Gulfport Energy Corporation Reports First Quarter 2016 Results

OKLAHOMA CITY, May 04, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gulfport Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:GPOR) (“Gulfport” or the “Company”) today reported financial and operational results for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 and provided an update on its 2016 activities.  Key information for the first quarter of 2016 includes the following:

  • Net production averaged 692.2 MMcfe per day, exceeding the high-end of Gulfport’s first quarter of 2016 guidance of 685 MMcfe per day.
  • Realized natural gas price, before the impact of derivatives and including transportation costs, averaged $1.39 per Mcf, a $0.70 per Mcf differential to the average trade month NYMEX settled price.
  • Realized oil price, before the impact of derivatives and including transportation costs, averaged $26.32 per barrel, a $7.20 per barrel differential to the average WTI oil price.
  • Realized natural gas liquids price, before the impact of derivatives and including transportation costs, averaged $9.18 per barrel, or $0.22 per gallon.
  • Net loss of $242.3 million, or $2.17 per diluted share.
  • Adjusted net income (as defined and reconciled below) of $15.1 million, or $0.14 per diluted share.
  • Adjusted EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) of $96.7 million.
  • Reduced unit lease operating expense for the first quarter of 2016 by 41% to $0.26 per Mcfe from to $0.44 per Mcfe in the first quarter of 2015.
  • Reduced unit midstream gathering and processing expense for the first quarter of 2016 by 10% to $0.60 per Mcfe from $0.66 per Mcfe in the first quarter of 2015.
  • Due to increased efficiencies and further reductions in service costs, Gulfport has decreased its total expected well costs by approximately $300,000 per well, relative to the estimates provided in November 2015.
  • Increased hedge position to approximately 518 MMcf per day of natural gas fixed price swaps during 2016 at an average fixed price of $3.20 per Mcf and a base level of 355 MMcf per day of natural gas fixed price swaps during 2017 at an average fixed price of $3.08 per Mcf.

Michael G. Moore, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “The first quarter of 2016 was another solid operational quarter for Gulfport, highlighted by strong production from our Utica Shale assets and our continued focus on efficiencies that led to decreased costs across the board. In addition, Gulfport improved upon our already solid balance sheet, completing a successful equity offering which provides us with flexibility and optionality as we contemplate the appropriate levels of activity for 2017.”

Financial Results
For the first quarter of 2016, Gulfport reported a net loss of $242.3 million, or $2.17 per diluted share, on oil and natural gas revenues of $157.0 million.  For the first quarter of 2016, EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) was $58.3 million and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities (as defined and reconciled below) was $83.2 million.  Gulfport’s GAAP net loss for the first quarter of 2016 includes the following items:  

  • Aggregate non-cash derivative loss of $7.7 million.
  • Aggregate loss of $219.0 million in connection with the impairment of oil and natural gas properties.
  • Aggregate loss of $23.1 million in connection with the impairment associated with Gulfport’s equity interest in Grizzly Oil Sands.
  • Aggregate loss of $7.7 million in connection with Gulfport's equity interests in certain equity investments.
  • Associated adjusted taxable benefit of $0.2 million.

Excluding the effect of these items, Gulfport’s financial results for the first quarter of 2016 would have been as follows:

  • Adjusted oil and natural gas revenues of $164.6 million.
  • Adjusted net income of $15.1 million, or $0.14 per diluted share.
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $96.7 million.

Production and Realized Prices
Gulfport’s net daily production for the first quarter of 2016 averaged approximately 692.2 MMcfe per day. For the first quarter of 2016, Gulfport’s net daily production mix was comprised of approximately 85% natural gas, 9% natural gas liquids and 6% oil.

Gulfport’s realized prices for the first quarter of 2016 were $2.46 per Mcf of natural gas, $28.45 per barrel of oil and $0.21 per gallon of NGL, resulting in a total equivalent price of $2.49 per Mcfe. Gulfport's realized prices for the first quarter of 2016 include an aggregate non-cash derivative loss of $7.7 million. Before the impact of derivatives, realized prices for the first quarter of 2016, including transportation costs, were $1.39 per Mcf of natural gas, $26.32 per barrel of oil and $0.22 per gallon of NGL, for a total equivalent price of $1.58 per Mcfe.


