Basis of Presentation (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Denbury Resources Inc., a Delaware corporation, is an independent oil and natural gas company with operations focused in two key operating areas: the Gulf Coast and Rocky Mountain regions. Our goal is to increase the value of our properties through a combination of exploitation, drilling and proven engineering extraction practices, with the most significant emphasis relating to CO₂ enhanced oil recovery operations.

Interim Financial Statements - Basis of Accounting, Policy

Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Denbury Resources Inc. and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (the “Form 10-K”). Unless indicated otherwise or the context requires, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Company” or “Denbury,” refer to Denbury Resources Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Interim Financial Statements - Use of Estimates

Accounting measurements at interim dates inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year end, and the results of operations for the interim periods shown in this report are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. In management’s opinion, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair statement of our consolidated financial position as of March 31, 2016, our consolidated results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, and our consolidated cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. On the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, beginning “Other current assets,” “Deferred tax liabilities, net,” “Paid-in capital in excess of par” and “Accumulated deficit” have been adjusted for changes related to (1) the accounting for excess tax benefits and forfeitures associated with share-based payment transactions, (2) debt issuance costs associated with our senior subordinated notes have been reclassified from “Other assets” to “Long-term debt, net of current portion” and (3) deferred tax assets have been reclassified from “Deferred tax assets, net” to “Deferred tax liabilities, net.” Such reclassifications were made as a result of our adoption of new accounting pronouncements described in Recent Accounting Pronouncements – Recently Adopted below and had no impact on our previously reported net income or cash flows.

Net Loss per Common Share

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is calculated in the same manner, but includes the impact of potentially dilutive securities. Potentially dilutive securities consist of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), nonvested restricted stock and nonvested performance-based equity awards. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, there were no adjustments to net loss for purposes of calculating basic and diluted net loss per common share.

The following is a reconciliation of the weighted average shares used in the basic and diluted net loss per common share calculations for the periods indicated:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
In thousands	2016	2015
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	347,235	350,688
Potentially dilutive securities
Restricted stock, stock options, SARs and performance-based equity awards	—	—
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	347,235	350,688

Basic weighted average common shares exclude shares of nonvested restricted stock. As these restricted shares vest, they will be included in the shares outstanding used to calculate basic net loss per common share (although time-vesting restricted stock is issued and outstanding upon grant).

The following securities could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future, but were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share, as their effect would have been antidilutive:



	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
In thousands	2016	2015
Stock options and SARs	7,412	10,507
Restricted stock and performance-based equity awards	5,097	2,948

Oil and Natural Gas Properties Policy

Write-Down of Oil and Natural Gas Properties

The net capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties are limited to the lower of unamortized cost or the cost center ceiling. The cost center ceiling is defined as (1) the present value of estimated future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas reserves before future abandonment costs (discounted at 10%), based on the average first-day-of-the-month oil and natural gas price for each month during a 12-month rolling period prior to the end of a particular reporting period; plus (2) the cost of properties not being amortized; plus (3) the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved properties included in the costs being amortized, if any; less (4) related income tax effects. Our future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas reserves are not reduced for development costs related to the cost of drilling for and developing CO₂ reserves nor those related to the cost of constructing CO₂ pipelines, as those costs have previously been incurred by the Company. Therefore, we include in the ceiling test, as a reduction of future net revenues, that portion of our capitalized CO₂ costs related to CO₂ reserves and CO₂ pipelines that we estimate will be consumed in the process of producing our proved oil and natural gas reserves. The fair value of our oil and natural gas derivative contracts is not included in the ceiling test, as we do not designate these contracts as hedge instruments for accounting purposes. The cost center ceiling test is prepared quarterly.

As a result of the precipitous and continuing decline in NYMEX oil prices since the fourth quarter of 2014, the rolling first-day-of-the-month average oil price for the preceding 12 months, after adjustments for market differentials by field, has fallen throughout 2015 and the first quarter of 2016, from $79.55 per Bbl for the first quarter of 2015 to $44.03 per Bbl for the first quarter of 2016. In addition, the first-day-of-the-month average natural gas price for the preceding 12 months, after adjustments for market differentials by field, was $3.95 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2015 and $2.22 per Mcf for the first quarter of 2016. These falling prices have led to our recognizing full cost pool ceiling test write-downs of $256.0 million and $146.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and March 31, 2015, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted

Stock Compensation. In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. The standard contains various amendments, each requiring a specific method of adoption, and designates whether each amendment should be adopted using a retrospective, modified retrospective, or prospective transition method. Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted ASU 2016-09. The amendments within ASU 2016-09 related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized and accounting for forfeitures were adopted using a modified retrospective method. In accordance with this method, we recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, relating to the timing of recognition of excess tax benefits, representing a $15.7 million reduction to beginning “Accumulated deficit” with the offset to “Deferred tax liabilities, net” ($14.8 million) and “Other current assets” ($0.8 million). We also recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015, to reflect actual forfeitures versus the previously-estimated forfeiture rate, representing a $0.4 million reduction to beginning “Accumulated deficit” with the offset to “Paid-in capital in excess of par.” The amendments within ASU 2016-09 related to the recognition of excess tax benefits and tax shortfalls in the income statement and presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows were adopted prospectively, with no adjustments made to prior periods.

