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UNIT CORP - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

Unassociated Document
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009
 
 
OR
 
 
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________
 
[Commission File Number 1-9260]
 
UNIT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
Delaware
73-1283193
 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
7130 South Lewis, Suite 1000, Tulsa, Oklahoma
74136
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
 
 
(918) 493-7700
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 
None
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
 
if changed since last report)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 
Yes [x]
No [  ]
 
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 [  ]
No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [x]
Accelerated filer [  ]
Non-accelerated filer [  ]
Smaller reporting company [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 
Yes [  ]
No [x]
 
As of October 30, 2009, 47,519,969 shares of the issuer's common stock were outstanding.
 
 

FORM 10-Q
UNIT CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
Page
     
Number
   
PART I. Financial Information
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
   
September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
3
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
   
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
5
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
6
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
   
Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 and 2008
7
       
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
       
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
23
       
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
 
   
Condition and Results of Operations
24
       
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
47
       
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
48
       
   
PART II. Other Information
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
48
       
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
48
       
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
49
       
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
49
       
 
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
49
       
 
Item 5.
Other Information
49
       
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
49
       
 
Signatures
 
50

 
1
 
 
Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains “forward-looking statements” – meaning, statements related to future, not past, events. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” or “will.” Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. For us, some of the particular uncertainties that could adversely or positively affect our future results include: our belief regarding our liquidity; our expectation and how we intend to fund our capital expenditures; changes in the demand for and the prices of oil and natural gas; the liquidity of our customers; the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and commodity and equity prices; strategic actions, including acquisitions and dispositions; future integration of acquired businesses; future financial performance of industries which we serve, including, without limitation, the energy industries; our belief that the final outcome of our legal proceedings will not materially affect our financial results; and numerous other matters of a national, regional and global scale, including those of a political, economic, business and competitive nature. These uncertainties may cause our actual future results to be materially different than those expressed in our forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements.
 
 
 
 
 
2
 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

   
September 30,
     
December 31,
 
   
2009
     
2008
 
   
(In thousands except share amounts)
 
ASSETS
                 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,146
     
$
584
 
Restricted cash
   
20
       
20
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,893 at September 30, 2009 and $4,893 at December 31, 2008
   
61,490
       
192,408
 
Materials and supplies
   
9,717
       
9,923
 
Current derivative assets (Note 8)
   
22,930
       
52,177
 
Current income tax receivable
   
       
11,768
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
16,555
       
19,705
 
Total current assets
   
111,858
       
286,585
 
                   
Property and equipment:
                 
Drilling equipment
   
1,192,194
       
1,172,655
 
Oil and natural gas properties, on the full cost
                 
method:
                 
Proved properties
   
2,247,239
       
2,090,623
 
Undeveloped leasehold not being amortized
   
141,373
       
160,034
 
Gas gathering and processing equipment
   
171,155
       
169,402
 
Transportation equipment
   
31,515
       
33,611
 
Other
   
22,803
       
22,484
 
     
3,806,279
       
3,648,809
 
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization
                 
and impairment
   
1,844,526
       
1,447,157
 
Net property and equipment
   
1,961,753
       
2,201,652
 
                   
Goodwill
   
62,808
       
62,808
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
6,472
       
9,384
 
Non-current derivative assets (Note 8)
   
2,173
       
5,218
 
Other assets
   
18,204
       
16,219
 
Total assets
 
$
2,163,268
     
$
2,581,866
 





The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
3
 

UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED

   
September 30,
     
December 31,
 
   
2009
     
2008
 
   
(In thousands except share amounts)
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
Current liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable
 
$
40,783
     
$
129,755
 
Accrued liabilities
   
32,769
       
51,659
 
Income taxes payable
   
3,245
       
 
Contract advances
   
1,079
       
2,889
 
Current portion of derivative liabilities (Note 8)
   
7,800
       
1,481
 
Current portion of other liabilities (Note 4)
   
9,758
       
10,615
 
Total current liabilities
   
95,434
       
196,399
 
                   
Long-term debt
   
30,000
       
199,500
 
Long-term derivative liabilities (Note 8)
   
2,220
       
1,780
 
Other long-term liabilities (Note 4)
   
78,890
       
74,027
 
Deferred income taxes
   
415,707
       
477,061
 
                   
Shareholders’ equity:
                 
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares
                 
    authorized, none issued
   
       
 
Common stock, $.20 par value, 175,000,000 shares
                 
authorized, 47,519,969 and 47,255,964 shares
                 
issued, respectively
   
9,365
       
9,325
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
381,812
       
367,000
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
10,363
 
     
33,284
 
Retained earnings
   
1,139,477
       
1,223,490
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
1,541,017
       
1,633,099
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
2,163,268
     
$
2,581,866
 













The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
4
 
 
UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
 
2009
 
2008
   
2009
 
2008
 
                           
 
(In thousands except per share amounts)
 
Revenues:
                         
Contract drilling
$
49,801
 
$
169,044
   
$
188,383
 
$
467,519
 
Oil and natural gas
 
88,894
   
152,343
     
267,399
   
446,644
 
Gas gathering and processing
 
26,228
   
54,079
     
71,604
   
153,102
 
Other income (expense), net
 
2,507
   
97
     
5,180
   
(193
)
Total revenues
 
167,430
   
375,563
     
532,566
   
1,067,072
 
                           
Expenses:
                         
Contract drilling:
                         
Operating costs
 
29,456
   
81,802
     
109,565
   
234,541
 
Depreciation
 
10,923
   
18,968
     
33,803
   
51,320
 
Oil and natural gas:
                         
Operating costs
 
20,781
   
32,095
     
62,846
   
90,353
 
Depreciation, depletion and
                         
amortization
 
25,645
   
40,053
     
89,800
   
114,756
 
Impairment of oil and natural
                         
gas properties (Note 2)
 
   
     
281,241
   
 
Gas gathering and processing:
                         
Operating costs
 
20,012
   
45,381
     
59,888
   
125,617
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
3,995
   
3,788
     
12,166
   
10,932
 
General and administrative
 
5,506
   
6,928
     
17,088
   
20,179
 
Interest, net
 
1
   
69
     
539
   
1,162
 
Total operating expenses
 
116,319
   
229,084
     
666,936
   
648,860
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
51,111
   
146,479
     
(134,370
)
 
418,212
 
                           
Income tax expense (benefit):
                         
Current
 
8,571
   
16,026
     
9,818
   
41,161
 
Deferred
 
11,091
   
38,172
     
(60,175
)
 
113,578
 
Total income taxes
 
19,662
   
54,198
     
(50,357
)
 
154,739
 
                           
Net income (loss)
$
31,449
 
$
92,281
   
$
(84,013
)
$
263,473
 
                           
Net income (loss) per common share:
                         
Basic
$
0.67
 
$
1.98
   
$
(1.79
)
$
5.66
 
                           
Diluted
$
0.66
 
$
1.96
   
$
(1.79
)
$
5.61
 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5
 

UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
     
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(84,013
)
   
$
263,473
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                 
provided by operating activities:
                 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
136,569
       
177,436
 
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties (Note 2)
   
281,241
       
 
Unrealized loss on derivatives
   
2,935
       
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
   
(60,175
)
     
113,578
 
Other
   
5,703
       
13,325
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
                 
increasing (decreasing) cash:
                 
Accounts receivable
   
130,339
       
(32,814
)
Accounts payable
   
(2,137
)
     
(30,603
)
Material and supplies inventory
   
206
       
6,303
 
Accrued liabilities
   
(13,226
)
     
16,100
 
Contract advances
   
(1,810
)
     
(1,509
)
Other – net
   
26,938
       
(222
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
422,570
       
525,067
 
                   
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Capital expenditures
   
(246,300
)
     
(553,660
)
Cash paid for acquisitions
   
       
(25,727
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
   
41,663
       
3,783
 
Other - net
   
       
(2,714
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(204,637
)
     
(578,318
)
                   
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Borrowings under line of credit
   
95,600
       
279,600
 
Payments under line of credit
   
(265,100
)
     
(252,200
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
100
       
2,507
 
Tax benefit from stock options
   
       
771
 
Book overdrafts
   
(47,971
)
     
22,504
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
(217,371
)
     
53,182
 
                   
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
562
       
(69
)
                   
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
584
       
1,076
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
1,146
     
$
1,007
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
6

 
UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
 
2008
   
2009
 
2008
 
                             
   
(In thousands)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
31,449
 
$
92,281
   
$
(84,013
)
$
263,473
 
Other comprehensive income
                           
(loss), net of taxes:
                           
    Change in value of derivative
                           
instruments used as cash
                           
flow hedges, net of tax of
                           
$(2,562), $34,277, $18,806
                           
and ($3,929)
   
(4,178
)
 
58,361
     
29,774
   
(6,721
)
Reclassification - derivative
                           
settlements, net of tax of
                           
($10,441), $2,716, ($32,142)
                           
and $7,901
   
(17,033
)
 
4,626
     
(52,928
)
 
13,453
 
Ineffective portion of derivatives,
                           
net of tax of $96, zero, $139
                           
and zero
   
157
   
     
233
   
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
10,395
 
$
155,268
   
$
(106,934
)
$
270,205
 






















The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
7
 

UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in this quarterly report include the accounts of Unit Corporation and all its subsidiaries and affiliates and have been prepared under the rules and regulations of the SEC.  The terms "company," "Unit," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Unit Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries and affiliates, except as otherwise clearly indicated or as the context otherwise requires.

The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and do not include all the notes in our annual financial statements and, therefore, should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K, filed February 24, 2009, for the year ended December 31, 2008.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal, recurring adjustments necessary to fairly state the following:

·
Balance Sheets at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008;

·
Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008; and

·
Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

All intercompany transactions have been eliminated. In addition, management has evaluated and disclosed all material subsequent events through November 3, 2009, which is the date the financial statements in this quarterly report are filed on Form 10-Q.

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be realized for the full year in the case of 2009, or that we realized for the full year of 2008. With respect to our unaudited financial information for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, included in this quarterly report, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP reported that it applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of that information.  Its separate report, dated November 3, 2009, which is included in this quarterly report, states that it did not audit and it does not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information.  Accordingly, the reliance placed on its report should be restricted in light of the limited review procedures applied.  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 for its report on the unaudited financial information because that report is not a "report" or a "part" of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

 
8
 
NOTE 2 –OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES

Under the full cost ceiling test rules, at the end of each quarter, we review the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties. The full cost ceiling is based principally on the estimated future discounted net cash flows from our oil and natural gas properties discounted at 10%. Companies using the full cost method are required to use the unescalated prices in effect as of the end of each fiscal quarter to calculate the discounted future revenues. In the event the unamortized cost of oil and natural gas properties being amortized exceeds the full cost ceiling, as defined by the SEC, the excess is charged to expense in the period during which the excess occurs, even if prices are depressed for only a short period of time. Once incurred, a write-down of oil and natural gas properties is not reversible.

We recorded a non-cash ceiling test write down of $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million, net of tax) during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as a result of a decline in commodity prices as compared to those existing at year end 2008. At September 30, 2009 commodity prices, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, were at levels that did not require us to take a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties. However should the twelve month average prices decline, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, an additional write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties could be required in future periods.

Derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges were included in the computation of limitation on capitalized costs in the March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009 ceiling test calculations and the effect was a $197.9 million and a $102.4 million, respectively, pre-tax increase in the discounted net cash flows of our oil and natural gas properties.  At September 30, 2009, without the benefit of the discounted value of our commodity hedges, we would have been required to recognize an impairment to our full cost pool of approximately $48.5 million pre-tax ($30.2 million, net of tax). Our qualifying cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2009 which consisted of swaps and collars, covered 30.3 Bcfe and 33.2 Bcfe in 2009 and 2010, respectively, and as of September 30, 2009 covered 11.8 Bcfe and 36.5 Bcfe in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Our oil and natural gas hedging activities are discussed further in Note 8 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Information related to the calculation of earnings (loss) per share follows:

       
Weighted
     
   
Income
 
Shares
 
Per-Share
 
   
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
 
   
(In thousands except per share amounts)
 
For the three months ended
                   
September 30, 2009:
                   
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
31,449
   
47,011
 
$
0.67
 
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted
                   
stock and stock appreciation rights
   
   
408
   
(0.01
)
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
31,449
   
47,419
 
$
0.66
 
                     
For the three months ended
                   
September 30, 2008:
                   
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
92,281
   
46,634
 
$
1.98
 
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted
                   
    stock and stock appreciation rights
   
   
409
   
(0.02
)
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
92,281
   
47,043
 
$
1.96
 

 
9
 
The number of stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARs) (and their average exercise price) not included in the above computation because their option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock was:

   
Three Months Ended
   
September 30,
   
2009
     
2008
                 
Stock options and SARs
   
358,021
       
28,000
                 
Average Exercise Price
 
$
47.87
     
$
73.26



   
Income/(Loss)
 
Weighted Shares
 
Per-Share
 
   
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
 
   
(In thousands except per share amounts)
 
For the nine months ended
                   
September 30, 2009:
                   
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(84,013
)
 
46,980
 
$
(1.79
)
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted
                   
stock and stock appreciation rights
   
   
   
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(84,013
)
 
46,980
 
$
(1.79
)
                     
For the nine months ended
                   
September 30, 2008:
                   
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
263,473
   
46,568
 
$
5.66
 
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted
                   
    stock and stock appreciation rights
   
   
366
   
(0.05
)
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
263,473
   
46,934
 
$
5.61
 

Due to the net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, approximately 300,000 weighted average shares related to stock options, restricted stock and SARs were antidilutive and were excluded from the earnings per share calculation above.  The number of stock options and SARs (and their average exercise price) not included in the above computation because their option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock was:

   
Nine Months Ended
   
September 30,
   
2009
     
2008
                 
Stock options and SARs
   
362,517
       
28,000
                 
Average Exercise Price
 
$
47.67
     
$
73.26

 
10
 
NOTE 4 – LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Long-Term Debt

As of the dates in the table, long-term debt consisted of the following:

   
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revolving credit facility,
             
  with interest, including the effect of hedging, of 4.3%
             
  at September 30, 2009 and 3.4% at December 31, 2008
 
$
30,000
 
$
199,500
 
Less current portion
   
   
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
30,000
 
$
199,500
 
               

On December 23, 2008, we entered into a First Amendment to our existing First Amended and Restated Senior Credit Agreement (Credit Facility) with a maximum credit amount of $400.0 million maturing on May 24, 2012. This amendment increased the lenders’ commitment by $50.0 million to an aggregate of $325.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are limited to a commitment amount that we elect. As of September 30, 2009, the commitment amount was $325.0 million. We are charged a commitment fee of 0.375 to 0.50 of 1% on the amount available but not borrowed with the rate varying based on the amount borrowed as a percentage of the total borrowing base amount. We incurred origination, agency and syndication fees of $737,500 at the inception of the Credit Facility and $478,125 associated with the December 23, 2008 First Amendment, which are being amortized over the life of the agreement. The average interest rate for the third quarter and first nine months of 2009, which includes the effect of our interest rate swaps, was 3.9% and 3.8%. At September 30, 2009, borrowings were $30.0 million.

