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United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

þ

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014

¨

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

For the transition period from              to             

Commission file number 000-53507

 

ATLAS RESOURCES PUBLIC #17-2008 (B) L.P.

(Name of small business issuer in its charter)

 

 

Delaware

 

26-1466056

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

 

Park Place Corporate Center One

 

 

1000 Commerce Drive, 4th Floor

 

 

Pittsburgh, PA

 

15275

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(zip code)

Issuer’s telephone number, including area code: (412)-489-0006

 

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   þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer

 

¨

  

Accelerated filer

 

¨

 

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

¨

  

Smaller reporting company

 

þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  ¨    No  þ

 

 

 

 

 

 


ATLAS RESOURCES PUBLIC #17-2008 (B) L.P.

(A Delaware Limited Partnership)

INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT

ON FORM 10-Q

 

 

  

 

  

PAGE

PART I.

  

FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

  

 

 

 

 

Item 1:

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

Condensed Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013

  

3

 

 

 

 

  

Condensed Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

  

4

 

 

 

 

  

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Six Months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

  

5

 

 

 

 

  

Condensed Statement of Changes in Partners’ Capital for the Six Months ended June 30, 2014

  

6

 

 

 

 

  

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013

  

7

 

 

 

 

  

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

  

8

 

 

 

Item 2:

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  

18

 

 

 

Item 4:

  

Controls and Procedures

  

21

 

 

 

PART II.

  

OTHER INFORMATION

  

 

 

 

 

Item 1:

  

Legal Proceedings

  

22

 

 

 

Item 6:

  

Exhibits

  

23

 

 

SIGNATURES

  

24

 

 

CERTIFICATIONS

  

 

  

 

 

2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ATLAS RESOURCES PUBLIC #17-2008 (B) L.P.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

June 30,
2014

 

  

December 31,
2013

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

-

 

 

$

263,300

 

Accounts receivable trade–affiliate

 

2,058,200

 

 

 

1,404,300

 

Asset retirement receivable-affiliate

 

66,400

 

 

 

-

 

Accounts receivable monetized gains-affiliate

 

16,200

 

 

 

83,200

 

Current portion of derivative assets

 

8,500

 

 

 

9,800

 

Total current assets

 

2,149,300

 

 

 

1,760,600

 

 

Oil and gas properties, net

 

22,425,600

 

 

 

23,433,600

 

Long-term derivative assets

 

35,400

 

 

 

50,900

 

 

$

24,610,300

 

 

$

25,245,100

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued liabilities

$

13,900

 

 

$

22,200

 

Total current liabilities

 

13,900

 

 

 

22,200

 

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

7,469,100

 

 

 

7,255,500

 

Long-term put premiums payable-affiliate

 

70,200

 

 

 

91,600

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managing general partner’s interest

 

9,828,900

 

 

 

9,846,000

 

Limited partners’ interest (23,644.10 units)

 

7,277,500

 

 

 

8,062,800

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(49,300

)

 

 

(33,000

)

Total partners’ capital

 

17,057,100

 

 

 

17,875,800

 

 

$

24,610,300

 

 

$

25,245,100

 

  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

3


ATLAS RESOURCES PUBLIC #17-2008 (B) L.P.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas and oil

$

2,422,700

 

 

$

2,296,200

 

 

$

4,624,900

 

 

$

4,108,600

 

Total revenues

 

2,422,700

 

 

 

2,296,200

 

 

 

4,624,900

 

 

 

4,108,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production

 

1,084,700

 

 

 

1,147,000

 

 

 

1,965,000

 

 

 

2,141,600

 

Depletion

 

561,100

 

 

 

914,200

 

 

 

1,007,300

 

 

 

1,782,400

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

 

107,600

 

 

 

102,900

 

 

 

215,300

 

 

 

205,800

 

General and administrative

 

98,000

 

 

 

102,400

 

 

 

198,400

 

 

 

214,800

 

Total costs and expenses

 

1,851,400

 

 

 

2,266,500

 

 

 

3,386,000

 

 

 

4,344,600

 

Net income (loss)

$

571,300

 

 

$

29,700

 

 

$

1,238,900

 

 

$

(236,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allocation of net income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managing general partner

$

298,000

 

 

$

157,100

 

 

$

605,400

 

 

$

196,000

 

Limited partners

$

273,300

 

 

$

(127,400

)

 

$

633,500

 

 

$

(432,000

)

Net income (loss) per limited partnership unit

$

12

 

 

$

(5

)

 

$

27

 

 

$

(18

)

  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

4


ATLAS RESOURCES PUBLIC #17-2008 (B) L.P.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

571,300

 

 

$

29,700

 

 

$

1,238,900

 

 

$

(236,000

)

Other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gain (loss) on cash flow hedging contracts

 

4,800

 

 

 

8,000

 

 

 

(70,600

)

 

 

(91,500

)

Difference in estimated hedge gain receivable

 

(11,400

)

 

 

(18,500

)

 

 

115,200

 

 

 

75,600

 

Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) realized in net income (loss) from cash flow hedges

 

5,800

 

 

 

8,400

 

 

 

(60,900

)

 

 

(50,300

)

Total other comprehensive loss

 

(800

)

 

 

(2,100

)

 

 

(16,300

)

 

 

(66,200

)

Comprehensive income (loss)

$

570,500

 

 

$

27,600

 

 

$

1,222,600

 

 

$

(302,200

)

  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

5


ATLAS RESOURCES PUBLIC #17-2008 (B) L.P.

