EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC - FORM 10-K

EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC - FORM 10-K - March 11, 2020

Attached files

Attached files

file	filename
EX-14.1 - EXHIBIT 14.1 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit141codeofbusinessco.htm
EX-99.1 - EXHIBIT 99.1 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit991reportofcawleygi.htm
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit322-2019.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit321-2019.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit312-2019.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit311-2019.htm
EX-23.2 - EXHIBIT 23.2 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit232consentofmossada.htm
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit231consentofcawleyg.htm
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit211listofsubsidiari.htm
EX-4.2 - EXHIBIT 4.2 - EARTHSTONE ENERGY INC	exhibit42descriptionofeart.htm

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

____________________________________________________

FORM 10-K

____________________________________________________

(Mark One)



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

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019



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

Commission File No. 001-35049

____________________________________________________

EARTHSTONE ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

____________________________________________________



Delaware		84-0592823
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1400 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 300

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (281) 298-4246

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share	ESTE	New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

____________________________________________________

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☑

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ☐ No ☑

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 the filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to post such files). Yes ☑ No ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

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

The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price of $6.12 per share at which the common equity was last sold, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $133,695,647.

As of March 5, 2020, 29,481,440 shares of the registrant’s Class A Common Stock and 35,248,680 shares of Class B Common Stock were outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

TABLE OF CONTENTS



		Page
Glossary of Certain Oil and Natural Gas Terms		5

PART I
Item 1.	Business	8
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	21
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	37
Item 2.	Properties	37
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	46
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	46
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	47
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	47
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	47
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	58
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplemental Data	58
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	58
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	58
Item 9B.	Other Information	60
PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	60
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	60
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	60
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	60
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	60
PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules	61
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	63
Signatures		64

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this report may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “intends,” “plans,” “pursue,” “target,” “continue,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates,” “guidance,” “predicts,” or “potential,” the negative of such terms or variations thereon, or other comparable terminology. Statements that describe our future plans, strategies, intentions, expectations, objectives, goals, potential acquisitions or mergers or prospects are also forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this filing or these forward-looking statements. Readers should consider carefully the risks described under the “Risk Factors” section of this report and other sections of this report which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those anticipated in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following factors:


•	continued volatility and weakness in commodity prices for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids and the effect of prices set or influenced by action of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (“OPEC”) and other oil and natural gas producing countries;


•	substantial changes in estimates of our proved reserves;


•	substantial declines in the estimated values of our proved oil and natural gas reserves;


•	our ability to replace our oil and natural gas reserves;


•	the risk of the actual presence or recoverability of oil and natural gas reserves and that future production rates will be less than estimated;


•	the potential for production decline rates and associated production costs for our wells to be greater than we forecast;


•	the timing and extent of our success in developing, acquiring, discovering and producing oil and natural gas reserves;


•	the ability and willingness of our partners under our joint operating agreements to join in our plans for future exploration, development and production activities;


•	our ability to acquire additional mineral leases;


•	the cost and availability of high-quality goods and services with fully trained and adequate personnel, such as contract drilling rigs and completion equipment on a timely basis and at reasonable prices;


•	risks in connection with potential acquisitions and the integration of significant acquisitions or assets acquired through merger or otherwise;


•	the possibility that acquisitions and divestitures may involve unexpected costs or delays, and that acquisitions may not achieve intended benefits;


•	the possibility that potential divestitures may not occur or could be burdened with unforeseen costs;


•	unanticipated reductions in the borrowing base under the credit agreement we are party to;


•	risks incidental to the drilling and operation of oil and natural gas wells including mechanical failures;


•	our dependence on the availability, use and disposal of water in our drilling, completion and production operations;


•	the availability of sufficient pipeline and other transportation facilities to carry our production to market and the impact of these facilities on realized prices;


•	significant competition for oil and natural gas acreage and acquisitions;


•	the effect of existing and future laws, governmental regulations and the political and economic climates of the United States particularly with respect to climate change, alternative energy and similar topical movements;


•	our ability to retain key members of senior management and key technical and financial employees;


•	changes in environmental laws and the regulation and enforcement related to those laws;


•	the identification of and severity of adverse environmental events and governmental responses to these or other environmental events;


•	legislative or regulatory changes, including retroactive royalty or production tax regimes, hydraulic-fracturing regulations, derivatives reform, and changes in federal and state income taxes;


•	general economic conditions, whether internationally, nationally or in the regional and local market areas in which we conduct business, may be less favorable than expected, including the possibility that economic conditions in the United States could deteriorate and that capital markets for equity and debt could be disrupted or unavailable;


•	social unrest, political instability or armed conflict in major oil and natural gas producing regions outside the United States and acts of terrorism or sabotage;


•	our insurance coverage may not adequately cover all losses that may be sustained in connection with our business activities;


•	other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, legislative, including federal, state and tribal regulations and laws, geopolitical and technological factors that may negatively impact our business, operations or oil and natural gas prices;


•	the effect of our oil and natural gas derivative activities;


•	title to the properties in which we have an interest may be impaired by title defects;


•	our dependency on the skill, ability and decisions of third party operators of oil and natural gas properties in which we have non-operated working interests; and


•	possible adverse results from litigation and the use of financial resources to defend ourselves.

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this section and elsewhere in this report. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report or, if earlier, as of the date they were made.

For further information regarding these and other factors, risks and uncertainties affecting us, see Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report.

GLOSSARY OF CERTAIN OIL AND NATURAL GAS TERMS

The following are abbreviations and definitions of terms commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry and within this report.

3-D seismic – An advanced technology method of detecting accumulation of hydrocarbons identified through a three-dimensional picture of the subsurface created by the collection and measurement of the intensity and timing of sound waves transmitted into the earth as they reflect back to the surface.

Bbl – One barrel or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume of oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

Boe – Barrel of oil equivalent, determined using a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent. The ratio does not assume price equivalency and, given price differentials, the price for a barrel of oil equivalent for natural gas differs significantly from the price for a barrel of oil. A barrel of NGLs also differs significantly in price from a barrel of oil.

Btu – British thermal unit, the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one-degree Fahrenheit.

Completion – The process of treating and hydraulically fracturing a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or natural gas, or in the case of a dry hole, the reporting of abandonment to the appropriate regulatory agency.

Developed acreage – The number of acres which are allotted or assignable to producing wells or wells capable of production.

Development activities – Activities following exploration including the drilling and completion of additional wells and the installation of production facilities.

Development well – A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

Dry hole or well – A well found to be incapable of producing hydrocarbons economically.

Exploitation – A development or other project which may target proven or unproven reserves (such as probable or possible reserves), but which generally has a lower risk than that associated with exploration projects.

Exploratory well – A well drilled to find and produce oil or natural gas reserves in an area or a potential reservoir not classified as proved.

Farm-in or Farm-out – An agreement whereby the owner of a working interest in an oil and natural gas lease assigns or contractually conveys, subject to future assignment, the working interest or a portion thereof to another party who desires to drill on the leased acreage. Generally, the farmee is required to drill one or more wells in order to earn its interest in the acreage. The farmor usually retains a royalty and/or an after-payout interest in the lease. The interest received by the farmee is a “farm-in” while the interest transferred by the farmor is a “farm-out.”

Field – An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.

Gross acres or gross wells – The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in which a working interest is owned.

Horizontal drilling – A drilling technique that permits the operator to drill horizontally within a specified targeted reservoir and thus exposes a larger portion of the producing horizon to a wellbore than would otherwise be exposed through conventional vertical drilling techniques.

Hydraulic fracture or Frac – A well stimulation method by which fluid, comprised largely of water and proppant (purposely sized particles used to hold open an induced fracture) is injected downhole and into the producing formation at high pressures and rates in order to exceed the rock strength and create a fracture such that the proppant material can be placed into the fracture to enhance the productive capability of the formation.

Injection well – A well which is used to inject gas, water, or liquefied petroleum gas under high pressure into a producing formation to maintain sufficient pressure to produce the recoverable reserves.

Joint Operating Agreement or JOA – Any agreement between working interest owners concerning the duties and responsibilities of the operator and rights and obligations of the non-operators.

MBbls – One thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

MBoe – One thousand barrels of oil equivalent, determined using a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent.

MMBoe – One million barrels of oil equivalent, determined using a ratio of six Mcf of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent.

MMBtu – One million Btu.

Mcf – One thousand cubic feet.

MMcf – One million cubic feet.

Net acres or net wells – The sum of the fractional working interests owned in gross acres or gross wells.

NGLs – Natural gas liquids measured in barrels. NGLs are made up of ethane, propane, isobutane, normal butane and natural gasoline, each of which have different uses and different pricing characteristics.

NYMEX – The New York Mercantile Exchange.

Plugging and abandonment or P&A – Refers to the sealing off of fluids in the strata penetrated by a well so that the fluids from one stratum will not escape into another stratum or to the surface.

PV-10 – The present value of estimated future revenues, discounted at 10% annually, to be generated from the production of proved reserves determined in accordance with the SEC guidelines, net of estimated production and future development costs, using prices and costs as of the date of estimation without future escalation, without giving effect to (i) non-property related expenses such as general and administrative expenses, debt service and future income tax expense, or (ii) depreciation, depletion and amortization.

Productive well – A well that is found to be capable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such production exceeds production expenses and taxes.

Proppant – A solid material, typically treated sand or man-made ceramic materials, designed to keep an induced hydraulic fracture open, during or following a fracturing treatment.

Proved developed nonproducing reserves or PDNP – Hydrocarbons in a potentially producing horizon penetrated by a wellbore, the production of which has been postponed pending completion activities and the installation of surface equipment or gathering facilities or pending the production of hydrocarbons from another formation penetrated by the wellbore. The hydrocarbons are classified as proved developed but nonproducing reserves.

Proved developed producing reserves or PDP – Reserves that can be expected to be recovered from existing wells and completions with existing equipment and operating methods.

Proved developed reserves or PD – The estimated quantities of oil, natural gas and NGLs that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be commercially recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.

Proved reserves – Those quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time. The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes (i) the area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and (ii) adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data. In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (“LKH”), as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty. Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (“HKO”), elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty. Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when (i) successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and (ii) the project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities. Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

Proved undeveloped reserves or PUD – Proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion. Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence

using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances. Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are schedule to be drilled within five years unless specific circumstances justify a longer time. Under no circumstances shall estimates for proved undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

Recompletion – The completion for production of an existing well bore in another formation from that in which the well has been previously completed.

Re-engineering – A process involving a comprehensive review of the mechanical conditions associated with wells and equipment in producing fields. Our re-engineering practices typically result in a capital expenditure plan which is implemented over time to workover (see below) and re-complete wells and modify down hole artificial lift equipment and surface equipment and facilities. The programs are designed specifically for individual fields to increase and maintain production, reduce down-time and mechanical failures, lower per-unit operating expenses, and therefore, improve field economics.

Reservoir – A permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible oil and/or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is individual and separate from other reservoirs.

Royalty interest – An interest in an oil and natural gas property entitling the owner to a share of oil or natural gas production free of costs of production.

SEC – United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Shut-in reserves – Those reserves expected to be recovered from completion intervals that were open at the time the reserve was estimated but were not producing due to market conditions, mechanical difficulties or because production equipment or pipelines were not yet installed. These reserves are included in the PDNP category in our reserve report.

Standardized Measure – The present value of estimated future net revenue to be generated from the production of proved reserves, determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC (using prices and costs in effect as of the date of estimation), less future development, production and income tax expenses, and discounted at 10% per annum to reflect the timing of future net revenue.

Undeveloped acreage – Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of oil and natural gas regardless of whether such acreage contains proved reserves.

Working interest or WI – The ownership interest, generally defined in a JOA, that gives the owner the right to drill, produce and/or conduct operating activities on the property and share in the sale of production, subject to all royalties, overriding royalties and other burdens and obligates the owner of the interest to share in all costs of exploration, development operations and all risks in connection therewith.

Workover – Operations on a producing well to restore or increase production.

PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

Earthstone Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Earthstone” and together with our consolidated subsidiaries, the “Company,” “our,” “we,” “us,” or similar terms), is a growth-oriented independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition and development of oil and gas reserves through activities that include the acquisition, drilling and development of undeveloped leases, asset and corporate acquisitions and mergers. Our operations are all in the upstream segment of the oil and natural gas industry and all our properties are onshore in the United States. At present, our assets are located in the Midland Basin of west Texas and the Eagle Ford Trend of south Texas.

Our primary focus is concentrated in the Midland Basin of west Texas, a high oil and liquids rich resource basin which provides us with multiple horizontal targets with proven production results, long-lived reserves and historically high drilling success rates. Utilizing one rig for the entirety of 2019 and two rigs for portions of the second and third quarters, we successfully drilled 17 gross / 12.7 net operated wells in the Midland Basin in 2019. Additionally, we spud and drilled vertical sections of eight gross / 7.5 net operated wells late in 2019. We completed and brought online 17 gross / 12.6 net operated wells and had 3.4 net non-operated wells brought online in the Midland Basin in 2019. Additionally, in late December, the operator of a 15-well non-operated project completed approximately five gross / one net well, which had previously been anticipated to occur in early 2020. Completions on this 15 gross / 3.1 net well project are continuing and all 15 wells are anticipated to be brought online during the first quarter of 2020.

With 445 potential gross horizontal drilling locations in the Midland Basin, we are focused on developmental drilling and completion operations in the area. During 2019, we began increasing the spacing between our wells in order to reduce well to well interference which in turn increases capital efficiency and productivity. In certain areas, our acreage may support different spacing designs and we will drill accordingly in seeking to maximize economics and recovery. We continue to pursue acreage trades or bolt-on acreage acquisitions in the Midland Basin with the intent of increasing our operated acreage and drilling inventory, drilling and completing longer laterals and realizing greater operating efficiencies.

We have approximately 29,100 net acres in the core of the Midland Basin that are highly contiguous on a project by project basis which allow us to drill multi-well pads. Of this acreage, 79% is operated and 21% is non-operated. We hold an approximate 94% working interest in our operated acreage and an approximate 40% working interest in our non-operated acreage. Our operated acreage in the Midland Basin is primarily located in Reagan, Upton and Midland counties. Our non-operated acreage in the Midland Basin is located primarily in Howard, Glasscock, Martin, Midland and Reagan counties. In total, we have an interest in 212 gross producing wells in the Midland Basin. We have approximately 14,500 net leasehold acres in the Eagle Ford Trend, which primarily consists of approximately 14,100 operated net leasehold acres in the crude oil window in Fayette, Gonzales and Karnes counties, with working interests ranging from approximately 12% to 67%. We have an interest in 116 gross operated producing wells and six gross non-operated producing wells in the Eagle Ford Trend.

At December 31, 2019, our estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves were approximately 94,336 MBOE based on the reserve report prepared by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. (“CG&A”), our independent petroleum engineers. Based on this report, at December 31, 2019, our proved reserve quantities were approximately 56% oil, 19% natural gas, 25% NGLs with 33% of those reserves classified as proved developed. The calculated percentages include proved developed non-producing reserves. Of these interests, approximately 51,426 MBOE are attributable to noncontrolling interests. See Note 9. Noncontrolling Interest in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our Business Strategy

Our current business strategy is to focus on the economic development of our existing acreage, increase our acreage and horizontal well locations in the Midland Basin and increase stockholder value through the following:


•	developing our acreage and profitably growing our production while seeking to achieve Free Cash Flow (defined in “Non-GAAP Measures” below);


•	operating our properties efficiently and continuing to improve our operating margins;


•	deploying capital efficiently by drilling multi-well pads, reducing drilling times and increasing completions per day;


•	operating our assets in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner;


•	continuing to hedge commodity prices as opportunities arise;


•	pursuing value-accretive acquisition and corporate merger opportunities, which could increase the scale of our operations;


•	maximizing operating margins and corporate level cash flows by minimizing operating and overhead costs;


•	expanding our acreage positions and drilling inventory in our primary areas of interest through acquisitions and farm-in opportunities, with an emphasis on operated positions;


•	blocking up acreage to allow for longer horizontal lateral drilling locations which provide higher economic returns; and


•	maintaining a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility.

Our Strengths

We believe that the following strengths are beneficial in achieving our business goals:


•	extensive horizontal development potential in one of the most oil rich basins of the United States;


•	experienced management team with substantial technical and operational expertise;


•	ability to attract technical personnel with experience in our core area of operations;


•	history of successful acquisition and merger transactions;


•	operating control over the majority of our production and development activities;


•	conservative balance sheet; and


•	commitment to cost efficient operations.

2019 Highlights

In addition to our drilling program described above, the following are additional highlights of our 2019 activities compared to activity in 2018:


•	Full year 2019 average daily sales volumes of 13,429 Boepd exceeded our production goals and increased 35%


•	Increased drilling efficiencies by drilling multi-well pads and longer lateral length wells averaging 10,700 feet in the Midland Basin


•	Improved frac efficiency from 8 to 12 stages per day


•	Reduced total drilling and completion costs by approximately 16%


•	Increased Proved Developed reserves by 33%


•	Increased Adjusted EBITDAX by 51% (reconciled in “Non-GAAP Measures” below)


•	Improved our operating margins by 10%


•	Realized $15.9 million from our hedge positions thereby mitigating commodity price volatility


•	Strong balance sheet and liquidity position with $155 million of undrawn capacity on a $325 million senior secured revolving credit facility and a cash balance of $13.8 million as of December 31, 2019

Recent Developments

Sharp Decline in Oil Prices

Subsequent to December 31, 2019, oil prices have declined sharply in response to drastic price cutting and increased production by Saudi Arabia coupled with reduced demand caused by the global coronavirus outbreak. Prior to the recent decline in oil prices, we announced our 2020 capital budget of $160-170 million which assumed a one-rig operated program in the Midland Basin as well as non-operated activity currently in progress, which was expected to result in bringing 19 gross / 16.2 net operated wells and 3.1 net non-operated wells online in 2020. Due to the recent oil price volatility, we are currently evaluating our 2020 capital program.

New Credit Agreement

On November 21, 2019, we entered into a new credit agreement with respect to our senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of November 21, 2024 with a maximum credit amount of $1.5

billion and an initial borrowing base of $325 million. The Credit Agreement replaced the prior credit agreement, which was terminated on November 21, 2019.

Officer Appointments

On January 30, 2020, we announced that our current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Frank A. Lodzinski, will be appointed Executive Chairman and our current President, Mr. Robert J. Anderson, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer and President, effective on April 1, 2020.

Organizational Structure

Earthstone is the sole managing member of EEH, with a controlling interest in EEH. Earthstone, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lynden Energy Corp., a corporation organized under the laws of British Columbia (“Lynden Corp”), and Lynden Corp’s wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary, Lynden USA, Inc. (“Lynden US”) and also a member of EEH, consolidates the financial results of EEH and records a noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Financial Statements representing the economic interests of EEH’s members other than Earthstone and Lynden US.

Our Operations

We are currently the operator of properties containing approximately 92% of our proved oil and natural gas reserves and 89% of our proved PV-10 as of December 31, 2019 (see reconciliation of PV-10 to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows in Item 2. Properties). As operator, we manage and are able to directly influence development and production of our operated properties. Independent contractors engaged by us provide all the equipment and personnel associated with drilling and completion activities. We employ petroleum engineers, geologists and land professionals who work on improving operating cost, production rates and reserves. Our producing properties have reasonably predictable production profiles and cash flows, subject to commodity price and cost fluctuations. Our status as an operator has allowed us to pursue the development of undeveloped acreage, further develop existing properties and generate new projects.

As is common in our industry, we selectively participate in drilling and developmental activities in non-operated properties. Decisions to participate in non-operated properties are dependent upon the technical and economic nature of the projects and the operating expertise and financial standing of the operators.

