10-Q 1 d77493e10vq.htm FORM 10-Q e10vq
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission File Number: 000-50682
RAM Energy Resources, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
         
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization
  1311
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  20-0700684
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
5100 East Skelly Drive, Suite 650, Tulsa, OK 74135
(Address of principal executive offices)
(918) 663-2800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(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 twelve 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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large Accelerated Filer o   Accelerated Filer o   Non-Accelerated Filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)   Smaller Reporting Company þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
At November 8, 2010, 78,636,524 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
 
 

 


 

Third Quarter 2010 Form 10-Q Report
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ITEM 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
RAM Energy Resources, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
    (unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 29     $ 129  
Accounts receivable:
               
Oil and natural gas sales, net of allowance of $50 ($50 at December 31, 2009)
    9,844       12,585  
Joint interest operations, net of allowance of $479 ($641 at December 31, 2009)
    547       1,303  
Income taxes
    119        
Other, net of allowance of $48 ($48 at December 31, 2009)
    754       193  
Derivative assets
    2,385        
Prepaid expenses
    1,027       1,970  
Deferred tax asset
    3,976       3,531  
Inventory
    3,372       3,900  
Other current assets
    911       27  
 
           
Total current assets
    22,964       23,638  
PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST:
               
Proved oil and natural gas properties and equipment, using full cost accounting
    729,441       702,502  
Other property and equipment
    9,928       9,337  
 
           
 
    739,369       711,839  
Less accumulated depreciation, amortization and impairment
    (482,797 )     (462,541 )
 
           
Total properties and equipment
    256,572       249,298  
OTHER ASSETS:
               
Deferred tax asset
    32,061       31,573  
Derivative assets
    383        
Deferred loan costs, net of accumulated amortization of $4,490 ($2,924 at December 31, 2009)
    3,131       4,697  
Other
    946       1,956  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 316,057     $ 311,162  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable:
               
Trade
  $ 18,335     $ 15,697  
Oil and natural gas proceeds due others
    9,638       10,113  
Other
    80       636  
Accrued liabilities:
               
Compensation
    1,230       2,664  
Interest
    2,650       2,933  
Income taxes
    182       655  
Other
    336       10  
Derivative liabilities
          4,471  
Asset retirement obligations
    731       711  
Long-term debt due within one year
    124       126  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    33,306       38,016  
DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
          358  
LONG-TERM DEBT
    247,012       246,041  
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
    27,617       26,363  
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    10       10  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
          900  
 
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT):
               
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 82,597,829 and 80,748,674 shares issued, 78,636,524 and 76,951,883 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively
    8       8  
Additional paid-in capital
    225,237       222,979  
Treasury stock - 3,961,305 shares (3,796,791 shares at December 31,2009) at cost
    (6,520 )     (6,189 )
Accumulated deficit
    (210,613 )     (217,324 )
 
           
Stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    8,112       (526 )
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficit)
  $ 316,057     $ 311,162  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


 

RAM Energy Resources, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(unaudited)
                                 
    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
REVENUES AND OTHER OPERATING INCOME:
                               
Oil and natural gas sales
                               
Oil
  $ 18,290     $ 18,276     $ 56,898     $ 45,740  
Natural gas
    4,923       4,607       16,170       15,564  
NGLs
    3,250       2,999       10,461       7,134  
 
                       
Total oil and natural gas sales
    26,463       25,882       83,529       68,438  
Realized gains (losses) on derivatives
    (1,213 )     483       (2,818 )     19,032  
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
    1,782       (1,283 )     6,136       (26,085 )
Other
    51       49       125       177  
 
                       
Total revenues and other operating income
    27,083       25,131       86,972       61,562  
 
                               
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                               
Oil and natural gas production taxes
    1,518       1,320       4,565       3,119  
Oil and natural gas production expenses
    8,571       9,772       25,153       28,976  
Depreciation and amortization
    6,782       7,909       20,387       24,377  
Accretion expense
    452       513       1,288       1,449  
Impairment
                      47,613  
Share-based compensation
    813       539       2,284       1,632  
General and administrative, overhead and other expenses, net of operator’s overhead fees
    2,932       4,247       10,694       12,337  
 
                       
Total operating expenses
    21,068       24,300       64,371       119,503  
 
                       
Operating income (loss)
    6,015       831       22,601       (57,941 )
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Interest expense
    (5,767 )     (5,561 )     (17,116 )     (12,770 )
Interest income
    20       40       24       69  
Other income (expense)
    (268 )     10       293       (529 )
 
                       
EARNINGS (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
          (4,680 )     5,802       (71,171 )
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
    (1,564 )     (1,561 )     (909 )     (25,409 )
 
                       
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 1,564     $ (3,119 )   $ 6,711     $ (45,762 )
 
                       
 
                               
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
  $ 0.02     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.09     $ (0.61 )
 
                       
BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
    78,633,535       74,505,534       78,361,299       75,487,262  
 
                       
 
                               
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
  $ 0.02     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.09     $ (0.61 )
 
                       
DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
    78,633,535       74,505,534       78,361,299       75,487,262  
 
                       
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RAM Energy Resources, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
                 
    Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 6,711     $ (45,762 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities-
               
Depreciation and amortization
    20,387       24,377  
Amortization of deferred loan costs and Senior Notes discount
    1,566       1,120  
Non-cash interest
    2,336       829  
Accretion expense
    1,288       1,449  
Impairment
          47,613  
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives and premium amortization
    (3,859 )     27,242  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (933 )     (25,690 )
Share-based compensation
    2,284       1,632  
(Gain) loss on disposal of other property, equipment and subsidiary
    (38 )     89  
Other expense (income)
    (574 )     448  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities-
               
Accounts receivable
    3,023       166  
Prepaid expenses, inventory and other assets
    1,598       1,137  
Derivative premiums
    (3,738 )     (1,781 )
Accounts payable and proceeds due others
    1,603       (13,915 )
Accrued liabilities and other
    (1,717 )     (15,468 )
Restricted cash
          16,000  
Income taxes payable
    (473 )     (176 )
Asset retirement obligations
    (161 )     (287 )
 
           
Total adjustments
    22,592       64,785  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    29,303       19,023  
 
           
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payments for oil and natural gas properties and equipment
    (27,476 )     (21,728 )
Proceeds from sales of oil and natural gas properties
    478       6,156  
Payments for other property and equipment
    (721 )     (504 )
Proceeds from sales of other property and equipment
    4       433  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (27,715 )     (15,643 )
 
           
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payments on long-term debt
    (37,618 )     (24,120 )
Proceeds from borrowings on long-term debt
    36,261       23,022  
Payments for deferred loan costs
          (2,324 )
Stock repurchased
    (331 )     (6 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (1,688 )     (3,428 )
 
           
DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (100 )     (48 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    129       164  
 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 29     $ 116  
 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 616     $ 457  
 
           
Cash paid for interest
  $ 13,518     $ 9,011  
 
           
DISCLOSURE OF NON CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Asset retirement obligations
  $ 147     $ 115  
 
           
Payment-in-kind interest
  $ 2,336     $ 829  
 
           
Receipt of common stock for settlement of contingent receivable
  $     $ 2,134  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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RAM Energy Resources, Inc.
Notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
A –   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
1.   Basis of Financial Statements
     The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements present the financial position at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and the results of operations and cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 of RAM Energy Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). These condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the indicated periods. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2010. Reference is made to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2009 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, for an expanded discussion of the Company’s financial disclosures and accounting policies.
2.   Nature of Operations and Organization
     The Company operates exclusively in the upstream segment of the oil and gas industry with activities including the drilling, completion, and operation of oil and gas wells. The Company conducts the majority of its operations in the states of Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
3.   Use of Estimates
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles, generally accepted in the United States of America, 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates and assumptions that, in the opinion of management of the Company, are significant include oil and natural gas reserves, amortization relating to oil and natural gas properties, asset retirement obligations, contingent litigation settlements, derivative instrument valuations and income taxes. The Company evaluates its estimates and assumptions on a regular basis. Estimates are based on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates used in preparation of the Company’s financial statements. In addition, alternatives can exist among various accounting methods. In such cases, the choice of accounting method can have a significant impact on reported amounts.

