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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


|X|              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)OF
    THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2003

OR

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

Commission file No. 0-16741

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


NEVADA
94-1667468
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
(Identification Number)

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500, Frisco, Texas 75034
(Address of principal executive offices)

Telephone No.:(972) 668-8800


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


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes |X|     No  |  |


     The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock, par value $.50, as of November 10, 2003 was 33,669,561.








COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT

For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2003

INDEX



PART I.  Financial Information       Page
 
      Item 1. Financial Statements:  
            Consolidated Balance Sheets -  
                  September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002    4  
            Consolidated Statements of Operations -  
                  Three Months and Nine Months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002    5  
            Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity -  
                  Nine Months ended September 30, 2003    6  
            Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -  
                  Nine Months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002    7  
            Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    8  
            Independent Accountants' Review Report    16  
 
      Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition  
                    and Results of Operations    17  
 
      Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks    20  
 
      Item 4. Controls and Procedures    21  
 
PART II.  Other Information  
 
      Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    22  

2


PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS










3


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

September 30,
2003

December 31,
2002

(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Cash and Cash Equivalents     $ 5,772   $ 1,682  
Accounts Receivable:  
     Oil and gas sales    37,645    30,135  
     Joint interest operations    4,480    5,407  
Other Current Assets    2,465    2,678  


                Total current assets    50,362    39,902  
Property and Equipment:  
     Unevaluated oil and gas properties    17,834    14,880  
     Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method    1,017,917    961,562  
     Other    3,705    2,570  
     Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization    (355,632 )  (314,804 )


               Net property and equipment    683,824    664,208  
Derivatives    --    3  
Other Assets    6,329    6,940  


    $ 740,515   $ 711,053  


                          LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   
 
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt   $ 1,012   $ 270  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses    53,441    49,470  
Derivatives    34    57  


               Total current liabilities    54,487    49,797  
Long-Term Debt, less current portion    311,002    366,002  
Deferred Taxes Payable    79,430    52,577  
Reserve for Future Abandonment Costs    15,493    16,677  
Convertible Preferred Stock    --    17,573  
Stockholders' Equity:  
     Common stock--$0.50 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized,  
       33,667,561 and 28,919,561 shares outstanding at  
       September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively    16,834    14,460  
     Additional paid-in capital    155,159    133,828  
     Retained earnings    109,380    61,663  
     Deferred compensation-restricted stock grants    (1,248 )  (1,487 )
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss    (22 )  (37 )


               Total stockholders' equity    280,103    208,427  


    $ 740,515   $ 711,053  



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

4


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
2003
2002
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Oil and gas sales     $ 56,866   $ 35,550   $ 182,603   $ 100,044  
Operating expenses:  
    Oil and gas operating    11,812    7,944    33,708    24,526  
    Exploration    1,225    411    3,366    3,392  
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization    15,163    12,866    44,867    39,791  
    General and administrative, net    1,508    935    4,983    2,942  




         Total operating expenses    29,708    22,156    86,924    70,651  




Income from operations    27,158    13,394    95,679    29,393  
Other income (expenses):  
    Interest income    16    72    59    90  
    Interest expense    (7,370 )  (8,205 )  (22,648 )  (23,307 )
    Loss from derivatives    --    (126 )  (3 )  (2,294 )
    Other income    73    56    167    237  




     (7,281 )  (8,203 )  (22,425 )  (25,274 )




Income from continuing operations  
    before income taxes    19,877    5,191    73,254    4,119  
Provision for income taxes    (6,957 )  (1,817 )  (25,639 )  (1,442 )




Net income from continuing operations    12,920    3,374    47,615    2,677  




Discontinued operations including loss on  
    disposal, net of income taxes    --    57    --    (1,072 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    --    --    675    --  




Net income    12,920    3,431    48,290    1,605  
Preferred stock dividends    --    (404 )  (573 )  (1,199 )




Net income attributable to common stock   $ 12,920   $ 3,027   $ 47,717   $ 406  




Basic net income per share:  
         From continuing operations   $ 0.38   $ 0.10   $ 1.50   $ 0.05  
         Discontinued operations    --    --    --    (0.04 )
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    --    --    0.02    --  




    $ 0.38   $ 0.10   $ 1.52   $ 0.01  




Diluted net income per share:  
         From continuing operations   $ 0.36   $ 0.10   $ 1.36    0.05  
         Discontinued operations    --    --    --    (0.04 )
         Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    --    --    0.02    --  




