e10vq
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009 or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition period from                      to
Commission File Number 000-13305
PARALLEL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   75-1971716
     
(State of other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)    
     
1004 N. Big Spring, Suite 400,    
Midland, Texas   79701
     
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
(432) 684-3727
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(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 þ      No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
Yes o      No o
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes o No o
     As of April 30, 2009, the registrant had outstanding 41,597,161 common stock.
 
 

 


 

INDEX
         
    Page No.  
PART I. — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
       
       
 
       
       
 
       
    1  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    7  
 
       
    24  
 
       
    45  
 
       
    49  
 
       
PART II. — OTHER INFORMATION
 
       
    49  
 
       
    50  
 
       
    55  
 
       
    55  
 
       
       
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2

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Reference is made to the succeeding pages for the following financial statements:
PART 1— FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PARALLEL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Balance Sheets

(unaudited)
($ in thousands)
Assets
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 21,605     $ 36,303  
Short-term investments
    9,999       5,002  
 
               
Accounts receivable:
               
Oil and natural gas sales
    10,381       13,399  
Joint interest owners and other, net of allowance for doubtful account of $50
    3,494       2,805  
Affiliates and joint ventures
    22       12  
 
           
 
    13,897       16,216  
Other current assets
    248       430  
Derivatives
    22,204       22,665  
 
           
Total current assets
    67,953       80,616  
 
           
 
               
Property and equipment, at cost:
               
Oil and natural gas properties, full cost method (including $137,027 and $137,202 not subject to depletion)
    887,021       878,722  
Other
    3,304       3,172  
 
           
 
    890,325       881,894  
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
    (527,773 )     (490,566 )
 
           
Net property and equipment
    362,552       391,328  
 
               
Restricted cash
    82       81  
Investment in pipelines and gathering system ventures
    344       337  
Other assets, net of accumulated amortization of $1,592 and $1,443
    3,533       3,566  
Deferred tax asset
    71,510       60,567  
Derivatives
    12,573       14,081  
 
           
 
  $ 518,547     $ 550,576  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

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PARALLEL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Balance Sheets (continued)

(unaudited)
($ in thousands)
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable trade
  $ 10,529     $ 13,522  
Accrued liabilities
    16,444       21,780  
Accrued interest on senior notes
    2,563       6,407  
Asset retirement obligations
    158       158  
Derivative obligations
    3,148       3,004  
Put premium obligations
    778       628  
Deferred tax liability
    6,336       6,597  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    39,956       52,096  
 
           
 
               
Long-term liabilities:
               
Revolving credit facility
    225,000       225,000  
Senior notes (principal amount $150,000)
    146,026       145,890  
Asset retirement obligations
    11,271       11,221  
Derivative obligations
    5,055       5,136  
Put premium obligations
    3,399       3,655  
Termination obligation
    609       532  
 
           
Total long-term liabilities
    391,360       391,434  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Series A preferred stock — par value $0.10 per share, authorized 50,000 shares
           
Common stock — par value $0.01 per share, authorized 60,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 41,597,161 for 2009 and 2008
    415       415  
Additional paid-in capital
    200,678       200,132  
Retained deficit
    (113,862 )     (93,501 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    87,231       107,046  
 
           
 
  $ 518,547     $ 550,576  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

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PARALLEL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Statements of Operations

(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
Oil and natural gas revenues:
               
Oil and natural gas sales
  $ 18,229     $ 43,941  
 
           
 
               
Costs and expenses:
               
Lease operating expense
    8,086       6,979  
Production taxes
    573       2,289  
General and administrative
    3,433       2,568  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    6,781       9,352  
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
    30,426        
 
           
 
               
Total costs and expenses
    49,299       21,188  
 
           
 
               
Operating income (loss)
    (31,070 )     22,753  
 
           
 
               
Other income (expense), net:
               
Gain (loss) on derivatives not classified as hedges
    5,765       (21,886 )
Interest and other income
    69       33  
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
    (6,330 )     (5,518 )
Equity in gain of pipelines and gathering system ventures
    1       217  
 
           
Total other income (expense), net
    (495 )     (27,154 )
 
           
Loss before income taxes
    (31,565 )     (4,401 )
Income tax benefit
    11,204       1,661  
 
