Item 1. Financial Statements
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
3
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
19,270
$
16,669
Accounts receivable:
Natural gas and oil sales and gas services
113,413
166,639
Joint interest operations
30,902
48,704
From affiliates
10,884
16,087
Derivative financial instruments
79,649
126,775
Other current assets
69,289
86,619
Total current assets
323,407
461,493
Property and equipment:
Natural gas and oil properties, successful efforts method:
Proved
7,617,670
7,126,519
Unproved
408,705
343,419
Other
79,841
62,382
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
( 2,531,599
)
( 2,147,549
)
Net property and equipment
5,574,617
5,384,771
Goodwill
335,897
335,897
Operating lease right-of-use assets
90,604
71,462
$
6,324,525
$
6,253,623
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable
$
377,909
$
523,260
Accrued costs
139,414
134,466
Operating leases
34,952
23,765
Total current liabilities
552,275
681,491
Long-term debt
2,856,045
2,640,391
Deferred income taxes
415,604
470,035
Derivative financial instruments
47,366
—
Long-term operating leases
55,621
47,742
Reserve for future abandonment costs
31,709
30,773
Total liabilities
3,958,620
3,870,432
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock—$ 0.50 par, 400,000,000 shares authorized, 292,260,645
and 278,429,463 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024
and December 31, 2023, respectively
146,130
139,214
Additional paid-in capital
1,358,549
1,260,930
Accumulated earnings
815,639
958,270
Total stockholders' equity attributable to Comstock
2,320,318
2,358,414
Noncontrolling interest
45,587
24,777
Total stockholders' equity
2,365,905
2,383,191
$
6,324,525
$
6,253,623
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
4
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Natural gas sales
$
216,527
$
228,892
$
503,610
$
606,924
Oil sales
1,074
860
1,950
2,802
Total natural gas and oil sales
217,601
229,752
505,560
609,726
Gas services
29,229
58,459
77,042
168,063
Total revenues
246,830
288,211
582,602
777,789
Operating expenses:
Production and ad valorem taxes
19,244
19,599
37,152
34,505
Gathering and transportation
49,361
45,395
96,460
90,969
Lease operating
34,805
34,031
69,877
68,861
Exploration
—
—
—
1,775
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
194,242
140,177
384,931
274,160
Gas services
31,494
55,390
80,174
156,685
General and administrative
10,177
10,038
19,348
22,406
Loss (gain) on sale of assets
—
648
—
( 125
)
Total operating expenses
339,323
305,278
687,942
649,236
Operating income (loss)
( 92,493
)
( 17,067
)
( 105,340
)
128,553
Other income (expenses):
Gain (loss) from derivative financial instruments
( 25,252
)
( 4,495
)
14,055
61,914
Other income
322
598
653
1,058
Interest expense
( 51,932
)
( 39,188
)
( 101,489
)
( 77,458
)
Total other income (expenses)
( 76,862
)
( 43,085
)
( 86,781
)
( 14,486
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
( 169,355
)
( 60,152
)
( 192,121
)
114,067
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
46,106
14,446
54,398
( 25,270
)
Net income (loss)
( 123,249
)
( 45,706
)
( 137,723
)
88,797
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
( 3,061
)
—
( 4,908
)
—
Net income (loss) available to Comstock
$
( 126,310
)
$
( 45,706
)
$
( 142,631
)
$
88,797
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic
$
( 0.43
)
$
( 0.17
)
$
( 0.49
)
$
0.32
Diluted
$
( 0.43
)
$
( 0.17
)
$
( 0.49
)
$
0.32
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic
289,670
276,669
283,816
276,610
Diluted
289,670
276,669
283,816
276,610
Dividends per share
$
—
$
0.125
$
—
$
0.25
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
5
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
Common
Shares
Common
Stock-
Par Value
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Accumulated
Earnings
Noncontrolling Interest
Total
(In thousands)
Balance at January 1, 2023
277,517
$
138,759
$
1,253,417
$
886,138
$
—
$
2,278,314
Stock-based compensation
( 7
)
( 4
)
2,050
—
—
2,046
Net income
—
—
—
134,503
—
134,503
Common stock dividends
—
—
—
( 34,688
)
—
( 34,688
)
Balance at March 31, 2023
277,510
$
138,755
$
1,255,467
$
985,953
$
—
$
2,380,175
Stock-based compensation
983
491
( 85
)
—
—
406
Net loss
—
—
—
( 45,706
)
—
( 45,706
)
Common stock dividends
—
—
—
( 34,689
)
—
( 34,689
)
Balance at June 30, 2023
278,493
$
139,246
$
1,255,382
$
905,558
$
—
$
2,300,186
Balance at January 1, 2024
278,430
$
139,214
$
1,260,930
$
958,270
$
24,777
$
2,383,191
Stock-based compensation
1,272
637
2,778
—
—
3,415
Issuance of common stock
12,500
6,250
94,200
—
—
100,450
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
( 16,321
)
1,847
( 14,474
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
6,000
6,000
Balance at March 31, 2024
292,202
$
146,101
$
1,357,908
$
941,949
$
32,624
$
2,478,582
Stock-based compensation
59
29
680
—
—
709
Stock issuance costs
—
—
