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EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CEO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - NORTHERN OIL & GAS, INC.nog111395_ex31-1.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION OF CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 - NORTHERN OIL & GAS, INC.nog111395_ex31-2.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION OF CEO/CFO PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 - NORTHERN OIL & GAS, INC.nog111395_ex32-1.htm

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q/A

(AMENDMENT NO. 2)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010

 

o TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT

 

For the transition period from ____________ to____________

 

Commission File No. 001-33999

 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Minnesota

95-3848122

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Incorporation or organization)

 

 

315 Manitoba Avenue – Suite 200

Wayzata, Minnesota 55391

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(952) 476-9800

(Registrant’s Telephone Number)

 

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report)

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x  No o

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes o  No 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. :

 

 

 

 

Large Accelerated Filer  o

Accelerated Filer   x

 

 

 

 

Non-Accelerated Filer    o

Smaller Reporting Company   o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
  Yes o  No x

          As of August 6, 2010, there were 51,537,329 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001, outstanding.


NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
FORM 10-Q

June 30, 2010

C O N T E N T S

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page

 

PART I

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

3

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets

 

3

 

 

Condensed Statements of Operations

 

5

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 

6

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

30

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures

 

 

31

 

i


EXPLANATORY NOTE

          Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (the “Company”) is filing this Amendment No. 2 to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the period ended June 30, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 9, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed on November 5, 2010. Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Amendment No. 1 to that Quarterly Report are collectively referred to herein as the “Original Filings”. This Amendment No. 2 to Form 10-Q is being filed to reference the proper amendments to the Original Filings in Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2. This Amendment No. 2 to Form 10-Q does not contain any new or revised disclosures that were not previously provided in the Original Filings, but simply references the proper amendments to the Company’s previous disclosures into one filing.

          Except where specifically indicated, this Amendment No. 2 to Form 10-Q does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Original Filings or modify or update those disclosures affected by subsequent events. Consequently, all other information is unchanged and reflects the disclosures made at the time of the filing of the Original Filings. Except as expressly set forth in this Form 10-Q/A, the Original Filings have not been amended, updated or otherwise modified.

ii


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 2010 AND DECEMBER 31, 2009

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,
2010
(UNAUDITED)

 

December 31,
2009

 

CURRENT ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

$

70,167,911

 

$

6,233,372

 

Trade Receivables

 

 

11,311,742

 

 

7,025,011

 

Prepaid Drilling Costs

 

 

6,431,446

 

 

1,454,034

 

Prepaid Expenses

 

 

481,371

 

 

143,606

 

Other Current Assets

 

 

272,392

 

 

201,314

 

Short - Term Investments

 

 

-

 

 

24,903,476

 

Derivative Asset

 

 

1,068,924

 

 

-

 

Deferred Tax Asset

 

 

863,000

 

 

2,057,000

 

Total Current Assets

 

 

90,596,786

 

 

42,017,813

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (including unevaluated cost of $86,939,327 at 6/30/2010 and $53,862,529 at 12/31/2009)

 

 

156,185,056

 

 

96,801,626

 

Other Property and Equipment

 

 

2,193,447

 

 

439,656

 

Total Property and Equipment

 

 

158,378,503

 

 

97,241,282

 

Less - Accumulated Depreciation and Depletion

 

 

9,626,536

 

 

5,091,198

 

Total Property and Equipment, Net

 

 

148,751,967

 

 

92,150,084

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS

 

 

1,525,703

 

 

1,427,071

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$

240,874,456

 

$

135,594,968

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts Payable

 

$

9,987,487

 

$

6,419,534

 

Line of Credit

 

 

-

 

 

834,492

 

Accrued Expenses

 

 

1,938,696

 

 

316,977

 

Derivative Liability

 

 

-

 

 

1,320,679

 

Other Liabilities

 

 

18,574

 

 

18,574

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 

11,944,757

 

 

8,910,256

 

3



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving Credit Facility

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Derivative Liability

 

 

85,544

 

 

1,459,374

 

Subordinated Notes

 

 

400,000

 

 

500,000

 

Other Noncurrent Liabilities

 

 

315,727

 

 

243,888

 

 

Total Long-Term Liabilities

 

 

801,271

 

 

2,203,262

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY

 

 

5,192,000

 

 

922,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

 

 

17,938,028

 

 

12,035,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Stock, Par Value $.001; 100,000,000 Authorized, 51,079,143 Outstanding (2009 – 43,911,044 Shares Outstanding)

 

 

51,080

 

 

43,912

 

Additional Paid-In Capital

 

 

215,539,549

 

 

124,884,266

 

Retained Earnings

 

 

8,522,388

 

 

841,892

 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

(1,176,589

)

 

(2,210,620

)

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

222,936,428

 

 

123,559,450

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

$

240,874,456

 

$

135,594,968

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

4


NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 AND 2009
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009
Adjusted *

 

2010

 

2009
Adjusted *

 

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and Gas Sales

 

$

11,664,873

 

$

2,418,496

 

$

20,033,720

 

$

3,059,230

 

Gain (Loss) on Settled Derivatives

 

 

303,919

 

 

(143,412

)

 

126,936

 

 

(125,878

)

Mark-to-Market of Derivative Instruments

 

 

4,251,199

 

 

-

 

 

3,260,383

 

 

-

 

Other Revenue

 

 

11,782

 

 

-

 

 

32,248

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

16,231,773

 

 

2,275,084

 

 

23,453,287

 

 

2,933,352

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Production Expenses

 

 

561,427

 

 

119,751

 

 

893,757

 

 

214,140

 

Production Taxes

 

 

1,024,277

 

 

189,400

 

 

1,670,143

 

 

247,715

 

General and Administrative Expense

 

 

1,911,543

 

 

555,316

 

 

3,618,511

 

 

1,123,951

 

Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties

 

 

2,600,836

 

 

548,124

 

 

4,484,441

 

 

850,326

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

26,267

 

 

22,777

 

 

50,897

 

 

45,456

 

Accretion of Discount on Asset Retirement Obligations

 

 

9,215

 

 

2,077

 

 

12,752

 

 

3,471

 

Total Expenses

 

 

6,133,565

 

 

1,437,445

 

 

10,730,501

 

 

2,485,059

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

 

 

10,098,208

 

 

837,639

 

 

12,722,786

 

 

448,293

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OTHER EXPENSE

 

 

(144,342

)

 

(139,243

)

 

(232,290

)

 

(182,770

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

 

 

9,953,866

 

 

698,396

 

 

12,490,496

 

 

265,523

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INCOME TAX PROVISION

 

 

3,833,000

 

 

280,000

 

 

4,810,000

 

 

106,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

 

$

6,120,866

 

$

418,396

 

$

7,680,496

 

$

159,523

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share - Basic

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share - Diluted

 

$

0.12

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.16

 

$

0.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic

 

 

49,934,409

 

 

34,582,282

 

 

47,032,602

 

 

34,404,093

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted

 

 

50,609,944

 

 

34,741,036

 

 

47,593,962

 

 

34,484,966

 

*See Note 2

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

5


NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 AND 2009
(UNAUDITED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009
Adjusted *

 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

7,680,496

 

$

159,523

 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties

 

 

4,484,441

 

 

850,326

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

50,897

 

 

45,456

 

Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

 

 

280,768

 

 

168,790

 

Accretion of Discount on Asset Retirement Obligations

 

 

12,752

 

 

3,471

 

Income Tax Provision

 

 

4,810,000

 

 

106,000

 

Loss on Sale of Available for Sale Securities

 

 

197,556

 

 

-

 

Market Value adjustment of Derivative Instruments

 

 

(3,260,383

)

 

-

 

Amortization of Deferred Rent

 

 

(9,287

)

 

(9,286

)

Share - Based Compensation Expense

 

 

2,006,369

 

 

213,277

 

Changes in Working Capital and Other Items:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in Trade Receivables

 

 

(4,286,731

)

 

(775,192

)

Increase in Prepaid Expenses

 

 

(337,765

)

 

(44,892

)

Decrease (Increase) in Other Current Assets

 

 

(71,078

)

 

-

 

Increase in Accounts Payable

 

 

3,567,953

 

 

2,585,014

 

Decrease in Accrued Expenses

 

 

(138,281

)

 

(934,162

)

Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities

 

 

14,987,707

 

 

2,368,325

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchases of Other Equipment and Furniture

 

 

(1,753,791

)

 

(6,943

)

Decrease (Increase) in Prepaid Drilling Costs

 

