BATTALION OIL CORP - Annual Report: 2013 (Form 10-K)

Use these links to rapidly review the document
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Table of Contents

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

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

Commission File Number: 001-35467

Halcón Resources Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(832) 538-0300
(Registrant's telephone number)

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý    No o

        Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

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

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 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 definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

        As of February 24, 2014, there were 415,686,264 shares outstanding of registrant's $.0001 par value common stock. Based upon the closing price for the registrant's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2013, the aggregate market value of shares of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1.1 billion.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Information required by Part III, Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, is incorporated by reference to portions of the registrant's definitive proxy statement for its 2014 annual meeting of stockholders which will be filed no later than 120 days after December 31, 2013.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2

Table of Contents

Special note regarding forward-looking statements

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, concerning, among other things, planned capital expenditures, potential increases in oil and natural gas production, the number and location of wells to be drilled in the future, future cash flows and borrowings, pursuit of potential acquisition opportunities, our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "may," "expect," "estimate," "project," "plan," "objective," "believe," "predict," "intend," "achievable," "anticipate," "will," "continue," "potential," "should," "could" and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Readers should consider carefully the risks described under the "Risk Factors" section of this report and other sections of this report which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those anticipated in forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following factors:

•

our ability to successfully integrate acquired oil and natural gas businesses and operations;



•

the possibility that acquisitions and divestitures may involve unexpected costs or delays, and that acquisitions will not achieve intended benefits and will divert management's time and energy, which could have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows;



•

risks in connection with potential acquisitions and the integration of significant acquisitions;



•

we have substantial indebtedness and may incur more debt; higher levels of indebtedness make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business;



•

our ability to successfully develop our large inventory of undeveloped acreage in our resource plays;



•

access to and availability of water and other treatment materials to carry out planned fracture stimulations in our resource plays;



•

access to adequate gathering systems, processing facilities, transportation take-away capacity to move our production to market and marketing outlets to sell our production at market prices, which is necessary to fully execute our capital program;



•

our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, borrowings or other sources to enable us to fund our operations, satisfy our obligations and fully develop our undeveloped acreage positions;



•

volatility in commodity prices for oil and natural gas;



•

our ability to replace our oil and natural gas reserves;



•

the presence or recoverability of estimated oil and natural gas reserves and the actual future production rates and associated costs;



•

contractual limitations that affect our management's discretion in managing our business, including covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to incur debt, make investments and pay cash dividends;



•

the potential for production decline rates for our wells to be greater than we expect;



•

our ability to retain key members of senior management and key technical employees;



•

competition, including competition for acreage in resource play holdings;

3

Table of Contents

•

environmental risks;



•

drilling and operating risks;



•

exploration and development risks;



•

the possibility that the industry may be subject to future regulatory or legislative actions (including additional taxes and changes in environmental regulations);



•

general economic conditions, whether internationally, nationally or in the regional and local market areas in which we do business, may be less favorable than expected, including the possibility that economic conditions in the United States will worsen and that capital markets are disrupted, which could adversely affect demand for oil and natural gas and make it difficult to access capital;



•

social unrest, political instability or armed conflict in major oil and natural gas producing regions outside the United States, such as the Middle East, and armed conflict or acts of terrorism or sabotage;



•

other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, legislative, including federal, state and tribal regulations and laws, geopolitical and technological factors that may negatively impact our business, operations or oil and natural gas prices;



•

the insurance coverage maintained by us may not adequately cover all losses that may be sustained in connection with our business activities;



•

title to the properties in which we have an interest may be impaired by title defects;



•

senior management's ability to execute our plans to meet our goals;



•

the cost and availability of goods and services, such as drilling rigs, fracture stimulation services and tubulars; and



•

our dependency on the skill, ability and decisions of third party operators of the oil and natural gas properties in which we have a non-operated working interest.

        All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere in this document. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

4

Table of Contents

Glossary of Oil and Natural Gas Terms

        The definitions set forth below apply to the indicated terms as used in this report. All volumes of natural gas referred to herein are stated at the legal pressure base of the state or area where the reserves exist at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and in most instances are rounded to the nearest major multiple.

        Bbl.    One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used herein in reference to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

        Bcf.    One billion cubic feet of natural gas.

        Boe.    Barrels of oil equivalent in which six Mcf of natural gas equals one Bbl of oil. This ratio does not assume price equivalency and, given price differentials, the price for a barrel of oil equivalent for natural gas may differ significantly from the price for a barrel of oil.

        Boe/d.    Barrels of oil equivalent per day.

        Btu.    British thermal unit, which is the heat required to raise the temperature of a one-pound mass of water from 58.5 to 59.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

        Completion.    The installation of permanent equipment for the production of oil or natural gas or, in the case of a dry hole, the reporting of abandonment to the appropriate agency.

        Development well.    A well drilled within the proved areas of an oil or natural gas reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive.

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

        Extension well.    A well drilled to extend the limits of a known reservoir.

        Exploratory well.    A well drilled to find a new field or to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be productive of oil or natural gas in another reservoir.

        Field.    An area consisting of a single reservoir or multiple reservoirs all grouped on or related to the same individual geological structural feature and/or stratigraphic condition.

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

        Hydraulic fracturing.    The injection of water, sand and chemicals under pressure into rock formations to stimulate oil and natural gas production.

        MBbls.    One thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

        MBoe.    One thousand Boe.

        MMBoe.    One million Boe.

        Mcf.    One thousand cubic feet of natural gas.

        MMBbls.    One million barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.

        MMBtu.    One million Btu.

        MMcf.    One million cubic feet of natural gas.

5

Table of Contents

        Net acres or net wells.    The sum of the fractional working interests owned in gross acres or gross wells, as the case may be.

        Operator.    The individual or company responsible for the exploration, exploitation and production of an oil or natural gas well or lease.

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

        Proved developed producing reserves.    Proved developed reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals currently open in existing wells and capable of production.

        Proved developed reserves.    Proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from existing wellbores, whether or not currently producing, without drilling additional wells. Production of such reserves may require a recompletion.

        Proved reserves.    Those quantities of oil and natural gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for estimation.

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

        Proved undeveloped reserves.    Proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.

        Recompletion.    The completion for production of an existing wellbore in another formation from that in which the well has been previously completed.

        Reserve-to-production ratio or Reserve life.    A ratio determined by dividing our estimated existing reserves determined as of the stated measurement date by production from such reserves for the prior twelve month period.

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

        3-D seismic.    The method by which a three dimensional image of the earth's subsurface is created through the interpretation of reflection seismic data collected over a surface grid. 3-D seismic surveys allow for a more detailed understanding of the subsurface than do conventional surveys and contribute significantly to field appraisal, exploitation and production.

        Undeveloped acreage.    Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of oil and natural gas regardless of whether such acreage contains proved reserves.

        Working interest.    The operating interest that gives the owner the right to drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and a share of production.

        Workover.    Operations on a producing well to restore or increase production.

6

Table of Contents

PART I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

Overview

        Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this report to "Halcón," "our," "us," and "we" refer to Halcón Resources Corporation (formerly known as RAM Energy Resources, Inc.) and its subsidiaries, as a common entity.

        We are an independent energy company focused on the acquisition, production, exploration and development of onshore liquids-rich oil and natural gas assets in the United States. We were incorporated in Delaware on February 5, 2004 and were recapitalized on February 8, 2012, as described more fully herein. During 2012, we focused our efforts on the acquisition of unevaluated leasehold and producing properties in selected prospect areas, providing us with an extensive drilling inventory in multiple basins that we believe allow for multiple years of production growth and broad flexibility to direct our capital resources to projects with the greatest potential returns. During 2013, we focused on the development of acquired properties and also divested non-core assets in order to fund activities in our core resource plays.

        At December 31, 2013, our estimated total proved oil and natural gas reserves, as prepared by our independent reserve engineering firm, Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (Netherland, Sewell), were approximately 136 MMBoe, consisting of 114.5 MMBbls of oil, 9.8 MMBbls of natural gas liquids, and 69.7 Bcf of natural gas. Approximately 40% of our proved reserves were classified as proved developed. We maintain operational control of approximately 92% of our proved reserves.

        Our oil and natural gas assets consist of undeveloped acreage positions in unconventional liquids-rich basins/fields. We have acquired acreage and may acquire additional acreage in the Bakken / Three Forks formations in North Dakota, the Eagle Ford formation in East Texas, the Utica / Point Pleasant formations in Ohio and Pennsylvania and the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale formation in Mississippi and Louisiana, as well as several other areas.

        Our total operating revenues for 2013 were approximately $999.5 million. Production for the fourth quarter of 2013 averaged 40,217 Boe/d. Pro forma for the divestitures of certain non-core assets, production for the fourth quarter of 2013 averaged 37,489 Boe/d. Full year 2013 production averaged 33,329 Boe/d compared to 9,404 Boe/d in 2012, resulting in a 254% year over year increase in our average daily production. The increase in production compared to the prior year period was driven by our operated drilling results and increased production volumes associated with the development of properties we acquired in 2012 in the Bakken / Three Forks, Woodbine, and the Eagle Ford formation in East Texas (which we refer to as "El Halcón"). These areas collectively accounted for approximately 25,764 Boe/d, or 77% of our production in 2013. Our remaining production was associated with various non-core properties, many of which have since been divested. In 2013, we participated in the drilling of 284 gross (107.4 net) wells of which 281 gross (104.4 net) wells were completed and capable of production, and 3 gross (3.0 net) wells were dry holes.

Recent Developments

Divestitures of Non-core Assets

        During the second half of 2013, we entered into three separate purchase and sale agreements with unrelated parties to divest certain non-core assets located throughout the United States for total consideration of approximately $302.0 million, all three of which closed in the fourth quarter of 2013. In aggregate, as of December 31, 2012, estimated proved reserves associated with these non-core assets, were approximately 21.2 MMBoe (69% oil). Production from these non-core assets averaged approximately 4,400 Boe/d during the third quarter of 2013. Proceeds from the sales of the non-core

7

Table of Contents

assets were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. The borrowing base reduction associated with these non-core asset sales was $50.0 million. Following the closing of the last of these three divestitures, on December 20, 2013, the borrowing base under our Senior Credit Agreement was reduced by the $50.0 million to $700.0 million.

Issuance of Additional 9.75% Senior Notes

        On December 19, 2013, we issued an additional $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 9.75% senior notes due 2020. The net proceeds from the sale of the additional 2020 Notes of approximately $406.1 million were used to repay a portion of the then outstanding borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement. In total, we have issued $1.15 billion of 9.75% senior notes due 2020. See Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 6, "Long-Term Debt" for additional information on the additional 2020 Notes.

Issuance of 9.25% Senior Notes and Common Stock

        On August 13, 2013, we issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9.25% senior notes due 2022. The net proceeds from the offering of approximately $392.1 million were used to repay a portion of the then outstanding borrowings on our Senior Credit Agreement. See Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 6, "Long-Term Debt" for additional information on the 2022 Notes.

        On August 13, 2013, we also completed the issuance of 43.7 million shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering. The net proceeds from the offering of common stock of approximately $215.2 million were used to repay a portion of the then outstanding borrowings on our Senior Credit Agreement. See Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 11, "Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity" for additional information on the common stock offering.

Divestiture of Eagle Ford Assets

        On July 19, 2013, we completed the sale of our interest in Eagle Ford assets in Fayette and Gonzales Counties, Texas to private buyers for proceeds of approximately $147.9 million, before post-closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 3.6 MMBoe of estimated proved reserves associated with these properties. Production from the Eagle Ford assets averaged approximately 1,811 Boe/d during the second quarter of 2013.

