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

FORM 10-Q
 
 
T QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013
 
 
£ 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
Incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

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 T   No £
 
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 T   No £

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   x                                                                 Accelerated Filer   ¨

Non-Accelerated Filer     £                                                                 Smaller Reporting Company   £
   (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 £ No T

As of July 31, 2013, there were 63,808,355 shares of our common stock, par value $0.001, outstanding.


 
 
 

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Unless otherwise indicated in this report, natural gas volumes are stated at the legal pressure base of the state or geographic area in which the reserves are located at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  Crude oil and natural gas equivalents are determined using the ratio of six Mcf of natural gas to one barrel of crude oil, condensate or natural gas liquids.

The following definitions shall apply to the technical terms used in this report.

Terms used to describe quantities of crude oil and natural gas:

“ Bbl .”  One stock tank barrel of 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume used herein in reference to crude oil, condensate or NGLs.

“ Boe .”  A barrel of oil equivalent and is a standard convention used to express oil, NGL and natural gas volumes on a comparable oil equivalent basis. Gas equivalents are determined under the relative energy content method by using the ratio of 6.0 Mcf of gas to 1.0 Bbl of oil or NGL.

“ Boepd. ”   Boe per day.

“ Btu or British Thermal Unit .”  The quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

“ MBbl .”  One thousand barrels of crude oil, condensate or NGLs.

“ MBoe .”  One thousand Boes.

“ Mcf .”  One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

“ MMBbl .”  One million barrels of crude oil, condensate or NGLs.

“ MMBoe .”  One million Boes.

“ MMBtu .”  One million British Thermal Units.

“ MMcf .”  One million cubic feet of natural gas.

“ NGLs .”  Natural gas liquids.  Hydrocarbons found in natural gas that may be extracted as liquefied petroleum gas and natural gasoline.

Terms used to describe our interests in wells and acreage:

“ Basin .”  A large natural depression on the earth’s surface in which sediments generally brought by water accumulate.

“ Completion. ”  The process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of crude oil, NGLs, and/or natural gas.

“ Conventional play. ”  An area that is believed to be capable of producing crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas occurring in discrete accumulations in structural and stratigraphic traps.

“ Developed acreage. ”  Acreage consisting of leased acres spaced or assignable to productive wells.  Acreage included in spacing units of infill wells is classified as developed acreage at the time production commences from the initial well in the spacing unit.  As such, the addition of an infill well does not have any impact on a company’s amount of developed acreage.
 
 
i
 

 
“ Development well. ”  A well drilled within the proved area of a crude oil, NGL, or natural gas reservoir to the depth of stratigraphic horizon (rock layer or formation) noted to be productive for the purpose of extracting proved crude oil, NGL, or natural gas reserves.

“ Dry hole .”  A well found to be incapable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of such production exceed production expenses and taxes.

“ Exploratory well ”  A well drilled to find and produce crude oil, NGLs, or natural gas in an unproved area, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be producing crude oil, NGLs, or natural gas in another reservoir, or to extend a known reservoir.

“ Field .”  An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on, or related to, the same individual geological structural feature or stratigraphic condition. The field name refers to the surface area, although it may refer to both the surface and the underground productive formations.

“ Formation .”  A layer of rock which has distinct characteristics that differs from nearby rock.

“ Gross acres or Gross wells. ”  The total acres or wells, as the case may be, in which a working interest is owned.

“ Held by operations. ”  A provision in an oil and gas lease that extends the stated term of the lease as long as drilling operations are ongoing on the property.

“ Held by production. ”  A provision in an oil and gas lease that extends the stated term of the lease as long as the property produces a minimum quantity of crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas.

“ Hydraulic fracturing .”  The technique of improving a well’s production or injection rates by pumping a mixture of fluids into the formation and rupturing the rock, creating an artificial channel. As part of this technique, sand or other material may also be injected into the formation to keep the channel open, so that fluids or natural gases may more easily flow through the formation.

“ Infill well. ”  A subsequent well drilled in an established spacing unit to the addition of an already established productive well in the spacing unit.  Acreage on which infill wells are drilled is considered developed commencing with the initial productive well established in the spacing unit.  As such, the addition of an infill well does not have any impact on a company’s amount of developed acreage.

“ Net acres. ”  The percentage ownership of gross acres.  Net acres are deemed to exist when the sum of fractional ownership working interests in gross acres equals one (e.g., a 10% working interest in a lease covering 640 gross acres is equivalent to 64 net acres).

“ Net well. ”  A well that is deemed to exist when the sum of fractional ownership working interests in gross wells equals one.

“ NYMEX .”  The New York Mercantile Exchange.

“ OPEC. ”  The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

“ Productive well .”  A well that is found to be capable of producing hydrocarbons in sufficient quantities such that proceeds from the sale of the production exceed production expenses and taxes.

“ Recompletion .”  The process of treating a drilled well followed by the installation of permanent equipment for the production of crude oil, NGLs or natural gas or, in the case of a dry hole, the reporting of abandonment to the appropriate agency.
 
 
ii
 

 
“ Reservoir .”  A porous and permeable underground formation containing a natural accumulation of producible crude oil, NGLs and/or natural gas that is confined by impermeable rock or water barriers and is separate from other reservoirs.

“ Spacing .”  The distance between wells producing from the same reservoir. Spacing is often expressed in terms of acres, e.g., 40-acre spacing, and is often established by regulatory agencies.

“ Unconventional play. ”  An area believed to be capable of producing crude oil, NGLs, and/or natural gas occurring in cumulations that are regionally extensive but require recently developed technologies to achieve profitability.  These areas tend to have low permeability and may be closely associated with source rock as this is the case with crude oil and natural gas shale, tight crude oil and natural gas sands and coal bed methane.

“ Undeveloped acreage .”  Leased acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of economic quantities of crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas, regardless of whether such acreage contains proved reserves.  Undeveloped acreage includes net acres held by operations until a productive well is established in the spacing unit.

“ Unit .”  The joining of all or substantially all interests in a reservoir or field, rather than a single tract, to provide for development and operation without regard to separate property interests.  Also, the area covered by a unitization agreement.

“ Wellbore .”  The hole drilled by the bit that is equipped for natural gas production on a completed well.  Also called well or borehole.

“ West Texas Intermediate or WTI. ”  A light, sweet blend of oil produced from the fields in West Texas.

“ Working interest .”  The right granted to the lessee of a property to explore for and to produce and own crude oil, NGLs, natural gas or other minerals. The working interest owners bear the exploration, development, and operating costs on either a cash, penalty, or carried basis.

Terms used to assign a present value to or to classify our reserves:

“ Possible reserves. ”  The additional reserves which analysis of geoscience and engineering data suggest are less likely to be recoverable than probable reserves.

“ Pre-tax PV-10% or PV-10. ”  The estimated future net revenue, discounted at a rate of 10% per annum, before income taxes and with no price or cost escalation or de-escalation in accordance with guidelines promulgated by the SEC.

“ Probable reserves. ”  The additional reserves which analysis of geoscience and engineering data indicate are less likely to be recovered than proved reserves but which together with proved reserves, are as likely as not to be recovered.

“ Proved developed producing reserves (PDP’s). ”  Reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.  Additional crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas expected to be obtained through the application of fluid injection or other improved recovery techniques for supplementing the natural forces and mechanisms of primary recovery are included in “proved developed reserves” only after testing by a pilot project or after the operation of an installed program has confirmed through production response that increased recovery will be achieved.

“ Proved developed non-producing reserves (PDNP’s). ”   Proved crude oil, NGLs, and natural gas reserves that are developed behind pipe, shut-in or that can be recovered through improved recovery only after the necessary equipment has been installed, or when the costs to do so are relatively minor.  Shut-in reserves are expected to be recovered from (1) completion intervals which are open at the time of the estimate but which have not started producing, (2) wells that were shut-in for market conditions or pipeline connections, or (3) wells not capable of production for mechanical reasons. Behind-pipe reserves are expected to be recovered from zones in existing wells that will require additional completion work or future recompletion prior to the start of production.
 
 
iii
 

 
“ Proved reserves .”  The quantities of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas, which, by analysis of geosciences and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible, from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations, prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation.  The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

“ Proved undeveloped drilling location. ”  A site on which a development well can be drilled consistent with spacing rules for purposes of recovering proved undeveloped reserves.

“ Proved undeveloped reserves ” or   “ PUDs .”  Reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for development. Reserves on undrilled acreage are limited to those drilling units offsetting productive units that are reasonably certain of production when drilled. Proved reserves for other undrilled units are claimed only where it can be demonstrated with certainty that there is continuity of production from the existing productive formation. Estimates for proved undeveloped reserves will not be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual tests in the area and in the same reservoir.

(i)           The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes: (A) the area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and (B) adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible crude oil, NGLs or natural gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

(ii)           In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (“LKH”) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

(iii)           Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (“HKO”) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.

(iv)           Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when: (A) successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and (B) the project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

(v)           Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based on future conditions.

“ Standardized measure .”  The estimated future net revenue, discounted at a rate of 10% per annum, after income taxes and with no price or cost escalation, calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 932, formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69 “Disclosures About Oil and Gas Producing Activities.”


 
iv
 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
FORM 10-Q

June 30, 2013

C O N T E N T S

   
Page
 
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
     
       
Item 1.      Financial Statements (unaudited)
    2  
                        Balance Sheets
    2  
                        Statements of Comprehensive Income
    3  
                        Statements of Cash Flows
    4  
                        Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
    5  
         
Item 2.      Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
    22  
         
Item 3.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
    36  
         
Item 4.      Controls and Procedures
    39  
         
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
       
         
Item 1.      Legal Proceedings
    40  
         
Item 1A.         Risk Factors
    40  
         
Item 2.      Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
    40  
         
Item 6.      Exhibits
    40  
         
Signatures
    41  



 
1
 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 2013 AND DECEMBER 31, 2012
   
June 30, 2013
(unaudited)
   
December 31, 2012
 
 CURRENT ASSETS
           
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
  $ 18,095,437     $ 13,387,998  
 Trade Receivables
    69,571,190       70,219,669  
 Advances to Operators
    1,640,014       3,109,591  
 Prepaid Expenses and Other
    2,800,560       1,707,089  
  Derivative Instruments
    2,504,212       4,095,197  
 Deferred Tax Asset
    3,350,000       1,695,000  
 Total Current Assets
    97,961,413       94,214,544  
                 
 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
               
 Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Full Cost Method of Accounting
               
 Proved
    1,362,425,608       1,159,191,601  
 Unproved
    81,616,025       82,926,384  
 Other Property and Equipment
    1,400,756       3,158,224  
 Total Property and Equipment
    1,445,442,389       1,245,276,209  
 Less – Accumulated Depreciation and Depletion
    214,952,621       162,031,493  
 Total Property and Equipment, Net
    1,230,489,768       1,083,244,716  
                 
 DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
    7,801,584       1,763,008  
                 
 DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS, net of accumulated amortization of $4,033,478 at
    June 30, 2013 and $2,872,598 at December 31, 2012
    16,310,025       11,713,030  
                 
 TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 1,352,562,790     $ 1,190,935,298  
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
 Accounts Payable
  $ 108,389,431     $ 95,822,162  
 Accrued Expenses
    2,253,743       2,454,085  
 Accrued Interest
    3,333,333       2,180,416  
 Derivative Instruments
    4,749,779       -  
 Total Current Liabilities
    118,726,286       100,456,663  
                 
 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
               
 Revolving Credit Facility
    -       124,000,000  
 8% Senior Notes, net of accumulated amortization of bond premium of $216,814
   at June 30, 2013 and $0 at December 31, 2012
    510,283,186       300,000,000  
 Derivative Instruments
    146,544       2,547,745  
 Other Noncurrent Liabilities
    1,891,210       1,570,630  
 Deferred Tax Liability
    98,060,000       76,175,000  
 Total Long-Term Liabilities
    610,380,940       504,293,375  
                 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES
    729,107,226       604,750,038  
                 
 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (NOTE 8)
               
                 
 STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 Preferred Stock, Par Value $.001; 5,000,000 Authorized, No Shares Outstanding
    -       -  
 Common Stock, Par Value $.001; 95,000,000 Authorized, (6/30/2013 – 63,808,355
   Shares Outstanding and 12/31/2012 – 63,532,622 Shares Outstanding)
    63,808       63,532  
 Additional Paid-In Capital
    468,773,256       465,466,420  
 Retained Earnings
    154,618,500       120,655,308  
 Total Stockholders’ Equity
    623,455,564       586,185,260  
                 
 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 1,352,562,790     $ 1,190,935,298  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

 
2
 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2013 AND 2012
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
 REVENUES
                       
 Oil and Gas Sales
  $ 79,623,169     $ 70,439,015     $ 162,794,830     $ 135,578,411  
 Loss on Settled Derivatives
    (498,817 )     (1,094,885 )     (870,100 )     (6,430,482 )
 Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments
    17,009,668       49,799,311       2,099,013       40,434,398  
 Other Revenue
    27,783       64,160       36,142       148,266  
 Total Revenues
    96,161,803       119,207,601       164,059,885       169,730,593  
                                 
 OPERATING EXPENSES
                               
 Production Expenses
    10,397,171       7,292,253       19,038,381       13,805,601  
 Production Taxes
    7,561,156       6,658,004       15,372,460       12,736,889  
 General and Administrative Expense
    3,915,298       4,419,607       7,904,104       9,100,985  
 Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties
    26,435,050       25,519,809       53,103,221       43,829,309  
 Depreciation and Amortization
    92,867       102,307       187,142       199,396  
 Accretion of Discount on Asset Retirement Obligations
    31,209       21,821       61,456       37,453  
 Total Expenses
    48,432,751       44,013,801       95,666,764       79,709,633  
                                 
 INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
    47,729,052       75,193,800       68,393,121       90,020,960  
                                 
 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
                               
 Interest Expense
    (7,819,591 )     (2,728,104 )     (13,927,591 )     (2,924,403 )
 Other (Expense) Income
    (267,788 )     700       (267,724 )     1,100  
 Total Other Income (Expense)
    (8,087,379 )     (2,727,404 )     (14,195,315 )     (2,923,303 )
                                 
 INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    39,641,673       72,466,396       54,197,806       87,097,657  
                                 
 INCOME TAX PROVISION
    14,630,000       28,840,000       20,234,614       34,665,350  
                                 
 NET INCOME
  $ 25,011,673     $ 43,626,396     $ 33,963,192     $ 52,432,307  
                                 
 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME NET OF TAX
                               
Reclassification of Derivative Instruments Included in Income (Net of Tax of $39,000 for the Six Months ended June 30,2012)
    -       -       -       62,309  
 Total Other Comprehensive Income
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 62,309  
                                 