Operational Risks

Oil and natural gas exploitation, development and production involve a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. There is no assurance that we will acquire, discover or produce additional oil and natural gas in commercial quantities. Oil and natural gas operations also involve the risk that well fires, blowouts, equipment failure, human error and other events may cause accidental leakage or spills of toxic or hazardous materials, such as petroleum liquids or drilling fluids into the environment or cause significant injury to persons or property. In such event, substantial liabilities to third parties or governmental entities may be incurred, the satisfaction of which could substantially reduce our available cash and possibly result in loss of oil and natural gas properties. Such hazards may also cause damage to or destruction of wells, producing formations, production facilities and pipeline or other processing facilities.

As is common in the oil and natural gas industry, we do not insure fully against all risks associated with our business either because such insurance is not available or because we believe the premium costs are prohibitive. A loss not fully covered by insurance could have a material effect on our operating results, financial position and cash flows. For further discussion of these risks see Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report.

Marketing and Customers

We market the majority of the production from properties we operate for both our account and the account of the other working interest owners in these properties. We sell our production to purchasers at market prices.

We normally sell production to a relatively small number of customers, as is customary in the exploration, development and production business. For the year ended December 31, 2019, three purchasers accounted for 30%, 14% and 12%, respectively, of our revenue during the period. For the year ended December 31, 2018, three purchasers accounted for 27%, 11% and 10%, respectively, of our revenue during the period. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenue during these periods. If a major customer stopped purchasing oil and natural gas from us, revenue could decline and our operating results and financial condition could be harmed. However, we believe that the loss of any one or all of our major purchasers would not have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations, as crude oil and natural gas are fungible products with well-established markets and numerous purchasers.

Transportation

During the planning stage of our prospective and productive units and acreage, we consider required flow-lines, gathering and delivery infrastructure. Our oil is transported from the wellhead to our tank batteries or delivery points through our flow-lines or gathering systems. Purchasers of our oil take delivery at (i) our tank batteries and transport the oil by truck, or (ii) at a pipeline delivery point. Our natural gas is transported from the wellhead to the purchaser’s meter and pipeline interconnection point through our gathering systems. We have implemented a Leak Detection and Repair program, or LDAR, to locate and repair leaking components including valves, pumps and connectors in order to minimize the emission of fugitive volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants. In addition, we have started installing vapor recovery units in our newer tank batteries.

In October 2019, we entered into a buy/sell arrangement for a certain portion of our oil production that effects a change in location with required repurchase of oil at a delivery point. This activity is recorded on a net basis and the residual transportation fee is included in Lease operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Arrangements such as this not only reduce our transportation costs by eliminating truck transportation but also provide additional flexibility in delivery points for our product. The decrease in transportation by truck also translates into reduced truck emissions.

Our produced salt water is generally moved by pipeline connected to our operated salt water disposal wells or by pipeline to commercial disposal facilities.

Commodity Hedging

Consistent with our disciplined approach to financial management, we have an active commodity hedging program through which we seek to hedge a meaningful portion of our expected oil and gas production, reducing our exposure to downside commodity prices and enabling us to protect cash flows and maintain liquidity to fund our capital program.

Competition

The domestic oil and natural gas industry is intensely competitive in the acquisition of acreage, production and oil and gas reserves and in producing, transporting and marketing activities. Our competitors include national oil companies, major oil and natural gas companies, independent oil and natural gas companies, drilling partnership programs, individual producers, natural gas marketers, and major pipeline companies, as well as participants in other industries supplying energy and fuel to consumers. Many of our competitors are large, well-established companies. They may be able to pay more for seismic information and lease rights on oil and natural gas properties and to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties, than our financial or human resources permit. Our ability to acquire additional properties in the future, and our ability to fund the acquisition of such properties, will be dependent upon our ability to evaluate and select suitable properties and to consummate related transactions in a highly competitive environment.

There is also competition between oil and natural gas producers and other industries producing energy and fuel. Furthermore, competitive conditions may be substantially affected by various forms of energy legislation and/or regulation considered from time to time by the governments of the United States and the jurisdictions in which we operate. It is not possible to predict the nature of any such legislation or regulation which may ultimately be adopted or its effects upon our future operations. Such laws and regulations may substantially increase the costs of exploring for, developing or producing oil and natural gas and may prevent or delay the commencement or continuation of a given operation. Our larger competitors may be able to absorb the burden of existing and any changes to, federal, state and local laws and regulations more easily than we can, which would adversely affect our competitive position.

Segment Information and Geographic Area

Operating segments are defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) as components of an enterprise that (i) engage in activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses (ii) for which separate operational financial information is available and is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker for the purpose of allocating resources and assessing performance.

Based on our organization and management, we have only one reportable operating segment, which is oil and natural gas acquisition, exploration, development and production. All of our operations are currently conducted in Texas.

Seasonality of Business

Weather conditions often affect the demand for, and prices of, natural gas and can also delay oil and natural gas drilling, completion and production activities, disrupting our overall business plans. Demand for natural gas is typically higher during the winter, resulting in higher natural gas prices for our natural gas production during our first and fourth fiscal quarters. Due to these seasonal fluctuations, our results of operations for individual quarterly periods may not be indicative of the results that we may realize on an annual basis.

Markets for Sale of Production

Our ability to market oil and natural gas found and produced, depends on numerous factors beyond our control, the effect of which cannot be accurately predicted or anticipated. Some of these factors include, without limitation, the availability of other domestic and foreign production, the marketing of competitive fuels, the proximity and capacity of pipelines, fluctuations in supply and demand, the availability of a ready market, the effect of United States federal and state regulation of production, refining, transportation and sales and general national and worldwide economic conditions. Additionally, we may experience delays in marketing natural gas production and fluctuations in natural gas prices and we may experience short-term delays in marketing oil due to trucking and refining constraints. There is no assurance that we will be able to market any oil or natural gas produced, or, if such oil or natural gas is marketed, that favorable prices can be obtained.

The United States natural gas market has undergone several significant changes over the past few decades. The majority of federal price ceilings were removed in 1985 and the remainder were lifted by the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act of 1989. Thus, currently, the United States natural gas market is operating in a free market environment in which the price of gas is determined by market forces rather than by regulations. At the same time, the domestic natural gas industry has also seen a dramatic change in the manner in which gas is bought, sold and transported. In most cases, natural gas is no longer sold to a pipeline company. Instead, the pipeline company now primarily serves the role of transporter and gas producers are free to sell their product to marketers, local distribution companies, end users or a combination thereof.

In recent years, oil, natural gas and NGLs prices have been under considerable pressure due to oversupply and other market conditions, including constrained pipeline capacity. Specifically, increased domestic and foreign production and increased efficiencies in horizontal drilling and completion, combined with increased development of shale fields in North America, have dramatically increased global oil and natural gas production, which has led to significantly lower market prices for these commodities. In view of the many uncertainties affecting the supply and demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs, we are unable to accurately predict future oil, natural gas and NGLs prices or the overall effect, if any, that the decline in demand for and the oversupply of such products will have on our financial condition or results of operations.

Title to Properties

We believe that the title to our oil and natural gas properties is good and defensible in accordance with standards generally accepted in the oil and natural gas industry, subject to such exceptions which, in our opinion, are not so material as to detract substantially from the use or value of our oil and natural gas properties. Our oil and natural gas properties are typically subject, in one degree or another, to one or more of the following:


•	royalties and other burdens and obligations, express or implied, under oil and natural gas leases;


•	overriding royalties and other burdens created by us or our predecessors in title;


•	a variety of contractual obligations (including, in some cases, development obligations) arising under operating agreements, farmout agreements, participation agreements, production sales contracts and other agreements that may affect the properties or their titles;


•	back-ins and reversionary interests existing under various agreements and leasehold assignments;


•	liens that arise in the normal course of operations, such as those for unpaid taxes, statutory liens securing obligations to unpaid suppliers and contractors and contractual liens under operating agreements;


•	pooling, unitization and other agreements, declarations and orders; and


•	easements, restrictions, rights-of-way and other matters that commonly affect property.

To the extent that such burdens and obligations affect our rights to production revenues, they have been taken into account in calculating our net revenue interests and in estimating the quantity and value of our reserves. We believe that the burdens and obligations affecting our oil and natural gas properties are common in our industry with respect to the types of properties we own.

Operational Regulations

All of the jurisdictions in which we own or operate producing oil and natural gas properties have statutory and regulatory provisions affecting drilling, completion, and production activities, including, but not limited to, provisions related to permits for the drilling of wells, bonding requirements to drill or operate wells, the location of wells, the method of drilling and casing wells, the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled, sourcing and disposal of water used in the drilling and completion process, and the plugging and abandonment of wells. Our operations are also subject to various conservation laws and regulations. These laws and regulations govern the size of drilling and spacing units, the density of wells that may be drilled in oil and natural gas properties and the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties. In this regard, while some states allow the forced pooling or integration of land and leases to facilitate development, other states including Texas, where we operate, rely primarily

or exclusively on voluntary pooling of land and leases. Accordingly, it may be difficult for us to form spacing units and therefore difficult to develop a project if we own or control less than 100% of the leasehold. In addition, state conservation laws establish maximum rates of production from oil and natural gas wells, generally prohibit the venting or flaring of natural gas, and impose specified requirements regarding the ratability of production. On some occasions, local authorities have imposed moratoria or other restrictions on exploration, development and production activities pending investigations and studies addressing potential local impacts of these activities before allowing oil and natural gas exploration, development and production to proceed.

The effect of these regulations is to limit the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce from our wells and to limit the number of wells or the locations at which we can drill, although we can apply for exceptions to such regulations or to have reductions in well spacing. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in substantial penalties. The regulatory burden on the industry increases the cost of doing business and affects profitability. Moreover, each state generally imposes a production or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids within its jurisdiction.

Regulation of Transportation of Natural Gas

The transportation and sale, or resale, of natural gas in interstate commerce are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) under the Natural Gas Act of 1938 (“NGA”), the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 (“NGPA”) and regulations issued under those statutes. FERC regulates interstate natural gas transportation rates and service conditions, which affects the marketing of natural gas that we produce, as well as the revenues we receive for sales of our natural gas.

Intrastate natural gas transportation is also subject to regulation by state regulatory agencies. The basis for intrastate regulation of natural gas transportation and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate natural gas pipeline rates and services varies from state to state. Insofar as such regulation within a particular state will generally affect all intrastate natural gas shippers within the state on a comparable basis, we believe that the regulation of similarly situated intrastate natural gas transportation in any states in which we operate and ship natural gas on an intrastate basis will not affect our operations in any way that is of material difference from those of our competitors. Like the regulation of interstate transportation rates, the regulation of intrastate transportation rates affects the marketing of natural gas that we produce, as well as the revenues we receive for sales of our natural gas.

Regulation of Sales of Oil, Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids

The prices at which we sell oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are not currently subject to federal regulation and, for the most part, are not subject to state regulation. FERC, however, regulates interstate natural gas transportation rates, and terms and conditions of transportation service, which affects the marketing of the natural gas we produce, as well as the prices we receive for sales of our natural gas. Similarly, the price we receive from the sale of oil and natural gas liquids is affected by the cost of transporting those products to market. FERC regulates the transportation of oil and liquids on interstate pipelines under the provision of the Interstate Commerce Act, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and regulations issued under those statutes. Intrastate transportation of oil, natural gas liquids, and other products, is dependent on pipelines whose rates, terms and conditions of service are subject to regulation by state regulatory bodies under state statutes. In addition, while sales by producers of natural gas and all sales of crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids can currently be made at uncontrolled market prices, Congress could reenact price controls in the future.

Changes in FERC or state policies and regulations or laws may adversely affect the availability and reliability of firm and/or interruptible transportation service on interstate pipelines, and we cannot predict what future action that FERC or state regulatory bodies will take. We do not believe, however, that any regulatory changes will affect us in a way that materially differs from the way they will affect other natural gas producers, gatherers and marketers with which we compete.

Environmental Regulations

Our operations are also subject to stringent federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to health and safety or the protection of the environment. Numerous governmental agencies, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) issue regulations to implement and enforce these laws, which often require difficult and costly compliance measures. Among other things, environmental regulatory programs typically govern the permitting, construction and operation of a well or production related facility. Many factors, including public perception, can materially impact the ability to secure an environmental construction or operation permit. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may result in the assessment of substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties, as well as the issuance of injunctions limiting or prohibiting our activities. In addition, some laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment may, in certain circumstances, impose strict liability for environmental contamination, which could result in liability for environmental damages and cleanup costs without regard to negligence or fault on our part.

Beyond existing requirements, new programs and changes in existing programs, may affect our business including oil and natural gas exploration and production, air emissions, waste management, and underground injection of waste material. Environmental

laws and regulations have been subject to frequent changes over the years, and the imposition of more stringent requirements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. The following is a summary of the more significant existing environmental, health and safety laws and regulations to which our business operations are subject and for which compliance in the future may have a material adverse impact on our capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position.

Hazardous Substances and Wastes

The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (“CERCLA”), also known as the Superfund law, and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct on certain categories of persons that are considered to be responsible for the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These persons may include the current or former owner or operator of the site or sites where the release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances found at the site. Under CERCLA, these potentially responsible persons may be subject to strict, joint and several liability for the costs of investigating and cleaning up hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances or other pollutants released into the environment. We are able to control directly the operation of only those wells with respect to which we act as operator. Notwithstanding our lack of direct control over wells operated by others, the failure of an operator other than us to comply with applicable environmental regulations may, in certain circumstances, be attributed to us. We generate materials in the course of our operations that may be regulated as hazardous substances but we are not presently aware of any liabilities for which we may be held responsible that would materially or adversely affect us.

The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (“RCRA”), and comparable state statutes, regulate the generation, treatment, storage, transportation, disposal and clean-up of hazardous and solid (non-hazardous) wastes. With the approval of the EPA, the individual states can administer some or all of the provisions of RCRA, and some states have adopted their own, more stringent requirements. Drilling fluids, produced waters and most of the other wastes associated with the exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas are currently regulated under RCRA’s solid (non-hazardous) waste provisions. However, legislation has been proposed from time to time and various environmental groups have filed lawsuits that, if successful, could result in the reclassification of certain oil and natural gas exploration and production wastes as “hazardous wastes,” which would make such wastes subject to much more stringent handling, disposal and clean-up requirements. A loss of the RCRA exclusion for drilling fluids, produced waters and related wastes could result in an increase in our, as well as the oil and natural gas E&P industry’s, costs to manage and dispose of generated wastes, which could have a material adverse effect on the industry as well as on our business.

From time to time, releases of materials or wastes have occurred at locations we own or at which we have operations. These properties and the materials or wastes released thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws. Under these laws, we have been and may be required to remove or remediate such materials or wastes.

Water Discharges

The federal Clean Water Act and analogous state laws impose restrictions and strict controls with respect to the discharge of pollutants, including spills and leaks of oil and other substances, into waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into regulated waters, including jurisdictional wetlands, is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by the EPA or an analogous state agency. In September 2015, the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the “Corps”) rule defining the scope of federal jurisdiction over Waters of the United States (the “WOTUS rule”) became effective. Following the change in U.S. Presidential Administrations, there have been several attempts to modify or eliminate this rule. For example, on January 23, 2020, the EPA and the Corps finalized the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which narrows the definition of “waters of the United States” relative to the prior 2015 rulemaking. However, legal challenges to the new rule are expected, and multiple challenges to the EPA’s prior rulemakings remain pending. As a result of these developments, the scope of jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act is uncertain at this time.

The process for obtaining permits has the potential to delay our operations. Spill prevention, control and countermeasure requirements of federal laws require appropriate containment berms and similar structures to help prevent the contamination of navigable waters by a petroleum hydrocarbon tank spill, rupture or leak. In addition, the Clean Water Act and analogous state laws require individual permits or coverage under general permits for discharges of storm water runoff from certain types of facilities. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties as well as other enforcement mechanisms for non-compliance with discharge permits or other requirements of the Clean Water Act and analogous state laws and regulations. The Clean Water Act and analogous state laws provide for administrative, civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized discharges and, together with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA”), impose rigorous requirements for spill prevention and response planning, as well as substantial potential liability for the costs of removal, remediation, and damages in connection with any unauthorized discharges.

Our oil and natural gas production also generates salt water, which we dispose of by underground injection. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (“SDWA”) regulates the underground injection of substances through the Underground Injection Control (“UIC”) program, and related state programs regulate the drilling and operation of salt water disposal wells. The EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states, and in others it is delegated to the state for administering. In Texas, the Texas Railroad Commission (“RRC”) regulates the disposal of produced water by injection well. Permits must be obtained before drilling salt water disposal wells, and casing integrity monitoring must be conducted periodically to ensure the casing is not leaking salt water to groundwater. Contamination of groundwater by oil and natural gas drilling, production, and related operations may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA and state laws. In response to recent seismic events near underground injection wells used for the disposal of oil and natural gas-related waste waters, federal and some state agencies have begun investigating whether such wells have caused increased seismic activity, and some states have shut down or placed volumetric injection limits on existing wells or imposed moratoria on the use of such injection wells. In response to concerns related to induced seismicity, regulators in some states have already adopted or are considering additional requirements related to seismic safety. For example, the RRC has adopted rules for injection wells to address these seismic activity concerns in Texas. Among other things, the rules require companies seeking permits for disposal wells to provide seismic activity data in permit applications, provide for more frequent monitoring and reporting for certain wells and allow the RRC to modify, suspend, or terminate permits on grounds that a disposal well is likely to be, or determined to be, causing seismic activity. More stringent regulation of injection wells could lead to reduced construction or the capacity of such wells, which could in turn impact the availability of injection wells for disposal of wastewater from our operations. Increased costs associated with the transportation and disposal of produced water, including the cost of complying with regulations concerning produced water disposal, may reduce our profitability. The costs associated with the disposal of proposed water are commonly incurred by all oil and natural gas producers, however, and we do not believe that these costs will have a material adverse effect on our operations. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

Hydraulic Fracturing

Our completion operations are subject to regulation, which may increase in the short- or long-term. In particular, the well completion technique known as hydraulic fracturing is used to stimulate production of oil and natural gas has come under increased scrutiny by the environmental community, and many local, state and federal regulators. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and additives under pressure, usually down casing that is cemented in the wellbore, into prospective rock formations at depths to stimulate oil and natural gas production. We engage third parties to provide hydraulic fracturing or other well stimulation services to us in connection with substantially all of the wells for which we are the operator.

The SDWA regulates the underground injection of substances through the UIC program. Hydraulic fracturing is generally exempt from regulation under the UIC program, and the hydraulic fracturing process is typically regulated by state oil and gas commissions. However, legislation has been proposed in recent sessions of Congress to amend the SDWA to repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the definition of “underground injection,” to require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, and to require disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process.

Furthermore, several federal agencies have asserted regulatory authority over certain aspects of the fracturing process. For example, the EPA has taken the position that hydraulic fracturing with fluids containing diesel fuel is subject to regulation under the UIC program, specifically as “Class II” UIC wells.

In addition, on June 28, 2016, the EPA published a final rule prohibiting the discharge of wastewater from onshore unconventional oil and natural gas extraction facilities to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants. The EPA is also conducting a study of private wastewater treatment facilities (also known as centralized waste treatment (“CWT”) facilities) accepting oil and natural gas extraction wastewater. The EPA is collecting data and information related to the extent to which CWT facilities accept such wastewater, available treatment technologies (and their associated costs), discharge characteristics, financial characteristics of CWT facilities, and the environmental impacts of discharges from CWT facilities.