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED

June 30, 2014

(Unaudited)

 

 

Managing
General
Partner

 

  

Limited
Partners

 

  

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 

 

Total

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

$

9,846,000

 

 

$

8,062,800

 

 

$

(33,000

)

 

$

17,875,800

 

 

Participation in revenues and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net production revenues

 

934,900

 

 

 

1,725,000

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

2,659,900

 

Depletion

 

(184,200

)

 

 

(823,100

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(1,007,300

)

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

 

(75,600

)

 

 

(139,700

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(215,300

)

General and administrative

 

(69,700

)

 

 

(128,700

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(198,400

)

Net income

 

605,400

 

 

 

633,500

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,238,900

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

(16,300

)

 

 

(16,300

)

 

Distributions to partners

 

(622,500

)

 

 

(1,418,800

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(2,041,300

)

 

Balance at June 30, 2014

$

9,828,900

 

 

$

7,277,500

 

 

$

(49,300

)

 

$

17,057,100

 

  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

6


ATLAS RESOURCES PUBLIC #17-2008 (B) L.P.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

Six Months Ended

 

 

June 30,

 

 

2014

 

  

2013

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

1,238,900

 

 

$

(236,000

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depletion

 

1,007,300

 

 

 

1,782,400

 

Non cash loss on derivative value

 

46,100

 

 

 

305,200

 

Accretion of asset retirement obligation

 

215,300

 

 

 

205,800

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in accounts receivable trade-affiliate

 

(653,900

)

 

 

(263,600

)

Decrease in accrued liabilities

 

(8,300

)

 

 

(118,600

)

Asset retirement receivable-affiliate

 

(66,400

)

 

 

-

 

Asset retirement obligations settled

 

(1,700

)

 

 

(100

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

1,777,300

 

 

 

1,675,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the sale of tangible equipment

 

700

 

 

 

9,000

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

700

 

 

 

9,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to partners

 

(2,041,300

)

 

 

(1,673,900

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(2,041,300

)

 

 

(1,673,900

)

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(263,300

)

 

 

10,200

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

263,300

 

 

 

254,000

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

-

 

 

$

264,200

 

  

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

7


ATLAS RESOURCES PUBLIC #17-2008 (B) L.P.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 30, 2014

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Atlas Resources Public #17-2008 (B) L.P. (the “Partnership”) is a Delaware limited partnership, formed on May 7, 2007 with Atlas Resources, LLC serving as its Managing General Partner and Operator (“Atlas Resources” or “MGP”). Atlas Resources is an indirect subsidiary of Atlas Resource Partners, L.P. (“ARP”) (NYSE: ARP).

In March 2012, the MGP’s ultimate parent, Atlas Energy L.P. (“Atlas Energy”) (NYSE: ATLS), contributed to ARP, a newly-formed exploration and production master limited partnership, substantially all of Atlas Energy’s natural gas and oil development and production assets and its partnership management business, including ownership of the MGP.

On February 17, 2011, Atlas Energy L.P., formerly known as Atlas Pipeline Holdings, L.P., a then-majority owned subsidiary of Atlas Energy, Inc. and parent of the general partner of Atlas Pipeline Partners, L.P. (“APL”) (NYSE: APL), completed an acquisition of assets from Atlas Energy, Inc., which included its investment partnership business, its oil and gas exploration, development and production activities conducted in Tennessee, Indiana, and Colorado, certain shallow wells and leases in New York and Ohio, certain well interests in Pennsylvania and its ownership and management of investments in Lightfoot Capital Partners, L.P. and related entities (the “Transferred Business”).

The Partnership has drilled and currently operates wells located in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Ohio. The Partnership has no employees and relies on the MGP for management, which in turn, relies on its parent company, Atlas Energy, for administrative services.

The Partnership’s operating cash flows are generated from its wells, which produce natural gas and oil. Produced natural gas and oil is then delivered to market through third-party gas gathering systems. The Partnership does not plan to sell any of its wells and intends to produce them until they are depleted or become uneconomical to produce, at which time they will be plugged and abandoned or sold. The Partnership expects that no other wells will be drilled and no additional funds will be required for drilling.

The accompanying condensed financial statements, which are unaudited, except that the balance sheet at December 31, 2013 is derived from audited financial statements, are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim reporting. They do not include all disclosures normally made in financial statements contained in the Partnership’s Form 10-K. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto presented in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 may not necessarily be indicative of the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

 

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In management's opinion, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the Partnership's financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods disclosed have been made. Management has considered for disclosure any material subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.

In addition to matters discussed further in this note, the Partnership’s significant accounting policies are detailed in its audited financial statements and notes thereto in the Partnership’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").


8


Use of Estimates

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities that exist at the date of the Partnership’s financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and costs and expenses during the reporting periods. The Partnership’s financial statements are based on a number of significant estimates, including the revenue and expense accruals, depletion, asset impairments, fair value of derivative instruments and the probability of forecasted transactions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The natural gas industry principally conducts its business by processing actual transactions as much as 60 days after the month of delivery. Consequently, the most recent two months’ financial results were recorded using estimated volumes and contract market prices. Differences between estimated and actual amounts are recorded in the following months’ financial results. Management believes that the operating results presented for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 represent actual results in all material respects (see “Revenue Recognition” accounting policy for further description).

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Possible Losses

In evaluating the need for an allowance for possible losses, the MGP performs ongoing credit evaluations of the Partnership’s customers and adjusts credit limits based upon payment history and the customers’ current creditworthiness as determined by review of such customers’ credit information. Credit is extended on an unsecured basis to many of the Partnership’s energy customers. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the MGP’s credit evaluation indicated that the Partnership had no need for an allowance for possible losses.