The lenders’ aggregate commitment is limited to the lesser of the amount of the value of the borrowing base or $400.0 million. The amount of the borrowing base, which is subject to redetermination on April 1 and October 1 of each year, is based primarily on a percentage of the discounted future value of our oil and natural gas reserves and, to a lesser extent, the loan value the lenders reasonably attribute to the cash flow (as defined in the Credit Facility) of our mid-stream operations.  The current borrowing base is $475.0 million per the October 1, 2009 redetermination.  We or the lenders may request a onetime special redetermination of the borrowing base amount between each scheduled redetermination.  In addition, we may request a redetermination following the consummation of an acquisition meeting the requirements defined in the Credit Facility.

At our election, any part of the outstanding debt under the Credit Facility may be fixed at a London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for a 30, 60, 90 or 180 day term. During any LIBOR funding period, the outstanding principal balance of the promissory note to which the LIBOR option applies may be repaid on three days prior notice to the administrative agent and on our payment of any applicable funding indemnification amounts. Interest on the LIBOR is computed at the LIBOR base applicable for the interest period plus 1.75% to 2.50% depending on the level of debt as a percentage of the borrowing base and payable at the end of each term, or every 90 days, whichever is less. Borrowings not under LIBOR bear interest at the BOK Financial Corporation (BOKF) National Prime Rate, which in no event will be less than LIBOR plus 1.00%, payable at the end of each month and the principal borrowed may be paid at any time, in part or in whole, without a premium or penalty. At September 30, 2009, all of our then outstanding borrowings of $30.0 million were subject to LIBOR.

 
11
 
The Credit Facility prohibits:

·  
the payment of dividends (other than stock dividends) during any fiscal year in excess of 25% of our consolidated net income for the preceding fiscal year;
·  
the incurrence of additional debt with certain limited exceptions; and
·  
the creation or existence of mortgages or liens, other than those in the ordinary course of business, on any of our properties, except in favor of our lenders.

The Credit Facility also requires that we have at the end of each quarter:

·  
consolidated net worth of at least $900 million;
·  
a current ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not less than 1 to 1; and
·  
a leverage ratio of long-term debt to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the most recently ended rolling four fiscal quarters of no greater than 3.50 to 1.0.
 
As of September 30, 2009, we were in compliance with all the covenants contained in the Credit Facility.

Based on the borrowing rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and maturities and consideration of our non-performance risk, long-term debt at September 30, 2009 approximates its fair value. At September 30, 2009, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other current assets and current liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of their short term nature.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
 
   
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
               
Plugging liability
 
$
54,313
 
$
49,230
 
Workers’ compensation
   
24,015
   
23,473
 
Separation benefit plans
   
5,006
   
6,435
 
Gas balancing liability
   
3,364
   
3,364
 
Deferred compensation plan
   
1,950
   
2,030
 
Retirement agreements
   
   
110
 
     
88,648
   
84,642
 
Less current portion
   
9,758
   
10,615
 
Total other long-term liabilities
 
$
78,890
 
$
74,027
 
 
Estimated annual principal payments under the terms of long-term debt and other long-term liabilities for the twelve month periods beginning October 1, 2009 through 2014 are $9.8 million, $14.4 million, $33.8 million, $2.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively.


NOTE 5 – ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

We are required to record the fair value of liabilities associated with the retirement of long-lived assets. Our oil and natural gas wells are required to be plugged and abandoned when the oil and natural gas reserves in the wells are depleted or the wells are no longer able to produce. The plugging and abandonment expense for a well is recorded in the period in which the liability is incurred (at the time the well is drilled or acquired). We do not have any assets restricted for settling these well plugging liabilities.

 
12
 
The following table shows certain information regarding our well plugging liability:


   
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
   
(In thousands)
 
               
Plugging liability, January 1:
 
$
49,230
 
$
33,191
 
Accretion of discount
   
1,927
   
1,345
 
Liability incurred
   
2,485
   
2,432
 
Liability settled
   
(2,226
)
 
(529
)
Revision of estimates (1)
   
2,897
   
27,184
 
Plugging liability, September 30:
   
54,313
   
63,623
 
Less current portion
   
1,149
   
1,035
 
Total long-term plugging liability
 
$
53,164
 
$
62,588
 
___________ 
(1) Plugging liability estimates were revised upward in 2009 and 2008 due to the increase in the cost of contract services utilized to plug wells over the preceding years.
 

NOTE 6 - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification.  FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) became effective for this quarterly report.  ASC Topic 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, (guidance formerly reflected in FAS168) establishes the ASC as the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The ASC supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the ASC will become nonauthoritative. Following ASC Topic 105, the FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions, or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. Instead, the FASB will issue Accounting Standards Updates, which will serve only to: (a) update the ASC; (b) provide background information about the guidance; and (c) provide the basis for conclusions on the change(s) in the ASC. The adoption of this standard has changed how we reference various elements of U.S. GAAP in our financial statement disclosures, but has no impact on our financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting.  On December 31, 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted major revisions to its rules governing oil and gas company reporting requirements. These include provisions that permit the use of new technologies to determine proved reserves, and that allow companies to disclose their probable and possible reserves to investors. The current rules limit disclosure to only proved reserves. The new rules also require companies to report the independence and qualifications of the auditor of the reserve estimates and file reports when a third party is relied on to prepare reserves estimates. The new rules also require that oil and gas reserves be reported and the full cost ceiling value calculated using an average price based on the first-of-month posted price for each month in the prior twelve-month period. The new oil and gas reporting requirements are effective for annual reports on Form 10-K for fiscal years ending on or after December 31, 2009, with early adoption not permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact the new rules may have on our consolidated financial statements.

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  On June 30, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, (guidance formerly reflected in FASB Staff Position (FSP) Statement No. 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (APB) 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments).  The new provisions require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim
 
 
13
 
financial information. We are required to disclose in the body or in the accompanying notes of our summarized financial information for interim reporting periods and in our financial statements for annual reporting periods, the fair value of all financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, whether recognized or not recognized in the statement of financial position.  We have included the required disclosure in Note 4 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subsequent Events.  On June 30, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events, (guidance formerly reflected in FAS165, Subsequent Events).  The new provision establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC Topic 855 provides:
 
 
·  
The period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements;
·  
The circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and
·  
The disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.

We have included the required disclosure in Note 1 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


NOTE 7 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

We recognize in our financial statements the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of those awards. For all unvested stock options outstanding as of January 1, 2006, the previously measured but unrecognized compensation expense, based on the fair value on the original grant date, is being recognized in the financial statements over the remaining vesting period. For equity-based compensation awards granted or modified after December 31, 2005, compensation expense, based on the fair value on the date of grant or modification is recognized in the financial statements over the vesting period. The amount of our equity compensation cost relating to employees directly involved in our oil and natural gas segment is capitalized to our oil and natural gas properties. Amounts not capitalized to our oil and natural gas properties are recognized in general and administrative expense and operating costs of our business segments. We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing model to measure the fair value of stock options and SARs. The value of our restricted stock grants is based on the closing stock price on the date of the grants.
 
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recognized stock compensation expense for restricted stock awards, stock options and stock settled SARs of $1.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively, and capitalized stock compensation cost for oil and natural gas properties of $0.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The tax benefit related to this stock based compensation was $0.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, we recognized stock compensation expense for restricted stock awards, stock options and stock settled SARs of $2.9 million and $8.3 million, respectively, and capitalized stock compensation cost for oil and natural gas properties of $0.8 million and $2.4 million, respectively. The tax benefit related to this stock based compensation was $1.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively, for the three and nine months of 2008. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards at September 30, 2009 is approximately $7.1 million with $1.6 million of this amount anticipated to be capitalized. The weighted average period of time over which this cost will be recognized is 0.5 years.

 
14
 
No stock options or SARs were granted during the three month periods ending September 30, 2009 and 2008. The following table estimates the fair value of each stock option granted under all our plans during the periods reflected below using the Black-Scholes model applying the estimated values presented in the table:

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
               
Options granted
   
3,496
   
28,000
 
Estimated fair value (in millions)
 
$
0.1
 
$
0.7
 
Estimate of stock volatility
   
0.41
   
0.32
 
Estimated dividend yield
   
%
 
%
Risk free interest rate
   
2
%
 
3
%
Expected life based on
             
prior experience (in years)
   
5
   
5
 
Forfeiture rate
   
5
%
 
5
%

Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of our stock. We use historical data to estimate stock option exercise and employee termination rates within the model and aggregates groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior for valuation purposes. To date, we have not paid dividends on our stock. The risk free interest rate is computed from the United States Treasury Strips rate using the term over which it is anticipated the grant will be exercised.

The following table shows the fair value of restricted stock awards granted during the periods indicated:
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
                                   
Shares granted
   
     
5,100
     
     
28,350
   
                                   
Estimated fair value (in millions)
 
$
   
$
0.3
   
$
   
$
1.4
   
                                   
Percentage of shares granted
                                 
Expected to be distributed
   
%
   
89
%
   
%
   
89
%
 
                                   
 
 
15
 
NOTE 8 – DERIVATIVES
 
        On January 1, 2009, we implemented certain provisions in ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, (guidance formerly reflected in FAS161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities).  The new provision requires enhanced disclosures about a company’s derivative activities and how the related hedged items affect a company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.

Interest Rate Swaps

From time to time we have entered into interest rate swaps to help manage our exposure to possible future interest rate increases. As of September 30, 2009, we had two outstanding interest rate swaps both of which were cash flow hedges. There was no material amount of ineffectiveness.


Term
 
Amount
 
Fixed Rate
 
Floating Rate
December 2007 – May 2012
 
$     15,000,000
 
4.53%
 
3 month LIBOR
December 2007 – May 2012
 
$     15,000,000
 
4.16%
 
3 month LIBOR
             


Commodity Derivatives
 
We have entered into various types of derivative instruments covering a portion of our projected natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil production to reduce our exposure to market price volatility. Our decision on the quantity and price at which we choose to hedge certain of our production is based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions. As of September 30, 2009, our derivative instruments consisted of the following types of swaps and collars:

·  
Swaps.  We receive or pay a fixed price for the hedged commodity and pay or receive a floating market price to the counterparty.  The fixed-price payment and the floating-price payment are netted, resulting in a net amount due to or from the counterparty.

·  
Collars.  A collar contains a fixed floor price (put) and a ceiling price (call).  If the market price exceeds the call strike price or falls below the put strike price, we receive the fixed price and pay the market price.  If the market price is between the call and the put strike price, no payments are due from either party.

·  
Basis Swaps. We receive or pay the NYMEX settlement value plus or minus a fixed delivery point price for the hedged commodity and pay or receive the published index price at the specified delivery point. We use basis swaps to hedge the price risk between NYMEX and its physical delivery points.

Oil and Natural Gas Segment:
 
        At September 30, 2009, the following cash flow hedges were outstanding:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Weighted Average Fixed Price for Swaps
 
Hedged Market
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Crude oil - collar
 
500 Bbl/day
 
$100.00 put & $156.25 call
 
WTI – NYMEX
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Crude oil – swap
 
2,000 Bbl/day
 
$51.87
 
WTI – NYMEX
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas - collar
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 8.22 put & $10.80 call
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 7.01
 
IF – Tenn Zone 0
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.32
 
IF – CEGT
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – swap
 
25,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.57
 
IF – PEPL
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Liquids – swap (1)
 
2,297,400 Gal/mo
 
$0.69
 
OPIS – Mont Belvieu
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Liquids – swap (1)
 
1,564,500 Gal/mo
 
$0.72
 
OPIS – Conway
                 
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Crude oil - collar
 
1,000 Bbl/day
 
$67.50 put & $81.53 call
 
WTI – NYMEX
 
 
16
 
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Crude oil – swap
 
1,500 Bbl/day
 
$61.36
 
WTI – NYMEX
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 7.20
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.89
 
IF – Tenn Zone 0
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.12
 
IF – CEGT
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.67
 
IF – PEPL
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.79)
 
PEPL – NYMEX

(1) Types of liquids involved are natural gasoline, ethane, propane, isobutane and natural butane.
 
 
        At September 30, 2009, the following non-qualifying cash flow derivatives were outstanding:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Basis Differential
 
Hedged Market
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($1.02)
 
PEPL – NYMEX
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($1.10)
 
CEGT – NYMEX
 
        The following tables present the fair values and locations of derivative instruments recorded in the balance sheet:

       
Derivative Assets
       
Fair Value
       
September 30,
 
December 31,
   
Balance Sheet Location
 
2009
 
2008
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
(In thousands)
                 
Commodity derivatives:
               
Current
 
Current derivative assets
 
$
22,930
 
$
51,130
Long-term
 
Non-current derivative assets
   
2,173
   
5,218
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
   
25,103
   
56,348
             
             
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
           
             
Commodity derivatives:
               
Current
 
Current derivative assets
   
   
1,047
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
   
   
1,047
             
Total derivative assets
 
$
25,103
 
$
57,395

 
       
Derivative Liabilities
       
Fair Value
       
September 30,
 
December 31,
   
Balance Sheet Location
 
2009
 
2008
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
(In thousands)
                 
Interest rate swaps:
               
Current
 
Current portion of derivative liabilities
 
$
808
 
$
736
Long-term
 
Other long-term derivative liabilities
   
1,346
   
1,780
Commodity derivatives:
               
Current
 
Current portion of derivative liabilities
   
5,477
   
745
Long-term
 
Other long-term derivative liabilities
   
874
   
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
   
8,505
   
3,261
                 
                 
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
           
                 
Commodity derivatives (basis swaps):
               
Current
 
Current portion of derivative liabilities
   
1,515
   
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
   
1,515
   
                 
Total derivative liabilities
     
$
10,020
 
$
3,261
 
 
17
 
        To the extent that a legal right of set-off exists, we net the value of our derivative arrangements with the same counterparty in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
        We recognize the effective portion of changes in fair value as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI), and reclassify the recognized gains (losses) on the sales to revenue and the purchases to expense as the underlying transactions are settled.  As of September 30, 2009 and 2008, we had a gain of $10.4 million, net of tax, and a loss of $7.9 million, net of tax, respectively, in accumulated OCI.
 