Issuance of 5.75% Series A Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock

        On June 18, 2013, we issued in a public offering 345,000 shares of 5.75% Series A Convertible Perpetual Preferred Stock (the Series A Preferred Stock). The net proceeds of approximately $335.5 million were used to repay a portion of the then outstanding borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors, cumulative dividends at the rate of 5.75% per annum on the $1,000 liquidation preference per share of the Series A Preferred Stock, payable quarterly in arrears on each dividend payment date. Dividends may be paid in cash or, where freely transferable by any non-affiliate recipient thereof, in shares of common stock or a combination thereof, and are payable on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year. See Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 11, "Preferred Stock and Stockholders' Equity" for additional information on the Series A Preferred Stock.

8

Table of Contents

Issuance of Additional 8.875% Senior Notes

        On January 14, 2013, we issued an additional $600.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 8.875% senior notes due 2021. The net proceeds of approximately $619.5 million were used to repay a portion of the then outstanding borrowings on our Senior Credit Agreement and for general corporate purposes. In total, we have issued $1.35 billion of 8.875% senior notes due 2021. See Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 6, "Long-Term Debt" for additional information on the 2021 Notes.

Amendments to Senior Credit Agreement and Borrowing Base

        On October 31, 2013, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to our Senior Credit Agreement. The Sixth Amendment established our borrowing base at $850.0 million, which has since been reduced to $700.0 million upon the closing of the final non-core divestiture in December 2013. Additionally, the Sixth Amendment provides for EBITDA (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) to be annualized for purposes of measuring compliance with the interest coverage test under the Senior Credit Agreement. Specifically, (i) for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2013, the Interest Coverage Ratio will be calculated by utilizing EBITDA for the three month period then ended multiplied by 4; (ii) for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Interest Coverage Ratio will be calculated by utilizing EBITDA for the six month period then ended multiplied by 2; and (iii) for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2014, the Interest Coverage Ratio will be calculated by utilizing EBITDA for the nine month period then ended multiplied by 1.333.

        On June 11, 2013, we entered into the Fifth Amendment to the Senior Credit Agreement which permits us, among other things, to pay cash dividends to holders of our preferred capital stock. On May 8, 2013, we entered into the Fourth Amendment to the Senior Credit Agreement which modified the calculation of the interest coverage test, which was superseded by the Sixth Amendment. On April 26, 2013, we entered into the Third Amendment to our Senior Credit Agreement, which, among other things, provided additional flexibility under certain affirmative and negative covenants and on January 25, 2013, we entered into the Second Amendment to our Senior Credit Agreement which expanded our ability to enter into certain commodity hedging agreements.

2014 Capital Budget

        We expect to spend approximately $950 million on drilling and completion capital expenditures during 2014. Approximately 49% of our 2014 drilling and completions budget is expected to be spent in the Bakken / Three Forks formations in North Dakota, approximately 40% is budgeted for the El Halcón area in East Texas, and the remaining amount is planned for various other project areas, including the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale in Louisiana and Mississippi and the Utica / Point Pleasant formations in Ohio. Our 2014 drilling and completion budget contemplates four to five operated rigs running in the Bakken / Three Forks, three to four operated rigs running in the El Halcón area and one to two operated rigs running in the other areas. Our drilling and completion budget for 2014 is based on our current view of market conditions and current business plans, and is subject to change.

        We expect to fund our budgeted 2014 capital expenditures with cash flows from operations, proceeds from additional potential non-core asset divestitures and borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement. We strive to maintain financial flexibility and may access capital markets as necessary to maintain substantial borrowing capacity under our Senior Credit Agreement, facilitate drilling on our large undeveloped acreage position and permit us to selectively expand our acreage position. In the event our cash flows or proceeds from additional potential non-core asset dispositions are materially less than anticipated and other sources of capital we historically have utilized are not available on acceptable terms, we may curtail our capital spending.

9

Table of Contents

        Our financial results depend upon many factors, but are largely driven by the volume of our oil and natural gas production and the price that we receive for that production. Our production volumes will decline as reserves are depleted unless we expend capital in successful development and exploration activities or acquire properties with existing production. The amount we realize for our production depends predominately upon commodity prices and our related commodity price hedging activities, which are affected by changes in market demand and supply, as impacted by overall economic activity, weather, pipeline capacity constraints, inventory storage levels, basis differentials and other factors. Accordingly, finding and developing oil and natural gas reserves in an economical manner is critical to our long-term success.

Business Strategy

        Our primary objective is to increase stockholder value by growing reserves, production and cash flow. To accomplish this objective, we intend to execute the following business strategies:

•

Develop and Grow Our Liquids Rich Resource-Style Acreage Positions Using Our Proven Development Expertise.  We plan to leverage our management team's expertise and the latest available technologies to economically develop our property portfolio with a focus on our core liquids-rich resource style plays. We expect to be the operator for the majority of our acreage, which gives us control over the timing of capital expenditures, execution and costs. It also allows us to adjust our capital spending based on drilling results and the economic environment. Our leasing strategy is to pursue long-term contracts that allow us to maintain flexible development plans and avoid short-term obligations to drill wells, as have been common in other resource plays. As operator, we are also able to evaluate industry drilling results and implement improved operating practices which may enhance our initial production rates, ultimate recovery factors and rate of return on invested capital.



•

Manage Our Property Portfolio Actively.  We continually evaluate our property base to identify and divest non-core assets and, higher cost or lower volume producing properties with limited development potential, which allows us to focus on a portfolio of core properties with significant potential to increase our proved reserves and production. Divestitures of non-core assets provide us with cash to reinvest in our business and repay debt, reducing our reliance on capital markets for financing.



•

Maintain Strong Balance Sheet and Financial Flexibility.  We believe our cash, internally generated cash flows, borrowing capacity, non-core asset sales and access to capital markets will provide us with sufficient liquidity to execute our current capital program and strategy. We have no near term debt maturities. Our management team has a successful track record of issuing equity and debt, and selling non-core assets to maintain a strong balance sheet. Since February 2012, we have issued in the aggregate approximately $6.0 billion of equity and debt securities. We also employ a hedging program to reduce the variability of our cash flows used to support our capital spending.

Our Competitive Strengths

        We have a number of competitive strengths that we believe will allow us to successfully execute our business strategies:

•

Proven Management Team with Significant Ownership Stake.  Our management team and technical professionals, including geologists and engineers, have decades of combined experience in the industry. Our management team has successfully founded, grown, operated and sold companies in this industry sector. Floyd C. Wilson was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Petrohawk Energy Corporation, which was acquired by BHP Billiton in August 2011, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of 3TEC Energy Corporation, which was acquired by Plains Exploration &

10

Table of Contents

Production Company in 2003, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hugoton Energy Corporation, which was acquired by Chesapeake Energy Corporation in 1998.

•

Geographically and Geologically Diverse Asset Base.  Our proved reserves, production and acreage are located in concentrated positions within multiple onshore U.S. basins. These various basins provide exposure to a variety of reservoir formations, each of which has its own characteristics that impact the costs to drill, complete and operate as well as the composition (and therefore value) of the hydrocarbon stream. We believe that this geographic diversity provides us with broad flexibility to direct our capital resources to projects with the greatest potential returns and access to multiple key end markets, which mitigates our exposure to temporary price dislocations in any one market.



•

Extensive Experience in Resource Plays.  Our team has significant experience in all aspects of the development of resource plays. Under Mr. Wilson's leadership, Petrohawk, 3TEC and Hugoton improved drilling times and reserve recoveries through innovation, the use of new technologies and a focus on controlling costs. While at Petrohawk, in developing the early shale plays, the technical team also acquired expertise relevant in our evaluation of new resource play opportunities. In addition to their core strength in exploration and production, our personnel have experience in building midstream infrastructure and have managed oilfield service activities. For example, Petrohawk developed extensive midstream systems serving the Eagle Ford Shale and the Haynesville Shale in order to accommodate their rapid growth in production volumes.



•

Strong Technical Team.  We believe that there are certain competitive advantages to be gained by employing a highly skilled technical staff. Our technical staff (including field personnel) currently represents a majority of our employee base. This team has significant experience and expertise in applying the most sophisticated technologies used in conventional and unconventional resource style plays, including 3-D seismic interpretation, horizontal drilling, deep onshore drilling, comprehensive multi-stage hydraulic fracture stimulation programs, and other exploration, production, and processing technologies. We believe this technical expertise is partly responsible for our management team's strong track record of successful exploration and development, including new discoveries and defining core producing areas in emerging plays.

Oil and Natural Gas Reserves

        The reserves estimates shown herein for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 have been independently evaluated by Netherland, Sewell, a worldwide leader of petroleum property analysis for industry and financial organizations and government agencies. Netherland, Sewell was founded in 1961 and performs consulting petroleum engineering services under Texas Board of Professional Engineers Registration No. F-2699. Within Netherland, Sewell, the technical persons primarily responsible for preparing the estimates set forth in the Netherland, Sewell reserves report incorporated herein are Mr. J. Carter Henson, Jr. and Mr. Mike K. Norton. Mr. Henson has been practicing consulting petroleum engineering at Netherland, Sewell since 1989. Mr. Henson is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas (No. 73964) and has over 30 years of practical experience in petroleum engineering, with over 24 years' experience in the estimation and evaluation of reserves. He graduated from Rice University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Mr. Norton has been practicing consulting petroleum geology at Netherland, Sewell since 1989. Mr. Norton is a Licensed Professional Geoscientist in the State of Texas, Geology (No. 441) and has over 30 years of practical experience in petroleum geosciences, with over 24 years' experience in the estimation and evaluation of reserves. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology. Both technical principals meet or exceed the education, training, and experience requirements set forth in the Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers; both are proficient in judiciously applying industry standard practices to engineering and geoscience

11

Table of Contents

evaluations as well as applying Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other industry reserves definitions and guidelines. Our estimated proved reserves for the year ended December 31, 2011 were prepared by Forrest A. Garb & Associates, an independent oil and natural gas reservoir engineering consulting firm.

        Our board of directors has established a reserves committee composed of four independent directors, all of whom have experience in energy company reserve evaluations. Our independent engineering firm reports jointly to the reserves committee and to our Vice President of Corporate Reserves. The reserves committee is charged with ensuring the integrity of the process of selection and engagement of the independent engineering firm and in making a recommendation to our board of directors as to whether to accept the report prepared by our independent consulting petroleum engineers. In 2013, Ms. Tina Obut, our Vice President of Corporate Reserves was the technical person primarily responsible for overseeing the preparation of the annual reserve report by Netherland, Sewell. She graduated from Marietta College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering, received a Master of Science degree in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering from Penn State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Houston.

        The reserves information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K represents only estimates. There are a number of uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved reserves, including many factors beyond our control. Reserve evaluation is a subjective process of estimating underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an exact manner. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is a function of the quality of available data and of engineering and geological interpretation and judgment. As a result, estimates of different engineers may vary significantly. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production subsequent to the date of an estimate may lead to revising the original estimate. Accordingly, initial reserve estimates are often different from the quantities of oil and natural gas that are ultimately recovered. The meaningfulness of such estimates depends primarily on the accuracy of the assumptions upon which they were based. Except to the extent we acquire additional properties containing proved reserves or conduct successful exploration and development activities or both, our proved reserves will decline as reserves are produced. For additional information regarding estimates of proved reserves, the preparation of such estimates by Netherland, Sewell and other information about our oil and natural gas reserves, see Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—"Supplemental Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited)."

        Proved reserve estimates are based on the unweighted arithmetic average prices on the first day of each month for the 12-month period ended December 31, 2013. Average prices for the 12-month period were as follows: West Texas Intermediate (WTI) spot price of $96.94 per barrel (Bbl), adjusted by lease or field for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials and a Henry Hub spot price of $3.670 per MMBtu, as adjusted by lease or field for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials. All prices and costs associated with operating wells were held constant in accordance with the amended SEC guidelines. The following table presents certain proved reserve information as of December 31, 2013.

12

Table of Contents

        The following table sets forth the number of productive oil and natural gas wells in which we owned an interest as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. Shut-in wells currently not capable of production are excluded from producing well information.

