Bonanza Creek Energy Announces First Quarter 2018 Financial Results and Operational Update


  • First quarter production volumes averaged 16.8 MBoe per day, above high end of guidance
  • Enhanced completion wells continue to outperform type curve
  • First quarter GAAP net income of $13.9 million, or $0.68 per diluted share; adjusted net income (1) of $21.8 million, or $1.07 per diluted share; adjusted EBITDAX(1) of $29.7 million

(1)  Non-GAAP measures, see attached Reconciliation Schedules

DENVER, May 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc. (NYSE:BCEI) (the "Company" or "Bonanza Creek") today announces its first quarter 2018 financial results and operating outlook and has posted an updated investor presentation on its corporate website.

Eric Greager, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "I am excited to be part of the Bonanza Creek team and believe that the first quarter marked a solid start to the year. Our team has made great progress in driving better well results through the application of higher-intensity completions. I look forward to continuing our innovation in this area and applying these techniques across our acreage position. I am also pleased with Bonanza’s differentiated midstream capabilities and the demonstrated value that they provide to our operations. I believe that 2018 will be a pivotal year for our company and shareholders."

First Quarter 2018 Results

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company reported average daily production of 16.8 MBoe per day, which exceeded the high end of the Company's guidance range of 16.0 – 16.6 MBoe per day. Production outperformance for the quarter was a result of strong new well completions and consistently low line pressures on the Company's Rocky Mountain Infrastructure system ("RMI").The Company's first quarter production decreased by 5% when compared to the first quarter of 2017 due to minimal drilling and completion activity throughout the first half of 2017. Product mix for the first quarter of 2018 was 59% oil, 17% NGLs, and 24% natural gas. 

Net revenue for the first quarter of 2018 was $64.2 million, compared to $52.6 million for the first quarter of 2017. The increase in first quarter 2018 net revenue compared to 2017 was a result of increased commodity pricing, greater oil-weighted production, and the adoption of ASC 606, which requires revenues to be reported on a gross basis and no longer net of certain gathering, transportation, and processing charges. The net effect of these changes in presentation increased revenues and related gathering, transportation, and processing line items for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, by $2.3 million, and had no effect on net income. Please see additional disclosure on the adoption of this revenue recognition standard in note 3 of the Company's 10-Q filed on May 8, 2018.  Crude oil accounted for approximately 81% of total revenue. Differentials for the Company's Rocky Mountain oil production during the quarter averaged approximately $5.68 per Bbl off of NYMEX WTI. Corporate average realized prices for the first quarter of 2018 are presented below.

  
Average Realized Prices 
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Oil (per Bbl)57.89
Gas (per Mcf)2.78
NGL (per Bbl)23.33
Boe (Per Boe)42.27
  

Lease operating expense ("LOE") for the first quarter of 2018 was $10.5 million, or $6.93 per Boe, a 5% increase in total LOE compared to $9.9 million, or $6.28 per Boe, in the first quarter of 2017. Gas plant and midstream operating expense for the first quarter of 2018 was $3.6 million, or $2.39 per Boe, a 34% increase in total gas plant and midstream operating expense compared to $2.7 million, or $1.71 per Boe, in the first quarter of 2017. Absolute and per-unit LOE and gas plant and midstream operating expenses increased during the first quarter of 2018 primarily as a result of implementation costs from compressor swaps that occurred during the quarter. The Company accelerated its transition to an efficient fleet, which is expected to reduce compressor costs and help ensure low gathering system pressures going forward. These reduced costs, along with increased production, are expected to drive down per-unit LOE metrics each quarter for the remainder of 2018.

Below is a breakout of the Company's regional LOE and gas plant and midstream operating expense for the first quarter of 2018.