Oil and Gas Properties

Oil and gas properties are stated at cost. Maintenance and repairs that generally do not extend the useful life of an asset for two years or more through the replacement of critical components are expensed as incurred. Major renewals and improvements that generally extend the useful life of an asset for two years or more through the replacement of critical components are capitalized.

The Partnership follows the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities. Oil and natural gas liquids are converted to gas equivalent basis (“Mcfe”) at the rate of one barrel to six mcf of natural gas.

The Partnership’s depletion expense is determined on a field-by-field basis using the units-of-production method. Depletion rates for lease, well and related equipment costs are based on proved developed reserves associated with each field. Depletion rates are determined based on reserve quantity estimates and the capitalized cost of developed producing properties. The Partnership recorded depletion expense on natural gas and oil properties of $1,007,300 and $1,782,400 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Upon the sale or retirement of a complete field of a proved property, the Partnership eliminates the cost from the property accounts and the resultant gain or loss is reclassified to the Partnership’s statements of operations. Upon the sale of an individual well, the Partnership credits the proceeds to accumulated depreciation and depletion within its balance sheets. Upon the sale of an entire interest, a gain or loss is recognized in the statement of operations.

The following is a summary of oil and gas properties at the dates indicated:

 

 

June 30,

 

  

December 31,

 

 

2014

 

  

2013

 

Proved properties:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leasehold interests

$

5,310,200

 

 

$

5,310,200

 

Wells and related equipment

 

300,201,700

 

 

 

300,202,400

 

Total natural gas and oil properties

 

305,511,900

 

 

 

305,512,600

 

Accumulated depletion and impairment

 

(283,086,300

)

 

 

(282,079,000

)

Oil and gas properties, net

$

22,425,600

 

 

$

23,433,600

 

9


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Partnership reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined that an asset's estimated future cash flows will not be sufficient to recover its carrying amount, an impairment charge will be recorded to reduce the carrying amount of that asset to its estimated fair value if such carrying amount exceeds the fair value.

The review of the Partnership’s oil and gas properties is done on a field-by-field basis by determining if the historical cost of proved properties less the applicable accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization and abandonment is less than the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows. The expected future cash flows are estimated based on the Partnership’s plans to continue to produce and develop proved reserves. Expected future cash flow from the sale of the production of reserves is calculated based on estimated future prices. The Partnership estimates prices based upon current contracts in place, adjusted for basis differentials and market related information, including published futures prices. The estimated future level of production is based on assumptions surrounding future prices and costs, field decline rates, market demand and supply and the economic and regulatory climates. If the carrying value exceeds the expected future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair market value (as determined by discounted future cash flows) and the carrying value of the assets.

The determination of oil and natural gas reserve estimates is a subjective process and the accuracy of any reserve estimate depends on the quality of available data and the application of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. Estimates of economically recoverable reserves and future net cash flows depend on a number of variable factors and assumptions that are difficult to predict and may vary considerably from actual results.

In addition, reserve estimates for wells with limited or no production history are less reliable than those based on actual production. Estimated reserves are often subject to future revisions, which could be substantial, based on availability additional information which could cause the assumptions to be modified. The Partnership cannot predict what reserve revisions may be required in future periods. The Partnership may have to pay additional consideration in the future as a well becomes uneconomic under the terms of the Partnership Agreement in order to recover these reserves. There were no oil and gas properties impairments recorded during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. There was no impairment of oil and gas properties for the year ended December 31, 2013 or during the year ended December 31, 2013.

Working Interest

The Partnership Agreement establishes that revenues and expenses will be allocated to the MGP and limited partners based on their ratio of capital contributions to total contributions (“working interest”). The MGP is also provided an additional working interest of 7% as provided in the Partnership Agreement. Due to the time necessary to complete drilling operations and accumulate all drilling costs, estimated working interest percentage ownership rates are utilized to allocate revenues and expenses until the wells are completely drilled and turned on-line into production. Once the wells are completed, the final working interest ownership of the partners is determined and any previously allocated revenues and expenses based on the estimated working interest percentage ownership are adjusted to conform to the final working interest percentage ownership.

Revenue Recognition

The Partnership generally sells natural gas and crude oil at prevailing market prices. Generally, the Partnership’s sales contracts are based on pricing provisions that are tied to a market index, with certain fixed adjustments based on proximity to gathering and transmission lines and the quality of its natural gas. Generally, the market index is fixed two business days prior to the commencement of the production month. Revenue and the related accounts receivable are recognized when produced quantities are delivered to a custody transfer point, persuasive evidence of a sales arrangement exists, the rights and responsibility of ownership pass to the purchaser upon delivery, collection of revenue from the sale is reasonably assured and the sales price is fixed or determinable. Revenues from the production of natural gas and crude oil, in which the Partnership has an interest with other producers, are recognized on the basis of its percentage ownership of working interest and/or overriding royalty.