6


 

4.   Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
     Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if dilutive stock unit options were exercised, calculated using the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of net income (loss) and weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net income (loss) per share is as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
                                 
    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,564     $ (3,119 )   $ 6,711     $ (45,762 )
 
                       
Weighted average shares – basic
    78,633,535       74,505,534       78,361,299       75,487,262  
Dilutive effect of units options
                       
 
                       
Weighted average shares — dilutive
    78,633,535       74,505,534       78,361,299       75,487,262  
 
                       
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.02     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.09     $ (0.61 )
 
                       
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.02     $ (0.04 )   $ 0.09     $ (0.61 )
 
                       
5.   Subsequent Events
     The Company evaluates events and transactions that occur after the balance sheet date but before the financial statements are filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
6.   New Accounting Pronouncements
     In January 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance on fair value disclosures to enhance disclosures surrounding the transfers of assets in and out of Level 1 and Level 2, to present more detail surrounding asset activity for Level 3 assets and to clarify existing disclosures requirements. The new guidance is set forth in Topic 820 of the Accounting Standards Codification TM (the “Codification”) and was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2010. Adoption of the guidance in the first quarter of 2010 did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
B –   PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
     Under the full cost method of accounting, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated after-tax future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas properties, discounted at 10% (the “Ceiling Limitation”). In arriving at estimated future net revenues, estimated lease operating expenses, development costs, and certain production-related and ad valorem taxes are deducted. In calculating future net revenues, prices and costs are held constant indefinitely, except for prices and costs that are fixed and determinable by existing contracts. The net book value is compared to the Ceiling Limitation on a quarterly and yearly basis. The excess, if any, of the net book value above the Ceiling Limitation is charged to expense in the period in which it occurs and is not subsequently reinstated. At March 31, 2009, the net book value of the Company’s oil and natural gas properties exceeded the Ceiling Limitation resulting in a reduction in the carrying value of the Company’s oil and natural gas properties of $47.6 million. The after-tax effect of this reduction was $30.3 million. As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, the net book value of the Company’s oil and natural gas properties did not exceed the Ceiling Limitation.

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C –   LONG-TERM DEBT
     Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2010     2009  
Credit facility
  $ 246,569     $ 245,730  
Accrued payment-in-kind interest
    259       262  
Installment loan agreements
    308       175  
 
           
 
    247,136       246,167  
Less amount due within one year
    124       126  
 
           
 
  $ 247,012     $ 246,041  
 
           
Credit Facility
     In November 2007, in conjunction with the Company’s Ascent acquisition, the Company entered into a new $500.0 million credit facility with Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, for itself and on behalf of other institutional lenders. The facility includes a $250.0 million revolving credit facility and a $200.0 million term loan facility and an additional $50.0 million available under the term loan as requested by the Company and approved by the lenders. The initial amount of the $200.0 million term loan was advanced at closing. The borrowing base under the revolving credit facility initially was set at $175.0 million, a portion of which was advanced at the closing of the Ascent acquisition. Borrowings under the facility were used to refinance RAM Energy’s existing indebtedness, fund the cash requirements in connection with the closing of the Ascent acquisition, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Funds advanced under the revolving credit facility may be paid down and re-borrowed during the four-year term of the revolver, and initially bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.0% based on a percentage of usage. The term loan provides for payments of interest only during its five-year term, with the initial interest rate being LIBOR plus 7.5%. Effective September 30, 2010, the borrowing base was redetermined at $165.0 million based on the value of the Company’s proved reserves at June 30, 2010.
     Advances under the facility are secured by liens on substantially all properties and assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The loan agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants customary in transactions of this nature, including restrictions on the payment of dividends on capital stock and financial covenants relating to current ratio, minimum interest coverage ratio, maximum leverage ratio and a required ratio of asset value to total indebtedness. The Company is required to maintain commodity hedges with respect to not less than 50%, but not more than 85%, of the Company’s projected monthly production volumes on a rolling 30-month basis, until the leverage ratio is less than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0.
     On June 26, 2009, the Company entered into the Second Amendment to the credit facility. The Second Amendment amends certain definitions and certain financial and negative covenant terms providing greater flexibility for the Company through the remaining term of the facility. Additionally, the Second Amendment increased the interest rates applicable to borrowings under both the revolver and the term loan. Advances under the revolver will bear interest at LIBOR, with a minimum LIBOR rate, or “floor,” of 1.5%, plus a margin ranging from 2.25% to 3.0% based on a percentage of usage. The term loan will bear interest at LIBOR, also with a floor of 1.5%, plus a margin of 8.5%, and an additional 2.75% of payment-in-kind interest that will be added to the term loan principal balance on a monthly basis and paid at maturity. The Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the credit facility at September 30, 2010. At September 30, 2010, $133.5 million was outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $113.3 million was outstanding under the term facility, including $0.3 million accrued payment-in-kind interest.

8


 

D –   CAPITAL STOCK
     The Company had outstanding options to purchase up to 275,000 units at any time on or prior to May 11, 2009 at an exercise price of $9.90 per unit, with each unit consisting of one share of the Company’s common stock and two warrants. All of the unit purchase options expired unexercised.
E –   INCOME TAXES
     Under guidance contained in Topic 740 of the Codification, deferred taxes are determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws and rates for the jurisdictions in which the Company operates to the estimated future tax effects of the differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Company’s financial statements. 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.
     The Company estimates its annual effective income tax rate in recording its quarterly provision for income taxes in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. Statutory tax rate changes and other significant or unusual items are recognized as discrete items in the quarter in which they occur.
     The Company has calculated an estimated effective tax rate for the current annual reporting period, excluding any discrete items, of 52% as of September 30, 2010. The estimated annual rate differs from the statutory rate primarily due to the estimate of state income taxes and non-deductible expenses for the period. Based upon the estimated effective tax rate, the Company recorded income tax expense of $3.1 million on pre-tax income of $5.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. Additionally, during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 the Company reduced the previously recorded valuation allowance by $4.0 million due to its estimate of taxable income that it projects will be generated in the near future and more likely than not result in the realization of its deferred tax assets. The reduction in the valuation allowance was recorded as a discrete item in the second quarter of 2010.
     For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $25.4 million on a pre-tax net loss of $71.2 million. Excluding the 2009 ceiling test impairment of $47.6 million and the related tax benefit of $17.3 million, the effective tax rate was 34% for the first nine months of 2009.
F –   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
     Sacket v. Great Plains Pipeline Company, et al. This was a class action lawsuit on behalf of certain royalty owners in which RAM Energy, together with certain of its subsidiaries and affiliates, were defendants. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff alleged that the royalty payments to landowners for oil and natural gas produced from wells connected to a RAM Energy subsidiary’s natural gas, oil and saltwater pipeline system in Woods, Alfalfa and Major Counties, Oklahoma, were calculated on a price that was lower than the price at which the production from the related wells were resold by the subsidiary. On March 5, 2009, the Court approved a settlement of the lawsuit and on April 4, 2009, the settlement became final.
     During 2008, the Company recorded a contingent liability of $16.0 million for its share of the settlement amount and a receivable of $2.8 million in other current assets representing the value of escrowed shares, set aside by former stockholders of RAM Energy to cover this litigation, based on the closing price of $0.88 per share on December 31, 2008. The Company also recorded a charge to other expense of $13.2 million for the difference between the settlement liability and the value of the escrowed shares. During the first quarter of 2009, the Company recorded a charge to other expense of $0.4 million and adjusted the receivable from $2.8 million to $2.4 million to adjust the Fair Market Value of the escrowed shares to reflect the final settlement due of $0.74 per share.
     Rathborne Land Company, et al., v. Ascent Energy Inc., et al. Ascent Energy Inc. and its Ascent Energy Louisiana, LLC subsidiary were sued in federal district court in Louisiana for lease cancellation and damages for failure to explore and develop the plaintiff’s lease. By opinion dated December 31, 2008, the trial court found in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendants, and on June 1, 2009, the court entered judgment against the defendants in the amount of $4.6 million, which judgment was timely appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Pursuant to the terms of the Ascent merger agreement, the Company’s liability was limited to 50% of the first $1.8 million of any judgment rendered or settlement reached in the case, with the balance to be paid out of the escrow established at the closing of the merger. Accordingly, during the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a contingent liability of $0.9 million related to this litigation.
     On June 23, 2010, the Fifth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the trial court’s judgment, effectively

9


 

reducing the damage award to approximately $0.7 million. Due to the court’s reduction of the damage award, the contingent liability related to this litigation was reduced to $0.4 million during the second quarter of 2010. On September 22, 2010, the case was settled with the Company owing $0.3 million of the settlement amount. The $0.4 million contingent liability was reduced to $0.3 million and classified as a current liability at September 30, 2010.
     The Company is also involved in other legal proceedings and litigation in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
G –   FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
     The Company measures the fair value of its derivative instruments according to the fair value hierarchy as set forth in Topic 820 of the Codification. Topic 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy assigns the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (“Level 1”) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (“Level 3”). Level 2 measurements are inputs that are observable for assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly, other than quoted prices included within Level 1. The fair value of the Company’s net derivative assets as of September 30, 2010 was $2.8 million and the fair value of its net derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2009 was $4.8 million, based on Level 2 criteria. See Note H.
     At September 30, 2010, the carrying value of cash, receivables and payables reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements approximates fair value due to their short-term nature. Additionally, the carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt under the credit facility approximates fair value because the credit facility carries a variable interest rate based on market interest rates. See Note C for discussion of long-term debt.