 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 25,011,673     $ 43,626,396     $ 33,963,192     $ 52,494,616  
                                 
 Net Income Per Common Share – Basic
  $ 0.40     $ 0.70     $ 0.54     $ 0.84  
 Net Income Per Common Share – Diluted
  $ 0.39     $ 0.70     $ 0.54     $ 0.84  
 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic
    62,973,916       62,399,869       62,915,941       62,319,553  
 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted
    63,358,152       62,705,473       63,337,342       62,687,814  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                         

 
3
 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2013 AND 2012
(UNAUDITED)

   
Six Months Ended
 
   
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
 Net Income
  $ 33,963,192     $ 52,432,307  
 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by
               
 Operating Activities:
               
 Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties
    53,103,221       43,829,309  
 Depreciation and Amortization
    187,142       199,396  
 Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs
    1,160,880       532,264  
 Amortization of Senior Unsecured Notes Premium
    (216,814 )     -  
 Accretion of Discount on Asset Retirement Obligations
    61,456       37,453  
 Deferred Income Taxes
    20,230,000       34,660,000  
 Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments
    (2,099,013 )     (40,434,398 )
 Amortization of Deferred Rent
    (7,327 )     (16,615 )
 Share - Based Compensation Expense
    2,307,870       4,296,899  
 Changes in Working Capital and Other Items:
               
 Decrease (Increase) in Trade Receivables
    648,479       (14,644,692 )
 Increase in Prepaid Expenses and Other
    (524,530 )     (311,882 )
 Increase in Accounts Payable
    669,303       288,100  
 Increase in Accrued Interest
    1,152,917       2,901,202  
 (Decrease) Increase in Accrued Expenses
    (200,343 )     1,792,106  
 Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities
    110,436,433       85,561,449  
                 
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
 Purchases of Oil and Gas Properties and Development Capital Expenditures
    (187,242,287 )     (283,868,815 )
 Proceeds from Sale of Oil and Gas Properties
    908,000       -  
 Purchases of Other Equipment and Furniture
    (88,707 )     (172,605 )
 Net Cash Used For Investing Activities
    (186,422,994 )     (284,041,420 )
                 
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
 Advances on Revolving Credit Facility
    58,000,000       322,600,000  
 Repayments on Revolving Credit Facility
    (182,000,000 )     (392,500,000 )
 Issuance of Senior Unsecured Notes
    210,500,000       300,000,000  
 Debt Issuance Costs Paid
    (5,757,875 )     (11,590,886 )
 Repurchase of Common Stock
    (48,125 )     (1,173,315 )
 Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options
    -       36,260  
 Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
    80,694,000       217,372,059  
                 
 NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    4,707,439       18,892,088  
                 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    13,387,998       6,279,587  
                 
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD
  $ 18,095,437     $ 25,171,675  
                 
 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
               
 Cash Paid During the Period for Interest
  $ 14,246,467     $ 1,922,026  
 Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes
  $ 13,614     $ 5,350  
                 
 Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities:
               
 Oil and Natural Gas Properties Included in Accounts Payable
  $ 103,674,079     $ 138,664,705  
 Payment of Compensation through Issuance of Common Stock
  $ 3,355,237     $ 10,311,964  
 Capitalized Asset Retirement Obligations
  $ 266,451     $ 302,353  
 Non-Cash Compensation Capitalized on Oil and Gas Properties
  $ 1,047,367     $ 6,015,065  
                 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
               



 
4
 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
JUNE 30, 2013
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1     ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (the “Company,” “Northern,” “our” and words of similar import), a Minnesota corporation, is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation, development and production of crude oil and natural gas properties.  The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE MKT market under the symbol “NOG”.

Northern’s principal business is crude oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production with operations in North Dakota and Montana that primarily target the Bakken and Three Forks formations in the Williston Basin of the United States.  The Company acquires leasehold interests that comprise of non-operated working interests in wells and in drilling projects within its area of operations.  As of June 30, 2013, approximately 55% of Northern’s 182,400 total net acres were developed.


NOTE 2     SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial information included herein is unaudited, except for the balance sheet as of December 31, 2012, which has been derived from the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012.  However, such information includes all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments and change in accounting principles) that 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 (“GAAP”) have been omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to certain rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which were included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Use of Estimates

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Northern 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.  The Company’s cash positions represent assets held in checking and money market accounts.  These assets are generally available on a daily or weekly basis and are highly liquid in nature.  Due to the balances being greater than $250,000, the Company does not have FDIC coverage on the entire amount of bank deposits.  The Company believes this risk is minimal.  In addition, the Company is subject to Security Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) protection on a vast majority of its financial assets.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable are carried on a gross basis, with no discounting.  The Company regularly reviews all aged accounts receivable for collectability and establishes an allowance as necessary for individual customer balances.
 
The allowance for doubtful accounts at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $925,000 and $0, respectively.
 
 
5
 
Advances to Operators

The Company participates in the drilling of crude oil and natural gas wells with other working interest partners.   Due to the capital intensive nature of crude oil and natural gas drilling activities, the working interest partner responsible for conducting the drilling operations may request advance payments from other working interest partners for their share of the costs.   The Company expects such advances to be applied by working interest partners against joint interest billings for its share of drilling operations within 90 days from when the advance is paid.

Other Property and Equipment

Property and equipment that are not crude oil and natural gas properties are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to seven years.  Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Long-lived assets, other than crude oil and natural gas properties, are evaluated for impairment to determine if current circumstances and market conditions indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  The Company has not recognized any impairment losses on non-crude oil and natural gas long-lived assets.  Depreciation expense was $92,867 and $102 ,307 for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Depreciation expense was $187,142 and $199,396 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Full Cost Method

Northern follows the full cost method of accounting for crude oil and natural gas operations whereby all costs related to the exploration and development of crude oil and natural 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.  Capitalized costs are summarized as follows for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Capitalized Certain Payroll and Other Internal Costs
  $ 721,554     $ 3,082,191     $ 1,362,450     $ 7,286,630  
Capitalized Interest Costs
    1,543,618       1,604,367       2,928,776       2,615,341  
      Total
  $ 2,265,172     $ 4,686,558     $ 4,291,226     $ 9,901,971  

As of June 30, 2013, the Company held leasehold interests in the Williston Basin on acreage located in North Dakota and Montana targeting the Bakken and Three Forks formations.

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.  There were no property sales in the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.

Capitalized costs associated with impaired properties and capitalized cost related to properties having proved reserves, plus the estimated future development costs and asset retirement costs, 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 and full cost ceiling calculations.  For the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company transferred into the full cost pool costs related to expired leases of $4.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company transferred into the full cost pool costs related to expired leases of $8.0 million and $2.6 million, respectively.
 
 
6
 
 
 
Capitalized costs of crude oil and natural 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 crude oil and natural gas reserves plus the cost of unproved 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 crude oil and natural gas to estimated future production of proved crude oil and natural 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.  As of June 30, 2013, the Company has not realized any impairment of its properties.

Asset Retirement Obligations

Asset retirement obligation is included in other noncurrent liabilities and relates to future costs associated with the plugging and abandonment of crude oil and natural gas wells, removal of equipment and facilities from leased acreage and returning the land to its original condition.  Estimates are based on estimated remaining lives of those wells based on reserve estimates, external estimates to plug and abandon the wells in the future, inflation, credit adjusted discount rates and federal and state regulatory requirements.  The liability is accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.

Debt Issuance Costs

At June 30, 2013, the Company had capitalized debt issuance costs of $6.0 million in connection with the revolving credit facility and $14.4 million in connection with the “8% Senior Notes Due 2020” (see Note 4).  These debt issuance costs are being amortized over the term of the related financing using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method.

The amortization of debt issuance costs for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $654,693 and $383,577, respectively.  The amortization of debt issuance costs for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1,160,880 and $532,264 , respectively.

Bond Premium on Senior Notes

At June 30, 2013, the Company had recorded a bond premium of $10.5 million in connection with the “8% Senior Notes Due 2020” (see Note 4).  This bond premium is being amortized over the term of the related financing using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method.

The amortization of the bond premium for the three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $216,814 and $0, respectively.  The amortization of the bond premium for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was $216,814 and $0 , respectively.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes crude oil and natural gas revenues from its 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.  The Company uses the sales method of accounting for natural gas balancing of natural 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, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s natural gas production was in balance, meaning its cumulative portion of natural gas production taken and sold from wells in which it has an interest equaled its entitled interest in natural gas production from those wells.

Concentrations of Market and Credit Risk

The future results of the Company’s crude oil and natural gas operations will be affected by the market prices of crude oil and natural gas.  The availability of a ready market for crude oil and natural gas products in the future will depend on numerous factors beyond the control of the Company, including weather, imports, marketing of competitive fuels, proximity and capacity of crude oil and natural gas pipelines and other transportation facilities, any oversupply or undersupply of crude oil, natural gas and liquid products, the regulatory environment, the economic environment, and other regional and political events, none of which can be predicted with certainty.
 
 
7
 

 
The Company operates in the exploration, development and production sector of the crude oil and natural gas industry.  The Company’s receivables include amounts due from purchasers of its crude oil and natural gas production.  While certain of these customers are affected by periodic downturns in the economy in general or in their specific segment of the crude oil or natural gas industry, the Company believes that its level of credit-related losses due to such economic fluctuations has been and will continue to be immaterial to the Company’s results of operations over the long-term.  Trade receivables are generally not collateralized.

The Company manages and controls market and counterparty credit risk. In the normal course of business, collateral is not required for financial instruments with credit risk.  Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of temporary cash balances and derivative financial instruments.  The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed the federally insured limits.  The Company has not experienced any significant losses from such investments.  The Company attempts to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution or company.  The Company believes the credit quality of its customers is generally high.  In the normal course of business, letters of credit or parent guarantees may be required for counterparties which management perceives to have a higher credit risk.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company records expense associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation.  For fully vested stock and restricted stock grants the Company calculates the stock-based compensation expense based upon estimated fair value on the date of grant.  For stock options, the Company uses 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.

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 or the instruments issued in exchange for such services, whichever is more readily determinable.

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.  No valuation allowance has been recorded as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Net Income 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 and restricted stock.  The number of potential common shares outstanding relating to stock options and restricted stock is computed using the treasury stock method.

The reconciliation of the denominators used to calculate basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
 
 
8
 

 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
    62,973,916       62,399,869       62,915,941       62,319,553  
Plus: Potentially dilutive common shares
                               
Stock options and restricted stock
    384,236       305,604       421,401       368,261  
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
    63,358,152       62,705,473       63,337,342       62,687,814  
                                 
Restricted stock excluded from EPS due to the anti-dilutive effect
    3,786       24,835       10,565       17,234  

As of June 30, 2013 and 2012, potentially dilutive shares from stock options were 251,963 and 255,463, respectively.

Derivative Instruments and Price Risk Management

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage market risks resulting from fluctuations in the prices of crude oil.  The Company enters 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 crude oil 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 crude oil at a future date.

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.  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 gains and losses are recorded to gain (loss) on settled derivatives and unrealized gains or losses are recorded to gain (loss) on mark-to-market of derivative instruments on the statements of comprehensive income rather than as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) or other income (expense).  See Note 12 for a description of the derivative contracts which the Company has entered into.

Prior to November 1, 2009, the Company, at the inception of a derivative contract, 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 was no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item.  Gains and losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to cash flow hedge derivatives that become ineffective remain unchanged until the related production was delivered.  If the Company determined that it was probable that a hedged forecasted transaction would not occur, deferred gains or losses on the derivative were recognized in earnings immediately.

Derivatives, historically, were recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in the fair value of derivatives were recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether a derivative was designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it was, depending on the type of hedge transaction.  The Company’s derivatives historically consisted primarily of cash flow hedge transactions in which the Company was 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 accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and reclassified to earnings in the periods in which the hedged item impacts earnings.  The ineffective portion of the cash flow hedges were reflected in current period earnings as gain or loss from derivatives.  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 were reported as cash flows from operating activities.


 
9
 


Impairment
 
Long-lived assets to be held and used are required to be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Crude oil and natural gas properties accounted for using the full cost method of accounting (which the Company uses) are excluded from this requirement but continue to be subject to the full cost method’s impairment rules.  There was no impairment identified as of June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements

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.

Recently Adopted

Balance Sheet Offsetting — In December 2011, the FASB issued Balance Sheet (Topic 210) — Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (ASU No. 2011-11), which requires disclosures regarding netting arrangements in agreements underlying derivatives, certain financial instruments and related collateral amounts, and the extent to which an entity’s financial statement presentation policies related to netting arrangements impact amounts recorded to the financial statements.  In January 2013, the FASB issued Balance Sheet (Topic 210) — Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (ASU No. 2013-01) to clarify the specific instruments that should be considered in these disclosures.  These disclosure requirements do not affect the presentation of amounts in the balance sheets, and were effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods.


NOTE 3     CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES

The value of the Company’s crude oil and natural gas properties consists of all acreage acquisition costs (including cash expenditures and the value of stock consideration), drilling costs and other associated capitalized costs.  Acquisitions are accounted for as purchases and, accordingly, the results of operations are included in the accompanying statements of comprehensive income from the closing date of the acquisition.  Purchase prices are allocated to acquired assets based on their estimated fair value at the time of the acquisition.  In the past, acquisitions have been funded with internal cash flow, bank borrowings and the issuance of equity securities.   Purchases of properties and development capital expenditures that were in accounts payable and not yet paid in cash at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were approximately $103.7 million and $91.8 million, respectively.

Acquisitions

For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company acquired approximately 10,497 net mineral acres, for an average cost of approximately $1,075 per net acre, in its key prospect areas in the form of effective leases.

For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company acquired or earned through farm-in arrangements approximately 17,338 net mineral acres, for an average cost of approximately $ 1,881 per net acre, in its key prospect areas in the form of effective leases.

Unproved Properties

Unproved properties not being amortized comprise approximately 63,000 net acres of undeveloped leasehold interests at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.  The Company believes that the majority of its unproved costs will become subject to depletion within the next five years by proving up reserves relating to the acreage through exploration and development activities, by impairing the acreage that will expire before the Company can explore or develop it further or by determining that further exploration and development activity will not occur.   The timing by which all other properties will become subject to depletion will be dependent upon the timing of future drilling activities and delineation of its reserves.
 
 
10
 

 
Excluded costs for unproved properties are accumulated by year.  Costs are reflected in the full cost pool as the drilling costs are incurred or as costs are evaluated and deemed impaired.  The Company anticipates these excluded costs will be included in the depletion computation over the next five years.  The Company is unable to predict the future impact on depletion rates.