 

(4,977,412

)

 

19

 

Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Properties

 

 

237,877

 

 

-

 

Proceeds from Sale of Available for Sale Securities

 

 

25,890,901

 

 

-

 

Increase in Oil and Gas Properties

 

 

(51,636,851

)

 

(17,506,249

)

Net Cash Used For Investing Activities

 

 

(32,239,276

)

 

(17,513,173

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on Line of Credit

 

 

(834,492

)

 

(12,338

)

Advances on Revolving Credit Facility

 

 

5,300,000

 

 

16,000,000

 

Payments on Revolving Credit Facility

 

 

(5,300,000

)

 

-

 

Increase (Decrease) in Subordinated Notes, net

 

 

(100,000

)

 

500,000

 

Debt Issuance Costs Paid

 

 

(379,400

)

 

(1,190,061

)

Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock - Net of Issuance Costs

 

 

82,500,000

 

 

12,701,049

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

 

 

81,186,108

 

 

27,998,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

63,934,539

 

 

12,853,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF PERIOD

 

 

6,233,372

 

 

780,716

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD

 

$

70,167,911

 

$

13,634,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Paid During the Period for Interest

 

$

125,135

 

$

189,128

 

Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of Oil and Gas Properties through Issuance of Common Stock

 

$

5,698,337

 

$

224,879

 

Payment of Compensation through Issuance of Common Stock

 

$

4,224,114

 

$

261,280

 

Capitalized Asset Retirement Obligations

 

$

69,802

 

$

61,403

 

Fair Value of Warrants Issued for Debt Issuance Costs

 

$

-

 

$

221,153

 

Payment of Debt Issuance Costs through Issuance of Common Stock

 

$

-

 

$

475,200

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

* See Note 2

6


NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2010

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1      ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and words of similar import) is a growth-oriented independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of oil and natural gas properties. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE Amex Equities Market under the symbol “NOG”.

The Company acquires interests in oil and gas acreage and drilling projects, primarily within the Williston Basin Bakken Shale formation. The Company has begun to develop its substantial leasehold acreage in the Bakken play and will target additional opportunities in emerging plays utilizing its first mover leasing advantage. The Company owns working interests in wells, and does not lease land to operators. We believe the advantage gained by participating as a non-operating partner has given us valuable data on completions and will help our operating partners control well costs and enhance results as we continue to develop our higher working interest sections in the remainder of 2010 and beyond.

The Company participates on a heads up basis proportionate to its working interest in declared drilling units with working interests ranging from approximately 0.5% to 63%. As of June 30, 2010, we controlled approximately 109,913 net acres in the Williston Basin targeting the Bakken and Three Forks formations. As of August 9, 2010, we control approximately 115,700 net mineral acres in the Williston Basin targeting the Bakken and Three Forks formations, which provides the potential to drill approximately 1,085 net wells using 640 acre spacing units assuming three horizontal Bakken and three horizontal Three Forks wells per spacing unit. We have no material lease expirations until late 2011 and continue to expand our position through aggressive acquisition and leasing programs.

Our land acquisition and field operations, along with various other services, are primarily outsourced through the use of consultants and drilling partners. The Company will continue to retain independent contractors to assist in operating and managing the prospects and other administrative functions. With the additional acquisition of oil and natural gas properties, the Company intends to continue to use both in-house employees and outside consultants to develop and exploit its leasehold interests.

As an independent oil and gas producer, the Company’s revenue, profitability and future rate of growth are substantially dependent on prevailing prices of crude oil and natural gas. Historically, the energy markets have been very volatile and it is likely that oil and gas prices will continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in the future. A substantial or extended decline in crude oil or natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and access to capital, and on the quantities of natural gas and oil reserves that can be economically produced.

NOTE 2      SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial information included herein is unaudited, except the balance sheet as of December 31, 2009, which has been derived from our audited financial statements as of December 31, 2009. However, such information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and change in accounting principles), which are in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year.

Certain information, accounting policies, and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to certain rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009, which were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

7


Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers highly liquid investments with insignificant interest rate risk and original maturities to the Company of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of interest-bearing bank accounts and money market funds. Our cash positions represent assets held in checking and money market accounts. These assets are generally available to us on a daily or weekly basis and are highly liquid in nature. Due to the balances being greater than $250,000, we do not have FDIC coverage on the entire amount of bank deposits. The Company believes this risk is minimal. In addition, we are subject to Security Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) protection on a vast majority of our financial assets.

Short-Term Investments

All marketable debt and equity securities and United States Treasuries that are included in short-term investments are considered available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. The short-term investments are considered current assets due to their maturity term or the Company’s ability and intent to use them to fund current operations. The unrealized gains and losses related to these securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). There are no unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of June 30, 2010, as the Company has no short-term investments. When securities are sold, their cost is determined based on the first-in first-out method. The realized gains and losses related to these securities are included in other expense in the statements of operations.

Other Property and Equipment

Property and equipment that are not oil and gas properties are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to fifteen years. Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Long-lived assets, other than oil and gas properties, are evaluated for impairment to determine if current circumstances and market conditions indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We have not recognized any impairment losses on non oil and gas long-lived assets. Depreciation expense was $50,897 for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

Debt Issuance Costs

In February 2009, the Company entered into a revolving credit facility with CIT Capital USA, Inc. (“CIT”) (See Note 9). The Company incurred costs related to this facility that were capitalized on the Balance Sheet as Debt Issuance Costs. Included in the Debt Issuance Costs are direct costs paid to third parties for broker fees and legal fees, 180,000 shares of restricted common stock paid as additional compensation for broker fees, and the fair value of 300,000 warrants issued to CIT. The fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model based on factors present at the time of closing. CIT can exercise these warrants at any time until the warrants expire in February 2012. The exercise price of the warrants is $5.00 per warrant. The total amount capitalized for Debt Issuance Costs is $1,670,000 related to the original agreement with CIT. In May 2009, the Company amended the revolving credit facility with CIT to allow for additional borrowings. The Company incurred and capitalized $216,414 of direct costs related to this amendment.

In May 2010, the Company completed an assignment of its revolving credit facility to Macquarie Bank Limited (“Macquarie”) from CIT. In connection with the assignment, the Company and Macquarie entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement governing the facility. The Company incurred and capitalized $379,400 of direct costs related to this assignment and amendment.

The remaining capitalized costs from the original February 2009 agreement and the May 2009 amendment to the agreement and the additional costs from the assignment and amendment of the facility in May 2010 are being amortized over the remaining term of the amended facility using the effective interest method.

The amortization of debt issuance costs for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $280,768.

8


Asset Retirement Obligations

The Company records the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which the asset is acquired and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. The liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized.

Revenue Recognition and Gas Balancing

We recognize oil and gas revenues from our interests in producing wells when production is delivered to, and title has transferred to, the purchaser and to the extent the selling price is reasonably determinable. We use the sales method of accounting for gas balancing of gas production and would recognize a liability if the existing proven reserves were not adequate to cover the current imbalance situation. As of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, our gas production was in balance, meaning our cumulative portion of gas production taken and sold from wells in which we have an interest equaled our entitled interest in gas production from those wells.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has accounted for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718-10-55 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 123(R), Share-Based Payment).This standard requires us to record an expense associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation. We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC 740-10-30 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes). Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Accounting standards require the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Stock Issuance

The Company records the stock-based compensation awards issued to non-employees and other external entities for goods and services at either the fair market value of the goods received or services rendered on the instruments issued in exchange for such services, whichever is more readily determinable, using the measurement date guidelines enumerated in FASB ASC 505-50-30 (Prior authoritative literature, EITF 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods, or Services).

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) are computed by dividing net income (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period (the denominator). Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares outstanding (if dilutive) during each period. Potential common shares include stock options, warrants, and restricted stock. The number of potential common shares outstanding relating to stock options, warrants, and restricted stock is computed using the treasury stock method.

9


The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

 

 

49,934,409

 

 

34,582,282

 

 

47,032,602

 

 

34,404,093

 

Plus: Potentially dilutive common shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options, warrants, and restricted stock

 

 

675,534

 

 

158,754

 

 

561,359

 

 

80,873

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

 

 

50,609,944

 

 

34,741,036

 

 

47,593,962

 

 

34,484,966

 

Stock options and warrants excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

62,529

 

As of June 30, 2010 there were 300,000 potentially dilutive shares from stock options that became exercisable in 2007.

