instead of to us.
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ESAS, Fairfax, Oaktree Capital Management, WL Ross & Co. LLC and/or their respective affiliates have significant
influence over matters requiring shareholder approval because of their ownership of our common shares.
As of December 31, 2015, ESAS, Fairfax, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), and WL Ross & Co. LLC
(“WL Ross”), directly or through certain affiliates, beneficially owned approximately 6.5%, 9.0%, 16.0% and 18.1%,
respectively, of our outstanding common shares. In addition, ESAS owned warrants representing the right to purchase
80,000,000 of our common shares, which, if fully exercised, would increase ESAS’ beneficial ownership of our outstanding
common shares. Although these warrants are currently subject to exercise limitations, they may become exercisable in the
future if our common shares achieve certain performance metrics compared to a peer group as of March 31, 2019.
The beneficial ownership of ESAS, Fairfax, Oaktree and WL Ross and/or their affiliates provides them with significant
influence regarding matters submitted for shareholder approval, including proposals regarding:
The current or increased ownership position of ESAS, Fairfax, Oaktree, WL Ross and/or their respective affiliates could
delay, deter or prevent a change of control or adversely affect the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for
our common shares. The interests of ESAS, Fairfax, Oaktree, WL Ross, and/or their respective affiliates may significantly
differ from the interests of our other shareholders and they may vote the common shares they beneficially own in ways with
which our other shareholders disagree.
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties
Corporate offices
We lease office space in Dallas, Texas and Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. We also have small offices for technical
and field operations in Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The table below summarizes our material corporate
leases.
(1) The office lease in Dallas, Texas contains a right on our behalf to terminate the lease agreement early on June 30, 2020
or June 30, 2022.
Other
We have described our oil and natural gas properties, oil and natural gas reserves, acreage, wells, production and drilling
activity in “Item 1. Business” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In the ordinary course of business, we are periodically a party to various litigation matters. During the fourth quarter of
2015, our Eagle Ford joint venture partner purported to accept our third quarterly offer under the Participation Agreement to
purchase interests in 21 gross (10.3 net) wells for $42.7 million, subject to purchase price adjustments subsequent to the
effective date of June 30, 2015. We notified our joint venture partner that we did not intend to close this acquisition and, on
December 15, 2015, our joint venture partner filed a petition for injunctive relief and damages in state district court in Harris
County, Texas alleging that, among other things, we breached our obligation under the Participation Agreement. The petition
49
seeks monetary damages and sought a temporary restraining order and temporary and permanent injunctions on our ability to
collect and disburse the proceeds of production on the assets subject to the Participation Agreement. On January 4, 2016, the
court denied our joint venture partner’s motion for injunctive relief and their request to restrain us from disbursing proceeds
from the production of the assets. On January 29, 2016, we filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that, among
other things, we are not obligated to purchase the disputed wells as our partner's purported acceptance had not been received in
a timely manner under the terms of the Participation Agreement. In addition, quarterly offers four and five are also now in
dispute for various reasons. We cannot estimate or predict the outcome of the litigation with the our joint venture partner and
we may not have sufficient funds or borrowing capacity under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement to complete any
acquisitions pursuant to the Participation Agreement or pay any damages for failure to complete a purchase that a court may
determine, including the wells related to the claim by our joint venture partner. In the event we fail to purchase a group of wells
that we are required to make an offer on, there are remedies available to our joint venture partner which allow them to reject
our future offers, terminate the Participation Agreement, remove EXCO as the operator or pursue other legal remedies.
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Our common shares trade on the NYSE under the symbol “XCO.” The following table sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common share as reported by the NYSE:
2014
First Quarter.................................................................... $ 5.85 $ 4.60 $ 0.05
Second Quarter ............................................................... 6.60 5.05 0.05
Third Quarter .................................................................. 5.95 3.25 0.05
Fourth Quarter ................................................................ 3.80 1.98 —
Our shareholders
According to our transfer agent, Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, there were 168 holders of record of our
common shares on December 31, 2015 (including nominee holders such as banks and brokerage firms who hold shares for
beneficial holders and holders of restricted shares).
On July 30, 2015, we received a notice from the NYSE that the average closing price of our common shares over the
prior 30 consecutive trading days was below $1.00 per share, and, as a result, the price per share of the common shares was
below the minimum average closing price required to maintain listing on the NYSE. The notice stated that we had six months
to regain compliance with the NYSE continued listing standards, or until January 30, 2016, or the NYSE would initiate
procedures to suspend and delist the common shares. On November 2, 2015 EXCO was notified by the NYSE that it has
50
regained compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards because the price of our common shares on October 30, 2015,
and the average price of our common shares over the thirty trading days prior to October 30, 2015 exceeded $1.00 per share.
On February 26, 2016 we received a second notice from the NYSE of our noncompliance with the continued listing
standard. We intend to notify the NYSE of our intent to cure this noncompliance and are currently exploring options for
regaining compliance, including a potential reverse share split of our common shares.
On November 16, 2015, at a Special Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders approved a proposal that authorized the
Board of Directors to effect a reverse share split at a ratio of up to 1-for-10 common shares with the decision, timing and exact
ratio of the reverse share split to be determined by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion. In making its determination, the
Board of Directors would consider, among other things, whether effecting the reverse share split is necessary or desirable to
maintain the listing of the common shares on the NYSE at that time and in the future.
If our Board of Directors decides to effect the reverse share split, it will reduce the total number of our issued and
outstanding common shares, including shares held by the Company as treasury shares, and the number of common shares each
of our shareholders owns will be reduced in proportion to the reverse share split ratio. The proposed reverse share split would
affect all shareholders uniformly and would not affect any shareholder's percentage ownership of the company. Our past and
future earnings (losses) per share, and any dividends paid on our common shares, would be proportionately adjusted in our
future financial statements if the reverse share split is effected.
On December 15, 2014, our Board of Directors suspended our cash dividend to provide additional funds to reinvest into
the Company. The indentures governing our 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes and the agreements governing the Second Lien Term
Loans contain covenants that limit our ability to pay dividends. Any future declaration of dividends, as well as the
establishment of record and payment dates, will depend on, among other things, our earnings, capital requirements, financial
condition, prospects and other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant.
The following table details our repurchases of common shares for the three months ended December 31, 2015:
Total Number of
Shares Maximum Approximate
Purchased as Dollar Value of Shares that
Total Number of Part of Publicly May Yet Be Purchased
Shares Average Price Announced Plans Under the Plans or
Period Purchased Paid Per Share or Programs Programs (in millions) (1)
October 1 - October 31 ............................ — $ — — $ 192.5
November 1 - November 30 .................... — — — 192.5
December 1 - December 31 ..................... — — — 192.5
Total.................................................. — — —
(1) On July 19, 2010, we announced a $200.0 million share repurchase program.
The following table presents our selected historical financial and operating data. This financial data should be read in
conjunction with “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” our
consolidated financial statements, the notes to our consolidated financial statements and the other financial information
included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This information does not replace the consolidated financial statements.
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Selected consolidated financial and operating data
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Statement of operations data (1):
Revenues:
Oil and natural gas................................................... $ 328,331 $ 660,269 $ 634,309 $ 546,609 $ 754,201
Cost and expenses:
Oil and natural gas production (2)........................... 76,533 94,326 83,248 104,610 108,641
Gathering and transportation ................................... 99,321 101,574 100,645 102,875 86,881
Depletion, depreciation and amortization................ 215,426 263,569 245,775 303,156 362,956
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties........... 1,215,370 — 108,546 1,346,749 233,239
Accretion of discount on asset retirement
obligations ............................................................... 2,277 2,690 2,514 3,887 3,652
General and administrative (3) ................................ 58,818 65,920 91,878 83,818 104,618
(Gain) loss on divestitures and other operating
items (4)................................................................... 461 5,315 (177,518) 17,029 23,819
Total cost and expenses ........................................... 1,668,206 533,394 455,088 1,962,124 923,806
Operating income (loss) ............................................... (1,339,875) 126,875 179,221 (1,415,515) (169,605)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net ................................................ (106,082) (94,284) (102,589) (73,492) (61,023)
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments (5) . 75,869 87,665 (320) 66,133 219,730
Gain on restructuring and extinguishment of debt
(6) ............................................................................ 193,276 — — — —
Other income (expense)........................................... 122 241 (828) 969 788
Equity income (loss) (7) .......................................... (15,691) 172 (53,280) 28,620 32,706
Total other income (expense) .................................. 147,494 (6,206) (157,017) 22,230 192,201
Income (loss) before income taxes............................... (1,192,381) 120,669 22,204 (1,393,285) 22,596
Income tax expense ...................................................... — — — — —
Net income (loss) ......................................................... $(1,192,381) $ 120,669 $ 22,204 $(1,393,285) $ 22,596
Basic net income (loss) per share ................................. $ (4.36) $ 0.45 $ 0.10 $ (6.50) $ 0.11
Diluted net income (loss) per share.............................. $ (4.36) $ 0.45 $ 0.10 $ (6.50) $ 0.10
Cash dividends declared per share ............................... $ — $ 0.15 $ 0.20 $ 0.16 $ 0.16
Weighted average common shares and common share
equivalents outstanding:
Basic ........................................................................ 273,621 268,258 215,011 214,321 213,908
Diluted ..................................................................... 273,621 268,376 230,912 214,321 216,705
Statement of cash flow data:
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities.................................................. $ 134,027 $ 362,093 $ 350,634 $ 514,786 $ 428,543
Investing activities................................................... (300,833) (221,588) (252,478) (427,094) (709,531)
Financing activities.................................................. 132,748 (144,683) (93,317) (74,045) 268,756
Balance sheet data (8):
Current assets........................................................... $ 149,801 $ 330,766 $ 305,854 $ 361,866 $ 678,008
Total assets............................................................... 954,126 2,304,942 2,399,836 2,313,072 3,779,060
Current liabilities ..................................................... 252,919 329,436 349,170 237,931 287,399
Long-term debt ........................................................ 1,320,279 1,430,516 1,850,120 1,838,312 1,875,301
Shareholders' equity ................................................ (662,323) 510,004 147,905 149,393 1,558,332
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ................. 954,126 2,304,942 2,399,836 2,313,072 3,779,060
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(1) We have completed numerous acquisitions and dispositions which impact the comparability of the selected financial data
between periods.
(2) Equity-based compensation calculated pursuant to FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation ("ASC 718")
included in oil and natural gas production costs was $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. We had no
equity-based compensation included in oil and natural gas production costs for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014, 2013 and 2012.
(3) Equity-based compensation included in general and administrative expenses was $7.2 million, $5.0 million, $10.7
million, $8.9 million and $10.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
(4) During 2013, we recognized a gain on the contribution of properties to Compass Production Partners, L.P. ("Compass").
(5) We do not designate our derivative financial instruments as hedges and, as a result, the changes in the fair value of our
derivative financial instruments are recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. See "Note 2. Summary of
significant accounting policies" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of this accounting
method.
(6) During 2015, we recognized a gain on restructuring and extinguishment of debt as a result of repurchasing a portion of
our 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes in exchange for the holders of such notes agreeing to act as lenders in connection with
the Exchange Term Loan. In addition, we repurchased a portion of the 2018 Notes in open market purchases which
resulted in a gain on extinguishment of debt. See "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements
for further discussion.
(7) On November 15, 2013, we sold our equity interest in TGGT Holdings, LLC ("TGGT") to Azure in exchange for cash
proceeds and an equity interest in Azure Midstream Holdings LLC ("Azure"). We report our equity interest acquired in
Azure using the cost method of accounting.
(8) Adoption of Accounting Standard Update "ASU" No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification
of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17") and ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30):
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03") in the fourth quarter of 2015 resulted in certain
reclassifications of prior period information. See "Note. 2. Summary of significant accounting policies" in the Notes to
our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read
in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report
on Form 10-K. In addition to historical financial information, the following management's discussion and analysis contains
forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our results and the timing of selected events may
differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those
discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, exploitation, acquisition, development
and production of onshore U.S. oil and natural gas properties with a focus on shale resource plays. Our principal operations are
conducted in certain key U.S. oil and natural gas areas including Texas, Louisiana and the Appalachia region.
Our primary strategy focuses on the exploitation and development of our shale resource plays and the pursuit of leasing
and undeveloped acreage acquisition opportunities in Texas and Louisiana. We plan to carry out this strategy by executing on a
strategic plan that incorporates the following three core objectives: (i) restructuring the balance sheet to enhance our business
and extend structural liquidity; (ii) transforming EXCO into the lowest cost producer; and (iii) optimizing and repositioning the
portfolio. We believe this strategy will allow us to create long-term value for our shareholders.
Like all oil and natural gas exploration and production companies, we face the challenge of natural production declines.
We attempt to offset the impact of this natural decline by implementing drilling and exploitation projects to identify and
develop additional reserves and adding reserves through leasing and undeveloped acreage acquisition opportunities.
Recent developments
On October 26, 2015, we closed a 12.5% senior secured second lien term loan with certain affiliates of Fairfax Financial
Holdings Limited ("Fairfax") in the aggregate principal amount $300.0 million (“Fairfax Term Loan”). The proceeds from the
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Fairfax Term Loan were used to repay outstanding indebtedness under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. We also closed
a 12.5% senior secured second lien term loan with certain unsecured noteholders in the aggregate principal amount of $291.3
million on October 26, 2015 and $108.7 million on November 4, 2015 (“Exchange Term Loan,” and together with the Fairfax
Term Loan, “Second Lien Term Loans”). The proceeds from the Exchange Term Loan were utilized to repurchase an aggregate
$551.2 million principal amount of the outstanding 7.5% senior unsecured notes due September 15, 2018 ("2018 Notes") and
$277.2 million principal amount of the outstanding 8.5% senior unsecured notes due April 15, 2022 ("2022 Notes") in
exchange for the holders of such notes agreeing to act as lenders in connection with the Exchange Term Loan.
Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2015, we repurchased $40.8 million in principal amount of the 2018 Notes through
open market purchases with $12.0 million in cash. The exchange and the open market repurchase resulted in a $193.3 million
net gain included in Gain on restructuring and extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Since
December 31, 2015, we have purchased an additional $9.5 million of 2018 Notes and $39.9 million of 2022 Notes with $6.7
million in cash. The 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes repurchased will be canceled by the trustee following customary settlement
procedures. See further discussion of the Second Lien Term Loans and the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes repurchases in "Note 5.
Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
On February 6, 2015, we amended the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement to include, among other things, a ratio of
consolidated EBITDAX to consolidated interest expense, as determined in accordance with GAAP, ("Interest Coverage Ratio")
and a ratio of senior secured indebtedness, excluding Second Lien Term Loans and any other indebtedness subordinated to the
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, to consolidated EBITDAX ("Senior Secured Indebtedness Ratio"). On July 27, 2015, the
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement was amended to include modifications to our financial covenants, interest rate grid and
borrowing base if we issue certain indebtedness subordinated to the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. On October 19, 2015,
we amended the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement which, among other things, decreased our borrowing base to $375.0
million effective with the issuance of the Second Lien Term Loans. In addition, our interest rate grid increased by 50 bps, the
Interest Coverage Ratio was modified to require that we maintain a ratio of at least 1.25 to 1.00 as of the end of any fiscal
quarter and our leverage ratio (as defined in the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement) was terminated. The next scheduled
borrowing base redetermination for the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement is set to occur in March 2016. See "Note 5. Debt"
in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion.
On March 31, 2015, our Board of Directors appointed Harold L. Hickey to the position of President and Chief Executive
Officer of EXCO. Mr. Hickey previously served as EXCO's President and Chief Operating Officer since February 2013 and
Chief Operating Officer since October 2005.
On April 17, 2015, our Board of Directors appointed Harold H. Jameson to the position of Chief Operating Officer of
EXCO. Mr. Jameson most recently served as EXCO’s Vice President of Development and Production with primary
responsibilities including the horizontal shale development drilling programs in our Haynesville, Eagle Ford and Marcellus
assets. Mr. Jameson has served in a Vice President role at EXCO since March 2011.
On March 31, 2015, we entered into a four year services and investment agreement with ESAS. As part of this
agreement, ESAS will provide certain strategic advisory services including the development and execution of a strategic
improvement plan. On September 8, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the agreement and closed the transactions
contemplated by the agreement. At the closing, C. John Wilder, Executive Chairman of Bluescape, was appointed as a member
of our Board of Directors and as the Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to the amended agreement:
• ESAS purchased 5,882,353 common shares from EXCO at a price of $1.70 per share on September 8, 2015;
• ESAS agreed to purchase additional common shares of EXCO through open market purchases such that ESAS will
own common shares of EXCO with an aggregate cost basis of at least $23.5 million as of the first anniversary of the
closing date, subject to certain extensions and exceptions. ESAS completed the required investment on December
31, 2015 by purchasing a total 12,464,130 common shares during the fourth quarter of 2015. As of December 31,
2015, ESAS owned common shares of EXCO with an aggregate cost basis of $23.5 million.
• EXCO agreed to pay ESAS a monthly fee of $300,000 for the term of the agreement;
• EXCO agreed to pay ESAS an annual incentive payment of up to $2.4 million per year based on the price of our
common shares achieving certain performance hurdles as compared to a peer group; and
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• EXCO issued to ESAS warrants to purchase an aggregate of 80,000,000 common shares with exercise prices
ranging from $2.75 to $10.00 per share. The warrants vest on March 31, 2019 and their exercisability is subject to
EXCO’s common share price achieving certain performance hurdles as compared to the peer group. On August 18,
2015, EXCO’s shareholders approved, among other things, the increase to the authorized number of common shares
available for issuance to 780,000,000 which ensures that an adequate number of common shares are available for
issuance, including the shares to be reserved for issuance under the warrants issued to ESAS.
For a more detailed discussion of this agreement, see "Note. 11. Equity-based compensation" and "Note 13. Related party
transactions" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
The process of preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions
to determine reported amounts of certain assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures. We have identified the
most critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. We determined the critical
policies by considering accounting policies that involve the most complex or subjective decisions or assessments. We identified
our most critical accounting policies to be those related to our estimates of Proved Reserves, derivative financial instruments,
business combinations, equity-based compensation, oil and natural gas properties, goodwill, revenue recognition, asset
retirement obligations and income taxes.
The following is a discussion of our most critical accounting estimates, judgments and uncertainties that are inherent in
our application of GAAP. For a more complete discussion of our accounting policies see "Note 2. Summary of significant
accounting policies" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Proved Reserves data included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K was prepared in accordance with SEC
guidelines. The accuracy of a reserve estimate is a function of:
Because these estimates depend on many assumptions, all of which may substantially differ from actual results, reserve
estimates may be different from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. In addition, results of
drilling, testing and production after the date of an estimate may justify material revisions to the estimate. The assumptions
used for our shale properties including reservoir characteristics and performance are subject to further refinement as additional
production history is accumulated.
You should not assume that the present value of future net cash flows represents the current market value of our
estimated Proved Reserves. In accordance with the SEC's requirements, we based the estimated discounted future net cash
flows from Proved Reserves according to the requirements in the SEC's Release No. 33-8995 Modernization of Oil and Gas
Reporting. Actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or lower than the prices and costs used in the preparation of
the estimate. Further, the mandated discount rate of 10% may not be an accurate assumption of future interest rates or cost of
capital.
Proved Reserve quantities directly and materially impact depletion expense. If the Proved Reserves decline, then the rate
at which we record depletion expense increases, reducing net income. A decline in the estimate of Proved Reserves may result
from lower market prices, making it uneconomical to drill or produce from higher cost fields. In addition, a decline in Proved
Reserves may impact the outcome of our assessment of our oil and natural gas properties and require an impairment of the
carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties.
Business combinations
When we acquire assets that qualify as a business, we use FASB ASC 805-10, Business Combinations ("ASC 805-10")
to record our acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties or entities. ASC 805-10 requires that acquired assets, identifiable
intangible assets and liabilities be recorded at their fair value, with any excess purchase price being recognized as goodwill.
Application of ASC 805-10 requires significant estimates to be made by management using information available at the time of
55
acquisition. Since these estimates require the use of significant judgment, actual results could vary as the estimates are subject
to changes as new information becomes available.
We use derivative financial instruments to manage price fluctuations, protect our investments and achieve a more
predictable cash flow. The estimates of the fair values of our derivative financial instruments require judgment. The fair value
of our derivative financial instruments is determined by quoted futures prices, utilization of the credit-adjusted risk-free rate
curves and the implied rates of volatility. We do not designate our derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments for
financial accounting purposes and, as a result, we recognize the change in the respective instruments’ fair value in earnings.
When prices for oil and natural gas are volatile, a significant portion of the effect of our derivative financial instrument
management activities consists of non-cash income or expense due to changes in the fair value of our derivative financial
instruments.
Equity-based compensation
Our equity-based compensation includes share-based compensation to employees which we account for in accordance
with ASC 718 and equity-based compensation for warrants issued to ESAS which we account for in accordance with FASB
ASC Topic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees ("ASC 505-50").
ASC 718 requires share-based compensation to employees to be recognized in our Consolidated Statements of
Operations based on their estimated fair values. Estimating the grant date fair value of our share-based compensation requires
management to make assumptions and to apply judgment in estimating the fair value. These assumptions and judgments
include estimating the volatility of our share price, dividend yields, expected term, forfeiture rates and other company-specific
inputs. ASC 505-50 requires the warrants to be re-measured each interim reporting period until the completion of the services
under the agreement and an adjustment is recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair value of the warrants
is dependent on factors such as our share price, historical volatility, risk-free rate and performance relative to our peer group.
Changes in these assumptions could materially affect the estimate of the fair value. If actual results are not consistent
with the assumptions used, the equity-based compensation expense reported in our financial statements may not be
representative of the actual economic impact of the equity-based compensation.
The accounting for, and disclosure of, oil and natural gas producing activities require that we choose between two GAAP
alternatives: the full cost method or the successful efforts method. We use the full cost method of accounting, which involves
capitalizing all acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development costs of oil and natural gas properties. Once we incur
costs, they are recorded in the depletable pool of proved properties or in unproved properties, collectively, the full cost pool.
Our unproved property costs are not subject to depletion. We review our unproved oil and natural gas property costs on a
quarterly basis to assess for impairment or the need to transfer unproved costs to proved properties as a result of extension or
discoveries from drilling operations or determination that no proved reserves are attributable to such costs. In determining
whether such costs should be impaired or transferred, we evaluate lease expiration dates, recent drilling results, future
development plans and current market values. Our undeveloped properties are predominantly held-by-production, which
reduces the risk of impairment as a result of lease expirations. We expect these costs to be evaluated in one to seven years and
transferred to the depletable portion of the full cost pool during that time.
We capitalize interest on the costs related to the acquisition of undeveloped acreage in accordance with FASB ASC
835-20, Capitalization of Interest. When the unproved property costs are moved to proved developed and undeveloped oil and
natural gas properties, or the properties are sold, we cease capitalizing interest related to these properties.
We calculate depletion using the unit-of-production method. Under this method, the sum of the full cost pool, excluding
the book value of unproved properties, and all estimated future development costs less estimated salvage value are divided by
the total estimated quantities of Proved Reserves. This rate is applied to our total production for the quarter, and the appropriate
expense is recorded. We capitalize the portion of general and administrative costs, including share-based compensation, that is
attributable to our acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development activities.
Sales, dispositions and other oil and natural gas property retirements are accounted for as adjustments to the full cost
pool, with no recognition of gain or loss, unless the disposition would significantly alter the amortization rate and/or the
relationship between capitalized costs and Proved Reserves.
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Pursuant to Rule 4-10(c)(4) of Regulation S-X, at the end of each quarterly period, companies that use the full cost
method of accounting for their oil and natural gas properties must compute a limitation on capitalized costs ("ceiling test"). The
ceiling test involves comparing the net book value of the full cost pool, after taxes, to the full cost ceiling limitation defined
below. In the event the full cost ceiling limitation is less than the full cost pool, we are required to record a ceiling test
impairment of our oil and natural gas properties. The full cost ceiling limitation is computed as the sum of the present value of
estimated future net revenues from our Proved Reserves by applying the average price as prescribed by the SEC Release
No. 33-8995, less estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to develop and produce the Proved Reserves,
discounted at 10%, plus the cost of properties not being amortized and the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved
properties included in the costs being amortized, net of income tax effects.
The ceiling test is computed using the simple average spot price for the trailing 12 month period using the first day of
each month. Each of the reference prices for oil and natural gas are further adjusted for quality factors and regional differentials
to derive estimated future net revenues. Under full cost accounting rules, any ceiling test impairments of oil and natural gas
properties may not be reversed in subsequent periods. Since we do not designate our derivative financial instruments as
hedging instruments, we are not allowed to use the impacts of the derivative financial instruments in our ceiling test
computations.
The evaluation of impairment of our oil and natural gas properties includes estimates of Proved Reserves. There are
numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of Proved Reserves, in projecting the future rates of production and in
the timing of development activities. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of
engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of
the estimate may justify revisions of such estimate. Accordingly, reserve estimates often differ from the quantities of oil and
natural gas that are ultimately recovered.
Goodwill
In accordance with FASB ASC 350-20, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for
impairment on an annual basis as of December 31, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise. Impairment tests involve
the use of estimates related to the fair market value of the business operations with which goodwill is associated. Losses, if any,
resulting from impairment tests will be reflected in operating income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We apply a two-part, equally weighted approach in determining the fair value of our business as part of the goodwill
impairment test. We perform an income approach, which uses a discounted cash flow model to value our business, and a
market approach, in which our value is determined using trading metrics and transaction multiples of peer companies. The
discounted cash flow model used in the income approach requires us to make various judgmental assumptions about future
production, revenues, operating and capital expenditures, discount rates and other inputs which are based on our budgets,
business plans, economic projections and anticipated future cash flows. The market approach requires us to make assumptions
regarding the identifications of comparable companies and transactions as well as the future performance of ourselves and the
comparable companies. We consider our enterprise value to be the combined market capitalization plus the fair value of our
debt in determining the fair value of our reporting unit and to corroborate and conform the results with the valuation model.
Due to the changing market conditions, it is possible that inputs and assumptions used in the valuation may change in the
future, which could materially affect the estimate of the fair value of our business. Our enterprise value significantly decreased
subsequent to December 31, 2015, which could lead to an impairment of goodwill in future periods. For example, a 30%
decrease in our enterprise value, without a change in other assumptions, would have caused our enterprise value to be below
the carrying value of our net assets. This would have required us to perform step two of the goodwill impairment test and could
have resulted in an impairment of goodwill at December 31, 2015.
We use the sales method of accounting for oil and natural gas revenues. We record sales revenue based on an estimate of
the volumes delivered at estimated prices as determined by the applicable sales agreement. We estimate our sales volumes
primarily on company-measured volume readings. We then adjust our oil and natural gas sales in subsequent periods based on
the data received from our purchasers that reflects actual volumes and prices received. Historically, these differences have been
immaterial. Gas imbalances at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were not significant.
We follow FASB ASC 410-20, Asset Retirement Obligations ("ASC 410-20") to account for legal obligations associated
57
with the retirement of long-lived assets. ASC 410-20 requires these obligations be recognized at their estimated fair value at the
time that the obligations are incurred. The costs of plugging and abandoning oil and natural gas properties fluctuate with costs
associated with the industry. Our calculation of asset retirement obligations uses numerous assumptions and judgments,
including the ultimate settlement amounts, inflation factors, credit adjusted discount rates, timing of settlement, and changes in
the legal, regulatory, environmental, and political environments. We periodically assess the estimated costs of our asset
retirement obligations and adjust the liability according to these estimates.