All properties that are not classified as proved properties are considered unproved properties and, thus, the costs associated with such properties are not subject to depletion.  Once a property is classified as proved, all associated acreage and drilling costs are subject to depletion.   At June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the amounts of capitalized costs excluded from depletion were $81.6 million and $82.9 million, respectively.

The Company historically has acquired its properties by purchasing individual or small groups of leases directly from mineral owners or from landmen or lease brokers, which leases historically have not been subject to specified drilling projects, and by purchasing lease packages in identified project areas controlled by specific operators.  The Company generally participates in drilling activities on a heads up basis by electing whether to participate in each well on a well-by-well basis at the time wells are proposed for drilling, with the exception of the defined drilling projects with Slawson described below.

As of June 30, 2013, the Company was participating in three defined drilling projects with Slawson, with participation interests ranging between 4.5% and 50%, covering an aggregate of approximately 19,600 net acres of leasehold interests held by the Company.  The areas cover the Windsor project area (4.5% participation interest), which includes approximately 2,100 net acres held by the Company, primarily located in Mountrail and surrounding counties of North Dakota.  The South West Big Sky project (20% participation interest) includes approximately 5,500 total net acres held by the Company in Richland County, Montana.  The Lambert project (50% participation interest) includes approximately 12,000 net acres held by the Company in Richland County, Montana.


NOTE 4    REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Revolving Credit Facility

In February 2012, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement providing for a revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), which replaced its previous revolving credit facility with a syndicated facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility, which is secured by substantially all of the Company’s assets, provides for a commitment equal to the lesser of the facility amount or the borrowing base.  At June 30, 2013, the facility amount was $750 million, the borrowing base was $400 mi llion and was undrawn, leaving $ 400 million of borrowing capacity available under the facility.  Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company is limited to $500 million of permitted additional indebtedness, as defined, provided that the borrowing base will be reduced by 25% of the stated amount of any such permitted additional indebtedness.  The $500 million in Notes described below is “permitted additional indebtedness” as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Revolving Credit Facility matures on January 1, 2017 and provides for a borrowing base subject to redetermination semi-annually each April and October and for event-driven unscheduled redeterminations.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility can either be at the Alternate Base Rate (as defined) plus a spread ranging from 0.75% to 1.75% or LIBOR borrowings at the Adjusted LIBOR Rate (as defined) plus a spread ranging from 1.75% to 2.75%.  The applicable spread is dependent upon amount of borrowings relative to the borrowing base.  The Company may elect, from time to time, to convert all or any part of its LIBOR loans to base rate loans or to convert all or any of the base rate loans to LIBOR loans.  A commitment fee is paid on the undrawn balance based on an annual rate of either 0.375% or 0.50%.  At June 30, 2013, the commitment fee was 0.375% and the interest rate margin was 1.75% on LIBOR loans and 0.75% on base rate loans.


 
11
 


The Revolving Credit Facility contains negative covenants that limit the Company’s ability, among other things, to pay any cash dividends, incur additional indebtedness, sell assets, enter into certain hedging contracts, change the nature of its business or operations, merge, consolidate, or make investments. In addition, the Company is required to maintain a ratio of debt to EBITDAX (as defined in the credit agreement) of no greater than 4.0 to 1.0, maintain a ratio of EBITDAX to interest expense (as defined in the credit agreement) of not less that 3.0 to 1.0 and a current ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of no less than 1.0 to 1.0.  The Company was in compliance with its covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2013.

All of the Company’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority security interest in any and all assets of the Company.

8.000% Senior Notes Due 2020

On May 18, 2012, the Company issued at par value $300 million aggregate principal amount of 8.000% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2020 (the “Original Notes”).  On May 13, 2013, the Company issued at a price of 105.25% an additional $200 million aggregate principal amount of 8.000% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2020 (the “Follow-on Notes” and, together with the Original Notes, the “Notes”).  Interest is payable on the Notes semi-annually in arrears on each of June 1 and December 1.  The Company currently does not have any subsidiaries and, as a result, the Notes are not currently guaranteed.  Any subsidiaries the Company forms in the future may be required to unconditionally guarantee, jointly and severally, payment obligation under the Notes on a senior unsecured basis.  The issuance of the Original Notes resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $291.2 million and the issuance of the Follow-on Notes resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $200.1 million, which are in use to fund the Company’s exploration, development and acquisition program and for general corporate purposes (including repayment of borrowings that were outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility at the time the Notes were issued).
 
At any time prior to June 1, 2015, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the Notes at a redemption price of 108% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings, so long as the redemption occurs within 180 days of completing such equity offering and at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding after such redemption.  Prior to June 1, 2016, the Company may redeem some or all of the Notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.  On and after June 1, 2016, the Company may redeem some or all of the Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 104% for the twelve-month period beginning on June 1, 2016, 102% for the twelve-month period beginning June 1, 2017 and 100% beginning on June 1, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

The Notes are governed by an Indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of May 18, 2012, by and among the Company and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

The Indenture restricts the Company’s ability to: (i) incur additional debt or enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (ii) pay distributions on, redeem or, repurchase equity interests; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) incur liens; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vi) merge or consolidate with another company; and (vii) transfer and sell assets.  These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications.  If at any time when the Notes are rated investment grade by both Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and no Default (as defined in the Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, many of such covenants will terminate and the Company and its subsidiaries (if any) will cease to be subject to such covenants.

The Indenture contains customary events of default, including:
 
·  
default in any payment of interest on any Note when due, continued for 30 days;
 
·  
default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any Note when due;
 
·  
failure by the Company to comply with its other obligations under the Indenture, in certain cases subject to notice and grace periods;
 
·  
payment defaults and accelerations with respect to other indebtedness of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries, if any, in the aggregate principal amount of $25 million or more;
 
 
 
12
 
 
 
·  
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or a significant subsidiary or group of restricted subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a significant subsidiary;
 
·  
failure by the Company or any significant subsidiary or group of restricted subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a significant subsidiary to pay certain final judgments aggregating in excess of $25 million within 60 days; and
 
·  
any guarantee of the Notes by a guarantor ceases to be in full force and effect, is declared null and void in a judicial proceeding or is denied or disaffirmed by its maker.


NOTE 5    COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 100,000,000 shares.  The shares are classified in two classes, consisting of 95,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.001 per share.  The 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.

Common Stock

The following is a schedule of changes in the number of common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and the year ended December 31, 2012:

   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
   
Year Ended
December 31, 2012
 
Beginning Balance
    63,532,622       63,330,421  
Stock Based Compensation
    28,686       -  
Stock Options Exercised
    -       10,500  
Restricted Stock Grants (Note 6)
    287,851       890,379  
Other Surrenders
    (40,804 )     (698,678 )
Ending balance
    63,808,355       63,532,622  

2013 Activity

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer receives shares of common stock as compensation in lieu of any cash base salary.  For the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company issued 28,686 shares valued at $401,460 to the Chief Executive Officer as compensation in lieu of any cash base salary.

In the six months ended June 30, 2013, 3,107 shares of common stock were surrendered by certain employees of the Company to cover tax obligations in connection with their restricted stock awards.  The total value of these shares was approximately $48,000, which was based on the market price on the date the shares were surrendered.

In the six months ended June 30, 2013, 37,697 shares of restricted common stock were surrendered by employees who terminated employment with the Company.

Stock Repurchase Program

In May 2011, the Company’s board of directors approved a stock repurchase program to acquire up to $150 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  The stock repurchase program will allow the Company to repurchase its shares from time to time in the open market, block transactions and in negotiated transactions.  The Company has not made any repurchases under this program to date.



 
13
 


NOTE 6     STOCK OPTIONS/STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND WARRANTS

On April 5, 2013, the board of directors approved the Company’s 2013 Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which was subsequently approved at the 2013 annual meeting of shareholders.  1,500,000 shares were authorized for grant under the 2013 Plan, plus the number of shares remaining available for future grants under the Company’s predecessor 2009 Equity Incentive Plan on the date the shareholders approved the 2013 Plan.  The 2013 Plan is intended to provide a means whereby the Company may be able, by granting equity and other types of awards, to attract, retain and motivate capable and loyal employees, non-employee directors, consultants and advisors of the company, for the benefit of the Company and its shareholders.

Restricted Stock Awards

During the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company issued 287,851 restricted shares of common stock as compensation to officers, employees and directors of the Company.  Unvested restricted shares vest over various terms with all restricted shares vesting no later than February 2017.  As of June 30, 2013, there was approximately $7.6 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 due to the small number of officers, employees and directors that have received restricted stock awards.

The following table reflects the outstanding restricted stock awards and activity related thereto for the six months ended June 30, 2013:

   
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2013
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Price
 
Restricted Stock Awards:
           
Restricted Shares Outstanding at the Beginning of Period
    777,437     $ 18.93  
Shares Granted
    287,851       15.44  
Shares Forfeited
    (37,697 )     16.85  
Lapse of Restrictions
    (228,708 )     18.99  
Restricted Shares Outstanding at June 30, 2013
    798,883     $ 17.76  

Stock Option Awards

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 Incentive Stock Option Plan.  The Company granted options to purchase 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, to members of the board and options to purchase 60,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to one employee pursuant to an employment agreement.  These options were granted at a price of $5.18 per share and the optionees were fully vested on the grant date.  As of June 30, 2013, options to purchase a total of 251,963 shares remain outstanding but unexercised.  The board of directors determined that no future grants will be made pursuant to the 2006 Incentive Stock Option Plan. All future stock compensation will be issued under the 2013 Plan.

The Company used 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.  The total fair value of the options is recognized as compensation over the vesting period.  There were no stock options granted by the Company in the six months ended June 30, 2013.

Currently Outstanding Options

·  
No options were forfeited in the six month period ended June 30, 2013.
·  
No options expired during the six month period ended June 30, 2013.
·  
Options covering 251,963 shares were exercisable and outstanding at June 30, 2013.
·  
There is no further compensation expense that will be recognized in future periods relative to any options that had been granted as of June 30, 2013, because the Company recognized the entire fair value of such compensation upon vesting of the options.
·  
There were no unvested options at June 30, 2013.
 
 
 
14
 
 

NOTE 7     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Carter Stewart, a former director of the Company (until August 2011), owned a 25% interest in Gallatin Resources, LLC (“Gallatin”).  Legal counsel for Gallatin informed the Company that Mr. Stewart did not have the power to control Gallatin because each member of Gallatin has the right to vote on matters in proportion to their respective membership interest in the company and company matters are determined by a vote of the holders of a majority of membership interests.  Further, Mr. Stewart was neither an officer nor a director of Gallatin.  As such, Mr. Stewart did not have the ability to individually control company decisions for Gallatin.  In 2012, the Company paid Gallatin a total of approximately $500 related to previously acquired leasehold interests.  There were no payments to related parties for the six months ended June 30, 2013.

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


NOTE 8     COMMITMENTS & CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

The Company is engaged in proceedings incidental to the normal course of business.  Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties, including but not limited to, court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental intervention. Based upon the information available to the Company and discussions with legal counsel, it is the Company’s opinion that the outcome of the various legal actions and claims that are incidental to its business will not have a material impact on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  Such matters, however, are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of any matter is not predictable with assurance.
The Company is party to a quiet title action in North Dakota that relates to its interest in certain crude oil and natural gas leases.  In the event the action results in a final judgment that is adverse to the Company, the Company would be required to reverse approximately $1.4 million in revenue (net of accrued taxes) that has been accrued since the second quarter of 2008 based on the Company’s purported interest in the crude oil and natural gas leases at issue, $0.1 million of which relates to the six month period ended June 30, 2013.  The Company fully maintains the validity of its interest in the crude oil and natural gas leases, and is vigorously defending such interest.


NOTE 9     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 .   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.

In 2013, the State of North Dakota lowered its corporate income tax rate.  The impact of this rate change was to lower the Company’s deferred state income tax expense by approximately $0.5 million in the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2013.

 
 
 
15
 
 
 
The income tax provision for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 consists of the following:
 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
Current Income Taxes
  $ -     $ -     $ 4,614     $ 5,350  
Deferred Income Taxes
                               
         Federal
    13,874,000       25,365,000       18,969,000       30,485,000  
         State
    756,000       3,475,000       1,261,000       4,175,000  
Total Provision
  $ 14,630,000     $ 28,840,000     $ 20,234,614     $ 34,665,350  

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 the Company’s tax returns that do not meet these recognition and measurement standards.

The Company has no liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company’s policy is to recognize potential interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not recognize any interest or penalties in its statements of comprehensive income nor did it have any interest or penalties accrued in its balance sheet at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 relating to unrecognized benefits.

The tax years 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 remain open to examination for federal income tax purposes and by the other major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject.


NOTE 10     FAIR VALUE

Fair value is defined 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 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  The Company uses 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.

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, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

 
16
 


   
Fair Value Measurements at
June 30, 2013 Using
 
   
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Commodity Derivatives – Current Asset (crude oil swaps and collars)
  $ -     $ 2,504,212     $ -  
Commodity Derivatives – Current Liability (crude oil swaps and collars)
    -       (4,749,779 )     -  
Commodity Derivatives – Non- Current Asset (crude oil swaps and collars)
    -       7,801,584       -  
Commodity Derivatives – Non- Current Liability (crude oil swaps and collars)
    -       (146,544 )     -  
Total
  $ -     $ 5,409,473     $ -  
 
 
   
Fair Value Measurements at
December 31, 2012 Using
 
   
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Commodity Derivatives – Current Asset (crude oil swaps and collars)
  $ -     $ 4,095,197     $ -  
Commodity Derivatives – Non-Current Asset (crude oil swaps and collars)
    -       1,763,008       -  
Commodity Derivatives – Non-Current Liability (crude oil swaps and collars)
    -       (2,547,745 )     -  
Total
  $ -     $ 3,310,460     $ -  

Level 2 assets and liabilities consist of derivative assets and liabilities (see Note 12), the Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 4) and the Senior Notes (see Note 4).  The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is determined based upon futures prices, volatility and time to maturity, among other things.  Counterparty statements are utilized to determine the value of the commodity derivative instruments and are reviewed and corroborated using various methodologies and significant observable inputs.  The Company’s and the counterparties’ nonperformance risk is evaluated.   The fair value of all derivative contracts is reflected on the balance sheet.  The current derivative asset and liability amounts represent the fair values expected to be settled in the subsequent year.   The book value of the Revolving Credit Facility approximates fair value because of its floating rate structure.  The fair value of our 8% senior notes is based on an end of period market quote.