Furthermore, there are certain governmental reviews either underway or being proposed that focus on environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing practices. On December 13, 2016, the EPA released a study examining the potential for hydraulic fracturing activities to impact drinking water resources, finding that, under some circumstances, the use of water in hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources. Also, on February 6, 2015, the EPA released a report with findings and recommendations related to public concern about induced seismic activity from disposal wells. The report recommends strategies for managing and minimizing the potential for significant injection-induced seismic events. Other governmental agencies, including the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Government Accountability Office, have evaluated or are evaluating various other aspects of hydraulic fracturing. These ongoing or proposed studies could spur initiatives to further regulate hydraulic fracturing and could ultimately make it more difficult or costly for us to perform fracturing and increase our costs of compliance and doing business.

Several states, including Texas, have adopted or are considering adopting regulations that could restrict or prohibit hydraulic fracturing in certain circumstances, impose more stringent operating standards and/or require the disclosure of the composition of hydraulic fracturing fluids. For example, Texas law requires that the well operator disclose the list of chemical ingredients subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) for disclosure on a website and also file the list of chemicals with the RRC with the well completion report. The total volume of water used to hydraulically fracture a well must also be disclosed to the public and filed with the RRC. If new or more stringent state or local legal restrictions relating to the hydraulic fracturing process are adopted in areas where we operate, we could incur potentially significant added costs to comply with such requirements, experience delays or curtailment in the pursuit of exploration, development or production activities, and perhaps even be precluded from drilling wells.

There has been increasing public controversy regarding hydraulic fracturing with regard to the use of fracturing fluids, induced seismic activity, impacts on drinking water supplies, use of water and the potential for impacts to surface water, groundwater and the environment generally. A number of lawsuits and enforcement actions have been initiated across the country implicating hydraulic fracturing practices. If new laws or regulations that significantly restrict hydraulic fracturing are adopted, such laws could make it more difficult or costly for us to perform fracturing to stimulate production from tight formations as well as make it easier for third parties opposing the hydraulic fracturing process to initiate legal proceedings based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process could adversely affect groundwater. In addition, if hydraulic fracturing is further regulated at the federal, state or local level, our fracturing activities could become subject to additional permitting and financial assurance requirements, more stringent construction specifications, increased monitoring, reporting and recordkeeping obligations, plugging and abandonment requirements and also to attendant permitting delays and potential increases in costs. Such legislative changes could cause us to incur substantial compliance costs, and compliance or the consequences of any failure to comply by us could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. At this time, it is not possible to estimate the impact on our business of newly enacted or potential federal, state or local laws governing hydraulic fracturing.

From time to time, legislation has been introduced, but not enacted, in the U.S. Congress to provide for federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing and to require disclosure of the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. In addition, certain candidates running for the office of President of the United States in 2020 have pledged to ban hydraulic fracturing and, on January 28, 2020, one of those candidates introduced Senate Bill 3247 that, if enacted as proposed, would ban hydraulic fracturing nationwide by 2025.

Air Emissions

The federal Clean Air Act (“CAA”) and comparable state laws restrict emissions of various air pollutants through permitting programs and the imposition of other requirements. In addition, the EPA has developed and continues to develop stringent regulations governing emissions of toxic air pollutants at specified sources, including oil and natural gas production. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the CAA and associated state laws and regulations. Our operations, or the operations of service companies engaged by us, may in certain circumstances and locations be subject to permits and restrictions under these statutes for emissions of air pollutants.

In 2012 and 2016, the EPA issued New Source Performance Standards to regulate emissions of sources of volatile organic compounds (“VOCs”), sulfur dioxide, air toxics and methane from various oil and natural gas exploration, production, processing and transportation facilities. In particular, on May 12, 2016, the EPA amended its regulations to impose new standards for methane and volatile organic compounds emissions for certain new, modified, and reconstructed equipment, processes, and activities across the oil and natural gas sector. However, in a March 28, 2017 executive order, President Trump directed the EPA to review the 2016 regulations and, if appropriate, to initiate a rule making to rescind or revise them consistent with the stated policy of promoting clean and safe development of the nation’s energy resources, while at the same time avoiding regulatory burdens that unnecessarily encumber energy production. Following the change in U.S. Presidential Administrations, there have been attempts to modify these regulations. Most recently, in August 2019, the EPA proposed amendments to the 2016 standards that, among other things, would remove sources in the transmission and storage segment from the oil and natural gas source category and rescind the methane-specific requirements applicable to sources in the production and processing segments of the industry. As an alternative, the EPA also proposed to rescind the methane-specific requirements that apply to all sources in the oil and natural gas industry, without removing the transmission and storage sources from the current source category. Under either alternative, the EPA plans to retain emissions limits for VOCs for covered oil and natural gas facilities and equipment. Legal challenges to any final rulemaking that rescinds the 2016 standards are expected. These standards, as well as any future laws and their implementing regulations, may require us to obtain pre-approval for the expansion or modification of existing facilities or the construction of new facilities expected to produce air emissions, impose stringent air permit requirements, or mandate the use of specific equipment or technologies to control emissions. We cannot predict the final regulatory requirements or the cost to comply with such requirements with any certainty.

In October 2015, the EPA announced that it was lowering the primary national ambient air quality standards (“NAAQS”) for ozone from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion. Since that time, the EPA has issued area designations with respect to ground-level ozone. Reclassification of areas of state implementation of the revised NAAQS could result in stricter permitting requirements, delay or prohibit our ability to obtain such permits, and result in increased expenditures for pollution control equipment, the costs of which could be significant.

Climate Change

In response to findings that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) endanger public health and the environment, the EPA has adopted regulations under existing provisions of the CAA that, among other things, establish construction and operating permit reviews for GHG emissions certain large stationary sources, require the monitoring and annual reporting of GHG emissions from certain petroleum and natural gas system sources in the United States, implement New Source Performance Standards directing the reduction of methane from certain new, modified, or reconstructed facilities in the oil and natural gas sector, and together with the Department of Transportation (the “DOT”), implement GHG emissions limits on vehicles manufactured for operation in the United States. Additionally, various states and groups of states have adopted or are considering adopting legislation, regulations or other regulatory initiatives that are focused on such areas as GHG cap and trade programs, carbon taxes, reporting and tracking programs, and restriction of emissions. At the international level, there is an agreement, the United Nations-sponsored “Paris Agreement,” for nations to limit their GHG emissions through non-binding, individually-determined reduction goals every five years after 2020, although the United States has announced its withdrawal from such agreement, effective November 4, 2020.

Governmental, scientific, and public concern over the threat of climate change arising from GHG emissions has resulted in increasing political risks in the United States, including climate change related pledges made by certain candidates seeking the office of the President of the United States in 2020. Two critical declarations made by one or more candidates running for the Democratic nomination for President include threats to take actions banning hydraulic fracturing of oil and natural gas wells and banning new leases for production of minerals on federal properties, including onshore lands and offshore waters. Other actions that could be pursued by presidential candidates may include the imposition of more restrictive requirements for the establishment of pipeline infrastructure or the permitting of liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) export facilities, as well as the reversal of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in November 2020. Litigation risks are also increasing, as a number of cities and other local governments have sought to bring suit against the largest oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in state or federal court, alleging, among other things, that such companies created public nuisances by producing fuels that contributed to global warming effects, such as rising sea levels, and therefore are responsible for roadway and infrastructure damages, or alleging that the companies have been aware of the adverse effects of climate change for some time but defrauded their investors by failing to adequately disclose those impacts.

There are also increasing financial risks for fossil fuel producers as shareholders currently invested in fossil-fuel energy companies concerned about the potential effects of climate change may elect in the future to shift some or all of their investments into non-energy related sectors. Institutional lenders who provide financing to fossil-fuel energy companies also have become more attentive to sustainable lending practices and some of them may elect not to provide funding for fossil fuel energy companies. Additionally, the lending practices of institutional lenders have been the subject of intensive lobbying efforts in recent years, oftentimes public in nature, by environmental activists, proponents of the international Paris Agreement, and foreign citizenry concerned about climate change not to provide funding for fossil fuel producers. Limitation of investments in and financings for fossil fuel energy companies could result in the restriction, delay or cancellation of drilling programs or development or production activities.

The adoption and implementation of new or more stringent international, federal or state legislation, regulations or other regulatory initiatives that impose more stringent standards for GHG emissions from the oil and natural gas sector or otherwise restrict the areas in which this sector may produce oil and natural gas or generate GHG emissions could result in increased costs of compliance or costs of consuming, and thereby reduce demand for, oil and natural gas. Additionally, political, litigation and financial risks may result in us restricting or cancelling production activities, incurring liability for infrastructure damages as a result of climatic changes, or having an impaired ability to continue to operate in an economic manner. One or more of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Threatened and endangered species, migratory birds and natural resources

Various federal and state statutes prohibit certain actions that adversely affect endangered or threatened species and their habitat, migratory birds, wetlands, and natural resources. These statutes include the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (“MBTA”) and the Clean Water Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“FWS”) may designate critical habitat areas that it believes are necessary for survival of threatened or endangered species. As a result of a 2011 settlement agreement, the FWS was required to determine whether to identify more than 250 species as endangered or threatened under the FSA by no later than completion of the agency’s 2017 fiscal year. The FWS missed the deadline but reportedly continues to review new species for protected status under the ESA pursuant to the settlement agreement. A critical habitat designation could result in further

material restrictions on federal land use or on private land use and could delay or prohibit land access or development. Where takings of or harm to species or damages to wetlands, habitat, or natural resources occur or may occur, government entities or at times private parties may act to prevent or restrict oil and natural gas exploration activities or seek damages for any injury, whether resulting from drilling or construction or releases of oil, wastes, hazardous substances or other regulated materials, and in some cases, criminal penalties may result. Similar protections are offered to migratory birds under the MBTA. Recently, there have been renewed calls to review protections currently in place for the dunes sagebrush lizard, whose habitat includes portions of the Permian Basin, and to reconsider listing the species under the ESA. While some of our operations may be located in areas that are designated as habitats for endangered or threatened species or that may attract migratory birds, we believe that we are in substantial compliance with the ESA and the MBTA, and we are not aware of any proposed ESA listings that will materially affect our operations. The federal government in the past has issued indictments under the MBTA to several oil and natural gas companies after dead migratory birds were found near reserve pits associated with drilling activities. However, in January 2020, the Department of Interior proposed new regulations clarifying that only the intentional taking of protected migratory birds is subject to prosecution under the MTBA. The identification or designation of previously unprotected species as threatened or endangered in areas where underlying property operations are conducted could cause us to incur increased costs arising from species protection measures or could result in limitations on our development activities that could have an adverse impact on our ability to develop and produce our oil and natural gas reserves. If we were to have a portion of our leases designated as critical or suitable habitat, it could adversely impact the value of our leases.

Hazard communications and community right to know

We are subject to federal and state hazard communication and community right to know statutes and regulations. These regulations, including, but not limited to, the federal Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act, govern record keeping and reporting of the use and release of hazardous substances and may require that information be provided to state and local government authorities, as well as the public.

Occupational Safety and Health Act

We are subject to a number of federal and state laws and regulations, including OSHA, and comparable state statutes that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. In 2016, there were substantial revisions to the regulations under OSHA that may have an impact to our operations. These changes include among other items; record keeping and reporting, revised crystalline silica standard (which requires the oil and gas industry to implement engineering controls and work practices to limit exposures below the new limits by June 23, 2021), naming oil and gas as a high hazard industry and requirements for a safety and health management system. In addition, OSHA hazard communication standard requires that information be maintained about hazardous materials used or produced in operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local government authorities and citizens.

State Regulation

Texas regulates the drilling for, and the production, gathering and sale of, oil and natural gas, including imposing severance taxes and requirements for obtaining drilling permits. Texas currently imposes a 4.6% severance tax on oil production and a 7.5% severance tax on natural gas production. States also regulate the method of developing new fields, the spacing and operation of wells and the prevention of waste of oil and natural gas resources. States may regulate rates of production and may establish maximum daily production allowables from oil and natural gas wells based on market demand or resource conservation, or both. States do not regulate wellhead prices or engage in other similar direct economic regulation, but we cannot assure our stockholders that they will not do so in the future. The effect of these regulations may be to limit the amount of oil and natural gas that may be produced from our wells and to limit the number of wells or locations we can drill.

The petroleum industry is also subject to compliance with various other federal, state and local regulations and laws. Some of those laws relate to resource conservation and equal employment opportunity. We do not believe that compliance with these laws will have a material adverse effect on us.

Related Insurance

We maintain insurance against some risks associated with above or underground contamination that may occur as a result of our exploration, development and production activities. However, this insurance is limited to activities at the well site, and there can be no assurance that this insurance will continue to be commercially available or that this insurance will be available at premium levels that justify its purchase by us. The occurrence of a significant event that is not fully insured or indemnified against could have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and operations.

Although we have not experienced any material adverse effect from compliance with environmental requirements, there is no assurance that this will continue. We did not have any material capital or other non-recurring expenditures in connection with

complying with environmental laws or environmental remediation matters in 2019, nor do we anticipate that such expenditures will be material in 2020.

Employees

As of December 31, 2019, we had 69 full-time employees, of which 11 are management, 22 are technical personnel, 17 are administrative personnel and 19 are field operations employees. Our employees are not covered under a collective bargaining agreement nor are any employees represented by a union. We consider all relations with our employees to be satisfactory.

Office Leases

As of December 31, 2019, we leased office space as set forth in the following table:



Location	Approximate Size	Lease Expiration Date	Intended Use
The Woodlands, Texas	19,600 sq. ft.	March 31, 2025	Office
Midland, Texas	9,200 sq. ft.	June 30, 2022	Office

During 2019, aggregate rental payments for our office facilities totaled approximately $0.8 million.

Information about our Executive Officers

The following table sets forth, as of March 1, 2020, certain information regarding the executive officers of Earthstone:



Name	Age	Position
Frank A. Lodzinski	70	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Robert J. Anderson	58	President
Tony Oviedo	66	Executive Vice President, Accounting and Administration
Mark Lumpkin, Jr.	46	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Steven C. Collins	55	Executive Vice President, Completions and Operations
Timothy D. Merrifield	64	Executive Vice President, Geological and Geophysical

The following biographies describe the business experience of our executive officers:

Frank A. Lodzinski has served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since December 2014. He also served as our President from December 2014 through April 2018. Previously, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Oak Valley Resources, LLC (“Oak Valley”) from its formation in December 2012 until the closing of its strategic combination with Earthstone in December 2014. Prior to his service with Oak Valley, Mr. Lodzinski was Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of GeoResources, Inc. from April 2007 until its merger with Halcón Resources Corporation (“Halcón”) in August 2012 and from September 2012 until December 2012 he conducted pre-formation activities for Oak Valley. He has over 45 years of oil and gas industry experience. In 1984, he formed Energy Resource Associates, Inc., which acquired management and controlling interests in oil and gas limited partnerships, joint ventures and producing properties. Certain partnerships were exchanged for common shares of Hampton Resources Corporation in 1992, which Mr. Lodzinski joined as a director and President. Hampton was sold in 1995 to Bellwether Exploration Company. In 1996, he formed Cliffwood Oil & Gas Corp. and in 1997, Cliffwood shareholders acquired a controlling interest in Texoil, Inc., where Mr. Lodzinski served as Chief Executive Officer and President. In 2001, Mr. Lodzinski was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President of AROC, Inc., to direct the restructuring and ultimate liquidation of that company. In 2003, AROC completed a monetization of oil and gas assets with an institutional investor and began a plan of liquidation in 2004. In 2004, Mr. Lodzinski formed Southern Bay Energy, LLC, the general partner of Southern Bay Oil & Gas, L.P., which acquired the residual assets of AROC, Inc., and he served as President of Southern Bay Energy, LLC upon its formation. The Southern Bay entities were merged into GeoResources in April 2007. Mr. Lodzinski has served as a director and member of the nominating and governance committee, audit committee and compensation committee of Yuma Energy, Inc. since April 2019 and previously served on its audit committee from September 2014 to October 2016 and its compensation committee from October 2016 to April 2019. He holds a BSBA degree in Accounting and Finance from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan.

Robert J. Anderson is a petroleum engineer with over 30 years of diversified domestic and international oil and gas experience. He has served as our President since April 2018. From December 2014 through April 2018, he served as our Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and Engineering. Previously, he served in a similar capacity with Oak Valley from March 2013 until the closing of its strategic combination with the Company in December 2014. Prior to joining Oak Valley, he served from August 2012 to February 2013 as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Halcón. Mr. Anderson was employed by GeoResources, Inc. from April 2007 until its merger with Halcón in August 2012, ultimately serving as a director and Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer - Northern Region. He was involved in the formation of Southern Bay Energy in September

2004 as Vice President, Acquisitions until its merger with GeoResources in April 2007. From March 2004 to August 2004, Mr. Anderson was employed by AROC, a predecessor company to Southern Bay Energy, as Vice President, Acquisitions and Divestitures. From September 2000 to February 2004, he was employed by Anadarko Petroleum Corporation as a petroleum engineer. In addition, he has worked with major oil companies, including ARCO International/Vastar Resources, and independent oil companies, including Hunt Oil, Hugoton Energy, and Pacific Enterprises Oil Company. His professional experience includes acquisition evaluation, reservoir and production engineering, field development, project economics, budgeting and planning, and capital markets. His domestic acquisition and divestiture experience includes Texas and Louisiana (offshore and onshore), Mid-Continent, and the Rocky Mountain states, and his international experience includes Canada, South America, and Russia. Mr. Anderson has a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming and an MBA from the University of Denver.

Tony Oviedo has served as our Executive Vice President - Accounting and Administration (Principal Accounting Officer) since February 10, 2017. Mr. Oviedo has over 30 years of professional experience with both private and public companies. Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by GeoMet, Inc., where, since 2006, he served as the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. In addition, prior to joining GeoMet, Mr. Oviedo was employed by Resolution Performance Products, LLC, where he was Compliance Director and has held positions as Chief Accounting Officer, Controller, and Director of Financial Reporting with various companies in the oil and gas industry. Prior to the aforementioned experience, he served in the audit practice of KPMG LLP’s Energy Group. Mr. Oviedo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting and tax from the University of Houston and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Texas.

Mark Lumpkin, Jr. has over 22 years of experience including over 15 years of oil and gas finance experience. He has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since August 2017. Immediately prior to joining Earthstone, he served as Managing Director at RBC Capital Markets in the Oil and Gas Corporate Banking group, beginning in 2011 with a focus on upstream and midstream debt financing. From 2006 until 2011, he was employed by The Royal Bank of Scotland (“RBS”) in the Oil and Gas group within the Corporate and Investment Banking division, focusing primarily on the upstream subsector. Prior to RBS, he spent two years focused on capital markets and mergers and acquisitions primarily in the upstream sector at a boutique investment bank. Mr. Lumpkin graduated with a B.A. degree in Economics from Louisiana State University and graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree with a Finance concentration from Tulane University.

Steven C. Collins is a petroleum engineer with over 30 years of operations and related experience. He has served as our Executive Vice President, Completions and Operations since December 2014. Previously, he served in a similar capacity with Oak Valley from its formation in December 2012 until the closing of its strategic combination with the Company in December 2014. Mr. Collins was employed by GeoResources, Inc. from April 2007 until its merger with Halcón in August 2012 and directed field operations, including well completion, production and workover operations. Prior to employment by GeoResources, he served as Vice President of Operations for Southern Bay, AROC, and Texoil, and as a petroleum and operations engineer at Hunt Oil Company and Pacific Enterprises Oil Company. His experience includes Texas, Louisiana (onshore and offshore), North Dakota, Montana, and the Mid-Continent. Mr. Collins graduated with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Texas.