In addition, as of June 30, 2010, there were 300,000 warrants that were issued in conjunction with the February 2009 revolving credit facility with CIT that remained outstanding and exercisable. These warrants are presently exercisable and represent potentially dilutive shares. Each of these warrants has an exercise price of $5.00.

The remaining potential dilutive shares are the result of applying the Codification requirements to unamortized compensation in accordance with the treasury stock method.

Full Cost Method

The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas operations whereby all costs related to the exploration and development of oil and gas properties are initially capitalized into a single cost center (“full cost pool”). Such costs include land acquisition costs, geological and geophysical expenses, carrying charges on non-producing properties, costs of drilling directly related to acquisition, and exploration activities. Internal costs that are capitalized are directly attributable to acquisition, exploration and development activities and do not include costs related to the production, general corporate overhead or similar activities. Costs associated with production and general corporate activities are expensed in the period incurred. The Company capitalized $2,771,704 of internal costs and $59,711 of interest and fees for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

As of June 30, 2010 we controlled acreage in Sheridan County, Montana with primary targets including the Red River and Mission Canyon. We controlled acreage in North Dakota targeting the Bakken Shale and Three Forks/Sanish as well as acreage in Yates County, New York that is prospective for Marcellus Shale and Trenton-Black River natural gas production.

Proceeds from property sales will generally be credited to the full cost pool, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such a sale would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and the proved reserves attributable to these costs. A significant alteration would typically involve a sale of 25% or more of the proved reserves related to a single full cost pool. In March 2010, we entered into an agreement to sell wellbore interests in certain wells where our net working interest is less than one-half of one percent (0.5%) of all working interests in such wells. The transaction was entered into in March 31, 2010, and the initial divestitures pursuant to the transaction were effective December 31, 2009. Estimated proceeds from the transaction are approximately $238,000. The proceeds for this agreement were applied to reduce the capitalized costs of oil and gas properties.

Capitalized costs associated with impaired properties and capitalized cost related to properties having proved reserves, plus the estimated future development costs, asset retirement costs under FASB ASC 410-20-25 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations) are depleted and amortized on the unit-of-production method based on the estimated gross proved reserves as determined by independent petroleum engineers. The costs of unproved properties are withheld from the depletion base until such time as they are either developed or abandoned. When proved reserves are assigned or the property is considered to be impaired, the cost of the property or the amount of the impairment is added to costs subject to depletion calculations. As of June 30, 2010, the Company included $765,037 of costs related to expired leases in Sheridan County, Montana and Yates County, New York, which costs are subject to depletion calculation.

10


Capitalized costs of oil and gas properties (net of related deferred income taxes) may not exceed an amount equal to the present value, discounted at 10% per annum, of the estimated future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves plus the cost of unevaluated properties (adjusted for related income tax effects). Should capitalized costs exceed this ceiling, impairment is recognized. The present value of estimated future net cash flows is computed by applying the 12-month average price of oil and natural gas based on the prices in effect at the beginning of each month to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves as of period-end, less estimated future expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions. Such present value of proved reserves’ future net cash flows excludes future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the Balance Sheet. Should this comparison indicate an excess carrying value, the excess is charged to earnings as an impairment expense. To this point the Company has not realized any impairment of its properties due to our low basis in the acreage and productivity and economics of our producing wells.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates relate to proved oil and natural gas reserve volumes, future development costs, estimates relating to certain oil and natural gas revenues and expenses, fair value of derivative instruments, and deferred income taxes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods’ reported amounts in order to conform with the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not impact our net income, stockholders’ equity or cash flows.

Derivative Instruments and Price Risk Management

The Company uses derivative instruments from time to time to manage market risks resulting from fluctuations in the prices of oil and natural gas. The Company may periodically enter into derivative contracts, including price swaps, caps and floors, which require payments to (or receipts from) counterparties based on the differential between a fixed price and a variable price for a fixed quantity of oil or natural gas without the exchange of underlying volumes. The notional amounts of these financial instruments are based on expected production from existing wells. The Company has, and may continue to use exchange traded futures contracts and option contracts to hedge the delivery price of oil at a future date.

At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company historically designated the derivative as a cash flow hedge. For all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the Company formally documented the relationship between the derivative contract and the hedged items, as well as the risk management objective for entering into the derivative contract. To be designated as a cash flow hedge transaction, the relationship between the derivative and the hedged items must be highly effective in achieving the offset of changes in cash flows attributable to the risk both at the inception of the derivative and on an ongoing basis. The Company historically measured hedge effectiveness on a quarterly basis and hedge accounting would be discontinued prospectively if it determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item. Gains and losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedge derivatives that become ineffective remain unchanged until the related production is delivered. If the Company determines that it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, deferred gains or losses on the derivative are recognized in earnings immediately. See Note 14 for a description of the derivative contracts which the Company executed during 2010.

11


Derivatives, historically, are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, depending on the type of hedge transaction. The Company’s derivatives historically consist primarily of cash flow hedge transactions in which the Company is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a forecasted transaction. Period to period changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges were reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to earnings in the periods in which the contracts are settled. The ineffective portion of the cash flow hedges was reflected in current period earnings as gain or loss from derivative. Gains and losses on derivative instruments that did not qualify for hedge accounting were included in income or loss from derivatives in the period in which they occur. The resulting cash flows from derivatives are reported as cash flows from operating activities.

On November 1, 2009, due to the volatility of price differentials in the Williston Basin, the Company de-designated all derivatives that were previously classified as cash flow hedges and in addition, the Company has elected not to designate any subsequent derivative contracts as accounting hedges under FASB ASC 815-20-25 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities). As such, all derivative positions are carried at their fair value on the balance sheet and are marked-to-market at the end of each period. Any realized and unrealized gains or losses are recorded as gain (loss) on derivatives net, as an increase or decrease in revenues on the Statement of Operations rather than as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) or other Income (expense).

Impairment

FASB ASC 360-10-35-21 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 144, Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets), requires that long-lived assets to be held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Oil and gas properties accounted for using the full cost method of accounting (which we use) are excluded from this requirement but continue to be subject to the full cost method’s impairment rules.

Change in Accounting Principle Related to Drilling Costs

In 2009, the Company changed its method of accounting for drilling costs from the accrual of drilling costs at the time drilling commenced for a well to recording the costs when amounts are invoiced by operators. Recording drilling costs when the amounts are invoiced by operators is deemed preferable as it better represents the Company’s actual drilling costs. The recording of drilling costs in this method also is consistent with other companies in the oil and gas industry. Generally accepted accounting principles require that the impact of the change in accounting be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. As a result, all prior period financial statements have been adjusted to give effect to the cumulative impact of this change.

The following table shows the effect on the Company’s Statement of Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30, 2009

 

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2009

 

 

 

As
Reported

 

Adjusted

 

Effect of
Change

 

As
Reported

 

Adjusted

 

Effect of
Change

 

Depletion Expense

 

$

719,596

 

$

548,124

 

$

(171,472

)

$

1,101,250

 

$

850,326

 

$

(250,924

)

Income Tax Provision

 

 

211,000

 

 

280,000

 

 

69,000

 

 

6,000

 

 

106,000

 

 

100,000

 

Net Income

 

$

315,924

 

$

418,396

 

$

102,472

 

$

8,599

 

$

159,523

 

$

150,924

 

Earnings Per Share – Basic and Diluted

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.01

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.00

 

12


The following table shows the effect on the Company’s Statement of Cash Flows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2009

 

 

 

As
Reported

 

Adjusted

 

Effect of Change

 

Net Income

 

$

8,599

 

$

159,523

 

$

150,924

 

Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties

 

 

1,101,250

 

 

850,326

 

 

(250,924

)

Income Tax Provision

 

 

6,000

 

 

106,000

 

 

100,000

 

Decrease in Accrued Drilling Costs

 

 

(181,900

)

 

-

 

 

181,900

 

Increase in Oil and Gas Properties

 

 

(17,324,349

)

 

(17,506,249

)

 

(181,900

)

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09, “Subsequent Events (Topic 855) - Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements.” ASU 2010-09 requires an entity that is a filer with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) to evaluate subsequent events through the date that the financial statements are issued and removes the requirement that an SEC filer disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. ASC 2010-09 was effective upon issuance. The adoption of this standard had no effect on our results of operation or our financial position.

