UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

[X]

 

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

 

For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2005

 

OR

o

 

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

 

Commission File No. 0-16741

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

NEVADA

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

94-1667468

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500, Frisco, Texas 75034

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Telephone No.: (972) 668-8800

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes  [X]

 

No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes  [X]

 

Noo

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes  o

 

No  [X]

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $.50, as of November 8, 2005 was 42,250,815.

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

 

QUARTERLY REPORT

 

For The Quarter Ended September 30, 2005

 

INDEX


 

 

Page

 

PART I. Financial Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited):

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets -

September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004

 

 

4  

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations -

Three Months and Nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004

 

 

5  

 

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity -

Nine months ended September 30, 2005

 

 

6  

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -

Nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004

 

 

7

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

Independent Accountants’ Review Report

 

 

15  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16  

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks

 

 

22  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

 

23  

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II. Other Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

26  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awareness Letter of Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

  

 

Section 302 Certification of the CEO

 

 

  

 

Section 302 Certification of the CFO

 

 

  

 

Section 906 Certification of the CEO

 

 

  

 

Section 906 Certification of the CFO

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

2

 



 

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

 

 

3

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

1,847

 

 

$

2,703

 

 

Accounts Receivable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales

 

 

32,110

 

 

 

29,822

 

 

Joint interest operations

 

 

2,800

 

 

 

9,146

 

 

Other Current Assets

 

 

4,001

 

 

 

6,544

 

 

Total current assets

 

 

40,758

 

 

 

48,215

 

Property and Equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unevaluated oil and gas properties

 

 

10,192

 

 

 

14,811

 

Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method

 

 

991,630

 

 

 

1,249,023

 

Other

 

 

3,160

 

 

 

4,273

 

Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

(309,552

)

 

 

(440,346

)

Net property and equipment

 

 

695,430

 

 

 

827,761

 

Investment in Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

247,128

 

 

 

 

Receivable from Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

 

 

 

59,417

 

Other Assets

 

 

5,071

 

 

 

6,083

 

 

 

$

988,387

 

 

$

941,476

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

 

$

 

 

$

150

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

 

38,330

 

 

 

44,512

 

 

Accrued Expenses

 

 

15,701

 

 

 

19,107

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

16,815

 

 

 

155

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

70,846

 

 

 

63,924

 

 

Long-Term Debt, less current portion

 

 

282,000

 

 

 

403,000

 

 

Deferred Income Taxes Payable

 

 

95,265

 

 

 

99,451

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

4,245

 

 

 

 

 

Reserve for Future Abandonment Costs

 

 

2,769

 

 

 

19,248

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock–$0.50 par, 50,000,000 shares authorized, 42,250,815 and 35,648,742 shares

outstanding at September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

 

 

21,125

 

 

 

17,824

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

331,090

 

 

 

176,130

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

181,047

 

 

 

161,899

 

 

 

 

 

533,262

 

 

 

355,853

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

$

988,387

 

 

$

941,476

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales

 

$

71,619

 

 

$

63,202

 

 

$

209,970

 

 

$

190,471

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas operating

 

 

10,803

 

 

 

12,482

 

 

 

36,869

 

 

 

37,588

 

Exploration

 

 

2,423

 

 

 

6,728

 

 

 

19,709

 

 

 

11,907

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

14,036

 

 

 

15,601

 

 

 

47,368

 

 

 

47,138

 

Impairment

 

 

3,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,400

 

 

 

 

General and administrative

 

 

3,058

 

 

 

3,344

 

 

 

11,015

 

 

 

9,316

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

33,720

 

 

 

38,155

 

 

 

118,361

 

 

 

105,949

 

Income from operations

 

 

37,899

 

 

 

25,047

 

 

 

91,609

 

 

 

84,522

 

Other income (expenses):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

242

 

 

 

495

 

 

 

1,449

 

 

 

529

 

Other income

 

 

37

 

 

 

43

 

 

 

173

 

 

 

129

 

Interest expense

 

 

(4,982

)

 

 

(4,803

)

 

 

(15,499

)

 

 

(15,594

)

Formation costs of Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

 

 

 

(982

)

 

 

 

 

 

(982

)

Equity in earnings (loss) of Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

6,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

(54,867

)

 

 

 

Gain on sale of stock by Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

28,797

 

 

 

 

Loss on derivatives

 

 

(17,814

)

 

 

(553

)

 

 

(21,045

)

 

 

(553

)

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(19,599

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other income (expenses)

 

 

(16,159

)

 

 

(5,800

)

 

 

(60,992

)

 

 

(36,070

)

Income before income taxes

 

 

21,740

 

 

 

19,247

 

 

 

30,617

 

 

 

48,452

 

Provision for income taxes

 

 

(7,602

)

 

 

(6,929

)

 

 

(11,469

)

 

 

(17,443

)

Net income

 

$

14,138

 

 

$

12,318

 

 

$

19,148

 

 

$

31,009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.36

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

$

0.91

 

Diluted

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.47

 

 

$

0.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common and common stock
    equivalent shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

40,432

 

 

 

34,204

 

 

 

38,417

 

 

 

34,091

 

Diluted

 

 

42,380

 

 

 

36,113

 

 

 

40,516

 

 

 

36,037

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

5

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

 

Paid-In

 

 

Retained

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Capital

 

 

Earnings

 

 

Total

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

 

$

17,824

 

 

$

176,130

 

 

$

161,899

 

 

$

355,853

 

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

3,027

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,027

 

Exercise of stock options, net of deferred
income taxes

 

 

1,028

 

 

 

33,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,076

 

Public offering of common stock

 

 

2,273

 

 

 

118,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

121,250

 

Stock issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

(92

)

 

 

 

 

 

(92

)

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,148

 

 

 

19,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2005

 

$

21,125

 

 

$

331,090

 

 

$

181,047

 

 

$

533,262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

6

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

19,148

 

 

$

31,009

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dry hole costs and lease impairments

