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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

T QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017

or

£ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to _________

Commission File Number 001-37419
logo123114a08.jpg
PDC ENERGY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware95-2636730
(State of incorporation)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado 80203
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 860-5800

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

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 was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

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 definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer"filer," "smaller reporting company," and "smaller reporting"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  x
Accelerated filer  o
Non-accelerated filer  o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  o
Emerging growth company  o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 47,154,49365,855,290 shares of the Company's Common Stock ($0.01 par value) were outstanding as of JulyApril 18, 2016.2017.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.


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 PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page
    
Item 1.Financial Statements  
  
  
  
  
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
    
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
    
Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
Item 5. 
Item 6. 
    
  




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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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"), and the United States ("U.S.") Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. All statements other than statements of historical factsfact 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. TheseForward-looking statements relate to,may include, 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 futurethings, statements regarding future: reserves, production, (including the components of such production), sales, expenses,costs, cash flows, liquidity and balance sheet attributes; estimated crude oil, natural gasearnings; drilling locations and natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) reserves; the impact of prolonged depressed commodity prices,growth opportunities; capital investments and projects, 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; expected positive net settlements on derivatives in the second half of 2016; that we expect quarter-over-quarter production growth; future exploration, drilling and development activities, including non-operated activity, the number of drilling rigs we expect to run and lateral lengths of wells; expected 2016 productionwells, drill times and cash flow rangesnumber of rigs employed; rates of return; operational enhancements and timingefficiencies; management of turn-in-lines; our evaluation method of our customers'lease expiration issues; financial ratios; 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 debtmidstream capacity and senior notes covenants; 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.related curtailments.

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:

changes in worldwide production volumes and demand, including economic conditions that might impact demand;demand and prices for the products we produce;
volatility of commodity prices for crude oil, natural gas, and NGLsnatural gas liquids ("NGLs") and the risk of an extended period of depressed prices;
reductions in the borrowing base under our revolving credit facility;
impact of governmental policies and/or regulations, including changes in environmental and other laws, the interpretation and enforcement related toof those laws and regulations, liabilities arising thereunder, and the costs to comply with those laws and regulations;
declines in the value of our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs properties resulting in further impairments;
changes in estimates of proved reserves;
inaccuracy of reserve estimates and expected production rates;
potential for production decline rates from our wells being greater than expected;
timing and extent of our success in discovering, acquiring, developing, and producing reserves;
availability of sufficient pipeline, gathering, and other transportation facilities and related infrastructure to process and transport our production and the impact of these facilities and regional capacity on the prices we receive for our production;
timing and receipt of necessary regulatory permits;
risks incidental to the drilling and operation of crude oil and natural gas wells;
losses from our gas marketing business exceeding our expectations;
difficulties in integrating our operations as a result of any significant acquisitions, including our recent acquisitions in the Delaware Basin;
increases or changes in operating costs, severance and ad valorem taxes, and increases or changes in drilling, completion, and facilities costs;
increases or adverse changes in construction costs and procurement costs associated with future build out of midstream-related assets;
future cash flows, liquidity, and financial condition;
competition within the oil and gas industry;
availability and cost of capital;
our success in marketing crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs;
effect of crude oil and natural gas derivatives activities;
impact of environmental events, governmental and other third-party responses to such events, and our ability to insure adequately against such events;
cost of pending or future litigation;


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effect that acquisitions we may pursue have on our capital expenditures;investments;
our ability to retain or attract senior management and key technical employees; and
success of strategic plans, expectations, and objectives for our future operations.
 
Further, we urge you to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and disclosures, specifically those under the heading "Risk Factors," made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20152016 (the "2015"2016 Form 10-K"), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 22, 2016,28, 2017, and our other filings with the SEC


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for further information on risks and uncertainties that could affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, which are incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein. We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance occurring after the date of this report or currently unknown facts or conditions or the occurrence of unanticipated events. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

REFERENCES

Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to "PDC Energy," "PDC," "the Company," "we," "us," "our" or "ours" refer to the registrant, PDC Energy, Inc. and all subsidiaries consolidated for the purposes of its financial statements, including our proportionate share of the financial position, results of operations, cash flows and operating activities of our affiliated partnerships. See Note 1, Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a description of our consolidated subsidiaries.


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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share data)
 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $109,099
 $850
 $207,624
 $244,100
Short-term investments
49,890
 
Accounts receivable, net 107,350
 104,274
 122,484
 143,392
Fair value of derivatives 98,839
 221,659
 27,047
 8,791
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 3,847
 5,266
 4,726
 3,542
Total current assets 319,135
 332,049
 411,771
 399,825
Properties and equipment, net 1,930,595
 1,940,552
 4,098,463
 4,008,266
Fair value of derivatives 12,745
 44,387
 13,921
 2,386
Goodwill 56,058
 62,041
Other assets 9,195
 53,555
 12,917
 13,324
Total Assets $2,271,670
 $2,370,543
 $4,593,130
 $4,485,842
        
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity    
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $64,234
 $92,613
 $144,440
 $66,322
Production tax liability 19,261
 26,524
 25,065
 24,767
Fair value of derivatives 22,824
 1,595
 26,495
 53,595
Funds held for distribution 49,965
 29,894
 76,067
 71,339
Current portion of long-term debt 
 112,940
Accrued interest payable 8,557
 9,057
 18,977
 15,930
Other accrued expenses 22,358
 28,709
 26,938
 38,625
Total current liabilities 187,199
 301,332
 317,982
 270,578
Long-term debt 492,997
 529,437
 1,046,461
 1,043,954
Deferred income taxes 41,133
 143,452
 427,205
 400,867
Asset retirement obligation 81,583
 84,032
Asset retirement obligations 78,162
 82,612
Fair value of derivatives 26,830
 695
 4,302
 27,595
Other liabilities 17,363
 24,398
 47,841
 37,482
Total liabilities 847,105
 1,083,346
 1,921,953
 1,863,088
        
Commitments and contingent liabilities 
 
 
 
        
Shareholders' equity    
Preferred shares - par value $0.01 per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued 
 
Common shares - par value $0.01 per share, 150,000,000 authorized, 47,162,446 and 40,174,776 issued as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively 472
 402
Stockholders' equity    
Common shares - par value $0.01 per share, 150,000,000 authorized, 65,797,748 and 65,704,568 issued as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 658
 657
Additional paid-in capital 1,211,876
 907,382
 2,492,276
 2,489,557
Retained earnings 213,442
 380,422
 180,354
 134,208
Treasury shares - at cost, 23,822 and 20,220
as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
 (1,225) (1,009)
Total shareholders' equity 1,424,565
 1,287,197
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $2,271,670
 $2,370,543
Treasury shares - at cost, 34,433 and 28,763
as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
 (2,111) (1,668)
Total stockholders' equity 2,671,177
 2,622,754
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,593,130
 $4,485,842



See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
1

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016
Revenues            
Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales $110,841
 $96,928
 $186,208
 $171,037
Sales from natural gas marketing 1,879
 2,523
 4,050
 5,756
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (92,801) (49,041) (81,745) 17,621
Well operations, pipeline income and other 178
 550
 2,415
 1,178
Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales $189,692
 $75,367
Commodity price risk management gain, net of settlements 80,704
 11,056
Other income 3,311
 4,408
Total revenues 20,097
 50,960
 110,928
 195,592
 273,707
 90,831
Costs, expenses and other            
Lease operating expenses 13,675
 12,639
 29,005
 28,924
 19,789
 15,330
Production taxes 6,043
 3,837
 10,114
 7,730
 12,399
 4,071
Transportation, gathering and processing expenses 4,465
 1,308
 8,506
 2,646
 5,902
 4,041
Cost of natural gas marketing 2,125
 2,836
 4,703
 6,094
Exploration expense 237
 275
 447
 560
General and administrative expense 26,315
 22,779
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 954
 210
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 109,316
 97,388
Impairment of properties and equipment 4,170
 4,404
 5,171
 7,176
 2,193
 1,001
General and administrative expense 23,579
 20,728
 46,358
 41,773
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 107,014
 70,106
 204,402
 125,926
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 1,768
 1,812
Gain on sale of properties and equipment (160) (84)
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable 
 
 44,738
 
 
 44,738
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 1,811
 1,588
 3,623
 3,148
(Gain) loss on sale of properties and equipment 260
 (207) 176
 (228)
Total cost, expenses and other 163,379
 117,514
 357,243
 223,749
Loss from operations (143,282) (66,554) (246,315) (28,157)
Other expenses 3,528
 2,578
Total costs, expenses and other 182,004
 193,864
Income (loss) from operations 91,703
 (103,033)
Interest expense (10,672) (11,567) (22,566) (23,292) (19,467) (11,894)
Interest income 177
 1,135
 1,735
 2,248
 240
 1,558
Loss before income taxes (153,777) (76,986) (267,146) (49,201)
Provision for income taxes 58,327
 30,116
 100,166
 19,393
Net loss $(95,450) $(46,870) $(166,980) $(29,808)
Income (loss) before income taxes 72,476
 (113,369)
Income tax (expense) benefit (26,330) 41,839
Net income (loss) $46,146
 $(71,530)
            
Earnings per share:            
Basic $(2.04) $(1.17) $(3.78) $(0.78) $0.70
 $(1.72)
Diluted $(2.04) $(1.17) $(3.78) $(0.78) $0.70
 $(1.72)
            
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:            
Basic 46,742
 40,035
 44,175
 38,202
 65,749
 41,608
Diluted 46,742
 40,035
 44,175
 38,202
 66,117
 41,608
            
 

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
2

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited; in thousands)
  Six Months Ended June 30,
  2016 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net loss $(166,980) $(29,808)
Adjustments to net loss to reconcile to net cash from operating activities:    
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives 201,825
 76,869
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 204,402
 125,926
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable 44,738
 
Impairment of properties and equipment 5,171
 7,176
Accretion of asset retirement obligation 3,623
 3,148
Stock-based compensation 11,126
 9,465
(Gain) loss on sale of properties and equipment 176
 (228)
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs 3,077
 3,521
Deferred income taxes (102,319) (22,630)
Non-cash interest income (1,194) (2,247)
Other (93) (402)
Changes in assets and liabilities (5,754) (24,333)
Net cash from operating activities 197,798
 146,457
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures (235,707) (358,135)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 4,903
 243
Net cash from investing activities (230,804) (357,892)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from sale of equity, net of issuance cost 296,575
 202,851
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 85,000
 272,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility (122,000) (275,000)
Redemption of convertible notes (115,000) 
Other (3,320) (3,106)
Net cash from financing activities 141,255
 196,745
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 108,249
 (14,690)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 850
 16,066
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $109,099
 $1,376
     
Supplemental cash flow information:    
Cash payments for:    
Interest, net of capitalized interest $22,462
 $22,828
Income taxes 167
 9,936
Non-cash investing and financing activities:    
Change in accounts payable related to purchases of properties and equipment $(28,999) $(41,490)
Change in asset retirement obligation, with a corresponding change to crude oil and natural gas properties, net of disposals 843
 1,395
Purchase of properties and equipment under capital leases 1,074
 950

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
3

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  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income (loss) $46,146
 $(71,530)
Adjustments to net income (loss) to reconcile to net cash from operating activities:    
Net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives (80,153) 55,770
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 109,316
 97,388
Impairment of properties and equipment 2,193
 1,001
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 1,768
 1,812
Non-cash stock-based compensation 4,454
 4,682
Gain on sale of properties and equipment (160) (84)
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs 3,184
 1,754
Deferred income taxes 26,280
 (43,372)
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable 
 44,738
Other 722
 (1,202)
Changes in assets and liabilities 25,750
 10,193
Net cash from operating activities 139,500
 101,150
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Capital expenditures for development of crude oil and natural gas properties (129,826) (122,309)
Capital expenditures for other properties and equipment (821) (450)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments 6,181
 
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 737
 90
Purchases of short-term investments (49,890) 
Net cash from investing activities (173,619) (122,669)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from issuance of equity, net of issuance cost (8) 296,578
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 
 85,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility 
 (122,000)
 Other (2,349) (364)
Net cash from financing activities (2,357) 259,214
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (36,476) 237,695
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 244,100
 850
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $207,624
 $238,545
     
Supplemental cash flow information:    
Cash payments (receipts) for:    
Interest, net of capitalized interest $13,224
 $599
Income taxes (39) 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:    
Change in accounts payable related to purchases of properties and equipment $69,604
 $(23,544)
Change in asset retirement obligations, with a corresponding change to crude oil and natural gas properties, net of disposals 1,233
 404
Purchase of properties and equipment under capital leases 1,190
 635
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2016March 31, 2017
(Unaudited)(unaudited)


NOTE 1 - NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

PDC Energy, Inc. (the("PDC", 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, beginning in December 2016, the Delaware Basin in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas. We also have operations in the Utica Shale in southeastern Ohio.Southeastern Ohio, although management expects to begin the process of divesting these properties later in 2017. Our operations in the Wattenberg Field are focused in the horizontal Niobrara and Codell plays and our OhioDelaware Basin operations are currently focused in the Utica Shale play.Wolfcamp zones. As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we owned an interest in approximately 3,0002,900 gross productive wells. We are engaged in two operating segments: our oil and gas exploration and production segment and our gas marketing segment. Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, our gas marketing segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds to require disclosure as a separate reportable segment. All of our material operations are attributable to our exploration and production business segments: Oil and, Gas Exploration and Production and Gas Marketing.therefore, all of our operations are presented as a single segment for all periods presented.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PDC, our wholly-owned subsidiary Riley Natural Gas ("RNG")subsidiaries, 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 our opinion, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, (consistingconsisting of only normal recurring adjustments)adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of our financial statements for interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the SEC. Accordingly, pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain notes and other financial information included in audited financial statements have been condensed or omitted. The December 31, 20152016 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited statements, but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The information presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 20152016 Form 10-K. Our results of operations and cash flows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period.

Certain immaterial reclassifications have been made to our prior period statement of operations to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassifications had no impact on previously reported cash flows, net earnings, earnings per share or stockholders' equity.

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")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)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. In December 2016, the FASB issued technical corrections and improvements to the standard. 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 evaluatingin the impact these changes may haveprocess of assessing potential impacts of the new standard on our condensed consolidated financial statements.existing revenue recognition criteria, as well as on related revenue recognition disclosures.

In August 2014, the FASB issued a new standard related to the disclosure
Table 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.contents
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


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 12 months, the accounting update requires lessees to recognize ana right-of-use asset and lease liability 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 evaluatingin the process of assessing the impact these changes may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In MarchAugust 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update on stock-based compensation intendedstatements of cash flows 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 liabilitiesaddress diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and the classification oncash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The update addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016,2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We expect to adopt this standard inare currently evaluating the fourth quarter of 2016. Adoption of this standard is not expected toimpact these changes may have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions or disposals of assets or businesses. This guidance is to be applied using a prospective method and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting update to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The update eliminates a step in the determination of whether goodwill should be considered impaired. The annual and/or interim assessments are still required to be completed. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes may have on our consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 3 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Determination of Fair Value

Our fair value measurements are estimated pursuant to a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are defined as:BUSINESS COMBINATION

Level 1Delaware Basin Acquisition. – Quoted prices (unadjusted)On December 6, 2016, we closed on an acquisition which has been accounted for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observableas a business combination. The transaction was for the asset or liability, including quoted pricespurchase of approximately 57,900 net acres, approximately 30 wells and related midstream infrastructure in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas, for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We measure the fair value of our derivative instruments based upon a pricing model that utilizes market-based inputs, including, but not limitedan aggregate consideration to the contractual pricesellers of approximately $1.64 billion, comprised of approximately $946.0 million in cash, including the payment of $40.0 million of debt of the underlying position, current market prices, crude oil and natural gas forward curves, discount rates such as the LIBOR curve for a similar duration of each outstanding position, volatility factors and nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk considers the effect of our credit standing on the fair value of derivative liabilities and the effect of our counterparties' credit standings on the fair value of derivative assets. Both inputs to the model are based on published credit default swap rates and the duration of each outstanding derivative position.

We validate our fair value measurement through the review of counterparty statementsseller at closing 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 informationpurchase price adjustments, 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:

 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
 Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total
 (in thousands)
Assets:           
Commodity-based derivative contracts$74,823
 $36,761
 $111,584
 $174,657
   $91,288
   $265,945
Basis protection derivative contracts
 
 
 101
 
 101
Total assets74,823
 36,761
 111,584
 174,758
 91,288
 266,046
Liabilities:               
Commodity-based derivative contracts38,518
 9,476
 47,994
 738
 
   738
Basis protection derivative contracts1,660
 
 1,660
 1,552
 
   1,552
Total liabilities40,178
 9,476
 49,654
 2,290
 
 2,290
Net asset$34,645
 $27,285
 $61,930
 $172,468
 $91,288
 $263,756
            

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

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

  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2016 2015 2016 2015
  (in thousands)
Fair value, net asset beginning of period $73,105
 $74,817
 $91,288
 $62,356
Changes in fair value included in statement of operations line item:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (26,422) (10,749) (20,257) 4,440
Sales from natural gas marketing 
 (1) (20) 
Settlements included in statement of operations line items:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (19,398) (5,809) (43,656) (8,534)
Sales from natural gas marketing 
 (3) (70) (7)
Fair value, net asset end of period $27,285
 $58,255
 $27,285
 $58,255
         
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives included in statement of operations line item:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net $(18,210) $(10,056) $(13,105) $3,629
         

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 during the periods covered by this report.
Non-Derivative Financial Assets and Liabilities

The carrying value of the financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities 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 liability associated with our non-qualified deferred compensation plan for non-employee directors may be settled in cash or9.4 million shares of our common stock.stock valued at approximately $690.7 million at the time the acquisition closed. The carrying value of this obligation is based on the quoted market price of our common stock, which is a Level 1 input. The liability related to this plan, which was included in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, was immaterial as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
The portion of our long-term debt related to our revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to the variable nature of related interest rates. We have not elected to account for the portion of our debt related to our senior notes under the fair value option; however, as of June 30, 2016, we estimate theestimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the portion of our long-term debt relatedacquisition presented below are preliminary and subject to our 7.75% senior notes due 2022 to be $521.3 million, or 104.3% of par value. We determined these valuations based upon measurements of trading activity and broker and/or dealer quotes, respectively, which are published market prices, and therefore are Level 2 inputs.

The carrying value of our capital lease obligations approximates fair value due tocustomary additional post-closing adjustments as more detailed analysis associated with the variable natureacquired properties is completed. As of the imputed interest rates anddate of this report, the durationfinal settlement statement has been agreed upon with the sellers. We are in the process of finalizing the fair values of the related vehicle lease.

Concentration of Risk

Derivative Counterparties. Our derivative arrangements expose usassets acquired and liabilities assumed and expect to credit risk of nonperformance by our counterparties. We primarily use financial institutions who are also lenders under our revolving credit facility as counterparties to our derivative contracts. To date, we have had no counterparty default losses relating to our derivative arrangements. We have evaluatedkeep the credit risk of our derivative assets from our counterparties using relevant credit market default rates, giving consideration to amounts outstanding for each counterparty and the duration of each outstanding derivative position. Based on our evaluation, we have determined that the potential impact of nonperformance of our counterparties on the fair value of our derivative instruments was not significant at June 30, 2016, taking into account the estimated likelihood of nonperformance.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The following table presents the counterparties that expose us to credit risk as of June 30, 2016 with regard to our derivative assets:

Counterparty Name Fair Value of
Derivative Assets
  (in thousands)
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (1) $33,559
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A (1) 29,011
Bank of Nova Scotia (1) 22,676
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (1) 13,351
NATIXIS (1) 10,418
Other lenders in our revolving credit facility 2,329
Various (2) 240
Total $111,584
   
__________
(1)Major lender in our revolving credit facility. See Note 7, Long-Term Debt.
(2)Represents a total of six counterparties.

Notes Receivable. The following table presents information regarding a note receivable outstanding as of June 30, 2016:
 Amount
 (in thousands)
Note receivable: 
Principal outstanding, December 31, 2015$43,069
Paid-in-kind interest969
Principal outstanding, June 30, 201644,038
Allowance for uncollectible notes receivable(44,038)
Note receivable, net$

In October 2014, we sold our entire 50% ownership interest in PDCM to an unrelated third-party. As part of the consideration, we received a promissory note (the “Note”) for a principal sum of $39.0 million, bearing interest at varying rates beginning at 8%, and increasing annually. Pursuant to the Note agreement, interest is payable quarterly, in arrears, commencing in December 2014 and continuing on the last business day of each fiscal quarter thereafter. At the option of the issuer of the Note, an unrelated third-party, interest can be paid-in-kind (the “PIK Interest”) and any such PIK Interest will be added to the outstanding principal amount of the Note. As of June 30, 2016, the issuer of the Note had elected the PIK Interest option. The principal and any unpaid interest is due and payable in full in September 2020 and can be prepaid in whole or in part at any time without premium or penalty. If an event of default occurs under the Note agreement, the Note must be repaid prior to maturity. The Note is secured by a pledge of stock in certain subsidiaries of the unrelated third-party, debt securities and other assets.

