form10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q


T Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

or

£ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 of 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from   to ____

Commission File Number: 000-07246

     
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Nevada
 
95-2636730
 
 
(State of incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 

1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado  80203
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (303) 860-5800

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

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

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 19,256,749 shares of the Company's Common Stock ($.01 par value) were outstanding as of April 30, 2010.
 


 
 

 

PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

INDEX


   
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
     
     
3
     
4
     
5
     
6
Item 2.
   
19
Item 3.
   
32
Item 4.
   
34
         
         
   
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
   
         
Item 1.
   
34
Item 1A.
   
34
Item 2.
   
35
Item 3.
   
35
Item 4.
   
35
Item 5.
   
35
Item 6.
   
36
         
         
     
37

 
1


NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This periodic report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 ("Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") regarding our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.  All statements other than statements of historical facts included in and incorporated by reference into this report are forward-looking statements.  Words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements herein, which include statements of estimated natural gas and oil production and reserves, drilling plans, future cash flows, anticipated liquidity, anticipated capital expenditures and our management’s strategies, plans and objectives.  However, these are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements herein.  Although forward-looking statements contained in this report reflect our good faith judgment, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to us.  Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties incidental to the exploration for, and the acquisition, development, production and marketing of natural gas and oil, and actual outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 
·
changes in production volumes, worldwide demand and commodity prices for natural gas and oil;
 
·
the timing and extent of our success in discovering, acquiring, developing and producing natural gas and oil reserves;
 
·
our ability to acquire leases, drilling rigs, supplies and services at reasonable prices;
 
·
the availability and cost of capital to us;
 
·
risks incident to the drilling and operation of natural gas and oil wells;
 
·
future production and development costs;
 
·
the availability of sufficient pipeline and other transportation facilities to carry our production and the impact of these facilities on price;
 
·
the effect of existing and future laws, governmental regulations and the political and economic climate of the United States of America ("U.S.");
 
·
the effect of natural gas and oil derivatives activities;
 
·
conditions in the capital markets; and
 
·
losses possible from pending or future litigation.

Further, we urge you to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements made in this report, our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 4, 2010 ("2009 Form 10-K"), and our other filings with the SEC and public disclosures.  We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance occurring after the date of this report or currently unknown facts or conditions or the occurrence of unanticipated events.


REFERENCES

Unless the context otherwise requires, references to "PDC," "the Company," "we," "us," "our," "ours" or "ourselves" in this report refer to the registrant, Petroleum Development Corporation, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, entities in which it has a controlling financial interest and its proportionate share of affiliated partnerships and PDC Mountaineer, LLC ("PDCM"), a joint venture with Lime Rock Partners.

 
2


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements
 
Petroleum Development Corporation
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited; in thousands, except share data)

   
March 31,
2010
   
December 31,
2009*
 
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 26,460     $ 31,944  
Restricted cash
    2,491       2,490  
Accounts receivable, net
    52,467       56,491  
Accounts receivable affiliates
    9,983       7,956  
Fair value of derivatives
    48,157       42,223  
Income tax receivable
    27,816       27,728  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    4,734       8,538  
Total current assets
    172,108       177,370  
Properties and equipment, net
    963,894       1,008,193  
Fair value of derivatives
    47,475       20,228  
Accounts receivable affiliates
    16,453       15,473  
Other assets
    27,031       29,063  
Total Assets
  $ 1,226,961     $ 1,250,327  
                 
Liabilities and Equity
               
Liabilities
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 42,844     $ 36,845  
Accounts payable affiliates
    13,830       13,015  
Production tax liability
    24,165       24,849  
Fair value of derivatives
    24,526       20,208  
Funds held for distribution
    27,679       28,256  
Other accrued expenses
    16,596       21,261  
Total current liabilities
    149,640       144,434  
Long-term debt
    259,729       280,657  
Deferred income taxes
    185,774       178,012  
Asset retirement obligation
    25,052       29,314  
Fair value of derivatives
    49,127       48,779  
Accounts payable affiliates
    14,262       5,996  
Other liabilities
    27,748       24,542  
Total liabilities
    711,332       711,734  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
               
                 
Equity
               
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred shares, par value $.01 per share;  authorized 50,000,000 shares;issued:  none
    -       -  
Common shares, par value $.01 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares;issued:  19,261,799 shares in 2010 and 19,242,219 in 2009
    193       192  
Additional paid-in capital
    65,094       64,406  
Retained earnings
    450,353       426,629  
Treasury shares, at cost; 8,273 shares in 2010 and 2009
    (312 )     (312 )
Total shareholders' equity
    515,328       490,915  
Noncontrolling interest
    301       47,678  
Total equity
    515,629       538,593  
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 1,226,961     $ 1,250,327  


*Derived from audited 2009 balance sheet.

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3


Petroleum Development Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited; in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Revenues:
           
Natural gas and oil sales
  $ 60,368     $ 39,742  
Sales from natural gas marketing
    24,311       22,389  
Commodity price risk management gain, net
    43,222       23,683  
Well operations, pipeline income and other
    2,845       2,838  
Total revenues
    130,746       88,652  
                 
Costs and expenses:
               
Natural gas and oil production and well operations costs
    15,676       16,361  
Cost of natural gas marketing
    23,854       21,878  
Exploration expense and impairment of natural gas and oil properties
    6,418       5,643  
General and administrative expense
    10,694       12,094  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    28,389       34,360  
Total costs and expenses
    85,031       90,336  
                 
Gain on sale of leaseholds
    -       120  
                 
Income (loss) from operations
    45,715       (1,564 )
Interest income
    5       20  
Interest expense
    (7,800 )     (8,383 )
                 
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
    37,920       (9,927 )
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    14,251       (4,095 )
Income (loss) from continuing operations
    23,669       (5,832 )
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       113  
Net income (loss)
    23,669       (5,719 )
Less:  net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (55 )     (16 )
Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
  $ 23,724     $ (5,703 )
                 
Amounts attributable to shareholders:
               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 23,724     $ (5,816 )
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
    -       113  
Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
  $ 23,724     $ (5,703 )
                 
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to shareholders:
               
Basic
               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 1.24     $ (0.39 )
Income from discontinued operations
    -       0.01  
Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
  $ 1.24     $ (0.38 )
                 
Diluted
               
Income (loss) from continuing operations
  $ 1.23     $ (0.39 )
Income from discontinued operations
    -       0.01  
Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
  $ 1.23     $ (0.38 )
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
               
Basic
    19,191       14,793  
Diluted
    19,287       14,793  


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
4


Petroleum Development Corporation
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited, in thousands)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 23,669     $ (5,719 )
Adjustments to net income (loss) to reconcile to cash provided by operating activities:
               
Deferred income taxes
    11,632       (6,688 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    28,389       34,360  
Exploratory dry hole costs
    2,902       832  
Amortization and impairment of unproved properties
    600       614  
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative transactions
    (20,490 )     13,188  
Other
    2,627       3,154  
Changes in assets and liabilities
    2,016       (3,862 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    51,345       35,879  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (32,581 )     (73,697 )
Deconsolidation effect on cash and cash equivalents
    (3,074 )     -  
Other
    16       120  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (35,639 )     (73,577 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from credit facility
    64,000       100,500  
Repayment of credit facility
    (85,000 )     (72,500 )
Payment of debt issuance costs
    (23 )     (45 )
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    74       -  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (241 )     (75 )
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    (21,190 )     27,880  
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (5,484 )     (9,818 )
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    31,944       50,950  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 26,460     $ 41,132  
                 