( 39
)
—
—
( 39
)
Net income (loss)
—
—
—
( 126,310
)
3,061
( 123,249
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
11,000
11,000
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
( 1,098
)
( 1,098
)
Balance at June 30, 2024
292,261
$
146,130
$
1,358,549
$
815,639
$
45,587
$
2,365,905
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
6
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)
$
( 137,723
)
$
88,797
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes
( 54,431
)
25,270
Gain on sale of assets
—
( 125
)
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
384,931
274,160
Gain on derivative financial instruments
( 14,055
)
( 61,914
)
Cash settlements of derivative financial instruments
108,547
65,877
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
5,383
3,991
Stock-based compensation
7,497
4,351
Decrease in accounts receivable
76,231
316,210
Decrease in other current assets
4,846
1,201
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
( 126,112
)
56
Net cash provided by operating activities
255,114
717,874
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures and acquisitions
( 588,208
)
( 743,858
)
Prepaid drilling costs
12,484
( 8,624
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
—
41,295
Net cash used for investing activities
( 575,724
)
( 711,187
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on bank credit facility
430,000
160,000
Repayments of bank credit facility
( 585,000
)
( 140,000
)
Issuance of Senior Notes
372,000
—
Issuance of common stock
100,450
—
Common stock dividends paid
—
( 69,377
)
Debt and stock issuance costs
( 6,768
)
( 144
)
Income tax withholdings on equity awards
( 3,373
)
( 1,899
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
17,000
—
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
( 1,098
)
—
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
323,211
( 51,420
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
2,601
( 44,733
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
16,669
54,652
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
19,270
$
9,919
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
7
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDA TED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
June 30, 2024
(Unaudited)
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
These unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Comstock Resources, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, "Comstock" or the "Company"). In management's opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of Comstock as of June 30, 2024, and the related results of operations and cash flows for the periods being presented. Net income (loss) and comprehensive income (loss) are the same in all periods presented. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although Comstock believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Comstock's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. The results of operations for the period through June 30, 2024 are not necessarily an indication of the results expected for the full year.
Pinnacle Gas Services ("PGS") is a joint venture entity formed by the Company and an affiliate of Quantum Capital Solutions. PGS provides gathering and treating services for natural gas production in the Company's Western Haynesville area. Comstock directs the activities that most significantly impact the performance of PGS and has the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to PGS. Accordingly, Comstock is considered the primary beneficiary and consolidates the assets, liabilities and results of operations of PGS in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. PGS assets that cannot be used by Comstock for general corporate purposes include $ 71.4 million and $ 54.9 million of other property and equipment as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 , respectively. Other PGS assets that cannot be used by Comstock and PGS liabilities for which creditors do not have recourse to Comstock's assets are not material to the Company's consolidated financial statements. The portions of PGS net income and stockholders' equity not attributable to Comstock's controlling interest are shown separately as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations and statements of stockholders' equity.
Other Current Assets
Other current assets at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
As of
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
(In thousands)
Prepaid drilling costs
$
57,640
$
70,124
Income tax receivable
4,625
8,312
Production tax refunds receivable
4,915
5,745
Prepaid expenses
2,109
2,438
$
69,289
$
86,619
Property and Equipment
The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its natural gas and oil properties. Costs incurred to acquire natural gas and oil leases and to drill and complete developmental wells are capitalized.