GULFPORT ENERGY CORPORATION
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
(Unaudited)
           
      Three Months Ended 
       March 31, 
Production Volumes:     2016       2015  
           
Natural gas (MMcf)     53,307       25,965  
Oil (MBbls)     602       766  
NGL (MGal)     42,527       53,478  
Gas equivalent (MMcfe)     62,993       38,198  
Gas equivalent (Mcfe per day)   692,230       424,425  
           
Average Realized Prices      
(before the impact of derivatives):      
           
Natural gas (per Mcf)   $ 1.39     $ 2.77  
Oil (per Bbl)   $ 26.32     $ 41.72  
NGL (per Gal)   $ 0.22     $ 0.41  
Gas equivalent (per Mcfe) $ 1.58     $ 3.30  
           
Average Realized Prices:      
(including cash-settlement of derivatives and excluding non-cash derivative gain or loss):
   
           
Natural gas (per Mcf)   $ 2.49     $ 3.44  
Oil (per Bbl)   $ 36.86     $ 43.59  
NGL (per Gal)   $ 0.23     $ 0.41  
Gas equivalent (per Mcfe) $ 2.61     $ 3.79  
           
Average Realized Prices:      
           
Natural gas (per Mcf)   $ 2.46     $ 4.57  
Oil (per Bbl)   $ 28.45     $ 46.37  
NGL (per Gal)   $ 0.21     $ 0.41  
Gas equivalent (per Mcfe) $ 2.49     $ 4.61  


Gulfport’s estimated April 2016 net production averaged approximately 688 MMcfe per day. Gulfport currently estimates that its second quarter of 2016 net production will range from 664 MMcfe per day to 692 MMcfe per day.

2016 Capital Spending
During the first quarter of 2016, Gulfport’s drilling and completion capital expenditures totaled $74.5 million and leasehold capital expenditures totaled $19.7 million. 

Capital Markets Activity
On March 15, 2016, Gulfport closed an upsized underwritten public offering of 16,905,000 shares of the Company's common stock, including shares the Company issued to the underwriters under a 30-day option to purchase additional shares. The Company received net proceeds of approximately $411.9 million after underwriting discounts, commissions and estimated offering expenses.  Gulfport intends to use the net proceeds from this offering primarily to fund a portion of its 2017 capital development plan and for general corporate purposes.

Financial Position and Liquidity
As of March 31, 2016, Gulfport had cash on hand of approximately $454.4 million. In addition, as of March 31, 2016, Gulfport’s revolving credit facility of $700 million was undrawn and had $472.2 million available for future borrowing after giving effect to outstanding letters of credit totaling $227.8 million.

Derivatives
Gulfport has hedged a portion of its expected production to lock in prices and returns that provide certainty of cash flow to execute on its capital plans. The table below sets forth the Company's hedging positions as of May 4, 2016.


GULFPORT ENERGY CORPORATION
COMMODITY DERIVATIVES - HEDGE POSITION AS OF MAY 4, 2016
(Unaudited)
                     
       
        2Q2016   3Q2016   4Q2016    
Natural gas:                    
  Swap contracts (NYMEX)                  
  Volume (BBtupd)       530       537       540      
  Price ($ per MMBtu)     $ 3.15     $ 3.08     $ 3.14      
                     
  Swaption contracts (NYMEX)                  
  Volume (BBtupd)       -       -       -      
  Price ($ per MMBtu)     $ -     $ -     $ -      
                     
  Basis Swap Contract  (Michcon)                  
  Volume (BBtupd)       40       40       40      
  Differential ($ per MMBtu)     $ 0.02     $ 0.02     $ 0.02      
                     
  Basis Swap Contract  (Tetco M2)                  
  Volume (BBtupd)       -       -       33      
  Differential ($ per MMBtu)     $ -     $ -     $ (0.59 )    
Oil:                    
  Swap contracts (LLS)                  
  Volume (Bblpd)       1,500       -       -      
  Price ($ per Bbl)     $ 63.03     $ -     $ -      
                     
  Swap contracts (WTI)                  
  Volume (Bblpd)       1,000       -       -      
  Price ($ per Bbl)     $ 61.40     $ -     $ -      
                     
C3 Propane:                    
  Swap contracts (TET)                  
  Volume (Bblpd)       1,500       1,500       1,500      
  Price ($ per Gal)     $ 0.48     $ 0.48     $ 0.48      
                     
                     
                     
          2016       2017       2018       2019  
Natural gas:                    
  Swap contracts (NYMEX)                  
  Volume (BBtupd)       518       355       172       5  
  Price ($ per MMBtu)     $ 3.20     $ 3.08     $ 3.02     $ 3.37  
                     