    $ 0.36   $ 0.10   $ 1.38    0.01  




Weighted average common and common stock  
    equivalent shares outstanding:  
         Basic    33,562    28,835    31,336    28,731  




         Diluted    35,398    33,755    34,964    29,433  




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

5


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
(Unaudited)

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Deferred
Compensation-
Restricted
Stock Grants

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Total
(In thousands)
 
Balance at December 31, 2002   $ 14,460   $ 133,828   $ 61,663   $ (1,487 ) $ (37 ) $ 208,427  
   Restricted stock grants     --    --    --    239     --     239
   Value of warrants issued for  
      exploration prospects, net of taxes    --    3,253    --    --    --    3,253  
   Exercise of stock options    177    2,702    --    --    --    2,879  
   Conversion of preferred stock    2,197    15,376    --    --    --    17,573  
   Preferred stock dividends    --    --    (573 )  --    --    (573 )
   Comprehensive income:  
      Net income    --    --    48,290    --    --    48,290  
      Unrealized hedge income    --    --    --    --    15    15  

      Comprehensive income    --    --    --    --    --    48,305  






Balance at September 30, 2003   $ 16,834   $ 155,159   $ 109,380   $ (1,248 ) $ (22 ) $ 280,103  






The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

6


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:            
   Net income   $ 48,290   $ 1,605  
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net  
     cash provided by operating activities:  
      Compensation paid in common stock    239    178  
      Dry hole costs    2,248    3,392  
      Depreciation, depletion and amortization    44,867    39,791  
      Debt issuance costs amortization    900    920  
      Deferred income taxes    25,639    1,442  
      Unrealized gains from derivatives    --    (189 )
      Non-cash effect of discontinued operations, net    --    1,395  
      Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    (675 )  --  


     121,508    48,534  


      Increase in accounts receivable    (6,583 )  (563 )
      Decrease in other current assets    213    5,099  
      Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses    3,971    1,147  


                  Net cash provided by operating activities    119,109    54,217  


CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
      Proceeds from sales of properties    --    3,478  
      Capital expenditures and acquisitions    (62,159 )  (57,784 )


                  Net cash used for operating activities    (62,159 )  (54,306 )


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
      Borrowings    16,401    20,736  
      Proceeds from issuance of senior notes    --    75,000  
      Debt issuance costs    --    (2,262 )
      Proceeds from issuance of common stock    1,971    992  
      Principal payments on debt    (70,659 )  (95,726 )
      Dividends paid on preferred stock    (573 )  (1,199 )


      Net cash used for financing activities    (52,860 )  (2,459 )


                  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents    4,090    (2,548 )
                  Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period    1,682    6,122  


                  Cash and cash equivalents, end of period   $ 5,772   $ 3,574  


  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

7


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2003
(Unaudited)

(1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES —

      Basis of Presentation

      In management’s opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Comstock Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Comstock”) as of September 30, 2003 and the related results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002.

       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 generally accepted accounting principles 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 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, 2002.

      The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 are not necessarily an indication of the results expected for the full year.

      Reclassifications

      Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ financial statements to conform to the current presentation.

      Supplementary Information With Respect to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows —

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

2003
2002
(In thousands)
Cash Payments -            
            Interest payments     $ 15,815   $ 15,192  
            Income tax payments    --    --  
 
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities -  
            Value of warrants issued  
                        under exploration agreement   $ 5,004   $ 836  

      Income Taxes

      Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect the future tax consequences of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements using enacted tax rates.

8


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

      Earnings Per Share

      Basic earnings per share is determined without the effect of any outstanding potentially dilutive stock options or other convertible securities and diluted earnings per share is determined with the effect of outstanding stock options and other convertible securities that are potentially dilutive. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 were determined as follows:

Three Months Ended September 30,
2003
2002
Income
(loss)

Shares
Per
Share

Income
(loss)

Shares
Per
Share

(In thousands except per share data)
Basic Earnings Per Share:                            
  Income from Continuing Operations    $ 12,920     33,562     $ 3,374     28,835    
   Less Preferred Stock Dividends       --     --         (404 )   --      




  Net Income from Continuing Operations    
     Available to Common Stockholders       12,920     33,562   $ 0.38     2,970     28,835   $ 0.10  


  Income from Discontinued Operations       --     33,562     --     57     28,835     --  






  Net Income Available to Common    
   Stockholders     $ 12,920     33,562   $ 0.38   $ 3,027     28,835   $ 0.10  






Diluted Earnings Per Share:    
  Income from Continuing Operations     $ 12,920     33,562     $ 3,374     28,835    
  Effect of Dilutive Securities:   
   Stock Options       --     1,836         --     527  
   Convertible Preferred Stock       --     --       --   4,393