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 existing 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.

Under the effective interest method, we recognized $1.2 million of interest income related to the Note for the three months ended March 31, 2016, of which $1.0 million was PIK Interest, and we recognized $1.1 million and $2.2 million of interest income related to the Note for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively, of which $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively, was PIK Interest.

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.

As of June 30, 2016, there has been no change to our assessment of the collectibility of the notes or related interest since March 31, 2016.
Commencing intransaction open through the second quarter of 2016, we have ceased recognizing interest income on2017 to ensure that any post-closing adjustments associated with the notes andperiod through final settlement are accounting forappropriately reflected in the notes under the cash basis method.final purchase price allocation.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


The details of the estimated purchase price and the preliminary allocation of the purchase price for the transaction, which reflects certain post-closing adjustments, are presented below (in thousands):
 March 31, 2017
Acquisition costs: 
       Cash, net of cash acquired$905,962
       Retirement of seller's debt40,000
Total cash consideration945,962
       Common stock, 9.4 million shares690,702
      Other purchase price adjustments1,025
  Total acquisition costs$1,637,689
  
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: 
Assets acquired: 
Current assets$7,173
Crude oil and natural gas properties - proved216,000
Crude oil and natural gas properties - unproved1,721,334
Infrastructure, pipeline, and other33,695
Construction in progress12,148
Goodwill56,058
Total assets acquired2,046,408
Liabilities assumed: 
Current liabilities(24,519)
Asset retirement obligations(4,248)
Deferred tax liabilities, net(379,952)
Total liabilities assumed(408,719)
Total identifiable net assets acquired$1,637,689

The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are based on inputs that are not observable in the market, and therefore represent Level 3 inputs. The fair values of crude oil and natural gas properties and asset retirement obligations were measured using valuation techniques that convert future cash flows to a single discounted amount. Significant inputs to the valuation of crude oil and natural gas properties include estimates of reserves, future operating and development costs, future commodity prices, estimated future cash flows, and a market-based weighted-average cost of capital rate. These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by management at the time of the valuation and are the most sensitive and subject to change.

This acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method. Accordingly, we conducted assessments of net assets acquired and recognized amounts for identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their estimated acquisition date fair values, while transaction and integration costs associated with the acquisition were expensed as incurred.

Goodwill. Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired and represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Among the factors that contributed to a purchase price in excess of the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired were the acquisition of an element of a workforce and the expected value from operations of the Delaware Basin acquisition to be derived in the future. The amount of goodwill recorded related to the Delaware Basin acquisition has decreased as compared to the initial amount recorded as of December 31, 2016, due to customary purchase price allocations. Such amounts will be finalized with final purchase accounting. Any value assigned to goodwill is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


The following table presents the changes in goodwill:
 Amount
 (in thousands)
  
Balance at beginning of period, January 1, 2017$62,041
Purchase price adjustments, net of tax(5,983)
Balance at end of period, March 31, 2017$56,058

With the creation of goodwill from this transaction, we will perform our annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or when a triggering event occurs, beginning in 2017. We evaluate goodwill for impairment by either performing a qualitative evaluation or a two-step quantitative test, which involves comparing the estimated fair value to the carrying value. In either case, the valuation of goodwill will be a significant estimate as such methods incorporate forward-looking assumptions and estimates.

NOTE 4 - PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

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

 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
Properties and equipment, net:   
Crude oil and natural gas properties   
Proved$3,675,076
 $3,499,718
Unproved1,874,552
 1,874,671
Total crude oil and natural gas properties5,549,628
 5,374,389
Infrastructure, pipeline, and other74,046
 62,093
Land and buildings14,896
 12,165
Construction in progress132,776
 122,591
Properties and equipment, at cost5,771,346
 5,571,238
Accumulated DD&A(1,672,883) (1,562,972)
Properties and equipment, net$4,098,463
 $4,008,266
    

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

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016
 (in thousands)

   
Impairment of proved and unproved properties$2,102
 $969
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties91
 32
Total impairment of properties and equipment$2,193
 $1,001

NOTE 5 - COMMODITY DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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 eachand propane, which is an element of our business segments.

For crude oil and natural gas sales,NGLs, we enter into commodity derivative contracts to protect against price declines in future periods. While we structure these commodity derivatives to reduce our exposure to changes in price associated with the derivative commodity, they also limit the benefit we might otherwise have received from price increases in the physical market; andmarket.
 
For natural gas marketing, we enter into fixed-price physical purchase and sale agreements that qualify as derivative contracts. In order to offset the fixed-price physical derivatives in our natural gas marketing, we enter into financial derivative instruments that have the effect of locking in the prices we will receive or pay for the same volumes and period, offsetting the physical derivative.

We believe our commodity derivative instruments continue to be effective in achieving the risk management objectives for which they were intended. As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we had derivative instruments, which were comprised of collars, fixed-pricefixed-
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


price swaps, and basis protection swaps, and physical sales and purchases, in place for a portion of our anticipated production through 2018 for a total of 71,56013,912 MBbls of crude oil,75,615 BBtu of natural gas, and 9,214 536MBbls of crude oil. The majority of ourpropane. Our commodity derivative contracts arehave been entered into at no cost to us as we hedge our anticipated production at the then-prevailing commodity market prices.prices, without adjustment for premium or discount.

We have not elected to designate any of our derivative instruments as cash flow hedges, and therefore these instruments do not qualify for use ofunder hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments are recorded in the condensed consolidated 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.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value amounts of our derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
 Fair Value Fair Value
Derivative instruments:Derivative instruments: Balance sheet line item June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015Derivative instruments: Condensed consolidated balance sheet line item March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Derivative assets:Current    Current    
Commodity contracts    
Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives $98,526
 $221,161
Related to natural gas marketing Fair value of derivatives 313
 441
Basis protection contracts    
Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 
 57
 98,839
 221,659
Non-current    Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives $24,437
 $8,490
Commodity contracts    Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 2,610
 301
Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 12,673
 44,292
 27,047
 8,791
Related to natural gas marketing Fair value of derivatives 72
 51
Non-current    
Basis protection contracts    Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 11,279
 1,123
Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 
 44
Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 2,642
 1,263
 12,745
 44,387
 13,921
 2,386
Total derivative assets $111,584
 $266,046
Total derivative assets $40,968
 $11,177
        
Derivative liabilities:Current    Current    
Commodity contracts    Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives $26,489
 $53,565
Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives $21,179
 $
Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 6
 30
Related to natural gas marketing Fair value of derivatives 251
 417
 26,495
 53,595
Basis protection contracts    Non-current    
Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 1,394
 1,178
Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 4,302
 27,595
 22,824
 1,595
 4,302
 27,595
Non-current    
Commodity contracts    
Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 26,509
 275
Related to natural gas marketing Fair value of derivatives 54
 46
Basis protection contracts    
Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 267
 374
 26,830
 695
Total derivative liabilities $49,654
 $2,290
Total derivative liabilities $30,797
 $81,190

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

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
Condensed consolidated statement of operations line item 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net        
Commodity price risk management gain, net    
Net settlements $53,301
 $44,049
 $120,132
 $94,461
 $551
 $66,831
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives (146,102) (93,090) (201,877) (76,840) 80,153
 (55,775)
Total commodity price risk management gain (loss), net $(92,801) $(49,041) $(81,745) $17,621
Sales from natural gas marketing        
Net settlements $53
 $165
 $298
 $396
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives (299) (124) (519) (293)
Total sales from natural gas marketing $(246) $41
 $(221) $103
Cost of natural gas marketing        
Net settlements $(49) $(157) $(277) $(375)
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives 346
 115
 571
 264
Total cost of natural gas marketing $297
 $(42) $294
 $(111)
Total commodity price risk management gain, net $80,704
 $11,056
            

Net settlements of commodity derivatives decreased significantly for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.  We entered into agreements for the derivative instruments that settled throughout 2016 prior to commodity prices becoming depressed in late 2014.  Substantially all of these agreements settled by the end of 2016.  Net settlements for the three months ended March 31, 2017 reflect derivative instruments entered into since mid-2014 which approximate recent realized prices.  Based upon the forward strip pricing at March 31, 2017, we expect that settlements will be substantially lower on a relative basis as compared to periods in 2016.
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


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:
As of June 30, 2016 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
As of March 31, 2017 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:            
Derivative instruments, at fair value $111,584
 $(30,404) $81,180
 $40,968
 $(22,720) $18,248
            
Liability derivatives:            
Derivative instruments, at fair value $49,654
 $(30,404) $19,250
 $30,797
 $(22,720) $8,077
            
As of December 31, 2015 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
As of December 31, 2016 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:            
Derivative instruments, at fair value $266,046
 $(1,921) $264,125
 $11,177
 $(10,930) $247
            
Liability derivatives:            
Derivative instruments, at fair value $2,290
 $(1,921) $369
 $81,190
 $(10,930) $70,260
            

NOTE 56 - PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENTFAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
 (in thousands)
Properties and equipment, net:   
Crude oil and natural gas properties   
Proved$3,067,916
 $2,881,189
Unproved61,202
 60,498
Total crude oil and natural gas properties3,129,118
 2,941,687
Equipment and other31,566
 30,098
Land and buildings9,040
 12,667
Construction in progress117,190
 113,115
Properties and equipment, at cost3,286,914
 3,097,567
Accumulated DD&A(1,356,319) (1,157,015)
Properties and equipment, net$1,930,595
 $1,940,552
    
Our fair value measurements are estimated pursuant to a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable data (Level 3). In some cases, the inputs used to measure fair value might fall in different levels of the fair value hierarchy. The lowest level input that is significant to a fair value measurement in its entirety determines the applicable level in the fair value hierarchy. Assessing the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, considering factors specific to the asset or liability, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are defined as:

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, and inputs that are derived from observable market data by correlation or other means.
10
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, including situations where there is little, if any, market activity.


Derivative Financial Instruments

We measure the fair value of our derivative instruments based upon a pricing model that utilizes market-based inputs, including, but not limited to, the contractual price of the underlying position, current market prices, crude oil and natural gas forward curves, discount rates such as the LIBOR curve for a similar duration of each outstanding position, volatility factors,
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


The following table presents impairment charges recorded forand nonperformance risk. Nonperformance risk considers the effect of our credit standing on the fair value of derivative liabilities and the effect of our counterparties' credit standings on the fair value of derivative assets. Both inputs to the model are based on published credit default swap rates and the duration of each outstanding derivative position.

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 basis swaps and crude oil and natural gas properties:fixed-price swaps are included in Level 2 and our collars, physical sales, and propane fixed-price swaps 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:

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in thousands)

       
Impairment of proved and unproved properties$1,084
 $1,631
 $2,053
 $1,919
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties54
 2,773
 86
 5,257
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
1,138
 4,404
 2,139
 7,176
Land and buildings3,032
 
 3,032
 
Impairment of properties and equipment$4,170
 $4,404
 $5,171
 $7,176
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
  Total
 (in thousands)
Assets:           
Total assets$33,483
 $7,485
 $40,968
 $6,350
 $4,827
 $11,177
Total liabilities(25,628) (5,169) (30,797) (66,789) (14,401) (81,190)
Net asset (liability)$7,855
 $2,316
 $10,171
 $(60,439) $(9,574) $(70,013)
            
The following table presents a reconciliation of our Level 3 assets measured at fair value:

  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2017 2016
  (in thousands)
Fair value of Level 3 instruments, net asset (liability) beginning of period $(9,574) $91,288
Changes in fair value included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:    
Commodity price risk management gain, net 13,360
 6,165
Settlements included in statement of operations line items:    
Commodity price risk management gain, net (1,470) (24,258)
Fair value of Level 3 instruments, net asset end of period $2,316
 $73,195
     
Net change in fair value of Level 3 unsettled derivatives included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:    
Commodity price risk management gain, net $11,427
 $4,185
     

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 during the periods covered by this report.
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


Short-term Investments

We categorize our short-term investments as held-to-maturity as we have the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. We have invested in commercial paper with entities with financial ratings in the A1/P1 category. At March 31, 2017, all of our held-to-maturity securities had maturities within one year of the balance sheet date and we did not realize any losses. Short-term investments in marketable securities potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk as substantially all of our debt securities are held with one counterparty. We hold our marketable securities with major corporations with high credit standings. The carrying value of our short-term investments approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these investments. The amortized cost of our held-to-maturity securities at March 31, 2017 was $49.9 million. We did not hold any short-term investments at December 31, 2016.
Non-Derivative Financial Assets and Liabilities

The carrying value of the financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities 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 and goodwill for possible impairment when events and circumstances indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such assets. 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 fair value of the goodwill is determined using either a qualitative method or a quantitative method, both of which utilize market data, a Level 2 input, in the derivation of the value estimation.
The portion of our long-term debt related to our revolving credit facility approximates fair value due to the variable nature of related interest rates. We have not elected to account for the portion of our debt related to our senior notes under the fair value option; however, we have determined an estimate of the fair values based on measurements of trading activity and broker and/or dealer quotes, respectively, which are published market prices, and therefore are Level 2 inputs. The table below presents these estimates of the fair value of the portion of our long-term debt related to our senior notes and convertible notes as of March 31, 2017.
  Estimated Fair Value Percent of Par
  (in millions)  
Senior notes:   
 2021 Convertible Notes$206.0
 103.0%
 2022 Senior Notes530.0
 106.0%
 2024 Senior Notes416.0
 104.0%

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.

Concentration of Risk

Derivative Counterparties. A portion of our liquidity relates to commodity derivative instruments that enable us to manage a portion of our exposure to price volatility from producing crude oil and natural gas. These arrangements expose us to credit risk of nonperformance by our counterparties. We primarily use financial institutions who are also major lenders under our revolving credit facility as counterparties to our commodity derivative contracts; however, an insignificant portion of our commodity derivative instruments may be with other counterparties. To date, we have had no derivative counterparty default losses. We have evaluated the credit risk of our derivative assets from our counterparties using relevant credit market default rates, giving consideration to amounts outstanding for each counterparty and the duration of each outstanding derivative position. Based on our evaluation, we have determined that the potential impact of nonperformance of our current counterparties on the fair value of our derivative instruments is not significant at March 31, 2017, taking into account the estimated likelihood of nonperformance.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We consider all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk as
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


substantially all of our deposits held in financial institutions were in excess of the FDIC insurance limits at March 31, 2017. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents in the form of money market and checking accounts with financial institutions that we believe are creditworthy, and are also major lenders under our revolving credit facility.

Notes Receivable. In October 2014, we sold our entire 50 percent ownership interest in PDCM to an unrelated third-party. As part of the consideration, we received a promissory note (the “Promissory Note”) for a principal sum of $39.0 million, bearing varying interest rates. The interest was to be paid quarterly, in arrears and at the option of the issuer, could be paid-in-kind (“PIK Interest”) and any such PIK Interest would be subject to the then current interest rate.

We regularly analyze the Promissory Note for evidence of collectability, evaluating factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuer of the Promissory Note and the value of the underlying assets that secure the Promissory Note. Based upon this analysis, during the quarter ended March 31, 2016, we recognized a provision and recorded an allowance for uncollectible notes receivable for the $44.0 million accumulated outstanding balance, including interest. Commencing in the second quarter of 2016, we ceased recognizing interest income on the Promissory Note and began accounting for the interest on the Promissory Note under the cash basis method.

We performed this analysis as of March 31, 2017 and, based upon the evaluation of preliminary 2016 year-end financial statements and related information of the issuer and existing market conditions for natural gas, it was determined that collection of the Promissory Note and PIK Interest continued to be doubtful and the full valuation allowance on the Promissory Note remained appropriate as of that date. This evaluation assumed repayment of the Promissory Note would be satisfied exclusively from the existing operations of the issuer of the Promissory Note based on the latest available information.

At the end of April 2017, PDC entered into an agreement to sell the Promissory Note to an unrelated third-party buyer. Such agreement transferred all of the Company’s legal right to collect from the issuer of the Promissory Note. The sale of the Promissory Note was for cash consideration of approximately $40.3 million. The transaction closed and all funds were collected simultaneously on the date the definitive agreement to sell the Promissory Note was signed. As an agreement to sell the Promissory Note was not in effect and did not exist at March 31, 2017, this transaction has been deemed to be a subsequent event to be recorded in the second quarter of 2017. Accordingly, the Company reversed $40.3 million of the provision for uncollectible notes receivable in April 2017.

NOTE 67 - INCOME TAXES

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 annual 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 June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, was a 37.9% and 37.5% benefit36.3 percent expense on lossincome compared to a 39.1% and 39.4%36.9 percent benefit on loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2017, includes discrete tax benefits of $1.6 million relating to the excess tax basis recognized with the vesting of stock awards during the three months ended March 31, 2017, which resulted in a 2.2 percent reduction to our effective tax rate.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017, is based upon a full year forecasted tax provision on income and is greater than the statutory federal tax rate, primarily due to state taxes, nondeductible officers’ compensation and nondeductible lobbying expenses, partially offset by stock-based compensation tax deductions. We anticipate the potential for increased periodic volatility in future effective tax rates from the impact of stock-based compensation tax deductions as they are treated as discrete tax items. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 iswas 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 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 tax items recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 or June 30, 2015.March 31, 2016.

As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, there is no liability for unrecognized tax 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 to voluntarily participate in the Internal Revenue Service's ("IRS") Compliance Assurance Program for the 2016 and 2017
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


tax years, and received final acceptance of our 2015 federal income tax return and 2016 tax years. With respect toclosure of the 20142015 tax year we have agreed to a post filing adjustment withduring the IRS which resulted in an immaterial tax payment for the 2014 tax year. The IRS has fully accepted the 2014 federal return, as adjusted.three months ended March 31, 2017.

NOTE 78 - LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of:

 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
 (in thousands)
Senior notes:   
3.25% Convertible senior notes due 2016:   
Principal amount$
 $115,000
Unamortized discount
 (1,852)
Unamortized debt issuance costs
 (208)
3.25% Convertible senior notes due 2016, net of discount and unamortized debt issuance costs
 112,940
    
7.75% Senior notes due 2022:   
Principal amount500,000
 500,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs(7,003) (7,563)
7.75% Senior notes due 2022, net of unamortized debt issuance costs492,997
 492,437
Total senior notes492,997
 605,377
    
Revolving credit facility
 37,000
Total debt, net of discount and unamortized debt issuance costs492,997
 642,377
Less current portion of long-term debt
 112,940
Long-term debt$492,997
 $529,437

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
Senior notes:   
1.125% Convertible Notes due 2021:   
Principal amount$200,000
 $200,000
Unamortized discount(35,727) (37,475)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(4,346) (4,584)
1.125% Convertible Notes due 2021, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs159,927
 157,941
    
7.75% Senior Notes due 2022:   
Principal amount500,000
 500,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs(6,162) (6,443)
7.75% Senior Notes due 2022, net of unamortized debt issuance costs493,838
 493,557
    
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024:   
Principal amount400,000
 400,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs(7,304) (7,544)
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024, net of unamortized debt issuance costs392,696
 392,456
    
Total senior notes1,046,461
 1,043,954
    
Revolving credit facility
 
Total long-term debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs$1,046,461
 $1,043,954
    
Senior Notes

3.25%2021 Convertible Senior Notes DueNotes. In September 2016,. In November 2010, we issued $115$200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25%1.125% convertible senior notes due 20162021 (the "Convertible"2021 Convertible Notes") in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers.public offering. The maturity for the payment of principal is September 15, 2021. Interest at the rate of 1.125% per year is payable in cash semiannually in arrears on each March 15 and September 15, commencing on March 15, 2017. The conversion stock price at maturity is $85.39 per share. We allocated the gross proceeds of the 2021 Convertible Notes between the liability and equity components of the debt. The initial $160.5 million liability component was May 15, 2016. At December 31, 2015, our indebtedness includeddetermined based on the fair value of similar debt instruments excluding the conversion feature for similar terms and priced on the same day we issued the 2021 Convertible Notes. Approximately $4.8 million in costs associated with the issuance of the 2021 Convertible Note have been capitalized as debt issuance costs. As of March 31, 2017, the unamortized debt discount will be amortized over the remaining contractual term to maturity of the 2021 Convertible Notes using an effective interest rate of 5.8 percent.
Upon conversion, the 2021 Convertible Notes may be settled, at our sole election, in shares of our common stock, cash, or a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. We have initially elected a combination settlement in May 2016, we paidmethod to satisfy our conversion obligation, which allows us to settle the aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Convertible Notes plusin cash forand to settle the excess conversion value, if any, in shares, as well as cash in lieu of fractional shares, totaling approximately $115.0 million, utilizing proceeds from our March 2016 equity offering. Additionally,shares.
2022 Senior Notes. In October 2012, we issued 792,406 shares of common stock for the $47.9$500.0 million excess conversion value. See Note 11, Common Stock, for more information.