        Based on the market prices at September 30, 2009, we expect to transfer approximately $8.8 million, net of tax, of the gain included in the balance in accumulated OCI to earnings during the next 12 months in the related month of settlement. The interest rate swaps and the commodity derivative instruments as of September 30, 2009 are expected to mature by May 2012 and December 2010, respectively.
 
        Certain derivatives do not qualify for designation as cash flow hedges. Currently, we have two basis swaps that do not qualify as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of these non-qualifying derivatives that occur before their maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations within oil and natural gas revenues. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in OCI until the hedged item is recognized into earnings. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized in oil and natural gas revenues.
 
        Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (cash flow hedges) for the nine months ended September 30:

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
   
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) (1)
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
     
(In thousands)
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(1,336
)
 
$
(357
)
Commodity derivatives
   
11,699
     
8,248
 
Total
 
$
10,363
   
$
7,891
 
 
           (1)  Net of taxes.
 
 
        Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (cash flow hedges) for the three months ended September 30:

Derivative Instrument
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income & Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (1)
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income  (2)
 
     
2009
 
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
     
(In thousands)
 
Commodity derivatives
Oil and natural gas revenue
 
$
27,765
 
$
(6,725
$
(253
$
 
Commodity derivatives
Gas gathering and processing revenue
   
   
(377
 
   
 
Commodity derivatives
Gas gathering and processing operating costs
   
   
(116
 
   
 
Interest rate swaps
Interest, net
   
(291
)
 
(124
)
 
   
 
 
Total
 
$
27,474
 
$
(7,342
$
(253
)
$
 

(1)  Effective portion of gain (loss).
(2)  Ineffective portion of gain (loss).
 
 
18
 
        Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (derivatives not designated as hedging instruments) for the three months ended September 30:

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
       
2009
 
2008
 
       
(In thousands)
 
                   
Commodity derivatives (basis swaps)
 
Oil and natural gas revenue
 
$
(869
)
$
 
Total
     
$
(869
)
$
 
 
        Effect of derivative instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (cash flow hedges) for the nine months ended September 30:

Derivative Instrument
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income & Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (1)
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income  (2)
 
     
2009
 
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
     
(In thousands)
 
Commodity derivatives
Oil and natural gas revenue
 
$
85,798
 
$
(20,255
$
(372
$
 
Commodity derivatives
Gas gathering and processing revenue
   
   
(1,925
 
   
 
Commodity derivatives
Gas gathering and processing operating costs
   
   
1,005
   
   
 
Interest rate swaps
Interest, net
   
(728
)
 
(179
)
 
   
 
 
Total
 
$
85,070
 
$
(21,354
$
(372
)
$
 

(1)  Effective portion of gain (loss).
(2)  Ineffective portion of gain (loss).
 
           Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (derivatives not designated as hedging instruments) for the nine months ended September 30:

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
       
2009
 
2008
 
       
(In thousands)
 
                   
Commodity derivatives (basis swaps)
 
Oil and natural gas revenue
 
$
(3,260
)
$
 
Total
     
$
(3,260
)
$
 

 
19
 
NOTE 9 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (guidance formerly reflected in FAS157, Fair Value Measurements) defines fair value as the amount that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid for the transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price). To estimate an exit price, a three-level hierarchy is used prioritizing the valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels with the highest priority given to Level 1 and the lowest priority given to Level 3.  The levels are summarized as follows:

·  
Level 1 - unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
·  
Level 2 - significant observable pricing inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.  Essentially, inputs (variables used in the pricing models) that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
·  
Level 3 - generally unobservable inputs which are developed based on the best information available and may include our own internal data.
 
        The inputs available to us determine the valuation technique we use to measure the fair values of our financial instruments.

The following tables set forth our recurring fair value measurements:

 
   September 30, 2009
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets (liabilities):
                         
Interest rate swaps
 
$
 
$
 
$
(2,154
)
$
(2,154
)
Commodity derivatives
 
$
 
$
(10,603
)
$
27,840
 
$
17,237
 


 
   December 31, 2008
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets (liabilities):
                         
Interest rate swaps
 
$
 
$
 
$
(2,516
)
$
(2,516
)
Commodity derivatives
 
$
 
$
(1,858
)
$
58,508
 
$
56,650
 
 

 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values of the assets and liabilities in the table above.

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements

Commodity Derivatives. The fair values of our crude oil swaps are measured using estimated internal discounted cash flow calculations using NYMEX futures index.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

Interest Rate Swaps.  The fair values of our interest rate swaps are based on estimates provided by our respective counterparties and reviewed internally using established index prices and other sources.

Commodity Derivatives. The fair values of our natural gas and natural gas liquids swaps, basis swaps and crude oil and natural gas collars are estimated using internal discounted cash flow calculations based on forward price curves, quotes obtained from brokers for contracts with similar terms or quotes obtained from counterparties to the agreements.

 
20
 
The following tables are reconciliations of our level 3 fair value measurements:

   
Net Derivatives
 
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
   
For the Nine Months Ended     September 30, 2009
 
   
Interest Rate Swaps
   
Commodity Swaps and Collars
   
Interest Rate Swaps
   
Commodity Swaps and Collars
 
                                 
   
(In thousands)
 
Beginning of period
 
$
(1,969
)
 
$
49,193
   
$
(2,516
  )
 
$
58,508
 
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
                               
Included in earnings (loss) (1)
   
(291
)
   
29,665
     
(728
)
   
81,791
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(185
)
   
(21,358
)
   
362
     
(27,733
)
Purchases, issuance and settlements
   
291
     
(29,660
)
   
728
     
(84,726
)
End of period
 
$
(2,154
)
 
$
27,840
   
$
(2,154
)
 
$
27,840
 
                                 
Total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings
                               
attributable to the change in unrealized gain (loss)
                               
relating to assets still held as of September 30, 2009
 
$
   
$
5
   
$
   
$
(2,935
)
____________ 
 
(1) Interest rate swaps and commodity swaps and collars are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations in interest, net and revenues, respectively.

   
Net Derivatives
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
 
For the Nine Months Ended     September 30, 2008
   
Interest Rate Swaps
   
Commodity Swaps and Collars
   
Interest Rate Swaps
   
Commodity Swaps and Collars
 
   
(In thousands)
Beginning of period
 
$
(343
)
 
$
(78,043
)
 
$
(153
)
 
$
2,625
 
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
                               
Included in earnings (1)
   
(124
)
   
(4,750
)
   
(179
)
   
(15,130
)
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(223
)
   
91,971
     
(413
)
   
11,303
 
Purchases, issuance and settlements
   
124
     
4,750
     
179
     
15,130
 
End of period
 
$
(566
)
 
$
13,928
   
$
(566
)
 
$
13,928
 
                                 
Total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings
                               
attributable to the change in unrealized gain (loss)
                               
relating to assets still held as of September 30, 2008
 
$
   
$
   
$
   
$
 
____________ 
(1) Interest rate swaps and commodity sales swaps and collars are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of income in interest expense and revenues, respectively.  Our mid-stream natural gas purchase swaps are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of income in expense.
 
      
        We evaluated the non-performance risk with regard to our counterparties in our valuation at September 30, 2009 and determined it was immaterial.


NOTE 10 - INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION

We have three main business segments offering different products and services:

· Contract Drilling,
· Oil and Natural Gas and
· Mid-Stream

The contract drilling segment is engaged in the land contract drilling of oil and natural gas wells. The oil and natural gas segment is engaged in the development, acquisition and production of oil and natural gas properties and the mid-stream segment is engaged in the buying, selling, gathering, processing and treating of natural gas.

 
21
 
We evaluate the performance of each segment based on its operating income (loss), which is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses and depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment. Our natural gas production in Canada is not significant. The following table provides certain information about the operations of each of our segments:

   
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
   
2009
 
2008
 
2009
 
2008
 
                           
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenues:
                         
Contract drilling
 
$
53,476
 
$
186,407
 
$
197,924
 
$
517,430
 
Elimination of inter-segment revenue
   
(3,675
)
 
(17,363
)
 
(9,541
)
 
(49,911
)
Contract drilling net of
                         
inter-segment revenue
   
49,801
   
169,044
   
188,383
   
467,519
 
                           
Oil and natural gas
   
88,894
   
152,343
   
267,399
   
446,644
 
                           
Gas gathering and processing
   
33,951
   
69,983
   
94,910
   
200,271
 
Elimination of inter-segment revenue
   
(7,723
)
 
(15,904
)
 
(23,306
)
 
(47,169
)
Gas gathering and processing
                         
net of inter-segment revenue
   
26,228
   
54,079
   
71,604
   
153,102
 
                           
Other
   
2,507
   
97
   
5,180
   
(193
)
Total revenues
 
$
167,430
 
$
375,563
 
$
532,566
 
$
1,067,072
 
                           
Operating income (loss) (1):
                         
Contract drilling
 
$
9,422
 
$
68,274
 
$
45,015
 
$
181,658
 
Oil and natural gas (2)
   
42,468
   
80,195
   
(166,488
)
 
241,535
 
Gas gathering and processing
   
2,221
   
4,910
   
(450
)
 
16,553
 
Total operating income (loss)
   
54,111
   
153,379
   
(121,923
)
 
439,746
 
General and administrative expense
   
(5,506
)
 
(6,928
)
 
(17,088
)
 
(20,179
)
Interest expense, net
   
(1
)
 
 (69
)
 
(539
)
 
 (1,162
)
Other income (loss) - net
   
2,507
   
97
   
5,180
   
(193
)
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
51,111
 
$
146,479
 
$
(134,370
)
$
418,212
 
____________ 

(1)  
Operating income (loss) is total operating revenues less operating expenses, depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment and does not include non-operating revenues, general corporate expenses, interest expense or income taxes.
(2)  
In March 2009, we incurred a $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million net of tax) non-cash write down of our oil and natural gas properties due to low commodity prices existing at the end of the first quarter 2009.


 
22
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Unit Corporation

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Unit Corporation and its subsidiaries as of September 30, 2009, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for each of the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2009 and 2008. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 24, 2009 we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2008, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Tulsa, Oklahoma
November 3, 2009
 
 
 
23
 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) provides an understanding of operating results and financial condition by focusing on changes in key measures from year to year. MD&A is organized in the following sections:

· General
· Business Outlook
· Executive Summary
· Financial Condition and Liquidity
· New Accounting Pronouncements
· Results of Operations

MD&A should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included in this report as well as the information contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Unless otherwise indicated or required by the content, when used in this report, the terms “company,” “Unit,” “us,” “our,” “we” and “its” refer to Unit Corporation and/or, as appropriate, one or more of its subsidiaries.

General

We were founded in 1963 as a contract drilling company. Today, we operate, manage and analyze our results of operations through our three principal business segments:
 
· Contract Drilling – carried out by our subsidiary Unit Drilling Company and its subsidiaries. This segment contracts to drill onshore oil and natural gas wells for others and for our own account.
· Oil and Natural Gas – carried out by our subsidiary Unit Petroleum Company. This segment explores, develops, acquires and produces oil and natural gas properties for our own account.
· Gas Gathering and Processing (Mid-Stream) – carried out by our subsidiary Superior Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and its subsidiaries. This segment buys, sells, gathers, processes and treats natural gas for third parties and for our own account.

Business Outlook
 
As discussed in other parts of this report, the success of our business and each of our three main operating segments depend, on a large part, on the prices we receive for our natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil production and the demand for oil and natural gas as well as for our drilling rigs which, in turn, influences the amounts we can charge for the use of those drilling rigs.  While to date all of our operations (with the exception of a minor amount of production in Canada) are located within the United States, events outside the United States can and do impact us and our industry.
 
The following table reflects the recent significant fluctuations in the prices for oil and natural gas:

Date
 
Gas Spot Price Henry Hub    
  ($ per MMBtu)
 
Crude Oil WTI-Cushing, OK         ($ per Bbl)
July 1, 2008
 
$
13.19
 
$
140.99
August 1, 2008
 
$
9.26
 
$
125.10
September 1, 2008
 
$
8.24
 
$
115.48
October 1, 2008
 
$
7.17
 
$
98.55
November 1, 2008
 
$
6.20
 
$
67.81
December 1, 2008
 
$
6.44
 
$
49.28
January 1, 2009
 
$
5.63
 
$
44.61
February 1, 2009
 
$
4.77
 
$
41.70
March 1, 2009
 
$
4.04
 
$
44.76
April 1, 2009
 
$
3.58
 
$
48.39
May 1, 2009
 
$
3.25
 
$
53.20
June 1, 2009
 
$
3.93
 
$
68.58
July 1, 2009
 
$
3.72
 
$
69.31
 
 
24
 
August 1, 2009
 
$
3.34
 
$
69.45
September 1, 2009
 
$
2.41
 
$
68.05
October 1, 2009
 
$
3.24
 
$
70.82

As noted in the table above, oil and natural gas prices declined significantly from their July 2008 levels. The decline in commodity prices has caused us to reduce our 2009 level of exploration and developmental drilling activity and spending. This decline has also impacted our drilling rig utilization and dayrates as reflected in the following table:

Period
 
Average Rigs in Use
 
Average Dayrates
(1)
July 2008
 
108.8
   
$
18,276
 
August 2008
 
111.2
   
$
18,624
 
September 2008
 
112.1
   
$
19,044
 
October 2008
 
111.5
   
$
19,229
 
November 2008
 
97.8
   
$
19,426
 
December 2008
 
81.0
   
$
19,352
 
January 2009
 
63.8
   
$
18,993
 
February 2009
 
52.2
   
$
18,414
 
March 2009
 
42.2
   
$
18,356
 
April 2009
 
37.3
   
$
17,749
 
May 2009
 
30.2
   
$
17,429
 
June 2009
 
27.5
   
$
16,616
 
July 2009
 
31.4
   
$
15,460
 
August 2009
 
35.3
   
$
15,357
 
September 2009
 
37.1
   
$
15,275
 
                       
(1)  
As of September 2009, the average dayrates include 13 term contracts, of which eight are up for renewal during the fourth quarter of 2009 and the remaining five are up for renewal beyond 2009.
 