10


The MGP and its affiliates perform all administrative and management functions for the Partnership, including billing revenues and paying expenses. Accounts receivable trade-affiliate on the Partnership’s balance sheets includes the net production revenues due from the MGP. The Partnership accrues unbilled revenue due to timing differences between the delivery of natural gas, NGL's, crude oil, and condensate and the receipt of a delivery statement. These revenues are recorded based upon volumetric data from the Partnership’s records and management estimates of the related commodity sales and transportation and compression fees, which are, in turn, based upon applicable product prices. The Partnership had unbilled revenues at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 of $1,282,300 and $1,021,100, respectively, which were included in accounts receivable trade-affiliate within the Partnership’s balance sheets.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and all other changes in equity of a business during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources that, under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have not been recognized in the calculation of net income (loss). These changes, other than net income (loss), are referred to as "other comprehensive income (loss)” and, for the Partnership, include changes in the fair value of derivative contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date (“Update 2013-04”). Update 2013-04 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements, for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP. Examples of obligations within the scope of this update include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations and settled litigation and judicial rulings. Update 2013-04 requires an entity to measure joint and several liability arrangements, for which the total amount of the obligation is fixed at the reporting date as the sum of the amount the reporting entity agreed to pay on the basis of its arrangement among its co-obligors and any additional amount the reporting entity expects to pay on behalf of its co-obligors. In addition, Update 2013-04 provides disclosure guidance on the nature and amount of the obligation as well as other information. Update 2013-04 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The Partnership adopted the requirements of Update 2013-04 upon its effective date of January 1, 2014, and it had no material impact on its financial position, results of operations or related disclosures.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“Update 2014-09”), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements (and some cost guidance) in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and most industry-specific guidance throughout the industry topics of the Codification. In addition, the existing requirements for the recognition of a gain or loss on the transfer of nonfinancial assets that are not in a contract with a customer (for example, assets within the scope of Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, and intangible assets within the scope of Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other) are amended to be consistent with the guidance on recognition and measurement (including the constraint on revenue) in Update 2014-09. Topic 606 requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this, an entity should identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract and recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies the performance obligations. These requirements are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is not permitted. The Partnership will adopt the requirements of Update 2014-09 using the full retrospective method upon its effective date of January 1, 2017, and is evaluating the impact of the adoption on its financial position, results of operations or related disclosures.

11


 

NOTE 3 - ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

The Partnership recognizes an estimated liability for the plugging and abandonment of its oil and gas wells and related facilities. It also recognizes a liability for future asset retirement obligations if a reasonable estimate of the fair value of that liability can be made. The estimated liability is based on the MGP’s historical experience in plugging and abandoning wells, estimated remaining lives of those wells based on reserve estimates, external estimates as to the cost to plug and abandon the wells in the future and federal and state regulatory requirements. The liability is discounted using an assumed credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate. Revisions to the liability could occur due to changes in cost estimates, remaining lives of the wells or if federal or state regulators enact new plugging and abandonment requirements. The associated asset retirement costs from revisions are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The Partnership has no assets legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations. Except for its oil and gas properties, the Partnership has determined that there are no other material retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets.

The MGP’s historical practice and continued intention is to retain distributions from the limited partners as the wells within the Partnership near the end of their useful life. On a partnership-by-partnership basis, the MGP assesses its right to withhold amounts related to plugging and abandonment costs based on several factors including commodity price trends, the natural decline in the production of the wells, and current and future costs. Generally, the MGP’s intention is to retain distributions from the limited partners as the fair value of the future cash flows of the limited partners’ interest approaches the fair value of the future plugging and abandonment cost. Upon the MGP’s decision to retain all future distributions to the limited partners of the Partnership, the MGP will assume the related asset retirement obligations of the limited partners. As of June 30, 2014 the MGP withheld $66,400 of net production revenues for future plugging and abandonment costs.

A reconciliation of the Partnership’s liability for plugging and abandonment costs for the periods indicated is as follows:

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation at beginning of period

$

7,363,200

 

 

$

7,674,500

 

 

$

7,255,500

 

 

$

7,571,700

 

Accretion expense

 

107,600

 

 

 

102,900

 

 

 

215,300

 

 

 

205,800

 

Asset retirement obligation settled

 

(1,700

)

 

 

 

 

 

(1,700

)

 

 

(100

)

Asset retirement obligation at end of period

$

7,469,100

 

 

$

7,777,400

 

 

$

7,469,100

 

 

$

7,777,400

 

 

 

NOTE 4 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The MGP, on behalf of the Partnership, uses a number of different derivative instruments, principally swaps, collars and options, in connection with the Partnership’s commodity price risk management activities. Management enters into financial instruments to hedge forecasted commodity sales against the variability in expected future cash flows attributable to changes in market prices. Swap instruments are contractual agreements between counterparties to exchange obligations of money as the underlying commodities are sold. Under commodity-based swap agreements, the Partnership receives or pays a fixed price and receives or remits a floating price based on certain indices for the relevant contract period. Commodity-based put option instruments are contractual agreements that require the payment of a premium and grant the purchaser of the put option the right, but not the obligation, to receive the difference between a fixed, or strike, price and a floating price based on certain indices for the relevant contract period, if the floating price is lower than the fixed price. The put option instrument sets a floor price for commodity sales being hedged. Costless collars are a combination of a purchased put option and a sold call option, in which the premiums net to zero. The costless collar eliminates the initial cost of the purchased put, but places a ceiling price for commodity sales being hedged.