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2022. In October 2012, we issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% senior notes due October 15, 2022 (the “2022 Senior Notes”) in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers.. The 2022 Senior Notes accrue interest from the date of issuance and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15. The indenture governingApproximately $11.0 million in costs associated with the
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


issuance of the 2022 Senior Notes contains customary restrictive incurrence covenants. Capitalizedhave been capitalized as debt issuance costs and are being amortized as interest expense over the life of the 2022notes using the effective interest method.

2024 Senior Notes.  In September 2016, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due September 15, 2024 (the “2024 Senior Notes”) in a private placement to qualified institutional buyers. The 2024 Senior Notes accrue interest from the date of issuance and interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15, commencing on March 15, 2017. Approximately $7.8 million in costs associated with the issuance of the 2024 Senior Notes have been capitalized as debt issuance costs and are being amortized as interest expense over the life of the notes using the effective interest method.

In January 2017, pursuant to the filing of supplemental indentures for the 2021 Convertible Notes, 2022 Senior Notes, and the 2024 Senior Notes (the "Notes"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, PDC Permian, Inc., became a guarantor of our obligations under the Notes. Accordingly, condensed consolidating financial information for PDC and PDC Permian, Inc. is presented in the footnote titled Subsidiary Guarantor.

As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the 2022 Senior Notes, and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period.

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit FacilityFacility. . We are party to a Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent, and other lenders party thereto (sometimes referred to as the "revolving credit facility"). The revolving credit facility matures in May 2020 and is available for working capital requirements, capital expenditures,investments, acquisitions, general corporate purposes and to support letters of credit. The revolving credit facility matures in May 2020, and provides for a maximum of $1 billion in allowable borrowing capacity, subject to the borrowing base. In May 2016, we completedbase and certain limitations under our senior notes. The borrowing base amount available under the semi-annual redetermination of our revolving credit facility by the lenders, which resulted in the reaffirmation of our borrowing base at $700 million; however, we have elected to maintain the aggregate commitment at $450 million. The borrowing base is based on, among other things, the loan value assigned to the proved reserves attributable to our crude oil and natural gas interests, excluding proved reserves attributable to our affiliated partnerships.interests. The borrowing base is subject to a semi-annual size redetermination on November 1 and May 1 based upon quantification of our reserves at June 30 and December 31, and is also subject to a redetermination upon the occurrence of certain events. The revolving credit facility is secured by a pledge of the stock of certain of our subsidiaries, mortgages of certain producing crude oil and natural gas properties.properties and substantially all of our and such subsidiaries' other assets. Our affiliated partnerships are not guarantors of our obligations under the revolving credit facility. The current borrowing base and aggregate commitments under the facility are $700 million. The May 1, 2017 redetermination has not been finalized as of the date of this report.

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, debt issuance costs related to our revolving credit facility were $8.1 million and $8.8 million, respectively, and are included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We had no outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2016, compared to $37.0 million outstanding as ofMarch 31, 2017 or December 31, 2015.2016. 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.

As of June 30, 2016, RNG had an irrevocable standby letter of credit of approximately $11.7 million in favor of a third-party transportation service provider to secure firm transportation of the natural gas produced by third-party producers for whom we market production in the Appalachian Basin. The letter of credit currently expires in September 2016 and is automatically extended annually in accordance with the letter of credit's terms and conditions. The letter of credit reduces theprincipal amount of available funds under our revolving credit facility by an amount equal to the letter of credit. As of June 30, 2016, the available funds under our revolving credit facility, including the reduction for the $11.7 million letter of credit, was $438.3 million. In addition to our currently elected commitment of $450 million, we have an additional $250 million of borrowing base availability under the revolving credit facility subjectaccrues interest at a varying interest rate that fluctuates with an alternate base rate (equal to the greatest of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.'s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus a premium and the rate for dollar deposits in the London interbank market (“LIBOR”) for one month plus a premium), or at our election, a rate equal to LIBOR for certain termstime periods. Additionally, commitment fees, interest margin, and conditionsother bank fees, charged as a component of interest, vary with our utilization of the agreement.facility. As of March 31, 2017, the applicable interest margin is 1.25 percent for the alternate base rate option or 2.25 percent for the LIBOR option, and the unused commitment fee is 0.50 percent. No principal payments are generally required until the revolving credit facility expires in May 2020, or in the event that the borrowing base falls below the outstanding balance.

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 1.001.0:1.0 and (b) not exceed a maximum leverage ratio of 4.25 to 1.00. 4.0:1.0. As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all the revolving credit facility covenants and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period. As defined by the revolving credit facility, our current ratio was 3.7and our leverage ratio was 2.0as of March 31, 2017.


As of March 31, 2017, we had an irrevocable standby letter of credit of approximately $11.7 million in favor of a third-party transportation service provider to secure a firm transportation obligation. As of March 31, 2017, the available funds under our revolving credit facility, including the reduction for the $11.7 million letter of credit, was $688.3 million.
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 89 - OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES

Other Accrued Expenses. The following table presents the components of other accrued expenses:

 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
    
Employee benefits$7,659
 $22,282
Asset retirement obligations12,937
 9,775
Environmental expenses4,624
 4,438
Other1,718
 2,130
Other accrued expenses$26,938
 $38,625
    

NOTE 10 - CAPITAL LEASES

We periodically enter into non-cancelable lease agreements for vehicles utilized by our operations and field personnel. These leases are being accounted for as capital leases, as the present value of minimum monthly lease payments, including the residual value guarantee, exceeds 90%90 percent of the fair value of the leased vehicles at inception of the lease.
 
The following table presents leased vehicles under capital leaseslease as of June 30, 2016:March 31, 2017:
 

 Amount March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Vehicles $2,674
 $4,126
 $2,975
Accumulated depreciation (464) (973) (776)
 $2,210
 $3,153
 $2,199
 
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:
 
For the Twelve Months Ending June 30, Amount
For the Twelve Months Ending March 31, Amount
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
2017 $820
2018 1,075
 $1,413
2019 734
 1,376
2020 946
 2,629
 3,735
Less executory cost (105) (155)
Less amount representing interest (305) (402)
Present value of minimum lease payments $2,219
 $3,178
  
  
Short-term capital lease obligations $606
 $1,108
Long-term capital lease obligations 1,613
 2,070
 $2,219
 $3,178

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.

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)



NOTE 911 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

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:
AmountAmount
(in thousands)(in thousands)
  
Balance at beginning of period, January 1, 2016$89,492
Balance at beginning of period, January 1, 2017$92,387
Obligations incurred with development activities843
1,232
Accretion expense3,623
1,768
Obligations discharged with disposal of properties and asset retirements(5,475)
Balance end of period, June 30, 201688,483
Obligations discharged with asset retirements(4,288)
Balance at end of period, March 31, 201791,099
Less current portion(6,900)(12,937)
Long-term portion$81,583
$78,162
  
Our estimated asset retirement obligationobligations 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 2016,As of March 31, 2017, the credit-adjusted risk-free rates used to discount our plugging and abandonment liabilities ranged from 7.6%6.5 percent to 8.0%.8.2 percent. 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

13

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

original estimate of undiscounted cash flows or changes in inflation factors, and changes to our credit-adjusted risk-free rate as market conditions warrant. Short-term asset retirement obligations are included in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

NOTE 1012 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Firm Transportation, Processing, and Sales Agreements. We enter into contracts that provide firm transportation, sales, and processing agreements on pipeline systems through which we transport or sell crude oil and natural gas. Satisfaction of the volume requirements includes volumes produced by us, purchased from third parties, and produced by our affiliated partnerships and other third-party working, royalty, and overriding royalty interest owners. We record in our financialowners whose volumes we market on their behalf. Our statements onlyof operations reflect our share of costs based upon our working interest in the wells.these firm transportation costs. These contracts require us to pay these transportation and processing charges whether or not the required volumes are delivered. As natural gas prices continue to remain depressed, certain third-party producers under our Gas Marketing segment have begun and continue to experience financial distress, which has led to certain contractual defaults and litigation; however, to date, we have had no material counterparty default losses. As of June 30, 2016, we have recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $0.9 million. We have initiated several legal actions for breach of contract, collection, and related claims against certain third-party producers that are delinquent in their payment obligations, which have to date resulted in one default judgment. There have been no collections received to date and and some of the third-party producers have shut-in their wells.

A group of independent West Virginia natural gas producers has filed, but not served on RNG, a complaint in Marshall County, West Virginia, naming Dominion Transmission, Inc. (“Dominion”), certain entities affiliated with Dominion, and RNG as defendants, alleging various contractual, fiduciary and related claims against the defendants, all of which are associated with firm transportation contracts entered into by plaintiffs and relating to pipelines owned and operated by Dominion and its affiliates. RNG is aware of this lawsuit filing but has not received formal service of process which commences the litigation against RNG. Furthermore, at this time, RNG is unable to estimate any potential damages associated with the claims, but believes the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously pursue its defenses.

The following table presents gross volume information related to our long-term firm transportation, sales and processing agreements for pipeline capacity:
 For the Twelve Months Ending June 30,    For the Twelve Months Ending March 31,   
Area 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 and
Through
Expiration
 Total Expiration
Date
 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 and
Through
Expiration
 Total Expiration
Date
                            
Natural gas (MMcf)                          
Gas Marketing segment 7,117
 7,117
 7,117
 7,136
 15,138
 43,625
 August 31, 2022
Wattenberg Field 
 5,845
 18,849
 18,798
 84,666
 128,158
 September 30, 2025
Delaware Basin 13,400
 14,600
 14,640
 11,000
 
 53,640
 December 31, 2020
Gas Marketing 7,117
 7,117
 7,136
 7,117
 9,796
 38,283
 August 31, 2022
Utica Shale 2,738
 2,738
 2,738
 2,745
 8,444
 19,403
 July 22, 2023 2,737
 2,737
 2,745
 2,737
 6,391
 17,347
 July 22, 2023
Total 9,855
 9,855
 9,855
 9,881
 23,582
 63,028
  23,254
 30,299
 43,370
 39,652
 100,853
 237,428
 
                          
Crude oil (MBbls)                          
Wattenberg Field 2,413
 2,413
 2,413
 2,421
 
 9,660
 June 30, 2020 2,413
 2,413
 2,420
 602
 
 7,848
 June 30, 2020
                          
Dollar commitment (in thousands) $17,573
 $16,536
 $16,324
 $16,369
 $9,052
 $75,854
  $18,726
 $24,216
 $36,799
 $26,211
 $86,280
 $192,232
 

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


Litigation.In December 2016, in anticipation of our future drilling activities in the Wattenberg Field, we entered into a facilities expansion agreement with our primary midstream provider to expand and improve its natural gas gathering pipelines and processing facilities. The midstream provider is expected to construct a new 200 MMcfd cryogenic plant. We will be bound to the volume requirements in this agreement on the first day of the calendar month after the actual in-service date of the plant, which in the above table is estimated to be September 30, 2018. The agreement requires a baseline volume commitment, consisting of our gross wellhead volume delivered in November 2016, to this midstream provider and an incremental wellhead volume commitment of 51.5 MMcfd for seven years. We may be required to pay a shortfall fee for any volumes under the 51.5 MMcfd incremental commitment. Any shortfall of this volume commitment may be offset, by additional third party producers’ volumes sold to the midstream provider that are greater then a certain total baseline volume. We are also required for the first three years of the contract to guarantee a certain target profit margin to the midstream provider on these incremental volumes. We expect that our development plan will support the utilization of that capacity.

We entered into a transportation service agreement for delivery of 40,000 dekatherms per day of our Delaware Basin natural gas production to the Waha market hub in West Texas.  The contract is effective May 1, 2017 and is in effect through December 31, 2020. 

For each of the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, commitments for long-term transportation volumes for Wattenberg Field crude oil and Utica Shale natural gas were $0.9 million and were recorded in transportation, gathering, and processing expense in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, long-term firm transportation costs for our gas marketing business associated with the commitments shown above were $2.2 million and $2.4 million, respectively, and were recorded in other expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Litigation and Legal Items. The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that it considers normal to its business.proceedings. The Company reviews the status of these proceedings on an ongoing basis and, from time to time, may settle or otherwise resolve these matters on terms and conditions that management believes are in the best interests of the Company. There is no assurance that settlements can be reached on acceptable terms or that adverse judgments, if any,Management has provided the necessary estimated accruals in the remainingaccompanying balance sheets where deemed appropriate for litigation willand legal related items that are ongoing and not exceed the amounts reserved.yet concluded. Although the results cannot be known with certainty, we currently believe that the ultimate results of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.

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 June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015,Except as discussed herein, we had accrued environmental liabilities in the amount of $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 June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 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. Accrued environmental liabilities are recorded in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

In August 2015, we received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request (the "Information Request") from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The Information Request sought, among other things, information related to the design, operation, and maintenance of our Wattenberg Field production facilities in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of Colorado. The Information Request focusedfocuses 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

14

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

the Information Request in January 2016. We continue to meet withIn December 2016, we received a draft consent decree from the EPA and provide additional information, but cannot predict the outcome of this matter at this time.EPA.

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 at 65 facilities consistent with applicable standards under Colorado law. We are in the process of responding to the advisory, and workingThis matter has been combined with the agency on specific response processes, but cannot predictmatter discussed above. We have ongoing discussions with the EPA, U.S. Department of Justice, and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regarding these matters. The ultimate outcome of this matterrelated to these combined actions has not been determined at this time.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)

Employment Agreements with Executive Officers. Each of our senior executive officers may be entitled to a severance payment and certain other benefits upon the termination of the officer's employment pursuant to the officer's employment agreement and/or the Company's executive severance compensation plan. The nature and amount of such benefits would vary based upon, among other things, whether the termination followed a change of control of the Company.

NOTE 1113 - COMMON STOCK

Sale of Equity Securities

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 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.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans

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:

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
            
Stock-based compensation expense $6,444
 $5,097
 $11,126
 $9,465
 $4,453
 $4,682
Income tax benefit (2,452) (1,936) (4,233) (3,595) (1,666) (1,782)
Net stock-based compensation expense $3,992
 $3,161
 $6,893
 $5,870
 $2,787
 $2,900
            

Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs")

The SARs vest ratably over a three-year period and may be exercised at any point after vesting through ten years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to the terms of the awards, upon exercise, the executive officers will receive, in shares of common stock, the excess of the market price of the award on the date of exercise over the market price of the award on the date of issuance.

In January 2016, theThe Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors awarded 58,709 SARs to our executive officers.officers during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The fair value of each SAR award was estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes pricing model using the following assumptions:

Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 20152017 2016
      
Expected term of award6.0 years
 5.2 years
Expected term of award (in years)6
 6
Risk-free interest rate1.8% 1.4%2.0% 1.8%
Expected volatility54.5% 58.0%53.3% 54.5%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$26.96
 $22.23
$38.58
 $26.96


15

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

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.
    
The following table presents the changes in our SARs for all periods presented:the three months ended March 31, 2017:

 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2016 2015
 Number of
SARs
 Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price
 Average Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
 Number of
SARs
 Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price
 
Average Remaining Contractual
Term
(in years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding beginning of year, January 1,326,453
 $38.99
     279,011
 $38.77
    
Awarded58,709
 51.63
     68,274
 39.63
    
Exercised(114,853) 38.71
   $2,488
 
 
    
Outstanding at June 30,270,309
 41.86
 7.4 4,258
 347,285
 38.94
 7.8 $5,107
Vested and expected to vest at June 30,263,546
 41.70
 7.4 4,193
 339,980
 38.88
 7.7 5,019
Exercisable at June 30,162,895
 38.31
 6.4 3,144
 191,149
 35.68
 6.9 3,433
 Number of
SARs
 Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price
 Average Remaining Contractual
Term (in years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016244,078
 $41.36
 6.9
 $7,620
Awarded54,142
 74.57
 
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2017298,220
 47.39
 7.2
 5,123
Exercisable at March 31, 2017186,248
 39.38
 6.1
 4,279

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


Total compensation cost related to SARs granted net of estimated forfeitures, and not yet recognized in our condensed consolidated statement of operations as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, was $2.0$3.2 million. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.12.3 years.
    
Restricted Stock Awards

Time-Based Awards.The fair value of the time-based restricted shares is amortized ratably over the requisite service period, primarily three years. The time-based shares generally vest ratably on each anniversary following the grant date provided that a participant is continuously employed.

In January 2016, the Compensation Committee awarded to our executive officers a total of 61,634 time-based restricted shares that vest ratably over a three-year period ending in January 2019.

The following table presents the changes in non-vested time-based awards to all employees, including executive officers, for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016:March 31, 2017:
Shares Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
      
Non-vested at December 31, 2015525,081
 $50.23
Non-vested at December 31, 2016479,642
 $56.09
Granted267,379
 57.11
106,401
 73.28
Vested(233,269) 49.74
(48,656) 50.46
Forfeited(12,306) 55.27
(2,244) 72.58
Non-vested at June 30, 2016546,885
 53.69
Non-vested at March 31, 2017535,143
 59.95
      

The following table presents the weighted-average grant date fair value per share and related information as of/for the periods presented:

 
As of/for the Six Months Ended June 30,

 2016 2015
 (in thousands, except per share data)
    
Total intrinsic value of time-based awards vested$13,314
 $10,126
Total intrinsic value of time-based awards non-vested31,506
 34,556
Market price per common share as of June 30,57.61
 53.64
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share57.11
 48.54


16

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
 
As of/Three Months Ended March 31,

 2017 2016
 (in thousands, except per share data)
    
Total intrinsic value of time-based awards vested$3,602
 $3,072
Total intrinsic value of time-based awards non-vested33,366
 32,687
Market price per common share as of March 31,62.35
 59.45
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share73.28
 51.74

Total compensation cost related to non-vested time-based awards, net of estimated forfeitures, and not yet recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, was $21.7 million.$21.5 million This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

Market-Based Awards.The fair value of the market-based restricted shares is amortized ratably over the requisite service period, primarily three years. The market-based shares vest if the participant is continuously employed throughout the performance period and the market-based performance measure is achieved, with a maximum vesting period of three years. All compensation cost related to the market-based awards will be recognized if the requisite service period is fulfilled, even if the market condition is not achieved.
In January 2016, theThe Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors awarded a total of 24,28028,069 market-based restricted shares to our executive officers.officers during the three months ended March 31, 2017. In addition to continuous employment, the vesting of these shares is contingent on the Company'sour total shareholderstockholder return ("TSR"), which is essentially the Company’sour stock price change including any dividends as compared to the TSR of a group of peer companies. The shares are measured over a three-year period ending on December 31, 20182019, and can result in a payout between 0%0 percent and 200%200 percent of the total shares awarded. The weighted-average grant date fair value per market-based share for these awards was computed using the Monte Carlo pricing model using the following assumptions:
Table of contents
 Six Months Ended June 30,
 2016 2015
    
Expected term of award3 years
 3 years
Risk-free interest rate1.2% 0.9%
Expected volatility52.3% 53.0%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$72.54
 $66.16
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016
    
Expected term of award (in years)3
 3
Risk-free interest rate1.4% 1.2%
Expected volatility51.4% 52.3%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$94.02
 $72.54

The expected term of the awards was based on the requisite service period. The risk-free interest rate was based on the U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant and extrapolated to approximate the life of the award. The expected volatility was based on our historical volatility.
    
The following table presents the change in non-vested market-based awards during the sixthree months ended March 31, 2017:June 30, 2016:

  Shares
 Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value per Share
     
Non-vested at December 31, 2015
 71,549
 $63.60
Granted
 24,280
 72.54
Vested
 (11,283) 98.50
Non-vested at June 30, 2016
 84,546
 61.51
     
  Shares
 Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value per Share
     
Non-vested at December 31, 2016
 48,420
 $64.97
Granted
 28,069
 94.02
Non-vested at March 31, 2017
 76,489
 75.63
     


The following table presents the weighted-average grant date fair value per share and related information as of/for the periods presented:

As of/for the Six Months Ended June 30,As of /Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 20152017 2016
(in thousands, except per share data)(in thousands, except per share data)
      
Total intrinsic value of market-based awards vested$1,174
 $
Total intrinsic value of market-based awards non-vested4,871
 6,068
$4,769
 $5,697
Market price per common share as of June 30,57.61
 53.64
Market price per common share as of March 31,62.35
 59.45
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share72.54
 66.16
94.02
 72.54

Total compensation cost related to non-vested market-based awards, net of estimated forfeitures, and not yet recognized in our condensed consolidated statements of operations as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, was $2.2$3.8 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.02.3 years.