 

 

16,883

 

 

 

13,159

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

47,368

 

 

 

47,138

 

Impairments

 

 

3,400

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

4,195

 

 

 

3,494

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

8,435

 

 

 

13,054

 

Equity in income (loss) of Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

54,867

 

 

 

 

Gain on sale of stock by Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

(28,797

)

 

 

 

Debt issuance cost amortization

 

 

707

 

 

 

739

 

Loss on derivatives

 

 

21,045

 

 

 

553

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

 

19,599

 

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable

 

 

(4,741

)

 

 

10,776

 

(Increase) decrease in other current assets

 

 

1,659

 

 

 

(802

)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

11,085

 

 

 

(19,966

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

155,254

 

 

 

118,753

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures and acquisitions

 

 

(329,229

)

 

 

(103,563

)

Formation of Bois d’Arc Energy, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

(49,510

)

Advances to Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

(6,241

)

 

 

Repayments from Bois d’Arc Energy

 

 

158,066

 

 

 

 

Payments to settle derivatives

 

 

(140

)

 

 

 

Acquisition deposit

 

 

 

 

 

(6,317

)

Net cash used for investing activities

 

 

(177,724

)

 

 

(159,390

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings

 

 

176,000

 

 

 

228,546

 

Proceeds from issuance of senior notes

 

 

 

 

 

175,000

 

Debt issuance costs

 

 

 

 

 

(5,963

)

Principal payments on debt

 

 

(297,000

)

 

 

(344,067

)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

 

142,706

 

 

 

3,083

 

Stock issuance costs

 

 

(92

)

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

21,614

 

 

56,599

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(856

)

 

 

15,962

 

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

 

 

2,703

 

 

 

5,343

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

 

$

1,847

 

 

$

21,305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

7

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

September 30, 2005

(Unaudited)

 

(1) SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -

 

Basis of Presentation

 

In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of Comstock Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries (“Comstock” or the “Company”) as of September 30, 2005 and the related results of operations and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been omitted pursuant to those rules and regulations, although Comstock believes that the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Comstock’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

These unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Comstock and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. Investments in 50% or less owned entities are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 are not necessarily an indication of the results expected for the full year.

 

Investment in Bois d’Arc Energy

 

As of December 31, 2004, Comstock owned 59.9% of Bois d’Arc Energy, LLC, a limited liability company that conducts exploration, development and production operations in state and federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico. Comstock accounted for its interest in Bois d’Arc Energy, LLC based on its proportionate ownership in such entity until May 10, 2005 when Bois d’Arc Energy, LLC was converted to a corporation and changed its name to Bois d’Arc Energy, Inc. (“Bois d’Arc”). On May 11, 2005 Bois d’Arc completed an initial public offering of 13.5 million shares of common stock at $13.00 per share to the public. Bois d’Arc sold 12.0 million shares of common stock and received net proceeds of $143.6 million and a selling stockholder sold 1.5 million shares. On May 11, 2005, Bois d’Arc used the proceeds from its initial public offering together with borrowings under a new bank credit facility to repay $158.0 million in outstanding advances from Comstock. As a result of Bois d’Arc’s conversion to a corporation and the offering, Comstock’s ownership in Bois d’Arc decreased to 48.3% and Comstock discontinued accounting for its interest in Bois d’Arc using the proportionate consolidation method and began using the equity method to account for its investment in Bois d’Arc.

 

At the time that Bois d’Arc converted to a corporation it recorded a one time tax provision of $108.2 million to record a deferred tax liability. Comstock recognized its proportionate share of this one time provision for taxes of $64.6 million in its equity in loss of Bois d’Arc in the consolidated statement of operations. In connection with the initial public offering completed by Bois d’Arc, Comstock recognized a gain of $28.8 million on its investment in Bois d’Arc based on Comstock’s share of the amount that Bois d’Arc’s equity was increased as a result of the sale of shares in the offering.

 

8

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Comstock has not previously owned interests in a subsidiary which has sold shares. The Company has no present plans for any future sale of Bois d’Arc common stock and has elected to adopt a policy of recognizing its proportional share of the gain when Bois d’Arc sells shares to third parties as permitted under Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 51.

 

Comstock’s investment in Bois d’Arc represents the value of the assets contributed at the time of its formation, the Company’s 59.9% interest in the undistributed earnings of Bois d’Arc Energy, LLC from inception through May 10, 2005, the portion of Bois d’Arc’s net income attributable to the Company’s interest in the outstanding common stock of Bois d’Arc since the adoption of the equity method of accounting for this investment, and the gain recognized based on the Company’s share of the amount that Bois d’Arc’s equity increased as a result of the sale of shares in Bois d’Arc’s initial public offering.

 

Bois d’Arc’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BDE”. The fair value of the Company’s investment in Bois d’Arc as of September 30, 2005 was $515.2 million based upon the closing price for Bois d’Arc shares on that date of $17.21 per share.

 

Financial information reported by Bois d’Arc is summarized below:

 

Balance Sheet:

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Current assets

 

$

29,031

 

 

$

18,590

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

605,234

 

 

 

511,477

 

Other assets

 

 

884

 

 

 

516

 

Total assets

 

$

635,149

 

 

$

530,583

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

$

54,818

 

 

$

34,779

 

Payable to Comstock Resources

 

 

 

 

 

148,066

 

Long term debt

 

 

24,000

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

 

149,032

 

 

 

28,253

 

Total liabilities

 

 

227,850

 

 

 

211,098

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

407,299

 

 

 

319,485

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

635,149

 

 

$

530,583

 


 

Income Statement:

 

 

Three Months Ended
September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Revenues

 

$

43,434

 

 

$

37,358

 

 

$

135,595

 

 

$

107,699

 

Operating Income

 

 

21,087

 

 

 

10,393

 

 

 

60,585

 

 

 

38,544

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

 

13,269

 

 

 

7,635

 

 

 

(62,110

)(1)

 

 

31,408

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              

(1)   Includes one time income tax provision of $108.2 million for the conversion from a limited liability company to a corporation.