 
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 Rocky Mountain Mid-Continent Total Company
 ($M) ($/Boe) ($M) ($/Boe) ($M) ($/Boe)
Lease operating expense$7,424  $6.00  $3,035  $11.15  $10,459  $6.93 
Gas plant and midstream operating expense$2,368  $1.92  $1,245  $4.57  3,613  $2.39 
Total$9,792  $7.92  $4,280  $15.72  $14,072  $9.32 
                        

The Company's general and administrative ("G&A") expense was $9.5 million for the first quarter of 2018, a 21% decrease from the first quarter of 2017. The decrease is primarily due to reduced advisory fees and cost reduction initiatives that were implemented since the Company's restructuring, including the previously announced reduction in force, which occurred in August of 2017.

Reported net income for the first quarter of 2018 was $13.9 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $94.3 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2017.  The net loss in 2017 was driven by reorganization items of $89.0 million. Adjusted net income for the first quarter of 2018 was $21.8 million, or $1.07 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $0.8 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2017. The increase in adjusted net income over the prior year was driven by improved cost structure, greater oil-weighted production, and an increase in commodity prices over the prior period.

Adjusted EBITDAX for the first quarter of 2018 was $29.7 million, a 9% increase compared to $27.3 million for the first quarter of 2017.

Adjusted net income (loss) and adjusted EBITDAX are non-GAAP financial measures. Please refer to the respective reconciliations in the schedules at the end of this release for additional information about these measures.

The table below summarizes the Company's annual results as compared to previously provided guidance.

    
Guidance vs Actual Summary   
 1Q18 Guidance 1Q18 Actual
Production (MBoe/d)16.0 - 16.6 16.8 
    
 Annual Guidance YTD Actual
Lease operating expense ($/Boe)$5.00 - $6.00 $6.93 
Gas plant and midstream operating expense ($/Boe)$1.40 - $1.80 $2.39 
Cash G&A ($MM)*$32 - $34 $9 
Production taxes (% of pre-derivative realization)7% - 8% 8%
CAPEX ($MM)$280 - $320 $52 
    
* Cash G&A guidance is a non-GAAP measure that is exclusive of the Company's stock based compensation. The Company does not guide to GAAP G&A expense as it has excessive uncertainty due to the stock based compensation portion of GAAP G&A. Please refer to the non-GAAP disclosure at the end of this release for information regarding cash G&A.
 

The Company reported quarterly production above the high end of guidance in the first quarter. The Company's lease operating expense and gas plant and midstream operating expense for the first quarter were above the Company's expectation due to the aforementioned accelerated compressor swap program, which resulted in moderately higher per Boe metrics. The Company expects its per-unit operating costs to reduce throughout the year as production volumes increase and system efficiencies are utilized.

Production, Capital, and Expense Outlook

The Company is updating its 2018 annual guidance and providing second quarter 2018 production guidance. Annual operating cost and CAPEX guidance ranges remain unchanged from the previously provided guidance ranges with the exception of recurring cash G&A, which has been updated to reflect compensation for the Company's newly-appointed CEO. Below is a table summarizing the Company's production, capital, and expense guidance for the remainder of 2018.

    
Guidance Summary   
 Three Months Ended 
June 30, 2018
 Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2018
    
Production (MBoe/d)18.0 – 18.6 17.7 – 18.7
LOE ($/Boe)  $5.00 – $6.00
Midstream expense ($/Boe)  $1.40 – $1.80
Recurring cash G&A* ($MM)  $33 – $35
Production taxes (% of pre-derivative realization)  7% – 8%
Total CAPEX ($MM)  $280 – $320
* Recurring Cash G&A is a non-GAAP measure that excludes the Company's stock based compensation. The Company does not guide to GAAP G&A expense as it has excessive uncertainty due to the stock based compensation portion of GAAP G&A.
 

Operational Highlights

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company spud 18 gross (12.6 net) operated wells, seven of which were extended reach lateral ("XRL") wells, and completed 8 gross (6.5 net) operated wells, all of which were standard reach lateral ("SRL") wells.

The Company is providing initial well results for the three XRL wells on its J21 and T21 pads, which were completed in the second half of 2017 on the Company's central acreage. These two pads had a combined well count of five wells, two SRLs and three XRLs. The three XRL wells have average cumulative production of 8.6 MBoe per 1,000 feet of lateral after 156 days of production and are outperforming the Company's legacy central XRL type curve by approximately 35%. The average projected three-stream EUR for these XRL wells is approximately 680 MBoe. The Company is encouraged by these results, as they are the first XRL results the Company has obtained using the enhanced stimulation and controlled flow-back programs.