  Swaption contracts (NYMEX)                  
  Volume (BBtupd)       6       120       5       -  
  Price ($ per MMBtu)     $ 3.25     $ 3.23     $ 2.91     $ -  
                     
  Basis Swap Contract  (Michcon)                  
  Volume (BBtupd)       47       -       -       -  
  Differential ($ per MMBtu)     $ 0.05     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                     
                     
  Basis Swap Contract  (Tetco M2)                  
  Volume (BBtupd)       8       12       -       -  
  Differential ($ per MMBtu)     $ (0.59 )   $ (0.59 )   $ -     $ -  
                     
Oil:                    
  Swap contracts (LLS)                  
  Volume (Bblpd)       746       -       -       -  
  Price ($ per Bbl)     $ 63.03     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                     
  Swap contracts (WTI)                  
  Volume (Bblpd)       497       -       -       -  
  Price ($ per Bbl)     $ 61.40     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                     
C3 Propane:                    
  Swap contracts (TET)                  
  Volume (Bblpd)       1,397       -       -       -  
  Price ($ per Gal)     $ 0.48     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                     


Operational Update
Utica Shale
In the Utica Shale, Gulfport spud 10 gross (7.1 net) wells and turned-to-sales 15 gross (8.0 net) wells during the first quarter of 2016. During the first quarter, net production from Gulfport’s Utica acreage averaged approximately 670.7 MMcfe per day, an increase of 8% over the fourth quarter of 2015 and an increase of 69% over the first quarter of 2015. Due to increased efficiencies and further reductions in service costs, Gulfport has decreased its total expected well costs by approximately $300,000 per well, relative to the estimates provided in November 2015. At present, Gulfport is operating three horizontal rigs drilling in the play.

Southern Louisiana
At its West Cote Blanche Bay and Hackberry fields, Gulfport performed 17 recompletions at the fields during the first quarter of 2016. During the first quarter, net production at the fields totaled approximately 20.6 MMcfe per day. 

2016 Capital Budget and Production Guidance
Gulfport reaffirms its 2016 capital budget and production guidance.  The table below summarizes the Company’s full year 2016 guidance:


GULFPORT ENERGY CORPORATION
COMPANY GUIDANCE
         
    Year Ending
    12/31/2016
    Low   High
Forecasted Production        
 Average Daily Gas Equivalent (MMcfepd)   695       730  
 % Gas   87 %     91 %
 % Liquids   13 %     9 %
                 
Forecasted Realizations (before the effects of hedges) (1)               
 Natural Gas (Differential to NYMEX Settled Price) - $/Mcf ($ 0.61 )   ($ 0.66 )
 NGL ($ per gallon) $ 0.18     $ 0.22  
 Oil (Differential to NYMEX WTI) $/Bbl ($ 7.00 )   ($ 8.00 )
         
Projected Operating Costs        
 Lease Operating Expense - $/Mcfe $ 0.27     $ 0.30  
 Production Taxes - $/Mcfe $ 0.06     $ 0.07  
 Midstream Gathering and Processing - $/Mcfe $ 0.54     $ 0.64  
 General and Administrative - $MM $ 50     $ 55  
         
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization - $/Mcfe  $ 0.95     $ 1.05  
        
   Total 
Budgeted D&C Expenditures - In Millions:        
 Operated $ 245     $ 275  
 Non-Operated $ 90     $ 100  
 Total Budgeted E&P Capital Expenditures $ 335     $ 375  
         
Budgeted Midstream Expenditures - In Millions:    $ 30     $ 35  
         
Budgeted Leasehold Expenditures - In Millions:    $ 60     $ 65  
         
Total Capital Expenditures - In Millions:    $ 425     $ 475  
         
Net Wells Drilled        
 Utica - Operated   19       21  
 Utica - Non-Operated   2       3  
 Total   21       24  
         
Net Wells Turned-to-Sales       
 Utica - Operated   28       30  
 Utica - Non-Operated   8       9  
 Total   36       39  
         
(1)  Differential forecasts assume strip pricing as of 5/2/2016.        


Presentation
An updated presentation has been posted to the Company’s website. The presentation can be found at www.gulfportenergy.com under the “Company Information” section on the “Investor Relations” page.  Information on the Company’s website does not constitute a portion of this press release.   

Conference Call
Gulfport will hold a conference call on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. CDT to discuss its first quarter of 2016 financial and operational results and to provide an update on the Company’s recent activities. 

