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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2016

Registration No. 333-          


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



Form S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



LOGO

PDC Energy, Inc.
(exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  1311
Primary Standard
Industrial Code
  95-2636730
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 860-5800

(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrant's
Principal Executive Offices)
  Daniel W. Amidon, Esq.
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 860-5800

(Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and
Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)



Copies to:
John Elofson
Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP
1550 Seventeenth Street, Suite 500
Denver, Colorado 80202
Telephone: 303-892-9400



Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

          If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.    o

          If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          If this Form is a post effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ý   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

          If applicable, place an X in the box to designate the appropriate rule provision relied upon in conducting this transaction:

          Exchange Act Rule 13e-4(i) (Cross-Border Issuer Tender Offer)    o

          Exchange Act Rule 14d-1(d) (Cross-Border Third-Party Tender Offer)    o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

               
 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered(1)

  Amount to be
Registered

  Proposed Maximum
Offering Price per
Note

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)

  Amount of
Registration Fee

 

6.125% Senior Notes due 2024

  $400,000,000   100%   $400,000,000   $46,360

 

(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").

          The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

   


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject to Completion, dated December 20, 2016

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

LOGO

PDC Energy, Inc.

Offer to Exchange up to

$400,000,000

6.125% Senior Notes due 2024
That Have Been Registered Under the Securities Act of 1933
For
Any and All Outstanding Unregistered
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024

The Exchange Offer

The New 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 Offered in the Exchange Offer

         You should carefully consider the risk factors beginning on page 12 of this prospectus before participating in the exchange offer.

         Each broker-dealer that receives new notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such new notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes where such old notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed to make this prospectus available until the earlier of 180 days from the completion date of this exchange offer or such time as such broker-dealers no longer hold any old notes, to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale; provided that if the letters of transmittal relating to the exchange offer as provided to us indicate that no holder is a broker-dealer, we will not be obligated to maintain the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part after the consummation of the exchange offer. See "Plan of Distribution."

         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

   

Prospectus dated                        , 2016


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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    2  

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

    3  

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

    11  

RISK FACTORS

    12  

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

    18  

USE OF PROCEEDS

    18  

THE EXCHANGE OFFER

    19  

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES

    29  

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

    88  

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

    93  

LEGAL MATTERS

    93  

EXPERTS

    94  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    94  

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

    95  

ANNEX A

    A-1  

        In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, references to "we," "us," "our" or the "Company" refer to PDC Energy, Inc.

        This prospectus incorporates business and financial information about us that is not included in or delivered with this prospectus. You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or information contained in documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of its date or, in the case of an incorporated document, the date of its filing, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any exchange of our old notes for new notes. We are not making this exchange offer to, nor will we accept surrenders for exchange from, holders of old notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offer would violate securities or blue sky laws or where it is otherwise unlawful.

        You can obtain documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from us at the following:

Corporate Secretary
PDC Energy, Inc.
1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado 80203
303-860-5800

        In order to ensure timely delivery of the requested documents, requests should be made no later than five (5) business days prior to the expiration of this exchange offer. In the event that we extend the exchange offer, we urge you to submit your request at least five (5) business days before the expiration date, as extended. You will not be charged for any of the documents that you request.


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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus contain forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in and incorporated by reference into this report are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as expects, anticipates, will, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates, projects, targets, aims and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus reflect our good faith judgment, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to us. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, including known and unknown risks and uncertainties incidental to the estimation of quantities of reserves, exploration for, and the acquisition, development, production and marketing of, crude oil, natural gas and NGLs, and actual outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements.

        Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to those set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" commencing on page 12 of this prospectus and the "Risk Factors" sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 (our "2015 Form 10-K"), our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 (our "third quarter 2016 Form 10-Q") and our other filings with the SEC. We urge you to carefully review and consider these documents for further information on risks and uncertainties that could affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, which documents are incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein. We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance or currently unknown facts or conditions or the occurrence of unanticipated events. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. See also "Incorporation by Reference."

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

        This summary highlights selected information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary does not contain all the information you should consider before making an investment decision. You should read this entire prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus carefully before making an investment decision. Please read the section entitled "Risk Factors" commencing on page 12 of this prospectus and additional information contained in our 2015 Form 10-K and our 2016 Form 10-Qs incorporated by reference in this prospectus for more information about important factors you should consider before making an investment decision.


Our Company

        We are a domestic independent exploration and production company that produces, develops, acquires and explores for crude oil, natural gas and NGLs with operations in the Wattenberg Field in Colorado, the Utica Shale in southeastern Ohio and the Delaware Basin portion of the Permian Basin region in Texas. As of September 30, 2016, we owned an interest in approximately 3,000 gross producing wells in Colorado, of which approximately 750 were horizontal. We produced approximately 15.8 million barrels of oil equivalent ("MMBoe") in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

        As of December 31, 2015, we had approximately 273 MMBoe of proved reserves, 26% of which are proved developed. Proved reserves at December 31, 2015 were comprised of approximately 60% liquids and 40% natural gas, and represent an increase of 23 MMBoe relative to December 31, 2014.

        On August 23, 2016, we entered into acquisition agreements (the "Acquisition Agreements") with Kimmeridge Energy Management Company GP, LLC and certain of its affiliates and investors (collectively, "Sellers") pursuant to which we agreed to acquire an aggregate of approximately 57,000 net acres in Reeves and Culberson Counties, Texas, located in the Delaware Basin portion of the Permian Basin region (the "Delaware Basin Acquisition"). The Delaware Basin Acquisition closed on December 6, 2016. The aggregate consideration paid to Sellers at the closing of the Delaware Basin Acquisition was approximately $1.5 billion, consisting of approximately $915 million in cash and approximately 9.4 million shares of our common stock, valued at approximately $590 million prior to the execution of the Acquisition Agreements, subject to certain adjustments. The assets acquired in the Delaware Basin Acquisition have a current net production of approximately 7,500 Boe/d from 25 horizontal wells.

        Our common stock is quoted on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "PDCE."

        Our principal executive offices are located at 1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000, Denver, Colorado 80203. Our telephone number is 303-860-5800.

        We also maintain an internet website at www.pdce.com, which contains information about us. Our website and the information contained in and connected to it are not a part of or incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

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Summary of the Exchange Offer

        On September 15. 2016, we completed a private offering of $400,000,000 principal amount of unregistered 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "old notes"). We entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers in the private offering in which we agreed to, among other things, offer new notes with substantially identical terms in exchange for the old notes.

Exchange Offer

  We are offering to exchange our 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 registered under the Securities Act, which we refer to as "new notes," for any and all of our outstanding old notes. We sometimes refer to the old notes and the new notes collectively as the "notes," and, as used herein, "notes" is used to describe terms equally applicable to the old notes and new notes. The old notes may be tendered in an amount equal to $2,000 in principal amount or in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. In order to exchange an old note, you must follow the required procedures and we must accept the old note for exchange. We will exchange all old notes validly offered for exchange, or "tendered," and not validly withdrawn. As of the date of this prospectus, there is $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of old notes outstanding.

Expiration Date

 

The exchange offer expires at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on                , 2017, unless we decide to extend the expiration date. We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to extend the exchange offer, delay accepting for exchange any old notes in connection with the extension of the exchange offer, terminate the exchange offer, or amend the terms of the exchange offer in any way we determine. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, or if we waive a material condition, we will extend the offer such that at least five (5) Business Days remain in the offer following notice of a material change. Pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement, the expiration date of the exchange offer may not be less than twenty (20) Business Days following commencement of the exchange offer. The term "expiration date" means the latest date and time to which we extend the exchange offer.

Participation in the Exchange Offer and Resale of the New Notes

 

Based on interpretive letters of the SEC staff to third parties, we believe that you may participate in the exchange offer and may offer for resale, resell and otherwise transfer the new notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if you:

 

are not an "affiliate" of ours, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act;

 

are not a broker-dealer that acquired the old notes directly from us;

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are not engaged in and do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of new notes to be issued in the exchange offer;

 

will acquire the new notes issued in the exchange offer in the ordinary course of your business; and

 

are not acting on behalf of any person who could not truthfully and completely make the foregoing representations.

 

In addition, if you are a broker-dealer that will acquire new notes pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for old notes that you acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, you must comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the new notes as described in this summary under "Restrictions on Sale by Broker-Dealers" below.

 

We base our belief on interpretations by the SEC staff in certain no-action letters issued to other issuers in exchange offers like ours. We cannot guarantee that the SEC Staff would make a similar decision about our exchange offer. If our belief is wrong, you could incur liability under the Securities Act. We will not protect you against any loss incurred as a result of this liability under the Securities Act.

 

By tendering your notes as described in "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering", you will be making representations to this effect. If you fail to satisfy any of these conditions, you cannot rely on the position of the SEC set forth in the no-action letters referred to above, you may not tender your old notes in the exchange offer, and you must comply with the applicable registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the new notes.

Restrictions on Sale by Broker Dealer

 

If you are a broker dealer that has received new notes for your own account in exchange for old notes that were acquired as a result of market making or other trading activities, you must (i) inform us per the instructions in the letter of transmittal and (ii) represent that you will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the new notes. A broker dealer that so informs us may use this prospectus until 180 days from the completion date of this exchange offer.

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Consequences If You Do Not Exchange Your Old Notes

 

If you are eligible to participate in the exchange offer and you do not tender your old notes, you will not have any further registration or exchange rights, and your old notes will continue to be subject to transfer restrictions. These transfer restrictions and the availability of new notes could adversely affect the trading market for your old notes.

Conditions

 

The exchange offer is subject to certain customary conditions, which we may waive, as described below under "The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer."

Procedures Applicable to Old Notes Held in Book-Entry Form with DTC

 

The old notes were issued as global securities in fully registered form. Beneficial interests in old notes, held by participants in The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), are shown on, and transfers of these interests are effected only through, records maintained in book-entry form by DTC with respect to its participants.

 

If you hold your old notes in the form of book-entry interests and you wish to tender your old notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, you must transmit to U.S. Bank National Association, as Exchange Agent (the "Exchange Agent"), on or prior to the Expiration Date, either:

 

a computer-generated message transmitted by means of DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program system and received by the Exchange Agent and forming a part of a confirmation of book-entry transfer, in which you acknowledge and agree to be bound by the terms of the letter of transmittal; or

 

a written or facsimile copy of a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, including all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, to the Exchange Agent at the address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal.

 

In addition, in order to deliver old notes held in the form of book-entry interests, a timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of such old notes into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfers described under "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Procedures Applicable to Old Notes Held in Book-Entry Form with DTC" must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to the Expiration Date.

 

A form of letter of transmittal accompanies this prospectus. By executing the letter of transmittal or delivering a computer-generated message through DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program system, you will represent to us, among other things, your eligibility to participate in the exchange offer.

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No definitive certificated old notes are issued and outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. If you acquire certificated old notes prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, you must tender your certificated old notes in accordance with the procedures described in this prospectus under the heading "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Procedures Applicable to Holders of Certificated Old Notes."

Procedures for Beneficial Holders

 

If you are a beneficial owner whose old notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and wish to tender such old notes in the exchange offer, please contact the registered holder as soon as possible and instruct them to tender on your behalf and comply with our instructions set forth elsewhere in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. Please see the procedures described in this prospectus under the heading "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering—Procedures Applicable to Beneficial Holders."

Withdrawal of Tenders

 

You may withdraw your tender of old notes under the exchange offer at any time prior to 5 p.m., Eastern Time, on the expiration date.

Fees and Expenses

 

We will bear all expenses related to the exchange offer. Please refer to the section in this prospectus entitled "The Exchange Offer—Fees and Expenses."

Use of Proceeds

 

The issuance of the new notes will not provide us with any new proceeds. We are making this exchange offer solely to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement.

Tax Consequences

 

The exchange of new notes for old notes in the exchange offer should generally not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Please read "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations."

Exchange Agent

 

U.S. Bank National Association is serving as Exchange Agent in connection with the exchange offer. You should direct questions and requests for assistance, for additional copies of this prospectus or the letter of transmittal to the Exchange Agent addressed as follows: Attn: Specialized Finance, telephone number 800-934-6802. Eligible institutions may make requests by facsimile at 651-495-8158.

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Summary of the Terms of the New Notes

        The following summary contains basic information about the new notes and is not intended to be complete. It does not contain all the information that is important to you. For a more complete understanding of the new notes, please refer to the section of this prospectus entitled "Description of the New Notes."

Issuer

  PDC Energy, Inc.

Securities

 

$400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 6.125% senior notes due 2024.

Maturity

 

September 15, 2024.

Interest

 

Annual rate: 6.125%. The new notes offered by this prospectus will pay interest semi-annually in cash in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on March 15, 2017.

Guarantees

 

Each of our domestic subsidiaries that is a "material subsidiary" (as defined in "Description of the New Notes") and guarantees our revolving credit facility must guarantee the notes. Currently, the old notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. Within thirty (30) days following the completion of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, PDC Permian, Inc., the subsidiary of the Company that holds the assets and properties acquired in the Delaware Basin Acquisition will become a guarantor under our revolving credit facility and will be required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor under the indenture governing the new notes and the indentures governing the New Convertible Notes and the Company's Existing Senior Notes (as those terms are defined in "Description of the New Notes").

Ranking

 

The notes and any guarantees are our general unsecured senior obligations. Accordingly, they:

 

rank senior in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated unsecured indebtedness of PDC;

 

rank pari passu in right of payment with any existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of PDC, including our Existing Senior Notes and the New Convertible Notes;

 

rank effectively junior in right of payment to PDC's existing and future secured indebtedness, including indebtedness under our revolving credit facility (sometimes referred to as the "Senior Credit Agreement"), to the extent of the assets of PDC constituting collateral securing that indebtedness; and

 

are unconditionally guaranteed by future Subsidiary Guarantors on a senior unsecured basis.

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Optional Redemption

 

Except as described below in this section and as described in the last paragraph of "Description of the New Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control", the notes are not redeemable until September 15, 2019. On and after September 15, 2019, PDC may redeem all or a part of the notes, in each case at the redemption price described under "Description of the New Notes—Optional Redemption," together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.

 

Prior to September 15, 2019, we may redeem all or part of the notes at a "make-whole" redemption price described under "Description of the New Notes—Optional Redemption," together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.

 

In addition, prior to September 15, 2019, PDC may redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the notes with all or a portion of the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 106.125% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes redeemed to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes issued under the indenture (excluding notes held by PDC and its subsidiaries) remains outstanding after each such redemption and the redemption occurs within 180 days after the closing of such equity offering.

Change of Control; Asset Sale

 

Upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined in the indenture for the notes), holders of the notes have the right to require us to repurchase all or a portion of the notes at a price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes repurchased, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. In connection with certain asset sales, we may, under certain circumstances, be required to use the net cash proceeds of such asset sale to make an offer to purchase the notes at 100% of the principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase.

Certain Covenants

 

The indenture governing the notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries to:

 

borrow money;

 

pay dividends or make other distributions on stock;

 

purchase or redeem stock or subordinated indebtedness;

 

make investments;

 

create certain liens;

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enter into agreements that restrict distributions or other payments from our restricted subsidiaries;

 

enter into transactions with affiliates;

 

sell assets;

 

consolidate with or merge with or into other companies or transfer all or substantially all our assets; and

 

create unrestricted subsidiaries.

 

These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications that are described in "Description of the New Notes—Covenants."

 

If the notes achieve an investment grade rating from either S&P or Moody's and no default exists with respect to the notes, our obligation to comply with many of the covenants will be suspended. If the ratings from both S&P and Moody's subsequently decline to below investment grade, the covenants will be reinstated as of the date of such ratings decline. See "Description of the New Notes—Covenant Suspension."

No Prior Market

 

The new notes generally will be freely transferable, but will also be new securities for which there will not initially be a market. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the development or liquidity of any market for the new notes. We do not intend to apply for a listing of the notes on any securities exchange or for the inclusion of the new notes on any automated dealer quotation system.

Risk Factors

 

Investing in the new notes involves risks. You should consider all of the information contained in this prospectus before making an investment in the new notes. In particular, you should consider the factors described under "Risk Factors" beginning on page 12, risks incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and the other cautionary language statements throughout this prospectus, for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in the new notes.