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H –   DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS
     The Company periodically utilizes various hedging strategies to manage the price received for a portion of its future oil and natural gas production to reduce exposure to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices and to achieve a more predictable cash flow.
     During 2010 and 2009, the Company entered into numerous derivative contracts to manage the impact of oil and natural gas price fluctuations and as required by the terms of its credit facility.
     The Company did not designate these transactions as hedges. Accordingly, all gains and losses on the derivative instruments during 2010 and 2009 have been recorded in the statements of operations.
     The Company’s derivative positions at September 30, 2010, consisting of put/call “collars” and put options, also called “bare floors” as they provide a floor price without a corresponding ceiling, are shown in the following table:
                                                                                 
    Crude Oil (Bbls)             Natural Gas (Mmbtu)        
    Floors     Ceilings             Floors     Ceilings        
    Per             Per                     Per             Per                    
Year   Day(1)     Price     Day(1)     Price     Months Covered   Day(1)     Price     Day(1)     Price     Months Covered
Collars
                                                                               
2010
    1,500     $ 55.00       1,500     $ 80.10     October - December     3,315     $ 5.00       3,315     $ 9.15     November - December
2011
        $           $               6,219     $ 5.00       6,219     $ 9.48     January - September
                                                 
    Bare Floors             Bare Floors        
    Per                     Per                  
Year   Day(1)     Price     Months Covered   Day(1)     Price     Months Covered
2010
    2,000     $ 60.00     October - December     6,685     $ 4.75     October - December
2011
    2,758     $ 60.00     January - December     836     $ 4.50     November - December
2012
        $               1,243     $ 4.50     January - March
 
(1)   Per day amounts are calculated based on a 365-day year for 2010 and 2011 and a 366-day year for 2012.
     The Company estimates the fair value of its derivative instruments based on published forward commodity price curves as of the date of the estimate, less discounts to recognize present values. The Company estimates the fair value of its derivatives using a pricing model which also considers market volatility, counterparty credit risk and additional criteria in determining discount rates. See Note G. The discount rate used in the discounted cash flow projections is based on published LIBOR rates, Eurodollar futures rates and interest swap rates. The counterparty credit risk is determined by calculating the difference between the derivative counterparty’s bond rate and published bond rates. The Company incorporates its credit risk when the derivative position is a liability by using its LIBOR spread rate.

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     Gross fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments, prior to netting of assets and liabilities subject to a master netting arrangement, as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and the amounts recorded in the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are as follows (in thousands):
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         
            Fair Value     Fair Value  
            As of     As of  
            September 30,     December 31,  
Gross Assets and Liabilities   Balance Sheet Location     2010     2009  
Current Assets — Derivative assets
  Current Assets - Derivative assets   $ 3,397     $  
Current Assets — Derivative assets
  Current Liabilities - Derivative liabilities           413  
Other Assets — Derivative assets
  Other Assets - Derivative assets     476        
Other Assets — Derivative assets
  Long-Term Liabilities - Derivative liabilities           200  
Current Liabilities — Derivative liabilities
  Current Assets - Derivative assets     (1,012 )      
Current Liabilities — Derivative liabilities
  Current Liabilities - Derivative liabilities           (4,884 )
Long-Term Liabilities — Derivative liabilities
  Other Assets - Derivative assets     (93 )      
Long-Term Liabilities — Derivative liabilities
  Long-Term Liabilities - Derivative liabilities           (558 )
 
                 
 
                       
Total Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
      $ 2,768     $ (4,829 )
 
                 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 
    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
Location   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Revenue — Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives
  $ 1,782     $ (1,283 )   $ 6,136     $ (26,085 )
Revenue — Realized gains (losses) on derivatives
  $ (1,213 )   $ 483     $ (2,818 )   $ 19,032  
I –   SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
     The Company accounts for share-based payment accruals under authoritative guidance on stock compensation, as set forth in Topic 718 of the Codification. The guidance requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values.
     On May 8, 2006, the Company’s stockholders approved its 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Company reserved a maximum of 2,400,000 shares of its common stock for issuances under the Plan. The Plan includes a provision that, at the request of a grantee, the Company may repurchase shares to satisfy the grantee’s federal and state income tax withholding requirements. All repurchased shares will be held by the Company as treasury stock. On May 8, 2008, the Plan was amended to increase the maximum authorized number of shares to be issued under the Plan from 2,400,000 to 6,000,000. On May 3, 2010, the Plan was amended to increase the maximum authorized number of shares to be issued under the Plan from 6,000,000 to 7,400,000. As of September 30, 2010, 1,960,271 shares of common stock remained reserved for issuance under the Plan.
     As of September 30, 2010, the Company had $5.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested, share-based compensation awards granted under the Plan. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of two years. The related compensation expense recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was $0.8 million and $2.3 million, respectively, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

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J-   SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Disposition of Assets
     On October 29, 2010, the Company executed a purchase and sale agreement to dispose of its North Texas Barnett Shale and Boonsville properties for $43.8 million in cash, subject to customary due diligence and other closing adjustments. The effective date of the divestiture is October 1, 2010 with the closing anticipated to occur in early December 2010. The assets to be sold represent 13% of the Company’s year-end 2009 estimated proved reserves. Additionally, the assets to be sold represent approximately 8% and 9% of the Company’s total oil and gas sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

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ITEM 2 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
BUSINESS
General
     We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the acquisition, development, exploitation, exploration and production of oil and natural gas properties, primarily in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. Our producing properties are located in highly prolific basins with long histories of oil and natural gas operations.
Principal Properties
     Our oil and natural gas assets are characterized by a combination of conventional and unconventional reserves and prospects. We have conventional reserves and production in three main onshore locations:
    South Texas—Starr, Wharton and Duval Counties, Texas (Developing Fields);
 
    Electra/Burkburnett—Wichita and Wilbarger Counties, Texas (Mature Oil Fields); and
 
    Pontotoc County, Oklahoma (Mature Oil Fields).
     Our unconventional reserves and prospects are primarily shale plays in the following areas:
    North Texas Barnett Shale—Jack and Wise Counties, Texas. This is our Tier 1 Barnett Shale acreage where we own interests in approximately 27,018 gross (6,594 net) acres (Developing Field); and
 
    Appalachian Devonian Shale—Cabell and Mason Counties, West Virginia. We own leasehold interests in approximately 52,740 gross (46,846 net) acres (Developing Field).