12


The MGP formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and the items being hedged, including its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedging transactions. This includes matching the commodity derivative contracts to the forecasted transactions. The MGP assesses, both at the inception of the derivative and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative was effective in offsetting changes in the forecasted cash flow of the hedged item. If the MGP determines that a derivative is not effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be an effective hedge due to the loss of adequate correlation between the hedging instrument and the underlying item being hedged, the MGP will discontinue hedge accounting for the derivative and subsequent changes in the derivative fair value, which are determined by management of the MGP through the utilization of market data, will be recognized immediately within gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivatives in the Partnership’s statements of operations. For derivatives qualifying as hedges, the Partnership recognizes the effective portion of changes in fair value of derivative instruments as accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassifies the portion relating to the Partnership’s commodity derivatives to gas and oil production revenues within the Partnership’s statements of operations as the underlying transactions are settled. For non-qualifying derivatives and for the ineffective portion of qualifying derivatives, the Partnership recognizes changes in fair value within gain (loss) on mark-to-market derivatives in the Partnership’s statements of operations as they occur.

The Partnership enters into derivative contracts with various financial institutions, utilizing master contracts based upon the standards set by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. These contracts allow for rights of offset at the time of settlement of the derivatives. Due to the right of offset, derivatives are recorded on the Partnership’s balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value on the basis of the net exposure to each counterparty. Potential credit risk adjustments are also analyzed based upon the net exposure to each counterparty. Premiums paid for purchased options are recorded on the Partnership’s balance sheets as the initial value of the options. The Partnership reflected net derivative assets on its balance sheets of $43,900 and $60,700, at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

The Partnership enters into commodity future option and collar contracts to achieve more predictable cash flows by hedging its exposure to changes in commodity prices. At any point in time, such contracts may include regulated NYMEX futures and options contracts and non-regulated over-the-counter futures contracts with qualified counterparties. NYMEX contracts are generally settled with offsetting positions, but may be settled by the physical delivery of the commodity. Crude oil contracts are based on a West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) index. NGL fixed price swaps are priced based on a WTI crude oil index. These contracts have qualified and been designated as cash flow hedges and recorded at their fair values.

At June 30, 2014, the Partnership had the following commodity derivatives:

Natural Gas Put Options

 

Production

Period Ending

December 31,

  

Volumes

 

  

Average
Fixed Price

 

  

Fair Value
Asset (2)

 

 

  

(MMBtu) (1)

 

  

(per MMBtu) (1)

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

39,800

 

 

$

3.80

 

 

$

1,200

 

2015

 

 

63,700

 

 

 

4.00

 

 

 

17,000

 

2016

 

 

63,700

 

 

 

4.15

 

 

 

25,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

43,900

 

 

(1)

“MMBtu” represents million British Thermal Units.

(2)

Fair value based on forward New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) natural gas prices, as applicable.

13


Effects of Derivative Instruments on Statements of Operations:

The following table summarizes the gain or loss recognized in the statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Losses (gains) from cash flow hedges reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into natural gas and oil revenues

 

$

(5,800

)

 

$

(8,400

)

 

$

60,900

 

 

$

50,300

 

  

As the underlying prices and terms in the Partnership’s derivative contracts were consistent with the indices used to sell its natural gas and oil, there were no gains or losses recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 for hedge ineffectiveness or as a result of the discontinuance of any cash flow hedges.

Monetized Gains

Prior to February 17, 2011, Atlas Energy Inc. (“AEI”), monetized its derivative instruments, including those related to the future natural gas and oil production of the Transferred Business. AEI also monetized derivative instruments that were specifically related to the future natural gas and oil production of the Partnership. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, remaining hedge monetization cash proceeds of $60,500 and $129,100, respectively, related to the amounts hedged on behalf of the Partnership’s limited partners were included within accounts receivable monetized gains-affiliate. The Partnership will allocate the monetized net proceeds to the limited partners based on the natural gas and oil production generated over the period of the original derivative contracts.

During June 2012, the MGP used the undistributed monetized funds to purchase natural gas put options on behalf of the limited partners of the Partnership only. A premium (“put premium”) was paid to purchase the contracts and will be allocated to natural gas production revenues generated over the contractual term of the purchased hedging instruments. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the put premiums were recorded as short-term payables to affiliate of $44,300 and $45,900, respectively, and long-term payables to affiliate of $70,200 and $91,600, respectively. Furthermore, the current portion of the put premium liability is included in accounts receivable monetized gains-affiliate in the Partnership’s balance sheets.

14


The following table summarizes the gross and net fair values of the Partnership’s affiliate balances on the Partnership’s balance sheets for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Assets

 

 

Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheets

 

 

Net Amount of Assets
Presented in the
Balance Sheets

 

Offsetting Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable monetized gains-affiliate

 

$

60,500

 

 

$

(44,300

)

 

$

16,200

 

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable monetized gains-affiliate

 

$

129,100

 

 

$

(45,900

)

 

$

83,200

 

  

 

 

Gross Amounts
of Recognized
Liabilities

 

 

Gross Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheets

 

 

Net Amount of 
Liabilities
Presented in the
Balance Sheets

 

Offsetting Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put premiums payable-affiliate

 

$

(44,300

)

 

$

44,300

 

 

$

-

 

Long-term put premiums payable-affiliate

 

 

(70,200

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(70,200

)

Total

 

$

(114,500

)

 

$

44,300

 

 

$

(70,200

)

 

As of December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put premiums payable-affiliate

 

$

(45,900

)

 

$

45,900

 

 

$

-

 

Long-term put premiums payable-affiliate

 

 

(91,600

)

 

 

-

 

 

 

(91,600

)

Total

 

$

(137,500

)

 

$

45,900

 

 

$

(91,600

)

  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

As a result of the monetization and the early settlement of natural gas and oil derivative instruments, the put options, and the unrealized gains recognized in earnings in prior periods due to natural gas and oil property impairments, the Partnership recorded a net deferred loss on its balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $49,300 as of June 30, 2014. Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss are unrealized gains of $39,200, net of the MGP interest, that were recognized into earnings as a result of oil and gas property impairments during prior periods. During the current year, $1,900 of net losses were recorded by the Partnership and allocated only to the limited partners. Of the remaining $49,300 of net unrealized loss in accumulated other comprehensive loss, the Partnership will reclassify $19,600 of net losses to the Partnership’s statements of operations over the next twelve month period and the remaining losses of $29,700 in later periods.