Preferred Stock

We are authorized, pursuant to stockholder approval in 2008, to issue 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, which may be issued in one or more series, with such rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions as shall be fixed by our Board from time to time. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no preferred shares had been issued.
17

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued

NOTE 1214 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is similarly computed, except that the denominator includes the effect, using the treasury stock method, of unvested restricted stock, outstanding SARs, stock options, Convertible Notesconvertible notes, and shares held pursuant to our non-employee director deferred compensation plan, if including such potential shares of common stock is dilutive.

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


The following table presents a reconciliation of the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding:

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
          
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic46,742
 40,035
 44,175
 38,202
65,749
 41,608
Dilutive effect of:   
Restricted stock211
 
Other equity-based awards157
 
Weighted-average common shares and equivalents outstanding - diluted46,742
 40,035
 44,175
 38,202
66,117
 41,608
          

We reported a net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.March 31, 2016. As a result, our basic and diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were the same for that period because the effect of the common share equivalents was anti-dilutive.

The following table presents the weighted-average common share equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect:

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
          
Weighted-average common share equivalents excluded from diluted earnings          
per share due to their anti-dilutive effect:          
Restricted stock768
 871
 745
 832
76
 723
Convertible notes358
 677
 478
 523

 508
Other equity-based awards103
 118
 105
 99
18
 100
Total anti-dilutive common share equivalents1,229
 1,666
 1,328
 1,454
94
 1,331
          

In September 2016, we issued the 2021 Convertible Notes, which give the holders the right to convert the aggregate principal amount into 2.3 million shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $85.39 per share. The 2021 Convertible Notes could be included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method if the average market share price exceeds the $85.39 conversion price during the periods presented.

In November 2010, we issued our$115.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes that were due in 2016 ("2016 Convertible Notes,Notes"), which gave the holders the right to convert the aggregate principal amount into 2.7 million shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $42.40 per share. The 2016 Convertible Notes matured in May 2016. See Note 7, Long-Term Debt, for additional information. Prior to maturity, the 2016 Convertible Notes were included in the diluted earnings per share calculation using the treasury stock method ifwhen the average market share price exceeded the $42.40 conversion price during the periodperiods presented.

Shares issuable upon conversion of the 2021 Convertible Notes and 2016 Convertible Notes were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015applicable periods as the effect would be anti-dilutive to our earnings per share.

NOTE 1315 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We separate our operating activities into two segments: Oil and Gas Exploration and Production and Gas Marketing. All material inter-company accounts and transactions between segments have been eliminated.SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production. Our Oil and Gas Exploration and Production segment includes all ofsubsidiary PDC Permian, Inc. guarantees our crude oil and natural gas properties.obligations under our publicly-registered Notes. The segment represents revenues and expenses fromfollowing presents the production and sale of crude oil, natural gas and NGLs. Segment revenue includes crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales, commodity price risk management, net and well operation and pipeline income. Segment income (loss) consists of segment revenue less production cost, exploration expense, impairment of properties and equipment, direct general and administrative expense and depreciation, depletion and amortization expense.condensed consolidating financial information separately for:

(i)PDC Energy, Inc. ("Parent"), the issuer of the guaranteed obligations, including non-material subsidiaries;
(ii)PDC Permian, Inc., the guarantor subsidiary ("Guarantor"), as specified in the indentures related to our Notes;
(iii)Eliminations representing adjustments to (a) eliminate intercompany transactions between or among Parent, Guarantor, and our other subsidiaries and (b) eliminate the investments in our subsidiaries;
(iv)Parent and subsidiaries on a consolidated basis ("Consolidated").

Gas Marketing. Our Gas Marketing segment purchases, aggregates and resells natural gas produced by unrelated third-parties. Segment income (loss) primarily represents sales from natural gas marketing and direct interest income, less costs of natural gas marketing and direct general and administrative expense.

Unallocated Amounts. Unallocated income includes unallocated other revenue, less corporate general and administrative expense, corporate DD&A expense, interest income and interest expense. Unallocated assets include assets utilized for corporate general and administrative purposes, as well as assets not specifically included in our two business segments.

18

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - Continued
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


The Guarantor is 100% owned by the Parent beginning in December 2016. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by the Guarantor. The guarantee is subject to release in limited circumstances only upon the occurrence of certain customary conditions. Each entity in the condensed consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as described in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The following tables presentcondensed consolidating financial statements have been prepared on the same basis of accounting as our segment information:condensed consolidated financial statements. Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, the entries necessary to consolidate the Parent and Guarantor are reflected in the eliminations column.

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in thousands)
Segment revenues:       
Oil and gas exploration and production$18,218
 $48,437
 $106,878
 $189,836
Gas marketing1,879
 2,523
 4,050
 5,756
Total revenues$20,097
 $50,960
 $110,928
 $195,592
        
Segment income (loss) before income taxes:       
Oil and gas exploration and production$(118,508) $(44,364) $(152,541) $16,161
Gas marketing(246) (313) (653) (338)
Unallocated(35,023) (32,309) (113,952) (65,024)
Loss before income taxes$(153,777) $(76,986) $(267,146) $(49,201)
        
  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
  March 31, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
Assets        
Current assets $397,276
 $14,495
 $
 $411,771
Properties and equipment, net 1,923,981
 2,174,482
 
 4,098,463
Intercompany receivable 43,550
 
 (43,550) 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,765,386
 
 (1,765,386) 
Goodwill 
 56,058
 
 56,058
Noncurrent assets 26,653
 185
 
 26,838
Total Assets $4,156,846
 $2,245,220
 $(1,808,936) $4,593,130
         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Current liabilities $266,368
 $51,614
 $
 $317,982
Intercompany payable 
 43,550
 (43,550) 
Long-term debt 1,046,461
 
 
 1,046,461
Other noncurrent liabilities 172,840
 384,670
 
 557,510
Stockholders' equity 2,671,177
 1,765,386
 (1,765,386) 2,671,177
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,156,846
 $2,245,220
 $(1,808,936) $4,593,130

 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
 (in thousands)
Segment assets:   
Oil and gas exploration and production$2,244,799
 $2,294,288
Gas marketing4,117
 4,217
Unallocated22,754
 72,038
Total assets$2,271,670
 $2,370,543
    
  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
  December 31, 2016
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
Assets        
Current assets $387,309
 $12,516
 $
 $399,825
Properties and equipment, net 1,889,419
 2,118,847
 
 4,008,266
Intercompany receivable 9,415
 
 (9,415) 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,765,092
 
 (1,765,092) 
Goodwill 
 62,041
 
 62,041
Noncurrent assets 15,539
 171
 
 15,710
Total Assets $4,066,774
 $2,193,575
 $(1,774,507) $4,485,842
         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Current liabilities $235,121
 $35,457
 $
 $270,578
Intercompany payable 
 9,415
 (9,415) 
Long-term debt 1,043,954
 
 
 1,043,954
Other noncurrent liabilities 164,945
 383,611
 
 548,556
Stockholders' equity 2,622,754
 1,765,092
 (1,765,092) 2,622,754
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,066,774
 $2,193,575
 $(1,774,507) $4,485,842


19

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2017
(unaudited)


  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Operating and other revenues $254,740
 $18,967
 $
 $273,707
Operating expenses 37,499
 6,681
 
 44,180
General and administrative 23,529
 2,786
 
 26,315
Depreciation depletion and amortization 101,738
 7,578
 
 109,316
Impairment of properties and equipment 604
 1,589
 
 2,193
Interest (expense) income (19,357) 130
 
 (19,227)
   Income before income taxes 72,013
 463
 
 72,476
Income tax expense (26,162) (168) 
 (26,330)
   Net income $45,851
 $295
 $
 $46,146

  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Cash flows from operating activities $131,661
 $7,839
 $
 $139,500
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures for development of crude oil and natural properties (82,489) (47,337) 
 (129,826)
Capital expenditures for other properties and equipment (890) 69
 
 (821)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments 
 6,181
 
 6,181
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 737
 
 
 737
Purchases of short-term investments (49,890) 
 
 (49,890)
Intercompany transfers (33,795) 
 33,795
 
Net cash from investing activities (166,327) (41,087) 33,795
 (173,619)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from issuance of equity, net of issuance costs (8) 
 
 (8)
Other (2,339) (10) 
 (2,349)
Intercompany transfers 
 33,795
 (33,795) 
Net cash from financing activities (2,347) 33,785
 (33,795) (2,357)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (37,013) 537
 
 (36,476)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 240,487
 3,613
 
 244,100
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $203,474
 $4,150
 $
 $207,624




ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis, as well as other sections in this report, should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. Further, we encourage you to revisitreview the Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

PDC ENERGY, INC.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Financial Overview

Production volumes increased substantially to 5.2 MMboe and 9.86.6 MMboe for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively,March 31, 2017, representing increasesan increase of 54% and 56%, respectively,46 percent as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. The increase in production volumes was primarily attributable to the continued success of our successful horizontal Niobrara and Codell drilling program in the Wattenberg Field. Field and our first full quarter of production from the newly-acquired Delaware Basin properties.Crude oil production increased 26% and 35%32 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively,March 31, 2017 compared to the same prior year periods.three months ended March 31, 2016. Crude oil production comprised approximately 38% and 40%38 percent of total production in the three and six months ended June 30, 2016. Our ratio of crude oil production to total production decreased as expected as we shifted our focus to the higher gas to oil ratio inner core area of the Wattenberg Field. We expect our ratio of crude oil to total production to increase during the second half of 2016 as we move drilling operations back toward the middle core area of the Wattenberg Field.March 31, 2017. Natural gas production increased 73% and 69%46 percent in the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively,March 31, 2017 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. March 31, 2016.NGL production increased 93% and 85%75 percent for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively,March 31, 2017 compared to the same prior year periods. Our innerthree months ended March 31, 2016. While our oil production has increased at a meaningful level, our middle core wells in the Wattenberg Field have shown strongerperformed even better, with wet gas production than anticipated, whichthat has outpaced oil and contributed to the growth of gas and NGL production. The majorityNGLs production at a relatively higher rate. On a combined basis, total liquids production comprised 61 percent of our wells turned-in-linetotal production during each of the three months ended March 31, 2016 occurred toward2017 and March 31, 2016. For the endmonth ended March 31, 2017, we maintained an average quarterly production rate of the quarter, while wells turned-in-line duringapproximately 73,900 Boe per day, up from approximately 50,200 Boe per day for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2016.

On a sequential quarterly basis, production volumes for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2016, occurred more evenly throughoutincreased by four percent. The modest increase in production was primarily related to the period. As expected, this drove our quarter-over-quarterscheduled 46 wells turned-in-line for the three months ended March 31, 2017 occurring in the later portion of the quarter as well completion activity resumed in January 2017 following a period in November and December 2016 in which no wells were completed. The decision to delay well completions created a two to three month delay in wells being turned-in-line, which resulted in the relatively flat production increase of approximately 0.6 Mboe, or 14%.on a sequential basis. We expect the timing of the wells to be turned-in-line to sales during the remainder of 2017 to be relatively steady. When this trend is combined with our increased level of capital investment, we expect to have more substantial increases in sequential quarterly production volumes throughout the remainder of 2017 as compared to that of the three months ended September 30, 2016 to be relatively even, similar to the timing forMarch 31, 2017, versus the three months ended June 30,December 31, 2016. We expect a modest increase in production for the third quarter as compared to the second quarter. For the month ended June 30, 2016, our average production rate was 58 MBoe per day, up from 42 MBoe per day for the month ended June 30, 2015.

Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales coupled with the impact of settled derivatives, increased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 relative to the same prior year periods. Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales increased to $110.8 million and $186.2 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $96.9 million and $171.0$189.7 million in the same prior year periods duethree months ended March 31, 2017, compared to 54% and 56% increases in production, respectively, offset in part by 26% and 30% decreases, respectively,$75.4 million in the three months ended March 31, 2016. This 152 percent increase in sales revenues was driven by the 73 percent increase in realized commodity prices and a 46 percent increase in production. We had net commodity price per barrelrisk management gains of crude oil equivalent ("Boe"). The realized prices per Boe$80.7 million and $11.1 million, of which $0.5 million and $66.8 million were $21.33 and $19.07positive net settlements, for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively, compared to $28.79 and $27.32, respectively, for the same prior year periods. Positive net settlements on derivatives increased to $53.3 million and $120.1 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to positive net settlements on derivatives of $44.1 million and $94.5 million in the same prior year periods, due to lower crude oil and natural gas index settlement prices. As a result of these increases,respectively. The combined revenue from crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales and the impact of net settled derivatives totaled $164.1settlements received on our commodity derivative instruments increased 34 percent to $190.2 million and $306.3 million duringin the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $141.0March 31, 2017, from $142.2 million and $265.5 million duringin the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. This represents increasesMarch 31, 2016.
Net settlements of 16% and 15% duringderivatives decreased significantly for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively,March 31, 2017, as compared to the samethree months ended March 31, 2016.  We entered into agreements for the derivative instruments that settled throughout 2016 prior year periods. The realizedto commodity prices per Boe, includingbecoming depressed in late 2014.  Substantially all of these high-value derivatives settled by the impactend of net2016.  Net settlements on derivatives, were $31.58 and $31.36 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively,March 31, 2017, reflect derivative instruments entered into since mid-2014 which approximate recent realized prices.  Based upon the forward strip pricing at March 31, 2017, we expect that settlements will be substantially lower on a relative basis as compared to $41.88 and $42.40 for the same prior year periods respectively.in 2016.

AdditionalIn the three months ended March 31, 2017, we generated net income of $46.1 million, or $0.70 per diluted share. During this same period, our adjusted EBITDAX, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $130.2 million, and we invested $199.4 million in the development and exploration of our oil and natural gas properties, exclusive of the change in accounts payable related to capital expenditures. Beginning in 2017, we have included non-cash stock-based compensation and exploration, geologic and geophysical expense to our adjusted EBITDAX calculation.  In prior periods, we included adjusted EBITDA, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, that did not include these adjustments.  All prior periods have been conformed for comparability of this updated presentation. In the same period of 2016, our net loss per diluted share was $1.72 and our adjusted EBITDAX, a non-GAAP financial measure, was $57.8 million. Our cash flow from operations was $139.5 million and our adjusted cash flow from operations, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $113.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2017. See Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures, below, for a more detailed discussion of these non-U.S. GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of these measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measures.
Other significant changes impacting our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, include the following:
PDC ENERGY, INC.

Negative
Positive net change in the fair value of unsettled derivative positions duringderivatives for the three months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 was $146.1$80.2 million, compared to a negative net change in the fair value of unsettled derivative positionsderivatives for the three months ended March 31, 2016 of $93.1 million during$55.7 million.  The increase in the same prior year period. The decrease in fair value of unsettled derivative positions was primarily attributablederivatives is largely driven by a downward shift in the crude oil forward curve during the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to a more significantan upward shift in the crude oil and natural gas forward curves that occurredcurve during the current quarter as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015; andMarch 31, 2016.
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense increased to $107.0$109.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, as compared to $70.1$97.4 million in the same prior year period,three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to increased production.

Additional significant changes impacting our results of operations for the sixincrease in production and an increase in the property balance during the three months ended June 30, 2016 includeMarch 31, 2017 as compared to the following:

Negative net changethree months ended March 31, 2016. The increase in the fair value of unsettled derivative positions during the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $201.8 million comparedproperty balance is due to a negative net change in the fair value of unsettled derivative positions of $76.8 million during the same prior year period. The decrease in fair value of unsettled derivative positions was primarily attributable to a higher beginning-of-period fair value of derivatives instruments that settled during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and an upward shift in the crude oil and natural gas forward curves that occurred during the second quarter of 2016;
Depreciation,our Delaware Basin acquisitions. Our depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense increaseddecreased to $204.4 million$16.44 per Boe during the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2017 from $21.31 per Boe during the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $125.9 million in the same prior year period, primarily due to increased production and, to a lesser extent, a higher weighted-average depreciation, depletion and amortization rate; and
During the first quarter of 2016, we determined that collection of two third-party notes receivable arising from the salebecause of our interest in properties in the Marcellus Shale was not reasonably assured based upon current market conditions and new information

20

PDC ENERGY, INC.

made available to us. As a result, we recognized a provision and recorded an allowance for uncollectible notes receivable for the $44.7 million outstanding balance as of March 31, 2016. As of June 30, 2016, there has been no change to our assessment of the collectibility of the notes. See Note 3, Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Notes Receivable, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information.

In March 2016, we completed a public offering of 5,922,500 shares of our common stock 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. We used a portion of the net proceeds of the offering to repay all amounts then outstanding on our revolving credit facility, the principal amount owed upon the maturity of the Convertible Notes in May 2016 and retained the remainder for general corporate purposes.

The Convertible Notes matured in May 2016. We paid the aggregate principal amount, plus cash for fractional shares, totaling approximately $115 million, utilizing proceeds from the offering. Additionally, we issued 792,406 shares of common stock for the excess conversion value.

In June 2016, we entered into definitive agreements with Noble Energy, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries ("Noble") to consolidate certain acreage positions in the core area of the Wattenberg Field. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, this strategic trade includes leasehold acreage only, and does not include production or wellbores. We expect to receive approximately 13,500 net acres in exchange for approximately 11,700 net acres, subject, in each case, to title examination and other customary adjustments. The difference in net acres is primarily due to variances in net revenue interests. This acreage trade is expected to increase opportunities for longer horizontal laterals with significantly increased working interests, while minimizing potential surface impact. We anticipate closing this transaction early in the fourth quarter of 2016.proved reserve profile;

Available liquidity as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, was $547.4$945.8 million compared to $402.2$932.4 million as of December 31, 2015.2016. Available liquidity as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 is comprised of $109.1$207.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, $49.9 million of short-term investments, and $438.3$688.3 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility. These amounts excludeOur liquidity will be impacted by our planned 2017 capital investment activities. We expect decreases in our cash balances over the course of 2017 as we continue development in the core Wattenberg Field and the expected capital investment in our Delaware Basin assets.

We intend to continue to manage our liquidity position by a variety of means, including through the generation of cash flow from our operations, investment in projects with attractive rates of return, protection of cash flows on a portion of our anticipated sales through the use of an additional $250 million availableactive commodity derivative hedging program, utilization of our borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, subjectand when warranted, the utilization of capital markets transactions from time to certain terms and conditions of the agreement. In May 2016, we completed the semi-annual redetermination of our revolving credit facility by the lenders, which resulted in the reaffirmation of the borrowing base at $700 million. We have elected to maintain the aggregate commitment level at $450 million. With our current derivative position, available liquidity and expected cash flows from operations, we believe we have sufficient liquidity to allow us to fund our operations and execute our expected 2016 development program.time.

Operational Overview

Drilling Activities. During the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we continued to execute our strategic plan to grow production while preserving our financial strength and liquidity by managing our capital spending to approximate our cash flows from operations. Through July 2016,liquidity. During the three months end March 31 2017, we ran four automatedoperated three drilling rigs in the Wattenberg Field. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, we spud 76 horizontal wellsField and turned-in-line 81 horizontal wellstwo increasing to three rigs in the Wattenberg Field.Delaware Basin. We also participated in 24 gross, 6.5 net, horizontal non-operated wells that were spud and 12 gross, 3.2 net, horizontal non-operated wells which were turned-in-line. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, we drilled and completed five wellsdid not have a drilling rig operating in the Utica Shale three of which were turned-in-line during the period. Of

The following table summarizes our drilling and completion activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017:

  Wattenberg Field Delaware Basin Total
   Gross  Net Gross Net Gross Net
In-process as of December 31, 2016 76
 55.5
 5
 4.8
 81
 60.3
Wells spud during the period 42
 26.2
 7
 6.7
 49
 32.9
Wells turned-in-line to sales (43) (32.7) (3) (3.0) (46) (35.7)
In-process as of March 31, 2017 75
 49.0
 9
 8.5
 84
 57.5

Our in-process wells represent wells that are in the process of being drilled and/or have been drilled and are waiting to be fractured and/or for gas pipeline connection. We do not have a practice of inventorying our drilled but uncompleted wells. The majority of these threein-process wells oneat each period end are drilled but not completed as we do not begin the completion process until the entire well pad is a 10,000 foot lateral well locateddrilled. All appropriate costs incurred through the end of the period have been capitalized, while the capital investment to complete the wells will be incurred in Guernsey County and twothe period in which the wells are 6,000 foot lateral wells located in Washington County. We plan to turn-in-line the two remaining wells over the next several months.completed.

