Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM10-Q
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
Commission file number 1-10447
 
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWAREDelaware 04-3072771
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
Three Memorial City Plaza
840 Gessner Road,Suite 1400,Houston,Texas77024
(Address of principal executive offices including ZIP code)
(281) (281) 589-4600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.10 per shareCOGNew York Stock Exchange
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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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 ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerý
 
Accelerated filero
   
Non-accelerated filero
 
Smaller reporting companyo
   
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 
Emerging growth companyo
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 ý
As of October 23, 2017,July 24, 2019, there were 462,508,414418,390,612 shares of Common Stock, Par Value $0.10 Per Share, outstanding.

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  Page
 
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
  

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.Financial Statements
CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share amounts) September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
ASSETS  
  
  
  
Current assets  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $510,256
 $498,542
 $241,394
 $2,287
Accounts receivable, net 161,690
 191,045
 183,376
 362,403
Income taxes receivable 26,963
 10,298
 121,859
 109,251
Inventories 12,997
 13,304
 19,381
 11,076
Derivative instruments 61,194
 57,665
Other current assets 6,123
 2,692
 4,126
 1,863
Total current assets 718,029
 715,881
 631,330
 544,545
Properties and equipment, net (Successful efforts method) 4,234,772
 4,250,125
 3,699,575
 3,463,606
Equity method investments 148,920
 129,524
 166,138
 163,181
Other assets 27,045
 27,039
 66,686
 27,497
 $5,128,766
 $5,122,569
 $4,563,729
 $4,198,829
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  
  
  
  
Current liabilities  
  
  
  
Accounts payable $160,789
 $168,411
 $184,960
 $241,939
Current portion of long-term debt 237,000
 
Accrued liabilities 27,314
 21,492
 29,184
 25,227
Interest payable 12,331
 27,650
 19,882
 20,098
Derivative instruments 800
 40,259
Total current liabilities 438,234
 257,812
 234,026
 287,264
Long-term debt, net 1,284,551
 1,520,530
 1,219,555
 1,226,104
Deferred income taxes 638,014
 579,447
 611,163
 458,597
Asset retirement obligations 59,605
 131,733
 54,356
 50,622
Postretirement benefits 27,360
 36,259
 28,874
 27,912
Other liabilities 36,408
 29,121
 70,951
 60,171
Total liabilities 2,484,172
 2,554,902
 2,218,925
 2,110,670
    
Commitments and contingencies 
 
 

 

    
Stockholders' equity  
  
  
  
Common stock:  
  
  
  
Authorized — 960,000,000 shares of $0.10 par value in 2017 and 2016, respectively  
  
Issued — 475,443,335 shares and 475,042,692 shares in 2017 and 2016, respectively 47,544
 47,504
Authorized — 960,000,000 shares of $0.10 par value in 2019 and 2018, respectively  
  
Issued — 476,879,016 shares and 476,094,551 shares in 2019 and 2018, respectively 47,688
 47,610
Additional paid-in capital 1,738,656
 1,727,310
 1,769,195
 1,763,142
Retained earnings 1,230,002
 1,098,703
 1,983,733
 1,607,658
Accumulated other comprehensive income 3,482
 985
 4,164
 4,437
Less treasury stock, at cost:  
  
  
  
12,935,926 and 9,892,680 shares in 2017 and 2016, respectively (375,090) (306,835)
58,490,638 shares and 53,409,705 shares in 2019 and 2018, respectively (1,459,976) (1,334,688)
Total stockholders' equity 2,644,594
 2,567,667
 2,344,804
 2,088,159
 $5,128,766
 $5,122,569
 $4,563,729
 $4,198,829

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

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2017 2016
OPERATING REVENUES  
  
  
  
   Natural gas $323,319
 $260,200
 $1,152,089
 $711,010
   Crude oil and condensate 56,913
 37,777
 144,528
 114,610
   Gain (loss) on derivative instruments (836) 6,904
 46,353
 (1,286)
   Brokered natural gas 3,528
 3,641
 12,260
 9,417
   Other 2,492
 1,907
 8,486
 5,435
  385,416
 310,429
 1,363,716
 839,186
OPERATING EXPENSES  
  
  
  
   Direct operations 26,282
 24,626
 78,185
 77,139
   Transportation and gathering 117,891
 105,671
 361,909
 322,883
   Brokered natural gas 2,797
 2,939
 10,262
 7,526
   Taxes other than income 9,194
 8,771
 26,562
 23,737
   Exploration 6,466
 2,988
 16,623
 13,109
   Depreciation, depletion and amortization 146,267
 139,490
 425,689
 448,910
   Impairment of oil and gas properties 
 
 68,555
 
   General and administrative 23,244
 19,374
 70,902
 67,192
  332,141
 303,859
 1,058,687
 960,496
Earnings (loss) on equity method investments (1,417) (1,727) (3,986) 208
Loss on sale of assets (11,872) (1,245) (13,498) (768)
INCOME (LOSS) FROM OPERATIONS 39,986
 3,598
 287,545
 (121,870)
Interest expense, net 20,331
 21,483
 61,720
 67,821
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 
 
 4,709
Other expense (income) (5,083) 402
 (4,974) 1,207
Income (loss) before income taxes 24,738
 (18,287) 230,799
 (195,607)
Income tax expense (benefit) 7,151
 (8,027) 85,965
 (71,243)
NET INCOME (LOSS) $17,587
 $(10,260) $144,834
 $(124,364)
         
Earnings (loss) per share  
  
  
  
Basic $0.04
 $(0.02) $0.31
 $(0.27)
Diluted $0.04
 $(0.02) $0.31
 $(0.27)
         
Weighted-average common shares outstanding  
  
  
  
Basic 462,498
 465,149
 464,194
 454,060
Diluted 464,780
 465,149
 466,010
 454,060
         
Dividends per common share $0.05
 $0.02
 $0.12
 $0.06
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited)
  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income (loss) $17,587
 $(10,260) $144,834
 $(124,364)
Postretirement benefits:        
Net gain (loss) (1)
 (1,429) 
 (1,429) 
Prior service credit (2)
 5,449
 
 5,449
 
Amortization of prior service cost (3)
 (1,551) 17
 (1,523) 52
Amortization of (gain) net loss (4)
 287
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income 2,756
 17
 2,497
 52
Comprehensive income (loss) $20,343
 $(10,243) $147,331
 $(124,312)

(1)
Net of income taxes of $837 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(2)
Net of income taxes of $(3,194) for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2017.
(3)
Net of income taxes of $909 and $(10) for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $893 and $(31) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(4)
Net of income taxes of $(168) for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2019 2018 2019 2018
OPERATING REVENUES  
  
  
  
   Natural gas $470,482
 $364,660
 $1,103,656
 $776,768
   Crude oil and condensate 
 
 
 48,722
   Gain (loss) on derivative instruments 63,649
 (3,668) 71,906
 1,909
   Brokered natural gas 
 92,576
 
 97,526
   Other (14) (121) 236
 1,749
  534,117
 453,447
 1,175,798
 926,674
OPERATING EXPENSES  
  
  
  
   Direct operations 18,093
 15,657
 36,427
 35,727
   Transportation and gathering 141,689
 114,189
 279,022
 226,314
   Brokered natural gas 
 80,082
 
 85,032
   Taxes other than income 3,640
 5,392
 9,487
 12,582
   Exploration 4,504
 54,500
 10,548
 58,117
   Depreciation, depletion and amortization 96,147
 84,910
 188,405
 167,038
   General and administrative 22,889
 21,228
 53,979
 45,288
  286,962
 375,958
 577,868
 630,098
Earnings (loss) on equity method investments 3,650
 (4) 7,334
 (998)
Gain (loss) on sale of assets 
 544
 (1,500) (40,505)
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 250,805
 78,029
 603,764
 255,073
Interest expense, net 14,567
 23,328
 26,748
 43,386
Other expense 143
 118
 287
 232
Income before income taxes 236,095
 54,583
 576,729
 211,455
Income tax expense 55,086
 12,152
 132,957
 51,793
NET INCOME $181,009
 $42,431
 $443,772
 $159,662
         
Earnings per share  
  
  
  
Basic $0.43
 $0.09
 $1.05
 $0.35
Diluted $0.43
 $0.09
 $1.05
 $0.35
         
Weighted-average common shares outstanding  
  
  
  
Basic 422,141
 451,055
 422,626
 455,361
Diluted 424,349
 453,114
 424,550
 457,142
         
Dividends per common share $0.09
 $0.06
 $0.16
 $0.12
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2019 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
Net income (loss) $144,834
 $(124,364)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by operating activities:  
  
Net income $443,772
 $159,662
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:  
  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 425,689
 448,910
 188,405
 167,038
Impairment of oil and gas properties 68,555
 
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 89,731
 (59,413)
Deferred income tax expense 152,647
 66,976
Loss on sale of assets 13,498
 768
 1,500
 40,505
Exploratory dry hole cost 2,842
 18
 16
 51,085
(Gain) loss on derivative instruments (46,353) 1,286
Net cash received in settlement of derivative instruments 3,587
 3,204
Gain on derivative instruments (71,906) (1,909)
Net cash received (paid) in settlement of derivative instruments 68,377
 (20,312)
(Earnings) loss on equity method investments 3,986
 (208) (7,334) 998
Distribution of earnings from equity method investments 8,750
 
Amortization of debt issuance costs 3,579
 3,888
 2,464
 2,390
Stock-based compensation and other 26,011
 23,051
 21,058
 10,364
Changes in assets and liabilities:  
  
  
  
Accounts receivable, net 29,276
 (1,135) 179,027
 38,939
Income taxes (16,665) (11,235) (5,577) 12,107
Inventories (2,100) 2,860
 (8,305) (12,377)
Other current assets (896) (917) (2,263) (1,096)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (5,133) (12,174) (35,867) 7,168
Interest payable (15,318) (17,618) (216) (215)
Other assets and liabilities (6,076) 784
 (22,611) 25,337
Net cash provided by operating activities 719,047
 257,705
 911,937
 546,660
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
Capital expenditures (586,813) (245,033) (421,500) (387,271)
Proceeds from sale of assets 32,711
 49,068
 2,346
 646,868
Investment in equity method investments (23,382) (24,176) (5,131) (62,905)
Net cash used in investing activities (577,484) (220,141)
Distribution of investment from equity method investments 758
 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (423,527) 196,692
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES  
  
  
  
Borrowings from debt 
 90,000
 95,000
 
Repayments of debt 
 (587,000) (102,000) 
Treasury stock repurchases (68,255) 
 (156,638) (419,654)
Sale of common stock, net 
 995,279
Dividends paid (55,707) (26,885) (67,697) (54,718)
Tax withholdings on stock award vestings (5,929) (5,056)
Tax withholdings on vesting of stock awards (10,557) (8,033)
Capitalized debt issuance costs 
 (3,223) (7,411) 
Other 42
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (129,849) 463,115
Net cash used in financing activities (249,303) (482,405)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 11,714
 500,679
 239,107
 260,947
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 498,542
 514
 2,287
 480,047
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $510,256
 $501,193
 $241,394
 $740,994
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share  amounts) Common Shares Common Stock Par Treasury Shares Treasury Stock Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Total
Balance at December 31, 2018 476,095
 $47,610
 53,410
 $(1,334,688) $1,763,142
 $4,437
 $1,607,658
 $2,088,159
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 
 262,763
 262,763
Stock amortization and vesting 682
 68
 
 
 (281) 
 
 (213)
Purchase of treasury stock 
 
 
 (28) 
 
 
 (28)
Cash dividends at $0.07 per share 
 
 
 
 
 
 (29,605) (29,605)
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 (137) 
 (137)
Balance at March 31, 2019 476,777
 $47,678
 53,410
 $(1,334,716) $1,762,861
 $4,300
 $1,840,816
 $2,320,939
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 
 181,009
 181,009
Stock amortization and vesting 102
 10
 
 
 6,334
 
 
 6,344
Purchase of treasury stock 
 
 5,081
 (125,260) 
 
 
 (125,260)
Cash dividends at $0.09 per share 
 
 
 
 
 
 (38,092) (38,092)
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 (136) 
 (136)
Balance at June 30, 2019 476,879
 $47,688
 58,491
 $(1,459,976) $1,769,195
 $4,164
 $1,983,733
 $2,344,804

(In thousands, except per share  amounts) Common Shares Common Stock Par Treasury Shares Treasury Stock Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Total
Balance at December 31, 2017 475,547
 $47,555
 14,936
 $(430,576) $1,742,419
 $2,077
 $1,162,430
 $2,523,905
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 
 117,231
 117,231
Stock amortization and vesting 534
 53
 
 
 249
 
 
 302
Purchase of treasury stock 
 
 8,328
 (207,135) 
 
 
 (207,135)
Cash dividends at $0.06 per share 
 
 
 
 
 
 (27,647) (27,647)
Other comprehensive income 
 
 
 
 
 306
 
 306
Cumulative impact from accounting change 
 
 
 
 
 