Oil and Natural Gas Production

Core Resource Plays

        At December 31, 2013, we have estimated proved reserves in our core resource plays of approximately 113.2 MMBoe, of which 95% are oil and natural gas liquids and 38% are proved developed. In general, our core resource plays are characterized by high oil and liquids-rich natural gas content in thick, continuous sections of source rock that can provide repeatable drilling opportunities and significant initial production rates. Our core resource plays are as follows:

Bakken / Three Forks Formations

        We have working interests in approximately 149,000 net acres as of December 31, 2013 prospective for the Bakken / Three Forks formations in North Dakota. Multiple initiatives are underway to lower costs and improve recoveries in our operated project areas. We expect to spud 40 to 50 gross horizontal wells on our operated acreage in 2014 with an average working interest of approximately 68%. In 2014, we expect to operate four to five rigs in the Williston Basin. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 171 operated wells producing in this area in addition to minor working interests in hundreds of non-operated wells. Our average daily net production from this area for the three months ended December 31, 2013 was 24,125 Boe/d. As of December 31, 2013, estimated proved reserves for the Bakken / Three Forks formations were approximately 90.5 MMBoe, of which approximately 40% were classified as proved developed and approximately 60% as proved undeveloped.

East Texas Eagle Ford Formation (El Halcón)

        We have working interests in approximately 94,000 net acres as of December 31, 2013 prospective for the El Halcón areas in Brazos, Burleson, and Lee Counties, Texas, with targeted depths ranging from 7,000 feet to 10,000 feet. We finished 2013 with a four rig drilling program and approximately 40 producing wells. In 2014, we plan to operate three to four rigs and spud 40 to 50 gross horizontal wells with an average working interest of approximately 83%. Our average daily net production from this area for the three months ended December 31, 2013 was 7,138 Boe/d. As of December 31, 2013, estimated proved reserves for the El Halcón area were approximately 22.7 MMBoe, of which approximately 30% were classified as proved developed and approximately 70% as proved undeveloped.

Tuscaloosa Marine Shale (TMS)

        We have working interests in approximately 169,000 net acres as of December 31, 2013 prospective for the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale. In addition, we had another 136,000 net acres under contract as of December 31, 2013, bringing our total acreage closed and under contract to approximately 305,000, 77% of which is located in Southwest Mississippi and the Louisiana Florida Parishes. Expectations are to spud the next operated well in March 2014 in Wilkinson County, Mississippi. We

13

Table of Contents

also expect to participate in several non-operated wells in 2014. As of December 31, 2013, we had no proved reserves associated with the TMS. In addition, we are evaluating joint venture and other similar financing alternatives for our entire TMS position and we are currently engaged in ongoing discussions with several potential partners.

Non-core Areas

Utica / Point Pleasant Formations

        We are focused on what we believe to be the volatile oil and liquids-rich gas window in the Utica / Point Pleasant formations, and as of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 140,000 net acres leased or under contract in Trumbull and Mahoning Counties, Ohio, and Mercer, Venango and Crawford Counties, Pennsylvania. Substantially all of our acreage in these areas is either held by shallow production or provides for five years to drill a well plus a renewal option for an additional five years. We continue to evaluate our acreage through drilling and are currently focusing our efforts in the Trumbull and Mahoning counties of Ohio based on well results to date. We are in the process of drilling and completing two new wells with 100% slick water frac designs and plan to flow test these wells by the end of the first quarter of 2014 and the results from these two wells are expected to determine future drilling plans in the play. We expect to gain drilling efficiencies while lowering well costs through the use of pad drilling as a sufficient backlog of approved drilling permits are established. Due to infrastructure requirements, combined with the practice of shutting in wells for up to 45 days after completion in an effort to maximize recoveries, we estimate a spud-to-production time of 120 days per well. Currently, 6 wells are producing, 1 well is being tested, 1 well is resting and 3 wells are waiting on pipeline/market evaluations. Our average daily net production from this area for the three months ended December 31, 2013 was 328 Boe/d. As of December 31, 2013, estimated proved reserves for the Utica / Point Pleasant formations were approximately 0.1 MMBoe, of which 100% were classified as proved developed. We can provide no assurance that this exploratory area, or any wells we subsequently drill in these formations we have targeted for exploration and development, will be successful.

Woodbine Formation

        We have working interests in approximately 199,000 net acres as of December 31, 2013 prospective for the Woodbine formation, located in Leon, Madison, Grimes, Walker and Polk Counties, Texas. We currently operate 86% of this production and our working interests range from 4% to 100%. As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately 55 horizontal and 14 vertical operated wells producing in this area. For the three months ended December 31, 2013, our average daily net production was 3,861 Boe/d. Estimated proved reserves for the Woodbine formation totaled 16.3 MMBoe as of December 31, 2013, of which 39% were classified as proved developed and approximately 61% as proved undeveloped.

Other Non-core Areas

        We have various other oil and natural gas properties with varying working interests located across the United States, including, the Austin Chalk Trend in East Texas, the Mississippi Lime in Northern Oklahoma and the Midway/Navarro in Southeast Texas. Production from our other non-core areas, including any production from properties divested during the period, totaled approximately 437 MBoe, or 4,760 Boe/d, for the three months ended December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, estimated proved reserves for these other properties were approximately 6.3 MMBoe in aggregate, of which approximately 82% were classified as proved developed and approximately 18% as proved undeveloped. We will consider divesting certain of these assets over time and reinvesting the proceeds in our core resource plays.

14

Table of Contents

Liquids-Rich Exploratory Plays

        In addition to the disclosed areas, we may acquire acreage in other unconventional exploratory plays as opportunities arise. Our strategy for our exploratory projects is to use our in-house geologic and engineering expertise to identify underdeveloped areas that we believe are prospective for oil or liquids-rich production. We can provide no assurance that any of these exploratory areas, or any wells we subsequently drill in the formations we have targeted for exploration and development, will be successful. Due to competitive concerns, we intend to keep the details of such plays confidential until such time as it is appropriate to disclose specifics.

Risk Management

        We have designed a risk management policy for the use of derivative instruments to provide partial protection against certain risks relating to our ongoing business operations, such as commodity price declines and interest rate increases. Derivative contracts are utilized to economically hedge our exposure to price fluctuations and reduce the variability in our cash flows associated with anticipated sales on future oil and natural gas production. We hedge a substantial, but varying, portion of our anticipated oil and natural gas production for the next 18 to 36 months. Historically, we have also entered into interest rate swaps to mitigate exposure to market rate fluctuations by converting variable interest rates (such as those on our Senior Credit Agreement) to fixed interest rates. We do not enter into derivative contracts for speculative trading purposes.

        Our decision on the quantity and price at which we choose to hedge our production is based in part on our view of current and future market conditions. While there are many different types of derivatives available, we typically use costless collar agreements, swap agreements and put options to attempt to manage price risk more effectively. The costless collar agreements are put and call options used to establish floor and ceiling commodity prices for a fixed volume of production during a certain time period. All costless collar agreements provide for payments to counterparties if the index price exceeds the ceiling and payments from the counterparties if the index price is below the floor. The swap agreements call for payments to, or receipts from, counterparties depending on whether the market price of oil and natural gas for the period is greater or less than the fixed price established for that period when the swap agreement is put in place. Under put option agreements, we pay a fixed premium to lock in a specified floor price. If the index price falls below the floor price, the counterparty pays us the difference between the index price and the floor price (netted against the fixed premium payable to the counterparty). If the index price rises above floor price, we pay the fixed premium.

        It is our policy to enter into derivative contracts, including interest rate swaps, only with counterparties that are creditworthy financial institutions deemed by management as competent and competitive market makers. Each of the counterparties to our derivative contracts is a lender or an affiliate of a lender in our Senior Credit Agreement. We will continue to evaluate the benefit of employing derivatives in the future. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk and Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 8, "Derivative and Hedging Activities" for additional information.

Oil and Natural Gas Operations

        Our principal properties consist of leasehold interests in developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas properties and the reserves associated with these properties. Generally, oil and natural gas leases remain in force as long as production in paying quantities is maintained. Leases on undeveloped oil and natural gas properties are typically for a primary term of three to five years within which we are generally required to develop the property or the lease will expire. In some cases, the primary term of leases on our undeveloped properties can be extended by option payments; the amount of any payments and time extended vary by lease.

15

Table of Contents

        The table below sets forth the results of our drilling activities for the periods indicated:

        We own interests in developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas acreage in the locations set forth in the table below. These ownership interests generally take the form of working interests in oil and natural gas leases that have varying provisions. The following table presents a summary of our acreage interests as of December 31, 2013:

        The table below reflects the percentage of our total net undeveloped and mineral acreage as of December 31, 2013 that will expire each year if we do not establish production in paying quantities on

16

Table of Contents

the units in which such acreage is included or do not pay (to the extent we have the contractual right to pay) delay rentals or obtain other extensions to maintain the lease.

        For our proved undeveloped locations that are not scheduled to be drilled until after lease expiration, we continually review our near-term lease expirations, actively pursue lease extensions and renewals and modify our drilling schedules in order to preserve the leases.

        At December 31, 2013, we had estimated proved reserves of approximately 136 MMBoe comprised of 114.5 MMBbls of crude oil, 9.8 MMBbls of natural gas liquids, and 69.7 Bcf of natural gas. The following table sets forth, at December 31, 2013, these reserves:

        At December 31, 2013, our estimated proved undeveloped reserves were approximately 81.4 MMBoe, a 24 MMBoe net increase over the previous year's estimate of 57.4 MMBoe. The following table details the changes in proved undeveloped reserves for 2013 (in MBoe):

        The increase in proved undeveloped reserves was primarily attributable to extensions of approximately 53 MMBoe, which were largely in the Bakken / Three Forks and El Halcón areas, where active drilling resulted in the expansion of proven areas. Approximately 19% of the proved undeveloped reserve extensions are associated with well locations that are more than one offset away from existing producing wells. A minor portion of the increase in proved undeveloped reserves of approximately 1 MMBoe was associated with several minor property acquisitions in the Bakken / Three Forks and El Halcón areas.

        Partially offsetting the increase in proved undeveloped reserves were decreases due to transfers, divestitures, and technical revisions. Reserve transfers of approximately 13 MMBoe were associated

17

Table of Contents

with drilling of PUD locations in the Bakken / Three Forks, Woodbine and El Halcón areas. Divestitures of undeveloped reserves of approximately 8 MMBoe relate to several non-core property sales completed during the second half of 2013. Downward revisions of approximately 9 MMBoe were largely in the Halliday field of the Woodbine area, where 2013 development drilling results led to the removal of PUD locations in the lower quality perimeter of the field and a reduction in EUR for the remaining PUD locations.

        As of December 31, 2013, all of our proved undeveloped reserves are planned to be developed within five years from the date they were initially recorded. During 2013, approximately $749.0 million in capital expenditures went toward the development of proved undeveloped reserves, which includes drilling, completion and other facility costs associated with developing proved undeveloped wells.

        Reliable technologies were used to determine areas where PUD locations are more than one offset away from a producing well. These technologies include seismic data, wire line open hole log data, core data, log cross-sections, performance data, and statistical analysis. In such areas, these data demonstrated consistent, continuous reservoir characteristics in addition to significant quantities of economic estimated ultimate recoveries from individual producing wells. Our management team has been a leader in data gathering and evaluation in these areas and was instrumental in developing consortiums that allow various operators to exchange data. We relied only on production flow tests and historical production data, along with the reliable geologic data mentioned above to estimate proved reserves. No other alternative methods or technologies were used to estimate proved reserves.

        The estimates of quantities of proved reserves contained in this report were made in accordance with the definitions contained in SEC Release No. 33-8995, Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting. For additional information on our oil and natural gas reserves, see Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—"Supplementary Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited)."