20162017 Operational Outlook

We are raising the mid-point of our production range and nowpreviously announced that we expect our production for 2016the full year 2017 to berange between 21.030.0 MMBoe to 33.0 MMBoe. Based on the timing and 22.0 MMBoe andestimated productivity of wells associated with our capital investment program, we currently believe that our production rate will averagecome in at levels in the top third of the range. We expect that approximately 58,000 to 60,000 Boe per day.41 percent of our 2017 production will be crude oil and approximately 22 percent will be NGLs, for total liquids of approximately 63 percent of our 2017 production. Our revised 2016 capital forecast of $400between $725 million to $420and $775 million is focused on continuing to provide value-driven production growth by exploiting our substantial inventory of reasonable rate-of-return projectscontinued development in the core Wattenberg Field.Field and the continued integration and development of the core Delaware Basin assets. We added the third rig in the Delaware Basin sooner than originally anticipated and have adjusted the costs per
PDC ENERGY, INC.

well in the Delaware Basin up from our initial estimates to reflect higher service costs during the first quarter of 2017. Our total capital investment program will vary based on the number of wells ultimately drilled and completed. Based on the current operating plan and current cost estimates, we expect that our 2017 capital investment program will be in the upper half of the range.

Wattenberg Field. As a resultThe 2017 investment forecast of increased working interests in planned wells resulting from the anticipated acreage exchange with Noble, we reduced the number of rigsapproximately $470 million in the Wattenberg Field anticipates a three to four-rig drilling planprogram based on our current commodity price outlook. Approximately $460 million of our 2017 capital investment program is expected to three beginning in August 2016. With the reduction from four drilling rigsbe allocated to three in the Wattenberg Field, our 2016 capital forecast has been slightly reduced to approximately $375 million in the field,development activities, comprised of approximately $340$440 million for our operated drilling program and approximately $20 million for non-operated projects.wells drilled and operated by others. The remainder of the Wattenberg Field capital investment program is expected to be used for leasing, workover projectsmiscellaneous well equipment and other capital improvements.projects. Wells in the Wattenberg Field typically have productive horizons at a depth of approximately 6,500 to 7,500 feet below the surface. In 2017, we anticipate spudding approximately 139 and turning-in-line approximately 139 horizontal operated wells with lateral lengths of 4,000 to 10,000 feet.

Delaware Basin. Our 2017 investment forecast contemplates the operation of a two-rig to four-rig program in the Delaware Basin from time to time during the year. Total capital investment in the Delaware Basin is estimated to be $290 million, of which approximately $225 million is allocated to spud 32 and turn-in-line an estimated 23 wells. Of the 23 planned turn-in-lines, 11 are expected to have laterals of approximately 10,000 horizontal feet with an estimated 70 to 75 completion stages per well. Similarly spaced completion stages are anticipated for the remaining 12 turn-in-lines. Wells in the Delaware Basin typically have productive horizons at a depth of approximately 9,000 to 11,000 feet below the surface. Based on the timing of our operations and the requirements to hold acreage, we may adapt our capital investment program to drill wells in addition to those currently anticipated, as we are continuing to analyze terms of the leaseholds related to our recent acquisitions of properties in the basin. We plan to spud 128invest approximately $30 million for leasing, seismic, and turn-in-line 140 horizontal Niobrara or Codelltechnical studies with an additional $35 million for midstream-related projects including gas connections, salt water disposal wells, and participatesurface location infrastructure.

We will incur costs associated with the purchase of seismic data and pilot hole exploratory work in the Delaware Basin, which will be accounted for as exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense. We anticipate that this will result in approximately 15 gross, 4.0 net, non-operated horizontal opportunities$5 million to $10 million of exploration expense in 2016. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, we invested approximately $182 million, or approximately 49%, of our 2016 capital forecast for the Wattenberg Field.2017.

Utica Shale.As a result of our evaluation of our strategic alternatives with respect to our Utica Shale position, we expect to divest these properties during 2017. As of June 30, 2016, all ofMarch 31, 2017, these assets did not meet the accounting criteria to be classified as held for sale; therefore, they continue to be included in properties and equipment on our drilling and completion activity in the Utica Shale for 2016 has been completed as described above. We plan to turn-in-line the two remaining wells during the second half of 2016 once midstream pipeline facilities are available for connection. Additionally, we plan to perform modest amounts of drill site preparation and to pursue infill leasing opportunities. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, we have invested approximately $25 million of our total 2016 capital forecast for the Utica Shale of approximately $30 million.

21

PDC ENERGY, INC.


2016 Operational Flexibility

In December 2015, the Board of Directors approved our 2016 development plan. This plan, which primarily focuses on the drilling program in the Wattenberg Field, was based upon our goal to preserve ourcondensed consolidated balance sheet by managing our capital spending to approximate our cash flows from operations. Additionally, with the proceeds from our March 2016 equity offering and settlement of our convertible notes in May 2016, we believe we have further strengthened our balance sheet, while concurrently increasing production and cash flows.

We maintain significant operational flexibility to reduce the pace of our capital spending.sheets. We will continue to monitorevaluate the classification of these assets in future commodity prices, and should prices remain depressed or further deteriorate, we believe an adjustmentquarters. Minimal capital is expected to be committed to our development plan may be appropriate. We believe we have ample opportunities to reduce capital spending, including but not limited to: working with our vendors to achieve further cost reductions; reducing the number of rigs being utilizedUtica Shale assets in our drilling program; and/or managing our completion schedule. The production impact of reduced 2016 capital spending would be felt primarily in 2017 and thereafter, as our anticipated long-term production growth would likely be reduced. This operational flexibility is maintained with little exposure to incurring additional costs, given that all of our acreage in the Wattenberg Field is held by production, a reduction in rigs would not cause us to incur substantial idling costs as our rig commitments are short term (30 to 90 days), and we do not anticipate having additional material unfulfilled transportation commitment fees.

Ballot Initiative Update

Certain interest groups in Colorado opposed to oil and natural gas development generally, and hydraulic fracturing in particular, have advanced various alternatives for ballot initiatives which would result in significantly limiting or preventing oil and natural gas development in the state. Proponents of two such initiatives have submitted signatures in an effort to qualify the initiatives to appear on the ballot in November 2016. The signatures are subject to a verification process to be conducted by the Colorado Secretary of State. This process could take up to 30 days. We do not know what the outcome of this process will be. However, based on unofficial reports regarding the number of signatures submitted and the expectation that some signatures will be invalidated, we believe there is a substantial likelihood that the initiatives will not qualify for the ballot. If the initiatives qualify and are approved by the voters of Colorado, the proposals will take effect by the end of 2016.

One of the initiatives that could appear on the ballot, which we refer to as the “local control” initiative, would amend the state constitution to give city, town and county governments the right to regulate, or to ban, oil and gas development and production within their boundaries, notwithstanding rules and approvals to the contrary at the state level. The other initiative, which we refer to as the “setback” initiative, would amend the state constitution to require all new oil and gas development facilities to be located at least 2,500 feet away from any occupied structure or “area of special concern,” broadly defined to include public and community drinking water sources, lakes, rivers, perennial or intermittent streams, creeks, irrigation canals, riparian areas, playgrounds, permanent sports fields, amphitheaters, public parks and public open space. The current minimum required setback between oil and gas wells and occupied structures is generally 500 feet. If implemented, the 2,500 foot setback proposal would effectively prohibit the vast majority of our planned future drilling activities and would therefore make it impossible to pursue our current development plans. The local control proposal would potentially have a similar effect, depending on the nature and extent of regulations implemented by relevant local governmental authorities.

Because substantially all of our current operations and reserves are located in Colorado, the risks we face with respect to these proposals, and possible similar future proposals, are greater than those of our competitors with more geographically diverse operations. We cannot predict the outcome of the potentially pending initiatives or possible future regulatory developments.

See Part II, Item1A, 2017.Risk Factors, for additional information regarding the ballot initiatives.



22

PDC ENERGY, INC.

Results of Operations

Summary Operating Results

The following table presents selected information regarding our operating results:
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015 Percentage Change 2016 2015 Percentage Change2017 2016 Percentage Change
(dollars in millions, except per unit data)(dollars in millions, except per unit data)
Production (1)                
Crude oil (MBbls)1,992.6
 1,581.4
 26.0 % 3,900.4
 2,888.1
 35.1 %2,508
 1,908
 31.5 %
Natural gas (MMcf)12,672.8
 7,323.7
 73.0 % 23,350.8
 13,848.1
 68.6 %15,584
 10,678
 45.9 %
NGLs (MBbls)1,092.5
 565.0
 93.4 % 1,974.7
 1,065.5
 85.3 %1,543
 882
 74.8 %
Crude oil equivalent (MBoe) (2)5,197.1
 3,367.1
 54.3 % 9,766.8
 6,261.7
 56.0 %6,648
 4,570
 45.5 %
Average MBoe per day57.1
 37.0
 54.3 % 53.7
 34.6
 56.0 %
Average Boe per day73,866
 50,216
 47.1 %
Crude Oil, Natural Gas and NGLs Sales                
Crude oil$80.4
 $76.4
 5.2 % $134.4
 $128.4
 4.7 %$123.0
 $54.0
 127.8 %
Natural gas17.4
 14.9
 16.8 % 32.3
 30.6
 5.6 %36.9
 14.9
 147.7 %
NGLs13.0
 5.6
 132.1 % 19.5
 12.0
 62.5 %29.8
 6.5
 358.5 %
Total crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales$110.8
 $96.9
 14.3 % $186.2
 $171.0
 8.9 %
Total crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales$189.7
 $75.4
 151.6 %
                
Net Settlements on Derivatives (3)           
Net Settlements on Commodity Derivatives (1)     
Crude oil$38.7
 $37.0
 4.6 % $92.0
 $81.7
 12.6 %$(3.2) $53.3
 *
Natural gas14.6
 7.1
 105.6 % 28.1
 12.8
 119.5 %3.7
 13.5
 (72.6)%
Total net settlements on derivatives$53.3
 $44.1
 20.9 % $120.1
 $94.5
 27.1 %$0.5
 $66.8
 (99.3)%
                
Average Sales Price (excluding net settlements on derivatives)                
Crude oil (per Bbl)$40.37
 $48.31
 (16.4)% $34.46
 $44.47
 (22.5)%$49.04
 $28.29
 73.3 %
Natural gas (per Mcf)1.37
 2.03
 (32.5)% 1.38
 2.21
 (37.6)%2.37
 1.39
 70.5 %
NGLs (per Bbl)11.93
 10.01
 19.2 % 9.89
 11.23
 (11.9)%19.29
 7.37
 161.7 %
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)21.33
 28.79
 (25.9)% 19.07
 27.32
 (30.2)%28.53
 16.49
 73.0 %
                
Average Lease Operating Expenses (per Boe) (4)           
Wattenberg Field$2.66
 $3.92
 (32.1)% $3.00
 $4.80
 (37.5)%
Utica Shale2.08
 1.55
 34.2 % 2.28
 1.67
 36.5 %
Weighted-average2.63
 3.71
 (29.1)% 2.97
 4.52
 (34.3)%
           
Natural Gas Marketing Contribution Margin (5)$(0.2) $(0.3) (33.3)% $(0.6) $(0.3) (100.0)%
           
Other Costs and Expenses           
Average Costs and Expenses (per Boe)     
Lease operating expenses$2.98
 $3.35
 (11.0)%
Production taxes$6.0
 $3.8
 57.5 % $10.1
 $7.7
 30.8 %1.87
 0.89
 110.1 %
Transportation, gathering and processing expenses4.5
 1.3
 241.4 % 8.5
 2.6
 221.5 %0.89
 0.88
 1.1 %
Impairment of properties and equipment4.2
 4.4
 (5.3)% 5.2
 7.2
 (27.9)%
General and administrative expense23.6
 20.7
 13.8 % 46.4
 41.8
 11.0 %3.96
 4.98
 (20.5)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization107.0
 70.1
 52.6 % 204.4
 125.9
 62.3 %16.44
 21.31
 (22.9)%
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable
 
 *
 44.7
 
 *
                
Interest expense$10.7
 $11.6
 (7.7)% $22.6
 $23.3
 (3.1)%
Lease Operating Expenses by Operating Region (per Boe)     
Wattenberg Field$2.66
 $3.40
 (21.8)%
Delaware Basin6.48
 
 *
Utica Shale1.60
 2.50
 (36.0)%

*Percentage change is not meaningful or equal to or greater than 300%.meaningful.
Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
______________
(1)Production is net and determined by multiplying the gross production volume of properties in which we have an interest by our ownership percentage.
(2)One Bbl of crude oil or NGL equals six Mcf of natural gas.
(3)Represents net settlements on derivatives related to crude oil, natural gas and natural gas sales, which do not include net settlements on derivatives related to natural gas marketing.
(4)Represents lease operating expenses, exclusive of production taxes, on a per unit basis.
(5)Represents sales from natural gas marketing, net of costs of natural gas marketing, including net settlements and net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives related to natural gas marketing activities.


23

PDC ENERGY, INC.


Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Sales

The following tables present crude oil, natural gas and NGLs production and weighted-average sales price:
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
Production by Operating Region 2016 2015 Percentage Change 2016 2015 Percentage Change
Crude oil (MBbls)            
Wattenberg Field 1,894.0
 1,449.7
 30.6 % 3,712.2
 2,640.9
 40.6 %
Utica Shale 98.6
 131.7
 (25.1)% 188.2
 247.2
 (23.9)%
Total 1,992.6
 1,581.4
 26.0 % 3,900.4
 2,888.1
 35.1 %
 Natural gas (MMcf)            
Wattenberg Field 12,097.8
 6,651.1
 81.9 % 22,268.2
 12,562.4
 77.3 %
Utica Shale 575.0
 672.6
 (14.5)% 1,082.6
 1,285.7
 (15.8)%
Total 12,672.8
 7,323.7
 73.0 % 23,350.8
 13,848.1
 68.6 %
NGLs (MBbls)            
Wattenberg Field 1,047.3
 509.9
 105.4 % 1,887.4
 961.8
 96.2 %
Utica Shale 45.2
 55.1
 (18.0)% 87.3
 103.7
 (15.8)%
Total 1,092.5
 565.0
 93.4 % 1,974.7
 1,065.5
 85.3 %
Crude oil equivalent (MBoe)            
Wattenberg Field 4,957.5
 3,068.2
 61.6 % 9,310.9
 5,696.5
 63.4 %
Utica Shale 239.6
 298.9
 (19.8)% 455.9
 565.2
 (19.3)%
Total 5,197.1
 3,367.1
 54.3 % 9,766.8
 6,261.7
 56.0 %

Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 Average Sales Price by Operating Region     Percentage Change     Percentage Change
(excluding net settlements on derivatives) 2016 2015  2016 2015 
Crude oil (per Bbl)            
Wattenberg Field $40.41
 $48.09
 (16.0)% $34.51
 $44.41
 (22.3)%
Utica Shale 39.57
 50.78
 (22.1)% 33.44
 45.12
 (25.9)%
Weighted-average price 40.37
 48.31
 (16.4)% 34.46
 44.47
 (22.5)%
 Natural gas (per Mcf)            
Wattenberg Field $1.36
 $2.03
 (33.0)% $1.38
 $2.21
 (37.6)%
Utica Shale 1.58
 2.06
 (23.3)% 1.51
 2.22
 (32.0)%
Weighted-average price 1.37
 2.03
 (32.5)% 1.38
 2.21
 (37.6)%
NGLs (per Bbl)            
Wattenberg Field $11.87
 $10.01
 18.6 % $9.78
 $10.91
 (10.4)%
Utica Shale 13.27
 9.95
 33.4 % 12.29
 14.17
 (13.3)%
Weighted-average price 11.93
 10.01
 19.2 % 9.89
 11.23
 (11.9)%
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)            
Wattenberg Field $21.27
 $28.78
 (26.1)% $19.03
 $27.31
 (30.3)%
Utica Shale 22.59
 28.86
 (21.7)% 19.75
 27.38
 (27.9)%
Weighted-average price 21.33
 28.79
 (25.9)% 19.07
 27.32
 (30.2)%

Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.


24

PDC ENERGY, INC.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales revenue increased compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015March 31, 2016 due to the following:following (in millions):

 June 30, 2016
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 (in millions)
Increase in production$36.0
 $76.2
Decrease in average crude oil price(15.8) (39.0)
Decrease in average natural gas price(8.4) (19.4)
Increase (decrease) in average NGLs price2.1
 (2.6)
Total increase in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales revenue$13.9
 $15.2
Increase in production$28.7
Increase in average crude oil price52.0
Increase in average natural gas price15.2
Increase in average NGLs price18.4
Total increase in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales revenue$114.3

Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Production

The following tables present crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs production. Our acquisitions of assets in the Delaware Basin closed in December 2016; therefore, there is no comparative data for the quarter ended March 31, 2016:
  Three Months Ended March 31,
Production by Operating Region 2017 2016 Percentage Change
Crude oil (MBbls)      
Wattenberg Field 2,142
 1,818
 17.8%
Delaware Basin 275
 
 *
Utica Shale 91
 90
 2.3%
Total 2,508
 1,908
 31.5%
 Natural gas (MMcf)      
Wattenberg Field 13,714
 10,170
 34.8%
Delaware Basin 1,246
 
 *
Utica Shale 624
 508
 23.0%
Total 15,584
 10,678
 45.9%
NGLs (MBbls)      
Wattenberg Field 1,358
 840
 61.7%
Delaware Basin 131
 
 *
Utica Shale 54
 42
 27.3%
Total 1,543
 882
 74.8%
Crude oil equivalent (MBoe)      
Wattenberg Field 5,786
 4,354
 32.9%
Delaware Basin 613
 
 *
Utica Shale 249
 216
 15.3%
Total 6,648
 4,570
 45.5%
* Percentage change is not meaningful.
Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.

Production for the second quarter of 2016From time to time, our production was 5.2 million Boe, up from 3.4 million Boeadversely affected by high line pressures in the second quarter of 2015. Year-to-date, production was 9.8 million Boe, up from 6.3 million Boenatural gas gathering facilities in the first six months of 2015. Production increasedWattenberg Field. This situation improved significantly in 2015 as a result of continued drilling and completion activities as discussedthe investment in Operational Overview. Gathering system line pressures decreased followingadditional field processing by the commissioning of DCP’s Lucerne II plantprimary midstream service provider in the summer of 2015, downbasin. Line pressures did not materially affect our production during the threemonths endedMarch 31, 2017 or 2016 due to levels that were consistent withthe aforementioned investment by our projections. We continued to experience 24% lower line pressuresmidstream providers and a decrease in development activity by certain producers in the second quarterWattenberg Field. During the threemonths endedMarch 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately 91 percent and 88 percent, respectively, of 2016our production in the Wattenberg Field was delivered from horizontal wells, with the remaining production coming from vertical wells. Horizontal wells typically have greater producing capacity and higher well pressures, and therefore tend to be more resilient to the negative impacts of high line pressures as compared to the comparable period of 2015 on our primary service provider’s system. Line pressures averaged 225 pounds per square inch gage ("psig") during the second quarter of 2015 and averaged 170 psig during the second quarter of 2016. Line pressures began to build during the quarter as system volumes increased and the region experienced warmer weather. Other contributing factors to the increase in line pressures were our primary service provider experiencing significant unexpected downtime during the quarter on some of its major plants, as well as performing extensive scheduled maintenance on one of its higher capacity gas plants. As a result of the increased line pressures, we experienced a curtailment of our legacy vertical well gas production of approximately 1.2 MMcf per day, or 6% of our vertical production, at the end of June, representing approximately 0.5% of our total Wattenberg Field gas production, along with associated oil production. The 170 psig average line pressure experienced during the quarter had negligible impact on our horizontal production. We expect the gathering system pressures on the primary service provider’s system to stabilize and then decrease as cooler weather arrives by the end of the third quarter of 2016.wells.

