1. Significant Accounting Policies

Operations

W&T Offshore, Inc. and subsidiaries, referred to herein as “W&T,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”, is an independent oil and natural gas producer with substantially all of its operations in the Gulf of Mexico. We are active in the exploration, development and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties. Our interest in fields, leases, structures and equipment are primarily owned by the parent company, W&T Offshore, Inc. (on a stand-alone basis, the “Parent Company”) and our 100% owned subsidiaries, W & T Energy VI, LLC, Aquasition LLC, and Aquasition II, LLC, and through our proportionately consolidated interest in Monza Energy, LLC (“Monza”), as described in more detail in Note 4 – Mobile Bay Transaction.

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of W&T Offshore, Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Our interests in oil and gas joint ventures are proportionately consolidated. All significant intercompany transactions and amounts have been eliminated for all years presented. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the appropriate rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

For presentation purposes, as of December 31, 2021, Derivative loss (gain) has been moved out of “Operating income (loss)” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Such reclassification had no effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods and the reported amounts of proved oil and natural gas reserves. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Accounting Standard Updates Effective January 1, 2021

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and by clarifying and amending existing guidance. ASU 2019-12 is effective for annual and interim financial statement periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Adoption of the amendment did not have a material impact on our financial statements or disclosures.

Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original or remaining maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

As of December 31, 2021, the Company cash collateralized each of the outstanding letters of credit in the aggregate amount of approximately $4.4 million issued by certain commercial bank lenders under the Credit Agreement prior to the Ninth Amendment. See Note 2 –Debt for additional information.

​

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue from the sale of crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas when our performance obligations are satisfied. Our contracts with customers are primarily short-term (less than 12 months). Our responsibilities to deliver a unit of crude oil, NGL, and natural gas under these contracts represent separate, distinct performance obligations. These performance obligations are satisfied at the point in time control of each unit is transferred to the customer. Pricing is primarily determined utilizing a particular pricing or market index, plus or minus adjustments reflecting quality or location differentials.

We record oil and natural gas revenues based upon physical deliveries to our customers, which can be different from our net revenue ownership interest in field production. These differences create imbalances that we recognize as a liability only when the estimated remaining recoverable reserves of a property will not be sufficient to enable the under-produced party to recoup its entitled share through production. We do not record receivables for those properties in which we have taken less than our ownership share of production. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, $3.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively, were included in current liabilities related to natural gas imbalances.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Our customers are primarily large integrated oil and natural gas companies and large commodity trading companies. The majority of our production is sold utilizing month-to-month contracts that are based on bid prices. We attempt to minimize our credit risk exposure to purchasers of our oil and natural gas, joint interest owners, derivative counterparties and other third-party entities through formal credit policies, monitoring procedures, and letters of credit or guarantees when considered necessary.

The following table identifies customers from whom we derived 10% or more of our receipts from sales of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas:

​

​

​

We believe that the loss of any of the customers above would not result in a material adverse effect on our ability to market future oil and natural gas production as replacement customers could be obtained in a relatively short period of time on terms, conditions and pricing substantially similar to those currently existing.

Accounts Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses

Our accounts receivables are recorded at their historical cost, less an allowance for credit losses. The carrying value approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of such accounts. In addition to receivables from sales of our production to our customers, we also have receivables from joint interest owners on properties we operate. In certain arrangements, we have the ability to withhold future revenue disbursements to recover amounts due us from the joint interest partners. A loss methodology is used to develop the allowance for credit losses on material receivables to estimate the net amount to be collected. The loss methodology uses historical data, current market conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. The following table describes the balance and changes to the allowance for credit losses (in thousands):

​

​

Prepaid expenses and other assets

Amounts recorded in Prepaid expenses and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are expected to be realized within one year. The following table provides the primary components (in thousands):

​

​

​

Oil and Natural Gas Properties and Other, Net

We use the full-cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas properties and equipment, which are recorded at cost. Under this method, all costs associated with the acquisition, exploration, development and abandonment of oil and natural gas properties are capitalized. Acquisition costs include costs incurred to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire properties. Exploration costs include costs of drilling exploratory wells and external geological and geophysical costs, which mainly consist of seismic costs. Development costs include the cost of drilling development wells and costs of completions, platforms, facilities and pipelines. Costs associated with production, certain geological and geophysical costs and general and administrative costs are expensed in the period incurred.