  Net Income from Continuing Operations   
     Available to Common Stockholders    
      With Assumed Conversions       12,920     35,398   $ 0.36    3,374    33,755   $ 0.10  


  Income from Discontinued Operations    --     35,398     --     57     33,755     --  






Net Income Available to Common   
     Stockholders     $ 12,920     35,398   $ 0.36   $ 3,431     33,755   $ 0.10  






9


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

Nine Months Ended September 30,
2003
2002
Income
(loss)

Shares
Per
Share

Income
(loss)

Shares
Per
Share

(In thousands except per share data)
Basic Earnings Per Share:                            
  Income from Continuing Operations    $ 47,615     31,336     $ 2,677     28,731    
   Less Preferred Stock Dividends       (573 )   --         (1,199 )   --      




  Net Income from Continuing Operations    
     Available to Common Stockholders       47,042     31,336   $ 1.50     1,478     28,731   $ 0.05  


  Loss from Discontinued Operations       --     31,336     --     (1,072 )   28,731     (0.04 )


Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     675 31,336 $ 0.02 -- 28,731 --






  Net Income Available to Common    
   Stockholders     $ 47,717     31,336   $ 1.52   $ 406     28,731   $ 0.01  






Diluted Earnings Per Share:    
  Income from Continuing Operations     $ 47,615     31,336     $ 2,677     28,731    
  Effect of Dilutive Securities:   
   Stock Options       --     1,531         --     702  
   Convertible Preferred Stock       --     2,097       (1,199 )   --




  Net Income from Continuing Operations   
     Available to Common Stockholders    
      With Assumed Conversions       47,615     34,964   $ 1.36     1,478     29,433   $ 0.05  


Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 675 34,964 0.02 (1,072 ) 29,433 (0.04 )






Net Income Available to Common   
     Stockholders     $ 48,290     34,964   $ 1.38   $ 406     29,433   $ 0.01  






      Stock Options

      Comstock applies the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations, in accounting for its incentive plan stock options. As such, compensation expense would be recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“SFAS 123”) established accounting and disclosure requirements using a fair value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation plans. As allowed by SFAS 123, Comstock has elected to continue to apply the intrinsic value-based method of accounting described above, and has adopted the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123.

10


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

      The following table illustrates the effect on net income if the fair-value-based method had been applied to all outstanding stock options in each period. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

For the Three Months
Ended September 30,

For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,

2003
2002
2003
2002
(In thousands)
Net income, as reported     $ 12,920   $ 3,027   $ 47,717   $ 406  
Add stock-based employee compensation expense  
            included in reported net income, net of tax    78    39    155    116  
Deduct total stock-based employee compensation  
            expense determined under fair-value-based  
            method for all rewards, net of tax    (463 )  (211 )  (1,360 )  (818 )




                        Pro forma net income (loss)   $ 12,535   $ 2,855   $ 46,512   $ (296 )




Basic earnings per share: As Reported   $ 0.38   $ 0.10   $ 1.52   $ 0.01  
            Pro Forma   $ 0.37   $ 0.10   $ 1.48   $ (0.01 )
Diluted earnings per share: As Reported   $ 0.36   $ 0.10   $ 1.38   $ 0.01  
            Pro Forma   $ 0.35   $ 0.10   $ 1.35   $ (0.01 )

      Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

      Comstock uses swaps, floors and collars to hedge oil and natural gas prices. Swaps are settled monthly based on differences between the prices specified in the instruments and the settlement prices of futures contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Generally, when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, Comstock receives a settlement from the counterparty based on the difference multiplied by the volume hedged. Similarly, when the applicable settlement price exceeds the price specified in the contract, Comstock pays the counterparty based on the difference. Comstock generally receives a settlement from the counterparty for floors when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, which is based on the difference multiplied by the volumes hedged. For collars, generally Comstock receives a settlement from the counterparty when the settlement price is below the floor and pays a settlement to the counterparty when the settlement price exceeds the cap. No settlement occurs when the settlement price falls between the floor and cap.