        We account for our oil and natural gas producing activities using the full cost method of accounting in accordance with SEC regulations. Accordingly, all costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration, and development of proved and unproved oil and natural gas properties, including the costs of abandoned properties, dry holes, geophysical costs, direct internal costs and annual lease rentals are capitalized. All general and administrative corporate costs unrelated to drilling activities are expensed as incurred. Sales or other dispositions of oil and natural gas properties are accounted for as adjustments to capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recorded unless the ratio of cost to proved reserves would significantly change. Depletion of evaluated oil and natural gas properties is computed on the units of production method based on proved reserves. The net capitalized costs of evaluated oil and natural gas properties are subject to a quarterly full cost ceiling test. Our net book value of oil and natural gas properties at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2013 exceeded the ceiling amount. We recorded a full cost ceiling test impairment before income taxes of $1.1 billion ($727.2 million after taxes) for the year ended December 31, 2013. The combined impact of less favorable oil price differentials adversely affecting proved reserve values and the non-routine transfers of unevaluated Woodbine and Utica / Point Pleasant properties to the full cost pool primarily contributed to our ceiling impairment. See further discussion in Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 5, "Oil and Natural Gas Properties."

        Capitalized costs of our evaluated and unevaluated properties at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 are summarized as follows:

18

Table of Contents

        The following table summarizes our oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production volumes, average sales price per unit and average costs per unit. In addition, this table summarizes our production for each field that contains 15% or more of our total proved reserves:

19

Table of Contents

        The average crude oil and natural gas sales prices above do not reflect the impact of cash paid on, or cash received from, settled derivative contracts as these amounts are reflected as "Net gain (loss) on derivative contracts" in the consolidated statements of operations, consistent with our decision not to elect hedge accounting. Including this impact 2013, 2012 and 2011 average crude oil sales prices were $90.66, $93.25 and $91.84 per Bbl and average natural gas sales prices were $3.66, $3.62 and $4.95 per Mcf, respectively.

Competitive Conditions in the Business

        The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive and we compete with a substantial number of other companies that have greater financial and other resources. Many of these companies explore for, produce and market oil and natural gas, as well as carry on refining operations and market the resultant products on a worldwide basis. The primary areas in which we encounter substantial competition are in locating and acquiring desirable leasehold acreage for our drilling and development operations, locating and acquiring attractive producing oil and natural gas properties, obtaining sufficient availability of drilling and completion equipment and services, obtaining purchasers and transporters of the oil and natural gas we produce and hiring and retaining key employees. There is also competition between oil and natural gas producers and other industries producing energy and fuel. Furthermore, competitive conditions may be substantially affected by various forms of energy legislation and/or regulation considered from time to time by the government of the United States and the states in which our properties are located. It is not possible to predict the nature of any such legislation or regulation which may ultimately be adopted or its effects upon our future operations. Such laws and regulations may substantially increase the costs of exploring for, developing or producing oil and natural gas and may prevent or delay the commencement or continuation of a given operation.

Other Business Matters

Markets and Major Customers

        The purchasers of our oil and natural gas production consist primarily of independent marketers, major oil and natural gas companies and gas pipeline companies. Historically, we have not experienced any significant losses from uncollectible accounts. In 2013, four individual purchasers of our production, Shell Trading US Co. (STUSCO), Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals, L.P. (Sunoco), Arrow Field Services LLC and Suncor Energy Marketing Inc., each accounted for more than 10% of our total sales, collectively representing 63% of our total sales for the year.

        In 2012, two individual purchasers of our production, STUSCO and Sunoco, each accounted for approximately 20% and 19%, respectively, of our total sales. In 2011, STUSCO accounted for $70.4 million, or 68%, of our oil and natural gas revenue for the year.

Seasonality of Business

        Weather conditions affect the demand for, and prices of, natural gas and can also delay drilling activities, disrupting our overall business plans. Demand for natural gas is typically higher during the winter, resulting in higher natural gas prices for our natural gas production during our first and fourth fiscal quarters. Due to these seasonal fluctuations, our results of operations for individual quarterly periods may not be indicative of the results that we may realize on an annual basis.

Operational Risks

        Oil and natural gas exploration and development involves a high degree of risk, which even a combination of experience, knowledge and careful evaluation may not be able to overcome. There is no assurance that we will discover or acquire additional oil and natural gas in commercial quantities. Oil and natural gas operations also involve the risk that well fires, blowouts, equipment failure, human

20

Table of Contents

error and other events may cause accidental leakage or spills of toxic or hazardous materials, such as petroleum liquids or drilling fluids into the environment, or cause significant injury to persons or property. In such event, substantial liabilities to third parties or governmental entities may be incurred, the satisfaction of which could substantially reduce available cash and possibly result in loss of oil and natural gas properties. Such hazards may also cause damage to or destruction of wells, producing formations, production facilities and pipeline or other processing facilities.

        As is common in the oil and natural gas industry, we will not insure fully against all risks associated with our business either because such insurance is not available or because we believe the premium costs are prohibitive. A loss not fully covered by insurance could have a materially adverse effect on our operating results, financial position or cash flows. For further discussion on risks see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Regulations

        All of the jurisdictions in which we own or operate producing oil and natural gas properties have statutory provisions regulating the exploration for and production of oil and natural gas, including provisions related to permits for the drilling of wells, bonding requirements to drill or operate wells, the location of wells, the method of drilling and casing wells, the surface use and restoration of properties upon which wells are drilled, sourcing and disposal of water used in the drilling and completion process, and the plugging and abandonment of wells. Our operations are also subject to various conservation laws and regulations. These include the regulation of the size of drilling and spacing units or proration units, the number of wells which may be drilled in an area, and the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties, as well as regulations that generally prohibit the venting or flaring of natural gas, and impose certain requirements regarding the establishment of maximum allowable rates of production from fields and individual wells. The effect of these regulations is to limit the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce from our wells and to limit the number of wells or the locations at which we can drill, although we can apply for exceptions to such regulations or to have reductions in well spacing. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations can result in substantial penalties. The regulatory burden on the industry increases the cost of doing business and affects profitability. Moreover, each state generally imposes a production or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids within its jurisdiction.

        Our operations are also subject to various conservation laws and regulations. These laws and regulations govern the size of drilling and spacing units, the density of wells that may be drilled in oil and natural gas properties and the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties. In this regard, some states allow the forced pooling or integration of land and leases to facilitate exploration while other states rely primarily or exclusively on voluntary pooling of land and leases. In areas where pooling is primarily or exclusively voluntary, it may be difficult to form spacing units and therefore difficult to develop a project if the operator owns less than 100% of the leasehold. In addition, state conservation laws establish maximum rates of production from oil and natural gas wells, generally prohibit the venting or flaring of natural gas, and impose specified requirements regarding the ratability of production. On some occasions, tribal and local authorities have imposed moratoria or other restrictions on exploration and production activities pending investigations and studies addressing potential local impacts of these activities before permitting oil and natural gas exploration and production to proceed.

Environmental Regulations

        Our operations are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to health and safety or the protection of the environment. Numerous governmental agencies, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, commonly referred to as the EPA, issue regulations to implement and enforce these laws,

21

Table of Contents

which often require difficult and costly compliance measures. Among other things, environmental regulatory programs typically regulate the permitting, construction and operating of a facility. Many factors, including public perception, can materially impact the ability to secure an environmental construction or operation permit. Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may result in the assessment of substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties, as well as the issuance of injunctions limiting or prohibiting our activities. In addition, some laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment may, in certain circumstances, impose strict liability for environmental contamination, which could result in liability for environmental damages and cleanup costs without regard to negligence or fault on our part.

        New programs and changes in existing programs, however, may address various aspects of our business including natural occurring radioactive materials, oil and natural gas exploration and production, waste management, and underground injection of waste material. Environmental laws and regulations have been subject to frequent changes over the years, and the imposition of more stringent requirements could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. The following is a summary of the more significant existing environmental, health and safety laws and regulations to which our business operations are subject and for which compliance in the future may have a material adverse impact on our capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position.

Hazardous Substances and Wastes

        The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, referred to as CERCLA or the Superfund law, and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to fault, on certain classes of persons that are considered to be responsible for the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These persons include the current or former owner or operator of the disposal site or sites where the release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances that have been released at the site. Under CERCLA, these persons may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of investigating and cleaning up hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of some health studies. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances or other pollutants released into the environment.

        The federal Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, referred to as RCRA, generally does not regulate most wastes generated by the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Periodically, however, there are proposals to lift the existing exemption for oil and gas wastes and reclassify them as hazardous wastes. If such proposals were to be enacted, they could have a significant impact on our operating costs and on these of all the industry in general. In the ordinary course of our operations moreover, some wastes generated in connection with our exploration and production activities may be regulated as solid waste under RCRA, as hazardous waste under existing RCRA regulations or as hazardous substances under CERCLA. From time to time, releases of materials or wastes have occurred at locations we own or at which we have operations. These properties and the materials or wastes released thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws. Under these laws, we have been and may be required to remove or remediate these materials or wastes.

Water Discharges

        Our operations are also subject to the federal Clean Water Act and analogous state laws. Under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has adopted regulations concerning discharges of storm water runoff. This program requires covered facilities to obtain individual permits, or seek coverage under a general permit. Some of our properties may require permits for discharges of storm water runoff and, as part of our overall evaluation of our current operations, are upgrading storm water management practices at

22

Table of Contents

some facilities. We believe that we will be able to obtain, or be included under, these permits, where necessary, and make minor modifications to existing facilities and operations that would not have a material effect on us. The Clean Water Act and similar state acts regulate other discharges of wastewater, oil, and other pollutants to surface water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, and streams. Failure to obtain permits for such discharges could result in civil and criminal penalties, orders to cease such discharges, and costs to remediate and pay natural resources damages. These laws also require the preparation and implementation of Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plans in connection with on-site storage of significant quantities of oil.

        The federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the Underground Injection Control (UIC) regulations promulgated under the SDWA and related state programs regulate the drilling and operation of salt water disposal wells. EPA directly administers the UIC program in some states, and in others it is delegated to the state for administering. Permits must be obtained before drilling salt water disposal wells, and casing integrity monitoring must be conducted periodically to ensure the casing is not leaking salt water to groundwater. Contamination of groundwater by oil and natural gas drilling, production, and related operations may result in fines, penalties, and remediation costs, among other sanctions and liabilities under the SDWA and state laws. In addition, third party claims may be filed by landowners and other parties claiming damages for alternative water supplies, property damages, and bodily injury.

Hydraulic Fracturing.

        Our completion operations are subject to regulation, which may increase in the short- or long-term. The well completion technique known as hydraulic fracturing is used to stimulate production of natural gas and oil has come under increased scrutiny by the environmental community, and local, state and federal jurisdictions. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand and additives under pressure, usually down casing that is cemented in the wellbore, into prospective rock formations at depth to stimulate oil and natural gas production. We engage third parties to provide hydraulic fracturing or other well stimulation services to us in connection with substantially all of the wells for which we are the operator.

        Under the direction of Congress, the EPA has undertaken a study of the effect of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water and groundwater. The EPA has also announced its plan to propose pre-treatment standards under the Clean Water Act for wastewater discharges from shale hydraulic fracturing operations. Congress may consider legislation to amend the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act to require the disclosure of chemicals used by the oil and gas industry in the hydraulic fracturing process. Certain states, including Colorado, Utah and Wyoming, have issued similar disclosure rules. Several environmental groups have also petitioned the EPA to extend toxic release reporting requirements under the Emergency Planning Community Right-to-Know Act to the oil and gas extraction industry. Additional disclosure requirements could result in increased regulation, operational delays, and increased operating costs that could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing.

        In addition, the Department of the Interior has proposed expanded or new regulations concerning the use of hydraulic fracturing on lands under its jurisdiction, which includes lands on which we conduct or plan to conduct operations. A number of other jurisdictions have sought to impose restrictions or bans on hydraulic fracturing. On December 19, 2013, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned several portions of Pennsylvania's law regulating hydraulic fracturing, allowing local governments in Pennsylvania to regulate hydraulic fracturing through local land use regulations. Other local jurisdictions, including Dallas, Texas and several cities in Colorado have adopted regulations restricting hydraulic fracturing. The proliferation of regulations may limit our ability to operate.

