Comstock Resources(CRK) - 2021 Q4 - Annual Report

Reserves and Production - As of December 31, 2021, the company reported proved reserves of 6.1 Tcfe with a PV 10 Value of $6.8 billion[52]. - The average reserve life of the company's proved reserves is approximately 12 years, providing a stable production outlook[52]. - As of December 31, 2021, the company reported total proved reserves of 6,121,844 MMcfe, with 96% located in the Haynesville and Bossier shales[71]. - The company’s proved undeveloped reserves increased by 277 Bcf during 2021, with all reserves associated with Haynesville and Bossier shale properties[78]. - Proved undeveloped reserves as of December 31, 2021, total 3,872,423 MMcf of natural gas and 1,643 MBbls of oil, with future development costs estimated at $2.7 billion[82]. - The company reported a significant increase in production, achieving an average of 1.2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day (BOE/d), representing a 15% increase year-over-year[7]. - Net production volumes for natural gas in 2021 were 489,274 MMcf, an increase from 450,836 MMcf in 2020, while oil production decreased to 1,210 MBbls from 1,508 MBbls[93]. - The company reported a net production of 10,000 MMcf/d, reflecting a 15% increase year-over-year[30]. - Proved developed reserves increased to 50 million barrels of oil equivalent (MMBOE), representing a 20% growth compared to the previous year[36]. Operational Capacity and Efficiency - The company has drilled and completed 331 (265.4 net) operated wells from 2015 through 2021, showcasing its operational capacity[55]. - The company focuses on low-risk drilling opportunities through advanced technologies, resulting in attractive economic returns[56]. - The company drilled 100 gross development wells in 2021, with a net of 54.1, compared to 71 gross wells and 47.4 net in 2020[95]. - Operating expenses decreased by 5% to $12 per BOE, reflecting improved operational efficiencies[7]. - The company is focusing on reducing operational costs by 15% through improved efficiency measures and technology integration[1]. Financial Performance and Investments - In 2021, the company spent $628.2 million on exploration and development activities, drilling 100 horizontal wells with an average lateral length of approximately 9,000 feet, replacing 161% of its 2021 production[60]. - Revenue for the quarter reached $450 million, a 20% increase compared to the previous quarter, driven by higher oil prices and increased production[7]. - The company has allocated $100 million for capital expenditures in the next year, focusing on technology upgrades and new drilling techniques[7]. - Future guidance estimates production growth of 12% for the next fiscal year, with anticipated revenue of approximately $500 million[7]. - The company has allocated $100 million for research and development in advanced 3-D seismic technology to enhance exploration efficiency[42]. Market Position and Strategy - The company operates in a premier natural gas basin with geographical proximity to Gulf Coast markets, enhancing market access[51]. - The company has identified 3,409 drilling locations, with an average lateral length of 8,520 feet, providing several years of drilling activity[62]. - A new marketing strategy has been implemented, targeting a 30% increase in market share within the next two years[7]. - The company plans to expand its market presence by entering three new regions, targeting a 25% increase in market share over the next two years[1]. - The company is exploring potential acquisitions to expand its portfolio, with a focus on assets in the Permian Basin[7]. - A strategic acquisition of a smaller competitor is anticipated to close by Q2 2024, expected to add 5 million barrels of oil equivalent to reserves[1]. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance - The company is subject to extensive and continually changing regulations affecting its operations, including those from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)[107]. - The company believes it is in substantial compliance with current environmental laws and regulations, which may impose significant costs and liabilities in the future[119]. - The Clean Water Act imposes restrictions on the discharge of produced waters and other wastes, requiring permits for such discharges[125]. - The company anticipates that changes in environmental regulations may not materially adversely affect its operations compared to other industry players[124]. - The company believes its operations comply with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and similar state statutes, indicating no more burdensome requirements than those faced by similar companies in oil and natural gas exploration[126]. Workforce and Management - The company has 205 employees as of December 31, 2021, and utilizes contract employees for certain operations, emphasizing a commitment to a qualified and diverse workforce[143]. - The company maintains a strong health and safety management system to ensure operational excellence and an injury-free workplace, including a COVID-19 exposure prevention plan[144]. - The company’s executive team includes M. Jay Allison as CEO since 1988 and Roland O. Burns as President since 2013, highlighting stability in leadership[147][148].