The Company’s long-term debt is not measured at fair value on the balance sheets and the fair value is being provided for disclosure purposes.  At June 30, 2013, the Company had $500 million of senior unsecured notes with a fair value of $505 million.  The Revolving Credit Facility had no borrowings at June 30, 2013.  At December 31, 2012, the Company had $300 million of senior unsecured notes and $124.0 million under the Revolving Credit Facility outstanding, with a fair value of $310.5 million and $124.0 million, respectively.  The estimated fair value of debt was based upon quoted market prices and, where such prices were not available, other observable inputs regarding interest rates available to the Company at the end of each respective period.

Though the Company believes the methods used to estimate fair value are consistent with those used by other market participants, the use of other methods or assumptions could result in a different estimate of fair value.   There were no transfers of financial assets or liabilities between Level 1 and Level 2 inputs for the six month period ended June 30, 2013.


 
17
 


NOTE 11       FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company’s non-derivative financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, and credit facility and are not measured at fair value on the balance sheets.  The carrying amount of these non-derivative financial instruments approximate their fair values (See Note 10).

The Company’s accounts receivable relate to crude 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.  Management believes the Company’s accounts receivable at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 do not represent significant credit risks as they are dispersed across many counterparties.  The Company has recorded an allowance for doubtful accounts of $925,000 and $0 at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  As of June 30, 2013, outstanding derivative contracts with commercial banks participating in the Company’s revolving credit facility represent all of the Company’s crude oil volumes hedged.  These commercial banks have investment-grade ratings from Moody’s and Standard & Poor and are lenders under the Company’s revolving credit facility and management believes this does not represent a significant credit risk.


NOTE 12     DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company utilizes commodity swap contracts and costless collars (purchased put options and written call options) to (i) reduce the effects of volatility in price changes on the crude 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.

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 cash flow hedges.  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 gains and losses are recorded to loss on settled derivatives and unrealized gains or losses are recorded to unrealized gain on derivative instruments on the statement of comprehensive income rather than as a component of other comprehensive income (loss) or other income (expense).

The Company has master netting agreements on individual crude oil contracts with certain counterparties and therefore the current asset and liability are netted on the balance sheet and the non-current asset and liability are netted on the balance sheet for contracts with these counterparties.

Crude Oil Derivative Contracts Cash-flow Not Designated as Hedges

The Company had a realized loss on settled derivatives of $498,817 and $1,094,885 for three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The Company had an unrealized gain on mark-to-market of derivative instruments of $17,009,668 and $49,799,311 for three months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The Company had a realized loss on settled derivatives of $870,100 and $6,430,482 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The Company had an unrealized gain on mark-to-market of derivative instruments of $2,099,013 and $40,434,398 for the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The following table reflects open commodity swap contracts as of June 30, 2013, the associated volumes and the corresponding fixed price.

 
18
 
 

Settlement Period
 
Oil (Barrels)
   
Fixed Price
 
Swaps-Crude Oil
           
07/01/13 – 12/31/14
    360,000     $ 91.65  
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    195,000       89.50  
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    120,000       91.10  
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    60,000       94.50  
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    60,000       102.30  
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    60,000       94.50  
07/01/13 – 12/31/14
    363,750       88.55  
07/01/13 – 12/31/14
    363,750       88.60  
07/01/13 – 12/31/14
    363,750       88.40  
07/01/13 – 12/31/14
    363,750       88.50  
07/01/13 – 06/30/15
    540,000       89.15  
07/01/13 – 12/31/15
    900,000       89.00  
01/01/14 – 06/30/14
    300,000       89.50  
01/01/14 – 06/30/14
    240,000       90.00  
01/01/14 – 06/30/14
    240,000       100.00  
01/01/14 – 12/31/14
    120,000       91.35  
01/01/14 – 12/31/14
    120,000       90.00  
01/01/14 – 12/31/14
    240,000       90.15  
01/01/14 – 12/31/14
    240,000       91.00  
01/01/14 – 12/31/14
    120,000       93.00  
07/01/14 – 12/31/14
    120,000       90.00  
07/01/14 – 12/31/14
    120,000       90.00  
07/01/14 – 12/31/14
    120,000       93.50  
07/01/14 – 12/31/14
    30,000       90.58  
01/01/15 – 06/30/15
    60,000       90.50  
01/01/15 – 06/30/15
    180,000       88.55  
01/01/15 – 06/30/15
    180,000       88.00  
01/01/15 – 06/30/15
    60,000       90.75  
01/01/15 – 06/30/15
    60,000       90.25  

As of June 30, 2013, the Company had a total volume on open commodity swaps of 6.3 million barrels at a weighted average price of approximately $90.21.

In addition to the open commodity swap contracts the Company has entered into costless collars.  The costless collars are used to establish floor and ceiling prices on anticipated crude oil production.  There were no premiums paid or received by the Company related to the costless collar agreements.  The following table reflects open costless collar agreements as of June 30, 2013.

Term
 
Oil (Barrels)
   
Floor/Ceiling Price
 
Basis
Costless Collars – Crude Oil
             
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    67,325     $ 90.00/$103.50  
NYMEX
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    61,546     $ 90.00/$106.50  
NYMEX
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    102,780     $ 90.00/$110.00  
NYMEX
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    82,555     $ 95.00/$107.00  
NYMEX
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    240,000     $ 95.00/$110.70  
NYMEX
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    351,032     $ 85.00/$98.00  
NYMEX
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    60,000     $ 90.25/$97.95  
NYMEX
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    96,000     $ 95.00/$106.90  
NYMEX
07/01/13 – 12/31/13
    30,000     $ 93.00/$100.00  
NYMEX
01/01/14 – 12/31/14
    240,000     $ 90.00/$99.05  
NYMEX


 
19
 


The following table sets forth the amounts, on a gross basis, and classification of the Company’s outstanding derivative financial instruments at June 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  Certain amounts may be presented on a net basis on the financial statements when such amounts are with the same counterparty and subject to a master netting arrangement:
 
Type of Contract
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
June 30, 2013
Estimated Fair Value
   
December 31, 2012 Estimated Fair Value
 
                 
Derivative Assets:
               
Swap Contracts
 
Current Assets/Liabilities
  $ 2,752,028     $ 680,647  
Swap Contracts
 
Non-Current Assets
    7,432,453       1,977,722  
Costless Collars
 
Current Assets/Liabilities
    2,028,308       11,769,415  
Costless Collars
 
Non-Current Assets/Liabilities
    539,760       5,629,996  
Total Derivative Assets
      $ 12,752,549     $ 20,057,780  
                     
Derivative Liabilities:
                   
Swap Contracts
 
Current Assets/Liabilities
  $ (6,572,157 )   $ (2,037,070 )
Swap Contracts
 
Non-Current Assets/Liabilities
    (317,173 )     (3,170,945 )
Costless Collars
 
Current Assets/Liabilities
    (453,746 )     (6,317,795 )
Costless Collars
 
Non-Current Liabilities
    -       (5,221,510 )
Total Derivative Liabilities
      $ (7,343,076 )   $ (16,747,320 )

The following disclosures are applicable to the Company’s financial statements, as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively:

Derivative Type
 
Location of Loss
for Effective and
Ineffective
Portion of Derivative
In Income
 
Amount of Loss Reclassified from
AOCI into Income
 
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
Commodity - Cash Flow
 
Loss on Settled Derivatives
 
 $                                                            -
 
 $                                                            -
 
$                                                             -
 
 $                                                    101,309
 

The use of derivative transactions involves the risk that the counterparties will be unable to meet the financial terms of such transactions.  When the Company has netting arrangements with its counterparties that provide for offsetting payables against receivables from separate derivative instruments these assets and liabilities are netted on the balance sheet.  The tables presented below provide reconciliation between the gross assets and liabilities and the amounts reflected on the balance sheet.  The amounts presented exclude derivative settlement receivables and payables as of the balance sheet dates.

 
20
 

 
   
Estimated Fair Value at June 30, 2013
 
   
Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   
Gross Amounts Offset
in the Balance Sheet
   
Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
                   
Offsetting of Derivative Assets:
       
Current Assets
  $ 4,780,336     $ (2,276,124 )   $ 2,504,212  
Non-Current Assets
    7,972,213       (170,629 )     7,801,584  
Total Derivative Assets
  $ 12,752,549     $ (2,446,753 )   $ 10,305,796  
                         
Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities:
         
Current Liabilities
  $ (7,025,903 )   $ 2,276,124     $ (4,749,779 )
Non-Current Liabilities
    (317,173 )     170,629       (146,544 )
Total Derivative Liabilities
  $ (7,343,076 )   $ 2,446,753     $ (4,896,323 )
                         
                         
   
Estimated Fair Value at December 31, 2012
 
   
Gross Amounts of
Recognized Assets
   
Gross Amounts Offset
in the Balance Sheet
   
Net Amounts of Assets
Presented in the Balance Sheet
 
                         
Offsetting of Derivative Assets:
         
Current Assets
  $ 12,450,062     $ (8,354,865 )   $ 4,095,197  
Non-Current Assets
    7,607,719       (5,844,711 )     1,763,008  
Total Derivative Assets
  $ 20,057,781     $ (14,199,576 )   $ 5,858,205  
                         
Offsetting of Derivative Liabilities:
         
Current Liabilities
  $ (8,354,865 )   $ 8,354,865     $ -  
Non-Current Liabilities
    (8,392,456 )     5,844,711       (2,547,745 )
Total Derivative Liabilities
  $ (16,747,321 )   $ 14,199,576     $ (2,547,745 )
 
 
NOTE 13    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
In connection with preparing the unaudited financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2013, the Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through the date of this filing and determined that there were no subsequent events which required recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 
21
 


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:  crude oil and natural gas prices, our ability to raise or access capital, 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, changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines, financial or political instability, acts of war or terrorism, and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technical factors affecting our Company’s operations, products 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, 2012, as updated by subsequent reports we file with the SEC (including this report), 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.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Accompanying Notes appearing elsewhere in this report.

Overview

We are an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas properties, primarily in the Bakken and Three Forks formations within the Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana.  We believe the location, size and concentration of our acreage position in one of North America’s leading unconventional oil-resource plays will provide drilling and development opportunities that result in significant long-term value.  Our primary focus is oil exploration and production through non-operated working interests in wells drilled and completed in spacing units that include our acreage.

As of December 31, 2012, our proved reserves were 67.6 MMBoe (all of which were in the Williston Basin) as estimated by Ryder Scott, our independent reservoir engineering firm, representing a 44% growth in proved reserves compared to year end 2011.  As of December 31, 2012, 45% of our reserves were classified as proved developed and 90% of our reserves were oil.


 
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Our average daily production in the second quarter of 2013 was approximately 10,896 Boe per day, of which approximately 90 % was oil.  Our second quarter 2013 average daily production increased 5 % year-over-year, as compared to an average of 10,412 Boe per day in the second quarter of 2012.  As of June 30, 2013, we participated in 1,438 gross ( 121.5 net) producing wells.

As of June 30, 2013, we leased approximately 680,304 gross ( 182,400 net) acres, of which 100% were located in the Williston Basin of North Dakota and Montana.  During the six months ended June 30, 2013, we acquired approximately 10,497 net mineral acres at an average cost of approximately $1,075 per net acre.

Highlights from the First Half of 2013 Results

During the   six   months ended June 30, 2013, we achieved the following financial and operating results :

·  
Including the effect of realized losses from derivative contracts, oil, gas and NGL sales increased 25% for the six months ended June 30, 2013 as compared to the same period last year;
 
·  
Average daily production was 11,005 Boe per day;
 
·  
Participated in the completion of 211 gross (15.3 net) wells;
 
·  
Entered into additional derivative contracts for 2013, 2014 and 2015;
 
·  
Increased the borrowing base under our revolving credit facility to $400 million; and
 
·  
Completed a $200 million follow-on senior notes offering.

Source of Our Revenues

We derive our revenues from the sale of oil, natural gas and NGLs produced from our properties.  Revenues are a function of the volume produced, the prevailing market price at the time of sale, oil quality, Btu content and transportation costs to market.  We use derivative instruments to hedge future sales prices on a substantial, but varying, portion of our oil production.  We expect our derivative activities will help us achieve more predictable cash flows and reduce our exposure to downward price fluctuations.  The use of derivative instruments has in the past, and may in the future, prevent us from realizing the full benefit of upward price movements but also mitigates the effects of declining price movements.  Our average realized price calculations include the effects of the settlement of all derivative contracts regardless of the accounting treatment.

Principal Components of Our Cost Structure

·  
Oil price differentials .  The price differential between our Williston Basin well head price and the NYMEX WTI benchmark price is driven by the additional cost to transport oil from the Williston Basin via train, barge, pipeline or truck to refineries.

·  
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments.   We utilize commodity derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in the price of oil.  This account activity represents the recognition of gains and losses associated with our outstanding derivative contracts as commodity prices and commodity derivative contracts change on contracts that have not been designated for hedge accounting.

·  
Realized gain (loss) on derivative instruments.   This account activity represents our realized gains and losses on the settlement of commodity derivative instruments.

 
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·  
Production expenses.   Production expenses are daily costs incurred to bring oil and natural gas out of the ground and to the market, together with the daily costs incurred to maintain our producing properties. Such costs also include field personnel compensation, salt water disposal, utilities, maintenance, repairs and servicing expenses related to our oil and natural gas properties.

·  
Production taxes.   Production taxes are paid on produced oil and natural gas based on a percentage of revenues from products sold at market prices (not hedged prices) or at fixed rates established by federal, state or local taxing authorities.  We seek to take full advantage of all credits and exemptions in our various taxing jurisdictions.  In general, the production taxes we pay correlate to the changes in oil and natural gas revenues.

·  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization.   Depreciation, depletion and amortization includes the systematic expensing of the capitalized costs incurred to acquire, explore and develop oil and natural gas properties. As a full cost company, we capitalize all costs associated with our development and acquisition efforts and allocate these costs to each unit of production using the units-of-production method.

·  
General and administrative expenses.   General and administrative expenses include overhead, including payroll and benefits for our corporate staff, costs of maintaining our headquarters, costs of managing our acquisition and development operations, franchise taxes, audit and other professional fees and legal compliance.

·  
Interest expense.   We finance a portion of our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and acquisitions with borrowings.  As a result, we incur interest expense that is affected by both fluctuations in interest rates and our financing decisions.  We capitalize a portion of the interest paid on applicable borrowings into our full cost pool.  We include interest expense that is not capitalized into the full cost pool, the amortization of deferred financing costs and bond premiums (including origination and amendment fees), commitment fees and annual agency fees as interest expense.

