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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 September 30, 20162017

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
logo123114a09.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: 56,266,14765,872,790 shares of the Company's Common Stock ($0.01 par value) were outstanding as of October 17, 2016.20, 2017.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 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.statements.") 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:things, statements regarding the closing of pending transactions and the effects of such transactions, including the fact that the pending Delaware Basin acquisition isof certain properties owned by Bayswater Exploration & Production, LLC and certain related parties and the pending acreage exchanges are subject to continuing diligence between the parties and accordingly, may not occur within the expected timeframe or at all; estimated future production (includingwe may not successfully close such transactions; the componentspotential sale of our Utica Shale properties and the timing of such production), sales, expenses,sale; the level of non-operated well activity following the pending acreage exchanges; future reserves, production, 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; 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 for the remainder 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, including thedrill times and number of rigs we expect to run in 2017 in the Delaware Basin; expected 2016 production and cash flow ranges and timing of turn-in-lines; our evaluation method of our customers' and derivative counterparties' credit risk; effectiveness of our derivative program in providing a degree of price stability;employed; potential for future impairments; expected sustained reliefthe finalization of gathering system pressure; compliance with debt covenants; impacta consent decree resolving pending litigation; rates of litigation onreturn; operational enhancements and efficiencies; management of lease expiration issues; financial ratios; and midstream capacity and related curtailments and the estimated in-service date of the facilities being constructed by our results of operations and financial position; that we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future; and our future strategies, plans and objectives.midstream providers.

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 termsterm “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 theour 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 pending acquisitions and acreage exchanges in the Wattenberg Field;
increases or changes in operating costs, severance and ad valorem taxes, and increases or changes in drilling, completion, and facilities costs;
availability of supplies, materials, contractors, and services that may delay the drilling or completion of our wells;
potential losses of acreage due to lease expirations or otherwise;
increases or adverse changes in construction costs and procurement costs associated with future build out of midstream-related assets;


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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, including recent environmental litigation;
effect that acquisitions we may pursue have on our capital expenditures;requirements;
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 for further information on risks and uncertainties that could affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects, which


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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""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)
 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $1,197,692
 $850
 $136,429
 $244,100
Accounts receivable, net 99,895
 104,274
 167,276
 143,392
Fair value of derivatives 65,604
 221,659
 22,916
 8,791
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,854
 5,266
 8,081
 3,542
Total current assets 1,368,045
 332,049
 334,702
 399,825
Properties and equipment, net 1,932,274
 1,940,552
 3,882,700
 4,002,994
Assets held-for-sale, net 41,484
 5,272
Fair value of derivatives 8,423
 44,387
 4,605
 2,386
Goodwill 
 62,041
Other assets 108,538
 53,555
 43,796
 13,324
Total Assets $3,417,280
 $2,370,543
 $4,307,287
 $4,485,842
        
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity    
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity    
Liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $62,350
 $92,613
 $164,080
 $66,322
Production tax liability 22,141
 26,524
 36,954
 24,767
Fair value of derivatives 22,563
 1,595
 25,987
 53,595
Funds held for distribution 51,107
 29,894
 94,387
 71,339
Current portion of long-term debt 
 112,940
Accrued interest payable 19,364
 9,057
 18,929
 15,930
Other accrued expenses 41,756
 28,709
 33,451
 38,625
Total current liabilities 219,281
 301,332
 373,788
 270,578
Long-term debt 1,041,575
 529,437
 1,051,571
 1,043,954
Deferred income taxes 44,340
 143,452
 326,472
 400,867
Asset retirement obligation 82,509
 84,032
Asset retirement obligations 78,188
 82,612
Fair value of derivatives 17,885
 695
 7,261
 27,595
Other liabilities 25,630
 24,398
 43,405
 37,482
Total liabilities 1,431,220
 1,083,346
 1,880,685
 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, 56,280,544 and 40,174,776 issued as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively 563
 402
Stockholders' equity    
Common shares - par value $0.01 per share, 150,000,000 authorized, 65,928,295 and 65,704,568 issued as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively 659
 657
Additional paid-in capital 1,796,664
 907,382
 2,500,532
 2,489,557
Retained earnings 190,133
 380,422
Treasury shares - at cost, 25,854 and 20,220
as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively
 (1,300) (1,009)
Total shareholders' equity 1,986,060
 1,287,197
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $3,417,280
 $2,370,543
Retained earnings (deficit) (70,933) 134,208
Treasury shares - at cost, 62,772 and 28,763
as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
 (3,656) (1,668)
Total stockholders' equity 2,426,602
 2,622,754
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $4,307,287
 $4,485,842


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PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016 2017 2016
Revenues                
Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales $141,805
 $104,483
 $328,013
 $275,520
Sales from natural gas marketing 2,678
 2,580
 6,728
 8,336
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net 19,397
 123,549
 (62,348) 141,170
Well operations, pipeline income and other 10
 488
 2,425
 1,666
Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales $232,733
 $141,805
 $636,027
 $328,013
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net of settlements (52,178) 19,397
 86,458
 (62,348)
Other income 2,680
 2,688
 9,615
 9,153
Total revenues 163,890
 231,100
 274,818
 426,692
 183,235
 163,890
 732,100
 274,818
Costs, expenses and other                
Lease operating expenses 14,001
 13,825
 43,006
 42,749
 25,353
 14,001
 65,170
 43,006
Production taxes 9,568
 5,476
 19,682
 13,206
 15,516
 9,568
 42,957
 19,682
Transportation, gathering and processing expenses 5,048
 3,938
 13,554
 6,584
 9,794
 5,048
 22,184
 13,554
Cost of natural gas marketing 3,092
 2,781
 7,795
 8,875
Exploration expense 241
 252
 688
 812
General and administrative expense 29,299
 32,510
 85,145
 78,868
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 41,908
 241
 43,895
 688
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 125,238
 112,927
 360,567
 317,329
Impairment of properties and equipment 933
 154,031
 6,104
 161,207
 252,740
 933
 282,499
 6,104
General and administrative expense 32,510
 20,277
 78,868
 62,050
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 112,927
 80,947
 317,329
 206,873
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable (700) 
 44,038
 
Impairment of goodwill 75,121
 
 75,121
 
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 1,777
 1,594
 5,400
 4,742
 1,472
 1,777
 4,906
 5,400
Gain on sale of properties and equipment (219) (74) (43) (302) (62) (219) (754) (43)
Total cost, expenses and other 179,178
 283,047
 536,421
 506,796
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable 
 (700) (40,203) 44,038
Other expenses 2,947
 3,092
 10,365
 7,795
Total costs, expenses and other 579,326
 179,178
 951,852
 536,421
Loss from operations (15,288) (51,947) (261,603) (80,104) (396,091) (15,288) (219,752) (261,603)
Interest expense (20,193) (12,092) (42,759) (35,384) (19,275) (20,193) (58,359) (42,759)
Interest income 140
 1,378
 1,875
 3,626
 479
 140
 1,487
 1,875
Loss before income taxes (35,341) (62,661) (302,487) (111,862) (414,887) (35,341) (276,624) (302,487)
Provision for income taxes 12,032
 21,167
 112,198
 40,560
Income tax benefit 122,350
 12,032
 71,483
 112,198
Net loss $(23,309) $(41,494) $(190,289) $(71,302) $(292,537) $(23,309) $(205,141) $(190,289)
                
Earnings per share:                
Basic $(0.48) $(1.04) $(4.16) $(1.84) $(4.44) $(0.48) $(3.12) $(4.16)
Diluted $(0.48) $(1.04) $(4.16) $(1.84) $(4.44) $(0.48) $(3.12) $(4.16)
                
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:                
Basic 48,839
 40,085
 45,741
 38,837
 65,865
 48,839
 65,825
 45,741
Diluted 48,839
 40,085
 45,741
 38,837
 65,865
 48,839
 65,825
 45,741
                
 
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited; in thousands)
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net loss $(190,289) $(71,302) $(205,141) $(190,289)
Adjustments to net loss to reconcile to net cash from operating activities:        
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives 230,177
 21,322
Net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivatives (64,307) 230,177
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 317,329
 206,873
 360,567
 317,329
Impairment of properties and equipment 282,499
 6,104
Impairment of goodwill 75,121
 
Exploratory dry hole costs 41,187
 
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable 44,038
 
 (40,203) 44,038
Impairment of properties and equipment 6,104
 161,207
Accretion of asset retirement obligation 5,400
 4,742
Stock-based compensation 15,205
 14,278
Accretion of asset retirement obligations 4,906
 5,400
Non-cash stock-based compensation 14,587
 15,205
Gain on sale of properties and equipment (43) (302) (754) (43)
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs 12,951
 5,308
 9,628
 12,951
Deferred income taxes (114,136) (44,770) (71,529) (114,136)
Non-cash interest income (1,194) (3,624)
Other 668
 (174) 986
 (526)
Changes in assets and liabilities 34,621
 (10,552) 3,855
 34,621
Net cash from operating activities 360,831
 283,006
 411,402
 360,831
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures (353,722) (489,036)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties (100,000) 
Capital expenditures for development of crude oil and natural gas properties (528,850) (352,213)
Capital expenditures for other properties and equipment (3,740) (1,509)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments and deposit for pending acquisition (14,482) (100,000)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 4,945
 319
 3,322
 4,945
Sale of promissory note 40,203
 
Restricted cash (9,250) 
Sale of short-term investments 49,890
 
Purchase of short-term investments (49,890) 
Net cash from investing activities (448,777) (488,717) (512,797) (448,777)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Proceeds from sale of equity, net of issuance cost 855,072
 202,851
Proceeds from issuance of equity, net of issuance cost 
 855,072
Proceeds from senior notes 392,250
 
 
 392,250
Proceeds from convertible senior notes 193,979
 
 
 193,979
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 85,000
 325,000
 
 85,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility (122,000) (331,000) 
 (122,000)
Redemption of convertible notes (115,000) 
 
 (115,000)
Purchase of treasury shares (5,325) (5,106)
Other (4,513) (3,516) (951) 593
Net cash from financing activities 1,284,788
 193,335
 (6,276) 1,284,788
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 1,196,842
 (12,376) (107,671) 1,196,842
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 850
 16,066
 244,100
 850
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $1,197,692
 $3,690
 $136,429
 $1,197,692
        
Supplemental cash flow information:        
Cash payments for:    
Cash payments (receipts) for:    
Interest, net of capitalized interest $22,975
 $23,467
 $45,719
 $19,499
Income taxes 167
 9,936
 (2,623) 167
Non-cash investing and financing activities:        
Change in accounts payable related to purchases of properties and equipment $(31,497) $(68,529) $89,974
 $(31,497)
Change in asset retirement obligation, with a corresponding change to crude oil and natural gas properties, net of disposals 1,137
 1,642
Change in asset retirement obligations, with a corresponding change to crude oil and natural gas properties, net of disposals 3,357
 1,137
Purchase of properties and equipment under capital leases 1,231
 1,479
 3,363
 1,231
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
Condensed Consolidated StatementsStatement of Equity
(unaudited; in thousands, except share and per share data)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 2015
Common shares, issued:    
Shares beginning of period 40,174,776
 35,927,985
Shares issued pursuant to sale of equity 15,799,906
 4,002,000
Exercise of stock options 46,084
 
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures 259,778
 191,623
Shares end of period 56,280,544
 40,121,608
Treasury shares:    
Shares beginning of period 20,220
 21,643
Purchase of treasury shares 90,695
 93,898
Issuance of treasury shares (91,895) (97,995)
Non-employee directors' deferred compensation plan 6,834
 4,872
Shares end of period 25,854
 22,418
Common shares outstanding 56,254,690
 40,099,190
     
Equity:    
Shareholders' equity    
Preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share:    
Balance beginning and end of period $
 $
Common shares, par value $0.01 per share:    
Balance beginning of period 402
 359
Shares issued pursuant to sale of equity and note conversion 158
 40
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures 3
 2
Balance end of period 563
 401
Additional paid-in capital:    
Balance beginning of period 907,383
 689,209
Convertible debt discount, net of issuance costs and tax 23,264
 
Proceeds from sale of equity, net of issuance costs 854,932
 202,811
Stock-based compensation expense 15,202
 14,419
Issuance of treasury shares (5,180) (4,633)
Tax impact of stock-based compensation 1,063
 1,232
Balance end of period 1,796,664
 903,038
Retained earnings:    
Balance beginning of period 380,422
 448,702
Net loss (190,289) (71,302)
Balance end of period 190,133
 377,400
Treasury shares, at cost:    
Balance beginning of period (1,009) (911)
Purchase of treasury shares (5,106) (4,575)
Issuance of treasury shares 5,179
 4,632
Non-employee directors' deferred compensation plan (364) (249)
Balance end of period (1,300) (1,103)
Total shareholders' equity $1,986,060
 $1,279,736
     
 Common Stock   Treasury Stock    
 Shares Amount Additional Paid-in Capital Shares Amount Retained Earnings (Deficit) Total Stockholders' Equity
              
Balance, December 31, 201665,704,568
 $657
 $2,489,557
 (28,763) $(1,668) $134,208
 $2,622,754
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 (205,141) (205,141)
Purchase of treasury shares
 
 
 (80,572) (5,325) 
 (5,325)
Issuance of treasury shares(49,446) 
 (3,513) 49,446
 3,513
 
 
Non-employee directors' deferred compensation plan
 
 
 (2,883) (176) 
 (176)
Issuance of stock awards, net of forfeitures273,173
 2
 (2) 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense
 
 14,587
 
 
 
 14,587
Other
 
 (97) 
 
 
 (97)
Balance, September 30, 201765,928,295
 $659
 $2,500,532
 (62,772) $(3,656) $(70,933) $2,426,602


PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 20162017
(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 southeasternSoutheastern Ohio. During the third quarter of 2017, as part of plans to divest the Utica Shale properties, we engaged an investment banking group and began actively marketing the properties for sale; therefore, these properties are classified as held-for-sale as they met the criteria for such classification during the third quarter of 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. In addition, we currently have a pending acquisition in the Delaware Basin in Texas. See Note 6, Pending Acquisition.Wolfcamp zones. As of September 30, 2016,2017, we owned an interest in approximately 3,0002,900 gross productive wells. We are engaged in two businessoperating segments: Oilour oil and Gas Explorationgas exploration and Productionproduction segment and Gas Marketing.our gas marketing segment. Beginning in 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; 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 fourtwo 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 nine months ended September 30, 20162017 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 balance sheet and 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 Adopted Accounting Standard

In January 2017, the FASB issued an accounting update to simplify the measurement of goodwill. The update eliminates the two-step process that required identification of potential impairment and a separate measure of actual impairment. 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 elected to early adopt this standard in the second quarter of 2017. Our annual evaluation of goodwill for impairment was expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2017; however, we experienced an impairment triggering event as of September 30, 2017 and implemented the new guidance as part of the impairment evaluation. See the footnote titled Goodwill for a detailed description of the results of our impairment testing.

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 standard has been updated and now includes technical corrections. The underlying principle is that an entity will recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


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. The revenue standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period.period; we are adopting the standard effective January 1, 2018. The revenue standard can be adopted under the full retrospective method or simplified transitionmodified retrospective method. Entities are permittedIn order to adoptevaluate the impact that the adoption of the revenue standard early, beginning with annual reporting periods after December 15, 2016. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes maywill have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issuedstatements, we are performing a new standard related to the disclosurecomprehensive review of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern.our significant revenue streams. 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. Adoptionfocus of this review includes, among other things, the identification of the significant contracts and other arrangements we have with our customers to identify performance obligations and principal versus agent considerations, and factors affecting the determination of transaction price. We are also reviewing our current accounting policies, procedures, and controls with respect to these contracts and arrangements to determine what changes, if any, may be required by the adoption of the revenue standard. We have determined that we will adopt the standard isunder the modified retrospective method. We have not expected tomade a complete determination regarding the impact that the adoption will have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.statements as of the time of this filing.

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 evaluating the impact these changes may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update on stock-based compensation intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment award transactions. Areas of simplification include income tax consequences, classification of the awards as either equity or liabilities and the classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. We expect to adopt this standard in the fourth quarter of 2016. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update on statements of cash flows to address diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash 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, 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 November 2016, the FASB issued an accounting update on statements of cash flows to address diversity in practice in the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash. The accounting update requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling beginning-of-period and end-of-period amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance 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 clarifying the definition of 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 May 2017, the FASB issued an accounting update clarifying when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.



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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 3 - BUSINESS COMBINATION

Delaware Basin Acquisition. On December 6, 2016, we closed on an acquisition which was accounted for as a business combination. The acquisition consisted of the purchase of stock of an entity and assets of other entities under common control. The transaction was for the purchase of approximately 57,900 net acres, approximately 30 completed and producing wells and related midstream infrastructure in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas, for an aggregate consideration to the sellers of approximately $1.64 billion, after preliminary post-closing adjustments. The total consideration to sellers was comprised of approximately $946.0 million in cash, including the payment of $40.0 million of debt of the sellers at closing and other purchase price adjustments, and 9.4 million shares of our common stock valued at approximately $690.7 million at the time the acquisition closed. The purchase accounting for the entity of which we acquired the stock reflected oil and gas assets that did not receive fair value step-up of the tax basis. As a result, a significant deferred income tax liability was calculated based on the acquired allocated fair value of the assets in excess of the tax basis of assets inside the entity. This calculation resulted in approximately $375.0 million of non-cash basis needing to be allocated to the acquired assets. No deferred tax liability was established for the calculated goodwill as the goodwill did not qualify as tax goodwill.

The final fair value allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition are presented below and include customary post-closing adjustments. The most significant item to be completed during the final purchase price allocation in the third quarter of 2017 was the final allocation of value to the unproved oil and gas properties associated with the acquired acreage. Adjustments to the preliminary purchase price primarily stem from additional information we obtained about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date that impact the underlying value of certain assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including detailed lease terms, location of the acreage, and intent to develop the acreage as of the date of closing. There were a significant number of leases acquired with complex lease terms and evaluation of these terms and the timing of the lease expirations impacted the manner in which the final purchase price was allocated. Our final determination of the value of goodwill has been adjusted for all post-closing adjustments.

The details of the final purchase price and the allocation of the purchase price for the transaction, are presented below (in thousands):
 September 30, 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 adjustments426
  Total acquisition costs$1,637,090
  
Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed: 
Assets acquired: 
       Current assets$6,401
       Crude oil and natural gas properties - proved216,000
       Crude oil and natural gas properties - unproved1,697,000
       Infrastructure, pipeline, and other33,153
       Construction in progress12,323
       Goodwill75,121
Total assets acquired2,039,998
Liabilities assumed: 
       Current liabilities(24,496)
       Asset retirement obligations(3,705)
       Deferred tax liabilities, net(374,707)
Total liabilities assumed(402,908)
Total identifiable net assets acquired$1,637,090
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)



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, lease terms and expirations, and a market-based weighted-average cost of capital rate. Within the unproven properties, the allocation of the value to the underlying leases also required significant judgment and was based on a combination of comparable market transactions, the term and conditions associated with the individual leases, our ability and intent to develop specific leases, and our initial assessment of the underlying relative value of the leases given our knowledge of the geology at the time of closing. These inputs require significant judgments and estimates by management at the time of the valuation and were 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 was calculated as the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including the additional value resulting from the creation of the deferred tax liability, 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, such as production from future development of additional producing zones. The amount of the final goodwill that was recorded in the third quarter of 2017 related to the Delaware Basin acquisition was $75.1 million and was higher than the initial estimated amount recorded as of December 31, 2016, primarily related to finalization of the aggregate acreage position acquired and the related lease terms and a final settlement with the sellers in connection with a revised valuation of certain acquired leases and the retirement of estimated environmental remediation liabilities. Any value assigned to goodwill was not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

The following table presents the changes in goodwill from the preliminary allocation at December 31, 2016, and the final allocation determined during the quarter ended September 30, 2017:
 Amount
 (in thousands)
  
Preliminary purchase price allocation$62,041
Adjustments13,080
Final purchase price allocation$75,121

See the footnote titled Goodwill for the details regarding the impairment of goodwill as of September 30, 2017.

NOTE 4 - PENDING ACQUISITION AND ACREAGE EXCHANGES

Pending Acquisition. In September 2017, we entered into an acquisition agreement to acquire certain assets from Bayswater Exploration & Production, LLC ("Bayswater") and certain related parties, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement, we have agreed to acquire approximately 8,300 net acres, 30 operated drilled uncompleted wells ("DUCs"), and an estimated 240 gross drilling locations, for approximately $210 million in cash, subject to certain pre- and post-closing adjustments. We plan to turn-in-line 18 of these DUCs at approximately year-end 2017, with the completion costs expected to be treated as an increase to the purchase price. Upon executing the purchase and sale agreement, we paid a $21 million deposit toward the purchase price into an escrow account, which is included in other assets on our September 30, 2017 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Assuming all conditions required for closing are met, the acquisition is expected to close in December 2017 and is expected to be funded by a combination of available cash and debt.

Pending Acreage Exchanges. In September 2017, we entered into an acreage exchange transaction to consolidate certain acreage positions in the core area of the Wattenberg Field. Pursuant to the transaction, we will exchange leasehold acreage with some limited in-process development wells. Upon closing, we expect to receive approximately 11,700 net acres in exchange for approximately 12,100 net acres with minimal cash exchanged between the parties. The difference in net acres is
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


primarily due to variances in working and net revenue interests. The acreage exchange is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2017; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to closing will be satisfied.