 (446) (446)
Balance at March 31, 2018 476,081
 $47,608
 23,264
 $(637,711) $1,742,668
 $2,383
 $1,251,568
 $2,406,516
Net income  
 
 
 
 
 42,431
 42,431
Exercise of stock appreciation rights 3
 1
 
 
 
 
 
 1
Stock amortization and vesting 2
 
 
 
 6,769
 
 
 6,769
Purchase of treasury stock 
 
 11,646
 (274,337) 
 
 
 (274,337)
Cash dividends at $0.06 per share 
 
 
 
 
 
 (27,071) (27,071)
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 
 
 
 (135) 
 (135)
Balance at June 30, 2018 476,086
 $47,609
 34,910
 $(912,048) $1,749,437
 $2,248
 $1,266,928
 $2,154,174

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

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
1. Financial Statement Presentation
During interim periods, Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (the Company) follows the same accounting policies disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162018 (Form 10-K) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements and information presented in the Form 10-K. In management’s opinion, the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the expected results for the entire year.
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year statements to conform with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported stockholders' equity, net income (loss) or cash flows, except as discussed in "Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements" below.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
Stock-Based Compensation. Leases. In MarchFebruary 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, as an amendment to Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 718. The areas for simplification in this update involve several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, forfeitures, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures and intrinsic value should be applied using a modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. Amendments related to the presentation of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares to meet the minimum statutory withholding requirement should be applied retrospectively. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term should be applied prospectively. An entity may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. The Company elected to apply this guidance on a prospective basis.
The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The recognition of previously unrecognized windfall tax benefits resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment of $42.2 million, which increased retained earnings and decreased net deferred tax liabilities by the same amount as of the beginning of 2017. Effective January 1, 2017, cash paid by the Company when directly withholding shares from employee awards for tax-withholding purposes will be classified as a financing activity. This change has been recognized retrospectively beginning January 1, 2015. Prior periods have been adjusted as follows:
  Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
(In thousands) As Reported As Adjusted As Reported As Adjusted
Year ended December 31, 2015 $740,737
 $749,598
 $232,157
 $223,296
Three months ended March 31, 2016 62,090
 67,112
 570,773
 565,751
Six months ended June 30, 2016 147,244
 152,290
 497,474
 492,428
Nine months ended September 30, 2016 252,649
 257,705
 468,171
 463,115
Year ended December 31, 2016 392,377
 397,441
 458,869
 453,805
The remaining provisions of this amendment did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments - Equity Method and Joint Venture (Topic 323), which states that registrants should consider additional qualitative disclosures if the impact of an issued but not yet adopted ASU is unknown or cannot be reasonably estimated and to include a description of the effect of the accounting policies that the registrant expects to apply, if determined. Transition guidance in certain issued but not yet adopted ASUs, including Leases and Revenue Recognition, was also updated to reflect this amendment. This guidance is effective immediately. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. The adoption of this guidance impacted the Company's disclosures but had no effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Retirement Benefits. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). The amendments in this update require that an employer report the service cost component of postretirement benefits in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations. The amendments in this update also allow only the service cost component to be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The amendments in this update should be applied retrospectively for the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost in the income statement and prospectively, on and after the effective date, for the capitalization of the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in assets.
The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements have not been issued or made available for issuance. The Company elected to early adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2017. The reclassification of interest and amortization of prior service cost resulted in an increase in operating income and an increase in other expense (non-operating expense) of $1.6 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Financial Instruments. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall, as an amendment to ASC Subtopic 825-10. The amendments in this update address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. Among other items, this update will simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment. When a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists, an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value. This impairment assessment reduces the complexity of the other-than-temporary impairment guidance that entities follow currently. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption of this amendment is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operation or cash flows.
Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases as a new Topic, ASC Topic 842.(Topic 842). The new lease guidance supersedes Topic 840. The core principle of the guidance is that a companyentities should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. This ASU does not apply to leases to explore for or use minerals, oil, natural gas and similar nonregenerative resources, including the intangible right to explore for those natural resources and rights to use the land in which those natural resources are contained. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides entities with an optional transition method that permits an entity to initially apply the new lease standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. This ASU is to bewas adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company plans to adoptadopted this guidance effective January 1, 2019 by applying the optional transition approach as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Comparative periods, including the disclosures related to those periods, were not restated.
On the adoption date, the Company elected the following practical expedients which are provided in the lease standard:
an election not to apply the recognition requirements in the lease standard to short-term leases (a lease that at commencement date has a lease term of 12 months or less and does not contain a purchase option that the Company is currently evaluatingreasonably certain to exercise);
a package of practical expedients to not reassess whether a contract is or contains a lease, lease classification and initial direct costs;
a practical expedient to use hindsight when determining the effectlease term;
a practical expedient that adoptingpermits combining lease and non-lease components in a contract and accounting for the combination as a lease (elected by asset class); and
a practical expedient to not reassess certain land easements in existence prior to January 1, 2019.
On January 1, 2019, the Company recognized a right of use asset for operating leases and an operating lease liability of $44.6 million, representing the present value of the future minimum lease payment obligations associated with office leases, drilling rig commitments, surface use agreements and other leases. The adoption of this guidance willdid not have an impact on its financial position,the Company’s results of operations or cash flows.
Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as a new Topic, ASC Topic 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactionsRefer to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle of the guidance is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchangeNote 8 for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year, making the new standard effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. This ASU can be adopted either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption.
Additionally, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus agent considerations (reporting revenue gross versus net), which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations on such matters. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying performance obligations and licensing, which clarifies guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance contained in the new revenue recognition standard. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients, which addresses narrow-scope improvements to the guidance on collectibility, non-cash consideration, and completed contracts at transition. Additionally, the amendments in this update provide a practical expedient for contract modifications at transition and an accounting policy election related to the presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers. In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which clarifies the guidance or corrects unintended application of guidance.more details regarding leases.

The Company plans to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method applied to contracts that are not completed as of that date. To date, the Company has not identified changes to its revenue recognition policies that would result in a material adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2018; however, it is continuing to evaluate the effect, if any, that adopting this guidance will have on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company is also evaluating its agreements with royalty and nonoperated partners for principal versus agent consideration. Adopting this guidance will result in increased disclosures related to revenue recognition policies and disaggregation of revenue. As allowed under Topic 606, the Company does not plan to disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with variable consideration or with an original term of one year or less.
Statement of Cash Flows.In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), which is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance addresses eight specific cash flow issues for which current GAAP is either unclear or does not include specific guidance. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted, provided that all of the amendments are adopted in the same period. This ASU must be adopted using a retrospective transition method.
Upon adopting this guidance, the Company will be required to make an accounting policy election to classify distributions it receives from its equity method investees under either (1) the cumulative earnings approach in which distributions received are considered returns on investment and classified as cash inflows from operating activities unless the cumulative distributions received exceed cumulative equity in earnings recognized by the Company, or (2) the nature of distributions approach in which distributions received are classified on the basis of the nature of the activity that generated the distribution as either a return on investment (cash inflows from operating activities) or a return of investment (cash inflows from investing activities). The Company has not yet determined which policy election it will make. Currently, the Company is not receiving any distributions from its equity method investees; therefore, the selection between the policy elections would not have a material effect on its presentation of cash flows. If material distributions are received in the future, the impact of the policy election could be material. The Company expects to adopt this guidance effective January 1, 2018 and is currently evaluating the effect that adopting the remaining areas of this guidance will have on its presentation of cash flows. Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
2. Properties and Equipment, Net
Properties and equipment, net are comprised of the following:
(In thousands) June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Proved oil and gas properties $6,138,447
 $5,717,145
Unproved oil and gas properties 178,204
 194,435
Land, building and other equipment 98,534
 94,797
  6,415,185
 6,006,377
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (2,715,610) (2,542,771)
  $3,699,575
 $3,463,606
(In thousands) September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Proved oil and gas properties $6,967,205
 $7,437,604
Unproved oil and gas properties 287,147
 260,543
Gathering and pipeline systems 1,451
 187,846
Land, building and other equipment 88,371
 84,462
  7,344,174
 7,970,455
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization (3,109,402) (3,720,330)
  $4,234,772
 $4,250,125
Proved oil and gas properties, gathering and pipeline systems and accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017 primarily as a result of the sale of assets in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio discussed below.
At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company did not have any projects that had exploratory well costs capitalized for a period of greater than one year after drilling.
Divestitures
In September 2017, the Company sold certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties and related pipeline assets located in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio for $41.3 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company classified these assets as held for sale and recorded an impairment charge of $68.6 million associated with the proposed sale of these properties. Upon closing the sale in the third quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a loss on sale of oil and gas properties of $11.9 million.

The fair value of the impaired properties was determined using a market approach that took into consideration the expected sales price included in the purchase and sale agreement the Company executed on June 30, 2017. Accordingly, the inputs associated with the fair value of these assets were considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K for a description of the fair value hierarchy.
In February 2016, the Company completed the divestiture of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties in east Texas for approximately $56.4 million resulting in a $0.5 million gain on sale of assets.
3. Equity Method Investments
The Company holds a 25%25 percent equity interest in Constitution Pipeline Company, LLC (Constitution) and a 20%20 percent equity interest in Meade Pipeline Co LLC (Meade). Activity related to these equity method investments is as follows:
  Constitution Meade Total
  Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018
Balance at beginning of period $
 $732
 $163,181
 $85,345
 $163,181
 $86,077
Contributions 500
 250
 4,631
 62,655
 5,131
 62,905
Distributions 
 
 (9,508) 
 (9,508) 
Earnings (loss) on equity method investments (500) (982) 7,834
 (16) 7,334
 (998)
Balance at end of period $
 $
 $166,138
 $147,984
 $166,138
 $147,984

  Constitution Meade Total
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016
Balance at beginning of period $96,850
 $90,345
 $32,674
 $13,172
 $129,524
 $103,517
Contributions 3,750
 8,325
 19,632
 15,851
 23,382
 24,176
Earnings (loss) on equity method investments (3,971) 211
 (15) (3) (3,986) 208
Balance at end of period $96,629
 $98,881
 $52,291
 $29,020
 $148,920
 $127,901
During 2017, the Company expects to contribute approximately $70.0 million to its equity method investments. For further information regarding the Company’s equity method investments, refer to Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K.
Constitution
On April 22, 2016, Constitution announced that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) denied Constitution's application for a Section 401 Water Quality Certification (Certification) for the New York State portion of its proposed 126-mile route. During the second quarter of 2016, Constitution filed legal actions in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York challenging the legality and appropriateness of the NYSDEC’s decision. On March 16, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York issued an order ruling, without prejudice, that it lacked subject matter jurisdiction to hear Constitution’s complaint.  On August 18, 2017, the Second Circuit issued a decision denying in part and dismissing in part Constitution’s appeal.  The Second Circuit determined that it lacked jurisdiction to address Constitution’s argument that the NYSDEC waived its ability to issue a Certification by unreasonably delaying action on Constitution's application.  Instead, the Second Circuit found that jurisdiction over the waiver issue lies exclusively with the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.  The Second Circuit, however, rejected Constitution’s assertion that the denial of the Certification by the NYSDEC was “arbitrary and capricious” and denied Constitution’s complaint in that regard. On October 11, 2017, Constitution filed a petition for a declaratory order requesting the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to find that, by operation of law, the Section 401 Water Quality Certification requirement for the New York State portion of the pipeline project was waived due to the failure of the NYSDEC to act on Constitution’s application within a reasonable period of time, as required by the Clean Water Act.  The FERC has not yet ruled on this petition.
Constitution stated that it remains committed to pursuing the project and that it intends to pursue all available options to challenge the NYSDEC’s decision. In light of the current status of the litigation and the regulatory challenges, Constitution estimates its target in-service date to be as early as the first half of 2019. This assumes the timely receipt of a notice to proceed from the FERC and the timely receipt of all other state and federal permits required for the project. 
In light of the NYSDEC’s denial and actions taken to challenge the denial, the Company evaluated its investment in Constitution for other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) as of September 30, 2017 and does not believe there is an indication of an OTTI. The Company’s evaluation considered various factors, including but not limited to prior FERC approval and the related economic viability of the project, the pending legal and regulatory actions filed by Constitution and the other members’ commitment to the project. To the extent that the legal and regulatory proceedings have unfavorable outcomes, or if Constitution concludes that the project is no longer viable or elects to not go forward as legal and regulatory actions progress, the Company will reevaluate the facts and circumstances relative to its conclusions with respect to OTTI. In the event that facts and circumstances change, the Company may be required to recognize an impairment charge up to its investment value at such time, net of any cash and working capital held by Constitution. The Company will continue to monitor the carrying value of its investment as required.