At the beginning of 2018, the Company turned online its eight-SRL F26 pad on its western legacy acreage. Results from these wells have been encouraging and are exceeding the Company's legacy west SRL type curve by 40%. These eight SRL wells have average cumulative production of 6.5 MBoe per 1,000 feet of lateral after 78 days of production. The wells on this pad still have increasing daily production rates, and as such the Company is waiting for the rates to peak before determining an EUR.

The Company has provided updated production results for these wells along with updated production data from its other enhanced completion wells in its May Investor Presentation, which is available on the Company's website.

Financial Highlights

As of the end of the first quarter, the Company had liquidity of $182.5 million, which included cash on hand of $5.8 million and $176.7 million of borrowing capacity under its credit facility.  The Company has no outstanding term debt and had $15.0 million outstanding on its credit facility. The Company's balance sheet strength allows it to be flexible, patient and selective in its investment decisions, and the opportunity to participate in growth opportunities. 

Commodity Derivative Position
The Company's current hedge position is summarized in the table below and reflects additional hedges the Company entered into through May 8, 2018.

     
  Crude Oil
(NYMEX WTI)
 Natural Gas
(NYMEX Henry Hub)
  Bbls/day Weighted Avg.
Price per Bbl
 MMBtu/day Weighted Avg.
Price per MMBTU
2Q18        
Cashless Collar 2,000  $42.00/$52.50 6,259  $2.75/$3.38
Swap 3,835  55.03   
3Q18        
Cashless Collar 2,000  $43.00/$53.50 7,600  $2.75/$3.31
Swap 5,000  57.87   
4Q18        
Cashless Collar 2,000  $43.00/$53.50 6,600  $2.75/$3.37
Swap 5,000  58.07   
1Q19        
Cashless Collar 2,000  $43.00/$54.53 7,600  $2.75/$3.22
Swap 4,000  58.16   
2Q19        
Cashless Collar 1,330  $44.01/$54.79 2,505  $2.75/$3.22
Swap 4,500  58.32   
3Q19        
Swap 3,000  55.00   
4Q19        
Swap 3,000  55.00   
           

Conference Call Information

The Company will host a conference call to discuss these financial and operating results on May 9, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time (11:00 a.m. Eastern Time). A webcast of the live event, as well as a replay, will be available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.bonanzacrk.com. Dial-in information for the conference call is included below.

TypePhone NumberPasscode
Live Participant877-793-43626175978
Replay855-859-20566175978

About Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc.

Bonanza Creek Energy, Inc. is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of onshore oil and associated liquids-rich natural gas in the United States. The Company’s assets and operations are concentrated primarily in the Rocky Mountain region in the Wattenberg Field, focused on the Niobrara and Codell formations, and in southern Arkansas, focused on oily Cotton Valley sands. The Company’s common shares are listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol: “BCEI.” For more information about the Company, please visit www.bonanzacrk.com. Please note that the Company routinely posts important information about the Company under the Investor Relations section of its website.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management’s experience, perception of historical trends and technical analyses, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate and reasonable by management. When used in this press release, the words “will,” “potential,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “expect,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “could,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “profile,” “model” or their negatives, other similar expressions or the statements that include those words, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements include statements regarding development and completion expectations and strategy; decreasing operating and capital costs; impact of the Company's reorganization; and updated 2018 guidance. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements, including the following: changes in natural gas, oil and NGL prices; general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates; drilling results; shortages of oilfield equipment, services and personnel; operating risks such as unexpected drilling conditions; ability to acquire adequate supplies of water; risks related to derivative instruments; access to adequate gathering systems and pipeline take-away capacity; and pipeline and refining capacity constraints. Further information on such assumptions, risks and uncertainties is available in the Company’s SEC filings. We refer you to the discussion of risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed on March 15, 2018, and other filings submitted by us to the Securities Exchange Commission. The Company’s SEC filings are available on the Company’s website at www.bonanzacrk.com and on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, including guidance, and the Company undertakes no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