      The following table sets out the derivative financial instrument outstanding at September 30, 2003 which is held for natural gas price risk management:

Period Beginning
Period Ending
Volume
(MMBtu)

Type
of Instrument

Floor
Price

     October 1, 2003                December 31, 2003                562,500                     Floor                     $2.00          

11


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

      Comstock periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the impact of interest rate changes on its floating rate long-term debt. As a result of certain hedging transaction for interest rates, Comstock has realized the following losses which were included in interest expense:

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
(In thousands)
Realized Losses     $ 72   $ 218  

      As of September 30, 2003, Comstock had an interest rate swap agreement covering $25.0 million of its floating rate debt which fixed the LIBOR rate at 1.7% for the period January 2003 through December 2003. Comstock has designated this position as a hedge. The change in fair value of this instrument resulted in unrealized after tax income of $15,000, which was recognized in other comprehensive income.

      New Accounting Standards

      In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (“SFAS 143”) “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which Comstock adopted effective January 1, 2003. This statement requires Comstock to record a liability in the period in which an asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) is incurred, in an amount equal to the discounted estimated fair value of the obligation. Also, upon initial recognition of the liability, Comstock capitalized additional asset cost equal to the amount of the liability. Thereafter, each quarter, this liability is accreted up to the final cost.

      The adoption of SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003 resulted in a cumulative effect adjustment to record (i) a $3.7 million decrease in the carrying value of oil and gas properties, (ii) a $3.3 million decrease in accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization, and (iii) a $1.5 million decrease in reserve for future abandonment, and (iv) a gain of $0.7 million, net of tax, as a cumulative effect of accounting change. The following table shows pro forma net income and basic and diluted earnings per share as if Comstock had adopted SFAS 143 as of January 1, 2002:

Three Months
Ended
September 30,

Nine Months
Ended
September 30,

2002
2002
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
As Reported:               
   Net income attributable to common stock   $ 3,027   $ 406  
   Basic net income per common share   $ 0.10   $ 0.01  
   Diluted net income per common share   $ 0.10   $ 0.01  
Pro Forma:  
   Net income attributable to common stock   $ 2,991   $ 1,311  
   Basic net income per common share   $ 0.10   $ 0.05  
   Diluted net income per common share   $ 0.10   $ 0.04  

12


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(continued)

      Comstock’s primary asset retirement obligations relate to future plugging and abandonment expenses on its oil and gas properties and related facilities disposal. As of September 30, 2003, Comstock had $1.5 million held in an escrow account from which funds are released only for reimbursement of plugging and abandonment expenses on certain offshore oil and gas properties. This amount is included in Other Assets in the consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes the changes in Comstock’s total estimated liability from the amount recorded upon adoption of SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003:

(In thousands)
Future abandonment liability on January 1, 2003     $ 15,201  
   Accretion expense    558  
   Reduction in liability    (266 )

Future abandonment liability on September 30, 2003   $ 15,493  

      In June 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”). This statement establishes accounting and reporting standards that are effective for exit or disposal activities beginning after December 31, 2002 which require that a liability be recognized for an exit or disposal activity when that liability is incurred. The adoption of SFAS 146 had no effect on Comstock’s financial statements.

      In December 2002, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” This Statement amends No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements. Certain of the disclosure modifications are included in the notes to these consolidated financial statements.

      In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirement for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”). FIN 45 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the obligations it has undertaken in issuing a guarantee. This liability would be recorded at the inception of a guarantee and would be measured at fair value. Certain guarantees are excluded from the measurement and disclosure provisions while certain other guarantees are excluded from the measurement provisions of the interpretation. The adoption of the statement on January 1, 2003 had no effect on Comstock’s financial statements.

      In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 requires an entity to consolidate a variable interest entity if it is designated as the primary beneficiary of that entity even if the entity does not have a majority of voting interests. A variable interest entity is generally defined as an entity whose equity is unable to finance its activities or where the owners of the entity lack the risk and rewards of ownership. The provisions of FIN 46 apply at inception for any entity created after January 31, 2003. For an entity created before February 1, 2003, the provisions of this interpretation must be applied at the beginning of the first interim or annual period beginning after September 15, 2003. Comstock is not the primary beneficiary of any variable interest entities, and accordingly, the adoption of FIN 46 is not expected to have a material effect on the Comtock’s financial statements when adopted.

13


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

      Comstock has been made aware of an issue that has arisen in the industry regarding the application of certain provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, “Business Combinations,” (“SFAS 141”) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (“SFAS 142”) to companies in the extractive industries, including oil and gas exploration and production companies. The issue is whether the provisions of SFAS 141 and SFAS 142 require companies to classify costs associated with mineral rights, including both proved and unproved lease acquisition costs, as intangible assets on the balance sheet, apart from other capitalized oil and gas property costs. Historically, Comstock has included oil and gas lease acquisition costs as a component of oil and gas properties. Also under consideration is whether SFAS 142 requires companies to provide additional disclosures prescribed by SFAS 142 for intangible assets for costs associated with mineral rights. In the event it is determined that costs associated with mineral rights are required to be classified as intangible assets, a substantial portion of Comstock’s capitalized oil and gas property costs would be separately classified on our balance sheet as intangible assets. The reclassification of these amounts would not affect the method in which such costs are amortized or the manner in which Comstock assesses impairment of capitalized costs. As a result net income would not be affected by the reclassification if it were to occur.