Interested parties may listen to the call via Gulfport’s website at www.gulfportenergy.com or by calling toll-free at 866-373-3408 or 412-902-1039 for international callers.  The passcode for the call is 13622396.  A replay of the call will be available for two weeks at 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 for international callers.  The replay passcode is 13622396.  The webcast will also be available for two weeks on the Company’s website and can be accessed on the Company’s “Investor Relations” page. 

About Gulfport
Gulfport Energy Corporation is an Oklahoma City-based independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company with its principal producing properties located in the Utica Shale of Eastern Ohio and along the Louisiana Gulf Coast. In addition, Gulfport holds a sizeable acreage position in the Alberta Oil Sands in Canada through its 25% interest in Grizzly Oil Sands ULC.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that Gulfport expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business strategy and measures to implement strategy, competitive strength, goals, expansion and growth of Gulfport's business and operations, plans, market conditions, references to future success, reference to intentions as to future matters and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Gulfport in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with Gulfport's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, general economic, market, credit or business conditions; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by Gulfport; Gulfport’s ability to identify, complete and integrate acquisitions of properties and businesses; competitive actions by other oil and gas companies; changes in laws or regulations; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Gulfport. Information concerning these and other factors can be found in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurances that the actual results or developments anticipated by Gulfport will be realized, or even if realized, that they will have the expected consequences to or effects on Gulfport, its business or operations. Gulfport has no intention, and disclaims any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to net (loss) income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, plus interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense, accretion expense, depreciation, depletion and amortization and impairment of oil and gas properties. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to EBITDA less non-cash derivative loss, loss from impairment of Grizzly equity investment and loss from equity method investments. Cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to cash provided by operating activity before changes in operating assets and liabilities. Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure equal to pre-tax net loss less non-cash derivative loss, loss from impairment of oil and gas properties, impairment of Grizzly equity investment and loss from equity investments plus tax benefits excluding adjustments. The Company has presented EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because it uses these measures as an integral part of its internal reporting to evaluate its performance and the performance of its senior management. These measures are considered important indicators of the operational strength of the Company's business and eliminate the uneven effect of considerable amounts of non-cash depletion, depreciation of tangible assets and amortization of certain intangible assets. A limitation of these measures, however, is that they do not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues in the Company's business. Management evaluates the costs of such tangible and intangible assets and the impact of related impairments through other financial measures, such as capital expenditures, investment spending and return on capital. Therefore, the Company believes that these measures provide useful information to its investors regarding its performance and overall results of operations. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities are not intended to be performance measures that should be regarded as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, either net income as an indicator of operating performance or to cash flows from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. In addition, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities are not intended to represent funds available for dividends, reinvestment or other discretionary uses, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and cash flow from operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities presented in this press release may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies, and may not be identical to corresponding measures used in the Company's various agreements.


GULFPORT ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
           
       Three Months Ended March 31, 
        2016       2015  
      (In thousands, expect share data)
Revenues:         
 Gas sales   $ 131,094     $ 118,570  
 Oil and condensate sales     17,121       35,500  
 Natural gas liquids sales     8,746       22,007  
 Other income     2       240  
           
        156,963       176,317  
           
Costs and expenses:         
 Lease operating expenses     16,657       16,980  
 Production taxes     3,111       4,285  
 Midstream gathering and processing     37,652       25,381  
 Depreciation, depletion and amortization     65,477       89,909  
 Impairment of oil and gas properties     218,991       -  
 General and administrative     10,620       10,799  
 Accretion expense     247       190  
            -  
        352,755       147,544  
           
(LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS:       (195,792 )     28,773  
           
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:         
 Interest expense     16,023       8,759  
 Interest income     (94 )     (9 )
 Loss (income) from equity method investments     30,737       (19,975 )
        46,666       (11,225 )
           
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   (242,458 )     39,998  
           
INCOME TAX (BENEFIT) EXPENSE       (191 )     14,479  
           
NET (LOSS) INCOME     $ (242,267 )   $ 25,519  
           
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE:          
           
 Basic net (loss) income per share   $ (2.17 )   $ 0.30  
           
 Diluted net (loss) income per share   $ (2.17 )   $ 0.30  
           
           
 Basic weighted average shares outstanding     111,509,585       85,679,606  
           
 Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     111,509,585       86,120,030  
           