23

Table of Contents

Air Emissions

        The federal Clean Air Act and comparable state laws regulate emissions of various air pollutants through air emissions permitting programs and the imposition of other requirements. In addition, the EPA has developed and continues to develop stringent regulations governing emissions of toxic air pollutants at specified sources, including oil and natural gas production. Federal and state regulatory agencies can impose administrative, civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with air permits or other requirements of the federal Clean Air Act and associated state laws and regulations. Our operations, or the operations of service companies engaged by us, may in certain circumstances and locations be subject to permits and restrictions under these statutes for emissions of air pollutants.

Climate Change

        Studies over recent years have indicated that emissions of certain gases may be contributing to warming of the Earth's atmosphere. In response to these studies, governments have begun adopting domestic and international climate change regulations that require reporting and reductions of the emission of greenhouse gases. Methane, a primary component of natural gas, and carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the burning of oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products, are considered greenhouse gases. Internationally, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Kyoto Protocol address greenhouse gas emissions, and several countries including those comprising the European Union have established greenhouse gas regulatory systems. In the United States, at the state level, many states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have begun implementing legal measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily through the planned development of emission inventories, emissions targets, greenhouse gas cap and trade programs or incentives for renewable energy generation, while others have considered adopting such greenhouse gas programs.

        The EPA has issued greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting regulations that went into effect January 1, 2010, and required reporting by regulated facilities by March 2011 and annually thereafter. In November 2010, the EPA issued a final rule requiring companies to report certain greenhouse gas emissions from oil and natural gas facilities. On July 19, 2011, the EPA amended the oil and natural gas facility greenhouse gas reporting rule to require reporting which went into effect September 2012. Beyond measuring and reporting, the EPA issued an "Endangerment Finding" under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act, concluding greenhouse gas pollution threatens the public health and welfare of current and future generations. The finding served as the first step to issuing regulations that require permits for and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for certain facilities. Recently, the EPA issued four new regulations for the oil and natural gas industry, including: a new source performance standard for volatile organic compounds (VOCs); a new source performance standard for sulfur dioxide; an air toxics standard for oil and natural gas production; and an air toxics standard for natural gas transmission and storage. The final rule includes the first federal air standards for natural gas wells that are hydraulically fractured, or refractured, as well as requirements for several sources, such as storage tanks and other equipment, and limits methane emissions from these sources. Compliance with these regulations will impose additional requirements and costs on our operations.

        In the courts, several decisions have been issued that may increase the risk of claims being filed by governments and private parties against companies that have significant greenhouse gas emissions. Such cases may seek to challenge air emissions permits that greenhouse gas emitters apply for and seek to force emitters to reduce their emissions or seek damages for alleged climate change impacts to the environment, people, and property.

        Any laws or regulations that may be adopted to restrict or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to incur additional operating costs, such as costs to purchase and operate emissions control systems or other compliance costs, and reduce demand for our products.

24

Table of Contents

The National Environmental Policy Act

        Oil and natural gas exploration and production activities may be subject to the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. NEPA requires federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior, to evaluate major agency actions that have the potential to significantly impact the environment. In the course of such evaluations, an agency will prepare an Environmental Assessment that assesses the potential direct, indirect and cumulative impacts of a proposed project and, if necessary, will prepare a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement that may be made available for public review and comment. All of our current exploration and production activities, as well as proposed exploration and development plans, on federal lands require governmental permits that are subject to the requirements of NEPA. This process has the potential to delay the development of oil and natural gas projects.

Threatened and endangered species, migratory birds, and natural resources

        Various state and federal statutes prohibit certain actions that adversely affect endangered or threatened species and their habitat, migratory birds, wetlands, and natural resources. These statutes include the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Clean Water Act and CERCLA. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service may designate critical habitat and suitable habitat areas that it believes are necessary for survival of threatened or endangered species. A critical habitat or suitable habitat designation could result in further material restrictions to federal land use and private land use and could delay or prohibit land access or development. Where takings of or harm to species or damages to wetlands, habitat, or natural resources occur or may occur, government entities or at times private parties may act to prevent oil and gas exploration activities or seek damages for harm to species, habitat, or natural resources resulting from drilling or construction or releases of oil, wastes, hazardous substances or other regulated materials, and may seek natural resources damages and in some cases, criminal penalties.

Hazard communications and community right to know

        We are subject to federal and state hazard communications and community right to know statutes and regulations. These regulations govern record keeping and reporting of the use and release of hazardous substances, including, but not limited to, the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.

Occupational Safety and Health Act

        We are subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, commonly referred to as OSHA, and comparable state statutes that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. In addition, the OSHA hazard communication standard requires that information be maintained about hazardous materials used or produced in operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local government authorities and the public.

Employees and Principal Office

        As of December 31, 2013, we had 420 full-time employees. We hire independent contractors on an as needed basis. We have no collective bargaining agreements with our employees. We believe that our employee relationships are satisfactory.

25

Table of Contents

        As of December 31, 2013, we leased corporate office space in Houston, Texas at 1000 Louisiana Street, where our principal offices are located. We also lease corporate offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Denver, Colorado as well as a number of other field office locations.

Access to Company Reports

        We file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We make our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed on behalf of directors and officers, and any amendments to such reports, available free of charge through our corporate website at www.halconresources.com as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, our insider trading policy, regulation FD policy, equity-based incentive grant policy, corporate governance guidelines, code of conduct, code of ethics, audit committee charter, compensation committee charter, nominating and corporate governance committee charter and reserves committee charter are available on our website under the heading "Investor Relations—Corporate Governance". Within the time period required by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), as applicable, we will post on our website any modifications to the code of conduct and the code of ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers and any waivers applicable to senior officers as defined in the applicable code, as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, our reports, proxy and information statements, and our other filings are also available to the public over the internet at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Unless specifically incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, information that you may find on our website is not part of this report.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

We may have difficulty financing our planned capital expenditures which could adversely affect our growth.

        We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, substantial capital expenditure and working capital needs, primarily as a result of our drilling program. We intend to continue to selectively increase our acreage position, which would require capital in addition to the capital necessary to drill on our existing acreage. In addition, it is likely that we will acquire acreage in other areas that we believe are prospective for oil and natural gas production and expend capital to develop such acreage. We expect to use borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement, proceeds from additional potential non-core asset dispositions and proceeds from potential future capital markets transactions, if necessary, to fund capital expenditures that are in excess of our cash flow and cash on hand.

        Our Senior Credit Agreement limits our borrowings to the lesser of the borrowing base and the total commitments. As of December 31, 2013, our Senior Credit Agreement was a $1.5 billion facility with a borrowing base of $700.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, we had no borrowings outstanding, $1.2 million letters of credit outstanding and $698.8 million of borrowing capacity, of which approximately $629 million was available to us under the indebtedness limitation in our indentures. Our borrowing base is determined semi-annually, and may also be redetermined periodically at the discretion of the banks. Lower oil and natural gas prices may result in a reduction in our borrowing base at the next redetermination. A reduction in our borrowing base could require us to repay any indebtedness in excess of the borrowing base. Additionally, the indentures governing our senior unsecured debt contain covenants limiting our ability to incur additional indebtedness, including borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement, unless we meet one of two alternative tests. The first test applies to all indebtedness and requires that, after giving effect to the incurrence of additional debt, our fixed charge coverage ratio (which is the ratio of our adjusted consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our indentures) to our adjusted consolidated interest expense over the trailing four fiscal quarters) will be at least 2.0 to 1.0. The second test applies only to borrowings under our credit

26

Table of Contents

agreements, including indentures and our Senior Credit Agreement that do not meet the first test and it limits these borrowings to the greater of a fixed sum of $750 million and 30% of our adjusted consolidated net tangible assets (or ACNTA, as defined in our indentures), which is determined primarily by the value of discounted future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas reserves. Currently, we are permitted to incur additional indebtedness under these incurrence tests, but may be limited in the future. Lower oil and natural gas prices in the future could reduce our adjusted consolidated EBITDA, as well as our adjusted consolidated net tangible assets, and thus could reduce our ability to incur additional indebtedness.

        As of December 31, 2013, the restrictive covenants under our indentures limited our incurrence of indebtedness, including all amounts then outstanding under our Senior Credit Agreement, to approximately $629 million. These limitations will continue unless we increase our fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the indentures) above the minimum specified level or grow our reserve and asset base. Accordingly, in the near term, we will be required to manage our capital expenditures within this limit, which may require us to defer or delay some of our planned expenditures. As a result of these covenants, in the near term we do not expect to be able to borrow the full amount of our borrowing base under our Senior Credit Agreement.

        On October 31, 2013, we entered into the Sixth Amendment to our Senior Credit Agreement. Among other things, the sixth amendment provides for EBITDA to be annualized for the next three fiscal quarters for purposes of measuring compliance with the interest coverage test. Specifically, for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2013, the interest coverage test was calculated by utilizing EBITDA for the three month period then ended multiplied by 4; for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014, it will be calculated by utilizing EBITDA for the six month period then ended multiplied by 2; and for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2014, it will be calculated by utilizing EBITDA for the nine month period then ended multiplied by 1.333. In the event we have difficulty in meeting these tests or the current ratio test in the future, we would be required to seek additional relief, and there is no assurance that it would be granted.

        Additionally, our ability to complete future equity offerings is limited by general market conditions. If we are not able to borrow sufficient amounts under our Senior Credit Agreement and/or are unable to raise sufficient capital to fund our capital expenditures, we may be required to curtail our drilling, development, land acquisition and other activities, which could result in a decrease in our production of oil and natural gas, forfeiture of leasehold interests if we are unable or unwilling to renew them, and could force us to sell some of our assets on an untimely or unfavorable basis, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our results and future operations.

Oil and natural gas prices are volatile, and low prices could have a material adverse impact on our business.

        Our revenues, profitability and future growth and the carrying value of our properties depend substantially on prevailing oil and natural gas prices. Prices also affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to borrow and raise additional capital. The amount we will be able to borrow under our Senior Credit Agreement will be subject to periodic redetermination based in part on current oil and natural gas prices and on changing expectations of future prices. Lower prices may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can economically produce and have an adverse effect on the value of our properties.

        Historically, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile, and they are likely to continue to be volatile in the future. Among the factors that can cause volatility are:

•

the domestic and foreign supply of oil and natural gas;



•

the ability of members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producing countries to agree upon and maintain oil prices and production levels;

27

Table of Contents

•

social unrest and political instability, particularly in major oil and natural gas producing regions outside the United States, such as the Middle East, and armed conflict or terrorist attacks, whether or not in oil or natural gas producing regions;



•

the level of consumer product demand;



•

the growth of consumer product demand in emerging markets, such as China;



•

labor unrest in oil and natural gas producing regions;



•

weather conditions, including hurricanes and other natural occurrences that affect the supply and/or demand of oil and natural gas;



•

the price and availability of alternative fuels;



•

the price of foreign imports;



•

worldwide economic conditions; and



•

the availability of liquid natural gas imports.

        These external factors and the volatile nature of the energy markets make it difficult to estimate future prices of oil and natural gas.

We are subject to various contractual limitations that affect the discretion of our management in operating our business.

        The indentures governing our senior unsecured debt and our Senior Credit Agreement and the certificate of designations governing our convertible preferred stock contain various provisions that may limit our management's discretion in certain respects. In particular, these agreements limit our and our subsidiaries' ability to, among other things:

•

pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase shares of our common stock and, under certain circumstances, our convertible preferred stock, and redeem or repurchase our subordinated debt;



•

make loans to others;



•

make investments;



•

incur additional indebtedness or issue preferred stock that is senior to our convertible preferred stock as to dividends or rights upon liquidation, winding-up or dissolution;



•

create certain liens;



•

sell assets;



•

enter into agreements that restrict dividends or other payments from our restricted subsidiaries to us;



•

consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and those of our restricted subsidiaries taken as a whole;



•

engage in transactions with affiliates;



•

enter into hedging contracts;



•

create unrestricted subsidiaries; and



•

enter into sale and leaseback transactions.