For further information, please contact:
Scott Fenoglio
SVP - Finance and Planning
720-225-6667
sfenoglio@bonanzacrk.com

Schedule 1: Statement of Operations
(in thousands, expect for per share amounts, unaudited)

 Successor  Predecessor
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
     
Operating net revenues:    
Oil and gas sales$64,193   $52,559 
Operating expenses:    
Lease operating expense10,459   9,925 
Gas plant and midstream operating expense3,613   2,705 
Gathering, transportation and processing2,338    
Severance and ad valorem taxes5,233   4,319 
Exploration29   3,407 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization7,508   21,212 
Abandonment and impairment of unproved properties2,502    
Unused commitments21   993 
General and administrative (including $1,008 and $1,725, respectively, of stock-based compensation)9,533   12,094 
Total operating expenses41,236   54,655 
Income (loss) from operations22,957   (2,096)
Other income (expense):    
Derivative loss(8,742)   
Interest expense(357)  (4,568)
Reorganization items, net   (89,003)
Other income12   1,391 
Total other expense(9,087)  (92,180)
Income (loss) from operations before taxes13,870   (94,276)
Income tax benefit (expense)    
Net income (loss)$13,870   $(94,276)
Comprehensive income (loss)$13,870   $(94,276)
Basic net income (loss) per common share$0.68   $(1.91)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share$0.68   $(1.91)
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding20,454   49,452 
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding20,470   49,452 
  • The Predecessor Company followed the two-class method when computing the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share, which allocates earnings between common shareholders and unvested participating securities. The Successor Company follows the treasury stock method to compute basic and diluted net income (loss) per share. Please refer to Note 12 – Earnings per Share in the Form 10-Q, for a detailed calculation.

Schedule 2: Statement of Cash Flows
(in thousands, unaudited)

 Successor  Predecessor
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
     
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income (loss)$13,870   $(94,276)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation, depletion and amortization7,508   21,212 
Non-cash reorganization items   57,341 
Abandonment and impairment of unproved properties2,502    
Well abandonment costs and dry hole expense   2,701 
Stock-based compensation1,008   1,725 
Derivative loss8,742    
Derivative cash settlements(4,312)   
Other172   383 
Changes in current assets and liabilities:    
  Accounts receivable(15,758)  (3,814)
  Prepaid expenses and other assets3,402   (536)
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(566)  31,092 
  Settlement of asset retirement obligations(665)  (176)
    Net cash provided by operating activities15,903   15,652 
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Acquisition of oil and gas properties(98)  (439)
Exploration and development of oil and gas properties(37,664)  (3,425)
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties20    
Additions to property and equipment - non oil and gas(103)  (201)
    Net cash used in investing activities(37,845)  (4,065)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Proceeds from credit facility15,000    
Payment of employee tax withholdings in exchange for the return of common stock   (335)
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities15,000   (335)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(6,942)  11,252 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:    
Beginning of period$12,782   80,747 
End of period$5,840   $91,999 