 

9

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Income Taxes

 

Deferred income taxes are provided to reflect the future tax consequences or benefits of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements using enacted tax rates. The difference between the Company’s customary rate of 36.1% and the effective tax rate of 37.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 is due to permanent book tax differences that, as a percentage of income, are larger due to the recording of one time items associated with the Company’s equity investment in Bois d’Arc.

 

The following is an analysis of the consolidated income tax expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Current

 

$

930

 

 

$

1,075

 

 

$

3,034

 

 

$

4,389

 

Deferred

 

 

6,672

 

 

 

5,854

 

 

 

8,435

 

 

 

13,054

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

$

7,602

 

 

$

6,929

 

 

$

11,469

 

 

$

17,443

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

Comstock follows the fair value based method prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation” (“SFAS 123”) in accounting for employee stock-based compensation. Under the fair value based method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the award vesting period. The fair value of each award is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes options pricing model. During the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, the Company recorded $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense within general and administrative expenses. Stock-based compensation for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 was $4.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

Comstock’s primary asset retirement obligations relate to future plugging and abandonment expenses on its oil and gas properties and related facilities disposal. The following table summarizes the changes in Comstock’s total estimated liability during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

(In thousands)

Future abandonment liability — beginning of period

 

$

19,248

 

 

$

19,174

 

Accretion expense

 

 

109

 

 

 

880

 

Acquisition liabilities assumed

 

 

266

 

 

 

 

New wells placed on production

 

 

61

 

 

 

738

 

Liabilities settled

 

 

 

 

 

(3,030

)

Bois d’Arc abandonment liability(1)

 

 

(16,915

)

 

 

 

Future abandonment liability — end of period

 

$

2,769

 

 

$

17,762

 

                                              

(1)   Comstock’s share of the asset retirement obligations of Bois d’Arc was reclassified to the investment in Bois d’Arc upon the change to the equity accounting method.

 

10

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is determined without the effect of any outstanding potentially dilutive stock options or other convertible securities and diluted earnings per share is determined with the effect of outstanding stock options and other convertible securities that are potentially dilutive. Basic and diluted earnings per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively, were determined as follows:



 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Share

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Share

 

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Basic Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

14,138

 

 

 

40,432

 

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

12,318

 

 

 

34,204

 

 

$

0.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

14,138

 

 

 

40,432

 

 

 

 

$

12,318

 

 

 

34,204

 

 

 

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Grants and Options

 

 

 

 

 

1,948

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,909

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Assumed Conversions

 

$

14,138

 

 

 

42,380

 

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

12,318

 

 

 

36,113

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per

 

 

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Share

 

 

Income

 

 

Shares

 

 

Share

 

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Basic Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

19,148

 

 

 

38,417

 

 

$

0.50

 

 

$

31,009

 

 

 

34,091

 

 

$

0.91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted Earnings Per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

19,148

 

 

 

38,417

 

 

 

 

$

31,009

 

 

 

34,091

 

 

 

 

Effect of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Grants and Options

 

 

 

 

 

2,099

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,946

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income Available to Common Stockholders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With Assumed Conversions

 

$

19,148

 

 

 

40,516

 

 

$

0.47

 

 

$

31,009

 

 

 

36,037

 

 

$

0.86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               

 

11

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

Comstock periodically uses swaps, floors and collars to hedge oil and natural gas prices and interest rates. Swaps are settled monthly based on differences between the prices specified in the instruments and the settlement prices of futures contracts. Generally, when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, Comstock receives a settlement from the counter party based on the difference multiplied by the volume or amounts hedged. Similarly, when the applicable settlement price exceeds the price specified in the contract, Comstock pays the counter party based on the difference. Comstock generally receives a settlement from the counter party for floors when the applicable settlement price is less than the price specified in the contract, which is based on the difference multiplied by the volume amounts hedged. For collars, generally Comstock receives a settlement from the counter party when the settlement price is below the floor and pays a settlement to the counter party when the settlement price exceeds the cap. No settlement occurs when the settlement price falls between the floor and cap. The fair value of the Company’s derivative contracts held for price risk management at September 30, 2005 was a liability of $21.1 million.

 

The following table sets forth the derivative financial instruments outstanding at September 30, 2005 which relate to Comstock’s natural gas production:

Period Beginning

 

Period Ending

 


Volume MMBtu

 

Delivery Location

 

Type of Instrument

 

Floor Price

 

Ceiling Price

October 1, 2005

 

December 31, 2005

 

768,000

 

 

Henry Hub

 

Collar

 

$4.50

 

$10.30

 

October 1, 2005

 

 

December 31, 2005

 

 

600,000

 

 

 

Houston Ship Channel

 

 

Collar

 

 

$4.50

 

 

$10.00

January 1, 2006

 

December 31, 2006

 

3,072,000

 

 

Henry Hub

 

Collar

 

$4.50

 

$9.02

 

January 1, 2006

 

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

2,400,000

 

 

 

Houston Ship Channel

 

 

Collar

 

 

$4.50

 

 

$8.25

 

Comstock did not designate these instruments as cash flow hedges and accordingly, an unrealized loss on derivatives of $17.6 million and $20.9 million was recorded for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005, respectively, to reflect the change in this liability since December 31, 2004. The Company realized losses of $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 to settle derivative positions.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Nine Months

 

 

 

Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Cash Payments -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest payments

 

$

18,193

 

 

$

18,244

 

Income tax payments

 

$

2,546

 

 

$

5,954

 

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value of warrants issued under exploration agreement net of deferred taxes

 

$

 

 

$

3,672

 

 

 

12

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

(2) ACQUISITION -

 

On May 12, 2005, Comstock completed an acquisition of certain oil and gas properties and related assets from EnSight Energy Partners, L.P. (“EnSight”) for $191.6 million. Comstock acquired producing properties in East Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Comstock estimates that the acquired properties have proved reserves of approximately 120.2 billion cubic feet of gas equivalent (“Bcfe”). The acquisition was funded with proceeds from a public stock offering completed in April 2005 and borrowings under Comstock’s bank credit facility.