Exploratory well costs are initially capitalized as proved property in the consolidated balance sheets but charged to exploration expense if and when the well is determined not to have found commercial proved natural gas and oil reserves.
8
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
The changes in capitalized exploratory well costs are as follows:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Beginning capitalized exploratory well costs
$
58,034
$
30,557
$
96,233
$
867
Additions to exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves
52,392
74,622
158,848
104,312
Determined to have found proved reserves
( 40,626
)
( 70,983
)
( 185,281
)
( 70,983
)
Ending capitalized exploratory well costs
$
69,800
$
34,196
$
69,800
$
34,196
As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had no exploratory wells for which costs have been capitalized for a period greater than one year.
The Company assesses the need for an impairment of the capitalized costs for its proved natural gas and oil properties on a property basis. No impairments were recognized to adjust the carrying value of the Company's proved natural gas and oil properties during any of the periods presented. Unproved natural gas and oil properties are also periodically assessed and any impairment in value is charged to expense. The costs related to unproved properties are transferred to proved natural gas and oil properties and amortized on an equivalent unit-of-production basis when they are reflected in proved natural gas and oil reserves.
The Company determines the fair value of its natural gas and oil properties using a discounted cash flow model and proved and risk-adjusted probable natural gas and oil reserves. Undrilled acreage can also be valued based on sales transactions in comparable areas. Significant Level 3 assumptions associated with the calculation of discounted future cash flows included in the cash flow model include management's outlook for natural gas and oil prices, production costs, capital expenditures, and future production as well as estimated proved natural gas and oil reserves and risk-adjusted probable natural gas and oil reserves. Management's natural gas and oil price outlook is developed based on third-party longer-term price forecasts as of each measurement date. The expected future net cash flows are discounted using an appropriate discount rate in determining a property's fair value.
It is reasonably possible that the Company's estimates of undiscounted future net cash flows attributable to its natural gas and oil properties may change in the future. The primary factors that may affect estimates of future cash flows include future adjustments, both positive and negative, to proved and appropriate risk-adjusted probable natural gas and oil reserves, results of future drilling activities, future prices for natural gas and oil, and increases or decreases in production and capital costs. As a result of these changes, there may be future impairments in the carrying values of these or other properties.
Goodwill
The Company had goodwill of $ 335.9 million as of June 30, 2024 that was recorded in 2018. The Company is not required to amortize goodwill as a charge to earnings; however, the Company is required to conduct an annual review of goodwill for impairment. The Company performs an annual assessment of goodwill on October 1 of each year and performs interim assessments if indicators of impairment are present. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge would be recorded for the difference between fair value and carrying value.
Leases
The Company has right-of-use lease assets of $ 90.6 million related to its corporate office, certain office equipment, vehicles and drilling rigs with corresponding short-term and long-term liabilities. The value of the lease assets and liabilities are determined based upon discounted future minimum cash flows contained within each of the respective contracts. The Company determines if contracts contain a lease at inception of the contract. To the extent that contract terms representing a lease are identified, leases are identified as being either an operating lease or a finance-type lease. Comstock currently has no finance-type leases. Right-of-use lease assets representing the Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and the related lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments under the terms of the contracts. Short-term leases that have an initial term of one year or less are not capitalized; however, amounts paid for those leases are included as part of its lease cost disclosures. Short-term lease costs exclude expenses related to leases with a lease term of one month or less. Leases for the right to explore for and develop natural gas and oil reserves and the related rights to use the land associated with those leases are reflected as natural gas and oil properties.
