Allowance for Credit Losses (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2020

Allowance for Credit Losses [Abstract]

Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Text Block]

Allowance for Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments–Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This standard changes how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard replaced the previously required incurred loss approach with a forward-looking expected credit loss model for accounts receivable and other financial instruments measured at amortized cost. The standard became effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company adopted the new standard on January 1, 2020 using a modified retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the effective date. The Company's cumulative effect adjustment resulted in a $0.1 million decrease in retained earnings and corresponding decrease in receivables via the recognition of an incremental allowance for credit losses at January 1, 2020.

The Company's principal exposure to credit risk is through the sale of its crude oil and natural gas production and its receivables associated with billings to joint interest owners. Accordingly, the Company classifies its receivables into two portfolio segments as depicted on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as "Receivables—Crude oil and natural gas sales” and "Receivables—Joint interest and other.” Presented below are applicable disclosures required by ASU 2016-13 for each portfolio segment.

Historically, the Company's credit losses on receivables have been immaterial. The Company’s aggregate allowance for credit losses totaled $2.7 million and $2.4 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, which is reported as "Allowance for credit losses" in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Aggregate credit loss expenses totaled $0.7 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which is included in “General and administrative expenses” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).

Receivables—Crude oil and natural gas sales

The Company's crude oil and natural gas production from operated properties is generally sold to energy marketing companies, crude oil refining companies, and natural gas gathering and processing companies. The Company monitors its credit loss exposure to these counterparties primarily by reviewing credit ratings, financial statements, and payment history. Credit terms are extended based on an evaluation of each counterparty’s credit worthiness. The Company has not generally required its counterparties to provide collateral to secure its crude oil and natural gas sales receivables.

Receivables associated with crude oil and natural gas sales are short term in nature. Receivables from the sale of crude oil and natural gas from operated properties are generally collected within one month after the month in which a sale has occurred, while receivables associated with non-operated properties are generally collected within two to three months after the month in which production occurs.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses on crude oil and natural gas sales was less than $0.1 million at both March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The allowance was determined by considering a number of factors, primarily including the Company’s history of credit losses with adjustment as needed to reflect current conditions, the length of time accounts are past due, whether amounts relate to operated properties or non-operated properties, and the counterparty's ability to pay. There were no significant write-offs, recoveries, or changes in the provision for credit losses on this portfolio segment during the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Receivables—Joint interest and other

Joint interest and other receivables primarily arise from billing the individuals and entities who own a partial interest in the wells we operate. Joint interest receivables are due within 30 days and are considered delinquent after 60 days. In order to minimize our exposure to credit risk with these counterparties we generally request prepayment of drilling costs where it is allowed by contract or state law. Such prepayments are used to offset future capital costs when billed, thereby reducing the Company's credit risk. We may have the right to place a lien on a co-owner's interest in the well, to net production proceeds against amounts owed in order to secure payment or, if necessary, foreclose on the co-owner's interest.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses on joint interest receivables totaled $2.7 million and $2.4 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The allowance was determined by considering a number of factors, primarily including the Company’s history of credit losses with adjustment as needed to reflect current conditions, the length of time accounts are past due, the ability to recoup amounts owed through netting of production proceeds, the balance of co-owner prepayments if any, and the co-owner's ability to pay. There were no significant write-offs, recoveries, or changes in the provision for credit losses on this portfolio segment during the three months ended March 31, 2020.