 In addition to their direct impact on us, lower commodity prices for any sustained period of time could also impact the liquidity condition of some of our industry partners and customers, which, in turn, might limit their ability to meet their financial obligations to us.
 
The slowdown in the United States and world economies has resulted (to varying degrees) in a reduction in the demand for oil and natural gas products by those industries and consumers that use those products in their business operations. The degree to which that demand is reduced and for how long it may last are unknown at this time. Oil and natural gas price volatility in recent weeks has also been attributed to the value of the U.S. dollar in comparison to other currencies.
 
The long-term impact on our business and financial results as a consequence of the recent volatility in oil and natural gas prices and the global economic crisis is uncertain, but in the short term, it has had a number of consequences for us, including the following:
 
·  
In March 2009, we incurred a non-cash ceiling test write down of our oil and natural gas properties of $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million net of tax) as a result of a decline in commodity prices as compared to those existing at year end 2008.
 
·  
As a result of lower commodity prices combined with service costs that remain relatively high, we have reduced the number of gross wells our oil and natural gas segment plans to drill in 2009 by approximately 64% from the number of gross wells drilled in 2008. We also curtailed approximately 1.0 Bcf of production due to low commodity prices during the first nine months of 2009.
 
·  
In late 2008, as a result of the significant decline in commodity prices and the resulting drop in demand for our drilling rigs, we suspended construction on a 1,500 horsepower diesel electric drilling rig that was scheduled to be placed into service in North Dakota during the first quarter of 2009. During the third quarter of 2009, we concluded negotiations with our customer which involves monthly payments for delayed delivery of the rig over the next 12 months.  Should delivery not be made, early termination fees under the term contract would apply.
 
 
25
 
·  
In late 2008, after discussions with our customers, we postponed the construction of eight additional drilling rigs we had previously anticipated building.  In the third quarter 2009, we recognized an early termination fee associated with the cancellation of long-term contracts by a customer on two of these eight rigs. As a result of existing contractual obligations, we expect to take delivery of a new drilling rig during the fourth quarter of 2009.  Another one of our customers, who signed a two year term contract when this rig was ordered, has opted not to take delivery of the rig and will pay an early termination fee under the contract provisions during the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
·  
Due to declining commodity prices of oil and natural gas, several of our drilling rig customers have significantly reduced their drilling budgets for 2009, resulting in a significant reduction in the average utilization of our drilling rig fleet.  Our average utilization rate was 79% for the year ended December 31, 2008, 61% for the month of December 2008, 32% for the month of March 2009, 21% for the month of June 2009 and 28% for the month of September 2009. Along with declining utilization, average rig dayrates dropped from $19,352 per day in December 2008 to $15,275 per day in September 2009 or 21%.  While recent utilization declines leveled off in the third quarter of 2009, we currently expect utilization and dayrates to continue to be depressed throughout 2009 and into the first part of 2010.
 
·  
We have reduced our total 2009 estimated capital expenditures for all three of our business segments by approximately 57% compared to 2008, excluding acquisitions, in order to keep our capital expenditures within anticipated internally generated cash flow.
 
·  
Reduced prices for ethane resulted in reduced ethane recoveries early in the first quarter of 2009, however with the increase in second quarter ethane prices, we did not have any reduction of ethane recoveries during the second or third quarters of 2009.
 
·  
Commitments to purchase two new processing plants were cancelled in 2009.
 
Executive Summary

Contract Drilling

Our third quarter 2009 utilization rate was 26%, compared to 24% and 85% in the second quarter 2009 and third quarter 2008, respectively. Dayrates for the third quarter of 2009 averaged $15,360, a decrease of 11% from the second quarter of 2009 and a decrease of 18% from the third quarter of 2008. Direct profit (contract drilling revenue less contract drilling operating expense) increased by 1% from the second quarter of 2009 and decreased 77% from the third quarter of 2008. The increase from the second quarter 2009 was primarily due to contract termination revenue we received in the third quarter of 2009 and the decrease from the third quarter of 2008 was primarily due to the decrease in utilization. Operating cost per day decreased 10% from the second quarter of 2009 and increased 15% from the third quarter of 2008. The decrease from the second quarter 2009 was primarily due to reduced workers compensation costs and indirect drilling costs being spread over more utilization days and the increase from the third quarter of 2008 was primarily attributable to certain indirect drilling costs being spread over fewer utilization days. In the third and fourth quarter of 2008, prices for oil and natural gas decreased substantially and natural gas prices continued to be at low levels during the third quarter of 2009. Commodity prices remain volatile and without a sustained increase, dayrates and utilization will continue to be adversely affected.

We finished constructing one new 1,500 horsepower diesel electric drilling rig which was placed into service in the fourth quarter of 2008 in North Dakota. Regarding the plans for constructing additional drilling rigs see the above discussion in “Business Outlook”. Our anticipated 2009 capital expenditures for this segment are $77.0 million.

Oil and Natural Gas

Third quarter 2009 production from our oil and natural gas segment averaged 159,000 Mcfe per day, a 6% decrease from the average for the second quarter of 2009 and an 8% decrease from the average for the third quarter of 2008.  The decreases primarily resulted from the slowdown in replacement of reserves from drilling new wells due to current economic conditions.

 
26
 
 Oil and natural gas revenues decreased 1% from the second quarter of 2009 and decreased 42% from the third quarter of 2008. From the second quarter of 2009, our oil and natural gas prices, including hedges, in the third quarter of 2009 increased by 9% and 3%, respectively, while NGL prices decreased 4%. Our oil, natural gas and NGL prices, including hedges, decreased 42%, 31% and 63%, respectively, from the third quarter of 2008.  Direct profit (oil and natural gas revenues less oil and natural gas operating expense) decreased 6% from the second quarter of 2009 and 43% from the third quarter of 2008. The decrease in operating profit from the second quarter 2009 primarily occurred as gross production taxes return to more normal levels after being lower in the second quarter of 2009 due to the recognition of high cost gas production tax credits and the decrease from the third quarter 2008 primarily resulted from the impact of commodity prices. Operating cost per Mcfe produced increased 27% from the second quarter of 2009 due primarily from the recognition of high cost gas production tax credits received in the second quarter of 2009. Operating cost per Mcfe produced decreased 30% from the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to reduced production taxes resulting from the large decrease in commodity prices.

For the remainder of 2009, we have hedged approximately 77% of our average daily oil production (based on our third quarter 2009 production) and approximately 80% of our average daily natural gas production (based on our third quarter 2009 production). Currently, for 2010, we have hedged approximately 77% of our average daily oil production (based on our third quarter 2009 production) and approximately 71% of our average daily natural gas production (based on our third quarter 2009 production). In the third quarter of 2009, we entered into agreements to hedge approximately 77% of our average daily NGL production (based on our third quarter 2009 production) for 2009.

In March 2009, we incurred a non-cash ceiling test write down of our oil and natural gas properties of $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million net of tax) due to low commodity prices at the end of the first quarter. At September 30, 2009 commodity prices, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, were at levels that did not require us to take a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties. However should the twelve month average prices decline, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, an additional write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties could be required in future periods.

Our estimated production for 2009 is approximately 62.0 Bcfe.  We currently anticipate that our oil and natural gas segment will participate in the drilling of approximately 100 wells during 2009, a decrease of 64% over 2008. Our current anticipated 2009 capital expenditures for this segment will be approximately $220.0 million.

In the third and fourth quarter of 2008, commodity prices decreased substantially and natural gas prices continued to be at low levels during the third quarter of 2009. We anticipate these prices will remain volatile for an indeterminable period of time.  As a result of these lower commodity prices and service costs that remained relatively high, we began slowing our drilling activity during the fourth quarter of 2008 and continued to do so through the second quarter of 2009 and have increased activity during the third quarter of 2009 and plan to continue to increase activity throughout the remainder of the year. In the Mid-Continent area, natural gas spot prices have been very weak and in certain limited circumstances we have curtailed production rather than selling the production at those prices.

Mid-Stream

Third quarter 2009 liquids sold per day increased 5% from the second quarter of 2009 and increased 26% from the third quarter of 2008. Liquids sold per day increased primarily as the result of upgrades and expansions to existing plants. Gas processed per day increased 3% over the second quarter of 2009 and increased 9% over the third quarter of 2008, respectively.  Gas gathered per day decreased 5% from the second quarter of 2009 and decreased 9% from the third quarter of 2008 primarily from our Southeast Oklahoma gathering system experiencing natural production declines associated with connected wells.

NGL prices in the third quarter of 2009 increased 11% from the price received in the second quarter of 2009 and decreased 54% over the price received in the third quarter of 2008. The price of liquids as compared to natural gas affects the revenue in our mid-stream operations and determines the fractionation spread which is the difference in the value received for the NGLs recovered from natural gas in comparison to the amount received for the equivalent MMBtu’s of natural gas if unprocessed. In 2008, we had hedged approximately 50% of our average
 
 
27
 
fractionation spread volumes to help manage our cash flow from this segment. We currently do not have any fractionation spread hedges in place for 2009 and beyond.

Direct profit (mid-stream revenues less mid-stream operating expense) increased 54% from the second quarter of 2009 and decreased 29% from the third quarter of 2008, primarily from changes in commodity prices which resulted in changes in processing margins. Total operating cost for our mid-stream segment increased 4% from the second quarter of 2009 and decreased 56% from the third quarter of 2008. Our anticipated capital expenditures for 2009 for this segment are $13.0 million.  Commodity prices declined substantially in the third and fourth quarters of 2008 and natural gas prices continued to be at low levels through the third quarter of 2009.  In the third quarter of 2009, we saw favorable fractionation spreads due to low natural gas prices and higher liquids prices; however, prices remain volatile and without a sustained increase, we could be adversely affected by fewer wells being connected to existing gathering systems and lower fractionation spreads resulting in future declines in volumes or margins.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

Summary.    Our financial condition and liquidity depends on the cash flow from our operations and borrowings under our Credit Facility. Our cash flow is influenced mainly by:
 
· the demand for and the dayrates we receive for our drilling rigs;
· the quantity of natural gas, oil and NGLs we produce;
· the prices we receive for our natural gas production and, to a lesser extent, the prices we receive for our oil and NGL production; and
· the margins we obtain from our natural gas gathering and processing contracts.
 
 
The following is a summary of certain financial information as of September 30, 2009 and 2008 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008:
 
   
September 30,
   
%
 
     
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 (2)
   
(In thousands except percentages)
 
Working capital
 
$
16,424
 
$
36,885
   
(55
)%
Long-term debt
 
$
30,000
 
$
148,000
   
(80
)%
Shareholders’ equity (1)
 
$
1,541,017
 
$
1,723,084
   
(11
)%
Ratio of long-term debt to total capitalization (1)
   
2
%
 
8
%
 
(75
)%
Net income (loss) (1)
 
$
(84,013
$
263,473
   
(132
)%
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
422,570
 
$
525,067
   
(20
)%
Net cash used in investing activities
 
$
(204,637
)
$
(578,318
)
 
(65
)%
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
$
(217,371
)
$
53,182
   
NM
%
    ________________ 
(1)  
In March 2009, we incurred a non-cash ceiling test write down of our oil and natural gas properties of $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million net of tax) due to low commodity prices at quarter-end. The write down impacted our 2009 shareholders’ equity, ratio of long-term debt to total capitalization and net income.  There was no impact on our compliance with the covenants contained in our Credit Facility.
(2)  
NM – A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to a zero-value denominator or a percentage change greater than 200.

 
28
 
        The following table summarizes certain operating information:
 
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
%
 
     
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
Contract Drilling:
                   
Average number of our drilling rigs in use during
                   
the period
   
39.6
   
105.3
   
(62
)%
Total number of drilling rigs owned at the end
                   
of the period
   
130
   
131
   
(1
)%
Average dayrate
 
$
17,335
 
$
18,190
   
(5
)%
Oil and Natural Gas:
                   
Oil production (MBbls)
   
991
   
942
   
5
%
Natural gas liquids production (MBbls)
   
1,142
   
962
   
19
%
Natural gas production (MMcf)
   
33,575
   
35,143
   
(4
)%
Average oil price per barrel received
 
$
54.77
 
$
99.33
   
(45
)%
Average oil price per barrel received excluding hedges
 
$
51.76
 
$
112.15
   
(54
)%
Average NGL price per barrel received
 
$
21.80
 
$
56.87
   
(62
)%
Average NGL price per barrel received excluding hedges
 
$
22.51
 
$
56.78
   
(60
)%
Average natural gas price per mcf received
 
$
5.53
 
$
8.35
   
(34
)%
Average natural gas price per mcf received excluding hedges
 
$
3.06
 
$
8.58
   
(64
)%
Mid-Stream:
                   
Gas gathered—MMBtu/day
   
186,296
   
200,652
   
(7
)%
Gas processed—MMBtu/day
   
75,371
   
66,219
   
14
%
Gas liquids sold — gallons/day
   
236,692
   
195,303
   
21
%
Number of natural gas gathering systems
   
34
   
36
   
(6
)%
Number of processing plants
   
8
   
8
   
%
 
At September 30, 2009, we had unrestricted cash totaling $1.1 million and we had borrowed $30.0 million of the $325.0 million we had elected to have available under our Credit Facility. Our Credit Facility is used for working capital and capital expenditures. Historically, most of our capital expenditures have been discretionary and directed toward future growth. However, for 2009, in view of the current economic environment and declines in commodity prices, our focus has been aimed at keeping our capital expenditures within anticipated internally generated cash flows which has limited our growth during 2009.

