Oil and Natural Gas Properties
Investments in oil and natural gas properties
are accounted for using the full-cost method of accounting. All
costs directly associated with the acquisition, exploration and
development of oil and natural gas properties are capitalized. Such
costs include lease acquisitions, seismic surveys, and drilling
and completion equipment. The Company proportionally consolidates
its interests in oil and natural gas properties. The Company capitalized
compensation costs for employees working directly on exploration
activities of $3.5 million, $2.1 million and $1.7 million in 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively. Maintenance and repairs are expensed
as incurred.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
(“DD&A”) and proved oil and natural gas properties are based on
the unit-ofproduction method using estimates of proved reserve quantities.
Investments in unproved properties are not subject to DD&A until
proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined or
until they are impaired. Unevaluated properties are evaluated periodically
for impairment on a property-by-property basis. If the results of
an assessment indicate that the properties have been impaired, the
amount of such impairment is determined and added to the proved
oil and natural gas property costs subject to DD&A. The depletable
base includes estimated future development costs and, where significant,
dismantlement, restoration and abandonment costs, net of estimated
salvage values. The depletion rate per Mcfe for 2006, 2005, and
2004 was $2.61, $2.22 and $1.86, respectively.
Dispositions of oil and natural gas properties
are accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs with no gain
or loss recognized, unless such adjustments would significantly
alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves.
The net capitalized costs are limited to
a “ceiling test” based on the estimated future net revenues from
proved reserves, discounted at a 10% rate per annum, based on current
economic and operating conditions (“full cost ceiling”). If net
capitalized costs exceed this limit, the excess is charged to earnings
through DD&A.
Depreciation of other property and equipment
is provided using the straight-line method based on estimated useful
lives ranging from five to 10 years.
Oil and Natural Gas Reserve Estimates
The process of estimating quantities of
proved reserves is inherently uncertain, and the reserve data included
in this document are estimates prepared by Ryder Scott Company,
DeGolyer and MacNaughton (2005 and 2004), Fairchild & Wells, Inc.
and LaRoche Petroleum Consultants (2006), independent petroleum
engineers. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating
underground accumulations of hydrocarbons that cannot be measured
in an exact manner. The process relies on interpretation of available
geologic, geophysical, engineering and production data. The extent,
quality and reliability of this data can vary. The process also
requires certain economic assumptions regarding drilling and operating
expense, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds.
The SEC mandates some of these assumptions such as oil and natural
gas prices and the present value discount rate.
Proved reserve estimates prepared by others
may be substantially higher or lower than the Company’s estimates.
Because these estimates depend on many assumptions, all of which
may differ from actual results, reserve quantities actually recovered
may be significantly different than estimated. Material revisions
to reserve estimates may be made depending on the results of drilling,
testing, and rates of production.
You should not assume that the present value
of future net cash flows is the current market value of the Company’s
estimated proved reserves. In accordance with SEC requirements,
the Company based the estimated discounted future net cash flows
from proved reserves on market prices and costs on the date of the
estimate.
The Company’s rate of recording depreciation,
depletion and amortization expense for proved properties is dependent
on the Company’s estimate of proved reserves. If these reserve estimates
decline, the rate at which the Company records these expenses will
increase.
The Company’s full cost ceiling test also
depends on the Company’s estimate of proved reserves. If these reserve
estimates decline, the Company may be subjected to a full cost ceiling
write-down.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly
liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when
purchased.
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