           
Net loss
  $ (20,361 )   $ (2,740 )
 
           
 
               
Net loss per common share:
               
Basic
  $ (0.49 )   $ (0.07 )
 
           
Diluted
  $ (0.49 )   $ (0.07 )
 
           
 
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
               
Basic
    41,597       41,273  
 
           
Diluted
    41,597       41,273  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

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PARALLEL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
As of December 31, 2008 and for the three months ended March 31, 2009

(unaudited)
(in thousands)
                                         
    Common stock     Additional             Total  
    Number of             paid-in     Retained     stockholders’  
    shares     Amount     capital     deficit     equity  
Balance, December 31, 2008
    41,597     $ 415     $ 200,132     $ (93,501 )   $ 107,046  
Restricted stock expense
                24             24  
Stock option expense
                522             522  
Net loss
                      (20,361 )     (20,361 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Balance, March 31, 2009
    41,597     $ 415     $ 200,678     $ (113,862 )   $ 87,231  
 
                             
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

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PARALLEL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Statements of Cash Flows
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(unaudited)
($ in thousands)
                 
    2009     2008  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net loss
  $ (20,361 )   $ (2,740 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    6,781       9,352  
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
    30,426        
Accretion of asset retirement obligation
    210       83  
Accretion of senior notes discount
    136       122  
Deferred income tax benefit
    (11,204 )     (1,661 )
(Gain) loss on derivatives not classified as hedges
    (5,765 )     21,886  
Amortization of deferred financing cost
    149       159  
Accretion of interest on put obligations
    44        
Restricted stock expense
    24        
Stock option expense
    522       82  
Equity in gain of pipelines and gathering system ventures
    (1 )     (217 )
 
               
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Other assets, net
    459       (43 )
Restricted cash
    (1 )     (1 )
Accounts receivable
    2,319       (7,972 )
Other current assets
    182       282  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (6,773 )     5,194  
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (2,853 )     24,526  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Additions to oil and natural gas properties
    (13,782 )     (38,718 )
Proceeds from disposition of oil and natural gas properties and other property and equipment
          100  
Additions to other property and equipment
    (132 )     (134 )
Settlements on derivative instruments
    6,273       (8,282 )
Short-term investments
    (4,997 )      
Net investment in pipelines and gathering system ventures
    (6 )     154  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (12,644 )     (46,880 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Borrowings from bank line of credit
          22,000  
Deferred financing cost
    (575 )      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and warrants
          295  
Settlements on derivative instruments with financing elements
    1,374        
 
           
Net cash provided by financing activities
    799       22,295  
 
           
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (14,698 )     (59 )
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    36,303       7,816  
 
           
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 21,605     $ 7,757  
 
           
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

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PARALLEL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
Statements of Cash Flows (continued) 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008

(unaudited)
($ in thousands)
                 
    2009     2008  
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
               
Oil and natural gas properties asset retirement obligations
  $ (160 )   $ 782  
Additions to oil and natural gas properties accrued
  $ (5,400 )   $ 1,000  
Termination obligation capitalized to oil and natural gas properties
  $ 77     $  
Other transactions:
               
Interest paid
  $ 10,367     $ 9,076  
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Financial Statements.

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS — NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
     Parallel Petroleum Corporation, or “Parallel”, was incorporated in Texas on November 26, 1979, and reincorporated in the State of Delaware on December 18, 1984.
     Parallel is engaged in the acquisition, development and exploitation of long-lived oil and natural gas reserves and, to a lesser extent, exploring for new oil and natural gas reserves. The majority of our producing properties are in the:
    Permian Basin of west Texas and New Mexico; and
 
    Fort Worth Basin of north Texas.
     The financial information included herein is unaudited. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 has been derived from our audited Financial Statements as of December 31, 2008. The unaudited financial information includes all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the interim periods. The results of operations for the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year. Certain 2008 amounts have been conformed to the 2009 financial statement presentation.
     Certain information, accounting policies and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under certain rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The financial statements included in this report should be read in conjunction with the audited Financial Statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
     Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “we”, “us”, “our”, “Parallel”, or “Company” mean the registrant, Parallel Petroleum Corporation.
NOTE 2. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
     Parallel accounts for stock based compensation in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)).
     Parallel awards incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and stock awards to selected key employees, officers, and directors. Stock options are awarded at exercise prices equal to the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. These options vest over a period of two to ten years with a ten-year exercise period. As of March 31, 2009, options expire beginning in 2011 and extending through 2018. The stock options, restricted stock and stock awards’ fair values are described below for each grant. Stock based compensation expense is classified as general and administrative expenses in the Statements of Operations.
     Options
     For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we recognized compensation expense of approximately $522,000 and $82,000, respectively, with a tax benefit of approximately $177,000 and $28,000, respectively, associated with our stock option grants.