Comstock contracts for a variety of equipment used in its natural gas and oil exploration and development activities. Contract terms for this equipment vary broadly, including the contract duration, pricing, scope of services included along with the equipment, cancellation terms, and rights of substitution, among others. The Company's drilling and completion operations routinely change due to changes in commodity prices, demand for natural gas and oil, and the overall operating and economic environment. Accordingly,
9
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
Comstock manages the terms of its contracts for drilling rigs and completion equipment so as to allow for maximum flexibility in responding to these changing conditions. The Company's hydraulic fracturing fleet contracts are on terms of less than one year and include rights of substitution. The Company has three drilling rig contracts with a three year term with options to extend the term by mutual agreement at mutually acceptable terms or terminate the contracts at any time without default by the lessor. The Company's other drilling rig contracts are presently either for periods of less than one year, or they are on terms that provide for cancellation with 30 or 45 days advance notice without a specified expiration date. The Company has elected not to recognize right-of-use lease assets for contracts less than one year. The costs associated with drilling and completion operations are accounted for under the successful efforts method, which generally require that these costs be capitalized as part of our proved natural gas and oil properties on our balance sheet unless they are incurred on exploration wells that are unsuccessful, in which case they are charged to exploration expense.
Lease costs recognized during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Operating lease cost included in general and administrative expense
$
421
$
444
$
840
$
889
Operating lease cost included in lease operating expense
566
502
1,088
1,010
Operating lease cost included in natural gas and oil properties
9,171
13,230
16,303
22,680
Variable lease cost (drilling rig and completion costs included in natural gas and oil properties)
848
3,301
3,365
5,062
Short-term lease cost (drilling rig costs included in natural gas and oil properties)
4,241
24,496
15,513
53,888
$
15,247
$
41,973
$
37,109
$
83,529
Cash payments for operating leases associated with right-of-use lease assets included in net cash provided by operating activities were $ 1.0 million and $ 0.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $ 1.9 million for both the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Cash payments for operating leases associated with right-of-use lease assets included in net cash used for investing activities were $ 14.3 million and $ 41.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $ 35.2 million and $ 81.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the operating leases had a weighted-average term of 2.5 years and 2.9 years, respectively, and the weighted-average discount rate used to determine the present value of future operating lease payments was 7.3 % and 7.2 % , respectively. As of June 30, 2024, the Company also had expected future payments for short term leased drilling services of $ 2.6 million .
As of June 30, 2024, expected future payments related to contracts that contain operating leases were as follows:
(In thousands)
July 1 to December 31, 2024
$
20,313
2025
40,016
2026
33,950
2027
3,775
2028
1,560
Total lease payments
99,614
Imputed interest
( 9,041
)
Total lease liability
$
90,573
10
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
Accrued Costs
Accrued costs at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 consisted of the following:
As of
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
(In thousands)
Accrued interest payable
$
60,669
$
54,912
Accrued transportation costs
31,153
32,294
Accrued drilling costs
21,508
35,876
Accrued income and other taxes
15,789
1,894
Accrued employee compensation
4,665
6,700
Accrued lease operating expenses
3,890
2,299
Other
1,740
491
$
139,414
$
134,466
Reserve for Future Abandonment Costs
Comstock's asset retirement obligations relate to future plugging and abandonment expenses on its natural gas and oil properties and disposal of other facilities. The following table summarizes the changes in Comstock's total estimated liability for such obligations during the periods presented:
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Reserve for future abandonment costs at beginning of period
$
30,773
$
29,114
New wells placed on production
87
67
Liabilities settled
( 31
)
( 42
)
Accretion expense
880
825
Reserve for future abandonment costs at end of period
$
31,709
$
29,964
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
All of the Company's derivative financial instruments are used for risk management purposes and, by policy, none are held for trading or speculative purposes. Comstock minimizes credit risk to counterparties of its derivative financial instruments through formal credit policies, monitoring procedures, and diversification. The Company is not required to provide any credit support to its counterparties other than cross collateralization with the assets securing its bank credit facility. None of the Company's derivative financial instruments involve payment or receipt of premiums. The Company classifies the fair value amounts of derivative financial instruments as net current or noncurrent assets or liabilities, whichever the case may be, by commodity contract. None of the Company's derivative contracts were designated as cash flow hedges. All of Comstock's natural gas derivative financial instruments are tied to the Henry Hub-NYMEX price index.