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes. Deferred taxes are recorded to reflect the
tax benefits and consequences of future years' differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial
reporting basis. We must make certain estimates related to the reversal of temporary differences, and actual results could vary
from those estimates. We assess, using all available positive and negative evidence, the likelihood that the deferred tax assets
will be recovered from future taxable income. Examples of positive and negative evidence include historical taxable income or
losses, forecasted income or losses, the estimated timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences as well as prudent
and feasible tax planning strategies. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not
that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. As of December 31, 2015, we continued to have a full
valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. A significant amount of judgment is also required in determining the
amount of unrecognized tax benefit to record for uncertain tax positions. We consider the amounts and probabilities of the
outcomes that could be realized upon ultimate settlement of an uncertain tax position using the facts, circumstances and
information available at the reporting date to establish the appropriate amount of unrecognized tax benefit. We currently do not
have any uncertain tax positions recorded as of December 31, 2015.
58
Our results of operations
A summary of key financial data for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 related to our results of
operations is presented below:
Year Ended December 31, Year to year change
(dollars in thousands, except per unit prices) 2015 2014 2013 2015-2014 2014-2013
Production:
Oil (Mbbls)............................................... 2,342 2,236 1,188 106 1,048
Natural gas (Mmcf) .................................. 109,926 122,324 154,779 (12,398) (32,455)
Total production (Mmcfe) (1) .................. 123,978 135,740 161,907 (11,762) (26,167)
Average daily production (Mmcfe).......... 340 372 444 (32) (72)
(1) Mmcfe is calculated by converting one barrel of oil into six Mcf of natural gas.
(2) Equity-based compensation expense included in general and administrative expenses was $7.2 million, $5.0 million and
$10.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
(3) Net loss for the year ended December 30, 2015 included a $1.2 billion impairment of oil and natural gas properties. See
"Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further
discussion.
The following is a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013.
The comparability of our results of operations for 2015, 2014 and 2013 was affected by:
• the acquisitions of the Haynesville and Eagle Ford assets during 2013;
• the formation and subsequent sale of Compass during 2013 and 2014, respectively;
59
• the sale of our equity interest in TGGT during 2013;
• fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices, which impact our oil and natural gas reserves, revenues, cash flows and net
income or loss;
• impairments of our oil and natural gas properties in 2015 and 2013;
• asset impairments and other non-recurring costs;
• mark-to-market gains and losses from our derivative financial instruments;
• changes in Proved Reserves and production volumes and their impact on depletion;
• the impact of declining natural gas production volumes from our reduced horizontal drilling activities in certain
shale formations;
• significant changes in our capital structure as a result of debt financing transactions in 2015 and 2014 and the rights
offering and related private placement of our common shares ("Rights Offering") in 2014;
• gain on restructuring of debt and accounting treatment for the debt exchange transactions during the fourth quarter
of 2015; and
• changes in general and administrative expenses as a result of the services and investment agreement with ESAS and
the reductions in our workforce that occurred during the second quarter of 2014, first quarter of 2015 and fourth
quarter of 2015.
General
The availability of a ready market and the prices for oil and natural gas are dependent upon a number of factors that are
beyond our control. These factors include, among other things:
• supply and demand for oil and natural gas and expectations regarding supply and demand;
• the level of domestic and international production;
• the availability of imported oil and natural gas;
• federal regulations applicable to the export of, and construction of export facilities for natural gas;
• political and economic conditions and events in foreign oil and natural gas producing nations, including embargoes,
continued hostilities in the Middle East and other sustained military campaigns, and acts of terrorism or sabotage;
• the ability of members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to agree to and maintain oil price and
production controls;
• the cost and availability of transportation and pipeline systems with adequate capacity;
• the cost and availability of other competitive fuels;
• fluctuating and seasonal demand for oil, natural gas and refined products;
• concerns about global warming or other conservation initiatives and the extent of governmental price controls and
regulation of production;
• regional price differentials and quality differentials of oil and natural gas;
• the availability of refining capacity;
• technological advances affecting oil and natural gas production and consumption;
• weather conditions and natural disasters;
• foreign and domestic government relations; and
• overall domestic and global economic conditions.
Accordingly, in light of the many uncertainties affecting the supply and demand for oil, natural gas and refined
petroleum products, we cannot accurately predict the prices or marketability of oil and natural gas from any producing well in
which we have or may acquire an interest.
Marketing arrangements
We produce oil and natural gas. We do not refine or process the oil or natural gas we produce. We sell the majority of the
oil we produce under contracts using market sensitive pricing. The majority of our oil contracts are based on NYMEX pricing,
which is typically calculated as the average of the daily closing prices of oil to be delivered one month in the future. We also
sell a portion of our oil at F.O.B. field prices posted by the principal purchaser of oil where our producing properties are
located. Our sales contracts are of a type common within the industry, and we usually negotiate a separate contract for each
area. Generally, we sell our oil to purchasers and refiners near the areas of our producing properties.
We sell the majority of our natural gas under individually negotiated gas purchase contracts using market sensitive
pricing. Our sales contracts vary in length from spot market sales of a single day to term agreements that may extend for a year
or more. Our natural gas customers include utilities, natural gas marketing companies and a variety of commercial and
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industrial end users. The natural gas purchase contracts define the terms and conditions unique to each of these sales. The price
received for natural gas sold on the spot market varies daily, reflecting changing market conditions.
We may be unable to market all of the oil or natural gas we produce. If our oil and natural gas can be marketed, we may
be unable to negotiate favorable pricing and contractual terms. Changes in oil or natural gas prices may significantly affect our
revenues, cash flows, the value of our oil and natural gas properties and the estimates of recoverable oil and natural gas
reserves. Further, significant declines in the prices of oil or natural gas may have a material adverse effect on our business and
on our financial condition.
We engage in oil and natural gas production activities in geographic regions where, from time to time, the supply of oil
or natural gas available for delivery exceeds the demand. If this occurs, companies purchasing oil or natural gas in these areas
may reduce the amount of oil or natural gas that they purchase from us. If we cannot locate other buyers for our production or
for any of our oil or natural gas reserves, we may shut in our oil or natural gas wells for certain periods of time. Furthermore,
we may shut in our oil and natural gas wells if regional market prices decrease to a level that is uneconomical to produce. If this
occurs, we may incur additional payment obligations under our oil and natural gas leases and, under certain circumstances, the
oil and natural gas leases might be terminated. Economic conditions, particularly depressed oil and natural gas prices, may
negatively impact the liquidity and creditworthiness of our purchasers and may expose us to risk with respect to the ability to
collect payments for the oil and natural gas we deliver.
Our discussion of production, revenues and direct operating expenses is based on our producing regions. For the years
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, our results from Compass are included in Other region in the tables below. The operating
results of Compass represent our proportionate interest from its formation on February 14, 2013 to the closing of the sale of our
interest on October 31, 2014.
The following table presents our production, revenue and average sales prices for the years ended December 31, 2015
and 2014:
Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 Year to year change
(dollars in thousands, except Production Production Production
per unit rate) (Mmcfe) Revenue $/Mcfe (Mmcfe) Revenue $/Mcfe (Mmcfe) Revenue $/Mcfe
Producing region:
North Louisiana .............. 73,896 $ 159,685 $ 2.16 82,327 $ 329,736 $ 4.01 (8,431) $ (170,051) $ (1.85)
East Texas ....................... 18,275 45,656 2.50 10,589 41,338 3.90 7,686 4,318 (1.40)
South Texas..................... 15,220 96,008 6.31 13,713 176,022 12.84 1,507 (80,014) (6.53)
Appalachia ...................... 16,585 26,978 1.63 21,289 67,794 3.18 (4,704) (40,816) (1.55)
Other ............................... 2 4 2.00 7,822 45,379 5.80 (7,820) (45,375) (3.80)
Total.............................. 123,978 $ 328,331 $ 2.65 135,740 $ 660,269 $ 4.86 (11,762) $ (331,938) $ (2.21)
Production for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by 11.8 Bcfe, or 9%, as compared with 2014. Significant
components of the changes in production were a result of:
• decreased production of 8.4 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2015 in the North Louisiana region primarily due
to production declines in excess of additional volumes from recent wells turned-to-sales. We also implemented
additional rate restrictions during the flowback of recent wells turned-to-sales in this region, which reduced the
initial production but are expected to improve the long-term performance of the wells.
• increased production of 7.7 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2015 in the East Texas region due to additional
development as we resumed our drilling program in this region during 2014 and this region was the primary focus of
our 2015 development program.
• increased production of 1.5 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2015 in the South Texas region due to additional
volumes from recent wells turned-to-sales in the Eagle Ford shale and Buda formation. We suspended our drilling
program in the South Texas region in the fourth quarter of 2015 due to low oil prices.
• decreased production of 4.7 Bcfe for the year ended December 31, 2015 in the Appalachia region as a result of
production declines. Production for the year ended December 31, 2015 was impacted by approximately 1.1 Bcfe
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shut-in due to low regional natural gas prices and a reduction of volumes of 0.3 Bcfe due to a pipeline disruption in
Northeast Pennsylvania.
• decreased production in the Other region primarily due to the sale of our interest in Compass during the fourth
quarter of 2014.
Oil and natural gas revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $331.9 million, or 50%, as compared
with 2014. The decrease in revenues was primarily the result of a decrease in oil and natural gas prices as well as decreased
production consistent with our reduced development program. Our average natural gas sales price decreased 46% to $2.05 per
Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2015 from $3.79 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to lower
market prices. Our average sales price of oil per Bbl decreased 50% to $43.89 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2014
from $87.80 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily due to lower market prices. The impact of lower market
prices was partially offset by improved differentials in the South Texas region due to a renegotiated sales contract which
resulted in a higher realized price for the related oil production. Our average sales price for oil in the South Texas region is most
closely correlated to the Louisiana Light Sweet ("LLS") price index. During late 2015, the premium of the LLS price index
compared to the WTI price index significantly narrowed compared to historical levels.
The following table and discussion presents our production, revenue and average sales prices for the years ended
December 31, 2014 and 2013:
Production for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by 26.2 Bcfe, or 16%, as compared with 2013. Significant
components of the changes in production were a result of:
• decreased production in East Texas and North Louisiana regions primarily due to production declines from changes
in our drilling program and the initial contribution of properties to Compass in the first quarter of 2013. The
production declines were primarily the result of reduced development activities within this region compared to
periods prior to 2013.
• increased production in the South Texas region primarily due to more days of production in the current period as the
acquisition of these properties occurred on July 31, 2013.
• decreased production of in the Appalachia region due to natural production declines following the suspension of our
drilling program during the second half of 2013.
• decreased production in the Other region primarily due to the sale of our interest in Compass on October 31, 2014.
Oil and natural gas revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $26.0 million, or 4%, as compared with
2013. The increase in revenues was primarily the result of the acquisition of Haynesville and Eagle Ford assets in the third
quarter of 2013 and an increase in natural gas prices. This was partially offset by the decrease in production compared to the
prior year. Our average natural gas sales price increased 13% to $3.79 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2014 from
$3.35 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 2013. Our average sales price for natural gas during the year ended
December 31, 2014 was positively impacted by higher market prices and was partially offset by the widening of differentials in
Appalachia as a result of an oversupply of natural gas in the Northeast region. Our average sales price of oil per Bbl decreased
6% to $87.80 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $93.80 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 2013.
The following tables and discussion present our oil and natural gas operating costs for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2014, and 2013.
62
Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 Year to year change
Lease Lease Lease
operating Workovers operating Workovers operating Workovers
(in thousands) expenses and other Total expenses and other Total expenses and other Total
Producing region:
North Louisiana ............... $ 13,342 $ 2,798 $ 16,140 $ 14,741 $ 3,539 $ 18,280 $ (1,399) $ (741) $ (2,140)
East Texas ........................ 4,097 1,426 5,523 3,315 276 3,591 782 1,150 1,932
South Texas...................... 18,768 2,007 20,775 15,242 396 15,638 3,526 1,611 5,137
Appalachia ....................... 10,806 615 11,421 14,072 58 14,130 (3,266) 557 (2,709)
Other ................................ 44 — 44 11,138 1,690 12,828 (11,094) (1,690) (12,784)
Total............................ $ 47,057 $ 6,846 $ 53,903 $ 58,508 $ 5,959 $ 64,467 $(11,451) $ 887 $(10,564)
Oil and natural gas operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $10.6 million, or 16%, as
compared with 2014. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of our interest in Compass in the fourth quarter of 2014 and
cost reduction efforts, including significant reductions in force, in the North Louisiana and Appalachia regions. These decreases
were partially offset by higher oil and natural gas operating costs in the East Texas and South Texas regions as a result of
additional producing wells compared to prior periods. The decrease in oil and natural operating costs per Mcfe was primarily
due to the sale of our interest in Compass which had a higher average cost per Mcfe compared to the average for the rest of our
properties.
Oil and natural gas operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2015 were $0.43 per Mcfe compared to $0.47 per
Mcfe for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in oil and natural operating costs per Mcfe was primarily due to the
sale of our interest in Compass, which had a higher average cost per Mcfe compared to the average for the rest of our
properties, and cost reduction efforts across our producing regions.
63
Year Ended December 31,
2014 2013 Year to year change
Lease Lease Lease
operating Workovers operating Workovers operating Workovers
(in thousands) expenses and other Total expenses and other Total expenses and other Total
Producing region:
North Louisiana ................ $ 14,741 $ 3,539 $ 18,280 $ 13,171 $ 3,961 $ 17,132 $ 1,570 $ (422) $ 1,148
East Texas ......................... 3,315 276 3,591 3,809 333 4,142 (494) (57) (551)
South Texas....................... 15,242 396 15,638 11,454 13 11,467 3,788 383 4,171
Appalachia ........................ 14,072 58 14,130 14,073 — 14,073 (1) 58 57
Other ................................. 11,138 1,690 12,828 13,020 1,443 14,463 (1,882) 247 (1,635)
Total............................. $ 58,508 $ 5,959 $ 64,467 $ 55,527 $ 5,750 $ 61,277 $ 2,981 $ 209 $ 3,190
Oil and natural gas operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $3.2 million, or 5%, as compared
with 2013. The increase in oil and natural gas operating costs was primarily due to the acquisition of the Eagle Ford assets.
This was partially offset by the lower operating costs resulting from the contribution of properties to Compass in the first
quarter of 2013 as well as the sale of our interest in Compass on October 31, 2014. We implemented several costs reduction
initiatives in the South Texas region in 2014 which resulted in decreased saltwater disposal costs, improved efficiencies and
reduced reliance on third-party contractors.
Oil and natural gas operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2014 were $0.47 per Mcfe compared to $0.38 per
Mcfe for the year ended December 31, 2013. The net increase in oil and natural gas operating costs per Mcfe is primarily
attributable to lower production in relation to certain fixed lease operating expenses. This increase was partially offset by the
cost reduction initiatives in the South Texas region, as well as the contribution and the sale of properties to Compass in 2013
and 2014, respectively, which typically have a higher average cost per Mcfe compared to the average for the rest of our
properties. As a result of the cost reduction initiatives in the South Texas region, we were able to reduce our costs per Mcfe in
the region to $1.14 per Mcfe in 2014 from $1.85 per Mcfe in 2013.
Gathering and transportation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $2.3 million, or 2%, as
compared with 2014. The decrease was primarily due to reduced rates on a renegotiated firm transportation contract in the
North Louisiana region, sale of our interest in Compass and decreased production in Appalachia. These decreases were
partially offset by additional expenses incurred as a result of a shortfall under a minimum volume commitment for gathering
services in the East Texas and North Louisiana regions. Gathering and transportation expenses were $0.80 per Mcfe for the year
ended December 31, 2015, as compared to $0.75 per Mcfe for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily
due to lower volumes in relation to fixed costs under firm transportation contracts in the North Louisiana region. As a result of
our planned reduction in development and related lower production volumes for 2016, our gathering and transportation cost per
Mcfe is expected to increase due to the nature of the fixed costs associated with gathering and firm transportation contracts.
Gathering and transportation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $0.9 million, or 1%, as
compared with 2013. Gathering and transportation expenses were $0.75 per Mcfe for the year ended December 31, 2014, as
compared to $0.62 per Mcfe for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in gathering and transportation expenses on a
per Mcfe basis was primarily due to lower volumes in relation to fixed costs under firm transportation contracts in the North
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Louisiana region. In addition, a marketing arrangement with a significant purchaser of our Haynesville shale production
volumes was amended in April 2014 resulting in higher gathering and transportation expenses.
Production and ad valorem taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $7.2 million, or 24%, as compared
to 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lower production volumes and lower commodity prices. The lower commodity
prices primarily impacted properties located in Texas because production taxes are based on a fixed percentage of gross value of
production sold. Production and ad valorem taxes for the year ended December 31, 2014 increased by $7.9 million, or 36%, as
compared to 2013. The increase was primarily attributable to higher production and ad valorem taxes associated with oil
production in the South Texas region. Additionally, this increase was due to higher severance tax rates in the State of Louisiana
and the expiration of severance tax holidays on certain Haynesville shale wells in the North Louisiana region.
Production and ad valorem tax rates per Mcfe were $0.18, $0.22 and $0.14 for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The
rate per Mcfe decreased from 2014 to 2015 due to the sale of our interest in Compass in the fourth quarter of 2014 which had
higher average production and ad valorem taxes per Mcfe compared to the average for the rest of our properties. Also, the
recent wells turned-to-sales in the East Texas region received severance tax exemptions which reduced the rate per Mcfe. The
rate per Mcfe increased from 2013 to 2014 due to higher production and ad valorem taxes per Mcfe associated with oil
production in the South Texas region, higher severance tax rates in the State of Louisiana and the expiration of severance tax
holidays on certain Haynesville shale wells in the North Louisiana region.
In our North Louisiana region, we currently receive severance tax holidays on certain horizontal wells which reduce the
effective rate of these taxes. Our horizontal wells in the state of Louisiana are eligible for an exemption from severance taxes
for the earlier of two years from the date of first production or until payout of qualified costs. In July 2014, the state of
Louisiana increased its severance tax rate for wells that do not receive exemptions from $0.118 per Mcf to $0.163 per Mcf. In
July 2015, the effective severance tax rate decreased to $0.158 per Mcf.
Production and ad valorem taxes are set by state and local governments and vary as to the tax rate and the value to which
that rate is applied. In Louisiana, where a substantial percentage of our production is derived, severance taxes are levied on a
per Mcf basis. Therefore, the resulting dollar value of production is not sensitive to changes in prices for natural gas, except for
holiday exemptions, if any. In our other operating areas, particularly Texas, production taxes are based on a fixed percentage of
gross value of production sold. As such, our realized severance and ad valorem tax rates may become more sensitive to prices,
except for wells that receive holiday exemptions, if any. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires an impact fee to be paid
on all unconventional wells spud based on a price tier calculation for a period of 15 years. Multiple pieces of legislation have
been introduced in both the Pennsylvania House and the Senate that propose a severance tax at varying rates on the production
of oil and natural gas. This severance tax would likely be in addition to the impact fee and could have an impact on our
production taxes in future periods. There is no certainty that this legislation will be passed nor is it possible to quantify the
impact at this time.
Depletion expense for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $45.0 million, or 17%, as compared with 2014
primarily due to a decrease in production and the depletion rate. On a per Mcfe basis, the depletion rate for the year ended
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December 31, 2015 was $1.72 per Mcfe, compared with $1.90 per Mcfe in 2014. The decrease in the depletion rate was
primarily due to the impairments of our oil and natural gas properties during 2015, which lowered our depletable base. Our
depletion rate decreased each quarter during 2015 and is expected to continue to decrease in the future due to reductions in our
depletable base resulting from impairments to our oil and natural gas properties. Depletion expense for the year ended
December 31, 2014 increased by $20.4 million, or 9%, as compared with 2013 primarily due to the acquisition of assets in the
Haynesville and Eagle Ford shale during the third quarter of 2013. On a per Mcfe basis, the depletion rate for the year ended
December 31, 2014 was $1.90 per Mcfe, compared with $1.47 per Mcfe in 2013. The increase in the depletion rate was
primarily due to the acquisition of assets in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford shale during the third quarter of 2013 which
increased our depletable base and higher future development costs associated with the additional proved undeveloped reserves.
The oil producing assets in the Eagle Ford shale result in a higher depletion rate when calculated on per Mcfe basis compared to
the rest of our properties.
Depreciation and amortization costs for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $3.2 million, or 60%, as
compared with the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lower depreciable assets as a result of the sale of our
interest in Compass. Depreciation and amortization costs for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by $2.6 million, or
33%, as compared with the same period in 2013. The decrease was due to the contribution of gathering assets to Compass in
the first quarter of 2013 and reduced spending on certain corporate assets.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded impairments to our oil and natural gas properties of $1.2 billion
primarily due to the significant decline in oil and natural gas prices partially offset by upward revisions in the oil and natural
gas reserves primarily as a result of performance and other factors. The trailing twelve month reference prices at December 31,
2015 were $2.59 per Mmbtu for natural gas and $50.28 per Bbl of oil. For the year ended December 31, 2014 we did not record
impairments to our oil and natural gas properties and we recorded impairments of $108.5 million to our oil and natural gas
properties for the year ended December 31, 2013. We may incur additional impairments to our oil and natural gas properties in
2016 if oil and natural gas prices do not increase. The possibility and amount of any future impairment is difficult to predict,
and will depend, in part, upon future oil and natural gas prices to be utilized in the ceiling test, estimates of proved reserves and
future capital expenditures and operating costs.
If the simple average of oil and natural gas prices as of the first day of each month for the trailing 12-month period ended
December 31, 2015 had been $2.45 per Mmbtu for natural gas and $46.03 per Bbl of oil while all other factors remained
constant, our ceiling test limitation related to the net book value of our proved oil and natural gas properties would have been
reduced by approximately $101 million. The aforementioned prices were calculated based on a 12-month simple average,
which includes the oil and natural gas prices on the first day of the month for the 11 months ended February 2015 and the prices
for February 2015 were held constant for the remaining month. This reduction would have increased the impairment of our oil
and natural gas properties pursuant to the ceiling test by approximately $101 million on a pro forma basis as of December 31,
2015. The pro forma reduction in our ceiling test limitation is partially the result of a pro forma decrease in our proved
undeveloped reserves of approximately 19%, which was primarily due to certain locations that would not be economical when
using the pro forma prices. This calculation of the impact of lower commodity prices is prepared based on the presumption that
all other inputs and assumptions are held constant with the exception of oil and natural gas prices. Therefore, this calculation
strictly isolates the impact of commodity prices on our ceiling test limitation and proved reserves. The impact of price is only a
single variable in the estimation of our proved reserves and other factors could have a significant impact on future reserves and
the present value of future cash flows. The other factors that impact future estimates of proved reserves include, but are not
limited to, extensions and discoveries, changes in costs, drilling results, revisions due to performance and other factors, changes
in development plans and production. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in the estimation of proved reserves and
accounting for oil and natural gas properties in subsequent periods and this pro forma estimate should not be construed as
indicative of our development plans or future results.
The following table presents our general and administrative expenses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and
2013:
66
Year Ended December 31, Year to year change
(in thousands, except per unit rate) 2015 2014 2013 2015-2014 2014-2013
General and administrative costs:
Gross general and administrative expense ......... $ 87,788 $ 109,499 $ 129,396 $ (21,711) $ (19,897)
Technical services and service agreement
charges................................................................ (15,884) (24,747) (26,846) 8,863 2,099
Operator overhead reimbursements.................... (13,126) (13,507) (10,462) 381 (3,045)
Capitalized salaries............................................. (7,158) (10,287) (10,958) 3,129 671
General and administrative expense,
excluding equity-based compensation .......... 51,620 60,958 81,130 (9,338) (20,172)
Gross equity-based compensation ...................... 10,626 10,460 18,036 166 (7,576)
Capitalized equity-based compensation ............. (3,428) (5,498) (7,288) 2,070 1,790
General and administrative expense ............. $ 58,818 $ 65,920 $ 91,878 $ (7,102) $ (25,958)
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 decreased by $7.1 million, or 11%,
compared with 2014. Significant components of the changes in general and administrative expense for the year ended
December 31, 2015 compared to 2014 were a result of:
• decreased personnel costs of $17.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in
the prior year. The decrease is primarily the result of reductions in our workforce that occurred during the second
quarter of 2014 and the first and fourth quarters of 2015. These decreases were offset by higher severance costs paid
in 2015 of $5.3 million as compared to $2.2 million in 2014. Personnel costs are expected to continue to decrease in
2016 as we realize a full year of cost savings from the reduction in force and other initiatives such as the elimination
of the employer matching program on our 401(k) plan and other benefits;
• increased consulting and contract labor costs of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the
same period in the prior year. The increase primarily related to service fees to ESAS totaling $2.7 million and the
accrual of the annual incentive payment to ESAS of $1.8 million as a result of EXCO's performance rank during
2015. This was partially offset by less reliance on consulting and contract labor as part of our cost reduction
initiatives;
• decreased various other gross general and administrative expenses of $7.4 million for the year ended December 31,
2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. These decreases reflect our efforts to reduce our general and
administrative costs such as office expenses, professional fees, travel and software licenses;
• decreased technical services and service agreement recoveries of $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2015
compared to the same period in the prior year. These decreases were primarily a result of reduced headcount and
lower recoveries in connection with the transition service agreement with Compass that terminated in April 2015;
• decreased capitalized salaries of $3.1 million and capitalized equity-based compensation of $2.1 million for the year
ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same period in the prior year. These decreases were primarily as a result
of a reduction in employee headcount; and
• increased equity-based compensation of $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to the same
period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to $3.2 million of additional compensation expense related
to the warrants issued to ESAS in 2015. This was offset by lower equity-based compensation to employees as a
result of the reductions in our workforce.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by $26.0 million, or 28%,
compared with 2013. Significant components of the changes in general and administrative expense for the year ended
December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 were a result of:
• decreased personnel and employee relocation costs of $12.4 million. The decrease was primarily the result of a
reduction in our workforce and the centralization of certain functions from the Appalachia region. Also, we incurred
$5.0 million of severance costs during 2013 associated with the resignation of our former chairman and chief
executive officer. The decrease was partially offset by $2.2 million in severance costs associated with the reduction
in our workforce during the second quarter of 2014;
• decreased gross equity-based compensation expense of $7.6 million. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction
in headcount, higher forfeitures and additional expenses incurred with the modification of equity-based payments in
connection with the retirement and resignation of former executives in the prior year;
67
• decreased various other gross general and administrative expenses of $7.5 million. The decrease reflects our efforts
to reduce our general and administrative costs such as office expenses, travel and software licenses. We also incurred
additional costs for legal and transition services related to the Haynesville and Eagle Ford asset acquisitions in 2013;
• decreased technical services and service agreement recoveries of $2.1 million. The decrease was primarily a result
of reduced headcount and increased focus on the development of assets that are not included in joint venture
arrangements in which we can recover technical services including our operations in the South Texas region;
• increased operator overhead reimbursements of $3.0 million. The increase is primarily associated with the
additional operated wells acquired and developed in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford shales; and
• decreased capitalized salaries and capitalized equity-based compensation of $2.5 million primarily as a result of a
reduction in employee headcount.
(Gain) loss on divestitures and other operating items were net losses of $0.5 million and $5.3 million and a net gain of
$177.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net loss for the year ended
December 31, 2015 primarily consisted of legal expenses and other assessments partially offset by income from surface acreage
that we own in the South Texas region. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2014 primarily consisted of legal
expenses. The net gain for the year ended December 31, 2013 was primarily related to the gain of $186.4 million as a result of
the contribution of certain oil and natural gas properties to Compass. Partially offsetting the gain were transaction costs
associated with the acquisition of Haynesville and Eagle Ford assets and legal expenses.
The following table presents our interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Year Ended December 31, Period to period change
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 2015-2014 2014-2013
Interest expense, net:
2018 Notes..................................................................... $ 50,381 $ 57,585 $ 57,485 $ (7,204) $ 100
2022 Notes..................................................................... 38,338 30,104 — 8,234 30,104
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement ............................. 6,747 16,368 33,119 (9,621) (16,751)
Fairfax Term Loan......................................................... 6,764 — — 6,764 —
Compass Production Partners Credit Agreement .......... — 2,022 2,335 (2,022) (313)
Amortization of deferred financing costs ...................... 15,729 7,939 28,169 7,790 (20,230)
Capitalized interest ........................................................ (12,040) (20,060) (18,729) 8,020 (1,331)
Other .............................................................................. 163 326 210 (163) 116
Total interest expense, net ..................................... $ 106,082 $ 94,284 $ 102,589 $ 11,798 $ (8,305)
Interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2015 increased $11.8 million from the same period in 2014.