Oil and natural gas properties included in the amortization base are amortized using the units-of-production method based on production and estimates of proved reserve quantities. In addition to costs associated with evaluated properties and capitalized asset retirement obligations (“ARO”), the amortization base includes estimated future development costs to be incurred in developing proved reserves as well as estimated plugging and abandonment costs, net of salvage value, related to developing proved reserves. Future development costs related to proved reserves are not recorded as liabilities on the balance sheet, but are part of the calculation of depletion expense. Oil and natural gas properties and equipment include costs of unproved properties. The cost of unproved properties related to significant acquisitions are excluded from the amortization base until it is determined that proved reserves can be assigned to such properties or until such time as we have made an evaluation that impairment has occurred. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there were no unproved properties included in the Oil and natural gas properties and other, net balance. The costs of drilling exploratory dry holes are included in the amortization base immediately upon determination that such wells are non-commercial.

​

Sales of proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties, whether or not being amortized currently, are accounted for as adjustments of capitalized costs with no gain or loss recognized unless such adjustments would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and proved reserves of oil and natural gas.

Furniture, fixtures and non-oil and natural gas property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, generally ranging from five to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their economic lives or the lease term. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed in the period incurred.

The following table provides the components of Oil and natural gas properties and other, net (in thousands):

​

​

​

Ceiling Test Write-Down

Under the full-cost method of accounting, we are required to perform a “ceiling test” calculation quarterly, which determines a limit on the book value of our oil and natural gas properties. If the net capitalized cost of oil and natural gas properties (including capitalized ARO) net of related deferred income taxes exceeds the ceiling test limit, the excess is charged to expense on a pre-tax basis and separately disclosed. Any such write downs are not recoverable or reversible in future periods. The ceiling test limit is calculated as: (i) the present value of estimated future net revenues from proved reserves, less estimated future development costs, discounted at 10%; (ii) plus the cost of unproved oil and natural gas properties not being amortized; (iii) plus the lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproved oil and natural gas properties included in the amortization base; and (iv) less related income tax effects. Estimated future net revenues used in the ceiling test for each period are based on current prices for each product, defined by the SEC as the unweighted average of first-day-of-the-month commodity prices over the prior twelve months for that period. All prices are adjusted by field for quality, transportation fees, energy content and regional price differentials.

We did not record a ceiling test write-down during 2021, 2020 or 2019. If average crude oil and natural gas prices decrease below average pricing during 2021, we may incur ceiling test write-downs during 2022 or in future periods.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We are required to record a separate liability for the present value of our ARO, with an offsetting increase to the related oil and natural gas properties on our balance sheet. We have significant obligations to plug and abandon well bores, remove our platforms, pipelines, facilities and equipment and restore the land or seabed at the end of oil and natural gas production operations. These obligations are primarily associated with plugging and abandoning wells, removing pipelines, removing and disposing of offshore platforms and site cleanup. Estimating such costs requires us to make judgments on both the costs and the timing of ARO. Asset removal technologies and costs are constantly changing, as are regulatory, political, environmental, safety and public relations considerations, which can substantially affect our estimates of these future costs from period to period. See Note 7 – Asset Retirement Obligations for additional information.

Oil and Natural Gas Reserve Information

We use the unweighted average of first-day-of-the-month commodity prices over the preceding 12-month period when estimating quantities of proved reserves. Similarly, the prices used to calculate the standardized measure of discounted future cash flows and prices used in the ceiling test for impairment are the 12-month average commodity prices. Proved undeveloped reserves may only be classified as such if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, with some limited exceptions allowed. Refer to Note 19 – Supplemental Oil and Gas Disclosures for additional information about our proved reserves.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We have exposure related to commodity prices and have used various derivative instruments to manage our exposure to commodity price risk from sales of oil and natural gas. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes. We entered into commodity derivatives contracts during 2021, 2020 and 2019, and as of December 31, 2021, we had open commodity derivative instruments. When we have outstanding borrowings on our revolving bank credit facility, we may use various derivative financial instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk from floating interest rates. During 2021, 2020 and 2019, we did not enter into any derivative instruments related to interest rates.

Derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet as an asset or a liability at fair value. We have elected not to designate our derivatives instruments as hedging instruments, therefore, all changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. See Note 10 – Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information about our derivative financial instruments.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We include fair value information in the notes to our consolidated financial statements when the fair value of our financial instruments is different from the book value or it is required by applicable guidance. We believe that the book value of our cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities materially approximates fair value due to the short-term nature and the terms of these instruments. We believe that the book value of our restricted deposits approximates fair value as deposits are in cash or short-term investments.

Income Taxes

We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with the Income Taxes topic of the Accounting Standard Codification. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by applying tax rates in effect at the end of a reporting period to the cumulative temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements. The effects of changes in tax rates and laws on deferred tax balances are recognized in the period in which the new legislation is enacted. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of them will not be realized. We recognize uncertain tax positions in our financial statements when it is more likely than not that we will sustain the benefit taken or expected to be taken. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. See Note 13 – Income Taxes for additional information.

Other Assets (long-term)

The major categories recorded in Other assets are presented in the following table (in thousands):

​

​

​

Accrued Liabilities

The major categories recorded in Accrued liabilities are presented in the following table (in thousands):

​

​

​

Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”)

On April 15, 2020, the Company received $8.4 million under the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) PPP. As there is no definitive guidance under U.S. GAAP, we have applied the guidance under IAS 20 and accounted for the PPP as a government grant. Under IAS 20, a government grant is recognized when there is reasonable assurance that the Company has complied with the provisions of the grant.

The Company submitted an application to the SBA on August 20, 2020, requesting that the PPP funds received be applied to specific covered and non-covered payroll costs. On June 11, 2021, we received notification that the SBA accepted our application and approved full forgiveness of our PPP.

Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs associated with the Credit Agreement are amortized using the straight-line method over the scheduled maturity of the debt. Debt issuance costs associated with all other debt are deferred and amortized over the scheduled maturity of the debt utilizing the effective interest method. Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our Credit Agreement is reported within Prepaid expenses and other assets and unamortized debt issuance costs associated with our other debt instruments are reported as a reduction in Long-term debt, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 2 –Debt for additional information.

Gain on Debt Transactions

During 2020, we acquired $72.5 million in principal of our outstanding Senior Second Lien Notes for $23.9 million and recorded a non-cash gain on purchase of debt of $47.5 million. During 2018, the refinancing of our capital structure resulted in a gain of $47.1 million as a result of writing off the carrying value adjustments related to the debt issued in 2016, partially offset by premiums paid to repurchase and retire, repay or redeem all of our prior debt instruments. See Note 2 – Debt for additional information.

Other Liabilities (long-term)

The major categories recorded in Other liabilities are presented in the following table (in thousands):

​

​

Share-Based Compensation

Compensation cost for share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors is based on the fair value of the equity instrument on the date of grant and is recognized over the period during which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the award. The fair value for equity instruments subject to only time or to Company performance measures was determined using the closing price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. We recognize share-based compensation expense on a straight line basis over the period during which the recipient is required to provide service in exchange for the award. Estimates are made for forfeitures during the vesting period, resulting in the recognition of compensation cost only for those awards that are estimated to vest and estimated forfeitures are adjusted to actual forfeitures when the equity instrument vests. See Note 11 – Share-Based Awards and Cash-Based Awards for additional information.

Employee Retention Credit.

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 passed by the United States Congress and signed by the President on December 27, 2020, provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) were extended and modified making the Company eligible for a refundable employee retention credit subject to meeting certain criteria. The Company recognized a $2.1 million employee retention credit during the year ended December 31, 2021 which is included as a credit to General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Other Expense (Income), Net

For 2021, the amount primarily consists of other income related to the release restrictions on the Black Elk Escrow fund, partially offset by expenses related to the amortization of the brokerage fee paid in connection with the Joint Venture Drilling Program. For 2020, the amount primarily consists of expenses related to the amortization of the brokerage fee paid in connection with the Joint Venture Drilling Program See Note 9 – Restricted Deposits for ARO for additional information regarding the release of the Black Elk Escrow restrictions. For 2019, the amount consists primarily of federal royalty obligation reductions claimed in the current year related to capital deductions from prior periods, and partially offset by expenses related to the amortization of the brokerage fee paid in connection with the Joint Venture Drilling Program.

Earnings Per Share

Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method when the effect is dilutive. See Note 14 – Earnings Per Share for additional information.