Working Capital. Typically, our working capital balance fluctuates primarily because of the timing of our accounts receivable and accounts payable.  We had working capital of $16.4 million and $36.9 million as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The effect of our hedging activity increased working capital by $8.8 million and $7.0 million as of September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Contract Drilling.    Our drilling work is subject to many factors that influence the number of drilling rigs we have working as well as the costs and revenues associated with that work. These factors include the demand for drilling rigs, competition from other drilling contractors, the prevailing prices for natural gas and oil, availability and cost of labor to run our drilling rigs and our ability to supply the equipment needed.
 
If the recent depressed conditions within our industry continue, we do not anticipate that competition to keep and attract qualified employees to meet our immediate future requirements will materially affect us. Likewise, if current commodity price and industry drilling utilization rates continue, we do not anticipate that our drilling labor costs will increase from those levels in effect at the end of the third quarter of 2009.
 
Most of our drilling rig fleet is used to drill natural gas wells so natural gas prices have a disproportionate influence on the demand for our drilling rigs as well as the prices we charge for our contract drilling services. As natural gas prices declined late in 2008, demand for drilling rigs also declined and dayrates throughout the drilling industry started to decline. The reduction in demand for drilling rigs in 2009 was primarily the result of the uncertainty prevailing in the economy and the evaluation of the economics of drilling prospects by the operators using our contract drilling services after natural gas prices declined significantly in the last half of the third quarter
 
 
29
 
of 2008 into 2009, due to the global economic crisis and low commodity prices. The average number of our drilling rigs used in the first nine months of 2009 was 39.6 drilling rigs (30%) compared with 105.3 drilling rigs (81%) in the first nine months of 2008. Based on the average utilization of our drilling rigs during the first nine months of 2009, a $100 per day change in dayrates has a $3,960 per day ($1.4 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. For the first nine months of 2009, our average dayrate was $17,335 per day compared to $18,190 per day for the first nine months of 2008 as dayrates continued to increase during the second and third quarters of 2008 before the fourth quarter downturn. We expect that utilization and dayrates for our drilling rigs will continue to depend mainly on the price of natural gas, the levels of natural gas storage and the availability of drilling rigs to meet the demands of the industry.

During the first quarter 2009, we sold one 750 horsepower drilling rig for $3.1 million and recorded a $0.9 million gain and during the third quarter 2009, we sold a 1,000 horsepower drilling rig for $2.8 million and recorded a $1.9 million gain, bringing our total fleet to 130 drilling rigs.

Our contract drilling segment provides drilling services for our oil and natural gas segment. The contracts for these services contain the same terms and rates as the contracts we use with unrelated third parties for comparable type projects. During the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, we drilled 25 and 93 wells, respectively, for our oil and natural gas segment. The profit our drilling segment received from drilling these wells, $1.2 million and $21.5 million, respectively, was used to reduce the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties rather than being included in our operating profit. The decline in our oil and natural gas segment’s drilling activity during the fourth quarter of 2008 and into 2009 has reduced the drilling services our contract drilling segment provides for our oil and natural gas segment.
 
Impact of Prices for Our Oil, NGLs and Natural Gas.    As of December 31, 2008, natural gas comprised 79% of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves. Any significant change in natural gas prices has a material effect on our revenues, cash flow and the value of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves. Generally, prices and demand for domestic natural gas are influenced by weather conditions, economic conditions, supply imbalances worldwide oil price levels and the value of the U.S. dollar. Domestic oil prices are primarily influenced by world oil market developments. All of these factors are beyond our control and we cannot predict nor measure their future influence on the prices we will receive.
 
Based on our first nine months of 2009 production, a $0.10 per Mcf change in what we are paid for our natural gas production, without the effect of hedging, would result in a corresponding $373,000 per month ($4.5 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. The average price we received for our natural gas production, including the effect of hedging, during the first nine months of 2009 was $5.53 compared to $8.35 for the first nine months of 2008. Based on our first nine months of 2009 production, a $1.00 per barrel change in our oil price, without the effect of hedging, would have a $104,000 per month ($1.2 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow and a $1.00 per barrel change in our NGL prices, without the effect of hedging, would have a $129,000 per month ($1.5 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. In the first nine months of 2009, our average oil price per barrel received, including the effect of hedging, was $54.77 compared with an average oil price, including the effect of hedging, of $99.33 in the first nine months of 2008 and our first nine months of 2009 average NGLs price per barrel received, including the effect of hedging, was $21.80 compared with an average NGL price per barrel, including the effect of hedging, of $56.87 in the first nine months of 2008.

Because natural gas prices have such a significant effect on the value of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves, declines in these prices can result in a decline in the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties. In March 2009, we incurred a non-cash ceiling test write down of our oil and natural gas properties of $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million net of tax) due to low commodity prices at quarter-end. At September 30, 2009 commodity prices, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, were at levels that did not require us to take a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties. However should the twelve month average prices decline, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, an additional write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties could be required in future periods. Price declines can also adversely affect the semi-annual determination of the amount available for us to borrow under our bank credit facility since that determination is based mainly on the value of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves. Such a reduction could limit our ability to carry out our planned capital projects.
 
 
30
 
Since oil and natural gas prices can be volatile, we may be required to write down the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties at the end of future reporting periods. If a write-down is required, it would result in a charge to earnings but would not impact cash flow from operating activities. Once incurred, a write-down of oil and natural gas properties is not reversible.

We sell most of our natural gas production to third parties under month-to-month contracts.
 
Mid-Stream Operations.    Our mid-stream operations are engaged primarily in the buying and selling, gathering, processing and treating of natural gas.  This segment operates three natural gas treatment plants, eight processing plants, 34 gathering systems and 835 miles of pipeline. In addition, this segment enhances our ability to gather and market not only our own natural gas production but also that owned by third parties as well as providing us with additional opportunities to construct or acquire existing natural gas gathering and processing facilities.  During the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, our mid-stream operations purchased $19.7 million and $44.0 million, respectively, of our oil and natural gas segment’s production and provided gathering and transportation services to it of $3.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The decrease in the purchases from our oil and natural gas segment was primarily due to the decline in natural gas prices.  Intercompany revenue from services and purchases of production between our mid-stream segment and our oil and natural gas exploration segment has been eliminated in our consolidated condensed financial statements.

Gas gathering volumes in the first nine months of 2009 were 186,296 MMBtu per day compared to 200,652 MMBtu per day in the first nine months of 2008, processed volumes were 75,371 MMBtu per day in the first nine months of 2009 compared to 66,219 MMBtu per day in the first nine months of 2008 and the amount of NGLs sold were 236,692 gallons per day in the first nine months of 2009 compared to 195,303 gallons per day in the first nine months of 2008. Gas gathering volumes per day in 2009 decreased 7% compared to 2008 primarily due to a volumetric decline in our Southeast Oklahoma gathering system due to natural production declines associated with the connected wells partially offset by the shutdown for approximately 10 days during February 2008 of a third-party processing plant on a different system.  Processed volumes increased 14% over the comparative nine months and NGLs sold also increased 21% over the comparative period primarily due to the addition of wells connected in 2008 and the first nine months of 2009 and recent upgrades to several of our processing systems.

Our Credit Facility.  On December 23, 2008, we entered into a First Amendment to our existing First Amended and Restated Senior Credit Agreement (Credit Facility) with a maximum credit amount of $400.0 million maturing on May 24, 2012. This amendment increased the lenders’ commitment by $50.0 million to an aggregate of $325.0 million. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are limited to a commitment amount elected by us. As of September 30, 2009, the commitment amount was $325.0 million. We are charged a commitment fee of 0.375 to 0.50 of 1% on the amount available but not borrowed with the rate varying based on the amount borrowed as a percentage of the total borrowing base amount. We incurred origination, agency and syndication fees of $737,500 at the inception of the Credit Facility and $478,125 associated with the December 23, 2008 First Amendment. These fees are being amortized over the life of the agreement. The average interest rate for the first nine months of 2009, which includes the effect of our interest rate swaps, was 3.8% compared to 4.7% for the first nine months of 2008. At both September 30, 2009 and October 30, 2009, borrowings were $30.0 million.

The lenders under our Credit Facility and their respective participation interests are as follows:

Lender
 
Participation Interest
Bank of Oklahoma, N.A.
 
18.75%
Bank of America, N.A.
 
18.75%
BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc.
 
18.75%
Compass Bank
 
17.50%
Comerica Bank
 
08.75%
Fortis Capital Corp.
 
08.75%
Calyon New York Branch
 
08.75%
   
100.00%
 
 
31
 
The lenders’ aggregate commitment is limited to the lesser of the amount of the value of the borrowing base or $400.0 million. The amount of the borrowing base, which is subject to redetermination on April 1 and October 1 of each year, is based primarily on a percentage of the discounted future value of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves, as determined by the lenders, and, to a lesser extent, the loan value the lenders reasonably attribute to the cash flow (as defined in the Credit Facility) of our mid-stream operations.  The current borrowing base is $475.0 million per the October 1, 2009 redetermination.  We or the lenders may request a onetime special redetermination of the borrowing base amount between each scheduled redetermination. In addition, we may request a redetermination following the consummation of an acquisition meeting the requirements defined in the Credit Facility.

At our election, any part of the outstanding debt under the Credit Facility may be fixed at LIBOR for a 30, 60, 90 or 180 day term. During any LIBOR funding period, the outstanding principal balance of the promissory note to which the LIBOR option applies may be repaid on three days prior notice to the administrative agent and on our payment of any applicable funding indemnification amounts. Interest on the LIBOR is computed at the LIBOR base applicable for the interest period plus 1.75% to 2.50% depending on the level of debt as a percentage of the borrowing base and payable at the end of each term, or every 90 days, whichever is less. Borrowings not under the LIBOR bear interest at the BOKF National Prime Rate, which in no event will be less than LIBOR plus 1.00%, payable at the end of each month and the principal borrowed may be paid at any time, in part or in whole, without premium or penalty. At September 30, 2009, all of our then outstanding borrowings of $30.0 million were subject to LIBOR.
 
The Credit Facility prohibits:
 
· the payment of dividends (other than stock dividends) during any fiscal year in excess of 25% of our consolidated net income for the preceding fiscal year.
· the incurrence of additional debt with certain very limited exceptions; and
· the creation or existence of mortgages or liens, other than those in the ordinary course of business, on any of our properties, except in favor of our lenders.
 
 
The Credit Facility also requires that we have at the end of each quarter:
 
· a consolidated net worth of at least $900.0 million;
· a current ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not less than 1 to 1; and
· a leverage ratio of long-term debt to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the most recently ended rolling four fiscal quarters of no greater than 3.50 to 1.0.
 
As of September 30, 2009, we were in compliance with all the covenants contained in the Credit Facility.
 
We entered into the following interest rate swaps to help manage our exposure to possible future interest rate increases:

Term
 
Amount
 
Fixed Rate
 
Floating Rate
             
December 2007 – May 2012
 
$     15,000,000
 
4.53%
 
3 month LIBOR
December 2007 – May 2012
 
$     15,000,000
 
4.16%
 
3 month LIBOR
 
 
32
 
Capital Requirements

Contract Drilling Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures.   Due to the downturn in the oil and natural gas industry, construction of new drilling rigs has been reduced in 2009 when compared with 2008. We currently do not have a shortage of drill pipe and drilling equipment so our anticipated capital expenditures for 2009 are $77.0 million or 61% less than actual capital expenditures in 2008. At September 30, 2009, we had commitments to purchase approximately $10.3 million of drilling rig components and $13.6 million of drill pipe and drill collars in 2009.  We also had committed to purchase $14.8 million of drill pipe and drill collars in the first nine months of 2010.  We have spent $37.4 million in capital expenditures as of September 30, 2009.

For 2008, our capital expenditures were $196.2 million.  During the second quarter of 2008, we completed the construction of two new 1,500 horsepower diesel electric drilling rigs for approximately $32.2 million and placed these drilling rigs into service in our Rocky Mountain division.  During the fourth quarter of 2008, we completed the construction of another new 1,500 horsepower diesel electric drilling rig for approximately $14.1 million and placed that drilling rig into service in North Dakota.

In late 2008, as a result of the significant decline in commodity prices and the resulting drop in demand for our drilling rigs, we suspended construction on a 1,500 horsepower diesel electric drilling rig that was scheduled to be placed into service in North Dakota during the first quarter of 2009. During the third quarter of 2009, we concluded negotiations with our customer which involves monthly payments for delayed delivery of the rig over the next 12 months.  Should delivery not be made, early termination fees under the term contract would apply. In late 2008, after discussions with our customers, we postponed the construction of eight additional drilling rigs we had previously anticipated building.  In the third quarter 2009, we recognized an early termination fee associated with the cancellation of long-term contracts by a customer on two of these eight rigs. As a result of existing contractual obligations, we expect to take delivery of a new drilling rig during the fourth quarter of 2009.  Another one of our customers, who signed a two year term contract when this rig was ordered, has opted not to take delivery of the rig and will pay an early termination fee under the contract provisions during the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
Oil and Natural Gas Segment Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures.  Most of our capital expenditures are discretionary and directed toward future growth. Our decision to increase our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves through acquisitions or through drilling depends on the prevailing or expected market conditions, potential return on investment, future drilling potential and opportunities to obtain financing under the circumstances involved, all of which provide us with a large degree of flexibility in deciding when and if to incur these costs. We completed drilling 58 gross wells (24.83 net wells) in the first nine months of 2009 compared to 211 gross wells (102.62 net wells) in the first nine months of 2008. Total capital expenditures for the first nine months of 2009 by this segment, excluding a $3.2 million plugging liability, totaled $166.7 million. Currently we plan to participate in drilling an estimated 100 gross wells in 2009 and estimate our total capital expenditures for our oil and natural gas segment will be approximately $220.0 million. Whether we drill the full number of wells we are planning on drilling is dependent on a number of factors (many of which are beyond our control) including the prices for oil, NGLs and natural gas, demand for oil and natural gas, the cost to drill wells, the weather and the efforts of outside industry partners.
 