Significant components of the changes in interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014 were a
result of:
• decreased interest expense on the 2018 Notes due to a lower outstanding balance resulting from debt restructuring
and note repurchases in the fourth quarter of 2015;
• increased interest expense on the 2022 Notes as a result of the 2022 Notes only accruing a partial year's worth of
interest in 2014. This was partially offset by the reduction in the outstanding balance as a result of our recent debt
restructuring activities in the fourth quarter of 2015;
• decreased interest expense related to the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement due to a lower average outstanding
balance in 2015 as compared to 2014 and due to the acceleration of the unamortized discount on the term loan under
the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement upon repayment in April 2014;
• additional interest from the Fairfax Term Loan which closed in the fourth quarter of 2015;
• decreased interest expense related to the Compass Production Partners Credit Agreement as a result of the sale of our
remaining interest in Compass in the fourth quarter of 2014;
• increased amortization of deferred financing costs primarily due to the acceleration of deferred financing costs of
$8.7 million associated with the reductions in our borrowing base under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement
throughout 2015; and
• decreased capitalized interest primarily related to lower balances of unproved oil and natural gas properties.
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As discussed in more detail in "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements, in the fourth quarter
of 2015, we closed the Exchange Term Loan and used the proceeds to repurchase a portion of the outstanding 2018 Notes and
2022 Notes in exchange for the holders of such notes agreeing to act as lenders in connection with the Exchange Term Loan.
The exchange was accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring pursuant to FASB ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt Restructuring
by Debtors. As such, all cash payments under the terms of the Exchange Term Loan, whether designated as interest or as
principal amount, will reduce the carrying amount and no interest expense, in accordance with GAAP, will be recognized. This
will result in a significantly lower interest expense than the contractual interest payments throughout the term of the Exchange
Term Loan.
Our interest expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased $8.3 million from 2013 primarily due to a
decrease in the amortization of deferred financing costs and lower average outstanding indebtedness. We incurred $21.0 million
in expense related to accelerated deferred financing costs during 2013 primarily as a result of amendments to the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement. This was partially offset by higher average interest rates during 2014 as a result of the issuance of
the 2022 Notes.
Our oil and natural gas derivative financial instruments resulted in a net gain of $75.9 million, a net gain of $87.7 million
and a net loss of $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net gains during 2015
were primarily the result of declines in the futures prices of oil and natural gas. Based on the nature of our derivative contracts,
decreases in the related commodity price typically result in increases to the value of our derivatives contracts. The significant
fluctuations demonstrate the high volatility in oil and natural gas prices between each of the periods. The ultimate settlement
amount of the unrealized portion of the derivative financial instruments is dependent on future commodity prices.
The following table presents our natural gas prices, before and after the impact of the cash settlement of our derivative
financial instruments.
Year Ended December 31, Period to period change
Average realized pricing: 2015 2014 2013 2015-2014 2014-2013
Natural gas (per Mcf): ..............................................................
Net price, excluding derivatives.......................................... $ 2.05 $ 3.79 $ 3.38 $ (1.74) $ 0.41
Cash receipts (payments) on derivatives............................. 0.74 (0.18) 0.26 0.92 (0.44)
Net price, including derivatives .......................................... $ 2.79 $ 3.61 $ 3.64 $ (0.82) $ (0.03)
Oil (per Bbl): ............................................................................
Net price, excluding derivatives.......................................... $ 43.89 $ 87.80 $ 93.80 $ (43.91) $ (6.00)
Cash receipts (payments) on derivatives............................. 20.12 1.09 2.05 19.03 (0.96)
Net price, including derivatives .......................................... $ 64.01 $ 88.89 $ 95.85 $ (24.88) $ (6.96)
Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe):...........................................
Net price, excluding derivatives.......................................... $ 2.65 $ 4.86 $ 3.92 $ (2.21) $ 0.94
Cash receipts (payments) on derivatives............................. 1.04 (0.14) 0.26 1.18 (0.40)
Net price, including derivatives .......................................... $ 3.69 $ 4.72 $ 4.18 $ (1.03) $ 0.54
Our total cash settlements for 2015 were receipts of $128.8 million, or $1.04 per Mcfe, compared to payments of $19.0
million, or $0.14 per Mcfe, in 2014 and cash receipts of $42.1 million, or $0.26 per Mcfe, in 2013. As noted above, the
significant fluctuations between settlements on our derivative financial instruments demonstrate the volatility in commodity
prices. We will continue to evaluate plans to enter into additional derivative contracts based on market conditions.
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Gain on restructuring and extinguishment of debt
For the year ended December 31, 2015 we recorded a net gain of $193.3 million in connection with our recent debt
restructuring activities. We repurchased a portion of the outstanding 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes in exchange for the holders of
such notes agreeing to act as lenders in connection with the Exchange Term Loan which resulted in a net gain of $165.1 million.
Additionally, in the fourth quarter of 2015, we repurchased $40.8 million in principal of the 2018 Notes through open market
purchases with $12.0 million in cash resulting in a $28.2 million net gain on extinguishment of debt. See "Note 5. Debt" to our
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information and accounting treatment of these transactions.
Our equity income (loss) was a net loss of $15.7 million, net income of $0.2 million and net loss of $53.3 million for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The decrease in our equity income (loss) for the year ended
December 31, 2015 compared with 2014 was primarily due to other than temporary impairments of our midstream investments
in the Appalachia region and the East Texas and North Louisiana regions which resulted in a $13.9 million net loss. The
impairments were recorded to reduce the carrying values to the fair values.
The increase in equity income for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared with 2013 was primarily due to an
impairment of our investment in TGGT during 2013. This was partially offset by equity income from our investment in TGGT
prior to the sale of our interest on November 15, 2013.
Income taxes
The following table presents a reconciliation of our income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Federal income taxes (benefit) provision at statutory rate of 35%.................. $ (417,333) $ 42,234 $ 7,772
Increases (reductions) resulting from:
Goodwill..................................................................................................... — — 16,382
Adjustments to the valuation allowance..................................................... 459,843 (64,757) (28,865)
Non-deductible compensation.................................................................... 2,399 3,409 1,328
State taxes net of federal benefit ................................................................ (45,009) 3,464 3,239
State tax rate change................................................................................... — 15,496 —
Other........................................................................................................... 100 154 144
Total income tax provision......................................................................... $ — $ — $ —
During all years presented, both federal and state income taxes were reduced to zero by a corresponding increase or
decrease to the valuation allowance previously recognized against net deferred tax assets. The net result was no income tax
provision for all years presented.
As of December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, there were no unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, that
would be required to be recognized in our financial statements.
Overview
Our primary sources of capital resources and liquidity are internally generated cash flows from operations, borrowing
capacity under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, dispositions of non-strategic assets, joint ventures and capital markets
when conditions are favorable. Factors that could impact our liquidity, capital resources and capital commitments include the
following:
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• our ability to fund, finance or repay financing incurred in connection with acquisitions of oil and natural gas
properties;
• the integration of acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties or other assets;
• our ability to effectively manage operating, general and administrative expenses and capital expenditure programs;
• reduced oil and natural gas revenues resulting from, among other things, depressed oil and natural gas prices and
lower production from reductions to our drilling and development activities;
• our ability to mitigate commodity price volatility with derivative financial instruments;
• our ability to meet minimum volume commitments under firm transportation agreements and other fixed
commitments;
• potential acquisitions and/or dispositions of oil and natural gas properties or other assets;
• the potential outcome of litigation related to the claim that we breached our obligation under a participation
agreement with a joint venture partner in the Eagle Ford shale;
• limitations on our ability to incur certain types of indebtedness in accordance with our debt agreements;
• our ability to pay interest on our outstanding indebtedness, including the quarterly payments related to the issuance
of the Second Lien Term Loans;
• reductions to our borrowing base;
• requirements to provide certain vendors and other parties with letters of credit as a result of our credit quality, which
reduce the amount of available borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement;
• additional debt restructuring activities including the repurchase of indebtedness or issuance of equity in exchange for
indebtedness; and
• our ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants.
EXCO completed a series of debt restructuring transactions during 2015 that were focused on improving our liquidity
and reducing indebtedness. On October 26, 2015, we closed the Fairfax Term Loan with an aggregate principal amount of
$300.0 million and utilized the proceeds to reduce indebtedness under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. We closed the
Exchange Term Loan with certain unsecured noteholders in the aggregate principal amount of $291.3 million on October 26,
2015 and $108.7 million on November 4, 2015 and utilized the proceeds to repurchase an aggregate $551.2 million of the
outstanding 2018 Notes and $277.2 million of the outstanding 2022 Notes in exchange for the holders of such notes agreeing to
act as lenders in connection with the Exchange Term Loan. The Second Lien Term Loans are due in October 2020 and accrue
interest at a rate of 12.5% per annum.
In connection with the issuance of the Second Lien Terms loans, the borrowing base under the EXCO Resources Credit
Agreement was reduced to $375.0 million. The next scheduled borrowing base redetermination for the EXCO Resources Credit
Agreement is set to occur in March 2016. Additionally, we repurchased $40.8 million in principal of the 2018 Notes through
open market purchases in the fourth quarter of 2015 with $12.0 million in cash. As a result of these debt restructuring
transactions and our operations during 2015, we were able to reduce our total outstanding principal on indebtedness by $304.2
million from December 31, 2014, and our unused borrowing base plus cash was $334.4 million as of December 31, 2015. We
have borrowed an additional $28.0 million under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement subsequent to December 31, 2015 to
fund our operations and financing activities such as the repurchase of existing indebtedness at a significant discount to face
value.
Our 2016 capital budget is expected to exceed our cash flows from operations and we expect that the deficit will be
funded with borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. We continue to evaluate and implement further cost
reduction initiatives to mitigate the impact of low commodity prices on our cash flows and liquidity. The initiatives
implemented during 2015 have included reductions in our workforce, reduced operating and capital expenditures through
negotiations with key vendors and restructuring of commercial contracts including sales and firm transportation agreements. We
are currently evaluating transactions that could further enhance our liquidity and capital structure including the issuance of
additional indebtedness, the restructuring or repurchase of existing indebtedness, issuance of equity, cost reductions,
divestitures of assets or similar transactions. We currently have approximately $125 million of additional liens capacity. Our
Board of Directors has authorized the use of up to $35.0 million for repurchases of 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes through open
market purchases in addition to the $12.0 million that has been spent to repurchase the 2018 Notes as of December 31, 2015.
Since December 31, 2015, we have purchased an additional $9.5 million of 2018 Notes with $2.2 million in cash and $39.9
million of 2022 Notes with $4.5 million in cash. The 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes repurchased will be canceled by the trustee
following customary settlement procedures. We have also taken preliminary actions to assess the potential market and
valuation if we were to divest certain of our assets. There is no assurance that such transactions will occur.
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While we believe that our capital resources from existing cash balances, anticipated cash flow from operating activities
and available borrowing capacity under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement will be adequate to execute our corporate
strategies and to meet debt service obligations through 2016 and into 2017, there are certain risks and uncertainties that could
negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. Accordingly, our ability to effectively execute our corporate
strategies and manage our operating, general and administrative expenses and capital expenditure programs is critical to our
financial condition, liquidity and our results of operations.
The following table presents information relating to the changes in our liquidity and outstanding debt for the year ended
December 31, 2015:
December Repayments/ December
(in thousands) 31, 2014 repurchases Borrowings Exchanges 31, 2015
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement........................................... $ 202,492 $ (300,000) $ 165,000 $ — $ 67,492
Exchange Term Loan (1) ............................................................ — — — 400,000 400,000
Fairfax Term Loan ...................................................................... — — 300,000 — 300,000
2018 Notes (2) ............................................................................ 750,000 (40,806) — (551,179) 158,015
2022 Notes .................................................................................. 500,000 — — (277,174) 222,826
Total debt (3)............................................................................... $ 1,452,492 $ (340,806) $ 465,000 $ (428,353) $ 1,148,333
Net debt....................................................................................... $ 1,382,217 $ 1,114,866
Borrowing base ........................................................................... $ 900,000 $ 375,000
Unused borrowing base (4)......................................................... $ 690,935 $ 300,910
Cash (5)....................................................................................... $ 70,275 $ 33,467
Unused borrowing base plus cash............................................... $ 761,210 $ 334,377
(1) Amount presented is the outstanding principal balance and excludes $241.2 million of deferred reductions to carrying
value. See "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(2) Excludes unamortized discount of $0.9 million at December 31, 2015.
(3) Excludes unamortized deferred financing costs of $18.3 million at December 31, 2015.
(4) Net of $6.6 million in letters of credit as of December 31, 2015.
(5) Includes restricted cash of $21.2 million at December 31, 2015.
As of December 31, 2015, our consolidated debt consisted of the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, 2018 Notes, 2022
Notes and the Second Lien Term Loans (see "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a further
description of each agreement).
As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the following financial covenants (each as defined in the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement):
• our consolidated current ratio of 2.7 to 1.0 exceeded the minimum of at least 1.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal
quarter;
• our Interest Coverage Ratio of 2.4 to 1.0 exceeded the minimum of at least 1.25 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal
quarter. The consolidated interest expense utilized in the Interest Coverage Ratio is calculated in accordance with
GAAP; therefore, this excludes cash payments under the terms of the Exchange Term Loan, whether designated as
interest or as face amount, that reduce the carrying amount and are not recognized as interest expense. See further
details on the accounting for the Exchange Term Loan as described in "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our
Consolidated Financial Statements; and
• our Senior Secured Indebtedness Ratio of 0.3 to 1.0 did not exceed the maximum of 2.5 to 1.0 as of the end of any
fiscal quarter. Senior secured indebtedness utilized in the Senior Secured Indebtedness Ratio excludes the Second
Lien Term Loans and any other indebtedness subordinated to the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement.
The issuance of the Second Lien Term Loans triggered a modification of certain covenants in the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement, including the elimination of the leverage ratio requirement. The Second Lien Term Loans and the indentures
governing the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes contain incurrence covenants which restrict our ability to incur additional
indebtedness, incur liens to secure any such additional indebtedness or pledge assets. These incurrence covenants include
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limitations on our indebtedness that are based, in part, on the greater of a monetary threshold or a calculation based on the value
of our assets. Our ability to incur additional indebtedness could be limited to the extent that low oil and natural gas prices
negatively impact the value of our assets. See further details on the limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness as
described in "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
There are certain risks arising from volatility in oil and/or natural gas prices that could restrict our liquidity or impact our
ability to meet debt covenants in future periods. Furthermore, our liquidity and ability to meet debt covenants in future periods
is partially dependent on our ability to offset natural production declines through the development of our oil and natural gas
properties. If we are not able to generate sufficient returns from the future development of our oil and natural gas properties,
we may not undertake these projects and be able to adequately offset our natural production declines. The profitability of our
future development projects is dependent on commodity prices, estimates of reserves, drilling and completion costs, operating
costs, and other factors.
Significant reductions in our borrowing capacity as a result of a redetermination of our borrowing base under the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement could have an impact on our capital resources and liquidity. The borrowing base redetermination
process considers assumptions related to future commodity prices; therefore, our borrowing capacity could be negatively
impacted by further declines in oil and natural gas prices. The lenders party to the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement have
considerable discretion in setting our borrowing base, and we are unable to predict the outcome of the March 2016
redetermination or any future redeterminations. Any reduction in our borrowing base could result in our liquidity being limited
to our cash flow from operations, which is currently in decline as a result of the depressed commodity price environment. If our
borrowing base is materially reduced or we are no longer able to draw on the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement or generate
sufficient cash flow from operations, we may not be able to fund our operations and drilling activities or pay the interest on our
debt, which would result in us defaulting under our various debt instruments and may force us to seek bankruptcy protection or
pursue other restructuring alternatives. Our ability to maintain compliance with debt covenants is negatively impacted when oil
and/or natural gas prices and/or production declines over an extended period of time. In particular, our Interest Coverage Ratio
and Senior Secured Indebtedness Ratio, each as defined in the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, are computed using
EBITDAX for a trailing period which is expected to decrease in 2016 as a result of continued depressed commodity prices. See
further details on the accounting for the Exchange Term Loan in "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements.
In the event that our liquidity is not sufficient to fund our operating activities and development program or we are not
able to meet our debt covenants in future periods, we may attempt to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets, incur
additional indebtedness or raise equity. These alternatives may not be available on terms acceptable to us, which could
adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, failing to comply with the financial and
other restrictive covenants in the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, Second Lien Term Loans, 2018 Notes or 2022 Notes
could result in an event of default, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Also, we may be required to surrender certain assets pursuant to the security provisions of the EXCO Resources Credit
Agreement and Second Lien Term Loans if we are not able to meet our debt covenants in future periods. See "Note 5. Debt" in
the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our covenants under the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement, Second Lien Term Loans, 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes.
Capital commitments
We have a Participation Agreement with a joint venture partner for the development of certain assets in the Eagle Ford
shale. EXCO is required to offer to purchase our joint venture partner's working interest in wells drilled that have been on
production for at least one year. These offers are required to be made on a quarterly basis for groups of wells based on a price
defined in the Participation Agreement, subject to specific well criteria and return hurdles. The wells included in the offer
process that meet all of the specific well criteria are deemed to be "Committed Wells" and wells that do not meet the criteria are
deemed to be "Uncertainty Wells." The specific well criteria includes factors such as the amount of time on artificial lift,
temporary shut-in time, interference from other wells, recent offset fracturing activities or other trends that may result in
variability in the performance trends used to establish estimates of reserves. If a group of Committed Wells does not meet the
established return thresholds, our joint venture partner has the right to decline our offer and the wells can be included in future
offers. Our joint venture partner may accept the offers for the Uncertainty Wells; however, they have the ability to elect to defer
those wells to future periods when they meet all of the criteria. Any well included in the offer process that remains an
Uncertainty Well for two consecutive quarters becomes a Committed Well in the next quarterly offer process. Our joint venture
partner has a right to retain an undivided 15% of their collective interest in the wells that we acquire.
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The value of EXCO’s offers will be based on the PV-10 of the producing properties within each quarterly tranche of
wells that have been on production for approximately one year. The pricing used in determining the PV-10 value will be based
on NYMEX WTI futures contracts for 60 months then held constant for oil and NYMEX Henry Hub futures contracts for 60
months then held constant for natural gas. If EXCO and our joint venture partner are unable to agree upon the PV-10 value, an
independent external engineering firm will be engaged to provide an independent valuation. The required return utilized in the
offer acceptance process is based on 120% of our joint venture partner’s total invested capital for the wells within each
quarterly tranche. The total invested capital used in the calculation of required return is reduced by the cash flows from the
production of the wells prior to the offer date. Our joint venture partner was required to accept our offers for Committed Wells
if they exceed the required return. The agreement contains a provision that stipulates if the total of the offers for Committed
Wells during the first four quarters of the offer process do not exceed the required return thresholds, then our joint venture
partner will no longer be required to accept future offers. Since our offers for the wells included in the first four quarters of the
offer process did not meet the established return thresholds, we elected not to increase our offer to meet the thresholds and
therefore our joint venture partner will no longer be required to accept future offers for Committed Wells that meet the
established return thresholds. However, we are required to continue to offer to purchase wells under the agreement and our joint
venture partner will retain the ability to accept or decline our offer.
If the PV-10 value exceeds our joint venture partner’s required return on investment, then EXCO and our joint venture
partner will share the excess returns in the determination of the purchase price. This will result in a purchase price less than the
PV-10 value.
These acquisitions are expected to increase the borrowing base under the revolving commitment of the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement and are expected to be funded with borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, cash flows
from operations, or other financing arrangements. Our joint venture partner has the right to participate in certain wells drilled in
the Eagle Ford shale outside of the core area, as defined under the Participation Agreement, however these wells are not
included as part of the acquisition program. If our joint venture partner elects to participate in certain wells outside of our core
area, we will share equally in the working interest of the well.
As of December 31, 2015, we had spud 92 gross wells and turned-to-sales 87 gross wells since the inception of the
Participation Agreement. The most recent well subject to the Participation Agreement was drilled in the first quarter of 2015
and our development plans do not include drilling any additional wells subject to the Participation Agreement during 2016. The
timing of these offers is dependent upon the date these wells are turned-to-sales, downtime during the year preceding the offer
process and other factors. As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 63 gross locations remaining to be drilled in the
area under the Participation Agreement. The future development plans in this region are dependent on market conditions and
operational decisions that impact the number of locations including spacing between wells, lateral lengths and other factors.
Furthermore, any of the remaining locations that are not drilled prior to July 31, 2018 will not be subject to the offer process.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, our Eagle Ford joint venture partner purported to accept our third quarterly offer under
the Participation Agreement to purchase interests in 21 gross (10.3 net) for approximately $42.7 million, subject to purchase
price adjustments subsequent to the effective date of June 30, 2015. We notified our joint venture partner that we do not intend
to close this acquisition and our joint venture partner filed a petition for injunctive relief and damages alleging that, among
other things, we breached our obligation under the Participation Agreement. The court denied our joint venture partner’s
motion for injunctive relief and their request to restrain us from disbursing proceeds from the production of the assets. We filed
a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that, among other things, we are not obligated to purchase the disputed wells as
our partner's purported acceptance had not been received in a timely manner under the terms of the Participation Agreement. In
addition, quarterly offers four and five are also now in dispute for various reasons. We cannot estimate or predict the outcome
of the litigation with the our joint venture partner and we may not have sufficient funds or borrowing capacity under the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement to complete any acquisitions pursuant to the Participation Agreement or pay any damages for
failure to complete a purchase that a court may determine, including the wells related to the claim by our joint venture partner.
In the event we fail to purchase a group of wells that we are required to make an offer on, there are remedies available to our
joint venture partner which allow them to reject our future offers, terminate the Participation Agreement, remove EXCO as the
operator or pursue other legal remedies.
We currently estimate that 40 to 50 additional gross wells will qualify to be included in offers during 2016. However, the
extent and timing of these offers in future periods will be dependent on the terms and conditions of the offer process and the
resolution of the previously mentioned dispute with our joint venture partner. The amounts for future offers or acquisitions will
depend on future reserves, commodity prices, capital expenditures, production, revenues, expenses, as well as our joint venture
partner's intentions to accept offers and exercise their right to retain an interest. As such, it is not possible to reasonably estimate
the amounts for future offers or acquisitions under the agreement.
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Historical sources and uses of funds
Our primary sources of cash in 2015 were cash flows from operations, proceeds received from the issuance of the
Fairfax Term Loan and borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement.
Net increases (decreases) in cash are summarized as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Net cash provided by operating activities ..................................................................... $ 134,027 $ 362,093 $ 350,634
Net cash used in investing activities.............................................................................. (300,833) (221,588) (252,478)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities ...................................................... 132,748 (144,683) (93,317)
Net increase (decrease) in cash...................................................................................... $ (34,058) $ (4,178) $ 4,839
Operating activities
The primary factors impacting our cash flows from operating activities generally include: (i) levels of production from
our oil and natural gas properties, (ii) prices we receive from sales of oil and natural gas production, including settlement
proceeds or payments related to our oil and natural gas derivatives, (iii) operating costs of our oil and natural gas properties,
(iv) costs of our general and administrative activities and (v) interest expense. Our cash flows from operating activities have
historically been impacted by fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices and our production volumes.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, our net cash provided by operating activities was $134.0 million as compared to
$362.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower revenues from lower
production and decreased oil and natural gas prices. In addition, the decrease was due to changes in accounts payable resulting
from lower advance billings to other working interest owners in the Eagle Ford shale as well as lower revenues payable to other
owners. The decrease was partially offset by cash receipts of $128.8 million on derivative contracts for the year ended
December 31, 2015 compared to cash payments of $19.0 million for the same period in the prior year.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, our net cash provided by operating activities was $362.1 million as compared to
$350.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase is primarily attributable to higher revenues from the
Haynesville and Eagle Ford shale assets we acquired in 2013 as well as an increase in natural gas prices. This was partially
offset by lower natural gas production as well as a decrease in oil prices. In addition, the increase was due to changes in
accounts receivable which provided cash of $52.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to $46.2 million
of cash used for the year ended December 31, 2013. The decrease in accounts receivable for the year end December 31, 2014
as compared to prior year was primarily due to timing of collections of our oil and natural gas sales. This was partially offset by
cash payments of $19.0 million on derivative contracts for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to cash receipts of
$42.1 million in the prior year.
Investing activities
Our investing activities consist primarily of drilling and development expenditures, acquisitions and divestitures. Future
acquisitions are dependent on oil and natural gas prices, availability of attractive acreage and other oil and natural gas
properties, acceptable rates of return, availability of borrowing capacity under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement and
availability of other sources of capital.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, our net cash used in investing activities was $300.8 million primarily due to our
drilling and completion activities in the East Texas, North Louisiana and South Texas regions. The cash used in investing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2015 included a significant amount of expenditures related to the wells drilled in
2014.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, our net cash used in investing activities was $221.6 million which consisted of
$391.8 million of drilling and development activities in the North Louisiana, South Texas and East Texas regions. This was
partially offset by $118.8 million of proceeds received from the sale of our interest in Compass and approximately $68.2
million of proceeds received from the sale of our interest in certain non-operated assets in the Permian Basin.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, our cash flows used in investing activities were $252.5 million. Our property
acquisitions during 2013 were primarily attributable to the acquisition of Haynesville and Eagle Ford assets of $942.9 million
and our proportionate share of Compass's acquisition of the shallow Cotton Valley assets from an affiliate of BG Group. Our
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capital expenditures of $320.5 million were primarily focused on our development program in the North Louisiana and South
Texas regions. The cash used in investing activities was partially offset by the $574.8 million in proceeds as a result of the
contribution of properties to Compass, the sale of our equity investment in TGGT of $236.6 million, net of commissions and
fees, the sale of undeveloped acreage in South Texas for $130.9 million and other asset divestitures of $37.9 million.
Financing activities
For the year ended December 31, 2015, our net cash provided by financing activities was $132.7 million primarily due to
$300.0 million of proceeds received from the Fairfax Term Loan and $165.0 million in borrowings under the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement. We used the proceeds from the Fairfax Term Loan to repay the outstanding indebtedness under the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement. The issuance of the Exchange Term Loan and the related retirements of the 2018 and 2022 Notes
were conducted simultaneously with the same creditors and did not impact our cash flows from financing activities. In
addition, we used cash to pay $20.9 million of deferred financing costs primarily related to recent debt restructuring activities,
repurchase a portion of the 2018 Notes for $12.0 million and a cash payment of $8.8 million that reduced the carrying value of
the Exchange Term Loan. As discussed in "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements, all cash
payments under the terms of the Exchange Term Loan, whether designated as interest or as principal amount, will reduce the
carrying amount and no interest expense will be recognized.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, our net cash used in financing activities was $144.7 million primarily due to
$859.9 million in net payments of outstanding indebtedness under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, $41.1 million of
dividend payments and $10.3 million of deferred financing costs primarily related to issuance of the 2022 Notes. This was
offset by $500.0 million of gross proceeds received from issuance of the 2022 Notes and approximately $272.9 million of gross
proceeds received from the Rights Offering.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, our cash flows used in financing activities were $93.3 million. The cash flows
used in financing activities were primarily attributable to net borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement to fund
the acquisition of the Haynesville and Eagle Ford assets and the additional borrowings of Compass to fund the acquisition of
shallow Cotton Valley assets. In addition, we paid $33.6 million of deferred financing costs associated with amendments to the
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement and we paid $43.2 million of dividends on our common shares during 2013.
