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Fair Value Measurements
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value Measurements  
Fair Value Measurements

9. Fair Value Measurements

        The authoritative guidance for fair value measurements establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for use when little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

        A financial instrument's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the classification of assets and liabilities within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of all derivative instruments is estimated with industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. The fair value of all derivative instruments is estimated using a combined income and market valuation methodology based upon forward commodity price and volatility curves. The curves are obtained from independent pricing services, and the Company has made no adjustments to the obtained prices. The pricing services publish observable market information from multiple brokers and exchanges. All valuations were compared against counterparty valuations to verify the reasonableness of prices. The Company also considers counterparty credit risk and its own credit risk in its determination of all estimated fair values. The Company has consistently applied these valuation techniques in all periods presented and believes it has obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts it holds. The Company recognizes transfers between levels at the end of the reporting period for which the transfer has occurred.

Liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

        The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company's net derivative liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

(in millions)
  Total   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  

Commodity derivatives liability, net

                         
 

June 30, 2011

  $ (102.4 ) $   $ (102.4 ) $  
 

December 31, 2010

  $ (113.6 ) $   $ (11.8 ) $ (101.8 )

Changes in Level 3 fair value measurements

        The table below includes a rollforward of the Condensed Balance Sheet amounts (including the change in fair value) for financial instruments classified by the Company within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. When a determination is made to classify a financial instrument within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the determination is based upon the significance of the unobservable factors to the overall fair value measurement. Level 3 financial instruments typically include, in addition to the unobservable or Level 3 components, observable components (that is, components that are actively quoted and can be validated to external sources).

 
  Three months ended
June 30,
  Six months ended
June 30,
 
(in millions)
  2011   2010   2011   2010  

Fair value liability, beginning of period

  $   $ (34.5 ) $ (101.8 ) $ (26.0 )
 

Transfers out of Level 3(1)

            101.8      
   

Realized and unrealized gain included in earnings

        41.2         41.9  
 

Settlements

        (10.7 )       (19.9 )
                   

Fair value liability, end of period

  $   $ (4.0 ) $   $ (4.0 )
                   

Total unrealized gain included in earnings related to financial assets and liabilities still on the Condensed Balance Sheet at June 30, 2011 and 2010

  $   $ 30.5   $   $ 22.0  

(1)
During the first quarter of 2011, the inputs used to value oil collars, natural gas collars and natural gas basis swaps were directly or indirectly observable, and these instruments were transferred to level 2.

        For further discussion related to the Company's derivatives see Note 8 to the Condensed Financial Statements.

Fair Market Value of Financial Instruments

        The Company uses various assumptions and methods in estimating the fair values of its financial instruments. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximated their fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of the Company's credit facilities approximated fair value because the interest rates on the credit facilities are variable and could be at similar rates today. The fair values of the 2016 Notes, the 2014 Notes, and 2020 Notes were estimated based on quoted market prices. The fair values of the Company's derivative instruments and other investments are discussed above.

 
  June 30, 2011   December 31, 2010  
(in millions)
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
 

Line of credit

  $ 13   $ 13   $ 5   $ 5  

Senior secured revolving credit facility

    395     395     170     170  

8.25% Senior subordinated notes due 2016

    200     208     200     210  

10.25% Senior notes due 2014

    440     513     439     518  

6.75% Senior notes due 2020

    300     300     300     303  
                   

 

  $ 1,348   $ 1,429   $ 1,114   $ 1,206