In June 2017, we entered into an acreage exchange transaction that also involves the consolidation of certain acreage positions in the core area of the Wattenberg Field. Pursuant to the transaction, we will exchange leasehold acreage with some limited in-process development wells. Upon closing, we estimate that we will receive approximately 3,900 net acres in exchange for approximately 4,100 net acres with minimal cash exchanged between the parties. The difference in net acres is primarily due to variances in working and net revenue interests. This acreage exchange is also expected to close in the fourth quarter 2017; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to closing will be satisfied.


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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 5 - EXPLORATION, GEOLOGIC, AND GEOPHYSICAL EXPENSE

The following table presents the major components of exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense:

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in thousands)
        
Exploratory dry hole costs$41,187
 $
 $41,187
 $
Geological and geophysical costs, including seismic purchases463
 
 1,790
 
Operating, personnel and other258
 241
 918
 688
Total exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense$41,908
 $241
 $43,895
 $688
        

Exploratory dry hole costs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, two exploratory dry hole wells, associated lease costs, and related infrastructure assets in the Delaware Basin were expensed at a cost of $41.2 million. The conclusion to expense these items was due to the conclusion that the acreage on which these wells were drilled was exploratory in nature and, following drilling, the lack of hydrocarbon production necessary for the wells to be deemed economically viable.

NOTE 6 - PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT AND ASSETS HELD-FOR-SALE

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

 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
Properties and equipment, net:   
Crude oil and natural gas properties   
Proved$3,759,501
 $3,499,718
Unproved1,559,717
 1,874,671
Total crude oil and natural gas properties5,319,218
 5,374,389
Infrastructure, pipeline, and other104,568
 62,093
Land and buildings10,714
 6,392
Construction in progress177,341
 122,591
Properties and equipment, at cost5,611,841
 5,565,465
Accumulated DD&A(1,729,141) (1,562,471)
Properties and equipment, net$3,882,700
 $4,002,994
    

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

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in thousands)

       
Impairment of unproved properties$252,623
 $338
 $282,188
 $2,391
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties117
 595
 311
 681
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
252,740
 933
 282,499
 3,072
Land and buildings
 
 
 3,032
Total impairment of properties and equipment$252,740
 $933
 $282,499
 $6,104

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded a charge related to two exploratory dry holes we had drilled in the western area of our Culberson County acreage in the Delaware Basin, as referenced previously.  We then assessed the impact of the dry holes and various factors related thereto, including (i) the operational and geologic data obtained, (ii) the
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


current increased cost environment for drilling and completion services in the Delaware Basin, (iii) our decreased future commodity price outlook, and (iv) the terms of  the related lease agreements.  Based on the results of this assessment, we concluded that the underlying geologic risk and the challenged economics of future capital expenditures reduced the likelihood that we would perform future development in this area over the remaining lease term for this acreage.  Accordingly, we recorded an impairment of $251.6 million covering approximately 13,400 acres during the third quarter of 2017.  The amount of the impairment of these unproved properties was based on the value assigned to individual lease acres in the final purchase price allocation of the business combination.  This allocation had included the consideration paid to the sellers, including the effect of the non-cash impact from the deferred tax liability created at the time of the acquisition. Due to the aforementioned events and circumstances in the third quarter of 2017, we evaluated our proved property for possible impairment and concluded that these assets were not impaired during the period.

Classification of Assets as Held-for-Sale. During the third quarter of 2017, as part of our plan to divest the Utica Shale properties, we engaged an investment banking group and began actively marketing the properties for sale; therefore, these properties are classified as held-for-sale as they met the criteria for such classification during the third quarter of 2017.

The following table presents balance sheet data related to assets held-for-sale, which include the Utica Shale properties, field office facilities, and a parcel of land that are being marketed for sale. Assets held-for-sale represents the assets that are expected to be sold, net of liabilities, that are expected to be assumed by the purchasers:    
 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands)
Assets   
  Properties and equipment, net$41,983
 $5,272
Total assets$41,983
 $5,272
    
Liabilities   
  Asset retirement obligation$499
 $
Total liabilities$499
 $
    
Net assets$41,484
 $5,272


NOTE 7 - GOODWILL

The final goodwill that resulted from the purchase price allocation of the assets acquired in the Delaware Basin was determined to be $75.1 million. With the creation of goodwill from this transaction, we expected to perform our evaluation of goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. However, primarily due to a combination of increases in per well development and operational costs and our drilling of two exploratory dry holes in the Delaware Basin since the time of the acquisition, in conjunction with our lower future commodity price outlook, we determined a triggering event had occurred in the quarter ended September 30, 2017. In addition to the factors mentioned above, we also considered our recent impairments of certain unproven leasehold costs, and the impact of these items on our internal expectations for acceptable rates of return. We evaluated goodwill for impairment by performing a quantitative test, which involves comparing the estimated fair value of the goodwill asset group, which we define as the Delaware Basin, to the carrying value. We determined the fair value of the goodwill at September 30, 2017 by using an estimated after-tax future discounted cash flow analysis, along with a combination of market-based pricing factors for similar acreage, reserve valuation techniques, and other fair value considerations. The discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate fair value was based on known or knowable information at the interim measurement date. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. The quantitative test resulted in a determination that a full impairment charge of $75.1 million was required; therefore, the charge was recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 8 - 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, natural gas, and propane, which is an element of our 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 decreases in commodity prices, they also limit the benefit we might otherwise receive from price increases.
We believe our commodity derivative instruments continue to be effective in achieving the risk management objectives for which they were intended. As of September 30, 2017, we had derivative instruments, which were comprised of collars, fixed-price swaps, and basis protection swaps, in place for a portion of our anticipated 2017 and 2018 production for a total of 14,337 MBbls of crude oil, 69,715 BBtu of natural gas, and 412 MBbls of propane. Our commodity derivative contracts have been entered into at no cost to us as we hedge our anticipated production at the then-prevailing commodity market 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 hedge accounting. Accordingly, changes in the fair value of our derivative instruments are recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value amounts of our derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
     Fair Value
Derivative instruments: Condensed consolidated balance sheet line item September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
     (in thousands)
Derivative assets:Current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives $19,042
 $8,490
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 3,874
 301
     22,916
 8,791
 Non-current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 3,942
 1,123
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 663
 1,263
     4,605
 2,386
Total derivative assets   $27,521
 $11,177
        
Derivative liabilities:Current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives $25,895
 $53,565
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 92
 30
     25,987
 53,595
 Non-current      
 Commodity derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 7,244
 27,595
 Basis protection derivative contracts Fair value of derivatives 17
 
     7,261
 27,595
Total derivative liabilities   $33,248
 $81,190

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


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

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Condensed consolidated statement of operations line item 2017 2016 2017 2016
  (in thousands)
Commodity price risk management gain, net        
Net settlements $9,585
 $47,728
 $22,151
 $167,859
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives (61,763) (28,331) 64,307
 (230,207)
Total commodity price risk management gain, net $(52,178) $19,397
 $86,458
 $(62,348)
         

Net settlements of commodity derivatives decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 higher-value agreements settled by the end of 2016.  Net settlements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflect derivative instruments entered into since 2015, which more closely approximate recent realized prices.  Based on forward strip pricing at September 30, 2017, we expect that settlements will continue to be substantially lower in 2017 on a relative basis as compared to those in 2016.

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. 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 September 30, 2017 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
  (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $27,521
 $(15,010) $12,511
       
Liability derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $33,248
 $(15,010) $18,238
       
As of December 31, 2016 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
  (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $11,177
 $(10,930) $247
       
Liability derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $81,190
 $(10,930) $70,260
       

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


NOTE 39 - 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:

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.

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, 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 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.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

Our crude oil and natural gas fixed-price swaps are included in Level 2. Our collars and propane fixed-price swaps are included in Level 3. Our 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:

 September 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$49,021
 $24,582
 $73,603
 $174,657
   $91,288
   $265,945
Basis protection derivative contracts424
 
 424
 101
 
 101
Total assets49,445
 24,582
 74,027
 174,758
 91,288
 266,046
Liabilities:               
Commodity-based derivative contracts30,917
 8,650
 39,567
 738
 
   738
Basis protection derivative contracts881
 
 881
 1,552
 
   1,552
Total liabilities31,798
 8,650
 40,448
 2,290
 
 2,290
Net asset$17,647
 $15,932
 $33,579
 $172,468
 $91,288
 $263,756
            
 September 30, 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$24,553
 $2,968
 $27,521
 $6,350
 $4,827
 $11,177
Total liabilities(23,811) (9,437) (33,248) (66,789) (14,401) (81,190)
Net asset (liability)$742
 $(6,469) $(5,727) $(60,439) $(9,574) $(70,013)
            
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


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

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2016 2015 2016 2015
  (in thousands)
Fair value, net asset beginning of period $27,285
 $58,256
 $91,288
 $62,356
Changes in fair value included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net 4,234
 38,085
 (16,023) 42,525
Sales from natural gas marketing 
 51
 (20) 51
Settlements included in statement of operations line items:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (15,587) (12,530) (59,243) (21,063)
Sales from natural gas marketing 
 
 (70) (7)
Fair value, net asset end of period $15,932
 $83,862
 $15,932
 $83,862
         
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net $(2,240) $34,564
 $(8,273) $31,794
         
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
  (in thousands)
Fair value of Level 3 instruments, net asset (liability) beginning of period $8,619
 $27,375
 $(9,574) $91,288
Changes in fair value included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (14,075) 4,234
 8,547
 (16,023)
Settlements included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line items:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net (1,013) (15,587) (5,442) (59,243)
Fair value of Level 3 instruments, net asset end of period $(6,469) $16,022
 $(6,469) $16,022
         
Net change in fair value of Level 3 unsettled derivatives included in condensed consolidated statement of operations line item:        
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net $(8,711) $(2,240) $(583) $(8,273)
         

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 and goodwill for possible impairment when events and circumstances indicate a possible decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such properties.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.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

The liability associated with our non-qualified deferred compensation plan for non-employee directors may be settled in cash or shares of our common stock. The carryingfair value of this obligationthe goodwill is based on the quoteddetermined using either a qualitative method or a quantitative method, both of which utilize market price of our common stock, which isdata, a Level 1 input. The liability related to this plan, which was included3 input, in other liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, was immaterial asderivation of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.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, aswe have determined an estimate ofSeptember 30, 2016, we estimate the fair value of the portion of our long-term debt related to our 1.125% senior notes due 2021 to be $214.8 million, or 107.4% of par value, 6.125% senior notes due 2024 to be $415.6 million, or 103.9% of par value, and 7.75% senior notes due 2022 to be $530.3 million, or 106.1% of par value. We determined these valuationsvalues based uponon 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 September 30, 2017.
  Estimated Fair Value Percent of Par
  (in millions)  
Senior notes:   
 2021 Convertible Notes$196.3
 98.1%
 2022 Senior Notes521.9
 104.4%
 2024 Senior Notes412.5
 103.1%

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.
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)



Concentration of Risk

Derivative Counterparties. OurA 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. An insignificant portion of our commodity derivative instruments may be with other counterparties. To date, we have had no derivative counterparty default losses relating to our derivative arrangements.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 wasis not significant at September 30, 2016,2017, taking into account the estimated likelihood of nonperformance.

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

Counterparty Name Fair Value of
Derivative Assets
  (in thousands)
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (1) $21,343
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A (1) 17,929
Bank of Nova Scotia (1) 15,166
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (1) 9,891
NATIXIS (1) 7,171
Other lenders in our revolving credit facility 2,491
Various (2) 36
Total $74,027
   
__________
(1)Major lender in our revolving credit facility. See Note 8, Long-Term Debt.
(2)Represents a total of two counterparties.

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 substantially all of our deposits held in financial institutions were in excess of the FDIC insurance limits at September 30, 2016.2017. We maintain our cash and cash equivalents in the form of money market and checking accounts with financial institutions that we believe are creditworthy.creditworthy and are also major lenders under our revolving credit facility.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

Notes Receivable. The following table presents information regarding a note receivable outstanding as of September 30, 2016:
 Amount
 (in thousands)
Note receivable: 
Principal outstanding, December 31, 2015$43,069
Paid-in-kind interest969
Principal outstanding, September 30, 201644,038
Allowance for uncollectible notes receivable(44,038)
Note receivable, net$
NOTE 10 - NOTE RECEIVABLE

In October 2014, we sold our entire 50%50 percent ownership interest in PDCMPDC Mountaineer, LLC to an unrelated third-party. As part of the consideration, we received a promissory note (the “Note”“Promissory Note”) for a principal sum of $39$39.0 million, bearing variable interest at varying rates beginning at 8%, and increasing annually. Pursuantrates. The interest was to the Note agreement, interest is payablebe paid quarterly, in arrears commencing in December 2014 and continuing on the last business day of each fiscal quarter thereafter. Atat the option of the issuer of the Note, an unrelated third-party, interest cancould be paid-in-kind (the “PIK(“PIK Interest”) and any. Any such PIK Interest willwould be addedsubject to the outstanding principal amount of the Note. As of September 30, 2016, the issuer of the Note had elected the PIK Interest option. The principal and any unpaidthen current 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. Legally, the Note is secured by a pledge of stock in certain subsidiaries of the unrelated third-party, debt securities and other assets; however, we believe that collection of the Note is not reasonably assured.rate.

On a quarterly basis, we examineWe regularly analyzed the Promissory Note for evidence of impairment,collectability, evaluating factors such as the creditworthiness of the issuer of the Promissory Note and the value of the underlying assets that secureissuer's assets. Based upon this analysis, during the Note. We performed our quarterly evaluation and cash flow analysis as ofquarter ended 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$44.0 million accumulated outstanding balance, as of March 31, 2016, which was included in the condensed consolidated balance sheet line item other assets. As of September 30, 2016, there has been no change to our assessment of the collectibility of the note or related interest since March 31, 2016.including interest. Commencing in the second quarter of 2016, we ceased recognizing interest income on the Promissory Note and arebegan accounting for the interest on the Promissory Note under the cash basis method.

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 million was PIK Interest, and we recognized $1.1 million and $3.4 million of interest income related to the Note for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, of which $0.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively, was PIK Interest.

Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2016, 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 was not reasonably assured based on theWe performed this analysis we performed as of March 31, 2016. 2017 and evaluated preliminary 2016 year-end financial statements of the note issuer which were available at such time, related information about the operations of the issuer, and existing market conditions for natural gas. Based upon this evaluation, it was determined that collection of the Promissory Note and the PIK Interest continued to be doubtful and the full valuation allowance on the Promissory Note remained appropriate as of that date. This evaluation assumed that repayment of the Promissory Note would be made exclusively from the existing operations of the issuer of the Promissory Note based on the latest available information.

In August 2016,April 2017, we collectedsold the $0.7Promissory Note to an unrelated third-party buyer for approximately $40.2 million promissory note andin cash. The sales agreement transferred all of our legal rights to collect from the issuer of the Promissory Note. Accordingly, we reversed $40.2 million of the related provision and allowance for uncollectible notes receivable during the three months ended September 30, 2016.

NOTE 4 - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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

For crude oil and natural gas sales, we enter into derivative contracts to protect against price declines in future periods. While we structure these 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; and
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 derivative instruments continue to be effective in achieving the risk management objectives for which they were intended. As of September 30, 2016, we had derivative instruments, which were comprised of collars, fixed-price swaps, basis protection swaps and physical sales and purchases, in place for a portion of our anticipated production through 2018 for a total of 90,425 BBtu of natural gas and
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

8,857 MBbls of crude oil. The majority of our derivative contracts are entered into at no cost to us as we hedge our anticipated production at the then-prevailing commodity market prices.

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

The following table presents the balance sheet location and fair value amounts of our derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:
     Fair Value
Derivative instruments: Condensed Consolidated Balance sheet line item September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
     (in thousands)
Derivative assets:Current      
 Commodity contracts      
 Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives $65,191
 $221,161
 Related to natural gas marketing Fair value of derivatives 270
 441
 Basis protection contracts      
 Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 143
 57
     65,604
 221,659
 Non-current      
 Commodity contracts      
 Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 8,122
 44,292
 Related to natural gas marketing Fair value of derivatives 20
 51
 Basis protection contracts      
 Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 281
 44
     8,423
 44,387
Total derivative assets    $74,027
 $266,046
        
Derivative liabilities:Current      
 Commodity contracts      
 Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives $21,639
 $
 Related to natural gas marketing Fair value of derivatives 221
 417
 Basis protection contracts      
 Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 703
 1,178
     22,563
 1,595
 Non-current      
 Commodity contracts      
 Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 17,698
 275
 Related to natural gas marketing Fair value of derivatives 9
 46
 Basis protection contracts      
 Related to crude oil and natural gas sales Fair value of derivatives 178
 374
     17,885
 695
Total derivative liabilities    $40,448
 $2,290

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

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

  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Condensed consolidated statement of operations line item 2016 2015 2016 2015
  (in thousands)
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net        
Net settlements $47,728
 $67,993
 $167,859
 $162,454
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives (28,331) 55,556
 (230,207) (21,284)
Total commodity price risk management gain (loss), net $19,397
 $123,549
 $(62,348) $141,170
Sales from natural gas marketing        
Net settlements $122
 $165
 $420
 $561
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives 255
 (5) (263) (298)
Total sales from natural gas marketing $377
 $160
 $157
 $263
Cost of natural gas marketing        
Net settlements $(103) $(157) $(380) $(531)
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives (277) (5) 293
 260
Total cost of natural gas marketing $(380) $(162) $(87) $(271)
         

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 September 30, 2016 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
  (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $74,027
 $(22,520) $51,507
       
Liability derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $40,448
 $(22,520) $17,928
       
As of December 31, 2015 Derivative instruments, recorded in condensed consolidated balance sheet, gross Effect of master netting agreements Derivative instruments, net
  (in thousands)
Asset derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $266,046
 $(1,921) $264,125
       
Liability derivatives:      
Derivative instruments, at fair value $2,290
 $(1,921) $369
       
2017.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 20162017
(unaudited)


NOTE 5 - PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

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

 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
 (in thousands)
Properties and equipment, net:   
Crude oil and natural gas properties   
Proved$3,183,772
 $2,881,189
Unproved61,838
 60,498
Total crude oil and natural gas properties3,245,610
 2,941,687
Equipment and other31,410
 30,098
Land and buildings10,900
 12,667
Construction in progress107,794
 113,115
Properties and equipment, at cost3,395,714
 3,097,567
Accumulated DD&A(1,463,440) (1,157,015)
Properties and equipment, net$1,932,274
 $1,940,552
    

In September 2016, we closed on an acreage exchange transaction 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 transaction, we exchanged leasehold acreage and, to a lesser extent, interests in certain development wells. Upon closing, we received approximately 13,500 net acres in exchange for approximately 11,700 net acres, with no cash exchanged between the parties.

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

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in thousands)

       
Impairment of proved and unproved properties$338
 $150,840
 $2,391
 $152,764
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties595
 3,191
 681
 8,443
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
933
 154,031
 3,072
 161,207
Land and buildings
 
 3,032
 
Impairment of properties and equipment$933
 $154,031
 $6,104
 $161,207

NOTE 6 - PENDING ACQUISITION
In August 2016, we entered into acquisition agreements to purchase Arris Petroleum Corporation (“Arris”) and the assets of 299 Resources, LLC, 299 Production, LLC and 299 Pipeline, LLC (collectively, “299 Sellers”) pursuant to which, and subject to the terms and conditions of those agreements, we have agreed to acquire an aggregate of approximately 57,000 net acres, approximately 30 wells and other related midstream infrastructure in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas, for an aggregate consideration to Arris and 299 Sellers of approximately $915 million in cash and approximately 9.4 million shares of our common stock (valued at approximately $590 million at the time the acquisition agreements were executed), subject to certain adjustments, and ongoing due diligence (the "Delaware Basin Acquisition"). The acquisition agreements allow the sellers to include a specified amount of additional leases in the transaction, which would increase the purchase price. Upon executing the acquisition agreements, we paid a $100 million deposit toward the cash portion of the purchase price into an escrow account, which is included in other assets in our September 30, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet. In some circumstances set forth in the acquisition agreements, we could be required to forfeit the $100 million deposit. The acquisition is expected to close in December 2016; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to closing will be satisfied.
In order to fund the cash portion of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, we completed a public offering of shares of our common stock, a public offering of convertible senior notes and a private offering of senior notes in September 2016. See Note 8, Long-Term Debt, and Note 12, Common Stock, for further information. Prior to the September 2016 issuances of common stock, convertible senior notes and senior notes, we entered into a commitment letter with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMorgan”), for short-term bridge financing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition. The commitment letter contemplated, among other things, (i) a senior unsecured bridge loan to us in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $600 million, to be drawn, if at all, at the closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, (ii) a $250 million increase in the commitments under our existing revolving credit facility and (iii) certain related proposed amendments and waivers to our existing credit facility agreement. Upon issuance of the common stock, convertible senior notes and senior notes, the bridge loan commitment was terminated. Upon closing of
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

the Delaware Basin Acquisition, we will be required to pay approximately $9 million in fees related to the bridge loan commitment, approximately $6 million in fees related to the increase in commitments under the revolving credit facility and approximately $10 million in other direct acquisition-related costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded charges for the bridge loan fees and the other direct acquisition-related costs. The $9 million charge for fees related to the bridge loan commitment is included in interest expense and the $10 million charge for other direct acquisition-related costs is included in general and administrative expenses. The liabilities associated with both amounts are included in other accrued expenses on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2016.
NOTE 711 - 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 income tax rate, adjusted for the effect of discrete items.

