This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in and incorporated by reference into this report are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States ("U.S.") Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements herein. These statements relate to, among other things: the closing of pending transactions and the effects of such transactions, including the fact that the transactions contemplated by the Noble exchange agreements are subject to continuing diligence between the parties and accordingly, may not occur within the expected timeframe or at all; estimated future production (including the components of such production), sales, expenses, cash flows, liquidity and balance sheet attributes; estimated crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) reserves; the impact of prolonged depressed commodity prices, including potentially reduced production and associated cash flow; anticipated capital projects, expenditures and opportunities, including our expectation that 2016 cash flows from operations will approximate cash flows from investing activities; expected capital budget allocations; our operational flexibility and ability to revise our development plan, either upward or downward; availability of sufficient funding and liquidity for our capital program and sources of that funding; that we do not expect a material changeexpected positive net settlements on derivatives in the borrowing basesecond half of our revolving credit facility as a result of the May 2016 semi-annual redetermination;2016; that we expect quarter-over-quarter production growth; expected losses of Riley Natural Gas ("RNG") through 2022 and expected discontinuation of RNG's business; future exploration, drilling and development activities, including non-operated activity, the number of drilling rigs we expect to run number of locations and lateral lengths;lengths of wells; expected 2016 production and cash flow ranges;ranges and timing of turn-in-lines; our evaluation method of our customers' and derivative counterparties' credit risk; effectiveness of our derivative program in providing a degree of price stability; potential for future impairments; expected sustained relief of gathering system pressure; compliance with debt and senior notes covenants; expected funding sources for payment of our 3.25% convertible senior notes due May 2016; impact of litigation on our results of operations and financial position; that we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future; our belief that certain proposed initiatives in Colorado may not qualify to be included on the ballot in 2016; and our future strategies, plans and objectives.

The above statements are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements herein. Although forward-looking statements contained in this report reflect our good faith judgment, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to us. Forward-looking statements are always subject to risks and uncertainties, and become subject to greater levels of risk and uncertainty as they address matters further into the future. Throughout this report or accompanying materials, we may use the terms “projection” or similar terms or expressions, or indicate that we have “modeled” certain future scenarios. We typically use these terms to indicate our current thoughts on possible outcomes relating to our business or the industry in periods beyond the current fiscal year. Because such statements relate to events or conditions further in the future, they are subject to increased levels of uncertainty.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

PDC Energy, Inc. (the "Company," "we," "us," or "our") is a domestic independent exploration and production company that produces, develops, acquires and explores for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, with primary operations in the Wattenberg Field in Colorado and the Utica Shale in southeastern Ohio. Our operations in the Wattenberg Field are focused in the horizontal Niobrara and Codell plays and our Ohio operations are focused in the Utica Shale play. As of March 31,June 30, 2016, we owned an interest in approximately 3,000 gross wells. We are engaged in two business segments: Oil and Gas Exploration and Production and Gas Marketing.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PDC, our wholly-owned subsidiary Riley Natural Gas ("RNG") and our proportionate share of our four affiliated partnerships. Pursuant to the proportionate consolidation method, our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include our pro rata share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the entities which we proportionately consolidate. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the International Accounting Standards Board issued their converged standard on revenue recognition that provides a single, comprehensive model that entities will apply to determine the measurement of revenue and timing of when it is recognized. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The standard outlines a five-step approach to apply the underlying principle: (1) identify the contract with the customer, (2) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract, (3) determine the transaction price, (4) allocate the transaction price to separate performance obligations and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied. In March 2016, the FASB issued an update to the standard intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations when recognizing revenue. The revenue standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The revenue standard can be adopted under the full retrospective method or simplified transition method. Entities are permitted to adopt the revenue standard early, beginning with annual reporting periods after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued a new standard related to the disclosure of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The new standard requires management to assess an entity's ability to continue as a going concern at the end of every reporting period and to provide related footnote disclosures in certain circumstances. The new standard will be effective for all entities in the first annual period ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We expect to adopt this standard in the fourth quarter of 2016. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update aimed at increasing the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about related leasing arrangements. For leases with terms of more than twelve12 months, the accounting update requires lessees to recognize an asset for its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability for the corresponding lease obligation. Both the lease asset and liability will initially be measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Subsequent measurement, including the presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend upon the classification of the lease as either a finance or operating lease. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied as of the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update on stock-based compensation intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment award transactions. Areas of simplification include income tax consequences, classification of the awards as either equity or liabilities and the classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluatingexpect to adopt this standard in the fourth quarter of 2016. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact these changes may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

We validate our fair value measurement through the review of counterparty statements and other supporting documentation, the determination that the source of the inputs is valid, the corroboration of the original source of inputs through access to multiple quotes, if available, or other information and monitoring changes in valuation methods and assumptions. While we use common industry practices to develop our valuation techniques and believe our valuation method is appropriate and consistent with those used by other market participants, changes in our pricing methodologies or the underlying assumptions could result in significantly different fair values.