 

Set forth in the following table is certain unaudited pro forma financial information for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. This information has been prepared assuming the EnSight Acquisition was consummated on January 1, 2004 and is based on estimates and assumptions deemed appropriate by Comstock. The pro forma information is presented for illustrative purposes only. If the transaction had occurred in the past, Comstock’s operating results might have been different from those presented in the following table. The pro forma information should not be relied upon as an indication of the operating results that Comstock would have achieved if the transaction had occurred on January 1, 2004. The pro forma information also should not be used as an indication of the future results that Comstock will achieve after the acquisition.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

Oil and gas sales

 

$

71,619

 

 

$

69,074

 

 

$

226,466

 

 

$

209,611

 

Income from operations

 

 

37,899

 

 

 

27,268

 

 

 

99,591

 

 

 

91,679

 

Net income

 

 

14,138

 

 

 

13,207

 

 

 

23,275

 

 

 

34,567

 

Net income per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.35

 

 

$

0.34

 

 

$

0.58

 

 

$

0.89

 

Diluted

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

0.33

 

 

$

0.55

 

 

$

0.85

 

Weighted average common and common stock
                equivalent shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

40,432

 

 

 

38,522

 

 

 

39,966

 

 

 

38,636

 

Diluted

 

 

42,380

 

 

 

40,535

 

 

 

42,064

 

 

 

40,582

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On July 6, 2005, Comstock acquired from certain parties additional working interests in certain of the properties acquired from EnSight for $10.9 million. Comstock acquired interests in 14 producing wells (5.6 net) with estimated proved reserves of 3.8 Bcfe.

 

(3) LONG-TERM DEBT -

 

At September 30, 2005, Comstock’s long-term debt was comprised of the following:

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Revolving Bank Credit Facility

 

$

107,000

 

6 7/8% Senior Notes due 2012

 

 

175,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

282,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13

 



 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Continued)

 

Comstock has $175.0 million of 6 7/8% senior notes which are due March 1, 2012, with interest payable semiannually on each March 1 and September 1. These notes are unsecured obligations of the Company and are guaranteed by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. Comstock also has a $400.0 million bank credit facility with Bank of Montreal, as the administrative agent, which is guaranteed by the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. The credit facility is a four-year revolving credit commitment that matures on February 25, 2008. Borrowings under the credit facility are limited to a borrowing base that was $300.0 million as of September 30, 2005. Indebtedness under the credit facility is secured by substantially all of Comstock’s and its subsidiaries’ assets and is guaranteed by all of the subsidiaries. The credit facility is subject to borrowing base availability, which is redetermined semiannually based on the banks’ estimates of the future net cash flows of Comstock’s oil and natural gas properties. The borrowing base may be affected by the performance of Comstock’s properties and changes in oil and natural gas prices. The determination of the borrowing base is at the sole discretion of the administrative agent and the bank group. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, based on the utilization of the borrowing base, at Comstock’s option at either LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.75% or the base rate (which is the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate) plus 0% to 0.5%. A commitment fee of 0.375% is payable on the unused borrowing base. The credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the payment of cash dividends, limit the amount of consolidated debt that Comstock may incur and limit its ability to make certain loans and investments. The only financial covenants are the maintenance of a current ratio and maintenance of a minimum tangible net worth. Comstock was in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2005.

 

In 2004, Comstock repurchased $220.0 million in principal amount of its 11¼% senior notes due 2007 (the “1999 Notes”). The early extinguishment of the 1999 Notes resulted in a loss of $19.6 million which was comprised of the premium paid for repurchase of the 1999 Notes together with the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs related to the 1999 Notes.

 

(4) STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY -

 

On April 4, 2005 Comstock completed a public offering of 4,545,454 shares of its common stock at a price of $27.50 per share to the public. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriters’ discounts and expenses, were $121.2 million. The proceeds were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under the Company’s bank credit facility which was subsequently used to fund the acquisition of oil and gas properties from EnSight.

 

14

 



 

 

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS’ REVIEW REPORT

 

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheet of Comstock Resources, Inc. (a Nevada corporation) and subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 30, 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

 

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

 

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the condensed consolidated interim financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

 

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of Comstock Resources, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended not presented herein, and in our report dated February 26, 2005 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Dallas, Texas

November 8, 2005

 

15

 



 

 

 

 

 

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

 

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements due to many factors. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this report and in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.

 

Investment in Bois d’Arc Energy

 

Bois d’Arc Energy, Inc. (“Bois d’Arc”) was organized in July 2004 as a limited liability company through the contribution of substantially all of our offshore properties together with the properties of Bois d’Arc Resources, Ltd. and its partners. We initially owned 60% of Bois d’Arc, and we accounted for our share of the Bois d’Arc financial and operating results using proportionate consolidation accounting until Bois d’Arc converted into a corporation and completed its initial public offering in May 2005. Subsequent to this public offering of shares and the conversion of Bois d’Arc into a corporation, we own 48% of Bois d’Arc. Since proportionate consolidation is not a generally accepted accounting principle applicable to an investment in a corporation, we changed our accounting method for our investment in Bois d’Arc to the equity method concurrent with Bois d’Arc’s conversion to a corporation. The onshore data in the tables below contains the results of operations for our direct ownership in our onshore oil and gas properties. The offshore results for 2005 include our proportionate interest in the operations of Bois d’Arc based upon our ownership interests throughout the periods presented. The equity method adjustments reflect the reductions to our share of Bois d’Arc’s operating results which are necessary to apply the equity method of accounting for all periods subsequent to the conversion of Bois d’Arc to corporation. The results for offshore operations in 2004 represent our direct ownership interests in offshore properties which were ultimately contributed to Bois d’Arc upon its formation and our proportionate consolidation of the results of Bois d’Arc from its Inception through September 30, 2004.