Our secondary midstream service provider, which currently gathers and processes approximately 36% of our Wattenberg Field gas, has limited its capital program in 2016, which has resulted in a curtailment of approximately 10 MMcf per day of our 2016 volumes. To help mitigate the impact of this curtailment, we have elected to contribute upfront capital of $0.6 million to our secondary midstream service provider to facilitate timely connection of certain of our well pads. We expect to be reimbursed by our secondary midstream service provider for this amount during the fourth quarter of 2016. With continued pressure on commodity prices impacting their revenue, we have seen more requests for upfront capital contributions by our third-party midstream service providers in order to ensure well connections are completed in a timely manner. We expect this trend to continue, and we will evaluate these requests on an individual basis. We rely on our third-party midstream service providers to construct compression, gathering, and processing facilities to keep pace with our and the overall field's production growth. AsWe anticipate gathering system pressures to vary throughout the year, with increases coinciding with the warmer summer months and expected field-wide production increases. We also expect that with our increased production and the development activities of other producers in the region,
PDC ENERGY, INC.

pressures will increase somewhat during 2017. Accordingly, we have reflected estimates of this impact in our forecast range for production. In order to manage this situation, we, along with other operators in the Wattenberg Field, continue to work closely with our third-party midstream providers in an effort to ensure adequate system capacity going forward as evidenced by a result,recent commitment of DCP Midstream, LP ("DCP") to build additional gathering and processing in the field. This expansion of gathering and processing facilities is expected to improve natural gas gathering pipelines and processing facilities and assist in the control of line pressures in the Wattenberg Field. In December 2016, in anticipation of our future drilling activities in the Wattenberg Field, we entered into a facilities expansion agreement with DCP to expand and improve its natural gas gathering pipelines and processing facilities. We will be bound to the incremental volume requirements in this agreement on the first day of the calendar month after the actual in-service date of the plant, which is estimated to be currently September 30, 2018. The agreement requires a baseline volume commitment. We are also required for the first three years of the contract to guarantee a certain target profit margin to the midstream provider on these volumes sold. Under our current drilling plans, we expect to meet both the baseline and incremental volume commitments. Using the NYMEX forward pricing strip at March 31, 2017, the target profit margin would be achieved without an additional payment from us. See footnote titled Commitments and Contingencies for additional details regarding the agreement. The ultimate timing and availability of additional facilities going forwardadequate infrastructure is beyondnot within our control. Falling commodity prices have resultedcontrol and if our midstream provider's construction projects are delayed, we could experience higher line pressures that may negatively impact our ability to fulfill our growth plans. Total system infrastructure needs may also be affected by a number of factors, including potential increases in reduced investment in midstream facilities by some third parties, increasingproduction from the risk that sufficient midstream infrastructure will not be available in future periods.Wattenberg Field and warmer than expected weather.

Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Pricing

. Our results of operations depend upon many factors, particularly the price of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs, and our ability to market our production effectively. Crude oil, natural gas, and NGL prices are among the most volatilehave a high degree of all commodity prices. While the price ofvolatility and our realizations can change substantially. Our realized prices for crude oil, decreasednatural gas, and NGLs increased significantly during the first halfquarter of 20162017 compared to the first halfquarter of 2015,2016. NYMEX crude oil and natural gas prices increased substantially during the second quarter of 201655 percent and 59 percent, respectively, as compared to the first quarter of 2016 as the number of U.S. crude oil rigs and inventories declined. Natural gas prices decreased during the first half of 2016 when compared to the same prior year period. Although we did experience improved pricing by the end of the second quarter of 2016, due to an oversupply of nearly all domestic NGLs products, our average realized sales price for NGLs during the first half of 2016 reflected the same low levels seen during the last quarter of 2015. With the initiation of ethane exports and increased demand for NGLs, we are starting to see NGL prices trend upward.2016.

Crude oil pricing is predominately driven by the physical market, supply and demand, financial markets and national and international politics. In the Wattenberg Field, crude oil is sold under various purchase contracts with monthly and longer term pricing provisions based on NYMEX pricing, adjusted for differentials. We have entered into longer term commitments ranging from three months to six months to deliver crude oil to competitive markets and these agreements have resulted in significantly improved deductions compared to the comparable period in 2015. We continue to pursue various alternatives with respect to oil transportation, particularly in the Wattenberg Field, with a view toward further improving pricing and limiting our use of trucking of production. We began delivering crude oil in accordance with our long term commitment to the White Cliffs Pipeline, LLC ("White Cliffs") pipeline in July 2015. This is one of several agreements we have entered into to facilitate deliveries of a portion of our crude oil to the Cushing, Oklahoma market. In addition, we have signed a long-term agreement for gathering of crude oil at the wellhead by pipeline from several of our pads in the Wattenberg Field, with a view toward minimizing truck traffic, increasing reliability and reducing the overall physical footprint of our well pads. We began delivering crude oil into this pipeline during the fourth quarter of 2015 and the system was fully operational on certain wells in the first half of 2016. In the Utica Shale, crude oil and condensate is sold to local purchasers at each individual pad based on NYMEX pricing, adjusted for differentials, and is typically transported by the purchasers via truck to local refineries, rail facilities or barge loading terminals on the Ohio River.


25

PDC ENERGY, INC.

Natural gas prices vary by region and locality, depending upon the distance to markets, availability
The following tables present weighted-average sales price of pipeline capacity and supply and demand relationships in that region or locality. The price we receive for ourcrude oil, natural gas, producedand NGLs for the periods presented. Our acquisitions of assets in the Wattenberg FieldDelaware Basin closed in December 2016; therefore, there is based on CIG and local utility prices, adjustedno comparative data for certain deductions, while natural gas produced in the Utica Shale is based on TETCO M-2 pricing. We anticipate that the significant Appalachian pipeline differentials that impact our Utica Shale natural gas will continue through 2016.quarter ended March 31, 2016:

Our price for NGLs produced in the Wattenberg Field
  Three Months Ended March 31,
 Weighted-Average Realized Sales Price by Operating Region     Percentage Change
(excluding net settlements on derivatives) 2017 2016 
Crude oil (per Bbl)      
Wattenberg Field $49.12
 $28.37
 73.1%
Delaware Basin 49.28
 
 *
Utica Shale 46.55
 26.69
 74.4%
Weighted-average price 49.04
 28.29
 73.3%
 Natural gas (per Mcf)      
Wattenberg Field $2.38
 $1.39
 71.2%
Delaware Basin 1.98
 
 *
Utica Shale 2.98
 1.43
 108.4%
Weighted-average price 2.37
 1.39
 70.5%
NGLs (per Bbl)      
Wattenberg Field $18.64
 $7.18
 159.6%
Delaware Basin 22.58
 
 *
Utica Shale 27.75
 11.24
 146.9%
Weighted-average price 19.29
 7.37
 161.7%
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)      
Wattenberg Field $28.19
 $16.49
 71.0%
Delaware Basin 30.93
 
 *
Utica Shale 30.55
 16.60
 84.0%
Weighted-average price 28.53
 16.49
 73.0%
* Percentage change is based on a combination of prices from the Conway hub in Kansas and Mt. Belvieu in Texas where this production is marketed. The NGLs produced in the Utica Shale are sold based on month-to-month pricingnot meaningful.
Amounts may not recalculate due to various markets. While NGL prices had been declining, we have seen a stabilization of prices in the second quarter of 2016. We expect NGL prices to remain stable amid indications that prices could increase later in 2016.rounding.

Our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales are recorded under either the “net-back” or "gross" method of accounting, depending upon the related purchase agreement. We use the "net-back"net-back method of accounting for natural gas and NGLs, as well as the majority of our crude oil production from the Wattenberg Field, for all commodities in the Delaware Basin, and for crude oil from the Utica Shale, as the majority of the purchasers of these commodities also provide transportation, gathering, and processing services. In these situations, the purchaser pays us proceeds based on a percent of the proceeds, or have fixed our sales price at index less a specified deduction. We sell our commodities at the wellhead, or what is equivalent to the wellhead in situations where we gather multiple wells into larger pads, and collect a price and recognize revenues based on the wellhead sales price, as transportation and processing costs downstream of the wellhead are incurred by the purchaser and reflectedtherefore embedded in the wellhead price. The net-back method results in the recognition of a net sales price that is belowlower than the indices for which the production is based.based because the operating costs and profit of the midstream facilities are embedded in the net price we earn. We use the "gross"gross method of accounting for Wattenberg Field crude oil delivered through the White Cliffs and Saddle Butte pipelines, and for natural gas and NGLs sales related to production from the Utica Shale, as the purchasers do not provide transportation, gathering or processing services.services as a function of the price we earn. Rather, we contract separately with the midstream provider for the applicable transport and processing based on a per unit basis. Under this method, we recognize revenues based on the gross selling price and recognize transportation, gathering, and processing expenses. As a result of the White Cliffs and Saddle Butte agreements, during the six months ended June 30, 2016, our Wattenberg Field crude oil average sales price increased approximately $1.65 per barrel because we recognized the costs for transportation on the White Cliffs and Saddle Butte pipelines as an increase in transportation expense, rather than as a deduction from revenues.

Lease Operating Expenses

The $1.0 million increaseAs discussed above, we enter into agreements for the sale and transportation, gathering and processing of our production, the terms of which can result in lease operating expenses duringvariances in the three months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2015 was primarily due to an increase of $0.4 million in contract labor, $0.3 million in leased generators and $0.9 million in other lease operating expenses, offset in part by a decrease of $0.5 million in regulatory compliance projects. Lease operating expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2016 were comparable to the six months ended June 30, 2015. Lease operating expenses per Boe decreased 29% and 34% to $2.63 and $2.97 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $3.71 and $4.52 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The significant decreases in lease operating expense per Boe were the result of production growth of 54% and 56%, respectively.

Production Taxes

Production taxes are directly related tounit realized prices that we receive for our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales. The $2.2 million and $2.4 million increases in production taxes during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were primarilyNGLs. Information related to the 14%components and 9% increasesclassifications in the condensed consolidated statements of operations is shown below. For crude oil, the average NYMEX prices shown below are based upon average daily prices throughout each month and our natural gas andaverage NYMEX pricing is based upon first-of-the-month index prices as this is how the majority of each of these commodities are sold pursuant to terms of the respective sales agreements.  For NGLs, sales, respectively, and 2015 production taxes reflecting downward adjustments related to ad valorem rateswe use the NYMEX crude oil price as a reference for production in 2014 and 2015.

Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses

presentation purposes. The $3.2 million and $5.9 million increases inaverage realized price before transportation, gathering, and processing expenses duringshown in the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 were mainly attributable to oil transportation cost on the White Cliffs and Saddle Butte pipelines as we began delivering crude oil on these pipelines in July 2015 and December 2015, respectively. We expect to continue to incur these oil transportation costs pursuant totable below represents our long-term transportation agreements.approximate composite barrel price for NGLs.
PDC ENERGY, INC.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 Average NYMEX Price Average Realization Percentage Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price After Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses
Crude oil (per Bbl) $51.92
 94% $49.04
 $1.58
 $47.46
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 3.32
 71% 2.37
 0.06
 2.31
NGLs (per Bbl) 51.92
 37% 19.29
 0.22
 19.07
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 39.42
 72% 28.53
 0.89
 27.64
           
For the three months ended March 31, 2016 Average NYMEX Price Average Realization Percentage Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price Before Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses Average Realized Price After Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses
Crude oil (per Bbl) $33.45
 85% $28.29
 $1.55
 $26.74
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 2.09
 67% 1.39
 0.07
 1.32
NGLs (per Bbl) 33.45
 22% 7.37
 0.31
 7.06
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 25.31
 65% 16.49
 0.88
 15.61

Commodity Price Risk Management, Net

We use variouscommodity derivative instruments to manage fluctuations in crude oil, natural gas, and crude oilNGLs prices. We have in place a variety of collars, fixed-price swaps, and basis swaps on a portion of our estimated crude oil, natural gas, and crude oilpropane production. Because we sell all of our crude oil, natural gas, and crude oilNGLs production at prices similarrelated to the indexes inherent in our underlying derivative instruments, adjusted for certain fees and surcharges stipulated in the applicable sales agreements, we ultimately realize a price, before contract fees,value related to our collars of no less than the floor and no more than the ceiling and, for our commodity swaps, we ultimately realize the fixed price value related to our swaps, less deductions.the swaps. See Note 4,the footnote titled Commodity Derivative Financial Instruments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a detailed presentation of our derivative positions as of June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

Commodity price risk management, net, includes cash settlements upon maturity of our derivative instruments and the change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives related to our crude oil, and natural gas, and propane production. Commodity price risk management, net, does not include derivative transactions related to our natural gas marketing, which are included in sales fromother income and cost of natural gas marketing. See Note 3, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 4, Derivative Financial Instruments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional details of our derivative financial instruments.other expenses.

Net settlements of commodity derivative instruments are primarilybased on the result ofdifference between the crude oil, and natural gas, and propane index prices at maturitythe settlement date of our commodity derivative instruments compared to the respective strike prices. Netprices contracted for the settlement months that were established at the time we entered into the commodity derivative transaction. The net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives is comprised of the net assetvalue increase or decrease in the beginning-

26

PDC ENERGY, INC.

of-periodbeginning-of-period fair value of commodity derivative instruments that settled during the period, and the net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives during the period or from inception of any new contracts entered into during the applicable period. The corresponding impact of settlement of the commodity derivative instruments that settled during the period is included in net settlements for the period as discussed above. Netperiod. The net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives during the period is primarily related to shifts in the crude oil, and natural gas, and NGLs forward curves and changes in certain differentials. See Note 4, Derivative Financial Instruments, to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a detailed description
PDC ENERGY, INC.


The following table presents net settlements and net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives included in commodity price risk management, net:

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in millions)
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net:       
Net settlements:       
Crude oil$38.7
 $37.0
 $92.0
 $81.7
Natural gas14.6
 7.1
 28.1
 12.7
Total net settlements53.3
 44.1
 120.1
 94.4
Change in fair value of unsettled derivatives:       
Reclassification of settlements included in prior period changes in fair value of derivatives(60.8) (54.3) (115.5) (89.4)
Crude oil fixed price swaps(38.2) (24.5) (43.9) (1.5)
Crude oil collars(19.6) (8.8) (18.9) (0.5)
Natural gas fixed price swaps(23.1) (2.2) (19.4) 12.1
Natural gas basis swaps
 (2.5) (0.4) (2.0)
Natural gas collars(4.4) (0.8) (3.7) 4.5
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives(146.1) (93.1) (201.8) (76.8)
Total commodity price risk management gain (loss), net$(92.8) $(49.0) $(81.7) $17.6
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016
 (in millions)
Commodity price risk management gain, net:   
Net settlements of commodity derivative instruments:   
Crude oil fixed price swaps and collars$(3.2) $53.3
Natural gas fixed price swaps and collars3.6
 13.5
Natural gas basis protection swaps0.1
 
Total net settlements of commodity derivative instruments0.5
 66.8
Change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivative instruments:   
Reclassification of settlements included in prior period changes in fair value of commodity derivative instruments9.1
 (58.9)
Crude oil fixed price swaps and collars56.2
 (4.2)
Natural gas fixed price swaps and collars11.2
 7.8
Natural gas basis swaps3.3
 (0.4)
Propane fixed price swaps0.4
 
Net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivative instruments80.2
 (55.7)
Total commodity price risk management gain, net$80.7
 $11.1

Net settlements of commodity derivatives decreased significantly for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016.  We entered into agreements for the derivative instruments that settled throughout 2016 prior to commodity prices becoming depressed in late 2014.  Substantially all of these agreements had settled by the end of 2016.  Net settlements for the three months ended March 31, 2017 reflect derivative instruments entered into since mid-2014 which approximate recent realized prices.  Based upon the forward strip pricing at March 31, 2017, we expect that settlements will be substantially lower on a relative basis as compared to periods in 2016.

Lease Operating Expenses

Lease operating expenses decreased 11 percent to $2.98 per Boe during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $3.35 per Boe during the three months ended March 31, 2016.The decrease in lease operating expense per Boe was predominately driven by the production growth of 46 percent, which was partially offset by a higher lease operating expense of $6.48 per Boe in the Delaware Basin. Aggregate lease operating expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2017 increased $4.5 million as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to increases of $3.7 million related to operations in the Delaware Basin, $1.2 million for payroll and employee benefits due to a 13 percent average increase in headcount for the three months ended March 31, 2017, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, and $0.7 million for workover projects. We expect continued increases in our headcount through the remainder of 2017 as we build out our Delaware Basin production team. We expect much of this increased cost of personnel will be offset by increases in our production. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.2 million related to environmental project costs.

Production Taxes

Production taxes are directly related to crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales and are generally assessed as a percentage of net revenues. Production taxes are comprised mainly of severance tax and ad valorem tax. There are a number of adjustments to the statutory rates for these taxes based on certain credits that are determined based on activity levels and relative commodity prices from year-to-year. The $8.3 million increase in production taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily related to the 152 percent increase in crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales and an increase in our effective tax rate to approximately seven percent for the three months ended March 31, 2017 as compared to six percent for the three months ended March 31, 2016. These increases were partially offset by year-end return adjustments.Production taxes per Boe increased to $1.87 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to $0.89 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

PDC ENERGY, INC.

Transportation, Gathering, and Processing Expenses

The $1.9 million increase in transportation, gathering, and processing expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, was mainly attributable to a $1.0 million increase in oil transportation costs due to increased volumes delivered through the Saddle Butte pipeline in the Wattenberg Field and a $0.7 million increase related to compressor rentals for our Delaware Basin properties. The use of pipelines allows us to deliver crude oil to the Cushing, Oklahoma market, where we benefit from the liquidity associated with the purchasers’ delivery point. Additional benefits of utilization of pipelines are decreased field truck traffic and decreased air emissions. Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses per Boe increased to $0.89 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 compared to $0.88 for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Impairment of Properties and Equipment
    
Impairment of proved and unproved properties. Amounts represent the retirement of certain leases that were no longer part of our development plan or that we are not able to extend prior to termination of the lease. Deterioration of commodity prices or other operating circumstances could result in additional impairment charges.

The following table sets forth the major components of our impairment of properties and equipment expense:

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in millions)
        
Impairment of proved and unproved properties$1.1
 $1.6
 $2.1
 $1.9
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties0.1
 2.8
 0.1
 5.3
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
1.2
 4.4
 2.2
 7.2
Land and buildings3.0
 
 3.0
 
Impairment of properties and equipment$4.2
 $4.4
 $5.2
 $7.2

Impairment of proved and unproved properties. Amounts represent the write-down of certain capitalized well costs on our properties as the expected development date for these locations are beyond the limits of the SEC five-year rule. Further deterioration of commodity prices could result in additional impairment charges to our crude oil and natural gas properties.

Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties. Amounts relate to insignificant leases that were subject to amortization. The decreases in amortization during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, were due to an impairment in the third quarter of 2015 that significantly reduced the carrying value of our Utica Shale leases.

Land and buildings. The impairment charge represents the excess of the carrying value over the estimated fair value, less the cost to sell, of a field operating facility in Greeley, Colorado, and 12 acres of land located adjacent to our Bridgeport, West Virginia, regional headquarters. The fair values of these assets were determined based upon estimated future cash flows from unrelated third-party bids, a Level 3 input.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2017 2016
 (in millions)
    
Impairment of proved and unproved properties$2.1
 $0.9
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties0.1
 0.1
Total impairment of properties and equipment$2.2
 $1.0

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense increased $2.9$3.5 million to $23.6$26.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 compared to $20.7$22.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to a $2.7$2.3 million increase in payroll and employee benefits of which $1.3 million was stock-based compensation.

General and administrative expense increased $4.6 milliondue to $46.4 milliona 13 percent average increase in headcount for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 as compared to $41.8 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2015. The increase was primarily attributable to a $3.3March 31, 2016, and $0.5 million increase in payroll and employee benefits, of which $1.6 million was stock-based compensation, a $0.7 million increase in costs for consulting and other professional services and a $0.4 million increasefees related to the Delaware Basin acquisitions. We expect continued increases in marketing and government relations activities.our headcount through the remainder of 2017 as we build out our Delaware Basin operations.
    
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Expense

Crude oil and natural gas properties. DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties is directly related to proved reserves and production volumes. DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties was $106.1 million and $202.4$107.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 compared to $69.0 million and $123.7$96.3 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. The period-over-period change in DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties was primarily due to the following:following (in millions):

 June 30, 2016
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
 (in millions)
Increase in production $39.0
 $72.8
 $38.4
Increase (decrease) in weighted-average depreciation, depletion and amortization rates (1.9) 5.9
Decrease in weighted-average depreciation, depletion and amortization rates (26.9)
Total increase in DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties $37.1
 $78.7
��$11.5

The following table presents our DD&A expense rates for crude oil and natural gas properties:
PDC ENERGY, INC.


  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
Operating Region/Area 2016 2015 2016 2015
  (per Boe)
Wattenberg Field $20.73
 $21.09
 $21.19
 $20.50
Utica Shale 13.84
 14.23
 11.16
 12.27
Total weighted-average 20.41
 20.48
 20.72
 19.76

The weighted-average DD&A expense rates for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 were comparable to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.
  Three Months Ended March 31,
Operating Region/Area 2017 2016
  (per Boe)
Wattenberg Field $16.94
 $21.72
Delaware Basin 11.46
 
Utica Shale 11.24
 8.19
Total weighted-average 16.22
 21.08

Non-crude oil and natural gas properties.Depreciation expense for non-crude oil and natural gas properties was $0.9 million and $2.0$1.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively,March 31, 2017 compared to $1.1 million and $2.2 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.March 31, 2016.