In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-13, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Effect of Denominating the Exercise Price of a Share-Based Payment Award in the Currency of the Market in Which the Underlying Equity Security Trades.” ASU 2010-13 provides amendments to Topic 718 to clarify that an employee share-based payment award with an exercise price denominated in the currency of a market in which a substantial portion of the entity’s equity securities trades should not be considered to contain a condition that is not a market, performance, or service condition. Therefore, an entity would not classify such an award as a liability if it otherwise qualifies as equity. The amendments in ASU 2010-13 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this standard will not have an effect on our results of operation or our financial position.

From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by FASB that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. If not discussed, management believes that the impact of recently issued standards, which are not yet effective, will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements upon adoption.

 

 

NOTE 3

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

All marketable debt and equity securities and United States Treasuries that are included in short-term investments are considered available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. The short-term investments are considered current assets due to their maturity term or the Company’s ability and intent to use them to fund current operations. The unrealized gains and losses related to these securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). When securities are sold, their cost is determined based on the first-in first-out method. The realized gains and losses related to these securities are included in other income in the statements of operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, we realized losses of $197,556 on the sale of short-term investments.

The Company has no short-term investments as of June 30, 2010.

13



 

 

NOTE 4

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment at June 30, 2010 consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,
2010

 

Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method

 

 

 

 

Unevaluated Costs, Not Subject to Amortization or Ceiling Test

 

$

86,939,327

 

Evaluated Costs

 

 

69,245,729

 

 

 

 

156,185,056

 

Other Property and Equipment

 

 

2,193,447

 

 

 

 

158,378,503

 

Less: Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

 

 

 

 

Property and Equipment

 

 

9,626,536

 

Total

 

$

148,751,967

 

The following table shows depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense by type of asset:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months
Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009
Adjusted

 

Depletion of Costs for Evaluated Oil and Gas Properties

 

$

4,484,441

 

$

850,326

 

Depreciation of Other Property and Equipment

 

 

50,897

 

 

45,456

 

Total Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense

 

$

4,535,338

 

$

895,782

 


 

 

NOTE 5

OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

The value of the Company’s oil and gas properties consists of all acreage acquisition costs (including cash expenditures and the value of stock consideration) drilling costs and other associated capitalized costs. Each of these costs contributed to the Company’s $36.6 million increase in oil and gas properties during the second quarter of 2010.

North Dakota Acquisitions

In the second quarter of 2010 the Company acquired approximately 16,861 net mineral acres in all of ourits key prospect areas in the form of both effective leases and top-leases. Of the approximate 16,861 net mineral acres acquired approximately 5,800 net mineral acres were acquired organically. The Company spent an average of approximately $1,015 per net mineral acre acquired in the second quarter of 2010.

The largest acquisition completed by the Company through June 30, 2010 is described below. The Company also completed numerous other acquisitions not specifically described in this Note. No single acquisition was considered material by the Company.

JAG Oil Limited Partnership and G.G. Rose, L.L.C. Acreage Acquisition

In June of 2010 the Company acquired approximately 3,498.47 net acres for $1,750 per net acre in Williams and McKenzie Counties of North Dakota. The Company issued an aggregate of 382,645 shares of its common stock and paid $761,464 in cash as consideration for the acreage. The fair value of the stock issued was $5,360,856 or $14.01 per share, based upon the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the shares were registered with the SEC for resale, which is the date the leasehold interests were acquired. As such, the total $6,122,320 consideration for these acquisitions approximated 17% of the total $36.6 million increase in the Company’s Oil and Gas properties during the second quarter of 2010.

14



 

 

NOTE 6

PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Our Board of Directors is authorized to establish one or more series of preferred stock, setting forth the designation of each such series and fixing the relative rights and preferences of each such series. The Company has neither designated nor issued any shares of preferred stock.

In January 2010, the Company agreed to issue 4,000 shares of Common Stock to two employees of the Company. The shares were fully vested on the date of the grant. The fair value of the stock issued was $50,280 or $12.57 per share, based upon the market value of one share of our common stock on the date the stock was obligated to be issued. The entire amount of this stock award was expensed in the three months ended March 31, 2010.

In January 2010, the Company agreed to issue 1,000 shares of Common Stock to a consultant of the Company. The shares were fully vested on the date of the grant. The fair value of the stock issued was $12,320 or $12.32 per share, based upon the market value of one share of common stock on the date the stock was obligated to be issued. The entire amount of this stock award was expensed in the three months ended March 31, 2010.

In March 2010, the Company issued 10,287 shares of Common Stock as part of an acquisition of leasehold interests in North Dakota. The fair value of the stock issued was $99,475 or $9.67 per share, based upon the market value of one share of common stock on the date the leasehold interests were acquired.

In March 2010, pursuant to employment agreements the Company issued 50,000 shares of Common Stock to executives of the Company. The shares were fully vested on the date of the grant. The fair value of the stock issued was $664,500 or $13.29 per share, based upon the market value of one share of common stock on the date the stock was obligated to be issued. The Company expensed $307,331 in share-based compensation related to the issuance for the three month period ended March 31, 2010. The remainder of the expense was capitalized into the full cost pool.

In April 2010, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement to sell 5,750,000 shares of common stock at a price of $15.00 less an underwriting discount of $0.60 per share for total gross proceeds of $82.8 million. The Company incurred costs of $300,000 related to this offering. These costs were netted against the proceeds of the offering through Additional Paid-In Capital.

On June 14, 2010, the Company issued 382,645 shares of Common Stock as part of an acquisition of leasehold interests in North Dakota. The fair value of the stock issued was $5,360,856 or $14.01 per share, based upon the market value of one share of common stock on the date the shares were registered with the SEC for resale, which is the date the leasehold interests were acquired.

On June 18, 2010, the Company granted 14,167 shares of Common Stock related to acquisitions of leasehold interests in North Dakota. The fair value of the stock granted was $238,006 or $16.80 per share, based upon the market value of one share of common stock on the date the leasehold interests were acquired. The common stock related to these grants was issued in July 2010.

As of June 30, 2010 the Company has accrued bonuses based on the year to date results of operations in comparison to year-end bonus attainment expectations. Management anticipates these bonuses will be paid in the fourth quarter of 2010 through the issuance of stock. The accrued bonuses as of June 30, 2010, are an estimate and are considered discretionary based on 2010 operations. The Company’s compensation committee has approved a plan to grant bonuses and the bonus accrual is based on that plan, but the June 30, 2010 bonus accrual balance has not been approved by the compensation committee. The Company expensed $801,775 in share -based compensation related to this bonus accrual for the six month period ended June 30, 2010. The remainder of bonus was capitalized into the full cost pool.

15


Restricted Stock Awards

During the six months ended June 30, 2010, the Company issued 956,000 restricted shares of common stock as compensation to officers and employees of the Company. The restricted shares vest over various terms with all restricted shares vesting no later than December 31, 2013. As of June 30, 2010, the Company had approximately $13.7 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock. This compensation expense will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of the grants. The Company has assumed a zero percent forfeiture rate for restricted stock.

The following table reflects the outstanding restricted stock awards and activity related thereto for the six months ended June 30, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended
June 30, 2010

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

Weighted-Average
Price

 

Restricted Stock Awards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period

 

 

325,330

 

$

9.01

 

Shares Granted

 

 

956,000

 

$

13.29

 

Lapse of Restrictions

 

 

(76,854

)

$

9.59

 

Restricted Shares Outstanding at June 30, 2010

 

 

1,204,476

 

$

12.37

 


 

 

NOTE 7

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS


The Company has purchased leasehold interests from South Fork Exploration, LLC (“SFE”). In the second quarter of 2010, the Company paid a total of $5,000 related to a previously executed leasehold agreement. SFE’s president is J.R. Reger, the brother of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Reger. J.R. Reger is also a stockholder in the Company.

The Company has also purchased leasehold interests in 2007 from Gallatin Resources, LLC. In the second quarter of 2010, the company paid a total of $6,277 related to a previously executed leasehold agreement. Carter Stewart, one of the Company’s directors, owns a 25% interest in Gallatin Resources, LLC.

The Company has an investment account with Morgan Stanley that is managed by Kathleen Gilbertson, a financial advisor with that firm who is the sister of our President and Director, Ryan Gilbertson.

All transactions involving related parties were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors or Audit Committee.