The Company had the following natural gas price derivative financial instruments at June 30, 2024:
Future Production Period
Six Months Ending
December 31, 2024
Year Ending
December 31, 2025
Year Ending
December 31, 2026
Total
Natural Gas Price Swap Contracts:
Volume (MMBtu)
101,200,000
136,875,000
109,500,000
347,575,000
Average Price per MMBtu
$ 3.54
$ 3.51
$ 3.51
$ 3.52
Natural Gas Price Collar Contracts:
Volume (MMBtu)
54,750,000
91,250,000
146,000,000
Average Price per MMBtu:
Average Ceiling
$ 3.80
$ 3.98
$ 3.92
Average Floor
$ 3.50
$ 3.50
$ 3.50
11
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
The classification of derivative financial instruments of assets or liabilities, consists of the following:
As of
Type
Consolidated Balance Sheet Location
June 30,
2024
December 31,
2023
(In thousands)
Asset Derivative Financial Instruments:
Natural gas price derivatives
Derivative Financial Instruments – current
$
79,649
$
126,775
Liability Derivative Financial Instruments:
Natural gas price derivatives
Derivative Financial Instruments – long-term
$
47,366
$
—
The Company recognized cash settlements and changes in the fair value of its derivative financial instruments as a single component of other income (expenses).
Gains and losses related to cash settlements and changes in the fair value recognized on the Company's derivative contracts recognized in the consolidated statement of operations were as follows:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
Gain (loss) on Derivatives Recognized in Earnings
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Natural gas price derivatives
$
( 25,252
)
$
( 4,495
)
$
14,055
$
61,914
$
( 25,252
)
$
( 4,495
)
$
14,055
$
61,914
Stock-Based Compensation
Comstock accounts for employee stock-based compensation under the fair value method. Compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the award vesting period and included in general and administrative expenses for awards of restricted stock and performance stock units ("PSUs") to the Company's employees and directors. The Company recognized $ 4.1 million and $ 2.3 million of stock-based compensation expense within general and administrative expenses related to awards of restricted stock and PSUs to its employees and directors during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $ 7.5 million and $ 4.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
In February 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 1,272,811 shares of restricted stock to its directors and employees, which were valued at $ 7.63 per share. In June 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 43,173 shares of restricted stock to its directors, which were valued at $ 12.16 per share. As of June 30, 2024, Comstock had 2,091,087 shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding at a weighted average grant date fair value of $ 9.25 per share. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock grants of $ 17.8 million as of June 30, 2024 is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.1 years.
In February 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 705,603 PSUs to its executive officers at a value of $ 9.69 per unit. As of June 30, 2024, Comstock had 1,290,755 PSUs outstanding with a weighted average grant date fair value of $ 13.21 per unit. The number of shares of common stock to be issued related to the PSUs is based on the Company's stock price performance as compared to its peers which could result in the issuance of anywhere from zero to 2,581,510 shares of common stock. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to these grants of $ 11.1 million as of June 30, 2024 is expected to be recognized over a period of 2.4 years.
Revenue Recognition
Comstock produces natural gas and oil and reports revenues separately for each of these two primary products in its statements of operations. Revenues are recognized upon the transfer of produced volumes to the Company's customers, who take control of the volumes and receive all the benefits of ownership upon delivery at designated sales points.
Gas services revenues represent sales of natural gas purchased for resale from unaffiliated third parties and fees received for gathering and treating services provided by PGS to third parties. Revenues are recognized upon completion of the gathering and treating of contracted natural gas volumes and delivery of purchased natural gas volumes to the Company's customers. Profits and losses earned from the gathering and treating of natural gas produced by the Company's natural gas wells are eliminated in consolidation. Revenues and expenses associated with natural gas purchased for resale are presented on a gross basis in the Company's consolidated statements of operations as the Company acts as the principal in the transaction by assuming the risks and rewards from ownership of the natural gas volumes purchased and the responsibility to deliver the natural gas volumes to their sales point.
12
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
All natural gas and oil and gas services revenues are subject to contracts that have commercial substance, contain specific pricing terms, and define the enforceable rights and obligations of both parties. These contracts typically provide for cash settlement within 25 days following each production month and are cancellable upon 30 days' notice by either party for oil and vary for natural gas based upon the terms set out in the confirmations between both parties. Prices for sales of natural gas and oil are generally based upon terms that are common in the oil and gas industry, including index or spot prices, location and quality differentials, as well as market supply and demand conditions. As a result, prices for natural gas and oil routinely fluctuate based on changes in these factors. Prices for gathering and treating services are generally fixed in nature but can vary due to the quality of the gas being treated. Each unit of production (thousand cubic feet of natural gas and barrel of crude oil) represents a separate performance obligation under the Company's contracts since each unit has economic benefit on its own and each is priced separately according to the terms of the contracts.