·  
Income tax expense.   Our provision for taxes includes both federal and state taxes. We record our federal income taxes in accordance with accounting for income taxes under GAAP which results in the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences and carryforwards are expected to be recovered or settled.  The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that the related tax benefits will not be realized.

Selected Factors That Affect Our Operating Results

Our revenues, cash flows from operations and future growth depend substantially upon:

·  
the timing and success of drilling and production activities by our operating partners;
·  
the prices and demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs;
·  
the quantity of oil and natural gas production from the wells in which we participate;
·  
changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments we use to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in the price of oil;
·  
our ability to continue to identify and acquire high-quality acreage; and
·  
the level of our operating expenses.

In addition to the factors that affect companies in our industry generally, the location of our acreage and wells in the Williston Basin subjects our operating results to factors specific to this region.  These factors include the potential adverse impact of weather on drilling, production and transportation activities, particularly during the winter months, and the limitations of the developing infrastructure and transportation capacity in this region.


 
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The price of oil in the Williston Basin can vary depending on the market in which it is sold and the means of transportation used to transport the oil to market.  Light sweet crude from the Williston Basin has a higher value at many major refining centers because of its higher quality relative to heavier and sour grades of crude oil; however, because of North Dakota’s location relative to traditional oil transport centers, this higher value is generally offset to some extent by higher transportation costs. While rail transportation has historically been more expensive than pipeline transportation, Williston Basin prices have been high enough to justify shipment by rail to markets as far as St. James, Louisiana, which offers prices benchmarked to Brent/LLS.  Although pipeline, truck and rail capacity in the Williston Basin has historically lagged production in growth, we believe that additional planned infrastructure growth will help keep price discounts from significantly eroding wellhead values in the region.

The price at which our oil production is sold typically reflects a discount to the NYMEX WTI benchmark price.  Thus, our operating results are also affected by changes in the oil price differentials between the NYMEX WTI and the sales prices we receive for our oil production.  Our oil price differential to the NYMEX WTI benchmark price during the second quarter of 2013 was $5.32 per barrel, as compared to $13.72 per barrel in the second quarter of 2012.  Our oil price differential to the NYMEX WTI benchmark price during the first six months of 2013 was $4.47 per barrel, as compared to $ 13.89 per barrel in the first six months of 2012.

Another significant factor affecting our operating results is drilling costs.  The cost of drilling wells has increased significantly over the past few years as rising oil prices have triggered increased drilling activity in the Williston Basin. Although individual components of the cost can vary depending on numerous factors such as the length of the horizontal lateral, the number of fracture stimulation stages, and the choice of proppant (sand or ceramic), the total cost of drilling and completing an oil well has increased.  This increase is largely due to longer horizontal laterals and more fracture stimulation stages, but also higher demand for rigs and completion services throughout the region.  In addition, because of the rapid growth in drilling, the availability of well completion services has at times been constrained, resulting at times in a backlog of wells that are awaiting completion.

Market Conditions

Prices for various quantities of natural gas, natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) and oil that we produce significantly impact our revenues and cash flows. Commodity prices have been volatile in recent years. The following table lists average New York Mercantile Exchange (“NYMEX”) prices for natural gas and oil for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Average NYMEX Prices (a)
           
Natural Gas (per Mcf)
  $ 4.02     $ 2.35  
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 94.17     $ 93.35  


   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Average NYMEX Prices (a)
           
Natural Gas (per Mcf)
  $ 3.76     $ 2.43  
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 94.26     $ 98.15  
________________
(a)   
Based on average NYMEX closing prices.

 
 
 
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Results of Operations for the three month periods ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012

The following table sets forth selected operating data for the periods indicated.
 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
% Change
 
Net Production:
                 
Oil (Bbl)
    895,005       883,645       1  
Natural Gas and NGLs (Mcf)
    579,346       382,940       51  
Total (Boe)
    991,563       947,468       5  
                         
Net Sales:
                       
Oil Sales
  $ 76,570,408     $ 68,489,420       12  
Natural Gas and NGL Sales
    3,052,761       1,949,595       57  
Loss on Settled Derivatives
    (498,817 )     (1,094,885 )     54  
Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments
    17,009,668       49,799,311       (66 )
Other Revenue
    27,783       64,160       (57 )
Total Revenues
    96,161,803       119,207,601       (19 )
                         
Average Sales Prices:
                       
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 85.55     $ 77.51       10  
Effect of Loss on Settled Derivatives on Average Price (per Bbl)
    (0.56 )     (1.24 )     (55 )
Oil Net of Settled Derivatives (per Bbl)
    84.99       76.27       11  
Natural Gas and NGLs (per Mcf)
    5.27       5.09       4  
Realized Price on a Boe Basis Including all Realized Derivative   Settlements
    79.80       73.19       9  
                         
Operating Expenses:
                       
Production Expenses
  $ 10,397,171     $ 7,292,253       43  
Production Taxes
    7,561,156       6,658,004       14  
General and Administrative Expense
(Including $1.2 million and $2.1 million of Non-Cash Share Based Compensation in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
    3,915,298       4,419,607       (11 )
Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties
    26,435,050       25,519,809       4  
                         
Costs and Expenses (per Boe):
                       
Production Expenses
  $ 10.49     $ 7.70       36  
Production Taxes
    7.63       7.03       9  
General and Administrative Expense
(Including $1.20 per Boe and $2.21 per Boe of Non-Cash Share Based Compensation in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
    3.95       4.66       (15 )
Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties
    26.66       26.93       (1 )
                         
Net Producing Wells at Period End
    121.5       87.6       39  

Oil and Natural Gas Sales

In the second quarter of 2013, oil, natural gas and NGL revenues, excluding losses on settled derivatives, increased 13% as compared to the second quarter of 2012, driven by a 5% increase in production and a 9% increase in realized prices taking into account the effect of settled derivatives.  The higher average realized price in the second quarter of 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 was driven by higher average oil prices and a lower oil price differential.  Oil price differential during the second quarter of 2013 was $5.32 per barrel, as compared to $13.72 per barrel in the second quarter of 2012.

 
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As discussed above, we add production through drilling success as we place new wells into production and through additions from acquisitions, partially offset by the natural decline of our oil and natural gas sales from existing wells.  During the second quarter of 2013, our production volumes increased 5% as compared to the second quarter of 2012.  Production primarily increased due to our continued addition of net producing wells.
 
Derivative Instruments

For the second quarter of 2013, we incurred a loss on settled derivatives of $0.5 million, compared to a $1.1 million loss for the second quarter of 2012.  Our average realized price (including all derivative settlements) received during the second quarter of 2013 was $79.80 per Boe compared to $73.19 per Boe in the second quarter of 2012.  Our average realized price (including all derivative settlements) calculation includes all cash settlements for derivatives.

We had mark-to-market derivative gains of $17.0 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to a $49.8 million gain in the second quarter of 2012.  At June 30, 2013, all of our derivative contracts were recorded at their fair value, which was a net asset of $5.4 million, a decrease of $23.2 million from the $28.6 million net asset recorded as of June 30, 2012.

Production Expenses
 
Production expenses were $10.4 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $7.3 million in the second quarter of 2012.  We experience increases in operating expenses as we add new wells and maintain production from existing properties.  On a per unit basis, production expenses increased from $7.70 per Boe in the second quarter of 2012 to $10.49 per Boe in the second quarter of 2013.  This 36% increase was driven by higher water hauling and disposal costs and workover expenses.  Over the past twelve months, we have had significant net well additions in areas that have high levels of water production and a less developed water hauling and disposal infrastructure, resulting in increased water hauling and disposal costs.  In addition, during the second quarter of 2013 we experienced an unusually high level of workover activities on our wells, many of which were shut in as a result of completion activity on nearby pads.

Production Taxes

We pay production taxes based on realized crude oil and natural gas sales.  These costs were $7.6 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $6.7 million in the second quarter of 2012.  As a percentage of oil and natural gas sales, our production taxes were 9.5% and 9.5% in the second quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Certain of our production is in Montana and North Dakota jurisdictions that have lower initial tax rates for an established period of time or until an established threshold of production is exceeded, after which the tax rates are increased to the standard tax rate.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense was $3.9 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $4.4 million for the second quarter of 2012.  The second quarter of 2013 decrease of $0.5 million when compared to second quarter of 2012 was primarily due to decreased share based compensation ($1.4 million), which was partially offset by increased salaries and benefits ($0.7 million) and increased insurance expense ($0.1 million).

Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization

Depletion, depreciation and amortization (“DD&A”) was $26.6 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $25.6 million in the second quarter of 2012.  Depletion expense, the largest component of DD&A, was $26.66 per Boe in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $26.93 per Boe in the second quarter of 2012.  The increase in aggregate depletion expense for the second quarter of 2013 compared to the second quarter of 2012 was driven by a 5% increase in production.  Depletion rates in new plays tend to be higher in the beginning as increased initial outlays are amortized over proved reserves based on early stages of evaluations.  As these plays mature, new technologies, well completion methodologies and additional historical operating information impact the reserve evaluations.  Depreciation, amortization and accretion was $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2013 and 2012.  The following table summarizes DD&A expense per Boe for the second quarters of 2013 and 2012:

 
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Three Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Change
 
Depletion
  $ 26.66     $ 26.93     $ (0.27 )     (1 )%
Depreciation, Amortization, and Accretion
    0.13       0.13       -       -  
Total DD&A Expense
  $ 26.79     $ 27.06     $ (0.27 )     (1 )%

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, was $7.8 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2012.  The increase in interest expense was due to the higher rate of interest on our 8.000% senior unsecured notes due 2020, which had higher average borrowings outstanding in the second quarter of 2013 as compared to the second quarter of 2012.

Income Tax Provision

The provision for income taxes was $14.6 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $28.8 million in the second quarter of 2012.  The effective tax rate in the second quarter of 2013 was 36.9% compared to an effective tax rate of 39.8% in the second quarter of 2012.  The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2013 relates to a decrease in the corporate income tax rate in the State of North Dakota.  The impact of this rate change was to lower our deferred state tax expense by approximately $0.5 million in the second quarter of 2013.  The effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax rates.


 
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Results of Operations for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012

The following table sets forth selected operating data for the periods indicated.
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
% Change
 
Net Production:
                 
Oil (Bbl)
    1,797,743       1,601,163       12 %
Natural Gas and NGLs (Mcf)
    1,164,758       728,367       60  
Total (Boe)
    1,991,869       1,722,558       16  
                         
Net Sales:
                       
Oil Sales
  $ 156,577,971     $ 131,163,761       19  
Natural Gas and NGL Sales
    6,216,859       4,414,650       41  
Loss on Settled Derivatives
    (870,100 )     (6,430,482 )     (86 )
Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments
    2,099,013       40,434,398       (95 )
Other Revenue
    36,142       148,266       (76 )
Total Revenues
    164,059,885       169,730,593       (3 )
                         
Average Sales Prices:
                       
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 87.10     $ 81.92       6  
Effect of Loss on Settled Derivatives on Average Price (per Bbl)
    (0.48 )     (4.02 )     88  
Oil Net of Settled Derivatives (per Bbl)
    86.61       77.90       11  
Natural Gas and NGLs (per Mcf)
    5.34       6.06       (12 )
Realized Price on a Boe Basis Including all Realized Derivative   Settlements
    81.29       74.97       8  
                         
Operating Expenses:
                       
Production Expenses
  $ 19,038,381     $ 13,805,601       38  
Production Taxes
    15,372,460       12,736,889       21  
General and Administrative Expense
(Including $2.3 million and $4.3 million of Non-Cash Share Based Compensation in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
    7,904,104       9,100,985       (13 )
Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties
    53,103,221       43,829,309       21  
                         
Costs and Expenses (per Boe):
                       
Production Expenses
  $ 9.56     $ 8.01       19  
Production Taxes
    7.72       7.39       4  
General and Administrative Expense
(Including $1.16 per Boe and $2.49 per Boe of Non-Cash Share Based Compensation in 2013 and 2012, respectively)
    3.97       5.28       (25 )
Depletion of Oil and Gas Properties
    26.66       25.44       5  
                         
Net Producing Wells at Period End
    121.5       87.6       39  

Oil and Natural Gas Sales

In the first half of 2013, oil, natural gas and NGL sales increased 20% as compared to the first half of 2012, driven primarily by a 16% increase in production and partially aided by an 8% increase in realized prices taking into account the effect of settled derivatives.  The higher average realized price in the first half of 2013 as compared to the same period in 2012 was driven by a lower oil price differential, partially offset by lower average NYMEX oil prices.  Oil price differential during the first half of 2013 was $4.47 per barrel, as compared to $ 13.89 per barrel in the first half of 2012.
 
As discussed above, we add production through drilling success as we place new wells into production and through additions from acquisitions, partially offset by the natural decline of our oil and natural gas sales from existing wells.  During the first half of 2013, our production volumes increased 16% as compared to the first half of 2012.  Production primarily increased due to our continued addition of net producing wells.

 
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Derivative Instruments

For the first half of 2013, we incurred a loss on settled derivatives of $0.9 million , compared to a $ 6.4 million loss for the first half of 2012.  Our average realized price (including all derivative settlements) received during the first half of 2013 was $81.29 per Boe compared to $74.97 per Boe in the first half of 2012.  Our average realized price (including all derivative settlements) calculation includes all cash settlements for derivatives.

We had a mark-to-market derivative gain of $2.1 million in the first half of 2013 compared to a $40.4 million gain in the first half of 2012.

At June 30, 2013, all of our derivative contracts were recorded at their fair value, which was a net asset of $5.4 million, a decrease of $23.2 million from the $28.6 million net asset recorded as of June 30, 2012.

Production Expenses

                Production expenses were $19.0 million in the first half of 2013 compared to $13.8 million in the first half of 2012.  We experience increases in operating expenses as we add new wells and maintain production from existing properties.  On a per unit basis, production expenses increased from $8.01 per Boe in the first half of 2012 to $9.56 per Boe in the first half of 2013.  This 19% increase was driven by higher water hauling and disposal costs and workover expenses.  Over the past twelve months, we have had significant net well additions in areas that have high levels of water production and a less developed water hauling and disposal infrastructure, resulting in increased water hauling and disposal costs.  In addition, during the second quarter of 2013 we experienced an unusually high level of workover activities on our wells, many of which were shut in as a result of completion activity on nearby pads.