On January 18, 2008, we purchased a 50% interest in a 6,800 gross-acre leasehold that we did not already own in our Segno area of operations located in Hardin County, Texas.  Included in the purchase were five producing wells.  The purchase price was $16.8 million which consisted of $15.8 million allocated to the reserves of the wells and $1.0 million allocated to the undeveloped leasehold.
 
In September 2008, we completed an acquisition consisting of a 75% working interest in four producing wells and other proved undeveloped properties for $22.2 million along with working interests in undeveloped leasehold valued at approximately $3.5 million, all located in the Texas Panhandle region.

During 2008 and 2009, we acquired interests in approximately 60,000 net undeveloped acres in the Marcellus Shale Play, located mainly in Pennsylvania and Maryland. On September 30, 2009, per an agreement with us and certain unaffiliated third parties, we were paid approximately $41.0 million for our 50% interest in approximately 18,000 gross undeveloped acres of the Marcellus Shale and for the remaining receivable from the third parties 50% share of the costs we paid on their behalf to acquire the acreage. In July 2009, we received $7.1 million and approximately 1,500 net undeveloped acres, representing payment for our 50% interest in 4,000 gross undeveloped acres and reimbursement for costs we paid on their behalf. We now have an interest in approximately 50,500 net
 
 
33
 
undeveloped acres.

Mid-Stream Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures.  During the first nine months of 2009, our mid-stream segment incurred $7.8 million in capital expenditures as compared to $35.7 million in the first nine months of 2008. For 2009, we have budgeted capital expenditures of approximately $13.0 million.

As of December 31, 2008, we had commitments to purchase two new processing plants. After December 31, 2008, we cancelled the purchase of one of these plants due to nonperformance of contractual terms.  We are seeking to recover the $2.8 million progress payments made toward the full purchase price before this contract was terminated. In March 2009, we cancelled our remaining commitment for the third plant and incurred a $1.3 million penalty.

Contractual Commitments.    At September 30, 2009, we had the following contractual obligations:
 
   
Payments Due by Period
 
           
Less Than
   
2-3
   
4-5
   
After
 
     
Total
   
1 Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
5 Years
 
               
(In thousands)
             
Bank debt (1)
 
$
33,476
 
$
1,304
 
$
32,172
 
$
 
$
 
Operating leases (2)
   
1,470
   
953
   
476
   
41
   
 
Drill pipe, drilling components and
                               
equipment purchases (3)
   
38,763
   
38,763
   
   
   
 
Total contractual obligations
 
$
73,709
 
$
41,020
 
$
32,648
 
$
41
 
$
 
________________ 
(1)
See previous discussion in MD&A regarding our Credit Facility. This obligation is presented in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility and includes interest calculated using our September 30, 2009 interest rate of 4.3% which includes the effect of the interest rate swaps.
 
(2)
We lease office space or yards in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Houston, Texas; Englewood and Denver, Colorado; Pinedale, Wyoming; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under the terms of operating leases expiring through January, 2012. Additionally, we have several equipment leases and lease space on short-term commitments to stack excess drilling rig equipment and production inventory.

(3)
For the next twelve months, we have committed to purchase approximately $38.8 million of new drilling rig components, drill pipe, drill collars and related equipment.
 
 
34
 
At September 30, 2009, we also had the following commitments and contingencies that could create, increase or accelerate our liabilities:
 
   
Estimated Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
           
Less
                   
     
Total
   
Than 1
   
2-3
   
4-5
   
After 5
 
Other Commitments
   
Accrued
   
Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Years
 
   
 (In thousands)
 
Deferred compensation plan (1)
 
$
1,950
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
 
Separation benefit plans (2)
 
$
5,006
 
$
772
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
 
Derivative liabilities – commodity hedges
 
$
7,867
 
$
6,993
 
$
874
 
$
 
$
 
Derivative liabilities – interest rate swaps
 
$
2,154
 
$
808
 
$
1,346
 
$
 
$
 
Plugging liability (3)
 
$
54,313
 
$
1,149
 
$
14,196
 
$
3,378
 
$
35,590
 
Gas balancing liability (4)
 
$
3,364
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
 
Repurchase obligations (5)
 
$
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
 
Workers’ compensation liability (6)
 
$
24,015
 
$
7,837
 
$
4,062
 
$
1,340
 
$
10,776
 
__________________ 
(1)
We provide a salary deferral plan which allows participants to defer the recognition of salary for income tax purposes until actual distribution of benefits, which occurs at either termination of employment, death or certain defined unforeseeable emergency hardships. We recognize payroll expense and record a liability, included in other long-term liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, at the time of deferral.
 
(2)
Effective January 1, 1997, we adopted a separation benefit plan (“Separation Plan”). The Separation Plan allows eligible employees whose employment with us is involuntarily terminated or, in the case of an employee who has completed 20 years of service, voluntarily or involuntarily terminated, to receive benefits equivalent to four weeks salary for every whole year of service completed with the company up to a maximum of 104 weeks. To receive payments the recipient must waive any claims against us in exchange for receiving the separation benefits. On October 28, 1997, we adopted a Separation Benefit Plan for Senior Management (“Senior Plan”). The Senior Plan provides certain officers and key executives of the company with benefits generally equivalent to the Separation Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has absolute discretion in the selection of the individuals covered in this plan. On May 5, 2004 we also adopted the Special Separation Benefit Plan (“Special Plan”). This plan is identical to the Separation Benefit Plan with the exception that the benefits under the plan vest on the earliest of a participant’s reaching the age of 65 or serving 20 years with the company. On December 31, 2008, all these plans were amended to bring the plans into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  At September 30, 2009, there were 30 eligible employees to participate in the Special Plan.
 
(3)
When a well is drilled or acquired, under “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” we have recorded the fair value of liabilities associated with the retirement of long-lived assets (mainly plugging and abandonment costs for our depleted wells).
 
(4)
We have recorded a liability for those properties we believe do not have sufficient oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves to allow the under-produced owners to recover their under-production from future production volumes.
 
(5)
We formed The Unit 1984 Oil and Gas Limited Partnership and the 1986 Energy Income Limited Partnership along with private limited partnerships (the “Partnerships”) with certain qualified employees, officers and directors from 1984 through 2008, with a subsidiary of ours serving as general partner. The Partnerships were formed for the purpose of conducting oil and natural gas acquisition, drilling and development operations and serving as co-general partner with us in any additional limited partnerships formed during that year. The Partnerships participated on a proportionate basis with us in most drilling operations and most producing property acquisitions commenced by us for our own account during the period from the formation of the Partnership through December 31 of that year. These partnership agreements require, on the election of a limited partner, that we repurchase the limited partner’s interest at amounts to be determined by appraisal in the future. Such repurchases in any one year are limited to 20% of the units outstanding. We made repurchases of $1,000 in 2009, $241,000 in 2008 and did not have any repurchases in 2007.

 
35
 
(6)  
We have recorded a liability for future estimated payments related to workers’ compensation claims primarily associated with our contract drilling segment.

Derivative Activities. As of January 1, 2009, we applied the provisions of ASC Topic 815,  Derivatives and Hedging, (guidance formerly reflected in FAS161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities).  The new provision requires enhanced disclosures about a company’s derivative activities and how the related hedged items affect a company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows.  These enhanced disclosures are discussed in Note 8 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Periodically we enter into hedge transactions covering part of the interest we incur under our Credit Facility as well as the prices to be received for a portion of our future oil, NGLs and natural gas production.

Interest Rate Swaps. From time to time we have entered into interest rate swaps to help manage our exposure to possible future interest rate increases under our Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2009, we had two outstanding interest rate swaps which were cash flow hedges. There was no material amount of ineffectiveness. Our September 30, 2009 balance sheet recognized the fair value of these swaps as current and non-current derivative liabilities and is presented in the table below:

Term
 
Amount
 
Fixed Rate
 
Floating Rate
 
Fair Value Asset (Liability)
($ in thousands)
December 2007 – May 2012
 
$     15,000
 
4.53%
 
3 month LIBOR
 
$                   (1,135)
December 2007 – May 2012
 
$     15,000
 
4.16%
 
3 month LIBOR
 
                  (1,019)
               
$                   (2,154)

Because of these interest rate swaps, interest expense increased by $0.3 million and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively. A loss of $1.3 million, net of tax, is reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of September 30, 2009.  Interest expense increased by $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Commodity Hedges.  We use hedging to reduce price volatility and manage price risks. Our decision on the quantity and price at which we choose to hedge certain of our production is based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions. Based on our third quarter 2009 average daily production, as of September 30, 2009, the approximated percentages we have hedged are as follows:

Oil and Natural Gas Segment:

     
October – December 2009
 
January – December 2010
Daily oil production
   
77
%
 
77
%
Daily natural gas production
   
80
%
 
71
%
Daily natural gas liquids
   
77
%
 
%
 
        With respect to the commodities subject to the hedge, the use of hedging limits the risk of adverse downward price movements, however it also limits increases in future revenues that would otherwise result from favorable price movements.
 
        The use of derivative transactions also involves the risk that the counterparties will be unable to meet the financial terms of the transactions. We considered this non-performance risk with regard to our counterparties in our valuation at September 30, 2009 and determined it was immaterial at that time. At September 30, 2009, Bank of Montreal, Bank of Oklahoma, N.A., Bank of America, N.A., Calyon New York Branch, Comerica Bank, Compass Bank and ConocoPhillips were the counterparties with respect to all of our commodity derivative transactions.  At September 30, 2009, the fair values of the net assets (liabilities) we had with each of these counterparties was $8.3 million, $3.4 million, $10.1 million, $1.8 million, ($1.4) million, ($3.5) million and ($1.5) million, respectively.
 
 
36
 
        To the extent that a legal right of set-off exists, we net the value of our derivative arrangements with the same counterparty in the accompanying condensed balance sheets. At September 30, 2009, we recorded the fair value of our commodity derivatives on our balance sheet as current and non-current derivative assets of $22.9 million and $2.2 million, respectively, and current and non-current derivative liabilities of $7.0 million and $0.9. At September 30, 2008, we recorded the fair value of our commodity derivatives on our balance sheet as current and non-current derivative assets of $12.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and current derivative liabilities of $0.8 million.
 
        We recognize the effective portion of changes in fair value as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and reclassify the recognized gains (losses) on the sales to revenue and the purchases to expense as the underlying transactions are settled.  As of September 30, 2009, we had a gain of $11.7 million, net of tax from our oil and natural gas segment derivatives and no gain or loss from our mid-stream segment derivatives in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
 
        Based on market prices at September 30, 2009, we expect to transfer approximately $8.8 million, net of tax, of the gain included in the balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings during the next 12 months in the related month of production. The interest rate swaps and the commodity derivative instruments as of September 30, 2009 are expected to mature by May 2012 and December 2010, respectively.
 
        Certain derivatives do not qualify for designation as cash flow hedges. Currently, we have two basis swaps that do not qualify as cash flow hedges.  Changes in the fair value of these non-qualifying derivatives that occur before their maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported currently in the consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses) within oil and natural gas revenues. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged item is recognized into earnings. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized currently in oil and natural gas revenues as unrealized gains (losses). The effect of these realized and unrealized gains and losses on our revenues and expenses were as follows at September 30:

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                               
 
(In thousands)
 
Increases (decreases) in:
                             
Oil and natural gas revenue:
                             
Realized gains (losses) on oil and
                             
    natural gas derivatives
$
26,638
   
$
(6,725
)
 
$
85,101
   
$
(20,255
)
Unrealized losses on ineffectiveness
                             
    of cash flow hedges
 
(253
)
   
     
(372
)
   
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on non-qualifying
                             
    oil and natural gas derivatives
 
258
     
     
(2,563
)
   
 
    Total increase (decrease) on oil and natural
                             
    gas revenues due to derivatives
 
26,643
     
(6,725
)
   
82,166
     
(20,255
)
Gas gathering and processing
                             
revenue (all realized gains (losses))
 
     
(377
)
   
     
(1,925
)
Gas gathering and processing
                             
operating costs (all realized (gains) losses)
 
     
116
     
     
(1,005
)
                               
    Impact on pre-tax earnings
$
26,643
   
$
(7,218
)
 
$
82,166
   
$
(21,175
)


Stock and Incentive Compensation. During the first nine months of 2009, we did not grant any awards of restricted stock. During the first nine months of 2009, we recognized compensation expense of $5.4 million for all of our restricted stock, stock options and SAR grants and capitalized $1.6 million of compensation cost for oil and natural gas properties.

Insurance.    We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers' compensation, general liability, control of well and employee medical benefits.  Insured policies for other coverage contain deductibles or retentions per occurrence that range from $10,000 for excess liability to $1.0 million for general liability and drilling rig physical
 
 
37
 
damage.  We have purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit, to the extent feasible, per occurrence and aggregate exposure to certain types of claims.  However, there is no assurance that the insurance coverage will adequately protect us against liability from all potential consequences.  We have elected to use an ERISA governed occupational injury benefit plan to cover all Texas drilling operations in lieu of covering them under Texas Workers' Compensation.  If insurance coverage becomes more expensive, we may choose to self-insure, decrease our limits, raise our deductibles or any combination of these rather than pay higher premiums.
 