Comstock has elected to exclude all taxes from the measurement of transaction prices, and its revenues are reported net of royalties and exclude revenue interests owned by others because the Company acts as an agent when selling natural gas and oil, on behalf of royalty owners and working interest owners. Revenue is recorded in the month of production based on an estimate of the Company's share of volumes produced and prices realized. Gas services revenue is recorded in the month the services are performed and purchased gas is sold based on an estimate of natural gas volumes and contract prices. The Company recognizes any differences between estimates and actual amounts received in the month when payment is received. Historically, differences between estimated revenues and actual revenues received have not been significant. The amount of natural gas or oil sold may differ from the amount to which the Company is entitled based on its revenue interests in the properties. The Company did not have any significant imbalance positions at June 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023.
The Company recognized accounts receivable of $ 113.4 million and $ 166.6 million as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 , respectively, from purchasers for contracts where performance obligations have been satisfied and an unconditional right to consideration exists.
Credit Losses
Substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable are due from either purchasers of natural gas and oil or participants in natural gas and oil wells for which the Company serves as the operator. Generally, operators of natural gas and oil wells have the right to offset future revenues against unpaid charges related to operated wells. Natural gas and oil sales are generally unsecured. Comstock assesses the collectability of its receivables based upon their age, the credit quality of the purchaser or participant and the potential for revenue offset. The Company has not had any significant credit losses in the past and believes its accounts receivable are fully collectible. Accordingly, no allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 .
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect the future tax consequences or benefits of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements using enacted tax rates.
In recording deferred income tax assets, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that its deferred income tax assets will be realized in the future. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those deferred income tax assets would be deductible. The Company believes that after considering all the available objective evidence, historical and prospective, with greater weight given to historical evidence, management is not able to determine that it is more likely than not that all of its deferred tax assets will be realized. As a result, the Company established valuation allowances for its deferred tax assets and U.S. federal and state net operating loss carryforwards that are not expected to be utilized due to the uncertainty of generating taxable income prior to the expiration of the carryforward periods. The Company will continue to assess the valuation allowances against deferred tax assets considering all available information obtained in future periods.
The following is an analysis of the consolidated income tax provision (benefit):
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Current - State
$
37
$
( 536
)
$
37
$
—
Deferred - Federal
( 36,585
)
( 12,414
)
( 41,580
)
24,351
Deferred - State
( 9,558
)
( 1,496
)
( 12,855
)
919
$
( 46,106
)
$
( 14,446
)
$
( 54,398
)
$
25,270
13
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
The difference between the federal statutory rate of 21% and the effective tax rate is due to the following:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
Tax at statutory rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
Tax effect of:
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
( 0.4
)
( 0.7
)
( 0.3
)
1.1
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
6.4
3.8
7.4
( 0.5
)
Nondeductible stock-based compensation
( 0.9
)
( 0.1
)
( 1.0
)
0.6
Other
1.1
—
1.2
—
Effective tax rate
27.2
%
24.0
%
28.3
%
22.2
%
The Company's federal income tax returns for the years subsequent to December 31, 2019 remain subject to examination. The Company's income tax returns in major state income tax jurisdictions remain subject to examination for various periods subsequent to December 31, 2020. The Company is currently under examination with the state of Louisiana and believes that its significant filing positions are highly certain and that all of its other significant income tax filing positions and deductions would be sustained under audit or the final resolution would not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. Therefore, the Company has not established any significant reserves for uncertain tax positions.
Fair Value Measurements
The Company holds or has held certain financial assets and liabilities that are required to be measured at fair value. These include cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts and derivative financial instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. A three-level hierarchy is followed for disclosure to show the extent and level of judgment used to estimate fair value measurements:
Level 1 — Inputs used to measure fair value are unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for the identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
Level 2 — Inputs used to measure fair value, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date through correlation with market data, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and quoted prices in markets that are not active. Level 2 also includes assets and liabilities that are valued using models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment since the input assumptions used in the models, such as interest rates and volatility factors, are corroborated by readily observable data from actively quoted markets for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
Level 3 — Inputs used to measure fair value are unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and reflect the use of significant management judgment. These values are generally determined using pricing models for which the assumptions utilize management's estimates of market participant assumptions.