15


 

NOTE 5 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Partnership has established a hierarchy to measure its financial instruments at fair value, which requires it to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Observable inputs represent market data obtained from independent sources, whereas unobservable inputs reflect the Partnership’s own market assumptions, which are used if observable inputs are not reasonably available without undue cost and effort. The hierarchy defines three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical, unrestricted assets and liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset and liability or can be corroborated with observable market data for substantially the entire contractual term of the asset or liability.

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that reflect the entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability and are consequently not based on market activity but rather through particular valuation techniques.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The carrying values of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their respective fair values due to the short term maturities of such financial instruments. The Partnership uses a market approach fair value methodology to value the assets and liabilities for its outstanding derivative contracts (see Note 4). The Partnership manages and reports the derivative assets and liabilities on the basis of its net exposure to market risks and credit risks by counterparty. The Partnership’s commodity derivative contracts are valued based on observable market data related to the change in price of the underlying commodity and are therefore defined as Level 2 assets and liabilities within the same class of nature and risk. These derivative instruments are calculated by utilizing commodity indices, quoted prices for futures and options contracts traded on open markets that coincide with the underlying commodity, expiration period, strike price (if applicable) and pricing formula utilized in the derivative instrument.

Information for assets and liabilities measured at fair value at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

 

  

Level 1

 

  

Level 2

 

  

Level 3

 

  

Total

 

As of June 30, 2014

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Derivative assets, gross

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commodity puts

  

$

-

  

  

$

43,900

  

  

$

-

  

  

$

43,900

  

Derivative liabilities, gross

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commodity puts 

  

$

-

  

  

$

-

  

  

$

-

  

  

$

-

  

Total derivatives, fair value, net

  

$

-

  

  

$

43,900

  

  

$

-

  

  

$

43,900

  

 

 

  

Level 1

 

  

Level 2

 

  

Level 3

 

  

Total

 

As of December 31, 2013

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Derivative assets, gross

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commodity puts

  

$

-

  

  

$

60,700

  

  

$

-

  

  

$

60,700

  

Derivative liabilities, gross

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Commodity puts 

  

$

-

  

  

$

-

  

  

$

-

  

  

$

-

  

Total derivatives, fair value, net

  

$

-

  

  

$

60,700

  

  

$

-

  

  

$

60,700

  

  

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

The Partnership estimates the fair value of its asset retirement obligations based on discounted cash flow projections using numerous estimates, assumptions and judgments regarding such factors at the date of establishment of an asset retirement obligation such as: amounts and timing of settlements, the credit-adjusted risk-free rate of the Partnership and estimated inflation rates (see Note 3). There were no additional assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

16


 

NOTE 6 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Partnership has entered into the following significant transactions with the MGP and its affiliates as provided under its Partnership Agreement. Administrative costs, which are included in general and administrative expenses in the Partnership’s statements of operations, are payable at $75 per well per month. Monthly well supervision fees, which are included in production expense in the Partnership’s statement of operations, are payable at $392 per well per month for operating and maintaining the wells. Transportation fees, which are included in production expenses in the Partnership’s statements of operations, are generally payable at 13% of the natural gas sales price.

The following table provides information with respect to these costs and the periods incurred:

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative

$

84,500

 

 

$

84,000

 

 

$

164,500

 

 

$

172,300

 

Supervision

 

441,500

 

 

 

439,200

 

 

 

859,700

 

 

 

900,700

 

Transportation

 

286,100

 

 

 

290,300

 

 

 

541,900

 

 

 

522,100

 

Total

$

812,100

 

 

$

813,500

 

 

$

1,566,100

 

 

$

1,595,100

 

  

The MGP and its affiliates perform all administrative and management functions for the Partnership, including billing revenues and paying expenses. Accounts receivable trade-affiliate on the Partnership’s balance sheets includes the net production revenues due from the MGP.

 

NOTE 7 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

General Commitments

Subject to certain conditions, investor partners may present their interests for purchase by the MGP. The purchase price is calculated by the MGP in accordance with the terms of the partnership agreement. The MGP is not obligated to purchase more than 5% of the units in any calendar year. In the event that the MGP is unable to obtain the necessary funds, it may suspend its purchase obligation.

Beginning one year after each of the Partnership's wells has been placed into production, the MGP, as operator, may retain $200 per month per well to cover estimated future plugging and abandonment costs. As of June 30, 2014, the MGP withheld $66,400 of net production revenues for future plugging and abandonment costs.

Legal Proceedings

The Partnership is a party to various routine legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of its business. Management believes that none of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

 

17


ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

Forward-Looking Statements

When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “believes”, “anticipates,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from the results stated or implied in this document. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to forward-looking statements which we may make to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

General

Atlas Resources Public #17-2008 (B) L.P. (“we”, “us” or the “Partnership”) is a Delaware limited partnership, formed on May 7, 2007 with Atlas Resources, LLC serving as its Managing General Partner and Operator (“Atlas Resources” or “MGP”). Atlas Resources is an indirect subsidiary of Atlas Resource Partners, L.P. (“ARP”) (NYSE: ARP).