        Additionally, if dividends on our convertible preferred stock are in arrears and unpaid for six or more quarterly periods, the holders (voting as a single class) of our outstanding preferred stock will be entitled to elect two additional directors to our Board of Directors until paid in full.

        Compliance with these and other limitations may limit our ability to operate and finance our business and engage in certain transactions in the manner we might otherwise. In addition, if we fail to comply with the limitations under our indentures or Senior Credit Agreement, our creditors, if the

28

Table of Contents

agreements so provide, may accelerate the related indebtedness as well as any other indebtedness to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. In addition, lenders may be able to terminate any commitments they had made to make further funds available to us.

Offers or sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock by our shareholders may cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

        In satisfaction of pre-existing contractual obligations, we recently filed with the SEC a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 covering the potential resale by certain selling stockholders of approximately 158.0 million shares of our common stock, and have previously filed similar resale registration statements in lesser amounts for other shareholders. The ability of our shareholders to sell significant numbers of shares of our common stock in the public market pursuant to such registration statements or upon the expiration of lock up agreements or statutory holding periods under Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, together with any actual sales of our common stock they may choose to make, could cause the market price of our common stock to fall and could make it more difficult for us to raise additional financing through future sales of equity or equity-related securities at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate.

If we were to experience an ownership change, we could be limited in our ability to use net operating losses arising prior to the ownership change to offset future taxable income.

        If we were to experience an "ownership change," as determined under section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, our ability to offset taxable income arising after the ownership change with net operating losses (NOLs) arising prior to the ownership change would be limited, possibly substantially. An ownership change would establish an annual limitation on the amount of our pre-change NOLs we could utilize to offset our taxable income in any future taxable year to an amount generally equal to the value of our stock immediately prior to the ownership change multiplied by the long-term tax-exempt rate.

We depend on computer and telecommunications systems and failures in our systems or cyber security attacks could significantly disrupt our business operations.

        We have entered into agreements with third parties for hardware, software, telecommunications and other information technology services in connection with our business. In addition, we have developed proprietary software systems, management techniques and other information technologies incorporating software licensed from third parties. It is possible we could incur interruptions from cyber security attacks, computer viruses or malware. We believe that we have positive relations with our related vendors and maintain adequate anti-virus and malware software and controls; however, any interruptions to our arrangements with third parties to our computing and communications infrastructure or our information systems could significantly disrupt our business operations.

We will be subject to risks in connection with acquisitions, and the integration of significant acquisitions may be difficult.

        Our business plan contemplates significant acquisitions of reserves, properties, prospects and leaseholds and other strategic transactions that appear to fit within our overall business strategy, which may include the acquisition of asset packages of producing properties or existing companies or businesses operating in our industry. The successful acquisition of producing properties requires an assessment of several factors, including:

•

recoverable reserves;



•

future oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices and their appropriate differentials;



•

development and operating costs; and



•

potential environmental and other liabilities.

29

Table of Contents

        The accuracy of these assessments is inherently uncertain. In connection with these assessments, we perform a review of the subject properties that we believe to be generally consistent with industry practices. Our review will not reveal all existing or potential problems nor will it permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to fully assess their deficiencies and potential recoverable reserves. Inspections may not always be performed on every well, and environmental problems are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is undertaken. Even when problems are identified, the seller may be unwilling or unable to provide effective contractual protection against all or part of the problems. We are generally not able to obtain contractual indemnification for environmental liabilities and normally acquire properties on an "as is" basis.

        Significant acquisitions of existing companies or businesses and other strategic transactions may involve additional risks, including:

•

diversion of our management's attention to evaluating, negotiating and integrating significant acquisitions and strategic transactions;



•

the challenge and cost of integrating acquired operations, information management and other technology systems and business cultures with our own while carrying on our ongoing business;



•

difficulty associated with coordinating geographically separate organizations;



•

the challenge of integrating environmental compliance systems to meet requirements of rapidly changing regulations;



•

the challenge of attracting and retaining personnel associated with acquired operations; and



•

failure to realize the full benefit that we expect in estimated proved reserves, production volume, cost savings from operating synergies or other benefits anticipated from an acquisition, or to realize these benefits within our expected time frame.

        The process of integrating operations could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the activities of our business. Members of our senior management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to this integration process, which will decrease the time they will have to manage our business. If our senior management is not able to manage the integration process effectively, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the integration process, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

Assets we acquire may prove to be worth less than we paid because of uncertainties in evaluating recoverable reserves and potential liabilities.

        Our recent growth is due significantly to acquisitions of exploration and production companies, producing properties and undeveloped and unevaluated leaseholds. We expect acquisitions may also contribute to our future growth. Successful acquisitions require an assessment of a number of factors, including estimates of recoverable reserves, exploration potential, future oil and natural gas prices, operating and capital costs and potential environmental and other liabilities. Such assessments are inexact and their accuracy is inherently uncertain. In connection with our assessments, we perform a review of the acquired properties which we believe is generally consistent with industry practices. However, such a review will not reveal all existing or potential problems. In addition, our review may not permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to fully assess their deficiencies and capabilities. We do not inspect every well. Even when we inspect a well, we do not always discover structural, subsurface and environmental problems that may exist or arise. We are generally not entitled to contractual indemnification for preclosing liabilities, including environmental liabilities. Normally, we acquire interests in properties on an "as is" basis with limited remedies for breaches of representations and warranties. As a result of these factors, we may not be able to acquire oil and natural gas properties that contain economically recoverable reserves or be able to complete such acquisitions on acceptable terms.

30

Table of Contents

We have substantial indebtedness and may incur substantially more debt. Higher levels of indebtedness make us more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business.

        We have incurred substantial debt amounting to approximately $3.2 billion as of December 31, 2013. As a result of our indebtedness, we will need to use a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay interest, which will reduce the amount we will have available to finance our operations and other business activities and could limit our flexibility in planning for or reacting to changes in our business and the industry in which we operate. Our indebtedness under our Senior Credit Agreement is at a variable interest rate, and so a rise in interest rates will generate greater interest expense to the extent we do not have hedging arrangements that are effective in mitigating interest rate fluctuations. The amount of our debt may also cause us to be more vulnerable to economic downturns and adverse developments in our business.

        We may incur substantially more debt in the future. The indentures governing our outstanding senior notes contain restrictions on our incurrence of additional indebtedness. These restrictions, however, are subject to a number of qualifications and exceptions, and under certain circumstances, we could incur substantial additional indebtedness in compliance with these restrictions. Moreover, these restrictions do not prevent us from incurring obligations that do not constitute "indebtedness" as defined under the indentures. At December 31, 2013, our Senior Credit Agreement was a $1.5 billion facility with a borrowing base of $700.0 million. As of December 31, 2013, we had no borrowings outstanding, $1.2 million of letters of credit outstanding and $698.8 million of borrowing capacity, of which approximately $629 million was available to us under the indebtedness limitation in our indentures.

        Our ability to meet our debt obligations and other expenses will depend on our future performance, which will be affected by financial, business, economic, regulatory and other factors, many of which we are unable to control. If our cash flow is not sufficient to service our debt, we may be required to refinance debt, sell assets or sell additional shares of common stock on terms that we may not find attractive if it may be done at all. Further, our failure to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants relating to our indebtedness could result in a default under that indebtedness, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A downgrade in our credit rating could negatively impact our cost of and ability to access capital.

        At December 31, 2013, our corporate credit rating was "B" with a stable outlook by Standard and Poor's (S&P) and "B3" with a stable outlook by Moody's Investors Service (Moody's). Although we are not aware of any current plans of these or other rating agencies to lower their respective ratings on us or our senior debt, we cannot be assured that our credit ratings will not be downgraded. A downgrade in our credit ratings could negatively impact our cost of capital and our ability to effectively execute aspects of our strategy. If our credit rating were downgraded, it could be difficult for us to raise debt in the public debt markets and the cost of that new debt could be higher than debt we could raise with our current ratings. In addition, a downgrade could impact requirements for us to provide financial assurance of performance under contractual arrangements or derivative agreements.

We may not be able to drill wells on a substantial portion of our acreage.

        We may not be able to drill on a substantial portion of our acreage for various reasons. We may not generate or be able to raise sufficient capital to do so. Future deterioration in commodities pricing may also make drilling some acreage uneconomic. Our actual drilling activities and future drilling budget will depend on drilling results, oil and natural gas prices, the availability and cost of capital, drilling and production costs, availability of drilling services and equipment, lease expirations, gathering system and pipeline transportation constraints, regulatory approvals and other factors. In addition, any drilling activities we are able to conduct may not be successful or add additional proved reserves to our overall proved reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our future business, financial condition and results of operations.

31

Table of Contents

Part of our strategy involves drilling in shale formations, some of which are new and emerging, using horizontal drilling and completion techniques. The results of our drilling program using these techniques may be subject to more uncertainties than conventional drilling programs, especially in areas that are new and emerging. These uncertainties could result in an inability to meet our expectations for reserves and production.

        The results of our drilling in new or emerging formations, such as the Utica / Point Pleasant formations, Bakken / Three Forks formations, Tuscaloosa Marine Shale formation and the El Halcón area are more uncertain initially than drilling results in areas that are more developed and have a longer history of established production. Newer or emerging formations and areas have limited or no production history and consequently we are less able to predict drilling results in these areas. In addition, the use of horizontal drilling and completion techniques used in all of our shale formations involve certain risks and complexities that do not exist in conventional wells. The ultimate success of our drilling and completion strategies and techniques will be better evaluated over time as more wells are drilled and production profiles are better established.

        If our drilling results are less than anticipated our investment in these areas may not be as attractive as we anticipate and we could incur material write downs of unevaluated properties and the value of our undeveloped acreage could decline in the future.

Certain of our undeveloped leasehold acreage is subject to leases that will expire over the next several years unless production is established on units containing the acreage.

        As of December 31, 2013, we owned leasehold interests in approximately 149,000 net acres in areas we believe are prospective for the Bakken / Three Forks formations, approximately 94,000 net acres in areas we believe are prospective for the El Halcón area, approximately 169,000 net acres in areas we believe are prospective for the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale formation and 140,000 net acres in areas we believe are prospective for the Utica / Point Pleasant formations. A large portion of our acreage is not currently held by production. Unless production in paying quantities is established on units containing these leases during their terms, these leases will expire. If our leases expire, we will lose our right to develop the related properties.

        Our drilling plans for these areas are subject to change based upon various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including drilling results, oil and natural gas prices, the availability and cost of capital, drilling and production costs, availability of drilling services and equipment, gathering system and pipeline transportation constraints, and regulatory approvals. Further, some of our acreage is located in sections where we do not hold the majority of the acreage and therefore it is likely that we will not be named operator of these sections. As a non-operating leaseholder we have less control over the timing of drilling and are therefore subject to additional risk of expirations.

Our ability to sell our production and/or receive market prices for our production may be adversely affected by transportation capacity constraints and interruptions.

        If the amount of natural gas, condensate or oil being produced by us and others exceeds the capacity of the various transportation pipelines and gathering systems available in our operating areas, it will be necessary for new transportation pipelines and gathering systems to be built. Or, in the case of oil and condensate, it will be necessary for us to rely more heavily on trucks to transport our production, which is more expensive and less efficient than transportation via pipeline. Currently, we anticipate that additional pipeline capacity will be required in the Bakken / Three Forks formations and the El Halcón area to transport oil and condensate production, which increased substantially during 2012 and 2013 and is expected to continue to increase. The construction of new pipelines and gathering systems is capital intensive and construction may be postponed, interrupted or cancelled in response to changing economic conditions and the availability and cost of capital. In addition, capital constraints could limit our ability to build gathering systems to transport our production to transportation

32

Table of Contents

pipelines. In such event, costs to transport our production may increase materially or we might have to shut in our wells awaiting a pipeline connection or capacity and/or sell our production at much lower prices than market or than we currently project, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

        A portion of our production may also be interrupted, or shut in, from time to time for numerous other reasons, including as a result of weather conditions, accidents, loss of pipeline or gathering system access, field labor issues or strikes, or we might voluntarily curtail production in response to market conditions. If a substantial amount of our production is interrupted at the same time, it could adversely affect our cash flow.