Timothy D. Merrifield has over 39 years of oil and gas industry experience. He has served as our Executive Vice President, Geology and Geophysics since December 2014. Previously, he served in a similar capacity with Oak Valley from its formation in December 2012 until the closing of its strategic combination with the Company in December 2014. Prior to employment by Oak Valley, he served from August 2012 to November 2012 as a consultant to Halcón upon its merger with GeoResources, Inc. in August 2012. From April 2007 to August 2012, Mr. Merrifield led all geology and geophysics efforts at GeoResources. He has held previous roles at AROC, Force Energy, Great Western Resources and other independents. His domestic experience includes Texas, Louisiana (onshore and offshore), North Dakota, Montana, New Mexico, Rocky Mountain States, and the Mid-Continent. In addition, he has international experience in Peru and the East Irish Sea. Mr. Merrifield attended Texas Tech University.

Available Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 1400 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 300, The Woodlands, Texas 77380. Our telephone number is (281) 298-4246. You can find more information about us at our website located at www.earthstoneenergy.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports are available free of charge on or through our website, which is not part of this report. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC, including us.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our business is subject to various risks and uncertainties in the ordinary course of our business. The following summarizes significant risks and uncertainties that may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We cannot assure you that any of the events discussed in the risk factors below will not occur. Further, the risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also materially affect our business. When considering an investment in our shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Class A Common Stock”), you should carefully consider the risk factors included below as well as those matters referenced in this report under “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” and other information included and incorporated by reference into this report.

Oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices are volatile. Their prices at times since 2014 have adversely affected, and in the future may adversely affect, our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to meet our capital expenditure obligations and financial commitments. Volatile and lower prices may also negatively impact our stock price.

The prices we receive for our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production heavily influence our revenues, profitability, access to capital and future rate of growth. These hydrocarbons are commodities, and therefore, their prices may be subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand. Historically, the market for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids has been volatile. For example, during the period from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2019, the West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) spot price for oil declined from a high of $107.95 per Bbl in June 2014 to $26.19 per Bbl in February 2016. The Henry Hub spot price for natural gas has declined from a high of $8.15 per MMBtu in February 2014 to a low of $1.49 per MMBtu in March 2016. During 2019, WTI spot prices ranged from $46.31 to $65.96 per Bbl and the Henry Hub spot price of natural gas ranged from $1.75 to $4.25 per MMBtu. Likewise, natural gas liquids, which are made up of ethane, propane, isobutane, normal butane and natural gasoline, each of which have different uses and different pricing characteristics, have experienced significant declines in realized prices since the fall of 2014. The prices we receive for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids we produce and our production levels depend on numerous factors beyond our control, including:


•	worldwide, regional and local economic and financial conditions impacting supply and demand;


•	the level of global exploration, development and production;


•	the level of global supplies, in particular due to supply growth from the United States;


•	the price and quantity of oil, natural gas and NGLs imports to and exports from the U.S.;


•	political conditions in or affecting other oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids producing countries and regions, including the current conflicts in the Middle East, Asia and Eastern Europe;


•	actions of the OPEC and state-controlled oil companies relating to production and price controls;


•	the extent to which U.S. shale producers become swing producers adding or subtracting to the world supply totals;


•	future regulations prohibiting or restricting our ability to apply hydraulic fracturing to our wells;


•	current and future regulations regarding well spacing;


•	prevailing prices and pricing differentials on local oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids price indices in the areas in which we operate;


•	localized and global supply and demand fundamentals and transportation, gathering and processing availability;


•	weather conditions;


•	technological advances affecting fuel economy, energy supply and energy consumption;


•	the effect of energy conservation measures, alternative fuel requirements and increasing demand for alternatives to oil and natural gas;


•	global or national health concerns, including health epidemics such as the coronavirus outbreak at the beginning of 2020;


•	the price and availability of alternative fuels; and


•	domestic, local and foreign governmental regulation and taxes.

Lower oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices have and may continue to reduce our cash flows and borrowing capacity. We may be unable to obtain needed capital or financing on satisfactory terms, which could lead to a decline in our hydrocarbon reserves

as existing reserves are depleted. A decrease in prices could render development projects and producing properties uneconomic, potentially resulting in a loss of mineral leases. Low commodity prices have, at times, caused significant downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves, and may cause us to make further downward adjustments in the future. Furthermore, our borrowing capacity could be significantly affected by decreased prices. Under the Credit Agreement, our borrowing base is subject to semi-annual redeterminations (on or about May 1 and November 1) and our lenders have the right to call for an interim determination of the borrowing base under certain circumstances. A sustained decline in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices could adversely impact our borrowing base in future borrowing base redeterminations, which could trigger repayment obligations under the Credit Agreement to the extent our outstanding borrowings exceed the redetermined borrowing base and could otherwise materially and adversely affect our future business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or ability to finance planned capital expenditures. In addition, lower oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids gas prices may cause a decline in the market price of our shares.

As a result of low prices for oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, we may be required to take significant future write-downs of the financial carrying values of our properties.

Accounting rules require that we periodically review the carrying value of our proved and unproved properties for possible impairment. Based on prevailing commodity prices and specific market factors and circumstances at the time of prospective impairment reviews, and the continuing evaluation of development plans, production data, economics and other factors, we may be required to significantly write-down the financial carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties, which constitutes a non-cash charge to earnings. We may incur impairment charges in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the periods in which such charges are recorded.

A write-down could occur when oil and natural gas prices are low or if we have substantial downward adjustments to our estimated proved oil and natural gas reserves, if operating costs or development costs increase over prior estimates, or if exploratory drilling is unsuccessful.

The capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties, on a field-by-field basis, may exceed the estimated future net cash flows of that field. If so, we would record impairment charges to reduce the capitalized costs of such field to our estimate of the field’s fair market value. Unproved properties are evaluated at the lower of cost or fair market value. These types of charges will reduce our earnings and stockholders’ equity and could adversely affect our stock price.

We periodically assess our properties for impairment based on future estimates of proved and non-proved reserves, oil and natural gas prices, production rates and operating, development and reclamation costs based on operating budget forecasts. Once incurred, an impairment charge cannot be reversed at a later date even if price increases of oil and/or natural gas occur and in the event of increases in the quantity of our estimated proved reserves.

If oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices fall below current levels for an extended period of time and all other factors remain equal, we may incur impairment charges in the future. Such charges could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the periods in which they are recorded. See Note 7. Oil and Natural Gas Properties to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for additional information.

Any significant reduction in our borrowing base under the Credit Agreement as a result of a periodic borrowing base redetermination or otherwise may negatively impact our liquidity and, consequently, our ability to fund our operations, including capital expenditures, and we may not have sufficient funds to repay borrowings under the Credit Agreement or any other obligation if required as a result of a borrowing base redetermination.

Availability under the Credit Agreement is currently subject to a borrowing base of $325.0 million. The borrowing base is subject to scheduled semiannual redeterminations (on or about May 1 and November 1), as well as other lender-elective borrowing base redeterminations. The lenders can unilaterally adjust the borrowing base and the borrowings permitted to be outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Reductions in estimates of our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves may result in a reduction in our borrowing base under the Credit Agreement (if prices are kept constant). Reductions in our borrowing base under the Credit Agreement could also arise from other factors, including but not limited to:


•	lower commodity prices or production;


•	increased leverage ratios;


•	inability to drill or unfavorable drilling results;


•	changes in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserve engineering techniques;


•	increased operating and/or capital costs;


•	the lenders’ inability to agree to an adequate borrowing base; or


•	adverse changes in the lenders’ practices (including required regulatory changes) regarding estimation of reserves.

As of December 31, 2019, we had $170.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement. We may make further borrowings under the Credit Agreement in the future. Any significant reduction in our borrowing base under the Credit Agreement as a result of borrowing base redeterminations or otherwise will negatively impact our liquidity and our ability to fund our operations and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Further, if the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Agreement were to exceed the borrowing base as a result of any such redetermination, we could be required to repay the excess.

Unless we replace our reserves, our production and estimated reserves will decline, which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows.

Producing oil and natural gas reservoirs are generally characterized by declining production rates that may vary depending upon reservoir characteristics and other factors. Decline rates are typically greatest early in the productive life of a well, particularly horizontal wells. Estimates of the decline rate of an oil or natural gas well are inherently imprecise and may be less precise with respect to new or emerging oil and natural gas formations with limited production histories than for more developed formations with established production histories. Our production levels and the reserves that we currently expect to recover from our wells will change if production from our existing wells declines in a different manner than we have estimated and can change under other circumstances. Thus, our estimated future oil and natural gas reserves and production and, therefore, our cash flows and results of operations are highly dependent upon our success in efficiently developing and exploiting our current properties and economically finding or acquiring additional recoverable reserves. We may not be able to develop, find or acquire additional reserves to replace our current and future production at acceptable costs. If we are unable to replace our current and future production, our cash flows and the value of our reserves may decrease, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves involve assumptions and any material inaccuracies in these assumptions will materially affect the quantities and the value of those reserves.

This report contains estimates of our proved oil and natural gas reserves. These estimates are based upon various assumptions, including assumptions required by SEC regulations relating to oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. The process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex and requires significant decisions, complex analyses and assumptions in evaluating available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. Therefore, these estimates are inherently imprecise.

Our actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas reserves will vary from those estimated. Any significant variance will likely materially affect the estimated quantities and the estimated value of our reserves. In addition, we may later adjust estimates of proved reserves to reflect production history, results of exploration and development activities, prevailing oil and natural gas prices and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

Quantities of estimated proved reserves are based on economic conditions in existence during the period of assessment. Changes to oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices in the markets for these commodities may shorten the economic lives of certain fields because it may become uneconomical to produce all recoverable reserves in such fields, which may reduce proved reserves estimates.

Negative revisions in the estimated quantities of proved reserves have the effect of increasing the rates of depletion on the affected properties, which decrease earnings or result in losses through higher depletion expense. These revisions, as well as revisions in the assumptions of future estimated cash flows of those reserves, may also trigger impairment losses on certain properties, which may result in non-cash charges to earnings. See Note 7. Oil and Natural Gas Properties to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.

The development of our estimated proved undeveloped reserves may take longer and may require higher levels of capital expenditures than we currently anticipate. Therefore, our estimated proved undeveloped reserves may not be ultimately developed or produced.

At December 31, 2019, approximately 66% of our estimated proved reserves were classified as proved undeveloped. The development of our estimated proved undeveloped reserves of 62,815 MBOE will require an estimated $628.1 million of development capital over the next five years. Development of these reserves may take longer and require higher levels of capital expenditures than we currently anticipate. The future development of our proved undeveloped reserves is dependent on successful drilling and completion results, future commodity prices, costs and economic assumptions that align with our internal forecasts, as well as access to liquidity sources, such as the capital markets, the Credit Agreement and derivative contracts. Delays

in the development of our reserves, increases in costs to drill and develop such reserves, or decreases in commodity prices will reduce the PV-10 value of our estimated proved undeveloped reserves and future net revenues estimated for such reserves and may result in some projects becoming uneconomic. Moreover, under the SEC regulations, we may be required to write down our proved undeveloped reserves if we do not drill or have a development plan to drill wells within a prescribed five-year period. The estimated reserve data assumes that we will make specified capital expenditures to timely develop our reserves. The estimates of these oil and natural gas reserves and the costs associated with development of these reserves have been prepared in accordance with SEC regulations; however, actual capital expenditures may vary from estimated capital expenditures, development may not occur as scheduled and actual results may not be as estimated.

The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from our estimated proved reserves may not be the same as the current market value of our estimated oil and natural gas reserves.

You should not assume that the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows from our estimated proved reserves set forth in this report is the current market value of our estimated oil and natural gas reserves. In accordance with SEC requirements in effect at December 31, 2019 and 2018, we based the discounted future net cash flows from our proved reserves on the 12-month first-day-of-the-month oil and natural gas unweighted arithmetic average prices without giving effect to derivative transactions and costs in effect as of the date of the estimate, holding prices and costs constant through the life of the properties. Actual future net cash flows from our oil and natural gas properties will be affected by factors such as:


•	the actual prices we receive for oil and natural gas;


•	the actual cost of development and production expenditures;


•	the amount and timing of actual production; and


•	changes in governmental regulations or taxation.

The timing of both our production and incurring expenses related to developing and producing oil and natural gas properties will affect the timing and amount of actual future net revenues from proved reserves, and thus their actual present value. In addition, the 10% discount factor we use when calculating standardized measure may not be the most appropriate discount factor based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks associated with our business or the oil and natural gas industry in general. As a corporation, we are treated as a taxable entity for statutory income tax purposes and our future income taxes will be dependent on our future taxable income. Actual future prices and costs may differ materially from those used in the estimates included in this report which could have a material effect on the value of our estimated reserves.

Our development and exploratory drilling efforts and our well operations may not be profitable or achieve our targeted returns.

We have acquired significant amounts of unproved property in order to further our development efforts and expect to continue to undertake acquisitions in the future. Development and exploratory drilling and production activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that no commercially productive reservoirs will be discovered. We acquire unproved properties and lease undeveloped acreage that we believe will enhance our growth potential and increase our results of operations over time. However, we cannot assure you that all prospects will be economically viable or that we will not abandon our leaseholds. Additionally, we cannot assure you that unproved property acquired by us or undeveloped acreage leased by us will be profitably developed, that wells drilled by us in prospects that we pursue will be productive or that we will recover all or any portion of our investment in such unproved property or wells.

Properties we acquire may not produce as projected and we may be unable to determine reserve potential, identify liabilities associated with the properties that we acquire or obtain protection from sellers against such liabilities.

Acquiring oil and natural gas properties requires us to assess reservoir and infrastructure characteristics, including recoverable reserves, development and operating costs and potential environmental and other liabilities. Such assessments are inexact and inherently uncertain. In connection with the assessments, we perform a review of the subject properties, but such a review will not reveal all existing or potential problems. In the course of our due diligence, we may not inspect every well or pipeline. We cannot necessarily observe structural and environmental problems, such as pipe corrosion, when an inspection is made. We may not be able to obtain contractual indemnities from the seller for liabilities created prior to our purchase of a property. We may be required to assume the risk of the physical condition of properties in addition to the risk that they may not perform in accordance with our expectations. If properties we acquire do not produce as projected or have liabilities we were unable to identify, we could experience a decline in our reserves and production, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Future drilling and completion activities associated with identified drilling locations may be adversely affected by factors that could materially alter the occurrence or timing of their drilling and completion, which in certain instances could prevent production prior to the expiration date of mineral leases for such locations.

Although our management team has identified numerous potential drilling locations as a part of our long-range planning related to future drilling activities on our existing acreage, our ability to drill and develop these locations depends on a number of factors, which are beyond our control, including, the availability and cost of capital, oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, drilling and production costs, the availability of drilling services and equipment, drilling results (including the impact of increased horizontal drilling density and longer laterals), lease expirations, gathering systems, marketing and pipeline transportation constraints, regulatory permits and approvals and other factors. In addition, we may alter the spacing between our anticipated drilling locations, which could impact the number of our drilling locations, the number of wells that we drill, and the volumes of oil and gas we ultimately recover. As such, our actual drilling and completion activities, may materially differ from those presently anticipated. Accordingly, it is uncertain to what degree that these potential drilling locations will be developed or if we will be able to produce significant oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids from these or any other potential drilling locations. Unless production is established, in accordance with the terms of mineral leases that are associated with these locations, such leases could expire.

Many of our properties are in areas that may have been partially depleted or drained by offset wells and certain of our wells may be adversely affected by actions we or other operators may take when drilling, completing, or operating wells that we or they own.

Many of our properties are in reservoirs that may have already been partially depleted or drained by earlier offset drilling. The owners of leasehold interests adjoining any of our properties could take actions, such as drilling and completing additional wells, which could adversely affect our operations. When a new well is completed and produced, the pressure differential in the vicinity of the well causes the migration of reservoir fluids toward the new wellbore (and potentially away from existing wellbores). As a result, the drilling and production of these potential locations by us or other operators could cause depletion of our proved reserves and may inhibit our ability to further develop our proved reserves. In addition, completion operations and other activities conducted on adjacent or nearby wells by us or other operators could cause production from our wells to be shut in for indefinite periods of time, could result in increased lease operating expenses and could adversely affect the production and reserves from our wells after they re-commence production. We have no control over the operations or activities of offsetting operators.

Multi-well pad drilling may result in volatility in our operating results.

We utilize multi-well pad drilling where practical. Because wells drilled on a pad are not brought into production until all wells on the pad are drilled and completed and the drilling rig is moved from the location, multi-well pad drilling delays the commencement of production from a given pad, which may cause volatility in our operating results. In addition, problems affecting one pad could adversely affect production from all wells on such pad. As a result, multi-well pad drilling can cause delays in the scheduled commencement of production or interruptions in ongoing production.

The unavailability or high cost of additional drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, personnel and oilfield services could adversely affect our ability to execute our development plans within our budget and on a timely basis.

The demand for drilling rigs, pipe and other equipment and supplies, as well as for qualified and experienced field personnel to drill wells and conduct field operations, geologists, geophysicists, engineers and other professionals in the oil and natural gas industry, can fluctuate significantly, often in correlation with oil and natural gas prices, causing periodic shortages. Our operations are concentrated in areas in which activity has increased rapidly, and as a result, demand for such drilling rigs, equipment and personnel, as well as access to transportation, processing and refining facilities in these areas, has increased, as have the costs for those items. In addition, to the extent our suppliers source their products or raw materials from foreign markets, the cost of such equipment could be impacted if the United States imposes tariffs on imported goods from countries where these goods are produced. For example, the steel we use for pipes, valve fittings and other equipment is generally imported from other countries, and the price for steel rose significantly in 2018 due at least in part to the 25% tariff imposed by United States on imported steel. We cannot predict whether these conditions will exist in the future and, if so, what their timing and duration will be. Such shortages or cost increases could delay or cause us to incur significant expenditures that are not provided for in our capital budget, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our acquisition, development and exploitation projects require substantial capital expenditures. We may be unable to obtain required capital or financing on satisfactory terms, which could limit growth or lead to a decline in our reserves.

The oil and natural gas industry is capital intensive. We make and expect to continue to make substantial capital expenditures for the acquisition and development of oil and natural gas reserves. We expect to fund our 2020 capital expenditures with cash on hand, cash generated by operations, borrowings under the Credit Agreement and possibly through additional capital market transactions. The actual amount and timing of our future capital expenditures may differ materially from our estimates as a result of, among other things, oil and natural gas prices, actual drilling results, the availability of high-quality drilling rigs and other services and equipment and regulatory, technological and competitive developments. A reduction in commodity prices from current levels may result in a decrease in our actual capital expenditures, which would negatively impact our ability to grow production.

Our cash flow from operations and access to capital are subject to a number of variables, including:


•	our proved reserves;


•	the level of hydrocarbons we are able to produce from existing wells;


•	the prices at which our production is sold;


•	our ability to acquire, locate and produce reserves; and


•	our ability to borrow under the Credit Agreement.

If our revenues or the borrowing base under the Credit Agreement decrease as a result of low oil and natural gas prices, operating difficulties, declines in reserves or for any other reason, we may have limited ability to obtain the capital necessary to sustain our operations and growth at current levels. If additional capital is needed, we may not be able to obtain debt or equity financing on terms acceptable to us, if at all. The failure to obtain additional financing could result in a curtailment of our operations relating to development of our properties, which in turn could lead to a decline in our reserves and production and would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A negative shift in investor sentiment towards the oil and gas industry could adversely affect our ability to raise equity and debt capital.

Much of the investor community has developed negative sentiment towards investing in our industry. Recent equity returns in the sector versus other industry sectors have led to lower oil and gas representation in certain key equity market indices. Some investors, including certain public and private fund management firms, pension funds, university endowments and family foundations, have stated policies to reduce or eliminate their investments in the oil and gas sector based on environmental, social and governance considerations. Certain other stakeholders have pressured private equity firms and commercial and investment banks to stop funding oil and gas projects. Such developments have resulted and could continue to result in downward pressure on the stock prices of oil and gas companies, including ours. This may also result in a reduction of available capital funding for potential development projects, further impacting our future financial results.