 

 

NOTE 8

STOCK OPTIONS/STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND WARRANTS

On November 1, 2007, the Board of Directors granted options to purchase 560,000 shares of the Company’s common stock under the Company’s 2006 Stock Option Plan. The Company granted options to purchase an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock to members of the Company’s Board of Directors and options to purchase an additional 60,000 shares of common stock to one employee pursuant to an employment agreement. These options were granted at an exercise price of $5.18 per share and were fully vested on the grant date. Options to purchase an aggregate of 260,000 shares granted in 2007 have been exercised as of June 30, 2010.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of FASB ASC 718-10-55 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 123(R), Share-Based Payment). This statement requires us to record an expense associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation. We use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock-based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility. The Company used the simplified method to determine the expected term of the options due to the lack of sufficient historical data. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate. The total fair value of the options are recognized as compensation over the vesting period. There have been no stock options granted since November 2007 under the 2006 Stock Option Plan.

16


The following summarizes activities concerning outstanding options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock as of and for the period ending June 30, 2010:

 

 

 

•No options were exercised in the six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

 

 

•No options were forfeited or expired during the six months ended June 30, 2010.

 

 

 

•300,000 options are exercisable and outstanding as June 30, 2010.

 

 

 

•There is no further compensation expense that will be recognized in future years relative to any options that had been granted as of June 30, 2010, because the Company recognized the entire fair value of such compensation upon vesting of the options.

 

 

 

•There were no unvested options at June 30, 2010.

Warrants Granted February 2009

On February 27, 2009, in conjunction with the closing of the revolving credit facility (see Note 9), the Company issued to CIT warrants to purchase a total of 300,000 shares of common stock exercisable at $5.00 per share. The total fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model based on factors present at the time the warrants were issued. The fair value of the warrants is included in Debt Issuance Costs and are being amortized over the amended term of the facility using the effective interest method. CIT can exercise the warrants at any time until the warrants expire in February 2012.

 

 

NOTE 9

REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

In February 2009, the Company completed the closing of a revolving credit facility with CIT that provided up to a maximum principal amount of $25 million of working capital for exploration and production operations (the “Facility”).

On May 26, 2010, the Company completed the assignment of its revolving credit facility to Macquarie from CIT. In connection with the assignment, the Company and Macquarie entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement governing the facility.

The facility provides up to a maximum principal amount of $100 million of working capital for exploration and production operations. The borrowing base of the funds available under the Facility is re-determined semi-annually based upon the net present value, discounted at 10% per annum, of the future net revenues expected to accrue from its interests in proved reserves estimated to be produced from its oil and gas properties. $25 million of financing is currently available under the Facility. The Facility terminates on May 26, 2014. The Company had no borrowings under the Facility at June 30, 2010.

The Company has the option to designate the reference rate of interest for each specific borrowing under the Facility as amounts are advanced. Borrowings based upon the London interbank offering rate (“LIBOR”) will bear interest at a rate equal LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.5% to 3.25%, depending on the percentage of borrowing base that is currently advanced. Any borrowings not designated as being based upon LIBOR will bear interest at a rate equal to the greater of (a) the current prime rate published by the Wall Street Journal, or (b) the current one month LIBOR rate plus 1.0%, plus in either case a spread ranging from 2% to 2.5%, depending on the percentage of borrowing base that is currently advanced. The Company has the option to designate either pricing mechanism. Payments are due under the Facility in arrears, in the case of a loan based on LIBOR on the last day of the specified interest period and in the case of all other loans on the last day of each March, June, September and December. All outstanding principal is due and payable upon termination of the Facility.

17


The applicable interest rate increases under the Facility and the lenders may accelerate payments under the Facility, or call all obligations due under certain circumstances, upon an event of default. The Facility references various events constituting a default on the Facility, including, but not limited to, failure to pay interest on any loan under the Facility, any material violation of any representation or warranty under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, failure to observe or perform certain covenants, conditions or agreements under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, a change in control of the Company, default under any other material indebtedness the Company might have, bankruptcy and similar proceedings and failure to pay disbursements from lines of credit issued under the Facility. The Company was not in default on the Facility as of June 30, 2010, and is not expected to be in default in the future.

The Facility requires that the Company enter into swap agreements with Macquarie for each month of the thirty-six (36) month period following the date on which each such swap agreement is executed, the notional volumes for which when aggregated with other commodity swap agreements and additional fixed-price physical off-take contracts then in effect, as of the date such swap agreement is executed, is not less than 50%, nor exceeds 90%, of the reasonably anticipated projected production from the Company’s proved developed producing reserves, as defined at the time of the agreement. The Company entered into swap agreements as required at the time, and presently there are no material hedging requirements imposed by Macquarie.

All of the Company’s obligations under the Facility and the swap agreements with Macquarie are secured by a first priority security interest in any and all assets of the Company.

 

 

NOTE 10

ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

The Company has asset retirement obligations associated with the future plugging and abandonment of proved properties and related facilities. Under the provisions of FASB ASC 410-20-25 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations), the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recorded in the period in which it is incurred and a corresponding increase in the carrying amount of the related long lived asset. The liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. If the liability is settled for an amount other than the recorded amount, a gain or loss is recognized. The Company has no assets that are legally restricted for purposes of settling asset retirement obligations.

The following table summarizes the Company’s asset retirement obligation transactions recorded in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC 410-20-25 during the six months ended June 30, 2010:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2010

 

Beginning Asset Retirement Obligation

 

$

206,741

 

Liabilities Incurred for New Wells Placed in Production

 

 

69,802

 

Liabilities Settled

 

 

(1,428

)

Accretion of Discount on Asset Retirement Obligations

 

 

12,752

 

Ending Asset Retirement Obligation

 

$

287,867

 


 

 

NOTE 11

INCOME TAXES

The Company utilizes the asset and liability approach to measuring deferred tax assets and liabilities based on temporary differences existing at each balance sheet date using currently enacted tax rates in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-30 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 109, Accounting for Income Taxes).Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

18


The income tax provision (benefit) for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009 consists of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six Months
Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009
Adjusted

 

Current Income Taxes

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Federal

 

 

3,915,000

 

 

87,000

 

State

 

 

895,000

 

 

19,000

 

Total Provision

 

$

4,810,000

 

$

106,000

 

In June 2006, FASB issued FASB ASC 740-10-05-6 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes). We adopted FASB ASC 740-10-05-6 on January 1, 2007. Under FASB ASC 740-10-05-6, tax benefits are recognized only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. The amount recognized is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement. Unrecognized tax benefits are tax benefits claimed in our tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards.

Upon the adoption of FASB ASC 740-10-05-6, we had no liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and, as such, the adoption had no impact on our financial statements, and we have recorded no additional interest or penalties. The adoption of FASB ASC 740-10-05-6 did not impact our effective tax rates.

Our policy is to recognize potential interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, we did not recognize any interest or penalties in our Statement of Operations, nor did we have any interest or penalties accrued in our Balance Sheet at June 30, 2010 relating to unrecognized benefits.

The tax years 2009, 2008 and 2007 remain open to examination for federal income tax purposes and by the other major taxing jurisdictions to which we are subject.

 

 

NOTE 12

FAIR VALUE

FASB ASC 820-10-55 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements) defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under generally accepted accounting principles and enhances disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under FASB ASC 820-10-55 as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under FASB ASC 820-10-55 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:

Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets of liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

19


The following schedule summarizes the valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheet as of June 30, 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quoted
Prices In
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Current Derivative Assets

 

$

-

 

$

1,068,924

 

$

-

 

Non-Current Derivative Liabilities

 

 

-

 

 

(85,544

)

 

-

 

Total

 

$

-

 

$

983,380

 

$

-

 

Level 2 assets and liabilities consist of derivative assets and liabilities (see Note 14). Under FASB ASC 820-10-55 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 157, Fair Value Measurements), the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is determined based on spot prices and the notional quantities. The fair value of all derivative contracts is reflected on the balance sheet. The current asset amounts represent the fair values expected to be included in the results of operations for the subsequent year.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value
Measurements
at Reporting
Date Using
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level
3) Level 3
Financial
Assets

 

Balance at January 1, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,818,356

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2,025,003

)

Unrealized Gain Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

206,787

 

Realized Loss on Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(140

)

Balance at June 30, 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

-

 

The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the valuation of the nonfinancial assets and liabilities and their placement in the fair value hierarchy levels. The fair value of the Company’s asset retirement obligations are determined using discounted cash flow methodologies based on inputs that are not readily available in public markets. The fair value of the asset retirement obligations is reflected on the balance sheet as follows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at
June 30, 2010 Using

 

Description

 

Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets

(Level 1)

 

Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs

(Level 2)

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Other Non-Current Liabilities

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

(287,867

)

Total

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

(287,867

)

See Note 10 for a rollforward of the Asset Retirement Obligation.

