Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Commitments

v2.4.1.9
Commitments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2014, the plugging and abandonment trust totaled approximately $3.1 million. At December 31, 2014, the Company had plugged 450 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, 2014, 2013 and 2012, Gulfport incurred $0.8 million, $0.6 million, and $0.4 million, respectively, in contributions expense related to this plan.
Employment Agreements
Effective November 1, 2012, the Company entered into employment agreements with Mike Liddell, the Company's former Chairman, James D. Palm, the Company's former Chief Executive Officer, and Michael G. Moore, the Company's former Chief Financial Officer. Each agreement had an initial three-year term expiring 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 provided for minimum salary and bonus levels which were 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.
Effective February 15, 2014, Mr. Palm retired and his employment agreement with the Company terminated. The Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Palm, under which agreement certain benefits are provided to, and obligations imposed on, Mr. Palm. As of December 31, 2014, the minimum commitment under Mr. Palm's separation agreement was approximately $0.6 million.
Mr. Liddell resigned as the Company's Chairman effective June 2013 at which date his employment agreement with Gulfport terminated. At that same time, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Liddell. In October 2014, Mr. Liddell terminated his consulting agreement with the Company effective January 1, 2015.
On April 22, 2014, the Board of Directors appointed Michael G. Moore as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Company and Mr. Moore entered into an amended and restated employment agreement. The agreement has a three-year term commencing effective April 22, 2014. This agreement provides, among other things, for a minimum salary level, subject to review and potential increase by the Compensation Committee and/or the Board of Directors, as well as participation in the Company's incentive plans and other employee benefits. The aggregate minimum commitment for future salary at December 31, 2014 under the April 22, 2014 amended and restated employment agreement was approximately $0.9 million.
Firm Transportation Commitments
As of December 31, 2014, the Company had approximately 218,000 MMBtu per day of firm sales contracted with third parties. Of these sales, 33,000 MMBtu per day, 5,000 MMBtu per day, 30,000 MMBtu per day, 50,000 MMBtu per day, 50,000 MMBtu per day and 50,000 MMBtu per day expire in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022, 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, 2014 are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
2015
$
615

2016
524

2017
451

2018
20

Total
$
1,610



The following table presents rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
 
For the years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
(In thousands)
Minimum rentals
$
733


$
258


$
139

Less: Sublease rentals
15


45


7

 
$
718


$
213

 
$
132



Other Commitments
Effective October 1, 2014, the Company entered into a Sand Supply Agreement with Muskie that expires on September 30, 2018. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company has agreed to purchase annual and monthly amounts of proppant sand subject to exceptions specified in the agreement at a fixed price per ton, subject to certain adjustments, plus agreed costs and expenses. Failure by either Muskie or the Company to deliver or accept the minimum monthly amount results in damages calculated per ton based on the difference between the monthly obligation amount and the amount actually delivered or accepted, as applicable. As of December 31, 2014, the Company had accrued $0.3 million related to non-utilization fees.
Effective October 1, 2014, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement for pressure pumping services with Stingray Pressure that expires on September 30, 2018. Pursuant to this agreement, Stingray Pressure has agreed to provide hydraulic fracturing, stimulation and related completion and rework services to the Company and the Company has agreed to pay Stingray Pressure a monthly service fee plus the associated costs of the services provided.
Future minimum commitments under these agreements at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
 
(In thousands)
2015
$
52,440

2016
52,440

2017
52,440

2018
39,330

Total
$
196,650