(2)    LONG-TERM DEBT —

      As of September 30, 2003, Comstock’s long-term debt was comprised of the following:

(In thousands)
Revolving Bank Credit Facility     $ 91,000  
11 1/4% Senior Notes due 2007    220,000  
Other    1,014  

     312,014  
Less current portion    (1,012 )

    $ 311,002  

      Comstock’s bank credit facility consists of a $350.0 million three-year revolving credit commitment provided by a syndicate of banks for which Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. serves as administrative agent. The credit facility is subject to borrowing base availability, which is redetermined semiannually based on the banks’ estimates of the future net cash flows of Comstock’s oil and natural gas properties. The borrowing base at September 30, 2003 was $260.0 million. The revolving credit line bears interest, based on the utilization of the borrowing base, at the option of Comstock at either (i) LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.375% or (ii) the base rate plus 0.5% to 1.375%. The facility matures on January 2, 2005. Indebtedness under the bank credit facility is secured by substantially all of Comstock’s assets. The bank credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the payment of cash dividends, limit the amount of consolidated debt and limit Comstock’s ability to make certain loans and investments. Financial covenants include the maintenance of a current ratio, maintenance of tangible net worth and maintenance of an interest coverage ratio. Comstock was in compliance with all the covenants during the three months ended September 30, 2003.

      Comstock issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 11¼% Senior Notes due in 2007 (the “Notes”) on April 29, 1999. Interest on the Notes is payable semiannually on May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 1999. The Notes are unsecured obligations of Comstock. Comstock repurchased $5.0 million of the Notes in July 2001. The Notes can be redeemed beginning on May 1, 2004. On March 7, 2002, Comstock closed on a private placement of an additional $75.0 million of the Notes at a net price of 97.25% after placements agents’ discount. As a result of this transaction, $220.0 million of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes are outstanding. The net proceeds of the $75.0 million Notes placement were used to reduce amounts outstanding under the bank credit facility.

14


COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(continued)

(3)     DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

      In April and July 2002, Comstock sold certain marginal oil and gas properties for cash proceeds of $3.5 million plus forgiveness of certain accounts payable related to the properties. The properties sold include various interests in nonoperated properties in Nueces, Hardeman, Montague and Wharton counties in Texas. The results of operations of these sold properties, including the losses on disposal, have been presented as discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

(4)     CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

      On December 31, 2002, Comstock had 1,757,310 shares of convertible preferred stock (the “Series 1999 Preferred Stock”) outstanding. The Series 1999 Preferred Stock accrued dividends at an annual rate of 9% which were payable quarterly in cash or Comstock had the option to issue shares of common stock. Each share of the Series 1999 Preferred Stock was convertible, at the option of the holder, into 2.5 shares of common stock. In April and June of 2003, the holders of the Series 1999 Preferred Stock converted their preferred shares into 4,393,275 shares of common stock. This conversion reduced Comstock’s annual preferred stock dividend requirement by $1.6 million and increased common stockholders’ equity by $17.6 million.

15


INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS’ REVIEW REPORT

To the Board of Directors of Comstock Resources, Inc:

      We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Comstock Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries (a Nevada corporation) (the Company) as of September 30, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods then ended and stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the nine-month period then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. The consolidated balance sheet of Comstock Resources, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2002, was audited by other accountants whose report (dated March 19, 2003) stated that the balance sheet was presented fairly, in all material respects, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The related consolidated statements of operations of Comstock Resources, Inc. for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002, and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended were reviewed by other accountants whose report (dated November 7, 2002) stated that they were unaware of any material modifications that should be made to those statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

      We have conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which will be performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

      Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying financial statements at September 30, 2003, and for the three-month and nine-month periods then ended for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

                                                                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas
November 5, 2003

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ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIALCONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements due to many factors.