14


 

Net Production, Unit Prices and Costs
     The following table presents certain information with respect to our oil and natural gas production, and prices and costs attributable to all oil and natural gas properties owned by us, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010. Average realized prices reflect the actual realized prices received by us, before and after giving effect to the results of our derivative contract settlements. Our derivative activities are financial, and our production of oil, natural gas liquids, or NGLs, and natural gas, and the average realized prices we receive from our production, are not affected by our derivative arrangements.
                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    September 30, 2010     September 30, 2010  
Production volumes:
               
Oil (MBbls)
    247       757  
NGLs (MBbls)
    91       280  
Natural gas (MMcf)
    1,215       3,714  
Total (MBoe)
    541       1,656  
 
               
Average sale prices received:
               
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 74.05     $ 75.16  
NGLs (per Bbl)
  $ 35.71     $ 37.36  
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ 4.05     $ 4.35  
Total per Boe
  $ 48.91     $ 50.44  
 
Cash effect of derivative contracts:
               
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ (4.68 )   $ (4.08 )
NGLs (per Bbl)
  $     $  
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ (0.05 )   $ 0.07  
Total per Boe
  $ (2.24 )   $ (1.70 )
 
Average prices computed after cash effect of settlement of derivative contracts:
               
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 69.37     $ 71.08  
NGLs (per Bbl)
  $ 35.71     $ 37.36  
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ 4.00     $ 4.42  
Total per Boe
  $ 46.67     $ 48.74  
 
Cash expenses (per Boe):
               
Oil and natural gas production taxes
  $ 2.81     $ 2.76  
Oil and natural gas production expenses
  $ 15.84     $ 15.19  
General and administrative
  $ 5.42     $ 6.46  
Interest
  $ 8.15     $ 8.16  
Taxes
  $ 0.09     $ 0.37  
 
           
Total per Boe
  $ 32.31     $ 32.94  
 
               
Cash flow per Boe
  $ 14.36     $ 15.80  

15


 

Acquisition, Development and Exploration Capital Expenditures
     The following table presents information regarding our net costs incurred in our acquisitions of proved and unproved properties, and our development and exploration activities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 (in thousands):
                 
    Three months ended     Nine months ended  
    September 30, 2010     September 30, 2010  
Development and exploratory costs
  $ 8,400     $ 26,563  
Proved property acquisition costs
    410       913  
 
           
Total costs incurred
  $ 8,810     $ 27,476  
 
           
     During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, we participated in the drilling of 13 gross (13.0 net) development wells and 2 gross (2.0 net) exploration wells. Nine gross (9.0 net) development wells were capable of production, and one gross (1.0 net) exploration well was capable of production. Four gross (4.0 net) development wells and one gross (1.0 net) exploration well were in the process of being completed or waiting on completion as of September 30, 2010. In addition, 11 gross (5.2 net) wells drilled during previous quarters were capable of producing as of September 30, 2010, and five gross (4.6 net) wells drilled in previous quarters were in the process of being completed or waiting on completion as of September 30, 2010.
Results of Operations
Quarter Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to Quarter Ended September 30, 2009
     Oil and natural gas sales increased $0.6 million, or 2%, to $26.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $25.9 million for the same period in 2009. This increase was driven by higher commodity prices during the 2010 period. Production volumes declined 14% as compared to the same period last year.
     Production from our developing fields of South Texas, Barnett Shale and Appalachia in West Virginia decreased 26 MBoe in the third quarter due to normal production declines which were not offset by current drilling due to the unavailability of fracturing and stimulation crews and equipment in South Texas, which continued to delay initiation of production from wells drilled in our South Texas developing field. Drilling activity included one gross (1.0 net) exploration well in our South Texas field. Production from our mature oil fields of Electra/Burkburnett in North Texas and Allen/Fitts in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma decreased 44 MBoe in the third quarter primarily due to natural production declines and offline wells related to weather-related disruptions in the second quarter, which were gradually returned to production during the third quarter. Drilling activity in our mature oil fields included 13 gross (13.0 net) development wells in our Electra/Burkburnett field and one gross (1.0 net) exploration well. Production from our mature gas fields decreased 19 MBoe in the third quarter 2010 due to natural production declines. We did not drill any new wells in our Allen/Fitts fields or mature gas fields during this quarter.
     The following tables summarize our oil and natural gas production volumes, average sales prices (without regard to derivative contract settlements) and period to period comparisons for the periods indicated:

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                            Mature     Mature        
    Developing Fields     Oil Fields*     Natural Gas Fields        
    South Texas     Barnett Shale     Appalachia     Various     Various     Total  
Three Months Ended September 30, 2010 Aggregate Net Production
                                               
Oil (MBbls)
    11       1             205       30       247  
NGLs (MBbls)
    34       21             15       21       91  
Natural Gas (MMcf)
    511       127       12       61       504       1,215  
                                                 
MBoe
    130       43       2       231       135       541  
                                                 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
                                               
Aggregate Net Production
                                               
Oil (MBbls)
    12       2             233       31       278  
NGLs (MBbls)
    31       32             20       21       104  
Natural Gas (MMcf)
    525       195       21       135       612       1,488  
                                                 
MBoe
    130       67       4       275       154       630  
                                                 
 
Change in MBoe
          (24 )     (2 )     (44 )     (19 )     (89 )
Percentage Change in MBoe
    0.0 %     -35.8 %     -50.0 %     -16.0 %     -12.3 %     -14.1 %
 
*   Includes Electra/Burkburnett, Allen/Fitts and Layton fields.
                         
    Three months ended        
    September 30,        
    2010     2009     Increase  
Average sale prices:
                       
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 74.05     $ 65.74       12.6 %
NGL (per Bbl)
  $ 35.71     $ 28.84       23.8 %
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ 4.05     $ 3.10       30.6 %
Per Boe
  $ 48.91     $ 41.08       19.1 %
     The average realized sales prices increased substantially for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the same period in 2009. The average realized sales price for oil was $74.05 per barrel for the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 13%, compared to $65.74 per barrel for the same period in 2009. The average realized sales price for NGLs was $35.71 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 24%, compared to $28.84 per barrel for the same period in 2009. The average realized sales price for natural gas was $4.05 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 31%, compared to $3.10 per Mcf for the same period in 2009. The positive impact from the 19% increase in total average price per Boe in the third quarter of 2010 was sufficient to fully offset the impact of the decline in production, allowing oil and gas revenue for the third quarter to rise to $26.5 million compared to $25.9 million in the year-ago third quarter.
     Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Derivatives. For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, our gain from derivatives was $0.6 million, compared to a loss of $0.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Our gains and losses during these periods were the net result of recording actual contract settlements, the premiums for our derivative contracts, and unrealized gains and losses attributable to mark-to-market values of our derivative contracts at the end of the periods.

17


 

                 
    Three months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Contract settlements and premium costs:
               
Oil
  $ (1,157 )   $ (37 )
Natural gas
    (56 )     520  
 
           
Realized gains (losses)
    (1,213 )     483  
Mark-to-market gains (losses):
               
Oil
    98       (105 )
Natural gas
    1,684       (1,178 )
 
           
Unrealized gains (losses)
    1,782       (1,283 )
 
           
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)
  $ 569     $ (800 )
 
           
     Oil and Natural Gas Production Taxes. Our oil and natural gas production taxes were $1.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, compared to $1.3 million for the comparable quarter of the previous year. Most production taxes are based on realized prices at the wellhead, while Louisiana production taxes are based on volumes for natural gas and values for oil. As revenues or volumes from oil and natural gas sales increase or decrease, production taxes on these sales also increase or decrease directly. The increase is due principally to higher commodity prices in the 2010 period. Additionally, retroactive severance tax refunds were granted during the third quarter of 2009. As a percentage of oil and natural gas sales, our oil and natural gas production taxes increased to 6% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, as compared to 5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
     Oil and Natural Gas Production Expense. Our oil and natural gas production expense was $8.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 12%, from the $9.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The decrease was due primarily to decreased production volumes in the 2010 period. For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, our oil and natural gas production expense was $15.84 per Boe compared to $15.51 per Boe for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, an increase of 2%. As a percentage of oil and natural gas sales, oil and natural gas production expense was 32% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, as compared to 38% for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. This decrease results from a combination of declines in production and higher oil and natural gas sales caused by higher commodity prices in the 2010 period.