Oil and Natural Gas Limited Partnerships and Other Entity Relationships.    We are the general partner of 14 oil and natural gas partnerships which were formed privately or publicly. Each partnership’s revenues and costs are shared under formulas set out in that partnership's agreement. The partnerships repay us for contract drilling, well supervision and general and administrative expense. Related party transactions for contract drilling and well supervision fees are the related party’s share of such costs. These costs are billed on the same basis as billings to unrelated third parties for similar services. General and administrative reimbursements consist of direct general and administrative expense incurred on the related party’s behalf as well as indirect expenses assigned to the related parties. Allocations are based on the related party’s level of activity and are considered by us to be reasonable. For the first nine months of 2009 and 2008, the total we received for all of these fees was $1.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. Our proportionate share of assets, liabilities and net income relating to the oil and natural gas partnerships is included in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

The FASB Accounting Standards Codification.  FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) became effective for this quarterly report.  ASC Topic 105, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, (guidance formerly reflected in FAS168) establishes the ASC as the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The ASC supersedes all existing non-SEC accounting and reporting standards. All other nongrandfathered non-SEC accounting literature not included in the ASC will become nonauthoritative. Following ASC Topic 105, the FASB will not issue new standards in the form of Statements, FASB Staff Positions, or Emerging Issues Task Force Abstracts. Instead, the FASB will issue Accounting Standards Updates, which will serve only to: (a) update the ASC; (b) provide background information about the guidance; and (c) provide the basis for conclusions on the change(s) in the ASC. The adoption of this standard has changed how we reference various elements of U.S. GAAP in our financial statement disclosures, but has no impact on our financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting.  On December 31, 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) adopted major revisions to its rules governing oil and gas company reporting requirements. These include provisions that permit the use of new technologies to determine proved reserves, and that allow companies to disclose their probable and possible reserves to investors. The current rules limit disclosure to only proved reserves. The new rules also require companies to report the independence and qualifications of the auditor of the reserve estimates and file reports when a third party is relied on to prepare reserves estimates. The new rules also require that oil and gas reserves be reported and the full cost ceiling value calculated using an average price based on the first-of-month posted price for each month in the prior twelve-month period. The new oil and gas reporting requirements are effective for annual reports on Form 10-K for fiscal years ending on or after December 31, 2009, with early adoption not permitted.  We are currently evaluating the impact the new rules may have on our consolidated financial statements.

Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments.  On June 30, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments, (guidance formerly reflected in FASB Staff Position (FSP) Statement No. 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (APB) 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments).  The new provisions require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial information. We are required to disclose in the body or in the accompanying notes of our summarized financial information for interim reporting periods and in our financial statements for annual reporting periods, the fair value of all financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value, whether recognized or not recognized in the statement of financial position.  We have included the required disclosure in Note 4 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
38
 
Subsequent Events.  On June 30, 2009, we implemented certain provisions of ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events, (guidance formerly reflected in FAS165, Subsequent Events).  The new provision establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC Topic 855 provides:
 
 
·  
The period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements;
·  
The circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and
·  
The disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date.

We have included the required disclosure in Note 1 of our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
39
 
Results of Operations

Quarter Ended September 30, 2009 versus Quarter Ended September 30, 2008

Provided below is a comparison of selected operating and financial data:

   
 Quarter Ended September 30,
   
Percent
 
     
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
                     
Total revenue
 
$
167,430,000
 
$
375,563,000
   
(55
)%
Net income
 
$
31,449,000
 
$
92,281,000
   
(66
)%
Contract Drilling:
                   
Revenue
 
$
49,801,000
 
$
169,044,000
   
(71
)%
Operating costs excluding depreciation
 
$
29,456,000
 
$
81,802,000
   
(64
)%
Percentage of revenue from daywork contracts
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
%
Average number of drilling rigs in use
   
34.6
   
110.7
   
(69
)%
Average dayrate on daywork contracts
 
$
15,360
 
$
18,644
   
(18
)%
Depreciation
 
$
10,923,000
 
$
18,968,000
   
(42
)%
Oil and Natural Gas:
                   
Revenue
 
$
88,894,000
 
$
152,343,000
   
(42
)%
Operating costs excluding depreciation, depletion
                   
and amortization
 
$
20,781,000
 
$
32,095,000
   
(35
)%
Average oil price (Bbl)
 
$
59.55
 
$
101.82
   
(42
)%
Average NGL price (Bbl)
 
$
22.99
 
$
61.78
   
(63
)%
Average natural gas price (Mcf)
 
$
5.67
 
$
8.20
   
(31
)%
Oil production (Bbl)
   
300,000
   
316,000
   
(5
)%
NGL production (Bbl)
   
358,000
   
306,000
   
17
%
Natural gas production (Mcf)
   
10,713,000
   
12,134,000
   
(12
)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
                   
rate (Mcfe)
 
$
1.73
 
$
2.51
   
(31
)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
$
25,645,000
 
$
40,053,000
   
(36
)%
Mid-Stream Operations:
                   
Revenue
 
$
26,228,000
 
$
54,079,000
   
(52
)%
Operating costs excluding depreciation
                   
and amortization
 
$
20,012,000
 
$
45,381,000
   
(56
)%
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
3,995,000
 
$
3,788,000
   
5
%
Gas gathered—MMBtu/day
   
179,047
   
195,914
   
(9
)%
Gas processed—MMBtu/day
   
77,923
   
71,260
   
9
%
    Gas liquids sold—gallons/day
   
251,830
   
199,805
   
26
%
                     
General and administrative expense
 
$
5,506,000
 
$
6,928,000
   
(21
)%
Interest expense, net
 
$
1,000
 
$
69,000
   
(99
)%
Income tax expense
 
$
19,662,000
 
$
54,198,000
   
(64
)%
Average interest rate
   
3.9
%
 
4.3
%
 
(9
)%
Average long-term debt outstanding
 
$
82,920,000
 
$
142,059,000
   
(42
)%
 
Contract Drilling:

Drilling revenues decreased $119.2 million or 71% in the third quarter of 2009 versus the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to a 69% decrease in the average number of rigs in use during the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008. The decline in revenue was partially offset by $3.5 million of revenue recognized during the third quarter 2009 from settlements of terminated drilling contracts.  Average drilling rig utilization decreased from 110.7 drilling rigs in the third quarter of 2008 to 34.6 drilling rigs in the third quarter of 2009. Our average dayrate in the third quarter of 2009 was 18% lower than in the third quarter of 2008. In the third and fourth quarters of 2008, prices for oil and natural gas decreased substantially and natural gas prices continued to be at low levels during the third quarter of 2009 and we anticipate these prices will remain volatile for an indeterminable period of
 
 
40
 
time. Entering the third quarter of 2009, the decline in utilization had started to moderate and improved slightly throughout the quarter, but weak natural gas prices have continued to impact the demand for drilling rigs which may keep utilization rates at low levels.

Drilling operating costs decreased $52.3 million or 64% between the comparative third quarters of 2009 and 2008 primarily due to the decrease in the number of drilling rigs used. The industry utilization decreases since the third quarter of 2008, has reduced the demand for personnel which in turn has reduced the pressure on our labor costs. Likewise, we anticipate that pressure on other daily direct drilling costs should result in a decrease of those costs as well, but reduced utilization will result in fewer rigs to cover our indirect fixed costs. Contract drilling depreciation decreased $8.0 million or 42% primarily due to a decrease in rig utilization.

Oil and Natural Gas:

Oil and natural gas revenues decreased $63.4 million or 42% in the third quarter of 2009 as compared to the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to a decrease in average oil, NGL and natural gas prices and by a 8%  decrease in equivalent production volumes. Average oil prices between the comparative quarters decreased 42% to $59.55 per barrel, NGL prices decreased 63% to $22.99 per barrel and natural gas prices decreased 31% to $5.67 per Mcf. In the third quarter of 2009, as compared to the third quarter of 2008, oil production decreased 5%, NGL production increased 17% and natural gas production decreased 12%. During the third quarter of 2009 approximately 405 MMcf of natural gas production was curtailed due to low commodity prices and the shut-in of a third party plant. A large part of our increase in revenues during 2008 was determined by the prices we received for our production. Commodity prices started to decrease during the third and fourth quarters of 2008 and natural gas prices continued to be at low levels during the third quarter of 2009 and we anticipate these prices will remain volatile for an indeterminable period of time.  As a result of lower commodity prices combined with service costs that remained relatively high, we began slowing down our drilling activity during the fourth quarter of 2008 through the second quarter of 2009 and have increased activity during the third quarter of 2009 and plan to continue to increase activity throughout the remainder of the year.

 Oil and natural gas operating costs decreased $11.3 million or 35% between the comparative third quarters of 2009 and 2008 primarily due to reduced production taxes resulting from the large decrease in commodity prices. Lease operating expenses per Mcfe decreased 12% to $1.00. General and administrative expenses decreased as compensation costs were reduced in response to the downturn in the industry.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) decreased $14.4 million or 36% primarily due to a 31% decrease in our DD&A rate. The decrease in our DD&A rate in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 resulted primarily from the $282.0 million and $281.2 million pre-tax non-cash ceiling test write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter 2009, respectively, as a result of a decline in commodity prices. At September 30, 2009 commodity prices, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, were at levels that did not require us to take a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties. However should the twelve month average prices decline, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, an additional write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties could be required in future periods.

Mid-Stream:

Our mid-stream revenues were $27.9 million or 52% lower for the third quarter of 2009 as compared to the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to lower NGL and natural gas prices slightly offset by higher NGL volumes processed and sold. The average price for NGLs sold decreased 54% and the average price for natural gas sold decreased 64%. Gas processing volumes per day increased 9% between the comparative quarters and NGLs sold per day increased 26% between the comparative quarters.  The increase in volumes processed per day is primarily attributable to the volumes added from new wells connected to existing systems throughout 2008 and 2009. NGLs sold volumes per day increased due to both an increase in volumes processed and recent upgrades to several of our processing facilities. Gas gathering volumes per day decreased 9% primarily from well production declines associated with the wells gathered from one of our gathering systems located in Southeast Oklahoma. NGL sales were reduced by $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2008 due to the impact of NGL hedges. There were no NGL hedges in place for the third quarter of 2009.

 
41
 
Operating costs decreased $25.4 million or 56% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 primarily due to a 62% decrease in prices paid for natural gas purchased and a 21% decrease in field operating expense in the third quarter of 2009 due to lower cost of supplies, reduced field personnel and more efficient operations and a 24% decrease in general and administrative expenses associated with our mid-stream segment, slightly offset by a 7% increase in natural gas volumes purchased per day. The total number of employees working in our mid-stream segment decreased by 17% over the comparative quarters. Depreciation and amortization increased $0.2 million, or 5%, primarily attributable to the additional depreciation associated with capital expenditures between the comparative periods.  Operating costs increased by $0.1 million in the third quarter of 2008 due to the impact of natural gas purchase hedges; however there were no hedges in place during the third quarter of 2009. In the third quarter of 2009, we saw favorable fractionation spreads due to low natural gas prices and higher liquids prices; however, prices remain volatile and without a sustained increase, we could be adversely affected by fewer wells being connected to existing gathering systems and lower fractionation spreads resulting in future declines in volumes or margins.

Other:

General and administrative expense decreased $1.4 million or 21% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008.  This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased payroll expenses due to efforts to manage cost in this economic environment.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, decreased $0.1 million or 99% between the comparative quarters. Our average debt outstanding and our average interest rate were 42% and 9% lower, respectively, in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008.  Capitalized interest reduced our interest expense by $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2009 versus $1.6 million in the third quarter of 2008. We capitalized interest based on the net book value associated with our undeveloped oil and natural gas properties, the construction of additional drilling rigs and the construction of gas gathering systems. Interest expense was increased $0.3 million for the third quarter of 2009 and $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2008 from interest rate swap settlements.

Income tax expense decreased by $34.5 million or 64% in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the third quarter of 2008 due to reduced income from lower commodity prices and rig utilization. Our effective tax rate for the third quarter of 2009 was 38.5% versus 37.0% for the third quarter of 2008. The portion of our taxes reflected as current income tax expense for the third quarter of 2009 was $8.6 million compared with $16.0 million in the third quarter of 2008.  The reduction in tax expense recognized as current is the result of less taxable income projected for 2009.  Income taxes paid in the third quarter of 2009 were $0.5 million.

 
42
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 versus Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

Provided below is a comparison of selected operating and financial data:

   
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
   
Percent
 (1)
     
2009
   
2008
   
Change
 
                     
Total revenue
 
$
532,566,000
 
$
1,067,072,000
   
(50
)%
Net income (loss)
 
$
(84,013,000
$
263,473,000
   
(132
)%
Contract Drilling:
                   
Revenue
 
$
188,383,000
 
$
467,519,000
   
(60
)%
Operating costs excluding depreciation
 
$
109,565,000
 
$
234,541,000
   
(53
)%
Percentage of revenue from daywork contracts
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
%
Average number of drilling rigs in use
   
39.6
   
105.3
   
(62
)%
Average dayrate on daywork contracts
 
$
17,335
 
$
18,190
   
(5
)%
Depreciation
 
$
33,803,000
 
$
51,320,000
   
(34
)%
Oil and Natural Gas:
                   
Revenue
 
$
267,399,000
 
$
446,644,000
   
(40
)%
Operating costs excluding depreciation,
                   
depletion, amortization and impairment
 
$
62,846,000
 
$
90,353,000
   
(30
)%
Average oil price (Bbl)
 
$
54.77
 
$
99.33
   
(45
)%
Average NGL price (Bbl)
 
$
21.80
 
$
56.87
   
(62
)%
Average natural gas price (Mcf)
 
$
5.53
 
$
8.35
   
(34
)%
Oil production (Bbl)
   
991,000
   
942,000
   
5
%
NGL production (Bbl)
   
1,142,000
   
962,000
   
19
%
Natural gas production (Mcf)
   
33,575,000
   
35,143,000
   
(4
)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
                   
rate (Mcfe)
 
$
1.92
 
$
2.45
   
(22
)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
$
89,800,000
 
$
114,756,000
   
(22
)%
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
 
$
281,241,000
 
$
   
NM
%
Mid-Stream Operations:
                   
Revenue
 
$
71,604,000
 
$
153,102,000
   
(53
)%
Operating costs excluding depreciation
                   
and amortization
 
$
59,888,000
 
$
125,617,000
   
(52
)%
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
12,166,000
 
$
10,932,000
   
11
%
Gas gathered—MMBtu/day
   
186,296
   
200,652
   
(7
)%
Gas processed—MMBtu/day
   
75,371
   
66,219
   
14
%
    Gas liquids sold—gallons/day
   
236,692
   
195,303
   
21
%
                     
General and administrative expense
 
$
17,088,000
 
$
20,179,000
   
(15
)%
Interest expense
 
$
539,000
 
$
1,162,000
   
(54
)%
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
(50,357,000
)
$
154,739,000
   
(133
)%
Average interest rate
   
3.8
%
 
4.7
%
 
(19
)%
Average long-term debt outstanding
 
$
139,377,000
 
$
131,531,000
   
6
%
 ________________ 
(1)  
NM – A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to a zero-value denominator or a percentage change greater than 200.
 