      The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report and in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Results of Operations

      The following table reflects certain summary operating data for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended
September 30,

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
2003
2002
Net Production Data:                    
  Oil (Mbbls)    377    296    1,174    972  
  Natural gas (MMcf)    9,080    8,297    25,912    25,053  
  Natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe)    11,343    10,071    32,954    30,884  
Average Sales Price:   
  Oil (per Bbl)   $ 29.50   $ 27.30   $ 30.79   $ 24.16  
  Natural gas (per Mcf)    5.04    3.31    5.65    3.06  
  Average equivalent price (per Mcfe)    5.01    3.53    5.54    3.24  
Expenses ($ per Mcfe):   
  Oil and gas operating(1)   $ 1.04   $ 0.79   $ 1.02   $ 0.79  
  General and administrative    0.13    0.09    0.15    0.10  
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization(2)    1.33    1.26    1.35    1.28  
Cash Margin ($ per Mcfe)(3)    $ 3.84   $ 2.65   $ 4.37   $ 2.35  
__________
  (1) Includes lease operating costs and production and ad valorem taxes.
  (2) Represents depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and gas properties only.
  (3) Represents average equivalent price per Mcfe less oil and gas operating expenses per Mcfe and general and administrative expenses per Mcfe. Cash margin per Mcfe is presented because management believes it to be useful to investors in analyzing our operations.

Revenues —

      Our oil and gas sales increased $21.3 million (60%) in the third quarter of 2003 to $56.9 million, from $35.6 million in 2002‘s third quarter due to higher natural gas and crude oil prices and increased oil and gas production. Our average realized natural gas price increased by 52% and our average realized crude oil price increased by 8% in the third quarter of 2003 as compared to 2002. Our production in the third quarter of 2003 increased by 13% over production in the third quarter of 2002. For the nine months of 2003, our oil and gas sales increased $82.6 million (83%) to $182.6 million from $100.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase is primarily attributable to higher realized natural gas prices, which increased by 85% in 2003, and higher realized crude oil prices, which increased by 27% in 2003. In the first nine months of 2003, production on an equivalent basis, increased by 7% from production in the same period in 2002.

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Costs and Expenses —

      Our oil and gas operating expenses, including production taxes, increased $3.9 million (49%) to $11.8 million in the third quarter of 2003 from $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2002. Oil and gas operating expenses per equivalent Mcf produced increased $0.25 (32%) to $1.04 in the third quarter of 2003 from $0.79 in the third quarter of 2002. The increase in operating expenses is primarily related to the 13% increase in production and higher production and ad valorem taxes resulting from the significantly higher oil and gas prices in 2003. Oil and gas operating costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 increased $9.2 million (37%) to $33.7 million from $24.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Oil and gas operating expenses per equivalent Mcf produced increased $0.23 to $1.02 for nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $0.79 for the same period in 2002. The increase is also primarily due to the 7% higher production and the increased production and ad valorem taxes resulting from of the significantly higher oil and gas prices in 2003.

      In the third quarter of 2003, we had a $1.2 million in exploration expense as compared to a $0.4 million in 2002‘s third quarter. The provision in the third quarter of 2003 primarily relates to two exploratory dry holes drilled in South Texas as well as costs related to acquisition of seismic data. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, we had exploration expense totaling $3.4 million as compared to $3.4 million in the same period in 2002. The 2003 provision primarily relates to four exploratory dry holes and expenditures relating to the acquisition of seismic data in 2003.

      Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) increased $2.3 million (18%) to $15.2 million in the third quarter of 2003 from $12.9 million in the third quarter of 2002 due to the 13% increase in our production and a 6% increase in our average amortization rate. DD&A per equivalent Mcf produced increased by $0.07 to $ 1.33 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 from $1.26 for the quarter ended September 30, 2002. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, DD&A increased $5.1 million (13%) to $44.9 million from $39.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increase is due to the 7% increase in our production and our higher average amortization rate. DD&A per equivalent Mcf increased by $0.07 to $1.35 for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 from $1.28 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

      General and administrative expenses, which are reported net of overhead reimbursements, of $1.5 million for the third quarter of 2003 were 61% higher than general and administrative expenses of $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2002. For the first nine months of 2003, general and administrative expenses increased to $5.0 million from $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The increases are due primarily to the opening of an offshore operations office in Houston, Texas as well as an increase in personnel costs in 2003.