Capital expenditures
During 2015, our capital expenditures, including oil and natural gas property acquisitions, totaled $284.8 million, of
which $228.5 million was related to drilling and development activities. Our development program during 2015 included an
average of three operated drilling rigs focused primarily on the Haynesville and Bossier shales in the Shelby area of East Texas.
Our development activities in North Louisiana during 2015 included limited drilling as well as completion activities in Caddo
and DeSoto Parishes, Louisiana. Our development program in the South Texas region included an average of one operated
drilling rig focused on the Eagle Ford shale and the Buda formation. Our capital expenditures in the South Texas region also
included the leasing of acreage in Zavala County, Texas. As a result of the decline in oil prices, we suspended our drilling in
the South Texas region in the fourth quarter of 2015. We drilled an appraisal well in the Marcellus shale in Northeast
Pennsylvania which is expected to be turned-to-sales at a later date as it is currently awaiting construction of a gathering line.
In response to the downturn in commodity prices, we have negotiated reductions in service costs with certain key vendors
utilized in our drilling and completion activities and continue to pursue further reductions.
During 2014, our capital expenditures, including oil and natural gas property acquisitions, totaled $434.8 million, of
which $356.3 million was related to drilling and development activities. Our development program during 2014 primarily
focused on our properties in the Haynesville, Bossier and Eagle Ford shales. During 2014, we operated three to six operated
drilling rigs in the Haynesville and Bossier shales focused on our core area in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana and the Shelby area of
East Texas. Our capital expenditures in this region also included re-fracture stimulation treatments on 5 gross (2.8 net) mature
Haynesville shale wells. Our development program in the Eagle Ford shale focused on our core area in Zavala County, Texas
and limited drilling outside our core area as part of a farmout agreement. We operated two to five operated drilling rigs in this
region during 2014. We also installed pumping units on 87 gross (45.6 net) wells in the region to optimize our production. Our
development activities during the year featured enhanced drilling and completion techniques which improved our well
performance while we efficiently managed our capital expenditures.
During 2013, our capital expenditures primarily consisted of our acquisitions of Haynesville and Eagle Ford assets as
well as our development programs in these regions. The oil and natural gas property acquisitions of $942.9 million during
2013 included the Eagle Ford and Haynesville assets acquired from Chesapeake. In connection with closing the acquisition of
the Eagle Ford assets, we entered into a Participation Agreement with a joint venture partner and sold an undivided 50%
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interest in the undeveloped acreage we acquired for approximately $130.9 million. Our development program during 2013
focused on our properties in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford shales. We operated three drilling rigs throughout 2013 in the
Haynesville shale focused on our core area in DeSoto and Caddo Parish, Louisiana. We began our development program in the
Eagle Ford shale which included three to four operated drilling rigs from the date we acquired the properties to year-end. We
also incurred additional expenditures in this region for surface acreage, infrastructure and operating facilities. Our expenditures
in the Appalachia region focused on a limited appraisal drilling program, completion activities and the construction of pads for
future drilling activity.
The following table presents our capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Capital expenditures:
Lease purchases and seismic.................................................................................... $ 13,364 $ 10,477 $ 25,052
Development capital expenditures ........................................................................... 228,545 356,344 265,120
Field operations, gathering and water pipelines....................................................... 6,672 20,256 12,379
Corporate and other.................................................................................................. 28,602 37,198 37,287
Total capital expenditures excluding oil and natural gas property acquisitions . 277,183 424,275 339,838
Oil and natural gas property acquisitions (1) ........................................................... 7,608 10,562 942,946
Total capital expenditures including oil and natural gas property acquisitions.. $ 284,791 $ 434,837 $ 1,282,784
(1) The oil and natural gas property acquisitions of $942.9 million during 2013 included the Eagle Ford and Haynesville
assets. This amount was reduced by $130.9 million from the sale of a portion of the undeveloped acreage we acquired in
the Eagle Ford shale to a joint venture partner.
Our Board of Directors approved a budget of $70.0 million to fund drilling through the first half of 2016 and the related
completion activities in North Louisiana and East Texas. The approved capital budget also includes $33.0 million to fund field
operations, land, capitalized corporate costs and other expenditures for the full year 2016. During 2016, we will continue to
evaluate market conditions and recommend approval from the Board of Directors for the drilling and completion budget for the
second half of the year. EXCO expects to fund the capital budget with cash flow from operations and borrowings under the
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement.
The drilling and completion activities for the first six months of 2016 in the Holly area in North Louisiana are expected
to include similar completion methods that have proven to be successful in our East Texas region, including the use of more
proppant, modified well spacing and longer laterals. Our development in East Texas is anticipated to focus on completing and
turning to sales wells drilled in the Shelby area during 2015. We have suspended our drilling activity in South Texas and
Appalachia in response to low commodity prices. We have flexibility in the timing of development in both South Texas and
Appalachia because a significant portion of our acreage in these regions is held-by-production. The 2016 capital budget is
currently allocated among the different budget categories as follows:
Gross Wells Net Wells Net Wells Drilling & Other Capital
(in millions, except wells) Spud (1) Spud (1) Completed (1) Completion (2) Total Capital
North Louisiana ..................................... 9 5.5 5.5 $ 42.0 $ 3.0 $ 45.0
East Texas .............................................. — — 4.1 28.0 6.0 34.0
South Texas............................................ — — — — 5.0 5.0
Appalachia ............................................. — — — — 5.0 5.0
Corporate and other (3).......................... — — — — 14.0 14.0
Total.................................................. 9 5.5 9.6 $ 70.0 $ 33.0 $ 103.0
(1) The wells spud and completed within this table only include those operated by EXCO. This represents drilling activities
through the first half of 2016 and the related completion activities.
(2) Other capital includes field operations, land, capitalized corporate costs and other expenditures for the full year 2016.
(3) Includes $9.0 million of capitalized interest and $5.0 million of capitalized general and administrative expenses for the
full year 2016.
77
Derivative financial instruments
Our production is generally sold at prevailing market prices. However, we periodically enter into oil and natural gas
derivative contracts for a portion of our production when market conditions are deemed favorable and oil and natural gas prices
exceed our minimum internal price targets. Our objective in entering into oil and natural gas derivative contracts is to mitigate
the impact of commodity price fluctuations and achieve a more predictable cash flow associated with our operations. These
transactions limit our exposure to declines in prices, but also limit the benefits we would realize if oil and natural gas prices
increase.
Our derivative financial instruments were comprised of oil and natural gas swaps as of December 31, 2015. We had
derivative financial instruments in place for the volumes and prices shown below:
NYMEX gas volume - Weighted average contract NYMEX oil volume - Weighted average contract
Bbtu price per Mmbtu Mbbl price per Bbl
Swaps:
2016............................................. 34,770 $ 3.09 915 $ 61.89
2017............................................. 10,950 3.28 — —
2018............................................. 3,650 3.15 — —
Since December 31, 2015, we entered into swaption contracts that included fixed price swaps covering 6,700 Bbtu of
natural gas at a price of $2.76 per Mmbtu for 2016 in exchange for an option on behalf of the counterparty to swap 7,300 Bbtu
of natural gas at a price of $2.76 per Mmbtu for 2017. We also entered into fixed price swaps covering 12,200 Bbtu of natural
gas at an average price of $2.45 per Mmbtu for 2016 and 1,800 Bbtu of natural gas at a price of $2.36 per Mmbtu for 2017.
See further details on our derivative financial instruments in "Note 4. Derivative financial instruments" and "Note 6. Fair
value measurements" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of December 31, 2015, we had no arrangements or any guarantees of off-balance sheet debt to third parties.
The following table presents our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2015 and do
not include those of our equity method investments.
Payments due by period
Less than One to Three to five More than
(in thousands) one year three years years five years Total
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement (1)...................................... $ — $ 67,492 $ — $ — $ 67,492
Senior Notes (2)........................................................................... — 158,015 — 222,826 380,841
Exchange Term Loan (3) ............................................................. — — 400,000 — 400,000
Fairfax Term Loans (4)................................................................ — — 300,000 — 300,000
Gathering and firm transportation services (5)............................ 120,414 236,450 124,433 135,943 617,240
Other fixed commitments (6)....................................................... 13,253 8,653 4,335 1,599 27,840
Drilling contracts (7).................................................................... 14,997 7,284 — — 22,281
Operating leases and other........................................................... 5,456 7,468 4,613 72 17,609
Total contractual obligations........................................................ $ 154,120 $ 485,362 $ 833,381 $ 360,440 $ 1,833,303
(1) The EXCO Resources Credit Agreement matures on July 31, 2018. The interest rate grid on the revolving credit facility
of the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement ranges from LIBOR plus 225 bps to 325 bps (or ABR plus 125 bps to 225
bps), depending on the percentages of drawn balances to the borrowing base.
(2) The 2018 Notes are due on September 15, 2018 and the 2022 Notes are due on April 15, 2022. Based on the outstanding
principal balance at December 31, 2015, the annual interest obligation on the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes is $11.9 million
and $18.9 million, respectively. We expect our annual interest obligation on the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes to decrease
in 2016 as a result of notes repurchases in 2016. See "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information on the 2016 notes repurchases.
78
(3) The Exchange Term Loan matures on October 26, 2020. The amount presented in the table above is the principal balance
outstanding. The annual cash payment on the Exchange Term Loan is $50.0 million based on the interest rate of 12.5%
per annum. See "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information and the
accounting treatment of the Exchange Term Loan.
(4) The Fairfax Term Loan matures on October 26, 2020. The annual interest obligation is $37.5 million.
(5) Gathering and firm transportation services reflect contracts whereby EXCO commits to transport a minimum quantity of
natural gas on a gatherer's system or a shippers’ pipeline. Whether or not EXCO delivers the minimum quantity, we pay
the fees as if the quantities were delivered. These expenses represent our gross commitments under these contracts and a
portion of these costs will be incurred by working interest and other owners. As described in "Note 2. Summary of
significant accounting policies" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements, we report these costs as gathering
and transportation expenses or as a reduction in total sales price received from the purchaser. In addition, our variable
rate firm transportation contracts do not have a minimum volume commitment and are not included in the table above.
As such, our gathering and firm transportation services presented in the table above may not be representative of the
amounts reported as gathering and transportation expenses in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Effective January 1,
2016, EXCO renegotiated a sales contract which reduced the contracted price from $0.35 per Mmbtu to $0.25 per Mmbtu
for 75,000 Mmbtu per day that we are obligated to deliver and extended the term of the contract for four years.
(6) Other fixed commitments are primarily related to completion service contracts and minimum sales commitments under
marketing contracts.
(7) Drilling contracts represent the contractual rate for our operated rigs through the term of the contracts as of December 31,
2015. The actual drilling costs under these contracts will be incurred by working interest owners in the development of
the related properties.
Some of the information below contains forward-looking statements. The primary objective of the following information
is to provide forward-looking quantitative and qualitative information about our potential exposure to market risks. The term
“market risk” refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in oil and natural gas prices, interest rates charged on
borrowings and earned on cash equivalent investments, and adverse changes in the market value of marketable securities. The
disclosure is not meant to be a precise indicator of expected future losses, but rather an indicator of reasonably possible losses.
This forward-looking information provides an indicator of how we view and manage our ongoing market risk exposures. Our
market risk sensitive instruments were entered into for hedging and investment purposes, not for trading purposes.
Our objective in entering into derivative financial instruments is to manage our exposure to commodity price
fluctuations, protect our returns on investments, and achieve a more predictable cash flow in connection with our financing
activities and borrowings related to these activities. These transactions limit exposure to declines in prices, but also limit the
benefits we would realize if oil and natural gas prices increase. When prices for oil and natural gas are volatile, a significant
portion of the effect of our derivative financial instrument management activities consists of non-cash income or expense due to
changes in the fair value of our derivative financial instrument contracts. Cash losses or gains only arise from payments made
or received on monthly settlements of contracts or if we terminate a contract prior to its expiration.
Our most significant market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to our oil and natural gas production. Realized
pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and spot market prices for natural gas. Pricing for oil
and natural gas production is volatile.
Our use of derivative financial instruments could have the effect of reducing our revenues and the value of our securities.
For the year ended December 31, 2015, a $1.00 increase in the average commodity price per Mcfe would have resulted in an
increase in cash settlement payments (or a decrease in settlements received) of approximately $56.5 million for our oil and
natural gas swap contracts. The ultimate settlement amount of our outstanding derivative financial instrument contracts is
dependent on future commodity prices. We may incur significant unrealized losses in the future from our use of derivative
financial instruments to the extent market prices increase and our derivatives contracts remain in place.
At December 31, 2015, our exposure to interest rate changes related primarily to borrowings under the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement. The interest rates per annum on the 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and the Second Lien Term Loans are fixed at
7.5%, 8.5% and 12.5%, respectively. Interest is payable on borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement based on
a floating rate as more fully described in "Note 5. Debt" in the Notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements. At
December 31, 2015, we had approximately $67.5 million in outstanding borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit
79
Agreement. A 1% increase in interest rates (100 bps) based on the variable borrowings as of December 31, 2015 would result
in an increase in our interest expense of approximately $0.7 million per year. The interest we pay on these borrowings is set
periodically based upon market rates.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Contents
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 ................................. 85
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 ................................ 86
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and
2013................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
81
Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our internal control over financial
reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and our Board of Directors regarding the preparation and
fair presentation of published financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting
may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable
assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Management assessed the effectiveness of our
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set
forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO") in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework (2013). Based on management's assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2015, our internal
control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.
The effectiveness of EXCO Resources, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 has been
audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of EXCO Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31,
2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and changes in shareholders’ equity for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015. We also have audited EXCO Resources, Inc.’s internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). EXCO Resources, Inc.’s
management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial
reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in
all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over
financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a
material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and
dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of EXCO Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles. Also in our opinion, EXCO Resources, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
Dallas, Texas
March 2, 2016
83
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................................................................................................. $ 12,247 $ 46,305
Restricted cash ............................................................................................................................................... 21,220 23,970
Accounts receivable, net: ...............................................................................................................................
Oil and natural gas ................................................................................................................................ 37,236 81,720
Joint interest .......................................................................................................................................... 22,095 65,398
Other ..................................................................................................................................................... 8,894 8,945
Derivative financial instruments .................................................................................................................... 39,499 97,278
Inventory and other ........................................................................................................................................ 8,610 7,150
Total current assets.................................................................................................................... 149,801 330,766
Equity investments.................................................................................................................................................. 40,797 55,985
Oil and natural gas properties (full cost accounting method):
Unproved oil and natural gas properties and development costs not being amortized.................................. 115,377 276,025
Proved developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas properties ............................................................... 3,070,430 3,852,073
Accumulated depletion .................................................................................................................................. (2,627,763) (2,414,461)
Oil and natural gas properties, net ................................................................................................................. 558,044 1,713,637
Other property and equipment, net ......................................................................................................................... 27,812 24,644
Deferred financing costs, net .................................................................................................................................. 8,408 14,617
Derivative financial instruments ............................................................................................................................. 6,109 2,138
Goodwill ................................................................................................................................................................. 163,155 163,155
Total assets................................................................................................................................ $ 954,126 $ 2,304,942
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities....................................................................................................... $ 85,254 $ 110,211
Revenues and royalties payable ..................................................................................................................... 106,163 152,651
Drilling advances ........................................................................................................................................... 2,795 37,648
Accrued interest payable................................................................................................................................ 7,846 26,265
Current portion of asset retirement obligations ............................................................................................. 845 1,769
Income taxes payable..................................................................................................................................... — —
Derivative financial instruments .................................................................................................................... 16 892
Current portion of long-term debt.................................................................................................................. 50,000 —
Total current liabilities.......................................................................................................................... 252,919 329,436
Long-term debt........................................................................................................................................................ 1,320,279 1,430,516
Asset retirement obligations and other long-term liabilities................................................................................... 43,251 34,986
Commitments and contingencies ............................................................................................................................
Shareholders’ equity:
Common shares, $0.001 par value; 780,000,000 authorized shares; 283,633,996 shares issued and
283,039,333 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015; 274,351,756 shares issued and 273,773,714
shares outstanding at December 31, 2014...................................................................................................... 276 270
Additional paid-in capital .............................................................................................................................. 3,522,153 3,502,209
Accumulated deficit ....................................................................................................................................... (4,177,120) (2,984,860)
Treasury shares, at cost; 594,663 at December 31, 2015 and 578,042 at December 31, 2014...................... (7,632) (7,615)
Total shareholders’ equity..................................................................................................................... (662,323) 510,004
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity.............................................................................................. $ 954,126 $ 2,304,942
84
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
85
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss) ...................................................................................................................................... $ (1,192,381) $ 120,669 $ 22,204
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depletion, depreciation and amortization ........................................................................................ 215,426 263,569 245,775
Equity-based compensation expense ............................................................................................... 7,198 4,962 10,748
Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations..................................................................... 2,277 2,690 2,514
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties ................................................................................... 1,215,370 — 108,546
(Income) loss from equity investments............................................................................................ 15,691 (172) 53,280
(Gain) loss on derivative financial instruments ............................................................................... (75,869) (87,665) 320
Cash settlements (payments) of derivative financial instruments.................................................... 128,800 (18,991) 42,119
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discount on debt issuance........................................ 16,994 12,055 29,624
Gain on divestitures and other non-operating items ........................................................................ (32) (17) (185,163)
Gain on restructuring and extinguishment of debt........................................................................... (193,276) — —
Effect of changes in: ........................................................................................................................
Restricted cash with related party ........................................................................................... (2,100) — —
Accounts receivable ................................................................................................................ 88,610 52,007 (46,176)
Other current assets................................................................................................................. 434 (2,609) 9,627
Accounts payable and other current liabilities........................................................................ (93,115) 15,595 57,216
Net cash provided by operating activities................................................................................................. 134,027 362,093 350,634
Investing Activities:
Additions to oil and natural gas properties, gathering assets and equipment ........................................... (317,590) (391,776) (320,538)
Property acquisitions................................................................................................................................. (7,608) (10,790) (976,714)
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment ............................................................................. 7,397 187,655 749,628
Restricted cash .......................................................................................................................................... 4,850 (3,400) 49,515
Net changes in advances to joint ventures ................................................................................................ 10,663 (5,026) 10,645
Equity investments and other.................................................................................................................... 1,455 1,749 234,986
Net cash used in investing activities ......................................................................................................... (300,833) (221,588) (252,478)
Financing Activities:
Borrowings under credit agreements ........................................................................................................ 165,000 100,000 1,004,523
Repayments under credit agreements ....................................................................................................... (300,000) (964,970) (1,022,785)
Proceeds received from issuance of 2022 Notes....................................................................................... — 500,000 —
Repurchases of 2018 Notes....................................................................................................................... (12,008) — —
Proceeds received from issuance of Fairfax Term Loan........................................................................... 300,000 — —
Payment on Exchange Term Loan ............................................................................................................ (8,827) — —
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net........................................................................................ 9,693 271,773 1,712
Payment of common share dividends ....................................................................................................... (164) (41,060) (43,214)
Deferred financing costs and other ........................................................................................................... (20,946) (10,426) (33,553)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities.................................................................................. 132,748 (144,683) (93,317)
Net increase (decrease) in cash ................................................................................................................. (34,058) (4,178) 4,839
Cash at beginning of period ...................................................................................................................... 46,305 50,483 45,644
Cash at end of period ................................................................................................................................ $ 12,247 $ 46,305 $ 50,483
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Cash interest payments ............................................................................................................................. $ 117,463 $ 91,735 $ 88,936
Income tax payments ................................................................................................................................ — — —
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities: ......................................................................
Capitalized equity-based compensation................................................................................................. $ 3,428 $ 5,498 $ 7,288
Capitalized interest................................................................................................................................. 12,040 20,060 18,729
Issuance of common shares for director services .................................................................................. 150 235 93
Debt eliminated upon sale of Compass and assumed upon formation of Compass, net for the years
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively ................................................................................ — (83,246) 58,613
86
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
87
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “EXCO,” “EXCO Resources,”
“Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” are to EXCO Resources, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, exploitation, acquisition, development
and production of onshore U.S. oil and natural gas properties with a focus on shale resource plays. Our principal operations are
conducted in certain key U.S. oil and natural gas areas including Texas, Louisiana and the Appalachia region. The following is a
brief discussion of our producing regions.
• South Texas
The South Texas region is primarily comprised of our Eagle Ford shale assets. We have a joint venture with affiliates
of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. ("KKR") covering certain assets in the Eagle Ford shale. The South Texas
region also includes assets outside of the joint venture in the Eagle Ford shale, Buda and other formations. We serve
as the operator for most of our properties in the South Texas region.
• Appalachia
The Appalachia region is primarily comprised of Marcellus shale assets as well as shallow conventional assets in other
formations. We have a joint venture with BG Group covering our shallow conventional assets and Marcellus shale
assets in the Appalachia region ("Appalachia JV"). EXCO and BG Group each own an undivided 50% interest in the
Appalachia JV and a 49.75% working interest in the Appalachia JV's properties. The remaining 0.5% working interest
is held by a jointly owned operating entity ("OPCO") that operates the Appalachia JV's properties. We own a 50%
interest in OPCO.
The accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, Consolidated Statements of
Operations, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are for EXCO and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements and
related footnotes are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP").
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period information to conform to current period presentation.
Principles of consolidation
We consolidate all of our subsidiaries in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and
2014 and the Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and Changes in Shareholders'
Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates in which we are able to
exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. We use the cost method of accounting for investments
in unconsolidated affiliates in which we are not able to exercise significant influence. All intercompany transactions and
accounts have been eliminated.
We report our interests in oil and natural gas properties using the proportional consolidation method of accounting. We
reported our 25.5% interest in Compass Production Partners, L.P. ("Compass") using proportional consolidation for the period
from its formation on February 14, 2013 to the sale of our interests on October 31, 2014. See further discussion in "Note 3.
Acquisitions, divestitures and other significant events."
88
Management estimates
In preparing the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The more
significant estimates pertain to proved oil and natural gas reserve volumes, future development costs, asset retirement
obligations, equity-based compensation, estimates relating to oil and natural gas revenues and expenses, accrued liabilities, the
fair market value of assets and liabilities acquired in business combinations, derivatives and goodwill. Actual results may differ
from management's estimates.
Cash equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased, to be cash
equivalents.
Restricted cash
The restricted cash on our balance sheet is principally comprised of our share of an evergreen escrow account with BG
Group that is used to fund our share of development operations in East Texas and North Louisiana. Funds held in this escrow
account are restricted and can be used primarily for drilling and operations in East Texas and North Louisiana. The restricted
cash also includes accrued fees payable to Energy Strategic Advisory Services LLC ("ESAS") upon completion of its entire
first year of service and required investment with EXCO. See "Note 13. Related party transactions" for further discussion of the
services and investment agreement with ESAS.
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash, trade
receivables and our derivative financial instruments. We place our cash with financial institutions which we believe have
sufficient credit quality to minimize risk of loss. We sell oil and natural gas to various customers. In addition, we participate
with other parties in the drilling, completion and operation of oil and natural gas wells. The majority of our accounts receivable
are due from either purchasers of oil or natural gas or participants in oil and natural gas wells for which we serve as the
operator. We have the right to offset future revenues against unpaid charges related to wells which we operate. Oil and natural
gas receivables are generally uncollateralized. The allowance for doubtful accounts was immaterial at both December 31, 2015
and 2014. We place our derivative financial instruments with financial institutions that we believe have high credit ratings. To
mitigate our risk of loss due to default, we have entered into master netting agreements with our counterparties on our
derivative financial instruments that allow us to offset our asset position with our liability position in the event of a default by
the counterparty.
For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, sales to BG Energy Merchants LLC accounted for
approximately 20%, 34% and 48%, respectively, of total consolidated revenues. BG Energy Merchants LLC is a subsidiary of
BG Group. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, Chesapeake Energy Marketing Inc. accounted for
approximately 38%, 31% and 14% respectively, of total consolidated revenues. Chesapeake Energy Marketing Inc. is a
subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corporation ("Chesapeake").
We use derivative financial instruments to mitigate the impacts of commodity price fluctuations, protect our returns on
investments and achieve a more predictable cash flow. Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), Accounting Standards
Codification, ("ASC"), Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, ("ASC 815"), requires that every derivative instrument (including
certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its estimated fair value. ASC 815 requires that changes in the derivative's estimated fair value be recognized in
earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met, or exemptions for normal purchases and normal sales as permitted
by ASC 815 exist. We do not designate our derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments and, as a result, recognize
the change in a derivative's estimated fair value in earnings as a component of other income or expense. Our derivative
financial instruments are not held for trading purposes.
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Oil and natural gas properties
The accounting for, and disclosure of, oil and natural gas producing activities require that we choose between two GAAP
alternatives: the full cost method or the successful efforts method. We use the full cost method of accounting, which involves
capitalizing all acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development costs of oil and natural gas properties. Once we incur
costs, they are recorded in the depletable pool of proved properties or in unproved properties, collectively, the full cost pool.
Our unproved property costs, which include unproved oil and natural gas properties, properties under development, and major
development projects, collectively totaled $115.4 million and $276.0 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively,
and are not subject to depletion. We review our unproved oil and natural gas property costs on a quarterly basis to assess for
impairment or the need to transfer unproved costs to proved properties as a result of extension or discoveries from drilling
operations or determination that no proved reserves are attributable to such costs. In determining whether such costs should be
impaired or transferred, we evaluate lease expiration dates, recent drilling results, future development plans and current market
values. Our undeveloped properties are predominantly held-by-production, which reduces the risk of impairment as a result of
lease expirations. We expect these costs to be evaluated in one to seven years and transferred to the depletable portion of the
full cost pool during that time. As a result of our evaluation, we impaired approximately $88.1 million of unproved properties
which were transferred to the depletable portion of the full cost pool during the year ended December 31, 2015. The
impairment was recorded to reflect the estimated fair value of our undeveloped properties as a result of the decline in oil and
natural gas prices. The impairment also included certain acreage expiring within the next year and related properties that were
no longer part of our drilling plans. See "Note 6. Fair value measurements" for further discussion. We did not record an
impairment of undeveloped properties during 2014 and recorded an impairment of $1.0 million during 2013.
We capitalize interest on the costs related to the acquisition of undeveloped acreage in accordance with FASB ASC
835-20, Capitalization of Interest. When the unproved property costs are moved to proved developed and undeveloped oil and
natural gas properties, or the properties are sold, we cease capitalizing interest related to these properties.
We calculate depletion using the unit-of-production method. Under this method, the sum of the full cost pool, excluding
the book value of unproved properties, and all estimated future development costs less estimated salvage value are divided by
the total estimated quantities of Proved Reserves. This rate is applied to our total production for the quarter, and the appropriate
expense is recorded. We capitalize the portion of general and administrative costs, including share-based compensation, that is
attributable to our acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development activities.
Sales, dispositions and other oil and natural gas property retirements are accounted for as adjustments to the full cost
pool, with no recognition of gain or loss, unless the disposition would significantly alter the amortization rate and/or the
relationship between capitalized costs and Proved Reserves.
Pursuant to Rule 4-10(c)(4) of Regulation S-X, at the end of each quarterly period, companies that use the full cost
method of accounting for their oil and natural gas properties must compute a limitation on capitalized costs ("ceiling test"). The
ceiling test involves comparing the net book value of the full cost pool, after taxes, to the full cost ceiling limitation defined
below. In the event the full cost ceiling limitation is less than the full cost pool, we are required to record a ceiling test
impairment of our oil and natural gas properties. The full cost ceiling limitation is computed as the sum of the present value of
estimated future net revenues from our Proved Reserves by applying the average price as prescribed by the SEC Release
No. 33-8995, less estimated future expenditures (based on current costs) to develop and produce the Proved Reserves,
discounted at 10%, plus the cost of properties not being amortized and the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved
properties included in the costs being amortized, net of income tax effects.