Production Taxes

We pay production taxes based on realized crude oil and natural gas sales.  These costs were $15.4 million in the first half of 2013 compared to $12.7 million in the first half of 2012.  As a percentage of oil and natural gas sales, our production taxes were 9.4% and 9.4% in the first half of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Certain of our production is in Montana and North Dakota jurisdictions that have lower initial tax rates for an established period of time or until an established threshold of production is exceeded, after which the tax rates are increased to the standard tax rate.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense was $7.9 million for the first half of 2013 compared to $9.1 million for the first half of 2012.  The first half of 2013 decrease of $1.2 million when compared to first half of 2012 was primarily due to decreased share based compensation ($2.8 million), which was partially offset by increased salaries and benefits ($1.4 million) and increased insurance expense ($0.2 million).

Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization

Depletion, depreciation and amortization (“DD&A”) was $53.4 million in the first half of 2013 compared to $44.1 million in the first half of 2012.  Depletion expense, the largest component of DD&A, was $26.66 per Boe in the first half of 2013 compared to $25.44 per Boe in the first half of 2012.  The increase in aggregate depletion expense for the first half of 2013 compared to the first half of 2012 was driven by a 16% increase in production.  Additionally, depletion rates rose in the first half of 2013 due to an increase in our future development cost estimates to reflect the changes in well completion methodologies (e.g. more stimulation costs per well due to longer lateral extensions).  Depletion rates in new plays tend to be higher in the beginning as increased initial outlays are amortized over proved reserves based on early stages of evaluations.  As these plays mature, new technologies, well completion methodologies and additional historical operating information impact the reserve evaluations.  Depreciation, amortization and accretion was $0.2 million in the first half of 2013 compared to $0.2 million in the first half of 2012.  The following table summarizes DD&A expense per Boe for the first half of 2013 and 2012:

 
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Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Change
 
Depletion
  $ 26.66     $ 25.44     $ 1.22       5 %
Depreciation, Amortization, and Accretion
    0.12       0.14       (0.02 )     (14 )
Total DD&A expense
  $ 26.78     $ 25.58     $ 1.20       5 %

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, was $13.9 million for the first half of 2013 compared to $ 2.9 million in the first half of 2012.  The increase in interest expense was due to the higher rate of interest on our 8.000% senior unsecured notes due 2020, which had higher average borrowings outstanding in the first half of 2013 as compared to the first half of 2012.

Income Tax Provision

The provision for income taxes was $20.2 million in the first half of 2013 compared to $34.7 million in the first half of 2012.  The effective tax rate in the first half of 2013 was 37.3% compared to an effective tax rate of 39.8% in the first half of 2012.  The decrease in the effective tax rate for 2013 relates to a decrease in the corporate income tax rate in the State of North Dakota.  The impact of this rate change was to lower our deferred state tax expense by approximately $0.5 million in the first half of 2013.  The effective tax rate was different than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state tax rates.


Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We define Adjusted Net Income as net income excluding unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of tax.  Our Adjusted Net Income for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was $ 14.6 million (representing approximately $0. 23 per diluted share), compared to $13.6 million (representing approximately $0.22 per diluted share) for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Our Adjusted Net Income for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $ 32.7 million (representing approximately $0. 52 per diluted share), compared to $28.1 million (representing approximately $0.45 per diluted share) for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  The increase in non-GAAP net income is primarily due to our continued addition of crude oil and natural gas production from new wells and higher realized commodity prices in 2013 compared to 2012.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income before (i) interest expense, (ii) income taxes, (iii) depreciation, depletion, amortization, and accretion, (iv) unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments and (v) non-cash share based compensation expense.  Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2013 was $58.2 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $53.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2012.  Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $121.7 million, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $98.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012.  These increases in Adjusted EBITDA are primarily due to our continued addition of crude oil and natural gas production from new wells and higher realized commodity prices in 2013 compared to 2012.

We believe the use of these 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 financial measures 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 our 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 believes, 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.

 
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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.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures.  A reconciliation of these measures to GAAP is included below:

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income

   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
                         
Net Income
  $ 25,011,673     $ 43,626,396     $ 33,963,192     $ 52,432,307  
Add:
                               
Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax
    (10,410,668 )     (29,979,311 )     (1,241,013 )     (24,341,398 )
Adjusted Net Income
  $ 14,601,005     $ 13,647,085     $ 32,722,179     $ 28,090,909  
                                 
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic
    62,973,916       62,399,869       62,915,941       62,319,553  
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted
    63,358,152       62,705,473       63,337,342       62,687,814  
                                 
Net Income Per Common Share - Basic
  $ 0.40     $ 0.70     $ 0.54     $ 0.84  
Add:
                               
Change due to Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax
    (0.17 )     (0.48 )     (0.02 )     (0.39 )
Adjusted Net Income Per Common Share – Basic
  $ 0.23     $ 0.22     $ 0.52     $ 0.45  
                                 
Net Income Per Common Share – Diluted
  $ 0.39     $ 0.70     $ 0.54     $ 0.84  
Add:
                               
Change due to Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments, Net of Tax
    (0.16 )     (0.48 )     (0.02 )     (0.39 )
Adjusted Net Income Per Common Share – Diluted
  $ 0.23     $ 0.22     $ 0.52     $ 0.45  


 
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Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA


   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
   
2013
   
2012
 
                         
Net Income
  $ 25,011,673     $ 43,626,396     $ 33,963,192     $ 52,432,307  
Add:
                               
Interest Expense
    7,819,591       2,728,104       13,927,591       2,924,403  
Income Tax Provision
    14,630,000       28,840,000       20,234,614       34,665,350  
Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization, and Accretion
    26,559,126       25,643,937       53,351,819       44,066,158  
Non-Cash Share Based Compensation
    1,185,596       2,091,972       2,307,870       4,296,899  
Unrealized Gain on Derivative Instruments
    (17,009,668 )     (49,799,311 )     (2,099,013 )     (40,434,398 )
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 58,196,318     $ 53,131,098     $ 121,686,073     $ 97,950,719  


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Historically, our main sources of liquidity and capital resources have been internally generated cash flow from operations, credit facility borrowings and issuances of debt and equity.  We generally maintain low cash and cash equivalent balances because we use cash from operations to fund our development activities or reduce our bank debt.  We continue to take steps to ensure adequate capital resources and liquidity to fund our capital expenditure program.  In February 2012, we amended and restated the credit agreement governing our revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) to increase the maximum facility size to $750 million, subject to a borrowing base that is currently $400 million.  In May 2012, we issued $300 million aggregate principal amount, and in May 2013, we issued an additional $200 million aggregate principal amount of 8.000% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2020 (collectively the “Notes”).

With our Revolving Credit Facility and our anticipated cash reserves and cash from operations, we believe that we will have sufficient cash flow and liquidity to fund our budgeted capital expenditures and operating expenses for at least the current year.  Any significant acquisition of additional properties or significant increase in drilling activity may require us to seek additional capital. We may also choose to seek additional financing from the capital markets rather than utilize our Revolving Credit Facility to fund such activities. We cannot assure you, however, that any additional capital will be available to us on favorable terms or at all.

At June 30, 2013, our debt to total book capitalization ratio was 45 %, we had $510.3 million of total debt outstanding, $ 623.5 million of stockholders’ equity, and $ 18.1 million of cash on hand.  Additionally, at June 30, 2013, there was $400 million of borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility.  At December 31, 2012, we had $424.0 million of debt outstanding, $586.2 million of stockholders’ equity, and $13.4 million of cash on hand.

Cash Flow

Cash flows from operations are primarily affected by production volumes and commodity prices, net of the effects of settlements of our derivatives.  Our cash flows from operations also are impacted by changes in working capital.  We generally maintain low cash and cash equivalent balances because we use available funds to fund our development activities or reduce our bank debt.  Short-term liquidity needs are satisfied by borrowings under our revolving credit facility.  We generally use derivatives to economically hedge a significant, but varying portion of our anticipated future oil production for the next 12 to 36 months.  Any payments due to counterparties under our derivative contracts are funded by proceeds received from the sale of our production.  Production receipts, however, lag payments to the counterparties.  Any interim cash needs are funded by cash from operations or borrowings under the revolving credit facility.  As of June 30, 2013, we had entered into derivative agreements covering 2.0 million barrels for the remainder of 2013, 4.0 million barrels for 2014 and 1.6 million barrels for 2015, with weighted average floor prices of $90.80, $90.43 and $89.04, respectively.
 
 
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Our cash flows for the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 are presented below:

   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(In thousands, unaudited)
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
  $ 110,436     $ 85,561  
Net Cash used for Investing Activities
    (186,423 )     (284,041 )
Net Cash provided by Financing Activities
    80,694       217,372  
Net Change in Cash
  $ 4,707     $ 18,892  
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2013 was $110.4 million compared to $85.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2012.  This increase was due to higher production from development activity and higher realized prices, which was partially offset by higher operating costs.  Net cash provided by operating activities is also affected by working capital changes or the timing of cash receipts and disbursements.  Changes in working capital (as reflected in our statements of cash flows) in the six months ended June 30, 2013 was an increase of $1.5 million, compared to a decrease of $10.0 million in the same period of the prior year.

Cash flows used in investing activities

We had cash flows used in investing activities of $186.4 million and $284.0 million during the six month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, primarily as a result of our capital expenditures for drilling, development and acquisition costs.  The decrease in cash used in investing activities for the first half of 2013 as compared to same period of 2012 was attributable to decreased oil and gas spending driven by fewer well completions in the first half of 2013 as compared to the same period of 2012.  Additionally, the amount of capital expenditures included in accounts payable (and thus not included in cash flows from investing activities) was $103.7 million and $138.7 million at June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively.

Cash flows provided by financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $80.7 million and $217.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Higher cash flows from operating activities and lower cash flows used in investing activities in the second quarter of 2013 compared to the same period of 2012 required fewer advances under our revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes.

Revolving Credit Facility

In February 2012, we entered into an amended and restated credit agreement governing our Revolving Credit Facility, which replaced our previous revolving credit facility.  The new facility, secured by substantially all of our assets, provides for an initial commitment equal to the lesser of the facility amount or the borrowing base.  At June 30, 2013, the maximum facility amount was $750 million and the borrowing base was $400 million.  Our bank group is comprised of a group of commercial banks, with no single bank holding more than 12% of the total facility.  Under the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, we are limited to $500 million of permitted additional indebtedness, as defined in the credit agreement.  The borrowing base is reduced by 25% of the stated amount of the permitted additional indebtedness.  The aggregate of $500 million in Notes (as described below) is “permitted additional indebtedness” as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility.  The Revolving Credit Facility provides for a borrowing base subject to redetermination semi-annually each April and October and for event-driven unscheduled redeterminations.  As of June 30, 2013, we had no outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, leaving $400 million of borrowing capacity available to us.  The Revolving Credit Facility will expire and all outstanding borrowings under it will mature on January 1, 2017.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility can either be at the Alternate Base Rate (as defined) plus a spread ranging from 0.75% to 1.75% or LIBOR borrowings at the Adjusted LIBOR Rate (as defined) plus a spread ranging from 1.75% to 2.75%.  The applicable spread is dependent upon borrowings relative to the borrowing base.  We may elect, from time to time, to convert all or any part of our LIBOR loans to base rate loans or to convert all or any of the base rate loans to LIBOR loans.  A commitment fee is paid on the undrawn balance based on an annual rate of either 0.375% or 0.50%, depending on outstanding borrowings relative to the borrowing base.  The Revolving Credit Facility is subject to negative covenants that limit our ability, among other things, to pay cash dividends, incur additional indebtedness, sell assets, enter into certain hedging contracts, change the nature of our business or operations, merge, consolidate, or make certain types of investments.  In addition, we are required to maintain a ratio of debt to EBITDAX (as defined in the credit agreement) of no greater than 4.0 to 1.0, a current ratio (as defined in the credit agreement) of no less than 1.0 to 1.0 and a ratio of EBITDAX to interest expense of no less than 3.0 to 1.0.  We were in compliance with our covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2013.
 
 
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8.000% Senior Notes due 2020

On May 18, 2012, we issued at par value $300 million aggregate principal amount of 8.000% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2020 (the “Original Notes”).  On May 13, 2013, we issued at a price of 105.25% an additional $200 million aggregate principal amount of 8.000% senior unsecured notes due June 1, 2020 (the “Follow-on Notes” and, together with the Original Notes, the “Notes”).  Interest is payable on the Notes semi-annually in arrears on each June 1 and December 1.  The issuance of the Original Notes resulted in net proceeds to us of approximately $291.2 million and the issuance of the Follow-on Notes resulted in net proceeds to us of approximately $200.1 million, which are in use to fund our exploration, development and acquisition program and for general corporate purposes (including repayment of borrowings that were outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility at the time the Notes were issued).
 
At any time prior to June 1, 2015, we may redeem up to 35% of the Notes at a redemption price of 108% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings so long as the redemption occurs within 180 days of completing such equity offering and at least 65% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes remains outstanding after such redemption.  Prior to June 1, 2016, we may redeem some or all of the Notes for cash at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount plus an applicable make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.  On and after June 1, 2016, we may redeem some or all of the Notes at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) equal to 104% for the twelve-month period beginning on June 1, 2016, 102% for the twelve-month period beginning June 1, 2017 and 100% beginning on June1, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

The Notes are governed by an Indenture (the “Indenture”) dated May 18, 2012, with Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

The Indenture restricts our ability to: (i) incur additional debt or enter into sale and leaseback transactions; (ii) pay distributions on, redeem or repurchase, equity interests; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) incur liens; (v) enter into transactions with affiliates; (vi) merge or consolidate with another company; and (vii) transfer and sell assets.  These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications.  If at any time when the Notes are rated investment grade by both Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and no Default (as defined in the Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, many of such covenants will terminate and we and any of our subsidiaries will cease to be subject to such covenants.

The Indenture contains customary events of default, including:
 
·  
default in any payment of interest on any Note when due, continued for 30 days;
 
·  
default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any Note when due;
 
·  
failure by us to comply with our other obligations under the Indenture, in certain cases subject to notice and grace periods;
 
·  
payment defaults and accelerations with respect to our other indebtedness and certain of our subsidiaries, if any, in the aggregate principal amount of $25 million or more;
 
 
 
35
 
 
 
·  
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of our company or a significant subsidiary or group of restricted subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a significant subsidiary;
 
·  
failure by us or any significant subsidiary or group of restricted subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a significant subsidiary to pay certain final judgments aggregating in excess of $25 million within 60 days; and
 
·  
any guarantee of the Notes by a guarantor ceases to be in full force and effect, is declared null and void in a judicial proceeding or is denied or disaffirmed by its maker.