      Interest expense decreased $0.8 million (10%) to $7.4 million for the third quarter of 2003 from $8.2 million in the third quarter of 2002. The decrease is due to a reduction in the average borrowings outstanding under our credit facility of $103.9 million during the third quarter of 2003 as compared to $163.3 million outstanding during the third quarter of 2002. The average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility also decreased to 2.9% in the third quarter of 2003 as compared to 3.6% in the third quarter of 2002. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 decreased $0.7 million (3%) to $22.6 million from $23.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. The decrease is attributable to a decrease in interest related to our bank credit facility which was partially offset by the issuance of the additional 11¼% Senior Notes in March 2002. Our average outstanding borrowings under the bank credit facility decreased to $128.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 as compared to $176.5 million in the same period in 2002. The average interest rate under the bank credit facilty also decreased to 3.1% in the first nine months of 2003 as compared to 3.8% in the first nine months of 2002.

      We reported net income of $12.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to net income of $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2002. Net income per share for the third quarter of 2003 was $0.36 on weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 35.4 million as compared to $0.10 for the third quarter of 2002 on weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 33.8 million. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $47.7 million, as compared to net income of $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2002. Net income per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 was $1.38 as compared to net income of $0.01 for the nine months ended September 30, 2002.

18


      Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 included $0.7 million in income ($0.02 per share) related to the cumulative effect of a change in our accounting for future abandonment cost for our oil and gas properties.

      In 2002, we sold certain marginal oil and gas properties. The operating results of these properties in 2002 including the loss on disposal of $1.1 million ($0.04 per share) have been reflected as discontinued operations.

      Critical Accounting Policies

      The information included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 is incorporated herein by reference. There have been no material changes to our accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2003 with the exception of the adoption of SFAS 143 as discussed in Note 1 to the accompanying financial statements.

      Liquidity and Capital Resources

      Funding for our activities has historically been provided by our operating cash flow, debt or equity financings or asset dispositions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003, our net cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $119.1 million and we had total borrowings of $16.4 million.

      Our primary needs for capital, in addition to funding our ongoing operations, relate to the acquisition, development and exploration of our oil and gas properties and the repayment of our debt. In the first nine months of 2003, we incurred capital expenditures of $62.2 million primarily for development and exploration activities and we made principal payments of $70.7 million to reduce our outstanding debt.

      The following table summarizes our capital expenditure activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002:

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

2003
2002
(In thousands)
Acquisitions     $ 684   $ 1,758  
Leasehold costs    4,140    7,238  
Development drilling    15,097    16,040  
Exploratory drilling    29,399    22,838  
Offshore production facilities    3,258    3,560  
Workovers and recompletions    7,977    6,222  
Other   $ 1,604    128  


    $ 62,159   $ 57,784  


      The timing of most of our capital expenditures is discretionary because we have no material long-term capital expenditure commitments. Consequently, we have a significant degree of flexibility to adjust the level of our capital expenditures as circumstances warrant. We spent $60.6 million and $57.7 million on development and exploration activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, respectively. We have budgeted approximately $100.0 million for development and exploration projects in 2003. We expect to use internally generated cash flow to fund development and exploration activity.

19


      We do not have a specific acquisition budget for 2003 since the timing and size of acquisitions are not predictable. We intend to use borrowings under our bank credit facility, or other debt or equity financings to the extent available, to finance significant acquisitions. The availability and attractiveness of these sources of financing will depend upon a number of factors, some of which will relate to our financial condition and performance and some of which will be beyond our control, such as prevailing interest rates, oil and natural gas prices and other market conditions.

      On December 17, 2001, we entered into a new three year $350.0 million revolving credit facility with Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. as administrative agent. Indebtedness under the new bank credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets. The revolving credit line is subject to borrowing base availability, which will be redetermined semiannually based on the banks’ estimates of the future net cash flows of our oil and gas properties. The current borrowing base is $260.0 million. The borrowing base may be affected by the performance of our properties and changes in oil and gas prices. The determination of the borrowing base is at the sole discretion of the administrative agent and the bank group. The revolving credit line bears interest, based on the utilization of the borrowing base, at our option at either (i) LIBOR plus 1.5% to 2.375% or (ii) the base rate plus 0.5% to 1.375%. The bank credit facility matures on January 2, 2005 and contains covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to pay cash dividends, limit the amount of our consolidated debt and limit our ability to make certain loans and investments. Financial covenants include the maintenance of a current ratio, maintenance of tangible net worth and maintenance of an interest coverage ratio.

      On March 7, 2002, we closed the sale in a private placement of an additional $75.0 million of our 11¼% Senior Notes due 2007 (the “Notes”) at a net price of 97.25% after the placements agents’ discount. As a result of this transaction, $220.0 million of aggregate principal amount of the Notes are outstanding. The net proceeds of the $75.0 million placement were used to reduce amounts outstanding under our bank credit facility.