Our fixed-price swaps, basis swaps and physical purchases are included in Level 2 and our collars and physical sales are included in Level 3. The following table presents, for each applicable level within the fair value hierarchy, our derivative assets and liabilities, including both current and non-current portions, measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

The following table presents a reconciliation of our Level 3 assets measured at fair value:

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of our derivative contracts is the implied volatility curve, which is provided by a third-party vendor. A significant increase or decrease in the implied volatility, in isolation, would have a directionally similar effect resulting in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement of our Level 3 derivative contracts. There has been no change in the methodology we apply to measure the fair value of our Level 3 derivative contracts.contracts during the periods covered by this report.

    

The carrying value of the financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities excluding the current portion of long-term debt, approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

We utilize fair value on a nonrecurring basis to review our crude oil and natural gas properties for possible impairment when events and circumstances indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such properties. The fair value of the properties is determined based upon estimated future discounted cash flow, a Level 3 input, using estimated production and prices at which we reasonably expect the crude oil and natural gas will be sold.

 

The carrying value of our capital lease obligations approximates fair value due to the variable nature of the imputed interest rates and the duration of the related vehicle lease.

On a quarterly basis, we examine the Note for evidence of impairment, evaluating factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuer of the Note and the value of the underlying assets that secure the Note. We performed our quarterly evaluation and cash flow analysis as of March 31, 2016 and, based upon the unaudited year-end financial statements and reserve report of the issuer of the Note received by us in late March 2016 and currentexisting market conditions, determined that collection of the Note and PIK Interest was not reasonably assured. As a result, we recognized a provision and recorded an allowance for uncollectible notes receivable for the $44.0 million outstanding balance as of March 31, 2016, which was included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet line item other assets.

Additionally, we recorded a $0.7 million provision and allowance for uncollectible notes receivable to impair a promissory note related to a previous divestiture as collection of the promissory note is not reasonably assured based on the analysis we performed as of March 31, 2016.

UnderAs of June 30, 2016, there has been no change to our assessment of the effectivecollectibility of the notes or related interest method,since March 31, 2016.

Commencing in the second quarter of 2016, we recognized $1.2 million and $1.1 million ofhave ceased recognizing interest income on the notes and are accounting for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, of which $1.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, was PIK Interest.notes under the cash basis method.

Our results of operations and operating cash flows are affected by changes in market prices for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. To manage a portion of our exposure to price volatility from producing crude oil and natural gas, we utilize the following economic hedging strategies for each of our business segments.

We have not elected to designate any of our derivative instruments as hedges, and therefore do not qualify for use of hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments are recorded in the statements of operations. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments related to our Oil and Gas Exploration and Production segment are recorded in commodity price risk management, net. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments related to our Gas Marketing segment are recorded in sales from and cost of natural gas marketing.

    

The following table presents the impact of our derivative instruments on our condensed consolidated statements of operations:

All of our financial derivative agreements contain master netting provisions that provide for the net settlement of all contracts through a single payment in the event of early termination. Our fixed-price physical purchase and sale agreements that qualify as derivative contracts are not subject to master netting provisions and are not significant. We have elected not to offset the fair value positions recorded on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following table reflects the impact of netting agreements on gross derivative assets and liabilities:

The following table presents the components of properties and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A"):

The following table presents impairment charges recorded for crude oil and natural gas properties:

We evaluate and update our estimated annual effective income tax rate on a quarterly basis based on current and forecasted operating results and tax laws. Consequently, based upon the mix and timing of our actual earnings compared to annual projections, our effective tax rate may vary quarterly and may make quarterly comparisons not meaningful. A tax expense or benefit unrelated to the current year income or loss is recognized in its entirety as a discrete item of tax in the period identified. The quarterly income tax provision is generally comprised of tax expense on income or benefit on loss at the most recent estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for the effect of discrete items.

The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2016 was a 36.9%37.9% and 37.5% benefit on loss compared to a 38.6% provision39.1% and 39.4% benefit on incomeloss for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2015. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2016 is based upon a full year forecasted tax benefit on loss and is greater than the statutory federal tax rate, primarily due to state taxes and percentage depletion, partially offset by nondeductible officers’ compensation and nondeductible lobbying expenses. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2015 differs from the statutory rate primarily due to state taxes and nondeductible officers' compensation, partially offset by percentage depletion and domestic production deduction. There were no significant discrete items recorded during the three and six months ended March 31,June 30, 2016 or March 31,June 30, 2015.

As of March 31,June 30, 2016, ourthere is no liability for unrecognized tax benefits was immaterial.benefits. As of the date of this report, we are current with our income tax filings in all applicable state jurisdictions and are not currently under any state income tax examinations. We continue voluntary participationto voluntarily participate in the Internal Revenue Service’sService's ("IRS") Compliance Assurance Program for the 2015 and 2016 tax years. WeWith respect to the 2014 tax year, we have receivedagreed to a partial acceptance notice frompost filing adjustment with the IRS which resulted in an immaterial tax payment for our filedthe 2014 tax year. The IRS has fully accepted the 2014 federal tax return, with one issue still in review.as adjusted.