At this time, the Company remains committed to funding the project in an amount proportionate to its ownership interest for the development and construction of the new pipeline. As of September 30, 2017, the Company has made contributions of $92.3 million since inception of the project.
4. Debt and Credit Agreements
The Company’s debt and credit agreements consisted of the following:
(In thousands) June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
6.51% weighted-average senior notes $124,000
 $124,000
5.58% weighted-average senior notes 175,000
 175,000
3.65% weighted-average senior notes 925,000
 925,000
Revolving credit facility 
 7,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs (4,445) (4,896)
  $1,219,555
 $1,226,104

At June 30, 2019, the Company was in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants for both its revolving credit facility and senior notes.
(In thousands) September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Total debt    
6.51% weighted-average senior notes $361,000
 $361,000
9.78% senior notes 67,000
 67,000
5.58% weighted-average senior notes 175,000
 175,000
3.65% weighted-average senior notes 925,000
 925,000
Current maturities    
6.51% weighted-average senior notes (237,000) 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $1,291,000
 $1,528,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs (6,449) (7,470)
  $1,284,551
 $1,520,530
Revolving Credit Agreement
The borrowing base underOn April 22, 2019, the terms of theCompany entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement (the revolving credit facility). The Company's revolving credit facility is unsecured and the borrowing base is redetermined annually in April.on April 1. In addition, either the Company or the banks may request an interim redetermination twice a year or in connection with certain acquisitions or divestitures of oil and gas properties. Effective April 11, 2017, theThe Company’s borrowing base and available commitments under the revolving credit facility were reaffirmed at $3.2 billion and $1.7$1.5 billion, respectively.
At September 30, 2017, The maximum revolving credit available to the Company was in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants for both itsis the lesser of the available commitments or the difference of the borrowing base less outstanding senior notes. The

Company's revolving credit facility matures in April 2024 and senior notes. Ascan be extended by one year upon the agreement of September 30, 2017,the Company and lenders holding at least 50 percent of the commitments under the revolving credit facility.
Interest rates under the revolving credit facility are based on LIBOR or ABR indications, plus a margin which ranges from 150 to 225 basis points for LIBOR loans and from 50 to 125 basis points for ABR loans when not in an Investment Grade Period (as defined in the Company'samended and restated credit agreement) and from 112.5 to 175 basis points for LIBOR loans and from 12.5 to 75 basis points for ABR loans during an Investment Grade Period. The revolving credit facility also provides for a commitment fee on the unused available balance and is calculated at annual rates ranging from 30 to 42.5 basis points when not in an Investment Grade Period and from 12.5 to 27.5 basis points during an Investment Grade Period. The Company is currently not in an Investment Grade Period.
The revolving credit facility contains various customary covenants, which include the following (with all calculations based on definitions contained in the amended and restated credit agreement):
Maintenance of a minimum asset coverage and leverage ratios, there were noratio of 1.75 to 1.0;
Maintenance of a minimum annual coverage ratio of consolidated cash flow to interest rate adjustments requiredexpense for the Company's senior notes.trailing four quarters of 2.8 to 1.0; and
Maintenance of a minimum current ratio of 1.0 to 1.0.
At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit facility and had unused commitments of $1.7$1.5 billion.
The Company’s weighted-average effective interest rate forCompany incurred $7.4 million of debt issuance costs in connection with the revolvingamended and restated credit facility foragreement, which were capitalized and will be amortized over the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was approximately 2.3%.term of the amended and restated agreement. The remaining unamortized costs of $3.4 million will also be amortized over the term of the amended and restated agreement in accordance with ASC 470-50, Debt Modifications and Extinguishments.
5. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company had the following outstanding financial commodity derivatives:
      Swaps Basis Swaps
Type of Contract Volume (Mmbtu) Contract Period Weighted-Average ($/Mmbtu) 
Weighted-Average ($/Mmbtu)

Natural gas (IFERC TRANSCO Z6 non-NY) 5,520,000
 Jul. 2019 - Dec. 2019 

 $0.41
Natural gas (IFERC TRANSCO Z6 non-NY) 18,450,000
 Jul. 2019 - Oct. 2019 $2.61
 
Natural gas (IFERC TRANSCO Leidy Line Receipts) 27,600,000
 Jul. 2019 - Dec. 2019 

 $(0.53)
Natural gas (NYMEX) 43,050,000
 Jul. 2019 - Oct. 2019 $2.85
  
Natural gas (NYMEX) 55,200,000
 Jul. 2019 - Dec. 2019 $2.82
 

       Collars   Basis Swaps
       Floor Ceiling Swaps 
Type of Contract Volume Contract Period Range Weighted-Average Range Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Weighted-Average
Natural gas - NYMEX 8.9
Bcf Oct. 2017 - Dec. 2017         $3.12
  
Natural gas - TCO 4.5
Bcf Oct. 2017 - Dec. 2017         $3.46
  
Natural gas - NYMEX 8.9
Bcf Oct. 2017 - Dec. 2017 $
 $3.09
 $3.42-$3.45 $3.43
    
Natural gas - Transco 21.3
Bcf Jan. 2018 - Dec. 2019           $0.42
Crude oil 0.5
Mmbbl Oct. 2017 - Dec. 2017 $
 $50.00
 $56.25-$56.50 $56.39
    
In the table above, natural gas prices are stated per Mcf and crude oil prices are stated per barrel.

Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
    Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities
(In thousands) Balance Sheet Location June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Commodity contracts Derivative instruments (current) $61,194
 $57,665
 $
 $
    $61,194
 $57,665
 $
 $


    Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities
(In thousands) Balance Sheet Location September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
 September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Commodity contracts Other current assets $2,536
 $
 $
 $
Commodity contracts Other assets (non-current) 3,763
 2,991
 
 
Commodity contracts Derivative instruments (current) 
 
 800
 40,259
    $6,299
 $2,991
 $800
 $40,259
Offsetting of Derivative Assets and Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
(In thousands) June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Derivative assets  
  
Gross amounts of recognized assets $62,808
 $60,105
Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position (1,614) (2,440)
Net amounts of assets presented in the statement of financial position 61,194
 57,665
Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position 
 
Net amount $61,194
 $57,665
     
Derivative liabilities  
  
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities $1,614
 $2,440
Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position (1,614) (2,440)
Net amounts of liabilities presented in the statement of financial position 
 
Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position 
 
Net amount $
 $

(In thousands) September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Derivative assets  
  
Gross amounts of recognized assets $6,605
 $2,991
Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position (306) 
Net amounts of assets presented in the statement of financial position 6,299
 2,991
Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position 18
 
Net amount $6,317
 $2,991
     
Derivative liabilities  
  
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities $1,106
 $40,259
Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position (306) 
Net amounts of liabilities presented in the statement of financial position 800
 40,259
Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position 
 757
Net amount $800
 $41,016
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative instruments  
  
  
  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments $15,397
 $5,819
 $68,377
 $(20,312)
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivative instruments  
  
  
  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments 48,252
 (9,487) 3,529
 22,221
  $63,649
 $(3,668) $71,906
 $1,909
  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative instruments  
  
  
  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments $3,906
 $(8,101) $3,587
 $3,204
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivative instruments  
  
  
  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments (4,742) 15,005
 42,766
 (4,490)
  $(836) $6,904
 $46,353
 $(1,286)

6. Fair Value Measurements
The Company follows the authoritative guidance for measuring fair value of assets and liabilities in its financial statements. For further information regarding the fair value hierarchy, refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K.

Financial Assets and Liabilities
The following fair value hierarchy table presents information about the Company’s financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
(In thousands) 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Balance at  
 September 30, 2017
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Balance at  
 June 30, 2019
Assets  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Deferred compensation plan $14,336
 $
 $
 $14,336
 $16,962
 $
 $
 $16,962
Derivative instruments 
 
 6,605
 6,605
 
 48,571
 14,237
 62,808
Total assets $14,336
 $
 $6,605
 $20,941
 $16,962
 $48,571
 $14,237
 $79,770
Liabilities    
  
  
    
  
  
Deferred compensation plan $27,598
 $
 $
 $27,598
 $28,345
 $
 $
 $28,345
Derivative instruments 
 178
 928
 1,106
 
 
 1,614
 1,614
Total liabilities $27,598
 $178
 $928
 $28,704
 $28,345
 $
 $1,614
 $29,959

(In thousands) 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Balance at  
 December 31, 2018
Assets  
  
  
  
Deferred compensation plan $14,699
 $
 $
 $14,699
Derivative instruments 
 35,689
 24,416
 60,105
     Total assets $14,699
 $35,689
 $24,416
 $74,804
Liabilities    
  
  
Deferred compensation plan $25,780
 $
 $
 $25,780
Derivative instruments 
 
 2,440
 2,440
     Total liabilities $25,780
 $
 $2,440
 $28,220
(In thousands) 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 Balance at  
 December 31, 2016
Assets  
  
  
  
Deferred compensation plan $12,587
 $
 $
 $12,587
Derivative instruments 
 
 2,991
 2,991
     Total assets $12,587
 $
 $2,991
 $15,578
Liabilities    
  
  
Deferred compensation plan $24,169
 $
 $
 $24,169
Derivative instruments��
 21,400
 18,859
 40,259
     Total liabilities $24,169
 $21,400
 $18,859
 $64,428

The Company’sCompany's investments associated with its deferred compensation plan consist of mutual funds and deferred shares of the Company’sCompany's common stock that are publicly traded and for which market prices are readily available.
The derivative instruments were measured based on quotes from the Company’s counterparties.Company's counterparties and/or internal models. Such quotes and models have been derived using an income approach that considers various inputs including current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, quoted forward commodity prices, for natural gas and crude oil, basis differentials, volatility factors and interest rates, such as a LIBOR curve for a similar length of time as the derivative contract term as applicable. Estimates are derived from or verified using relevant NYMEX futures contracts and/or are compared to multiple quotes obtained from counterparties for reasonableness. The determination of the fair values presented above also incorporates a credit adjustment for non-performance risk. The Company measured the non-performance risk of its counterparties by reviewing credit default swap spreads for the various financial institutions with which it has derivative transactions while non-performance risk of the Company is evaluated using a market credit spread provided by the Company’sCompany's bank. The Company has not incurred any losses related to non-performance risk of its counterparties and does not anticipate any material impact on its financial results due to non-performance by third parties.
The most significant unobservable inputs relative to the Company’sCompany's Level 3 derivative contracts are basis differentials and volatility factors.differentials. An increase (decrease) in these unobservable inputs would result in an increase (decrease) in fair value, respectively. The Company does not have access to the specific assumptions used in its counterparties’counterparties' valuation models. Consequently, additional disclosures regarding significant Level 3 unobservable inputs were not provided.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy:
  Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018
Balance at beginning of period $21,976
 $(28,398)
Total gain (loss) included in earnings 17,080
 9,019
Settlement (gain) loss (26,433) 18,040
Balance at end of period $12,623
 $(1,339)
     
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the period $7,252
 $(1,276)
  Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Balance at beginning of period $(15,868) $
Total gain (loss) included in earnings 28,659
 381
Settlement (gain) loss (7,114) 83
Transfers in and/or out of level 3 
 
Balance at end of period $5,677
 $464
     
Change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities still held at the end of the period $14,431
 $464

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016.2018.
Non-Financial Assets and Liabilities
The Company discloses or recognizes its non-financial assets and liabilities, such as impairments or acquisitions, at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company recorded an impairment charge related to certain oil and gas properties during the quarter ended June 30, 2017. Refer to Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosures related to fair value associated with the impaired assets. As none of the Company’s other non-financial assets and liabilities were measured at fair value as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, additional disclosures were not required.
The estimated fair value of the Company’s asset retirement obligations at inception is determined by utilizing the income approach by applying a credit-adjusted risk-free rate, which takes into account the Company’s credit risk, the time value of

money, and the current economic state to the undiscounted expected abandonment cash flows. Given the unobservable nature of the inputs, the measurement of the asset retirement obligations was classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
The estimated fair value of other financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties. The carrying amount reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy and the remaining financial instruments are classified as Level 2.
The Company uses available market data and valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of debt. The fair value of debt is the estimated amount the Company would have to pay a third party to assume the debt, including a credit spread for the difference between the issue rate and the period end market rate. The credit spread is the Company’s default or repayment risk. The credit spread (premium or discount) is determined by comparing the Company’s senior notes and revolving credit facility to new issuances (secured and unsecured) and secondary trades of similar size and credit statistics for both public and private debt. The fair value of all senior notes and the revolving credit facility is based on interest rates currently available to the Company. The Company’s debt is valued using an income approach and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
The carrying amount and fair value of debt is as follows:
  June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands) 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair
Value
Long-term debt $1,219,555
 $1,245,889
 $1,226,104
 $1,202,994


  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair
Value
Debt, net $1,521,551
 $1,536,360
 $1,520,530
 $1,463,643
Current maturities (237,000) (243,569) 
 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $1,284,551
 $1,292,791
 $1,520,530
 $1,463,643


7. Asset Retirement Obligations
Activity related to the Company’s asset retirement obligations is as follows:
(In thousands) Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2019
Balance at beginning of period(1)
 $51,622
Liabilities incurred 3,159
Liabilities settled (970)
Liabilities divested (188)
Accretion expense 1,733
Balance at end of period(1)
 $55,356
_______________________________________________________________________________
(In thousands) Nine Months Ended 
 September 30, 2017
Balance at beginning of period $133,733
Liabilities incurred 3,788
Liabilities settled (1,225)
Liabilities divested (75,014)
Accretion expense 4,396
Balance at end of period $65,678
As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, approximately $6.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively, is included in accrued liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, which represents the current portion of the Company's asset retirement obligation.
(1)Includes $1.0 million of current asset retirement obligations included in accrued liabilities at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Contractual Obligations
The Company has various contractual obligations in the normal course of its operations. There have been no material changes to the Company’s contractual obligations described under “Transportation and Gathering Agreements,” “Drilling Rig Commitments,” “Lease Commitments” and “Hydraulic Fracturing Services Commitments”Agreements” as disclosed in Note 9 inof the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K.