Fair Values – Reported
The following presents the carrying amounts and the fair values of the Company's financial instruments as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
As of
June 30, 2024
December 31, 2023
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Assets:
Commodity-based derivatives (1)
$
79,649
$
79,649
$
126,775
$
126,775
Liabilities:
Commodity-based derivatives (1)
$
47,366
$
47,366
$
—
$
—
Bank credit facility (2)
$
325,000
$
325,000
$
480,000
$
480,000
6.75 % senior notes due 2029 (3)
$
1,601,667
$
1,567,104
$
1,229,018
$
1,138,208
5.875 % senior notes due 2030 (3)
$
965,000
$
897,450
$
965,000
$
849,200
(1) The Company's commodity-based derivatives are classified as Level 2 and measured at fair value using third party pricing services and other active markets or broker quotes that are readily available in the public markets.
(2) The carrying value of our floating rate debt outstanding approximates fair value.
(3) The fair value of the Company's fixed rate debt was based on quoted prices as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 , respectively, a Level 1 measurement.
14
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
Earnings Per Share
Unvested restricted stock containing non-forfeitable rights to dividends are included in common stock outstanding and are considered to be participating securities and included in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. At June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 2,091,087 and 1,429,084 shares of restricted stock, respectively, are included in common stock outstanding as such shares have a non-forfeitable right to participate in any dividends that might be declared and have the right to vote on matters submitted to the Company's stockholders.
Weighted average shares of unvested restricted stock outstanding were as follows:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Unvested restricted stock
2,550
1,124
2,283
1,042
PSUs represent the right to receive a number of shares of the Company's common stock that may range from zero to up to two times the number of PSUs granted on the award date based on the achievement of certain performance measures during a performance period. The number of potentially dilutive shares related to PSUs is based on the number of shares, if any, which would be issuable at the end of the respective period, assuming that date was the end of the performance period. The treasury stock method is used to measure the dilutive effect of PSUs.
Weighted average unearned PSUs outstanding were as follows:
Three Months Ended
June 30,
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
2024
2023
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)
Weighted average PSUs
1,420
597
1,253
586
Weighted average grant date fair value per unit
$ 13.21
$ 15.92
$ 13.21
$ 15.92
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were determined as follows:
Three Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
Loss
Shares
Per Share
Loss
Shares
Per Share
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net loss attributable to common stock
$
( 123,249
)
$
( 45,706
)
Income allocable to unvested restricted shares
—
—
Basic loss attributable to common stock
( 123,249
)
289,670
$
( 0.43
)
( 45,706
)
276,669
$
( 0.17
)
Diluted loss attributable to common stock
$
( 123,249
)
289,670
$
( 0.43
)
$
( 45,706
)
276,669
$
( 0.17
)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2024
2023
Loss
Shares
Per Share
Income
Shares
Per Share
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stock
$
( 137,723
)
$
88,797
Income allocable to unvested restricted shares
—
( 73
)
Basic income (loss) attributable to common stock
( 137,723
)
283,816
$
( 0.49
)
88,724
276,610
$
0.32
Diluted income (loss) attributable to common stock
$
( 137,723
)
283,816
$
( 0.49
)
$
88,724
276,610
$
0.32
None of the Company's participating securities participate in losses and as such are excluded from the computation of basic earnings per share during periods of net losses.