The effective income tax raterates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was a 34.0%2017 were 29.5 percent and 37.1%25.8 percent benefit on loss, respectively, compared to a 33.8%34.0 percent and 36.3%37.1 percent benefit on loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.2016. The most significant element related to the decrease in the effective income tax rate was the impact from the $75.1 million impairment of the goodwill in the quarter ended September 30, 2017. This goodwill did not have an associated deferred tax liability at the time it was created, therefore, no deferred tax benefit was realized upon the impairment of the goodwill. The effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, are based upon a full year forecasted tax benefit on loss. In addition to the impact from the goodwill impairment, the effective income tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 includes discrete income tax benefits of $0.8 million for additional deductions and credits claimed on the filed 2016 federal and state income tax returns. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes discrete income tax benefits of $1.8 million relating to the excess income tax benefit recognized with the vesting of stock awards and $0.8 million for additional deductions and credits claimed on the filed 2016 federal and state tax returns. These discrete tax benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 resulted in a 0.2 percent and 0.9 percent increase to our effective income tax rates. We anticipate the potential for increased periodic volatility in future effective income tax rates from the impact of stock-based compensation tax deductions as they are treated as discrete tax items.

The effective income tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, iswere based upon a full year forecasted income tax benefit on loss and iswere greater than the statutory federal income tax rate, primarily due to state income taxes and percentage depletion, partially offset by nondeductible officers’ compensation and nondeductible lobbying expenses. The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 differs from the statutory rate primarily due to state taxes and percentage depletion, partially offset by nondeductible officers' compensation. There were no significant discrete income tax items recorded during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 or September 30, 2015.2016.

As of September 30, 2016,2017, there is no liability for unrecognized income 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 ("CAP") for the 2016 and 2017 tax years, and received final acceptance of our 2015 federal income tax return and 2016 tax years. With respect topartial acceptance of the 2014 tax year, we have agreed to a post filing adjustment with 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. The IRS has partially accepted our recently filed 20152016 federal income tax return that is now going through the IRS CAP post-filing review process.

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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 20162017
(unaudited)


NOTE 812 - LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of:

September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
Senior notes:      
1.125% Convertible senior notes due 2021:   
1.125% Convertible Notes due 2021:   
Principal amount$200,000
 $
$200,000
 $200,000
Unamortized discount(39,199) 
(32,153) (37,475)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(4,793) 
(3,859) (4,584)
1.125% Convertible senior notes due 2021, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs156,008
 
1.125% Convertible Notes due 2021, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs163,988
 157,941
      
6.125% Senior notes due 2024:   
7.75% Senior Notes due 2022:   
Principal amount400,000
 
500,000
 500,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs(7,710) 
(5,602) (6,443)
6.125% Senior notes due 2024, net of unamortized debt issuance costs392,290
 
7.75% Senior Notes due 2022, net of unamortized debt issuance costs494,398
 493,557
      
7.75% Senior notes due 2022:   
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024:   
Principal amount500,000
 500,000
400,000
 400,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs(6,723) (7,563)(6,815) (7,544)
7.75% Senior notes due 2022, net of unamortized debt issuance costs493,277
 492,437
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024, net of unamortized debt issuance costs393,185
 392,456
      
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 unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
 112,940
Total senior notes1,041,575
 605,377
1,051,571
 1,043,954
      
Revolving credit facility
 37,000

 
Total debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs1,041,575
 642,377
Less current portion of long-term debt
 112,940
Long-term debt$1,041,575
 $529,437
Total long-term debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs$1,051,571
 $1,043,954
    
Senior Notes

1.125%2021 Convertible Senior Notes Due 2021.Notes. In September 2016, we issued $200 million of 1.125% convertible senior notes due 2021 (the "2021 Convertible Notes") in a public offering. The 2021 Convertible Notes are governed by an indenture dated September 14, 2016 between us and the U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. 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, 2017.15. The conversion stock price at maturity is $85.39 per share. We allocated the gross proceeds of the 2021 Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligationsbetween the liability and rank senior in rightequity components of payment to our future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated tothe debt. The initial $160.5 million liability component was determined based on the fair value of similar debt instruments, excluding the conversion feature, priced on the same day we issued the 2021 Convertible Notes; equalNotes. Approximately $4.8 million in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our non-guarantor subsidiaries. The proceeds fromcosts associated with the issuance of the 2021 Convertible Notes after deducting offering expenses and underwriting discounts, are expectedhave been capitalized as debt issuance costs. As of September 30, 2017, the unamortized debt discount will be amortized over the remaining contractual term to be used to fund a portion of the purchase price of the Delaware Basin Acquisition (see Note 6, Pending Acquisition), to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes.
The 2021 Convertible Notes are convertible prior to March 15, 2021 only upon specified events and during specified periods and, thereafter, at any time, in each case at an initial conversion rate of 11.7113 per $1,000 principal amountmaturity of the 2021 Convertible Notes which is equal tousing an initial conversion priceeffective interest rate of approximately $85.39 per share. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon certain events. Upon5.8 percent.
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

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 method to satisfy our conversion obligation, which allows us to settle the principal amount of the 2021 Convertible Notes in cash and to settle the excess conversion value, if any, in shares of our common stock, as well as cash in lieu of fractional shares.
 
We may not redeem the 2021 Convertible Notes prior to their maturity date. If2022 Senior Notes. In October 2012, we undergo a fundamental change, as defined in the indenture for the 2021 Convertible Notes, subject to certain conditions, holders of the 2021 Convertible Notes may require us to repurchase all or part of the 2021 Convertible Notes for cash at a price equal to 100% of theissued $500 million aggregate principal amount 7.75% senior notes due October 15, 2022 (the “2022 Senior Notes”). The 2022 Senior Notes accrue interest from the date of the 2021 Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus any accruedissuance and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. The occurrence of a fundamental change will also resultis payable semi-annually in the 2021 Convertible Notes becoming convertible.
We allocated the gross proceeds of the 2021 Convertible Notes between the liabilityarrears on April 15 and equity components of the debt. The initial $160.5 million million liability component was determined 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. The initial $39.5 million equity component represents the debt discount and was calculated as the difference between the fair value of the debt and the gross proceeds of the 2021 Convertible Notes.October 15. Approximately $4.8$11.0 million in costs associated with the issuance of the 2021 Convertible2022 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. As of September 30, 2016, 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%. Based upon a September 30, 2016 stock price of $67.06 per share, the “if-converted” value of the 2021 Convertible Notes did not exceed the principal amount.

6.125%2024 Senior Notes Due 2024.Notes.  In September 2016, we issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.125% senior notes due September 15, 2024 (the “2024 Senior Notes”) in a private placement. The proceeds fromplacement to qualified institutional buyers. In May 2017, in accordance with the issuanceregistration rights agreement that we entered into with the initial purchasers when we issued the 2024
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


Senior Notes, we filed a registration statement with the SEC relating to an offer to exchange the 2024 Senior Notes after deducting offering expensesfor registered notes with substantially identical terms, and underwriting discounts, are expected to be used to fund a portion ofwe completed the purchase price of the Delaware Basin Acquisition (see Note 6, Pending Acquisition), to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes. If the acquisition is not completed on or prior to December 31, 2016 (orexchange offer in some circumstances by or on January 15, 2017), the 2024 Senior Notes will be redeemed in whole at a special mandatory redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2024 notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

September 2017. 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, 2017.15. 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. The 2024

In January 2017, pursuant to the filing of supplemental indentures for the 2021 Convertible Notes, 2022 Senior Notes, are senior unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payment to our future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the notes; equal in right of payment to all our existing and future indebtedness that is not so subordinated; effectively junior in right of payment to all of our secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness, including borrowings under our revolving credit facility; and structurally junior to all existing and future indebtedness (including trade payables) incurred by our non-guarantor subsidiaries.

In connection with the issuance of the 2024 Senior Notes we entered into(collectively, the "Notes"), our wholly-owned subsidiary, PDC Permian, Inc. became a registration rights agreement withguarantor of our obligations under the initial purchasers in which we agreed to file a registration statement with the SEC relating to an offer to exchange the 2024 Senior NotesNotes. Accordingly, condensed consolidating financial information for registered notes with substantially identical terms. In addition, we have agreed, in certain circumstances, to file a shelf registration statement covering the resale of the 2024 Senior Notes by holders.

At any time prior to September 15, 2019, we may redeem up to 35% of the outstanding 2024 Senior Notes with proceeds from certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 106.125% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed, plus accruedPDC and unpaid interest, if at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Senior Notes remains outstanding after each such redemption and the redemption occurs within 180 days after the closing of the equity offering.
Upon the occurrence of a "change of control," as definedPDC Permian, Inc. is presented in the indenture for the 2024 Senior Notes, holders will have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. In connection with certain asset sales, we may, under certain circumstances, be required to use the net cash proceeds of such asset sale to make an offer to purchase the notes at 100% of the principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.

The indenture governing the 2024 Senior Notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness; pay dividends or make distributions on our stock; purchase or redeem stock or subordinated indebtedness; make investments; create certain liens; enter into agreements that restrict distributions or other payments by restricted subsidiaries to us; enter into transactions with affiliates; sell assets; consolidate or merge with or into other companies or transfer all or substantially of our assets; and create unrestricted subsidiaries.

7.75% Senior Notes Due 2022.footnote titled 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. The 2022 Senior Notes accrue interest from the date of issuance and interest
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PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

is payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15. The indenture governing the 2022 Senior Notes contains customary restrictive incurrence covenants, and customary repurchase and redemption provisions, generally similar to those in the indenture governing the 2024 Senior Notes. Capitalized debt issuance costs are being amortized as interest expense over the life of the 2022 Senior Notes using the effective interest method.

3.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2016Subsidiary Guarantor. In November 2010, we issued $115 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2016 (the "2016 Convertible Notes") in a private placement. The maturity for the payment of principal was May 15, 2016. At December 31, 2015, our indebtedness included the 2016 Convertible Notes. Upon settlement in May 2016, we paid the aggregate principal amount of the 2016 Convertible Notes, plus cash for fractional shares, totaling approximately 115 million, utilizing proceeds from our March 2016 equity offering. Additionally, we issued 792,406 shares of common stock for the $47.9 million excess conversion value. See Note 12, Common Stock, for more information.

As of September 30, 2016,2017, we were in compliance with all covenants related to the 2021 Convertible Notes, 2024 Senior Notes and 2022 Senior Notes, and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period.

Revolving Credit Facility

Revolving Credit Facility. 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$1.0 billion in allowable borrowing capacity, subject to the borrowing base which is currently $700 million, and the aggregate commitments, which are currently $450 million.certain limitations under our senior notes. 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 substantially alla pledge of the stock of certain of our assets, includingsubsidiaries, 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.

In September 2016,May 2017, we entered into a ThirdFifth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment, among other things, amendsamended the revolving credit facility to permit the completion of the Delaware Basin Acquisition (see Note 6, Pending Acquisition) and, effective upon closing of the acquisition, adjusts the interest rate payable on amounts borrowed under the facility and increases the aggregate commitments under the facility from $450 million to $700 million (withreflect an increase in the borrowing base remaining atfrom $700 million)million to $950 million. In addition, the Fifth Amendment made changes to certain of the financial and non-financial covenants in the existing agreement, as well as other administrative changes.

In October 2016,2017, we entered into a FourthSixth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment among other things, reaffirmed of ouramends the revolving credit facility to allow the borrowing base atto increase above the maximum allowable borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion. We have elected to increase the fall 2017 borrowing base to $1.1 billion and maintain a $700 million commitment level as of the date of this report. As of September 30, 2017, available funds under our revolving credit facility were $700 million based on our elected commitment level.

As of September 30, 2017 and made certainDecember 31, 2016, debt issuance costs related to our revolving credit facility were $6.8 million and $8.8 million, respectively, and are included in other immaterial modifications toassets on the existing agreement, including an increase in the amount of our future production that we are permitted to hedge.
condensed consolidated balance sheets. We had no outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2016, compared to $37 million outstanding as of2017 or December 31, 2015.2016. The weighted-average interest rate onoutstanding principal amount under the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility exclusiveaccrues interest at a varying interest rate that fluctuates with an alternate base rate (equal to the greatest of fees onJPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.'s prime rate, the unused commitmentfederal funds rate plus a premium and the letterrate 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 time periods. Additionally, commitment fees, interest margin, and other bank fees, charged as a component of credit noted below, was 2.6% per annum asinterest, vary with our utilization of December 31, 2015.
the facility. As of September 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 of2017, the natural gas produced by third-party producersapplicable interest margin is 1.25 percent for whom we market production in the Appalachian Basin. The letter of creditalternate base rate option or 2.25 percent for the LIBOR option, and the unused commitment fee is currently scheduled to expire in September 2017 but is expected to be automatically extended annually in accordance with0.5 percent. No principal payments are generally required until the letter of credit's terms and conditions. The letter of credit reduces the amount of available funds under our revolving credit facility by an amount equal toexpires in May 2020, or in the letter of credit. As of September 30, 2016,event that the available funds under our revolving credit facility, includingborrowing base falls below the reduction for the $11.7 million letter of credit, was $438.3 million.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, as of September 30, 2016, 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 September 30, 2016,2017, we were in compliance with all of the revolving credit facility covenants and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12-month period. Effective upon closing ofAs defined by the Delaware Basin Acquisition, the maximum permittedrevolving credit facility, our leverage ratio will be reduced to 4.00 to 1.00.was 1.8 and our current ratio was 2.9 as of September 30, 2017.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 20162017
(unaudited)


NOTE 913 - OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES

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

  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
  (in thousands)
     
Employee benefits $14,401
 $22,282
Asset retirement obligations 13,128
 9,775
Other 5,922
 6,568
Other accrued expenses $33,451
 $38,625
     

NOTE 14 - 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 September 30, 2016:of:
 

 Amount September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
Vehicles $2,801
 $6,301
 $2,975
Accumulated depreciation (613) (1,435) (776)
 $2,188
 $4,866
 $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 September 30, Amount Amount
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
2017 $860
2018 1,167
 $2,207
2019 553
 1,617
2020 1,758
 2,580
 5,582
Less executory cost (101) (258)
Less amount representing interest (280) (615)
Present value of minimum lease payments $2,199
 $4,709
  
  
Short-term capital lease obligations $646
 $1,768
Long-term capital lease obligations 1,553
 2,941
 $2,199
 $4,709

Short-term capital lease obligations are included in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Long-termsheets and 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
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)



NOTE 1015 - 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 December 31, 2016$92,387
Obligations incurred with development activities1,137
3,296
Accretion expense5,400
4,906
Obligations discharged with disposal of properties and asset retirements(6,620)
Balance end of period, September 30, 201689,409
Revisions in estimated cash flows155
Obligations discharged with asset retirements(8,929)
Balance at September 30, 201791,815
Less liabilities held for sale(499)
Less current portion(6,900)(13,128)
Long-term portion$82,509
$78,188
  
Our estimated asset retirement obligationobligations liability is based on historical experience in plugging and abandoning wells, estimated economic lives and estimated plugging and abandonment costcosts 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 September 30, 2017, the credit-adjusted risk-free
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

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 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 1116 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Firm Transportation Processing and SalesProcessing 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 condensed consolidated statements onlyof operations reflect our share of costs based upon our working interest in the wells.these firm transportation and processing 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 September 30, 2016, we have recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $1.1 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.

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 September 30,    For the Twelve Months Ending September 30,   
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
 13,344
 41,831
 August 31, 2022
Wattenberg Field 
 16,760
 30,850
 31,025
 131,287
 209,922
 March 31, 2026
Delaware Basin 14,600
 14,600
 14,640
 3,680
 
 47,520
 December 31, 2020
Gas Marketing 7,117
 7,117
 7,136
 7,117
 6,227
 34,714
 August 31, 2022
Utica Shale 2,738
 2,738
 2,738
 2,745
 7,754
 18,713
 July 22, 2023 2,738
 2,738
 2,745
 2,738
 5,016
 15,975
 July 22, 2023
Total 9,855
 9,855
 9,855
 9,881
 21,098
 60,544
  24,455
 41,215
 55,371
 44,560
 142,530
 308,131
 
                          
Crude oil (MBbls)                          
Wattenberg Field 2,413
 2,413
 2,413
 1,813
 
 9,052
 June 30, 2020 2,413
 2,413
 1,812
 
 
 6,638
 June 30, 2020
                          
Dollar commitment (in thousands) $17,470
 $16,324
 $16,324
 $13,205
 $8,102
 $71,425
  $18,410
 $35,170
 $44,949
 $33,776
 $129,546
 $261,851
 
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


In anticipation of our future drilling activities in the Wattenberg Field, we entered into two facilities expansion agreements with our primary midstream provider to expand and improve its natural gas gathering pipelines and processing facilities. The midstream provider is expected to construct two new 200 MMcfd cryogenic plants. We will be bound to the volume requirements in these agreements on the first day of the calendar month after the actual in-service date of the plants, which in the above table is scheduled to be in the fourth quarter of 2018 for the first plant and April 2019 for the second plant. We are currently working with this midstream provider to identify opportunities to accelerate the completion of the first of these processing facilities. Both agreements require baseline volume commitments, consisting of our gross wellhead volume delivered in November 2016, to this midstream provider, and incremental wellhead volume commitments of 51.5 MMcfd and 33.5 MMcfd for the first and second agreements, respectively, for seven years. We may be required to pay shortfall fees for any volumes under the 51.5 MMcfd and 33.5 MMcfd incremental commitments. Any shortfall of these volume commitments may be offset by additional third party producers’ volumes sold to the midstream provider that are greater than a certain total baseline volume. We are also required for the first three years of the contracts to guarantee a certain target profit margin to the midstream provider on these incremental volumes. We currently expect that our future development plans will support the utilization of the incremental commitments.
In April 2017, 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. 

For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, commitments for long-term transportation volumes, net to our interest, for Wattenberg Field crude oil, Delaware Basin natural gas, and Utica Shale natural gas were $2.6 million and $7.4 million, respectively, and were recorded in transportation, gathering, and processing expenses in our condensed consolidated statements of operations. For each of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, commitments for long-term transportation volumes for Wattenberg Field crude oil and Utica Shale natural gas were $2.6 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

Litigation.Litigation and Legal Items. We areThe Company is involved in various legal proceedings that we consider normal to our business. We reviewproceedings. 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 ourthe best interests. There is no assurance that settlements can be reached on acceptable terms or that adverse judgments, if any,interests of the Company. 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 yet concluded. However, the liability ultimately incurred with respect to a matter may exceed the amounts reserved.related accrual. 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.

A group of 42 independent West Virginia natural gas producers has filed a lawsuit 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 and Dominion have removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and are preparing pre-trial pleadings, including an answer to the complaint and a motion to dismiss the case. 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.

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 regularperiodic 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 and the costs can be reasonably estimated. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015,Except as discussed herein, we had accrued environmental liabilities in the amount of $3.2 million and $4.1 million, respectively, included in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. We are not aware of any material environmental claims existing as of September 30, 20162017 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 potential past non-compliance with environmental laws will not be discovered on our properties. However, the liability ultimately incurred with respect to a matter may exceed the related accrual. Accrued environmental liabilities are recorded in other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2016
(unaudited)

Clean Air Act Tentative Agreement and Related Consent Decree.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.Colorado ("DJ Basin"). The Information Request focused on historical operation and design information for 46 of our production facilities and asks that we conductrequested sampling and analyses at the identified 46 facilities. We responded to the Information Request with the requested data in January 2016. We continue to meet with the EPA and provide additional information, but cannot predict the outcome of this matter at this time.

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 (“CDPHE”) 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
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


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 working with the agency to address the allegations, but cannot predict the outcome of this matter at this time.

Employment AgreementsFor more than a year, we held a series of meetings with Executive Officers. Eachthe EPA, Department of our senior executive officers may be entitled to a severance paymentJustice (“DOJ”) and certain other benefits uponCDPHE on the terminationabove matters. On June 26, 2017, the DOJ on behalf of the officer's employment pursuantEPA and the State of Colorado filed a complaint against us based on the above matters. We continued to conduct meetings with these agencies in working toward a resolution of the matters. On September 28, 2017, the parties jointly filed for an extension of time for PDC to reply to the officer's employmentcomplaint. The extension was requested because the parties reached an agreement and/orto resolve the Company's executive severance compensation plan. The naturecase subject to final approval by the appropriate persons within the federal government and amount of such benefits would vary based upon, among other things, whether the termination followed a change of controlstate government, as well as outcome of the Company.period of public comment on the proposed decree.

A consent decree was signed by all parties on October 31, 2017 and is subject to a 30-day comment period in which it will be publicly published in the Federal Register. The consent decree provides that we will implement changes to our design, operation, and maintenance of most of our field-wide storage tank systems to enhance our emission management in the DJ Basin.  Agreed upon and planned efforts include, but are not limited to, vapor control system modifications and verification, increased inspection and monitoring, and installation of tank pressure monitors. We voluntarily included in the consent decree approximately 40 additional facilities associated with our pending acquisition of additional assets in the basin.  The three primary elements of the consent decree are: (i) fine/supplemental environmental projects ($1.5 million cash fine, plus $1 million in supplemental environmental projects); (ii) injunctive relief with an estimated cost of approximately $18 million, primarily representing capital enhancements to our operations; and (iii) mitigation with an estimated cost of $1.7 million.  Certain expenditures for the injunctive relief are believed to have been incurred in 2016 and 2017, with the remainder expected to be incurred over the next few years. We do not believe that the expenditures resulting from the settlement will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. Although we believe the consent decree will be approved by the court following the comment period, this cannot be guaranteed. 