Lease Commitments (Topic 840)
Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases in effect at December 31, 2018 are as follows:
(In thousands) 
2019$5,571
20205,684
20214,777
20221,659
20231,691
Thereafter2,852
 $22,234


The table above was prepared under the guidance of Topic 840. As discussed in Note 1 above, the Company adopted the guidance of Topic 842 effective January 1, 2019.
Leases (Topic 842)
The Company determines if an arrangement is, or contains, a lease at inception based on whether that contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset in exchange for consideration for a period of time. Operating leases are included in operating lease right-of-use assets (ROU assets) and operating lease liabilities (current and noncurrent) on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company does not have any finance leases at June 30, 2019.
ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the leases. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of minimum lease payments over the lease term. Most leases do not provide an implicit interest rate; therefore, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the inception date to determine the present value of the lease payments. Lease terms include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease cost for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain leases have payment terms that vary based on the usage of the underlying assets. Variable lease payments are not included in ROU assets and lease liabilities.
For all operating leases, lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component.
The Company has operating leases for office space, drilling rig commitments, surface use agreements and other leases. The leases have remaining terms ranging from less than one month to 26.5 years, including options to extend leases that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized operating lease cost and variable lease cost of $6.0 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
Short-term leases. The Company leases drilling rigs, fracturing and other equipment under lease terms ranging from 30 days to one year. Lease cost of $157.7 million was recognized on short-term leases during the six months ended June 30, 2019. Certain lease costs are capitalized and included in Properties and equipment, net in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet because they relate to drilling and completion activities, while other costs are expensed because they relate to production and administrative activities.

As of June 30, 2019, the Company’s future undiscounted minimum cash payment obligations for its operating lease liabilities are as follows:
(In thousands) Year Ending December 31,
2019 (excluding the six months ended June 30, 2019) $5,302
2020 4,549
2021 4,575
2022 4,577
2023 4,613
Thereafter 29,824
Total undiscounted lease payments 53,440
Present value adjustment (13,861)
Net operating lease liabilities $39,579

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
(In thousands) Three Months Ended 
 June 30, 2019
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:    
Operating cash flows from operating leases $1,124
 $2,247
Investing cash flows from operating leases $1,811
 $3,602


Information regarding the weighted-average remaining lease term and the weighted-average discount rate for operating leases is summarized below:
June 30, 2019
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)
Operating leases11.7
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases4.9%


Legal Matters
The Company is a defendant in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. All known liabilities are accrued when management determines they are probable based on its best estimate of the potential loss. While the outcome and impact of these legal proceedings on the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Contingency Reserves
Reserves.When deemed necessary, the Company establishes reserves for certain legal proceedings. The establishment of a reserve is based on an estimation process that includes the advice of legal counsel and subjective judgment of management. While management believes these reserves to be adequate, it is reasonably possible that the Company could incur additional losses with respect to those matters in which reserves have been established. The Company believes that any such amount above the amounts accrued would not be material to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Future changes in facts and circumstances not currently foreseeable could result in the actual liability exceeding the estimated ranges of loss and amounts accrued.

9. Employee Benefit PlansRevenue Recognition
Postretirement BenefitsDisaggregation of Revenue
The changefollowing table presents revenues disaggregated by product:
  Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
OPERATING REVENUES        
   Natural gas $470,482
 $364,660
 $1,103,656
 $776,768
   Crude oil and condensate 
 
 
 48,722
   Brokered natural gas 
 92,576
 
 97,526
   Other (14) (121) 236
 1,749
Total revenues from contracts with customers 470,468
 457,115
 1,103,892
 924,765
   Gain (loss) on derivative instruments 63,649
 (3,668) 71,906
 1,909
Total operating revenues $534,117
 $453,447
 $1,175,798
 $926,674

All of the Company’s revenues from contracts with customers represent products transferred at a point in time as control is transferred to the customer and generated in the Company's postretirement benefitUnited States.
Transaction Price Allocated to Remaining Performance Obligations
A significant number of the Company’s product sales contracts are short-term in nature with a contract term of one year or less. For those contracts, the Company has utilized the practical expedient exempting the Company from disclosure of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations if the performance obligation is as follows:part of a contract that has an original expected duration of one year or less.
(In thousands) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016
Change in Benefit Obligation    
Benefit obligation at beginning of the period $37,482
 $36,626
Service cost 1,163
 2,323
Interest cost 810
 1,498
Actuarial (gain) loss 3,084
 (2,846)
Benefits paid (817) (934)
Curtailment (gain) loss (4,185) 
Plan amendments (8,643) 815
Benefit obligation at end of the period 28,894
 37,482
Change in Plan Assets    
Fair value of plan assets at end of the period 
 
Funded status at end of the period $(28,894) $(37,482)
In September 2017, in conjunction with its saleAs of properties located in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio,June 30, 2019, the Company terminated approximately 100 employees. Ashas $9.8 billion of unsatisfied performance obligations related to natural gas sales that have a result,fixed pricing component and a contract term greater than one year. The Company expects to recognize these obligations over periods ranging from five to 20 years.
Contract Balances
Receivables from contracts with customers are recorded when the employees’ participation in the postretirement plan terminated, which resulted in a remeasurement and curtailmentright to consideration becomes unconditional, generally when control of the postretirement benefit obligation at Septemberproduct has been transferred to the customer. Receivables from contracts with customers were $183.7 million and $363.0 million as of June 30, 2017.
2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, and are reported in accounts receivable, net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The change in benefit obligation for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 also reflects a plan amendment for the Company's change from a Medicare Supplemental programCompany currently has no assets or liabilities related to a Medicare Advantage program for participants age 65 and older. This coverage continuesits revenue contracts, including no upfront or rights to be provided under a fully-insured arrangement.
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016
Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost    
Service cost $1,163
 $1,743
Interest cost 810
 1,123
Amortization of prior service cost (credit) (934) 83
Net periodic postretirement cost $1,039
 $2,949
Recognized curtailment (gain) loss (4,850) 
Total postretirement cost (benefit) $(3,811) $2,949
Other Changes in Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)    
Net (gain) loss $2,266
 $
Amortization of prior service cost 2,416
 (83)
Prior service credit (8,643) 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income $(3,961) $(83)
  
  
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income (loss) $(7,772) $2,866

Assumptions
Assumptions used to determine projected postretirement benefit obligations and postretirement costs are as follows:
(In thousands) September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Discount rate 4.00% 4.30%
Health care cost trend rate for medical benefits assumed for next year (pre-65) 7.75% 7.50%
Health care cost trend rate for medical benefits assumed for next year (post-65) 6.00% 5.00%
Ultimate trend rate (pre-65) 4.50% 4.50%
Ultimate trend rate (post-65) 4.50% 4.50%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate (pre-65) 2030
 2023
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate (post-65) 2023
 2018
deficiency payments.
10. Capital Stock
Treasury Stock
In August 1998,July 2019, the Board of Directors authorized aan increase of 25.0 million shares to the Company’s share repurchase program under whichprogram. After this authorization, the Company may purchasetotal number of shares of common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. The timing and amount of any stock purchases are determined at the discretion of management. The Company may use the repurchased shares to fund stock compensation programs currently in existence, oravailable for other corporate purposes. All purchases executed to date have been through open market transactions. Thererepurchase is no expiration date associated with the authorization to repurchase common stock of the Company.
During the first nine months of 2017, the Company repurchased 3.031.5 million shares for a total cost of $68.3 million. Since the authorization date, the Company has repurchased 32.9 million shares of the 40.0 million total shares authorized for a total cost of approximately $456.6 million, of which 20.0 million shares have been retired. No treasury shares have been delivered or sold by the Company subsequent to the repurchase. As of September 30, 2017, 12.9 million shares were held as treasury stock.shares.
11. Stock-based Compensation
General
From time to time theThe Company grants certain stock-based compensation awards, including restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and performance share awards. Stock-based compensation expense associated with these awards was $7.8$6.7 million and $5.1$5.7 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively, and $26.2$21.9 million and $23.0$11.1 million during the first ninesix months of 20172019 and 2016,2018, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
As described in Note 1 toFor the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, effective January 1, 2017,first six months of 2019, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09, which requires that excessrecorded a decrease to tax benefitsexpense of $0.9 million as a result of federal and state tax deficiencies ondeductions exceeding the book compensation expense for employee stock-based compensation be recorded inawards that vested during the income statement. Duringperiod. For the first ninesix months of 2017,2018, the Company recorded an increase to tax expense of $2.6$0.2 million in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as a result

of book compensation cost for employee stock-based compensationexpense exceeding the federal and state tax deductions for awards that vested during the period.
Prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, windfall tax benefits were recorded in additional paid in capital in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet and tax shortfalls reduced additional paid in capital to the extent they offset previously recorded windfall tax benefits. During the first nine months of 2016, the Company recorded a tax shortfall of $2.1 million, resulting in a reduction of the Company's windfall tax benefit that was recorded in additional paid in capital in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The tax shortfall was a result of book compensation cost for employee stock-based compensation exceeding the federal and state tax deductions for certain awards that vested during the period.
Refer to Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K for further description of the various types of stock-based compensation awards and the applicable award terms.

Restricted Stock Units
During the first ninesix months of 2017, 57,0282019, 78,290 restricted stock units were granted to non-employee directors of the Company with a weighted-average grant date value of $22.94$25.01 per unit. The fair value of these units is measured based on the closing stock price on grant date and compensation expense is recorded immediately. These units immediately vest and are issued when the director ceases to be a director of the Company.
Performance Share Awards
The performance period for the awards granted during the first ninesix months of 20172019 commenced on January 1, 20172019 and ends on December 31, 2019.2021. The Company used an annual forfeiture rate assumption ranging from 0%zero percent to 6%five percent for purposes of recognizing stock-based compensation expense for its performance share awards.
Performance Share Awards Based on Internal Performance Metrics
The fair value of performance share award grants based on internal performance metrics is based on the closing stock price on the grant date. Each performance share award represents the right to receive up to 100% of the award in shares of common stock. Based on the Company’s probability assessment at SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, it is considered probable that the criteria for all performance awards based on internal metrics awards will be met.
Employee Performance Share Awards.During the first ninesix months of 2017, 406,4602019, 526,730 Employee Performance Share Awards were granted at a grant date value of $22.60$24.95 per share. The performance metrics are set by the Company’s compensation committee and are based on the Company’s average production, average finding costs and average reserve replacement over a three-year performance period.
Hybrid Performance Share Awards.During the first ninesix months of 2017, 272,9202019, 315,029 Hybrid Performance Share Awards were granted at a grant date value of $22.60$24.95 per share. The 20172019 awards vest 25% on each of the first and second anniversary dates and 50% on the third anniversary, provided that the Company has $100 million or more of operating cash flow for the year preceding the vesting date, as set by the Company’s compensation committee. If the Company does not meet the performance metric for the applicable period, then the portion of the performance shares that would have been issued on that anniversary date will be forfeited.
Performance Share Awards Based on Market Conditions
These awards have both an equity and liability component, with the right to receive up to the first 100% of the award in shares of common stock and the right to receive up to an additional 100% of the value of the award in excess of the equity component in cash. The equity portion of these awards is valued on the grant date and is not marked to market, while the liability portion of the awards is valued as of the end of each reporting period on a mark-to-market basis. The Company calculates the fair value of the equity and liability portions of the awards using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
TSR Performance Share Awards. During the first ninesix months of 2017, 409,3802019, 536,673 TSR Performance Share Awards were granted and are earned, or not earned, based on the comparative performance of the Company’s common stock measured against a predetermined group of companies in the Company’s peer group over a three-year performance period.
The following assumptions were used to determine the grant date fair value of the equity component (February 22, 2017)19, 2019) and the period-end fair value of the liability component of the TSR Performance Share Awards:
  Grant Date June 30, 2019
Fair value per performance share award $20.63
 $11.46 - $22.04
Assumptions:  
  
     Stock price volatility 31.3% 24.28% - 29.01%
     Risk free rate of return 2.46% 1.72%-2.08%

  Grant Date September 30, 2017
Fair value per performance share award $19.85
 $12.28-$20.22
Assumptions:  
  