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,   Year Ended/As of December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  
 
  (in millions, except per share data and as noted)
 

Statement of Operations (From Continuing Operations):

                                           

Crude oil, natural gas and NGLs sales

  $ 328.0   $ 275.5   $ 378.7   $ 471.4   $ 340.8   $ 228.0   $ 216.1  

Commodity price risk management gain (loss), net

    (62.3 )   141.2     203.2   $ 310.3     (23.9 )   29.3     39.4  

Total revenues

    274.8     426.7     595.3     856.2     392.7     307.1     323.3  

Income (loss) from continuing operations            

    (261.6 )   (80.1 )   (68.3 )   107.3     (21.1 )   (19.4 )   23.2  

Earnings per share from continuing operations:            

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Basic

  $ (4.16 ) $ (1.84 ) $ (1.74 ) $ 3.00   $ (0.65 ) $ (0.70 ) $ 0.98  

Diluted

    (4.16 )   (1.84 )   (1.74 )   2.93     (0.65 )   (0.70 )   0.97  

Statement of Cash Flows:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Net cash from:

                                           

Operating activities

  $ 360.8   $ 283.0   $ 411.1   $ 236.7   $ 159.2   $ 174.7   $ 166.8  

Investing activities

    (448.8 )   (488.7 )   (604.3 )   (474.1 )   (217.1 )   (451.9 )   (456.4 )

Financing activities

    1,284.8     193.3     178.0     60.3     248.7     271.4     243.4  

Capital expenditures

    353.7     489.0     604.7     628.6     394.9     347.7     334.5  

Acquisitions of crude oil and natural gas properties

    100.0                 9.7     312.2     145.9  

Balance Sheet:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Total assets

  $ 3,417.3   $ 2,336.1   $ 2,370.5   $ 2,331.1   $ 1,991.7   $ 1,777.9   $ 1,676.1  

Working capital

    1,148.8     43.0     30.7     89.5     90.0     (67.6 )   (38.1 )

Total debt, net of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs

    1,041.6     653.9     642.4     655.5     593.9     637.5     502.4  

Total equity

    1,986.1     1,279.7     1,287.2     1,137.4     967.6     703.2     664.1  

Pricing and Lease Operating Expenses from Continuing Operations (per Boe):

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Average sales price (excluding net settlements on derivatives)

  $ 20.80   $ 26.02   $ 24.64   $ 50.72   $ 52.23   $ 46.85   $ 49.97  

Average lease operating expenses

    2.73     4.04     3.71     4.56     5.18     5.54     4.95  

Production (MBoe):

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Production from continuing operations

    15,771.0     10,587.3     15,369.4     9,294.4     6,524.7     4,866.5     4,324.4  

Production from discontinued operations

                1,093.0     2,032.6     3,458.7     3,596.3  

Total production

    15,771.0     10,587.3     15,369.4     10,387.4     8,557.3     8,325.2     7,920.7  

Total proved reserves (MMBoe) (1)(2)(3)

                272.8     250.1     265.8     192.8     169.3  

(1)
Includes total proved reserves related to our Marcellus Shale and shallow Upper Devonian Appalachian Basin assets of 40 MMBoe, 30 MMBoe and 22 MMBoe as of December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. See Note 15, Assets Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations, to our consolidated financial statements contained in our 2015 Form 10-K, incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for additional details related to the divestiture of our Marcellus Shale and shallow Upper Devonian Appalachian Basin assets.

(2)
Includes total proved reserves related to our Piceance Basin and North Eastern Colorado ("NECO") assets of 14 MMBoe and 59 MMBoe as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively. See Note 15, Assets Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations, to our consolidated financial statements contained in our 2015 Form 10-K, incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for additional details related to the divestiture of our Piceance Basin and NECO assets.

(3)
Includes total proved reserves related to our Permian Basin assets of 11 MMBoe as of December 31, 2011. See Note 15, Assets Held for Sale, Divestitures and Discontinued Operations, to our consolidated financial statements contained in our 2015 Form 10-K, incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for additional for additional details related to the divestiture of our Permian Basin assets.

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RISK FACTORS

        An investment in the new notes involves risks. In addition to the other information set forth elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus (including the risk factors included in our 2015 Form 10-K and third quarter 2016 Form 10-Q) the following factors relating to the exchange offer and the notes should be considered carefully in deciding whether to participate in the exchange offer.

Risks Relating to the Exchange Offer

         Your old notes will not be accepted for exchange if you fail to follow the procedures for the exchange offer.

        We will not accept your old notes for exchange if you do not follow the procedures for the exchange offer. We are under no duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to the tenders of old notes for exchange. If there are defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of old notes, we may not accept your old notes for exchange.

         If you do not exchange your old notes, there will be restrictions on your ability to resell your old notes and the liquidity of such old notes could be adversely affected upon completion of the exchange offer.

        Following the exchange offer, old notes that you do not tender or that we do not accept will be subject to transfer restrictions and will not have any further registration rights. Absent registration, any untendered old notes may therefore be offered or sold only in transactions that are not subject to, or that are exempt from, the registration requirements of the Act and applicable state securities laws. Therefore, the liquidity of old notes not tendered in the exchange offer could be adversely affected upon completion of the exchange offer.

         An active trading market may not develop for the new notes.

        The new notes are a new issue of securities, and there is no established trading market for the new notes. An active trading market for the new notes may not develop, in which case the market price and liquidity of the new notes may be adversely affected. In addition, you may not be able to sell your new notes at a particular time or at a price favorable to you. Future trading prices of the new notes will depend on many factors, including prevailing interest rates, our results of operations and financial condition, political and economic developments, the market for similar securities, and the other factors described in this prospectus under "Risk Factors" and the risk factors incorporated by reference in this prospectus. It is possible that the market for the new notes will be subject to disruptions. A disruption may have a negative effect on you as a holder of the new notes, regardless of our prospects or performance.

Risks Associated with our Indebtedness and the Notes

         We may be unable to fulfill our obligations under the notes.

        We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. As a result, a significant portion of our cash flow will be required to pay interest and principal on our indebtedness, and we may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or have future borrowing capacity available, to enable us to repay our indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund other liquidity needs. As of September 30, 2016, we had approximately $1.1 billion in outstanding indebtedness, including the old notes.

        Servicing our indebtedness and satisfying our other obligations will require a significant amount of cash. Our cash flow from operating activities and other sources may not be sufficient to fund our liquidity needs. Our ability to pay interest and principal on our indebtedness and to satisfy our other obligations will depend upon our future operating performance and financial condition and the availability of refinancing indebtedness, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that

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our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us under our reserve borrowing base determined revolving credit facility or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs, including the payment of principal and interest on the notes.

        A substantial decrease in our operating cash flow or an increase in our expenses could make it difficult for us to meet debt service requirements and could require us to modify our operations, including by curtailing our exploration and drilling programs, selling assets, reducing our capital expenditures, refinancing all or a portion of our existing debt or obtaining additional financing. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations.

        In addition, the terms of future debt agreements may, and our existing debt agreements will, restrict us from implementing some of these alternatives. In the absence of adequate cash from operations and other available capital resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate these dispositions for fair market value or at all. Furthermore, any proceeds that we could realize from any dispositions may not be adequate to meet our debt service obligations then due.

         Covenants in the indentures governing the notes and our existing senior notes and in our revolving credit facility currently impose, and future financing agreements may impose, significant operating and financial restrictions.

        The indentures governing the notes and our existing senior notes and our revolving credit facility contain restrictions, and future financing agreements may contain additional restrictions, on our activities, including covenants that restrict our and our restricted subsidiaries' ability to:

        Our revolving credit facility is secured by substantially all of our oil and gas properties as well as a pledge of all ownership interests in operating subsidiaries. The restrictions contained in our debt agreements may prevent us from taking actions that we believe would be in the best interest of our business, and may make it difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy or effectively compete with companies that are not similarly restricted. We may also incur future debt obligations

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that might subject us to additional restrictive covenants that could affect our financial and operational flexibility.

         If we are unable to comply with the restrictions and covenants in the agreements governing the notes and other debt, there could be a default under the terms of these agreements, which could result in an acceleration of payment of funds that we have borrowed and would impact our ability to make principal and interest payments on the notes.

        Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under our revolving credit facility that is not waived by the required lenders, and the remedies sought by the holders of any such indebtedness, could make us unable to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes and substantially decrease the market value of the notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants, in the instruments governing our indebtedness, we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness.

        In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under our revolving credit facility could elect to terminate their commitments, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to seek to obtain waivers from the required lenders under our revolving credit facility to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under our revolving credit facility and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under our revolving credit facility, the lenders could exercise their rights as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. We cannot assure you that we will be granted waivers or amendments to our debt agreements if for any reason we are unable to comply with these agreements, or that we will be able to refinance our debt on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

         Notwithstanding our current indebtedness levels and restrictive covenants, we may still be able to incur substantial additional debt or make certain restricted payments, which could exacerbate the risks described above.

        We may be able to incur additional debt in the future. Although the indentures governing the notes and our existing senior notes contain restrictions on our ability to incur indebtedness, those restrictions are subject to a number of exceptions. In particular, we may borrow under the revolving credit facility. In addition, if we designate some of our restricted subsidiaries under the indenture as unrestricted subsidiaries, those unrestricted subsidiaries would be permitted to borrow beyond the limitations specified in the indenture and engage in other activities in which restricted subsidiaries may not engage. We may also consider investments in joint ventures or acquisitions that may increase our indebtedness. Also, under the indenture, we will be able to make restricted payments in certain circumstances. Adding new debt to current debt levels or making otherwise restricted payments could intensify the related risks that we and our subsidiaries now face.

         Your right to receive payments on the notes is effectively subordinated to the rights of our and our restricted subsidiaries' existing and future secured creditors.

        The revolving credit facility is secured by liens on substantially all of our assets and the assets of our restricted subsidiaries. Accordingly, the notes will be effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness incurred under the revolving credit facility to the extent of the value of the assets securing the revolving credit facility. In the event of any distribution or payment of our or any guarantor's assets in any foreclosure, dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization or other bankruptcy proceeding,

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holders of secured indebtedness will have prior claim to those of our or our restricted subsidiaries' assets that constitute their collateral. Holders of notes will participate ratably with all holders of our unsecured indebtedness that is deemed to be of the same class as such notes, and potentially with all of our or any restricted subsidiary's other general creditors, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in our remaining assets. In any of the foregoing events, we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the notes. As a result, holders of notes may receive less, ratably, than holders of secured indebtedness.

         The notes will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness of those of our existing or future subsidiaries that are not, or do not become, guarantors of the notes.

        None of our subsidiaries are currently guarantors of the notes, and, while PDC Permian, Inc. will become a subsidiary guarantor in the near future, other future subsidiaries may not become guarantors of the notes. Non-guarantor subsidiaries will have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay amounts due under the notes or to make any funds available to pay those amounts, whether by dividend, distribution, loan or other payment. The notes will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other obligations of the non-guarantor subsidiaries such that, in the event of insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding up of any such subsidiary, all of such subsidiary's creditors (including trade creditors and preferred stockholders, if any) would be entitled to payment in full out of the subsidiary's assets before we would be entitled to any payment. In addition, the indenture governing the notes permits, subject to some limitations, non-guarantor subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and does not contain any limitation on the amount of other liabilities, such as trade payables, that may be incurred by these subsidiaries. As of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, our subsidiaries' assets, indebtedness and EBITDA were immaterial.

         We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control as required by the indenture governing the notes.

        Upon the occurrence of certain kinds of change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase, unless all notes have been previously called for redemption. The holders of our existing senior notes and our convertible notes have a similar right, and other debt securities that we may issue in the future that rank equally in right of payment with the notes, may have similar rights as well. Our failure to purchase tendered notes would constitute an event of default under the indenture governing the notes, which in turn would constitute an event of default under our revolving credit facility. In addition, the occurrence of a change of control (as defined under the revolving credit facility) in itself would constitute an event of default under our revolving credit facility.

        Therefore, it is possible that we may not have sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required repurchase of notes. Moreover, our revolving credit facility restricts, and any future indebtedness we incur may restrict, our ability to repurchase the notes, including following a change of control event. As a result, following a change of control event, we may not be able to repurchase notes unless we first repay all indebtedness outstanding under our revolving credit facility and any of our other indebtedness that contains similar provisions, or obtain a waiver from the holders of such indebtedness to permit us to repurchase the notes. We may be unable to repay all of that indebtedness or obtain a waiver of that type. Any requirement to offer to repurchase outstanding notes may therefore require us to refinance our other outstanding debt, which we may not be able to do on commercially reasonable terms, if at all.

        These repurchase requirements may also delay or make it more difficult for others to obtain control of us. In addition, certain important corporate events, such as leveraged recapitalizations that would increase the level of our indebtedness, would not constitute a "Change of Control" under the

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indenture. See "Description of the New Notes—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of control."

         Following a sale of "substantially all" of our assets, you may not be able to determine if a change of control that would give rise to a right to have the notes repurchased has occurred.

        The definition of change of control in the indenture includes a phrase relating to the sale of "all or substantially all" of our assets. There is no precise, established definition of the phrase "substantially all" under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require us to repurchase its notes as a result of a sale of less than all our assets to another person may be uncertain.

         U.S. federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void, subordinate or limit the notes and any guarantees as a fraudulent transfer, and, if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the notes or may be required to return payments received on the notes.

        U.S. federal and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes may apply to the issuance of the notes and the incurrence of the guarantees, if any, of the notes. Under U.S. federal bankruptcy law and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws, which may vary from state to state, the notes or the guarantees thereof (or the grant of collateral securing any such obligations) could be voided, subordinated or limited as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance if we or any guarantors of the notes, as applicable, (i) issued the notes or incurred the guarantees with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors, or (ii) received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration in return for either issuing the notes or incurring the guarantees and, in the case of (ii) only, one of the following is also true at the time thereof:

        As a general matter, value is given for a transfer or an obligation if, in exchange for the transfer or obligation, property is transferred or a valid antecedent debt is secured or satisfied. A court would likely find that a subsidiary guarantor did not receive reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration for its guarantee to the extent such guarantor did not obtain a reasonably equivalent tangible benefit directly or indirectly from the issuance of the notes.

        We cannot be certain as to the standards a court would use to determine whether or not we or any guarantor were insolvent at the relevant time or, regardless of the standard that a court uses, whether the notes or the guarantees would be subordinated to our or any guarantor's other debt. In general, however, a court would deem an entity insolvent if:

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        If a court were to find that the issuance of the notes, the incurrence of a guarantee or the grant of security was a fraudulent transfer or conveyance, the court could void the payment obligations under the notes or such guarantee or subordinate or limit the notes or such guarantee to presently existing and future indebtedness of ours or of the related guarantor, or require the holders of the notes to repay any amounts received with respect to such guarantee. In the event of a finding that a fraudulent transfer or conveyance occurred, you may not receive any repayment on the notes or guarantees. Further, the avoidance of the notes could result in an event of default with respect to our and our subsidiaries' other debt that could result in acceleration of such debt.

        Each guarantee will contain a provision intended to limit the guarantor's liability to the maximum amount that it could incur without causing the incurrence of obligations under its guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer. This provision may not be effective to protect the guarantees from being avoided under applicable fraudulent transfer laws or may reduce the guarantor's obligation to an amount that effectively makes the guarantee worthless. Finally, as a court of equity, a bankruptcy court may subordinate the claims in respect of the notes to other claims against us under the principle of equitable subordination, if the court determines that: (i) the holder of notes engaged in some type of inequitable conduct, (ii) such inequitable conduct resulted in injury to our other creditors or conferred an unfair advantage upon the holder of notes and (iii) equitable subordination is not inconsistent with the provisions of the bankruptcy code.

         We face risks related to rating agency downgrades.

        The notes are rated by Moody's Investor Service and Standard & Poor's. If such rating agencies reduce the rating in the future, the market price of the notes would be adversely affected. In addition, if any of our other outstanding debt is subsequently downgraded, raising capital will become more difficult, borrowing costs under revolving credit facility and other future borrowings may increase and the market price of the notes may decrease.

         Many of the covenants contained in the indenture will be suspended if the notes are rated investment grade by either Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

        Many of the covenants in the indenture governing the notes will be suspended if the notes are rated investment grade by either Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and certain other conditions are satisfied. These covenants include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, to incur debt and to enter into certain other transactions. Suspension of these covenants would allow us to engage in certain transactions that would not have been permitted while these covenants were in force, and the effects of any such transactions will be permitted to remain in place even if the notes are subsequently downgraded. There can be no assurance that the notes will ever be rated investment grade, or that if they are rated investment grade, that the notes will maintain such ratings. See "Description of the New Notes—Covenant Suspension."

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table shows our historical ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated. For the purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" represents income from continuing operations before income taxes minus income from equity investees plus distributed earnings from equity investees and fixed charges. "Fixed charges" consist of interest expense, including amortization of debt issuance costs and that portion of rental expense considered to be a reasonable approximation of interest.

 
  Nine months
ended
September 30,
2016
  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  
 
  Year ended December 31,  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

    (a)   (a)   4.3x     (a)   (a)   1.9x  

(a)
For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and years ended December 31, 2015, 2013 and 2012, earnings were insufficient to cover total fixed charges by $303.3 million, $109.2 million, $33.6 million and $30.7 million, respectively.

        We have computed the ratio by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For this purpose, earnings consist of the sum of the following: income from continuing operations before income taxes, fixed charges and amortization of capitalized interest, less interest capitalized. Fixed charges consist of interest expense on long-term debt, amortization of debt issuance costs and accretion of debt discount, interest capitalized and an estimate of interest within rental expense.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. In consideration for issuing the new notes, we will receive old notes from you in the same principal amount. The old notes surrendered in exchange for the new notes will be retired and canceled and cannot be reissued. Accordingly, issuance of the new notes will not result in any change in our indebtedness.

        The net proceeds from the offering of the old notes were approximately $392.3 million. We used those proceeds, together with the proceeds of our recent offerings of common stock and convertible notes, to fund the cash portion of the purchase price in the Delaware Basin Acquisition, which was completed on December 6, 2016, to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes. See "Prospectus Summary."

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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

        The following summary of the registration rights agreement and letter of transmittal is not complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by, all of the provisions of the registration rights agreement and the letter of transmittal, each of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. The letter of transmittal is included in this prospectus as Annex A. We urge you to read the entire registration rights agreement and the letter of transmittal carefully.

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer

        In connection with the issuance of the old notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with respect to the notes. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement, we agreed that we will, subject to certain exceptions,

        We have also agreed to include in the exchange offer registration statement a prospectus for use in any resales by any holder of old notes that is a "participating broker-dealer" (as defined in the registration rights agreement) and to keep such exchange offer registration statement effective for a period ending 180 days from the expiration date of this exchange offer; provided that if the letters of transmittal relating to the exchange offer as provided to us indicate that no holder is a broker-dealer, we will not be obligated to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement after the consummation of the exchange offer.

        In the event that:

then, we and any subsidiary guarantors will, in lieu of or in addition to conducting the exchange offer, shall as soon as reasonably practicable cause to be filed a shelf registration statement providing for the sale of all the old notes by the holders thereof and to have such shelf registration statement become effective; provided that no holder will be entitled to have any "registrable securities" (as defined in the registration rights agreement) included in any shelf registration statement, or entitled to use the prospectus forming a part of such shelf registration statement, until such holder shall have delivered a completed and signed "notice and questionnaire" (as defined in the registration rights agreement) and provided such other information to the Company as is required.