 GULFPORT ENERGY CORPORATION 
  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
 (Unaudited) 
      March 31,   December 31,
        2016       2015  
Assets (In thousands, except share data)
Current assets:        
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 454,377     $ 112,974  
  Accounts receivable - oil and gas     78,501       71,872  
  Accounts receivable - related parties     17       16  
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets     2,755       3,905  
  Short-term derivative instruments     152,211       142,794  
           
   Total current assets   687,861       331,561  
           
Property and equipment:        
  Oil and natural gas properties, full-cost accounting,        
  $1,782,295 and $1,817,701 excluded from amortization in 2016 and 2015, respectively   5,506,570       5,424,342  
  Other property and equipment     40,576       33,171  
  Accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment     (3,112,767 )     (2,829,110 )
           
  Property and equipment, net   2,434,379       2,628,403  
           
Other assets:        
  Equity investments     244,601       242,393  
  Long-term derivative instruments     42,455       51,088  
  Deferred tax assets     76,327       74,925  
  Other assets     17,036       6,364  
           
  Total other assets   380,419       374,770  
           
  Total assets $ 3,502,659     $ 3,334,734  
           
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity      
Current liabilities:        
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 235,834     $ 265,128  
  Asset retirement obligation - current     75       75  
  Short-term derivative instruments     5,715       437  
  Deferred tax liability     51,908       50,697  
  Current maturities of long-term debt     -       179  
           
  Total current liabilities   293,532       316,516  
           
Long-term derivative instruments     10,127       6,935  
Asset retirement obligation - long-term     28,471       26,362  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities     949,740       946,084  
           
  Total liabilities   1,281,870       1,295,897  
           
Commitments and contingencies        
           
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 authorized,        
  30,000 authorized as redeemable 12% cumulative preferred stock,        
  Series A; 0 issued and outstanding     -       -  
           
Stockholders' equity:        
  Common stock - $.01 par value, 200,000,000 authorized,        
  125,327,560 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2016 and 108,322,250 in 2015   1,252       1,082  
  Paid-in capital     3,239,294       2,824,303  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (46,119 )     (55,177 )
  Retained deficit     (973,638 )     (731,371 )
           
  Total stockholders' equity   2,220,789       2,038,837  
           
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,502,659     $ 3,334,734  
           


GULFPORT ENERGY CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF EBITDA AND CASH FLOW
(Unaudited)
         
     Three Months Ended March 31, 
      2016       2015  
     (In thousands) 
         
Net (loss) income $ (242,267 )   $ 25,519  
Interest expense   16,023       8,759  
Income tax (benefit) expense   (191 )     14,479  
Accretion expense   247       190  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization   65,477       89,909  
Impairment of oil and gas properties   218,991       -  
EBITDA   $ 58,280     $ 138,856  
         
         
         
     Three Months Ended March 31, 
      2016       2015  
     (In thousands) 
         
Cash provided by operating activity $ 83,774     $ 99,037  
Adjustments:      
Changes in operating assets and liabilities   (548 )     (10,857 )
Operating Cash Flow $ 83,226     $ 88,180  
 

 

GULFPORT ENERGY CORPORATION  
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET INCOME  
(Unaudited)  
       
     Three Months Ended   
    March 31, 2016  
     (In thousands, except share data)   
       
Pre-tax net loss excluding adjustments   $ (242,458 )  
Adjustments:      
Non-cash derivative loss     7,685    
Impairment of oil and gas properties     218,991    
Impairment of Grizzly equity investment     23,069    
Loss from equity method investments     7,668    
Pre-tax net income excluding adjustments   $ 14,955    
       
Tax benefit excluding adjustments     (191 )  
       
Adjusted net income   $ 15,146    
       
Adjusted net income per common share:      
       
Basic   $ 0.14    
       
Diluted   $ 0.14    
       
Basic weighted average shares outstanding     111,509,585    
       
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding     111,509,585    


GULFPORT ENERGY CORPORATION
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED EBITDA
(Unaudited)
     Three Months Ended 
    March 31, 2016
     (In thousands) 
     
EBITDA   $ 58,280  
     
Adjustments:    
Non-cash derivative loss     7,685  
Impairment of Grizzly equity investment     23,069  
Loss from equity method investments     7,668  
     
     
Adjusted EBITDA   $ 96,702  
     
Investor & Media Contact:
Paul Heerwagen – Vice President, Corporate Development
pheerwagen@gulfportenergy.com
405-242-4888

Jessica Wills – Manager, Investor Relations and Research
jwills@gulfportenergy.com
405-242-4421

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Source: Gulfport Energy Corp