     Stock price volatility 37.8% 20.8% - 39.9%
     Risk free rate of return 1.4% 1.1% - 1.5%

12. Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is similarly calculated except that the common shares outstanding for the period is increased using the treasury stock method to reflect the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock appreciation rights were exercised and stock awards were vested at the end of the applicable period. Anti-dilutive shares represent potentially dilutive securities that are excluded from the computation of diluted income or loss per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

The following is a calculation of basic and diluted weighted-average shares outstanding:
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Weighted-average shares - basic 422,141
 451,055
 422,626
 455,361
Dilution effect of stock awards at end of period 2,208
 2,059
 1,924
 1,781
Weighted-average shares - diluted 424,349
 453,114
 424,550
 457,142
  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Weighted-average shares - basic 462,498
 465,149
 464,194
 454,060
Dilution effect of stock appreciation rights and stock awards at end of period 2,282
 
 1,816
 
Weighted-average shares - diluted 464,780
 465,149
 466,010
 454,060

The following is a calculation of weighted-average shares excluded from diluted EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect:
  Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2019 2018 2019 2018
Weighted-average stock awards excluded from diluted EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect calculated using the treasury stock method 14
 
 948
 956
  Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2017 2016
Weighted-average stock appreciation rights and stock awards excluded from diluted EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect due to net loss 
 1,784
 
 1,326
Weighted-average stock appreciation rights and stock awards excluded from diluted EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect calculated using the treasury stock method 2
 
 6
 1
Weighted-average stock appreciation rights and stock awards excluded from diluted EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect 2
 1,784
 6
 1,327


13. Additional Balance Sheet Information
Certain balance sheet amounts are comprised of the following:
(In thousands) June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Accounts receivable, net  
  
Trade accounts $183,700
 $362,973
Joint interest accounts 64
 101
Other accounts 796
 567
  184,560
 363,641
Allowance for doubtful accounts (1,184) (1,238)
  $183,376
 $362,403
Other assets  
  
Deferred compensation plan $16,962
 $14,699
Debt issuance costs 9,971
 4,572
Income taxes receivable 
 8,165
Operating lease right-of-use assets 39,690
 
Other accounts 63
 61
  $66,686
 $27,497
Accounts payable  
  
Trade accounts $35,178
 $30,033
Natural gas purchases 8,487
 
Royalty and other owners 32,597
 61,507
Accrued transportation 49,373
 50,540
Accrued capital costs 46,376
 43,207
Taxes other than income 8,691
 19,824
Income taxes payable 
 1,134
Other accounts 4,258
 35,694
  $184,960
 $241,939
Accrued liabilities  
  
Employee benefits $17,873
 $21,761
Taxes other than income 3,664
 1,472
Operating lease liabilities 5,782
 
Asset retirement obligations 1,000
 1,000
Other accounts 865
 994
  $29,184
 $25,227
Other liabilities  
  
Deferred compensation plan $28,345
 $25,780
Operating lease liabilities 33,797
 
Other accounts 8,809
 34,391
  $70,951
 $60,171
(In thousands) September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Accounts receivable, net  
  
Trade accounts $162,069
 $185,594
Joint interest accounts 1,208
 1,359
Other accounts 425
 5,335
  163,702
 192,288
Allowance for doubtful accounts (2,012) (1,243)
  $161,690
 $191,045
     
Inventories  
  
Tubular goods and well equipment $12,130
 $11,005
Natural gas in storage 867
 2,299
  $12,997
 $13,304
     
Other current assets  
  
Prepaid balances and other $3,587
 $2,692
Derivative instruments 2,536
 
  $6,123
 $2,692
     
Other assets  
  
Deferred compensation plan $14,336
 $12,587
Debt issuance costs 8,845
 11,403
Derivative instruments 3,763
 2,991
Other accounts 101
 58
  $27,045
 $27,039
     
Accounts payable  
  
Trade accounts $25,851
 $27,355
Natural gas purchases 3,457
 2,231
Royalty and other owners 33,135
 36,472
Accrued transportation 48,104
 48,977
Accrued capital costs 33,440
 34,647
Taxes other than income 12,938
 13,827
Other accounts 3,864
 4,902
  $160,789
 $168,411
     
Accrued liabilities  
  
Employee benefits $17,065
 $14,153
Taxes other than income 4,018
 3,829
Asset retirement obligations 6,073
 2,000
Other accounts 158
 1,510
  $27,314
 $21,492
     
Other liabilities  
  
Deferred compensation plan $27,598
 $24,169
Other accounts 8,810
 4,952
  $36,408
 $29,121


ITEM 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following review of operations for the three and ninesix month periods ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018 should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes included in this Form 10-Q and with the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20162018 (Form 10-K).
OVERVIEW
Financial and Operating Overview
Financial and operating results for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 compared to the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20162018 are as follows:
Equivalent production increased 49.7 Bcfe, or 11%, from 463.0 Bcfe, or 1,689.6 Mmcfe per day, in 2016 to 512.7 Bcfe, or 1,877.9 Mmcfe per day, in 2017.
Natural gas production increased 49.481.6 Bcf, or 11%24%, from 441.8337.0 Bcf in 20162018 to 491.2418.6 Bcf in 2017,2019, as a result of drilling and completion activities in Pennsylvania.
Crude oil/condensate/NGLEquivalent production increased 0.1 Mmbbls,76.6 Bcfe, or 2%22%, from 3.5 Mmbbls342.0 Bcfe, or 1,889.5 Mmcfe per day, in 20162018 to 3.6 Mmbbls418.6 Bcfe, or 2,312.6 Mmcfe per day, in 2017, as result of an2019. The increase inis primarily due to drilling and completion activityactivities in Pennsylvania, partially offset by the sale of our Eagle Ford Shale assets in south Texas partially offset by a natural decline in production.February 2018.
Average realized natural gas price was $2.35$2.80 per Mcf, 45%22% higher than the $1.62$2.29 per Mcf realized in the comparable period of the prior year.
Average realized crude oil price was $45.70 per Bbl, 27% higher than the $35.85 per Bbl realized in the comparable period of the prior year.
Total capital expenditures were $582.8$424.7 million compared to $262.1$329.9 million in the comparable period of the prior year.
Drilled 7149 gross wells (62.5(49.0 net) with a success rate of 98.6%100% compared to 2839 gross wells (28.0(39.0 net) with a success rate of 100%87.2% for the comparable period of the prior year.
Completed 8142 gross wells (70.2(42.0 net) in 20172019 compared to 5134 gross wells (51.0(34.0 net) in 2016.2018.
Average rig count during 20172019 was approximately 2.03.2 rigs in the Marcellus Shale, approximately 1.0 rig in the Eagle Ford Shale and approximately 0.2 rigs in other areas, compared to an average rig count in the Marcellus Shale of approximately 1.13.0 rigs and approximately 0.3 rigs1.0 rig in the Eagle Ford Shale in 2016.
Received proceeds of $32.7 million primarily related to the divestiture of certain oil and gas properties and related pipeline assets in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.other areas during 2018.
Repurchased 3.05.1 million shares of our common stock for a total cost of $68.3 million.$125.3 million in 2019.
Market Conditions and Commodity Prices
Our financial results depend on many factors, particularly the price of natural gas and crude oilcommodity prices and our ability to market our production on economically attractive terms. Commodity prices are affected by many factors outside of our control, including changes in market supply and demand, which are impacted by pipeline capacity constraints, inventory storage levels, basis differentials, weather conditions and other factors. In addition, our realized prices are further impacted by our hedging activities. Location differentials have improved in certain regions, such as in the Appalachian region, resulting in further increases in natural gas prices. As a result, we cannot accurately predict future commodity prices and, therefore, cannot determine with any degree of certainty what effect increases or decreases in these prices will have on our capital program, production volumes or revenues. We expect natural gas and crude oilcommodity prices to remain volatile. In addition to production volumes and commodity prices, finding and developing sufficient amounts of natural gas and crude oil reserves at economical costs are critical to our long-term success. For information about the impact of realized commodity prices on our natural gas and crude oil and condensate revenues, refer to “ResultsResults of Operations”Operations below.
We account for our derivative instruments on a mark-to-market basis with changes in fair value recognized in operating revenues in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. As a result of these mark-to-market adjustments associated with our derivative instruments, we will

likely experience volatility in our earnings due to commodity price volatility. Refer to “ImpactImpact of Derivative Instruments on Operating Revenues”Revenues below and Note 5 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
Commodity prices have remained volatile but have improved during 2017 comparedbeen and are expected to the fourth quarter of 2016. In the event that commodity prices significantly decline, management would test the recoverability of the carrying value of its oil and gas properties and, if necessary, record an impairment charge.
remain volatile. We believe that we are well-positioned to manage the challenges presented in a depressedvolatile commodity pricing environment and that we can endure the continued volatility in current and future commodity prices by:
Continuing to exercise discipline in our capital program with the expectation of funding our capital expenditures with cash on hand, operating cash flows, and if required, borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
Continuing to optimize our drilling, completion and operational efficiencies, resulting in lower operating costs per unit of production.

Continuing to manage our balance sheet, which we believe provides sufficient availability under our revolving credit facility and existing cash balances to meet our capital requirements and maintain compliance with our debt covenants.
Continuing to manage price risk by strategically hedging our natural gas and crude oil production.
Outlook
Based on the expectation for higher operating cash flow dueWhile we are unable to an improvementpredict future commodity prices, in the event that commodity price outlook, we increased our 2017 budgetedprices significantly decline, management would test the recoverability of the carrying value of its oil and gas properties and, if necessary, record an impairment charge.
Outlook
Our 2019 capital expenditures compared to 2016. Our full year 2017 capital spending program includes approximately $775.0 million in capital expenditures related to our drilling and completion program, leasehold acquisitions and contributions of approximately $70.0 million to our equity method investments. All such expenditures areis expected to be funded by existingapproximately $800.0 million to $820.0 million. We expect to fund these expenditures with our cash on hand, operating cash flow and, if required, borrowings under our revolving credit facility.
In 2016,2018, we drilled 4097 gross wells (38.0(95.1 net) and completed 7694 gross wells (76.0(93.0 net), of which 6227 gross wells (62.0(27.0 net) were drilled but uncompleted in prior years. In 2017,For the full year of 2019, our capital program will focus on the Marcellus Shale, where we planexpect to drill 100 gross wells (95.0 net) and complete 95 grossapproximately 90.0 net wells (90.0 net), of which 51 grossand place approximately 85 net wells (45.0 net) were drilled but uncompleted in prior years. In 2017, we plan to operate an average of approximately 3.0 rigs, an increase from an average of approximately 1.4 rigs in 2016.on production. We will continue to assess the natural gas and crude oil price environment along with our liquidity position and may increase or decrease our capital expenditures accordingly.
Financial Condition
Capital Resources and Liquidity
Our primary sources of cash for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 were primarily from the sale of natural gas and crude oil production and proceeds from the sale of assets.production. These cash flows were primarily used to fund our capital expenditures, (including contributions to our equity method investments), interest payments on debt, repurchaserepurchases of shares of our common stock and payment of dividends. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.
On April 22, 2019, we entered into a second amended and restated credit agreement (the revolving credit facility) . The borrowing base under the terms of our revolving credit facility is redetermined annually in April. In addition, either we or the banks may request an interim redetermination twice a year or in connection with certain acquisitions or divestitures of oil and gas properties. Effective April 11, 2017, the borrowing base and available commitmentsAs of June 30, 2019, there were reaffirmed at $3.2 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility asand our unused commitments were $1.5 billion. Refer to Note 4 of September 30, 2017.the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
A decline in commodity prices could result in the future reduction of our borrowing base and related commitments under the revolving credit facility. Unless commodity prices decline significantly from current levels, we do not believe that any such reductions would have a significant impact on our ability to service our debt and fund our drilling program and related operations.
We strive to manage our debt at a level below the available credit line in order to maintain borrowing capacity. Our revolving credit facility includes a covenant limiting our total debt. We believe that, with the existingoperating cash flow, cash on hand operating cash flow and availability under our revolving credit facility, we have the capacity to fund our spending plans.
At SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, we were in compliance with all restrictive financial covenants for both the revolving credit facility and senior notes. As of September 30, 2017, based on our asset coverage and leverage ratios, there were no interest rate adjustments required for our senior notes. See our Form 10-K for further discussion of our restrictive financial covenants.

