Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Commitments

v2.4.0.8
Commitments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments [Abstract]  
Commitments
COMMITMENTS
Plugging and Abandonment Funds
In connection with the Company's acquisition in 1997 of the remaining 50% interest in its WCBB properties, the Company assumed the seller’s (Chevron) obligation to contribute approximately $18,000 per month through March 2004 to a plugging and abandonment trust and the obligation to plug a minimum of 20 wells per year for 20 years commencing March 11, 1997. Chevron retained a security interest in production from these properties until abandonment obligations to Chevron have been fulfilled. Beginning in 2009, the Company could access the trust for use in plugging and abandonment charges associated with the property, although it has not yet done so. As of December 31, 2013, the plugging and abandonment trust totaled approximately $3.1 million. At December 31, 2013, the Company had plugged 354 wells at WCBB since it began its plugging program in 1997, which management believes fulfills its current minimum plugging obligation.
Contributions to 401(k) Plan
Gulfport sponsors a 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan under which eligible employees may contribute up to 100% of their total compensation up to the maximum pre-tax threshold through salary deferrals. Also under the plan, the Company will make a contribution each calendar year on behalf of each employee equal to at least 3% of his or her salary, regardless of the employee’s participation in salary deferrals and may also make additional discretionary contributions. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, Gulfport incurred $0.6 million, $0.4 million, and $0.3 million, respectively, in contributions expense related to this plan.
Employment Agreements
Effective November 1, 2012, the Company entered into employment agreements with its executive officers, each with an initial three-year term that expires on November 1, 2015 subject to automatic one-year extensions unless terminated by either party to the agreement at least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term. These agreements provide for minimum salary and bonus levels which are subject to review and potential increase by the Compensation Committee and/or the Board of Directors, as well as participation in the Company's Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (or other equity incentive plans that may be put in place for the benefit of employees) and other employee benefits. The aggregate minimum commitment for future salaries and bonuses at December 31, 2013 was approximately $3.5 million.
Gulfport's former Chairman, Mr. Liddell, resigned effective June 2013 at which date his employment agreement with Gulfport terminated. At that same date, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Liddell. The minimum commitment under the consulting agreement at December 31, 2013 was approximately $1.1 million.
Firm Transportation Commitments
As of December 31, 2013, the Compay had approximately 183,000 MMBtu per day of firm sales contracted with third parties. Of these sales, 33,000 MMBtu per day, 100,000 MMBtu per day and 50,000 MMBtu per day expire in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
Operating Leases
The Company leases office facilities under non-cancellable operating leases exceeding one year. Future minimum lease commitments under these leases at December 31, 2013 are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
2014
$
536

2015
494

2016
426

2017
398

Total
$
1,854



The following table presents rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.
 
For the years ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
(In thousands)
Minimum rentals
$
258


$
139


$
52

Less: Sublease rentals
45


7



 
$
213


$
132

 
$
52