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:
               
Cash payments for:
               
Interest, net of capitalized interest
  $ 7,067     $ 15,215  
Income taxes, net of refunds
    (33 )     (2,364 )
Non-cash investing activities:
               
Change in accounts payable related to purchases of properties and equipment
    6,056       (24,323 )
Change in asset retirement obligation, with a corresponding increase to natural gas and oil properties, net of disposals
    207       541  
        See Note 2 for non-cash transactions related to deconsolidation of PDCM

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

1. 
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

We are a domestic independent natural gas and oil company engaged in the exploration for and the acquisition, development, production and marketing of natural gas and oil.  As of March 31, 2010, we owned an interest in and operated approximately 5,000 gross wells located primarily in the Rocky Mountain Region and Appalachian Basin.  We are engaged in two primary business segments: (1) natural gas and oil sales and (2) natural gas marketing.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PDC, our wholly owned subsidiaries, WWWV, LLC, an entity in which we have a controlling financial interest, and our proportionate share of PDCM and our affiliated partnerships.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  We account for our investment in PDCM and our interests in natural gas and oil limited partnerships under the proportionate consolidation method.  Accordingly, our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include our pro rata share of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of 34 entities which we proportionately consolidate.  Our proportionate share of all significant transactions between us and these entities has been eliminated.  See Note 2, Recent Adopted Accounting Standards — Consolidation, for the impact new accounting changes had on the consolidation of PDCM, a variable interest entity, as of January 1, 2010.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of our financial statements for interim periods in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the SEC.  Accordingly, pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain notes and other financial information included in audited financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  The information presented in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2009 Form 10-K.  Our accounting policies are described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2009 Form 10-K and updated, as necessary, in this Form 10-Q.  The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010, and the cash flows for the same period, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or any other future period.

We have evaluated our activities subsequent to March 31, 2010, and have concluded that no material subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the financial statements or disclosure in the notes to the financial statements.

2. 
RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Consolidation – Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued changes regarding an entity’s analysis to determine whether any of its variable interests constitute controlling financial interests in a variable interest entity.  This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics:

 
·
the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and
 
·
the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the variable interest entity.

Additionally, the entity is required to assess whether it has an implicit financial responsibility to ensure that a variable interest entity operates as designed when determining whether it has the power to direct the activities of the variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance.  The guidance also requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.  We adopted these changes effective January 1, 2010.  Upon adoption, we deconsolidated PDCM as power over the activities that significantly impact this joint venture is equally shared with our investment partner.  No cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was recognized upon adoption.

 
6

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

The following table presents the impact deconsolidation had on our balance sheet as of January 1, 2010, which effectively represents the noncontrolling interest portion, or 32.6%, of PDCM's consolidated assets and liabilities. Further, the changes below are non-cash items with the exception of the change in cash and cash equivalents, which is reflected in investing activities in the statement of cash flows. (in thousands)

   
Decreased/(Increased)
     
Decreased/(Increased)
 
Assets
     
Liabilities and Equity
     
Current assets
     
Current liabilities
     
Cash and and cash equivalents
  $ 3,074  
Accounts payable
  $ 813  
Accounts receivable, net
    1,335  
Production tax liability
    17  
Accounts receivable affiliates
    (2,399 )
Fair value of derivatives
    434  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    131  
Total current liabilities
    1,586  
Total current assets
    2,143  
Fair value of derivatives
    83  
         
Other liabilities
    591  
Properties and equipment, net of DD&A of $15,731
    51,765  
Asset retirement obligation
    4,815  
Fair value of derivatives
    70  
Total liabilities
    7,075  
Other assets
    419  
Noncontrolling interest
    47,322  
Total Assets
  $ 54,397  
Total Liabilities and Equity
  $ 54,397  

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

In January 2010, the FASB issued changes clarifying existing disclosure requirements related to fair value measurements.  The update also added a new requirement to disclose fair value transfers in and out of Levels 1 and 2 and describe the reasons for the transfers.  The adoption of these changes as of January 1, 2010, did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures

In January 2010, the FASB issued changes related to fair value measurements requiring gross presentation of activities within the Level 3 roll forward, whereby entities must present separately information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements.  This change will be effective for our financial statements issued for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010.  We do not expect the adoption of this change to have a material impact on our financial statements.

3. 
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Derivative Financial Instruments.  We measure the fair value of our derivative instruments based upon quoted market prices, where available.  Our valuation determination includes: (1) identification of the inputs to the fair value methodology through the review of counterparty statements and other supporting documentation, (2) determination of the validity of the source of the inputs, (3) corroboration of the original source of inputs through access to multiple quotes, if available, or other information and (4) monitoring changes in valuation methods and assumptions.  The methods described above may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of future fair values.  Our valuation determination also gives consideration to nonperformance risk on our own liabilities as well as the credit standing of our counterparties.  We primarily use financial institutions, who are also major lenders in our credit facility agreement, as counterparties to our derivative contracts.  We have evaluated the credit risk of the counterparties holding our derivative assets using relevant credit market default rates, giving consideration to amounts outstanding for each counterparty and the duration of each outstanding derivative position.  Based on our evaluation, as of March 31, 2010, the impact of nonperformance risk on the fair value of our derivative assets and liabilities was not significant.  Validation of our contracts’ fair value is performed internally and while we use common industry practices to develop our valuation techniques, changes in our pricing methodologies or the underlying assumptions could result in significantly different fair values.  While we believe these valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of different methodologies, or assumptions, to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value.

 
7

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

The following table presents, by hierarchy level, our derivative financial instruments, including both current and non-current portions, measured at fair value.

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
         
Quoted Prices in Active Markets
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
   
 
 
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
   
(Level 1)
   
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Assets:
                                   
Commodity based derivatives
  $ 69,436     $ 26,131     $ 95,567     $ 25,598     $ 36,796     $ 62,394  
Basis protection derivative contracts
    -       65       65       -       57       57  
Total assets
    69,436       26,196       95,632       25,598       36,853       62,451  
Liabilities:
                                               
Commodity based derivatives
    (141 )     (10,789 )     (10,930 )     (3,140 )     (9,932 )     (13,072 )
Basis protection derivative contracts
    -       (62,723 )     (62,723 )     -       (55,915 )     (55,915 )
Total liabilities
    (141 )     (73,512 )     (73,653 )     (3,140 )     (65,847 )     (68,987 )
Net asset (liability)
  $ 69,295     $ (47,316 )   $ 21,979     $ 22,458     $ (28,994 )   $ (6,536 )

The following table presents the changes in our Level 3 derivative financial instruments measured on a recurring basis.