We have drilled and currently operate wells located in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Ohio. We have no employees and rely on our MGP for management, which in turn, relies on its parent company, Atlas Energy L.P. (“Atlas Energy”), for administrative services.

We do not plan to sell any of our wells and intend to continue to produce them until they are depleted or become uneconomical to produce, at which time they will be plugged and abandoned or sold. We expect that no other wells will be drilled and no additional funds will be required for drilling.

Overview

The following discussion provides information to assist in understanding our financial condition and results of operations. Our operating cash flows are generated from our wells, which produce primarily natural gas, but also some oil. Our produced natural gas and oil is then delivered to market through affiliated or third-party gas gathering systems. Our ongoing operating and maintenance costs have been and are expected to be fulfilled through revenues from the sale of our natural gas and oil production. We pay our MGP, as operator, a monthly well supervision fee, which covers all normal and regularly recurring operating expenses for the production and sale of natural gas and oil such as:

·

well tending, routine maintenance and adjustment;

·

reading meters, recording production, pumping, maintaining appropriate books and records; and

·

preparation of reports for us and government agencies.

The well supervision fees, however, do not include costs and expenses related to the purchase of certain equipment, materials, and brine disposal. If these expenses are incurred, we pay cost for third-party services, materials, and a competitive charge for services performed directly by our MGP or its affiliates. Also, beginning one year after each of our wells has been placed into production, our MGP, as operator, may retain $200 per month, per well to cover the estimated future plugging and abandonment costs of the well. As of June 30, 2014, our MGP withheld $66,400 of net production revenues for this purpose.

18


Markets and Competition

The availability of a ready market for natural gas and oil produced by us, and the price obtained, depends on numerous factors beyond our control, including the extent of domestic production, imports of foreign natural gas and oil, political instability or terrorist acts in oil and gas producing countries and regions, market demand, competition from other energy sources, the effect of federal regulation on the sale of natural gas and oil in interstate commerce, other governmental regulation of the production and transportation of natural gas and oil and the proximity, availability and capacity of pipelines and other required facilities. Our MGP is responsible for selling our production. During 2014 and 2013, we experienced no problems in selling our natural gas and oil. Product availability and price are the principal means of competition in selling natural gas and oil production. While it is impossible to accurately determine our comparative position in the industry, we do not consider our operations to be a significant factor in the industry.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth information relating to our production revenues, volumes, sales prices, production costs and depletion during the periods indicated:

 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

 

2014

 

 

2013

 

Production revenues (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas

$

2,178

 

 

$

2,077

 

 

$

4,150

 

 

$

3,710

 

Oil

 

245

 

 

 

219

 

 

 

475

 

 

 

399

 

Total

$

2,423

 

 

$

2,296

 

 

$

4,625

 

 

$

4,109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production volumes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas (mcf/day) (1)

 

5,135

 

 

 

5,275

 

 

 

4,677

 

 

 

5,164

 

Oil (bbl/day) (1)

 

29

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

25

 

Total (mcfe/day) (1)

 

5,309

 

 

 

5,437

 

 

 

4,851

 

 

 

5,314

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average sales prices: (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas (per mcf) (1) (3)

$

4.71

 

 

$

4.60

 

 

$

4.96

 

 

$

4.30

 

Oil (per bbl) (1)

$

93.75

 

 

$

90.69

 

 

$

92.01

 

 

$

88.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As a percent of revenues

 

45

%

 

 

50

%

 

 

42

%

 

 

52

%

Per mcfe (1)

$

2.25

 

 

$

2.32

 

 

$

2.24

 

 

$

2.23

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depletion per mcfe

$

1.16

 

 

$

1.85

 

 

$

1.15

 

 

$

1.85

 

 

(1)

“Mcf” represents thousand cubic feet, “mcfe” represents thousand cubic feet equivalent and “bbl” represents barrels. Bbl is converted to mcfe using the ratio of six mcfs to one bbl.

(2)

Average sales prices represent accrual basis pricing after adjusting for the effect of previously recognized gains resulting from prior period impairment charges.

(3)

Average gas prices are calculated by including in total revenue derivative gains previously recognized into income in connection with prior period impairment charges and dividing by the total volume for the period. Previously recognized derivative gains were $22,700 and $130,300 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Previously recognized derivative gains were $46,100 and $307,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.


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Natural Gas Revenues. Our natural gas revenues were $2,178,100 and $2,076,600 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, an increase of $101,500 (5%). The $101,500 increase in natural gas revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year similar period was attributable to a $156,800 increase in our natural gas sales prices after the effect of financial hedges, which was driven by market conditions, partially offset by a $55,300 decrease in production volumes. Our production volumes decreased to 5,135 mcf per day for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from 5,275 mcf per day for the three months ended June 30, 2013, a decrease of 140 mcf per day (3%). The overall decrease in natural gas production volumes for the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year similar period resulted primarily from the normal decline inherent in the life of a well.

Our natural gas revenues were $4,149,800 and $3,710,200 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, an increase of $439,600 (12%). The $439,600 increase in natural gas revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year similar period was attributable to a $789,300 increase in our natural gas sales prices after the effect of financial hedges, which was driven by market conditions, partially offset by a $349,700 decrease in production volumes. Our production volumes decreased to 4,677 mcf per day for the six months ended June 30, 2013 from 5,164 mcf per day for the six months ended June 30, 2013, a decrease of 487 mcf per day (9%). The overall decrease in natural gas production volumes for the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year similar period resulted primarily from the normal decline inherent in the life of a well.