Unless we replace our reserves, our reserves and production will decline, which would adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

        Producing oil and natural gas reservoirs generally are characterized by declining production rates that vary depending upon reservoir characteristics and other factors. Decline rates are typically greatest early in the productive life of a well. Estimates of the decline rate of an oil or natural gas well are inherently imprecise, and are less precise with respect to new or emerging oil and natural gas formations with limited production histories than for more developed formations with established production histories. Our production levels and the reserves that we currently expect to recover from our wells will change if production from our existing wells declines in a different manner than we have estimated and can change under other circumstances. Thus, our future oil and natural gas reserves and production and, therefore, our cash flow and results of operations are highly dependent upon our success in efficiently developing and exploiting our current properties and economically finding or acquiring additional recoverable reserves. We may not be able to develop, find or acquire additional reserves to replace our current and future production at acceptable costs. If we are unable to replace our current and future production, our cash flows and the value of our reserves may decrease, adversely affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves involve assumptions and any material inaccuracies in these assumptions will materially affect the quantities and the value of our reserves.

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains estimates of our proved oil and natural gas reserves. These estimates are based upon various assumptions, including assumptions required by the SEC relating to oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. The process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex. This process requires significant decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. Therefore, these estimates are inherently imprecise.

        Actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas reserves will vary from those estimated. Any significant variance could materially affect the estimated quantities and the value of our reserves. Our properties may also be susceptible to hydrocarbon drainage from production by other operators on adjacent properties. In addition, we may adjust estimates of proved reserves to reflect production history, results of exploration and development, prevailing oil and natural gas prices and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

        At December 31, 2013, approximately 60% of our estimated reserves were classified as proved undeveloped. Recovery of proved undeveloped reserves requires significant capital expenditures and successful drilling operations. The reserve data assumes that we will make significant capital expenditures to develop our reserves. The estimates of these oil and natural gas reserves and the costs associated with development of these reserves have been prepared in accordance with SEC regulations, however, actual capital expenditures will likely vary from estimated capital expenditures, development may not occur as scheduled and actual results may not be as estimated.

33

Table of Contents

We depend substantially on the continued presence of key personnel for critical management decisions and industry contacts.

        Our success depends upon the continued contributions of our executive officers and key employees, particularly with respect to providing the critical management decisions and contacts necessary to manage and maintain growth within a highly competitive industry. Competition for qualified personnel can be intense, particularly in the oil and natural gas industry, and there are a limited number of people with the requisite knowledge and experience. Under these conditions, we could be unable to attract and retain these personnel. The loss of the services of any of our executive officers or other key employees for any reason could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows.

Our business is highly competitive.

        The oil and natural gas industry is highly competitive in many respects, including identification of attractive oil and natural gas properties for acquisition, drilling and development, securing financing for such activities and obtaining the necessary equipment and personnel to conduct such operations and activities. In seeking suitable opportunities, we compete with a number of other companies, including large oil and natural gas companies and other independent operators with greater financial resources, larger numbers of personnel and facilities, and, in some cases, with more expertise. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively with these entities.

Our oil and natural gas activities are subject to various risks which are beyond our control.

        Our operations are subject to many risks and hazards incident to exploring and drilling for, producing, transporting, marketing and selling oil and natural gas. Although we may take precautionary measures, many of these risks and hazards are beyond our control and unavoidable under the circumstances. Many of these risks or hazards could materially and adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the ability of certain of our wells to produce oil and natural gas in commercial quantities, the rate of production and the economics of the development of, and our investment in the prospects in which we have or will acquire an interest. Any of these risks and hazards could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Such risks and hazards include:

•

human error, accidents, labor force and other factors beyond our control that may cause personal injuries or death to persons and destruction or damage to equipment and facilities;



•

blowouts, fires, hurricanes, pollution and equipment failures that may result in damage to or destruction of wells, producing formations, production facilities and equipment;



•

unavailability of materials and equipment;



•

engineering and construction delays;



•

unanticipated transportation costs and delays;



•

unfavorable weather conditions;



•

hazards resulting from unusual or unexpected geological or environmental conditions;



•

environmental regulations and requirements;



•

accidental leakage of toxic or hazardous materials, such as petroleum liquids or drilling fluids, into the environment;



•

hazards resulting from the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) or other contaminants in gas we produce;

34

Table of Contents

•

changes in laws and regulations, including laws and regulations applicable to oil and natural gas activities or markets for the oil and natural gas produced;



•

fluctuations in supply and demand for oil and natural gas causing variations of the prices we receive for our oil and natural gas production; and



•

the availability of alternative fuels and the price at which they become available.

        As a result of these risks, expenditures, quantities and rates of production, revenues and operating costs may be materially adversely affected and may differ materially from those anticipated by us.

Our exploration and development drilling efforts and the operation of our wells may not be profitable or achieve our targeted returns.

        We require significant amounts of undeveloped leasehold acreage to further our development efforts. Exploration, development, drilling and production activities are subject to many risks, including the risk that commercially productive reservoirs will not be discovered. We invest in property, including undeveloped leasehold acreage, which we believe will result in projects that will add value over time. However, we cannot guarantee that our leasehold acreage will be profitably developed, that new wells drilled by us will be productive or that we will recover all or any portion of our investment in such leasehold acreage or wells. Drilling for oil and natural gas may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells but also from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net reserves to return a profit after deducting operating and other costs. In addition, wells that are profitable may not achieve our targeted rate of return. Our ability to achieve our target results are dependent upon the current and future market prices for oil and natural gas, costs associated with producing oil and natural gas and our ability to add reserves at an acceptable cost.

        In addition, we may not be successful in controlling our drilling and production costs to improve our overall return. The cost of drilling, completing and operating a well is often uncertain and cost factors can adversely affect the economics of a project. We cannot predict the cost of drilling and completing a well, and we may be forced to limit, delay or cancel drilling operations as a result of a variety of factors, including:

•

unexpected drilling conditions;



•

pressure or irregularities in formations;



•

equipment failures or accidents and shortages or delays in the availability of drilling and completion equipment and services;



•

adverse weather conditions, including hurricanes; and



•

compliance with governmental requirements.

We are subject to complex federal, state, local and other laws and regulations that could adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.

        Companies that explore for and develop, produce, sell and transport oil and natural gas in the United States are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations, including complex tax and environmental, health and safety laws and the corresponding regulations, and are required to obtain various permits and approvals from federal, state and local agencies. If these permits are not issued or unfavorable restrictions or conditions are imposed on our drilling activities, we may not be able to conduct our operations as planned. We may be required to make large expenditures to comply with governmental regulations. Matters subject to regulation include:

•

water discharge and disposal permits for drilling operations;



•

drilling bonds;



•

drilling permits;

35

Table of Contents

•

reports concerning operations;



•

air quality, noise levels and related permits;



•

spacing of wells;



•

rights-of-way and easements;



•

unitization and pooling of properties;



•

pipeline construction;



•

gathering, transportation and marketing of oil and natural gas;



•

taxation; and



•

waste transport and disposal permits and requirements.

        Failure to comply with these laws may result in the suspension or termination of operations and subject us to liabilities under administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Compliance costs can be significant. Moreover, these laws or the enforcement thereof could change in ways that substantially increase the costs of doing business. Any such liabilities, penalties, suspensions, terminations or regulatory changes could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Under these laws and other environmental health and safety laws and regulations, we could be held liable for personal injuries, property damage (including site clean-up and restoration costs) and other damages including the assessment of natural resource damages. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may also result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Some laws and regulations may impose strict as well as joint and several liability for environmental contamination, which could subject us to liability for the conduct of others or for our own actions that were in compliance with all applicable laws at the time such actions were taken. Environmental and other governmental laws and regulations also increase the costs to plan, design, drill, install, operate and abandon oil and natural gas wells. Moreover, public interest in environmental protection has increased in recent years, and environmental organizations have opposed, with some success, certain drilling projects. Part of the regulatory environment in which we operate includes, in some cases, federal requirements for performing or preparing environmental assessments, environmental impact studies and/or plans of development before commencing exploration and production activities. In addition, our activities are subject to regulation by oil and natural gas-producing states relating to conservation practices and protection of correlative rights. These regulations affect our operations and limit the quantity of oil and natural gas we may produce and sell. Delays in obtaining regulatory approvals or necessary permits, the failure to obtain a permit or the receipt of a permit with excessive conditions or costs could have a material adverse effect on our ability to explore on, develop or produce our properties. Additionally, the oil and natural gas regulatory environment could change in ways that might substantially increase the financial and managerial costs to comply with the requirements of these laws and regulations and, consequently, adversely affect our profitability.

Federal, state and local legislation and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic fracturing could result in increased costs and additional operating restrictions or delays.

        From time to time, legislation has been proposed in Congress to amend the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to require federal permitting of hydraulic fracturing and the disclosure of chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing process. We engage third parties to provide hydraulic fracturing or other well stimulation services to us in connection with many of the wells for which we are the operator. Federal, state, tribal and local governments have been adopting or considering restrictions on or prohibitions of fracturing are adopted in areas where we currently conduct operations, or in the future plan to conduct operations, we could be subject to additional levels of regulation, operational delays or increased

36

Table of Contents

operating costs and could have additional regulatory burdens imposed upon us that could make it more difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing and increase our costs of compliance and doing business.

        At the Federal level, for example, the EPA is conducting a wide-ranging study on the effects of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. In December 2012, the EPA issued a progress report describing its ongoing study, and announcing its expectation that a final draft report will be released for public comment and peer review in 2014. Other governmental reviews have also been recently conducted or are under way that focus on environmental aspects of hydraulic fracturing, including for example, a federal Bureau of Land Management rulemaking for hydraulic fracturing practices on federal and Indian lands that has resulted in a May 2013 proposal that would require public disclosure of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing on federal and Indian lands, confirmation that the wells used in fracturing operations meet proper construction standards and development of plans for managing flowback water from such activities. These activities could result in additional regulatory scrutiny that could make it difficult to perform hydraulic fracturing and increase our costs of compliance and doing business.

        Certain states likewise have adopted, and other states are considering the adoption of, regulations, including Texas and Pennsylvania, where we conduct operations, that impose new or more stringent permitting, disclosure and well construction requirements on hydraulic fracturing operations. In addition to state laws, local land use restrictions, such as city ordinances, may restrict or prohibit drilling in general or hydraulic fracturing in particular. Such efforts have extended to bans on hydraulic fracturing. On December 19, 2013, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned several portions of Pennsylvania's law regulating hydraulic fracturing, allowing local governments in Pennsylvania to regulate hydraulic fracturing through local land use regulations. Other local jurisdictions, including Dallas, Texas and several cities in Colorado have adopted regulations restricting hydraulic fracturing. The proliferation of regulations may limit our ability to operate.

Regulation related to global warming and climate change could have an adverse effect on our operations and demand for oil and natural gas.

        Studies over recent years have indicated that emissions of certain gases may be contributing to warming of the Earth's atmosphere. In response to these studies, governments have begun adopting domestic and international climate change regulations that requires reporting and reductions of the emission of greenhouse gases. Methane, a primary component of natural gas, and carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the burning of oil, natural gas and refined petroleum products, are considered greenhouse gases. Internationally, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Kyoto Protocol address greenhouse gas emissions, and several countries, including those comprising the European Union, have established greenhouse gas regulatory systems. In the United States, at the state level, many states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have begun implementing legal measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily through the planned development of emission inventories, emission targets, greenhouse gas cap and trade programs or incentives for renewable energy generation, while others have considered adopting such greenhouse gas programs.