Cash Flows
Our cash flows from operating activities, investing activities and financing activities are as follows:
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2019 2018
Cash flows provided by operating activities $719,047
 $257,705
 $911,937
 $546,660
Cash flows used in investing activities (577,484) (220,141)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities (129,849) 463,115
Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities (423,527) 196,692
Cash flows used in financing activities (249,303) (482,405)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents $11,714
 $500,679
 $239,107
 $260,947
Operating Activities.Operating cash flow fluctuations are substantially driven by commodity prices, changes in our production volumes and operating expenses. Prices for natural gas and crude oilCommodity prices have historically been volatile, primarily as a result of supply

and demand for natural gas and crude oil, pipeline infrastructure constraints, basis differentials, inventory storage levels and seasonal influences. In addition, fluctuations in cash flow may result in an increase or decrease in our capital expenditures. We are unable to predict future commodity prices and, as a result, cannot provide any assurance about future levels of net cash provided by operating activities.
Our working capital is substantially influenced by the variables discussed above and fluctuates based on the timing and amount of borrowings and repayments under our revolving credit facility, repayments of debt, the timing of cash collections and payments on our trade accounts receivable and payable, respectively, sales and repurchases of our securities and changes in the fair value of our commodity derivative activity. From time to time, our working capital will reflect a deficit, while at other times it will reflect a surplus. This fluctuation is not unusual. At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016,2018, we had a working capital surplus of $279.8$397.3 million and $458.1$257.3 million, respectively. We believe that we have adequate liquidity and availability under our revolving credit facility to meet our working capital requirements over the next twelve months.
Net cash provided by operating activities in the first ninesix months of 20172019 increased by $461.3$365.3 million compared to the first ninesix months of 2016.2018. This increase was primarily due to higher operating revenues, partially offset by higher cashlower operating expenses.expenses and favorable changes in working capital. The increase in operating revenues was primarily due to an increase inhigher equivalent production and higher realized natural gas and crude oil prices and higher equivalent production.prices. Average realized natural gas and crude oil prices increased by 45% and 27%, respectively,22% for the first ninesix months of 20172019 compared to the first ninesix months of 2016.2018. Equivalent production increased by 11%22% for the first ninesix months of 20172019 compared to the first ninesix months of 2016 driven by2018 due to higher natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale.
See “Results of Operations” for additional information relative to commodity price, production and operating expense fluctuations. We are unable to predict future commodity prices and, as a result, cannot provide any assurance about future levels of net cash provided by operating activities.
Investing Activities.Cash flows used in investing activities increased by $357.3$620.2 million for the first ninesix months of 20172019 compared to the first ninesix months of 2016.2018. The increase was due to $341.8 million higher capital expenditures and $16.4$644.5 million lower proceeds from the sale of assets and $34.2 million higher capital expenditures. These changes were partially offset by $0.8$57.8 million lower capital contributions associated with our equity method investments.
Financing Activities.Cash flows provided byused in financing activities decreased by $593.0$233.1 million for the first ninesix months of 20172019 compared to the first ninesix months of 2016.2018. This decrease was primarily due to $995.3$263.0 million lower net proceeds from the issuance of common stock in 2016, $68.3 million oflower repurchases of our common stock in 2017 and $28.82019 compared to 2018. This decrease was partially offset by $13.0 million of higher dividend payments related to an increase in theour dividend rate from $0.12 per share for the first six months of 2018 to $0.16 per share in the first six months of 2019 and $2.5 million higher tax withholdings on vesting stock awards. During the issuance of common stock in 2016. These decreases were partially offset by $497.0six months ended June 30, 2019, we repaid $7.0 million of lower net repayments of debt due to the repayment of the outstanding balance onborrowings under our revolving credit facilityfacility. Treasury stock repurchases for the six months ended June 30, 2019 include $31.4 million of share repurchases that were accrued in 2018 and certain of our senior notes with the proceeds from the issuance of common stockpaid in 2016.

2019.
Capitalization
Information about our capitalization is as follows:
(In thousands) June 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
Debt (1)
 $1,219,555
 $1,226,104
Stockholders' equity 2,344,804
 2,088,159
Total capitalization $3,564,359
 $3,314,263
Debt to total capitalization 34% 37%
Cash and cash equivalents $241,394
 $2,287
(In thousands) September 30,
2017
 December 31,
2016
Debt (1)
 $1,521,551
 $1,520,530
Stockholders' equity 2,644,594
 2,567,667
Total capitalization $4,166,145
 $4,088,197
Debt to total capitalization 37% 37%
Cash and cash equivalents $510,256
 $498,542
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)
Includes $237.0$7.0 million of current portionborrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility as of long-term debt at September 30, 2017.December 31, 2018.
During the first ninesix months of 2017,2019 and 2018, we repurchased 3.05.1 million shares of our common stock for $68.3 million. We also$125.3 million and 20.0 million shares of our common stock for $481.5 million, respectively. During the first six months of 2019 and 2018, we paid dividends of $55.7$67.7 million ($0.16 per share) and $54.7 million ($0.12 per share), respectively, on our common stock.

In May 2017,April 2019, the Board of Directors approved an increase in the quarterly dividend on our common stock from $0.02$0.07 per share to $0.05$0.09 per share.
Capital and Exploration Expenditures
On an annual basis, we generally fund most of our capital expenditures, excluding any significant property acquisitions, with cash generated from operations, and if required, borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We budget these expenditures based on our projected cash flows for the year.
The following table presents major components of our capital and exploration expenditures:
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2019 2018
Capital expenditures  
  
  
  
Drilling and facilities $475,240
 $255,139
 $415,431
 $313,900
Leasehold acquisitions 97,835
 1,687
 3,246
 11,344
Pipeline and gathering 597
 1,009
Other 9,091
 4,251
 5,975
 4,667
 582,763
 262,086
 424,652
 329,911
Exploration expenditures 16,623
 13,109
Exploration expenditures(1)
 10,548
 58,117
Total $599,386
 $275,195
 $435,200
 $388,028

(1)Exploratory dry hole expenditures included in exploration expenditures for the first six months of 2019 were not significant. Exploration expenditures include $51.1 million of exploratory dry hole expenditures for the first six months of 2018.
For the full year of 2017,2019, our capital program will focus on the Marcellus Shale, where we planexpect to drill approximately 100 gross wells (95.0 net) and complete 95 grossapproximately 90.0 net wells (90.0 net), of which 51 grossand place approximately 85 net wells (45.0 net) were drilled but uncompleted in prior years.on production. In 2017,2019, our drilling program includes approximately $775.0$800.0 million to $820.0 million in total capital expenditures compared to $372.5$816.1 million in 2016.2018. See “Outlook”Outlook for additional information regarding the current year drilling program. We will continue to assess the natural gas and crude oilcommodity price environment along with our liquidity position and may increase or decrease our capital expenditures accordingly. 
Contractual Obligations
We have various contractual obligations in the normal course of our operations. There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations described under “Transportation and Gathering Agreements,” “Drilling Rig Commitments,”Agreements” and “Lease Commitments” and “Hydraulic Fracturing Services Commitments” as disclosed in Note 9 inof the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the obligations described under “Contractual Obligations” in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the

reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. See our Form 10-K for further discussion of our critical accounting policies.
Recently Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 1 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, “Financial Statement Presentation,” for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements that affect us.
Results of Operations
ThirdSecond Quarters of 20172019 and 20162018 Compared
We reported net income in the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 of $17.6$181.0 million, or $0.04$0.43 per share, compared to a net lossincome of $10.3$42.4 million, or $0.02$0.09 per share, in the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2018. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher operating revenues and lower operating expenses and interest expense, partially offset by higher operating expenses, loss on sale of assets and income tax expense.

Revenue, Price and Volume Variances
Our revenues vary from year to year as a result of changes in commodity prices and production volumes. Below is a discussion of revenue, price and volume variances.
 Three Months Ended September 30, Variance Three Months Ended June 30, Variance
Revenue Variances (In thousands) 2017 2016 Amount Percent 2019 2018 Amount Percent
Natural gas $323,319
 $260,200
 $63,119
 24 % $470,482
 $364,660
 $105,822
 29 %
Crude oil and condensate 56,913
 37,777
 19,136
 51 %
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments (836) 6,904
 (7,740) (112)% 63,649
 (3,668) 67,317
 1,835 %
Brokered natural gas 3,528
 3,641
 (113) (3)% 
 92,576
 (92,576) (100)%
Other 2,492
 1,907
 585
 31 % (14) (121) 107
 88 %
 $385,416
 $310,429
 $74,987
 24 % $534,117
 $453,447
 $80,670
 18 %
 Three Months Ended September 30, Variance 
Increase
(Decrease)
(In thousands)
 Three Months Ended June 30, Variance 
Increase
(Decrease)
(In thousands)
 2017 2016 Amount Percent  2019 2018 Amount Percent 
Price Variances  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Natural gas $2.01
 $1.80
 $0.21
 12% $32,879
 $2.20
 $2.11
 $0.09
 4% $18,468
Crude oil and condensate $44.88
 $40.13
 $4.75
 12% 6,013
Total  
  
  
  
 $38,892
Volume Variances  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Natural gas (Bcf) 161.2
 144.4
 16.8
 12% $30,240
 213.8
 172.4
 41.4
 24% $87,354
Crude oil and condensate (Mbbl) 1,268
 941
 327
 35% 13,123
Total  
  
  
  
 $43,363
  
  
  
  
 $105,822
Natural Gas Revenues
The increase in natural gas revenues of $63.1$105.8 million was due to higher natural gas prices and higher production. The increase in production was a result of an increase in our drilling and completion activities in Pennsylvania.

Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues
The increase in crude oil and condensate revenues of $19.1 million was due to higher crude oil prices and production. The increase in production was a result of an increase in our drilling and completion activities in south Texas.
Impact of Derivative Instruments on Operating Revenues
 Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Three Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2019 2018
Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative instruments  
  
  
  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments $3,906
 $(8,101) $15,397
 $5,819
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivative instruments  
  
  
  
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments (4,742) 15,005
 48,252
 (9,487)
 $(836) $6,904
 $63,649
 $(3,668)
Brokered Natural Gas
  Three Months Ended September 30, Variance 
Price and
Volume
Variances
(In thousands)
  2017 2016 Amount Percent 
Brokered Natural Gas Sales        
  
  
Sales price ($/Mcf) $2.61
 $2.85
 $(0.24) (8)% $(327)
Volume brokered (Mmcf) x1,354
 x1,279
 75
 6 % 214
Brokered natural gas (In thousands) $3,528
 $3,641
     $(113)
             
Brokered Natural Gas Purchases            
Purchase price ($/Mcf) $2.07
 $2.30
 $(0.23) (10)% $(315)
Volume brokered (Mmcf) x1,354
 x1,279
 75
 6 % 173
Brokered natural gas (In thousands) $2,797
 $2,939
  
  
 $(142)
             
Brokered natural gas margin (In thousands) $731
 $702
  
  
 $29
Brokered natural gas decreased $92.6 million. There was no brokered natural gas activity in the current period.


Operating and Other Expenses
 Three Months Ended September 30, Variance Three Months Ended June 30, Variance
(In thousands) 2017 2016 Amount Percent 2019 2018 Amount Percent
Operating and Other Expenses  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Direct operations $26,282
 $24,626
 $1,656
 7 % $18,093
 $15,657
 $2,436
 16 %
Transportation and gathering 117,891
 105,671
 12,220
 12 % 141,689
 114,189
 27,500
 24 %
Brokered natural gas 2,797
 2,939
 (142) (5)% 
 80,082
 (80,082) (100)%
Taxes other than income 9,194
 8,771
 423
 5 % 3,640
 5,392
 (1,752) (32)%
Exploration 6,466
 2,988
 3,478
 116 % 4,504
 54,500
 (49,996) (92)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 146,267
 139,490
 6,777
 5 % 96,147
 84,910
 11,237
 13 %
General and administrative 23,244
 19,374
 3,870
 20 % 22,889
 21,228
 1,661
 8 %
 $332,141
 $303,859
 $28,282
 9 % $286,962
 $375,958
 $(88,996) (24)%
                
Earnings (loss) on equity method investments $(1,417) $(1,727) $310
 (18)% $3,650
 $(4) $(3,654) (91,350)%
Loss on sale of assets (11,872) (1,245) (10,627) 854 %
Gain (loss) on sale of assets 
 544
 544
 100 %
Interest expense, net 20,331
 21,483
 (1,152) (5)% 14,567
 23,328
 (8,761) (38)%
Other expense (income) (5,083) 402
 (5,485) (1,364)%
Income tax expense (benefit) 7,151
 (8,027) 15,178
 189 %
Other expense 143
 118
 25
 21 %
Income tax expense 55,086
 12,152
 42,934
 353 %
Total costs and expenses from operations increaseddecreased by $28.3$89.0 million, or 9%24%, in the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 compared to the same period of 2016.2018. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:
Direct operations increased $1.7$2.4 million largely due to an increase in operating costs primarily driven by higher production, partially offset by improved operational efficiencies.Marcellus Shale production.
Transportation and gathering increased $12.2$27.5 million due to higher throughput as a result of higher Marcellus Shale production.
Brokered natural gas decreased $0.1$80.1 million. SeeThere was no brokered natural gas activity in the preceding table titled “Brokered Natural Gas” for further analysis.
current period.
Taxes other than income increased $0.4decreased $1.8 million primarily due to $0.9 million higher production taxes resulting from higher crude oil prices and production in south Texas, partially offset by $0.6$1.6 million lower drilling impact fees as a result of lower rates. The remaining changes in taxes other than income were not individually significant.
Exploration increased $3.5decreased $50.0 million primarily asdue to a result of higher geophysicaldecrease in exploratory dry hole costs of $2.0 million$51.1 million. The exploratory dry hole costs in 2018 related to our activities in west Texas.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $6.8$11.2 million primarily due to higher DD&A of $12.8 million, partially offset by lower amortization of unproved properties of $9.4 million, partially offset by lower DD&A of $1.4$1.9 million in the thirdsecond quarter of 2017.2019. The increase in amortization of unproved properties isDD&A was primarily due to an increase of $18.4 million related to higher production volumes in leasing activity and an increase in amortization rates. Thethe Marcellus Shale, partially offset by a $5.6 million decrease in DD&A was due to a decrease of $17.3 million due to a lower DD&A rate of $0.75$0.42 per Mcfe for the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 compared to $0.85$0.45 per Mcfe for the thirdsecond quarter of 2016 primarily2018. The lower DD&A rate was due to positive reserve revisions and the impairmentrelated to our year end reserve estimation process. Amortization of oil and gasunproved properties and related pipeline assets in West Virginia and Virginia in 2016, partially offset by an increase of $15.8 million associated with higher equivalent production primarily in Pennsylvania for the third quarter of 2017 compareddecreased due to the third quarter of 2016.lower amortization rates.
General and administrative increased $3.9$1.7 million primarily due to $3.2$2.1 million of severance costs for employees terminated as a resultincurred in the second quarter of the sale of properties located in West Virginia, Virginia2019 and Ohio and $2.7$1.0 million of higher stock-based compensation expense associated with certain of our market-based performance awards, partially offset by $2.0 million lower professional services.awards. The remaining changes in other general and administrative expenses were not individually significant.