        We will pay, as liquidated damages, additional cash interest on the applicable notes, subject to certain exceptions:

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        The additional interest will be increased by 1.00% per annum during the registration default period. We will pay such additional interest on regular interest payment dates.

Terms of the Exchange Offer

        Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus, for each $2,000, and $1,000 integral multiples in excess of $2,000, principal amount of old notes properly tendered and not withdrawn before the expiration date of the exchange offer, we will issue $2,000, and $1,000 integral multiples in excess of $2,000, principal amount of new notes. Holders may tender some or all of their old notes pursuant to the exchange offer in denominations of $2,000 and $1,000 integral multiples in excess of $2,000 thereof. The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of old notes being tendered.

        The form and terms of the new notes will be the same as the form and terms of the old notes except that:

        The new notes will evidence the same indebtedness as the old notes they replace, and will be issued under, and be entitled to the benefits of, the same indenture governing the issuance of the old notes. As a result, the old notes and the new notes will be treated as a single series of notes under the indenture.

        The initial interest payment date on the notes has not yet occurred. No interest will be paid in connection with the exchange. The new notes will accrue interest from and including the last interest payment date on which interest has been paid on the old notes or, if no interest has been paid on the old notes, from the date of original issue of the old notes. Accordingly, the holders of old notes that are accepted for exchange will not receive accrued but unpaid interest on old notes at the time of tender. Rather, that interest will be payable on the new notes delivered in exchange for the old notes on the first interest payment date after the expiration date.

        Under existing SEC interpretations, the new notes would generally be freely transferable after the exchange offer without further registration under the Securities Act, except that broker dealers receiving the new notes in the exchange offer in exchange for old notes that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities will be subject to a prospectus delivery requirement with respect to their resale. This view is based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC in no action letters issued to other issuers in exchange offers like this one. We have not, however, asked the SEC to consider this particular exchange offer in the context of a no action letter. Therefore, the SEC might not treat it in the same way it has treated other exchange offers in the past. You will be relying on the no action letters that the SEC has issued to third parties in circumstances that we believe are similar to

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ours. Based on these no action letters, you must meet the following conditions in order to participate in the exchange offer and receive freely transferable new notes:

        By tendering your old notes as described in "—Procedures for Tendering", you will be representing to us that you satisfy all of the above listed conditions. If you do not satisfy all of the above listed conditions:

        In addition, if you are a broker-dealer that acquires new notes pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for old notes that you acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, you must comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the new notes. Such broker-dealers may use this prospectus to fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to the new notes. We have agreed in the registration rights agreement to send a prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests copies in the letter of transmittal accompanying the prospectus until the earlier of 180 days from the completion date of this exchange offer or such time as such broker-dealers no longer hold any old notes.

        Unless you are required to do so because you are a broker-dealer, you may not use this prospectus for an offer to resell, resale or other retransfer of new notes. We are not making this exchange offer to, nor will we accept tenders for exchange from, holders of old notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offer or the acceptance of it would not be in compliance with the securities or blue sky laws of that jurisdiction.

        Holders of old notes do not have appraisal or dissenters' rights under state law or under the indenture in connection with the exchange offer. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the applicable requirements of Regulation 14E under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

Expiration Date

        The exchange offer will expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on ,                         2017, unless, in our sole discretion, we extend the expiration date. If we so extend the expiration date, the term "expiration date" shall mean the latest date and time to which we extend the exchange offer. Pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement, the expiration date of the exchange offer may not be more than thirty (30) Business Days following the commencement of the exchange offer. Accordingly, we expect that the maximum period of time that the exchange offer will remain in effect, including any extensions, is thirty (30) Business Days from the date it commences.

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Extensions, Delays in Acceptance, Termination or Amendment

        We reserve the right, in our sole discretion to:

        We will give notice of any delay, extension or termination to the Exchange Agent. In addition, we will give, as promptly as practicable, notice regarding any delay in acceptance, extension or termination of the offer to the registered holders of old notes by press release or other public announcement. Any extension notice will disclose the approximate number of old notes tendered as of the notice date. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, or if we waive a material condition, we will promptly disclose the amendment or waiver in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of old notes of the amendment or waiver, and extend the offer if required by law, and in any event will extend the offer as necessary such that at least five (5) Business Days remain in the offer following notice of a material change.

        We intend to make public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension, termination, amendment or waiver regarding the exchange offer prior to 9 a.m., Denver time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

        We will not be required to accept for exchange, or to exchange new notes for, any old notes, and we may terminate the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus at or before the expiration date, if:

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        The conditions listed above are for our sole benefit and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any of these conditions. We may waive these conditions in our sole discretion in whole or in part at any time and from time to time. A failure on our part to exercise any of the above rights shall not constitute a waiver of that right, and that right shall be considered an ongoing right which we may assert at any time and from time to time.

        If we determine in our reasonable judgment that any of the events listed above has occurred, we may, subject to applicable law:

        Any determination by us concerning the above events will be final and binding.

        In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to:

        The terms of any such purchases or offers may differ from the terms of the exchange offer.

Procedures for Tendering

        We have forwarded to you, along with this prospectus, a letter of transmittal relating to this exchange offer. Because all of the old notes are held in book-entry accounts maintained by the Exchange Agent at DTC, a holder need not submit a letter of transmittal. However, all holders who exchange their old notes for new notes in accordance with the procedures outlined below will be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and agreed to be bound by, and to have made all of the affirmative acknowledgements required by and the representations and warranties contained in the letter of transmittal.

Procedures Applicable to Beneficial Holders

        Only a registered holder of record of old notes may tender old notes in the exchange offer. If you are a beneficial owner of old notes which are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender old notes in the exchange offer, you should contact the registered holder as soon as possible and instruct them to tender on your behalf and comply with our instructions set forth elsewhere in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. If you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your old notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the old notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder.

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The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the expiration date.

Procedures Applicable to Old Notes Held in Book-Entry Form with DTC

        The old notes were issued as global securities in fully registered form. Beneficial interests in the old notes, held by direct or indirect participants in DTC, are shown on, and transfers of these interests are effected only through, records maintained in book-entry form by DTC with respect to its participants.

        If you hold your old notes in the form of book-entry interests and you wish to tender your old notes for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offers, you must transmit to the Exchange Agent on or prior to the Expiration Date either:

        We understand that the Exchange Agent will make a request promptly after the date of this prospectus to establish accounts with respect to the old notes at DTC for the purpose of facilitating the exchange offer. Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC's system may make book-entry delivery of old notes by causing DTC to transfer such old notes into the Exchange Agent's DTC account in accordance with DTC's electronic Automated Tender Offer Program procedures for such transfer. The exchange of new notes for tendered old notes will only be made after timely:

        The term "agent's message" means a message, transmitted from the DTC participant to DTC and forming part of the confirmation of a book-entry transfer from DTC to the Exchange Agent, which states that DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in DTC tendering old notes and:

        Delivery of an agent's message will also constitute an acknowledgment from the tendering DTC participant that the representations contained in the letter of transmittal and described below under "Representations on Tendering Old Notes" are true and correct.

Procedures Applicable to Holders of Certificated Old Notes

        No definitive certificated notes are issued and outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. Only registered holders of certificated old notes may tender those notes in the exchange offer. If your old notes are certificated notes and you wish to tender those notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, you must transmit to the Exchange Agent, on or prior to the expiration date, a written or

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facsimile copy of a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, including all other required documents, to the address set forth below under "—Exchange Agent." In addition, in order to validly tender your certificated old notes the certificates representing your old notes must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to the expiration date.

Procedures Applicable to All Holders

        The tender by a holder that is not withdrawn before expiration of the exchange offer will constitute an agreement between that holder and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal. If a holder tenders less than all of the old notes held by the holder, the tendering holder should so indicate. The amount of old notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.

        The method of delivery of old notes, the letter of transmittal and all other required documents or transmission of an agent's message to the Exchange Agent is at the election and risk of the holder. Rather than mail these items, we recommend that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, holders should allow sufficient time to assure delivery to the Exchange Agent before expiration of the exchange offer. Holders should not send the letter of transmittal or old notes to us. Delivery of documents to DTC in accordance with its procedures will not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.

        We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, acceptance and withdrawal of tendered outstanding notes. Our determination will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any outstanding notes not properly tendered or any outstanding notes the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular outstanding notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. However, we do not expect to treat any holder of outstanding notes differently from other holders to the extent they present the same facts or circumstances.

        Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of outstanding notes must be cured within the time that we determine. Although we intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of outstanding notes, neither we, the Exchange Agent nor any other person will incur any liability for failure to give notification. Tenders of outstanding notes will not be deemed made until those defects or irregularities have been cured or waived.

        Outstanding notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent without cost to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, as soon as practicable following the expiration date.

        In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion to (a) purchase or make offers for any outstanding notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the expiration date, and (b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase outstanding notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. The terms of any such purchases or offers may differ from the terms of the exchange offer.

Representations on Tendering Old Notes

        To exchange your old notes for transferable new notes in the exchange offer, you will be required to represent to the effect that you:

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        If you are a broker dealer and you will receive new notes for your own account in exchange for old notes that were acquired as a result of market making activities or other trading activities, you will be required to (i) inform us per the instructions in the letter of transmittal and (ii) represent that you will comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the new notes, as set forth in the letter of transmittal. The letter of transmittal states that, by complying with their obligations, a broker dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. See also "Plan of Distribution."

        The SEC considers broker-dealers that acquired old notes directly from us, but not as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, to be making a distribution of the new notes if they participate in the exchange offer. Consequently, these broker-dealers must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the new notes, and may not participate in the exchange offer.

Withdrawal Rights

        Any holder will be entitled to withdraw its tender of old notes, not later than the close of business on the last day of the exchange offer, by (a) sending to the Exchange Agent a facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of such holder, the principal amount of new notes delivered for exchange and a statement that such holder is withdrawing its election to have such old notes exchanged or (b) effecting such withdrawal in compliance with the applicable procedures of the DTC.

        For a withdrawal to be effective for DTC participants, holders must comply with their respective standard operating procedures for electronic tenders and the Exchange Agent must receive an electronic notice of withdrawal from DTC.

        Any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn old notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of DTC. We will determine in our sole discretion all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility, including time of receipt, for such withdrawal notices, and our determination shall be final and binding on all parties. Any old notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer and no new notes will be issued with respect to them unless the old notes so withdrawn are validly re-tendered. Any old notes which have been tendered but which are withdrawn or not accepted for exchange will be returned to the holder without cost to such holder promptly after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn old notes may be re-tendered by following the procedures described above under "—Procedures for Tendering" at any time prior to the expiration date.

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Exchange Agent

        U.S. Bank National Association has been appointed as the Exchange Agent for the exchange offer. U.S. Bank National Association also acts as trustee under the indenture governing the notes. You should direct all executed letters of transmittal and all questions and requests for assistance and requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letters of transmittal to the Exchange Agent addressed as follows:

U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
EP-MN-WS2N
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance
Fax: 651-495-8158
Phone: 800-934-6802

        If you deliver the letter of transmittal to the Company or to an address other than the one set forth above or transmit instructions via facsimile other than the one set forth above, that delivery or those instructions will not be effective.

Fees and Expenses

        We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders with respect to the exchange offer. The principal solicitation is being made by electronic means; however, we may make additional solicitation by telephone or in person by our officers and regular employees and those of our affiliates.

        We have not retained any dealer manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We will, however, pay the Exchange Agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reimburse it for its related reasonable out of pocket expenses.

        We will pay the cash expenses to be incurred in connection with the exchange offer. They include the following:

Transfer Taxes

        Holders who tender their old notes for exchange will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes. If, however, a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of old notes in connection with the exchange offer, then the tendering holder must pay the amount of any transfer taxes due, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons. If the tendering holder does not submit satisfactory evidence of payment of these taxes or exemption from them with the letter of transmittal, the amount of these transfer taxes will be billed directly to the tendering holder.

Accounting Treatment

        We will record the new notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the old notes. This carrying value is the aggregate principal amount of the old notes, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for

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accounting purposes in connection with the exchange offer, nor will this be recorded as a redemption and issuance.

Consequences of Failure to Properly Tender Old Notes in the Exchange

        We will issue the new notes in exchange for old notes under the exchange offer only after timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the old notes into the Exchange Agent's account and timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of an agent's message and all other required documents specified in the letter of transmittal. Therefore, holders of the old notes desiring to tender old notes in exchange for new notes should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery. We are under no duty to give notification of defects or irregularities of tenders of old notes for exchange or waive any such defects or irregularities. Old notes that are not tendered or that are tendered but not accepted by us will, following completion of the exchange offer, continue to be subject to the existing transfer restrictions under the Securities Act. Thus, you may not resell the old notes, offer them for resale or otherwise transfer them unless they are subsequently registered or resold under an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. There will be no guaranteed delivery procedures for the exchange offer.

        Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary. In the event the exchange offer is completed, we will generally not be required to register the remaining old notes, and therefore holders of old notes will not have any further rights to have their old notes exchanged for new notes registered under the Securities Act. Remaining old notes will continue to be subject to the following restrictions on transfer:

        To the extent that old notes are tendered and accepted in connection with the exchange offer, any trading market for remaining old notes could be adversely affected.

        Neither we nor our board of directors make any recommendation to holders of old notes as to whether to tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their old notes pursuant to the exchange offer. Moreover, no one has been authorized to make any such recommendation. Holders of old notes must make their own decision whether to tender pursuant to the exchange offer and, if so, the aggregate amount of old notes to tender, after reading this prospectus and the letter of transmittal and consulting with their advisors, if any, based on their own financial position and requirements.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW NOTES

        We issued the old notes, and will issue the new notes, under an indenture (the "indenture"), between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the "trustee"). The old notes were issued in a private transaction that was not subject to the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The indenture is governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The terms of the notes will include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act. For purposes of this description, unless the context otherwise requires, references to the "notes" includes the new notes, the old notes, and any additional notes (as described below). This description of the new notes is qualified by the indenture which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is part.

        You can find the definitions of terms used in this description of notes below under the caption "—Definitions." Capitalized terms used in this description, but not defined below under the caption "—Definitions" have the meanings assigned to them in the indenture. In this description, the words "PDC," "we," "us," and "our" refer only to PDC Energy, Inc., and not to any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

        The registered holder of a note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered holders will have rights under the indenture.

Brief Description of the New Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees

The Notes

        The old notes are and the new notes will:

The Subsidiary Guarantees

        Currently, the old notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. Within thirty (30) days following the completion of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, PDC Permian, Inc., the subsidiary of the Company that holds the assets and properties acquired in the Delaware Basin Acquisition, will become a guarantor under our revolving credit facility and will be required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor under the indenture governing the notes and the indentures governing the New Convertible Notes and the Company's Existing Senior Notes. In the future, each of our Domestic Restricted Subsidiaries will be required to guarantee the notes if such Subsidiary both

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        Additional Subsidiaries will be required to become Subsidiary Guarantors under the circumstances described below under "—Covenants—Subsidiary guarantees" and "—Subsidiary Guarantees of the Notes." Each Subsidiary Guarantee will:

        For purposes of preparing our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, our drilling partnerships are not considered subsidiaries. These partnerships are not considered "Subsidiaries" as defined in the indenture governing the notes.

        All of our Subsidiaries are currently "Restricted Subsidiaries." However, under the circumstances described below under the caption "—Covenants—Designation of restricted and unrestricted subsidiaries," we will be permitted to designate Subsidiaries as "Unrestricted Subsidiaries." Our Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to many of the restrictive covenants in the indenture, and will not guarantee the notes.

Principal, Maturity and Interest

        The old notes had, and the new notes will have (together with any old notes that remain outstanding), an initial aggregate principal amount of $400 million. We may issue additional notes ("Additional Notes") under the indenture from time to time. Any issuance of Additional Notes is subject to all of the covenants in the indenture, including the covenant described below under the caption "—Covenants—Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock." The old notes, the new notes issued in this exchange offer, and any Additional Notes will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the indenture, including, without limitation, waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase; provided that if the Additional Notes are not fungible with the old notes or the new notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such Additional Notes will have a different CUSIP. We may also issue other debt securities under the indenture. If issued, such other debt securities will not vote together with the notes on any matter. The notes will mature on September 15, 2024, and will be issued in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000.

        Interest on the notes will accrue at the rate of 6.125% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15, beginning on March 15, 2017. Additional interest may accrue on the notes in certain circumstances described below under "—Registration Rights; Additional Interest," and all references to "interest" in this description include any additional interest that may be payable on the notes. Interest on overdue principal, premium, if any, and interest will accrue at the applicable interest rate on the notes. PDC will make each interest payment to the holders of record of the notes on the immediately preceding March 1 and September 1. Interest on the notes will accrue from the date of original issuance or, if interest has already been paid, from the date it was most recently paid. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the intervening period..

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Methods of Receiving Payment on the Notes

        Payments in respect of the notes represented by the global notes are to be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holder or holders of the global notes. With respect to certificated notes, PDC will make all payments by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders thereof or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each holder's registered address.

Paying Agent and Registrar for the Notes

        The trustee is currently acting as paying agent and registrar for the notes. PDC may change the paying agent or registrar without prior notice to the holders of the notes, and PDC or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries may act as paying agent or registrar.

Transfer

        The registrar and the trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents in connection with a transfer of the notes, and PDC may require a holder to pay any taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the indenture. PDC will not be required to transfer any note (or portion of a note) selected for redemption. Also, PDC will not be required to transfer any note for a period of 15 days before a selection of notes to be redeemed.