 

Results of Operations

 

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

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2005

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

 

 

(In thousands, except as noted and per unit amounts)

 

 

 

Onshore

 

Offshore

 

Equity Method Adjustments

 

Total

 

Onshore

 

Offshore

 

Total

 

Net Production Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil (Mbbls)

 

 

208

 

 

117

 

 

(117

)

 

208

 

 

107

 

 

267

 

 

374

 

Natural Gas (Mmcf)

 

 

7,328

 

 

1,585

 

(1,585

)

 

7,328

 

 

6,233

 

 

1,886

 

 

8,119

 

Natural Gas equivalent (Mmcfe)

 

 

8,575

 

 

2,290

 

(2,290

)

 

8,575

 

 

6,875

 

 

3,490

 

 

10,365

 

Financial Results ($ in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil sales

 

$

10,960

 

$

7,041

 

$

(7,041

)

$

10,960

 

$

4,539

 

$

11,353

 

$

15,892

 

Gas sales

 

 

60,659

 

 

13,786

 

 

(13,786

)

 

60,659

 

 

36,058

 

 

11,252

 

 

47,310

 

Total oil and gas sales

 

$

71,619

 

$

20,827

 

$

(20,827

)

$

71,619

 

$

40,597

 

$

22,605

 

$

63,202

 

Oil and gas operating expenses(1)

 

$

10,803

 

$

4,001

 

$

(4,001

)

$

10,803

 

$

8,117

 

$

4,365

 

$

12,482

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization(2)

 

$

13,866

 

$

4,398

 

$

(4,398

)

$

13,866

 

$

8,118

 

$

7,274

 

$

15,392

 

Average Sales Price:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil (per Bbl)

 

$

52.71

 

$

59.96

 

 

 

$

52.71

 

$

42.46

 

$

42.52

 

$

42.46

 

Natural gas (per Mcf)

 

$

8.28

 

$

8.70

 

 

 

$

8.28

 

$

5.79

 

$

5.97

 

$

5.83

 

Average equivalent (Mcfe)

$

8.35

 

$

9.10

 

 

 

$

8.35

 

$

5.91

 

$

6.48

 

$

6.10

 

Expenses ($ per Mcfe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas operating(1)

 

$

1.26

 

$

1.75

 

 

 

$

1.26

 

$

1.18

 

$

1.25

 

$

1.20

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization(2)

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.92

 

 

 

$

1.62

 

$

1.18

 

$

2.08

 

$

1.47

 

                                            

(1)

Includes lease operating costs and production and ad valorem taxes.

(2)

Represents depreciation, deletion and amortization of oil and gas properties only.

 

16

 



 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005

 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004

 

 

 

Onshore

 

Offshore

 

Equity Method Adjustments

 

Total

 

Onshore

 

Offshore

 

Total

 

 

 

(In thousands, except as noted and per unit amounts)

 

Net Production Data:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil (Mbbls)

 

 

501

 

 

519

 

 

(217

)

 

803

 

 

332

 

 

904

 

 

1,236

 

Natural Gas (Mmcf)

 

 

20,874

 

 

6,326

 

(2,818

)

 

24,382

 

 

19,457

 

 

5,480

 

 

24,937

 

Natural Gas equivalent (Mmcfe)

 

 

23,881

 

 

9,442

 

(4,124

)

 

29,199

 

 

21,449

 

 

10,907

 

 

32,356

 

Financial Results ($ in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil sales

 

$

24,534

 

$

26,567

 

$

(12,021

)

$

39,080

 

$

12,550

 

$

34,586

 

$

47,136

 

Gas sales

 

 

146,906

 

 

46,216

 

 

(22,232

)

 

170,890

 

 

109,565

 

 

33,770

 

 

143,335

 

Total oil and gas sales

 

$

171,440

 

$

72,783

 

$

(34,253

)

$

209,970

 

$

122,115

 

$

68,356

 

$

190,471

 

Oil and gas operating expenses(1)

 

$

30,171

 

$

13,013

 

$

(6,315

)

$

36,869

 

$

22,792

 

$

14,796

 

$

37,588

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization(2)

 

$

36,878

 

$

18,190

 

$

(8,011

)

$

47,057

 

$

25,254

 

$

20,995

 

$

46,249

 

Average Sales Price:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil (per Bbl)

 

$

48.96

 

$

51.16

 

 

 

$

48.68

 

$

37.79

 

$

38.26

 

$

38.12

 

Natural gas (per Mcf)

 

$

7.04

 

$

7.31

 

 

 

$

7.01

 

$

5.63

 

$

6.16

 

$

5.75

 

Average equivalent (Mcfe)

$

7.18

 

$

7.71

 

 

 

$

7.19

 

$

5.69

 

$

6.27

 

$

5.89

 

Expenses ($ per Mcfe):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas operating(1)

 

$

1.26

 

$

1.38

 

 

 

$

1.26

 

$

1.06

 

$

1.36

 

$

1.16

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization(2)

 

$

1.54

 

$

1.93

 

 

 

$

1.61

 

$

1.18

 

$

1.92

 

$

1.42

 

                                            

(1)

Includes lease operating costs and production and ad valorem taxes.

 

(2)

Represents depreciation, deletion and amortization of oil and gas properties only.