20



 

 

NOTE 13

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s non-derivative financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and line of credit. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and line of credit approximate fair value because of their immediate or short-term maturities.

The Company’s accounts receivable relate to oil and natural gas sold to various industry companies. Credit terms, typical of industry standards, are of a short-term nature and the Company does not require collateral. The Company’s accounts receivable at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 do not represent significant credit risks as they are dispersed across many counterparties.

 

 

NOTE 14

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company utilizes commodity swap contracts to (i) reduce the effects of volatility in price changes on the oil commodities it produces and sells, (ii) reduce commodity price risk and (iii) provide a base level of cash flow in order to assure it can execute at least a portion of its capital spending.

Crude Oil Derivative Contracts Cash-flow Hedges

Historically, all derivative positions that qualified for hedge accounting were designated on the date the Company entered into the contract as a hedge against the variability in cash flows associated with the forecasted sale of future oil production. The cash flow hedges were valued at the end of each period and adjustments to the fair value of the contract prior to settlement were recorded on the statement of stockholders’ equity as other comprehensive income. Upon settlement, the gain (loss) on the cash flow hedge was recorded as an increase or decrease in revenue on the statement of operations. The Company reports average oil and gas prices and revenues including the net results of hedging activities.

On November 1, 2009, due to the volatility of price differentials in the Williston Basin, the Company de-designated all derivates that were previously classified as cash flow hedges and, in addition, the Company has elected not to designate any subsequent derivative contracts as cash flow hedges under FASB ASC 815-20-25 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities). Beginning on November 1, 2009, all derivative positions are carried at their fair value on the balance sheet and are marked-to-market at the end of each period. Any realized and unrealized gains or losses are recorded as gain (loss) on derivatives, net, as an increase or decrease in revenue on the statement of operations rather than as a component of other comprehensive income or as other income (expense).

FASB ASC 815-20-25 requires the fair value disclosure of derivative instruments be presented on a gross basis, even when those instruments are subject to a master netting arrangement and qualify for net presentations on the statement of financial position in accordance with Topic 210-20. The Company has a master netting agreement on each of the individual oil contracts and therefore the current asset and liability are netted on the statement of financial position and the non-current asset and liability are netted on the statement of financial position.

The net mark-to-market loss on the Company’s remaining swaps that qualified for cash flow hedge accounting at the date the decision was made to discontinue hedge accounting totaled $1,913,590 as of June 30, 2010. The Company has recorded that as accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, and the entire amount will be amortized into revenues as the original forecasted hedged oil production occurs in 2010 and 2011.

The Company realized a settled derivative gain of $126,936 and maintained a mark-to-market value of an unrealized gain of $3,260,383 on derivative instruments for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

21


The following table reflects the weighted average price of open commodity derivative contracts as of June 30, 2010, by year with associated volumes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Price
Of Open Commodity Contracts

Year

 

Volumes
(Bbl)

 

Weighted
Average
Price

 

2010

 

 

225,400

 

$

80.64

 

2011

 

 

263,996

 

$

80.45

 

2012

 

 

3,000

 

$

51.25

 

In addition to the hedges listed above, on July 22, 2010 the Company entered into a swap agreement covering delivery of 374,504 barrels of oil for delivery in various quantities beginning August 1, 2010 until June 30, 2012 at a fixed price of $80.00 per barrel. As of July 31, 2010, the Company has a total hedged volume of 828,500 barrels at a weighted average price of approximately $80.18.

At June 30, 2010, the Company had derivative financial instruments under FASB ASC 815-20-25 recorded on the consolidated balance sheet as set forth below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of Contract

 

Balance Sheet Location

 

June 30,
2010

Estimated
Fair Value

 

December
31, 2009
Estimated
Fair Value

 

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil Contracts

 

Other current assets

 

$

2,072,249

 

$

96,163

 

Oil Contracts

 

Other non-current assets

 

 

469,001

 

 

-

 

Total Derivative Assets

 

 

 

$

2,541,250

 

$

96,163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivative Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil Contracts

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

(1,003,325

)

$

(1,402,910

)

Oil Contracts

 

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

(554,545

)

 

(1,473,306

)

Total Derivative Liabilities

 

 

 

$

(1,557,870

)

$

(2,876,216

)

The use of derivative transactions involves the risk that the counterparties will be unable to meet the financial terms of such transactions. The Company has netting arrangements with Macquarie Bank Limited that provide for offsetting payables against receivables from separate derivative instruments.

NOTE 16     COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company follows the provisions of FASB ASC 220-10-55 (Prior authoritative literature: FASB Statement 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income)which establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income. In addition to net income, comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period, except those resulting from investments and distributions to stockholders of the Company.

For the periods indicated, comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
June 30,

 

Six Months Ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$

6,120,866

 

$

418,396

 

$

7,680,496

 

$

159,523

 

Unrealized gains on Marketable Securities (net of tax of $459,000 and $68,000 at June 30, 2010 and 2009)

 

 

529,516

 

 

8,311

 

 

725,981

 

 

90,556

 

Net unrealized gains/losses on hedges (net of tax of $195,000 and $1,133,000 at June 30, 2010 and 2009)

 

 

167,950

 

 

(1,101,600

)

 

308,050

 

 

(1,700,323

)

Other Comprehensive income (loss) net

 

$

6,818,332

 

$

(674,893

)

$

8,714,527

 

$

(1,450,244

)

22


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

          This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations, industry conditions, and indebtedness covenant compliance are forward-looking statements. When used in this report, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future sales, market size, collaborations, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.

          Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond our Company’s control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including the following: oil prices, general economic or industry conditions, nationally and/or in the communities in which our Company conducts business, changes in the interest rate environment, legislation or regulatory requirements, conditions of the securities markets, our ability to raise or access capital, changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines, financial or political instability, acts of war or terrorism, other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technical factors affecting our Company’s operations, products, services and prices.

          We have based any forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results described in these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. You should consider carefully the statements in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as updated by subsequent reports we file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Our Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements.

Overview and Outlook

          As an exploration and production company, our business strategy is to identify and exploit repeatable and scalable resource plays that can be quickly developed at low costs. We also intend to take advantage of our expertise in aggressive land acquisition to continue to pursue exploration and development projects as a non-operating working interest partner, participating in drilling activities primarily on a heads-up basis proportionate to our working interest. Our business does not depend upon any intellectual property, licenses or other proprietary property unique to our Company, but instead revolves around our ability to acquire mineral rights and participate in drilling activities by virtue of our ownership of such rights and through the relationships we have developed with our operating partners. We believe our competitive advantage lies in our ability to acquire property, specifically in the Williston Basin, in a nimble and efficient fashion.

          We are focused on maintaining a low cash overhead structure. We believe we are in a position to most efficiently exploit and identify high production oil and gas properties due to our unique non-operator model through which we are able to diversify our risk and participate in the evolution of technology by the collective expertise of those operators with which we partner. We intend to continue to carefully pursue the acquisition of properties that fit our profile. We accelerated our acreage acquisition activities throughout the Williston Basin in the first and second quarters of 2010 and continue to monitor various larger acquisitions.

23


          We control approximately 115,700 net acres in the Williston Basin targeting the Bakken and Three Forks formations, which we believe provides the potential to drill approximately 1,085 net wells using 640 acre spacing units assuming three horizontal Bakken and three horizontal Three Forks wells per spacing unit. We have no material lease expirations until late 2011 and continue to expand our position through aggressive acquisition and leasing programs.

          During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we continued the development of our oil and gas properties primarily in the Williston Basin Bakken play. We drilled, completed, and commenced production in an additional 41 gross wells (approximately 3.89 net wells) during the quarter. As of June 30, 2010, we owned working interests in 202 successful discoveries, consisting of 198 targeting the Bakken/Three Forks formation and four targeting the Red River formation.

          We believe recent discoveries in western Williams and McKenzie Counties of North Dakota have substantially expanded the delineated area of high quality Bakken and Three Forks production and the rapidly accelerating pace of drilling has dramatically changed the dynamics of this oil play. Acreage acquisition represents our core competency and we expect to continue to leverage our leasing expertise as the Bakken and Three Forks plays continue to increase in size and scope.

          As of August 9, 2010, we are participating in the drilling or completion of an additional 63 gross Bakken or Three Forks wells and one gross Red River well, for an aggregate of 7.24 net wells currently drilling or awaiting completion. We have spud approximately 13.85 net wells in 2010. We expect to spud approximately 18 net wells throughout 2010 and increase production volumes by 30 to 35% in the quarter ending September 30, 2010 compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2010.