   
(in thousands)
 
       
Fair value, net liability, as of December 31, 2009
  $ (28,994 )
Changes in fair value included in statement of operations line item:
       
Commodity price risk management, net
    12,431  
Sales from natural gas marketing
    383  
Cost of natural gas marketing
    (3,293 )
Changes in fair value included in balance sheet line item (1):
       
Accounts receivable affiliates
    (2,320 )
Accounts payable affiliates
    (4,538 )
Settlements included in statement of operations line item:
       
Commodity price risk management, net
    (20,980 )
Cost of natural gas marketing
    (5 )
Fair value, net liability, as of March 31, 2010
  $ (47,316 )
         
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets (liabilities) still held as of March 31, 2010, included in statement of operations line item:
       
Commodity price risk management gain, net
  $ 8,477  
Sales from natural gas marketing
    353  
Cost of natural gas marketing
    (3,604 )
    $ 5,226  

 

 
(1)
Represents the change in fair value related to derivative instruments entered into by us and designated to our affiliated partnerships.

See Note 4, Derivative Financial Instruments, for additional disclosure related to our derivative financial instruments.

 
8

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

Non-Derivative Assets and Liabilities.  The carrying values of the financial instruments comprising current assets and current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

The portion of our long-term debt related to our credit facility approximates fair value due to the variable nature of its related interest rate.  We have not elected to account for the portion of our long-term debt related to our senior notes under the fair value option; however, we estimate the fair value of this portion of our long-term debt to be $215.2 million or 106% of par value as of March 31, 2010.  We determined this valuation based upon measurements of trading activity.

We assess our natural gas and oil properties for possible impairment, upon a triggering event, by comparing net capitalized costs to estimated undiscounted future net cash flows on a field-by-field basis using estimated production based upon prices at which we reasonably estimate the commodity to be sold.  The estimates of future prices may differ from current market prices of natural gas and oil.  Certain events, including but not limited to, downward revisions in estimates to our reserve quantities, expectations of falling commodity prices or rising operating costs, could result in a triggering event and, therefore, a possible impairment of our natural gas and oil properties.  If net capitalized costs exceed undiscounted future net cash flows, the measurement of impairment is based on estimated fair value utilizing a future discounted cash flows analysis and is measured by the amount by which the net capitalized costs exceed their fair value.

We estimate the fair value of our plugging and abandonment obligations based on a discounted cash flows analysis.  If the fair value of the estimated asset retirement obligation changes, an adjustment is recorded to both the asset retirement obligation and the asset retirement cost.  Changes in estimated asset retirement obligations can result from revisions of estimated inflation rates, escalating retirement costs and changes in the estimated timing of settling asset retirement obligation.  See Note 8, Asset Retirement Obligation, for changes in the fair value of our asset retirement obligations.

4. 
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

As of March 31, 2010, we had derivative instruments in place for a portion of our anticipated production through 2013 for a total of 50,573,396 MMbtu of natural gas and 1,741,935 Bbls of oil.  These derivative instruments were comprised of commodity collars and swaps, basis protection swaps and physical sales and purchases.

The following table summarizes the location and fair value amounts of our derivative instruments in the accompanying balance sheets.

           
Fair Value
 
Derivatives instruments not designated as hedges (1)
 
Balance sheet line item
 
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
           
(in thousands)
 
Derivative Assets:
 
Current
               
   
Commodity contracts
               
   
Related to natural gas and oil sales
 
Fair value of derivatives
  $ 42,653     $ 39,107  
   
Related to natural gas marketing
 
Fair value of derivatives
    5,452       3,077  
   
Basis protection contracts
                   
   
Related to natural gas marketing
 
Fair value of derivatives
    52       39  
              48,157       42,223  
   
Non Current
                   
   
Commodity contracts
                   
   
Related to natural gas and oil sales
 
Fair value of derivatives
    46,986       19,680  
   
Related to natural gas marketing
 
Fair value of derivatives
    476       530  
   
Basis protection contracts
                   
   
Related to natural gas marketing
 
Fair value of derivatives
    13       18  
              47,475       20,228  
Total Derivative Assets (2)
      $ 95,632     $ 62,451  

 
9

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

           
Fair Value
 
Derivatives instruments not designated as hedges (1)
 
Balance sheet line item
 
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
           
(in thousands)
 
Derivative Liabilities:
 
Current
               
   
Commodity contracts
               
   
Related to natural gas and oil sales
 
Fair value of derivatives
  $ (1,498 )   $ (2,451 )
   
Related to natural gas marketing
 
Fair value of derivatives
    (4,758 )     (2,626 )
   
Basis protection contracts
                   
   
Related to natural gas and oil sales
 
Fair value of derivatives
    (18,270 )     (15,127 )
   
Related to natural gas marketing
 
Fair value of derivatives
    -       (4 )
              (24,526 )     (20,208 )
   
Non Current
                   
   
Commodity contracts
                   
   
Related to natural gas and oil sales
 
Fair value of derivatives
    (4,243 )     (7,572 )
   
Related to natural gas marketing
 
Fair value of derivatives
    (431 )     (423 )
   
Basis protection contracts
                   
   
Related to natural gas and oil sales
 
Fair value of derivatives
    (44,453 )     (40,784 )
              (49,127 )     (48,779 )
Total Derivative Liabilities (3)
      $ (73,653 )   $ (68,987 )
 

 
(1)
As of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, none of our derivative instruments were designated as hedges.
 
(2)
Includes derivative positions that have been designated to our affiliated partnerships; accordingly, our accompanying balance sheets include a corresponding payable to our affiliated partnerships of $22.9 million and $13.4 million as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively, representing their proportionate share of the derivative assets.
 
(3)
Includes derivative positions that have been designated to our affiliated partnerships; accordingly, our accompanying balance sheets include a corresponding receivable from our affiliated partnerships of $22.9 million and $21 million as of March 31, 2010, and December 31, 2009, respectively, representing their proportionate share of the derivative liabilities.

The following table summarizes the impact of our derivative instruments on our accompanying statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Statement of operations line item
 
Reclassification
of Realized
Gains (Losses)
Included in
Prior Periods
Unrealized
   
Realized and
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
For the
Current Period
   
Total
   
Reclassification
of Realized
Gains (Losses)
Included in
Prior Periods
Unrealized
   
Realized and
Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
For the
Current Period
   
Total
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                                     
Commodity price risk management gain, net
                                   
Realized gains
  $ 21,067     $ 1,857     $ 22,924     $ 30,193     $ 6,433     $ 36,626  
Unrealized gains (losses)
    (21,067 )     41,365       20,298       (30,193 )     17,250       (12,943 )
Total commodity price risk management gain, net (1)
  $ -     $ 43,222     $ 43,222     $ -     $ 23,683     $ 23,683  
Sales from natural gas marketing
                                               
Realized gains
  $ 752     $ 233     $ 985     $ 2,109     $ 259     $ 2,368  
Unrealized gains
    (752 )     4,264       3,512       (2,109 )     2,934       825  
Total sales from natural gas marketing(2)
  $ -     $ 4,497     $ 4,497     $ -     $ 3,193     $ 3,193  
Cost of natural gas marketing
                                               
Realized gains (losses)
  $ (774 )   $ 532     $ (242 )   $ (1,970 )   $ 1,663     $ (307 )
Unrealized losses
    774       (4,094 )     (3,320 )     1,970       (3,040 )     (1,070 )
Total cost of natural gas marketing(2)
  $ -     $ (3,562 )   $ (3,562 )   $ -     $ (1,377 )   $ (1,377 )


 
(1)
Represents realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments related to natural gas and oil sales.
 
(2)
Represents realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments related to natural gas marketing.
 