The ceiling test for each period presented was based on the following average spot prices, in each case adjusted for
quality factors and regional differentials to derive estimated future net revenues. Prices presented in the table below are the
trailing 12 month simple average spot prices at the first of the month for natural gas at Henry Hub ("HH") and West Texas
Intermediate ("WTI") crude oil at Cushing, Oklahoma. The fluctuations demonstrate the volatility in oil and natural gas prices
between each of the periods and have a significant impact on our ceiling test limitation.
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For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized impairments to our proved oil and natural gas properties of $1.2
billion. The impairments were primarily due to the decline in oil and natural gas prices partially offset by upward revisions in
the oil and natural gas reserves primarily as a result of recent modifications to our well design in the North Louisiana and East
Texas regions. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we did not recognize an impairment to our proved oil and natural gas
properties. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized impairments of $108.5 million to our proved oil and natural
gas properties. The impairments for the year ended December 31, 2013 were primarily due to low natural gas prices for the
trailing 12 months at the end of the first quarter of 2013, downward revisions to the reserves of our Haynesville shale properties
based on operational matters, narrowing of basis differentials between oil price indices, and higher costs associated with the
gathering and transportation of our natural gas production from the Eagle Ford shale. We may incur additional impairments to
our oil and natural gas properties in 2016 if oil and natural gas prices do not increase.
Under full cost accounting rules, any ceiling test impairments of oil and natural gas properties may not be reversed in
subsequent periods. Since we do not designate our derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments, we are not allowed
to use the impacts of the derivative financial instruments in our ceiling test computations.
The evaluation of impairment of our oil and natural gas properties includes estimates of Proved Reserves. There are
numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of Proved Reserves, in projecting the future rates of production and in
the timing of development activities. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of
engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of
the estimate may justify revisions of such estimate. Accordingly, reserve estimates often differ from the quantities of oil and
natural gas that are ultimately recovered.
Inventory
Inventory includes tubular goods and other lease and well equipment which we plan to utilize in our ongoing exploration
and development activities and is carried at the lower of cost or market value. The cost of inventory is capitalized in our full
cost pool or gathering system assets once it has been placed into service.
Other property and equipment is primarily comprised of office, field and other equipment which are capitalized at cost
and depreciated on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 15 years and the surface acreage we
own in our South Texas region.
Goodwill
In accordance with FASB ASC 350-20, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for
impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently as impairment indicators arise. Impairment tests, which involve the use of
estimates related to the fair market value of the business operations with which goodwill is associated, are performed as of
December 31 of each year. We performed impairment tests as of June 30, 2015 and September 30, 2015 as a result of
continued depressed commodity prices and recent impairments of our oil and natural gas properties. Losses, if any, resulting
from impairment tests will be reflected in operating income or loss in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We apply a two-part, equally weighted approach in determining the fair value of our business as part of the goodwill
impairment test. We perform an income approach, which uses a discounted cash flow model to value our business, and a market
approach, in which our value is determined using trading metrics and transaction multiples of peer companies. We consider our
enterprise value to be the combined market capitalization plus the fair value of our debt in determining the fair value of our
reporting unit and corroborate the results with the valuation model.
As a result of testing, the fair value of our business significantly exceeded the carrying value of net assets at
December 31, 2015 and we did not record an impairment charge for the periods ending December 31, 2015, 2014 or 2013.
We apply FASB ASC 410-20, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations ("ASC 410-20") to account for estimated
future plugging and abandonment costs. ASC 410-20 requires legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived
assets to be recognized at their estimated fair value at the time that the obligations are incurred. Upon initial recognition of a
liability, that cost is capitalized as part of the related long-lived asset and allocated to expense over the useful life of the asset.
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Our asset retirement obligations primarily represent the present value of the estimated amount we will incur to plug, abandon
and remediate our proved producing properties at the end of their productive lives, in accordance with applicable state laws.
The following is a reconciliation of our asset retirement obligations for the periods indicated:
December 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Asset retirement obligations at beginning of period ................. $ 36,755 $ 42,954 $ 61,864
Activity during the period: ........................................................
Liabilities incurred during the period ..................................... 881 576 514
Revisions in estimated assumptions ....................................... 3,215 — 1,268
Liabilities settled during the period ........................................ (293) (33) (187)
Adjustment to liability due to acquisitions ............................. 180 107 5,566
Adjustment to liability due to divestitures (1) ........................ (1,367) (9,539) (28,585)
Accretion of discount.............................................................. 2,277 2,690 2,514
Asset retirement obligations at end of period ........................... 41,648 36,755 42,954
Less current portion .................................................................. 845 1,769 191
Long-term portion ..................................................................... $ 40,803 $ 34,986 $ 42,763
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2014, the adjustment to liability due to divestitures consisted primarily of $9.4 million
from the sale of our interest in Compass. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the adjustment to liability due to
divestitures consisted primarily of $28.3 million from the contribution of our certain conventional assets to Compass.
Our asset retirement obligations are determined using discounted cash flow methodologies based on inputs and
assumptions developed by management. We do not have any assets that are legally restricted for purposes of settling asset
retirement obligations.
We use the sales method of accounting for oil and natural gas revenues. Under the sales method, revenues are recognized
based on actual volumes of oil and natural gas sold to purchasers. Gas imbalances at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were
not significant.
We generally sell oil and natural gas under two types of agreements which are common in our industry. Both types of
agreements include a transportation charge. One is a net-back arrangement, under which we sell oil or natural gas at the
wellhead and collect a price, net of the transportation incurred by the purchaser. In this case, we record sales at the price
received from the purchaser, net of the transportation costs. Under the other arrangement, we sell oil or natural gas at a specific
delivery point, pay transportation to a third party and receive proceeds from the purchaser with no transportation deduction. In
this case, we record the transportation cost as gathering and transportation expense. As such, our computed realized prices,
before the impact of derivative financial instruments, include revenues which are reported under two separate bases. Gathering
and transportation expenses totaled $99.3 million, $101.6 million and $100.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013, respectively.
As part of our proved developed oil and natural gas properties, we capitalize a portion of salaries and related share-based
compensation for employees who are directly involved in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of oil and
natural gas properties. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we capitalized $10.6 million, $15.8 million
and $18.2 million, respectively. The capitalized amounts include $3.4 million, $5.5 million and $7.3 million of share-based
compensation for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
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Overhead reimbursement fees
We have classified fees from overhead charges billed to working interest owners of $13.1 million, $13.5 million and
$10.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, as a reduction of general and administrative
expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classified our share of these charges as oil and
natural gas production costs in the amount of $5.7 million, $6.4 million and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
In addition, we have agreements with BG Group that allow us to bill each other certain personnel costs and related fees
incurred on behalf of the joint ventures in the East Texas, North Louisiana and Appalachia regions. In connection with the
formation of Compass, we entered into an agreement to perform certain operational, managerial, and administrative services.
Compass reimbursed us for costs incurred in connection with the performance of these services based on an agreed upon
service fee. As a result of the Compass sale, this agreement was terminated on October 31, 2014 and we entered into a
customary transition services agreement pursuant to which EXCO provided certain transition services to Compass until April
2015. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, general and administrative expenses were reduced by $15.9
million, $24.7 million and $26.8 million, respectively, for recoveries of fees for our personnel and services provided to our joint
ventures and other partners. These recoveries are net of fees charged to us by BG Group for their personnel and services.
Environmental costs
Environmental costs that relate to current operations are expensed as incurred. Remediation costs that relate to an
existing condition caused by past operations are accrued when it is probable that those costs will be incurred and can be
reasonably estimated based upon evaluations of currently available facts related to each site.
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"), under which deferred
income taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities using the enacted statutory tax rates in effect at year-end. The effect
on deferred taxes for a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation
allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not
be realized.
We account for earnings per share in accordance with FASB ASC 260-10, Earnings Per Share ("ASC 260-10"). ASC
260-10 requires companies to present two calculations of earnings per share ("EPS"); basic and diluted. Basic EPS is based on
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding stock options, restricted share units,
restricted share awards and warrants. Diluted EPS is computed in the same manner as basic EPS after assuming the issuance of
common shares for all potentially dilutive common share equivalents, which include stock options, restricted share units,
restricted share awards and warrants, whether exercisable or not. Our diluted EPS for the year ended December 31, 2013 also
included subscription rights which were the result of the rights offering of our common shares as discussed in "Note 15. Rights
Offering and other equity transactions".
Equity-based compensation
Our equity-based compensation includes share-based compensation to employees which we account for in accordance
with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation ("ASC 718") and equity-based compensation for warrants
issued to ESAS which we account for in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees
("ASC 505-50").
ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, restricted share
units and restricted share awards, to be recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Operations based on their estimated fair
values. We recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the option, restricted share unit or restricted
share award. We capitalize part of our share-based compensation that is attributable to our acquisition, exploration,
exploitation and development activities.
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Our 2005 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan ("2005 Incentive Plan") provides for the granting of options
and other equity incentive awards of our common shares in accordance with terms within the agreements. New shares will be
issued for any options exercised or awards granted. Under the 2005 Incentive Plan, we have only issued stock options,
restricted share units and restricted share awards, although the plan allows for other share-based awards.
The measurement of the warrants is accounted for in accordance with ASC 505-50, which requires the warrants to be re-
measured each interim reporting period until the completion of the services under the agreement and an adjustment is recorded
in our Consolidated Statements of Operations included as equity-based compensation expense. See "Note. 11. Equity-based
compensation" for additional information on the warrants issued to ESAS.
In April 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest
(Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires that debt
issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying
amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2015-03, we recognized debt
issuance costs as assets on our balance sheet. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not
affected by ASU 2015-03. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and
early adoption is permitted. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic
835-30): Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements
("ASU 2015-15"). ASU 2015-15 clarifies that the SEC would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance
costs related to a line-of-credit arrangement as an asset on the balance sheet. We adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 in
the fourth quarter of 2015 and applied the new guidance retrospectively to all periods presented. The adoption of ASU 2015-03
and ASU 2015-15 resulted in certain reclassifications of debt issuance costs on our balance sheets. See "Note 5. Debt" for
additional information.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting
for Measurement-Period Adjustments ("ASU 2015-16"). ASU 2015-16 requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to
provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts
are determined. The amendments in this update require that the acquirer record, in the same period’s financial statements, the
effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the
provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The amendments in this update
require an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes the portion of the amount
recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment
to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. ASU 2015-16 is effective for annual and interim
periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and early adoption is permitted. We will apply this guidance to business
combinations, when applicable, occurring after the effective date of ASU 2015-16.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of
Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"). Prior to ASU 2015-17, GAAP required an entity to separate deferred income tax asset and
liabilities into current and noncurrent amounts on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 requires that all deferred tax assets and
liabilities, along with any related valuation allowance, be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is
effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-17
may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax assets and liabilities or retrospectively to all periods presented. We
adopted ASU 2015-17 in 2015 and applied the guidance retrospectively which resulted in the reclassification of $35.9 million
of net current deferred income tax liabilities to noncurrent as of December 31, 2014. The requirement that deferred tax
liabilities and assets be offset and presented as a single amount was not affected by this amendment. See "Note 12. Income
taxes" for further discussion and application of ASU 2015-17 to prior period information.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). The main difference
between the current requirement under GAAP and ASU 2016-02 is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees
for those leases classified as operating leases. ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize in the statement of financial
position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the
underlying asset for the lease term (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability will be equal
to the present value of lease payments. The asset will be based on the liability, subject to adjustment, such as for initial direct
costs. For income statement purposes, the FASB retained a dual model, requiring leases to be classified as either operating or
finance. Operating leases will result in straight-line expense (similar to current operating leases) while finance leases will
result in a front-loaded expense pattern (similar to current capital leases). Classification will be based on criteria that are
largely similar to those applied in current lease accounting. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the
accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after
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December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02 must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition,
and provides for certain practical expedients. Transaction will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the
earliest comparative period presented. We are currently assessing the potential impact of ASU 2016-02 and expect it will have
a material impact on our consolidated financial condition and results of operations upon adoption.
2015 Acquisitions
We have a participation agreement with a joint venture partner for the development of certain assets in the Eagle Ford
shale ("Participation Agreement"). The Participation Agreement requires us to offer to purchase our joint venture partner's
working interest in wells that have been on production for at least one year. The offers are made on a quarterly basis for a
group of wells based on prices defined in the Participation Agreement, subject to specific well criteria and return hurdles.
We closed the first acquisition of our joint venture partner's interest in 3 gross (1.4 net) wells on March 11, 2015 for a
total purchase price of $7.6 million. Our joint venture partner did not accept our second offer for 10 gross (5.2 net) wells in July
2015. The wells included in the offer did not meet the specified return hurdle in the Participation Agreement; therefore, our
joint venture partner was not required to sell us the wells included in this offer.
During the fourth quarter of 2015, our Eagle Ford joint venture partner purported to accept our third quarterly offer under
the Participation Agreement to purchase interests in 21 gross (10.3 net) wells for $42.7 million, subject to purchase price
adjustments subsequent to the effective date of June 30, 2015. We notified our joint venture partner that we do not intend to
close this acquisition and our joint venture partner filed a petition for injunctive relief and damages alleging that, among other
things, we breached our obligation under the Participation Agreement. The court denied our joint venture partner’s motion for
injunctive relief and their request to restrain us from disbursing proceeds from the production of the assets. We filed a
counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that, among other things, we are not obligated to purchase the disputed wells as
our partner's purported acceptance had not been received in a timely manner under the terms of the Participation Agreement. In
addition, quarterly offers four and five are also now in dispute for various reasons. We cannot estimate or predict the outcome
of the litigation with the our joint venture partner and we may not have sufficient funds or borrowing capacity under the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement to complete any acquisitions pursuant to the Participation Agreement or pay any damages for
failure to complete a purchase that a court may determine, including the wells related to the claim by our joint venture partner.
In the event we fail to purchase a group of wells that we are required to make an offer on, there are remedies available to our
joint venture partner which allow them to reject our future offers, terminate the Participation Agreement, remove EXCO as the
operator or pursue other legal remedies.
2014 Divestitures
On March 24, 2014, we closed a purchase and sale agreement with a private party for the sale of our interest in certain
non-operated assets in the Permian Basin including producing wells and undeveloped acreage for approximately $68.2 million,
after final purchase price adjustments. The effective date of the transaction was January 1, 2014. Proceeds from the sale were
used to reduce indebtedness under our credit agreement ("EXCO Resources Credit Agreement").
Compass divestiture
On October 31, 2014, we closed the sale of our entire interest in Compass to Harbinger Group, Inc. ("HGI") for $118.8
million in cash. We used a portion of the proceeds to reduce indebtedness under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. Prior
to the closing of the sale, we reported our 25.5% interest in Compass using proportional consolidation. Our consolidated assets
and liabilities were reduced by our proportionate share of Compass's net assets of $31.4 million which included our
proportionate share of the Compass's indebtedness of $83.2 million on October 31, 2014. The sale of our interest in Compass
did not significantly alter the relationship between our capitalized costs and proved reserves and was accounted for as an
adjustment of capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized in accordance with Rule 4-10(c)(6)(i) of Regulation S-X. As a
result, our capitalized costs were further reduced by $87.4 million. Following the closing, EXCO was no longer required to
offer acquisition opportunities to Compass or any of its affiliates.
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Compass
On February 14, 2013, we formed Compass. Pursuant to the agreements governing the transaction, we contributed our
conventional shallow producing assets in East Texas and North Louisiana and our shallow Canyon Sand and other assets in the
Permian Basin of West Texas to Compass, in exchange for net cash proceeds of $574.8 million, after final purchase price
adjustments, and a 25.5% economic interest in the partnership. HGI's economic interest in Compass was 74.5% at its
formation.
The contribution of oil and natural gas properties to Compass significantly altered the relationship between our
capitalized costs and proved reserves. In accordance with full cost accounting rules, we recorded a gain of $186.4 million, net
of a proportionate reduction in goodwill of $55.1 million, for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Immediately following the closing, Compass entered into an agreement to purchase the remaining shallow Cotton Valley
assets in North Louisiana from an affiliate of BG Group for $130.7 million, after final purchase price adjustments. The assets
acquired as a result of this transaction represented an incremental working interest in properties owned by Compass. The
transaction closed on March 5, 2013 and was funded with borrowings from Compass's credit agreement.
On March 13, 2013, we closed a sale and joint development agreement with a private party for the sale of an undivided
50% of our interest in certain undeveloped acreage in the Permian Basin. The private party was designated as the operator
under the joint development agreement. We received $37.9 million in cash, after final closing adjustments.
We closed the acquisition of the Eagle Ford assets on July 31, 2013 for a purchase price of $661.8 million, after final
purchase price adjustments. The acquisition included certain producing wells and non-producing oil, natural gas and mineral
leases in the Eagle Ford shale in the counties of Zavala, Dimmit and Frio in South Texas. These properties initially included
operated interests in 120 wells on approximately 53,500 net acres. In connection with the acquisition of the Eagle Ford assets,
we entered into a farm-out agreement with Chesapeake covering acreage adjacent to the acquired properties. Pursuant to the
terms of the farm-out agreement, Chesapeake retains an overriding royalty interest in wells drilled on acreage covered by the
farm-out agreement, with an option to convert the overriding royalty interest to a working interest at payout of the well.
We accounted for the acquisitions in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The following
table presents a summary of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed as part of the Haynesville and Eagle Ford
acquisitions based on the final settlement statements as of July 12, 2013 and July 31, 2013, respectively:
We performed a valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the respective acquisition dates. A
summary of the key inputs are as follows:
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Oil and Natural Gas Properties - The fair value allocated to proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties was
$285.2 million for the Haynesville assets and $665.5 million for the Eagle Ford assets. The fair value of oil and natural gas
properties was determined based on a discounted cash flow model of the estimated reserves. The estimated quantities of
reserves utilized assumptions based on our internal geological, engineering and financial data. We utilized NYMEX forward
strip prices to value the reserves, then applied various discount rates depending on the classification of reserves and other risk
characteristics.
Asset Retirement Obligations - The fair value allocated to asset retirement obligations was $0.6 million for the
Haynesville assets and $3.1 million for the Eagle Ford assets. These asset retirement obligations represent the present value of
the estimated amount to be incurred to plug, abandon and remediate our proved producing properties at the end of their
productive lives, in accordance with applicable state laws. The fair value was determined based on a discounted cash flow
model, which included assumptions of the estimated current abandonment costs, discount rate, inflation rate, and timing
associated with the incurrence of these costs.
Revenues and royalties payable and accounts payable and accrued liabilities - The fair value was equivalent to the
carrying amount because of the short-term nature of these liabilities.
Under the Participation Agreement, EXCO is required to offer to purchase our joint venture partner's working interest in
wells drilled that have been on production for approximately one year. These offers will be made on a quarterly basis for groups
of wells based on a price defined in the Participation Agreement, subject to specific well criteria and return hurdles. Our joint
venture partner has the right to participate in certain wells drilled in the Eagle Ford shale outside of the core area, as defined
under the Participation Agreement, however these wells are not included as part of the acquisition program. If our joint venture
partner elects to participate in certain wells outside of our core area, we will share equally in the working interest of the well.
TGGT transaction
On November 15, 2013, EXCO and BG Group closed the conveyance of 100% of the equity interests in TGGT to Azure
Midstream Holdings LLC ("Azure"). We received $240.2 million in net cash proceeds at the closing and an equity interest in
Azure of approximately 4%. We recorded an equity investment of $13.4 million, net of a discount for a control premium, in
Azure which is accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Investments accounted for by the cost method are tested for
impairment if an impairment indicator is present. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded an other than
temporary impairment of $2.9 million to our investment in Azure. See "Note 6. Fair value measurements" for further
discussion.
At the closing of the agreement, EXCO and BG Group agreed to deliver to Azure’s gathering systems an aggregate
minimum volume commitment of 600,000 Mmbtu/day of natural gas production from the Holly and Shelby fields over a five
year period. The minimum volume commitment may be satisfied with (i) production of EXCO, BG Group and each of their
respective affiliates, (ii) production of joint venture partners of either EXCO, BG Group or their affiliates, and (iii) production
of non-operating working interest owners to the extent EXCO, BG Group, and each of their respective affiliates or its joint
venture partner controls such production. If there is a shortfall to the minimum volume commitment in any year, then EXCO
and BG Group are severally responsible for paying to Azure a shortfall payment in an amount equal to the amount of the
shortfall (calculated on an annualized basis) times $0.40 per Mmbtu. EXCO and BG Group are entitled to credit 25% of any
production volumes delivered in excess of the minimum volume commitment during any year to the subsequent year.
We used all of the cash proceeds from the sale of TGGT to reduce outstanding borrowings under the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement. We recorded an other than temporary impairment of $86.8 million to our investment in TGGT during 2013
as a result of the carrying value exceeding the fair value.
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4. Derivative financial instruments
Our primary objective in entering into derivative financial instruments is to manage our exposure to commodity price
fluctuations, protect our returns on investments and achieve a more predictable cash flow from operations. These transactions
limit exposure to declines in commodity prices, but also limit the benefits we would realize if commodity prices increase.
When prices for oil and natural gas are volatile, a significant portion of the effect of our derivative financial instrument
management activities consists of non-cash income or expense due to changes in the fair value of our derivative financial
instruments. Cash losses or gains only arise from payments made or received on monthly settlements of contracts or if we
terminate a contract prior to its expiration. We do not designate our derivative financial instruments as hedging instruments for
financial accounting purposes and, as a result, we recognize the change in the respective instruments’ fair value in earnings.
The table below outlines the classification of our derivative financial instruments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets
and their financial impact on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Settlements in the normal course of maturities of our derivative financial instrument contracts result in cash receipts
from, or cash disbursements to, our derivative contract counterparties. Changes in the fair value of our derivative financial
instrument contracts, which includes both cash settlements and non-cash changes in fair value, are included in earnings with a
corresponding increase or decrease in the Consolidated Balance Sheets fair value amounts.
At December 31, 2015, our oil and natural gas derivative instruments were comprised of swap contracts which allow us
to receive a fixed price and pay a floating market price to the counterparty for the hedged commodity.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we settled our remaining basis swap contracts and our remaining call option contracts
expired. Basis swaps allowed us to receive a fixed price differential between market indices for oil prices based on the delivery
point. Our oil basis swaps typically had a positive differential to NYMEX WTI oil prices. Call options gave our trading
counterparties the right, but not the obligation, to buy an agreed quantity of oil or natural gas from us at a certain time and price
in the future. At the time of settlement, if the market price exceeded the fixed price of the call option, we paid the counterparty
the excess. If the market price settled below the fixed price of the call option, no payment was due from either party. In
exchange for selling this option, we received upfront proceeds which we used to obtain a higher fixed price on our swaps.
These transactions were conducted contemporaneously with a single counterparty and resulted in a net cashless transaction.
A three-way collar is a combination of options including a sold call, a purchased put and a sold put. In the fourth quarter
of 2015, we converted all of our remaining 2016 three-way collars to fixed-price swaps covering 10,980 Bbtu of natural gas at
an average price of $2.78 per Mmbtu. These transactions were conducted contemporaneously with the same counterparties and
resulted in a net cashless transaction.
We place our derivative financial instruments with the financial institutions that are lenders under our respective credit
agreements that we believe have high quality credit ratings. To mitigate our risk of loss due to default, we have entered into
master netting agreements with counterparties to our derivative financial instruments that allow us to offset our asset position
with our liability position in the event of a default by the counterparty.
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The following table presents the volumes and fair value of our oil and natural gas derivative financial instruments as of
December 31, 2015:
At December 31, 2014, we had outstanding swap, call option and three-way collar contracts covering 42,888 Bbtu,
20,075 Bbtu and 38,355 Bbtu, respectively, of natural gas and we had outstanding swap, basis swap and call option contracts
covering 1,095 Mbbls, 91 Mbbls and 365 Mbbls, respectively, of oil.
At December 31, 2015, the average forward NYMEX WTI oil price per Bbl for the calendar year 2016 was $40.97 and
the average forward NYMEX HH natural gas prices per Mmbtu for the calendar years 2016, 2017 and 2018 were $2.50, $2.79
and $2.91, respectively.
Our derivative financial instruments covered approximately 68% and 69% of production volumes for the years ended
December 31, 2015 and 2014.
5. Debt
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December 31, 2015
Unamortized
discount/
Carrying Deferred reduction deferred Principal
(in thousands) value in carrying value financing costs balance
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement................................................. $ 67,492 $ — $ — $ 67,492
Exchange Term Loan ........................................................................ 641,172 (241,172) — 400,000
Fairfax Term Loan............................................................................. 300,000 — — 300,000
2018 Notes ........................................................................................ 157,083 — 932 158,015
2022 Notes ........................................................................................ 222,826 — — 222,826
Deferred financing costs, net ............................................................ (18,294) — 18,294 —
Total debt........................................................................................... $ 1,370,279 $ (241,172) $ 19,226 $ 1,148,333
Terms and conditions of each of these debt obligations are discussed below.
Recent transactions
On October 26, 2015, we closed a 12.5% senior secured second lien term loan with certain affiliates of Fairfax Financial
Holdings Limited ("Fairfax") in the aggregate principal amount $300.0 million (“Fairfax Term Loan”). We used the proceeds
from the Fairfax Term Loan to repay outstanding indebtedness under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. We also closed a
12.5% senior secured second lien term loan with certain unsecured noteholders in the aggregate principal amount of $291.3
million on October 26, 2015 and $108.7 million on November 4, 2015 (“Exchange Term Loan,” and together with the Fairfax
Term Loan, “Second Lien Term Loans”). The proceeds from the Exchange Term Loan were used to repurchase a portion of the
outstanding 7.5% senior unsecured notes due September 15, 2018 ("2018 Notes") and 8.5% senior unsecured notes due April
15, 2022 ("2022 Notes") in exchange for the holders of such notes agreeing to act as lenders in connection with the Exchange
Term Loan. The exchange was accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring pursuant to FASB ASC 470-60, Troubled Debt
Restructuring by Debtors. We have determined that the future undiscounted cash flows from the Exchange Term Loan through
its maturity were less than the carrying amounts of the retired 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes. As a result, we have adjusted our
carrying amount of the Exchange Term Loan to equal the total future cash payments, including interest and principal, which
resulted in a net gain on the restructuring of debt of $165.1 million included in Gain on restructuring and extinguishment of
debt in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Subsequently, all cash payments under the terms of the Exchange Term
Loan, whether designated as interest or as principal amount, will reduce the carrying amount and no interest expense will be
recognized. As such, our reported interest expense will be less than the contractual payments throughout the term of the
Exchange Term Loan.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we repurchased $40.8 million in principal of the 2018 Notes through open market
purchases with $12.0 million in cash. The open market repurchases resulted in a $28.2 million net gain on extinguishment of
debt which is included in Gain on restructuring and extinguishment of debt in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. The
net gain included an acceleration of the related deferred financing costs and notes discount. Additionally, in February 2016, we
repurchased $9.5 million and $39.9 million in principal of the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes, respectively, with $6.7 million in
cash. See further discussion of the Second Lien Term Loans and the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes repurchases below.
At December 31, 2015, the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement had $67.5 million of outstanding indebtedness, $375.0
million of available borrowing base and $300.9 million of unused borrowing base, net of letters of credit. The maturity date of
the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement is July 31, 2018. The interest rate grid for the revolving commitment under the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement ranges from LIBOR plus 225 bps to 325 bps (or alternate base rate ("ABR") plus 125 bps to 225
bps), depending on our borrowing base usage. On December 31, 2015, our interest rate was approximately 3.3% on the
revolving commitment.