We have incremental cash inflows and outflows as a result of our hedging activities. To the extent we are unable to obtain future hedges at attractive prices or our derivative activities are not effective, our cash flows and financial condition may be adversely impacted.

In an effort to achieve more predictable cash flows and reduce our exposure to adverse fluctuations in the prices of oil and natural gas, we often enter into derivative instrument contracts for a portion of our oil and natural gas production, including swaps, collars, puts and basis swaps. We recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities, measured at fair value, and recognize changes in the fair value of derivatives in current earnings. Accordingly, our earnings may fluctuate significantly and our results of operations may be significantly and adversely affected because of changes in the fair market value of our derivative instruments. As our derivative instrument contracts expire, there is no assurance that we will be able to replace them comparably.

Derivative instruments can expose us to the risk of financial loss in varying circumstances, including, but not limited to, when:


•	production is less than the volume covered by the derivative instruments;


•	the counter-party to the derivative instrument defaults on its contractual obligations;


•	there is an increase in the differential between the underlying price stated in the derivative instrument contract and actual prices received; or


•	there are issues with regard to legal enforceability of such instruments.

For additional information regarding our hedging activities, please see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 6. Derivative Financial Instruments in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for additional information.

Derivatives reform legislation and related regulations could have an adverse effect on our ability to hedge risks associated with our business.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) provides for federal oversight of the over-the-counter derivatives market and entities that participate in that market and mandates that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the “CFTC”), the SEC, and federal regulators of financial institutions adopt rules or regulations implementing the Dodd-Frank Act and providing definitions of terms used in the Dodd-Frank Act.

The CFTC has finalized other regulations implementing the Dodd-Frank Act’s provisions regarding trade reporting, margin, clearing, and trade execution; however, some regulations remain to be finalized and it is not possible at this time to predict when

the CFTC will adopt final rules. For example, the CFTC has re-proposed regulations setting position limits for certain futures and option contracts in the major energy markets and for swaps that are their economic equivalents. Certain bona fide hedging transactions are expected to be made exempt from these limits. Also, it is possible that under recently adopted margin rules, some registered swap dealers may require us to post initial and variation margins in connection with certain swaps not subject to central clearing.

The Dodd-Frank Act and any additional implementing regulations could significantly increase the cost of some commodity derivative contracts (including through requirements to post collateral, which could adversely affect our available liquidity), materially alter the terms of some commodity derivative contracts, limit our ability to trade some derivatives to hedge risks, reduce the availability of some derivatives to protect against risks we encounter, and reduce our ability to monetize or restructure our existing commodity derivative contracts. If we reduce our use of derivatives as a consequence, our results of operations may become more volatile and our cash flows may be less predictable, which could adversely affect our ability to plan for and fund capital expenditures. Increased volatility may make us less attractive to certain types of investors. Finally, the Dodd-Frank Act was intended, in part, to reduce the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, which some legislators attributed to speculative trading in derivatives and commodity instruments related to oil and natural gas. If the implementing regulations result in lower commodity prices, our revenues could be adversely affected. Any of these consequences could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive, and our small size puts us at a disadvantage in competing for resources.

The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive particularly in the Permian Basin of Texas where our properties and operations are concentrated. We compete with major integrated and larger independent oil and natural gas companies in seeking to acquire desirable oil and natural gas properties and leases and for the equipment and services required to develop and operate properties. Many of our competitors have financial and other resources that are substantially greater than ours, which makes acquisitions of acreage or producing properties at economic prices difficult. Significant competition also exists in attracting and retaining technical personnel, including geologists, geophysicists, engineers, landmen and other specialists, as well as financial and administrative personnel hence we may be at a competitive disadvantage to companies with larger financial resources than ours.

Failure to complete additional acquisitions could limit our potential growth.

Our future success is highly dependent on our ability to acquire and develop mineral leases and oil and gas properties with economically recoverable oil and natural gas reserves. Without continued successful acquisition, of economic development projects, our current estimated oil and natural gas reserves will decline due to continued production activities. Acquiring additional oil and natural gas properties, or businesses that own or operate such properties is an important component of our business strategy. If we identify an appropriate acquisition candidate, management may be unable to negotiate mutually acceptable terms with the seller, finance the acquisition or obtain the necessary regulatory approvals. Our limited access to financial resources compared to larger, better capitalized companies may limit our ability to make future acquisitions. If we are unable to complete suitable acquisitions, it may be more difficult to replace and increase our reserves, and an inability to replace our reserves may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Acquisitions involve a number of risks, including the risk that we will discover unanticipated liabilities or other problems associated with the acquired business or property.

In assessing potential acquisitions, we consider information available in the public domain and information provided by the seller. In the event publicly available data is limited, then, by necessity, we may rely to a large extent on information that may only be available from the seller, particularly with respect to drilling and completion costs and practices, geological, geophysical and petrophysical data, detailed production data on existing wells, and other technical and cost data not available in the public domain. Accordingly, the review and evaluation of businesses or properties to be acquired may not uncover all existing or relevant data, obligations or actual or contingent liabilities that could adversely impact any business or property to be acquired and, hence, could adversely affect us as a result of the acquisition. These issues may be material and could include, among other things, unexpected environmental liabilities, title defects, unpaid royalties, taxes or other liabilities. If we acquire properties on an “as-is” basis, we may have limited or no remedies against the seller with respect to these types of problems.

The success of any acquisition that we complete will depend on a variety of factors, including our ability to accurately assess the reserves associated with the acquired properties, assumptions related to future oil and natural gas prices and operating costs, potential environmental and other liabilities and other factors. These assessments are often inexact and subjective. As a result, we may not recover the purchase price of a property from the sale of production from the property or recognize an acceptable return from such sales or operations.

Our ability to achieve the benefits that we expect from an acquisition will also depend on our ability to efficiently integrate the acquired operations. Management may be required to dedicate significant time and effort to the integration process, which could divert its attention from other business opportunities and concerns. The challenges involved in the integration process may include

retaining key employees and maintaining employee morale, addressing differences in business cultures, processes and systems and developing internal expertise regarding acquired properties.

We may incur substantial losses and be subject to substantial liability claims as a result of our oil and natural gas operations, including our drilling operations.

Oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activities are subject to numerous significant operating risks, including the possibility of:


•	unanticipated, abnormally pressured formations;


•	significant mechanical difficulties, such as stuck drilling and service tools and casing collapses;


•	blowouts, fires and explosions;


•	personal injuries and death;


•	uninsured or underinsured losses; and


•	environmental hazards, such as uncontrollable flows of oil, natural gas, brine, well fluids, toxic gas or other pollution into the environment, including groundwater contamination.

Any of these operating hazards could cause damage to properties, reduced cash flows, serious injuries, fatalities, oil spills, discharge of hazardous materials, remediation and clean-up costs and other environmental damages, which could expose us to significant liabilities. We may elect not to obtain insurance for any or all of these risks if we believe that the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. In addition, pollution and environmental risks generally are not fully insurable. The occurrence of an event that is not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The nature of our business and assets exposes us to significant compliance costs and liabilities.

Our operations involving the exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons are subject to stringent federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment as well as protection of the environment, operational safety, and related employee health and safety matters. Laws and regulations applicable to us include those relating but not limited to the following:


•	land use restrictions;


•	delivery of our oil and natural gas to market;


•	drilling bonds and other financial responsibility requirements;


•	spacing of wells;


•	air emissions;


•	property unitization and pooling;


•	habitat and endangered species protection, reclamation and remediation;


•	containment and disposal of hazardous substances, oil field waste and other waste materials;


•	drilling permits;


•	use of saltwater injection wells, which affects the disposal of saltwater from our wells;


•	safety precautions;


•	prevention of oil spills;


•	operational reporting; and


•	taxation and royalties.

Compliance with these laws and regulations is a significant cost of doing business. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties; the imposition of investigatory and remedial liabilities; the issuance of injunctions that may restrict, inhibit or prohibit our operations; and claims of damages to property or persons.

Some environmental laws and regulations impose strict liability, which means that in some situations we could be exposed to liability for clean-up costs and other damages as a result of conduct that was lawful at the time it occurred or for the conduct of

prior operators of properties we acquired or of other third parties. Similarly, some environmental laws and regulations impose joint and several liability, meaning that we could be held responsible for more than our share of a particular reclamation or other obligation, and potentially the entire obligation, where other parties were involved in the activity giving rise to the liability. In addition, we may be required to make large and unanticipated capital expenditures to comply with applicable laws and regulations, for example by installing and maintaining pollution control devices. Similarly, our actual plugging and abandonment obligations may be more than our estimates. It is not possible for us to estimate reliably the amount and timing of all future expenditures related to environmental matters, but we estimate that they will be material. Environmental risks are generally not fully insurable.

Federal, state and local legislation and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions or delays.

We engage third parties to provide hydraulic fracturing or other well stimulation services to us in connection with many of the wells for which we are the operator. Federal, state and local governments have been adopting or considering restrictions on or prohibitions of fracturing in areas where we currently conduct operations, or in the future plan to conduct operations. Consequently, we could be subject to additional levels of regulation, operational delays or increased operating costs and could have additional regulatory burdens imposed upon us that could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing and increase our costs of compliance and doing business.

From time to time, for example, legislation has been proposed in Congress to amend the SDWA to require federal permitting of hydraulic fracturing and the disclosure of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. Further, the EPA completed a study finding that hydraulic fracturing could potentially harm drinking water resources under adverse circumstances such as injection directly into groundwater or into production wells lacking mechanical integrity. Other governmental reviews have also been recently conducted or are under way that focus on environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing. At this time, it is uncertain when, or if, the rules will be implemented, and what impact they would have on our operations. Further, legislation to amend the SDWA to repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing (except when diesel fuels are used) from the definition of “underground injection” and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process, have been proposed in recent sessions of Congress. Several states and local jurisdictions in which we operate also have adopted or are considering adopting regulations that could restrict or prohibit hydraulic fracturing in certain circumstances, impose more stringent operating standards and/or require the disclosure of the composition of hydraulic fracturing fluids.

More recently, federal and state governments have begun investigating whether the disposal of produced water into underground injection wells has caused increased seismic activity in certain areas. For example, in December 2016, the EPA released its final report regarding the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources, concluding that “water cycle” activities associated with hydraulic fracturing may impact drinking water resources under certain circumstances such as water withdrawals for fracturing in times or areas of low water availability, surface spills during the management of fracturing fluids, chemicals or produced water, injection of fracturing fluids into wells with inadequate mechanical integrity, injection of fracturing fluids directly into groundwater resources, discharge of inadequately treated fracturing wastewater to surface waters, and disposal or storage of fracturing wastewater in unlined pits. The results of these studies could lead federal and state governments and agencies to develop and implement additional regulations. In addition, on June 28, 2016, the EPA published a final rule prohibiting the discharge of wastewater from onshore unconventional oil and natural gas extraction facilities to publicly owned wastewater treatment plants. The EPA is also conducting a study of private wastewater treatment facilities (also known as centralized waste treatment (“CWT”) facilities) accepting oil and natural gas extraction wastewater. The EPA is collecting data and information related to the extent to which CWT facilities accept such wastewater, available treatment technologies (and their associated costs), discharge characteristics, financial characteristics of CWT facilities, and the environmental impacts of discharges from CWT facilities.

The proliferation of regulations may limit our ability to operate. If the use of hydraulic fracturing is limited, prohibited or subjected to further regulation, these requirements could delay or effectively prevent the extraction of oil and natural gas from formations which would not be economically viable without the use of hydraulic fracturing. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Extreme weather conditions could adversely affect our ability to conduct drilling, completion and production activities in the areas where we operate.

Our exploitation and development activities and equipment could be adversely affected by extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, which may cause a loss of production from temporary cessation of activity or lost or damaged facilities and equipment. Such extreme weather conditions could also impact access to our drilling and production facilities for routine operations, maintenance and repairs and the availability of and our access to, necessary third-party services, such as gathering, processing, compression and transportation services. These constraints and the resulting shortages or high costs could delay or temporarily halt our operations and materially increase our operation and capital costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of "greenhouse gases" could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for the oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids we produce.

The threat of climate change continues to attract considerable attention in the United States and in foreign countries. Numerous proposals have been made and could continue to be made at the international, national, regional and state levels of government to monitor and limit existing emissions of GHGs as well as to restrict or eliminate such future emissions. As a result, our operations as well as the operations of our oil and natural gas exploration and production customers are subject to a series of regulatory, political, litigation, and financial risks associated with the production and processing of fossil fuels and emission of GHGs.

In the United States, no comprehensive climate change legislation has been implemented at the federal level. However, following the U.S. Supreme Court finding that GHG emissions constitute a pollutant under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has adopted regulations that, among other things, establish construction and operating permit reviews for GHG emissions from certain large stationary sources, require the monitoring and annual reporting of GHG emissions from certain petroleum and natural gas system sources in the United States, implement New Source Performance Standards directing the reduction of methane from certain new, modified, or reconstructed facilities in the oil and natural gas sector, and together with the DOT, implement GHG emissions limits on vehicles manufactured for operation in the United States. Additionally, various states and groups of states have adopted or are considering adopting legislation, regulations or other regulatory initiatives that are focused on such areas as GHG cap and trade programs, carbon taxes, reporting and tracking programs, and restriction of emissions. At the international level, there is an agreement, the United Nations-sponsored “Paris Agreement,” for nations to limit their GHG emissions through non-binding, individually-determined reduction goals every five years after 2020, although the United States has announced its withdrawal from such agreement, effective November 4, 2020.

Governmental, scientific, and public concern over the threat of climate change arising from GHG emissions has resulted in increasing political risks in the United States, including climate change related pledges made by certain candidates seeking the office of the President of the United States in 2020. Two critical declarations made by one or more candidates running for the Democratic nomination for President include threats to take actions banning hydraulic fracturing of oil and natural gas wells and banning new leases for production of minerals on federal properties, including onshore lands and offshore waters. Other actions that could be pursued by presidential candidates may include the imposition of more restrictive requirements for the establishment of pipeline infrastructure or the permitting of LNG export facilities, as well as the reversal of the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in November 2020. Litigation risks are also increasing, as a number of cities and other local governments have sought to bring suit against the largest oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in state or federal court, alleging, among other things, that such companies created public nuisances by producing fuels that contributed to global warming effects, such as rising sea levels, and therefore are responsible for roadway and infrastructure damages, or alleging that the companies have been aware of the adverse effects of climate change for some time but defrauded their investors by failing to adequately disclose those impacts.

Finally, many scientists have concluded that increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events. If any such effects were to occur, they could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are sold in a limited number of geographic markets so an oversupply in any of those areas could have a material negative effect on the price we receive.

Our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids are primarily sold in two geographic markets in Texas which each have a fixed amount of storage and processing capacity. As a result, if such markets become oversupplied with oil, natural gas and/or natural gas liquids,

it could have a material negative effect on the prices we receive for our products and therefore an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. There is a risk that refining capacity in the U.S. Gulf Coast may be insufficient to refine all of the light sweet crude oil being produced in the United States. If light sweet crude oil production remains at current levels or continues to increase, demand for our light crude oil production could result in widening price discounts to the world crude prices and potential shut-in of production due to a lack of sufficient markets despite the lift on prior restrictions on the exporting of oil and natural gas.

We may incur more taxes and certain of our projects may become uneconomic if certain federal income tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and natural gas exploration and development are eliminated as a result of future legislation.

In past years, legislation has been proposed that would, if enacted into law, make significant changes to U.S. tax laws, including to certain key U.S. federal income tax provisions currently available to oil and natural gas exploration, development and production companies. Such legislative changes have included, but not limited to, (i) the repeal of the percentage depletion allowance for oil and natural gas properties, (ii) the elimination of current deductions for intangible drilling and development costs, (iii) the elimination of the deduction for certain domestic production activities, and (iv) an extension of the amortization period for certain geological and geophysical expenditures. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “TCJA”) did not directly affect deductions currently available to the oil and natural gas industry but any future changes in U.S. federal income tax laws could eliminate or postpone certain tax deductions that currently are available with respect to oil and natural gas development, or increase costs, and any such changes could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Our operations are substantially dependent on the availability, use and disposal of water. New legislation and regulatory initiatives or restrictions relating to water disposal wells could have a material adverse effect on our future business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Water is an essential component of our drilling and hydraulic fracturing processes. If we are unable to obtain water to use in our operations from local sources, we may be unable to economically produce oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Wastewaters from our operations typically are disposed of via underground injection. Some studies have linked earthquakes in certain areas to underground injection, which is leading to greater public scrutiny of disposal wells. Any new environmental initiatives or regulations that restrict injection of fluids, including, but not limited to, produced water, drilling fluids and other wastes associated with the exploration, development or production of oil and gas, or that limit the withdrawal, storage or use of surface water or ground water necessary for hydraulic fracturing of our wells, could increase our operating costs and cause delays, interruptions or cessation of our operations, the extent of which cannot be predicted, and all of which would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Any change to government regulation or administrative practices may have a negative impact on our ability to operate and our profitability.

Oil and natural gas operations are subject to substantial regulation under federal, state and local laws relating to the exploration for, and the development, upgrading, marketing, pricing, taxation, and transportation of, oil and natural gas and related products and other associated matters. Amendments to current laws and regulations governing operations and activities of oil and natural gas exploration and development operations could have a material adverse impact on our business. In addition, there can be no assurance that income tax laws, royalty regulations and government programs related to our oil and natural gas properties and the oil and natural gas industry generally will not be changed in a manner which may adversely affect our progress or cause delays.

Permits, leases, licenses, and approvals are required from a variety of regulatory authorities at various stages of exploration and development. There can be no assurance that the various government permits, leases, licenses and approvals sought will be granted in respect of our activities or, if granted, will not be cancelled or will be renewed upon expiration. There is no assurance that such permits, leases, licenses, and approvals will not contain terms and provisions which may adversely affect our exploration and development activities.

The marketability of our production is dependent upon gathering systems, transportation facilities and processing facilities that we do not own or control. If these facilities or systems are unavailable, our oil and natural gas production can be interrupted and our revenues reduced.

The marketability of our oil and natural gas production is dependent upon the availability, proximity and capacity of pipelines, natural gas gathering systems, transportation and processing facilities owned by third parties. In general, we will not control these facilities, and our access to them may be limited or denied due to circumstances beyond our control. A significant disruption in the availability of these facilities could adversely impact our ability to deliver to market the hydrocarbons we produce and thereby cause a significant interruption in our operations. In some cases, our ability to deliver to market our hydrocarbons is dependent upon coordination among third parties that own transportation and processing facilities we use, and any inability or unwillingness

of those parties to coordinate efficiently could also interrupt our operations. The lack of availability or the lack of capacity on these systems and facilities could result in the curtailment of production or the delay or discontinuance of drilling plans. This is more likely in areas with recent increased production, such as our Permian Basin area where we have significant development activities. These are risks for which we generally will not maintain insurance.

We operate or participate in oil and natural gas leases with third parties who may not be able to fulfill their commitments to our projects.

In some cases, we operate but own less than 100% of the working interest in the oil and natural gas leases on which we conduct operations, and other parties own the remaining portion of the working interest. Financial risks are inherent in any operation where the cost of drilling, equipping, completing and operating wells is shared by more than one person. We could be held liable for joint activity obligations of other working interest owners, such as nonpayment of costs and liabilities arising from the actions of other working interest owners. In addition, declines in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices may increase the likelihood that some of these working interest owners, particularly those that are smaller and less established, are not able to fulfill their joint activity obligations. A partner may be unable or unwilling to pay its share of project costs, and, in some cases, a partner may declare bankruptcy. In the event any of our project partners do not pay their share of such costs, we would likely have to pay those costs, and we may be unsuccessful in any efforts to recover these costs from our partners, which could materially adversely affect our financial position.