Subsidiary Guarantees of the Notes

        The old notes are not currently guaranteed by any of our Subsidiaries. Within thirty (30) days following the completion of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, PDC Permian, Inc. will become a guarantor under our revolving credit facility and will be required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor under the indenture governing the notes and the indentures governing the New Convertible Notes and the Existing Senior Notes. In the future, other Subsidiaries may be required to become Subsidiary Guarantors as described under "—Covenants—Subsidiary guarantees." The Subsidiary Guarantees will be joint and several obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors and limited to the maximum amount the Guarantors are permitted to guarantee under applicable law without creating a fraudulent conveyance. See "Risk factors—Risks Related to the Notes—U.S. federal and state fraudulent transfer laws may permit a court to void, subordinate or limit the notes and any guarantees as a fraudulent transfer, and, if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the notes or may be required to return payments received on the notes."

        A Subsidiary Guarantor may not sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (regardless of whether such Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving Person), another Person, other than PDC or another Subsidiary Guarantor, unless:

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        The Subsidiary Guarantee of a Subsidiary Guarantor will be released as set forth under the caption "—Covenants—Subsidiary guarantees," and will also be released immediately:

Optional Redemption

        Except as described in the last paragraph of "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of control", the notes are not redeemable until September 15, 2019. On and after September 15, 2019, PDC may redeem all or a part of the notes, from time to time, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes redeemed to the applicable redemption date (subject to the rights of holders of notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on September 15 of the years indicated below:

Years
  Redemption price  

2019

    104.594 %

2020

    103.063 %

2021

    101.531 %

2022 and thereafter

    100.000 %

At any time or from time to time prior to September 15, 2019, PDC may also redeem all or a part of the notes, at a redemption price equal to the Make-Whole Price, subject to the rights of holders of notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

        "Make-Whole Price" with respect to any notes to be redeemed, means an amount equal to the greater of:

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plus, in the case of both (1) and (2), accrued and unpaid interest on such notes, if any, to the redemption date.

        "Comparable Treasury Issue" means, with respect to notes to be redeemed, the U.S. Treasury security selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having a maturity most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to September 15, 2019, that would be utilized at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of a comparable maturity; provided that if such period is less than one year, then the U.S. Treasury security having a maturity of one year shall be used.

        "Comparable Treasury Price" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest of such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (2) if the trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations.

        "Independent Investment Banker" means J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and its successors, or, if such firm is unwilling or unable to select the applicable Comparable Treasury Issue, an independent investment banking institution of national standing appointed by PDC.

        "Reference Treasury Dealer" means each of J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and its successors and three additional primary Government Securities dealers in New York City (each a "Primary Treasury Dealer") selected by PDC, and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any such firm or any such successor, as the case may be, shall cease to be a primary Government Securities dealer in New York City, PDC shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.

        "Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations" means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Independent Investment Banker, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the trustee by such Reference Treasury Dealer at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the third Business Day preceding such redemption date.

        "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any redemption date, (1) the yield, under the heading which represents the average for the immediately preceding week, appearing in the most recently published statistical release designated "H.15(159)" or any successor publication that is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and that establishes yields on actively traded U.S. Treasury securities adjusted to constant maturity under the caption "Treasury Constant Maturities," for the maturity corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months before or after the stated maturity, yields for the two published maturities most closely corresponding to the Comparable Treasury Issue shall be determined, and the Treasury Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such yields on a straight-line basis, rounding to the nearest month) or (2) if such release (or any successor release) is not published during the week preceding the calculation date or does not contain such yields, the rate per annum equal to the semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable Treasury Issue, calculated using a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date. The Treasury Rate shall be calculated on the third Business Day preceding the redemption date.

        The notice of redemption with respect to the foregoing redemption need not set forth the Make-Whole Price but only the manner of calculation thereof. PDC will notify the trustee of the Make-Whole Price with respect to any redemption promptly after the calculation, and the trustee shall not be responsible for such calculation.

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        In addition, prior to September 15, 2019, PDC may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 35% of the principal amount of the notes with all or a portion of the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings at a redemption price equal to 106.125% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes redeemed to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided that:

        Notice of any redemption upon an Equity Offering may be given prior to the completion of the related Equity Offering, and any such redemption or notice may at PDC's discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to completion of the related Equity Offering.

        Unless PDC defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest, if any, will cease to accrue on the notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable redemption date.

Selection and Notice

        If less than all of the notes are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select notes for redemption on a pro rata basis (or, in the case of notes in global form, the trustee will select notes for redemption based on DTC's required method), unless otherwise required by law or applicable stock exchange requirements.

        Notes redeemed in part must be redeemed only in amounts of $2,000 or whole multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof (subject to the procedures of DTC or any other depositary). Notices of redemption will be mailed by first class mail or delivered in accordance with the procedures of DTC at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed at its registered address, except that redemption notices may be mailed or delivered more than 60 days prior to a redemption date if the notice is issued in connection with a defeasance of the notes or a satisfaction and discharge of the indenture.

        If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to such note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original note. Notes called for redemption become due on the date fixed for redemption, unless the redemption is subject to a condition precedent that is not satisfied or waived. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on notes or portions of notes called for redemption, unless PDC defaults in making the redemption payment, in which case interest will continue to accrue on notes or portions of notes called for redemption until the redemption price is paid. Any redemption or notice of redemption may, at our discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent and, in the case of a redemption with the net cash proceeds of an Equity Offering, be given prior to the completion of the related Equity Offering.

Open Market Purchases; Mandatory Redemption; No Sinking Fund

        We may at any time and from time to time purchase notes in the open market or otherwise. Except as described under "Special Mandatory Redemption," we are not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes. However, under certain circumstances, we may be required to offer to purchase notes pursuant to the covenants described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders."

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Repurchase at the Option of Holders

Change of control

        If a Change of Control occurs, each holder of notes will have the right to require PDC to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000) of that holder's notes pursuant to an offer (a "Change of Control Offer") on the terms set forth in the indenture. In the Change of Control Offer, PDC will offer a payment in cash (the "Change of Control Payment") equal to not less than 101% of the aggregate principal amount of notes repurchased plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes repurchased to the date of purchase (the "Change of Control Payment Date"), subject to the rights of holders of notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date.

        Within 30 days following any Change of Control, or, at PDC's option, prior to such Change of Control but after it is publicly announced, PDC will provide a notice to each holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and offering to repurchase notes on the Change of Control Payment Date specified in the notice, which date will be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed or delivered or such later date as is necessary to comply with requirements under the Exchange Act, pursuant to the procedures required by the indenture and described in such notice. PDC will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Change of Control provisions of the indenture, PDC will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Change of Control provisions of the indenture by virtue of such compliance.

        On the Change of Control Payment Date, PDC will, to the extent lawful:

        The paying agent will promptly mail or wire transfer to each holder of notes properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such notes (or, if all the notes are then in global form, make such payment through the facilities of DTC), and the trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each holder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. Any note so accepted for payment will cease to accrue interest on and after the Change of Control Payment Date unless PDC defaults in making the Change of Control Payment, in which case interest will continue to accrue on notes accepted for payment until the Change of Control Payment is made. PDC will publicly announce the results of the Change of Control Offer on or as soon as practicable after the Change of Control Payment Date.

        The provisions described herein that require PDC to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control will be applicable regardless of whether any other provisions of the indenture are applicable. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the indenture will not contain provisions that permit the holders of the notes to require that PDC repurchase or redeem the notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization or similar transaction.

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        PDC will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (1) a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the price, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by PDC and purchases all notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer, or (2) PDC has given notice of redemption pursuant to the indenture as described above under the caption "—Optional Redemption," unless and until there is a Default in payment of the applicable redemption price.

        A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, and conditioned upon the occurrence of such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making the Change of Control Offer. Notes repurchased by PDC pursuant to a Change of Control Offer will have the status of notes issued but not outstanding or will be retired and cancelled, at PDC's option. Notes purchased by a third party pursuant to the preceding paragraph will have the status of notes issued and outstanding.

        The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating to the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of "all or substantially all" of the properties or assets of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under New York law, which is the governing law of the indenture. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of notes to require PDC to repurchase its notes as a result of a sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition of less than all of the properties or assets of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to another Person or group may be uncertain.

        In the event that holders of at least 90% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes accept a Change of Control Offer and PDC (or any third party making such Change of Control Offer, in lieu of PDC, as described above) purchases all of the notes held by such holders, PDC will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice, given not more than 30 days following a Change of Control Payment Date, to redeem all, but not less than all, of the notes that remain outstanding at a redemption price equal to the Change of Control Payment plus, to the extent not included in the Change of Control Payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the notes that remain outstanding, to the date of redemption (subject to the right of holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

Asset Sales

        PDC will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, consummate an Asset Sale unless:

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        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the 75% limitation referred to above shall be deemed satisfied with respect to any Asset Sale in which the cash or Cash Equivalents portion of the consideration received therefrom, determined in accordance with the foregoing provision on an after-tax basis, is equal to or greater than what the after-tax proceeds would have been had such Asset Sale complied with the aforementioned 75% limitation.

        Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale or, if PDC has entered into a binding commitment or commitments with respect to any of the actions described in clauses (2) or (3) below, within the later of (x) 365 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale or (y) 180 days after the entering into of such commitment or commitments, PDC (or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) may apply such Net Proceeds:

        However, pending application or investment of such Net Proceeds as provided in clauses (1) through (3), such Net Proceeds may be applied to temporarily reduce revolving credit Indebtedness. An amount equal to any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in clauses (1) through (3) above will constitute "Excess Proceeds."

        Within ten (10) Business Days after the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $30 million, PDC will make an offer (an "Asset Sale Offer") to all holders of notes and all holders of other Indebtedness that is pari passu with the notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in the indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets, to purchase the maximum principal amount of notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, and will be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer, PDC or any Restricted Subsidiary may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of notes and other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, PDC will use the Excess Proceeds to purchase the notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness on a pro rata basis. Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the sale, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, will be governed by the provisions of the indenture described under the caption "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of control" and/or the provisions described under the caption

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"—Covenants—Merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all assets" and not by the provisions of the Asset Sales covenant.

        PDC will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations to the extent those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with each repurchase of notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the Asset Sales provisions of the indenture, or compliance with the Asset Sales provisions of the indenture would constitute a violation of any such laws or regulations, PDC will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Asset Sales provisions of the indenture by virtue of such compliance.

        The Senior Credit Agreement contains, and future debt agreements may contain, prohibitions of certain events, including events that would constitute a Change of Control or an Asset Sale and including repurchases of or other prepayments in respect of the notes. The exercise by the holders of notes of their right to require PDC to repurchase the notes upon a Change of Control or an Asset Sale could cause a default under these other agreements, even if the Change of Control or Asset Sale itself does not, due to the financial effect of such repurchases on PDC or otherwise. In the event a Change of Control or Asset Sale occurs at a time when PDC is prohibited from purchasing notes, PDC could seek the consent of the applicable lenders to the purchase of notes or could attempt to refinance the Indebtedness that contain such prohibitions. If PDC does not obtain a consent or repay that Indebtedness, PDC will remain prohibited from purchasing notes. In that case, PDC's failure to purchase tendered notes would constitute an Event of Default under the indenture which could, in turn, constitute a default under other Indebtedness. Finally, PDC's ability to pay cash to the holders of notes upon a repurchase may be limited by PDC's then-existing financial resources. See "Risk factors—Risks related to the notes—We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control as required by the indenture governing the notes."

Covenants

Restricted payments

        PDC will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

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(all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (1) through (4) above being collectively referred to as "Restricted Payments"), unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment;

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        The preceding provisions will not prohibit:

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        The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the Fair Market Value, on the date of such Restricted Payment, of the Restricted Investment proposed to be made or the asset(s) or securities proposed to be paid, transferred or issued by PDC or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment. The Fair Market Value of any cash Restricted Payment shall be its face amount, and the Fair Market Value of any non-cash Restricted Payment shall be determined in accordance with the definition of that term. For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that a Restricted Payment meets the criteria of more than one of the exceptions described in (1) through (12) above or is entitled to be made pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, PDC shall, in its sole discretion, classify such Restricted Payment, or later classify, reclassify or re-divide all or a portion of such Restricted Payment, in any manner that complies with this covenant.

Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock

        PDC will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to directly or indirectly create, incur, issue, assume, Guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, "incur;" with "incurrence" having a correlative meaning) any

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Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt), and PDC will not issue any Disqualified Stock and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any preferred stock; provided, however, that PDC may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and issue Disqualified Stock, and Subsidiary Guarantors may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) and issue preferred stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for PDC's most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or preferred stock is issued, as the case may be, would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or the Disqualified Stock or preferred stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four-quarter period.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the first paragraph of this covenant will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness or the issuance of any Disqualified Stock or preferred stock described below (collectively, "Permitted Debt"):

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        PDC will not incur, and will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to incur, any Indebtedness (including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of PDC or such Subsidiary Guarantor unless such Indebtedness is also contractually subordinated in right of payment to the notes and the applicable Subsidiary Guarantee, on substantially identical terms; provided, however, that no Indebtedness will be deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment to any other Indebtedness of PDC solely by virtue of being unsecured or by virtue of being secured on a first or junior Lien basis.

        For purposes of determining compliance with this "—Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock" covenant, (a) in the event that an item of proposed Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in clauses (1) through (15) of the second paragraph of this covenant, or is entitled to be incurred or issued pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant, PDC will be permitted to divide and classify such item on the date of its incurrence or issuance, or later divide and reclassify all or a portion of such item, in any manner that complies with this covenant and (b) all Indebtedness outstanding on the date of original issue of the old notes or the Acquisition Closing Date (after giving effect to the use of proceeds from the offering of the notes) under the Senior Credit Agreement shall be deemed to have been Incurred on the date of original issue of the old notes or the Acquisition Closing Date, as applicable, under clause (1) of the second paragraph of this covenant and may not be later divided or reclassified pursuant to clause (a) of this sentence. The accrual of interest, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the reclassification of preferred stock as Indebtedness due to a change in accounting principles, and the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock or preferred stock in the form of additional Disqualified Stock or preferred stock of the same class will be deemed not to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock or preferred stock for purposes of this covenant; provided, in each such case, that the amount of any such accrual, accretion or payment is included in Fixed Charges of PDC as accrued.

        For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred, in the case of term Indebtedness, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit Indebtedness; provided that if such Indebtedness is incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced. Notwithstanding any other provision of this covenant, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that PDC or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur pursuant to this covenant shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

Limitation on liens

        PDC will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur or permit to exist any Lien (the "Initial Lien"), other than Permitted Liens, upon any of its property or assets (including Capital Stock and Indebtedness of any Subsidiaries of PDC and including any income or profits from such property or assets), whether owned on the date of original issue of the

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old notes or thereafter acquired, which Lien secures any Subordinated Debt or other Indebtedness, unless:

        Any Lien securing the notes or Subsidiary Guarantees created pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall provide by its terms that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the unconditional release and discharge of the Initial Lien.

Dividend and other payment restrictions affecting restricted subsidiaries

        PDC will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

        However, the preceding restrictions will not apply to encumbrances or restrictions existing under, by reason of or with respect to:

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Transactions with affiliates

        PDC will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or Guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of PDC (each, an "Affiliate Transaction"), involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $1 million, unless:

        The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of the prior paragraph:

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Designation of restricted and unrestricted subsidiaries

        The Board of Directors of PDC may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default. If a Restricted Subsidiary is designated as an

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Unrestricted Subsidiary, the aggregate Fair Market Value of all outstanding Investments owned by PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Subsidiary designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be deemed to be an Investment made as of the time of the designation. That designation will only be permitted if the applicable Restricted Subsidiary meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary and if such Investment would be permitted at that time, either pursuant to (a) the covenant described above under the caption "—Restricted payments" or (b) the definition of Permitted Investment.

        Any designation of a Subsidiary of PDC as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the trustee by filing with the trustee a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors of PDC giving effect to such designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by the covenant described above under the caption "—Restricted payments." If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the requirements of the definition of "Unrestricted Subsidiary" set forth below under "—Definitions," it will thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of the indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary as of such date and, if such Indebtedness is not permitted to be incurred as of such date under the covenant described under the caption "—Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock," PDC will be in Default of such covenant.

        The Board of Directors of PDC may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such designation will be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness by a Restricted Subsidiary of any outstanding Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, and such designation will only be permitted if (1) such Indebtedness is permitted under the covenant described under the caption "—Incurrence of indebtedness and issuance of preferred stock," calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the four-quarter reference period; and (2) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation.

Reports

        Regardless of whether required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any notes are outstanding, PDC will file with the SEC for public availability, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and regulations (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing, in which case PDC will comply with the requirements described in the second succeeding paragraph):

        All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules and regulations applicable to such reports. Each annual report on Form 10-K will include a report on PDC's consolidated financial statements by PDC's certified independent accountants.

        If, at any time, PDC is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any reason, PDC will nevertheless continue filing the reports specified in the preceding paragraphs of this covenant with the SEC within the time periods specified above unless the SEC will not accept such a filing. PDC will not take any action for the purpose of causing the SEC not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the SEC will not accept PDC's filings for any reason, PDC will post the reports referred to in the preceding paragraphs on its website within the time periods that would apply if PDC were required to file those reports with the SEC. Any default or event of default arising from a failure to file with the SEC or post in a timely manner any information shall be deemed cured upon filing or posting such information.

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Subsidiary guarantees

        Currently, the old notes are not guaranteed by any of our subsidiaries. Within thirty (30) days following the completion of the Delaware Basin Acquisition, PDC Permian, Inc. will become a guarantor under the revolving credit facility and will be required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor under the indenture governing the notes and the indentures governing the New Convertible Notes and the Company's Existing Senior Notes. In the future, each of our Domestic Restricted Subsidiaries will be required to guarantee the notes if, on any date after the exchange, such Subsidiary both:

then such Subsidiary will become a Subsidiary Guarantor by executing and delivering a supplemental indenture, in the form provided for in the indenture, to the trustee within 30 days of the date on which it is required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor.

