INCOME TAXES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

The Company records its quarterly tax provision based on an estimate of the annual effective tax rate expected to apply to continuing operations for the various jurisdictions in which it operates. The tax effects of certain items, such as tax rate changes, significant unusual or infrequent items, and certain changes in the assessment of the realizability of deferred taxes, are recognized as discrete items in the period in which they occur and are excluded from the estimated annual effective tax rate.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company's effective tax rate for the period was (83)%, which differs from the statutory rate of 21% primarily as a result of the partial release of the valuation allowance on the Company's deferred tax assets.

At each reporting period, the Company weighs all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether its deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets, including net operating losses, is recognized when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax assets will not be realized. To assess that likelihood, the Company uses estimates and judgment regarding future taxable income and considers the tax laws in the jurisdiction where such taxable income is generated, to determine whether a valuation allowance is required. Such evidence can include current financial position, results of operations, both actual and forecasted, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities and tax planning strategies as well as the current and forecasted business economics of the oil and gas industry. Based upon the Company’s analysis, the Company currently believes that it is more likely than not that a portion of the Company's federal and state deferred tax assets will be utilized. The Company estimates a $701.5 million and $17.4 million reduction in the related valuation allowance associated with its federal and state deferred tax assets, respectively, will be recognized throughout the year.The Company will continue to evaluate both the positive and negative evidence on a quarterly basis in determining the need for a valuation allowance with respect to the deferred assets. Changes in positive and negative evidence, including differences between estimated and actual results, could result in changes in the valuation of the deferred tax assets that could have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Changes in existing tax laws could also affect actual tax results and the realization of deferred tax assets over time.