Use of debt financing may adversely affect our strategy.

We may use debt to fund a portion of our future acquisition, development and/or operating activities. Any temporary or sustained inability to service or repay such debt will likely have a material adverse effect on our ability to access financing markets and pursue our operating strategies, as well as impair our ability to respond to adverse economic changes in oil and natural gas markets and the economy in general.

Non-operated properties are controlled by third parties that may not allow us to proceed with our planned capital expenditures. Activities on our operated properties could also be limited or subject to penalties.

We currently are not the operator of some of our existing properties and, therefore, may not be able to influence production operations or further development activities. Joint ownership is customary in the oil and natural gas industry and is generally conducted under the terms of a joint operating agreement (“JOA”), where one of the working interest owners is designated as the “operator” of the property. For non-operated properties, subject to the specific terms and conditions of the applicable JOA, if we disagree with the decision of a majority of working interest owners, we may be required, among other things, to postpone proposed activity or decline to participate in drilling and completing of wells. If we decline to participate, we might be forced to relinquish our interest through “in-or-out” elections or may be subject to certain non-consent penalties, as provided in a JOA. In-or-out elections may require a joint owner to participate or forever relinquish its position, typically only in specific wells or drilling units, although such relinquished positions could be of a larger scope. Non-consent penalties typically allow participating working interest owners to recover from the proceeds of production, if any, an amount equal to 200% to 500% of the non-participating working interest owner’s share of the cost of such operations. Further, even for properties operated by us, there may be instances where decisions related to drilling, completion and operating cannot be made in our sole discretion. In such instances, we could be limited in our development operations and subject to penalties as specified above if we choose not to participate in operations proposed by a majority of working interest owners.

Because we cannot control activities on properties we do not operate, we cannot directly control the timing of exploitation. If we are unable to fund required capital expenditures with respect to non-operated properties, our interests in those properties may be reduced or forfeited.

Our ability to exercise influence over operations and costs for the properties we do not operate is limited. Our dependence on the operator and other working interest owners for these projects and our limited ability to influence operations and associated costs could prevent the realization of our targeted returns on capital with respect to acquisition, exploration or development activities. The success and timing of development, exploitation or exploration activities on properties operated by others depend upon a number of factors that may be outside our control, including but not limited to:


•	the timing and amount of capital expenditures;


•	the operator’s expertise and financial resources;


•	the approval of other participants in drilling wells; and


•	the selection of technology.

Where we are not the majority owner or operator of a particular oil and natural gas project, we may have no control over the timing or amount of capital expenditures associated with the project. If we are not willing or able to fund required capital expenditures relating to a project when required by the majority owner(s) or operator, our interests in the project may be reduced or forfeited. Also, we could be responsible for plugging and abandonment costs, as well as other liabilities in excess of our proportionate interest in the property.

A cyber incident could result in information theft, data corruption, operational disruption and/or financial loss.

The oil and natural gas industry has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies to conduct day-to-day operations including certain exploration, development and production activities. For example, software programs are used to interpret seismic data, manage drilling rigs, production equipment and gathering and transportation systems, as well as conduct reservoir modeling and reserve estimation for compliance reporting.

We are dependent on digital technologies including information systems and related infrastructure, to process and record financial and operating data, communicate with our employees, business partners, and stockholders, analyze seismic and drilling information, estimate quantities of oil and natural gas reserves as well as other activities related to our business. Our business partners, including vendors, service providers, purchasers of our production and financial institutions are also dependent on digital technology. The technologies needed to conduct oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activities make certain information the target of theft or misappropriation.

As dependence on digital technologies has increased, cyber incidents, including deliberate attacks or unintentional events, have also increased. A cyber-attack could include gaining unauthorized access to digital systems for the purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data, causing operational disruption, or result in denial-of-service on websites.

Our technologies, systems, networks, and those of our business partners may become the target of cyber-attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of proprietary and other information, or other disruption of our business operations. In addition, certain cyber incidents, such as surveillance, may remain undetected for an extended period of time. In particular, our implementation of various procedures and controls to monitor and mitigate security threats and to increase security for our information, data, facilities and infrastructure may result in increased capital and operating costs. Costs for insurance may also increase as a result of security threats, and some insurance coverage may become more difficult to obtain, if available at all. Moreover, there can be no assurance that such procedures and controls will be sufficient to prevent security breaches from occurring. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. A cyber incident involving our information systems and related infrastructure, or that of our business partners, could disrupt our business plans and negatively impact our operations.

We are subject to litigation relating to Bold and the Bold Transaction, and we may be subject to additional litigation, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results.

Olenik v. Lodzinski et al.: On June 2, 2017, Nicholas Olenik filed a purported shareholder class and derivative action in the Delaware Court of Chancery against Earthstone’s Chief Executive Officer, along with other members of the Board, EnCap Investments L.P. (“EnCap”), Bold Energy III LLC (“Bold”), Bold Energy Holdings, LLC (“Bold Holdings”) and Oak Valley Resources, LLC. The complaint alleges that Earthstone’s directors breached their fiduciary duties in connection with the contribution agreement dated as of November 7, 2016 and as amended on March 21, 2017 (the “Bold Contribution Agreement”), by and among Earthstone, EEH, Lynden US, Lynden USA Operating, LLC, Bold Holdings and Bold. The Plaintiff asserts that the directors negotiated the business combination pursuant to the Bold Contribution Agreement (the “Bold Transaction”) to benefit EnCap and its affiliates, failed to obtain adequate consideration for the Earthstone shareholders who were not affiliated with EnCap or Earthstone management, did not follow an adequate process in negotiating and approving the Bold Transaction and made materially misleading or incomplete proxy disclosures in connection with the Bold Transaction. The suit seeks unspecified damages and purports to assert claims derivatively on behalf of Earthstone and as a class action on behalf of all persons who held Common Stock up to March 13, 2017, excluding defendants and their affiliates. On July 20, 2018, the Delaware Court of Chancery granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss and entered an order dismissing the action in its entirety with prejudice. The Plaintiff filed an appeal with the Delaware Supreme Court. On February 6, 2019, the Delaware Supreme Court heard oral arguments from the Plaintiff’s and Defendants’ counsel. On April 5, 2019, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the Delaware Court of Chancery’s dismissal of the proxy disclosure claims but reversed the Delaware Court of Chancery’s dismissal of the other claims, holding that the allegations with respect to those claims were sufficient for pleading purposes. Earthstone and each of the other defendants believe the claims are entirely without merit and intend to mount a vigorous defense. The ultimate outcome of this suit is uncertain, and while Earthstone is confident in its position, any potential monetary recovery or loss to Earthstone cannot be estimated at this time.

The loss or unavailability of any of our executive officers or other key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We depend greatly on the efforts of our executive officers and other key employees to manage our operations. The loss or unavailability of any of our executive officers or other key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Risks Related to the Ownership of our Class A Common Stock

We are a holding company and the sole manager of EEH. Our only material asset is our equity interest in EEH and, accordingly, we are dependent upon distributions from EEH to cover our corporate and other overhead expenses and pay taxes.

We are a holding company and the sole manager of EEH. We have no material assets other than our equity interest in EEH. We have no independent means of generating revenue. We expect EEH to reimburse us for our corporate and other overhead expenses, and to the extent EEH has available cash, we intend to cause EEH to make distributions to the holders of membership units of EEH (“EEH Units”), including us, in an amount sufficient to cover all applicable U.S. federal, state and local income taxes and non-U.S. tax liabilities of Earthstone, Lynden Corp and Lynden US, if any, at assumed tax rates. We will likely be limited, however, in our ability to cause EEH and its subsidiaries to make these and other distributions due to the restrictions under the Credit Agreement. To the extent that we need funds, and EEH or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of their financing arrangements, or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, it could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NYSE rules and, as a result, qualify for and rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements.

EnCap controls a majority of the combined voting power of all classes of our outstanding voting stock. As a result, we are a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE corporate governance standards. Under the NYSE rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a controlled company and may elect not to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements that:


•	a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors;


•	the nominating and governance committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and


•	the compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.

These requirements will not apply to us as long as we remain a controlled company. Accordingly, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.

Our principal stockholders hold a substantial majority of the voting power of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock.

Holders of Class A Common Stock and our Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (“Class B Common Stock”) will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to our stockholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. EnCap may be deemed to beneficially own approximately 60.6% of our voting interests. As a significant stockholder, EnCap and certain of its affiliates could limit the ability of our other stockholders to approve transactions they may deem to be in the best interests of our Company or delaying or preventing changes in control or changes in our management.

As long as EnCap and certain of its affiliates continue to control a significant amount of our outstanding voting securities, they will have the authority to exercise significant influence over management and all matters requiring stockholder approval, regardless of whether or not other stockholders believe that a potential transaction is in their own best interests. Also, in any of these matters, the interests of our management team may differ or conflict with the interests of our stockholders. In addition, EnCap and its affiliates may, from time to time, acquire interests in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with our business, as well as businesses that are significant existing or potential acquisition candidates or industry partners. EnCap and its affiliates may acquire or seek to acquire assets that we seek to acquire and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us or may be more expensive for us to pursue. Moreover, this concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price of our Class A Common Stock to the extent investors perceive a disadvantage in owning stock of a company with a controlling stockholder.

Future sales of our Class A Common Stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could reduce our stock price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity may dilute your ownership in us.

We may sell additional shares of Class A Common Stock or securities convertible into shares of our Class A Common Stock in subsequent offerings. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our Class A Common Stock or securities convertible into Class A Common Stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of shares of our Class A Common Stock will have on the market price of our Class A Common Stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our Class A Common Stock (including shares issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices of our Class A Common Stock.

Bold Holdings and its permitted transferees have the right to exchange their EEH Units and shares of Class B Common Stock for our Class A Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the EEH LLC Agreement.

As of March 1, 2020, there were approximately 35.2 million shares of our Class A Common Stock that are issuable upon redemption or exchange of EEH Units and shares of Class B Common Stock that are held by Bold Holdings, a fund managed by EnCap, or its permitted transferees. Pursuant to the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of EEH (the “EEH LLC Agreement”), subject to certain restrictions therein, holders of EEH Units and our Class B Common Stock are entitled to exchange such EEH Units and shares of Class B Common Stock for shares of our Class A Common Stock at any time. We also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which the shares of Class A Common Stock which may be issued upon redemption or exchange of EEH Units and shares of Class B Common Stock, subject to certain limitations set forth therein, have been registered for subsequent offers and sales by Bold Holdings and its permitted transferees.

We have no plans to pay dividends on our Class A Common Stock. Stockholders may not receive funds without selling their shares.

We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our Class A Common Stock in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business. Our future dividend policy is within the discretion of our Board and will depend upon various factors, including our business, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, and investment opportunities. In addition, the Credit Agreement does not allow EEH to make any significant payments to us, which makes it highly unlikely that we would be in a position to pay cash dividends on our Class A Common Stock.

Our Board of Directors can, without stockholder approval, cause preferred stock to be issued on terms that could adversely affect our common stockholders.

Under our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our Board is authorized to cause Earthstone to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which none are issued and outstanding as of the date of this report. Also, our Board, without stockholder approval, may determine the price, rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions, including voting rights, of those shares. If the Board causes shares of preferred stock to be issued, the rights of the holders of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock would likely be subordinate to those of preferred holders and therefore could be adversely affected. The Board’s ability to determine the terms of preferred stock and to cause its issuance, while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock or otherwise seek to acquire us. Shares of preferred stock issued by us could include voting rights, or even super voting rights, which could shift the ability to control Earthstone to the holders of the preferred stock. Preferred stock could also have conversion rights into shares of Class A Common Stock at a discount to the market price of the Class A Common Stock which could negatively affect the market for our Class A Common Stock. In addition, preferred stock could have preference in the event of liquidation of Earthstone, which means that the holders of preferred stock would be entitled to receive the net assets of Earthstone distributed in liquidation before the Class A common stockholders receive any distribution of the liquidated assets. We have no current plans to issue any shares of preferred stock.

The price of our Class A Common Stock may fluctuate significantly, which could negatively affect us and holders of our Class A Common Stock.

The trading price of our Class A Common Stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. For instance, if our financial results are below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, the market price of our Class A Common Stock could decrease, perhaps significantly. Other factors that may affect the market price of our Class A Common Stock include:


•	changes in oil and natural gas prices;


•	actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly results of operations;


•	our liquidity;


•	sales of Class A Common Stock by our stockholders;


•	changes in our cash flow from operations or earnings estimates;


•	publication of research reports about us or the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry generally;


•	competition for, among other things, capital, acquisition of reserves, undeveloped land, and skilled personnel;


•	increases in market interest rates that may increase our cost of capital;


•	changes in applicable laws or regulations, court rulings, and enforcement and legal actions;


•	changes in market valuations of similar companies;


•	adverse market reaction to any indebtedness we may incur in the future;


•	additions or departures of key management personnel;


•	actions by our stockholders;


•	commencement of or involvement in litigation;


•	news reports relating to trends, concerns, technological or competitive developments, regulatory changes, and other related issues in our industry;


•	speculation in the press or investment community regarding our business;


•	political conditions in oil and natural gas producing regions of the world;


•	general market and economic conditions; and


•	domestic and international economic, legal, and regulatory factors unrelated to our performance.

In addition, U.S. securities markets have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations often have been unrelated to the operating performance of companies in these markets. Market fluctuations and broad market, economic, and industry factors may negatively affect the price of our Class A Common Stock, regardless of our operating performance. Any volatility or a significant decrease in the market price of our Class A Common Stock could also negatively affect our ability to make acquisitions using Class A Common Stock. Further, if we were to be the object of securities class action litigation as a result of volatility in our Class A Common Stock price or for other reasons, it could result in substantial costs and diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which could negatively affect our financial results.

We are subject to certain requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. If we fail to comply with the requirements of Section 404 or if we or our auditors identify and report material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting, our investors may lose confidence in our reported information and our stock price may be negatively affected.

As of December 31, 2019, we are required to comply with certain provisions of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). Section 404 requires that we document and test our internal control over financial reporting and issue our management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting. This section also requires that our independent registered public accounting firm issue an attestation report on such internal control. If we fail to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, or if we or our auditors identify and report material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, the accuracy and timeliness of the filing of our annual and quarterly reports may be materially adversely affected and could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our Class A Common Stock. In addition, a material weakness in the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could result in an increased chance of fraud, reduce our ability to obtain financing and require additional expenditures to comply with these requirements, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Anti-takeover provisions could make a third-party acquisition difficult.

Our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified board of directors, with each member serving a three-year term. Provisions in our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the approval of our Board. In addition, the Delaware corporate statutes also contain certain provisions that could make an acquisition by a third party more difficult.

Our stockholders may act by unilateral written consent.

Under our Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of our stockholders, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of such stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Thus, consents of this type can be effected without the participation or input of minority stockholders.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

Summary of Oil and Gas Properties

Midland Basin

We have an operated position of approximately 23,000 net acres in the core of the Midland Basin of west Texas across Reagan, Upton, and Midland counties with an average working interest of approximately 94%. As of December 31, 2019, we had 13 gross vertical and 67 gross horizontal operated producing wells. Current internal estimates indicate 269 potential gross, largely de-risked, operated drilling locations, the vast majority of which are in various benches of the Wolfcamp and the Spraberry formations, which are expected to have an average working interest of 82%.

We also have a non-operated position of approximately 6,100 net acres in the Midland Basin of west Texas, located in Howard, Glasscock, Martin and Midland counties, Texas. As of December 31, 2019, we had an interest in 92 gross vertical and 40 gross horizontal non-operated producing wells with an average working interest of approximately 36%.

We have identified 176 potential gross horizontal non-operated drilling locations in various benches of the Wolfcamp and Spraberry formations with an estimated average working interest of approximately 29%.

Eagle Ford Trend

As of December 31, 2019, we held approximately 28,500 gross (14,100 net) operated leasehold acres in Fayette, Gonzales and Karnes counties, Texas. The acreage is located in the crude oil window of the Eagle Ford shale trend of south Texas and is prospective for the Eagle Ford, Austin Chalk and Upper Eagle Ford formations. We serve as the operator with working interests ranging from approximately 12% to 67%.

As of December 31, 2019, we operated 103 gross Eagle Ford wells and 13 gross Austin Chalk wells and had non-operated interests in five gross producing Eagle Ford wells and one gross producing Austin Chalk well. We have identified a total of 62 potential gross Eagle Ford drilling locations in this acreage. In addition, because our acreage position is prospective for the Austin Chalk and Upper Eagle Ford formations, we may have additional future economic locations. The majority of our acreage is covered by an approximately 173 square mile 3-D seismic survey.

Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

As of December 31, 2019, all of our oil and natural gas reserves were located in the state of Texas. We expect to further develop these properties through additional drilling and completion operations. Our reserve estimates have been prepared by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. (“CG&A”), an independent petroleum engineering firm. The scope and results of CG&A’s procedures are summarized in a letter which is included as an exhibit to this report. For further information on estimated reserves, including information on estimated future net cash flows and the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows, please refer to the Supplemental Information on Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Activities (Unaudited) in Part II, Item 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of this report.

As of December 31, 2019, our estimated proved reserves totaled 94,336 MBOE and had a PV-10 value of approximately $820.0 million (reconciled in “Non-GAAP Measures” below) and a Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows of approximately $789.6 million, all of which relate to our properties in Texas. We incurred approximately $210.4 million in capital expenditures, primarily drilling and completion costs, during 2019. We expect to further develop our properties through additional drilling.

2019 Activity in Proved Reserves

From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, our total estimated proved reserves decreased 5% from 98,847 MBOE to 94,336 MBOE. Of that, estimated proved developed reserves increased 33% from 23,646 MBOE to 31,521 MBOE and estimated proved undeveloped reserves decreased 16% from 75,201 MBOE to 62,815 MBOE. The overall proved reserves decreases are primarily attributable to production and negative revisions due to reduced commodity prices.

Proved Reserves as of December 31, 2019

The below table sets forth a summary of our estimated crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves as of December 31, 2019, based on the annual reserve estimate prepared by CG&A. In preparing this reserve report, CG&A evaluated 100% of our properties at December 31, 2019. The prices used in estimating proved reserves are based on the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the 12-month period for the year. All prices and costs associated with operating wells were held constant in accordance with the SEC guidelines.

Our proved reserve categories as of December 31, 2019 are summarized in the table below:



	Oil (MBbl)	Natural Gas (MMcf)	NGLs (MBbl)	Total (MBOE)⁽²⁾	% of Total Proved		Undiscounted Future Net Cash Flows ($ in thousands)		PV-10 ($ in thousands)		Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows ($ in thousands)		Future Capital Expenditures ($ in thousands)
PDP	17,732	34,584	7,371	30,867	33	%	$	679,847	$	434,881	$	418,751	$	—
PDNP	488	536	76	654	1	%	18,217		13,652		13,146		586
PUD	34,430	72,870	16,241	62,815	66	%	896,648		371,459		357,680		628,106
Total proved ⁽¹⁾	52,650	107,990	23,688	94,336	100	%	$	1,594,712	$	819,992	$	789,577	$	628,692


(1)	Includes 28.7 MMBbl of oil, 58.9 Bcf of natural gas and 12.9 MMBbl of NGLs reserves attributable to noncontrolling interests. Additionally, $447.0 million of PV-10 and $430.4 million of standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows were attributable to noncontrolling interests.


(2)	Barrels of oil equivalent have been calculated on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent (BOE).