As of December 31, 2015, we were in compliance with the financial covenants (each as defined in the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement), which required that we:
• maintain a consolidated current ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter;
• maintain a ratio of consolidated EBITDAX to consolidated interest expense ("Interest Coverage Ratio") of at least
1.25 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. The consolidated interest expense utilized in the Interest Coverage
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Ratio is calculated in accordance with GAAP; therefore, this excludes cash payments under the terms of the
Exchange Term Loan, whether designated as interest or as face amount, that reduce the carrying amount and are not
recognized as interest expense; and
• not permit our ratio of senior secured indebtedness to consolidated EBITDAX ("Senior Secured Indebtedness
Ratio"), to be greater than 2.5 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. Senior secured indebtedness utilized in the
Senior Secured Indebtedness Ratio excludes the Second Lien Term Loans and any other indebtedness subordinated
to the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement.
On October 19, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement that, among other
things, reduced the borrowing base from $600.0 million to $375.0 million, effective upon the issuance of the Second Lien Term
Loans. The amendment also amended the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement such that, upon our incurrence of second or third
lien debt, including the Second Lien Term Loans, the revolving commitments under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement
were automatically reduced to $375.0 million. The Second Lien Term Loans limit the issuance of priority lien indebtedness to a
maximum of $500.0 million without prior written consent of the administrative agent of the Fairfax Term Loan. In addition, the
amendment provides that, with respect to the issuance of any second or third lien debt following the incurrence of the Second
Lien Loans, if the issuance of such debt causes the aggregate principal amount of our second or third lien debt to exceed $900.0
million, the borrowing base will be further reduced. The requirement to comply with the leverage ratio maintenance covenant
(as defined in the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement) was terminated as a result of the amendment.
The borrowing base under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement remains subject to semi-annual review and
redetermination by the lenders pursuant to the terms of the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, and the next scheduled
redetermination of the borrowing base is set to occur in March 2016.
The majority of our subsidiaries are guarantors under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. The EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement permits investments, loans and advances to the unrestricted subsidiaries related to our joint ventures with
certain limitations, and allows us to repurchase up to $200.0 million of our common shares, of which $7.6 million has been
repurchased to date. The 16,621 shares and 38,821 shares repurchased in 2015 and 2014, respectively, were tendered by
employees to satisfy minimum tax withholding amounts for restricted share awards.
Borrowings under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement are collateralized by first lien mortgages providing a security
interest of not less than 80% of the engineered value, as defined in the agreement, in our oil and natural gas properties covered
by the borrowing base. We are permitted to have derivative financial instruments covering no more than 100% of forecasted
production from total Proved Reserves, as defined in the agreement, for any month during the first two years of the
forthcoming five-year period, 90% of forecasted production from total Proved Reserves for any month during the third year of
the forthcoming five-year period and 85% of forecasted production from total Proved Reserves for any month during the fourth
and fifth years of the forthcoming five-year period.
Each of the Second Lien Term Loans matures on October 26, 2020 and bears interest at a rate of 12.5% per annum, which
is payable on the last day in each calendar quarter. The Second Lien Term Loans are guaranteed by substantially all of EXCO’s
subsidiaries, with the exception of certain non-guarantor subsidiaries and our jointly-held equity investments with BG Group,
and are secured by second-priority liens on substantially all of EXCO’s assets securing the indebtedness under the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement. The Second Lien Term Loans rank (i) junior to the debt under the EXCO Resources Credit
Agreement and any other priority lien obligations, (ii) pari passu to one another and (iii) effectively senior to all of our existing
and future unsecured senior indebtedness, including the 2018 Notes and the 2022 Notes, to the extent of the collateral.
The agreements governing the Second Lien Term Loans contain covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit our
ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:
• pay dividends or make other distributions or redeem or repurchase our common shares;
• prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt;
• enter into agreements restricting the subsidiary guarantors’ ability to pay dividends to us or another subsidiary
guarantor, make loans or advances to us or transfer assets to us;
• engage in asset sales or substantially alter the business that the we conduct;
• enter into transactions with affiliates;
• consolidate, merge or dispose of assets;
• incur liens; and
• enter into sale/leaseback transactions.
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In addition, the term loan agreement governing the Exchange Term Loan prohibits us from incurring, among other things
and subject to certain exceptions:
• debt under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement in excess of the greatest of (i) $375.0 million plus an amount
equal to six and two-thirds percent of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding indebtedness under the
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement for over-advances to protect collateral, (ii) the borrowing base under the EXCO
Resources Credit Agreement or (iii) 30% of modified adjusted consolidated net tangible assets (as defined in the
agreement);
• second lien debt in excess of $700.0 million; and
• unsecured debt where on the date of such incurrence or after giving effect to such incurrence, our consolidated
coverage ratio (as defined in the agreement) is or would be less than 2.25 to 1.0.
The term loan agreement governing the Fairfax Term Loan prohibits us from incurring, among other things and subject to
certain exceptions:
• debt under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement in excess of $375.0 million plus an amount equal to six and two-
thirds percent of the aggregate principal amount of our outstanding indebtedness under the EXCO Resources Credit
Agreement for over-advances to protect collateral, provided that such indebtedness may not exceed $500.0 million,
unless we obtain consent from the administrative agent;
• second lien debt, other than the Exchange Term Loan, in excess of (i) $400.0 million prior to December 31, 2015 and
(ii) an amount to be agreed upon with the administrative agent after December 31, 2015;
• junior lien debt, unless such debt is being used to refinance the 2018 Notes or the 2022 Notes or the terms and
conditions of such junior lien debt are approved by the administrative agent; and
• unsecured debt, unless we obtain consent from the administrative agent.
In connection with the Second Lien Term Loans, on October 26, 2015, EXCO entered into an intercreditor agreement
governing the relationship between EXCO’s lenders and the holders of any other lien obligations that EXCO may issue in the
future and a collateral trust agreement governing the administration and maintenance of the collateral securing the Second Lien
Term Loans.
2018 Notes
The 2018 Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by a majority of EXCO’s subsidiaries, with the exception of
certain non-guarantor subsidiaries and our jointly-held equity investments with BG Group. Our equity investments with BG
Group, other than OPCO, have been designated as unrestricted subsidiaries under the indenture governing the 2018 Notes.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, EXCO repurchased an aggregate $551.2 million of the 2018 Notes in exchange for certain
holders of the 2018 Notes to act as lenders under the Exchange Term Loan. Additionally, we repurchased $40.8 million in
principal amount of the 2018 Notes with $12.0 million in cash through open market purchases in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Additionally, in February 2016, we repurchased $9.5 million in principal amount of the 2018 Notes with $2.2 million in cash.
The 2018 Notes repurchased will be canceled by the trustee following customary settlement procedures. As a result of the
repurchases, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2018 Notes was reduced to $148.5 million as of February 25, 2016.
Interest accrues at 7.5% and is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15th and September 15th of each year.
The indenture governing the 2018 Notes contains covenants, which may limit our ability and the ability of our restricted
subsidiaries to:
• incur or guarantee additional debt and issue certain types of preferred shares;
• pay dividends on our capital stock or redeem, repurchase or retire our capital stock or subordinated debt;
• make certain investments;
• create liens on our assets;
• enter into sale/leaseback transactions;
• create restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other payments to us;
• engage in transactions with our affiliates;
• transfer or issue shares of stock of subsidiaries;
• transfer or sell assets; and
• consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries.
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On November 25, 2015, the Company obtained the requisite consents to amend the indenture governing the 2018 Notes.
Following the receipt of the requisite consents, EXCO entered into a supplemental indenture which, among other things,
eliminated the reduction in the amount of secured indebtedness permitted under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement upon
principal payments which results in a permanent reduction in borrowing capacity of EXCO. As a result, the amount of secured
indebtedness permitted under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement cannot exceed the greater of $1.2 billion or a calculation
based on the value of our assets.
2022 Notes
The 2022 Notes were issued at 100.0% of the principal amount and bear interest at a rate of 8.5% per annum, payable in
arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. On November 4, 2015, EXCO completed a repurchase of $277.2 million of
the 2022 Notes in exchange for certain holders of the 2022 Notes to act as lenders under the Exchange Term Loan.
Additionally, in February 2016, we repurchased $39.9 million in principal amount of the 2022 Notes with $4.5 million in cash.
The 2022 Notes repurchased will be canceled by the trustee following customary settlement procedures. As a result of the note
repurchase, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2022 Notes was reduced to $182.9 million as of February 25, 2016.
The 2022 Notes rank equally in right of payment to any existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the
Company (including the 2018 Notes) and are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by EXCO’s consolidated subsidiaries that
are guarantors of the indebtedness under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. The 2022 Notes were issued under the same
base indenture governing the 2018 Notes and the supplemental indenture governing the 2022 Notes contains similar covenants
to those in the supplemental indenture governing the 2018 Notes.
The foregoing descriptions are not complete and are qualified in their entirety by the EXCO Resources Credit
Agreement, the indenture governing the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes and the agreements governing the Second Lien Term
Loans.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, we adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 and reclassified deferred financing costs
related to the 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and Second Lien Term Loans from an asset to a contra-liability account on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets and reflected the change retrospectively in the table above. Deferred financing costs related to the
EXCO Resources Credit Agreement will be classified as an asset as allowed by ASU 2015-15.
While we believe our existing capital resources, including our cash flow from operations and borrowing capacity under
the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, are sufficient to conduct our operations through 2016 and into 2017, there are certain
risks arising from depressed oil and natural gas prices and declines in production volumes that could impact our liquidity and
ability to meet debt covenants in future periods. Our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants may be negatively
impacted when oil and/or natural gas prices remain depressed for an extended period of time. Reductions in our borrowing
capacity as a result of a redetermination to our borrowing base could have an impact on our capital resources and liquidity. The
borrowing base redetermination process considers assumptions related to future commodity prices; therefore, our borrowing
capacity could be negatively impacted by further declines in oil and natural gas prices. Accordingly, our ability to effectively
execute our corporate strategies and manage our operating, general and administrative expenses and capital expenditure
programs is critical to our financial condition, liquidity and our results of operations.
If we are not able to meet our debt covenants in future periods, or if our borrowing base is significantly reduced, we
may be required but unable to refinance all or part of our existing debt, sell assets, borrow more money or raise equity on terms
acceptable to us, if at all, and may be required to surrender assets pursuant to the security provisions of the EXCO Resources
Credit Agreement and the Second Lien Term Loans. Further, failing to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants
in the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement, 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and the Second Lien Term Loans could result in an event
of default, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We value our derivatives and other financial instruments according to FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and
Disclosures, which defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability
("exit price") in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market
participants on the measurement date.
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We categorize the inputs used in measuring fair value into a three-tier fair value hierarchy. These tiers include:
Level 1 – Observable inputs, such as quoted market prices in active markets, for substantially identical assets and
liabilities.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 for similar assets and liabilities. These include
quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable
market data. If the asset or liability has a specified or contractual term, the input must be observable for substantially
the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity, generally requiring development of
fair value assumptions by management.
The fair value of our derivative financial instruments may be different from the settlement value based on company-
specific inputs, such as credit rating, futures markets and forward curves, and readily available buyers or sellers. During the
years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 there were no changes in the fair value level classifications. The following table
presents a summary of the estimated fair value of our derivative financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.
December 31, 2015
(in thousands) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Oil and natural gas derivative financial instruments................................. $ — $ 45,592 $ — $ 45,592
We evaluate derivative assets and liabilities in accordance with master netting agreements with the derivative
counterparties, but report them on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Net derivative asset values are
determined primarily by quoted futures prices and utilization of the counterparties’ credit-adjusted risk-free rate curves and net
derivative liabilities are determined by utilization of our credit-adjusted risk-free rate curve. The credit-adjusted risk-free rates
of our counterparties are based on an independent market-quoted credit default swap rate curve for the counterparties’ debt plus
the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") curve as of the end of the reporting period. Our credit-adjusted risk-free rate is
based on the blended rate of independent market-quoted credit default swap rate curves for companies that have the same credit
rating as us plus the LIBOR curve as of the end of the reporting period.
The valuation of our commodity price derivatives, represented by oil and natural gas swaps, basis swaps, call option and
three-way collar contracts, is discussed below.
Oil derivatives. Our oil derivatives historically consisted of swap, basis swap and call option contracts for notional Bbls
of oil at fixed (in the case of swap and basis swap contracts) or interval (in the case of call option contracts) NYMEX oil index
prices. The asset and liability values attributable to our oil derivatives as of the end of the reporting period are based on (i) the
contracted notional volumes, (ii) independent active NYMEX futures price quotes for oil index prices, (iii) the applicable
credit-adjusted risk-free rate curve, as described above, and (iv) the implied rate of volatility inherent in the call option
contracts. The implied rates of volatility were determined based on average NYMEX oil index prices.
Natural gas derivatives. Our natural gas derivatives historically consisted of swap, three-way collar and call option
contracts for notional Mmbtus of natural gas at posted price indexes, including NYMEX HH swap and option contracts. The
asset and liability values attributable to our natural gas derivatives as of the end of the reporting period are based on (i) the
contracted notional volumes, (ii) independent active NYMEX futures price quotes for HH for natural gas swaps, (iii) the
applicable credit-adjusted risk-free rate curve, as described above and (iv) the implied rate of volatility inherent in the option
contracts. The implied rates of volatility were determined based on average HH natural gas prices.
See further details on the fair value of our derivative financial instruments in “Note 4. Derivative financial instruments”.
Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and payable and accrued liabilities.
The carrying amount of these instruments approximates fair value because of their short-term nature.
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The carrying values of our borrowings under the revolving commitment of the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement
approximates fair value, as it is subject to short-term floating interest rates that approximate the rates available to us for those
periods.
The estimated fair values of our 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes, Exchange Term Loan and Fairfax Term Loan are presented
below. The estimated fair values of the 2018 Notes and 2022 Notes have been calculated based on quoted prices in active
markets. The estimated fair values of the Exchange Term Loan and the Fairfax Term Loan have been calculated based on
quoted prices obtained from third-party pricing sources and are classified as Level 2.
As of February 25, 2016, the estimated fair values of our 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes, Exchange Term Loan and Fairfax
Term Loan decreased to $25.2 million, $37.6 million, $178.0 million and $133.5 million, respectively. The estimated fair values
were calculated based on the aggregate outstanding principal balance for each respective instrument at December 31, 2015.
As discussed in "Note 2. Summary of significant accounting policies", we assess our unproved oil and natural gas
properties for potential impairment due to an other than temporary trend that would negatively impact the fair value. The
continued depressed oil and natural gas prices as well as longer-term commodity price outlooks provided indications of
possible impairment. During the year ended December 31, 2015, we impaired approximately $88.1 million of unproved
properties to reduce the carrying value to the fair value. These impairment charges were transferred to the depletable portion of
the full cost pool. We calculated the estimated fair value of our unproved properties based on the average cost per undeveloped
acre or the discounted cash flow models from our internally generated oil and natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2015.
The pricing utilized in the discounted cash flow models was based on NYMEX futures, adjusted for basis differentials. Our oil
and natural gas properties were further discounted based on the classification of the underlying reserves and management's
assessment of recoverability. The fair value measurements utilized include significant unobservable inputs that are considered
to be Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. These unobservable inputs include management's estimates of reserve quantities,
commodity prices, operating costs, development costs, discount factors and other risk factors applied to the future cash flows.
The average cost per undeveloped acre was based on recent comparable market transactions in each region.
We impaired $11.0 million of our equity method investment in a midstream company in the Appalachia region. The
impairment was primarily a result of limited development activity in the region, which is expected to reduce the future cash
flows associated with the gathering and transportation revenues of the entity. In addition, we impaired $2.9 million of our
investment in a midstream company in the East Texas and North Louisiana regions that we account for under the cost method
of accounting. Both of the impairments were recorded to reduce the carrying value to the fair value and are considered to be
Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value of our equity method investment was determined based on
trading metrics for peer companies and the discounted cash flow models from our internally generated oil and natural gas
reserves for the related properties as of December 31, 2015. The estimated fair value of our cost method investment was
determined based on trading metrics for peer companies.
7. Environmental regulation
Various federal, state and local laws and regulations covering discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment, may affect our operations and the costs of our oil and natural gas exploitation,
development and production operations. We do not anticipate that we will be required in the foreseeable future to expend
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amounts material in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole by reason of environmental laws and regulations.
Because these laws and regulations are constantly being changed, we are unable to predict the conditions and other factors over
which we do not exercise control that may give rise to environmental liabilities affecting us.
The following table presents our future minimum obligations under our commercial commitments as of December 31,
2015. The commitments do not include those of our equity method investments.
We have entered into firm transportation and gathering agreements with pipeline companies to facilitate sales from our
East Texas and North Louisiana production. Gathering and firm transportation services presented in the tables within this
footnote represent our gross commitments under these contracts and a portion of these costs will be incurred by working
interest and other owners. We report these costs as gathering and transportation expenses or as a reduction in total sales price
received from the purchaser. In addition, our variable rate firm transportation contracts do not have a minimum volume
commitment and are not included in the table above. As such, our gathering and firm transportation services presented in the
table above may not be representative of the amounts reported as gathering and transportation expenses in our Consolidated
Financial Statements.
We lease our offices and certain equipment. Our rental expenses were approximately $3.4 million, $5.1 million and $5.9
million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We have also entered into drilling rig contracts
primarily to develop our assets in the East Texas and North Louisiana regions. The actual drilling costs under these contracts
will be incurred by working interest owners in the development of the related properties. These contracts are short-term in
nature and are dependent on our planned drilling program.
Our other fixed commitments primarily consist of completion service contracts and marketing contracts in which we are
obligated to pay the buyer a fee if we fail to deliver minimum quantities of natural gas.
At December 31, 2015, our firm transportation and gathering agreements covered the following gross volumes of natural
gas:
Firm transportation
(in Bcf) services Gathering services
2016............................................................................................................... 270 110
2017............................................................................................................... 269 110
2018............................................................................................................... 269 100
2019............................................................................................................... 269 —
2020............................................................................................................... 177 —
Thereafter ...................................................................................................... 596 —
Total............................................................................................................... 1,850 320
In the ordinary course of business, we are periodically a party to lawsuits. From time to time, oil and natural gas
producers, including EXCO, have been named in various lawsuits alleging underpayment of royalties and the allocation of
production costs in connection with oil and natural gas sold. We have reserved our estimated exposure and do not believe it was
material to our current, or future, financial position or results of operations.
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We believe that we have properly reflected any potential exposure in our financial position when determined to be both
probable and estimable. See further discussion of the litigation related to the Participation Agreement as part of "Item 1A. Risk
Factors", "Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis".
We sponsor a 401(k) plan for our employees and matched 100% of employee contributions. Our matching contributions
were $5.2 million, $7.1 million and $8.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We
suspended our employer matching program for 2016 in response to depressed oil and natural gas prices.
The following table presents the basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share computations for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data) 2015 2014 2013
Basic net income (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss) ........................................................................................................ $ (1,192,381) $ 120,669 $ 22,204
Weighted average common shares outstanding.......................................................... 273,621 268,258 215,011
Net income (loss) per basic common share ................................................................ $ (4.36) $ 0.45 $ 0.10
Diluted net income (loss) per common share:
Net income (loss) ......................................................................................................... $ (1,192,381) $ 120,669 $ 22,204
Weighted average common shares outstanding......................................................... 273,621 268,258 215,011
Dilutive effect of:
Stock options .................................................................................................. — — —
Restricted shares and restricted share units .................................................... — 118 420
Warrants.......................................................................................................... — — —
Subscription rights .......................................................................................... — — 15,481
Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding ...... 273,621 268,376 230,912
Net income (loss) per diluted common share ............................................................. $ (4.36) $ 0.45 $ 0.10
The computation of diluted EPS excluded 39,544,192, 14,316,409 and 55,524,191 antidilutive common share
equivalents for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Description of plan
Our 2005 Incentive Plan is a shareholder-approved plan authorizing the issuance of up to 45,500,000 restricted shares,
restricted share units and stock options. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there were 17,773,172 and 19,763,916 shares,
respectively, available for issuance under the 2005 Incentive Plan. Option grants count as one share against the total number of
shares we have available for grant and restricted share grants count as 1.17 shares for awards granted before October 6, 2011,
2.1 shares for awards granted after October 6, 2011 and 1.74 shares for awards granted after June 11, 2013. The holders of
restricted shares, excluding certain market-based restricted share awards discussed below, have voting rights, and upon vesting,
the right to receive all accrued and unpaid dividends.
Stock options
Our outstanding stock option expiration dates range from 5 to 10 years following the date of grant and have a weighted
average remaining life of 3.4 years. Pursuant to the 2005 Incentive Plan, 25% of the options vest immediately with an
additional 25% to vest on each of the next three anniversaries of the date of the grant.
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The following table summarizes stock option activity related to our employees under the 2005 Incentive Plan for the
years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
The weighted average fair value of stock options on the date of the grant during the years ended December 31, 2014 and
2013 was $2.23 and $3.53, respectively. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised for the years ended December 31,
2014 and 2013 was $0.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The
exercise price of the options is based on the fair market value of the common shares on the date of grant. No options were
granted during 2015. The following assumptions were used for the options included in the table above, for the years ended
December 31:
2014 2013
Expected life ..................................................................................................... 7.5 years 3.8 to 7.5 years
Risk-free rate of return ..................................................................................... 2.25 - 2.61 % 0.48 - 2.49 %
Volatility........................................................................................................... 59.46 - 59.61 % 49.47 - 59.86 %
Dividend yield .................................................................................................. 3.36 - 4.34 % 2.27 - 3.87 %
Expected life was determined based on EXCO's exercise history. Risk-free rate of return is a rate of a similar term U.S.
Treasury zero coupon bond. Volatility was determined based on the weighted average of historical volatility of our common
shares and the daily closing prices from comparable public companies. Dividend yield was determined based on EXCO's
expected annual dividend and the market price of our common stock on the date of grant.
Our service-based restricted share awards are valued at the closing price of our common shares on the date of grant and
vest over a range of two to five years. A summary of our service-based restricted share activity for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
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Weighted average grant date fair
Shares value per share
Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2012 ................ 2,806,365 $ 10.16
Granted................................................................................. 556,700 7.15
Vested................................................................................... (832,706) 10.47
Forfeited ............................................................................... (602,045) 9.84
Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 ................ 1,928,314 $ 9.26
Granted................................................................................. 1,339,782 5.20
Vested................................................................................... (1,109,866) 9.79
Forfeited ............................................................................... (280,301) 6.89
Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2014 ................ 1,877,929 $ 6.40
Granted................................................................................. 4,414,470 1.05
Vested................................................................................... (847,446) 6.80
Forfeited ............................................................................... (903,383) 3.17
Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 ................ 4,541,570 $ 1.77
On August 13, 2013, EXCO’s officers were granted a market-based restricted share award with vesting dependent on the
Company's common share price achieving certain price targets. There were 290,200 shares outstanding on December 31, 2015,
including 145,100 shares that will be vested following any 30 consecutive trading days in which the company’s common stock
equals or exceeds $10.00 per share and 145,100 shares will be vested following any 30 consecutive trading days in which the
Company’s common shares equals or exceeds $15.00 per share ("Target Price Awards"). The shares expire on August 13, 2018
and are subject to vesting provisions depending on when the target price attainment date occurs. No such awards were granted
in 2015 or 2014 and no awards have vested to date.
On July 1, 2014, EXCO's officers were granted restricted share units ("RSU") which have a vesting percentage between
0% and 200% depending on EXCO's total shareholder return in comparison to an identified peer group. These units will vest
on the third anniversary of the date of grant, subject to the achievement of certain criteria. Total compensation expense will be
recognized over the vesting period using the straight-line method. No such awards were granted in 2015.
The grant date fair values of our market-based restricted share awards and restricted share units were determined using a
Monte Carlo model which uses company-specific inputs to generate different stock price paths.
A summary of our market-based restricted share activity for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows:
Liability-classified awards
On July 1, 2015, EXCO’s officers were granted 2,496,250 performance-based share units ("PSU") as a part of its equity
compensation program. Each participant is eligible to vest in and receive a number of PSUs, ranging from 0% to 200% of the
target number of PSUs granted, based on the attainment of total shareholder return goals on the period commencing on and
including the date of grant and ending on the third anniversary of the grant date. Each PSU represents a non-equity unit with a
conversion value equal to the fair market value of a share of EXCO’s common stock. Under the terms of the agreements, the
Company is required to convert vested PSUs into a cash payment in an aggregate amount equal to the number of vested PSUs
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multiplied by the fair market value of a share of common stock as of the vesting date, less applicable withholdings and
deductions, as soon as administratively practicable following the determination that the vesting conditions have been achieved.
A summary of the PSUs for the years ended December 31, 2015 is as follows:
Weighted average
Shares fair value per share
Non-vested units outstanding at December 31, 2014.............................................................................. — $ —
Granted ............................................................................................................................................ 2,496,250 1.45
Vested .............................................................................................................................................. — —
Forfeited .......................................................................................................................................... (381,250) 1.25
Non-vested units outstanding at December 31, 2015.............................................................................. 2,115,000 $ 2.39
The PSUs are considered liability-classified awards because of the cash-settlement feature. At December 31, 2015, we
recorded a liability of $0.6 million related to the PSUs included in the Asset retirement obligations and other long-term
liabilities line item on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Compensation costs associated with the PSUs are re-measured each
interim reporting period and an adjustment is recorded in General and administrative expenses line item in our Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
The fair values of the PSUs were determined using a Monte Carlo model. The ranges for the assumptions used in the
Monte Carlo model for the PSUs during 2015 are as follows:
Warrants
On September 8, 2015, EXCO issued warrants to ESAS in four tranches to purchase an aggregate of 80,000,000
common shares. The warrants were issued as an additional performance incentive under the services and investment agreement
which is described in more detail in "Note. 13. Related party transactions". The table below lists the number of common shares
issuable upon exercise of the warrants at each exercise price and the term of the warrants.
Tranche Number of shares issuable Exercise Price Term
Tranche A 15,000,000 $2.75 April 30, 2019
Tranche B 20,000,000 $4.00 March 31, 2020
Tranche C 20,000,000 $7.00 March 31, 2021
Tranche D 25,000,000 $10.00 March 31, 2021
The warrants will vest on March 31, 2019 and their exercisability is subject to EXCO’s common share price achieving
certain performance hurdles as compared to the peer group. If EXCO’s performance rank is in the bottom half of the peer
group, then the warrants will be forfeited and void. The number of the exercisable shares under the warrants increases linearly
from 32,000,000 to 80,000,000 as EXCO’s performance rank increases from the 50th to 75th percentile, as compared to the
peer group. If EXCO’s performance rank is in the 75th percentile or above, then all 80,000,000 warrants will be exercisable.
The performance measurement period began on March 31, 2015 and will end on March 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2015,
EXCO's performance rank during the measurement period was above the 75th percentile of the peer group.
Prior to March 31, 2019, if EXCO terminates the agreement for any reason other than for cause (as defined in the
agreement), or ESAS terminates the agreement for cause (as defined in the agreement), then all of the warrants will fully vest
and become exercisable. Prior to March 31, 2019, if ESAS terminates the agreement for any reason other than for cause, or
EXCO terminates the agreement for cause, then each of the warrants will be canceled and forfeited. On August 18, 2015,
EXCO’s shareholders approved, among other things, the increase to the authorized number of common shares available for
issuance to 780,000,000 which ensures that an adequate number of common shares are available for issuance, including the
shares to be reserved for issuance under the warrants issued to ESAS.
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In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation ("ASC 718"), the grant date of the
warrants was established upon approval of EXCO’s shareholders and the closing of the services and investment agreement
which occurred on September 8, 2015. The fair value of the warrants is dependent on factors such as our share price, historical
volatility, risk-free rate and performance relative to our peer group and is determined using a Monte Carlo model. The table
below shows the aggregate estimated fair value of the warrants as of December 31, 2015:
Tranche Number of shares issuable Estimated fair value per warrant Estimated fair value (in millions)
Tranche A 15,000,000 $0.50 $7.5
Tranche B 20,000,000 $0.50 10.0
Tranche C 20,000,000 $0.48 9.6
Tranche D 25,000,000 $0.40 10.0
$37.1
Compensation costs
All of our stock options, restricted shares and PSUs are accounted for in accordance with ASC 718 and are classified as
equity except for the PSUs. As required by ASC 718, the granting of options and awards to our employees under the 2005
Incentive Plan are share-based payment transactions and are to be treated as compensation expense by us with a corresponding
increase to additional paid-in capital.
