10. DERIVATIVES AND FAIR VALUE

Throughout the year ended December 31, 2016, we executed crude oil put contracts as market conditions allowed in order to economically hedge anticipated 2016 and 2017 cash flows from crude oil producing activities. Premiums totaling $2.9 million were paid during 2016 as a result of these option agreements. While these crude oil puts are intended to be an economic hedge to mitigate the impact of a decline in oil prices, we have not elected hedge accounting. The contracts are being measured at fair value each period, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. These changes in fair value have no cash flow impact. The impact to cash flow occurs upon settlement of the underlying contract. We do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative or trading proposes.

As of December 31, 2016, we had unexpired oil puts covering 792,000 barrels of anticipated sales volumes for the period from January 2017 through December 31, 2017 at a weighted average price of $48.46. Our put contracts are subject to agreements similar to a master netting agreement under which we have the legal right to offset assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2016, the fair value of all of the put contracts were assets. We had neither derivative instruments outstanding as of December 31, 2015 nor derivative instrument activity during 2015 or 2014.

The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy and location on our consolidated balance sheets, the reported values of derivative instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis:





The crude oil put contracts are measured at fair value using the Black’s option pricing model. Level 2 observable inputs used in the valuation model include market information as of the reporting date, such as prevailing Brent crude futures prices, Brent crude futures commodity price volatility and interest rates. The determination of the put contract fair value includes the impact of the counterparty’s non-performance risk.

To mitigate counterparty risk, we enter into such derivative contracts with creditworthy financial institutions deemed by management as competent and competitive market makers.

The following table sets forth the gain (loss) on derivative instruments on our consolidated statements of operations:





Subsequent to December 31, 2016 through March 13, 2017, we have not entered into additional derivative contracts.