Capital Expenditures

Our primary needs for cash are for exploration, development and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties and payment of interest on outstanding indebtedness.  During the first half of 2013, we incurred $182.2 million of capital on drilling and completion costs, $11.5 million on acreage and related activities, and $8.2 million on other capital expenditure activities.  As of June 30, 2013, we were participating in 218 gross (17.4 net) wells that were being actively drilled or awaiting completion.

Development and acquisition activities are highly discretionary and we monitor our capital expenditures on a regular basis, adjusting the amount up or down, and between projects, depending on projected commodity prices, cash flows and returns.

Effects of Inflation and Pricing

The oil and natural gas industry is very cyclical and the demand for goods and services of oil field companies, suppliers and others associated with the industry put extreme pressure on the economic stability and pricing structure within the industry.  Typically, as prices for oil and natural gas increase, so do all associated costs.  Conversely, in a period of declining prices, associated cost declines are likely to lag and may not adjust downward in proportion.  Material changes in prices also impact our current revenue stream, estimates of future reserves, borrowing base calculations of bank loans, impairment assessments of oil and natural gas properties, and values of properties in purchase and sale transactions.  Material changes in prices can impact the value of oil and natural gas companies and their ability to raise capital, borrow money and retain personnel.  While we do not currently expect business costs to materially increase, higher prices for oil and natural gas could result in increases in the costs of materials, services and personnel.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

Our material long-term debt obligations, capital lease obligations and operating lease obligations or purchase obligations as of December 31, 2012, are included in Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012.

Significant Accounting Policies

Our critical accounting policies involving significant estimates include impairment testing of natural gas and crude oil production properties, asset retirement obligations, revenue recognition, derivative instruments and hedging activity, and income taxes.  There were no material changes in our critical accounting policies involving significant estimates from those reported in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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, 2012.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk for changes in commodity prices and interest rates are included in Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012 and, except as set forth below, have not materially changed since that report was filed.
 
 
36
 

 
Commodity Price Risk
 
The price we receive for our oil and natural gas production heavily influences our revenue, profitability, access to capital and future rate of growth.  Oil and natural gas are commodities and, therefore, their prices are subject to wide fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand and other factors.  Historically, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile, and our management believes these markets will likely continue to be volatile in the future.  The prices we receive for our production depend on numerous factors beyond our control.  Our revenue during 2013 and 2012 generally would have increased or decreased along with any increases or decreases in oil or natural gas prices, but the exact impact on our income is indeterminable given the variety of expenses associated with producing and selling oil that also increase and decrease along with oil prices.

We enter into derivative contracts to achieve a more predictable cash flow by reducing our exposure to oil price volatility.  On November 1, 2009, due to the volatility of price differentials in the Williston Basin, we de-designated all derivatives that were previously classified as cash flow hedges and we have elected not to designate any subsequent derivative contracts as accounting hedges.  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 gains and losses are recorded to loss on settled derivatives and unrealized mark-to-market gains or losses are recorded to unrealized loss on derivative instruments on the statements of income rather than as a component of other comprehensive income or other income (expense).

We generally use derivatives to economically hedge a significant, but varying portion of our anticipated future production over a rolling 36 month horizon.  Any payments due to counterparties under our derivative contracts are funded by proceeds received from the sale of our production.  Production receipts, however, lag payments to the counterparties.  Any interim cash needs are funded by cash from operations or borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.  As of June 30, 2013, we had entered into derivative agreements covering 2.0 million barrels for the remainder of 2013, 4.0 million barrels for 2014 and 1.6 million barrels for 2015.

The following table summarizes the oil derivative contracts that we have entered into for each year as of June 30, 2013:
 
 
Contract Type
 
Volume Hedged
(Bbl)
   
West Texas Intermediate
Strike Price/Bbl
 
Term
 
Collar
    67,325     $ 90.00/$103.50  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Collar
    61,546     $ 90.00/$106.50  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Collar
    102,780     $ 90.00/$110.00  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Collar
    82,555     $ 95.00/$107.00  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Collar
    240,000     $ 95.00/$110.70  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Collar
    351,032     $ 85.00/$98.00  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Collar
    60,000     $ 90.25/$97.95  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Collar
    96,000     $ 95.00/$106.90  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Collar
    30,000     $ 93.00/$100.00  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 91.10  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    195,000     $ 89.50  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 91.65  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    60,000     $ 94.50  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    60,000     $ 94.50  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    18,750     $ 88.40  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    18,750     $ 88.50  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    18,750     $ 88.55  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    18,750     $ 88.60  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    60,000     $ 102.30  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    60,000     $ 89.15  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
Swap
    180,000     $ 89.00  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2013
 
2013 Total
    2,021,238              
                     
Swap
    300,000     $ 89.50  
Jan 1 – June 30, 2014
 
Swap
    240,000     $ 90.00  
Jan 1 – June 30, 2014
 
Swap
    240,000     $ 100.00  
Jan 1 – June 30, 2014
 
Swap
    240,000     $ 91.00  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    240,000     $ 91.65  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    240,000     $ 90.15  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 91.35  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 90.00  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    345,000     $ 88.60  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    345,000     $ 88.55  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    345,000     $ 88.50  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    345,000     $ 88.40  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 93.00  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 89.15  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    30,000     $ 90.58  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 90.00  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 90.00  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Swap
    120,000     $ 93.50  
July 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
Collar
    240,000     $ 90.00/$99.05  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2014
 
2014 Total
    3,990,000              
                     
Swap
    60,000     $ 90.25  
Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2015
 
Swap
    60,000     $ 90.50  
Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2015
 
Swap
    60,000     $ 90.75  
Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2015
 
Swap
    180,000     $ 88.55  
Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2015
 
Swap
    180,000     $ 88.00  
Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2015
 
Swap
    360,000     $ 89.15  
Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2015
 
Swap
    720,000     $ 89.00  
Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2015
 
2015 Total
    1,620,000              
 
 
37
 

 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our long-term debt is comprised of borrowings that contain fixed and floating interest rates.  The Notes bear interest at an annual fixed rate of 8% and our Revolving Credit Facility interest rate is a floating rate option that is designated by us within the parameters established by the underlying agreement.  During the sixth month period ended June 30, 2013, we had $110.3 million in average outstanding borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility at a weighted average rate of 2.3%.  We have the option to designate the reference rate of interest for each specific borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility as amounts are advanced.  Borrowings based upon the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) will bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.75% to 2.75% 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 current prime rate published by the Wall Street Journal, plus a spread ranging from 0.75% to 1.75%, depending on the percentage of borrowing base that is currently advanced.  We have the option to designate either pricing mechanism.  Interest payments are due under the Revolving Credit 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 Revolving Credit Facility.
 
Our Revolving Credit Facility allows us to fix the interest rate of borrowings under it for all or a portion of the principal balance for a period up to three months; however our borrowings are generally withdrawn with interest rates fixed for one month.  Thereafter, to the extent we do not repay the principle, our borrowings are rolled over and the interest rate is reset based on the current LIBOR or prime rate as applicable. As a result, changes in interest rates can impact results of operations and cash flows.

 
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

As of June 30, 2013, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, had evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act. Based upon and as of the date of the evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that information required to be disclosed is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified periods and is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure of material information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports. Based on the foregoing, our management determined that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2013.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2013 , that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.



 
39
 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings.

Our company is subject from time to time to litigation claims and governmental and regulatory proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business.

 
Item 1A.   Risk Factors .
 
There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the period ended December 31, 2012.
 

Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the company, or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), of our common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2013.

Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
   
Average Price Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publically Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
 
Month #1
                     
April 1, 2013 to April 30, 2013
    680     $ 14.14       -  
$    150 million
 
Month #2
                           
May 1, 2013 to May 31, 2013
    596       13.19       -  
150 million
 
Month #3
                           
June 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013
    199       14.18       -  
150 million
 
Total
    1,475     $ 13.76       -  
$    150 million
 

(1)  
All shares purchased reflect shares surrendered by company employees in satisfaction of tax obligations in connection with restricted stock awards.
(2)  
In May 2011, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program to acquire up to $150 million shares of our company’s outstanding common stock.  We have not made any repurchases under this program to date.


Item 6.   Exhibits.
 
The exhibits listed in the accompanying exhibit index are filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 

 
40
 

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:
August 9, 2013
 
By:
/s/ Michael L. Reger
       
Michael L. Reger, Chief Executive Officer and Director
         
Date:
August 9, 2013
 
By:
/s/ Thomas W. Stoelk
       
Thomas W. Stoelk, Chief Financial Officer


 
41
 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
 
Description
Reference
  3.1  
Articles of Incorporation of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. dated June 28, 2010
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2010
  3.2  
By-Laws of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 2, 2010
  4.1  
Specimen Stock Certificate of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 29, 2012
  4.2  
Indenture, dated May 18, 2012, between Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (including Form of 8.000% Senior Note due 2020)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 18, 2012
  10.1  
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on April 19, 2013
  10.2  
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Single Trigger) under the Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan
Filed herewith
  10.3  
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (Double Trigger) under the Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. 2013 Incentive Plan
Filed herewith
  31.1  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer 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
Filed herewith
  31.2  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer 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
Filed herewith
  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
Filed herewith
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document (1)
Filed herewith
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)
Filed herewith
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)
Filed herewith
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (1)
Filed herewith
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)
Filed herewith
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)
Filed herewith

(1)  
The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.

 
42
 

 
 
Single Trigger

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
2013 INCENTIVE PLAN

Restricted Stock Award Agreement


Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to its 2013 Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), hereby grants an award of Restricted Stock to you, the Participant named below.  The terms and conditions of this Restricted Stock Award are set forth in this Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), consisting of this cover page and the Terms and Conditions on the following pages, and in the Plan document, a copy of which has been provided to you.  To the extent any capitalized term used in this Agreement is not defined, it shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Plan   as it currently exists or as it is amended in the future.

 
Name of Participant:  **[_______________________]
 
 
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock:   **[_______]
 
 
Grant Date:  __________, 20__
 
Vesting Schedule:
 
Scheduled Vesting Dates
 
 
 
 
Number of Restricted Shares that Vest
 
 
 


By signing below or otherwise evidencing your acceptance of this Agreement in a manner approved by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and in the Plan document.  You acknowledge that you have reviewed these documents and that they set forth the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding your rights and obligations in connection with this Restricted Stock Award; provided, however, that to the extent any term of the Agreement is inconsistent with the terms of any then-effective written employment or severance agreement between you and the Company or any Affiliate, such written employment or severance agreement shall govern (so long as not in violation of the Plan).

PARTICIPANT:                                                                NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

 
_____________________________        By:______________________________________
                              Title:___________________________________


 
1
 

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
2013 Incentive Plan
Restricted Stock Award Agreement

Terms and Conditions

1.
Grant of Restricted Stock .  The Company hereby grants to you, as of the Grant Date specified on the cover page of this Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions in this Agreement and the Plan, an Award of the number of Shares of Restricted Stock specified on the cover page of this Agreement.   Unless and until these Shares vest as provided in Section 4 below, they are subject to the restrictions specified in Section 3 of this Agreement and are referred to as “Restricted Shares.”

2.
Delivery of Restricted Shares .  As soon as practicable after the Grant Date, the Company will issue one or more certificates for, or cause its transfer agent to maintain a book entry account reflecting the issuance of, the Restricted Shares in your name.  The Secretary of the Company, or the Company's transfer agent, will hold the certificate(s) for the Restricted Shares, or cause such Restricted Shares to be maintained as restricted shares in a book entry account, until the Restricted Shares either vest as provided in Section 4 or are forfeited as provided in Section 6.  Any certificate(s) issued for Restricted Shares will bear the legend specified in Section 9, and any book entry accounts that reflect the issuance of such Restricted Shares will be accompanied by comparable stop transfer instructions.  Your right to receive this Restricted Stock Award is conditioned upon your execution and delivery to the Company of all stock powers or other instruments of assignment that may be necessary to permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the Restricted Shares if such Restricted Shares are forfeited in whole or in part.

3.            Applicable Restrictions .

(a)           Beginning on the Grant Date, you shall have all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Restricted Shares except as follows (the “Restrictions”):

 
(i)
dividends and other distributions declared and paid with respect to the Restricted Shares before they vest shall be subject to Section 3(c);

 
(ii)
none of the Restricted Shares may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered, subjected to a levy or attachment or disposed of before they vest other than a transfer upon your death in accordance with your will, by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a beneficiary designation submitted in accordance with Section 6(d) of the Plan; and

 
(iii)
all or a portion of the Restricted Shares may be forfeited in accordance with Section 6.

(b)           Any attempt to transfer or dispose of any Restricted Shares in a manner contrary to the Restrictions shall be void and of no effect.
 
 
2
 

 
(c)           You will be entitled to receive regular cash dividends with respect to outstanding Restricted Shares, but any other dividends or distributions payable or distributable with respect to outstanding Restricted Shares, including any Shares or other property or securities distributable as the result of any equity restructuring or other change in corporate capitalization described in Section 12(a) of the Plan, shall be retained and held by the Company subject to the same Restrictions, vesting conditions and other terms of this Agreement to which the underlying Restricted Shares are subject.  At the time the underlying Restricted Shares vest, the Company shall deliver to you (without interest) the portion of such retained dividends and distributions that relate to the Shares that have vested.

4.
Vesting of Restricted Shares .
 
(a)      Scheduled Vesting .  If you remain a Service Provider continuously from the Grant Date specified on the cover page of this Agreement, then the Restricted Shares will vest in the number(s) and on the date(s) specified in the Vesting Schedule on the cover page of this Agreement.
 
(b)      Accelerated Vesting .  Notwithstanding Section 4(a), the Restricted Shares will vest in full upon the earlier to occur of (i) the termination of your Service because of your death or Disability, or (ii) a Change in Control that occurs while you continue to be a Service Provider.

5.
Release of Unrestricted Shares .  Upon the vesting of Restricted Shares and the corresponding lapse of the Restrictions, and after the Company has determined that all conditions to the release of unrestricted Shares, including Section 8 of this Agreement, have been satisfied, it shall release to you the unrestricted Shares, as evidenced by issuance of a stock certificate without restrictive legend, by electronic delivery of such Shares to a brokerage account designated by you, or by an unrestricted book-entry registration of such Shares with the Company’s transfer agent.

6.
Forfeiture of Restricted Shares .   Subject to Section 4(b), if your Service terminates before all of the Restricted Shares have vested, or if you attempt to transfer Restricted Shares in a manner contrary to the Restrictions, you will immediately forfeit all unvested Restricted Shares, which shall be returned to the Company for cancellation.