NOTE 1217 - COMMON STOCK

Sale of Equity Securities

In SeptemberDuring December 2016, we completed a public offering of 9,085,000issued 9.4 million shares of our common stock at a price to us of $61.51 per share. Net proceedsas partial consideration for 100 percent of the offering were $558.5common stock of Arris Petroleum and for the acquisition of certain Delaware Basin properties. Pursuant to the terms of previously disclosed lock-up agreements, the resale of these shares was restricted. The lock-up period ended on June 4, 2017. We have registered the 9.4 million after deducting offering expenses and underwriting discounts, of which $90,850 is included in common shares-par value and $558.4 million is included in additional paid-in capital ("APIC") on the September 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.

In March 2016, we completed a public offering of 5,922,500 shares of our common stock at a price to usfor resale under the Securities Act 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 APIC on the September 30, 2016 condensed consolidated balance sheet. The shares were issued pursuant to the effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC in March 2015.

In March 2015, we completed a public offering of 4,002,000 shares of our common stock 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 2015.1933.

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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in thousands) (in thousands)
                
Stock-based compensation expense $4,079
 $4,813
 $15,205
 $14,278
 $4,761
 $4,079
 $14,587
 $15,205
Income tax benefit (1,552) (1,828) (5,786) (5,423) (1,781) (1,552) (5,457) (5,786)
Net stock-based compensation expense $2,527
 $2,985
 $9,419
 $8,855
 $2,980
 $2,527
 $9,130
 $9,419
                

Stock Appreciation Rights ("SARs")

The SARsstock appreciation right ("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.

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 20162017
(unaudited)


In January 2016, theThe Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors awarded 58,709 SARs to our executive officers.officers during the nine months ended September 30, 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:

Nine Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
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

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 nine months ended September 30, 2017:

 Nine Months Ended September 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(141,084) 40.16
   $2,770
 
 
    
Outstanding at September 30,244,078
 41.36
 7.1 6,273
 347,285
 38.94
 7.5 $4,888
Vested and expected to vest at September 30,238,671
 41.20
 7.1 6,171
 341,423
 38.89
 7.5 4,821
Exercisable at September 30,136,644
 36.74
 5.9 4,143
 191,149
 35.68
 6.6 3,312
 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 September 30, 2017298,220
 47.39
 6.7
 2,043
Exercisable at September 30, 2017186,248
 39.38
 5.6
 1,867

Total compensation cost related to non-vested SARs granted net of estimated forfeitures, and not yet recognized in our condensed consolidated statement of operations as of September 30, 20162017 was $1.7$2.3 million. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of1.9 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016:2017:
Shares Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value per Share
      
Non-vested at December 31, 2015525,081
 $50.23
Non-vested at December 31, 2016479,642
 $56.09
Granted269,709
 57.12
260,019
 66.00
Vested(256,976) 48.60
(206,242) 56.44
Forfeited(14,716) 55.70
(7,990) 64.32
Non-vested at September 30, 2016523,098
 54.43
Non-vested at September 30, 2017525,429
 60.73
      

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 20162017
(unaudited)


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 Nine Months Ended September 30,

As of/Nine Months Ended September 30,

2016 20152017 2016
(in thousands, except per share data)(in thousands, except per share data)
      
Total intrinsic value of time-based awards vested$14,675
 $13,061
$13,266
 $14,675
Total intrinsic value of time-based awards non-vested35,079
 30,959
25,762
 35,079
Market price per common share as of September 30,67.06
 53.01
49.03
 67.06
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share57.12
 48.58
66.00
 57.12

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 September 30, 20162017 was $18.7$22.0 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 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 nine months ended September 30, 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:
Nine Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 20152017 2016
      
Expected term of award3 years
 3 years
Expected term of award (in years)3
 3
Risk-free interest rate1.2% 0.9%1.4% 1.2%
Expected volatility52.3% 53.0%51.4% 52.3%
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share$72.54
 $66.16
$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 nine months ended September 30, 20162017::

  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 (1)
 (11,283) 98.50
Non-vested at September 30, 2016
 84,546
 61.51
     
__________
(1)Vested shares were issued at 200% based on our relative total shareholder return as ranked among the Company's peer group.

  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 September 30, 2017
 76,489
 75.63
     


PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 20162017
(unaudited)


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 Nine Months Ended September 30,As of /Nine Months Ended September 30,
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
 $
$
 $1,174
Total intrinsic value of market-based awards non-vested5,670
 5,996
3,750
 5,670
Market price per common share as of September 30,67.06
 53.01
49.03
 67.06
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 September 30, 20162017 was $1.9$2.9 million. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

Treasury Share Purchases

In June 2010, our stockholders approved a long-term equity compensation plan for our employees and non-employee directors (the "2010 Plan"). In accordance with the 2010 Plan, as amended in June 2013, up to 3,000,000 new shares of our common stock are authorized for issuance. Shares granted may be either authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares, or any combination of these shares. Additionally, the 2010 Plan permits the reuse or reissuance of shares of common stock which were canceled, expired, forfeited or, in the case of SARs, paid out in the form of cash. In accordance with our stock-based compensation plans, employees and directors may surrender shares of our common stock to pay tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and exercise of share-based awards. Shares acquired that had been issued pursuant to the 2010 Plan are reissued for new grants. For shares reissued for new grants under the 2010 Plan, shares are recorded at cost and upon reissuance we reduce the carrying value of shares acquired and held pursuant to the 2010 Plan by the weighted-average cost per share with an offsetting charge to additional paid-in capital. As of December 31, 2016, we had 10,397 shares remaining available for reissuance pursuant to our 2010 plan. Additionally, as of December 31, 2016, we had 18,366 of shares of treasury stock related to a rabbi trust. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we acquired 80,572 shares pursuant to our stock-based compensation plans for payment of tax liabilities, of which 49,446 shares were reissued and 41,523 shares are available for reissuance pursuant to the 2010 Plan.

Preferred Stock

We are authorized 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. Through September 30, 2017, no preferred shares have been issued.

NOTE 1318 - 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 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
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


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

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
              
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic48,839
 40,085
 45,741
 38,837
65,865
 48,839
 65,825
 45,741
Weighted-average common shares and equivalents outstanding - diluted48,839
 40,085
 45,741
 38,837
65,865
 48,839
 65,825
 45,741
       

We reported a net loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 and 2015, respectively.2016. As a result, our basic and diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding were the same for each 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in thousands)(in thousands)
              
Weighted-average common share equivalents excluded from diluted earnings       
per share due to their anti-dilutive effect:       
Weighted-average common share equivalents excluded from diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect:       
Restricted stock660
 816
 705
 836
588
 660
 585
 705
Convertible notes
 468
 345
 505

 
 
 345
Other equity-based awards97
 95
 103
 97
48
 97
 82
 103
Total anti-dilutive common share equivalents757
 1,379
 1,153
 1,438
636
 757
 667
 1,153
              

In September 2016, we issued the 2021 Convertible Notes, which give the holders, at our election, 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.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016
(unaudited)
2017, the average market price of our common stock did not exceed the conversion price; therefore, shares issuable upon conversion of the 2021 Convertible Notes were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation.


In November 2010, we issued the $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 8, 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 applicable periods as the effect would be anti-dilutive to our earnings per share.

NOTE 1419 - 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; and
(iv)Parent and subsidiaries on a consolidated basis ("Consolidated").

Gas Marketing. Our Gas Marketing segment purchases, aggregatesThe Guarantor is 100% owned by the Parent beginning in December 2016. The Notes are fully and resells natural gas producedunconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by unrelated third-parties. Segment income (loss) primarily represents sales from natural gas marketing and direct interest income, less coststhe Guarantor. The guarantee is subject to release in limited circumstances only upon
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


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,the occurrence of certain customary conditions. Each entity in the condensed consolidating financial information follows the same accounting policies as well as assets not specifically includeddescribed in our two business segments.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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in thousands)
Segment revenues:       
Oil and gas exploration and production$161,212
 $228,520
 $268,090
 $418,356
Gas marketing2,678
 2,580
 6,728
 8,336
Total revenues$163,890
 $231,100
 $274,818
 $426,692
        
Segment income (loss) before income taxes:       
Oil and gas exploration and production$17,809
 $(30,296) $(134,731) $(14,134)
Gas marketing(414) (201) (1,067) (539)
Unallocated(52,736) (32,164) (166,689) (97,189)
Loss before income taxes$(35,341) $(62,661) $(302,487) $(111,862)
        
  Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets
  September 30, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
Assets        
Current assets $299,239
 $35,463
 $
 $334,702
Properties and equipment, net 1,911,759
 1,970,941
 
 3,882,700
Intercompany receivable 199,871
 
 (199,871) 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,467,623
 
 (1,467,623) 
Noncurrent assets 89,245
 640
 
 89,885
Total Assets $3,967,737
 $2,007,044
 $(1,667,494) $4,307,287
         
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity        
Current liabilities $310,997
 $62,791
 $
 $373,788
Intercompany payable 
 199,871
 (199,871) 
Long-term debt 1,051,571
 
 
 1,051,571
Other noncurrent liabilities 178,567
 276,759
 
 455,326
Stockholders' equity 2,426,602
 1,467,623
 (1,467,623) 2,426,602
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity $3,967,737
 $2,007,044
 $(1,667,494) $4,307,287

 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
 (in thousands)
Segment assets:   
Oil and gas exploration and production$3,390,005
 $2,294,288
Gas marketing3,735
 4,217
Unallocated23,540
 72,038
Total assets$3,417,280
 $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 1,884,147
 2,118,847
 
 4,002,994
Intercompany receivable 9,415
 
 (9,415) 
Investment in subsidiaries 1,765,092
 
 (1,765,092) 
Goodwill 
 62,041
 
 62,041
Noncurrent assets 20,811
 171
 
 20,982
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

PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Operating and other revenues $150,015
 $33,220
 $
 $183,235
Production and other operating expenses 41,891
 13,129
 
 55,020
General and administrative 26,207
 3,092
 
 29,299
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 217
 41,691
 
 41,908
Depreciation depletion and amortization 106,623
 18,615
 
 125,238
Impairment of properties and equipment 1,148
 251,592
 
 252,740
Impairment of goodwill 
 75,121
 
 75,121
Interest (expense) income (19,168) 372
 
 (18,796)
   Loss before income taxes (45,239) (369,648) 
 (414,887)
Income tax benefit 30,274
 92,076
 
 122,350
Equity in loss of subsidiary (277,572) 
 277,572
 
   Net loss $(292,537) $(277,572) $277,572
 $(292,537)

  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Operating and other revenues $657,102
 $74,998
 $
 $732,100
Production and other operating expenses 118,779
 26,049
 
 144,828
General and administrative 76,353
 8,792
 
 85,145
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense 744
 43,151
 
 43,895
Depreciation depletion and amortization 317,088
 43,479
 
 360,567
Impairment of properties and equipment 2,282
 280,217
 
 282,499
Impairment of goodwill 
 75,121
 
 75,121
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable (40,203) 
 
 (40,203)
Interest (expense) income (57,557) 685
 
 (56,872)
  Income (loss) before income taxes 124,502
 (401,126) 
 (276,624)
Income tax expense (benefit) (32,174) 103,657
 
 71,483
Equity in loss of subsidiary (297,469) 
 297,469
 
   Net loss $(205,141) $(297,469) $297,469
 $(205,141)

Net losses of the Guarantor for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 are primarily the result of the exploratory dry hole expense, impairment of certain unproved Delaware Basin leasehold positions during the relevant periods, and the impairment of goodwill during the three months ended September 30, 2017.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2017
(unaudited)


  Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows
  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  Parent Guarantor Eliminations Consolidated
  (in thousands)
         
Cash flows from operating activities $382,715
 $28,687
 $
 $411,402
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Capital expenditures for development of crude oil and natural properties (315,718) (213,132) 
 (528,850)
Capital expenditures for other properties and equipment (2,488) (1,252) 
 (3,740)
Acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties, including settlement adjustments and deposit for pending acquisition (19,761) 5,279
 
 (14,482)
Proceeds from sale of properties and equipment 3,322
 
 
 3,322
Sale of promissory note 40,203
 
 
 40,203
Restricted cash (9,250) 
 
 (9,250)
Sales of short-term investments 49,890
 
 
 49,890
Purchases of short-term investments (49,890) 
 
 (49,890)
Intercompany transfers (189,239) 
 189,239
 
Net cash from investing activities (492,931) (209,105) 189,239
 (512,797)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Purchase of treasury stock (5,325) 
 
 (5,325)
Other (906) (45) 
 (951)
Intercompany transfers 
 189,239
 (189,239) 
Net cash from financing activities (6,231) 189,194
 (189,239) (6,276)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents (116,447) 8,776
 
 (107,671)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 240,487
 3,613
 
 244,100
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $124,040
 $12,389
 $
 $136,429

PDC ENERGY, INC.


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.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Production and Financial Overview

Production volumes increased substantially to 6.08.5 MMboe and 15.823.2 MMboe for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, respectively, representing increases of 39%42 percent and 49%, respectively,47 percent as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.2016, respectively. The increaseincreases in production volumes waswere primarily attributable to the continued success of our successful horizontal Niobrara and Codell drilling program in the Wattenberg Field. Field and growing production from our Delaware Basin properties.Crude oil production increased 17% and 27%47 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively,2017 compared to the same prior year periods. Crude oil production comprised approximately 39% and 40% of total production in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Our ratio of crude2016, respectively. Crude oil production tocomprised approximately 40 percent of total production decreased as compared to 2015 as expected as we shifted our focus to the higher gas to oil ratio inner core areain each of the Wattenberg Field during the first half of 2016. We expect our ratio of crude oil to total production to increase by the end of 2016 as we move drilling operations back toward the middle core area of the Wattenberg Field. Natural gas production increased 47% and 60% in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017. NGL production increased 33 percent and 54 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. NGL2016. Natural gas production increased 80%42 percent and 83%43 percent in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.On a combined basis, total liquids production comprised 63 percent of our total production during each of the three months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, and 62 percent and 61 percent of total production during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, we maintained an average daily production rate of approximately 92,500 Boe per day, including 12,800 Boe per day from the Delaware Basin, up from approximately65,300 Boe per day for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

On a sequential quarterly basis, total production volumes for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017 increased with contributions from both the Wattenberg Field and Delaware Basin. For the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017, total production and crude oil production each increased by six percent. Continued high line pressures in the Wattenberg Field have temporarily tempered the growth rate in the Wattenberg Field; however, we are expecting an overall modest sequential quarterly increase in production in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales increased to $232.7 million and $636.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to $141.8 million and $328.0 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. These 64 percent and 94 percent increases in sales revenues were driven by the 42 percent and 47 percent increases in production and 16 percent and 32 percent increases in average realized commodity prices.

We had positive net settlements from our commodity derivative contracts of $9.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to positive net settlements of $47.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. We had positive net settlements of $22.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to positive net settlements of $167.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 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 higher-value derivatives settled by the end of 2016.  Net settlements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared2017 reflect derivative instruments entered into since 2015, which more closely approximate recent realized prices.  Based upon the forward strip pricing at September 30, 2017, we expect that settlements will continue to be substantially lower in 2017 than in 2016. See Results of Operations - Commodity Price Risk Management, Net for further details of our settlements of derivatives and changes in the same prior year periods. Our inner core wells have shown stronger wet gas production than anticipated, which has contributed to the growthfair value of unsettled derivatives.

The combined revenue from crude oil, natural gas, and NGL production. Our production forNGLs sales and net settlements received on our commodity derivative instruments increased 28 percent to $242.3 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased approximately 0.8 MMboe, or 16%, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2016. We expect a modest increase in production for the fourth quarter of 2016 as compared to the third quarter, as we have approximately 20 fewer wells scheduled to be turned-in-line during the fourth quarter, and we expect all remaining 2016 well completions to be concluded by the middle of the fourth quarter of 2016. For the month ended September 30, 2016, our average production rate was 63 MBoe per day, up2017 from 47 MBoe per day for the month ended September 30, 2015.

Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales, coupled with the impact of settled derivatives, increased during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 relative to the same prior year periods. Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales increased to $141.8 million and $328 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $104.5 million and $275.5$189.5 million in the same prior year periods due to 39% and 49% increases in production, respectively, offset in part by 2% and 20% decreases, respectively, in the realized price per barrel of crude oil equivalent ("Boe"). The realized prices per Boe were $23.62 and $20.80 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $24.15 and $26.02, respectively, for the same prior year periods. Positive net settlements on derivatives decreased to $47.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, and increased 33 percent to $167.9$658.2 million duringin the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to positive net settlements on derivatives of $68 million and $162.52017 from $495.9 million in the same prior year periods. As a result of these aggregate changes, crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales and the impact of net settled derivatives totaled $189.5 million and $495.9 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $172.5 million and $438 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. This represents increases of 10% and 13% during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same prior year periods. The realized prices per Boe, including the impact of net settlements on derivatives, were $31.56 and $31.44 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $39.88 and $41.37 for the same prior year periods, respectively.2016.

Additional significant changes impacting our results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2016 include the following:

Negative net change in the fair value of unsettled derivative positions during the three months ended September 30, 2016 was $28.3 million compared to a positive net change in the fair value of unsettled derivative positions of $55.5 million during the same prior year period. The decrease in fair value of unsettled derivative positions was primarily attributable to a less significant upward shift in the crude oil and natural gas forward curves, offset by the impact of the beginning of period fair value of derivative instruments settled in the respective periods, during the current quarter as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015;
Impairment of properties and equipment decreased to $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $154 million in the same prior year period, primarily related to the $150.3 million write-down of our Utica Shale producing and non-producing crude oil and natural gas properties to their estimated fair value in the three months ended September 30, 2015;
General and administrative expense increased to $32.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $20.3 million in the same prior year period, primarily due to $11.3 million of fees and expenses related to the pending Delaware Basin Acquisition;
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased to $112.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $80.9 million in the same prior year period, primarily due to increased production; and
Interest expense increased to $20.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $12.1 million in the same prior year period, primarily attributable to a $9 million charge for the bridge loan commitment related to the Delaware Basin Acquisition.

PDC ENERGY, INC.

Additional significant changes impactingDuring the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded exploratory dry hole well expense of $41.2 million, an unproved property impairment charge of $251.6 million, and we impaired all of the goodwill associated with the assets acquired in the Delaware Basin, which resulted in an impairment charge of $75.1 million. For more information regarding these expenses and charges see Results of Operations - Exploration, Geologic, and Geophysical Expense, Results of Operations - Impairments of Properties, and Results of Operations - Impairment of Goodwill.

In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, we generated a net loss of $292.5 million and $205.1 million, respectively, or $4.44 and $3.12 per diluted share, respectively. Our net income was negatively impacted by the aforementioned impairment charges and expensing of exploratory dry hole well costs. During the same periods, our resultsadjusted EBITDAX, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $166.9 million and $497.6 million, respectively. Beginning in 2017, we have included non-cash stock-based compensation and exploration, geologic and geophysical expense in our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDAX.  In prior periods, we reported 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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, our net loss per diluted share was $0.48 and $4.16, respectively, and our adjusted EBITDAX was $133.0 million and $313.3 million, respectively. Our cash flow from operations forwas $411.4 million and our adjusted cash flow from operations, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $407.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 include2017. 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 following:most comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

Negative net change in the fair value of unsettled derivative positions during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was $230.2 million compared to a negative net change in the fair value of unsettled derivative positions of $21.3 million during the same prior year period. The decrease in fair value of unsettled derivative positions was primarily attributable to an upward shift in the crude oil and natural gas forward curves that occurred during 2016;Liquidity
Impairment of properties and equipment decreased to $6.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $161.2 million in the same prior year period, primarily related to the $150.3 million write-down of our Utica Shale producing and non-producing crude oil and natural gas properties to their estimated fair value in the three months ended September 30, 2015;
General and administrative expense increased to $78.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $62.1 million in the same prior year period, primarily due to $11.3 million of fees and expenses related to the Delaware Basin Acquisition;
Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased to $317.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $206.9 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;
During the first quarter of 2016, we determined that collection of a third-party note receivable arising from the sale of our interest in properties in the Marcellus Shale was not reasonably assured based then current market conditions and new information made available to us. As a result, we recognized a provision and recorded an allowance for uncollectible notes receivable for the $44 million outstanding balanceAvailable liquidity as of March 31, 2016. As of September 30, 2016, there has been no change to2017 was $836.4 million, which was comprised of $136.4 million of cash and cash equivalents and $700 million available for borrowing under our assessmentrevolving credit facility at our current commitment level. We expect decreases in our cash balance during the remainder of 2017 due to: (i) the expected closing of the collectibilitypending Wattenberg Field acquisition described below, (ii) continued planned development in the core Wattenberg Field, and (iii) further capital investment in our Delaware Basin assets. In October 2017, we entered into a Sixth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment allowed the borrowing base to be set above the $1.0 billion allowable borrowing capacity of the note. See Note 3, Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Notes Receivable, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for additional information; and
Interest expense increased to $42.8 millionfacility. The borrowing base redetermination for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 comparedfall of 2017 was confirmed at $1.1 billion and we elected to $35.4maintain a $700 million incommitment level as of the same prior year period, primarily attributable to a $9 million charge for the bridge loan commitment related to the Delaware Basin Acquisition.date of this report.