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     Amortization and Depreciation Expense. Our amortization and depreciation expense decreased $1.1 million, or 14%, for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2009. On an equivalent basis, our amortization of the full-cost pool of $6.5 million was $12.06 per Boe for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, a decrease per Boe of 1% compared to $7.7 million, or $12.17 per Boe for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
     Accretion Expense. Topic 410 of the Codification, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, includes, among other things, the reporting of the “fair value” of asset retirement obligations. Accretion expense is a function of changes in fair value from period-to-period. We recorded $0.5 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, unchanged from the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
     Share-Based Compensation. From time to time, our Board of Directors grants restricted stock awards under our 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Each of these grants vests in equal increments over the vesting period provided for the particular award. All currently unvested awards provide for vesting periods of from one to five years. The share-based compensation expense attributable to these grants is calculated using the closing price per share on each of the grant dates and will be recognized over their respective vesting periods. For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, we recognized a total of $0.8 million share-based compensation expense, compared to $0.5 million from the quarter ended September 30, 2009. The increase was primarily due to additional grants and increased stock price during the 2010 period.
     General and Administrative Expense. For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, our general and administrative expense was $2.9 million, compared to $4.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 31%. The decrease results primarily from lower employee-related costs and professional fees in the 2010 period.
     Other Expense. For the third quarter of 2010, we recorded a charge of $0.3 million to other expense relating to pipe inventory write-off.
     Interest Expense. We recorded interest expense of $5.8 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $5.6 million for the third quarter of the previous year. The increase in interest expense was due to higher average outstanding borrowings throughout the 2010 period. Our blended interest rate was 8.2% in the third quarter of 2010 compared to 8.9% in the 2009 period.
     Income Taxes. For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, we recorded income tax benefit of $1.6 million.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
     Oil and natural gas sales increased $15.1 million, or 22% to $83.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $68.4 million for the same period in 2009. This increase was driven by higher commodity prices in the 2010 period. Production volumes decreased 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the same period last year.
     Production from our developing fields of South Texas, Barnett Shale, and Appalachia in West Virginia decreased 60 MBoe for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, due to normal production declines which were not offset by current drilling due to the unavailability of fracturing and stimulation crews and equipment in South Texas, which continued to delay initiation of production from wells drilled in our South Texas developing field. Drilling activity in our developing fields included 11 gross (5.0 net) development wells and one gross (1.0 net) exploration well. Production from our mature oil fields of Electra/Burkburnett in North Texas and Allen/Fitts in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma decreased 165 MBoe in the first nine months of 2010, primarily due to weather-related interruptions in both the first and second quarters of 2010 and natural production declines. Drilling activity in our mature oil fields included 42 gross (40.8 net) development wells and two gross (2.0 net) exploration wells. Production from our mature gas fields decreased 57 MBoe for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, due to natural production declines. Drilling activity included one gross (0.2 net) exploration well in our mature gas fields during this period.

19


 

     The following tables summarize our oil and natural gas production volumes, average sales prices (without regard to derivative contract settlements) and period to period comparisons, including the effect on our oil and natural gas sales, for the periods indicated:
                                                 
                            Mature     Mature        
    Developing Fields     Oil Fields*     Natural Gas Fields        
    South Texas     Barnett Shale     Appalachia     Various     Various     Total  
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010
                                               
Aggregate Net Production
                                               
Oil (MBbls)
    33       4             637       83       757  
NGLs (MBbls)
    94       80             44       62       280  
Natural Gas (MMcf)
    1,495       463       40       177       1,539       3,714  
                       
MBoe
    376       161       6       711       402       1,656  
                       
 
                                               
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
                                               
Aggregate Net Production
                                               
Oil (MBbls)
    45       6       1       726       80       858  
NGLs (MBbls)
    87       94             62       60       303  
Natural Gas (MMcf)
    1,547       604       66       530       1,911       4,658  
                       
MBoe
    390       201       12       876       459       1,938  
                       
 
                                               
Change in MBoe
    (14 )     (40 )     (6 )     (165 )     (57 )     (282 )
Percentage Change in MBoe
    -3.6 %     -19.9 %     -50.0 %     -18.8 %     -12.4 %     -14.6 %
 
*   Includes Electra/Burkburnett, Allen/Fitts and Layton fields.
                         
    Nine months ended    
    September 30,    
    2010   2009   Increase
Average sale prices:
                       
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 75.16     $ 53.31       41.0 %
NGLs (per Bbl)
  $ 37.36     $ 23.54       58.7 %
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ 4.35     $ 3.34       30.2 %
Per Boe
  $ 50.44     $ 35.31       42.8 %
     The average realized sales prices increased substantially for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the same period in 2009. The average realized sales price for oil was $75.16 per barrel for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 41%, compared to $53.31 per barrel for the same period in 2009. The average realized sales price for NGLs was $37.36 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 59%, compared to $23.54 per barrel for the same period in 2009. The average realized sales price for natural gas was $4.35 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, an increase of 30%, compared to $3.34 per Mcf for the same period in 2009. The positive impact from the 43% increase in total average price per Boe in the nine months ended September 30, 2010, more than offset the decline in production, allowing oil and gas revenue in the first nine months of 2010 to grow to $83.5 million compared to $68.4 million in the prior year period.

20


 

     Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) from Derivatives. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, our gain from derivatives was $3.3 million compared to a loss of $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Our gains and losses during these periods were the net result of recording actual contract settlements, the premiums for our derivative contracts, and unrealized gains and losses attributable to mark-to-market values of our derivative contracts at the end of the periods. Contributing to the realized gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was the sale of natural gas contracts during the second quarter of 2009.
                 
    Nine months ended September 30,  
    2010     2009  
    (in thousands)  
Contract settlements and premium costs:
               
Oil
  $ (3,088 )   $ 6,103  
Natural gas
    270       12,929  
 
           
Realized gains (losses)
    (2,818 )     19,032  
Mark-to-market gains (losses):
               
Oil
    3,577       (19,316 )
Natural gas
    2,559       (6,769 )
 
           
Unrealized gains (losses)
    6,136       (26,085 )
 
           
Realized and unrealized gains (losses)
  $ 3,318     $ (7,053 )
 
           
     Oil and Natural Gas Production Taxes. Our oil and natural gas production taxes were $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $3.1 million for the comparable nine months of the previous year. The increase is due principally to higher commodity prices in the 2010 period. Production taxes vary by state. Most production taxes are based on realized prices at the wellhead, while Louisiana production tax is based on volumes for natural gas and value for oil. As revenues or volumes from oil and natural gas sales increase or decrease, production taxes on these sales also increase or decrease directly. As a percentage of oil and natural gas sales, oil and natural gas production taxes were 5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
     Oil and Natural Gas Production Expense. Our oil and natural gas production expense was $25.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, a decrease of $3.8 million, or 13%, from the $29.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, our oil and natural gas production expense was $15.19 per Boe compared to $14.95 per Boe for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, an increase of 2%. As a percentage of oil and natural gas sales, oil and natural gas production expense was 30% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to 42% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This decrease results from a combination of declines in production and the increase in oil and natural gas sales due to the higher commodity prices in the 2010 period.
     Amortization and Depreciation Expense. Our amortization and depreciation expense decreased $4.0 million, or 16%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009. On an equivalent basis, our amortization of the full-cost pool of $19.6 million was $11.83 per Boe for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, a decrease per Boe of 3% compared to $23.6 million, or $12.22 per Boe for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This rate decrease per Boe resulted primarily from lower capitalized costs subsequent to the asset impairment writedown in the first quarter of 2009.
     Accretion Expense. Topic 410 of the Codification, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations, includes, among other things, the reporting of the “fair value” of asset retirement obligations. Accretion expense is a function of changes in fair value from period-to-period. We recorded $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $1.4 million for the first nine months in 2009.
     Impairment Charge. We incurred a $47.6 million impairment of the carrying value of our oil and gas properties during the first nine months of 2009. The impairment of our oil and gas properties was solely due to a reduction in the tax affected estimated present value of future net revenues, caused by the dramatic decline in commodity prices, from our proved oil and gas reserves between December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2009. We incurred no impairment for the nine months ended September 30, 2010.