Non-GAAP Measures

PV-10

PV-10 is a non-GAAP measure that differs from a measure under GAAP known as “standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows” in that PV-10 is calculated without including future income taxes. Management believes that the presentation of the PV-10 value of its oil and natural gas properties is relevant and useful to investors because it presents the estimated discounted future net cash flows attributable to our estimated proved reserves independent of our income tax attributes, thereby isolating the intrinsic value of the estimated future cash flows attributable to our reserves. We believe the use of a pre-tax measure provides greater comparability of assets when evaluating companies because the timing and quantification of future income taxes is dependent on company-specific factors, many of which are difficult to determine. For these reasons, management uses and believes that the industry generally uses the PV-10 measure in evaluating and comparing acquisition candidates and assessing the potential rate of return on investments in oil and natural gas properties. PV-10 does not necessarily represent the fair market value of oil and natural gas properties. PV-10 is not a measure of financial or operational performance under GAAP, nor should it be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows as defined under GAAP.

The table below provides a reconciliation of PV-10 to the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows (in thousands):



Present value of estimated future net revenues (PV-10) ⁽¹⁾	$	819,992
Future income taxes, discounted at 10%	(30,415		)
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows ⁽²⁾	$	789,577


(1)	Includes $447.0 million attributable to noncontrolling interests.


(2)	Includes $430.4 million attributable to noncontrolling interests.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is a measure that we use as an indicator of our ability to fund our development activities. We define free cash flow as Adjusted EBITDAX (defined below), less interest expense, less accrual-based capital expenditures.

Adjusted EBITDAX

The non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDAX, as calculated by us below, is intended to provide readers with meaningful information that supplements our financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Further, this non-GAAP measure should only be considered in conjunction with financial statements and disclosures prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for GAAP measures, such as net income or loss, operating income or loss or any other GAAP measure of financial position or results of operations. Adjusted EBITDAX is presented herein and reconciled from the GAAP measure of net income because of its wide acceptance by the investment community as a financial indicator.

We define “Adjusted EBITDAX” as net income plus, when applicable, accretion of asset retirement obligations; impairment expense; depletion, depreciation and amortization; interest expense, net; transaction costs; (gain) on sale of oil and gas properties, net; exploration expense; unrealized loss (gain) on derivative contracts; stock-based compensation (non-cash); and income tax expense.

Our Adjusted EBITDAX measure provides additional information that may be used to better understand our operations. Adjusted EBITDAX is one of several metrics that we use as a supplemental financial measurement in the evaluation of our business and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net (loss) income as an indicator of operating performance. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic cost of depreciable and depletable assets. Adjusted EBITDAX, as used by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We believe that Adjusted EBITDAX is a widely followed measure of operating performance and is one of many metrics used by our management team and by other users of our consolidated financial statements. For example, Adjusted EBITDAX can be used to assess our operating performance and return on capital in comparison to other independent exploration and production companies without regard to financial or capital structure and to assess the financial performance of our assets and our Company without regard to capital structure or historical cost basis.

The following table provides a reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDAX for the periods indicated (in thousands):



	Years Ended
	December 31,
	2019		2018
Net income	1,580		95,213
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	214		169
Impairment expense	—		4,581
Depletion, depreciation and amortization	69,243		47,568
Interest expense, net	6,566		2,898
Transaction costs	1,077		14,337
(Gain) on sale of oil and gas properties, net	(3,222	)	(1,919	)
Exploration expense	653		630
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative contracts	59,849		(76,037	)
Stock based compensation (non-cash)⁽¹⁾	8,648		7,071
Income tax expense	1,665		2,470
Adjusted EBITDAX	146,273		96,981


(1)	Included in General and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Reserve Quantity Information

The following table illustrates our estimated net proved reserves, including changes, and proved developed and proved undeveloped reserves for the periods indicated. The oil prices as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, are based on the respective 12-month unweighted average of the first of the month prices of the WTI spot prices which equates to $55.69 per barrel and $65.56 per barrel, respectively. The natural gas prices as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are based on the respective 12-month unweighted average of the first of month prices of the Henry Hub spot price which equates to $2.58 per MMBtu and $3.10 per MMBtu,

respectively. The natural gas liquids prices used to value reserves as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 averaged $16.17 per barrel and $28.81 per barrel, respectively. All prices are adjusted by lease or field for energy content, transportation fees, and market differentials, resulting in the aforementioned oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids reserves as of December 31, 2019 being valued using prices of $52.60 per barrel, $0.91 per MMBtu and $16.17 per barrel, respectively. All prices are held constant in accordance with SEC guidelines.

A summary of our changes in quantities of proved oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:



	Oil (MBbl)		Natural Gas (MMcf)		NGLs (MBbl)		Total (MBOE)
Balance - December 31, 2017	47,327		91,088		17,468		79,976
Extensions and discoveries	10,148		17,673		3,116		16,209
Sales of minerals in place	(2,651	)	(14,300	)	(1,562	)	(6,596	)
Purchases of minerals in place	3,532		9,890		1,629		6,810
Production	(2,370	)	(3,610	)	(655	)	(3,627	)
Revision to previous estimates	3,048		12,476		947		6,075
Balance - December 31, 2018	59,034		113,217		20,943		98,847
Extensions and discoveries	3,598		4,476		721		5,065
Sales of minerals in place	(31	)	(4	)	(1	)	(32	)
Production	(3,086	)	(4,760	)	(1,022	)	(4,902	)
Revision to previous estimates	(6,865	)	(4,939	)	3,047		(4,642	)
Balance - December 31, 2019	52,650		107,990		23,688		94,336
Proved developed reserves:
December 31, 2017	11,949		23,336		4,123		19,961
December 31, 2018	14,325		26,110		4,969		23,646
December 31, 2019	18,220		35,120		7,447		31,521
Proved undeveloped reserves:
December 31, 2017	35,378		67,752		13,345		60,015
December 31, 2018	44,709		87,107		15,974		75,201
December 31, 2019	34,430		72,870		16,241		62,815

The table below presents the quantities of proved oil, natural gas and NGLs reserves attributable to noncontrolling interests as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:



As of December 31, 2019	Oil (MBbl)	Natural Gas (MMcf)	NGLs (MBbl)	Total (MBOE)
Proved developed	9,933	19,146	4,060	17,183
Proved undeveloped	18,769	39,724	8,853	34,243
Total proved	28,702	58,870	12,913	51,426

As of December 31, 2018	Oil (MBbl)	Natural Gas (MMcf)	NGLs (MBbl)	Total (MBOE)
Proved developed	7,917	14,430	2,746	13,068
Proved undeveloped	24,709	48,140	8,828	41,560
Total proved	32,626	62,570	11,574	54,628

Notable changes in proved reserves for the year ended December 31, 2019 included the following:


•	Extensions and discoveries. In 2019, total extensions and discoveries of 5.1 MMBOE was the result of successful drilling results and well performance primarily related to the Midland Basin.


•	Sales of minerals in place. Sales of minerals in place totaled 32.0 MBOE during 2019, resulting from the disposition of certain non-operated properties in the Midland Basin. See Note 3. Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


•	Revision to previous estimates. In 2019, the downward revisions of prior reserves of 4.6 MMBOE were primarily due to reduced commodity prices.

Notable changes in proved reserves for the year ended December 31, 2018 included the following:


•	Extensions and discoveries. In 2018, total extensions and discoveries of 16.2 MMBOE was a result of successful drilling results and well performance primarily related to the Midland Basin.

•

Sales of minerals in place. Sales of minerals in place totaled 6.6 MMBOE during 2018, which consisted of 4.7 MMBOE resulting from the disposition of non-operated properties in the Midland Basin as part of an acreage trade and 1.9 MMBOE related to the disposition of non-operated Eagle Ford properties, both further described in Note 3. Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


•	Purchases of minerals in place. In 2018, total purchases of minerals in place of 6.8 MMBOE were primarily attributable to developed non-producing wells and undeveloped acreage acquired in the Midland Basin as part of an acreage trade, as further described in Note 3. Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


•	Revision to previous estimates. In 2018, the upward revisions of prior reserves of 6.1 MMBOE consisted of improved PUD reserves of 5.8 MMBOE with improved proved developed reserves of 0.3 MMBOE. PUD revisions are a result of our successful drilling efforts in the Midland Basin as well as improved commodity prices.

Proved Undeveloped Reserves

Proved undeveloped reserves (“PUDs”) decreased from 75,201 MBOE to 62,815 MBOE or 16%, as of December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018. PUDs represent 66% of our total proved reserves. Certain previously booked PUDs were reclassified as proved developed reserves due to successful drilling efforts. Revisions of prior estimates include certain PUDs that were reclassified to unproved categories due to development plan changes and increased well spacing. In accordance with our 2019 year-end independent engineering reserve report, we plan to drill all of our individual PUD drilling locations within the five years of original classification.

Changes in our PUD reserves for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows (in MBOE):



Proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2017(1)	60,015
Conversions to developed	(4,419	)
Extensions and discoveries	13,734
Sales of minerals in place	(4,702	)
Purchases of minerals in place	4,735
Revision to previous estimates	5,838

Proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2018 (2)	75,201
Conversions to developed	(10,254	)
Extensions and discoveries	1,230
Revision to previous estimates	(3,362	)
Proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2019 (3)	62,815


(1)	Includes 34,029 MBOE attributable to noncontrolling interests.


(2)	Includes 41,560 MBOE attributable to noncontrolling interests.


(3)	Includes 34,243 MBOE attributable to noncontrolling interests.

2019 Changes in Proved Undeveloped Reserves

Conversions to developed. In our year-end 2018 plan to develop our PUDs within five years, we estimated that $103.8 million of capital would be expended in 2019 for the conversion of 30 gross / 12.3 net PUDs to add 9.9 MMBOE, which was consistent with the $111.5 million actually spent to convert 32 gross / 13.4 net PUDs adding 10.3 MMBOE to developed reserves.

Extensions and discoveries. Additionally, 1.2 MMBOE were added as extensions and discoveries due to successful drilling results on our acreage positions because of the wells we drilled. The increase was also supported by successful drilling results by other operators directly offsetting and in close proximity to our acreage.

Revision to previous estimates. Revisions of 3.4 MMBOE were primarily due to reduced commodity prices.

2018 Changes in Proved Undeveloped Reserves

Conversions to developed. In our year-end 2017 plan to develop our PUDs within five years, we estimated that $41.5 million of capital would be expended in 2018 for the conversion of 14 gross / 6.2 net PUDs to add 4.3 MMBOE, which was consistent with the $55.4 million actually spent to convert 11 gross / 6.8 net PUDs adding 4.4 MMBOE to developed.

Extensions and discoveries. Additionally, 13.7 MMBOE were added as extensions and discoveries due to successful drilling results on our acreage positions because of the wells we drilled. The increase was also supported by successful drilling results by other operators directly offsetting and in close proximity to our acreage. All of these drilling results increased the confidence of the reservoir continuity and performance of the associated reservoirs which increased the number of PUDs primarily in the Midland Basin.

Sales of minerals in place. Sales of minerals in place totaled 4.7 MMBOE during 2018, which consisted of 3.7 MMBOE resulting from the disposition of non-operated properties in the Midland Basin as part of an acreage trade and 1.0 MMBOE related to the disposition of non-operated Eagle Ford properties, both further described in Note 3. Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Purchases of minerals in place. In 2018, purchases of minerals in place of, 4.7 MMBOE were attributable to developed non-producing wells and undeveloped acreage acquired in the Midland Basin as part of an acreage trade, as further described in Note 3. Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revision to previous estimates. Revisions of 5.8 MMBOE were primarily due to our successful drilling efforts in the Midland Basin as well as improved commodity prices.

Estimated Costs Related to Conversion of Proved Undeveloped Reserves to Proved Developed Reserves

The following table sets forth the estimated timing and cash flows of developing our proved undeveloped reserves at December 31, 2019 ($ in thousands):



Years Ended December 31, ⁽¹⁾	Future Production (MBOE) ⁽²⁾	Future Cash Inflows ⁽³⁾		Future Production Costs		Future Development Costs		Future Net Cash Flows
2020	1,541	$	66,705	$	8,048	$	111,077	$	(52,420	)
2021	3,954	160,948		22,784		193,341		(55,177		)
2022	6,164	240,946		37,450		191,197		12,299
2023	7,983	300,405		46,810		112,631		140,964
2024	5,949	208,057		37,115		19,860		151,082
Thereafter	37,224	1,145,081		445,181		—		699,900
Total	62,815	$	2,122,142	$	597,388	$	628,106	$	896,648

(1)

Beginning in 2020 and thereafter, the production and cash flows represent the drilling results from the respective year plus the incremental effects from the results of proved undeveloped drilling from previous years. These production volumes, inflows, expenses, development costs and cash flows are limited to the PUD reserves and do not include any production or cash flows from the Proved Developed category which will also help to fund our capital program.


(2)	Barrels of oil equivalent have been calculated on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent (BOE).


(3)	Computation is based on SEC pricing of (i) $52.60 per Bbl (WTI-Cushing oil spot prices, adjusted for differentials), (ii) $0.91 per Mcf (Henry Hub spot natural gas price), as adjusted for location and quality by property and (iii) $16.17 per Bbl for natural gas liquids.

PUDs are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where additional capital expenditures are required, such as from drilled but uncompleted (DUC) wells. Our development plan contemplates production to commence from all these wells in the first and second quarter 2020.

Historically, our drilling programs have been substantially funded from our cash flow and borrowings under our credit facility. Based on current commodity prices and our current expectations over the next five years of our cash flows and drilling programs, which includes drilling of proved undeveloped and unproven locations, we believe that we can continue to substantially fund our drilling activities from our cash flow and with borrowings under the Credit Agreement.

Preparation of Reserve Estimates

We engaged an independent petroleum engineering consulting firm, CG&A, to prepare our annual reserve estimates and we have relied on CG&A’s expertise to ensure that our reserve estimates are prepared in compliance with SEC guidelines.

The technical person primarily responsible for the preparation of the reserve report is Mr. W. Todd Brooker, President of CG&A. He graduated with honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering. Mr. Brooker is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas (License No. 83462) and has more than 25 years of experience in the estimation and evaluation of oil and natural gas reserves. He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

Geoffrey A. Vernon, our Vice President of Reservoir Engineering and A&D, is responsible for reservoir engineering, is a qualified reserve estimator and auditor and is primarily responsible for overseeing CG&A during the preparation of our annual reserve estimates. His professional qualifications meet or exceed the qualifications of reserve estimators and auditors set forth in the “Standards Pertaining to Estimation and Auditing of Oil and Natural Gas Reserves Information” promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University in 2007; a Master of Business Administration degree from Rice University in 2014; member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers since 2007; and more than 12 years of practical experience in estimating and evaluating reserve information with more than eight of those years being in charge of estimating and evaluating reserves.

We maintain adequate and effective internal controls over our reserve estimation process as well as the underlying data upon which reserve estimates are based. The primary inputs to the reserve estimation process are technical information, financial data, ownership interest and production data. The relevant field and reservoir technical information, which is updated, at least, annually, is assessed for validity when CG&A has technical meetings with our engineers, geologists, operations and land personnel. Current revenue and expense information is obtained from our accounting records, which are subject to external quarterly reviews, annual audits and our own set of internal controls over financial reporting. Internal controls over financial reporting are assessed for effectiveness annually using criteria set forth in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, (2013 Version) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. All current financial data such as commodity prices, lease operating expenses, production taxes and field level commodity price differentials are updated in the reserve database and then analyzed to ensure that they have been entered accurately and that all updates are complete. Our current ownership in mineral interests and well production data are also subject to our internal controls over financial reporting, and they are incorporated in our reserve database as well and verified internally by our personnel to ensure their accuracy and completeness. Once the reserve database has been updated with current information, and the relevant technical support material has been assembled, CG&A meets with our technical personnel to review field performance and future development plans in order to further verify the validity of estimates. Following these reviews, the reserve database is furnished to CG&A so that it can prepare its independent reserve estimates and final report. The reserve estimates prepared by CG&A are reviewed and compared to our internal estimates by our Vice President of Reservoir Engineering and A&D. Material reserve estimation differences are reviewed between CG&A and us, and additional data is provided to address the differences. If the supporting documentation will not justify additional changes, the CG&A reserves are accepted. In the event that additional data supports a reserve estimation adjustment, CG&A will analyze the additional data, and may make changes it solely deems necessary. Additional data is usually comprised of updated production information on new wells. Once the review is completed and all material differences are reconciled, the reserve report is finalized and our reserve database is updated with the final estimates provided by CG&A.

Net Oil, Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids Production, Average Price and Average Production Cost

The net quantities of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids produced and sold by us for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the average sales price per unit sold (excluding hedges) and the average production cost per unit are presented below:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Sales Volumes:
Oil (MBbl)	3,086		2,370
Natural gas (MMcf)	4,760		3,610
Natural gas liquids (MBbl)	1,022		655
Barrels of oil equivalent (MBOE)*	4,902		3,627
Average daily production (BOE per day)	13,429		9,937
Average prices realized:**
Oil (per Bbl)	$	55.71	$	59.40
Natural gas (per Mcf)	$	0.82	$	2.05
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)	$	15.09	$	26.23
Barrels of oil equivalent (per BOE)	$	39.02	$	45.59
Production cost per BOE	$	5.85	$	5.66


*	Barrels of oil equivalent have been calculated on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent (BOE).


**	Amounts exclude the impact of cash paid/received on settled derivative contracts as we did not elect to apply hedge accounting. Our derivatives for 2019 and 2018 have been marked-to-market in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and both the realized and unrealized amounts are reported as other income/expense.

The following tables summarize the net quantities of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids produced and sold by us, the average sales price per unit sold (excluding hedges) and the average production cost per unit for each of our core areas for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Midland Basin



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Sales Volumes:
Oil (MBbl)	2,599		1,835
Natural gas (MMcf)	4,558		3,080
Natural gas liquids (MBbl)	965		571
Barrels of oil equivalent (MBOE)*	4,324		2,920
Average daily production (BOE per day)	11,846		7,999
Average prices realized:**
Oil (per Bbl)	$	55.05	$	56.96
Natural gas (per Mcf)	$	0.75	$	1.89
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)	$	15.07	$	26.38
Barrels of oil equivalent (per BOE)	$	37.25	$	42.95
Production cost per BOE	$	5.22	$	4.57


*	Barrels of oil equivalent have been calculated on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent (BOE).


**	Amounts exclude the impact of cash paid/received on settled derivative contracts as we did not elect to apply hedge accounting.

Eagle Ford Trend



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Sales Volumes:
Oil (MBbl)	487		535
Natural gas (MMcf)	202		530
Natural gas liquids (MBbl)	57		84
Barrels of oil equivalent (MBOE)*	578		707
Average daily production (BOE per day)	1,583		1,937
Average prices realized:**
Oil (per Bbl)	$	59.20	$	67.78
Natural gas (per Mcf)	$	2.43	$	2.98
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)	$	15.41	$	25.20
Barrels of oil equivalent (per BOE)	$	52.29	$	56.49
Production cost per BOE	$	10.58	$	10.11


*	Barrels of oil equivalent have been calculated on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas equal to one barrel of oil equivalent (BOE).


**	Amounts exclude the impact of cash paid/received on settled derivative contracts as we did not elect to apply hedge accounting.

Gross and Net Productive Wells

The following table summarizes our gross and net productive oil and natural gas wells by area as of December 31, 2019. A net well represents our percentage of ownership of a gross well.



	Oil		Natural Gas		Total
	Gross	Net	Gross	Net	Gross	Net
Midland Basin	210	116	2	1	212	117
Eagle Ford Trend	122	52	—	—	122	52

Acreage

The following table summarizes our gross and net developed and undeveloped acreage by area and state as of December 31, 2019. Net acreage represents our percentage ownership of gross acreage.