Schedule 3: Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, unaudited)Successor
 March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017
ASSETS   
Current assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$5,761  $12,711 
Accounts receivable:   
Oil and gas sales37,781  28,549 
Joint interest and other10,357  3,831 
Prepaid expenses and other3,153  6,555 
Inventory of oilfield equipment1,308  1,019 
Derivative assets126  488 
Total current assets58,486  53,153 
Property and equipment (successful efforts method):   
Proved properties495,141  555,341 
Less: accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization(21,401) (17,032)
Total proved properties, net473,740  538,309 
Unproved properties181,193  183,843 
Wells in progress68,735  47,224 
Oil and gas properties held for sale, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of $2,583 in 201882,504     
Other property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,482 in 2018 and $2,224 in 20174,551  4,706 
Total property and equipment, net810,723  774,082 
Long-term derivative assets56  6 
Other noncurrent assets3,142  3,130 
Total assets$   872,407  $830,371 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   
Current liabilities:   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$69,148  $62,129 
Oil and gas revenue distribution payable18,481  15,667 
Derivative liability15,427  11,423 
Total current liabilities103,056  89,219 
Long-term liabilities:   
Credit facility15,000   
Ad valorem taxes15,435  11,584 
Long-term derivative liability3,086  2,972 
Asset retirement obligations for oil and gas properties26,939  38,262 
Asset retirement obligations for oil and gas properties held for sale5,679   
Total liabilities169,195  142,037 
Stockholders’ equity:   
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding   
Common stock, $.01 par value, 225,000,000 shares authorized, 20,453,619 and 20,453,549 issued and outstanding in 2018 and 2017, respectively4,286  4,286 
Additional paid-in capital690,076  689,068 
Retained earnings (deficit)8,850  (5,020)
Total stockholders’ equity703,212  688,334 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$872,407  $830,371 

Schedule 4: Volumes and Realized Prices (Before and After the Effect of Commodity Hedges)
(unaudited)

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017
Wellhead Volumes and Prices   
    
Crude Oil and Condensate Sales Volumes (Bbl/d)   
Rocky Mountains8,281  7,197 
Mid-Continent1,667  1,934 
Total9,948  9,131 
    
Crude Oil and Condensate Realized Prices ($/Bbl)   
Rocky Mountains$57.01  $47.80 
Mid-Continent$62.34  $51.55 
Composite$57.89  $48.59 
Composite (after derivatives)$52.86  $48.59 
    
Natural Gas Liquids Sales Volumes (Bbl/d)   
Rocky Mountains2,415  3,290 
Mid-Continent447  490 
Total2,862  3,780 
    
Natural Gas Liquids Realized Prices ($/Bbl)   
Rocky Mountains$22.33  $15.72 
Mid-Continent$28.73  $25.65 
Composite$23.33  $17.01 
Composite (after derivatives)$23.33  $17.01 
    
Natural Gas Sales Volumes (Mcf/d)   
Rocky Mountains18,257  21,435 
Mid-Continent5,467  6,433 
Total23,724  27,868 
    
Natural Gas Realized Prices ($/Mcf)   
Rocky Mountains$2.64  $2.57 
Mid-Continent$3.25  $3.24 
Composite$2.78  $2.73 
Composite (after derivatives)$2.87  $2.73 
    
Crude Oil Equivalent Sales Volumes (Boe/d)   
Rocky Mountains13,739  14,060 
Mid-Continent3,025  3,496 
Total16,764  17,556 
    
Crude Oil Equivalent Sales Prices ($/Boe)   
Rocky Mountains$41.79  $32.07 
Mid-Continent$44.48  $38.07 
Composite$42.27  $33.26 
Composite (after derivatives)$39.42  $33.26 
    
Total Sales Volumes (MBoe)1,508.8  1,580.0 

Schedule 5: Per unit operating margins
(unaudited)

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017 Percent Change
Production     
Oil (MBbl)895  822  9%
Gas (MMcf)2,135  2,508  (15)%
NGL (MBbl)258  340  (24)%
Equivalent (MBoe)1,509  1,580  (5)%
      
Realized pricing (before derivatives)     
Oil ($/Bbl)$57.89  $48.59  19%
Gas ($/Mcf)$2.78  $2.73  2%
NGL ($/Bbl)$23.33  $17.01  37%
Equivalent ($/Boe)$42.27  $33.26  27%
      
Per Unit Costs ($/Boe)     
Realized price (before derivatives)$42.27  $33.26  27%
Lease operating expense6.93  6.28  10%
Gathering, transportation and processing1.55    %
Gas plant and midstream operating expense2.39  1.71  40%
Severance and ad valorem3.47  2.73  27%
Cash general and administrative5.65  6.56  (14)%
Total cash operating costs$19.99  $17.28  16
%
Cash operating margin (before derivatives)$22.28  $15.98  39%
Derivative cash settlements(2.85)   %
Cash operating margin (after derivatives)$19.43  $15.98  22
%
      