21


 

     Share-Based Compensation. From time to time, our Board of Directors grants restricted stock awards under our 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Each of these grants vests in equal increments over the vesting period provided for the particular award. All currently unvested awards provide for vesting periods of from one to five years. The share-based compensation on these grants was calculated using the closing price per share on each of the grant dates and the total share-based compensation on all these grants will be recognized over their respective vesting periods. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we recognized a total of $2.3 million share-based compensation compared to $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The increase was primarily due to additional grants and increased stock price during the 2010 period.
     General and Administrative Expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, our general and administrative expense was $10.7 million, compared to $12.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 13%. The decrease results from the lower employee-related costs and professional fees in the 2010 period.
     Other Income (Expense). For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, other income was $0.3 million as compared to other expense of $0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. For the 2010 period, we reduced a contingency litigation accrual by $0.6 million related to settlement of pending litigation offset by a charge relating to pipe inventory write-off. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded a charge to other expense of $0.5 million primarily for expense related to settlement of pending litigation.
     Interest Expense. We recorded interest expense of $17.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $12.8 million for the first nine months of the previous year. The increase in interest expense was due to higher average outstanding borrowings throughout the 2010 period. Additionally, interest rates were higher in the 2010 period as set forth in the Second Amendment to our credit facility executed June 26, 2009. Our blended interest rate was 8.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to 6.8% in the 2009 period.
     Income Taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we recorded income tax expense of $3.1 million on pre-tax income of $5.8 million. In addition, we recorded a $4.0 million tax benefit resulting from a decrease in our valuation allowance as a discrete item during the quarter ended June 30, 2010. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $8.1 million on a pre-tax net loss of $23.6 million, exclusive of the discrete item recorded during the first quarter of 2009 for the ceiling test impairment of $47.6 million and the related tax benefit of $17.3 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
     As of September 30, 2010, we had $31.4 million of nominal availability under our revolving credit facility; however, because of the amount of our Modified EBITDA for the preceding four fiscal quarters, the financial covenants in our credit facility would have limited us to $15.3 million of additional borrowings as of September 30, 2010. We will be unable to borrow the full amount of our borrowing base until our Modified EBITDA for the preceding four fiscal quarters equals or exceeds $60.0 million. At September 30, 2010, we had $247.1 million of indebtedness outstanding, including $113.3 million under our term loan facility (which includes $0.3 million of accrued payment-in-kind interest), $133.5 million under our revolving credit facility and $0.3 million in other indebtedness. As of September 30, 2010, we had an accumulated deficit of $210.6 million and a working capital deficit of $10.3 million.
     Credit Facility. In November 2007, in conjunction with the Ascent acquisition, we entered into a new $500.0 million credit facility with Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, for itself and on behalf of other institutional lenders. The new facility, which replaced our previous $300.0 million facility, includes a $250.0 million revolving credit facility, a $200.0 million term loan facility, and an additional $50.0 million available under the term loan as requested by us and approved by the lenders. The entire amount of the $200.0 million term loan was advanced at closing. The borrowing base under the revolving credit facility at the closing was $175.0 million, a portion of which was advanced at the closing of the Ascent acquisition. Borrowings under the new facility were used to refinance RAM Energy’s existing indebtedness, fund the cash requirements in connection with the closing of the Ascent acquisition, and for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Funds advanced under the revolving credit facility may be paid down and re-borrowed during the four-year term of the revolver, and initially bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.0% based on a percentage of usage. The term loan portion of our credit facility initially provided for payments of interest only during its five-year term, with the initial interest rate being LIBOR plus 7.5%. Effective September 30, 2010, the borrowing base was redetermined at $165.0 million based on the value of our proved reserves at June 30, 2010.

22


 

     Advances under our credit facility are secured by liens on substantially all of our properties and assets. The credit facility contains representations, warranties and covenants customary in transactions of this nature, including financial covenants relating to current ratio, minimum interest coverage ratio, maximum leverage ratio and a required ratio of asset value to total indebtedness.
     On June 26, 2009, we renegotiated certain terms of our credit facility to provide us greater flexibility in complying with certain of the financial covenants under the loan agreement. In exchange for the added flexibility afforded by these changes to the credit facility, we agreed to increase the base cash interest rate on both the revolving credit facility and the term loan credit facility by 1% per annum, establish a LIBOR floor of 1.5% and pay an additional 2.75% per annum of non-cash, payment-in-kind, or PIK, interest on the term portion of the facility. Accrued PIK interest is added to the principal balance of the term loan on a monthly basis and will be paid at maturity.
     Initial term facility borrowing was $200.0 million. In May of 2008, we used $86.6 million in realized net proceeds from the exercise of 17,617,331 warrants to pay down the term facility, and in 2009 we used $4.0 million in proceeds from asset sales to pay down the term facility. PIK interest of $1.6 million was added to the term facility in 2009, and PIK interest of $2.3 million was added to the term facility in the first nine months of 2010, bringing the balance to $113.3 million at September 30, 2010.
     Notwithstanding the recent amendments to our loan agreement, our ability to comply with the financial covenants in our credit facility may be affected by events beyond our control and, as a result, in future periods we may be unable to meet these ratios and financial condition tests. These financial ratio restrictions and financial condition tests could limit our ability to obtain future financings, make needed capital expenditures, withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general or otherwise conduct necessary corporate activities. A breach of any of these covenants or our inability to comply with the required financial ratios or financial condition tests could result in a default under our credit facility. A default, if not cured or waived, could result in acceleration of all indebtedness outstanding under our credit facility. The accelerated debt would become immediately due and payable. If that should occur, we may be unable to pay all such debt or to borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing were then available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us. At September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under our credit facility.
     We are required to maintain commodity hedges with respect to not less than 50%, but not more than 85%, of our projected monthly production volumes on a rolling 30-month basis, until the leverage ratio is less than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0. At September 30, 2010, our commodity hedging represented approximately 50% of our projected production volumes through March 31, 2013.
     Cash Flow From Operating Activities. Our cash flow from operating activities is comprised of three main items: net income (loss), adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided (used) before changes in working capital, and changes in working capital. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, our net income was $6.7 million, as compared to a net loss of $45.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Adjustments (primarily non-cash items such as asset impairment charge, depreciation and amortization, and deferred income taxes) were $22.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, compared to $79.1 million for the first nine months of 2009, a decrease of $56.6 million. Asset impairment charge and the change in unrealized (gains) losses offset by deferred income taxes caused most of this decrease. Working capital changes for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, were $0.1 million compared with negative changes of $14.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, in total, net cash provided by operating activities was $29.3 million and $19.0 million, respectively.
     Cash Flow From Investing Activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, net cash used in our investing activities was $27.7 million, consisting of $28.2 million in payments for oil and gas properties and other equipment offset by $0.5 million in proceeds from sales of property and equipment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, net cash used in our investing activities was $15.6 million.

23


 

     Cash Flow From Financing Activities. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, net cash used in our financing activities was $1.7 million, compared to $3.4 million of net cash used in our financing activities for the previous comparable period. During the first nine months of 2010, we received proceeds of $36.3 million from borrowings on long-term debt. We also reduced our long-term debt by $37.6 million. During the first nine months of 2009, we received proceeds of $23.0 million from borrowings on long-term debt, which was offset by $24.1 million to reduce our long term debt, and $2.3 million in payments for deferred loan costs.
Capital Commitments
     During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, we had capital expenditures of $27.5 million relating to our oil and natural gas operations, of which $26.6 million was allocated to drilling new exploration and development wells and recompletion operations in existing wells and $0.9 million was for acquisition costs.
     Our $36.0 million revised capital budget for 2010 non-acquisition capital expenditures includes the following:
    geological, geophysical and seismic costs ($6.0 million);
 