Earnings (Loss) on Equity Method Investments
The increase in lossEarnings on equity method investments isincreased $3.7 million as a result of our proportionate share of net lossincome from our equity method investments in 2017during the second quarter of 2019 compared to 2016.
Loss on Sale of Assets
Loss on sale of assets increased $10.6 million due to the Company's sale of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties and related pipeline assets located in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio in the thirdsecond quarter of 2017.2018 primarily from our investment in Meade, which commenced operations in late 2018.
Other Expense (Income)
Other income increased $5.5 million primarily due to the curtailment gain on postretirement benefits as a result of the termination of approximately 100 employees in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.


Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net decreased $1.2$8.8 million due to $0.8$5.4 million higherlower interest expense resulting from the repayment of $237.0 million of our 6.51% weighted-average senior notes which matured in July 2018 and $67.0 million of our 9.78% senior notes which matured in December 2019 and $5.5 million lower interest expense related to income tax reserves, partially offset by $1.9 million lower interest income.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense increased $15.2$42.9 million primarily due to higher pretaxpre-tax income partially offset byand a lowerhigher effective tax rate. The effective tax rates for the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 and 20162018 were 28.9%23.3% and 43.9%22.3%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarilywas higher for the second quarter of 2019 due to a decrease in the blended state statutory tax rate as a resultimpact of changes in our state apportionment factors in the states in which we operate, as well as non-recurring discrete items recorded during the thirdsecond quarter of 2017 versus2019 as compared to the thirdsecond quarter of 2016.2018.
First NineSix Months of 20172019 and 20162018 Compared
We reported net income in the first ninesix months of 20172019 of $144.8$443.8 million, or $0.31$1.05 per share, compared to a net lossincome of $124.4$159.7 million, or $0.27$0.35 per share, in the first ninesix months of 2016.2018. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher operating revenues partially offset by higherand lower operating expenses, interest expense and loss on sale of assets, andpartially offset by higher income tax expense.
Revenue, Price and Volume Variances
Our revenues vary from year to year as a result of changes in commodity prices and production volumes. Below is a discussion of revenue, price and volume variances.
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Variance Six Months Ended June 30, Variance
Revenue Variances (In thousands) 2017 2016 Amount Percent 2019 2018 Amount Percent
Natural gas $1,152,089
 $711,010
 $441,079
 62% $1,103,656
 $776,768
 $326,888
 42 %
Crude oil and condensate 144,528
 114,610
 29,918
 26% 
 48,722
 (48,722) (100)%
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments 46,353
 (1,286) 47,639
 3,704% 71,906
 1,909
 69,997
 3,667 %
Brokered natural gas 12,260
 9,417
 2,843
 30% 
 97,526
 (97,526) (100)%
Other 8,486
 5,435
 3,051
 56% 236
 1,749
 (1,513) (87)%
 $1,363,716
 $839,186
 $524,530
 63% $1,175,798
 $926,674
 $249,124
 27 %
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Variance 
Increase
(Decrease)
(In thousands)
 Six Months Ended June 30, Variance 
Increase
(Decrease)
(In thousands)
 2017 2016 Amount Percent  2019 2018 Amount Percent 
Price Variances  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Natural gas $2.35
 $1.61
 $0.74
 46% $361,545
 $2.64
 $2.30
 $0.34
 15 % $139,208
Crude oil and condensate $45.13
 $35.92
 $9.21
 26% 29,451
 $
 $64.68
 $(64.68) (100)% 
Total  
  
  
  
 $390,996
  
  
  
  
 $139,208
Volume Variances  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Natural gas (Bcf) 491.2
 441.8
 49.4
 11% $79,534
 418.6
 337.0
 81.6
 24 % $187,680
Crude oil and condensate (Mbbl) 3,203
 3,190
 13
 % 467
 
 754
 (754) (100)% (48,722)
Total  
  
  
  
 $80,001
  
  
  
  
 $138,958
Natural Gas Revenues
The increase in natural gas revenues of $441.1$326.9 million was due to an increase in production and higher natural gas prices and production.prices. The increase in production was a result of an increase in our drilling and completion activities in Pennsylvania.
Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues
The increasedecrease in crude oil and condensate revenues of $29.9$48.7 million was primarily due to higher crude oil prices.the sale of our Eagle Ford Shale assets in February 2018.

Impact of Derivative Instruments on Operating Revenues
 Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 Six Months Ended 
 June 30,
(In thousands) 2017 2016 2019 2018
Cash received (paid) on settlement of derivative instruments  
  
  
  
Gain on derivative instruments $3,587
 $3,204
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments $68,377
 $(20,312)
Non-cash gain (loss) on derivative instruments        
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments 42,766
 (4,490) 3,529
 22,221
 $46,353
 $(1,286) $71,906
 $1,909
Brokered Natural Gas
Brokered natural gas decreased $97.5 million. There was no brokered natural gas activity in the current period.
  Nine Months Ended September 30, Variance 
Price and
Volume
Variances
(In thousands)
  2017 2016 Amount Percent 
Brokered Natural Gas Sales        
  
  
Sales price ($/Mcf) $3.17
 $2.38
 $0.79
 33 % $3,038
Volume brokered (Mmcf) x3,872
 x3,954
 (82) (2)% (195)
Brokered natural gas (In thousands) $12,260
 $9,417
     $2,843
             
Brokered Natural Gas Purchases            
Purchase price ($/Mcf) $2.65
 $1.90
 $0.75
 39 % $2,892
Volume brokered (Mmcf) x3,872
 x3,954
 (82) (2)% (156)
Brokered natural gas (In thousands) $10,262
 $7,526
  
  
 $2,736
             
Brokered natural gas margin (In thousands) $1,998
 $1,891
  
  
 $107

Operating and Other Expenses
 Nine Months Ended September 30, Variance Six Months Ended June 30, Variance
(In thousands) 2017 2016 Amount Percent 2019 2018 Amount Percent
Operating and Other Expenses  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Direct operations $78,185
 $77,139
 $1,046
 1 % $36,427
 $35,727
 $700
 2 %
Transportation and gathering 361,909
 322,883
 39,026
 12 % 279,022
 226,314
 52,708
 23 %
Brokered natural gas 10,262
 7,526
 2,736
 36 % 
 85,032
 (85,032) (100)%
Taxes other than income 26,562
 23,737
 2,825
 12 % 9,487
 12,582
 (3,095) (25)%
Exploration 16,623
 13,109
 3,514
 27 % 10,548
 58,117
 (47,569) (82)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 425,689
 448,910
 (23,221) (5)% 188,405
 167,038
 21,367
 13 %
Impairment of oil and gas properties 68,555
 
 68,555
 100 %
General and administrative 70,902
 67,192
 3,710
 6 % 53,979
 45,288
 8,691
 19 %
 $1,058,687
 $960,496
 $98,191
 10 % $577,868
 $630,098
 $(52,230) (8)%
                
Earnings (loss) on equity method investments $(3,986) $208
 $(4,194) 2,016 % $7,334
 $(998) $(8,332) (835)%
Loss on sale of assets (13,498) (768) (12,730) 1,658 %
Gain (loss) on sale of assets (1,500) (40,505) 39,005
 (96)%
Interest expense, net 61,720
 67,821
 (6,101) (9)% 26,748
 43,386
 (16,638) (38)%
Loss on debt extinguishment 
 4,709
 (4,709) (100)%
Other expense (income) (4,974) 1,207
 (6,181) (512)%
Income tax expense (benefit) 85,965
 (71,243) 157,208
 221 %
Other expense 287
 232
 55
 24 %
Income tax expense 132,957
 51,793
 81,164
 157 %
Total costs and expenses from operations increaseddecreased by $98.2$52.2 million, or 10%8%, in the first ninesix months of 20172019 compared to the same period of 2016.2018. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:
Direct operations increased $0.7 million primarily driven by higher operating costs of $9.3 million due to higher Marcellus Shale production partially offset by lower operating costs of $8.3 million decrease primarily as a result of the the sale of our Eagle Ford Shale assets in February 2018.
Transportation and gathering increased $1.0$52.7 million largely due to an increase in operating costs primarily driven by higher production, partially offset by improved operational efficiencies, cost reductions from service providers and suppliers in 2017 compared to 2016.
Transportation and gathering increased $39.0 million due to higher throughput as a result of higher Marcellus Shale production.
Brokered natural gas increased $2.7decreased $85.0 million. SeeThere was no brokered natural gas activity in the preceding table titled “Brokered Natural Gas” for further analysis.
current period.
Taxes other than income increased $2.8decreased $3.1 million primarily due to $2.4 million lower production taxes resulting from the sale of our Eagle Ford Shale assets in February 2018 and $0.6 million lower drilling impact fees as a result of lower rates.
Exploration decreased $47.6 million due to $3.4a decrease in exploratory dry hole costs of $51.1 million, higher production taxes primarily resulting from higher natural gas and crude oil prices andpartially offset by an increase of $3.5 million geological and geophysical expenses. The exploratory dry hole costs in drilling impact fees2018 related to our activities in west Texas.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization increased $21.4 million primarily due to higher DD&A of $1.9$25.2 million, partially offset by lower amortization of unproved properties of $4.4 million. The increase in DD&A was primarily

due to an increase in drilling activity in Pennsylvania. These increases wereof $33.8 million related to higher equivalent production volumes, partially offset by a decrease of $2.4$8.6 million in ad valorem taxes as a result of lower property values primarily in south Texas.
Exploration increased $3.5 million as a result of higher dry hole costs of $2.8 million in 2017 and $2.6 million higher geophysical costs, partially offset by lower charges related to the release of certain drilling rig contracts in south Texas. In the first nine months of 2016, we recorded rig termination charges of $1.7 million. We recorded no rig termination charges in the first nine months of 2017.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased $23.2 million, primarily due to lower DD&A of $38.0 million, partially offset by higher amortization of unproved properties of $15.9 million in 2017. The decrease in DD&A was due to a decrease of $82.5 million due to a lower DD&A rate of $0.73$0.42 per Mcfe for the first ninesix months of 20172019 compared to $0.89$0.44 per Mcfe for the first ninesix months of 2016, partially offset by a $44.5 million increase due to higher equivalent production volumes.2018. The lower DD&A rate was primarily due to positive reserve revisions and the impairment of oil and gas properties and related pipeline assets in West Virginia and Virginia in 2016. The increase in amortizationto our year end reserve estimation process. Amortization of unproved properties is primarilydecreased due to the ongoing evaluationlower amortization rates as a result of our unproved properties and an increasea decrease in leasing activity.