Non-cash items     
Non-cash general and administrative$0.67  $1.09  (39)%

Schedule 6: Adjusted Net Income (Loss)
(in thousands, except per share amounts, unaudited)

Adjusted net income (loss) is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management to present recurring profitability that is more comparable between periods by excluding items that are non-recurring in nature or items which are not easily estimable. Management believes adjusted net income (loss) provides external users of the Company's consolidated financial statements such as industry analysts, investors, creditors, and rating agencies with additional information to assist in their analysis of the Company. The Company defines adjusted net income (loss) as net income (loss) after adjusting first for (1) the impact of certain non-cash items and one-time transactions and then (2) the non-cash and one time items’ impact on taxes based on a tax rate that approximates the Company's effective tax rate in each period. Adjusted net income (loss) is not a measure of net income (loss) as determined by GAAP.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) to the non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted net income (loss).

  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2018 2017
Net income (loss) $13,870  $(94,276)
Adjustments to net income (loss):    
Derivative loss 8,742   
Derivative cash settlements (4,312)  
Abandonment and impairment of unproved properties 2,502   
Exploratory dry hole expense   2,701 
Unused commitments  21  993 
Stock-based compensation (1) 1,008  1,725 
Reorganization items, net    89,003 
Pre-petition advisory fees (1)   683 
Total adjustments before taxes 7,961  95,105 
Income tax effect    
Total adjustments after taxes $7,961  $95,105 
     
Adjusted net income (loss) $21,831  $829
 
Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share (2) $1.07  $0.02
 
     
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding (2) 20,470  49,452 
     
(1) Included as a portion of general and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
(2) For the three-month period ended March 31, 2018, the Company used the Successor's diluted weighted average share count to calculate adjusted net income per diluted share.
 

Schedule 7: Adjusted EBITDAX
(in thousands, unaudited)

Adjusted EBITDAX is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management to provide a metric of the Company's ability to internally generate funds for exploration and development of oil and gas properties. The metric excludes items which are non-recurring in nature and/or items which are not reasonably estimable. Management believes adjusted EBITDAX provides external users of the Company’s consolidated financial statements such as industry analysts, investors, lenders, and rating agencies with additional information to assist in their analysis of the Company. The Company defines Adjusted EBITDAX as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, impairment, exploration expenses and other similar non-cash and non-recurring charges. Adjusted EBITDAX is not a measure of net income (loss) or cash flows as determined by GAAP.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of net income (loss) to the non-GAAP financial measure of Adjusted EBITDAX.

  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2018 2017
Net income (loss) $13,870  $(94,276)
Exploration 29  3,407 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 7,508  21,212 
Abandonment and impairment of unproved properties 2,502   
Unused commitments  21  993 
Stock-based compensation (1) 1,008  1,725 
Interest expense 357  4,568 
Derivative loss 8,742   
Derivative cash settlements (4,312)  
Pre-petition advisory fees (1)   683 
Reorganization items, net   89,003 
Income tax effect    
Adjusted EBITDAX $29,725  $27,315 
     
(1) Included as a portion of general and administrative expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

Schedule 8: Cash G&A
(in thousands, unaudited)

Cash G&A is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management to provide only the cash portion of its G&A expense, which can be used to evaluate cost management and operating efficiency on a comparable basis from period to period. Management believes cash G&A provides external users of the Company’s consolidated financial statements such as industry analysts, investors, lenders, and rating agencies with additional information to assist in their analysis of the Company. The Company defines cash G&A as GAAP general and administrative expense exclusive of the Company's stock based compensation and one-time charges, such as severance costs and advisor fees. The Company refers to cash G&A to provide typical cash G&A costs that are planned for in a given period. Cash G&A is not a fully inclusive measure of general and administrative expense as determined by GAAP.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measure of general and administrative expense to the non-GAAP financial measure of cash G&A.

  Three Months Ended March 31,
  2018 2017
General and administrative $9,533  $12,094 
Stock-based compensation (1,008) (1,725)
Cash G&A $8,525  $10,369