        If, at any date after the date of original issue of the old notes, PDC's Domestic Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors are Material in the Aggregate, then PDC shall cause one or more of such Domestic Restricted Subsidiaries (the selection thereof to be at PDC's discretion) to promptly become Subsidiary Guarantors by executing and delivering a supplemental indenture, in the form provided for in the indenture, such that, after giving effect thereto, the remaining Domestic Restricted Subsidiaries would not be Material in the Aggregate and otherwise not meet the definition of "Material Subsidiary."

        The Subsidiary Guarantee of a Subsidiary Guarantor will be released at such time as such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to (i) Guarantee (or otherwise be liable for) Obligations under the Senior Credit Agreement or (ii) constitute a Material Subsidiary or, if after giving effect to such release, PDC's Domestic Restricted Subsidiaries would not be Material in the Aggregate.

Merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all assets

        PDC will not (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (regardless of whether PDC is the surviving corporation), convert into another form of entity or continue in another jurisdiction; or (2), directly or indirectly, sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets, in one or more related transactions, to another Person, unless:

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        For purposes of this covenant, the sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of one or more Subsidiaries of PDC, which properties or assets, if held by PDC instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties or assets of PDC on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of PDC.

        The surviving entity will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, PDC under the indenture; provided, however, that PDC will not be released from the obligation to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes in the case of a lease of all or substantially all of PDC's properties or assets in a transaction that is subject to, and that complies with the provisions of, this covenant.

        Notwithstanding the restrictions described in the foregoing clause (4), any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or dispose of all or part of its properties or assets to PDC, PDC may merge into a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of reincorporating PDC in another jurisdiction, and any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or dispose of all or part of its properties or assets to another Restricted Subsidiary.

        Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve "all or substantially all" of the properties or assets of a Person.

Covenant Suspension

        From and after the occurrence of an Investment Grade Rating Event, the covenants specifically listed under the following captions in this prospectus will be suspended:

        During any period that the foregoing covenants have been suspended (the "Suspension Period"), PDC may not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the covenant described below under the caption "—Covenants—Designation of restricted and unrestricted subsidiaries." We and our Restricted Subsidiaries will remain subject to all other covenants in the indenture, including those described above under "Repurchase at the Option of Holders—Change of Control" and "—Covenants—Subsidiary guarantees."

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        Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the rating assigned to the notes by both Rating Agencies should subsequently decline to below an Investment Grade Rating, the foregoing covenants will be reinstituted as of and from the date of such rating decline. Calculations under the reinstated "Restricted payments" covenant will be made as if the "Restricted payments" covenant had been in effect since the date of original issue of the old notes except that no Default will be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of a Restricted Payment made while that covenant was suspended. Furthermore, all Indebtedness incurred, or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be deemed to have been incurred or issued pursuant to clause (2) of the definition of "Permitted Debt." In addition, for purposes of the covenant described under "—Covenants—Transactions with affiliates," all agreements and arrangements entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary with an Affiliate of the Company during the Suspension Period will be deemed to have been entered into prior to the date of original issue of the old notes and permitted by clause (9) of such covenant, and for purposes of the covenant described under "—Covenants—Dividend and other payment restrictions affecting restricted subsidiaries," all contracts entered into during the Suspension Period that contain any of the restrictions contemplated by such covenant will be deemed to have been existing on the date of original issue of the old notes.

        There can be no assurance that the notes will ever achieve an Investment Grade Rating, or that any such rating will be maintained.

Events of Default

        Under the indenture, each of the following will constitute an "Event of Default" with respect to the notes:

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        The indenture will provide that in the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to PDC, any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all then outstanding notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. However, the effect of such provision may be limited by applicable law. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes may declare all of the notes to be due and payable immediately by notice in writing to PDC and, in case of a notice by holders, also to the trustee specifying the respective Event of Default and that it is a notice of acceleration.

        Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes may direct the trustee in its exercise of any trust or power with respect to the notes. The trustee may withhold from holders of the notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest, except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, interest or premium, if any.

        Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the duties of the trustee in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any holders of notes unless such holders have offered to the trustee indemnity or security satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, when due, no holder of a note may pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the notes unless:

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        The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes by notice to the trustee may, on behalf of the holders of all of the notes, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under the indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium, if any, on, or the principal of, the notes.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default specified in clause (6) above shall have occurred and be continuing, such Event of Default and any consequential acceleration (to the extent not in violation of any applicable law or in conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction) shall be automatically rescinded if (a) (i) the Indebtedness that is the subject of such Event of Default has been repaid or (ii) if the default relating to such Indebtedness is waived by the holders of such Indebtedness or cured and if such Indebtedness has been accelerated, then the holders thereof have rescinded their declaration of acceleration in respect of such Indebtedness and (b) any other existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the notes that became due solely because of the acceleration of the notes, have been cured or waived.

        PDC is required to deliver to the trustee annually an Officers' Certificate regarding compliance with the indenture. Upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, PDC is required within five (5) Business Days to deliver to the trustee a statement specifying such Default or Event of Default.

No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders

        No director, officer, employee, incorporator, stockholder, member, manager or partner of PDC or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of PDC or the Subsidiary Guarantors under the notes, the indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder of notes by accepting a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance

        PDC may, at any time, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers' Certificate, elect to have all of its obligations discharged with respect to the outstanding notes and all obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors discharged with respect to their Subsidiary Guarantees ("Legal Defeasance") except for:

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        In addition, PDC may, at its option and at any time, elect to have the obligations of PDC and the Subsidiary Guarantors released with respect to the provisions of the indenture described above under "—Repurchase at the Option of Holders" and under "—Covenants" (other than the covenant described under "—Covenants—Merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all assets," except to the extent described below) and the limitation imposed by clause (4) under "—Covenants—Merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all assets" (such release and termination being referred to as "Covenant Defeasance"), and thereafter any omission to comply with such obligations or provisions will not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the notes. In the event Covenant Defeasance occurs in accordance with the indenture, the Events of Default described under clauses (3) through (7) under the caption "—Events of default" and the Event of Default described under clause (9) under the caption "—Events of default" (but only with respect to Subsidiaries of PDC), in each case, will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the notes. In addition, upon the occurrence of Covenant Defeasance all obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantors with respect to their Subsidiary Guarantees will be discharged.

        In order to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance:

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Amendment, Supplement and Waiver

        Except as provided in the next two succeeding paragraphs, the indenture, the debt securities issued thereunder (including the notes) or any Guarantee thereof may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding debt securities of each series affected by such amendment or supplemental indenture, with each such series voting as a separate class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, debt securities) and, subject to certain exceptions relating to waivers of past Defaults and rights of holders of notes to receive payment, any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the debt securities issued thereunder (including the notes) or any Guarantee thereof may be waived with respect to each series of debt securities with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then-outstanding debt securities of such series voting as a separate class (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, debt securities).

        Without the consent of each holder of the outstanding debt securities affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any notes held by a non-consenting holder):

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        The consent of the holders is not necessary under the indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, supplement or waiver, but it is sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof. After an amendment, supplement or waiver under the indenture requiring approval of the holders becomes effective, PDC shall provide to the holders of debt securities affected thereby a notice briefly describing such amendment, supplement or waiver. However, the failure to give such notice to all such holders, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the applicable amendment, supplement or waiver.

Satisfaction and Discharge

        The indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all notes issued thereunder (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of the notes and as otherwise specified in the indenture), when:

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        In addition, PDC must deliver to the trustee (a) an Officers' Certificate, stating that all conditions precedent set forth in clauses (1) through (5) above have been satisfied and (b) an opinion of counsel, stating that all conditions precedent set forth in clauses (3) and (5) above have been satisfied.

Concerning the Trustee

        If the trustee is a creditor of PDC or any Subsidiary Guarantor, the indenture will limit the right of the trustee to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any such claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it has any conflicting interest (as defined in the Trust Indenture Act) after a Default has occurred and is continuing, it must eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as trustee (if the indenture has been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act) or resign.

        The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee, subject to certain exceptions. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of its powers, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any holder of notes, unless such holder has offered to the trustee security or indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense.

Governing Law

        The indenture, the notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees will be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

Additional Information

        Anyone who receives this prospectus may obtain a copy of the indenture and the Registration Rights Agreement without charge by writing to PDC Energy, Inc., 1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000, Denver, Colorado 80203, Attention: Corporate Secretary.

Book-Entry, Delivery and Form of the New Notes

        The new notes will be represented by one or more permanent global notes in registered form without interest coupons (the "Global Notes"). The Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), in New York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC's nominee, Cede & Co., in each case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below.

        Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may not be exchanged for definitive notes in registered certificated form ("Certificated Notes")

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except in the limited circumstances described below. See "—Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes." Except in the limited circumstances described below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form.

        Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants, which may change from time to time.

Depository Procedures

        The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC is provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of DTC and are subject to changes by DTC. We take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge investors to contact DTC or their participants directly to discuss these matters. Neither PDC nor the trustee nor any of their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance of DTC or its participants or indirect participants of its obligations under the rules and procedures governing its operations, and the information in this section is subject to change at any time.

        DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTC's system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the "Indirect Participants"). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants. DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to procedures established by it: (1) upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of Participants designated by the initial purchasers with portions of the principal amount of the Global Notes; and (2) ownership of these interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interest in the Global Notes).

        Investors in the Global Notes who are Participants in DTC's system may hold their interests therein directly through DTC. Investors in the Global Notes who are not Participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) which are Participants in such system. All interests in a Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems.

        The laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the Participants, which in turn act on behalf of the Indirect Participants, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge such interests to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.

        Except as described above, owners of interests in the Global Notes will not have notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or "holders" thereof under the indenture for any purpose.

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        Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest, premium or additional interest, if any, on a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder under the indenture. Under the terms of the indenture, we and the trustee will treat the persons in whose names the notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners thereof for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither we, the trustee, nor any agent of ours or the trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for: (1) any aspect of DTC's records or any Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interest in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTC's records or any Participant's or Indirect Participant's records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes; or (2) any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants.

        DTC has advised us that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the notes (including principal, interest and additional interest, if any), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of the notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the trustee or us. Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of its Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the notes, and we and the trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.

        DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of the notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the indenture, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for legended notes in certificated form, and to distribute such notes to its Participants.

        Neither DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream, are under any obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any time.

Same Day Settlement and Payment

        We will make payments in respect of the notes represented by the Global Notes, including principal, premium, if any, and interest by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC or its nominee. We will make all payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest with respect to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the Certificated Notes or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder's registered address. The notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to be eligible to trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. We expect that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.

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Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes

        A Global Note is exchangeable for Certificated Notes if:

        In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for Certificated Notes upon prior written notice given to the trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the indenture. In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).

Exchange of Certificated Notes for Global Notes

        Certificated Notes may not be exchanged for beneficial interests in any Global Note unless the transferor first delivers to the trustee a written certificate (in the form provided in the indenture) to the effect that such transfer will comply with the appropriate transfer restrictions applicable to such notes. See "Transfer restrictions."

Same Day Settlement and Payment

        PDC will make payments in respect of the notes represented by the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, and interest) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC or its nominee. PDC will make all payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, with respect to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders thereof or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder's registered address. The notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to trade in DTC's Same-Day Funds Settlement System and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. PDC expects that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.

Registration rights; additional interest

        The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement. It does not restate that agreement in its entirety. We urge you to read the Registration Rights Agreement in its entirety because it, and not this description, defines your registration rights as holders of the old notes.

        PDC, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the initial purchasers entered into the Registration Rights Agreement on September 15, 2016. PDC and the Subsidiary Guarantors agreed for the benefit of holders of the old notes to file with the SEC and use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to become effective a registration statement relating to an exchange offer to exchange the old notes for the new notes.

        In the event that applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC do not permit us to effect the exchange offer or if, for any other reason, we do not complete the exchange offer by the 360th day following the date of issuance of the old notes, we will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to become effective a shelf registration statement relating to resales of the old notes and to keep that

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shelf registration statement effective until the earlier of one year following the effective date of such shelf registration statement and such time as all old notes covered by the shelf registration statement have been sold. We will, in the event of such a shelf registration, provide to each holder copies of a prospectus, notify each holder when the shelf registration statement has become effective, and take certain other actions to permit resales of the old notes. A holder of the old notes that sells notes under the shelf registration statement generally will be required to be named as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and to deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in connection with those sales, and will be bound by the provisions of the registration rights agreement that are applicable to such a holder of the old notes (including certain indemnification obligations).

        If the exchange offer is not completed (or, if required, the shelf registration statement is not declared effective or does not automatically become effective) on or before the 360th day following the date of original issue of the old notes, then we will pay additional interest to holders of notes with the effect that the annual interest rate borne by the notes will be increased by one percentage point (1.0%) until the exchange offer is completed or the shelf registration statement is declared effective (or becomes automatically effective). All accrued additional interest will be paid by PDC on the next scheduled interest payment date in the same manner as interest is paid on the notes. Following the time that the notes are registered, the accrual of additional interest will cease. The provisions for additional interest will be the only monetary remedy available to holders under the registration rights agreement.

        The registration rights agreement may be amended or supplemented (and rights of holders of old notes thereunder may be waived) only pursuant to the written consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the old notes; provided, however, that without the consent of each holder of the outstanding old notes affected, an amendment, supplement or waiver may not (with respect to any notes held by a non-consenting holder) change any provision of the registration rights agreement in a manner that could affect adversely the rights of such non-consenting holder to receive additional interest in the amount and on the payment dates as provided in the registration rights agreement as in effect on the date of original issue of the old notes.

Definitions

        "Acquired Debt" means, with respect to any specified Person:

        "Acquisition" means collectively the acquisition of (x) certain assets (the "Target Assets") of the Asset Sellers pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement and (y) all of the outstanding capital stock of the Target pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement.

        "Acquisition Closing Date" means the date on which the Acquisition is completed.

        "Additional Assets" means:

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provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (2), (3) and (4), such Subsidiary is primarily engaged in a Related Business.

        "Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means, with respect to any specified Person or Persons (all of such specified Persons, whether one or more, being referred to in this definition as the "Referent Person"), as of the date of determination (without duplication), the remainder of:

        (a)   the sum of:

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        (b)   the sum of:

        If PDC changes its method of accounting from the successful efforts or a similar method to the full cost method of accounting, "Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" of the Referent Person will continue to be calculated as if PDC were still using the successful efforts or a similar method of accounting.

        "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, "control," as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise. For purposes of this definition, the terms "controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with" have correlative meanings.

        "Asset Purchase Agreement" means the Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 23, 2016 by and between the Asset Sellers and PDC, together with all exhibits, schedules and disclosure letters thereto.

        "Asset Sale" means:

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        Notwithstanding the preceding, none of the following items will be deemed to be an Asset Sale:

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        "Asset Sellers" means collectively 299 Resources, LLC, 299 Production, LLC and 299 Pipeline, LLC.

        "Beneficial Owner" has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular "person" (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such "person" will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such "person" has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the passage of time or upon the occurrence of a subsequent condition. The terms "Beneficially Owns," "Beneficially Owned" and "Beneficially Owning" will have a corresponding meaning.

        "Board of Directors" means:

        "Business Day" means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

        "Capital Lease Obligation" means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be prepaid by the lessee without payment of a penalty.

        "Capital Stock" means:

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        "Cash Equivalents" means:

        "Change of Control" means:

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        "Consolidated Cash Flow" means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus, without duplication:

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        "Consolidated Net Income" means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the aggregate of the Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided that:

        "Consolidated Tangible Assets" means, with respect to any Person as of any date, the amount which, in accordance with GAAP, would be set forth under the caption "Total Assets" (or any like caption) on a consolidated balance sheet of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, less all goodwill, patents, tradenames, trademarks, copyrights, franchises, experimental expenses, organization expenses and any other amounts classified as intangible assets in accordance with GAAP.

        "Credit Facilities" means, with respect to PDC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Senior Credit Agreement), commercial paper facilities or Debt Issuances providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to any lenders, other financiers or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from (or sell such receivables to) any lenders or other financiers against such receivables), letters of credit, bankers' acceptances, other borrowings or Debt Issuances, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, extended, refunded, replaced or refinanced (in each case, without limitation as to amount), in whole or in part, from time to time (including through one or more Debt Issuances).

        "Currency Agreement" means in respect of a Person any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement as to which such Person is a party or a beneficiary.

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        "Debt Issuances" means, with respect to PDC or any Restricted Subsidiary, one or more issuances after the date of original issue of the old notes of Indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar securities or instruments.

        "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

        "Disqualified Stock" means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the notes mature. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right to require PDC to repurchase or redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Sale will not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that PDC may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with the covenant described above under the caption "—Covenants—Restricted payments." The amount of Disqualified Stock deemed to be outstanding at any time for purposes of the indenture will be the maximum amount that PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries may become obligated to pay upon the maturity of, or pursuant to any mandatory redemption provisions of, such Disqualified Stock, exclusive of accrued dividends.

        "Dollar-Denominated Production Payments" means production payment obligations recorded as liabilities in accordance with GAAP, together with all undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.

        "Domestic Restricted Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that (a) was formed under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or (b) Guarantees or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of PDC or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Foreign Subsidiary).

        "Equity Interests" means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

        "Equity Offering" means (1) an offering for cash by PDC of its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock), or options, warrants or rights with respect to its Capital Stock or (2) a cash contribution to PDC's common equity capital from any Person.

        "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

        "Existing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness of PDC and its Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under the Senior Credit Agreement, the notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees) in existence on the date of original issue of the old notes, including the Existing Senior Notes and the New Convertible Notes, until such amounts are repaid.