In March 2016, we completedWe intend to continue to manage our liquidity position by a public offeringvariety of 5,922,500 sharesmeans, including through the generation of our common stock at a price to uscash flows from operations, investment in projects with attractive rates of $50.11 per share. Net proceedsreturn, protection of the offering were $296.6 million, after deducting offering expenses and underwriting discounts. We usedcash flows on a portion of our anticipated sales through the net proceedsuse of the offering to repay all amounts then outstanding onan active commodity derivative hedging program, potential utilization of our borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility, and if warranted, capital markets transactions from time to time.


Pending Acquisition and Acreage Exchanges

Pending Acquisition. In September 2017, we entered into a purchase and sale agreement to acquire certain assets from Bayswater and certain related parties, pursuant to which, subject to the principal amount owed upon the maturityterms and conditions of the Convertible Notesagreement, we have agreed to acquire approximately 8,300 net acres, 30 DUCs, and an incremental 240 gross drilling locations, for approximately $210 million in May 2016cash, subject to certain pre- and retainedpost-closing adjustments. We plan to turn-in-line 18 of these DUCs at approximately year-end 2017, with the remaindercompletion costs expected to be treated as an increase to the purchase price. Upon executing the purchase and sale agreement, we paid a $21 million deposit toward the purchase price into an escrow account, which is included in other assets in our September 30, 2017 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Assuming all conditions required for general corporate purposes.

The 2016 Convertible Notes maturedclosing are met, the acquisition is expected to close in May 2016. We settled the 2016 Convertible Notes withDecember 2017 and will be funded by a combination of available cash and stock, paying 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.debt.

Pending Acreage Exchanges. In June 2016,September 2017, we entered into definitive agreements with Noblean acreage exchange transaction to consolidate certain acreage positions in the core area of the Wattenberg Field.
In September 2016, we closed the acreage exchange transaction. Pursuant to the transaction, we exchangedwill exchange leasehold acreage and, to a lesser extent, interests in certainwith some limited in-process development wells. Upon closing, we receivedexpect to receive approximately 13,50011,700 net acres in exchange for approximately 11,70012,100 net acres, with nominimal cash exchanged between the parties. The difference in net acres is primarily due to variances in leaseholdworking and net revenue interests and third-party mid-stream contracts. Thisinterests. The acreage tradeexchange is expected to increase opportunities for longer horizontal laterals with significantly increased working interests, while minimizing potential surface impact.

Pending Delaware Basin Acquisition

We seek acquisition opportunities as part of our overall growth strategy, and in particular have recently engaged in the process of searching for, and evaluating, a large-scale acquisition in a new U.S. onshore basin capable of creating material long-term value-added growth, focusing on four key criteria: top-tier acreage in core geologic positions, significant drilling inventory with additional expansion through downspacing, portfolio optionality for capital allocation and diversification and the ability to deliver long-term corporate accretion.  In August 2016, we identified a potential acquisition, which we refer to as the Delaware Basin Acquisition, that we believe met our four key criteria.

We entered into definitive agreements relating to the Delaware Basin Acquisition in August 2016. The agreements contemplate that we will acquire an aggregate of approximately 57,000 net acres, approximately 30 wells and related midstream infrastructure in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas, for an aggregate consideration to the sellers of approximately $915 million in cash and approximately 9.4 million shares of our common stock (valued at approximately $590 million at the time the acquisition agreements were executed), subject to certain adjustments and ongoing due diligence. The acquisition agreements allow the sellers to include a specified amount of additional leases in the transaction, which would increase the purchase price. Upon executing the acquisition agreements, we paid a $100 million deposit toward the cash portion of the purchase price into an escrow account. In some circumstances set forth in the acquisition agreements, we could be required to forfeit the $100 million deposit. The Delaware Basin Acquisition is expected to initially increase our daily production by approximately 7,000 Boe per day. The acquisition is expectedanticipated to close in December 2016;the fourth quarter of 2017; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to closing will be satisfied.

In June 2017, we entered into an acreage exchange transaction that also involves the consolidation of certain acreage positions in the core area of the Wattenberg Field. Pursuant to the transaction, we will exchange leasehold acreage with some limited in-process development wells. Upon closing, we currently expect to initially run a two rig drilling programestimate that we will receive approximately 3,900 net acres in the Delaware Basin. We are currently completing our budgeting process for 2017, but anticipate running two to three rigs in the Delaware Basin during 2017. Taking into account the anticipated plans for the Delaware Basin Acquisition properties, we expect that pursuit of our development program will require capital in excess of our projected cash flows from operations for some period of time beginning in 2017.

PDC ENERGY, INC.

In orderexchange for approximately 4,100 net acres with minimal cash exchanged between the parties. The difference in net acres is primarily due to fundvariances in working and net revenue interests. This acreage exchange is also expected to close in the cash portionfourth quarter of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, we completed a public offering of 9,085,000 shares of our common stock, a public offering of the 2021 Convertible Notes and a private offering of the 2024 Senior Notes in September 2016 (collectively, the "Securities Issuances"). The common stock was issued at a price2017; however, there can be no assurance that conditions to us of $61.51 per share for net proceeds of approximately $558.5 million, after deducting offering expenses and underwriting discounts. Net proceeds of the issuances of the 2021 Convertible Notes and 2024 Senior Notes were approximately $194 million and $392.3 million, respectively, after deducting offering expenses and underwriting discounts. If the Delaware Basin Acquisition is not completed on or prior to December 31, 2016 (or in some circumstances by or on January 15, 2017), the 2024 Senior Notesclosing will be redeemed in whole at a special mandatory redemption price equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Senior Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Prior to the Securities Issuances, we entered into a commitment letter with JPMorgan regarding certain aspects of the temporary financing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition. The commitment letter contemplated, among other things, (i) a senior unsecured bridge loan to us in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $600 million, to be drawn, if at all, at the closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, (ii) a $250 million increase in the commitments under our existing revolving credit facility and (iii) certain related proposed amendments and waivers to our existing credit facility agreement. We expect to fund the cash consideration payable in the Delaware Basin Acquisition with proceeds from the Securities Issuances. Following the completion of the Securities Issuances, the bridge loan commitment was terminated. Upon closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, we will be required to pay approximately $9 million in fees related to the bridge loan commitment, approximately $6 million in fees related to the increase in commitments under the revolving credit facility and approximately $10 million in other direct acquisition-related costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded charges for the bridge loan commitment fees and the other direct acquisition-related costs. The $9 million charge for fees related to the bridge loan commitment is included in interest expense and the $10 million charge for other direct acquisition-related costs is included in general and administrative expenses. The liabilities associated with both amounts are included in other accrued expenses on our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2016.

Liquidity

Available liquidity as of September 30, 2016 was $1,636 million compared to $402.2 million as of December 31, 2015. Available liquidity as of September 30, 2016 is comprised of $1,197.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $438.3 million available for borrowing under our revolving credit facility. These amounts exclude an additional $250 million available under our revolving credit facility that will be available following the closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition and may be available in other circumstances subject to certain terms and conditions of the agreement. In October 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 until the closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2016 included approximately $392.3 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Senior Notes. If, however, the Delaware Basin Acquisition is not completed prior to or on December 31, 2016 (or in some circumstances by or on January 15, 2017), the $400 million principal amount of the 2024 Senior Notes is required to be redeemed with interest. If required, we will redeem the 2024 Senior Notes with available cash. 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 the cash portion of the purchase price for the Delaware Basin Acquisition and execute our expected 2016 development program.

The following table presents our liquidity as of September 30, 2016 pro forma for the closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, reflecting cash to be paid and the increase in the aggregate commitments under our revolving credit facility:

As of September 30, 2016 Amount
  (in millions)
Cash and cash equivalents $1,197.7
Available for borrowing under our credit facility 438.3
Available liquidity 1,636.0
Increase in aggregate commitments under our revolving credit facility 250.0
Cash due upon closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition (1) (840.0)
Adjusted liquidity $1,046.0
__________
(1)Amount includes total cash portion of purchase price due to sellers, less $100 million deposit in escrow and estimated acquisition-related costs. Amount does not reflect potential purchase price adjustments to be determined upon and post closing.
PDC ENERGY, INC.
satisfied.

Operational Overview

During the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, we continued to execute our strategic plan to grow production while preserving our financial strength and liquidity. Through July 2016, we ran four automatedOur drilling rigs in the Wattenberg Field. In August 2016, we decreased the number of automated drilling rigs runningefficiency in the Wattenberg Field over the last nine months has resulted in shorter drill cycle times; therefore, we decreased our rig count to three rigs in anticipationthe fourth quarter of higher working interests2017. Because of the shorter drill times, the impact of the reduced rig count on our expected turn-in-line count in the Wattenberg Field is expected to be minimal in 2017. In the Delaware Basin, during the three months ended September 30, 2017, we adjusted to operating three drilling rigs. During the third quarter of 2017, we turned in line to sales 39 wells drilled resulting fromin Wattenberg and four wells in the aforementioned acreage exchange with Noble. DuringDelaware Basin.
The following tables summarizes our drilling and completion activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017:

  Wells Operated by PDC
  Wattenberg Field Delaware Basin Total
   Gross  Net Gross Net Gross Net
In-process as of December 31, 2016 64
 52.7
 5
 4.8
 69
 57.5
Wells spud 119
 105.6
 18
 16.6
 137
 122.2
Wells turned-in-line to sales (111) (93.6) (11) (10.2) (122) (103.8)
 Exploratory dry holes 
 
 (2) (2.0) (2) (2.0)
In-process as of September 30, 2017 72
 64.7
 10
 9.2
 82
 73.9

  Wells Operated by Others
  Wattenberg Field Delaware Basin Total
   Gross  Net Gross Net Gross Net
In-process as of December 31, 2016 18
 3.4
 
 
 18
 3.4
Wells spud 89
 12.2
 7
 1.0
 96
 13.2
Wells turned-in-line to sales (40) (4.5) (2) (0.4) (42) (4.9)
In-process as of September 30, 2017 67
 11.1
 5
 0.6
 72
 11.7

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. Our DUCs are generally completed and turned in-line to sales within three to nine months of drilling. The majority of the PDC-operated in-process wells at each period end are DUCs, as we spud 107 horizontal wellsdo not begin the completion process until the entire well pad is drilled. As we continue to monitor our capital investment and turned-in-line 121 horizontal wellsdue to the efficiencies gained by our operating team in the Wattenberg Field. We also participatedField, we expect that we will have an increase of approximately 25 wells in 11 gross, 2.8 net, horizontal non-operated wells that were spud and 24 gross, 5.0 net, horizontal non-operated wells which were turned-in-line. During the nine months endedour in-process well count at December 31, 2017 relative to September 30, 2016, we drilled and completed five2017. 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 the Utica Shale, threeperiod in which the wells are completed. We expect that the level of which were turned-in-line duringnon-operated well activity reflected in the period. Of these threetable above will decrease upon the anticipated closing of our aforementioned pending acreage exchanges.

2017 Operational Outlook

Based on our revised timing of well completions and the estimated productivity of wells one is anassociated with our capital investment program, we currently believe that our 2017 production will be approximately 10,000 foot lateral well located32 MMBoe. We expect that approximately 40 percent of our 2017 production will be crude oil and approximately 23 percent will be NGLs, for total liquids of approximately 63 percent. The anticipated percentage of production from NGLs has increased due to the success of field recovery efforts and improved yields by our third-party processors in Guernsey County and two are approximately 6,000 foot lateral wells located in Washington County. We plan to turn-in-line the two remaining wells over the next several months.
2016 Operational OutlookWattenberg Field.

We expect our production for 2016capital expenditures to be atapproximately $800 million in 2017, which takes into account the high end or slightly exceed the 21.0 MMBoe to 22.0 MMBoe range disclosed earliercurrent increased per well costs in the year and our production rate for December 2016 to exceed 71,000 Boe per day, including the impact of expected production from the Delaware Basin Acquisition, assumingand the acquisition closesanticipated increase in December 2016. Our revised 2016 capital forecastthe expected number of $400 millionwells to $420 million is focused on continuing to provide value-driven production growth by exploiting our substantial inventory of projectsbe spud in the Wattenberg Field. Currently, excluding acquisition costs thatField during the year compared to our original 2017 budget. As previously disclosed, we expect to incuradded a third and fourth rig in 2016 related tothe first quarter of 2017 in the Delaware Basin, Acquisition, we expectwhich was sooner than initially contemplated in our budget, in order to be near or slightly below the low end of the expected range of our capital expenditures.


protect certain leasehold positions and to create greater future operational flexibility. Finally, some additional
PDC ENERGY, INC.


capital investment has been included in our forecast for the closed and anticipated Wattenberg Field acreage trades that would, if completed, increase our working interest in certain wells.

Colorado Ballot Initiative UpdateWattenberg Field. The 2017 capital investment forecast is estimated at approximately $450 million in the Wattenberg Field. Our plan contemplates running three rigs in the field in the fourth quarter of 2017. Approximately $445 million is expected to be allocated to development activities, comprised of approximately $425 million for our operated drilling program and approximately $20 million for wells drilled and operated by others. The remainder is expected to be used for miscellaneous well equipment and capital projects. Wells in the Wattenberg Field typically have productive horizons at a depth of approximately 6,500 to 7,500 feet below the surface. Our revised investment forecast anticipates spudding approximately 155 and turning-in-line approximately 133 horizontal operated wells with lateral lengths of 4,000 to 10,000 feet. We do not expect to increase our 2017 capital investment forecast in connection with the acquisition agreement we entered into with Bayswater and certain related parties, as the acquisition is expected to close late in December. There are expected to be costs in addition to the $210 million purchase price as a result of continued capital activity on the DUCs being acquired in the transaction, which will be accounted for as additional purchase price.

During 2016, certain interest groups in Colorado opposed to oil and natural gas development generally, or hydraulic fracturing in particular, advanced various options for ballot initiatives aimed at significantly limiting or effectively preventing oil and natural gas developmentDelaware Basin. We are currently operating a three-rig drilling program in the state of Colorado. Proponents of two such initiatives attempted to qualifyDelaware Basin. Total capital investment in the initiatives to appear on the ballotDelaware Basin for the November 2016 election. On August 29, 2016,year is estimated to be approximately $345 million, of which approximately $285 million is expected to be used to spud 24 and turn-in-line an estimated 20 wells. Expected per well drilling costs in the Colorado SecretaryDelaware Basin have increased by approximately 10 to 15 percent during the third quarter of State issued a press release2017 as compared to the second quarter of 2017, primarily due to higher costs of services and statements of insufficiency of signatures, stating that the proponentssupplies and longer than anticipated drill cycle times.  To enhance our understanding of the proposals had failedgeology in the Delaware Basin, we initiated various engineering studies on a large portion of our Delaware Basin wells, including expanded depth pilot holes and logging/seismic services. These studies are providing important information to collect enough valid signaturesour operating team; however, they have come with additional unexpected costs. Additionally, mechanical issues have resulted in cost overruns for certain wells we have drilled in the area. Of the 20 planned turn-in-lines during 2017, nine are expected to have extended 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 proposals included onremaining 11 turn-in-lines. Wells in the ballot.
OneDelaware Basin typically have productive horizons at a depth of approximately 9,000 to 11,000 feet below the surface. We plan to invest approximately $15 million for leasing, seismic, and technical studies with an additional $35 million for midstream-related projects including gas connections and surface location infrastructure. The remaining $10 million of the initiatives, which we refer to as the “local control” initiative, would have amended 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. This proposal was motivated in part by a decision of the Colorado Supreme Court earlier this year holding that local government restrictions on oil and gas activities are subject to preemption by state rules.
A second initiative, which we refer to as the “setback” initiative, would have amended the state constitution to require all new oil and gas development facilitiesDelaware Basin capital investment program is expected to be located at least 2,500 feet away from any occupied structure or broadly defined “area of special concern,” including 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.
If implemented, the setback initiative would have effectively prohibited the vast majority of our planned future drilling activities in Colorado and would therefore have made it impossible to pursue our current development plans. The local control proposal would potentially have had a similar effect, depending on the nature and extent of regulations implemented by relevant local governmental authorities. Pursuant to the determination of the Colorado Secretary of State, these proposals will not appear on the November 2016 ballot. However, future proposals of this nature are possible.

Because substantially all of our current operations and reserves are located in Colorado, the risks we face with respect to such future proposals are greater than those of our competitors with more geographically diverse operations. Although we cannot predict the outcome of future ballot initiatives, statutes or regulatory developments, such developments could materially impact our results of operations, production and reserves.used for non-operated capital projects.



 


PDC ENERGY, INC.

Results of Operations

Summary Operating Results

The following table presents selected information regarding our operating results:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 Percentage Change 2016 2015 Percentage Change2017 2016 Percentage Change 2017 2016 Percentage Change
(dollars in millions, except per unit data)(dollars in millions, except per unit data)
Production (1)                      
Crude oil (MBbls)2,339.8
 2,007.8
 16.5 % 6,240.2
 4,895.9
 27.5 %3,439
 2,340
 47.0 % 9,184
 6,241
 47.2 %
Natural gas (MMcf)13,417.4
 9,148.9
 46.7 % 36,768.2
 22,997.0
 59.9 %19,070
 13,417
 42.1 % 52,437
 36,768
 42.6 %
NGLs (MBbls)1,428.1
 793.0
 80.1 % 3,402.8
 1,858.5
 83.1 %1,892
 1,428
 32.5 % 5,249
 3,402
 54.3 %
Crude oil equivalent (MBoe) (2)6,004.2
 4,325.6
 38.8 % 15,771.0
 10,587.3
 49.0 %8,509
 6,004
 41.7 % 23,172
 15,771
 46.9 %
Average MBoe per day65.3
 47.0
 38.8 % 57.6
 38.8
 49.0 %
Average Boe per day (Boe)92,491
 65,263
 41.7 % 84,880
 57,558
 47.5 %
Crude Oil, Natural Gas and NGLs Sales                      
Crude oil$98.5
 $78.3
 25.8 % $233.0
 $206.7
 12.7 %$157.0
 $98.5
 59.4 % $428.8
 $233.0
 84.0 %
Natural gas27.4
 18.8
 45.7 % 59.6
 49.4
 20.6 %41.5
 27.4
 51.5 % 116.7
 59.6
 95.8 %
NGLs15.9
 7.4
 114.9 % 35.4
 19.4
 82.5 %34.2
 15.9
 115.1 % 90.5
 35.4
 155.6 %
Total crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales$141.8
 $104.5
 35.7 % $328.0
 $275.5
 19.1 %
Total crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales$232.7
 $141.8
 64.1 % $636.0
 $328.0
 93.9 %
                      
Net Settlements on Derivatives (3)           
Net Settlements on Commodity Derivatives           
Crude oil$39.5
 $60.7
 (34.9)% $131.6
 $142.4
 (7.6)%$5.4
 $39.5
 (86.3)% $7.4
 $131.6
 (94.4)%
Natural gas8.2
 7.3
 12.3 % 36.3
 20.1
 80.6 %6.3
 8.2
 (23.2)% 16.8
 36.3
 (53.7)%
NGLs (propane portion)(2.1) 
 *
 (2.0) 
 *
Total net settlements on derivatives$47.7
 $68.0
 (29.9)% $167.9
 $162.5
 3.3 %$9.6
 $47.7
 (79.9)% $22.2
 $167.9
 (86.8)%
                      
Average Sales Price (excluding net settlements on derivatives)           Average Sales Price (excluding net settlements on derivatives)        
Crude oil (per Bbl)$42.11
 $38.98
 8.0 % $37.33
 $42.22
 (11.6)%$45.66
 $42.11
 8.4 % $46.69
 $37.33
 25.1 %
Natural gas (per Mcf)2.04
 2.05
 (0.5)% 1.62
 2.15
 (24.7)%2.17
 2.04
 6.4 % 2.23
 1.62
 37.7 %
NGLs (per Bbl)11.12
 9.40
 18.3 % 10.41
 10.45
 (0.4)%18.11
 11.12
 62.9 % 17.24
 10.41
 65.6 %
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)23.62
 24.15
 (2.2)% 20.80
 26.02
 (20.1)%27.35
 23.62
 15.8 % 27.45
 20.80
 32.0 %
                      
Average Lease Operating Expenses (per Boe) (4)           
Wattenberg Field$2.39
 $3.31
 (27.8)% $2.77
 $4.24
 (34.7)%
Utica Shale1.27
 1.74
 (27.0)% 1.87
 1.77
 5.6 %
Weighted-average2.33
 3.20
 (27.2)% 2.73
 4.04
 (32.4)%
           
Natural Gas Marketing Contribution Margin (5)$(0.4) $(0.2) 100.0 % $(1.1) $(0.6) (83.3)%
           
Other Costs and Expenses           
Average Costs and Expenses (per Boe)           
Lease operating expenses$2.98
 $2.33
 27.9 % $2.81
 $2.73
 2.9 %
Production taxes$9.6
 $5.5
 74.7 % $19.7
 $13.2
 49.0 %1.82
 1.59
 14.5 % 1.85
 1.25
 48.0 %
Transportation, gathering and processing expenses5.0
 3.9
 28.2 % 13.6
 6.6
 105.9 %1.15
 0.84
 36.9 % 0.96
 0.86
 11.6 %
Impairment of properties and equipment0.9
 154.0
 (99.4)% 6.1
 161.2
 (96.2)%
General and administrative expense32.5
 20.3
 60.3 % 78.9
 62.1
 27.1 %3.44
 5.41
 (36.4)% 3.67
 5.00
 (26.6)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization112.9
 80.9
 39.5 % 317.3
 206.9
 53.4 %14.72
 18.81
 (21.7)% 15.56
 20.12
 (22.7)%
Provision for uncollectible notes receivable(0.7) 
 *
 44.0
 
 *
                      
Interest expense$20.2
 $12.1
 67.0 % $42.8
 $35.4
 20.8 %
Lease Operating Expenses by Operating Region (per Boe)Lease Operating Expenses by Operating Region (per Boe)          
Wattenberg Field$2.49
 $2.39
 4.2 % $2.45
 $2.77
 (11.6)%
Delaware Basin6.07
 
 *
 5.76
 
 *
Utica Shale1.91
 1.27
 50.4 % 1.60
 1.87
 (14.4)%

*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 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.