      In April and June 2003, our holders of the Series 1999 Preferred Stock converted their preferred shares into 4,393,275 shares of our common stock. This conversion reduced our annual preferred stock dividend requirement by $1.6 million and increased our common stockholders’ equity by $17.6 million.

      We believe that our cash flow from operations and our available borrowings under the new bank credit facility will be sufficient to fund our operations and future growth as contemplated under our current business plan. However, if our plans or assumptions change or if our assumptions prove to be inaccurate, we may be required to seek additional capital. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to obtain such capital, or if such capital is available, that we will be able to obtain it on terms acceptable to us.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISKS

      Oil and Natural Gas Prices

      Our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources are highly dependent upon the prevailing market prices of oil and natural gas. These commodity prices are subject to wide fluctuations and market uncertainties due to a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Factors influencing oil and natural gas prices include the level of global demand for crude oil, the foreign supply of oil and natural gas, the establishment of and compliance with production quotas by oil exporting countries, weather conditions that determine the demand for natural gas, the price and availability of alternative fuels and overall economic conditions. It is impossible to predict future oil and natural gas prices with any degree of certainty. Sustained weakness in oil and natural gas prices may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, and may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas reserves that we can produce economically. Any reduction in our oil and natural gas reserves, including reductions due to price fluctuations, can have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain capital for our exploration and development activities. Similarly, any improvements in oil and natural gas prices can have a favorable impact on our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources. Based on our oil and natural gas production in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, a $1.00 change in the price per barrel of oil would have resulted in a change in our cash flow for such period by approximately $1.1 million and a $1.00 change in the price per Mcf of natural gas would have changed our cash flow by approximately $25.0 million.

20


      We periodically use hedging transactions with respect to a portion of our oil and natural gas production to mitigate our exposure to price changes. While the use of these hedging arrangements limits the downside risk of price declines, such use may also limit any benefits that may be derived from price increases. We use swaps, floors and collars to hedge oil and natural gas prices. Swaps are settled monthly based on differences between the prices specified in the instruments and the settlement prices of futures contracts quoted on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Generally, when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, we receive a settlement from the counterparty based on the difference multiplied by the volume hedged. Similarly, when the applicable settlement price exceeds the price specified in the contract, we pay the counterparty based on the difference. We generally receive a settlement from the counterparty for floors when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, which is based on the difference multiplied by the volumes hedged. For collars, we generally receive a settlement from the counterparty when the settlement price is below the floor and pay a settlement to the counterparty when the settlement price exceeds the cap. No settlement occurs when the settlement price falls between the floor and cap.

      The following table sets out the derivative financial instrument outstanding at September 30, 2003 which is held for natural gas price risk management:

Period Beginning
Period Ending
Volume
(MMBtu)

Type
of Instrument

Floor
Price

     October 1, 2003                December 31, 2003                562,500                     Floor                     $2.00          

      Interest Rates

      At September 30, 2003, we had long-term debt of $311.0 million. Of this amount, $220.0 million bears interest at a fixed rate of 11¼%. We had $91.0 million outstanding under our revolving bank credit facility, which is subject to floating market rates of interest. Borrowings under the bank credit facility bear interest at a fluctuating rate that is linked to LIBOR or the corporate base rate, at our option. Any increases in these interest rates can have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flow. In December 2002, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to hedge the impact of interest rate changes on $25.0 million of our floating rate debt beginning on January 2003 and expiring in December 2003. As a result of this interest rate swap, we realized a loss of $72,000 in the first nine months of 2003. The fair value of this interest rate derivative financial instrument was a liability of $34,000 at September 30, 2003.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

      As of September 30, 2003, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2003 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

      There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2003, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

  a. Exhibits
 
15.1* Awareness Letter of Ernst & Young LLP.
 
31.1* Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.
 
31.2* Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.
 
32.1* Certification for the Chief Executive Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.2* Certification for the Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
_______________
* Filed herewith















  b. Reports on Form 8-K
 

        

                     Form 8-K Reports filed subsequent to June 30, 2003 are as follows:

  Date
Item
Description
  August 7, 2003   5 (12)     Earnings release for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.
 
November 5, 2003   12     Earnings release for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
 
November 7, 2003   12     Amendment No. 1 to the November 5, 2003 Form 8-K - Earnings
release for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.
 







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.

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
 
/s/M. JAY ALLISON
 
Date November 10, 2003 M. Jay Allison, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer (Principle Executive Officer)
 
/s/ROLAND O. BURNS
 
Date November 10, 2003 Roland O, Burns,
Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

22