Provision for Uncollectible Notes Receivable

AIn the first quarter of 2016, we recorded a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $44.7 million was recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2016 to impair two third-party notes receivable whose collection iswas not reasonably assured. See Note 3,As described in the footnote titled Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Notes Receivable, in April 2017, we signed a definitive agreement and simultaneously closed on the sale of one of the associated notes receivable to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewherean unrelated third party. Accordingly, we reversed $40.3 million of the provision for notes receivable in this report for additional information.the second quarter of 2017.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $0.9increased $7.6 million and $0.7to $19.5 million duringfor the three and six months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 compared to $11.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. March 31, 2016. The decreases wereincrease is primarily attributable to decreasesa $6.3 million increase in interest onrelating to the issuance of our 2024 Senior Notes, a $2.6 million increase in interest expense relating to the issuance of our 2021 Convertible Notes, as they maturedand a $0.7 million increase related to fees for the redetermination of the borrowing base under our revolving credit facility. The increases were offset by a $2.2 million decrease in interest expense from our 2016 Convertible Notes, which were settled in May 2016.

Interest Income

Interest income decreased $1.0 million and $0.5 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, as we ceased recognizing non-cash interest income on two third-party notes receivable.


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Provision for Income Taxes

See Note 6, Income Taxes, to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a discussion of the changes in ourThe effective tax rate for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 was 36.3 percent expense on income compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2015. The effective tax rate of 37.9% and 37.5%36.9 percent benefit on loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively,March 31, 2016. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 is based onupon a full year forecasted pre-tax lossincome for the year adjusted for permanent differences. The forecasted full year effective tax rate has been applied to the quarter-to-date pre-tax lossincome, resulting in a tax benefitexpense for the period. Because the estimate of full-year income or loss may change from quarter to quarter, the effective tax rate for any particular quarter may not have a meaningful relationship to pre-tax income or loss for the quarter or the actual annual effective tax rate that is determined at the end of the year. The additional tax benefit for stock-based compensation was the only discrete tax item reported for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and resulted in a 2.2 percent reduction to our effective tax rate. There were no significant discrete tax items recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Net deferredIncome (Loss)/Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
The factors resulting in changes in net income tax liability at June 30, 2016 decreased $102.3 million compared to December 31, 2015. This decrease is primarily attributable toin the significant positive net settlements from derivatives during the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2017 of $46.1 million, and a net loss in the three months March 31, 2016 andof $71.5 million are discussed above. These same reasons similarly impacted adjusted net loss, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, with the significant negativeexception of the net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives, held at June 30, 2016.

Net Loss/Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
Net lossadjusted for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 was $95.5taxes, of $50.2 million and $167.0 million compared to net loss of $46.9 million and $29.8$34.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015.March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. Adjusted net loss,income (loss), a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $5.1adjusted net loss of $4.1 million and $41.9$37.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2017 and 2016, compared to adjusted net income of $10.8 million and $17.9 million for the same prior year periods. The quarter-over-quarter changes in net loss are discussed above, with the most significant changes related to the decrease in commodity price risk management activity income and the increase in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales and DD&A expense. The year-over-year changes in net loss are discussed above, with the most significant changes related to the decrease in commodity price risk management activity income and the increase in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales, DD&A expense and provision for uncollectible notes receivable. These changes similarly impacted adjusted net income (loss), with the exception of the tax effected net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives.respectively. See Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures, below for a more detailed discussion of this non-U.S. GAAP financial measure and reconciliation of this measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

PDC ENERGY, INC.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, our primary sources of liquidity have been cash flows from operating activities, our revolving credit facility, proceeds raised in debt and equity capital market transactions, and asset sales. For the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, our primary sources of liquidity were the net proceeds received from the March 2016 public offering of our common stock of $296.6 million and net cash flows from operating activities of $197.8$139.5 million. We used a portion of the net proceeds of the offering to repay all amounts then outstanding on our revolving credit facility, the principal amounts owed upon the maturity of the Convertible Notes in May 2016, and retained the remainder for general corporate purposes.

Our primary source of cash flows from operating activities is the sale of crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs. Fluctuations in our operating cash flows are substantially driven by commodity prices and changes in our production volumes. Commodity prices have historically been volatile and we manage this volatility through our use of derivative instruments. We enter into commodity derivative instruments with maturities of no greater than five years from the date of the instrument. For instruments that mature in three years or less, our debt covenants restrict us from entering into hedges that would exceed 85%The revolving credit agreement imposes limits on the amount of our expected future production from total proved reserves for such related time period (proved developed producing, proved developed non-producingwe can hedge, and proved undeveloped). For instruments that mature later than three years, but no more than our designated maximum maturity, our debt covenants limit us from entering into hedges that would exceed 85% of our expected future production from proved developed producing properties during that time period. Wewe may choose not to hedge the maximum amounts permitted under our covenants.permitted. Therefore, we may still have significant fluctuations in our cash flows from operating activities due to the remaining non-hedged portion of our future production. Given current commodity prices andBased upon our hedge position we expect that positive net settlements onand assuming forward strip pricing as of March 31, 2017, our derivative positions will continue toderivatives may not be a significant positive componentsource of our 2016cash flow in the near term, and may result in cash outflows in 2017 and 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we had $0.5 million of positive cash flows from operations.operations related to net settlements of commodity derivative instruments, compared to $66.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, the fair value of our derivatives was a net asset of $61.9 million. Based on$10.1 million, of which $4.1 million will settle in the forward pricing strip at June 30, 2016, we would expect positive net settlements totaling approximately $75.9 million during the second halfremaining nine months of 2016. However,2017 based upon our current hedge position and assuming currentforward strip pricing during periods subsequent to 2016 our derivatives may no longer be a significant sourceas of cash flow, and may result in cash outflows. Forthat date at the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, net settled derivatives comprised approximately 61% and 65%, respectively, of our cash flows from operating activities. See Part I, Item 3, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, included elsewhere in this report for additional information regarding our derivatives positions by year of maturity.current price.

Our working capital fluctuates for various reasons, including, but not limited to, changes in the fair value of our commodity derivative instruments and changes in our cash and cash equivalents due to our practice of utilizing excess cash to reduce the outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility. At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we had working capital of $131.9$93.8 million compared to $30.7$129.2 million at December 31, 2015.2016. The increasedecrease in working capital as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 is primarily the result of an increase in accounts payable of $78.1 million related to increased development and exploration activity, which was partially offset by an increase in the net fair value of our unsettled commodity derivative instruments of $45.4 million.

Our cash and cash equivalents and the repayment of the Convertible Notes in May 2016, offset in part by a decrease in the fair value of unsettled derivatives.

In recent periods, including the first half of 2016, we have been able to access borrowings underwere $207.6 million at March 31, 2017, our revolving credit facility and to obtain proceeds from the issuance of securities. We ended June 2016 with cash and cash equivalents of $109.1short-term investments were $49.9 million, and availability under our revolving credit facility of $438.3was $688.3 million, providing for a total liquidity position of $547.4$945.8 million as of March 31, 2017, compared to $402.2$932.4 million at December 31, 2015. These amounts exclude an additional $250 million available under our revolving credit facility, subject to certain terms and conditions of the credit agreement.2016. The increase in liquidity of $145.2$13.4 million, or 36.1%, during the six months ended June 30, 2016one percent, was primarily attributable to net cash flows from operating activities of $197.8$139.5 million, partially offset by capital investments associated with development and net cash flows from financing activitiesexploration activity of $141.3$129.8 million primarily due toduring the three months ended March 31, 2017.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.

March 2016 public offering ofBased on our common stock, offset in part by cash paid for capital expenditures of $235.7 million. Our liquidity position was reduced by the cash payment of approximately $115 million upon the maturity of our Convertible Notes in May 2016. With our current derivative position, liquidity position and expected cash flows from operations, our cash and cash equivalent and short-term investments balances and availability under our revolving credit facility, we believe that we have sufficient capital to fund our planned drilling operations foractivities during 2017. Our liquidity will be further augmented by the next 12 months. We cannot, however, assure sources$40.3 million of capital available to usproceeds received in the past will be available to us insecond quarter of 2017 from the future.

In March 2015, we filed an automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC. Effective upon filing, the shelf provides for the potential sale of an unspecified amount of debt securities, common stock or preferred stock, either separately or represented by depository shares, warrants or purchase contracts,a third-party Note, as well as units that may include any of these securities or securities of other entities. The shelf registration statement is intended to allow us to be proactive in our ability to raise capital and to have the flexibility to raise such funds in one or more offerings should we perceive market conditions to be favorable. Pursuant to this shelf registration, we sold approximately four million shares of our common stock in March 2015 in an underwritten public offering at a price to us of $50.73 per share and approximately six million shares of our common stock in March 2016 in an underwritten public offering at a price to us of $50.11 per share.described previously.

Our revolving credit facility is a borrowing base facility and availability under the facility is subject to a redetermination each May and November, based upon a quantification of our proved reserves at each June 30 and December 31, respectively. In May 2016, we completed the semi-annual redetermination of our revolving credit facility by the lenders, which resulted in the reaffirmation of our borrowing base at $700 million. However, we elected to maintain the aggregate commitment level at $450 million. The maturity date of theour revolving credit facility is May 2020. As of March 31, 2017, the borrowing base is $700 million. Our ability to borrow under the revolving credit facility is limited under our 2022 Senior Notes to the greater of $700 million or the calculated value under an Adjusted Consolidated Tangible Net Asset test, as defined. The May 2017 redetermination of our borrowing base has not been finalized as of the date of this report.

Our borrowings bear interest at either an alternate base rate option or a LIBOR option as defined in the revolving credit facility plus an applicable margin, depending on the percentage of the commitment that has been utilized. As of March 31, 2017, the applicable margin is 1.25 percent for the alternate base rate option or 2.25 percent for the LIBOR option, and the unused commitment fee is 0.50 percent.

We had no balance outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2016. WhileMarch 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2017, we have added and expecthad an irrevocable standby letter of credit of approximately $11.7 million in favor of a third-party transportation service provider to continue to add producing reserves throughsecure a firm transportation obligation. As of March 31, 2017, the available funds under our drilling operations,revolving credit facility, including the effectreduction for the $11.7 million letter of any such reserve additions on our borrowing base could be offset by other factors including, among other things, a prolonged period of depressed commodity prices or regulatory pressure on lenders to reduce their exposure to exploration and production companies.credit, was $688.3 million.

Our revolving credit facility contains financial maintenance covenants. The covenants require that we maintain:maintain (i) a leverage ratio defined as total debt of less than 4.254.0 times the trailing 12 months earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives, exploration expense,
PDC ENERGY, INC.

gains (losses) on sales of assets and other non-cash, extraordinary or non-recurring gains (losses) ("EBITDAX") and (ii) an adjusted current ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0:1.0. Our adjusted current ratio is adjusted by eliminating the impact on our current assets and liabilities of recording the fair value of crude oil and natural gas commodity derivative instruments. Additionally, available borrowings under our revolving credit facility are added to the current asset calculation and the current portion of our revolving credit facility debt is eliminated from the current liabilities calculation. At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all debt covenants with a 1.0 leverage ratio, as defined by the revolving credit agreement, of 2.0times debt to EBITDAX ratio and a 4.0 to 3.7:1.0current ratio. We expect to remain in compliance throughout the next year.12-month period.

The indentureindentures governing our 7.75% senior notes due 2022 containsSenior Notes and 2024 Senior Notes contain customary restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to: (a) incur additional debt including under our revolving credit facility, (b) make certain investments or pay dividends or distributions on our capital stock or purchase, redeem, or retire capital stock, (c) sell assets, including capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries, (d) restrict the payment of dividends or other payments by restricted subsidiaries to us, (e) create liens that secure debt, (f) enter into transactions with affiliates, and (g) merge or consolidate with another company. At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next year.12-month period.

See Part I, Item 3, QuantitativeIn January 2017, pursuant to the filing of the supplemental indentures for the 2021 Convertible Senior Notes, the 2022 Senior Notes, and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, forthe 2024 Senior Notes, our discussionsubsidiary PDC Permian, Inc. became a subsidiary guarantor of credit risk.the notes.

Cash Flows

Operating Activities.Our net cash flows from operating activities are primarily impacted by commodity prices, production volumes, net settlements from our commodity derivative positions, operating costs, and general and administrative expenses. Cash flows from operating activities increased by $51.3$38.4 million for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 compared to the sixthree months ended June 30, 2015,March 31, 2016, primarily due to increases in net settlements from our derivative positions of $25.7 million and crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales of $15.2$114.3 million and thean increase in changes in assets and liabilities of $18.6$15.6 million related to the timing of cash payments and receipts. These increases were offset in part by the increasea decrease in transportation, gatheringcommodity derivative settlements of $66.3 million and processingincreases in lease operating expenses of $5.9$4.5 million, production taxes of $8.3 million, general and administrative expenses of $3.5 million, and interest expense of $7.6 million. The key components for the changes in our cash flows provided by operating activities are described in more detail in Results of Operations above.

Adjusted cash flows from operations, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, increased $32.8$22.7 million during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017 compared to the sixthree months ended June 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the same factors mentioned above for changes in cash flows provided by operating activities, without regard to timing of cash payments and receipts of assets and liabilities.  Adjusted EBITDA,EBITDAX, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, decreasedincreased by $16.3$72.4 million during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, compared to the sixthree months ended June 30, 2015.March 31, 2016. The decreaseincrease was primarily the result of increases in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales of $114.3 million and the recording of a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $44.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in commodity derivative settlements of $66.3 million and the increaseincreases in transportation, gathering and processinglease operating expenses of $5.9$4.5 million, production taxes of $8.3 million, and general and administrative expenseexpenses of $4.6 million, offset in part by increases in net settlements from our derivative positions of $25.7 million and crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales of $15.2$3.5 million. See Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures, below, for a more detailed discussion of non-U.S. GAAP financial measures.

Investing Activities. Because crude oil and natural gas production from a well declines rapidly in the first few years of production, we need to continue to commit significant amounts of capital in order to maintain and grow our production and replace our reserves. If capital is not available or is constrained in the future, we will be limited to our cash flows from operations and liquidity under our revolving credit facility as the sources for funding our capital expenditures.investments.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.

Cash flows from investing activities primarily consist of the acquisition, exploration, and development of crude oil and natural gas properties, net of dispositions of crude oil and natural gas properties. Net cash used in investing activities of $230.8$173.6 million during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017, was primarily related to cash utilized for our drilling operations, including completion activities. Foractivities of $129.8 million and purchases of short-term investments of $49.9 million.  Partially offsetting these investments was the full year 2016, we expect that our cash flows from operations will approximate our cash flows from investing activities.receipt of approximately $6.2 million related to post-closing settlements of properties acquired in 2016.

Financing Activities. Net cash from financing activities for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 decreased by approximately $55.5$261.6 million compared to the sixthree months ended June 30, 2015. Net cash fromMarch 31, 2016. Certain capital markets and financing activities of $141.3 million for the six months ended June 30,occurred in 2016 was primarily related toincluding the $296.6 million received from the issuance of our common stock in March 2016,stock. These amounts were partially offset by the $115.0 million payment of principal amounts owed upon the maturity of the Convertible Notes and net payments of approximately $37.0 million to pay down amounts borrowed under our revolving credit facility.

Drilling Activity
The following table presents our net developmental drilling activity for the periods shown. Productive wells consist of wells spud, turned-in-line and producing during the period. In-process wells represent wells that have been spud, drilled or are waiting to be completed and/or for gas pipeline connection during the period.

  Net Drilling Activity
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2016 2015 2016 2015
Operating Region/Area Productive In-Process Dry (1) Productive In-Process Dry (1) Productive In-Process Dry (1) Productive In-Process Dry (1)
Development Wells                        
Wattenberg Field, operated wells 27.7 47.2 0.4 35.4 45.9 1.0 52.6
 47.2
 0.4 48.5
 45.9
 1.0
Wattenberg Field, non-operated wells 1.7 7.7  1.6 4.9  3.2
 7.7
  4.2
 4.9
 
Utica Shale 2.8 1.7  3.0   2.8
 1.7
  3.0
 
 
Total drilling activity 32.2 56.6 0.4 40.0 50.8 1.0 58.6
 56.6
 0.4
 55.7
 50.8
 1.0
______________
(1) Represents mechanical failures that resultedfacility in the plugging and abandonmentfirst quarter of the respective wells.2016.
PDC ENERGY, INC.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules, that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expendituresinvestments, or capital resources.

Commitments and Contingencies

See Note 10,the footnote titled Commitments and Contingencies to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Recent Accounting Standards

See Note 2,the footnote titled Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP required management to use judgment in making estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses.

There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates or in the underlying accounting assumptions and estimates used in these critical accounting policies from those disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes contained in our 20152016 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2016.28, 2017.

Reconciliation of Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures

We use "adjusted cash flows from operations," "adjusted net income (loss)" and "adjusted EBITDA,EBITDAX," non-U.S. GAAP financial measures, for internal management reporting, when evaluating period-to-period changes and, in some cases, providing public guidance on possible future results. Beginning in 2017, we have included non-cash stock-based compensation and exploration, geologic and geophysical expense to our adjusted EBITDAX calculation.  In prior periods, we included adjusted EBITDA, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, that did not include these adjustments.  All prior periods have been
PDC ENERGY, INC.

conformed for comparability of this information. These measures are not measures of financial performance under U.S. GAAP and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss) or cash flows from operations, investing or financing activities, and should not be viewed as liquidity measures or indicators of cash flows reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-U.S. GAAP financial measures that we use may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Also, in the future, we may disclose different non-U.S. GAAP financial measures in order to help our investors more meaningfully evaluate and compare our future results of operations to our previously reported results of operations. We strongly encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and not rely on any single financial measure.

Adjusted cash flows from operationsoperations. . We define adjusted cash flows from operations as the cash flows earned or incurred from operating activities, without regard to changes in operating assets and liabilities. We believe it is important to consider adjusted cash flows from operations, as well as cash flows from operations, as we believe it often provides more transparency into what drives the changes in our operating trends, such as production, prices, operating costs, and related operational factors, without regard to whether the related asset or liability was received

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or paid during the same period. We also use this measure because the timing of cash received from our assets, cash paid to obtain an asset or payment of our obligations has been only a timing issue from one period to the next as we have not had significant accounts receivable collection problems, nor been unable to purchase assets or pay our obligations. See the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.

Adjusted net income (loss). We define adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss), plus loss on commodity derivatives, less gain on commodity derivatives, and net settlements on commodity derivatives, each adjusted for tax effect. We believe it is important to consider adjusted net income (loss), as well as net income (loss). We believe this measure often provides more transparency into our operating trends, such as production, prices, operating costs, net settlements from derivatives, and related factors, without regard to changes in our net income (loss) from our mark-to-market adjustments resulting from net changes in the fair value of unsettled derivatives. Additionally, other items which are not indicative of future results may be excluded to clearly identify operating trends.