As of March 31,June 30, 2016, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the Convertible Notes and the 2022 Senior Notes and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period.

We had no outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility as of March 31,June 30, 2016, compared to $37.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The weighted-average interest rate on the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility, exclusive of fees on the unused commitment and the letter of credit noted below, was 2.6% per annum as of December 31, 2015.

The revolving credit facility contains covenants customary for agreements of this type, with the most restrictive being certain financial tests on a quarterly basis. The financial tests, as defined per the revolving credit facility, include requirements to: (a) maintain a minimum current ratio of 1.00 to 1.00 and (b) not exceed a maximum leverage ratio of 4.25 to 1.00. As of March 31,June 30, 2016, we were in compliance with all the revolving credit facility covenants and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2015, we enteredWe periodically enter into non-cancelable lease agreements for vehicles utilized by our operations and field personnel. Each lease agreement has a term of three years and isThese leases are being accounted for as a capital lease,leases, as the present value of minimum monthly lease payments, including the residual value guarantee, exceeds 90% of the fair value of the leased vehicles at inception of the lease.

 

The following table presents leased vehicles under capital leases as of March 31,June 30, 2016:

Future minimum lease payments by year and in the aggregate, under non-cancelable capital leases with terms of one year or more, consist of the following:

Short-term capital lease obligations are included in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Long-term capital lease obligations are included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents the changes in carrying amounts of the asset retirement obligations associated with our working interests in crude oil and natural gas properties:

Our estimated asset retirement obligation liability is based on historical experience in plugging and abandoning wells, estimated economic lives and estimated plugging and abandonment cost considering federal and state regulatory requirements in effect. The liability is discounted using the credit-adjusted risk-free rate estimated at the time the liability is incurred or revised. In 2015,2016, the credit-adjusted risk-free rates used to discount our plugging and abandonment liabilities ranged from 7.6% to 8.0%. In periods subsequent to initial measurement of the liability, we must recognize period-to-period changes in the liability resulting from the passage of time, revisions to either the amount of the

The following table presents gross volume information related to our long-term firm transportation, sales and processing agreements for pipeline capacity:

Environmental. Due to the nature of the natural gas and oil industry, we are exposed to environmental risks. We have various policies and procedures to minimize and mitigate the risks from environmental contamination. We conduct periodic reviews and simulated drills to identify changes in our environmental risk profile. Liabilities are recorded when environmental damages resulting from past events that require remediation are probable to require remediation and the costs can be reasonably estimated. As of March 31,June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had accrued environmental liabilities in the amount of $4.6$4.0 million and $4.1 million, respectively, included in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We are not aware of any environmental claims existing as of March 31,June 30, 2016 which have not been provided for or would otherwise have a material impact on our financial statements; however, there can be no assurance that current regulatory requirements will not change or that unknown past non-compliance with environmental laws will not be discovered on our properties.

In August 2015, we received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request (the "Information Request") from the United StatesU.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The Information Request seeks,sought, among other things, information related to the design, operation, and maintenance of our production facilities in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of Colorado. The Information Request focusesfocused on historical operation and design information for 46 of our production facilities and asks that we conduct sampling and analyses at the identified 46 facilities. We responded to

In addition, in December 2015, we received a Compliance Advisory pursuant to C.R.S. § 25-7-115(2) from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's Air Quality Control Commission's Air Pollution Control Division alleging that we failed to design, operate, and maintain certain condensate collection, storage, processing and handling operations to minimize leakage of volatile organic compounds to the maximum extent possible of volatile organic compounds at 65 facilities consistent with applicable standards under Colorado law. We are in the process of responding to the advisory, which has overlapand working with the Information Request,agency on specific response processes, but cannot predict the outcome of this matter at this time.

In March 2016, we completed a public offering of 5,922,500 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price to us of $50.11 per share. Net proceeds of the offering were $296.6 million, after deducting offering expenses and underwriting discounts, of which $59,225 is included in common shares-par value and $296.5 million is included in additional paid-in capital ("APIC") on the March 31,June 30, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet. The shares were issued pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC in March 2015. Upon maturity of our Convertible Notes in May 2016, we paid the aggregate principal amount, plus cash for fractional shares, totaling approximately $115.0 million, utilizing proceeds from the offering. Additionally, we issued 792,406 shares of common stock for the premium in excess of the conversion price of $42.40 per share.

In March 2015, we completed a public offering of 4,002,000 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, at a price to us of $50.73 per share. Net proceeds of the offering were $202.9 million, after deducting offering expenses and underwriting discounts, of which $40,020 is included in common shares-par value and $202.8 million is included in APIC on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The shares were issued pursuant to the effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC in March 2015.

The following table provides a summary of the impact of our outstanding stock-based compensation plans on the results of operations for the periods presented:

In January 2016, the Compensation Committee awarded 58,709 SARs to our executive officers. The fair value of each SAR award was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes pricing model using the following assumptions:

The expected term of the award was estimated using historical stock option exercise behavior data. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yields approximating the expected life of the award in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatilities were based on our historical volatility. We do not expect to pay or declare dividends in the foreseeable future.