 
10

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

Concentration of Credit Risk.  A significant component of our future liquidity is concentrated in derivative instruments that enable us to manage a portion of our exposure to price volatility from producing natural gas and oil.  These arrangements expose us to credit risk of nonperformance by our counterparties.  We primarily use financial institutions, who are also major lenders in our credit facility agreement, as counterparties to our derivative contracts.  To date, we have had no counterparty default losses.

The following table presents the counterparties that expose us to credit risk as of March 31, 2010, with regard to our derivative assets.

   
Fair Value of Derivative Assets
 
Counterparty Name
 
March 31, 2010
 
   
(in thousands)
 
       
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (1)
  $ 50,240  
Calyon (1)
    20,996  
Wachovia (1)
    13,661  
Various (2)
    10,735  
Total
  $ 95,632  


(1)      Major lender in our credit facility, see Note 7, Long-Term Debt.
(2)      Represents a total of 50 counterparties, including four lenders in our credit facility.

5. 
PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

The following table presents the components of properties and equipment, net.

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Natural gas and oil properties (successful efforts method of accounting)
           
Proved
  $ 1,294,959     $ 1,329,666  
Unproved
    35,080       38,626  
Total natural gas and oil properties
    1,330,039       1,368,292  
Pipelines and related facilities
    35,440       38,202  
Transportation and other equipment
    31,625       33,624  
Land and buildings
    14,229       14,699  
Construction in progress
    20,247       9,131  
      1,431,580       1,463,948  
Accumulated DD&A
    (467,686 )     (455,755 )
                 
Properties and equipment, net (1)
  $ 963,894     $ 1,008,193  
 

 
(1)
As a result of the deconsolidation of PDCM, properties and equipment were reduced by $51.8 million, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization ("DD&A") of $15.7 million, from December 31, 2009.   See Note 2, Recent Accounting Standards.

 
11

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

The following table presents the capitalized exploratory well costs pending determination of proved reserves and included in properties and equipment on the balance sheets.

   
Amount
   
Number of Wells
 
   
(in thousands)
       
             
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 1,174       2  
Deconsolidation of PDCM
    (340 )     -  
Additions to capitalized exploratory well costs pending the determination of proved reserves
    4,009       2  
Reclassifications to proved natural gas and oil properties based on the determination of proved reserves
    (567 )     (1 )
Balance at March 31, 2010
  $ 4,276       3  

As of March 31, 2010, none of the three suspended wells awaiting the determination of proved reserves have been capitalized for a period greater than one year after the completion of drilling.

6.     INCOME TAXES

We evaluate our estimated annual effective income tax rate on a quarterly basis based on current and forecasted business results and enacted tax laws.  The estimated annual effective tax rate is adjusted quarterly based upon actual results and updated operating forecasts; consequently, based upon the mix and timing of our actual earnings compared to annual projections, our effective tax rate may vary quarterly.  A tax expense or benefit unrelated to the current year ordinary income or loss is recognized in its entirety as a discrete item of tax in the period identified.  The quarterly income tax provision is generally comprised of tax on ordinary income or tax benefit on ordinary loss at the most recent estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for the effect of discrete items.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2010, was 37.5% (provision on income) compared to 41.3% (benefit on a loss) for the same prior year period.  The loss realized for the three months ended March 31, 2009, exceeded our projected loss for the year.  As a result, we calculated our 2009 first quarter tax benefit by multiplying the period loss by the statutory tax rate and then adding other statutory tax benefits such as percentage depletion.  This required tax calculation limited the tax benefit realized during the 2009 first quarter by $1.6 million.  No similar limitation calculation was required for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  There were no significant discrete items recorded in the first quarter of 2009 or 2010.

As of March 31, 2010, we had a gross liability for uncertain tax benefits of $0.8 million, which is substantially unchanged from the December 31, 2009, liability.  If recognized, $0.8 million of this liability would affect our effective tax rate.  This liability is reflected in federal and state income taxes payable in our accompanying balance sheet.  The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") is expected to begin an examination of our 2007, 2008 and 2009 tax years in May 2010.  Therefore, we expect the liability for uncertain tax benefits to decrease during the next twelve-month period as items are either resolved without change or converted to amounts due to the IRS.

As of the date of this filing, we are current with our income tax filings in all applicable state jurisdictions and currently have no state income tax returns in the process of examination. 

7. 
LONG-TERM DEBT

The following table presents the components of long-term debt.

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Credit facility
  $ 59,000     $ 80,000  
12% Senior notes due 2018, net of discount of $2.3 million
    200,729       200,657  
Total long-term debt
  $ 259,729     $ 280,657  

 
12

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

Credit facility

We have a credit facility arranged by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., dated as of November 4, 2005, as amended last on December 18, 2009 ("the Eighth Amendment"), with an aggregate revolving commitment of $305 million, which expires on May 22, 2012.  The credit facility, through the series of amendments, includes commitments from twelve additional banks.  The maximum allowable commitment under the credit facility is $500 million.  The credit facility is guaranteed by the Company and its existing subsidiaries, with the exception of certain immaterial subsidiaries, individually and in the aggregate.  All of our subsidiaries are wholly owned.  The guarantee of the Company's subsidiaries are full and unconditional and joint and several.  The credit facility is subject to and collateralized by our natural gas and oil reserves, exclusive of PDCM's natural gas and oil reserves.  The credit facility requires an aggregated security of a value no less than 80% of the value of the direct interests included in the borrowing base properties.  Our credit facility borrowing base is subject to size redeterminations each May and November based upon a quantification of reserves at December 31st and June 30th, respectively; additionally, we or our lenders may request a redetermination upon the occurrence of certain events.  A commodity price deck reflective of the current and future commodity pricing environment, as determined by our lenders, is utilized to quantify the reserves used in the borrowing base calculation and thus determines the underlying borrowing base.  On May 5, 2010, our redetermination, based on our December 31, 2009, reserves, was completed and our aggregate revolving commitment of $305 million was reaffirmed.  We have an $18.7 million irrevocable standby letter of credit in favor of a third party transportation service provider.  This letter of credit reduces the amount of available funds under our credit facility by an equal amount.  We pay a fronting fee of 0.25% per annum and an additional quarterly maintenance fee equivalent to the spread over Eurodollar loans (2.5% as of March 31, 2010) for the period the letter of credit remains outstanding.  The letter of credit expires on May 22, 2012.

As of March 31, 2010, we had $5.6 million in debt issuance costs being amortized at a rate of $0.7 million per quarter.  As of March 31, 2010, the available funds under our credit facility were $227.3 million.  The borrowing rate on our outstanding balance at March 31, 2010, was 5.8% per annum compared to 4.7% per annum at December 31, 2009.  We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2010, and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next year.

12% Senior Notes Due 2018

In February 2008, we issued 12% senior notes with a total principal amount of $203 million payable at maturity on February 15, 2018.  Interest is payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on each February 15 and August 15.  The senior notes were issued at a discount, 98.572% of the principal amount.  The original discount and the deferred note issuance costs are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the debt using the effective interest method.  As of March 31, 2010, we had $6.6 million in discount and costs being amortized at a rate of $0.2 million per quarter.  We were in compliance with all covenants as of March 31, 2010, and expect to remain in compliance throughout the next year.