 

Revenues -

 

Our total oil and gas sales increased $8.4 million (13%) in the third quarter of 2005 to $71.6 million, from $63.2 million in 2004’s third quarter. Oil and gas sales from our onshore operations increased to $71.6 million, an increase of $31.0 million or 76%, from $40.6 million in the third quarter of 2004. This increase is attributable to the higher oil and gas prices we realized and increased production from our onshore properties. Our average onshore natural gas price increased by 43% and our average onshore crude oil price increased by 24% in the third quarter of 2005 as compared to the same period in 2004. Our onshore production increased by 25% in the third quarter of 2005 over the third quarter of 2004 due to new production from our successful drilling activity and the additional production attributable to the properties we acquired from EnSight in May 2005. Our onshore production was impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita as the storms required us to shut in certain of our fields. Deferred production from onshore properties attributable to the hurricanes totaled 368,000 Mmcfe during the third quarter of 2005. Sales from our offshore operations of $20.8 million were slightly lower than offshore revenues in the third quarter of 2004 of $22.6 million as higher oil and gas prices realized were offset by lower production. Our average offshore natural gas price increased by 46% and our average crude oil price increased by 41% in the third quarter of 2005 as compared to the same period last year. Offshore production in the third quarter of 2005 decreased by 34% from the third quarter of 2004. The lower offshore production was primarily attributable to the hurricane activity in the Gulf of Mexico that occurred during the third quarter of 2005 and partially to our lower ownership interest in Bois d’Arc subsequent to the completion of their initial public offering on May 11, 2005. Bois d’Arc had substantially all of its production shut in for 37 days as a result of the storms. In addition, certain third party pipelines and onshore processing facilities that transport and process Bois d’Arc’s production were out of service as a result of the hurricanes. As a result, approximately 30% of Bois d’Arc’s production in the third quarter of 2005 was deferred.

 

17

 



 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our oil and gas sales increased $19.5 million (10%) to $210.0 million from $190.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Our oil and gas sales from onshore operations for the first nine months of 2005 increased 40% to $171.4 million from $122.1 million for the same period last year due to a 26% increase in our realized oil and gas prices combined with an 11% increase in our onshore production. Oil and gas sales of $72.8 million from offshore operations for the first nine months of 2005 increased 6% from sales for the first nine months of 2004 of $68.4 million due to a 23% increase in our average realized oil and natural gas prices in 2005 offset by a 13% decrease in production. The production decrease was related to hurricane activity in the third quarter of 2005 and the reduction in our ownership in Bois d’Arc in May 2005.

 

Costs and Expenses -

 

Our oil and gas operating expenses, including production taxes, decreased $1.7 million (13%) to $10.8 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $12.5 million in the third quarter of 2004. Oil and gas operating expenses per equivalent Mcf produced increased $.06 to $1.26 in the third quarter of 2005 from $1.20 in the third quarter of 2004. Onshore operating expenses for the third quarter of 2005 of $10.8 million increased by $2.7 million compared to the same quarter in 2004 due to the acquisition of the EnSight properties, the start up of new wells and higher production taxes due to increased oil and gas prices. Offshore oil and gas operating costs for the three months ended September 30, 2005 of $4.0 million decreased $0.4 million (8%) due to our lower ownership interest in certain high cost fields that were contributed to Bois d’Arc. Oil and gas operating expenses per Mcfe produced increased $0.10 to $1.26 for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 from $1.16 for the same period in 2004. The increase in operating expenses in 2005 is primarily related to higher production taxes and higher field operating costs of our properties.

 

In the third quarter of 2005, we had a $2.4 million provision for exploration expense as compared to a $6.7 million provision in the third quarter of 2004. The provision in the third quarter of 2005 primarily relates to additional costs incurred associated with the dry hole drilled to test the unsuccessful “Big Sandy” prospect in Polk County, Texas. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we had a provision for exploration expense totaling $19.7 million as compared to $11.9 million in the same period in 2004. The provision for the first nine months of 2005 primarily related to the exploratory dry hole and the acquisition of 3-D seismic data.

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) decreased $1.6 million (10%) to $14.0 million in the third quarter of 2005 from $15.6 million in the third quarter of 2004. DD&A associated with our onshore properties increased by $5.7 million in the third quarter of 2005 to $13.9 million primarily due to our increased production and an increase in our amortization rate. Our DD&A rate per Mcfe produced for our onshore properties averaged $1.62 for the third quarter of 2005 as compared to $1.18 for the third quarter of 2004. The increase relates to higher costs of acquired properties since September 30, 2004 together with an increase in capitalized costs on our existing properties. Offshore DD&A for the third quarter of 2005 declined slightly for the three months ended September 30, 2004 primarily reflecting lower produced volumes. Our offshore properties DD&A rate decreased to $1.92 per Mcfe in the third quarter of 2005 from $2.08 per Mcfe produced in the third quarter of 2004. The decrease results from reserve additions from this year’s successful drilling program. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, DD&A increased $0.3 million to $47.4 million from $47.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase is due to the higher onshore production and our higher average amortization rate. DD&A for our onshore properties increased $11.6 million (46%) to $36.9 million from $25.3 million in the first nine months of 2004. The increase is due to the 11% increase in onshore production and an increase in the amortization rate of $0.36 per Mcfe above last year’s comparable rate of $ 1.18 per Mcfe. The higher rate is attributable to higher costs of acquisitions made since September 30, 2004 and increased capitalization costs on our existing onshore properties. The DD&A associated with our offshore properties of $18.2 million for the first nine months of 2005 was $2.8 million lower than the comparable period last year due to both lower production volumes and a lower DD&A rate.


In the third quarter of 2005, we recognized an impairment of $3.4 million on one of our South Texas fields where production watered out sooner than was anticipated.

 

 

18

 



 

 

General and administrative expenses, which are reported net of overhead reimbursements, of $3.1 million for the third quarter of 2005 were 9% lower than general and administrative expenses of $3.3 million for the third quarter of 2004. For the first nine months of 2005, general and administrative expenses were $11.0 million, a $1.7 million increase from general and administrative expenses of $9.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The increase for the nine months is primarily related to the general and administrative costs, primarily stock-based compensation, incurred by Bois d’Arc following its formation in July 2004, while it was proportionally consolidated.