Total share-based compensation to employees to be recognized on unvested options, restricted share awards and RSUs as
of December 31, 2015 was $7.9 million and will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.
The measurement of the warrants is accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 505-50, Equity-Based Payments to
Non-Employees, which requires the warrants to be re-measured each interim reporting period until the completion of the
services under the agreement and an adjustment is recorded in the statement of operations within equity-based compensation
expense. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized equity-based compensation related to the warrants of $3.2
million.
The following is a reconciliation of our compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Equity-based compensation expense (1) ................................... $ 7,198 $ 4,962 $ 10,748
Equity-based compensation capitalized .................................... 3,428 5,498 7,288
Total equity-based compensation .............................................. $ 10,626 $ 10,460 $ 18,036
(1) Equity-based compensation expense includes share-based compensation to employees and equity-based compensation for warrants
issued to ESAS in 2015.
(2) Compensation expense on liability-classified awards is net of compensation capitalized of $0.2 million.
We did not recognize a tax benefit attributable to our equity-based compensation for the years ended December 31,
2015, 2014 and 2013.
The income tax provision attributable to our income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015,
2014 and 2013, consisted of the following:
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Year ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Current:
Federal ............................................................................... $ — $ — $ —
State ................................................................................... — — —
Total current income tax (benefit)..................................... $ — $ — $ —
Deferred:
Federal ............................................................................... $ (414,834) $ 45,797 $ 25,626
State ................................................................................... (45,009) 18,960 3,239
Valuation allowance........................................................... 459,843 (64,757) (28,865)
Total deferred income tax (benefit)................................... — — —
Total income tax (benefit)............................................................ $ — $ — $ —
We have net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") for United States income tax purposes that have been generated
from our operations. Our NOLs are scheduled to expire if not utilized between 2028 and 2034. As a result of the repurchase of
a portion of our senior unsecured notes during 2015, we had cancellation of debt income for tax purposes. We reduced our
NOLs, including the entire tax net operating loss for year ended December 31, 2015, by the amount of cancellation of debt
income of approximately $538.0 million.
NOLs and alternative minimum tax credits available for utilization as of December 31, 2015 were approximately $1.8
billion and $1.5 million, respectively. We generated a net capital loss of approximately $105.6 million during the year ended
December 31, 2014 as a result of the sale of our interest in Compass.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. We adopted ASU 2015-17 in the
fourth quarter of 2015 and applied the guidance retrospectively which resulted in the reclassification of $35.9 million of net
current deferred income tax liabilities to non-current as of December 31, 2014. See "Note 2. Summary of significant
accounting policies" for description of ASU 2015-17. Significant components of our deferred tax liabilities and assets are as
follows:
(in thousands) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Non-current deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss and AMT credits carryforwards........................................................................ $ 689,441 $ 781,899
Capital loss carryforwards .............................................................................................................. 40,356 40,356
Equity-based compensation ............................................................................................................ 17,372 14,856
Oil and natural gas properties, gathering assets, and equipment .................................................... 356,471 —
Debt restructuring ........................................................................................................................... 122,900 —
Goodwill ......................................................................................................................................... 1,308 5,419
Investment in partnerships .............................................................................................................. 76,099 72,988
Other ............................................................................................................................................... 3,387 2,668
Total non-current deferred tax assets.............................................................................................. 1,307,334 918,186
Valuation allowance........................................................................................................................ (1,286,695) (826,852)
Total non-current deferred tax assets.............................................................................................. 20,639 91,334
Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
Oil and natural gas properties, gathering assets, and equipment .................................................... $ — $ (51,961)
Derivative financial instruments..................................................................................................... (20,639) (39,373)
Total non-current deferred tax liabilities ........................................................................................ (20,639) (91,334)
Net non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities).............................................................................. $ — $ —
A reconciliation of our income tax provision (benefit) computed by applying the statutory United States federal income
tax rate to our income (loss) before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is presented in the
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following table:
Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands) 2015 2014 2013
Federal income taxes (benefit) provision at statutory rate of 35% ............................. $ (417,333) $ 42,234 $ 7,772
Increases (reductions) resulting from:
Goodwill ................................................................................................................ — — 16,382
Adjustments to the valuation allowance ................................................................ 459,843 (64,757) (28,865)
Non-deductible compensation ............................................................................... 2,399 3,409 1,328
State taxes net of federal benefit............................................................................ (45,009) 3,464 3,239
State tax rate change .............................................................................................. — 15,496 —
Other ...................................................................................................................... 100 154 144
Total income tax provision.......................................................................................... $ — $ — $ —
During years ended 2015, 2014 and 2013, both federal and state income tax expense or tax benefit were reduced to zero
by a corresponding increase or decrease to the valuation allowance previously recognized against net deferred tax assets. The
net result was no income tax provision for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
We adopted the provisions of ASC 740-10 on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of ASC 740-10, the
Company did not recognize any liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the
Company's policy is to recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits of interest expense and penalties in operating
expenses. The Company has not accrued any interest or penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits in the consolidated
financial statements.
We file a corporate consolidated income tax return for U.S. federal income tax purposes and file income tax return in
various states. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal and state and local examinations by tax authorities
for years before 2006. The Company was notified during the year ended December 31, 2013 that the corporate tax return for
the year ended December 31, 2011 would be examined by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, two pass-through entities
in which the Company owns an interest will also be examined for the year ended December 31, 2010. During 2014, the
Internal Revenue Service completed the exam on the corporate return and on one of the two pass-through entities. No changes
were made to either the corporate or partnership return as originally filed as a result of the exams. The Company was notified
during 2015 that the Internal Revenue Service has completed its examination of the remaining partnership return and no
changes were made to the return as originally filed.
OPCO
OPCO serves as the operator of our wells in the Appalachia JV and we advance funds to OPCO on an as needed basis.
We did not advance any funds to OPCO during the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014. OPCO may distribute any excess
cash equally between us and BG Group when its operating cash flows are sufficient to meet its capital requirements. There are
service agreements between us and OPCO whereby we provide administrative and technical services for which we are
reimbursed. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 these transactions included the following:
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the amounts owed under the service agreements were as follows:
(in thousands) December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014
Amounts due to EXCO (1) .................................................................................................. $ 1,733 $ 2,799
Amounts due from EXCO (1) ............................................................................................. 10,410 —
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(1) Advances to OPCO are recorded in "Inventory and other" on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any amounts we owe to
OPCO are netted against the advance until the advances are utilized. If the advances are fully utilized, we record amounts owed in
"Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.
On March 31, 2015, we entered into a four year services and investment agreement with ESAS, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Bluescape Resources Company LLC ("Bluescape"). As part of this agreement, ESAS provides us with certain
strategic advisory services, including the development and execution of a strategic improvement plan. On September 8, 2015
we closed the services and investment agreement with ESAS and C. John Wilder, Executive Chairman of Bluescape, was
appointed as a member of our Board of Directors and as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors.
On September 8, 2015, ESAS completed the purchase of 5,882,353 common shares from EXCO, par value $0.001 per
share, at a price per share of $1.70, pursuant to the agreement. In addition, the services and investment agreement was
amended to reduce the additional amount of common shares to at least $13.5 million that ESAS is obligated to purchase
through open market purchases. ESAS completed the required investment on December 31, 2015 by purchasing a total
12,464,130 common shares during the fourth quarter of 2015. As of December 31, 2015, ESAS owned common shares of
EXCO with an aggregate cost basis of $23.5 million and is the beneficial owner of approximately 6.5% of our outstanding
common shares.
As consideration for the services to be provided under the agreement, EXCO will pay ESAS a monthly fee of $300,000
and an annual incentive payment of up to $2.4 million per year that will be based on EXCO’s common share price achieving
certain performance hurdles as compared to a peer group, provided that payment for the services will be held in escrow and
contingent upon completion of the entire first year of services and required investment in EXCO. If EXCO’s performance rank
is below the 50th percentile of the peer group, then the incentive payment will be zero. The incentive payment increases
linearly from $1.0 million to $2.4 million as EXCO’s performance rank increases from the 50th to 75th percentile, as compared
to the peer group. If EXCO’s performance rank is in the 75th percentile or above, then the incentive payment will be $2.4
million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized $1.8 million expense for the annual incentive payment as a
result of EXCO's performance rank above the 75th percentile of the peer group.
As an additional performance incentive under the services and investment agreement, EXCO issued warrants to ESAS in
four tranches to purchase an aggregate of 80,000,000 common shares. See "Note 11. Equity-based compensation" for further
discussion of the warrants.
Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd. (“Hamblin Watsa”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fairfax, is the administrative
agent of the Fairfax Term Loan and certain affiliates of Fairfax are lenders under the Fairfax Term Loan. Samuel A. Mitchell, a
member of our Board of Directors, is a Managing Director of Hamblin Watsa and a member of Hamblin Watsa’s investment
committee, which consists of seven members that manage the investment portfolio of Fairfax. As an administrative agent of
the Fairfax Term Loan, Fairfax received a one-time fee of $6.0 million from EXCO upon closing and received $6.9 million of
interest payments as of December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2015, Fairfax was the beneficial owner of approximately 9.0% of
our outstanding common shares. See “Note 5. Debt” for additional information.
Rights offering
As discussed in "Note 14. Rights offering and other equity transactions", we entered into investment agreements and
closed a related private placement of our common shares with certain affiliates of WL Ross & Co. LLC ("WL Ross") and
Hamblin Watsa. Wilbur L. Ross, Jr., the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WL Ross, and Samuel A. Mitchell, Managing
Director of Hamblin Watsa, both of whom serve on EXCO's Board of Directors.
On December 19, 2013, the Company granted subscription rights to holders of common shares which entitled the holder
to purchase 0.25 of a share of our common stock for each share of common stock owned by such holders. Each subscription
right entitled the holder to a basic subscription right and an over-subscription privilege. The basic subscription right entitled the
holder to purchase 0.25 of a share of the Company’s common shares at a subscription price equal to $5.00 per share of common
stock. The over-subscription privilege entitled the holders who exercised their basic subscription rights in full (including in
respect of subscription rights purchased from others) to purchase any or all shares of our common shares that other rights
114
holders did not purchase through the purchase of their basic subscription rights at a subscription price equal to $5.00 per share
of our common shares. The subscription rights expired if they were not exercised by January 9, 2014.
The Company entered into two investment agreements ("Investment Agreements") in connection with the rights offering,
each dated as of December 17, 2013, one with certain affiliates of WL Ross and one with Hamblin Watsa pursuant to which,
subject to the terms and conditions thereof, each of them has severally agreed to subscribe for and purchase, in a private
placement, its respective pro rata portion of shares under the basic subscription right and all unsubscribed shares under the
over-subscription privilege subject to pro rata allocation among the subscription rights holders who have elected to exercise
their over-subscription privilege.
The rights offering and related transactions under the Investment Agreements closed on January 17, 2014 ("Rights
Offering") which resulted in the issuance of 54,574,734 shares for proceeds of $272.9 million. We used the proceeds to pay
indebtedness under the EXCO Resources Credit Agreement. WL Ross and Hamblin Watsa purchased 19,599,973 and 6,726,712
shares, respectively, pursuant to their basic subscription rights and the over-subscription privilege.
Preferred Shares
We canceled all classes of our preferred shares in 2014. We have 10,000,000 preferred shares authorized with no
preferred shares issued and outstanding. Our issued and outstanding shares of capital stock consist solely of common shares.
Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements of EXCO, the guarantor subsidiaries and the non-
guarantor subsidiaries. The 2018 Notes, 2022 Notes and the Second Lien Term Loans, which were issued by EXCO Resources,
Inc., are jointly and severally guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries (referred to as Guarantor Subsidiaries). For
purposes of this footnote, EXCO Resources, Inc. is referred to as Resources to distinguish it from the Guarantor Subsidiaries.
Each of the Guarantor Subsidiaries is a 100% owned subsidiary of Resources and the guarantees are unconditional as they
relate to the assets of the Guarantor Subsidiaries.
The following financial information presents consolidating financial statements, which include:
• Resources;
• the Guarantor Subsidiaries;
• the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries;
• elimination entries necessary to consolidate Resources, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries; and
• EXCO on a consolidated basis.
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for using the equity method of accounting for the disclosures within this
footnote. The financial information for the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is presented on a
combined basis. The elimination entries primarily eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and
transactions.
115
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
116
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
117
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor
(in thousands) Resources Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:
Oil and natural gas ............................................................... $ 4 $ 328,327 $ — $ — $ 328,331
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas production............................................. 37 76,496 — — 76,533
Gathering and transportation ............................................... — 99,321 — — 99,321
Depletion, depreciation and amortization............................ 943 214,483 — — 215,426
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties....................... 9,316 1,206,054 — — 1,215,370
Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations......... 4 2,273 — — 2,277
General and administrative .................................................. (4,313) 63,131 — — 58,818
Other operating items .......................................................... 1,646 (1,185) — — 461
Total costs and expenses.................................................. 7,633 1,660,573 — — 1,668,206
Operating loss ...................................................................... (7,629) (1,332,246) — — (1,339,875)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net............................................................. (106,082) — — — (106,082)
Gain on derivative financial instruments............................. 75,869 — — — 75,869
Gain on restructuring and extinguishment of debt .............. 193,276 — — — 193,276
Other income ....................................................................... 87 35 — — 122
Equity loss ........................................................................... — — (15,691) — (15,691)
Net loss from consolidated subsidiaries .............................. (1,347,902) — — 1,347,902 —
Total other income (expense)........................................... (1,184,752) 35 (15,691) 1,347,902 147,494
Loss before income taxes..................................................... (1,192,381) (1,332,211) (15,691) 1,347,902 (1,192,381)
Income tax expense.............................................................. — — — — —
Net loss ................................................................................ $ (1,192,381) $ (1,332,211) $ (15,691) $ 1,347,902 $ (1,192,381)
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EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor
(in thousands) Resources Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:
Oil and natural gas .................................................................. $ 3,649 $ 614,889 $ 41,731 $ — $ 660,269
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas production................................................ 394 77,334 16,598 — 94,326
Gathering and transportation .................................................. — 97,784 3,790 — 101,574
Depletion, depreciation and amortization............................... 3,174 244,761 15,634 — 263,569
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties .......................... — — — — —
Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations............ 16 2,107 567 — 2,690
General and administrative ..................................................... (3,342) 66,686 2,576 — 65,920
Other operating items.............................................................. (134) 5,459 (10) — 5,315
Total costs and expenses..................................................... 108 494,131 39,155 — 533,394
Operating income.................................................................... 3,541 120,758 2,576 — 126,875
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net................................................................ (92,049) — (2,235) — (94,284)
Gain on derivative financial instruments ................................ 87,565 — 100 — 87,665
Other income........................................................................... 226 — 15 — 241
Equity income ......................................................................... — — 172 — 172
Net earnings from consolidated subsidiaries .......................... 121,386 — — (121,386) —
Total other income (expense).............................................. 117,128 — (1,948) (121,386) (6,206)
Income before income taxes ................................................... 120,669 120,758 628 (121,386) 120,669
Income tax expense................................................................. — — — — —
Net income.............................................................................. $ 120,669 $ 120,758 $ 628 $ (121,386) $ 120,669
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EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor
(in thousands) Resources Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Revenues:
Oil and natural gas.................................................... $ 9,136 $ 582,158 $ 43,015 $ — $ 634,309
Costs and expenses:
Oil and natural gas production.................................. 2,440 63,716 17,092 — 83,248
Gathering and transportation .................................... — 97,166 3,479 — 100,645
Depletion, depreciation and amortization................. 5,917 225,499 14,359 — 245,775
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties............ — 108,546 — — 108,546
Accretion of discount on asset retirement
obligations ................................................................ 63 1,881 570 — 2,514
General and administrative....................................... 23,125 66,558 2,195 — 91,878
Gain on divestitures and other operating items ........ (25,950) (151,549) (19) — (177,518)
Total costs and expenses....................................... 5,595 411,817 37,676 — 455,088
Operating income (loss)............................................ 3,541 170,341 5,339 — 179,221
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net ................................................. (99,815) — (2,774) — (102,589)
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments........ 1,439 (177) (1,582) — (320)
Other income (loss) .................................................. (1,068) 229 11 — (828)
Equity loss ................................................................ — — (53,280) — (53,280)
Net earnings from consolidated subsidiaries ............ 118,107 — — (118,107) —
Total other income (expense)................................ 18,663 52 (57,625) (118,107) (157,017)
Income (loss) before income taxes ........................... 22,204 170,393 (52,286) (118,107) 22,204
Income tax expense .................................................. — — — — —
Net income (loss)...................................................... $ 22,204 $ 170,393 $ (52,286) $ (118,107) $ 22,204
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EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
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EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
Non-
Guarantor Guarantor
(in thousands) Resources Subsidiaries Subsidiaries Eliminations Consolidated
Operating Activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities .................... $ (84,067) $ 428,029 $ 18,131 $ — $ 362,093
Investing Activities:
Additions to oil and natural gas properties, gathering assets
and equipment and property acquisitions.................................... (2,531) (395,974) (4,061) — (402,566)
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment................ 99,612 95,594 (7,551) — 187,655
Restricted cash............................................................................. — (3,400) — — (3,400)
Net changes in advances to joint ventures .................................. — (5,026) — — (5,026)
Distributions from Compass ....................................................... 5,856 — — (5,856) —
Equity investments and other ...................................................... — 1,749 — — 1,749
Advances/investments with affiliates.......................................... 125,612 (125,612) — — —
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities..................... 228,549 (432,669) (11,612) (5,856) (221,588)
Financing Activities:
Borrowings under credit agreements........................................... 100,000 — — — 100,000
Repayments under credit agreements.......................................... (959,874) — (5,096) — (964,970)
Proceeds received from issuance of 2022 Notes......................... 500,000 — — — 500,000
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, net.......................... 271,773 — — — 271,773
Payment of common share dividends.......................................... (41,060) — — — (41,060)
Compass cash distribution........................................................... — — (5,856) 5,856 —
Deferred financing costs and other.............................................. (10,324) — (102) — (10,426)
Net cash used in financing activities ........................................... (139,485) — (11,054) 5,856 (144,683)
Net increase (decrease) in cash ................................................... 4,997 (4,640) (4,535) — (4,178)
Cash at beginning of period ........................................................ 81,840 (35,892) 4,535 — 50,483
Cash at end of period................................................................... $ 86,837 $ (40,532) $ — $ — $ 46,305
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EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
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16. Quarterly financial data (unaudited)
The following are summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:
Quarter
(in thousands, except per share amounts) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
2015
Oil and natural gas revenues............................ $ 86,320 $ 93,742 $ 83,526 $ 64,743
Operating loss (1) ............................................ (313,618) (421,465) (363,975) (240,817)
Net loss (2) ...................................................... $ (318,112) $ (454,155) $ (354,519) $ (65,595)
Basic loss per share:
Net loss ....................................................... $ (1.17) $ (1.67) $ (1.30) $ (0.24)
Weighted average shares............................. 271,522 271,549 273,348 277,995
Diluted loss per share:
Net loss ....................................................... $ (1.17) $ (1.67) $ (1.30) $ (0.24)
Weighted average shares............................. 271,522 271,549 273,348 277,995
2014
Oil and natural gas revenues............................ $ 198,472 $ 182,966 $ 151,042 $ 127,789
Operating income ............................................ 57,423 43,312 22,799 3,341
Net income (loss)............................................. $ (4,606) $ 2,293 $ 41,569 $ 81,413
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Net income (loss)........................................ $ (0.02) $ 0.01 $ 0.15 $ 0.30
Weighted average shares............................. 260,716 270,492 270,631 271,053
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Net income (loss)........................................ $ (0.02) $ 0.01 $ 0.15 $ 0.30
Weighted average shares............................. 260,716 271,226 272,066 271,053
(1) Operating loss for the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2015 includes $276.3 million, $394.3 million, $339.4
million and $205.3 million, respectively, of impairments of oil and natural gas properties. See "Note 2. Summary of
significant accounting policies" for further discussion.
(2) Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2015 includes a $193.3 million net gain on restructuring and extinguishment of debt.
See "Note 5. Debt" for further discussion.
17. Supplemental information relating to oil and natural gas producing activities (unaudited)
The following supplemental information relating to our oil and natural gas producing activities for the years ended
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is presented in accordance with ASC 932, Extractive Activities, Oil and Gas.
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Presented below are costs incurred in oil and natural gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities:
(in thousands, except per unit amounts) Amount
2015:
Proved property acquisition costs ................................................................................................................. $ 7,608
Unproved property acquisition costs............................................................................................................. —
Total property acquisition costs .................................................................................................................... 7,608
Development ................................................................................................................................................. 215,239
Exploration costs (1) ..................................................................................................................................... 13,306
Lease acquisitions and other ......................................................................................................................... 13,017
Capitalized asset retirement costs ................................................................................................................. 881
Depletion per Boe ......................................................................................................................................... $ 10.32
Depletion per Mcfe ....................................................................................................................................... $ 1.72
2014:
Proved property acquisition costs ................................................................................................................. $ 10,562
Unproved property acquisition costs............................................................................................................. —
Total property acquisition costs .................................................................................................................... 10,562
Development ................................................................................................................................................. 354,199
Exploration costs (2) ..................................................................................................................................... 5,906
Lease acquisitions and other ......................................................................................................................... 9,681
Capitalized asset retirement costs ................................................................................................................. 576
Depletion per Boe ......................................................................................................................................... $ 11.42
Depletion per Mcfe ....................................................................................................................................... $ 1.90
2013:
Proved property acquisition costs ................................................................................................................. $ 754,370
Unproved property acquisition costs............................................................................................................. 232,020
Total property acquisition costs (3)............................................................................................................... 986,390
Development ................................................................................................................................................. 231,447
Exploration costs (4) ..................................................................................................................................... 38,579
Lease acquisitions and other ......................................................................................................................... 14,835
Capitalized asset retirement costs ................................................................................................................. 514
Depletion per Boe ......................................................................................................................................... $ 8.82
Depletion per Mcfe ....................................................................................................................................... $ 1.47
(1) Exploration costs in 2015 primarily relate to the wells drilled in the Buda formation in South Texas.
(2) Exploration costs in 2014 include $5.9 million in the Bossier shale in North Louisiana.
(3) Acquisition costs in 2013 include the acquisition of properties in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford shales and our
proportionate share of Compass's acquisition of shallow Cotton Valley assets.
(4) Exploration costs in 2013 include $29.2 million in the Eagle Ford shale and $9.4 million in the Marcellus shale.
We retain independent engineering firms to prepare or audit annual year-end estimates of our future net recoverable oil
and natural gas reserves. The estimated proved net recoverable reserves we show below include only those quantities that we
expect to be commercially recoverable at prices and costs in effect at the balance sheet dates under existing regulatory practices
and with conventional equipment and operating methods. Proved Developed Reserves represent only those reserves that we
may recover through existing wells. Proved Undeveloped Reserves include those reserves that we may recover from new wells
on undrilled acreage or from existing wells on which we must make a relatively major expenditure for recompletion or
secondary recovery operations. All of our reserves are located onshore in the continental United States of America.
Discounted future cash flow estimates like those shown below are not intended to represent estimates of the fair value of
our oil and natural gas properties. Estimates of fair value should also consider unproved reserves, anticipated future oil and
125
natural gas prices, interest rates, changes in development and production costs and risks associated with future production.
Because of these and other considerations, any estimate of fair value is subjective and imprecise.
Natural
Oil Gas
(Mbbls) (Mmcf) (12) Mmcfe (13)
December 31, 2012 5,570 975,966 1,009,386
Purchase of reserves in place (1)................................................................................... 16,022 304,139 400,271
Discoveries and extensions (2) ..................................................................................... 5,960 49,912 85,672
Revisions of previous estimates:...................................................................................
Changes in price ...................................................................................................... 457 276,730 279,472
Other factors (3)....................................................................................................... (3,219) (111,141) (130,455)
Sales of reserves in place (4)......................................................................................... (8,224) (308,850) (358,194)
Production ..................................................................................................................... (1,188) (154,779) (161,907)
December 31, 2013 15,378 1,031,977 1,124,245
Purchase of reserves in place (5)................................................................................... — 7,316 7,316
Discoveries and extensions (6) ..................................................................................... 4,164 70,544 95,528
Revisions of previous estimates:...................................................................................
Changes in price ...................................................................................................... 45 168,064 168,334
Other factors (7)....................................................................................................... 1,737 120,802 131,224
Sales of reserves in place (8)......................................................................................... (1,401) (118,705) (127,111)
Production ..................................................................................................................... (2,236) (122,324) (135,740)
December 31, 2014 17,687 1,157,674 1,263,796
Purchase of reserves in place (9)................................................................................... 459 122 2,876
Discoveries and extensions (10) ................................................................................... 7,602 152,473 198,085
Revisions of previous estimates:...................................................................................
Changes in price ...................................................................................................... (2,821) (598,865) (615,791)
Other factors (11)..................................................................................................... (145) 184,641 183,771
Sales of reserves in place .............................................................................................. (1) (1,445) (1,451)
Production ..................................................................................................................... (2,342) (109,926) (123,978)
December 31, 2015 20,439 784,674 907,308
(1) Purchases of reserves in place include 115.7 Bcfe in the Eagle Ford shale, 260.0 Bcfe in the Haynesville shale, and 24.6
Bcfe for our proportionate share of Compass's acquisition of shallow Cotton Valley assets in East Texas/North Louisiana.
(2) New discoveries and extensions in 2013 include 36.5 Bcfe in the Eagle Ford shale, 33.6 Bcfe in the Marcellus shale, 10.2
Bcfe in the Haynesville shale, 3.9 Bcfe for conventional properties held by Compass in the Permian Basin, and 1.5 Bcfe
for shale properties in the Permian Basin.
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(3) Total revisions due to Other factors were downward revisions primarily in the Haynesville shale as a result of operational
matters including scaling, liquid loading due to high-line pressure and the impact of drainage on new wells drilled directly
offset to the unit wells.
(4) Sales of reserves in place in 2013 include 327.6 Bcfe as a result of our contribution of properties to Compass and 30.6
Bcfe from the sale of undeveloped properties in the Eagle Ford in connection with the Participation Agreement.
(5) Purchases of reserves in place in 2014 consist primarily of our acquisition of certain proved developed producing
properties in the Shelby area of East Texas.
(6) New discoveries and extensions in 2014 included 48.7 Bcfe in the Haynesville shale, 26.1 Bcfe in the Eagle Ford Shale
and 19.7 Bcfe in the Bossier shale. The discoveries and extensions within the Haynesville and Bossier shales primarily
related to our development of properties within the Shelby area of East Texas.
(7) Total revisions due to Other factors include upward revisions of approximately 67.1 Bcfe in the Shelby area,
approximately 45.9 Bcfe in the Appalachia region, and approximately 5.8 Bcfe in the Holly area. The upward revisions
were primarily due to improved well performance resulting from enhanced well designs and completion techniques.
(8) Sales of reserves in place in 2014 consist primarily of the sale of our entire interest in Compass.
(9) Purchases of reserves in place include the acquisition of certain proved developed producing properties in the Eagle Ford
shale in connection with the Participation Agreement.
(10) New discoveries and extensions in 2015 include 84.9 Bcfe and 41.0 Bcfe in the Haynesville shale and Bossier shale,
respectively, related to our development of properties within the Shelby area of East Texas. Additionally, extensions and
discoveries in 2015 included 24.7 Bcfe in the in the Haynesville shale related to the development of the Holly area in
North Louisiana and 47.5 Bcfe in the Eagle Ford shale.