Income Taxes. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 simplifies the presentation of deferred income taxes and requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in the balance sheet. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively to each period presented or prospectively. Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted ASU 2015-17, which has been applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. Accordingly, current deferred tax assets of $1.5 million have been reclassified from “Deferred tax assets, net” to “Deferred tax liabilities, net” in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

Debt Issuance Costs. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability to be presented as a direct reduction of the carrying amount of that debt in the balance sheet, consistent with the presentation of debt discounts. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities are required to apply the guidance on a retrospective basis to each period presented as a change in accounting principle. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, Interest – Imputation of Interest: Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-15”) which amends ASU 2015-03 to clarify the presentation and subsequent measurement of debt issuance costs associated with line of credit arrangements, such that entities may continue to apply current practice. Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15, which have been applied retrospectively for all comparative periods presented. Accordingly, debt issuance costs associated with our senior subordinated notes of $32.8 million have been reclassified from “Other assets” to “Long-term debt, net of current portion” in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows.

Not Yet Adopted

Leases. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 amends the guidance for lease accounting to require lease assets and liabilities to be recognized on the balance sheet, along with additional disclosures regarding key leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, and early adoption is permitted. Entities must adopt the standard using a modified retrospective transition and apply the guidance to the earliest comparative period presented, with certain practical expedients that entities may elect to apply. Management is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 amends the guidance for revenue recognition to replace numerous, industry-specific requirements. The core principle of the ASU is that an entity should recognize revenue for the transfer of goods or services equal to the amount that it expects to be entitled to receive for those goods or services. The ASU implements a five-step process for customer contract revenue recognition that focuses on transfer of control, as opposed to transfer of risk and rewards. The amendment also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2015-14”) which amends ASU 2014-09 and delays the effective date for public companies, such that the amendments in the ASU are effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption will be permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2016-08”) which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. Entities can transition to the standard either retrospectively to each period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. Management is currently assessing the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09, ASU 2015-14 and ASU 2016-08 will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Commodity Derivative Contracts

We do not apply hedge accounting treatment to our oil and natural gas derivative contracts; therefore, the changes in the fair values of these instruments are recognized in income in the period of change. These fair value changes, along with the settlements of expired contracts, are shown under “Commodity derivatives expense (income)” in our Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Historically, we have entered into various oil and natural gas derivative contracts to provide an economic hedge of our exposure to commodity price risk associated with anticipated future oil and natural gas production and to provide more certainty to our future cash flows. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Generally, these contracts have consisted of various combinations of price floors, collars, three-way collars, fixed-price swaps and fixed-price swaps enhanced with a sold put. The production that we hedge has varied from year to year depending on our levels of debt, financial strength and expectation of future commodity prices.

We manage and control market and counterparty credit risk through established internal control procedures that are reviewed on an ongoing basis. We attempt to minimize credit risk exposure to counterparties through formal credit policies, monitoring procedures and diversification, and all of our commodity derivative contracts are with parties that are lenders under our Bank Credit Agreement (or affiliates of such lenders). As of March 31, 2016, all of our outstanding derivative contracts were subject to enforceable master netting arrangements whereby payables on those contracts can be offset against receivables from separate derivative contracts with the same counterparty. It is our policy to classify derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis on our balance sheets, even if the contracts are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements.

Fair Value Measurements

The FASC Fair Value Measurement topic defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (often referred to as the “exit price”). We utilize market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated or generally unobservable. We primarily apply the income approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavor to utilize the best available information. Accordingly, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. We are able to classify fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. The FASC establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:


•	Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.

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Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. Level 2 includes those financial instruments that are valued using models or other valuation methodologies. Instruments in this category include non-exchange-traded oil derivatives that are based on NYMEX pricing and fixed-price swaps that are based on regional pricing other than NYMEX (e.g., Light Louisiana Sweet). The fixed-price swap features of our enhanced swaps are valued using a discounted cash flow model based upon forward commodity price curves. Our costless collars and the sold put features of our enhanced oil swaps and three-way collars are valued using the Black-Scholes model, an industry standard option valuation model that takes into account inputs such as contractual prices for the underlying instruments, maturity, quoted forward prices for commodities, interest rates, volatility factors and credit worthiness, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the instrument, can be derived from observable data or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.

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Level 3 – Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value. At March 31, 2016, instruments in this category include non-exchange-traded enhanced swaps, costless collars and three-way collars that are based on regional pricing other than NYMEX (e.g., Light Louisiana Sweet). The valuation models utilized for enhanced swaps, costless collars and three-way collars are consistent with the methodologies described above; however, the implied volatilities utilized in the valuation of Level 3 instruments are developed using a benchmark, which is considered a significant unobservable input. An increase or decrease of 100 basis points in the implied volatility inputs utilized in our fair value measurement would result in a change of approximately $14 thousand in the fair value of these instruments as of March 31, 2016.

We adjust the valuations from the valuation model for nonperformance risk, using our estimate of the counterparty’s credit quality for asset positions and our credit quality for liability positions. We use multiple sources of third-party credit data in determining counterparty nonperformance risk, including credit default swaps.