Completion Activity

          During the second quarter, we continued to experience delays in fracture stimulation appointments for wells across all operators with whom we participate. We believe this trend has been driven primarily by an increased inventory of wells awaiting fracture stimulation throughout the Williston Basin caused by a low supply of sub-contractors responsible for fracture stimulation. Additionally, we believe the constraint in moving fracture stimulation supplies, such as frac sand, into the field have added to this delay. We expect that for the next quarter, delay between fracture stimulation and completion may continue to average as much as six weeks. We do not expect that this will affect the pace of drilling and we continue to see wells drilled to total depth at an accelerated pace. However, delays in fracture stimulation have the effect of delaying production additions.

2010 Drilling Projects

          We are engaged in numerous drilling activities on properties presently owned and intend to drill or develop other properties acquired in the future. We drilled, completed, and commenced production in an additional 41 gross wells (approximately 3.89 net wells) during the quarter. We intend to continue drilling efforts on our existing acreage in North Dakota and Montana. We reaffirm our previous guidance to spud approximately 18 net wells in 2010, through participations in approximately 120 gross wells in which we expect to own an average 15% working interest.

          As of June 30, 2010, we had interest in a total of 268 gross wells that were either drilling, completing or producing, including 202 producing wells and 66 drilling or completing wells. Permits continue to be issued for spacing units in which we have acreage interests within North Dakota and Montana.

          We continue to develop our acreage position we acquired from Windsor Bakken LLC in 2009 with our operating partner, Slawson Exploration. The development program consists of Northern owning a working interest in the majority of the wells, with an average working interest in such wells expected to approximate 20%. As of June 30, 2010, 58 wells have been drilled, completed, and turned over to production with six rigs drilling ahead.

          During the second quarter of 2010, we entered into an agreement with GeoResources, Inc. to begin development of a block of approximately 3,000 net acres located in Roosevelt County, Montana, more commonly known as the Rip Rap prospect. We believe this important extensional exploration into Montana may serve to further delineate the productive area of the Bakken and Three Forks formations. We will participate in the program on a heads-up basis, with our operating partner Slawson Exploration, in drilling and all future acreage acquisitions for a 15% interest in the program.

24


Production History

          The following table presents information about our produced oil and gas volumes during the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2010, compared to the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2009. As of June 30, 2010, we were selling oil and natural gas from a total of 202 gross wells (approximately 14.36 net wells), compared to 104 gross wells (approximately 4.97 net wells) at June 30, 2009. All data presented below is derived from accrued revenue and production volumes for the relevant period indicated.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

% Change

 

2009

 

2010

 

% Change

 

2009

 

Net Production:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil (Bbl)

 

 

166,341

 

 

230

%

 

50,396

 

 

285,955

 

 

267

%

 

77,956

 

Natural Gas (Mcf)

 

 

37,931

 

 

474

%

 

6,604

 

 

70,534

 

 

716

%

 

8,647

 

Barrel of Oil Equivalent (Boe)

 

 

172,663

 

 

235

%

 

51,497

 

 

297,711

 

 

275

%

 

79,397

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Sales Prices:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil (per Bbl)

 

 

69.15

 

 

25

%

 

55.21

 

 

69.58

 

 

42

%

 

48.95

 

Effect of settled oil hedges on average price (per Bbl)

 

 

1.83

 

 

164

%

 

(2.85

)

 

0.44

 

 

128

%

 

(1.61

)

Oil net of settled hedging (per Bbl)

 

 

70.98

 

 

36

%

 

52.36

 

 

70.02

 

 

48

%

 

47.34

 

Natural Gas and Other Liquids (per Mcf)

 

 

5.07

 

 

0

%

 

5.05

 

 

4.56

 

 

(13%

)

 

5.26

 

Effect of natural gas hedges on average price (per Mcf)

 

 

0.00

 

 

-

 

 

0.00

 

 

0.00

 

 

-

 

 

0.00

 

Natural gas net of hedging (per Mcf)

 

 

5.07

 

 

0

%

 

5.05

 

 

4.56

 

 

(13%

)

 

5.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Production Costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil (per Bbl)

 

 

3.37

 

 

39

%

 

2.43

 

 

3.32

 

 

19

%

 

2.78

 

Natural Gas (per Mcf)

 

 

0.27

 

 

13

%

 

0.24

 

 

0.23

 

 

(13%

)

 

0.26

 

Barrel of Oil Equivalent (Boe)

 

 

3.30

 

 

37

%

 

2.41

 

 

3.25

 

 

18

%

 

2.76

 

Depletion of oil and natural gas properties

          Our depletion expense is driven by many factors, including certain exploration costs involved in the development of producing reserves, production levels and estimates of proved reserve quantities and future developmental costs. The following table presents our depletion expenses for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2010 compared to the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2009.

25



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

Six Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Depletion of oil and natural gas properties

 

$

2,600,836

 

$

548,124

 

$

4,484,441

 

$

850,326

 

Productive Oil Wells

          The following table summarizes gross and net productive oil wells by state at June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009. A net well represents our percentage ownership of a gross well. No wells have been permitted or drilled on any of our Yates County, New York acreage. The following table also does not include wells which were awaiting completion, in the process of completion or awaiting flow back subsequent to fracture stimulation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

Gross

 

Net

 

Gross

 

Net

 

North Dakota

 

 

194

 

 

12.98

 

 

97

 

 

4.16

 

Montana

 

 

8

 

 

1.38

 

 

7

 

 

0.81

 

Total:

 

 

202

 

 

14.36

 

 

104

 

 

4.97

 

Results of Operations for the periods ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

          Our current business activities are focused primarily on developing our current acreage position and identifying potential strategic acreage and production acquisitions to continue to consistently increase production and revenues.

          During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we continued the development of our oil and gas properties primarily in the Williston Basin Bakken play. As of June 30, 2010, we had established production from 202 total gross wells in which we hold working interests, only 104 of which had established production as of June 30, 2009. During the second quarter of 2010 we produced an average of approximately 1,828 barrels of oil per day, compared to an average of approximately 554 barrels of oil per day during the second quarter of 2009. Our production at June 30, 2010 approximated 2,550 barrels of oil per day, compared to approximately 967 barrels of oil per day at June 30, 2009.

          We drilled with a 100% success rate in the six months ended June 30, 2010. We have 198 Bakken or Three Forks wells completed and four successful Red River discoveries at June 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2010, we expect to participate in the drilling of approximately 120 gross (approximately 18 net) oil wells in 2010.

          We recognized $11,664,873 in revenues from sales of oil and natural gas for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $2,418,496 for the three months ended June 30, 2009. We recognized $20,033,720 in revenues from sales of oil and natural gas for the six months ended June 30, 2010, compared to $3,059,230 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. These increases in revenue are due primarily to our continued addition of wells and an increase in our average realized oil prices period-over-period. We have added wells each quarter since June 30, 2009 and, in particular, added production from 3.89 additional net wells during the second quarter of 2010. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we realized a $70.98 average price per barrel of crude oil (after the effect of settled hedges), compared to a $52.36 average price per barrel of crude oil (after the effect of settled hedges) during the three months ended June 30, 2009. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we realized a $70.02 average price per barrel of crude oil (after the effect of settled hedges), compared to a $47.34 average price per barrel of crude oil (after the effect of settled hedges) during the six months ended June 30, 2009.

          We had net income of $6,120,866 (representing approximately $0.12 per share) for the three-month period ended June 30, 2010, and net income of $418,396 (representing approximately $0.01 per share) for the three-month period ended June 30, 2009. Total operating expenses were $6,133,565 for the three months ended June 30, 2010, compared to total operating expenses of $1,437,445 for the three months ended June 30, 2009. These increases in expense are due primarily to increased production expenses, severance taxes, depletion and general and administrative expenses associated with our continued addition of oil and gas production. from new wells. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we had production expenses of $561,427, compared to production expenses of $119,751 during the three months ended June 30, 2009. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we incurred severance taxes of $1,024,277, compared to severance taxes of $189,400 during the three months ended June 30, 2009. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded depletion of $2,600,836, compared to depletion of $548,124 during the three months ended June 30, 2009. During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we had general and administrative expenses net of share based compensation of $718,471, compared to general and administrative expenses net of share based compensation of $519,014 during the three months ended June 30, 2009. During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we had general and administrative expenses net of share based compensation of $1,612,142, compared to general and administrative expenses net of share based compensation of $910,674 during the six months ended June 30, 2009.