8. 
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

The following table presents the changes in carrying amounts of the asset retirement obligation associated with our working interest in natural gas and oil properties.

   
Amount
 
   
(in thousands)
 
         
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 29,564  
Deconsolidation of PDCM
    (4,815 )
Obligations incurred with development activities
    223  
Accretion expense
    346  
Obligations charged with disposal of properties and asset retirements
    (16 )
Balance at March 31, 2010
    25,302  
Less current portion
    (250 )
Long-term portion
  $ 25,052  

 
13

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

9. 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Firm Transportation Agreements

We have entered into contracts that provide firm transportation, sales and processing charges on pipeline systems through which we transport or sell our natural gas and the natural gas of other companies, working interest owners and our affiliated partnerships.  These contracts require us to pay these transportation and processing charges whether the required volumes are delivered or not.  Satisfaction of the volumes requirements include volumes produced by us, volumes purchased from third parties and volumes produced by our affiliated partnerships.  As of March 31, 2010, based on a review of our drilling plans and volume projections, we do not expect to meet all future volume requirements for a firm transportation agreement in our Piceance Basin.  Accordingly, as of March 31, 2010, we have a related liability in the amount of $2.8 million, previously recorded in prior periods, included in other liabilities on the balance sheet.  We are currently working with the third party to renegotiate the terms and timing of our volume requirements under this agreement.  If we are not able to renegotiate this agreement or meet all future volume requirements, an additional liability may result.

The following table presents gross volume information related to our long-term firm sales, processing and transportation agreements for pipeline capacity.  We record in our financial statements only our share of costs based upon our working and net revenue interest in the wells.  If the volumes below are not met, we will bear all costs related to the volume shortfall.

         
For the Twelve Months Ending March 31,
         
Area
 
Total
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
Thereafter
 
Expiration Date
Volume (MMbtu)
                                     
Appalachian Basin (1)
    111,316,620       745,400       591,300       6,671,120       10,993,800       92,315,000  
August 2022
Piceance
    216,126,038       31,836,523       32,465,696       32,872,393       29,398,697       89,552,729  
May 2021
NECO
    1,375,000       1,375,000       -       -       -       -  
December 2010
NECO
    12,330,000       1,825,000       1,825,000       1,825,000       1,825,000       5,030,000  
December 2016
Total
    341,147,658       35,781,923       34,881,996       41,368,513       42,217,497       186,897,729    
                                                   
Dollar commitment
    (in thousands)
  $ 175,318     $ 18,321     $ 18,072     $ 21,417     $ 21,841     $ 95,667    
 

 
(1)
Includes a precedent agreement that becomes effective when the planned pipeline is placed in service, currently estimated to be September 2012 and represents 92.5%, 96.7% and 97% of the total MMbtu presented for the twelve months ending March 31, 2013, 2014 and thereafter, respectively.  This agreement will be null and void if the pipeline is not completed.  In August 2009, we issued a letter of credit related to this agreement; see Note 7, Long-Term Debt.

Litigation.

We are involved in various legal proceedings that we consider normal to our business.  Although the results cannot be known with certainty, we believe that we have properly accrued reserves.

Royalty Owner Class Action

Gobel et al v. Petroleum Development Corporation, Case No. 09-C-40 in U. S. District Court, Northern District of West Virginia, filed on January 27, 2009

David W. Gobel, individually and as representative of the class of all similarly situated individuals and entities, filed a lawsuit against the Company alleging that we failed to properly pay royalties (the "Gobel lawsuit").  The allegations state that the Company improperly deducted certain charges and costs before applying the royalty percentage.  Punitive damages are requested in addition to breach of contract, tort, and fraud allegations.  The stay in effect as of December 31, 2009, lapsed in February 2010.  The parties have filed briefs on Gobel's Motion to Remand to state court.  We are awaiting a ruling from the court on that motion.

 
14

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

Other

In July 2008, the Company self-reported to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (the "CDPHE") certain non-compliance with air laws at a compressor station in the Piceance Basin.  The CDPHE subsequently initiated a review and inspection of air compliance at this station.  On November 18, 2009, and December 19, 2009, the Company received related compliance advisories for alleged non-compliance.  On February 19, 2010, the Company received a letter from the CDPHE with a proposed settlement for this matter of $0.2 million, which was accrued and included in natural gas and oil production and well operations costs for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  The Company has entered negotiations with the CDPHE regarding this assessment and continues to work to bring this matter to closure.

On December 8, 2008, we received a Notice of Violation/Cease and Desist Order (the "Notice") from the CDPHE, related to the stormwater permit for the Garden Gulch Road.  The Company manages this private road for Garden Gulch LLC.  The Company is one of eight users of this road, all of which are natural gas and oil companies operating in the Piceance region of Colorado.  Operating expenses, including this fine, if any, are allocated among the users of the road based upon their respective usage.  The Notice alleges a deficient and/or incomplete stormwater management plan, failure to implement best management practices and failure to conduct required permit inspections.  The Notice requires corrective action and states that the recipient shall cease and desist such alleged violations.  The Notice states that a violation could result in civil penalties up to $10,000 per day.  The Company’s responses were submitted on February 6, 2009, and April 8, 2009.  Commencing in December 2009, the Company entered negotiations with the CDPHE regarding this notice and continues to work to bring this matter to closure.  Given the inherent uncertainty in administrative actions of this nature, the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this administrative action at this time.

We are involved in various other legal proceedings that we consider normal to our business.  Although the results cannot be known with certainty, we believe that the ultimate results of such proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

Partnership Repurchase Provision

Substantially all of our drilling programs contain a repurchase provision where investing partners may request that we purchase their partnership units at any time beginning with the third anniversary of the first cash distribution.  The provision provides that we are obligated to purchase an aggregate of 10% of the initial subscriptions per calendar year (at a minimum price of four times the most recent 12 months' cash distributions from production), if repurchase is requested by investors, subject to our financial ability to do so.  As of March 31, 2010, the maximum annual repurchase obligation, based upon the minimum price described above, was approximately $9.2 million.  We believe we have adequate liquidity to meet this obligation.  During the first quarter of 2010, the repurchases of partnership units pursuant to this provision were immaterial.

Employment Agreements with Executive Officers

We have employment agreements with our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other executive officers.  The employment agreements provide for annual base salaries, eligibility for performance bonus compensation and other various benefits, including retirement and termination benefits.

In the event of termination following a change of control of the Company, or where the Company terminates the executive officer without cause or where an executive officer terminates employment for good reason, the severance benefits range from two times to three times the sum of the executive's highest annual base salary during the previous two years of employment immediately preceding the termination date and the executive's highest annual bonus paid or payable during the same two year period.  For one executive, in this calculation, the target bonus will be used as the minimum value for the first two years of employment.  For this purpose, a "change of control" corresponds to the definition of "change of control" under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) and the supporting treasury regulations, with some differences.  The executive officer is also entitled to (i) vesting of any unvested equity compensation (excluding all long-term performance shares), (ii) reimbursement for any unpaid expenses, (iii) retirement benefits earned under the current and/or previous agreements, (iv) continued coverage under our medical plan for up to 18 months, and (v) payment of any earned and unpaid bonus amounts.  In addition, the executive officer is entitled to receive any benefits that he would have otherwise been entitled to receive under our 401(k) and profit sharing plan, although those benefits are not increased or accelerated.

