Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company records certain financial and non-financial assets and liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Market or observable inputs are the preferred sources of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

Level 2 – Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.

Level 3 – Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

Valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs are favored. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the levels of the fair value hierarchy. Reclassifications of fair value between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, if applicable, are made at the end of each quarter.

The following tables summarize the Company’s financial and non-financial liabilities by valuation level as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

	December 31, 2018
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Derivative Instruments	$	—	$	21,352	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative Instruments	$	—	$	34,393	$	—

	December 31, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Assets:
Derivative Instruments	$	—	$	87,532	$	—
Liabilities:
Derivative Instruments	$	—	$	35,523	$	—

The Company estimates the fair value of all derivative instruments using industry-standard models that considered various assumptions including current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, implied volatility, time value, nonperformance risk, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument and can be supported by observable data.

The estimated fair values of proved oil and gas properties assumed in business combinations are based on a discounted cash flow model and market assumptions as to future commodity prices, projections of estimated quantities of oil and natural gas reserves, expectations for timing and amount of future development and operating costs, projections of future rates of production, expected recovery rates, and risk-adjusted discount rates. The estimated fair values of unevaluated oil and gas properties was based on geological studies, historical well performance, location and applicable mineral lease terms. Based on the unobservable nature of certain of the inputs, the estimated fair value of the oil and gas properties assumed is deemed to use Level 3 inputs. The asset retirement obligations assumed as part of the business combination were estimated using the same assumptions and methodology as described below. See Note 2 for further discussion of the Company's acquisitions.

The initial measurement of asset retirement obligations at fair value is calculated using discounted cash flow techniques and based on internal estimates of future retirement costs associated with oil and gas properties. Given the unobservable nature of the inputs, including plugging costs and reserve lives, the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation liability is deemed to use Level 3 inputs. See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company’s asset retirement obligations. Asset retirement obligations incurred and downward revisions recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 were approximately $1.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

The fair value of the common stock received from Mammoth Energy in connection with the Company’s contribution of all of its membership interests in Sturgeon, Stingray Energy and Stingray Cementing was estimated using Level 1 inputs, as the price per share was a quoted price in an active market for identical Mammoth Energy common shares.

Due to the unobservable nature of the inputs, the fair value of the Company's investment in Grizzly was estimated using assumptions that represent Level 3 inputs. The Company estimated the fair value of the investment as of March 31, 2016 to be approximately $39.1 million. See Note 4 for further discussion of the Company's investment in Grizzly.