        "Existing Senior Notes" means the 7.75% Senior Notes Due 2022 issued pursuant to that certain indenture dated as of October 3, 2012 between PDC and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.

        "Existing Senior Notes Issue Date" means October 3, 2012.

        "Fair Market Value" means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party. Fair Market Value of an asset or property in excess of $10 million shall be determined by an Officer of PDC, and in the case of amounts in excess of $25 million, by the Board of Directors of PDC, in each case, acting in good faith.

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The determination shall be conclusive and, in the case of determinations exceeding $25 million, evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors.

        "Farm-In Agreement" means an agreement whereby a Person agrees to pay all or a share of the drilling, completion or other expenses of an exploratory or development well (which agreement may be subject to a maximum payment obligation, after which expenses are shared in accordance with the working or participation interests therein or in accordance with the agreement of the parties) or perform the drilling, completion or other operation on such well in exchange for an ownership interest in an oil or gas property.

        "Farm-Out Agreement" means a Farm-In Agreement, viewed from the standpoint of the party that transfers an ownership interest to another.

        "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means with respect to any specified Person for any four-quarter reference period, the ratio of the Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, Guarantees, repays, repurchases, redeems, defeases or otherwise discharges any Indebtedness (other than ordinary working capital borrowings) or issues, repurchases or redeems preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the "Calculation Date"), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio will be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee, repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other discharge of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of preferred stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period.

        In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:

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        "Fixed Charges" means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the sum, without duplication, of:

        "Foreign Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary other than a Domestic Restricted Subsidiary.

        "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which are in effect from time to time; provided, however, that Capital Leases shall be accounted for during the term of the indenture in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect on the date of original issue of the old notes. All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in the indenture will be computed in conformity with GAAP. At any time after the date of original issue of the old notes, PDC may elect to apply International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, accounting principles in lieu of GAAP and, upon any such election, references herein to GAAP shall thereafter be construed to mean IFRS (except as otherwise provided in the indenture); provided that any such election, once made, shall be irrevocable; provided, further, that any calculation or determination in the indenture that requires the application of GAAP for periods that include fiscal quarters ended prior to PDC's election to apply IFRS shall remain as previously calculated or determined in accordance with GAAP. PDC shall give notice of any such election made in accordance with this definition to the trustee and the holders of notes.

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        "Government Securities" means direct obligations of, or obligations Guaranteed by, the United States of America, and the payment for which the United States pledges its full faith and credit.

        "Guarantee" means a guarantee other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business, direct or indirect, in any manner including, without limitation, by way of a pledge of assets or through letters of credit or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, of all or any part of any Indebtedness (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services or to take or pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise), or entered into for purposes of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part). "Guarantee" used as a verb has a correlative meaning.

        "Hedging Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate and Currency Hedges, Oil and Natural Gas Hedging Contracts and other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices, in each case entered into for non-speculative purposes.

        "Hydrocarbons" means oil, gas, casinghead gas, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons, natural gas liquids, and all constituents, elements or compounds thereof and products refined or processed therefrom.

        "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any specified Person, without duplication, any indebtedness of such Person, regardless of whether contingent:

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        Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall not constitute "Indebtedness":

        "Interest Rate Agreement" means with respect to any Person any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement as to which such Person is party or a beneficiary.

        "Interest Rate and Currency Hedges" of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement.

        "Investment Agreement" means collectively one or more investment agreements by and between PDC and each of the Investors (as defined therein), together with all exhibits, schedules and disclosure letters thereto, the form of which agreements are attached to the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Asset Purchase Agreement as exhibits, and which are expected to be executed on or about the closing date for the Acquisition and pursuant to which PDC intends to issue certain equity interests in PDC to the Asset Sellers and to the sellers under the Stock Purchase Agreement.

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        "Investment Grade Rating" means a rating equal to or higher than: (1) Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody's; or (2) BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or, if either such entity ceases to rate the notes for reasons outside of the control of PDC, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any other Rating Agency.

        "Investment Grade Rating Event" means the first day on which (a) the notes have an Investment Grade Rating from at least one Rating Agency, (b) no Default with respect to the notes has occurred and is then continuing under the indenture and (c) PDC has delivered to the trustee an Officers' Certificate certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in clauses (a) and (b) of this definition.

        "Investments" means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including Guarantees or other obligations, advances or capital contributions (excluding endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business, and commission, travel and similar advances to officers, employees and consultants made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP. If PDC or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, PDC will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of PDC's Investments in such Restricted Subsidiary that were not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption "—Covenants—Restricted payments." The acquisition by PDC or any Subsidiary of PDC of a Person that holds an Investment in a third Person will be deemed to be an Investment by PDC or such Subsidiary in such third Person in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investments held by the acquired Person in such third Person in an amount determined as provided in the final paragraph of the covenant described above under the caption "—Covenants—Restricted payments." Except as otherwise provided in the indenture, the amount of an Investment will be determined at the time the Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value.

        "Issue Date" means the first date on which old notes were issued under the indenture

        "Legal Holiday" means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York or at a place of payment for the notes are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed.

        "Lien" means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, regardless of whether filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction other than a precautionary financing statement respecting a lease not intended as a security agreement.

        "Liquid Securities" means securities that are publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE MKT, the Nasdaq Stock Market or any other regulated stock exchange in the United States, Canada, Europe or Australia (or any of their successors) and as to which PDC is not subject to any restrictions on sale or transfer (including any volume restrictions under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other restrictions imposed by the Securities Act) or as to which a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the resale thereof is in effect for as long as the securities are held; provided that securities meeting such requirements shall be treated as Liquid Securities from the date of receipt thereof until and only until the earlier of (a) the date on which such securities are sold or

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exchanged for cash or Cash Equivalents and (b) 180 days following the date of receipt of such securities. If such securities are not sold or exchanged for cash or Cash Equivalents within 180 days of receipt thereof, for purposes of determining whether the transaction pursuant to which PDC or a Restricted Subsidiary received the securities was in compliance with the provisions of the indenture described under "—Asset sales," such securities shall be deemed not to have been Liquid Securities at any time.

        "M&A Agreements" means collectively the Stock Purchase Agreement and the Asset Purchase Agreement.

        "Material Subsidiary" means any Domestic Restricted Subsidiary (a) that has Consolidated Tangible Assets that exceed 5.0% of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter of PDC for which financial statements are required to be delivered under the indenture, (b) whose Consolidated Cash Flow exceeds 5.0% of the Consolidated Cash Flow of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of PDC most recent ended for which financial statements are required to be delivered under the indenture or (c) together with all other Domestic Restricted Subsidiaries that would not otherwise be deemed to be Material Subsidiaries, would represent, in the aggregate ("Material in the Aggregate"), (x) 10.0% or more of the Consolidated Tangible Assets of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter of PDC for which financial statements are required to be delivered under the indenture or (y) 10.0% or more of the Consolidated Cash Flow of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of PDC most recently ended for which financial statements are required to be delivered under the indenture.

        "Moody's" means Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

        "Net Income" means, with respect to any specified Person, the net income (loss) of such Person, determined in accordance with GAAP and before any reduction in respect of non-cash preferred stock dividends, excluding, however:

        "Net Proceeds" means the aggregate cash proceeds received by PDC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale), net of:

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        "Net Working Capital" means (a) all current assets of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries except current assets from Oil and Natural Gas Hedging Contracts, less (b) all current liabilities of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except (i) current liabilities included in Indebtedness, (ii) current liabilities associated with asset retirement obligations relating to oil and gas properties and (iii) any current liabilities from Oil and Natural Gas Hedging Contracts, in each case as set forth in the consolidated financial statements of PDC prepared in accordance with GAAP (excluding any adjustments made pursuant to the Financial Standards Accounting Board's Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815).

        "New Common Stock" means the 9,085,000 shares of PDC common stock issued on September 14, 2016.

        "New Convertible Notes" means $200 million aggregate principal amount of 1.125% senior convertible notes due 2021 issued by PDC on September 14, 2016.

        "New Senior Credit Facility Amendment" means the amendment dated as of September 6, 2016 in respect of the Senior Credit Agreement, among other things, to increase the Aggregate Commitment (as defined therein) from $450.0 million to $700.0 million effective as of the Acquisition Closing Date.

        "Non-Recourse Debt" means Indebtedness:

        "Obligations" means any principal, interest, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

        "Officer" means, in the case of PDC, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary (or persons performing similar functions) of PDC and, in the case of any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary (or persons performing similar functions) of such Subsidiary Guarantor, or, with respect to a limited liability company, either an Officer, manager, or managing member of such limited liability company.

        "Officers' Certificate" means, in the case of PDC, a certificate signed by two Officers or by an Officer and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of PDC and, in the case of any Subsidiary Guarantor, a certificate signed by two Officers or by an Officer and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of such Subsidiary Guarantor, or, with respect to a limited liability company, either an Officer, manager, or managing member of such limited liability company.

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        "Oil and Natural Gas Hedging Contract" means any Hydrocarbon hedging agreements and other agreements or arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business in the oil and gas industry for the purpose of protecting against fluctuations in Hydrocarbon prices.

        "Permitted Acquisition Indebtedness" means Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of PDC or any of PDC's Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock was Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of:

        "Permitted Business Investments" means Investments and expenditures made in the ordinary course of, and of a nature that is or shall have become customary in, a Related Business as means of actively exploiting, exploring for, acquiring, developing, processing, gathering, marketing or transporting oil, natural gas, other Hydrocarbons and minerals (including with respect to plugging and abandonment) through agreements, transactions, interests or arrangements that permit one to share risks or costs of such activities or comply with regulatory requirements regarding local ownership, including without limitation, (a) ownership interests in oil, natural gas, other Hydrocarbons and minerals properties, liquefied natural gas facilities, processing facilities, gathering systems, pipelines, storage facilities or related systems or ancillary real property interests; (b) Investments in the form of or pursuant to operating agreements, working interests, royalty interests, mineral leases, processing agreements, Farm-In Agreements, Farm-Out Agreements, contracts for the sale, transportation or exchange of oil, natural gas, other Hydrocarbons and minerals, production sharing agreements, participation agreements, development agreements, area of mutual interest agreements, unitization agreements, pooling agreements, joint bidding agreements, service contracts, joint venture agreements, partnership agreements (whether general or limited), subscription agreements, stock purchase agreements, stockholder agreements and other similar agreements (including for limited liability companies) with third parties; and (c) direct or indirect ownership interests in drilling rigs and related equipment, including, without limitation, transportation equipment.

        "Permitted Investments" means:

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        "Permitted Liens" means, with respect to any Person:

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        "Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness" means any Indebtedness of PDC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, any Disqualified Stock of PDC or any preferred stock of any Restricted Subsidiary (a) issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease, discharge or otherwise retire for value, in whole or in part, or (b) constituting an amendment, modification or supplement to or a deferral or renewal of ((a) and (b) above, collectively, a "Refinancing"), any other Indebtedness of PDC or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness), any Disqualified Stock of PDC or any preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary in a principal amount or, in the case of Disqualified Stock of PDC or preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, liquidation preference, not to exceed (after deduction of reasonable and customary fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Refinancing) the lesser of: (1) the principal amount or, in the case of Disqualified Stock or preferred stock, liquidation preference, of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock so Refinanced (plus, in the case of Indebtedness, the amount of premium, if any paid in connection therewith), and (2) if the Indebtedness being Refinanced was issued with any original issue discount, the accreted value of such Indebtedness (as determined in accordance with GAAP) at the time of such Refinancing.

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        Notwithstanding the preceding, no Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or preferred stock will be deemed to be Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, unless:

        "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

        "Production Payments" means Dollar-Denominated Production Payments and Volumetric Production Payments, collectively.

        "Production Payments and Reserve Sales" means the grant or transfer by PDC or a Subsidiary of PDC to any Person of a royalty, overriding royalty, net profits interest, Production Payment, partnership or other interest in oil and gas properties, reserves or the right to receive all or a portion of the production or the proceeds from the sale of production attributable to such properties, including any such grants or transfers pursuant to incentive compensation programs on terms that are reasonably customary in the oil and gas business for geologists, geophysicists and other providers of technical services to PDC or a Subsidiary of PDC.

        "Purchase Agreements" means collectively the Investment Agreement and the M&A Agreements. "Rating Agency" means any of S&P or Moody's, or if (and only if) S&P or Moody's shall not make a rating on the notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by PDC, which shall be substituted for S&P or Moody's, as the case may be.

        "Registration Rights Agreement" means that certain registration rights agreement dated as of the date of original issue of the old notes by and among PDC, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the initial purchasers set forth therein.

        "Related Business" means any business which is the same as or related, ancillary or complementary to any of the businesses of PDC and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the date of original issue of the old notes, which includes (1) the acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development, production, operation and disposition of interests in oil, gas and other Hydrocarbon properties, and the utilization of PDC's and its Restricted Subsidiaries' properties, (2) the gathering, marketing, treating, processing, storage, refining, selling and transporting of any production from such interests or properties and products

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produced in association therewith, (3) any power generation and electrical transmission business, (4) oil field sales and services and related activities, (5) development, purchase and sale of real estate and interests therein, and (6) any business or activity relating to, arising from, or necessary, appropriate or incidental to the activities described in the foregoing clauses (1) through (5) of this definition.

        "Reporting Failure" means the failure of PDC to file with the SEC and make available or otherwise deliver to the trustee and each holder of notes, within the time periods specified in "—Covenants—Reports" (after giving effect to any grace period specified under Rule 12b-25 under the Exchange Act), the periodic reports, information, documents or other reports that PDC may be required to file with the SEC pursuant to such provision.

        "Restricted Investment" means any Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

        "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of PDC other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

        "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

        "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        "Senior Credit Agreement" means the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 21, 2013 as amended at various times prior to the date of original issue of the old notes, including by the New Senior Credit Facility Amendment, among (i) PDC, as borrower, (ii) the guarantors party thereto, (iii) JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and lender, and (iv) the lenders party thereto from time to time, and any related notes, Guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, and in each case as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, increased, renewed, refunded, replaced (including replacement after the termination of such credit facility), supplemented, restructured or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time in one or more agreements or instruments.

        "Senior Debt" means:

        "Significant Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a "significant subsidiary" of PDC within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X under the Securities Act.

        "Sponsored Limited Partnerships" means any drilling partnership in existence as of December 31, 2007 in which PDC is the managing general partner but which is not majority- owned by PDC, directly or indirectly.

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        "Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any installment of interest or principal on any series of Indebtedness, the date on which the payment of interest or principal is scheduled to be paid in the documentation governing such Indebtedness as of its issue date, and will not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

        "Stock Purchase Agreement" means the Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 23, 2016 by and among the sellers party thereto, Target and PDC, together with all exhibits, schedules and disclosure letters thereto.

        "Subordinated Debt" means Indebtedness of PDC or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is contractually subordinated in right of payment (by its terms or the terms of any document or instrument relating thereto), to the notes or the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable.

        "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any specified Person:

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Sponsored Limited Partnerships shall be Subsidiaries.

        "Subsidiary Guarantee" means any Guarantee of the notes by any Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with the provisions of the indenture described under the caption "—Covenants—Subsidiary guarantees."

        "Subsidiary Guarantor" means each Restricted Subsidiary that has become obligated under a Subsidiary Guarantee, in accordance with the terms of the guarantee provisions of the indenture, but only for so long as such Subsidiary remains so obligated pursuant to the terms of the indenture.

        "Target" means Arris Petroleum Corporation.

        "Transactions" means collectively the Acquisition pursuant to the M&A Agreements, the issuance of equity interests in PDC pursuant to the Investment Agreement, the New Senior Credit Facility Amendment, the issuance of the New Common Stock, the issuance of the New Convertible Notes and the issuance of the old notes that are being offered in this exchange offer.

        "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of PDC (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or a Person becoming a Subsidiary through merger or consolidation or Investment therein) that is designated by the Board of Directors of PDC as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a resolution of such Board of Directors, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:

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        Any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall also be an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

        "Volumetric Production Payments" means production payment obligations recorded as deferred revenue in accordance with GAAP, together with all related undertakings and obligations.

        "Voting Stock" of any specified Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders' agreement that effectively transfers voting power) to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

        "Weighted Average Life to Maturity" means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        The following is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to the exchange of old notes for new notes and to the ownership and disposition of new notes, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This summary is based upon the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), Treasury Regulations, administrative rulings, and judicial decisions all as in effect or in existence as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis, or to different interpretations.

        This summary applies only to holders who purchased old notes at a price equal to the issue price of the old notes (i.e., the first price at which a substantial amount of the old notes were sold other than to bond houses, brokers, or similar persons or organizations acting in the capacity of underwriters, placement agents, or wholesalers), participate in the exchange described herein, and held the old notes and will hold the new notes as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, property held for investment) and does not deal with investors that may have special tax situations such as

        If you are a partnership (including an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes) holding notes or a partner in such a partnership, the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a partner in the partnership generally will depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership, and you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of purchasing, owning and disposing of the notes.

        This summary does not discuss all of the aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to you in light of your particular investment or other circumstances. In addition, this summary does not discuss any U.S. state or local income, foreign income, estate or gift or other tax consequences or the effect of any tax treaty. We have not sought any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") with respect to the statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with these statements and conclusions.