In the event that an executive officer is terminated for just cause, we are required to pay the executive officer his base salary through the termination date plus, in the case of our Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, any bonus (only for periods completed and accrued, but not paid), incentive, deferred, retirement or other compensation, and to provide any other benefits, which have been earned or become payable as of the termination date.

 
15

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

In the event that an executive officer voluntarily terminates his employment for other than good reason, he is entitled to receive (i) his base salary, bonus and incremental retirement payment prorated for the portion of the year that the executive officer is employed by the Company, provided, however, that with respect to the bonus, for certain executive officers, there shall be no proration of the bonus if such executive leaves prior to the last day of the year and, with respect to the remaining executive officers, there shall be no proration of the bonus in the event such executive officer leaves prior to March 31 in the year of his termination, (ii) any incentive, deferred or other compensation which has been earned or has become payable, but which has not yet been paid under the schedule originally contemplated in the agreement under which they were granted, (iii) any unpaid expense reimbursement upon presentation by the executive officer of an accounting of such expenses in accordance with our normal practices, and (iv) any other payments for benefits earned under the employment agreement or our plans.

In the event of death or disability, the executive is entitled to receive certain benefits.  For this purpose, the definition of "disability" corresponds to the definition under IRC 409A and the supporting treasury regulations.  The benefits shall be payable in a lump sum and shall be equal to the compensation and other benefits that would otherwise have been paid for a six-month period following the termination date.

Derivative Contracts

We would be exposed to natural gas and oil price fluctuations on underlying purchase and sale contracts should the counterparties to our derivative instruments or the counterparties to our gas marketing contracts not perform.  Nonperformance is not anticipated.  We have had no counterparty default losses.

Partnership Casualty Losses

As Managing General Partner of 33 partnerships, we have liability for potential casualty losses in excess of the partnership assets and insurance.  We believe the casualty insurance coverage that we and our subcontractors carry is adequate to meet this potential liability.

10. 
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The following table provides a summary of the impact of our stock-based compensation plans on the results of operations for the periods presented.

 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009 (1)
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Total stock-based compensation expense
  $ 1,005     $ 1,639  
Income tax benefit
    (386 )     (625 )
Net income impact
  $ 619     $ 1,014  


(1)      Includes $0.5 million related to an agreement with our former chief executive officer.

11. 
EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of weighted average diluted shares outstanding.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
    19,191       14,793  
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation:
               
Unamortized portion of restricted stock
    88       -  
Non employee director deferred compensation
    8       -  
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
    19,287       14,793  

 
16

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the weighted average common shares outstanding for both basic and diluted were the same because the effect of dilutive securities was anti-dilutive due to our net loss for the period.  The following table sets forth the weighted average common share equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to their anti-dilutive effect.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Weighted average common share equivalents excluded from diluted earnings
           
per share due to their anti-dilutive effect:
       
 
 
Unamortized portion of restricted stock
    146       260  
Stock options
    10       18  
Non employee director deferred compensation
    -       7  
Total anti-dilutive common share equivalents
    156       285  

12. 
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

WWWV, LLC

In 2007, we contributed $0.8 million for a 50% interest in WWWV, LLC (the "LLC"), a limited liability company for which we serve as the managing member.  The LLC’s only asset is an aircraft and the LLC was formed for the purpose of owning and operating the aircraft.  We consolidate the entity based on a controlling financial interest.  We have commenced activities to divest the asset and dissolve the entity, which will not have a material impact on our financial statements.

PDCM

In October 2009, we entered into a joint venture arrangement to form PDCM.  At that time, the joint venture was determined to be a variable interest entity due to the disproportionate voting rights compared to the ownership rights; accordingly, we consolidated the joint venture as we were the primary beneficiary as of and for the period ended December 31, 2009.  As of January 1, 2010, pursuant to the adoption of new accounting changes related to variable interest entities, the joint venture was deconsolidated and is now accounted for on a proportionate share basis.  See Note 2, Recent Accounting Standards.

The following table presents the changes in noncontrolling interest.

   
Amount
 
   
(in thousands)
 
       
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 47,678  
Deconsolidation of PDCM
    (47,322 )
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (55 )
Balance at March 31, 2010
  $ 301  

13. 
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

We enter into derivative instruments for our own production as well as for our 33 affiliated partnerships' production.  As of March 31, 2010, we had a due to affiliates of $22.9 million representing their designated portion of the fair value of our gross derivative assets and a due from affiliates of $22.9 million representing their designated portion of the fair value of our gross derivative liabilities.

Our natural gas marketing segment manages the marketing of natural gas for PDCM and our affiliated partnerships with production in the Appalachian Basin, and in the case of our affiliated partnerships in Michigan.  Our sales from natural gas marketing include $0.9 million and $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, related to the marketing of natural gas on behalf of PDCM and our affiliated partnerships, respectively.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, sales from natural gas marketing include $1 million related to the marketing of natural gas on behalf of our affiliated partnerships.

We provide well operations and pipeline services to our affiliated partnerships.  The majority of our revenue and expenses related to well operations and pipeline income are associated with services provided to our affiliated partnerships.

 
17

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2010
(unaudited)

We provide certain well operating and administrative services for PDCM.  Amounts billed to PDCM related to these services were $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  Included in our statement of operations is our proportionate share of the $2.9 million.  Natural gas and oil production and well operations costs, exploration expense and impairment of natural gas and oil properties and general and administrative expense in the statement of operations reflect $1 million, $0.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, related to these services.

14.   BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We separate our operating activities into two segments: natural gas and oil sales and natural gas marketing.  All material inter-company accounts and transactions between segments have been eliminated.

The following tables present our segment information, reclassified for discontinued operations.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Revenues:
           
Natural gas and oil sales
  $ 106,432     $ 66,221  
Natural gas marketing
    24,311       22,389  
Unallocated
    3       42  
Total
  $ 130,746     $ 88,652  
                 
Segment income (loss) before income taxes:
               
Natural gas and oil sales
  $ 56,805     $ 10,713  
Natural gas marketing
    450       514  
Unallocated
    (19,335 )     (21,154 )
Total
  $ 37,920     $ (9,927 )

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31,2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Segment assets:
           
Natural gas and oil sales
  $ 1,135,098     $ 1,152,160  
Natural gas marketing
    19,297       22,614  
Unallocated
    72,566       75,553  
Total
  $ 1,226,961     $ 1,250,327  
 
18

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

 
Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We use "adjusted cash flow from operations," "adjusted net income attributable to shareholders" and "adjusted EBITDA," non-GAAP financial measures, for internal managerial purposes, when evaluating period-to-period comparisons and providing public guidance on possible future results.  These measures are not measures of financial performance under GAAP and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income attributable to shareholders, cash flows from operations, investing, or financing activities.  These measures should not be used as liquidity measures or indicators of cash flows reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  The non-GAAP financial measures that we use may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.  Also, in the future, we may disclose different non-GAAP financial measures in order to help our investors more meaningfully evaluate and compare our future results of operations to our previously reported results of operations.  We strongly encourage investors to review our financial statements and publicly filed reports in their entirety and to not rely on any single financial measure.  See Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures below for a detailed description of these measures as well as a reconciliation of each to the nearest GAAP measure.