 

Interest expense increased $0.2 million (4%) to $5.0 million for the third quarter of 2005 from $4.8 million in the third quarter of 2004. The increase is related to higher interest rates. The average interest rate on the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility increased to 4.75% in the third quarter of 2005 as compared to 3.0% in the third quarter of 2004. Average borrowings under the bank credit facility decreased in the third quarter of 2005 to $137.8 million as compared to $190.7 million for the third quarter of 2004. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 decreased $0.1 million (1%) to $15.5 million from $15.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. The decrease is attributable to lower average borrowings under the bank credit facility which was partially offset by higher interest rates. The average interest rate under the bank credit facility increased to 4.4% in the nine months of 2005 as compared to 2.8% in the nine months of 2004. Average borrowings under the bank credit facility increased in the nine months of 2005 to $170.3 million as compared to $152.8 million for the nine months of 2004.

 

Beginning on May 10, 2005 we began accounting for our share of the earnings from Bois d’Arc under the equity method on an after-tax basis. Accordingly, our results for the first nine months of 2005 include a loss of $54.9 million with respect to Bois d’Arc. This loss includes a one time provision of $64.6 million associated with recognizing, under the equity method of accounting, our proportionate share of the cumulative deferred tax liabilities recorded by Bois d’Arc when it converted from a limited liability company to a corporation. We also recognized a gain of $28.8 million on our investment in Bois d’Arc based on our share of the amount that Bois d’Arc’s equity increased as a result of the sale of shares in Bois d’Arc’s initial public offering.

 

The fair value of the liability for the derivatives we utilize as part of our price risk management program increased substantially during the three months ended September 30, 2005 due to the increase in natural gas prices following Hurricane Rita. Since we did not designate these derivative positions as hedges, an unrealized loss of $17.6 million associated with the increase in fair value of these derivative positions was recorded as an expense during the three months ended September 30, 2005. The unrealized loss on these derivatives for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $20.9 million. The Company realized losses of $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 to settle derivative positions.

 

We reported net income of $14.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005, as compared to net income of $12.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2004. Net income per share for the third quarter of 2005 was $0.33 on weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 42.4 million as compared to $0.34 for the third quarter of 2004 on weighted average diluted shares outstanding of 36.1 million. Excluding the effect of the unrealized loss on derivatives, our net income for the three months ended September 30, 2005 would have been $25.6 million or $0.60 per share. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $19.1 million, as compared to net income of $31.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Net income per common share on weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $0.47 as compared to $0.86 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Excluding the effect of the one time adjustments for Bois d’Arc’s conversion to a corporation and its initial public offering and the unrealized loss on derivatives, our net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 would have been $54.6 million or $1.35 per share. The 2004 results include a charge of $19.6 million ($12.5 million after income taxes or $0.35 per diluted share) relating to the early retirement of our 11¼% senior notes.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The information included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” in our annual report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 is incorporated herein by reference.

 

19

 



 

 

There have been no material changes to our accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2005 except for the change to the equity method for our investment in Bois d’Arc and the adoption of a policy of accounting for sales of shares by subsidiaries.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Funding for our activities has historically been provided by our operating cash flow, debt or equity financings or asset dispositions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2005, our net cash flow provided by operating activities totaled $155.3 million and we received net proceeds of $142.7 million from issuances of our common stock. We repaid principal on outstanding debt of $297.0 million and borrowed $176.0 million under our bank credit facility.

 

Our primary needs for capital, in addition to funding our ongoing operations, relate to the acquisition, development and exploration of our oil and gas properties and the repayment of our debt. In the first nine months of 2005, we incurred capital expenditures of $329.2 million primarily for our acquisition, development and exploration activities and we made advances to Bois d’Arc of $6.4 million and were repaid $158.1 million by Bois d’Arc when it completed its initial public offering.

 

The following table summarizes our capital expenditure activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Onshore:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisitions

 

$

201,731

 

 

$

 

Leasehold costs

 

 

2,688

 

 

 

1,874

 

Development drilling

 

 

66,104

 

 

 

17,966

 

Exploratory drilling

 

 

15,189

 

 

 

8,129

 

Other development

 

 

10,686

 

 

 

6,505

 

 

 

 

296,398

 

 

 

34,474

 

Offshore(1)

 

 

32,713

 

 

 

68,718

 

Other

 

 

118

 

 

 

371

 

 

 

$

329,229

 

 

$

103,563

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) Includes our 60% share of Bois d’Arc’s capital expenditures through May 10, 2005.

 

The timing of most of our capital expenditures is discretionary because we have no material long-term capital expenditure commitments. Consequently, we have a significant degree of flexibility to adjust the level of our capital expenditures as circumstances warrant. We spent $127.4 million and $103.2 million on development and exploration activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. We have budgeted approximately $25.0 million for development and exploration projects for the three months ended December 31, 2005. We expect to use internally generated cash flow to fund our development and exploration activity.

 

On May 12, 2005, we completed an acquisition of certain oil and gas properties and related assets in East Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi from EnSight Energy Partners, L.P., EnSight Laurel Production, LLC, Fairfield Midstream Services, LLC and EnSight Management, LLC (collectively “EnSight”) for $191.6 million in cash. On July 6, 2005 we acquired from certain parties working interests in certain of the properties acquired from EnSight for $10.9 million. We acquired interests in 14 producing wells (5.6 net) with estimated proved reserves of 3.8 Bcfe.

 

We do not have a specific acquisition budget for 2005 since the timing and size of acquisitions are not predictable. We intend to use borrowings under our bank credit facility, or other debt or equity financings to the extent available, to finance significant acquisitions. The availability and attractiveness of these sources of financing will depend upon a number of factors, some of which will relate to our financial condition and performance and some of which will be beyond our control, such as prevailing interest rates, oil and natural gas prices and other market conditions.

 

20

 



 

 

On April 4, 2005, we completed a public offering of 4,545,454 shares of our common stock at a price of $27.50 per share to the public. The net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriters’ discounts and expenses, of $121.2 million were used to partially fund our acquisition of properties from EnSight.