	Developed		Undeveloped		Total
	Gross	Net	Gross	Net	Gross	Net
Midland Basin	7,280	4,532	32,744	24,553	40,024	29,085
Eagle Ford Trend	29,450	12,621	2,889	1,840	32,339	14,461
Texas	36,730	17,153	35,633	26,393	72,363	43,546

The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2019, the portion of our gross and net acreage subject to expiration over the next three years if not successfully developed or renewed.



	Expiring Acreage
	2020		2021		2022		Total
	Gross	Net	Gross	Net	Gross	Net	Gross	Net
Midland Basin	1,365	1,109	40	10	518	495	1,923	1,614
Eagle Ford Trend	882	188	793	453	2,546	1,737	4,221	2,378
Total	2,247	1,297	833	463	3,064	2,232	6,144	3,992

We have development agreements related to certain of our operated leases in the Midland Basin which require us to drill 11 gross wells (10 net wells) over the next three years. If we do not drill the required wells, we would be in default of the agreements. All

of the aforementioned wells are included in management’s five-year development plan. Approximately 88% of the Midland Basin net acreage is held by production and approximately 87% of the Eagle Ford net acreage is held by production. On a combined basis, our total net acreage is approximately 88% held by production.

Drilling Activities

The following table sets forth information with respect to (i) wells drilled and completed during the periods indicated and (ii) wells drilled in a prior period but completed in the periods indicated.



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
	Gross	Net	Gross	Net
Development wells:
Productive	42	21	40	20
Dry⁽¹⁾	1	—	—	—
Exploratory wells:
Productive	—	—	—	—
Dry	—	—	—	—
Total wells:
Productive	42	21	40	20
Dry	1	—	—	—
Total	43	21	40	20


(1)	The dry hole category includes one gross (0.2 net) non-operated well that was unsuccessful due to mechanical issues.

The figures in the table above do not include 13 gross wells (5.3 net) that were drilled and uncompleted or in the process of being completed at December 31, 2019, all of which are classified as PUDs as of that date and are expected to begin producing in the first and second quarters of 2020. Additionally, we had seven gross (6.8 net) operated wells for which drilling was in progress at December 31, 2019.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, we may be involved in litigation and claims arising out of our operations. As of December 31, 2019, and through the filing date of this report, we do not believe the ultimate resolution of any such actions or potential actions of which we are currently aware will have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

A description of our legal proceedings is included in Note. 16. Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information

Shares of our Class A Common Stock are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “ESTE.”

Holders

As of March 1, 2020, there were approximately 2,900 holders of record of our Class A Common Stock and approximately 20 holders of record of our Class B Common Stock. There is no public market for our Class B Common Stock.

Dividends

We have never paid dividends on our Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock and do not have current plans to pay a dividend. Furthermore, the Credit Agreement restricts the payment of cash dividends. The payment of future cash dividends on our Class A Common Stock, if any, will be reviewed periodically by our Board and will depend upon, but not be limited to, our financial condition, funds available for operations, the amount of anticipated capital and other expenditures, our future business prospects and any restrictions imposed by our present or future financing arrangements.

Repurchase of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth information regarding our acquisition of shares of Class A Common Stock for the periods presented:



	Total Number of Shares Purchased ⁽¹⁾	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs
October 2019	—	—		—	—
November 2019	—	—		—	—
December 2019	51,678	$	5.94	—	—


(1)	All of the shares were surrendered by employees (via net settlement) in satisfaction of tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock unit awards. The acquisition of the surrendered shares was not part of a publicly announced program to repurchase shares of our Class A Common Stock.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and therefore are not required to provide the information required under this item.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion and other items in this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements and information that are based on management’s beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. When used in this document, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and assumptions. See Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements in this report. Certain of these risks are summarized in this report under Item 1A. Risk Factors, which you should read carefully in connection with our forward-looking statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated. We undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Overview

We are a growth-oriented independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition and development of oil and gas reserves through activities that include the acquisition, drilling and development of undeveloped leases, asset and corporate acquisitions and mergers. Our operations are all in the upstream segment of the oil and natural gas industry and all our properties are onshore in the United States. At present, our assets are located in the Midland Basin of west Texas and the Eagle Ford Trend of south Texas.

Earthstone is the sole managing member of Earthstone Energy Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries, “EEH”), with a controlling interest in EEH. Earthstone, together with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Lynden Corp, and Lynden Corp’s wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary, Lynden US and also a member of EEH, consolidates the financial results of EEH and records a noncontrolling interest in the Consolidated Financial Statements representing the economic interests of EEH’s members other than Earthstone and Lynden US (collectively, the “Company” “our,” “we,” “us,” or similar terms).

Areas of Operation

At present, our primary efforts are concentrated in the Midland Basin of west Texas, a high oil and liquids rich resource basin which provides us with multiple horizontal targets, extensive production histories, long-lived reserves and historically high drilling success rates.

Midland Basin

We believe that the Midland Basin continues to have attractive economics and we expect to continue growing our footprint through development drilling, acreage trades, asset acquisitions, and corporate merger and acquisition opportunities.

In the Midland Basin, we utilized one rig for the entirety of 2019 and two rigs for portions of the second and third quarters, and we plan to maintain a one-rig program throughout 2020. We are currently drilling on a five-well project in Upton County, Texas on our Hamman 30 Unit and anticipate keeping the rig in Upton County and drilling the six-well pad in our Ratliff project. Having ended 2019 with three wells waiting on completion, we plan to commence completions on those three wells in Reagan County in the first quarter of 2020 followed by five wells in Upton County, with all eight wells expected to be brought online throughout the second quarter of 2020.

We continue to be active in acreage trades and acquisitions in the Midland Basin which generally allow for longer laterals, increased operated inventory and greater operating efficiency.

Eagle Ford Trend

During 2019, we drilled, completed and brought online 10 gross / 5.1 net wells in southern Gonzales County, Texas. We do not plan to drill any wells in this area during 2020 but may consider drilling if there are improvements in oil and natural gas commodity prices.

New Credit Agreement

On November 21, 2019, we entered into a new credit agreement with respect to our senior secured revolving credit facility. The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of November 21, 2024 with a maximum credit amount of $1.5 billion and an initial borrowing base of $325 million. The Credit Agreement replaced the prior credit agreement, which was terminated on November 21, 2019.

Officer Appointments

Results of Operations

Year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			Change
Sales volumes:
Oil (MBbl)	3,086			2,370			30	%
Natural gas (MMcf)	4,760			3,610			32	%
Natural gas liquids (MBbl)	1,022			655			56	%
Barrels of oil equivalent (MBOE) ⁽¹⁾	4,902			3,627			35	%
Average daily production (BOE per day)	13,429			9,937			35	%

Average prices realized:
Oil (per Bbl)	$	55.71		$	59.40		(6	)%
Natural gas (per Mcf)	$	0.82		$	2.05		(60	)%
Natural gas liquids (per Bbl)	$	15.09		$	26.23		(42	)%

Average prices adjusted for realized derivatives settlements:
Oil ($/Bbl)	$	59.82		$	53.13		13	%
Natural gas ($/Mcf)	$	1.49		$	1.98		(25	)%
Natural gas liquids ($/Bbl)	$	15.09		$	26.23		(42	)%

(In thousands)
Oil revenues	$	171,925		$	140,775		22	%
Natural gas revenues	3,913			7,396			(47	)%
Natural gas liquids revenues	15,424			17,185			(10	)%
Total revenues	$	191,262		$	165,356		16	%

Lease operating expense	$	28,683		$	18,746		53	%
Production and ad valorem taxes	$	11,871		$	9,836		21	%
Impairment expense	$	—		$	4,581		NM
Depreciation, depletion and amortization	$	69,243		$	47,568		46	%

General and administrative expense (excluding stock-based compensation)	$	18,963		$	20,275		(6	)%
Stock-based compensation	$	8,648		$	7,071		22	%
General and administrative expense	$	27,611		$	27,346		1	%

Transaction costs	$	1,077		$	14,337		(92	)%
Gain on sale of oil and gas properties, net	$	3,222		$	1,919		68	%
Interest expense, net	$	(6,566	)	$	(2,898	)	127	%
Write-off of deferred financing costs	$	(1,242	)	$	—		NM

Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative contracts	$	(59,849	)	$	76,037		(179	)%
Realized gain (loss) on derivative contracts	$	15,866		$	(15,090	)	(205	)%
(Loss) gain on derivative contracts, net	$	(43,983	)	$	60,947		(172	)%

Litigation settlement	$	—		$	(4,675	)	NM
Income tax expense	$	(1,665	)	$	(2,470	)	(33	)%


(1)	Barrels of oil equivalent have been calculated on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas equals one barrel of oil equivalent (BOE).

NM – Not meaningful

Oil revenues

For the year ended December 31, 2019, oil revenues increased by approximately $31.2 million or 22% relative to the comparable period in 2018. Of the increase, approximately $39.9 million was attributable to increased sales volumes, partially offset by a decrease of $8.7 million due to lower realized prices. Our average realized price per Bbl decreased from $59.40 for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $55.71 or 6% for the year ended December 31, 2019. We had a net increase in the volume of oil sold of 716 MBbls or 30%, primarily due to new wells brought online, partially offset by the impact of divestitures in the latter half of 2018.

Natural gas revenues

For the year ended December 31, 2019, natural gas revenues decreased by $3.5 million or 47% relative to the comparable period in 2018. Of the decrease, approximately $4.4 million was attributable to lower realized prices, partially offset by an increase of $0.9 million attributable to increased sales volumes. Our average realized price per Mcf decreased 60% from $2.05 for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $0.82 for the year ended December 31, 2019. Approximately 96% of our natural gas sales volumes for the year was from the Midland Basin, which, since the fourth quarter of 2018, has been experiencing a lack of sufficient pipeline transportation that is connected to markets which are purchasing the gas. This has resulted in negative gas prices at times, whereby the seller is actually paying the purchaser to take the gas. The total volume of natural gas produced and sold increased 1,150 MMcf or 32% primarily due to new wells brought online, partially offset by the impact of 2018 gas well divestitures.

Natural gas liquids revenues

For the year ended December 31, 2019, natural gas liquids revenues decreased by $1.8 million or 10% relative to the comparable period in 2018. Of the decrease, approximately $7.3 million was attributable to lower realized prices, partially offset by an increase of $5.5 million attributable to increased sales volumes. Approximately 94% of our natural gas liquids sales volumes for the period was from the Midland Basin. Since the fourth quarter of 2018, the price for fractionated natural gas liquids has decreased, and after also taking into account the cost to transport our natural gas liquids, has resulted in significant decreases in prices received. The volume of natural gas liquids produced and sold increased by 367 MBbls or 56%, primarily due to new wells brought online, partially offset by the impact of divestitures in the latter half of 2018.

Lease operating expense (“LOE”)

LOE includes all costs incurred to operate wells and related facilities for both operated and non-operated properties. In addition to direct operating costs such as labor, repairs and maintenance, re-engineering and workovers, equipment rentals, materials and supplies, fuel and chemicals, LOE includes product marketing and transportation fees, insurance and overhead charges provided for in operating agreements.

LOE increased by $9.9 million or 53% for the year ended December 31, 2019 relative to the comparable period in 2018, primarily due to additional producing wells brought online, which drove a 35% increase in production volume, in addition to a $3.6 million increase driven by a greater number of workover projects as compared to the prior year.

Production and ad valorem taxes

Production and ad valorem taxes for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased by $2.0 million or 21% relative to the comparable period in 2018, as the impact of increased volume was largely offset by the impact of decreased commodity prices. As a percentage of revenues from oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, production taxes remained flat when compared to the prior year.

Impairment

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized $4.6 million of non-cash asset impairments to our unproved oil and natural gas properties resulting from certain acreage expirations related to our Eagle Ford Trend properties. See Note 7. Oil and Natural Gas Properties in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of how impairments are measured.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”)

DD&A increased for the year ended December 31, 2019 by $21.7 million, or 46% relative to the comparable period in 2018, primarily due to development activity that resulted in increased costs subject to depletion and an increase in production primarily in the Midland Basin.

General and administrative expense (“G&A”)

These expenses consist primarily of employee remuneration, professional and consulting fees and other overhead expenses. G&A increased by $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 relative to the comparable period in 2018, primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in employee costs in the current year resulting from a larger average headcount, as well as a $1.6 million increase in non-cash stock-based compensation expense, partially offset by a $1.6 million decrease in bonus awards recorded in the current year.

Transaction costs

For the year ended December 31, 2019, transactions costs consisted of $1.1 million, primarily due to legal fees for ongoing litigation related to the Bold Transaction which closed on May 9, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded $14.3 million in transaction costs including $13.4 million associated with the terminated Sabalo Acquisition, and $0.8 million of legal fees for litigation related to the Bold Transaction which closed on May 9, 2017. See Note 3. Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest expense, net

Interest expense includes commitment fees, amortization of deferred financing costs, and interest on outstanding indebtedness. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $6.6 million compared to $2.9 million for the comparable period in 2018. The $3.7 million increase in interest expense was primarily due to higher average borrowings outstanding compared to the prior year period. See Note 13. Long-Term Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Write-off of deferred financing costs

During the year ended December 31, 2019, in connection with the termination of the prior credit agreement, $1.2 million of remaining unamortized deferred financing costs were expensed and included in Write-off of deferred financing costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 13. Long-Term Debt in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Gain on sale of oil and gas properties, net

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold certain non-operated oil and gas properties located in the Midland Basin, recording gains totaling $3.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we sold certain non-core oil and gas properties including our non-operated Eagle Ford assets located in south Texas, recording gains totaling $1.9 million. See Note 3. Acquisitions and Divestitures in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

(Loss) gain on derivative contracts, net

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded a net loss on derivative contracts of $44.0 million, consisting of unrealized mark-to-market losses of $59.8 million, partially offset by net realized gains on settlements of $15.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded a net gain on derivative contracts of $60.9 million, consisting of unrealized mark-to-market gains of $76.0 million, partially offset by net realized losses on settlements of $15.1 million.

Litigation Settlement

On August 18, 2017, litigation captioned Trinity Royalty Partners, LP v. Bold Energy III LLC, et al. was filed with the 142nd Judicial District of the District Court in Midland County, Texas, asserting breach of contract and indemnity claims for alleged damages from loss of property relating to two oil and natural gas wells in which Bold was the operator. Trinity Royalty Partners, LP (“Trinity”) claimed that Bold was required to indemnify Trinity under the terms of an assignment and a Participation and Joint Development Agreement between Bold and Trinity. Damages were claimed to include costs incurred in attempting to repair and restore an oil and natural gas well and for the loss of future reserves attributable to both wells. On November 16, 2018 Trinity and Bold entered into a Confidential Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release whereby Trinity and Bold agreed to settle the lawsuit and release all claims and counterclaims asserted by the parties. As a result, a $4.7 million expense has been recorded to Litigation settlement in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Income tax expense

During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recorded total income tax expense of $1.7 million which included (1) deferred income tax expense for Lynden US of $0.1 million as a result of its share of the distributable income from EEH, (2) deferred income tax expense for Earthstone of $0.4 million as a result of its share of the distributable income from EEH, which was used to reduce the valuation allowance recorded against its deferred tax asset as future realization of the net deferred tax asset cannot be assured and (3) deferred income tax expense of $1.6 million related to the Texas Margin Tax. Lynden Corp incurred no material income or loss, or related income tax expense or benefit, for the year ended December 31, 2019.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded a total income tax expense of $2.5 million which included (1) deferred income tax expense for Lynden US of $1.9 million as a result of its share of the distributable income from EEH, offset by a $0.5 million discrete income tax benefit related to refundable AMT tax credits resulting from the TCJA, (2) deferred income tax expense for Earthstone of $7.4 million as a result of its share of the distributable income from EEH, which was used to reduce the valuation allowance recorded against its deferred tax asset as future realization of the net deferred tax asset cannot be assured and (3) deferred income tax expense of $1.1 million related to the Texas Margin Tax. Lynden Corp incurred no material income or loss, or related income tax expense or benefit, for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have significant undeveloped acreage and future drilling locations. Drilling horizontal wells, generally consisting of 7,500 to 12,000-foot lateral lengths, in the Midland Basin is capital intensive. At December 31, 2019, we had approximately $13.8 million in cash and approximately $155.0 million in unused borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement (discussed below) for a total of approximately $168.8 million in funds available for operational and capital funding.

Prior to the sharp decline in oil prices, we anticipated 2020 capital expenditures of $160-170 million which assumed a one-rig, 19-well operated program in the Midland Basin and estimated expenditures for our non-operated Midland Basin properties. We are currently evaluating our 2020 capital plans as low oil prices for extended periods of time may negatively impact our stock price and cash flows and may result in non-cash impairment charges to the carrying values of our oil and gas properties.

Despite the significant decline in oil prices, we believe we are well positioned to manage the current low-price environment due to our low leverage and strong hedge position. Additionally, we have no long-term service contracts nor significant drilling obligations which would allow us to curtail our capital program should we so choose. Based on our production profile, cost structure and the hedge positions we have in place, we expect to generate free cash flow to reduce debt in the second half of 2020 should we significantly curtail our capital program. As a result, we believe we will have sufficient liquidity with cash flows from operations and borrowings under the Credit Agreement to meet our cash requirements for the next 12 months.

Working Capital

Working Capital, defined herein as Total current assets less Total current liabilities as set forth in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, was a deficit of $39.9 million as of December 31, 2019 compared to a deficit of $18.3 million as of December 31, 2018 as presented below:



	December 31,
	2019			2018			Change
Current assets:
Cash	$	13,822		$	376		13,446
Accounts receivable:
Oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids revenues	29,047			13,683			15,364		(1)
Joint interest billings and other, net of allowance of $83 and $134 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	6,672			4,166			2,506
Derivative asset	8,860			43,888			(35,028	)	(2)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,867			1,443			424
Total current assets	60,268			63,556

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	25,284		$	26,452		(1,168	)
Revenues and royalties payable	35,815			28,748			7,067		(1)
Accrued expenses	19,538			22,406			(2,868	)
Asset retirement obligation	308			557			(249	)
Derivative liability	6,889			528			6,361		(2)
Advances	11,505			3,174			8,331		(3)
Operating lease liability	570			—			570
Finance lease liability	206			—			206
Other current liability	43			—			43
Total current liabilities	100,158			81,865

Working Capital	$	(39,890	)	$	(18,309	)	(21,581	)


(1)	Primarily the result of increased December production in 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018.


(2)	Primarily the result of a net decrease in fair value of our derivative contracts expected to settle over the next 12 months due to increased oil price futures.


(3)	At December 31, 2019, we had received advances of $2.5 million related to our Eagle Ford drilling and completion activities and $9.0 million related to our Midland drilling and completion activities.

We expect that changes in receivables and payables related to our pace of development, production volumes, changes in our hedging activities, realized commodity prices and differentials to NYMEX prices for our oil and natural gas production will continue to be the largest variables affecting our working capital.

We expect to finance future development activities with cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under the Credit Agreement and, various means of corporate and project financing. In addition, as indicated above, we may continue to partially finance our drilling activities through the sale of participating rights to financial institutions or industry participants, and we could structure such arrangements on a promoted basis, whereby we may earn working interests in reserves and production greater than our proportionate share of capital costs.

In July 2019, we entered into a Wellbore Development Agreement (“WDA”) with a non-affiliated industry partner. This WDA will reduce our working interest in certain wells in Reagan County. The industry partner is obligated to pay a promoted (proportionately higher) share of the capital expenditures on an initial eight wells, with an option to participate, on the same basis, in up to 11 additional wells, to earn 35% of the working interest in these wells.

Capital Expenditures

Our accrual basis capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:



	Years Ended December 31,
	2019	2018
Drilling and completions	$

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