Overview

Natural gas and oil sales increased 51.9% or $20.6 million for the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009, even though production volumes decreased 18.8% quarter-over-quarter.  This increase was driven primarily by the improved commodity price environment and the increase in our oil production as a percentage of our total production.  Average sales price per Mcfe, excluding the impact of realized derivative gains and the provision for underpayment of natural gas sales, was $6.67 for the current year quarter compared to $3.79 for the same quarter a year ago.  Although down 37.4% from the first quarter of 2009, realized derivative gains from natural gas and oil sales contributed an additional $2.53 per Mcfe or $22.9 million to the first quarter of 2010 total revenues.  Comparatively, the total per Mcfe price realized, consisting of the average sales price and realized derivative gains, increased 29.9% to $9.20 for the current year quarter from $7.08 for the same prior year quarter.

The increase in total revenues did not have a corresponding impact on costs and expenses as natural gas and oil production and well operations costs and general and administrative expense decreased by $0.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, for the current year quarter compared to the same prior year quarter.  It is our intent to continue to maintain such a spending discipline.

The improved commodity price environment and the decreased costs and expenses were the major contributors to our improved cash flows from operations, increasing from $35.9 million for the prior year quarter to $51.3 million for the current year quarter or 42.9% quarter-over-quarter.  Our positive operating cash flows allowed us the opportunity to further pay down our outstanding draw on our credit facility by $21 million.

During the first quarter of 2010, our liquidity position showed continued improvement as the availability under our credit facility increased to $227.3 million and cash and cash equivalents remained stable at $26.5 million for a total liquidity position of $253.8 million at March 31, 2010, compared to $238.2 million at December 31, 2009.  We believe that our positive operating results coupled with our liquidity position provide us with flexibility and stability to capitalize on future opportunities and lessen the impact of unforseen challenges.

 
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PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
 

Results of Operations

Summary of Operations

The following table sets forth selected information regarding our results of operations, including production volumes, natural gas and oil sales, average sales price received, average sales price including realized derivative gains, average lifting cost, other operating income and expenses.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
   
(dollars in thousands, except per unit data)
 
Production (1)
                 
Natural gas (Mcf)
    7,274,527       9,090,261       -20.0 %
Oil (Bbls)
    296,678       343,884       -13.7 %
Natural gas equivalent (Mcfe) (2)
    9,054,595       11,153,565       -18.8 %
Mcfe per day
    100,607       123,929          
Natural Gas and Oil Sales
                       
Natural gas
  $ 38,548     $ 29,334       31.4 %
Oil
    21,820       12,989       68.0 %
Provision for underpayment of natural gas sales
    -       (2,581 )     100.0 %
Total natural gas and oil sales
  $ 60,368     $ 39,742       51.9 %
                         
Realized Gain on Derivatives, net (3)
                       
Natural gas
  $ 20,879     $ 29,332       -28.8 %
Oil
    2,045       7,294       -72.0 %
Total realized gain on derivatives, net
  $ 22,924     $ 36,626       -37.4 %
Average Sales Price (excluding gains/losses on derivatives)
                       
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ 5.30     $ 3.23       64.1 %
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 73.55     $ 37.77       94.7 %
Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe)
  $ 6.67     $ 3.79       76.0 %
Average Sales Price (including realized gains/losses on derivatives)
                       
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ 8.17     $ 6.45       26.7 %
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 80.44     $ 58.98       36.4 %
Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe)
  $ 9.20     $ 7.08       29.9 %
                         
Average Lifting Cost (per Mcfe) (4)
  $ 1.04     $ 0.93       11.8 %
                         
Natural gas marketing (5)
  $ 457     $ 511       -10.6 %
                         
Other Costs and Expenses
                       
Exploration expense and impairment of natural gas and oil properties
  $ 6,418     $ 5,643       13.7 %
General and administrative expense
  $ 10,694     $ 12,094       -11.6 %
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
  $ 28,389     $ 34,360       -17.4 %
                         
Interest Expense
  $ 7,800     $ 8,383       -7.0 %
                         
Amounts may not calculate due to rounding
                       
                         


 
(1)
Production is net and determined by multiplying the gross production volume of properties in which we have an interest by the percentage of the leasehold or other property interest we own.
 
(2)
A ratio of energy content of natural gas and oil (six Mcf of natural gas equals one Bbl of oil) was used to obtain a conversion factor to convert oil production into equivalent Mcf of natural gas.
 
(3)
Amounts represent realized derivative gains and losses related to natural gas and oil sales; the amounts do not include realized derivative gains and losses related to natural gas marketing.
 
(4)
Lifting costs represent natural gas and oil operating expenses, which exclude production taxes.
 
(5)
Represents sales from natural gas marketing less cost of natural gas marketing.

 
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PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
 
 
Natural Gas and Oil Sales

The following tables present natural gas and oil production and average sales price by area.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Percentage Change
 
Production
                 
Natural gas (Mcf)
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
Rocky Mountain Region
    6,275,218       7,788,034       -19.4 %
Appalachian Basin (1)
    630,510       975,681       -35.4 %
Other
    368,799       326,546       12.9 %
Total
    7,274,527       9,090,261       -20.0 %
Oil (Bbls)
                       
Rocky Mountain Region
    294,876       341,183       -13.6 %
Appalachian Basin (1)
    722       1,704       -57.6 %
Other
    1,080       997       8.3 %
Total
    296,678       343,884       -13.7 %
Natural gas equivalent (Mcfe)
                       
Rocky Mountain Region
    8,044,474       9,835,132       -18.2 %
Appalachian Basin (1)
    634,842       985,905       -35.6 %
Other
    375,279       332,528       12.9 %
Total
    9,054,595       11,153,565       -18.8 %
 

 
(1)
Approximately 84.4%, 11.1% and 83.1%, of the decrease in natural gas, oil and natural gas equivalent, respectively, was the result of our contribution of natural gas and oil properties to PDCM.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
Percentage Change
 
Average Sales Price (excluding derivative gains/losses)
                 
Natural gas (per Mcf)
       
 
   
 
 
Rocky Mountain Region
  $ 5.32     $ 2.94       81.0 %
Appalachian Basin
    5.34       5.04       6.0 %
Other
    4.87       4.22       15.4 %
Weighted average price
    5.30       3.23       64.1 %
Oil (per Bbl)
                       
Rocky Mountain Region
    73.52       37.78       94.6 %
Appalachian Basin
    79.18       37.06       113.7 %
Other
    76.81       36.29       111.7 %
Weighted average price
    73.55       37.77       94.7 %
Natural gas equivalent (per Mcfe)
                       
Rocky Mountain Region
    6.84       3.65       87.4 %
Appalachian Basin
    5.39       5.04       6.9 %
Other
    5.01       4.25       17.9 %
Weighted average price
    6.67       3.79       76.0 %

Despite decreases in production for the first quarter of 2010, natural gas and oil sales revenue for this period, excluding the provision for underpayment of gas sales, increased $18 million, compared to the same 2009 period.  Approximately $26.1 million of the increase in natural gas and oil sales revenue for the 2010 three-month period was due to pricing, offset in part by decreased production, which reduced natural gas and oil sales by $8 million.