PDC ENERGY, INC.

Crude Oil, Natural Gas, and NGLs Sales

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales revenue increased compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 due to the following (in millions):

 September 30, 2017
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 (in millions)
Increase in production$63.0
 $154.5
Increase in average crude oil price12.2
 86.0
Increase in average natural gas price2.5
 31.7
Increase in average NGLs price13.2
 35.8
Total increase in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales revenue$90.9
 $308.0

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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2016:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Production by Operating Region 2017 2016 Percentage Change 2017 2016 Percentage Change
Crude oil (MBbls)            
Wattenberg Field 2,943
 2,216
 32.8 % 7,883
 5,929
 33.0 %
Delaware Basin 436
 
 *
 1,075
 
 *
Utica Shale 60
 124
 (51.4)% 226
 312
 (27.7)%
Total 3,439
 2,340
 47.0 % 9,184
 6,241
 47.2 %
 Natural gas (MMcf)            
Wattenberg Field 15,788
 12,700
 24.3 % 44,694
 34,968
 27.8 %
Delaware Basin 2,781
 
 *
 6,052
 
 *
Utica Shale 501
 717
 (30.2)% 1,691
 1,800
 (6.0)%
Total 19,070
 13,417
 42.1 % 52,437
 36,768
 42.6 %
NGLs (MBbls)            
Wattenberg Field 1,564
 1,353
 15.6 % 4,473
 3,240
 38.0 %
Delaware Basin 282
 
 *
 625
 
 *
Utica Shale 46
 75
 (38.7)% 151
 162
 (7.3)%
Total 1,892
 1,428
 32.5 % 5,249
 3,402
 54.3 %
Crude oil equivalent (MBoe)            
Wattenberg Field 7,138
 5,686
 25.5 % 19,805
 14,997
 32.1 %
Delaware Basin 1,182
 
 *
 2,709
 
 *
Utica Shale 189
 318
 (40.6)% 658
 774
 (15.0)%
Total 8,509
 6,004
 41.7 % 23,172
 15,771
 46.9 %
Average crude oil equivalent per day (Boe)            
Wattenberg Field 77,582
 61,804
 25.5 % 72,545
 54,733
 32.5 %
Delaware Basin 12,845
 
 *
 9,923
 
 *
Utica Shale 2,064
 3,459
 (40.3)% 2,412
 2,825
 (14.6)%
Total 92,491
 65,263
 41.7 % 84,880
 57,558
 47.5 %
* Percentage change is not meaningful.
Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.

In the Wattenberg Field, we rely on third-party midstream service providers to construct gathering, compression, and processing facilities to keep pace with our and the overall field's natural gas production growth. From time-to-time, our production has been adversely affected by high line pressures on the gas gathering facilities, primarily due to higher ambient temperatures and increases in field-wide production volumes. As a result, we have experienced some production
PDC ENERGY, INC.

curtailments from time to time, including in the third quarter of 2017. We believe that our 2017 production guidance range appropriately reflects the impact of such higher gathering system line pressures. Our primary midstream service provider has added some additional capacity to its system in 2017, and cooler weather is expected to help increase the efficiency of the system in the fourth quarter of 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, 93 percent of our production in the Wattenberg Field was delivered from horizontal wells, with the remaining seven percent coming from vertical wells. The horizontal wells are less prone to issues than the vertical wells in that they are newer and have greater producing capacity and higher formation pressures, and therefore tend to be more resilient to gas system pressure issues. While this will lessen the impact of the pressures, we expect to continue to operate in a constrained environment through the first nine months of 2018, at which time additional processing capacity is scheduled to be brought into operation by our primary midstream provider.

We continue to work closely with our third-party midstream providers in an effort to ensure that adequate midstream system capacity is available going forward in the Wattenberg Field. We along with other operators made a commitment with DCP Midstream, LP ("DCP") to support DCP's construction of two additional processing facilities with associated gathering pipe and compression in the field. These expansions are expected to increase DCP's system capacity, assist in the control of line pressures on its natural gas gathering facilities, and reduce production curtailments in the field. We will be bound to the incremental volume requirements in these agreements on the first day of the calendar month after the actual in-service dates of the plants, which are currently scheduled to occur in the fourth quarter of 2018 and April 2019. We are currently working with DCP to identify opportunities to accelerate the completion of the first of these facilities. The agreements impose a baseline volume commitment and a guarantee of a certain target profit margin to DCP on those volumes during the initial three years of the contracts. Under our current drilling plans, we expect to meet both the baseline and incremental volume commitments, and we believe that the contractual target profit margin will be achieved without additional payment from us. See footnote titled Commitments and Contingencies for additional details regarding the agreements. We also continue to work with all of our midstream service providers in the field in an effort to ensure all of the existing infrastructure is fully utilized and that all options for system expansions are evaluated and implemented, where possible.

The ultimate timing and availability of adequate infrastructure is not within our control and if our midstream service providers' construction projects are delayed, we could experience higher gathering line pressures that may negatively impact our ability to fulfill our growth plans. Total system infrastructure performance may also be affected by a number of other factors, including potential additional increases in production from the Wattenberg Field.

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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Production by Operating Region 2016 2015 Percentage Change 2016 2015 Percentage Change
Crude oil (MBbls)            
Wattenberg Field 2,216.3
 1,868.6
 18.6 % 5,928.5
 4,509.5
 31.5 %
Utica Shale 123.5
 139.2
 (11.3)% 311.7
 386.4
 (19.3)%
Total 2,339.8
 2,007.8
 16.5 % 6,240.2
 4,895.9
 27.5 %
 Natural gas (MMcf)            
Wattenberg Field 12,700.0
 8,478.3
 49.8 % 34,968.2
 21,040.7
 66.2 %
Utica Shale 717.4
 670.6
 7.0��% 1,800.0
 1,956.3
 (8.0)%
Total 13,417.4
 9,148.9
 46.7 % 36,768.2
 22,997.0
 59.9 %
NGLs (MBbls)            
Wattenberg Field 1,353.0
 730.6
 85.2 % 3,240.4
 1,692.5
 91.5 %
Utica Shale 75.1
 62.4
 20.4 % 162.4
 166.0
 (2.2)%
Total 1,428.1
 793.0
 80.1 % 3,402.8
 1,858.5
 83.1 %
Crude oil equivalent (MBoe)            
Wattenberg Field 5,686.0
 4,012.3
 41.7 % 14,996.9
 9,708.8
 54.5 %
Utica Shale 318.2
 313.3
 1.6 % 774.1
 878.5
 (11.9)%
Total 6,004.2
 4,325.6
 38.8 % 15,771.0
 10,587.3
 49.0 %

Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 $42.29
 $38.90
 8.7 % $37.42
 $42.13
 (11.2)%
Utica Shale 38.93
 40.02
 (2.7)% 35.61
 43.28
 (17.7)%
Weighted-average price 42.11
 38.98
 8.0 % 37.33
 42.22
 (11.6)%
 Natural gas (per Mcf)            
Wattenberg Field $2.08
 $2.11
 (1.4)% $1.63
 $2.17
 (24.9)%
Utica Shale 1.33
 1.36
 (2.2)% 1.44
 1.92
 (25.0)%
Weighted-average price 2.04
 2.05
 (0.5)% 1.62
 2.15
 (24.7)%
NGLs (per Bbl)            
Wattenberg Field $11.07
 $9.62
 15.1 % $10.32
 $10.36
 (0.4)%
Utica Shale 12.14
 6.80
 78.5 % 12.22
 11.40
 7.2 %
Weighted-average price 11.12
 9.40
 18.3 % 10.41
 10.45
 (0.4)%
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)            
Wattenberg Field $23.77
 $24.32
 (2.3)% $20.83
 $26.07
 (20.1)%
Utica Shale 20.98
 22.04
 (4.8)% 20.26
 25.47
 (20.5)%
Weighted-average price 23.62
 24.15
 (2.2)% 20.80
 26.02
 (20.1)%

Amounts may not recalculate due to rounding.

PDC ENERGY, INC.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales revenue increased compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 due to the following:

 September 30, 2016
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 (in millions)
Increase in production$27.7
 $102.5
Increase (decrease) in average crude oil price7.3
 (30.5)
Decrease in average natural gas price(0.1) (19.4)
Increase (decrease) in average NGLs price2.4
 (0.1)
Total increase in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales revenue$37.3
 $52.5

Production for the third quarter of 2016 was 6.0 million Boe, up from 4.3 million Boe in the third quarter of 2015. Year-to-date, production was 15.8 million Boe, up from 10.6 million Boe in the first nine months of 2015. Production increased as a result of continued drilling and completion activities as discussed in Operational Overview.

From time to time, our production has been adversely affected by high line pressures in the Wattenberg Field. Such pressures did not materially affect our production for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2016. We rely on our third-party midstream service providers to construct compression, gathering and processing facilities to keep pace with our production growth. 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. The timing and availability of adequate infrastructure, including potential line pressure impacts in 2017, is not within our control and may be affected by a number of factors, including potential increases in production from the Wattenberg Field and warmer than expected weather.Pricing

Crude Oil, Natural Gas and NGLs Pricing. Our results of operations depend upon many factors. Key factors particularlyinclude 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 sales prices for crude oil, decreasednatural gas, and NGLs increased during the firstthree and nine months of 2016ended September 30, 2017 compared to the firstthree and nine months of 2015,ended September 30, 2016. NYMEX crude oil prices increased during the third quarter of 2016seven percent and 20 percent, respectively, and NYMEX natural gas prices increased sevenpercent and 38 percent, respectively, as compared to the first halfthree and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The NGL prices in the Wattenberg Field are reflected in the tables below, net of 2016the processing and transport costs that are embedded in the applicable percent-of-proceeds contracts, as the numberare a portion of U.S.our Delaware Basin NGL sales.

The following tables present weighted-average sales prices of crude oil, rigsnatural gas, and inventories declined. Natural gas prices decreased duringNGLs for the firstperiods presented. Our acquisitions of assets in the Delaware Basin closed in December 2016; therefore, there is no comparative data for the three and nine months of 2016 when compared to the same prior year period. Although we did experience improved pricing by the end of the third quarter of 2016,ended September 30, 2016:
  Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 Weighted-Average Realized Sales Price by Operating Region     Percentage Change     Percentage Change
(excluding net settlements on derivatives) 2017 2016  2017 2016 
Crude oil (per Bbl)            
Wattenberg Field $45.80
 $42.29
 8.3% $46.84
 $37.42
 25.2%
Delaware Basin 45.06
 
 *
 46.05
 
 *
Utica Shale 43.03
 38.93
 10.5% 44.51
 35.61
 25.0%
Weighted-average price 45.66
 42.11
 8.4% 46.69
 37.33
 25.1%
 Natural gas (per Mcf)            
Wattenberg Field $2.09
 $2.08
 0.5% $2.23
 $1.63
 36.8%
Delaware Basin 2.74
 
 *
 2.13
 
 *
Utica Shale 1.81
 1.33
 36.1% 2.56
 1.44
 77.8%
Weighted-average price 2.17
 2.04
 6.4% 2.23
 1.62
 37.7%
NGLs (per Bbl)            
Wattenberg Field $17.49
 $11.07
 58.0% $16.68
 $10.32
 61.6%
Delaware Basin 20.87
 
 *
 20.02
 
 *
Utica Shale 22.00
 12.14
 81.2% 22.40
 12.22
 83.3%
Weighted-average price 18.11
 11.12
 62.9% 17.24
 10.41
 65.6%
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe)            
Wattenberg Field $27.33
 $23.77
 15.0% $27.44
 $20.83
 31.7%
Delaware Basin 28.07
 
 *
 27.65
 
 *
Utica Shale 23.75
 20.98
 13.2% 26.98
 20.26
 33.2%
Weighted-average price 27.35
 23.62
 15.8% 27.45
 20.80
 32.0%
* Percentage change is not meaningful.
Amounts may not recalculate due to an oversupply of nearly all domestic NGLs products, our averagerounding.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the weighted-average realized sales price for NGLs duringnatural gas in the first nine months of 2016 reflected the same low levels seen during 2015. With the initiation of ethane exports and increased demand for NGLs, we are starting to see NGL prices trend upward.

Crude oil pricing is predominately drivenDelaware Basin was impacted by the physical market, supply and demand, financial markets and national and international politics. Inentry into a natural gas gathering contract that we accounted for under the Wattenberg Field, crude oil is sold under various purchase contracts with monthly and longer term pricing provisionsgross method of accounting; therefore, our realized price was 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 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.

Natural gas prices vary by region and locality, depending upon the distance to markets, availability of pipeline capacity and supply and demand relationships in that region or locality. The price we receive for our natural gas produced in the Wattenberg Field is based on CIG and local utility prices, adjusted 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 the remainder of 2016 and into 2017.

Our price for NGLs produced in the Wattenberg Field 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 pricing to various markets. While NGL prices had been declining, we have seen a stabilization of prices in 2016.gross selling price.

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 of our crude oil, NGLs, and a portion of our natural gas 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, andor 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 specified deductions. 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
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wellhead price. The net-back method results in the recognition of a 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 certain pipelines, a portion of our natural gas in the White Cliffs and Saddle Butte pipelinesDelaware Basin, 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 receive. Rather, we contract separately with midstream providers 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 nine months ended September 30, 2016, our Wattenberg Field crude oil average sales price increased approximately $1.24 per barrel relative to the benchmark price 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

Lease operating expenses duringAs discussed above, we enter into agreements for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased $0.2 million as compared tosale and transportation, gathering, and processing of our production, the three months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to increasesterms of $0.8 millionwhich can result in variances in the per unit realized prices that we receive for payroll and employee benefits and $0.8 million for leased compressors to address increases in line pressure. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $1 million related to mechanical integrity testing of wells and $0.2 million in environmental project costs. Lease operating expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased $0.3 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015, primarily due to increases of $1.6 million for payroll and employee benefits, $1.1 million for leased compressors to address line pressure issues and $1 million for various other lease operating expenses. These increases were partially offset by decreases of $2.6 million for environmental project costs and $0.7 million for plugging and abandonment costs. Lease operating expenses per Boe decreased 27% and 32% to $2.33 and $2.73 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $3.20 and $4.04 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively. The significant decreases in lease operating expense per Boe were the result of production growth of 39% and 49%, respectively.

Production Taxes

Production taxes are directly related toour crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales. The $4.1 million increase in production taxes during the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015 was primarilyNGLs. Information related to the 36% increasecomponents and classifications 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 and NGLs sales, as well as higher severance tax ratesaverage NYMEX pricing is based upon projectedfirst-of-the-month index prices as this is the method used to sell the majority of each of these commodities pursuant to terms of the respective sales revenue. The $6.5 million increase in production taxes duringagreements.  For NGLs, we use the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was primarily related to the 19% increase inNYMEX crude oil natural gasprice as a reference for presentation purposes. The average realized price both before and NGLs sales, as well as higher severance tax rates due to higher projected sales revenue coupled with a decrease in ad valorem tax credits available from 2015 production due to depressed commodity pricing in 2015.

Transportation, Gathering and Processing Expenses

The $1.1 million increase inafter transportation, gathering, and processing expenses duringshown in the three months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2015 was mainly attributable to oil transportation costs on the Saddle Butte pipeline as we began delivering crude oil on this pipeline in December 2015. The $7 million increase in transportation, gathering and processing expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015, was mainly attributable to oil transportation costs 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 per barrel price for NGLs.
For the three months ended
September 30, 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) $48.20
 95% $45.66
 $1.41
 $44.25
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 3.00
 72% 2.17
 0.24
 1.93
NGLs (per Bbl) 48.20
 38% 18.11
 0.25
 17.86
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 36.92
 74% 27.35
 1.15
 26.20
           
For the three months ended
September 30, 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) $44.94
 94% $42.11
 $1.52
 $40.59
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 2.81
 73% 2.04
 0.08
 1.96
NGLs (per Bbl) 44.94
 25% 11.12
 0.29
 10.83
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 34.48
 69% 23.62
 0.84
 22.78
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For the nine months ended
September 30, 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) $49.47
 94% $46.69
 $1.42
 $45.27
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 3.17
 70% 2.23
 0.15
 2.08
NGLs (per Bbl) 49.47
 35% 17.24
 0.29
 16.95
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 37.99
 72% 27.45
 0.96
 26.49
           
For the nine months ended
September 30, 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) $41.33
 90% $37.33
 $1.56
 $35.77
Natural gas (per MMBtu) 2.29
 71% 1.62
 0.08
 1.54
NGLs (per Bbl) 41.33
 25% 10.41
 0.29
 10.12
Crude oil equivalent (per Boe) 30.61
 68% 20.80
 0.86
 19.94

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 into 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, forceiling. 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 September 30, 2016.2017.

Commodity price risk management, net, includes cash settlements upon maturity of our derivative instruments, andas well as 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 costother expenses.

Net settlements of commodity derivative instruments are based on the difference between the crude oil, 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.

Net settlements are primarily the result of crude oil and natural gaspropane 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-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 basis index pricing. See Note 4, Derivative Financial Instruments, to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a detailed description of net settlements on our various derivatives.certain differentials.
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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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015
 (in millions)
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net:       
Net settlements:       
Crude oil$39.5
 $60.7
 $131.6
 $142.4
Natural gas8.2
 7.3
 36.3
 20.1
Total net settlements47.7
 68.0
 167.9
 162.5
Change in fair value of unsettled derivatives:       
Reclassification of settlements included in prior period changes in fair value of derivatives(40.6) (48.1) (169.5) (140.2)
Crude oil fixed price swaps3.3
 50.4
 (33.8) 51.4
Crude oil collars1.5
 28.5
 (14.5) 28.6
Natural gas fixed price swaps5.4
 19.5
 (10.7) 31.0
Natural gas basis swaps1.4
 (1.0) 0.7
 (2.4)
Natural gas collars0.7
 6.2
 (2.4) 10.3
Net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives(28.3) 55.5
 (230.2) (21.3)
Total commodity price risk management gain (loss), net$19.4
 $123.5
 $(62.3) $141.2
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in millions)
Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net:       
Net settlements of commodity derivative instruments:       
Crude oil fixed price swaps and collars$5.4
 $39.5
 $7.4
 $131.6
Natural gas fixed price swaps and collars5.1
 7.7
 13.5
 35.8
Natural gas basis protection swaps1.2
 0.5
 3.3
 0.5
NGLs (propane portion) fixed price swaps(2.1) 
 (2.0) 
Total net settlements of commodity derivative instruments9.6
 47.7
 22.2
 167.9
Change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivative instruments:       
Reclassification of settlements included in prior period changes in fair value of commodity derivative instruments(15.6) (40.6) 31.0
 (169.5)
Crude oil fixed price swaps and collars(40.0) 4.8
 26.3
 (48.3)
Natural gas fixed price swaps and collars(2.1) 6.1
 9.2
 (13.1)
Natural gas basis protection swaps1.5
 1.4
 3.4
 0.7
NGLs (propane portion) fixed price swaps(5.6) 
 (5.6) 
Net change in fair value of unsettled commodity derivative instruments(61.8) (28.3) 64.3
 (230.2)
Total commodity price risk management gain (loss), net$(52.2) $19.4
 $86.5
 $(62.3)

Net settlements of commodity derivatives decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 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 higher-value agreements had settled by the end of 2016.  Net settlements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, reflect derivative instruments entered into since 2015, which more closely approximate recent realized prices.  Based upon the forward strip pricing at September 30, 2017, we expect that settlements will continue to be substantially lower in 2017 on a relative basis as compared to those in 2016.

Lease Operating Expenses

Lease operating expenses increased to $2.98 per Boe and $2.81 per Boe during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to $2.33 per Boe and $2.73 per Boe during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Our lease operating expenses per Boe were $2.50 per Boe during the three months ended June 30, 2017 and $2.98 per Boe during the three months ended March 31, 2017. Our per Boe costs have increased compared to prior year periods primarily due to the expected higher per Boe costs in the Delaware Basin. The per Boe costs during the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to increases of $0.19 per Boe for water disposal, $0.15 per Boe for environmental remediation costs, and $0.14 per Boe for increased workover projects.

Aggregate lease operating expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2017, increased $11.4 million as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, of which $7.2 million related to our properties in the Delaware Basin.The increase of $11.4 million is primarily due to increases of $2.9 million for payroll and employee benefits related to increases in headcount, $1.9 million for produced water disposal, $1.8 million for increased workover projects, $1.5 million for environmental remediation costs, and $1.3 million related to additional compressor rentals to combat increased gathering system line pressures.