    developmental drilling and recompletions ($26.0 million); and
 
    exploratory drilling, including leasehold acquisitions ($4.0 million).
     In our 2010 non-acquisition capital budget for developmental drilling and recompletions, we have allocated $14.0 million for drilling on our South Texas properties, $9.0 million for continued development of our Electra/Burkburnett area, $2.0 million for reworking and production enhancement operations in our other mature fields, and $1.0 million to our Pontotoc properties in Oklahoma.
     The amount and timing of our capital expenditures for calendar year 2010 may vary depending on a number of factors, including prevailing market prices for oil and natural gas, the favorable or unfavorable results of operations actually conducted, projects proposed by third party operators on jointly owned acreage, development by third party operators on adjoining properties, rig and service company availability, and other influences that we cannot predict.
     Although we cannot provide any assurance, assuming successful implementation of our strategy, including the future development of our proved reserves and realization of our cash flows as anticipated, we believe that cash flows from operations and the availability under our revolving credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy our budgeted non-acquisition capital expenditures, working capital and debt service obligations for 2010. The actual amount and timing of our future capital requirements may differ materially from our estimates as a result of, among other things, changes in product pricing and regulatory, technological and competitive developments. Sources of additional financing available to us may include commercial bank borrowings, vendor financing, asset sales and the sale of equity or debt securities. We cannot provide any assurance that any such financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all.
     The credit markets are undergoing significant volatility. Many financial institutions have liquidity concerns, prompting government intervention to mitigate pressure on the credit markets. Our exposure to the current credit market crisis includes our revolving credit facility, counterparty risks related to our trade credit and risks related to our cash investments.
     Our revolving credit facility matures on November 29, 2011. Our term loan facility matures on November 29, 2012. Should the current tightness in the credit markets continue, future extensions of our credit facility may contain terms that are less favorable than those of our current credit facility.
     Current market conditions also elevate the concern over our cash deposits, which totaled approximately $0.03 million at September 30, 2010, but fluctuate throughout the year, and counterparty risks related to our trade credit. Our cash accounts and deposits with any financial institution that exceed the amount insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation are at risk in the event one of these financial institutions fails. We sell our crude oil, natural gas and NGLs to a variety of purchasers. Some of these parties are not as creditworthy as we are and may experience liquidity problems. Non-performance by a trade creditor could result in losses.
Subsequent Event
     On October 29, 2010, we executed a purchase and sale agreement to dispose of our North Texas Barnett Shale and Boonsville properties for $43.8 million in cash, subject to customary due diligence and other closing adjustments. The effective date of the divestiture is October  1, 2010 with the closing anticipated to occur in early December 2010. The assets to be sold represent 13% of our year-end 2009 estimated proved reserves. Additionally, the assets to be sold represent approximately 8% and 9% of our total oil and gas sales for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively.

24


 

ITEM 3 — QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
     Exposure to market risk is managed and monitored by our senior management. Senior management approves the overall investment strategy that we employ and has responsibility to ensure that the investment positions are consistent with that strategy and the level of risk acceptable to us. The carrying amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables and payables, installment notes and variable rate long-term debt approximate their fair values.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
     We are exposed to changes in interest rates. Changes in interest rates affect the interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents and the interest rate paid on our borrowings. We have not used interest rate derivative instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate changes.
     Our long-term debt as of September 30, 2010, is denominated in U.S. dollars. Our debt has been issued at variable rates, and as such, interest expense would be impacted by interest rate shifts. The impact of a 100-basis point increase in LIBOR interest rates above our current floor of 1.5% would result in an increase in interest expense of $2.5 million annually. A 100-basis point decrease would have no effect on interest expense until the market rate of LIBOR is above our current floor of 1.5%.
Commodity Price Risk
     Our revenue, profitability and future growth depend substantially on prevailing prices for oil and natural gas. Prices also affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to borrow and raise additional capital. Lower prices may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can economically produce. We currently sell most of our oil and natural gas production under market price contracts.
     During the quarter ended September 30, 2010, Shell Energy North America-US accounted for $16.2 million, or approximately 61%, of our revenue from the sales of oil and natural gas. No other purchaser accounted for 10% or more of our oil and natural gas revenue for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.
     To reduce exposure to fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices, to achieve more predictable cash flow, and as required by our lenders, we periodically utilize various derivative strategies to manage the price received for a portion of our future oil and natural gas production. We have not established derivatives in excess of our expected production.
     Our open derivative positions at September 30, 2010, consisting of put/call “collars” and put options, also called “bare floors” as they provide a floor price without a corresponding ceiling, are shown in the following table:
                                                                                 
    Crude Oil (Bbls)             Natural Gas (Mmbtu)        
    Floors     Ceilings             Floors     Ceilings        
    Per             Per                     Per             Per              
Year   Day(1)     Price     Day(1)     Price     Months Covered   Day(1)     Price     Day(1)     Price     Months Covered
Collars                                                                                
2010     1,500     $ 55.00       1,500     $ 80.10     October - December     3,315     $ 5.00       3,315     $ 9.15     November - December
2011         $           $               6,219     $ 5.00       6,219     $ 9.48     January - September
                                                 
    Bare Floors             Bare Floors        
    Per                     Per              
Year   Day(1)     Price     Months Covered   Day(1)     Price     Months Covered
2010     2,000     $ 60.00     October - December     6,685     $ 4.75     October - December
2011     2,758     $ 60.00     January - December     836     $ 4.50     November - December
2012         $               1,243     $ 4.50     January - March
 
(1)   Per day amounts are calculated based on a 365-day year for 2010 and 2011 and a 366-day year for 2012.

25


 

     Based on September 30, 2010, NYMEX forward curves of natural gas and crude oil futures prices, adjusted for volatility by 60 basis points, we would expect to receive future cash payments of $2.8 million under our natural gas and crude oil derivative arrangements as they mature. If future prices of natural gas and crude oil were to decline by 10%, we would expect to receive future cash payments under our natural gas and crude oil derivative arrangements of $4.5 million, and if future prices were to increase by 10%, we would receive future cash payments of $0.9 million.
ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
     Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the “Exchange Act”) as of September 30, 2010. On the basis of this review, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed, and are effective, to give reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
     We did not effect any change in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2010, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Forward-Looking Statements
     The description of our plans and expectations set forth herein, including expected capital expenditures and acquisitions, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These plans and expectations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual capital expenditures, acquisition activity or our performance to differ materially from the plans and expectations include, without limitation, our ability to satisfy the financial covenants of our outstanding debt instruments and to raise additional capital; our ability to manage our business successfully and to compete effectively in our business against competitors with greater financial, marketing and other resources; and adverse regulatory changes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof including, without limitation, changes in our business strategy or expected capital expenditures, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

26


 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     Reference is made to Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, for a discussion of pending legal proceedings to which we are a party.
     The litigation matter described in our Form 10-K styled, Rathborne Land Company, et al., v. Ascent Energy Inc., et al., was settled September 22, 2010 and the case dismissed with prejudice. See Note F to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, set out in Item I of this report.
ITEM 1A – RISK FACTORS
     Previously reported. Reference is made to Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, for a discussion of the risk factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.
ITEM 2 – UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
     None.
ITEM 3 – DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
     None.
ITEM 4 – [RESERVED]
ITEM 5 – OTHER INFORMATION
     None.

27


 

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS
         
Exhibit   Description   Method of Filing
3.1
  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.   (1) [3.1]
 
       
3.2
  Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.   (8) [3.2]
 
       
10.1
  Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and the Initial Stockholders.   (2) [10.9]
 
       
10.1.1
  Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement among this Registrant and the Founders dated May 8, 2006.   (1) [10.9.1]
 
       
10.2
  Employment Agreement between Registrant and Larry E. Lee dated May 8, 2006.*   (1) [10.15]
 
       
10.2.1
  First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Registrant and Larry E. Lee dated October 18, 2006.*   (5) [10.1]
 
       
10.2.2
  Second Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry E. Lee dated February 25, 2008.*   (10) [10.6.2]
 
       
10.2.3
  Third Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry E. Lee, dated December 30, 2008.*   (13) [10.6.3]
 
       
10.2.4
  Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry E. Lee dated March 24, 2009.*   (14) [10.6.4]
 
       
10.2.5
  Fifth Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry E. Lee dated March 17, 2010.*   (17) [10.6.5]
 
       
10.3
  Escrow Agreement by and among the Registrant, Larry E. Lee and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company dated May 8, 2006.   (1) [10.16]
 
       
10.4
  Registration Rights Agreement among Registrant and the investors signatory thereto dated May 8, 2006.*   (1) [10.7]
 
       
10.5
  Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and the Investors party thereto.   (3) [10.17]
 
       
10.6
  Agreement between RAM and Shell Trading-US dated February 1, 2006.   (1) [10.22]
 
       
10.7
  Agreement between RAM and Targa dated January 30, 1998.   (1) [10.23]
 
       
10.7.1
  Amendment to Agreement between RAM Energy and Targa dated effective as of April 1, 2006, filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K dated June 5, 2006, and incorporated by reference herein.   (6) [10.23.1]
 
       
10.8
  Long-Term Incentive Plan of the Registrant. Included as Annex C of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (No. 000-50682), dated April 12, 2006, and incorporated by reference herein.*   (4) [Annex C]
 
       
10.8.1
  First Amendment to RAM Energy Resources, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective May 8, 2008.*   (11) [Exhibit A]
 
       
10.8.2
  Second Amendment to RAM Energy Resources, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective May 3, 2010.   (18) [10.8.2]
 