7.
83(b) Election .  You may make and file with the Internal Revenue Service an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares hereunder, electing to include in your gross income as of the Grant Date the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Shares as of the Grant Date.  You shall promptly provide a copy of such election to the Company.  If you make and file such an election, you shall make such arrangements in accordance with Section 8 as are satisfactory to the Committee to provide for the timely payment of all applicable withholding taxes.

8.
Withholding Taxes .   You hereby authorize the Company (or any Affiliate) to withhold from payroll or other amounts payable to you any sums required to satisfy any federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the receipt or vesting of Restricted Shares, and the Company may defer the release to you of any and all unrestricted Shares until you have made arrangements acceptable to the Company for payment of all such withholding taxes in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of the Plan.  You may satisfy some or all of such withholding tax obligations by delivering Shares you already own or by forfeiting and directing the Company to retain a portion of the unrestricted Shares that would otherwise be released to you.
 
 
 
3
 

 
9.
Restrictive Legend .   Any certificate representing Restricted Shares shall bear the following legend:

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, AND THE POSSIBLE FORFEITURE OF SUCH SHARES TO NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC. WITHOUT CONSIDERATION, AS SET FORTH IN A RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC. AND THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE.  A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY AND WILL BE FURNISHED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY BY THE REGISTERED OWNER.
 
You agree that in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to in this Agreement, the Company may issue appropriate “stop transfer” instructions to its transfer agent.  The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have purportedly been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any transferee to whom such Shares shall have been purportedly sold or transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
 
10.
Governing Plan Document .  This Agreement and the Restricted Stock Award are subject to all the provisions of the Plan, and to all interpretations, rules and regulations which may, from time to time, be adopted and promulgated by the Committee pursuant to the Plan.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.

11.
Choice of Law .  This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the state of Minnesota (without regard to its conflicts or choice of law principles).

12.
Binding Effect .  This Agreement will be binding in all respects on your heirs, representatives, successors and assigns, and on the successors and assigns of the Company.

13.
Continued Service .  This Agreement does not give you a right to continued Service with the Company or any Affiliate, and the Company or any such Affiliate may terminate your Service at any time and otherwise deal with you without regard to the effect it may have upon you under this Agreement.

14.
Notices .  Every notice or other communication relating to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by it in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided.  Unless and until some other address is so designated, all notices or communications by you to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its office at 315 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 200, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391, fax 952-476-9801, and all notices or communications by the Company to you may be given to you personally or may be mailed or emailed to you at the applicable address indicated in the Company's records as your most recent mailing or email address.

By signing the cover page of this Agreement or otherwise accepting this Award in a manner approved by the Company, you agree to all the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and in the Plan document.
 



 
4
 


 
 
 
Double Trigger

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
2013 INCENTIVE PLAN

Restricted Stock Award Agreement


Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (the “Company”), pursuant to its 2013 Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), hereby grants an award of Restricted Stock to you, the Participant named below.  The terms and conditions of this Restricted Stock Award are set forth in this Restricted Stock Award Agreement (the “Agreement”), consisting of this cover page and the Terms and Conditions on the following pages, and in the Plan document, a copy of which has been provided to you.  To the extent any capitalized term used in this Agreement is not defined, it shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Plan   as it currently exists or as it is amended in the future.

 
Name of Participant:  **[_______________________]
 
 
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock:   **[_______]
 
 
Grant Date:  __________, 20__
 
Vesting Schedule:
 
Scheduled Vesting Dates
 
 
 
 
Number of Restricted Shares that Vest
 
 
 

 
By signing below or otherwise evidencing your acceptance of this Agreement in a manner approved by the Company, you agree to all of the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and in the Plan document.  You acknowledge that you have reviewed these documents and that they set forth the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding your rights and obligations in connection with this Restricted Stock Award; provided, however, that to the extent any term of the Agreement is inconsistent with the terms of any then-effective written employment or severance agreement between you and the Company or any Affiliate, such written employment or severance agreement shall govern (so long as not in violation of the Plan).

PARTICIPANT:                                                                NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.

 
_____________________________                         By:______________________________________
                                                                                            Title:_____________________________________


 
1
 

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
2013 Incentive Plan
Restricted Stock Award Agreement

Terms and Conditions

1.
Grant of Restricted Stock .  The Company hereby grants to you, as of the Grant Date specified on the cover page of this Agreement and subject to the terms and conditions in this Agreement and the Plan, an Award of the number of Shares of Restricted Stock specified on the cover page of this Agreement.   Unless and until these Shares vest as provided in Section 4 below, they are subject to the restrictions specified in Section 3 of this Agreement and are referred to as “Restricted Shares.”

2.
Delivery of Restricted Shares .  As soon as practicable after the Grant Date, the Company will issue one or more certificates for, or cause its transfer agent to maintain a book entry account reflecting the issuance of, the Restricted Shares in your name.  The Secretary of the Company, or the Company's transfer agent, will hold the certificate(s) for the Restricted Shares, or cause such Restricted Shares to be maintained as restricted shares in a book entry account, until the Restricted Shares either vest as provided in Section 4 or are forfeited as provided in Section 6.  Any certificate(s) issued for Restricted Shares will bear the legend specified in Section 9, and any book entry accounts that reflect the issuance of such Restricted Shares will be accompanied by comparable stop transfer instructions.  Your right to receive this Restricted Stock Award is conditioned upon your execution and delivery to the Company of all stock powers or other instruments of assignment that may be necessary to permit transfer to the Company of all or a portion of the Restricted Shares if such Restricted Shares are forfeited in whole or in part.

3.            Applicable Restrictions .

(a)           Beginning on the Grant Date, you shall have all rights and privileges of a stockholder of the Company with respect to the Restricted Shares except as follows (the “Restrictions”):

 
(i)
dividends and other distributions declared and paid with respect to the Restricted Shares before they vest shall be subject to Section 3(c);

 
(ii)
none of the Restricted Shares may be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered, subjected to a levy or attachment or disposed of before they vest other than a transfer upon your death in accordance with your will, by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a beneficiary designation submitted in accordance with Section 6(d) of the Plan; and

 
(iii)
all or a portion of the Restricted Shares may be forfeited in accordance with Section 6.

(b)           Any attempt to transfer or dispose of any Restricted Shares in a manner contrary to the Restrictions shall be void and of no effect.
 
 
 
2
 
 
 
(c)           You will be entitled to receive regular cash dividends with respect to outstanding Restricted Shares, but any other dividends or distributions payable or distributable with respect to outstanding Restricted Shares, including any Shares or other property or securities distributable as the result of any equity restructuring or other change in corporate capitalization described in Section 12(a) of the Plan, shall be retained and held by the Company subject to the same Restrictions, vesting conditions and other terms of this Agreement to which the underlying Restricted Shares are subject.  At the time the underlying Restricted Shares vest, the Company shall deliver to you (without interest) the portion of such retained dividends and distributions that relate to the Shares that have vested.

4.
Vesting of Restricted Shares .
 
(a)      Scheduled Vesting .  If you remain a Service Provider continuously from the Grant Date specified on the cover page of this Agreement, then the Restricted Shares will vest in the number(s) and on the date(s) specified in the Vesting Schedule on the cover page of this Agreement.
 
(b)      Accelerated Vesting .  Notwithstanding Section 4(a), the Restricted Shares will vest in full upon the earliest to occur of:

                       (1)  
the termination of your Service because of your death or Disability;

                       (2)  
the involuntary termination of your Service for reasons other than Cause, or your voluntary termination of your Service for Good Reason (as defined below), in either case occurring on or within 24 months after a Corporate Transaction under the circumstances described in Section 12(b)(1) of the Plan or on or within 24 months after a Change in Control that does not involve a Corporate Transaction;

                      (3)  
a Corporate Transaction that occurs while you continue to be a Service Provider and that does not entail the continuation, assumption or replacement of this Restricted Stock Award as contemplated by Section 12(b)(2) of the Plan; or

                      (4)  
a Change in Control that occurs during a suspension of the vesting of this Award under the circumstances provided in Section 4(c).

For purposes of this Agreement, “Good Reason” for your voluntary termination of Service shall mean what the term is defined to mean in a then-effective written employment or severance agreement between you and the Company or any Affiliate, or in the absence of any such then-effective agreement or definition, any of the following acts by the Company or the Affiliate to which you provide Service and which occur without your consent: (i) a material breach by the Company or such Affiliate of any of the material terms and conditions of your employment agreement, if any; (ii) the relocation of your office by more than 30 miles from your office location on the Grant Date; (iii) a material reduction of your base salary; or (iv) a material reduction in the nature or scope of your authorities or duties from those previously applicable to you.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Good Reason shall not exist unless you have first provided written notice to the Company of the occurrence of one or more of the conditions under clauses (i) through (iv) of this paragraph within 90 days of the condition’s initial occurrence, and such condition is not fully remedied by the Company within 30 days after the Company’s receipt of written notice from you.
 
 
3
 

(c)           Suspension of Vesting .   If your Service is terminated (i) involuntarily for reasons other than for Cause or (ii) voluntarily by you for Good Reason, then any Restricted Shares outstanding at the time of such termination shall not immediately be forfeited but the vesting of such Restricted Shares shall be suspended for a period of up to 12 months, provided you are in strict compliance with any confidential information, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement requirements of any employment or severance agreement you are party to with the Company or any Affiliate as of the date your Service is terminated .  If a Change of Control occurs within that 12 month period and you have remained in compliance with the obligations specified in the proviso to the preceding sentence, then all such Restricted Shares shall vest as provided in Section 4(b)(4).  If a Change in Control does not occur within that 12 month period, or if you do not remain in compliance with the obligations specified in the proviso to the first sentence of this paragraph, then all such Restricted Shares shall be immediately be forfeited upon the earlier of the completion of such 12 month period or the first instance of such noncompliance.

5.
Release of Unrestricted Shares .  Upon the vesting of Restricted Shares and the corresponding lapse of the Restrictions, and after the Company has determined that all conditions to the release of unrestricted Shares, including Section 8 of this Agreement, have been satisfied, it shall release to you the unrestricted Shares, as evidenced by issuance of a stock certificate without restrictive legend, by electronic delivery of such Shares to a brokerage account designated by you, or by an unrestricted book-entry registration of such Shares with the Company’s transfer agent.

6.
Forfeiture of Restricted Shares .   Subject to Sections 4(b) and 4(c), if your Service terminates before all of the Restricted Shares have vested, or if you attempt to transfer Restricted Shares in a manner contrary to the Restrictions, you will immediately forfeit all unvested Restricted Shares, which shall be returned to the Company for cancellation.

7.
83(b) Election .  You may make and file with the Internal Revenue Service an election under Section 83(b) of the Code with respect to the grant of the Restricted Shares hereunder, electing to include in your gross income as of the Grant Date the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Shares as of the Grant Date.  You shall promptly provide a copy of such election to the Company.  If you make and file such an election, you shall make such arrangements in accordance with Section 8 as are satisfactory to the Committee to provide for the timely payment of all applicable withholding taxes.

8.
Withholding Taxes .   You hereby authorize the Company (or any Affiliate) to withhold from payroll or other amounts payable to you any sums required to satisfy any federal, state, local or foreign withholding taxes that may be due as a result of the receipt or vesting of Restricted Shares, and the Company may defer the release to you of any and all unrestricted Shares until you have made arrangements acceptable to the Company for payment of all such withholding taxes in accordance with the provisions of Section 14 of the Plan.  You may satisfy some or all of such withholding tax obligations by delivering Shares you already own or by forfeiting and directing the Company to retain a portion of the unrestricted Shares that would otherwise be released to you.
 
 
4
 
 

 
9.
Restrictive Legend .   Any certificate representing Restricted Shares shall bear the following legend:

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO SUBSTANTIAL RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, AND THE POSSIBLE FORFEITURE OF SUCH SHARES TO NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC. WITHOUT CONSIDERATION, AS SET FORTH IN A RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC. AND THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE.  A COPY OF SUCH AGREEMENT IS ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY AND WILL BE FURNISHED UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY BY THE REGISTERED OWNER.
 
You agree that in order to ensure compliance with the restrictions referred to in this Agreement, the Company may issue appropriate Òstop transferÓ instructions to its transfer agent.   The Company shall not be required (i) to transfer on its books any Shares that have purportedly been sold or otherwise transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or (ii) to treat as owner of such Shares or to accord the right to vote or pay dividends to any transferee to whom such Shares shall have been purportedly sold or transferred in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
 
10.
Governing Plan Document .  This Agreement and the Restricted Stock Award are subject to all the provisions of the Plan, and to all interpretations, rules and regulations which may, from time to time, be adopted and promulgated by the Committee pursuant to the Plan.  If there is any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the Plan, the provisions of the Plan will govern.

11.
Choice of Law .  This Agreement will be interpreted and enforced under the laws of the state of Minnesota (without regard to its conflicts or choice of law principles).

12.
Binding Effect .  This Agreement will be binding in all respects on your heirs, representatives, successors and assigns, and on the successors and assigns of the Company.

13.
Continued Service .   This Agreement does not give you a right to continued Service with the Company or any Affiliate, and the Company or any such Affiliate may terminate your Service at any time and otherwise deal with you without regard to the effect it may have upon you under this Agreement.

14.
Notices .  Every notice or other communication relating to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be mailed to or delivered to the party for whom it is intended at such address as may from time to time be designated by it in a notice mailed or delivered to the other party as herein provided.  Unless and until some other address is so designated, all notices or communications by you to the Company shall be mailed or delivered to the Company at its office at 315 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 200, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391, fax 952-476-9801, and all notices or communications by the Company to you may be given to you personally or may be mailed or emailed to you at the applicable address indicated in the Company's records as your most recent mailing or email address.

By signing the cover page of this Agreement or otherwise accepting this Award in a manner approved by the Company, you agree to all the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and in the Plan document.
 



 
5
 



Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Michael L. Reger, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.:
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Dated:   August 9, 2013
By:     /s/ Michael L. Reger                                                                                         
 
        Michael L. Reger
        Chief Executive Officer







Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION

I, Thomas W. Stoelk, certify that:
 
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.:
 
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
 
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
 
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weakness in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
 
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
Dated:   August 9, 2013
By:   /s/ Thomas W. Stoelk                                                                                   
 
         Thomas W. Stoelk
         Chief Financial Officer






Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the Quarterly Report of Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, (the “Report”), each of the undersigned officers of the Company hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of his knowledge:
 
 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
 
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
Date:
August 9, 2013
 
By:
/s/ Michael L. Reger
       
Michael L. Reger
Chief Executive Officer and Director


Date:
August 9, 2013
 
By:
/s/ Thomas W. Stoelk
       
Thomas W. Stoelk
Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.