Impairment of oil and gas properties was $68.6 million in 2017 due to the impairment of oil and gas properties and related pipeline assets in West Virginia and Virginia.
exploratory activities.
General and administrative increased $3.7$8.7 million primarily due to $3.4 million higher employee-related expenses, $3.2 million of higher stock-based compensation expensecost of $10.7 million associated with certain of our market-based performance awards and $3.2$2.1 million of severance costs for employees terminated as a resultincurred in the second quarter of its sale of properties located in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.2019. These increases were partially offset by $6.8$4.5 million of lower professional services. The remaining changes in other generalservices and administrative expenses were not individually significant.legal fees.
Earnings (Loss) on Equity Method Investments
The increase in lossEarnings on equity method investments is theincreased $8.3 million as a result of our proportionate share of net earningsincome from our equity method investments in 2017the first six months of 2019 compared to 2016.the first six months of 2018 primarily from our investment in Meade, which commenced operations in late 2018.
Loss on Sale of Assets
Loss on saleDuring the first six months of assets increased $12.7 million due to2019, we recognized a net aggregate loss of $1.5 million. During the Company's salefirst six months of certain proved and unproved oil and gas properties and related pipeline assets located in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio in the third quarter2018, we recognized a net aggregate loss of 2017.
Other Expense (Income)
Other income increased $6.2$40.5 million primarily due to the curtailment gain on postretirement benefits as a resultsale of the termination of approximately 100 employeesour Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas properties in West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.south Texas in February 2018.
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net decreased $6.1decreased $16.6 million primarily due to a $1.4$10.8 million increase inlower interest income and a $2.1 million decreaseexpense resulting from the repayment of the outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility in March 2016, which has remained undrawn through September 30, 2017. Interest expense also decreased $2.4 million resulting from the repurchase of $64.0$237.0 million of our 6.51% weighted-average senior notes which matured in May 2016July 2018 and the repayment of $20.0$67.0 million of our 7.33% weighted-average9.78% senior notes that matured in July 2016.
Loss on Debt Extinguishment
A $4.7December 2018 and $8.6 million debt extinguishment loss was recognized in the second quarter of 2016lower interest expense related to the premium paid for the repurchase ofincome tax reserves, partially offset by a portion of our 6.51% weighted-average senior notes$2.0 million increase in May 2016 and the write-off of a portion of the associated deferred financing costs due to early repayment.interest income.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense increased $157.2$81.2 million due to higher pretaxpre-tax income, andpartially offset by a higherlower effective tax rate. The effective tax rates for the first ninesix months of 20172019 and 20162018 were 37.2%23.1% and 36.4%24.5%, respectively. The increase in the effective tax rate is primarilywas higher for the first six months of 2018 due to an increase in the blended state statutory tax rate as a result of changes in our state apportionment factors attributable to the Eagle Ford Shale asset divestiture in the states in which we operate and the impact of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies on shares vesting during the period as a result of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09 in January 2017, partially offset by non-recurring discrete itemsFebruary 2018. There were no significant apportionment changes recorded during the first ninesix months of 2017 versus the first nine months of 2016.2019.
Forward-Looking Information
The statements regarding future financial and operating performance and results, strategic pursuits and goals, market prices, future hedging and risk management activities, and other statements that are not historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “budget,” “plan,” “forecast,” “target,” “predict,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, market factors, market prices (including geographic basis differentials) of natural gas and crude oil, results of future drilling and marketing activity, future production and costs, legislative and regulatory initiatives, electronic, cyber or physical security breaches and other factors detailed herein and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of the Form 10-K for additional information about these risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.

ITEM 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market Risk
Our primary market risk is exposure to natural gas and crude oil prices. Realized prices are mainly driven by worldwide prices for crude oil and spot market prices for North American natural gas production. Commodity pricesproduction, which can be volatile and unpredictable.
Derivative Instruments and Risk Management Activities
Our risk management strategy is designed to reduce the risk of commodity price volatility for our production in the natural gas and crude oil markets through the use of financial commodity derivatives. A committee that consists of members of senior management oversees our risk management activities. Our financial commodity derivatives generally cover a portion of our

production and provide only partial price protection by limiting the benefit to us of increases in prices, while protecting us in the event of price declines. Further, if any of our counterparties defaulted, this protection might be limited as we might not receive the full benefit of our financial commodity derivatives. Please read the discussion below as well as Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Form 10-K for a more detailed discussion of our derivative and risk management activities.instruments.
Periodically, we enter into financial commodity derivatives including collar, swap and basis swap agreements, to protect against exposure to commodity price declines related to our natural gas and crude oil production. Our credit agreement restricts our ability to enter into financial commodity derivatives other than to hedge or mitigate risks to which we have actual or projected exposure or as permitted under our risk management policies and not subjecting us to material speculative risks. All of our financial derivatives are used for risk management purposes and are not held for trading purposes. Under the collar agreements, if the index price rises above the ceiling price, we pay the counterparty. If the index price falls below the floor price, the counterparty pays us. Under the swap agreements, we receive a fixed price on a notional quantity of natural gas or crude oil in exchange for paying a variable price based on a market-based index, such as the NYMEX natural gas and crude oil futures.
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, we had the following outstanding financial commodity derivatives:
       Collars   Basis Swaps 
Estimated 
Fair Value 
Asset (Liability)
(In thousands)
       Floor Ceiling Swaps  
Type of Contract Volume Contract Period Range 
Weighted-
Average
 Range 
Weighted-
Average
 
Weighted-
Average
 Weighted- Average 
Natural gas - NYMEX 8.9
Bcf Oct. 2017 - Dec. 2017         $3.12
   $(177)
Natural gas - TCO 4.5
Bcf Oct. 2017 - Dec. 2017         $3.46
   2,322
Natural gas - NYMEX 8.9
Bcf Oct. 2017 - Dec. 2017 $
 $3.09
 $3.42-$3.45 $3.43
     261
Natural gas - Transco 21.3
Bcf Jan. 2018 - Dec. 2019           $0.42
 2,858
Crude oil 0.5
Mmbbl Oct. 2017 - Dec. 2017 $
 $50.00
 $56.25-$56.50 $56.39
     259
                   $5,523
In the above table, natural gas prices are stated per Mcf and crude oil prices are stated per barrel.
      Swaps Basis Swaps 
Estimated 
Fair Value 
Asset (Liability)
(In thousands)
        
Type of Contract Volume (Mmbtu) Contract Period Weighted-Average ($/Mmbtu) Weighted-Average ($/Mmbtu) 
Natural gas (IFERC TRANSCO Z6 non-NY) 5,520,000
 Jul. 2019 - Dec. 2019 
 $0.41
 $2,988
Natural gas (IFERC TRANSCO Z6 non-NY) 18,450,000
 Jul. 2019 - Oct. 2019 $2.61
 
 11,108
Natural gas (IFERC TRANSCO Leidy Line Receipts) 27,600,000
 Jul. 2019 - Dec. 2019 
 $(0.53) (1,469)
Natural gas (NYMEX) 43,050,000
 Jul. 2019 - Oct. 2019 $2.85
   23,604
Natural gas (NYMEX) 55,200,000
 Jul. 2019 - Dec. 2019 $2.82
 
 24,984
          $61,215
The amounts set forth in the table above represent our total unrealized derivative position at SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and exclude the impact of non-performance risk. Non-performance risk is considered in the fair value of our derivative instruments that are recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and is primarily evaluated by reviewing credit default swap spreads for the various financial institutions with which we have derivative contracts, while our non-performance risk is evaluated using a market credit spread provided by one of our banks.
During the first ninesix months of 2017,2019, natural gas collars with floor prices of $3.09 per Mcf and ceiling prices ranging from $3.42 to $3.45 per Mcfbasis swaps covered 26.531.7 Bcf, or 5%eight percent, of natural gas production at an average price of $2.59 per Mcf. Natural gas swaps covered 112.7 Bcf, or 27%, of natural gas production at an average price of $3.23$3.72 per Mcf. Natural gas swaps covered 38.3 Bcf, or 8%, of natural gas production at an average price of $3.23 per Mcf. Crude oil collars with floor prices of $50.00 per Bbl and ceiling prices ranging from $56.25 to $56.50 per Bbl covered 1.4 Mmbbl, or 43%, of crude oil production at an average price of $50.77 per Bbl.
We are exposed to market risk on financial commodity derivative instruments to the extent of changes in market prices of natural gas and crude oil.gas. However, the market risk exposure on these derivative contracts is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity. Although notional contract amounts are used to express the volume of

natural gas agreements, the amounts that can be subject to credit risk in the event of non-performance by third parties are substantially smaller. Our counterparties are primarily commercial banks and financial service institutions that management believes present minimal credit risk and our derivative contracts are with multiple counterparties to minimize our exposure to any individual counterparty. We perform both quantitative and qualitative assessments of these counterparties based on their credit ratings and credit default swap rates where applicable. We have not incurred any losses related to non-performance risk of our counterparties and we do not anticipate any material impact on our financial results due to non-performance by third parties. However, we cannot be certain that we will not experience such losses in the future.
The preceding paragraphs contain forward-looking information concerning future production and projected gains and losses, which may be impacted both by production and by changes in the future commodity prices. See “Forward-Looking Information” for further details.
Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
The estimated fair value of other financial instruments is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged currently between willing parties. The carrying amount reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet for cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

We use available market data and valuation methodologies to estimate the fair value of debt. The fair value of debt is the estimated amount we would have to pay a third party to assume the debt, including a credit spread for the difference between the issue rate and the period end market rate. The credit spread is our default or repayment risk. The credit spread (premium or discount) is determined by comparing our senior notes and revolving credit facility to new issuances (secured and unsecured) and secondary trades of similar size and credit statistics for both public and private debt. The fair value of all senior notes and the revolving credit facility is based on interest rates currently available to us.
The carrying amount and fair value of debt is as follows:
  September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016
(In thousands) 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair
Value
Debt, net $1,521,551
 $1,536,360
 $1,520,530
 $1,463,643
Current maturities (237,000) (243,569) 
 
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $1,284,551
 $1,292,791
 $1,520,530
 $1,463,643
  June 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands) 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair
Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated Fair
Value
Long-term debt $1,219,555
 $1,245,889
 $1,226,104
 $1,202,994
ITEM 4.    Controls and Procedures
As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, with respect to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, of information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.
There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the thirdsecond quarter of 20172019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially effect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.      Legal Proceedings
Legal Matters
The information set forth under the heading “Legal Matters” in Note 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this quarterly report is incorporated by reference in response to this item.
Environmental Matters
On June 17, 2019, we received two proposed Consent Order and Agreements (“CO&A”) from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) relating to gas migration allegations in areas surrounding several wells owned and operated by us in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. The allegations relating to these wells were initially raised by residents in the area in March and June 2017, respectively, in the form of complaints about their drinking water supply. Since then, we have been engaged with the PaDEP in investigating the incidents and have performed appropriate remediation efforts, including the provision of alternative sources of drinking water to the affected residents.  We received Notices of Violation (“NOV”) from the PaDEP in June and November, 2017, respectively, for failure to prevent the migration of gas into fresh groundwater sources in the area surrounding these wells.  With regard to the June 2017 NOV, we believe these water quality complaints have been resolved, and we are working with the PaDEP to reach agreement on the disposition of this matter. The proposed CO&A is the culmination of this effort and, if finalized, would result in the payment of a civil monetary penalty in an amount likely to exceed $100,000, up to approximately $215,000. We will continue to work with the PaDEP to finalize the CO&A, and to bring this matter to a close. With regard to the November 2017 NOV, The proposed CO&A, if finalized as drafted, would require Cabot to submit a detailed written remediation plan, continue water sampling and other investigative measures and restore or replace affected water supplies and would result in the payment of a civil monetary penalty in an amount likely to exceed $100,000, up to approximately $355,000. We will continue to work with the PaDEP to finalize the CO&A, and to complete the ongoing investigation and remediation.
From time to time we receive notices of violation from governmental and regulatory authorities in areas in which we operate relating to alleged violations of environmental statutes or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. While we cannot predict with certainty whether these notices of violation will result in fines and/or penalties, if fines and/or penalties are imposed, they may result in monetary sanctions, individually or in the aggregate, in excess of $100,000.

ITEM 1A.    Risk Factors
For additional information about the risk factors that affect us, see Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018.
ITEM 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our Board of Directors has authorized a share repurchase program under which we may purchase shares of common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. There is no expiration date associated with the authorization. The maximumshares included in the table below were purchased on the open market and were held as treasury stock as of June 30, 2019.
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
April 2019(1)
 80,933
 $25.47
 80,933
 11,499,362
May 2019 2,250,000
 $25.44
 2,250,000
 9,249,362
June 2019 2,750,000
 $23.95
 2,750,000
 6,499,362
Total 5,080,933
   5,080,933
  
(1) Shares were repurchased under a Rule 10b5-1 Plan that was in effect from April 1, 2019 to April 24, 2019.
In July 2019, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of 25.0 million shares to our Company’s share repurchase program. After this authorization, the total number of remaining shares that may be purchased under the plan as of September 30, 2017 was 7.1available for repurchase is 31.5 million shares.

ITEM 6.    Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
 Description
   

 
   
 
   
 
   
101.INS 
XBRL Instance Document.Document, The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

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.
 CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
 (Registrant)
  
October 30, 2017July 26, 2019By:/s/ DAN O. DINGES
  Dan O. Dinges
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
  
October 30, 2017July 26, 2019By:/s/ SCOTT C. SCHROEDER
  Scott C. Schroeder
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)
  
October 30, 2017July 26, 2019By:/s/ TODD M. ROEMER
  Todd M. Roemer
  Vice President and ControllerChief Accounting Officer
  (Principal Accounting Officer)


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