Oil Revenues. We drill wells primarily to produce natural gas, rather than oil, but some wells have limited oil production. Our oil revenues were $244,600 and $219,600 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, an increase of $25,000 (11%). The $25,000 increase in oil revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year similar period was attributable to a $16,600 increase in production volumes and an $8,400 increase in oil prices after the effect of financial hedges. Our production volumes increased to 29 bbls per day for the three months ended June 30, 2014 from 27 bbls per day for the three months ended June 30, 2013, a decrease of 2 bbls per day (7%).

Our oil revenues were $475,100 and $398,400 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, an increase of $76,700 (19%). The $76,700 increase in oil revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year similar period was attributable to a $56,600 increase in production volumes and a $20,100 increase in oil prices after the effect of financial hedges. Our production volumes increased to 29 bbls per day for the six months ended June 30, 2014 from 25 bbls per day for the six months ended June 30, 2013, an increase of 4 bbls per day (16%).

Costs and Expenses. Production expenses were $1,084,700 and $1,147,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, a decrease of $62,300 (5%). Production expenses were $1,965,000 and $2,141,600 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, a decrease of $176,600 (8%). The decreases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 were mostly due to lower supervision fees due to wells being temporarily shut-in.

Depletion of oil and gas properties as a percentage of oil and gas revenues was 23% and 40% for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 22% and 43% for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. These percentage changes are directly attributable to changes in revenues, oil and gas reserve quantities, product prices and production volumes and changes in the depletable cost basis of oil and gas properties.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 were $98,000 and $102,400, respectively, a decrease of $4,400 (4%). For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 these expenses were $198,400 and $214,800, respectively, a decrease of $16,400 (8%). These expenses include third-party costs for services as well as the monthly administrative fees charged by our MGP. The decreases for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 are primarily due to third-party costs as compared to the prior year similar period.


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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash provided by operating activities increased $102,200 in the six months ended June 30, 2014 to $1,777,300 as compared to $1,675,100 for the six months ended June 30, 2013. This increase was mostly due to an increase in net income before depletion and accretion of $709,300 and an increase in the change in accrued liabilities of $110,300. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in the change in accounts receivable trade-affiliate of $390,300, a decrease in a net non-cash loss on hedge instruments of $259,100 and a decrease in the change in asset retirement receivable- affiliate and asset retirement obligations settled of $66,400 and $1,600, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2014 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Cash provided by investing activities decreased $8,300 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 to $700 from $9,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2013. This decrease was due to a change in proceeds from the sale of tangible equipment.

Cash used in financing activities increased $367,400 during the six months ended June 30, 2014 to $2,041,300 from $1,673,900 for the six months ended June 30, 2013. This increase was due to an increase in cash distributions to partners.

Any additional funds, if required, will be obtained from production revenues or borrowings from our MGP or its affiliates, which are not contractually committed to make loans to us. The amount that we may borrow may not at any time exceed 5% of our total subscriptions and we will not borrow from third-parties.

The Partnership is generally limited to the amount of funds generated by the cash flows from our operations, which we believe is adequate to fund future operations and distributions to our partners. Historically, there has been no need to borrow funds from our MGP to fund operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to our asset retirement obligations, depletion and certain accrued receivables and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. A discussion of significant accounting policies we have adopted and followed in the preparation of our financial statements is included within “Notes to Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” in this quarterly report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act of 1934 reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Under the supervision of our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Financial Officer, we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Subsequent to the end of the current period, but before this Form 10-Q was filed, management identified a deficiency in our disclosure controls and procedures. Language indicating management’s conclusion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 was not included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting within Form 10-K, Item 9A. “Controls and Procedures.” As a result of the amendment required to our December 31, 2013 Form 10-K, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of June 30, 2014, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at the reasonable assurance level.

As of the date of filing of this Form 10-Q, management has implemented a more formal and thorough review of its disclosures in Form 10-K, Item 9A and Form 10-Q, Item 4:  Controls and Procedures. As of the date of filing of this Form 10-Q, management believes the deficiency in the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures has been remediated.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM  1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The MGP is not aware of any legal proceedings filed against the Partnership.

Affiliates of the MGP and their subsidiaries are party to various routine legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of their collective business. The MGP’s management believes that none of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the MGP’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

 

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ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

  

Description

 

 

 

  4.0

  

Amended and Restated Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership for Atlas America Public #17-2008 (B) L.P. (1)

 

31.1

  

 

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14/15(d)-14

 

31.2

  

 

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14/15(d)-14

 

32.1

  

 

Section 1350 Certification

 

32.2

  

 

Section 1350 Certification

 

101

  

 

Interactive Data File

 

(1)

Filed on June 27, 2007 in the Form S-1 Registration Statement dated June 27, 2007, File No. 000-53507

 

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities of the Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Atlas Resources Public #17-2008 (B) L.P.

 

 

  

ATLAS RESOURCES, LLC, Managing General Partner

 

 

 

 

Date: August 14, 2014

  

By: 

  

/s/ FREDDIE M. KOTEK 

 

  

 

 

Freddie M. Kotek,
Chairman of the Board of Directors,
Chief Executive Officer and President

In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Date: August 14, 2014

  

By: 

  

/s/ SEAN P. MCGRATH 

 

  

 

 

Sean P. McGrath,
Chief Financial Officer

 

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