        The EPA has issued greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting regulations that went into effect January 1, 2010, and required reporting by regulated facilities by March 2011 and annually thereafter. In November 2010, the EPA issued a final rule requiring companies to report certain greenhouse gas emissions from oil and natural gas facilities. On July 19, 2011, the EPA amended the oil and natural gas facility greenhouse gas reporting rule to require reporting beginning in September 2012. Beyond measuring and reporting, the EPA issued an "Endangerment Finding" under section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act, concluding greenhouse gas pollution threatens the public health and welfare of current and future generations. The finding served as the first step to issuing regulations that require permits for and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for certain facilities. Recently, the EPA issued four new

37

Table of Contents

regulations for the oil and natural gas industry, including: a new source performance standard for volatile organic compounds (VOCs); a new source performance standard for sulfur dioxide; an air toxics standard for oil and natural gas production; and an air toxics standard for natural gas transmission and storage. The final rule includes the first federal air standards for natural gas wells that are hydraulically fractured, or refractured, as well as requirements for several sources, such as storage tanks and other equipment, and limits methane emissions from these sources. Compliance with these regulations will impose additional requirements and costs on our operations.

        In the courts, several decisions have been issued that may increase the risk of claims being filed by governments and private parties against companies that have significant greenhouse gas emissions. Such cases may seek to challenge air emissions permits that greenhouse gas emitters apply for and seek to force emitters to reduce their emissions or seek damages for alleged climate change impacts to the environment, people, and property.

        Any laws or regulations that may be adopted to restrict or reduce emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to incur additional operating costs, such as costs to purchase and operate emissions or other compliance costs, and reduce demand for our products.

Operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation of the Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota are subject to various federal and tribal regulations and laws, any of which may increase our costs and delay our operations.

        Various federal agencies within the U.S. Department of the Interior, particularly the Office of Natural Resources Revenue (formerly the Minerals Management Service) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, along with the Three Affiliated Tribes, promulgate and enforce regulations pertaining to operations on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation on which we hold approximately 30,000 net acres. In addition, the Three Affiliated Tribes is a sovereign nation having the right to enforce laws and regulations independent from federal, state and local statutes and regulations. These tribal laws and regulations include various taxes, fees and other conditions that apply to lessees, operators and contractors conducting operations on Native American tribal lands. Lessees and operators conducting operations on tribal lands are generally subject to the Native American tribal court system. One or more of these factors may increase our costs of doing business on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation and may have an adverse impact on our ability to effectively transport products within the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation or to conduct our operations on such lands.

The ongoing implementation of federal legislation enacted in 2010 could have an adverse impact on our ability to use derivative instruments to reduce the effects of commodity prices, interest rates and other risks associated with our business.

        Historically, we have entered into a number of commodity derivative contracts in order to hedge a portion of our oil and natural gas production and, periodically, interest expense. On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or CFTC), along with other federal agencies, to promulgate regulations implementing the new legislation. The CFTC, in coordination with the SEC and various US federal banking regulators, has issued regulations to implement the so-called "Volcker Rule" under which banking entities are generally prohibited from proprietary trading of derivatives. Although conditional exemptions from this general prohibition are available, the Volcker Rule may limit the trading activities of banking entities that have been counterparties to our derivatives trades in the past. Also, a provision of the Dodd-Frank Act known as the "swaps push-out rule" may require some of the banking counterparties to our commodity derivative contracts to "push out" some of their derivatives activities to a separate entity, which may not be as creditworthy as the current counterparty.

38

Table of Contents

        The CFTC also has finalized other regulations implementing the Dodd-Frank Act's provisions regarding trade reporting, margin and position limits; however, some regulations remain to be finalized and it is not possible at this time to predict when the CFTC will adopt final rules. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act and the CFTC regulations may require compliance with margin requirements and with certain clearing and trade-execution requirements in connection with certain of our derivative activities. Also, the CFTC has re-proposed regulations setting position limits for certain futures and option contracts in the major energy markets and for swaps that are their economic equivalents. Certain bona fide hedging transactions are expected to be made exempt from these limits. It is possible that the CFTC, in conjunction with the US federal banking regulators, may mandate that financial counterparties entering into swap transactions with end-users must do so with credit support agreements in place, which could result in negotiated credit thresholds above which we would be required to post collateral.

        The Dodd-Frank Act and any additional implementing regulations could significantly increase the cost of some commodity derivative contracts (including through requirements to post collateral, which could adversely affect our available liquidity), materially alter the terms of some commodity derivative contracts, limit our ability to trade some derivatives to hedge risks, reduce the availability of some derivatives to protect against risks we encounter, reduce our ability to monetize or restructure our existing commodity derivative contracts, and potentially increase our exposure to less creditworthy counterparties. If we reduce our use of derivatives as a consequence, our results of operations may become more volatile and our cash flows may be less predictable, which could adversely affect our ability to plan for and fund capital expenditures. Increased volatility may make us less attractive to certain types of investors. Finally, the Dodd-Frank Act was intended, in part, to reduce the volatility of oil and natural gas prices, which some legislators attributed to speculative trading in derivatives and commodity instruments related to oil and natural gas. If the implementing regulations result in lower commodity prices, our revenues could be adversely affected. Any of these consequences could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We cannot be certain that the insurance coverage maintained by us will be adequate to cover all losses that may be sustained in connection with all oil and natural gas activities.

        We maintain general and excess liability policies, which we consider to be reasonable and consistent with industry standards. These policies generally cover:

•

personal injury;



•

bodily injury;



•

third party property damage;



•

medical expenses;



•

legal defense costs;



•

pollution in some cases;



•

well blowouts in some cases; and



•

workers compensation.

        As is common in the oil and natural gas industry, we will not insure fully against all risks associated with our business either because such insurance is not available or because we believe the premium costs are prohibitive. A loss not fully covered by insurance could have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. There can be no assurance that the insurance coverage that we maintain will be sufficient to cover claims made against us in the future.

39

Table of Contents

Title to the properties in which we have an interest may be impaired by title defects.

        We generally obtain title opinions on significant properties that we drill or acquire. However, there is no assurance that we will not suffer a monetary loss from title defects or title failure. Additionally, undeveloped acreage has greater risk of title defects than developed acreage. Generally, under the terms of the operating agreements affecting our properties, any monetary loss is to be borne by all parties to any such agreement in proportion to their interests in such property. If there are any title defects or defects in assignment of leasehold rights in properties in which we hold an interest, we will suffer a financial loss.

The unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, pressure pumping equipment and crews, other equipment, supplies, water, personnel and oil field services could adversely affect our ability to execute our exploration and development plans on a timely basis and within our budget.

        Our industry is cyclical and, from time to time, there is a shortage of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, water or qualified personnel. During these periods, the costs and delivery times of rigs, equipment and supplies are substantially greater. In addition, the demand for, and wage rates of, qualified drilling rig crews rise as the number of active rigs in service increases. Increasing levels of exploration and production may increase the demand for oilfield services and equipment, and the costs of these services and equipment may increase, while the quality of these services and equipment may suffer. The unavailability or high cost of drilling rigs, pressure pumping equipment, supplies or qualified personnel can materially and adversely affect our operations and profitability. In order to secure drilling rigs and pressure pumping equipment, we have entered into certain contracts that extend over several months and or years. If demand for drilling rigs and pressure pumping equipment subside during the period covered by these contracts, the price we are required to pay may be significantly more than the market rate for similar services.

We depend on the skill, ability and decisions of third-party operators of the oil and natural gas properties in which we have a non-operated working interest.

        The success of the drilling, development and production of the oil and natural gas properties in which we have or expect to have a non-operating working interest is substantially dependent upon the decisions of such third-party operators and their diligence to comply with various laws, rules and regulations affecting such properties. The failure of any third-party operator to make decisions, perform their services, discharge their obligations, deal with regulatory agencies, and comply with laws, rules and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations in a proper manner with respect to properties in which we have an interest could result in material adverse consequences to our interest in such properties, including substantial penalties and compliance costs. Such adverse consequences could result in substantial liabilities to us or reduce the value of our properties, which could negatively affect our results of operations.

Hedging transactions may limit our potential gains and increase our potential losses.

        In order to manage our exposure to price risks in the marketing of our oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids production, we have entered into oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids price hedging arrangements with respect to a portion of our anticipated production and we may enter into additional hedging transactions in the future. While intended to reduce the effects of volatile oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices, such transactions may limit our potential gains and increase our potential losses if oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices were to rise substantially over the price established by the hedge. In addition, such transactions may expose us to the risk of loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which:

•

our production is less than expected;

40

Table of Contents

•

there is a widening of price differentials between delivery points for our production; or



•

the counterparties to our hedging agreements fail to perform under the contracts.

We may be required to take non-cash asset write downs.

        We may be required under full cost accounting rules to write down the carrying value of oil and natural gas properties if oil and natural gas prices decline or if there are substantial downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves, increases in our estimates of development costs or deterioration in our exploration results. We utilize the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas exploration and development activities. Under full cost accounting, we are required by SEC regulations to perform a ceiling test each quarter. The ceiling test is an impairment test and generally establishes a maximum, or "ceiling," of the book value of oil and natural gas properties that is equal to the expected after tax present value (discounted at 10%) of the future net cash flows from proved reserves, including the effect of cash flow hedges when hedge accounting is applied, calculated using the unweighted arithmetic average of the first day of each month for the 12-month period ending at the balance sheet date. If the net book value of oil and natural gas properties (reduced by any related net deferred income tax liability and asset retirement obligation) exceeds the ceiling limitation, SEC regulations require us to impair or "write down" the book value of our oil and natural gas properties.

        As of September 30, 2013, the net book value of our oil and natural gas properties exceeded our ceiling amount by $909.1 million, using the WTI unweighted 12-month average price $95.20 per Bbl and the Henry Hub unweighted 12-month average of $3.61 per MMBtu resulting in a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties before income taxes. As of December 31, 2013, the net book value of our oil and natural gas properties exceeded our ceiling amount by $238.7 million using the WTI unweighted 12-month average price $96.94 per Bbl and the Henry Hub unweighted 12-month average of $3.670 per MMBtu resulting in a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties before income taxes. As ceiling test computations depend upon the calculated unweighted arithmetic average prices, it is impossible to predict the likelihood, timing and magnitude of any future impairments. Depending on the magnitude, a ceiling test write down could negatively affect our results of operations.

        Costs associated with unevaluated properties, which were approximately $2.0 billion at December 31, 2013, are not initially subject to the ceiling test limitation. Rather, we assess all items classified as unevaluated property on a quarterly basis for possible impairment or reduction in value based upon our intentions with respect to drilling on such properties, the remaining lease term, geological and geophysical evaluations, drilling results, the assignment of proved reserves, and the economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. These factors are significantly influenced by our expectations regarding future commodity prices, development costs, and access to capital at acceptable cost. During any period in which these factors indicate impairment, the cumulative drilling costs incurred to date for such property and all or a portion of the associated leasehold costs are transferred to the full cost pool and are then subject to amortization and the ceiling test limitation. Accordingly, a significant change in these factors, many of which are beyond our control, may shift a significant amount of cost from unevaluated properties into the full cost pool that is subject to amortization and the ceiling test limitation.

ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        None.

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

        A description of our properties is included in Item 1. Business and is incorporated herein by reference.

41

Table of Contents

        We believe that we have satisfactory title to the properties owned and used in our business, subject to liens for taxes not yet payable, liens incident to minor encumbrances, liens for credit arrangements and easements and restrictions that do not materially detract from the value of these properties, our interests in these properties, or the use of these properties in our business. We believe that our properties are adequate and suitable for us to conduct business in the future.

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        A description of our legal proceedings is included in Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 10, "Commitments and Contingencies," and is incorporated herein by reference.

        From time to time, we are a party to litigation or other legal proceedings that we consider to be a part of the ordinary course of our business. We are not currently involved in any legal proceedings, nor are we a party to any pending or threatened claims, that could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

        Not Applicable.

42

Table of Contents

PART II