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This summary assumes that the old notes are properly treated for tax purposes as not being issued with original issue discount ("OID") for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        HOLDERS WHO EXCHANGE OLD NOTES FOR NEW NOTES SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS, AS WELL AS OF ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL, OR FOREIGN TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

Contingent Payment Debt Instruments

        In certain circumstances, we may be required to make payments in excess of stated interest and the adjusted issue price of the notes (see "Description of Notes—Registration Rights; Additional Interest"). The possibility of such potential payments may cause the notes to be "contingent payment debt instruments" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. We do not believe that and do not intend to treat such potential payments as causing the notes to be considered contingent payment debt instruments, and our determination is binding on you unless you disclose a contrary position in the manner required by applicable Treasury regulations. Our determination is not, however, binding on the IRS, and if the IRS were to challenge this determination, you might be required to accrue income on the notes, based on a "comparable yield," at a higher rate than the stated interest rate on the notes and to treat as ordinary income (rather than as capital gain) any income realized on a taxable disposition of notes before the resolution of the contingencies. The remainder of this discussion assumes that the notes will not be treated as a contingent payment debt instrument for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Exchange of Old Notes for New Notes

        The exchange of notes pursuant to the exchange offer described above under "Description of Notes—Registration Rights; Additional Interest" will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes. You will have the same tax basis and holding period in the exchange notes received as in the notes surrendered.

U.S. Holders

        The following discussion applies to you if you are a "U.S. Holder" (as defined below).

Definition of U.S. Holder

        You are a "U.S. Holder" for purposes of this discussion if you are a beneficial owner of notes and you are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

        If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes (a "Partnership") holds our notes, the tax treatment of a partner or member thereof will generally depend upon the status of

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the partner or member and the activities of the Partnership. If you are a partner or member of a Partnership that holds our notes, you should consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the exchange of old notes for new notes and the ownership and disposition of new notes.

Interest on the Notes

        Interest paid on new notes will be taxed as ordinary interest income at the time it is received or accrued, in accordance with your method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Sale or Other Disposition of Notes

        Subject to the discussion above regarding an exchange of notes pursuant to the exchange offer, upon the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of new notes, you will recognize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference, if any, between:

        Your adjusted tax basis in a note generally will equal the amount you paid for the note.

        Your gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. This capital gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if, at the time of the disposition, you have held the notes for more than one year. Under current law, long-term capital gains of non-corporate taxpayers are taxed at reduced rates. Short-term capital gains are taxed at ordinary income rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

        In general, information reporting is required as to certain payments of principal and interest on your notes and on the disposition of your notes, unless you are a corporation or other exempt person. In addition, "backup withholding" at a rate of 28% may apply:

if you are not exempt and you fail to provide a correct taxpayer identification number certified under penalties of perjury, as well as certain other information, or otherwise to comply with applicable requirements of the backup withholding rules.

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the correct information is timely provided to the Internal Revenue Service.

Medicare Tax on Unearned Income

        A 3.8% tax is imposed on the "net investment income" of certain U.S. citizens and resident aliens, and on the undistributed "net investment income" of certain estates and trusts, in both cases to the extent that net investment income exceeds a certain threshold. Among other items, certain "net investment income" generally includes interest and net gain from the disposition of property (including the notes), less certain deductions.

        You should consult your own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of the Medicare Tax on Unearned Income.

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Non-U.S. Holders

        The following discussion applies to you if you are a "Non-U.S. Holder" (as defined below).

Definition of Non-U.S. Holder

        You are a "Non-U.S. Holder" for purposes of this discussion if you are a beneficial owner of a note and you are an individual, corporation, estate or trust that is not a U.S. Holder.

Interest on the Notes

        Payments to you of interest on the notes will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax if you qualify for the "portfolio interest" exemption. You will qualify for the portfolio interest exemption if:

        The exemption from taxation and withholding described above and several of the special rules for non-U.S. holders described below generally apply only if you appropriately certify as to your non-U.S. status. You can generally meet the certification requirement by providing a properly completed and executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) to the applicable withholding agent. Other methods might be available to satisfy the certification requirements described above, depending on your particular circumstances. Special rules apply to foreign intermediaries, including partnerships, estates and trusts, and in certain circumstances certifications as to the foreign status of partners, trust owners or beneficiaries may have to be provided to the applicable withholding agent.

        If you cannot satisfy the requirements of the "portfolio interest" exemption described above, payments of interest made to you generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate unless (1) you provide the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or other applicable form) claiming an exemption from or reduction in this withholding tax under an applicable income tax treaty, or (2) the payments of interest are effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, attributable to a permanent establishment by you in the United States (see "—Income or Gain Effectively Connected with a Trade or Business in the United States").

Sale or Other Disposition of Notes

        You generally will not have to pay U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized from the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other disposition of your notes unless:

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        To the extent that the amount realized on any sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of the notes is attributable to accrued but unpaid interest not previously included in income, such amount is treated as interest subject to the rules described above under "—Non-U.S. Holders—Interest on the Notes."

Income or Gain Effectively Connected with a Trade or Business in the United States

        If you are engaged in a trade or business in the United States and income or gain in respect of your notes is effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. "permanent establishment" maintained by you), the income or gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular graduated income tax rates in generally the same manner as if you were a U.S. holder (although such income or gain will be exempt from U.S. federal tax withholding if you provide the appropriate certification). In addition, if you are a foreign corporation, you may be subject to U.S. "branch profits tax" equal to 30% of your effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items, unless a lower rate applies to you under an applicable U.S. income tax treaty. For this purpose, you must include interest, gain and income on your notes in the earnings and profits subject to U.S. branch profits tax if these amounts are effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

        In certain circumstances, "backup withholding" at a rate of 28% may apply:

        Backup withholding will not apply to payments made to you if you have provided the required certification that you are not a U.S. person as described in "—Non-U.S. Holders—Interest on the Notes" above, and provided that the payer does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that you are a U.S. person (as defined in the Code). However, the payer may be required to report to the Internal Revenue Service and you payments of interest on the notes and the amount of tax, if any, withheld with respect to those payments. Copies of the information returns reporting such interest payments and any withholding may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which you reside under the provisions of a treaty or agreement.

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax and may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the correct information is timely provided to the Internal Revenue Service.

Foreign Accounts

        Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (commonly referred to as "FATCA") generally impose 30% withholding tax on "withholdable payments," which include interest on, and the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of, notes paid to (i) a foreign financial institution (as defined in Section 1471 of the Code) unless it agrees to collect and disclose to the Internal Revenue Service information regarding direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii) a non-financial foreign entity unless it certifies certain information regarding substantial U.S. owners of the entity, which generally includes any U.S. person who directly or indirectly owns more than 10% of the entity. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing FATCA may be subject to different rules. Under U.S. Treasury regulations and Internal Revenue Service guidance, the withholding obligations described above will apply to payments of gross proceeds from a sale or other disposition of the notes on or after January 1, 2019. You should consult your own tax advisor with respect to the potential tax consequences of FATCA.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        If you want to participate in the exchange offer, you must represent, among other things, that you:

        In addition, if you are a broker-dealer that acquires new notes pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for old notes that you acquired as a result of market-making or other trading activities, you may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act and must comply with the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a resale of the new notes.

        This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of new notes received in exchange for old notes where such old notes were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities.

        New notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the new notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such new notes. Any broker-dealer that resells new notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be deemed to be an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on any such resale of new notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.

        Until the earlier of 180 days from the expiration date of this exchange offer or such time as such broker-dealers no longer hold any old notes, we will promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal.

        We have agreed in the registration rights agreement to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the securities (including any broker-dealers) against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.


LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the new notes will be passed upon for us by Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP.

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EXPERTS

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

        The financial statements and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

        The audited consolidated balance sheet of Arris Petroleum Corporation as at December 31, 2015 and the related audited consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' deficit and cash flows of Arris Petroleum Corporation incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 8, 2016 have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of EKS&H LLLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.


Independent Petroleum Consultants

        Certain information contained in the documents we include herein and incorporate by reference into this prospectus with respect to the natural gas and oil reserves associated with our natural gas and oil prospects is derived from the reports of Ryder Scott, an independent petroleum and natural gas consulting firm, and has been included and incorporated by reference into this prospectus upon the authority of said firm as experts with respect to the matters covered by such reports and in giving such reports. With respect to the 2015 Form 10-K incorporated by reference in this prospectus , the information derived from the reports of Ryder Scott is included under "Items 1 and 2. Business and Properties" and "Supplemental Information—Unaudited" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. With respect to this prospectus, the information derived from the reports of Ryder Scott is included under "Summary" of this prospectus.

        Certain information contained in the documents we include herein and incorporate by reference into this prospectus with respect to the natural gas and oil reserves of Arris Petroleum Corporation is from information provided by Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. an independent petroleum and natural gas consulting firm, and is incorporated by reference into this prospectus by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 8, 2016 with the authority of said firm as experts with respect to the information provided.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, which means that we are required to file reports, proxy statements, and other information, all of which are available for review and copying at the Public Reference Room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet website at http://www.sec.gov where you can access reports, proxy information and registration statements, and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC through the EDGAR system.

        We also make available on our website, free of charge, our SEC filings, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Our website address is www.pdce.com. The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference in this document.

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INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

        The following documents filed with the SEC are incorporated by reference herein:

        Documents, or portions thereof, furnished or deemed furnished by us are not incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede the previously filed information.

        You may obtain, free of charge, a copy of any of these documents (other than exhibits to these documents unless the exhibits specifically are incorporated by reference into these documents or referred to in this offering memorandum) by writing or calling us at the following address and telephone number:

Investor Relations Department
Manager Investor Relations
PDC Energy, Inc.
1775 Sherman Street, Suite 3000
Denver, Colorado 80203
(303) 860-5800
IR@pdce.com

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ANNEX A:

        LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

To Tender

$400,000,000 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024
That Have Been Registered Under the Securities Act of 1933
For Any and All Outstanding Unregistered
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024
of

PDC Energy, Inc.



Pursuant to the Prospectus dated [            ], 2016

        THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 11:59 P.M., EASTERN TIME, ON [                ], 2017 UNLESS THE EXCHANGE OFFER IS EXTENDED (THE "EXPIRATION DATE"). TENDERS MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

The Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:

U.S. Bank National Association
60 Livingston Avenue
EP-MN-WS2N
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attn: Specialized Finance
Fax: 651-495-8158

For Information, Call: 800-934-6802

        Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal to an address other than as set forth above or transmission of instructions to a facsimile number other than the one listed above will not constitute a valid delivery. The instructions set forth in this Letter of Transmittal should be read carefully before this Letter of Transmittal is completed.

        HOLDERS WHO WISH TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE NEW NOTES FOR THEIR OLD NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER MUST VALIDLY TENDER (AND NOT WITHDRAW) THEIR OLD NOTES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

        By execution hereof, the undersigned acknowledges receipt of the prospectus dated [            ], 2016 (the "Prospectus") of PDC Energy, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company") which, together with this Letter of Transmittal (the "Letter of Transmittal"), constitutes the Company's offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") up to $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "New Notes"), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), pursuant to a registration statement of which the Prospectus constitutes a part, for a like principal amount of its outstanding unregistered 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "Old Notes"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Prospectus.

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        This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by Holders if delivery of Old Notes is to be made by book-entry transfers to an account maintained by the Exchange Agent at DTC pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Prospectus or certificates representing Old Notes are to be physically delivered to the Exchange Agent herewith by Holders. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.

        If delivery of the Old Notes is to be made by book-entry transfer to the account maintained by the Exchange Agent at DTC, this Letter of Transmittal need not be manually executed; provided, however, that tenders of Old Notes must be effected in accordance with the procedures mandated by The Depository Trust Company's ("DTC") Automated Tender Offer Program ("ATOP"). If tenders of Old Notes are to be made in accordance with ATOP procedures, a tendering Holder will become bound by the terms and conditions hereof in accordance with the procedures established under ATOP (including by execution hereof, an agreement by the tendering Holder that the Company may rely on the tendering Holder's indication of its status as a broker-dealer as set forth below).

        The term "Holder" with respect to the Exchange Offer means any person in whose name Old Notes are registered on the books of the Company or the trustee or any other person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered Holder.

        The undersigned has completed, executed and delivered this Letter of Transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offer. Holders who wish to tender their Old Notes must complete this letter in its entirety.

        The instructions included with this Letter of Transmittal must be followed. Questions and requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Prospectus or this Letter of Transmittal may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address set forth on the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal. See Instruction 8. Requests sent to the Company will not be effective.

        List below the Old Notes to which this Letter of Transmittal relates. If the space provided below is inadequate, list the certificate numbers and principal amounts on a separately executed schedule and affix the schedule to this Letter of Transmittal. Tenders of Old Notes will be accepted only in authorized denominations.

    DESCRIPTION OF OLD NOTES    
    Name(s) and Address(es) of Holder(s)
(Please fill in if blank)
        Certificate
Number(s)*
(attach signed list
if necessary)
        Aggregate
Principal Amount
of Old Note(s)
        Aggregate
Principal Amount
Tendered
(if less than all)**
   
    TOTAL PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF OLD NOTES TENDERED                                  
 
                                           
 
                                           
 
                                           
 
                                           
    *   Need not be completed by Holders tendering by book-entry transfer.    
    **   Need not be completed by Holders who wish to tender with respect to all Old Notes listed. Old Notes tendered hereby must be in denominations of $2,000 and $1,000 integral multiples of $2,000 thereof.    

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o
CHECK HERE IF OLD NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY DTC BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
  Name of Tendering Institution:    

 

  DTC Book-Entry Account Number:    

 

  Transaction Code Number:    
o
CHECK HERE IF TENDERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER AND NON-EXCHANGED OLD NOTES ARE TO BE RETURNED BY CREDITING THE DTC ACCOUNT SET FORTH ABOVE.

o
CHECK HERE IF YOU ARE A BROKER-DEALER AND ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXCHANGE OFFER. IF SO, YOU WILL RECEIVE 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO.
  Name:    

 

  Address:    

ATTENTION BROKER-DEALERS: IMPORTANT NOTICE
CONCERNING YOUR ABILITY TO RESELL THE NEW NOTES

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Ladies and Gentlemen:

        Subject to the terms of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby tenders to the Company the principal amount of Old Notes indicated above. By executing this Letter of Transmittal the undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent its agent and attorney-in-fact (with full knowledge that the Exchange Agent also acts as the agent of the Company and as trustee under the indenture for the Old Notes and the New Notes) with respect to the tendered Old Notes with full power of substitution to (i) deliver certificates for such Old Notes to the Company, or transfer ownership of such Old Notes on the account books maintained by DTC, together, in either such case, with all accompanying evidences of transfer and authenticity to, or upon the order of, the Company and (ii) present such Old Notes for transfer on the books of the Company, and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Old Notes, all in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer. The power of attorney granted in this paragraph shall be deemed irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

        The undersigned hereby further represents to the Company that (i) neither the undersigned nor any person receiving any New Notes directly or indirectly from the undersigned pursuant to the Exchange Offer is an "affiliate" of the Company or its subsidiaries, as defined under Rule 405 under the Securities Act, (ii) neither the undersigned nor any person receiving any New Notes directly or indirectly from the undersigned pursuant to the Exchange Offer is engaging or intends to engage in the distribution of the New Notes and none of them have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the New Notes, (iii) the New Notes to be acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be acquired in the ordinary course of business of the person acquiring the New Notes, whether or not such person is the undersigned, (iv) it is not a broker-dealer that acquired Old Notes directly from the Company, and if it is a broker-dealer that holds Old Notes that were acquired for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, it will deliver a Prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of the New Notes received by it in the Exchange Offer, (v) the undersigned and each person receiving any New Notes directly or indirectly from the undersigned pursuant to the Exchange Offer acknowledge and agree that any broker-dealer or any person participating in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of distributing the New Notes (x) must comply with the registration and Prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction of the New Notes acquired by such person and (y) cannot rely on the position of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") set forth in the Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation no-action letter (available May 13, 1988) and the Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. no-action letter (available June 5, 1991), as interpreted in the Commission's no-action letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, and similar no-action letters, (vi) the undersigned and each person receiving any New Notes directly or indirectly from the undersigned pursuant to the Exchange Offer understand that a secondary resale transaction described in clause (v) above should be covered by an effective registration statement; and (vii) the undersigned is not acting on behalf of any person who could not truthfully and completely make the representations contained in the foregoing subclauses (i) through (vii). If the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive New Notes for its own account in exchange for Old Notes that were acquired as a result of market making or other trading activities, it acknowledges that it will deliver a Prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such New Notes received in respect of such Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer; however, by so acknowledging and by delivering a Prospectus, the undersigned will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act.

        The Company has agreed that, subject to the provisions of the registration rights agreement, the Prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a participating broker-dealer (as defined below) in connection with resales of New Notes received in exchange for Old Notes, where such Old Notes were acquired by such participating broker-dealer for its own account as

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a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, for a period of up to 180 days commencing when New Notes are first issued in the Exchange Offer and ending upon the earlier of the expiration of the 180th day after the Exchange Offer has been completed or such time as such broker-dealers no longer own any Old Notes. In that regard, each broker-dealer who acquired Old Notes for its own account as a result of market-making or other trading activities (a "participating broker-dealer"), by tendering such Old Notes and executing, or otherwise becoming bound by, this Letter of Transmittal, agrees that, upon receipt of notice from the Company of the occurrence of any event or the discovery of any fact which makes any statement contained or incorporated by reference in the Prospectus untrue in any material respect or which causes the Prospectus to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained or incorporated by reference therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading or of the occurrence of certain other events specified in the registration rights agreement, such participating broker-dealer will suspend the sale of New Notes pursuant to the Prospectus until the Company has amended or supplemented the Prospectus to correct such misstatement or omission and has furnished copies of the amended or supplemented Prospectus to the participating broker-dealer or the Company has given notice that the sale of the New Notes may be resumed, as the case may be.

        The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Exchange Agent or the Company to be necessary or desirable to complete the assignment and transfer of the Old Notes tendered hereby.

        The undersigned acknowledges that, for purposes of the Exchange Offer, the Company will be deemed to have accepted for exchange, and to have exchanged, validly tendered Old Notes, if, as and when the Company gives oral or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent.