15
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
Supplementary Information with Respect to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cash payments made for interest and income taxes and other non-cash investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were as follows:
Six Months Ended
June 30,
2024
2023
(In thousands)
Cash payments for:
Interest payments
$
90,349
$
73,957
Income tax payments
$
37
$
29,182
Non-cash investing activities include:
Decrease in accrued capital expenditures
$
( 14,368
)
$
( 29,046
)
Liabilities assumed in exchange for right-of-use lease assets
$
34,196
$
124,383
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2023, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2023-07 "Segment Reporting–Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures". ASU 2023-07 requires additional disclosures about a public entity's reportable segments, including requiring all annual disclosures of reportable segment's profit or loss and assets during interim periods, identifying the title and position of an entity's chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), disclosing significant expenses regularly provided to the CODM that are included in each reported measure of segment profit or loss, and disclosing additional measures of profit or loss used by the CODM in deciding how to allocate resources. The update is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim and fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. ASU 2023-07 will not have an impact on the Company's reported results of operations, financial position or liquidity but will have an impact on the Company's financial statement disclosures.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 "Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures". ASU 2023-09 requires additional disclosures around effective tax rates and cash income taxes paid and is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. ASU 2023-07 will not have an impact on the Company's reported results of operations, financial position or liquidity but will have an impact on the Company's financial statement disclosures.
(2) ACQUISITION
In March 2024, the Company acquired approximately 189,000 net undeveloped acres in its Western Haynesville area from an unaffiliated third party for $ 50.0 million, which was accounted for as an asset acquisition.
(3) LONG-TERM DEBT
At June 30, 2024, long-term debt was comprised of the following:
(In thousands)
6.75 % Senior Notes due 2029:
Principal
$
1,623,880
Discount, net of amortization
( 22,213
)
5.875 % Senior Notes due 2030:
Principal
965,000
Bank Credit Facility:
Principal
325,000
Debt issuance costs, net of amortization
( 35,622
)
$
2,856,045
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $ 325.0 million outstanding under a bank credit facility. Aggregate commitments under the bank credit facility are $ 1.5 billion, which matures on November 15, 2027. Borrowings under the bank credit facility are subject to a borrowing base, which is currently set at $ 2.0 billion. The borrowing base is re-determined on a semi-annual basis and upon the occurrence of certain other events. Borrowings under the bank credit facility are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries and bear interest at the Company's option, at either SOFR plus 1.75 % to 2.75 % or an alternate base rate plus 0.75 % to 1.75 %, in each case depending on the utilization of the borrowing base. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.375 % to 0.5 % on the unused portion of the borrowing base. The bank credit facility places certain restrictions upon the Company's and its subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness, pay cash dividends, repurchase common stock, make certain loans,
16
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
investments and divestitures and redeem the senior notes. The only financial covenants are the maintenance of a leverage ratio of less than 3.5 to 1.0 and an adjusted current ratio of at least 1.0 to 1.0. The Company was in compliance with the covenants as of June 30, 2024.
In April 2024, the Company issued $ 400.0 million principal amount of 6.75 % senior notes due 2029 ( the "New 2029 Notes") in a private placement and received net proceeds after offering costs and deducting the initial purchasers' discounts of $ 365.2 million , which were used to pay down the outstanding borrowings on the Company's bank credit facility. The New 2029 Notes have substantially identical terms as the Company's $ 1,223.9 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75 % senior notes due 2029, which mature on March 1, 2029 and accrue interest at a rate of 6.75 % per annum, payable semi-annually on March 1 and September 1 of each year.
(4) COMMON STOCK
In March 2024, the Company issued 12,500,000 shares of common stock in a private placement to two entities controlled by Comstock's majority stockholder, receiving proceeds of $ 100.5 million. Following the issuance, Comstock's majority stockholder's beneficial ownership in the Company increased to 67 %.
(5) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
From time to time, the Company is involved in certain litigation that arises in the normal course of its operations. The Company records a loss contingency for these matters when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company does not believe the resolution of these matters will have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and no material amounts are accrued relative to these matters at June 30, 2024 or 2023 .
(6) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Comstock operates natural gas and oil properties held by partnerships owned by its majority stockholder. The Company charges the partnerships for the costs incurred to drill, complete and produce wells, as well as drilling and operating overhead fees. Comstock also provides natural gas marketing services to the partnerships, including evaluating potential markets and providing hedging services, in return for a fee equal to $ 0.02 per Mcf for natural gas marketed. The Company received $ 0.3 million and $ 0.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $ 0.5 million and $ 0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, for drilling, operating and marketing services provided to the partnerships. The fees received for the services are reflected as a reduction of general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
In connection with the operation of the wells, the Company had a $ 10.9 million and $ 16.1 million receivable from the partnerships at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 , respectively.
17
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.