 
21

 
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
 
 
Natural Gas and Oil Pricing. Our results of operations depend upon many factors, particularly the price of natural gas and oil and our ability to market our production effectively.  Natural gas and oil prices are among the most volatile of all commodity prices.  These price variations have a material impact on our financial results.  Natural gas prices vary by region and locality, depending upon the distance to markets, and the supply and demand relationships in that region or locality and the availability of sufficient pipeline capacity.  This can be especially true in the Rocky Mountain Region.  The combination of increased drilling activity and the lack of local markets has resulted in a local market oversupply situation from time to time.  Like most producers in the region, we rely on major interstate pipeline companies to construct these pipelines to increase capacity, rendering the timing and availability of these facilities beyond our control.  Oil pricing is driven predominantly by global supply and demand relationships.

The price we receive for our natural gas produced in the Rocky Mountain Region is based on a market basket of prices, which generally includes gas sold at Colorado Interstate Gas ("CIG") prices as well as gas sold at Mid-Continent or other nearby region prices.  The CIG Index, and other indices for production delivered to other Rocky Mountain pipelines, has historically been less than the price received for natural gas produced in the eastern regions, which is New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") -based.  This negative differential has narrowed in recent months and for two out of the last six months became a slight positive differential, which is inconsistent with historical variances.  This negative differential between NYMEX and CIG averaged $1.62 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, and narrowed to an average of $0.16 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  Along with the higher sales price of natural gas liquids, which sales are included in our natural gas sales, the price we realized in the Rocky Mountain Region exceeded the NYMEX index price for the first quarter of 2010.

The table below identifies the market for our natural gas and oil sales based on production for the first quarter of 2010.  The pricing basis is the index that most closely relates to the price under which our natural gas and oil was sold.

Energy Market Exposure
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
Area
 
Market
 
Commodity
 
Percent of Production
                 
Rocky Mountain Region
               
Piceance/Wattenberg
 
Colorado Interstate Gas
 
Gas
   
40%
 
Colorado/North Dakota
 
NYMEX
 
Oil
   
20%
 
Piceance
 
San Juan Basin/Southern California
 
Gas
   
15%
 
NECO
 
Mid Continent (Panhandle Eastern)
 
Gas
   
9%
 
Wattenberg
 
Colorado Liquids
 
Gas
   
4%
 
Total Rocky Mountain Region
           
88%
 
Appalachian Basin
 
NYMEX
 
Gas
   
7%
 
Other
 
Other
 
Gas/Oil
   
5%
 
             
100%
 

Natural Gas and Oil Production and Well Operations Costs. Natural gas and oil production and well operations costs include our lease operating expenses, production taxes, the cost to operate wells and pipelines for our affiliated partnerships and other third parties (whose income is included in well operations, pipeline income and other) and certain production and engineering staff related overhead costs.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
             
Lease operating expenses
  $ 9,452     $ 10,321  
Production taxes
    2,429       1,913  
Costs of well operations and pipeline income
    1,932       1,643  
Overhead and other production expenses
    1,863       2,484  
Total natural gas and oil production and well operations costs
  $ 15,676     $ 16,361  

Lease operating expenses.  Lifting costs per Mcfe increased 11.8% to $1.04 per Mcfe for the first quarter of 2010 from $0.93 per Mcfe for the same period in 2009.  The increased per Mcfe costs are primarily due to a decrease in production volumes of 18.8%, which results in the fixed cost portion of our lease operating expenses being absorbed by a reduced number of units.

 
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PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
 

Production taxes.  Production taxes increased $0.5 million or 27% to $2.4 million in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.  Production taxes vary directly with natural gas and oil sales.

Costs of well operations and pipeline income.  The increases in cost of well operations and pipeline income for the first quarter of 2010 compared to same period in 2009 were the result of increased costs related to pipeline and compressor expenses.

Commodity Price Risk Management, Net

Commodity price risk management, net includes realized gains and losses and unrealized changes in the fair value of derivative instruments related to our natural gas and oil production.  Commodity price risk management, net does not include derivative transactions related to natural gas marketing, which are included in sales from and cost of natural gas marketing.  See Note 3, Fair Value Measurements, and Note 4, Derivative Financial Instruments, to our accompanying financial statements included in this report for additional details of our derivative financial instruments.

The following table presents the realized and unrealized derivative gains and losses included in commodity price risk management, net.

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Commodity price risk management gain, net:
           
Realized gains:
 
 
   
 
 
Natural gas
  $ 20,879     $ 29,332  
Oil
    2,045       7,294  
Total realized gain, net
    22,924       36,626  
Unrealized gains (losses):
               
Reclassification of realized gains included in prior periods unrealized
    (21,067 )     (30,193 )
Unrealized gains for the period
    41,365       17,250  
Total unrealized gain (loss), net
    20,298       (12,943 )
Total commodity price risk management gain, net
  $ 43,222     $ 23,683  

Realized gains recognized in the first quarter of 2010 of $22.9 million are a result of lower natural gas and oil spot prices at settlement compared to the respective strike price.  During the first quarter of 2010, we recorded unrealized gains of $41.8 million, $45.4 million of which was related to our natural gas positions, offset in part by unrealized losses on our CIG basis swaps of $4.4 million as the forward basis differential between NYMEX and CIG had continued to narrow.

During the first quarter of 2009, we experienced both realized and unrealized derivative gains as natural gas and oil prices declined.  The net unrealized gain for the first quarter of 2009 of $17.3 million comprised of $33 million net unrealized gain from our commodity derivatives offset in part by a decrease in fair value of our CIG basis swaps of $15.7 million.

Natural Gas and Oil Sales Derivative Instruments.  We use various derivative instruments to manage fluctuations in natural gas and oil prices.  We have in place a variety of collars, fixed-price swaps and basis swaps on a portion of our estimated natural gas and oil production.  Under our collar arrangements, if the applicable index rises above the ceiling price, we pay the counterparty; however, if the index drops below the floor price, the counterparty pays us.  Under our commodity swap arrangements, if the applicable index rises above the swap price, we pay the counterparty; however, if the index drops below the swap price, the counterparty pays us.  Under our basis protection swaps, if the differential widens beyond the basis swap price, then the counterparty pays us; however, if the differential narrows, then we pay the counterparty.  Because we sell all of our physical natural gas and oil at similar prices to the indexes inherent in our derivative instruments, we ultimately realize a price for our hedged production related to our collars of no less than the floor and no more than the ceiling and, for our commodity swaps, we ultimately realize the fixed price related to our swaps.

 
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PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
 

The following table presents our derivative positions (including our proportionate share of the derivative positions designated to our affiliated partnerships) in effect as of March 31, 2010, related to natural gas and oil production by area.

                     
CIG
       
   
Collars
   
Fixed-Price Swaps
   
Basis Protection Swaps
       
   
Quantity (Gas-MMbtu
   
Weighted Average Contract Price
   
Quantity (Gas-MMbtu
   
Weighted Average Contract
   
Quantity
   
Weighted Average Contract
   
Fair Value At
March 31, 2010 (1)
 
Commodity/Operating Area/Index
 
Oil-Bbls)
   
Floors
   
Ceilings
   
Oil-Bbls)
   
Price
   
(Gas-MMbtu)
   
Price
   
(in thousands)
 
                                                 
Natural Gas
                                               
Rocky Mountain Region
                                               
CIG