(11) Total revisions due to Other factors include upward revisions of approximately 152.2 Bcfe in the North Louisiana Holly
area and are primarily due to modifications in the well design to incorporate more proppant and longer laterals. The
upward revisions also included 36.7 Bcfe from our East Texas region primarily due to strong results in both the
Haynesville and Bossier shales based on our enhanced completion methods. The upward revisions also reflect a reduction
in capital costs and operating expenses.
(12) Beginning in 2015, we began reporting our NGLs as a component of natural gas as NGLs are not considered to be
significant. Primarily all of our prior period NGLs were associated with properties owned by Compass, which EXCO
divested in 2014. Prior period information has been conformed to be consistent with current period information.
(13) The above reserves do not include our equity interest in OPCO, which was not significant in any period presented.
We have summarized the Standardized Measure related to our proved oil and natural gas reserves. We have based the
following summary on a valuation of Proved Reserves using discounted cash flows based on prices as prescribed by the SEC,
costs and economic conditions and a 10% discount rate. The additions to Proved Reserves from the purchase of reserves in
place, and new discoveries and extensions could vary significantly from year to year; additionally, the impact of changes to
reflect current prices and costs of reserves proved in prior years could also be significant. Accordingly, the information
presented below should not be viewed as an estimate of the fair value of our oil and natural gas properties, nor should it be
indicative of any trends.
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(in thousands) Amount
Year ended December 31, 2015:
Future cash inflows.............................................................................................................................. $ 2,684,362
Future production costs........................................................................................................................ 1,280,795
Future development costs .................................................................................................................... 641,768
Future income taxes............................................................................................................................. —
Future net cash flows ........................................................................................................................... 761,799
Discount of future net cash flows at 10% per annum.......................................................................... 359,666
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows ................................................................. $ 402,133
Year ended December 31, 2014:
Future cash inflows.............................................................................................................................. $ 6,097,207
Future production costs........................................................................................................................ 2,094,796
Future development costs .................................................................................................................... 1,124,873
Future income taxes............................................................................................................................. —
Future net cash flows ........................................................................................................................... 2,877,538
Discount of future net cash flows at 10% per annum.......................................................................... 1,334,951
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows ................................................................. $ 1,542,587
Year ended December 31, 2013:
Future cash inflows.............................................................................................................................. $ 5,176,030
Future production costs........................................................................................................................ 2,207,230
Future development costs .................................................................................................................... 904,116
Future income taxes............................................................................................................................. —
Future net cash flows ........................................................................................................................... 2,064,684
Discount of future net cash flows at 10% per annum.......................................................................... 812,411
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows ................................................................. $ 1,252,273
During recent years, prices paid for oil and natural gas have fluctuated significantly. The reference prices at
December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 used in the above table, were $50.28, $94.99 and $96.78 per Bbl of oil, respectively, and
$2.59, $4.35 and $3.67 per Mmbtu of natural gas, respectively. Each of the reference prices for oil and natural gas were
adjusted for quality factors and regional differentials. These prices reflect the SEC rules requiring the use of simple average of
the first day of the month price for the previous 12 month period for natural gas at Henry Hub and West Texas Intermediate
crude oil at Cushing, Oklahoma.
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The following are the principal sources of change in the Standardized Measure:
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Costs not subject to amortization
The following table summarizes the categories of costs comprising the amount of unproved properties not subject to
amortization by the year in which such costs were incurred. There are no individually significant properties or significant
development projects included in costs not being amortized. The majority of the evaluation activities are expected to be
completed within one to seven years.
2012 and
(in thousands) Total 2015 2014 2013 prior
Property acquisition costs............................. $ 75,019 $ 11,121 $ 7,862 $ 12,403 $ 43,633
Exploration and development....................... 12,100 12,100 — — —
Capitalized interest....................................... 28,258 8,464 8,604 5,384 5,806
Total.............................................................. $ 115,377 $ 31,685 $ 16,466 $ 17,787 $ 49,439
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Disclosure controls and procedures. Pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, EXCO's management has
evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15
(e) of the Exchange Act), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive
officer and principal financial officer have concluded that EXCO's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of
December 31, 2015 to ensure that information that is required to be disclosed by EXCO in the reports it files or submits under
the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and
forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to EXCO's management, including our principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's report on internal control over financial reporting. EXCO's management is responsible for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the
Exchange Act). Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2015, using criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Even an effective internal control system, no matter how well designed,
has inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and circumvention or overriding of controls and therefore can
provide only reasonable assurance with respect to reliable financial reporting. Furthermore, the effectiveness of an internal
control system in future periods can change with conditions. Management's annual report of internal control over financial
reporting and the audit report on our internal control over financial reporting of our independent registered public accounting
firm, KPMG LLP, are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are incorporated by reference herein.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in EXCO's internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably
likely to materially affect, EXCO's internal control over financial reporting.
None.
130
PART III
The information required in response to this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy
Statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act not later than 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The information required in response to this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy
Statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act not later than 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required in response to this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy
Statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act not later than 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
The information required in response to this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy
Statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act not later than 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The information required in response to this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our Definitive Proxy
Statement to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act not later than 120 days after the end of the
fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PART IV
131
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.
132
EXCO RESOURCES, INC.
(Registrant)
133
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibits
2.1 Haynesville Purchase and Sale Agreement, by and among Chesapeake Louisiana, L.P., Empress, L.L.C., Empress
Louisiana Properties, L.P. and EXCO Operating Company, LP, dated July 2, 2013, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2013 filed on October 30, 2013 and
incorporated by reference herein.
2.2 Eagle Ford Purchase and Sale Agreement, by and between Chesapeake Exploration, L.L.C. and EXCO Operating
Company, LP, dated July 2, 2013, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter
Ended September 30, 2013 filed on October 30, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
2.3 Contribution Agreement, by and among BG US Gathering Company, LLC, EXCO Operating Company, LP and
Azure Midstream Holdings LLC, dated as of October 16, 2013, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated October 16, 2013 and filed on October 22, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
2.4 Purchase Agreement, dated October 6, 2014, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., a Texas corporation, EXCO
Operating Company, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, EXCO Holding MLP, Inc., a Texas corporation, HGI
Energy Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Compass Production Services, LLC, a Delaware
limited liability company, and Compass Energy Operating, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, filed as an
Exhibit to EXCO's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 6, 2014 and filed on October 10, 2014 and
incorporated by reference herein.
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Formation of EXCO Resources, Inc., as amended through November 16,
2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 16, 2015 and filed on
November 17, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
3.2 Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of EXCO Resources, Inc., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated September 8, 2015 and filed on September 9, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
4.1 Indenture, dated September 15, 2010, by and between EXCO Resources, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as
trustee, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated September 10,
2010 and filed on September 15, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
4.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 15, 2010, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., certain of its
subsidiaries and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, including the form of 7.500% Senior Notes due 2018,
filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated September 10, 2010 and
filed on September 15, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
4.3 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 12, 2013, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., EXCO/
HGI JV Assets, LLC, EXCO Holding MLP, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, filed as an Exhibit to
EXCO's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 12, 2013 and filed on February 19, 2013 and incorporated
by reference herein.
4.4 Third Supplemental Indenture, dated April 16, 2014, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., certain of its
subsidiaries and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, including the form of 8.500% Senior Notes due 2022,
filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated April 11, 2014 and filed
on April 16, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
4.5 Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated May 12, 2014, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., EXCO Land
Company, LLC and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 and filed on July 30, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
4.6 Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 24, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., certain of
its subsidiaries, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated November 24, 2015 and filed on November 25, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
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4.7 Specimen Stock Certificate for EXCO’s common stock, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (File No. 333-192898), filed on December 17, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
4.8 First Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 30, 2005, by and among EXCO
Holdings Inc. and the Initial Holders (as defined therein), filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Amendment No. 1 to its
Registration Statement on Form S-l (File No. 333-129935), filed on January 6, 2006 and incorporated by
reference herein.
4.9 Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 28, 2007, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and the other parties
thereto with respect to the 7.0% Cumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock and the Hybrid Preferred
Stock, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743) dated March 28, 2007
and filed on April 2, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.
4.10 Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 28, 2007, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and the other parties
thereto with respect to the Hybrid Preferred Stock, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K
(File No. 001-32743) dated March 28, 2007 and filed on April 2, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.
4.11 Joinder Agreement to Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 17, 2014, by and among EXCO Resources,
Inc. and WLR IV Exco AIV One, L.P., WLR IV Exco AIV Two, L.P., WLR IV Exco AIV Three, L.P., WLR IV
Exco AIV Four, L.P., WLR IV Exco AIV Five, L.P., WLR IV Exco AIV Six, L.P., WLR Select Co-Investment
XCO AIV, L.P., WLR/GS Master Co-Investment XCO AIV, L.P. and WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P, filed as an
Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated January 17, 2014 and filed on January 21, 2014 and
incorporated by reference herein.
4.12 Joinder Agreement to Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 17, 2014, by and among EXCO Resources,
Inc. and Advent Syndicate 780, Clearwater Insurance Company, Northbridge General Insurance Company,
Odyssey Reinsurance Company, Clearwater Select Insurance Company, Riverstone Insurance Limited, Zenith
Insurance Company and Fairfax Master Trust Fund, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K,
dated January 17, 2014 and filed on January 21, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.1 Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form
8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated November 14, 2007 and filed on November 16, 2007 and incorporated by
reference herein.*
10.2 Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for the EXCO Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Long-
Term Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated
November 14, 2007 and filed on November 16, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.3 Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for the EXCO Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Long-
Term Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated
November 14, 2007 and filed on November 16, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.4 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for the EXCO Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Long-
Term Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 4, 2011 and filed
on August 10, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.5 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Named Executive Officers for the EXCO Resources, Inc.
Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2015 filed on July 27, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.6 Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement for the EXCO Resources, Inc. Amended and
Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June
30, 2014 and filed on July 3, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.7 Form of Performance-Based Share Unit Agreement for the EXCO Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005
Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated July 1, 2015 and
filed on July 8, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.8 Form of Performance-Based Share Unit Agreement for Named Executive Officers for the EXCO Resources, Inc.
Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form
8-K, dated July 1, 2015 and filed on July 8, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.*
135
10.9 Fourth Amended and Restated EXCO Resources, Inc. Severance Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, dated March 16, 2011 and filed on March 22, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.10 Amended and Restated 2007 Director Plan of EXCO Resources, Inc., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current
Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated November 14, 2007 and filed on November 16, 2007 and
incorporated by reference herein.*
10.11 Amendment Number One to the Amended and Restated 2007 Director Plan of EXCO Resources, Inc., filed as an
Exhibit to EXCO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-32743) for 2009 filed on February 24, 2010 and
incorporated by reference herein.*
10.12 Amendment Number Two to the Amended and Restated 2007 Director Plan of EXCO Resources, Inc., effective as
of May 22, 2014, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 22, 2014 and filed on
May 29, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.13 Amendment Number Three to the Amended and Restated 2007 Director Plan of EXCO Resources, Inc., effective
as of December 4, 2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 4, 2015 and
filed on December 10, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.14 Letter Agreement, dated March 28, 2007, with OCM Principal Opportunities Fund IV, L.P. and OCM EXCO
Holdings, LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated March 28, 2007 and filed
on April 2, 2007 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.15 Amendment Number One to the EXCO Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
filed as an exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated June 4, 2009 and filed on
June 10, 2009 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.16 Amendment Number Two to the EXCO Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
dated as of October 6, 2011, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 6, 2011
and filed on October 7, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.17 Amendment Number Three to the EXCO Resources, Inc. Amended and Restated 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
dated as of June 11, 2013, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated June 11, 2013 and
filed on June 12, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.18 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the Quarter Ended June 30, 2013 filed on August 7, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.19 Joint Development Agreement, dated August 14, 2009, by and among BG US Production Company, LLC, EXCO
Operating Company, LP and EXCO Production Company, LP, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated August 11, 2009 and filed on August 17, 2009 and incorporated by
reference herein.
10.20 Amendment to Joint Development Agreement, dated February 1, 2011, by and among BG US Production
Company, LLC and EXCO Operating Company, LP, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for 2010 filed February 24, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.21 Amendment to Joint Development Agreement, dated October 14, 2014, by and among BG US Production
Company, LLC and EXCO Operating Company, LP, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Annual Report on 10-K for
2014 Filed on February 25, 2015 and incorporated in reference herein.
10.22 Joint Development Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2010, by and among EXCO Production Company (PA), LLC,
EXCO Production Company (WV), LLC, BG Production Company, (PA), LLC, BG Production Company, (WV),
LLC and EXCO Resources (PA), LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No.
001-32743), dated June 1, 2010 and filed on June 7, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.23 Amendment to Joint Development Agreement, dated February 4, 2011, by and among EXCO Production
Company (PA), LLC, EXCO Production Company (WV), LLC, BG Production Company, (PA), LLC, BG
136
Production Company, (WV), LLC and EXCO Resources (PA), LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Annual Report
on Form 10-K (File No. 001-32743) for 2010 filed February 24, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.24 Amendment to Joint Development Agreement, dated October 14, 2014, by and among EXCO Production
Company (PA), LLC, EXCO Production Company (WV), LLC, BG Production Company, (PA), LLC, BG
Production Company, (WV), LLC and EXCO Resources (PA), LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Annual
Report on 10-K for 2014 Filed on February 25, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.25 Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of EXCO Resources (PA), LLC, dated
June 1, 2010, by and among EXCO Holding (PA), Inc., BG US Production Company, LLC and EXCO Resources
(PA), LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated June 1, 2010
and filed on June 7, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.26 Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of EXCO Resources (PA),
LLC, dated October 14, 2014, by and among EXCO Holding (PA), Inc., BG US Production Company, LLC and
EXCO Resources (PA), LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Annual Report on 10-K for 2014 Filed on February
25, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.27 Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Appalachia Midstream, LLC, dated
June 1, 2010, by and among EXCO Holding (PA), Inc., BG US Production Company, LLC and Appalachia
Midstream, LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated June 1,
2010 and filed on June 7, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.28 Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Appalachia Midstream,
LLC (n/k/a EXCO Appalachia Midstream, LLC), dated October 14, 2014, by and among EXCO Holding (PA),
Inc., BG US Production Company, LLC and EXCO Appalachia Midstream, LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's
Annual Report on 10-K for 2014 Filed on February 25, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.29 Letter Agreement, dated June 1, 2010 and effective as of May 9, 2010, by and between EXCO Holding (PA), Inc.
and BG US Production Company, LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No.
001-32743), dated June 1, 2010 and filed on June 7, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.30 Guaranty, dated May 9, 2010, by BG Energy Holdings Limited in favor of EXCO Holding (PA), Inc., EXCO
Production Company (PA), LLC and EXCO Production Company (WV), LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s
Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated June 1, 2010 and filed on June 7, 2010 and incorporated
by reference herein.
10.31 Performance Guaranty, dated May 9, 2010, by EXCO Resources, Inc. in favor of BG US Production Company,
LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated June 1, 2010 and
filed on June 7, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.32 Guaranty, dated June 1, 2010, by BG North America, LLC in favor of (i) EXCO Production Company (PA), LLC,
EXCO Production Company (WV), LLC and EXCO Resources (PA), LLC; and (ii) EXCO Resources (PA), LLC
and EXCO Holding (PA), Inc, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743),
dated June 1, 2010 and filed on June 7, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.33 Guaranty, dated June 1, 2010, by EXCO Resources, Inc., in favor of: (i) BG Production Company (PA), LLC, BG
Production Company (WV), LLC and EXCO Resources (PA), LLC; and (ii) EXCO Resources (PA), LLC and BG
US Production Company, LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743),
dated June 1, 2010 and filed on June 7, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.34 Transition Consulting Agreement, dated February 28, 2013, by and between EXCO Resources, Inc. and Stephen
F. Smith, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 28, 2013 and filed on March
6, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.35 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2013, among EXCO Resources, Inc., as Borrower,
certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the lender parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
Administrative Agent, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Form 8-K, dated as of August 19, 2013 and filed on August
23, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
137
10.36 First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 28, 2013, among EXCO
Resources, Inc., as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the lender parties thereto, and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Form 8-K, dated as of
August 28, 2013 and filed on September 4, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.37 Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2014, by and among EXCO
Resources, Inc., as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto, and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Form 8-K, dated as of July
14, 2014 and filed on July 18, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.38 Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 21, 2014, by and among
EXCO Resources, Inc., as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto,
and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated October 21, 2014 and filed on October 27, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.39 Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 6, 2015, among EXCO
Resources, Inc., as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the lender parties thereto, and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Current Report Form 8-K,
dated as of February 6, 2015 and filed on February 12, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.40 Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated July 27, 2015, among EXCO Resources,
Inc., as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the lender parties thereto, and JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of July
27, 2015 and filed July 28, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.41 Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2015, among EXCO
Resources, Inc., as Borrower, certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the lender parties thereto, and
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Current Report on Form 8-
K, dated as of October 19, 2015 and filed on October 22, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.42 Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., as Borrower,
certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the lenders party thereto, Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel
Ltd., as Administrative Agent, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Collateral Trustee, filed as an
Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of October 19, 2015 and filed on October 22, 2015 and
incorporated by reference herein.
10.43 Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., as Borrower,
certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the lenders party thereto, and Wilmington Trust, National
Association, as Administrative Agent and Collateral Trustee, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated as of October 19, 2015 and filed on October 22, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.44 Form of Joinder Agreement to Term Loan Credit Agreement, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated as of November 4, 2015 and filed on November 11, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.45 Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., as Priority Lien Agent, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Second Lien Collateral Agent,
filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated as of October 26, 2015 and filed on October 27,
2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.46 Intercreditor Joinder, dated as of October 26, 2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K,
dated as of October 26, 2015 and filed on October 27, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.47 Collateral Trust Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc., the grantors and
guarantors from time to time party thereto, Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Ltd., as Administrative Agent of
the second lien credit agreement, the other parity lien debt representatives from time to time party thereto, and
Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Collateral Trustee, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated as of October 26, 2015 and filed on October 27, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.48 Collateral Trust Joinder, dated as of October 26, 2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-
K, dated as of October 26, 2015 and filed on October 27, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
138
10.49 Form of Purchase Agreement, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Form 8-K, dated as of October 19, 2015 and filed on
October 22, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.50 Form of Follow-on Purchase Agreement, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Form 8-K, dated as of October 30, 2015
and filed on November 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.51 Participation Agreement, dated July 31, 2013, among Admiral A Holding L.P., Admiral B Holding L.P. and EXCO
Operating Company, LP, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended
June 30, 2013 filed on August 7, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.52 Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement, dated April 17, 2014, among EXCO Operating Company, LP,
Admiral A Holding L.P. and Admiral B Holding L.P., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2014 and filed on July 30, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.53 Amendment No. 2 to Participation Agreement, dated June 1, 2015, among EXCO Operating Company, LP,
Admiral A Holding L.P., TE Admiral A Holding L.P. and Colt A Holding L.P., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2015 filed on July 27, 2015 and incorporated by
reference herein.
10.54 Form of Director Indemnification Agreement, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated
November 10, 2010 and filed on November 12, 2010 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.55 MVC Letter Agreement, dated November 15, 2013, among BG US Production Company, LLC, BG US Gathering
Company, LLC, EXCO Operating Company, LP, Azure Midstream Energy LLC (formerly known as TGGT
Holdings, LLC) and TGG Pipeline, Ltd, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated
November 15, 2013 and filed on November 21, 2013 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.56 Letter Agreement, dated March 28, 2014, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and Ares Corporate Opportunities
Fund, L.P., ACOF EXCO L.P, ACOF EXCO 892 Investors, L.P., Ares Corporate Opportunities Fund II, L.P., Ares
EXCO, L.P. and Ares EXCO 892 Investors, L.P., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K,
dated March 27, 2014 and filed on April 1, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.57 EXCO Resources, Inc. 2014 Management Incentive Plan, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated April 21, 2014 and filed on April 25, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.58 Amendment Number One to the EXCO Resources, Inc. Management Incentive Plan, effective as of September 1,
2014, filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to EXCO's Current Report on Form 8-K/A, dated August 6, 2014
and filed on September 5, 2014 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.59 EXCO Resources, Inc. 2015 Management Incentive Plan, dated March 4, 2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 4, 2015 and filed on March 10, 2015 and incorporated by reference
herein.*
10.60 Retention Agreement, dated May 14, 2015, by and between Harold H. Jameson and EXCO Resources, Inc., filed
as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 14, 2015 and filed on May 20, 2015 and
incorporated by reference herein.*
10.61 Amended and Restated Retention Agreement, dated May 14, 2015, by and between William L. Boeing and EXCO
Resources, Inc., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 14, 2015 and filed on
May 20, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.62 Amended and Restated Retention Agreement, dated May 14, 2015, by and between Richard A. Burnett and
EXCO Resources, Inc., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 14, 2015 and filed
on May 20, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.*
10.63 Amended and Restated Retention Agreement, dated May 14, 2015, by and between Harold L. Hickey and EXCO
Resources, Inc., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 14, 2015 and filed on
May 20, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.*
139
10.64 Services and Investment Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and
Energy Strategic Advisory Services LLC, filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K/A, dated March 31, 2015 and filed on May 26, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.65 Acknowledgement of Amendment to Services and Investment Agreement, dated as of May 26, 2015, by and
between EXCO Resources, Inc. and Energy Strategic Advisory Services LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s
Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 26, 2015 and filed on June 1, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.66 Amendment No. 2 to Services and Investment Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2015, by and between EXCO
Resources, Inc. and Energy Strategic Advisory Services LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on
Form 8-K, dated September 8, 2015 and filed on September 9, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.67 Nomination Letter Agreement, dates as of September 8, 2015, by and between EXCO Resources, Inc. and Energy
Strategic Advisory Services LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 8,
2015 and filed on September 9, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.68 Warrant, dated as of March 31, 2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March
31, 2015 and filed on April 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.69 Warrant, dated as of March 31, 2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March
31, 2015 and filed on April 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.70 Warrant, dated as of March 31, 2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March
31, 2015 and filed on April 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.71 Warrant, dated as of March 31, 2015, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March
31, 2015 and filed on April 2, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.72 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 21, 2015, by and between EXCO Resources, Inc. and Energy
Strategic Advisory Services LLC, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 21,
2015 and filed on April 27, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.73 Registration Rights Waiver, dated as of April 10, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and Jeffrey D.
Benjamin, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 21, 2015 and filed on April 27,
2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.74 Registration Rights Waiver, dated as of April 10, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and Robert L.
Stillwell, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 21, 2015 and filed on April 27,
2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.75 Registration Rights Waiver, dated as of April 10, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and Harold L.
Hickey, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 21, 2015 and filed on April 27,
2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
10.76 Registration Rights Waiver, dated as of April 13, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and Advent Capital
(No. 3) Limited, Clearwater Insurance Company, Clearwater Select Insurance Company, Fairfax Financial
Holdings Master Trust Fund, Northbridge General Insurance Company, Odyssey Reinsurance Company,
RiverStone Insurance Limited, Zenith Insurance Company and Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel, Ltd., filed as
an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 21, 2015 and filed on April 27, 2015 and
incorporated by reference herein.
10.77 Registration Rights Waiver, dated as of April 13, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and OCM EXCO
Holdings, LLC, OCM Principal Opportunities Fund IV Delaware, L.P., OCM Principal Opportunities Fund III,
L.P., OCM Principal Opportunities Fund IIIA, L.P. and Oaktree Value Opportunities Fund Holdings, L.P., filed as
an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 21, 2015 and filed on April 27, 2015 and
incorporated by reference herein.
10.78 Registration Rights Waiver, dated as of April 21, 2015, by and among EXCO Resources, Inc. and WLR IV Exco
AIV One, L.P., WLR IV Exco AIV Two, L.P., WLR IV Exco AIV Three, L.P., WLR IV Exco AIV Four, L.P.,
WLR IV Exco AIV Five, L.P., WLR IV Exco AIV Six, L.P., WLR Select Co-Investment XCO AIV, L.P., WLR/
140
GS Master Co-Investment XCO AIV, L.P. and WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P., filed as an Exhibit to EXCO’s Current
Report on Form 8-K, dated April 21, 2015 and filed on April 27, 2015 and incorporated by reference herein.
14.1 Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's
Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-129935) filed January 6, 2006 and
incorporated by reference herein.
14.2 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's
Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-129935) filed January 6, 2006 and
incorporated by reference herein.
14.3 Amendment No. 1 to EXCO Resources, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and
Employees, filed as an Exhibit to EXCO's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-32743), dated November 8,
2006 and filed on November 9, 2006 and incorporated by reference herein.
31.1 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Principal Executive Officer of EXCO
Resources, Inc., filed herewith.
31.2 Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Principal Financial Officer of EXCO
Resources, Inc., filed herewith.
32.1 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Principal Executive Officer and
Principal Financial Officer of EXCO Resources, Inc., filed herewith.
99.1 2015 Report of Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc., filed herewith.
99.2 2015 Report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc., filed herewith.
141
SEC AND NYSE CERTIFICATIONS
The Form 10-K, included herein, which was filed by the company with the SEC for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015, include, as
exhibits, the certifications of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer required to be filed with the SEC. Our principal
executive officer also filed his 2015 annual certification with the NYSE confirming that the company has complied with the NYSE
corporate governance listing standards.
DIRECTORS SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
C. JOHN WILDER SAMUEL A. MITCHELL Shareholder Relations
Executive Chairman – Managing Director – Christopher C. Peracchi
EXCO Resources, Inc. Hamblin Watsa Investment Counsel Vice President of Finance and
Executive Chairman – Investor Relations,
Bluescape Resources Company LLC WILBUR L. ROSS, JR. 2, 3 and Treasurer
Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer – 214.368.2084
JEFFREY D. BENJAMIN 1, 2, 3 WL Ross & Co. LLC
Senior Advisor – NYSE Symbol
Cyrus Capital Partners, LP JEFFREY S. SEROTA 1, 2, 3 XCO – Common Stock
Independent Director
Auditors
B. JAMES FORD 2, 3
ROBERT L. STILLWELL 1, 2, 3 KPMG LLP
Senior Advisor – 717 North Harwood St., Suite 3100
Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. Retired General Counsel –
BP Capital LP Dallas, Texas 75201
1 Audit Committee Member Legal Counsel
2 Compensation Committee Member Haynes and Boone, LLP
3 Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Member
2323 Victory Ave., Suite 700
Dallas, Texas 75219
OFFICERS
Annual Meeting
HAROLD L. HICKEY RONALD G. EDELEN The 2016 Annual Meeting
Chief Executive Officer Vice President of Supply Chain of Shareholders will be held
and President on May 19, 2016
STEVE L. ESTES at 10:00 a.m. local time at:
WILLIAM L. BOEING Vice President of Marketing
Vice President, General Counsel EXCO Resources, Inc.
and Secretary DANIEL W. HIGDON 12377 Merit Dr.
Vice President of Land First Floor Conference Center
RICHARD A. BURNETT Dallas, Texas 75251
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer CHRISTOPHER C. PERACCHI
Vice President of Finance Stock Transfer Agent
and Chief Accounting Officer Continental Stock Transfer &
and Investor Relations, and Treasurer
HAROLD H. JAMESON Trust Company
Vice President STEPHEN E. PUCKETT Communications concerning
Vice President of Engineering and Geoscience transfer or exchange
and Chief Operating Officer
requirements, lost certificates,
W. JUSTIN CLARKE shareholdings or changes of address
Assistant General Counsel, should be directed to:
Chief Compliance Officer 17 Battery Place, 8th Floor
and Assistant Secretary New York, New York 10004
212.509.4000
Number of Common Shareholders
27,441
(As of March 2, 2016)
$160
$140
$120
$100
$80
$60
These historical comparisons EXCO Resources, Inc. $100.00 $54.41 $ 36.05 $ 29.13 $ 12.26 $ 7.01
are not a forecast of the future
NYSE Composite Index $100.00 $96.43 $112.10 $141.70 $151.44 $145.40
performance of our common
stock or the referenced indexes. Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Index $100.00 $90.63 $ 94.48 $ 96.23 $ 77.05 $ 52.75