Contract Drilling:

Drilling revenues decreased $279.1 million or 60% in the first nine months of 2009 versus the first nine months of 2008 primarily due to a 62% decrease in the average number of rigs in use during the first nine months of 2009 compared to the first nine months of 2008. The decline in revenue was partially offset by $4.0 million of revenue recognized during the third quarter 2009 from settlements of terminated drilling contracts.  Average drilling rig utilization decreased from 105.3 drilling rigs in the first nine months of 2008 to 39.6 drilling rigs in the first nine months of 2009. Our average dayrate in the first nine months of 2009 was 5% lower than in the first nine months of 2008.  In the third and fourth quarters of 2008, prices for oil and natural gas decreased substantially and natural gas
 
 
43
 
prices continued to be at low levels during the first nine months of 2009 and we anticipate these prices will remain volatile for an indeterminable period of time. Entering the third quarter of 2009, the decline in utilization had started to moderate and improved slightly throughout the quarter, but the weak natural gas prices have continued to impact the demand for drilling rigs which may keep utilization rates at low levels.

Drilling operating costs decreased $125.0 million or 53% between the comparative first nine months of 2009 and 2008 primarily due to the decrease in the number of drilling rigs used. The recent industry utilization decreases since the third quarter of 2008, has reduced the demand for personnel which in turn has reduced the pressure on our labor costs. Likewise, we anticipate that pressure on other daily direct drilling costs should result in a decrease of those costs as well, but reduced utilization will result in fewer rigs to cover our indirect fixed costs. Contract drilling depreciation decreased $17.5 million or 34% primarily due to a decrease in rig utilization.

Oil and Natural Gas:

Oil and natural gas revenues decreased $179.2 million or 40% in the first nine months of 2009 as compared to the first nine months of 2008 primarily due to a decrease in average oil, NGL and natural gas prices. Average oil prices between the comparative years decreased 45% to $54.77 per barrel, NGL prices decreased 62% to $21.80 per barrel and natural gas prices decreased 34% to $5.53 per Mcf. In the first nine months of 2009, as compared to the first nine months of 2008, oil production increased 5%, NGL production increased 19% and natural gas production decreased 4%. During the first nine months of 2009 approximately 1.2 Bcf of natural gas production was curtailed due to low commodity prices and the shut-in of a third party plant. A large part of our increase in revenues during 2008 was determined by the prices we received for our production. Commodity prices decreased substantially during the third and fourth quarters of 2008 and natural gas prices continued to be at low levels during the first nine months of 2009 and we anticipate these prices will remain volatile for an indeterminable period of time. As a result of lower commodity prices combined with service costs that remained relatively high, we began slowing down our drilling activity during the fourth quarter of 2008 through the second quarter of 2009 and increased activity during the third quarter of 2009 and plan to continue to increase activity throughout the remainder of the year.

 Oil and natural gas operating costs decreased $27.5 million or 30% between the comparative first nine months of 2009 and 2008 primarily due to reduced production taxes resulting from the large decrease in commodity prices and a $5.8 million production tax credit received in the second quarter of 2009 attributable to high-cost gas wells. Lease operating expenses per Mcfe increased 2% to $1.05 and partially offset the decrease in production taxes. General and administrative expenses decreased as compensation costs were reduced in response to the downturn in the industry while lease operating expenses increased slightly primarily due to an increase in the number of wells producing and also from increases in the cost of goods purchased and third-party services.

DD&A decreased $25.0 million or 22% primarily due to a 22% decrease in our DD&A rate slightly offset by higher production volumes. The decrease in our DD&A rate in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the first nine months of 2008 resulted primarily from the $282.0 million and $281.2 million pre-tax non-cash ceiling test write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter 2009, respectively, as a result of a decline in commodity prices.  At September 30, 2009 commodity prices, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, were at levels that did not require us to take a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties. However should the twelve month average prices decline, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, an additional write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties could be required in future periods.
 
 
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Mid-Stream:

Our mid-stream revenues were $81.5 million or 53% lower for the first nine months of 2009 as compared to the first nine months of 2008 primarily due to lower NGL and natural gas prices slightly offset by higher NGL volumes processed and sold. The average price for NGLs sold decreased 57% and the average price for natural gas sold decreased 64%. Gas processing volumes per day increased 14% between the comparative nine month periods and NGLs sold per day increased 21% between the comparative nine month periods.  The increase in volumes processed per day is primarily attributable to the volumes added from new wells connected to existing systems throughout 2008 and 2009. NGLs sold volumes per day increased due to both an increase in volumes processed and upgrades to several of our processing facilities. Gas gathering volumes per day decreased 7% primarily from well production declines associated with the wells gathered from one of our gathering systems located in Southeast Oklahoma. NGL sales were reduced by $1.9 million in the first nine months of 2008 due to the impact of NGL hedges. There were no NGL hedges in place for the first nine months of 2009.

Operating costs decreased $65.7 million or 52% in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the first nine months of 2008 primarily due to a 63% decrease in prices paid for natural gas purchased, a 7% decrease in field operating expense and a 3% decrease in general and administrative expenses associated with our mid-stream segment, slightly offset by a 11% increase in natural gas volumes purchased per day. Depreciation and amortization increased $1.2 million, or 11%, primarily attributable to the additional depreciation associated with capital expenditures between the comparative nine month periods.  Operating costs were reduced by $1.0 million in the first nine months of 2008 due to the impact of natural gas purchase hedges; however there were no hedges in place during the first nine months of 2009. Prices remain volatile and without a sustained increase, we could be adversely affected by fewer wells being connected to existing gathering systems and lower fractionation spreads resulting in future declines in volumes or margins.

Other:

General and administrative expense decreased $3.1 million or 15% in the first nine months of 2009 compared to the first nine months of 2008.  This decrease was primarily attributable to decreased payroll expenses due to efforts to manage cost in this economic environment.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, decreased $0.6 million or 54% between the comparative nine month periods of 2009 and 2008. Capitalized interest reduced our interest expense by $4.3 million in the first nine months of 2009 versus $4.0 million in the first nine months of 2008. We capitalized interest based on the net book value associated with our undeveloped oil and natural gas properties, the construction of additional drilling rigs and the construction of gas gathering systems. Our average interest rate was 19% lower and our average debt outstanding was 6% higher in the first nine months of 2009 as compared to the first nine months of 2008.  Interest expense was increased $0.7 million for the first nine months of 2009 and $0.2 million for the first nine months of 2008 from interest rate swap settlements.

Income tax expense (benefit) changed from an expense of $154.7 million in the first nine months of 2008 to a benefit of $50.4 million in the first nine months of 2009 due to the non-cash ceiling test write down of $281.2 million pre-tax of our oil and natural gas properties during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as a result of declines in commodity prices. Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2009 was 37.5% versus 37.0% for the first nine months of 2008. The portion of our taxes reflected as current income tax expense for the first nine months of 2009 was $9.8 million as compared with $41.2 million in the first nine months of 2008.  The reduction in tax expense recognized as current is the result of less taxable income projected for 2009.  Income taxes paid in the first nine months of 2009 were $2.3 million.

 
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Safe Harbor Statement

This report, including information included in, or incorporated by reference from, future filings by us with the SEC, as well as information contained in written material, press releases and oral statements issued by or on our behalf, contain, or may contain, certain statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference in this report, which address activities, events or developments which we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. The words “believes,” “intends,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “predicts” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements include, among others, such things as:
 
· the amount and nature of our future capital expenditures and how we expect to fund our capital expenditures;
· the amount of wells to be drilled or reworked;
· prices for oil and natural gas;
· demand for oil and natural gas;
· our exploration prospects;
· estimates of our proved oil and natural gas reserves;
· oil and natural gas reserve potential;
· development and infill drilling potential;
· our drilling prospects;
· expansion and other development trends of the oil and natural gas industry;
· our business strategy;
· production of oil and natural gas reserves;
· growth potential for our mid-stream operations;
· gathering systems and processing plants we plan to construct or acquire;
· volumes and prices for natural gas gathered and processed;
· expansion and growth of our business and operations;
· demand for our drilling rigs and drilling rig rates; and
· our belief that the final outcome of our legal proceedings will not materially affect our financial results.
 
These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, including:
 
· the risk factors discussed in this report and in the documents we incorporate by reference;
· general economic, market or business conditions;
· the nature or lack of business opportunities that we pursue;
· demand for our land drilling services;
· changes in laws or regulations;
· the time period associated with the current decrease in commodity prices; and
· other factors, most of which are beyond our control.

You should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we disclaim any current intention to update forward-looking information and to release publicly the results of any future revisions we may make to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

A more thorough discussion of forward-looking statements with the possible impact of some of these risks and uncertainties is provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. We encourage you to get and read that document.

 
46
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Our operations are exposed to market risks primarily because of changes in commodity prices and interest rates.
 
Commodity Price Risk.   Our major market risk exposure is in the price we receive for our oil and natural gas production. These prices are primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and market prices applicable to our natural gas production. Historically, the prices we received for our oil and natural gas production have fluctuated and we expect these prices to continue to fluctuate. The price of oil and natural gas also affects both the demand for our drilling rigs and the amount we can charge for the use of our drilling rigs. Based on our first nine months 2009 production, a $0.10 per Mcf change in what we are paid for our natural gas production, without the effect of hedging, would result in a corresponding $373,000 per month ($4.5 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. A $1.00 per barrel change in our oil price, without the effect of hedging, would have a $104,000 per month ($1.2 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow and a $1.00 per barrel change in our NGL prices, without the effect of hedging, would have a $129,000 per month ($1.5 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow.
 
We use hedging to reduce price volatility and manage price risks. Our decision on the quantity and price at which we choose to hedge certain of our production is based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions. For 2009, in an attempt to better manage our cash flows, we increased the amount of our hedged production through various financial transactions that hedge the future prices we would receive for that production. These transactions include financial price swaps whereby we will receive a fixed price for our production and pay a variable market price to the contract counterparty, and costless price collars that set a floor and ceiling price for the hedged production. If the applicable monthly price indices are outside of the ranges set by the floor and ceiling prices in the various collars, we will settle the difference with the counterparty to the collars. These financial hedging activities are intended to support oil and gas prices at targeted levels and to manage our exposure to oil and gas price fluctuations. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes.

Oil and Natural Gas Segment:

At September 30, 2009, the following cash flow hedges were outstanding:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Weighted Average Fixed Price for Swaps
 
Hedged Market
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Crude oil - collar
 
500 Bbl/day
 
$100.00 put & $156.25 call
 
WTI – NYMEX
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Crude oil – swap
 
2,000 Bbl/day
 
$51.87
 
WTI – NYMEX
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas - collar
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 8.22 put & $10.80 call
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 7.01
 
IF – Tenn Zone 0
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.32
 
IF – CEGT
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – swap
 
25,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.57
 
IF – PEPL
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Liquids – swap (1)
 
2,297,400 Gal/mo
 
$0.69
 
OPIS – Mont Belvieu
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Liquids – swap (1)
 
1,564,500 Gal/mo
 
$0.72
 
OPIS – Conway
                 
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Crude oil - collar
 
1,000 Bbl/day
 
$67.50 put & $81.53 call
 
WTI – NYMEX
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Crude oil – swap
 
1,500 Bbl/day
 
$61.36
 
WTI – NYMEX
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 7.20
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.89
 
IF – Tenn Zone 0
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.12
 
IF – CEGT
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.67
 
IF – PEPL
Jan’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.79)
 
PEPL – NYMEX
___________ 
(1) Types of liquids involved are natural gasoline, ethane, propane, isobutane and natural butane.

 
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At September 30, 2009, the following non-qualifying cash flow derivatives were outstanding:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Basis Differential
 
Hedged Market
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($1.02)
 
PEPL – NYMEX
Oct’09 – Dec’09
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($1.10)
 
CEGT – NYMEX

Interest Rate Risk.   Our interest rate exposure relates to our long-term debt, all of which bears interest at variable rates based on the BOKF National Prime Rate or the LIBOR Rate. At our election, borrowings under our revolving Credit Facility may be fixed at the LIBOR Rate for periods of up to 180 days. To help manage our exposure to any future interest rate volatility, we currently have two $15.0 million interest rate swaps, one at a fixed rate of 4.53% and one at a fixed rate of 4.16%, both expiring in May 2012.  Based on our average outstanding long-term debt subject to the floating rate in the first nine months of 2009, a 1% increase in the floating rate would reduce our annual pre-tax cash flow by approximately $1.1 million.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of September 30, 2009 in ensuring the appropriate information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in our periodic SEC filings relating to the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) and is accumulated and communicated to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and management to allow timely decisions.

Changes in Internal Controls. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a – 15(f) under the Exchange Act.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

We are a party to certain litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in our opinion, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Item 1A.                    Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed below and in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

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

The following table provides information relating to our repurchase of common stock for the three months ended September 30, 2009:
 
                   
Period
 
(a)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
(b)
 Average
 Price
 Paid
 Per
 Share(2)
 
(c)
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
As Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (1)
 
(d)
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value)
of Shares
That May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
July 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009
  
330
  
$
30.63
  
330
  
August 1, 2009 to August 31, 2009
  
  
 
  
  
September 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
Total
  
330
  
$
30.63
  
330
  
                   
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
 
(1)
The shares were repurchased to remit withholding of taxes on the value of stock distributed with the July 16, 2009 vesting distribution for grants previously made from our “Unit Corporation Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan” adopted May 3, 2006.
   
(2)
The price paid per common share represents the closing sales price of a share of our common stock as reported by the NYSE on the day that the stock was acquired by us.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.

 Item 5.  Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits:

 
15
Letter re:  Unaudited Interim Financial Information.
     
 
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13a – 14(a) of the
   
Exchange Act.
     
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Rule 13a – 14(a) of the
   
Exchange Act.
     
 
32
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer under
   
Rule 13a – 14(a) of the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
   
under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
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SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

   
Unit Corporation
Date:  November 3, 2009
By:  /s/ Larry D. Pinkston
 
LARRY D. PINKSTON
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
   
Date:  November 3, 2009
By:  /s/ David T. Merrill
 
DAVID T. MERRILL
 
Chief Financial Officer and
 
Treasurer
 
 
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