        All authority herein conferred or agreed to be conferred shall survive the death, incapacity, liquidation, dissolution, winding up or any other event relating to the undersigned, and any obligation of the undersigned hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned.

        The undersigned acknowledges that the Company's acceptance of Old Notes validly tendered for exchange pursuant to any one of the procedures described in the section of the Prospectus entitled "The Exchange Offer" and in the instructions hereto will constitute a valid, binding and enforceable agreement between the undersigned and the Company upon the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer.

        Unless otherwise indicated in the box entitled "Special Issuance Instructions" below, please issue the New Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing Old Notes for any Old Notes not exchanged) in the name of the undersigned or, in the case of a book-entry delivery of Old Notes, please credit the account indicated above maintained at the Book-Entry Transfer Facility. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated under the box entitled "Special Delivery Instructions" below, please send the New Notes (and, if applicable, substitute certificates representing Notes for any Old Notes not exchanged) to the undersigned at the address shown above in the box entitled "Description of Old Notes Tendered."

        THE UNDERSIGNED ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE EXCHANGE OFFERS ARE SUBJECT TO THE MORE DETAILED TERMS SET FORTH IN THE PROSPECTUS AND, IN CASE OF ANY CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TERMS OF THE PROSPECTUS AND THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, THE TERMS OF THE PROSPECTUS SHALL PREVAIL.

        THE UNDERSIGNED, BY COMPLETING THE BOX ENTITLED "DESCRIPTION OF OLD NOTES TENDERED" ABOVE AND SIGNING THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL, WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE TENDERED THE OLD NOTES AS SET FORTH IN SUCH BOX ABOVE.

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HOLDER(S) SIGN HERE

X

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

Signature of Owner

 

 

 

 

        Must be signed by registered holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on certificate(s) for the Old Notes hereby tendered or on a security position listing, or by any person(s) authorized to become the registered holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by an attorney-in-fact, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, officer of a corporation or another acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth the signer's full title. See Instruction 6.

    

    

    
Names

    
Capacity (Full Title)

    
Address (including zip code)

    
Area Code and Telephone Number

    
Tax Identification Number or Social Security Number

SIGNATURE GUARANTEE
(SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED IF REQUIRED BY INSTRUCTION 1)

    
(Name of Eligible Institution Guaranteeing Signatures)

    
(Address (including zip code) and Telephone Number (including area code) of Firm)

    
(Authorized Signature)

    
(Printed Name)

    
(Title)

    
Date

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SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instruction 4 herein)

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS
(See Instruction 4 herein)

 

 

  

 

To be completed ONLY if certificates for Old Notes in a principal amount not tendered are to be issued in the name of, or the New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer are to be issued to the order of, someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) within this Letter of Transmittal or issued to an address different from that shown in the box entitled "Description of Old Notes" within this Letter of Transmittal, or if Old Notes tendered by book-entry transfer that are not accepted for purchase are to be credited to an account maintained at DTC other than the account at DTC indicated above.

 

 

 

 

 

To be completed ONLY if certificates for Old Notes in a principal amount not tendered or not accepted for purchase or the New Notes issued pursuant to the Exchange Offer are to be sent to someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) within this Letter of Transmittal or to an address different from that shown in the box entitled "Description of Old Notes" within this Letter of Transmittal or to be credited to an account maintained at DTC other than the account at DTC indicated above.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
     Name:               Name:        
 
            (Please Print)               (Please Print)    

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
     Address:              
Address:
       
 
            (Please Print)               (Please Print)    

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
                                  
 
             Zip Code               Zip Code    
                                  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
     Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number           Taxpayer Identification or Social Security Number    

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
     o   Credit unexchanged Old Notes delivered by book-entry transfer to the Book-Entry Transfer Facility account set forth below.                    

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
     Book-Entry Facility Account Number, if applicable                    
                                  

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INSTRUCTIONS
Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions
of the Exchange Offer

1.     Guarantee of Signatures.

        No signature guarantee on this Letter of Transmittal is required if:

        In all other cases, an Eligible Institution must guarantee the signature(s) on this Letter of Transmittal.

2.     Delivery of this Letter of Transmittal and Old Notes.

        The certificates for the tendered Old Notes (or a confirmation of a book-entry into the Exchange Agent's account at DTC of all Old Notes delivered electronically), as well as a properly completed and duly executed copy of this Letter of Transmittal or facsimile hereof and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth herein prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on the Expiration Date. The method of delivery of the tendered Old Notes, this Letter of Transmittal and all other required documents to the Exchange Agent are at the election and risk of the Holder and, except as otherwise provided below, the delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the Exchange Agent. Instead of delivery by mail, it is recommended that the Holder use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, sufficient time should be allowed to assure timely delivery. No Letter of Transmittal or Old Notes should be sent to the Company.

3.     Partial Tenders.

        Holders may tender some or all of their Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer in denominations of $2,000 and $1,000 integral multiples in excess of $2,000 thereof. If a tender for exchange is to be made with respect to less than the entire principal amount of any Old Notes, fill in the principal amount of Old Notes which are tendered for exchange in column (3) of the box entitled "Description of Old Notes." In case of a partial tender for exchange, the untendered principal amount of the Old Notes will be credited to the DTC account of the tendering Holder, unless otherwise indicated in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal, promptly after the expiration or termination of the Exchange Offer.

4.     Signatures on the Letter of Transmittal; Bond Powers and Endorsements.

        If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder of the Old Notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond exactly with the name as written on the face of the certificates without any change whatsoever.

        If any tendered Old Notes are owned of record by two or more joint owners, all such owners must sign this Letter of Transmittal.

        If any tendered Old Notes are registered in different names on several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate copies of this Letter of Transmittal as there are different registrations of certificates.

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        When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered holder or holders of the Old Notes specified herein and tendered hereby, no endorsements of certificates or separate bond powers are required. If, however, the New Notes are to be issued, or any nontendered Old Notes are to be reissued, to a person other than the registered holder, then endorsements of any certificates transmitted hereby or separate bond powers are required. Signatures on such certificate(s) or bond powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

        If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder or holders of any certificate(s) specified herein, such certificates must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers, in either case signed exactly as the name or names of the registered holder or holders appear(s) on the certificate(s) and signatures on such certificates(s) or bond powers must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

        If this Letter of Transmittal (or facsimile hereof) or any Old Notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, or officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing, and unless waived by the Company, evidence satisfactory to the Company of their authority so to act must be submitted with this Letter of Transmittal.

        Endorsements on Old Notes or signatures on bond powers required by this Instruction 4 must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.

5.     Transfer Taxes.

        The Company will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If, however, certificates representing New Notes or Old Notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered Holder of the Old Notes tendered hereby, or if tendered Old Notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing this Letter of Transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of Old Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered Holder or any other person) will be payable by the tendering Holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering Holder.

        Except as provided in this Instruction 5, it will not be necessary for transfer tax stamps to be affixed to the Old Notes listed in this Letter of Transmittal.

6.     Irregularities.

        All questions as to the form of documents and the validity, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of Old Notes will be determined by the Company, in its sole discretion, whose determination shall be final and binding. The Company reserves the absolute right to reject any or all tenders for exchange of any particular Old Notes that are not in proper form, or the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of the Company (or its counsel), be unlawful. The Company reserves the absolute right to waive any defect, irregularity or condition of tender for exchange with regard to any particular Old Notes . The Company's interpretation of the terms of, and conditions to, the Exchange Offer (including the instructions herein) will be final and binding. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with the Exchange Offer must be cured within such time as the Company shall determine. Neither the Company, the Exchange Agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notice of any defects or irregularities in Old Notes tendered for exchange, nor shall any of them incur any liability for failure to give such notice. A tender of Old Notes will not be deemed to have been made until all defects and irregularities with respect to such tender have been cured or waived. Any Old Notes received by the Exchange Agent that are not properly tendered and as to which

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the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the Exchange Agent to the tendering Holders, unless otherwise provided in this Letter of Transmittal, promptly following the Expiration Date.

7.     Waiver of Conditions.

        The Company reserves the absolute right to amend, waive or modify specified conditions in the Exchange Offer in the case of any Old Notes tendered.

8.     Requests for Information or Additional Copies.

        Questions and requests for assistance and requests for the Prospectus, Letter of Transmittal and the related documents may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the address set forth on the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal. Holders may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.

        IMPORTANT: THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL (OR A FACSIMILE THEREOF), OR AN AGENT'S MESSAGE IN LIEU THEREOF, AND ALL OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT ON OR PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE.

    (DO NOT WRITE IN SPACE BELOW)    
    Certificate Surrendered       Old Notes Tendered       Old Notes Accepted    
                                     
 
                                     
 
                                     
 
    Delivery Prepared by           Checked by           Date        
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

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LOGO

PDC Energy, Inc.

Offer to Exchange up to
$400,000,000
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024
That Have Been Registered Under the Securities Act of 1933
For Any and All Outstanding Unregistered
6.125% Senior Notes due 2024


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 20.    Indemnification of Officers and Directors

        The certificate of incorporation limits the liability of the Company's directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liability that cannot be eliminated under the DGCL. Delaware law provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duty as directors, except for liabilities:

        Any amendment, repeal or modification of these provisions will be prospective only and would not affect any limitation on liability of a director for acts or omissions that occurred prior to any such amendment, repeal or modification.

        The Company's bylaws also provide that the Company will indemnify its directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors pursuant to which is has generally agreed to provide indemnification and advancement to the directors to the maximum extent permitted by the DGCL.

Item 21.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

  1.1   Underwriting Agreement, by and between PDC Energy, Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, dated as of March 7, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on March 11, 2016).
        
  1.2   Underwriting Agreement, by and between PDC Energy, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, dated as of September 8, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on September 14, 2016).
        
  1.3   Underwriting Agreement, by and between PDC Energy, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, dated as of September 8, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on September 14, 2016).
        
  2.1   Plan of Conversion, dated June 5, 2015, by PDC Energy, Inc (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K12B of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on June 8, 2015).
        
  2.2   Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "Arris Stock Purchase Agreement"), dated August 23, 2016, by and among the seller parties thereto, Kimmeridge Energy Management Company GP, LLC, Arris Petroleum Corporation, and PDC Energy, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on August 24, 2016).
 
   

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  2.3   Asset Purchase and Sale Agreement (the "299 Asset Purchase Agreement"), dated August 23, 2016, by and among 299 Resources, LLC, 299 Production, LLC, 299 Pipeline, LLC, Kimmeridge Energy Management Company GP, LLC and PDC Energy, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on August 24, 2016).
        
  3.1   Certificate of Incorporation of PDC Energy, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K12B filed on June 8, 2015).
        
  3.2   Bylaws of PDC Energy, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K12B of PDC Energy, Inc. filed on June 8, 2015).
        
  4.1   Form of Common Stock Certificate of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K12B of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on June 8, 2015).
        
  4.2   Indenture, dated as of October 3, 2012, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, including the form of 7.75% Senior Notes due 2022.
        
  4.3   Base Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2016, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on September 14, 2016).
        
  4.3.1   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2016, by and between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on September 14, 2016).
        
  4.4   Indenture, dated as of September 15, 2016, by and between PDC Energy, Inc. and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on September 15, 2016).
        
  4.5   Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2016, by and between PDC Energy, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers named therein, relating to the 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc. filed on September 15, 2016).
        
  4.6   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of September 15, 2016, by and between PDC Energy, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers, relating to the 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc. filed on September 15, 2016).
        
  5.1 * Opinion of Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP as to the legality of the securities being registered.
        
  10.1   Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed June 8, 2015).
        
  10.2   401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan, as amended on January 1, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed February 19, 2015).
        
  10.3   Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed February 21, 2014).
        
  10.4   2004 Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan amended and restated as of March 8, 2008 ("2004 Plan") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on February 27, 2009).
 
   

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  10.4.1   Summary of 2010 Stock Appreciation Rights and Restricted Stock Awards under the 2004 Plan (incorporated by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 23, 2010).
        
  10.5   Amended and Restated 2010 Long-Term Equity Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on February 22, 2016).
        
  10.6   Executive Severance Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on February 22, 2016).
        
  10.7   Form of 2011 Restricted Stock/Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.2 the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed February 21, 2014).
        
  10.7.1   Form of 2013 Performance Share Agreement (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 27, 2013).
        
  10.7.2   Form of 2013 Restricted Stock/Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 27, 2013).
        
  10.7.3   Form of 2014 Performance Share Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.4 the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed February 19, 2015).
        
  10.7.4   Form of 2014 Restricted Stock/Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.5 the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed February 19, 2015).
        
  10.7.5   Form of 2015 Performance Share Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.6 the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed February 19, 2015).
        
  10.7.6   Form of 2015 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.7 the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed February 19, 2015).
        
  10.7.7   Form of 2015 Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.8 the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed February 19, 2015).
        
  10.7.8   Form of 2016 Performance Share Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on February 22, 2016).
        
  10.8   Employment Agreement with Gysle R. Shellum, Chief Financial Officer, dated as of April 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc. filed on April 23, 2010).
        
  10.9   Employment Agreement with Daniel W. Amidon, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, dated as of April 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy,  Inc. filed on April 23, 2010).
        
  10.10   Employment Agreement with Lance A. Lauck, Senior Vice President of Business Development, dated as of April 19, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy,  Inc. filed on April 23, 2010).
 
   

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  10.11   Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 21, 2013, among PDC Energy, Inc. as Borrower, Riley Natural Gas Company, a Subsidiary of PDC Energy, Inc., as Guarantor, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC as Sole Bookrunner and Co-Lead Arranger, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Syndication Agent, and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC as Co-Lead Arranger, and Certain Lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on May 28, 2013).
        
  10.11.1   First and Second Amendments to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 14, 2014 and September 30, 2015, respectively, among PDC Energy, Inc. as the Borrower, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of PDC Energy, Inc., filed on February 22, 2016).
        
  10.11.2   Third Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 6, 2016, among the Company, as Borrower, certain Subsidiaries of the Company, as Guarantors, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the "Lenders") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy, Inc. filed on September 8, 2016).
        
  10.12   Consulting Agreement with James M. Trimble, dated as of June 18, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of PDC Energy, Inc., filed August 8, 2014).
        
  10.13   Retirement Agreement with Gysle R. Shellum, Chief Financial Officer, dated October 26, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 27, 2015).
        
  10.14   Commitment Letter, dated August 23, 2016, by and between PDC Energy, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of PDC Energy,  Inc. filed on August 23, 2016).
        
  10. 15   Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 14, 2016, by and among PDC Energy, Inc., as the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of Borrower, as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed on November 3, 2016).
        
  10.16   Investment Agreement, dated December 6, 2016, by and among the Investor parties identified therein and PDC Energy, Inc. (relating to the Arris Stock Purchase Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 7, 2016).
        
  10.17   Investment Agreement, dated December 6, 2016, by and among the Investor parties identified therein and PDC Energy, Inc. (relating to the 299 Asset Purchase Agreement) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on December 7, 2016).
        
  12.1 * Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
        
  21.1 * Subsidiaries.
        
  23.1 * Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
        
  23.2 * Consent of EKS&H LLLP.
        
  23.3 * Consent of Ryder Scott Company, L.P., Petroleum Consultants.
        
  23.4 * Consent of Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc., Petroleum Consultants.

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  23.5 * Consent of Davis Graham & Stubbs (included in exhibit 5.1).
        
  24.1 * Power of Attorney (included on signature pages hereof).
        
  25.1   Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and Qualification under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 of the trustee under the Indenture with respect to the 6.125% Senior Notes due 2024 (filed on September 8, 2016).

*
Filed herewith.

Item 22.    Undertakings

        The undersigned Registrants hereby undertake:

        (a)   (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

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        (b)   That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of a Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

        (c)   To deliver or cause to be delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual report to security holders that is incorporated by reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule 14a3 or Rule 14c3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of Regulation S-X are not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.

        (d)   Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrants will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

        (d)   To respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Items 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.

        (e)   To supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, each Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Denver, State of Colorado on December 20, 2016.

  PDC ENERGY, INC.

 

By:

 

/s/ BARTON R. BROOKMAN


      Name:   Barton R. Brookman

      Title:   President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ BARTON R. BROOKMAN

Barton R. Brookman
  President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer)     December 20, 2016  

/s/ DAVID HONEYFIELD

David Honeyfield

 

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ R. SCOTT MEYERS

R. Scott Meyers

 

Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ JEFFREY C. SWOVELAND

Jeffrey C. Swoveland

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ DAVID C. PARKE

David C. Parke

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ JOSEPH E. CASABONA

Joseph E. Casabona

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ ANTHONY J. CRISAFIO

Anthony J. Crisafio

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

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Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ KIMBERLY LUFF WAKIM

Kimberly Luff Wakim
  Director     December 20, 2016  

/s/ LARRY F. MAZZA

Larry F. Mazza

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

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Power of Attorney

        Each person whose signature appears below appoints Barton R. Brookman and David Honeyfield, and each of them, either of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and any Registration Statement (including any amendment thereto) for this offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them of their or his substitute and substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ BARTON R. BROOKMAN

Barton R. Brookman
  President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer)     December 20, 2016  

/s/ DAVID HONEYFIELD

David Honeyfield

 

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ R. SCOTT MEYERS

R. Scott Meyers

 

Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ JEFFREY C. SWOVELAND

Jeffrey C. Swoveland

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ DAVID C. PARKE

David C. Parke

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ JOSEPH E. CASABONA

Joseph E. Casabona

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

/s/ ANTHONY J. CRISAFIO

Anthony J. Crisafio

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

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Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ KIMBERLY LUFF WAKIM

Kimberly Luff Wakim
  Director     December 20, 2016  

/s/ LARRY F. MAZZA

Larry F. Mazza

 

Director

 

 

December 20, 2016

 

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