Aggregate lease operating expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, increased $22.2 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016, of which $15.6 million related to our properties in the Delaware Basin. The increase of $22.2 million is primarily due to increases of $7.2 million for payroll and employee benefits related to increases in headcount, $3.7 million for produced water disposal, $3.5 million for workover projects, $3.1 million related to
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additional compressor rentals to combat increased gathering system line pressures, and $2.5 million related to vehicle and equipment expenses. We expect continued increases in our headcount through the remainder of 2017 as we grow our Delaware Basin production base and production team. On a per unit basis, we expect much of this increased cost of personnel will be offset by increases in our production.

Production Taxes

Production taxes are comprised mainly of severance tax and ad valorem tax and are directly related to crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales and are generally assessed as a percentage of net revenues. From time-to-time, there are adjustments to the statutory rates for these taxes based upon certain credits that are determined based upon activity levels and relative commodity prices from year-to-year. The $5.9 million and $23.3 million increases in production taxes during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were primarily related to the 64 percent and 94 percent increases in crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs sales.

Transportation, Gathering, and Processing Expenses

Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses increased $4.7 million and $8.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. The primary drivers of these increases were $1.3 million and $3.7 million increases in oil transportation costs due to increased volumes delivered through a pipeline in the Wattenberg Field and increases of $3.8 million and $5.2 million, respectively, related to natural gas gathering and transportation operations in the Delaware Basin. The increases during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 were slightly offset by decreases related to lower production in the Utica Shale. When feasible, we use pipelines in the Wattenberg Field to deliver crude oil to the market in an effort to decrease field truck traffic and air emissions. Transportation, gathering, and processing expenses per Boe increased to $1.15 and $0.96 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to $0.84 and $0.86 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. As disclosed previously in this section, there is an interaction with the marketing contracts in determining if transportation, gathering, and processing costs are presented separately or presented net in the revenue section of our financial statements; therefore, the net realized price analysis is a useful analysis to understand our net realized prices.

Exploration, Geologic, and Geophysical Expense

The following table presents the major components of exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense:
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in millions)
        
Exploratory dry hole costs$41.2
 $
 $41.2
 $
Geological and geophysical costs, including seismic purchases0.5
 
 1.8
 
Operating, personnel and other0.2
 0.2
 0.9
 0.7
Total exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense$41.9
 $0.2
 $43.9
 $0.7
        

Exploratory dry hole costs. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, two exploratory dry hole wells, associated lease costs, and related infrastructure assets in the Delaware Basin were expensed at a cost of $41.2 million. The conclusion to expense these items was due to the determination that the acreage on which these wells were drilled was exploratory in nature and, following drilling, the lack of hydrocarbon production necessary for the wells to be deemed economically viable.
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Impairment of Properties and Equipment
    
The following table sets forth the major components of our impairment of properties and equipment expense:

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in millions)(in millions)
              
Impairment of proved and unproved properties$0.3
 $150.8
 $2.4
 $152.8
Impairment of unproved properties$252.6
 $0.3
 $282.2
 $2.4
Amortization of individually insignificant unproved properties0.6
 3.2
 0.7
 8.4
0.1
 0.6
 0.3
 0.7
Impairment of crude oil and natural gas properties
0.9
 154.0
 3.1
 161.2
252.7
 0.9
 282.5
 3.1
Land and buildings
 
 3.0
 

 
 
 3.0
Impairment of properties and equipment$0.9
 $154.0
 $6.1
 $161.2
Total impairment of properties and equipment$252.7
 $0.9
 $282.5
 $6.1

Impairment of provedunproved properties. Amounts represent the retirement or expiration of certain leases that are no longer part of our development plan or that we do not plan to extend and unproved properties. Duewill allow to a significant decline inexpire. Deterioration of commodity prices andor other operating circumstances could result in additional impairment charges as such a change could decrease the number of wells drilled in net-back realizations in the third quarter of 2015, we experienced a triggering event that required us to assess our crude oil and natural gas properties for possible impairment. As a result of our assessment, we recorded an impairment charge duringfuture periods.

During the three months ended September 30, 20152017, we recorded a charge related to two exploratory dry holes we had drilled in the western area of $150.3 million to write-down our Utica Shale proved and unproved properties. Of this impairment charge, $24.7 million was recorded to write-down certain capitalized well costs on our Utica Shale proved producing properties. Additionally,Culberson County acreage in the Delaware Basin, as a resultreferenced previously.  We then assessed the impact of the outlookdry holes and various factors related thereto, including (i) the operational and geologic data obtained, (ii) the current increased cost environment for drilling and completion services in the Delaware, (iii) our decreased future commodity prices atprice outlook, and (iv) the terms of  the related lease agreements.  Based on the results of this assessment, we concluded that time,the underlying geologic risk and the challenged economics of future capital expenditures reduced the likelihood that we would perform future development in this area over the remaining lease term for this acreage.  Accordingly, we recorded an impairment charge of $125.6$251.6 million to write-down all of our Utica Shale lease acquisition costs and pad development costs for pads not in production. Future 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 amortizationcovering approximately 13,400 acres during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 comparedthird quarter of 2017.  The amount of the impairment was based on the value assigned to individual lease acres in the final purchase price allocation of the business combination.  This allocation had included the consideration paid to the threesellers, including the effect of the non-cash impact from the deferred tax liability created at the time of the acquisition. Due to the aforementioned events and nine months ended September 30, 2015 were due to an impairmentcircumstances in the third quarter of 20152017, we evaluated our proved property for possible impairment and concluded that significantly reducedthese assets were not impaired during the carrying valueperiod.

Impairment of our Utica Shale leases.Goodwill

LandThe final goodwill that resulted from the purchase price allocation of the assets acquired in the Delaware Basin was determined to be $75.1 million. With the creation of goodwill from this transaction, we expected to perform our evaluation of goodwill for impairment annually in the fourth quarter. However, primarily due to a combination of increases in per well development and buildings. The impairment charge foroperational costs and our drilling of two exploratory dry holes in the nine monthsDelaware Basin since the time of the acquisition, in conjunction with our lower future commodity price outlook, we determined a triggering event had occurred in the quarter ended September 30, 2016 represents2017. In addition to the excessfactors mentioned above, we also considered our recent impairments of certain unproven leasehold costs, and the carrying value overimpact of these items on our internal expectations for acceptable rates of return. We evaluated goodwill for impairment by performing a quantitative test, which involves comparing the estimated fair value lessof the costgoodwill asset group, which we define as the Delaware Basin, to sell,the carrying value. We determined the fair value of the goodwill at September 30, 2017 by using an estimated after-tax future discounted cash flow analysis, along with a field operating facilitycombination of market-based pricing factors for similar acreage, reserve valuation techniques, and other fair value considerations. The discounted cash flow analysis used to estimate fair value was based on known or knowable information at the interim measurement date. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in Greeley, Colorado,underlying assumptions and 12 acresfactors. The quantitative test resulted in a determination that a full impairment charge 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.$75.1 million was required; therefore, the charge was recorded in the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

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General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense increased $12.2 million to $32.5decreased $3.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 20162017, as compared to $20.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015.2016. The increasedecrease of $3.2 million was primarily attributable to $11.3a decrease of $10.2 million ofin professional fees and expenses related to the Delaware Basin Acquisition and a $1.2acquisition that were incurred in 2016, partially offset by
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increases of $3.7 million increase in payroll and employee benefits.benefits related to an increase in headcount for 2017 as compared to 2016, $2.0 million related to professional services, and $0.8 million for adjustments to the accounts receivable allowance.

General and administrative expense increased $16.8 million to $78.9$6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017, as compared to $62.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015.2016. The increase of $6.3 million was primarily attributable to $11.3increases of $7.5 million in payroll and employee benefits due to an increase in headcount for 2017 as compared to 2016, $2.9 million related to professional services, $2.4 million related to legal settlements, $1.0 million in software maintenance agreements and subscriptions, and $1.0 million in rent expense. The increases were partially offset by a decrease of $10.2 million in professional fees and expenses related to the Delaware Basin Acquisition, a $4.5 million increaseacquisition during the third quarter of 2016. We expect continued increases in payrollour headcount through the remainder of 2017 as we build out our Delaware Basin operations and employee benefits and a $0.6 million increase in costs for consulting and other professional services.the associated supporting service elements.
    
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 $123.6 million and $355.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to $112.1 million and $314.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $79.8 million and $203.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. respectively.

The period-over-period change in DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties was primarily due to the following:

 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2017
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 (in millions) (in millions)
Increase in production $32.0
 $104.1
 $44.5
 $138.5
Increase in weighted-average depreciation, depletion and amortization rates 0.3
 6.8
Decrease in weighted-average depreciation, depletion and amortization rates (33.0) (97.2)
Total increase in DD&A expense related to crude oil and natural gas properties $32.3
 $110.9
 $11.5
 $41.3

The following table presents our per Boe DD&A expense rates for crude oil and natural gas properties:

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
Operating Region/Area 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (per Boe) (per Boe)
Wattenberg Field $19.17
 $19.10
 $20.42
 $19.92
 $14.60
 $19.17
 $15.53
 $20.42
Delaware Basin 15.14
 
 15.32
 
Utica Shale 9.59
 10.08
 10.52
 11.49
 7.64
 9.59
 10.21
 10.52
Total weighted-average 18.66
 18.44
 19.94
 19.22
 14.52
 18.66
 15.35
 19.94

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, as part of plans to divest the Utica Shale properties, we engaged an investment banking group and began actively marketing the properties for sale; therefore, these properties are classified as held-for-sale as they met the criteria for such classification at the beginning of September 2017. As a result of the properties being classified as held-for-sale, we stopped recording DD&A expense on these properties during the three month period ended September 30, 2017, which has lowered the rate for the quarter.

Non-crude oil and natural gas properties.Depreciation expense for non-crude oil and natural gas properties was $1.7 million and $4.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to $0.9 million and $2.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $1.2 million and $3.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

Provision for Uncollectible Notes Receivable

DuringIn the first quarter of 2016, we recorded a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $44.7 million to impair two third-party notes receivable whose collection was not reasonably assured. DuringAs described in the three months ended September 30, 2016, we subsequently collected a $0.7 million promissory note and reversed the related provision and allowance for uncollectible notes receivable. See Note 3,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 elsewhere in this reportan unrelated third-party. Accordingly, we reversed $40.2 million of the provision for additional information.
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PDC ENERGY, INC.

uncollectible notes receivable during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, since all cash was collected in April 2017 from the sale of the note.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased $0.9 million to $19.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $20.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease is primarily attributable to a $9.0 million charge for a bridge loan commitment related to acquisitions of properties in the Delaware Basin during the three months ended September 30, 2016 and a $0.4 million decrease in interest expense on our 2016 Convertible Notes, which were settled in May 2016. The decreases were partially offset by a $5.3 million increase in interest relating 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, and a $0.9 million increase related to fees for the redetermination of the borrowing base under our revolving credit facility.

Interest expense increased $8.1$15.6 million and $7.4to $58.4 million duringfor the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 compared to $42.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.2016. The increases wereincrease is primarily attributable to an $18.0 million increase in interest expense relating to the issuance of our 2024 Senior Notes, a $9$7.7 million increase in interest expense relating to the issuance of our 2021 Convertible Notes, and a $2.5 million increase related to fees for the redetermination of the borrowing base under our revolving credit facility. These increases were partially offset by a $9.0 million charge for the bridge loan commitment related to acquisitions of properties in the Delaware Basin Acquisition, partially offset by decreases in interest expense on the 2016 Convertible Notes as they matured in May 2016.

Interest Income

Interest income decreased $1.2 million and $1.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as we ceased recognizing non-casha $3.9 million decrease in interest incomeexpense on two third-party notes receivable.our 2016 Convertible Notes, which were settled in May 2016.

Provision for Income Taxes

See Note 7, Income Taxes, to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a discussion of the changes in ourThe effective income tax raterates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20162017 were 29.5 percent and 25.8 percent benefit on loss, respectively, compared to the three34.0 percent and nine months ended September 30, 2015. The effective tax rate of 34.0% and 37.1%37.1 percent benefit on loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, isrespectively. The most significant element related to the decrease in the effective income tax rate was the impact from the impairment of the goodwill in the quarter ended September 30, 2017. This goodwill did not have an associated deferred tax liability associated with the goodwill at the time it was created, therefore, no deferred tax benefit was realized upon the impairment of the goodwill. The effective income tax rates are based onupon a full year forecasted pre-tax loss for the year adjusted for state tax, permanent differences and discrete items of tax.differences. The forecasted full year effective income tax rate has been applied to the quarter-to-date pre-tax loss, resulting in aan income tax benefit for the period. Because the estimate of full-year income or loss may change from quarter to quarter, the effective income 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 income tax rate that is determined at the end of the year.

Our deferred In addition to the impact from the goodwill impairment, the effective income tax liability atrate for the three months ended September 30, 2017 includes discrete income tax benefits of $0.8 million for additional deductions and credits claimed on the filed 2016 decreased $99.1 million compared to December 31, 2015. This decrease is primarily attributable to the significant positive net settlements from derivatives duringfederal and state income tax returns. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 includes discrete income tax benefits of $1.8 million relating to the excess income tax benefit recognized with the vesting of stock awards and $0.8 million for additional deductions and credits claimed on the filed 2016 federal and state tax returns. These discrete tax benefits during the significant reductionthree and nine months ended September 30, 2017 resulted in a 0.2 percent and 0.9 percent increase to our effective income tax rates.

Net Income (Loss)/Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
The factors resulting in changes in net loss in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 of $292.5 million and $205.1 million, respectively, and a net loss in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 of $23.3 million and $190.3 million, respectively, are discussed above. These same reasons similarly impacted adjusted net loss, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, with the exception of the tax affected net change in fair value of unsettled derivatives held atof $38.6 million and $40.3 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, partially offset by the $152017, respectively, and $17.5 million deferred tax liability for the equity component of the 2021 Convertible Notes issued in September 2016.

Net Loss/Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
Net lossand $142.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Adjusted net loss, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $23.3$253.9 million and $190.3 million compared to net loss of $41.5 million and $71.3$245.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015. Adjusted2017, respectively, and adjusted net loss a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure, was $5.8 million and $47.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to adjusted net loss of $75.9 million and $58.1 million for the same prior year periods. The components of the quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year changes in net loss are discussed above. These changes similarly impacted adjusted net loss, with the exception of the tax affected 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 a reconciliation of this measure to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

PDC ENERGY, INC.

Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Historically, ourOur primary sources of liquidity have beenare cash flows from operating activities, our revolving credit facility, proceeds raised in debt and equity capital market transactions, and asset sales. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017, our primary sources of liquidity were the net proceeds received from the March 2016 public offering of our common stock of $296.6 million, net proceeds from the Securities Issuances of approximately $1.1 billion, and net cash flows from operating activities of $360.8were $411.4 million. We used a portion of the net proceeds of the March 2016 common stock offering to repay all amounts then outstanding on our revolving credit facility and the principal amount owed upon the maturity of the 2016 Convertible Notes in May 2016 and retained the remainder for general corporate purposes. The net proceeds from the Securities Issuances are expected to be used to fund a portion of the purchase price of the Delaware Basin Acquisition (see Note 6, Pending Acquisition), to pay related fees and expenses and 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 substantiallyprincipally driven by commodity prices and changes in our production volumes. Commodity prices have historically been volatile and we manage a portion of 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. TheOur revolving credit agreementfacility imposes limits on the amount of our production we can hedge, and we may choose not to hedge the maximum amounts 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 and our hedge position, we expect that positive net settlements on our derivative positions will continue to be a significant positive component of our 2016 cash flows from operations. As of September 30, 2016, the fair value of our derivatives was a net asset of $33.5 million. Based on the forward pricing strip at September 30, 2016, we would expect positive net settlements totaling approximately $39.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2016. However, based upon our current hedge position and assuming currentforward strip pricing inas of September 30, 2017, and thereafter our derivatives may no longernot be a significant source of cash flow and may result in cash outflows. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, net settled derivatives comprised approximately 47% and 57%, 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.near term.

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
PDC ENERGY, INC.

our revolving credit facility. At September 30, 2016,2017, we had a working capital deficit of $39.1 million compared to working capital of $1,148.8 million compared to $30.7$129.2 million at December 31, 2015.2016. The increasedecrease in working capital as of September 30, 20162017 is primarily the result of an increasea decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $107.7 million related to the Securities Issuancescapital investment exceeding operating cash flows and the repaymentan increase in accounts payable of the 2016 Convertible Notes in May 2016,$97.8 million related to increased development and exploration activity, which was partially offset in part by a decreasean increase in the net fair value of our unsettled derivatives.commodity derivative instruments of $41.7 million.

In recent periods, including the first nine months of 2016, we have been able to access borrowings under our revolving credit facility and to obtain proceeds from the issuance of securities. We ended September 2016 withOur cash and cash equivalents of $1,197.7were $136.4 million at September 30, 2017 and availability under our revolving credit facility of $438.3was $700.0 million, providing for a total liquidity position of $1,636$836.4 million comparedas of September 30, 2017. Our liquidity was augmented in 2017 by the $40.2 million of proceeds received in the second quarter of 2017 from the sale of the Promissory Note, as described previously. We anticipate that our capital investments will exceed our cash flows from operating activities in 2017. With this outspend, along with the expected closing of the acquisition of certain properties owned by Bayswater and certain related parties, we expect to $402.2 millionhave borrowings on our revolving credit facility at December 31, 2015. These amounts exclude an additional $250 million available2017.

Based on our expected cash flows from operations, our cash and cash equivalents and availability under our revolving credit facility, that will be available following the closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition and may be available in other circumstances subject to certain terms and conditions of the agreement. The increase in liquidity of $1,233.8 million, or 306.8%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily attributable to net cash flows from operating activities of $360.8 million and net cash flows from financing activities of $1,284.8 million (including proceeds from the Securities Issuances), offset in part by cash paid for capital expenditures of $353.7 million. Our liquidity position was reduced by the cash payment of approximately $115 million upon the maturity of our 2016 Convertible Notes in May 2016. With our current derivative position, liquidity position and expected cash flows from operations, we believe that we have sufficient capital to fund the cash portion of the purchase price for the Delaware Basin Acquisition and our planned drilling operations foractivities during 2017.

Our revolving credit facility is a borrowing base facility and availability under the next 12 months. We cannot, however, assure sourcesfacility is subject to redetermination generally each May and November, based upon a quantification of capital availableour proved reserves at each December 31 and June 30, respectively. The maturity date of our revolving credit facility is May 2020. Our ability to us inborrow under the past will be availablerevolving credit facility is limited under our 2022 Senior Notes to us in the future.greater of $700 million or the calculated value under an Adjusted Consolidated Tangible Net Asset test, as defined.

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, 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, 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 and, in September 2016, approximately nine million shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering at a price to us of $61.51 per share and $200 million principal amount of convertible notes in an underwritten offering at par.

In September 2016,May 2017, we entered into a ThirdFifth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment, among other things, amends the revolving credit facility to permit the completionreflect an increase of the Delaware Basin Acquisition and, effective upon closing of the acquisition, adjusts the interest rate payable on amounts borrowed under the facility and increases the aggregate commitments under the facility from $450 million to $700 million (with the borrowing base remaining atfrom $700 million). The maturity datemillion to $950 million. In addition, the Fifth Amendment made changes to certain of the revolving credit facility is May 2020. We had no outstanding balance on our revolving credit facilitycovenants in the existing agreement as of September 30, 2016. While we have added and expect to continue to add producing reserves through our drilling operations, the effect of any such reserve additions on our borrowing base could be offset bywell as 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.administrative changes.

In October 2016,2017, we entered into the Fourtha Sixth Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. The amendment among other things, reaffirmed ouramends the revolving credit facility to allow the borrowing base atto increase above the maximum allowable borrowing capacity of $1.0 billion. We have elected to increase the borrowing base to $1.1 billion for our fall 2017 borrowing base redetermination and have elected to maintain a $700 million and made certain other immaterial modifications tocommitment level as of the existing agreement, includingdate of this report.

Amounts borrowed under the revolving credit facility bear interest at either an increasealternate base rate option or a LIBOR option as defined in the amountrevolving credit facility plus an applicable margin, depending on the percentage of the commitment that has been utilized. As of September 30, 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 0.5 percent.

We had no balance outstanding on our revolving credit facility as of September 30, 2017. In May 2017, we can hedgereplaced our $11.7 million irrevocable standby letter of credit that we held in favor of a third-party transportation service
PDC ENERGY, INC.

provider to secure a firm transportation obligation with a $9.3 million deposit, which is classified as restricted cash and is included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2017, the available funds under our future production. revolving credit facility were $700 million based on our elected commitment level.

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, 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. Effective upon closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, the maximum leverage ratio will be modified to a maximum of 4.00 to 1.00. At September 30, 2016,2017, we were in compliance with all debt covenants, as defined by the revolving credit agreement, with a 2.2 times debt to EBITDAXleverage ratio of 1.8 and a 8.9 to 1.0 current ratio.ratio of 2.9. We expect to remain in compliance throughout the next year.12-month period.