26


          Our net income for the three months ended June 30, 2010, excluding unrealized mark-to-market hedging gains, was $3,502,667 (representing approximately $0.07 per diluted share) as compared to net income in the quarter ended March 31, 2010, excluding unrealized mark-to-market hedging losses of $2,172,446 (representing approximately $0.05 per diluted share).

          We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before (i) interest expense, (ii) income taxes, (iii) depreciation, depletion and amortization, (iv) accretion of abandonment liability, (v) pre-tax unrealized gain and losses on commodity risk and (vii) non-cash expenses relating to share based payments recognized under ASC Topic 718. Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2010 was $9,677,386 (representing approximately $0.19 per diluted share), compared to adjusted EBITDA of $6,417,708 (representing approximately $0.14 per diluted share) for the first quarter of 2010.

          We believe the use of non-GAAP financial measures provides useful information to investors to gain an overall understanding of our current financial performance. Specifically, we believe the non-GAAP results included herein provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding certain expenses and unrealized commodity gains and losses that our management believes are not indicative of our core operating results. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are used by management for budgeting and forecasting as well as subsequently measuring the Company’s performance, and we believe that we are providing investors with financial measures that most closely align to our internal measurement processes. We consider these non-GAAP measures to be useful in evaluating our core operating results as they more closely reflect our essential revenue generating activities and direct operating expenses (resulting in cash expenditures) needed to perform these revenue generating activities. Our management also believe, based on feedback provided by the investment community, that the non-GAAP financial measures are necessary to allow the investment community to construct its valuation models to better compare our results with our competitors and market sector.

          The non-GAAP financial information is presented using consistent methodology from quarter-to-quarter. These measures should be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles. We believe that non-GAAP financial measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with our results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP and that these measures should only be used to evaluate our results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP financial measures.

          Net income excluding unrealized mark-to-market hedging gains and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation of these measures to GAAP is included below:

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

Net Income

 

$

1,559,630

 

$

6,120,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add Back:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income Tax Provision

 

 

977,000

 

 

3,833,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization, and Accretion

 

 

2,062,170

 

 

2,766,688

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share Based Compensation

 

 

813,297

 

 

1,193,072

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized Gain on Commodity Price Risk Management Activities

 

 

990,816

 

 

(4,251,199

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense

 

 

14,795

 

 

14,959

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

6,417,708

 

$

9,677,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA Per Common Share - Basic

 

$

0.15

 

$

0.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBITDA Per Common Share - Diluted

 

$

0.14

 

$

0.19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic

 

 

44,098,553

 

 

49,934,409

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted

 

 

44,544,469

 

 

50,609,944

 

27


Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Earnings Without
the Effect of Certain Items

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,

 

June 30,

 

 

 

2010

 

2010

 

Net Income, as Reported

 

$

1,559,630

 

$

6,120,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized Derivative Gains

 

 

990,816

 

 

(4,251,199

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax Impact

 

 

(378,000

)

 

1,633,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings without the Effect of Certain Items

 

$

2,172,446

 

$

3,502,667

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share – Basic

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income Per Common Share – Diluted

 

$

0.05

 

$

0.07

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic

 

 

44,098,553

 

 

49,934,409

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted

 

 

44,544,469

 

 

50,609,944

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

          We have historically met our capital requirements through the issuance of common stock and by borrowings. In the future, we anticipate we will be able to provide the necessary liquidity by the revenues generated from the sales of our oil and gas reserves in our existing properties, credit facility borrowings and potential equity issuances. However there is no guarantee the capital markets will be available to us on favorable terms or at all.

          The following table summarizes total current assets, total current liabilities and working capital at June 30, 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

$

90,596,786

 

Current Liabilities

 

$

11,944,757

 

Working Capital

 

$

78,652,029

 

Assignment of CIT Capital USA, Inc. Credit Facility to Macquarie Bank Limited

          On May 26, 2010, we completed the closing of the assignment of our revolving credit facility to Macquarie Bank Limited (“Macquarie”) from CIT Capital USA Inc., and entered into an amended credit agreement in connection with such assignment.

          The new facility with Macquarie provides us with an increased initial borrowing base of $25 million and maximum borrowings of up to $100 million (the “Credit Facility”). The Credit Facility may be used to provide working capital for exploration and production operations. The Credit Facility has a four year term and does not contain any minimum interest rate on borrowings. Borrowings, if any, will bear interest at a spread ranging from 2.00% to 3.25% over the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) or prime rate, as the case may be, based upon the percentage of borrowing base that is advanced at any given time.

28


          As of June 30, 2010, we had no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility.

          All of our obligations under the Credit Facility and the swap agreements with Macquarie (as discussed in Item 3) continue to be secured by a first priority security interest in any and all of our assets pursuant to the terms of an Amended and Restated Guaranty and Collateral Agreement and perfected by an amended and restated mortgage, notice of pledge and security and similar documents.

Follow-On Equity Offering

          On April 20, 2010, we completed the sale of 5,750,000 shares of our common stock (the “Offering”), which included 750,000 shares that were issued pursuant to the underwriters full exercise of their over-allotment option. Pursuant to an underwriting agreement, we sold the shares at a price per share of $15.00 to the public, less an underwriting discount of $0.60 per share. We received approximately $82.5 million net proceeds from the Offering after deducting the underwriters discounts and expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds from the Offering to continue to pursue acquisition opportunities, to fund our accelerated drilling program, to repay short-term borrowings, and for other working capital purposes. This Offering was completed as a firm commitment underwritten offering in which the underwriters purchased the shares directly from us at a predetermined price, prior to marketing any of the shares.

          The shares of common stock sold in the Offering were registered under an existing shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-158320), which the Securities and Exchange Commission declared effective on May 21, 2009.

Satisfaction of Our Cash Obligations for the Next 12 Months

          With the addition of equity capital during 2009 and 2010 and our Credit Facility, we believe we have sufficient capital to meet our drilling commitments and expected general and administrative expenses for the next twelve months at a minimum. Nonetheless, any strategic acquisition of assets may require us to seek additional capital. We may also choose to seek additional capital rather than our Credit Facility or other debt instruments to fund accelerated or continued drilling at the discretion of management and depending on prevailing market conditions. We will evaluate any potential opportunities for acquisitions as they arise. Given our non-leveraged asset base and anticipated growing cash flows, we believe we are in a position to take advantage of any appropriately priced sales that may occur. However, there can be no assurance that any additional capital will be available to us on favorable terms or at all.

          Over the next 24 months it is possible that our existing capital, the Credit Facility and anticipated funds from operations may not be sufficient to sustain continued acreage acquisitions. Consequently, we may seek additional capital in the future to fund growth and expansion through additional equity or debt financing or credit facilities. No assurance can be made that such financing would be available, and if available it may take either the form of debt or equity. In either case, the financing could have a negative impact on our financial condition and our stockholders.

          Though we achieved profitability in 2008 and remained profitable throughout 2009 and into 2010, our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stage of operations, particularly companies in the oil and gas exploration industry. Such risks include, but are not limited to, an evolving and unpredictable business model and the management of our growth. To address these risks we must, among other things, implement and successfully execute our business and marketing strategy, continue to develop and upgrade technology and products, respond to competitive developments, and attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in addressing such risks, and the failure to do so can have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

          Our material long-term debt obligations, capital lease obligations and operating lease obligations or purchase obligations are included in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and have not materially changed since that report was filed.

Critical Accounting Policies

          A description of our critical accounting policies was provided in Note 2 to the Financial Statements provided in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

29


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits.

The exhibits listed in the accompanying exhibit index are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

30


SIGNATURES

          In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this Quarterly Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 18, 2011

 

By:

/s/ Michael L. Reger

 

 

 

 

Michael L. Reger, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 18, 2011

 

By:

/s/ Chad D. Winter

 

 

 

 

Chad D. Winter, Chief Financial Officer

31


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

 

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Exhibit Description

2.1

 

Plan of Merger of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. a Nevada corporation with and into Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2010)

 

 

 

3.1

 

Articles of Incorporation of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2010.)

 

 

 

3.2

 

Bylaws of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2010.)

 

 

 

4.1

 

Form of Stock Certificate of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2010)

 

 

 

10.1

 

Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 26, 2010 among Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. as Borrower, Macquarie Bank Limited, as Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 1, 2010)

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32.1

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32