       
10.9
  Deferred Bonus Compensation Plan of RAM Energy, Inc. dated as of April 21, 2004.*   (7) [10.14]
 
       
10.10
  Loan Agreement dated November 29, 2007, by and between RAM Energy Resources, Inc., as Borrower, and Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, as the Arranger and Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as the Documentation Agent and WestLB AG, New York Branch and CIT Capital USA Inc., as the Co-Syndication Agents, and the financial institutions named therein as the Lenders.   (9) [10.1]

28


 

         
Exhibit   Description   Method of Filing
10.10.1
  First Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 29, 2007, by and between RAM Energy Resources, Inc., as Borrower, and Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, as the Arranger and Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as the Documentation Agent and WestLB AG, New York Branch and CIT Capital USA Inc., as the Co-Syndication Agents, and the financial institutions named therein as the Lenders.   (15) [10.17.1]
 
       
10.10.2
  Second Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 29, 2007, by and between RAM Energy Resources, Inc., as Borrower, and Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, as the Arranger and Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as the Documentation Agent and WestLB AG, New York Branch and CIT Capital USA Inc., as the Co-Syndication Agents, and the financial institutions named therein as the Lenders.   (16) [10.17.2]
 
       
10.11
  Description of Compensation Arrangement with G. Les Austin.*   (12) [10.18]
 
       
10.11.1
  First Amendment to Employment Agreement of G. Les Austin, dated December 30, 2008.*   (13) [10.18.1]
 
       
10.12
  Change in Control Separation Benefit Plan of RAM Energy Resources, Inc. and Participating Subsidiaries.*   (15) [10.19]
 
       
31.1
  Rule 13(A) – 14(A) Certification of our Principal Executive Officer.   **
 
       
31.2
  Rule 13(A) – 14(A) Certification of our Principal Financial Officer.   **
 
       
32.1
  Section 1350 Certification of our Principal Executive Officer.   **
 
       
32.2
  Section 1350 Certification of our Principal Financial Officer.   **
 
*   Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
**   Filed herewith.
 
(1)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2006, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(2)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-113583) as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(3)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 26, 2005, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(4)   Included as an annex to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (No. 000-50682), dated April 12, 2006, as the annex letter indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(5)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K on October 20, 2006, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(6)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K on June 5, 2006, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(7)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-138922) as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(8)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2007, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(9)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K dated November 29, 2007, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(10)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K dated February 26, 2008, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.

29


 

(11)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (No. 000-50682) dated April 14, 2008, as the exhibit number indicated in the brackets and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(12)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(13)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed January 5, 2009, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(14)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 25, 2009, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(15)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2009, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(16)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed July 2, 2009, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(17)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 18, 2010, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(18)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.

30


 

SIGNATURES
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
         
  RAM ENERGY RESOURCES, INC.  
 
November 8, 2010  By:   /s/ Larry E. Lee    
    Name:   Larry E. Lee   
    Title:   Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer 
 
 
     
November 8, 2010  By:   /s/ G. Les Austin    
    Name:   G. Les Austin   
    Title:   Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer 
 
 

31


 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
         
Exhibit   Description   Method of Filing
3.1
  Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant.   (1) [3.1]
 
       
3.2
  Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.   (8) [3.2]
 
       
10.1
  Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and the Initial Stockholders.   (2) [10.9]
 
       
10.1.1
  Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement among this Registrant and the Founders dated May 8, 2006.   (1) [10.9.1]
 
       
10.2
  Employment Agreement between Registrant and Larry E. Lee dated May 8, 2006.*   (1) [10.15]
 
       
10.2.1
  First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Registrant and Larry E. Lee dated October 18, 2006. *   (5) [10.1]
 
       
10.2.2
  Second Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry E. Lee dated February 25, 2008.*   (10) [10.6.2]
 
       
10.2.3
  Third Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry E. Lee, dated December 30, 2008.*   (13) [10.6.3]
 
       
10.2.4
  Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry E. Lee dated March 24, 2009.*   (14) [10.6.4]
 
       
10.2.5
  Fifth Amendment to Employment Agreement of Larry E. Lee dated March 17, 2010.*   (17) [10.6.5]
 
       
10.3
  Escrow Agreement by and among the Registrant, Larry E. Lee and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company dated May 8, 2006.   (1) [10.16]
 
       
10.4
  Registration Rights Agreement among Registrant and the investors signatory thereto dated May 8, 2006.*   (1) [10.7]
 
       
10.5
  Form of Registration Rights Agreement among the Registrant and the Investors party thereto.   (3) [10.17]
 
       
10.6
  Agreement between RAM and Shell Trading-US dated February 1, 2006.   (1) [10.22]
 
       
10.7
  Agreement between RAM and Targa dated January 30, 1998.   (1) [10.23]
 
       
10.7.1
  Amendment to Agreement between RAM Energy and Targa dated effective as of April 1, 2006, filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K dated June 5, 2006, and incorporated by reference herein.   (6) [10.23.1]
 
       
10.8
  Long-Term Incentive Plan of the Registrant. Included as Annex C of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (No. 000-50682), dated April 12, 2006, and incorporated by reference herein.*   (4) [Annex C]
 
       
10.8.1
  First Amendment to RAM Energy Resources, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective May 8, 2008.*   (11) [Exhibit A]
 
       
10.8.2
  Second Amendment to RAM Energy Resources, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan effective May 3, 2010.   (18) [10.8.2]
 
       
10.9
  Deferred Bonus Compensation Plan of RAM Energy, Inc. dated as of April 21, 2004.*   (7) [10.14]
 
       
10.10
  Loan Agreement dated November 29, 2007, by and between RAM Energy Resources, Inc., as Borrower, and Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, as the Arranger and Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as the Documentation Agent and WestLB AG, New York Branch and CIT Capital USA Inc., as the Co-Syndication Agents, and the financial institutions named therein as the Lenders.   (9) [10.1]

32


 

         
Exhibit   Description   Method of Filing
10.10.1
  First Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 29, 2007, by and between RAM Energy Resources, Inc., as Borrower, and Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, as the Arranger and Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as the Documentation Agent and WestLB AG, New York Branch and CIT Capital USA Inc., as the Co-Syndication Agents, and the financial institutions named therein as the Lenders.   (15) [10.17.1]
 
       
10.10.2
  Second Amendment to Loan Agreement dated November 29, 2007, by and between RAM Energy Resources, Inc., as Borrower, and Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, as the Arranger and Administrative Agent, Wells Fargo Foothill, Inc., as the Documentation Agent and WestLB AG, New York Branch and CIT Capital USA Inc., as the Co-Syndication Agents, and the financial institutions named therein as the Lenders.   (16) [10.17.2]
 
       
10.11
  Description of Compensation Arrangement with G. Les Austin.*   (12) [10.18]
 
       
10.11.1
  First Amendment to Employment Agreement of G. Les Austin, dated December 30, 2008.*   (13) [10.18.1]
 
       
10.12
  Change in Control Separation Benefit Plan of RAM Energy Resources, Inc. and Participating Subsidiaries.*   (15) [10.19]
 
       
31.1
  Rule 13(A) — 14(A) Certification of our Principal Executive Officer.   **
 
       
31.2
  Rule 13(A) — 14(A) Certification of our Principal Financial Officer.   **
 
       
32.1
  Section 1350 Certification of our Principal Executive Officer.   **
 
       
32.2
  Section 1350 Certification of our Principal Financial Officer.   **
 
*   Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
 
**   Filed herewith.
 
(1)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 12, 2006, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(2)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-113583) as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(3)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 26, 2005, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(4)   Included as an annex to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (No. 000-50682), dated April 12, 2006, as the annex letter indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(5)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K on October 20, 2006, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(6)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K on June 5, 2006, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(7)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-138922) as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(8)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2007, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(9)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K dated November 29, 2007, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(10)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K dated February 26, 2008, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.

33


 

(11)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement (No. 000-50682) dated April 14, 2008, as the exhibit number indicated in the brackets and incorporated herein by reference.
 
(12)   Filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 9, 2008, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(13)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed January 5, 2009, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(14)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 25, 2009, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(15)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 12, 2009, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(16)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed July 2, 2009, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(17)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed March 18, 2010, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.
 
(18)   Filed as an exhibit to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed May 7, 2010, as the exhibit number indicated in brackets and incorporated by reference herein.

34