The indentures governing our 20242022 Senior Notes and 20222024 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 September 30, 2016,2017, 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 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 $77.8$50.6 million to $411.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015,2016, primarily due to increases in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales of $52.5 million, net$308.0 million. These increases were offset in part by a decrease in commodity derivative settlements from our derivative positions of $5.4$145.7 million and crude oil, and
PDC ENERGY, INC.

the increasea decrease in changes in assets and liabilities of $45.2$30.8 million related to the timing of cash payments and receipts. These increases were offset in part by increases in general and administrativeproduction taxes of $23.3 million, lease operating expenses of $16.8$22.2 million, interest expense of $15.6 million, transportation, gathering, and processing expenses of $7$8.6 million, and production taxesgeneral and administrative expenses of $6.5$6.3 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 $32.6by $81.3 million to $407.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.2016. 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 $16.6$184.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20162017, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015.2016. The decreaseincrease was primarily the result of recording a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $44 million and the increases in transportation, gathering and processing expenses of $7 million, production taxes of $6.5 million and general and administrative expense of $16.8 million, offset in part by increases in crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales of $52.5$308.0 million, the recording of a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $44.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, and the reversal of a provision for uncollectible notes receivable of $40.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease in commodity derivative settlements of $145.7 million and net settlements from our derivative positionsincreases in production taxes of $5.4$23.3 million, lease operating expenses of $22.2 million, transportation, gathering, and processing expenses of $8.6 million, and general and administrative expenses of $6.3 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.

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 $448.8$512.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20162017, was primarily related to cash utilized for our drilling operations, including completion activities of $353.7$528.9 million, and a $100$21.0 million deposit toward the cash portion of the purchase price of the Delaware Basin Acquisition.acquisition of certain
PDC ENERGY, INC.

properties owned by Bayswater and certain related parties, purchases of short-term investments of $49.9 million, and a $9.3 million deposit with a third-party transportation service provider for surety of an existing firm transportation obligation previously secured by a letter of credit.  Partially offsetting these investments was the receipt of approximately $49.9 million related to the sale of short-term investments, $40.2 million from the sale of the Promissory Note, and $5.4 million related to post-closing settlements of properties acquired in 2016.

Financing Activities. Net cash from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased2017 decreased by approximately $1,091.5$1,291.1 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Net cash from2016. Certain capital markets and financing activities of $1,284.8 million for the nine months ended September 30,occurred in 2016 was primarily related to theincluding $855.1 million received from the issuancesan issuance of our common stock, $392.3 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Senior Notes, and $194the $194.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of the 2021 Convertible Notes,Notes. These amounts were partially offset by the $115$115.0 million payment of principal amounts owed upon the maturity of the 2016 Convertible Notes and net payments of approximately $37$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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 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 34.7 40.1  26.5 52.8 1.1 87.4
 40.1
 0.4 75.0
 52.8
 2.1
Wattenberg Field, non-operated wells 1.8 2.2  1.2 4.9  5.0
 2.2
  5.4
 4.9
 
Utica Shale  1.7     2.8
 1.7
  3.0
 
 
Total drilling activity 36.5 44.0  27.7 57.7 1.1 95.2
 44.0
 0.4
 83.4
 57.7
 2.1
______________
(1) Represents mechanical failures that resultedfacility in the plugging and abandonmentfirst quarter of the respective wells.2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At September 30, 2016,2017, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under SEC rules, thatwhich 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.

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Commitments and Contingencies

See Note 11,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.

Recent Regulatory Developments

On May 2, 2017, in response to an incident in Firestone, Colorado, the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (“COGCC”) issued a Notice to Operators (the “Notice”). Among other things, the Notice included requirements for all operators of oil and gas wells in Colorado to inspect all existing flowlines and pipelines located within 1,000 feet of a building unit; inspect any abandoned flowlines or pipelines, regardless of distance to ensure proper abandonment; and test integrity of all connected flowlines.

We timely complied with both phases of the Notice. We have an existing Flowline Integrity Management Program to inspect all Denver-Julesburg Basin wells and related pipelines on an annual basis, and will continue to engage in this process.

On August 22, 2017, the State announced its response to the incident, following a three month review of oil and gas operations. The policy initiatives proposed could come either through rulemaking or legislation.

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 in our reconciliation of adjusted EBITDAX calculation.  In prior periods, we included adjusted EBITDA, a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure that did not include these adjustments.  We have elected to disclose Adjusted EBITDAX rather than Adjusted EBITDA in this report and other public disclosures because we believe it is more comparable to similar metrics presented by others in the industry. All prior periods have been 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 or paid during the same period. We
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PDC ENERGY, INC.

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 generally 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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2016 2015 2016 20152017 2016 2017 2016
(in millions)(in millions)
Adjusted cash flows from operations:              
Net cash from operating activities$148.2
 $163.0
 411.4
 $360.8
Changes in assets and liabilities2.7
 (40.4) (3.9) (34.6)
Adjusted cash flows from operations$122.6
 $122.7
 $326.2
 $293.6
$150.9
 $122.6
 $407.5
 $326.2
Changes in assets and liabilities40.4
 13.8
 34.6
 (10.6)
Net cash from operating activities$163.0
 $136.5
 $360.8
 $283.0
              
Adjusted net loss:              
Adjusted net loss$(5.8) $(75.9) $(47.7) $(58.1)
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments19.4
 123.5
 (62.3) 141.2
Net loss$(292.5) $(23.3) $(205.1) $(190.3)
(Gain) loss on commodity derivative instruments52.2
 (19.4) (86.5) 62.3
Net settlements on commodity derivative instruments(47.7) (68.0) (167.9) (162.5)9.6
 47.7
 22.2
 167.9
Tax effect of above adjustments10.8
 (21.1) 87.6
 8.1
(23.2) (10.8) 24.0
 (87.6)
Adjusted net loss$(253.9) $(5.8) $(245.4) $(47.7)
       
Net loss to adjusted EBITDAX:       
Net loss$(23.3) $(41.5) $(190.3) $(71.3)$(292.5) $(23.3) $(205.1) $(190.3)
(Gain) loss on commodity derivative instruments52.2
 (19.4) (86.5) 62.3
Net settlements on commodity derivative instruments9.6
 47.7
 22.2
 167.9
Non-cash stock-based compensation4.8
 4.1
 14.6
 15.2
Interest expense, net18.8
 20.1
 56.9
 40.9
Income tax benefit(122.4) (12.0) (71.5) (112.2)
Impairment of properties and equipment252.7
 0.9
 282.5
 6.1
Impairment of goodwill75.1
 
 75.1
 
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense41.9
 0.2
 43.9
 0.7
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization125.2
 112.9
 360.6
 317.3
Accretion of asset retirement obligations1.5
 1.8
 4.9
 5.4
Adjusted EBITDAX$166.9
 $133.0
 $497.6
 $313.3
              
Adjusted EBITDA to net loss:       
Adjusted EBITDA$128.7
 $129.1
 $297.4
 $314.0
Gain (loss) on commodity derivative instruments19.4
 123.5
 (62.3) 141.2
Net settlements on commodity derivative instruments(47.7) (68.0) (167.9) (162.5)
Cash from operating activities to adjusted EBITDAX:       
Net cash from operating activities$148.2
 $163.0
 $411.4
 $360.8
Interest expense, net(20.1) (10.7) (40.9) (31.8)18.8
 20.1
 56.9
 40.9
Income tax provision12.0
 21.2
 112.2
 40.6
Impairment of properties and equipment(0.9) (154.0) (6.1) (161.2)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization(112.9) (81.0) (317.3) (206.9)
Accretion of asset retirement obligations(1.8) (1.6) (5.4) (4.7)
Net loss$(23.3) $(41.5) $(190.3) $(71.3)
       
Adjusted EBITDA to net cash from operating activities:       
Adjusted EBITDA$128.7
 $129.1
 $297.4
 $314.0
Interest expense, net(20.1) (10.7) (40.9) (31.8)
Stock-based compensation4.1
 4.8
 15.2
 14.3
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs9.9
 1.8
 12.9
 5.3
(3.2) (9.9) (9.6) (13.0)
Gain on sale of properties and equipment(0.2) (0.1) 
 (0.3)0.1
 0.2
 0.8
 
Exploration, geologic, and geophysical expense41.9
 0.2
 43.9
 0.7
Exploratory dry hole costs(41.2) 
 (41.2) 
Other0.2
 (2.2) 41.6
 (7.9)(0.4) (0.2) 39.3
 (41.5)
Changes in assets and liabilities40.4
 13.8
 34.6
 (10.6)2.7
 (40.4) (3.9) (34.6)
Net cash from operating activities$163.0
 $136.5
 $360.8
 $283.0
Adjusted EBITDAX$166.9
 $133.0
 $497.6
 $313.3


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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 2021 Convertible Notes, 2024 Senior Notes, and 2022 Senior Notes have fixed rates, 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 September 30, 2016,2017, 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 September 30, 20162017 was $1,167$105.6 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.3%.1.0 percent. Based on a sensitivity analysis of our interest-bearing deposits as of September 30, 20162017 and assuming we had $1,167$105.6 million outstanding throughout the period, we estimate that a 1%one percent increase in interest rates would have increased interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 by approximately $8.7$0.8 million.

As of September 30, 2016,2017, 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, 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 September 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
September 30,
2016 (2)
(in millions)
  Floors Ceilings     
Natural Gas                
NYMEX                
2016 900.0
 $3.75
 $4.04
 7,805.0
 $3.67
 8,403.2
 $(0.27) $5.3
2017 7,920.0
 3.59
 4.13
 27,290.0
 3.55
 12,000.0
 (0.28) 17.0
2018 1,230.0
 3.00
 3.67
 45,280.0
 2.94
 16,200.0
 (0.28) 2.4
                 
Total Natural Gas 10,050.0
     80,375.0
   36,603.2
   24.7
                 
Crude Oil                
NYMEX                
2016 435.0
 77.59
 97.55
 930.0
 72.21
 
 
 34.0
2017 1,464.0
 49.22
 65.95
 3,004.0
 44.92
 
 
 (15.1)
2018 1,512.0
 41.85
 54.31
 1,512.0
 51.06
 
 
 (10.1)
      
          
Total Crude Oil 3,411.0
     5,446.0
   
   8.8
Total Natural Gas and Crude Oil               $33.5
                 
____________
(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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The following table presents our commodity and basis derivative positions related to crude oil, natural gas, and propane in effect as of September 30, 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
September 30,
2017 (1)
(in millions)
  Floors Ceilings   
Crude Oil            
NYMEX            
2017 616.0
 $49.54
 $62.32
 1,837.1
 $50.13
 $(2.6)
2018 1,512.0
 41.85
 54.31
 7,972.0
 52.11
 (0.6)
2019 
 
 
 2,400.0
 50.25
 (1.8)
Total Crude Oil 2,128.0
     12,209.1
   $(5.0)
             
Natural Gas            
NYMEX            
2017 2,895.1
 $3.38
 $4.02
 10,310.0
 $3.39
 $4.6
2018 5,230.0
 3.00
 3.54
 51,280.0
 2.95
 (4.1)
Total Natural Gas 8,125.1
     61,590.0
   $0.5
             
Basis Protection            
CIG            
2017 
 
 
 13,264.2
 $(0.34) $0.6
2018 
 
 
 30,200.0
 (0.34) 3.7
Waha            
2018 
 
 
 6,000.0
 (0.50) 0.1
Total Basis Protection 
     49,464.2
   $4.4
             
Propane            
Mont Belvieu            
2017 
 
 
 411.9
 $27.22
 $(4.3)
2018 
 
 
 428.6
 29.14
 (1.3)
Total Propane       840.5
   $(5.6)
Commodity Derivatives Fair Value       $(5.7)
             
____________

(1)Approximately 10.8 percent of the fair value of our commodity derivative assets and 28.4 percent of the fair value of our commodity derivative liabilities were measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

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PDC ENERGY, INC.

In addition to our commodity derivative positions as of September 30, 2017, we entered into the following commodity derivative positions subsequent to September 30, 2017 that are effective as of November 3, 2017:

  Fixed-Price Swaps
Commodity/ Index/
Maturity Period
 
Quantity (Oil - MBbls
Gas and Basis-
BBtu
 Propane - MBbls)
 
Weighted-
Average
Contract
Price
  
Crude Oil    
NYMEX    
2018 600.0
 $53.30
2019 600.0
 $51.43
     
Total Crude Oil 1,200.0
  
     
Basis Protection    
CIG    
2018 5,000.0
 $(0.51)
     
El Paso    
2018 3,000.0
 $(0.62)
     
Total Basis Swaps 8,000.0
  
     
Rollfactor (1)    
2018 3,648.0
 $0.03

(1)These positions hedge the timing risk associated with our physical sales. We generally sell crude oil for the delivery month at a sales price based on the average NYMEX West Texas Intermediate price during that month, plus an adjustment calculated as a spread between the weighted average prices of the delivery month, the next month and the following month during the period when the delivery month is the first month (the "trade month roll").

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 Nine Months Ended Year Ended
 September 30, 2016 September 30, 2016 December 31, 2015
Average Index Closing Price:     
Crude oil (per Bbl)     
NYMEX$44.94
 $41.33
 $48.80
Natural gas (per MMBtu)     
NYMEX$2.81
 $2.29
 $2.66
CIG2.47
 1.98
 2.44
TETCO M-2 (1)1.47
 1.31
 1.49
      
Average Sales Price Realized:     
Excluding net settlements on derivatives     
Crude oil (per Bbl)$42.11
 $37.33
 $40.14
Natural gas (per Mcf)2.04
 1.62
 2.04
NGLs (per Bbl)11.12
 10.41
 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 Nine Months Ended Year Ended
 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
Average NYMEX Index Price:     
Crude oil (per Bbl)$48.20
 $49.47
 $43.32
Natural gas (per MMBtu)3.00
 3.17
 2.46
      
Average Sales Price Realized:     
Excluding net settlements on commodity derivatives    
Crude oil (per Bbl)$45.66
 $46.69
 $39.96
Natural gas (per Mcf)2.17
 2.23
 1.77
NGLs (per Bbl)18.11
 17.24
 11.80

Based on a sensitivity analysis as of September 30, 2016,2017, 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
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in place, would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of our derivative positions of $80.3$83.9 million, whereas a 10%ten percent decrease in prices would have resulted in an increase in fair value of $80.3$83.7 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 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.judgments. We expect this trend to continue for this segment.business.

A group of 42 independent West Virginia natural gas producers has filed a lawsuit 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. RNG and Dominion have removed the case to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and are preparing pre-trial pleadings, including an answer to the compliant and a motion to dismiss the case. 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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PDC ENERGY, INC.

Disclosure of Limitations

Because the information above included only those exposures that existed at September 30, 2016,2017, 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 September 30, 2016,2017, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the PrincipalChief 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 PrincipalChief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2016.2017.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the three months ended September 30, 2016,2017, 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.

PART II
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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 September 30, 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, other accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

CommitmentsClean Air Act Tentative Agreement and Contingencies – LitigationRelated Consent Decree

,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 ("DJ Basin"). The Information Request focused on historical operation and design information for 46 of our production facilities and requested sampling and analyses at the identified 46 facilities. We responded to the Information Request with the requested data in January 2016.
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 (“CDPHE”) 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.

For more than a year, we held a series of meetings with the EPA, Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and CDPHE on the above matters. On June 26, 2017, the DOJ on behalf of the EPA and the State of Colorado filed a complaint against us based on the above matters. We continued to conduct meetings with these agencies in working toward a resolution of the matters. On September 28, 2017, the parties jointly filed for an extension of time for PDC to reply to the complaint. The extension was requested because the parties reached an agreement to resolve the case subject to final approval by the appropriate persons within the federal government and state government, as well as outcome of the period of public comment on the proposed decree.

A consent decree was signed by all parties on October 31, 2017 and is subject to a 30-day comment period in which it will be publicly published in the Federal Register. The consent decree provides that we will implement changes to our condenseddesign, operation, and maintenance of most of our field-wide storage tank systems to enhance our emission management in the DJ Basin.  Agreed upon and planned efforts include, but are not limited to, vapor control system modifications and verification, increased inspection and monitoring, and installation of tank pressure monitors. We voluntarily included in the consent decree approximately 40 additional facilities associated with our pending acquisition of additional assets in the basin.  The three primary elements of the consent decree are: (i) fine/supplemental environmental projects ($1.5 million cash fine, plus $1 million in supplemental environmental projects); (ii) injunctive relief with an estimated cost of approximately $18 million, primarily representing capital enhancements to our operations; and (iii) mitigation with an estimated cost of $1.7 million.  Certain expenditures for the injunctive relief are believed to have been incurred in 2016 and 2017, with the remainder expected to be incurred over the next few years. We do not believe that the expenditures resulting from the settlement will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements included elsewherestatements. Although we believe the consent decree will be approved by the court following the comment period, this cannot be guaranteed. 

Action Regarding Firm Transportation Contracts
In June 2016, a group of 42 independent West Virginia natural gas producers filed a lawsuit in this report.Marshall County, West Virginia, naming Dominion Transmission, Inc. ("Dominion"), certain entities affiliated with Dominion, and our
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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:

If completed, the Delaware Basin Acquisition may not achieve its intended results and may result in us assuming unanticipated liabilities. To date, we have conducted only limited diligence regarding the assets and liabilities we would assume in the transaction.

We entered into the Delaware Basin Acquisition agreements with the expectation that the acquisition would result in various benefits, growth opportunities and synergies. Achieving the anticipated benefits of the transaction is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. For example, under the acquisition agreements, we have the opportunity to conduct customary environmental and title due diligence following the execution of the agreements, but our diligence efforts to date have been limited. As a result, we may discover title defects or adverse environmental or other conditions of which we are currently unaware. Environmental, title and other problems could reduce the value of the properties to us, and, depending on the circumstances, we could have limited or no recourse to the sellers with respect to those problems. We would assume substantially all of the liabilities associated with the acquired properties and would be entitled to indemnification in connection with those liabilities in only limited circumstances and in limited amounts. We cannot assure you that such potential remedies will be adequate for any liabilities we incur, and such liabilities could be significant. In addition, certain of the properties to be acquired are subject to consents to assign and preference rights. If all applicable waivers cannot be obtained, we may not be able to acquire certain properties as originally contemplated and our expected benefits of the acquisition may be adversely affected. Further, the acquisition agreements allow the sellers to include a specified amount of additional leases in the transaction, which would increase the purchase price. Also, it is uncertain whether our existing operations and the acquired properties and assets can be integrated in an efficient and effective manner.

As with other acquisitions, the success of the Delaware Basin Acquisition depends on, among other things, the accuracy of our assessment of the reserves and drilling locations associated with the acquired properties, future oil, NGL and natural gas prices and operating costs and various other factors. These assessments are necessarily inexact. As a result, we may not recover the purchase price for the acquisition from the sale of production from the property or recognize an acceptable return from such sales. See "-Risks Related to Our Business and the Industry-Acquisitions of properties are subject to the uncertainties of evaluating recoverable reserves and potential liabilities, including environmental uncertainties" in our 2015 Form 10-K. Although the properties to be acquired are subject to many of the risks and uncertainties to which our business and operations are subject, risks associated with the Delaware Basin Acquisition in particular include those associated with our ability to operate efficiently in an area where we have no current operations, the significant size of the transaction relative to our existing operations, the fact that a substantial majority of the properties to be acquired are undeveloped and the additional indebtedness we have incurred in connection with the acquisition. We also expect that pursuing our future development plans for the properties to be acquired will require
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capital in excess of our projected cash flows from operations for some period of time beginning in 2017, which may increase our need for external financing.

In addition, the integration of operations following the Delaware Basin Acquisition will require substantial attention from our management and other personnel, which may distract their attention from our day-to-day business and operations and prevent us from realizing benefits from other opportunities. Completing the integration process may be more expensive than anticipated, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to effect the integration of these operations smoothly or efficiently or that the anticipated benefits of the transaction will be achieved.

The reserves, production and drilling locations estimates with respect to the properties to be acquired in the Delaware Basin Acquisition may differ materially from the actual amounts.

The reserves, production and drilling locations estimates with respect to the properties to be acquired in the Delaware Basin Acquisition are based on our analysis of historical production data, assumptions regarding capital expenditures and anticipated production declines. Such analysis is based, in significant part, on data provided by the sellers. We cannot assure you that these estimates are accurate. After such data is further reviewed by us and our independent engineers, the actual reserves, production and number of viable drilling locations may differ materially from our expectations.

We have incurred significant transaction-related costs in connection with the Delaware Basin Acquisition and the related financing transactions.

We have incurred a number of significant transaction-related costs associated with the Delaware Basin Acquisition and the related financing transactions. We continue to assess the magnitude of these costs and additional unanticipated costs, including costs incurred in the integration of the properties to be acquired, which may be significant.

Failure to complete the Delaware Basin Acquisition could negatively affect our stock price as well as our business and financial results.

Closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition is subject to a number of conditions. If the Delaware Basin Acquisition is not completed, we will be subject to a number of risks, including but not limited to the following:

We must pay costs related to the acquisition including, among others, legal, accounting and financial advisory fees, whether the acquisition is completed or not.

In some circumstances set forth in the acquisition agreements, we could be required to forfeit the $100 million aggregate deposit we made at the time the agreements were executed.

We may experience negative reactions from the financial markets.

We could be subject to litigation related to the failure to complete the acquisition.

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
     
July 1 - 31, 2016 19,261
 $54.38
August 1 - 31, 2016 440
 55.48
September 1 - 30, 2016 
 
Total third quarter purchases 19,701
 54.40
     
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased (1) Average Price Paid per Share
     
July 1 - 31, 2017 1,360
 $42.68
August 1 - 31, 2017 
 
September 1 - 30, 2017 12
 39.58
Total third quarter 2017 purchases 1,372
 $42.65
     
__________
(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
             
10.1

X
31.1          X
             
31.2          X
             
32.1**           
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: November 3, 20166, 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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