Adjusted EBITDA.EBITDAX. We define adjusted EBITDAEBITDAX as net income (loss), plus loss on commodity derivatives, interest expense, net of interest income, income taxes, impairment of properties and equipment, exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, and accretion of asset retirement obligations, and non-cash stock-based compensation, less gain on commodity derivatives and net settlements on commodity derivatives. Adjusted EBITDAEBITDAX is not a measure of financial performance or liquidity under U.S. GAAP and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income (loss), and should not be considered an indicator of cash flows reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted EBITDAEBITDAX includes certain non-cash costs incurred by the Companyus and does not take into account changes in operating assets and liabilities. Other companies in our industry may calculate adjusted EBITDAEBITDAX differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. We believe adjusted EBITDAEBITDAX is relevant because it is a measure of our operational and financial performance, as well as a measure of our liquidity, and is used by our management, investors, commercial banks, research analysts, and others to analyze such things as:

operating performance and return on capital as compared to our peers;
financial performance of our assets and our valuation without regard to financing methods, capital structure, or historical cost basis;
our ability to generate sufficient cash to service our debt obligations; and
the viability of acquisition opportunities and capital expenditure projects, including the related rate of return.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of each of our non-U.S. GAAP financial measures to its most comparable U.S. GAAP measure:

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended March 31,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016
(in millions)(in millions)
Adjusted cash flows from operations:          
Net cash from operating activities$139.5
 $101.2
Changes in assets and liabilities(25.8) (10.2)
Adjusted cash flows from operations$112.6
 $96.9
 $203.6
 $170.8
$113.7
 $91.0
Changes in assets and liabilities(16.0) (32.3) (5.8) (24.3)
Net cash from operating activities$96.6
 $64.6
 $197.8
 $146.5
          
Adjusted net income (loss):          
Adjusted net income (loss)$(5.1) $10.8
 $(41.9) $17.9
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments(92.7) (49.0) (81.7) 17.6
Net income (loss)$46.1
 $(71.5)
Gain on commodity derivative instruments(80.7) (11.1)
Net settlements on commodity derivative instruments(53.3) (44.1) (120.2) (94.5)0.5
 66.8
Tax effect of above adjustments55.6
 35.4
 76.8
 29.2
30.0
 (21.2)
Net loss$(95.5) $(46.9) $(167.0) $(29.8)
Adjusted net income (loss)$(4.1) $(37.0)
          
Adjusted EBITDA to net loss:       
Adjusted EBITDA$115.7
 $102.6
 $168.7
 $185.0
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments(92.7) (49.0) (81.7) 17.6
Net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDAX:   
Net income (loss)$46.1
 $(71.5)
Gain on commodity derivative instruments(80.7) (11.1)
Net settlements on commodity derivative instruments(53.3) (44.1) (120.2) (94.5)0.5
 66.8
Non-cash stock-based compensation4.5
 4.7
Interest expense, net(10.5) (10.4) (20.8) (21.1)19.2
 10.3
Income tax provision58.3
 30.1
 100.2
 19.4
Income tax expense (benefit)26.3
 (41.8)
Impairment of properties and equipment(4.2) (4.4) (5.2) (7.2)2.2
 1.0
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(107.0) (70.1) (204.4) (125.9)
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense1.0
 0.2
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization109.3
 97.4
Accretion of asset retirement obligations(1.8) (1.6) (3.6) (3.1)1.8
 1.8
Net loss$(95.5) $(46.9) $(167.0) $(29.8)
Adjusted EBITDAX$130.2
 $57.8
          
Adjusted EBITDA to net cash from operating activities:       
Adjusted EBITDA$115.7
 $102.6
 $168.7
 $185.0
Cash from operating activities to adjusted EBITDAX:   
Net cash from operating activities$139.5
 $101.2
Interest expense, net(10.5) (10.4) (20.8) (21.1)19.2
 10.3
Stock-based compensation6.4
 5.1
 11.1
 9.5
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs1.3
 1.8
 3.1
 3.5
(3.2) (1.8)
(Gain) loss on sale of properties and equipment0.3
 (0.2) 0.2
 (0.2)
Gain on sale of properties and equipment0.2
 0.1
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense1.0
 0.2
Other(0.6) (2.0) 41.3
 (5.9)(0.7) (42.0)
Changes in assets and liabilities(16.0) (32.3) (5.8) (24.3)(25.8) (10.2)
Net cash from operating activities$96.6
 $64.6
 $197.8
 $146.5
Adjusted EBITDAX$130.2
 $57.8

Regulatory Update

In May 2016, the EPA issued a draft Information Collection Request that will impact all known operators in the U.S. and which is aimed at regulating existing onshore oil and gas sources. The EPA also finalized a rule regarding source determination and permitting requirements for the onshore oil and gas industry under the Clean Air Act.  Under this final rule, our operations could be subject to increased permitting costs and more stringent control requirements. In June 2016, the EPA published amendments to the 2012 NSPS OOOO rules focused on achieving additional methane and volatile organic compound reductions from the oil and natural gas industry. The EPA also finalized pretreatment standards for the discharge of wastewater to publicly-owned treatment works for the onshore oil and gas extraction industry. Other agencies have also published new proposed or final rules impacting the onshore oil and gas industry. For example, the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an additional notice of proposed rulemaking in June 2016 related to the safety of transmission and gathering lines. In addition, in March 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a rule to alter how it identifies critical habitat for endangered and threatened species, which could expand the reach of the Endangered Species Act depending on how it is implemented.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market-Sensitive Instruments and Risk Management

We are exposed to market risks associated with interest rate risks, commodity price risk and credit risk. We have established risk management processes to monitor and manage these market risks.

Interest Rate Risk

Changes in interest rates affect the amount of interest we earn on our interest bearing cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash accounts and the interest we pay on borrowings under our revolving credit facility. Our 7.75% senior notes due2021 Convertible Notes, 2024 Senior Notes, 2022 Senior Notes, and short-term investments have a fixed raterates, and therefore near-term changes in interest rates do not expose us to risk of earnings or cash flow loss; however, near-term changes in interest rates may affect the fair value of our fixed-rate debt.

As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, our interest-bearing deposit accounts included money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and checking and savings accounts with various banks. The amount of our interest-bearing cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 was $90.2$169.1 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.3%.0.5 percent. Based on a sensitivity analysis of our interest-bearing deposits as of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017 and assuming we had $169.1 million outstanding throughout the period, we estimate that a 1%1 percent increase in interest rates would increasehave increased interest income for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2016March 31, 2017 by approximately $0.5$1.7 million.

As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we had no outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility.
    
Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to the potential risk of loss from adverse changes in the market price of crude oil, natural gas, natural gas basis, and NGLs. Pursuant to established policies and procedures, we manage a portion of the risks associated with these market fluctuations using commodity derivative instruments. These instruments help us predict with greater certainty the effective crude oil, and natural gas, natural gas basis, and propane prices we will receive for our hedged production. We believe that our commodity derivative policies and procedures are effective in achieving our risk management objectives.
The following table presents our derivative positions related to crude oil and natural gas sales in effect as of June 30, 2016:
  Collars Fixed-Price Swaps Basis Protection Swaps  
Commodity/ Index/
Maturity Period
 
Quantity
(Gas -
BBtu (1) 
Oil - MBbls)
 
Weighted-Average
Contract Price
 
Quantity
(Gas -
BBtu (1) 
Oil - MBbls)
 
Weighted-
Average
Contract
Price
 
Quantity
(BBtu) (1)
 
Weighted-
Average
Contract
Price
 
Fair Value
June 30,
2016 (2)
(in millions)
  Floors Ceilings     
Natural Gas                
NYMEX                
2016 2,280.0
 $3.80
 $4.12
 15,410.0
 $3.66
 13,806.5
 $(0.29) $10.6
2017 7,920.0
 3.59
 4.13
 27,290.0
 3.55
 12,000.0
 (0.28) 13.6
2018 1,230.0
 3.00
 3.67
 17,430.0
 3.00
 
 
 (0.1)
                 
Total Natural Gas 11,430.0
     60,130.0
   25,806.5
   24.1
                 
Crude Oil                
NYMEX                
2016 870.0
 77.59
 97.55
 1,860.0
 72.21
 
 
 65.3
2017 1,464.0
 49.22
 65.95
 3,004.0
 44.92
 
 
 (17.4)
2018 1,512.0
 41.85
 54.31
 504.0
 47.08
 
 
 (10.1)
      
          
Total Crude Oil 3,846.0
     5,368.0
   
   37.8
Total Natural Gas and Crude Oil               $61.9
                 
____________
(1)A standard unit of measurement for natural gas (one BBtu equals one MMcf).
(2)Approximately 33.1% of the fair value of our derivative assets and 19.2% of the fair value of our derivative liabilities were measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). See Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, to the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.

The following table presents our commodity and basis derivative positions related to crude oil, natural gas, and propane in effect as of March 31, 2017:
  Collars Fixed-Price Swaps  
Commodity/ Index/
Maturity Period
 
Quantity
(Gas -
BBtu
Oil - MBbls)
 
Weighted-Average
Contract Price
 
Quantity (Oil - MBbls
Gas and Basis-
BBtu
 Propane - MBbls)
 
Weighted-
Average
Contract
Price
 
Fair Value
March 31,
2017 (1)
(in millions)
  Floors Ceilings   
Crude Oil            
NYMEX            
2017 1,848.0
 $49.54
 $62.32
 5,480.5
 $50.11
 $(5.1)
2018 1,512.0
 41.85
 54.31
 5,072.0
 53.85
 6.2
Total Crude Oil 3,360.0
     10,552.5
   $1.1
             
Natural Gas            
NYMEX            
2017 8,550.3
 $3.40
 $4.05
 20,555.0
 $3.50
 $6.3
2018 1,230.0
 3.00
 3.67
 45,280.0
 2.94
 (3.0)
Total Natural Gas 9,780.3
     65,835.0
   $3.3
             
Basis Protection            
2017 
 
 
 21,104.0
 $(0.29) 2.5
2018 
 
 
 18,200.0
 (0.29) 2.8
Total Basis Protection 
     39,304.0
   $5.3
             
Propane            
Mont Belvieu            
2017 
 
 
 535.7
 $26.78
 $0.4
Commodity Derivatives Fair Value       $10.1
             
____________

(1)Approximately 18.4 percent of the fair value of our commodity derivative assets and 16.9 percent of the fair value of our commodity derivative liabilities were measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

In addition to our commodity derivative positions as of March 31, 2017, we entered into the following commodity derivative positions related to natural gas subsequent to March 31, 2017 that are effective as of April 18, 2017:

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PDC ENERGY, INC.

  Collars Fixed-Price Swaps
Commodity/ Index/
Maturity Period
 
Quantity
(Gas -
BBtu
Oil - MBbls)
 
Weighted-Average
Contract Price
 
Quantity (Oil - MBbls
Gas and Basis-
BBtu
 Propane - MBbls)
 
Weighted-
Average
Contract
Price
  Floors Ceilings  
Natural Gas          
NYMEX          
2017 
 $
 $
 7,000.0
 $3.42
2018 4,000.0
 3.00
 3.50
 


Total Natural Gas 4,000.0
     7,000.0
  
           
Basis Protection          
2017 
 
 
 14,000.0
 $(0.39)
2018 
 
 
 6,000.0
 (0.41)
Total Basis Protection

     20,000.0
  
Our realized prices vary regionally based on local market differentials and our transportation agreements. The following table presents average NYMEX and CIG closingmarket index prices for crude oil and natural gas for the periods identified, as well as the average sales prices we realized for our crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs production:

 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Year Ended
 June 30, 2016 June 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Average Index Closing Price:     
Crude oil (per Bbl)     
NYMEX$45.59
 $39.52
 $48.80
Natural gas (per MMBtu)     
NYMEX$1.95
 $2.02
 $2.66
CIG1.67
 1.73
 2.44
TETCO M-2 (1)1.27
 1.23
 1.49
      
Average Sales Price Realized:     
Excluding net settlements on derivatives     
Crude oil (per Bbl)$40.37
 $34.46
 $40.14
Natural gas (per Mcf)1.37
 1.38
 2.04
NGLs (per Bbl)11.93
 9.89
 10.72
_____________
(1) TETCO M-2 is an index price upon which a majority of our natural gas produced in the Utica Shale is sold.
 Three Months Ended Year Ended
 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Average NYMEX Index Price:   
Crude oil (per Bbl)$51.92
 $43.32
Natural gas (per MMBtu)3.32
 2.46
    
Average Sales Price Realized:   
Excluding net settlements on commodity derivatives   
Crude oil (per Bbl)$49.04
 $39.96
Natural gas (per Mcf)2.37
 1.77
NGLs (per Bbl)19.29
 11.80

Based on a sensitivity analysis as of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we estimate that a 10%ten percent increase in natural gas, and crude oil, and the propane portion of NGLs prices, inclusive of basis, over the entire period for which we have commodity derivatives in place, would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of our derivative positions of $63.0$87.6 million, whereas a 10%10 percent decrease in prices would have resulted in an increase in fair value of $63.0$87.6 million.

See Note 3, Fair Value of Financial Instruments, and Note 4, Derivative Financial Instruments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a summary of our open derivative positions, as well as a discussion of how we determine the fair value of and account for our derivative contracts.

Credit Risk

Credit risk represents the loss that we would incur if a counterparty fails to perform its contractual obligations. We attempt to reduce credit risk by diversifying our counterparty exposure and entering into transactions with high-quality counterparties. When exposed to significant credit risk, we analyze the counterparty’s financial condition prior to entering into an agreement, establish credit limits and monitor the appropriateness of those limits on an ongoing basis. We monitor the creditworthiness of significant counterparties through our credit committee, which utilizes a number of qualitative and quantitative tools to assess credit risk and takes mitigative actions if deemed necessary. While we believe that our credit risk analysis and monitoring procedures are reasonable, no amount of analysis can assure performance by our counterparties.

Our Oiloil and Gas Explorationgas exploration and Production segment'sproduction business's crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales are concentrated with a few predominately large customers. This concentrates our credit risk exposure with a small number of large customers.

Amounts due to our Gas Marketing segmentgas marketing business are from a diverse group of entities, including major upstream and midstream energy companies, financial institutions, and end-users in various industries. The underlying operations of these entities are geographically concentrated in the same region, which increases the credit risk associated with this business. As natural gas prices continue to remain depressed, certain third-party producers underrelating to our Gas Marketing segment have begun andgas marketing business continue to
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PDC ENERGY, INC.

experience financial distress, which has led to certain contractual defaults and litigation; however, to date, we have had no material counterparty default losses. We have initiated several legal actions for breach of contract, collection and related claims against certain third-party producers that are delinquent in their payment obligations, which have to date resulted in onetwo default judgment. There have been no collections received to date and and some of the third-party producers have shut-in their wells and wejudgments. We expect this trend to continue for this segment.business.

A group of independent West Virginia natural gas producers has filed, but not served on RNG, a complaint in Marshall County, West Virginia, naming Dominion, certain entities affiliated with Dominion, and RNG as defendants, alleging various contractual, fiduciary and related claims against the defendants, all of which are associated with firm transportation contracts entered into by plaintiffs and relating to pipelines owned and operated by Dominion and its affiliates. At this time, RNG is unable to estimate any potential damages associated with the claims, but believes the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously pursue its defense.

We primarily use financial institutions which are lenders in our revolving credit facility as counterparties for our derivative financial instruments. Disruption in the credit markets, changes in commodity prices and other factors may have a significant adverse impact on a number of financial institutions. To date, we have had no material counterparty default losses from our commodity derivative financial instruments. See Note 4, the footnote titled Commodity Derivative Financial Instruments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for more detail on our commodity derivative financial instruments.


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Disclosure of Limitations

Because the information above included only those exposures that existed at June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, it does not consider those exposures or positions which could arise after that date. As a result, our ultimate realized gain or loss with respect to interest rate and commodity price fluctuations will depend on the exposures that arise during the period, our commodity price risk management strategies at the time, and interest rates and commodity prices at the time.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e).

Based on the results of this evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2016.March 31, 2017.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the three months ended June 30, 2016,March 31, 2017, we made no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information regarding ourFrom time to time, we are a party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. We are not currently a party to any litigation that we believe would have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

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 are probable and the costs can be foundreasonably estimated. Except as discussed herein, we are not aware of any environmental claims existing as of March 31, 2017 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. Accrued environmental liabilities are recorded in Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies – Litigation, to ourother accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewherebalance sheets.

In August 2015, we received a Clean Air Act Section 114 Information Request (the "Information Request") from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). The Information Request sought, among other things, information related to the design, operation, and maintenance of our Wattenberg Field production facilities in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of Colorado. The Information Request focuses 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 the Information Request in January 2016. In December 2016, we received a draft consent decree from the EPA.

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 at 65 facilities consistent with applicable standards under Colorado law. This matter has been combined with the matter discussed above. We have ongoing discussions with the EPA, U.S. Department of Justice, and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment regarding these matters. The ultimate outcome related to these combined actions has not been determined at this report.time.

Action Regarding Firm Transportation Contracts
In June 2016, a group of 42 independent West Virginia natural gas producers filed a lawsuit in Marshall County, West Virginia, naming Dominion Transmission, Inc. ("Dominion"), certain entities affiliated with Dominion, and our subsidiary RNG as defendants, alleging various contractual, fiduciary and related claims against the defendants, all of which are associated with firm transportation contracts entered into by plaintiffs and relating to pipelines owned and operated by Dominion and its affiliates. The case has been transferred to the Business Court Division of the Circuit Court of Marshall County, West Virginia, and the parties are awaiting that court's ruling on previously-filed pre-trial pleadings. RNG is unable to estimate any potential damages associated with the claims, but believes the complaint is without merit and intends to vigorously pursue its defenses.


ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

We face many risks. Factors that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, or liquidity and the trading price of our common stock are described under Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our 20152016 Form 10-K. This information should be considered carefully, together with other information in this report and other reports and materials we file with the SEC.

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our 20152016 Form 10-K, except for the following:10-K.

Ballot initiatives have been proposed in Colorado that would impose draconian limitations on statewide oil and gas development activities or could result in vastly expanded authority of local governments to regulate or prohibit oil and natural gas production and development in their jurisdictions. Proponents of two such initiatives have submitted signatures in an effort to qualify the initiatives to appear on the ballot in November 2016. Either of these proposals could result in an effective ban on new development operations in areas where we have significant leasehold and existing production, and one of these proposals might affect production from existing wells. If either initiative is implemented and survives legal challenge, it would have a severe impact on our development plans and on our results of operations, financial condition and reserves. Future initiatives, legislation or regulations may be adopted with similar effects.

As previously disclosed, certain interest groups in Colorado opposed to oil and natural gas development generally, and hydraulic fracturing in particular, have advanced various alternatives for ballot initiatives which would result in significantly limiting or preventing oil and natural gas development in the state. Proponents of two such initiatives have submitted signatures in an effort to qualify the initiatives to appear on the ballot in November 2016. The signatures are subject to a verification process to be conducted by the Colorado Secretary of State. This process could take up to 30 days.  We do not know what the outcome of this process will be. If approved by the voters of Colorado, the proposals will take effect by the end of 2016.

One of the initiatives, which we refer to as the “local control” initiative, would amend the state constitution to give city, town and county governments the right to regulate, or to ban, oil and gas development and production within their boundaries, notwithstanding rules and approvals to the contrary at the state level. If implemented, this amendment could result in our operations being subject to a variety of different, and possibly inconsistent, requirements in numerous different jurisdictions within the state of Colorado, and could prohibit exploration, development and production altogether in some or all of these jurisdictions. This would likely materially increase our costs and make our operations less efficient, and it could prevent us from developing and producing significant properties.
The other initiative, which we refer to as the “setback” initiative, would amend the state constitution to require all new oil and gas development facilities to be located at least 2,500 feet away from any occupied structure or “area of special concern,” broadly defined to include public and community drinking water sources, lakes, rivers, perennial or intermittent streams, creeks, irrigation canals, riparian areas, playgrounds, permanent sports fields, amphitheaters, public parks and public open space. The current minimum required setback between oil and gas wells and occupied structures is generally 500 feet. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has estimated that implementation of the

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proposed initiative would make drilling unlawful on approximately 90% of the surface area of the state of Colorado, and approximately 85% of the surface area of Weld County. If passed, this proposal would effectively prohibit the vast majority of our planned future drilling activities, and would therefore make it impossible to continue to pursue our current development plans. This would have a highly material and adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and reserves.

Because substantially all of our current operations and reserves are located in Colorado, the risks we face with respect to these proposals, and possible similar future proposals, are greater than those of our competitors with more geographically diverse operations. We cannot predict the outcome of the potentially pending initiatives or possible future regulatory developments.


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ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
    
    
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

Period Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share
     
April 1 - 30, 2016 41,911
 $59.59
May 1 - 31, 2016 
 
June 1 - 30, 2016 6,595
 57.61
Total second quarter purchases 48,506
 59.32
     
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share
     
January 1 - 31, 2017 27,514
 $74.34
February 1 - 28, 2017 
 
March 1 - 31, 2017 
 
Total first quarter 2017 purchases 27,514
 $74.34
     
__________
(1)Purchases primarily represent shares purchased from employees for the payment of their tax liabilities related to the vesting of securities issued pursuant to our stock-based compensation plans.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES - Not applicable.



ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION - None.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit Number  Exhibit Description Form  SEC File Number  Exhibit Filing Date  Filed Herewith
             
31.1 Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act Rules, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.         X
             
31.2 Certification by PrincipalChief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act Rules, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.         X
             
32.1** Certifications by Chief Executive Officer and PrincipalChief Financial Officer pursuant to Title 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.          
99.1Fourth Amendment to Third Amendment and Restated Credit AgreementX
             
101.INS XBRL Instance Document         X
             
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document         X
             
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document         X
             
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document         X
             
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document         X
             
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document         X
             
*Management contract or compensatory arrangement.
** Furnished herewith.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.

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.

 PDC Energy, Inc.
 (Registrant)
  
  
  
  
Date: August 9, 2016May 5, 2017/s/ Barton R. Brookman
 Barton R. Brookman
 President and Chief Executive Officer
 (principal executive officer)
  
 /s/ R. Scott MeyersDavid W. Honeyfield
 R. Scott MeyersDavid W. Honeyfield
 Senior Vice President and Chief AccountingFinancial Officer
 (principal financial officer)
  
  
  
  
  

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