 

We have a $400.0 million bank credit facility with Bank of Montreal, as the administrative agent. The credit facility is a four-year revolving credit commitment that matures on February 25, 2008. Borrowings under the credit facility are limited to a borrowing base that was $300.0 million at September 30, 2005. We also have $175.0 million of 6?% senior notes due March 1, 2012, with interest payable semiannually on each March 1 and September 1. The notes are unsecured obligations and are guaranteed by all of our wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

Indebtedness under the credit facility is secured by substantially all of our and our subsidiaries’ assets and is guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries. The credit facility is subject to borrowing base availability, which is redetermined semiannually based on the banks’ estimates of the future net cash flows of our oil and natural gas properties. The borrowing base may be affected by the performance of our properties and changes in oil and natural gas prices. The determination of the borrowing base is at the sole discretion of the administrative agent and the bank group. Borrowings under the credit facility bear interest, based on the utilization of the borrowing base, at our option at either LIBOR plus 1.25% to 1.75% or the base rate (which is the higher of the prime rate or the federal funds rate) plus 0% to 0.5%. A commitment fee of 0.375% is payable on the unused borrowing base. The credit facility contains covenants that, among other things, restrict the payment of cash dividends, limit the amount of consolidated debt that we may incur and limit our ability to make certain loans and investments. The only financial covenants are the maintenance of a current ratio and maintenance of a minimum tangible net worth. We were in compliance with these covenants as of September 30, 2005.

 

During the third quarter we entered into long-term drilling contracts for three drilling rigs for our East Texas/North Louisiana region drilling program. The contracts are for a term of 1.3 to 1.5 years and represent a commitment of $24.3 million.

 

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

 

 

21

 



 

 

ITEM 3:

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

Oil and Natural Gas Prices

 

Our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources are highly dependent upon the prevailing market prices of oil and natural gas. These commodity prices are subject to wide fluctuations and market uncertainties due to a variety of factors, some of which are beyond our control. Factors influencing oil and natural gas prices include the level of global demand for crude oil, the foreign supply of oil and natural gas, the establishment of and compliance with production quotas by oil exporting countries, weather conditions that determine the demand for natural gas, the price and availability of alternative fuels and overall economic conditions. It is impossible to predict future oil and natural gas prices with any degree of certainty. Sustained weakness in oil and natural gas prices may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations, and may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas reserves that we can produce economically. Any reduction in our oil and natural gas reserves, including reductions due to price fluctuations, can have an adverse effect on our ability to obtain capital for our exploration and development activities. Similarly, any improvements in oil and natural gas prices can have a favorable impact on our financial condition, results of operations and capital resources. Based on our oil and natural gas production in the nine months ended September 30, 2005, a $1.00 change in the price per barrel of oil would have resulted in a change in our cash flow for such period by approximately $0.8 million and a $1.00 change in the price per Mcf of natural gas would have changed our cash flow by approximately $23.4 million.

 

Interest Rates

 

At September 30, 2005, we had total long-term debt of $282.0 million. Of this amount, $175.0 million bears interest at a fixed rate of 6 7/8%. We had $107.0 million outstanding under our bank credit facility, which bears interest at a fluctuating rate that is linked to LIBOR or the corporate base rate, at our option. Any increases in these interest rates can have an adverse impact on our results of operations and cash flow.

 

22

 



 

 

ITEM 4:

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of September 30, 2005, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2005 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2005, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

23

 



 

 

ITEM 6:

EXHIBITS

 

a. Exhibits

 

 

 

Exhibit No

 

Description

15.1*

 

Awareness Letter of Ernst & Young LLP.

31.1*

 

Section 302 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer.

31.2*

 

Section 302 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer.

32.1*

 

Certification for the Chief Executive Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2*

 

Certification for the Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

 

 

 

*

 

Filed herewith

 

 

24

 



 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date           November 9, 2005

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

 

 

M. Jay Allison, Chairman, President and Chief

 

 

Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date           November 9, 2005

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

 

 

Roland O. Burns, Senior Vice President,

 

 

Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

25

 



 

 

Exhibit 15.1

 

November 9, 2005

 

Comstock Resources, Inc.

5300 Town & Country Boulevard

Suite 500

Frisco, Texas 75034

 

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Comstock Resources, Inc.

 

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Nos. 33-20981, 33-88962, 333-111237, 333-112100 and 333-128813) of Comstock Resources, Inc. of our report dated November 8, 2005 relating to the unaudited consolidated interim financial statements of Comstock Resources, Inc. that are included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.

 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

 

Dallas, Texas

 

26

 



 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

Section 302 Certification

 

I, M. Jay Allison, certify that:

 

 

1.

 

I have reviewed this September 30, 2005 Form 10-Q of Comstock Resources, Inc.;

 

 

2.

 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

 

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

 

(a)

 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

(b)

 

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

(c)

 

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

(d)

 

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

 

5.

 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

(a)

 

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

(b)

 

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: November 9, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

27

 



 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

Section 302 Certification

 

I, Roland O. Burns, certify that:

 

 

1.

 

I have reviewed this September 30, 2005 Form 10-Q of Comstock Resources, Inc.;

 

 

2.

 

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

 

3.

 

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

 

4.

 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

 

 

(a)

 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

 

(b)

 

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

 

(c)

 

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

 

(d)

 

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

 

 

5.

 

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

 

(a)

 

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

 

(b)

 

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: November 9, 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

 

 

Sr. Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

28

 



 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Comstock Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the three months ending September 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, M. Jay Allison, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

(1)

 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

 

 

/s/ M. JAY ALLISON

 

M. Jay Allison

Chief Executive Officer

November 9, 2005

 

 

 

29

 



 

 

Exhibit 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Comstock Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the three months ending September 30, 2005 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Roland O. Burns, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

 

(1)

 

The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

 

 

/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS

 

Roland O. Burns

Chief Financial Officer

November 9, 2005

 

 

 

 

30