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                    Weighted        
                    Average        
    Number of Shares of     Weighted     Remaining        
    Common Stock     Average Exercise     Contractual     Aggregate  
    Underlying Options     Price     Term     Intrinsic Value  
    (in thousands)             (years)     ($ in thousands)  
Outstanding December 31, 2008
    739     $ 14.41                  
Granted
        $                  
Exercised
        $                  
Surrendered
        $                  
 
                           
Outstanding March 31, 2009
    739     $ 14.41       8.5     $  
 
                           
Exercisable at March 31, 2009
    309     $ 7.68       4.4     $  
 
                           
     Restricted Stock
     For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we recognized compensation expense of approximately $24,000 and zero, respectively, with a tax benefit of approximately $8,000 and zero, respectively, for restricted stock.
NOTE 3. CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
     We maintain one credit facility, our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, or the “Revolving Credit Agreement”, dated May 16, 2008, as amended February 19, 2009, but effective as of December 31, 2008, which we describe below.
     Revolving Credit Facility
     Our Revolving Credit Agreement, with a group of bank lenders provides us with a revolving line of credit having a “borrowing base” limitation of $230.0 million at March 31, 2009. The total amount that we can borrow and have outstanding at any one time is limited to the lesser of $600.0 million or the borrowing base established by the lenders. At March 31, 2009, the principal amount outstanding under our revolving credit facility was $225.0 million, excluding $445,000 reserved for our letters of credit. The Revolving Credit Agreement allows us to borrow, repay and reborrow amounts available under the facility. The amount of the borrowing base is based primarily upon the estimated value of our oil and natural gas reserves. The borrowing base is redetermined by the lenders semi-annually on or about April 1 and October 1 of each year or at other times required by the lenders or at our request. If the outstanding principal amount of our loans ever exceeds the borrowing base, we must either provide additional collateral to the lenders or repay the outstanding principal of our loans in an amount equal to the excess. Except for principal payments that may be required because of our outstanding loans being in excess of the borrowing base, interest only is payable monthly.
     As of March 31, 2009, our group of bank lenders included Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Compass Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, Bank of America, N.A., Texas Capital Bank, N.A., Western National Bank and West Texas National Bank. None of the bank lenders held more than 21% of the facility at March 31, 2009.
     Loans made to us under this revolving credit facility bear interest on the base rate of Citibank, N.A. or the “LIBOR” rate, at our election.
     The base rate is generally equal to the sum of (a) Citibank’s “prime rate” as announced by it from time to time plus (b) a specified margin, the amount of which depends upon the outstanding principal amount of our loan. If the principal amount outstanding is equal to or greater than 75% of the borrowing

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base, the margin is 0.25%. If the borrowing base usage is less than 75%, there is no margin percent.
     The LIBOR rate is generally equal to the sum of (a) the rate designated as “British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rates” and offered in one, two, three, six or twelve month interest periods for deposits of $1.0 million, and (b) a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.00%, depending upon the outstanding principal amount of our loan. If the principal amount outstanding is equal to or greater than 75% of the borrowing base, the margin is 3.00%. If the principal amount outstanding is equal to or greater than 50%, but less than 75% of the borrowing base, the margin is 2.75%. If the principal amount outstanding is less than 50% of the borrowing base, the margin is 2.50%.
     The interest rate we are required to pay on our borrowings, including the applicable margin, may never be less than 4.75%. At March 31, 2009, our base rate, plus the applicable margin, was 4.75% on $225.0 million, the outstanding principal amount of our revolving loan on that same date.
     In the case of base rate loans, interest is payable on the last day of each month. In the case of LIBOR loans, interest is payable on the last day of each applicable interest period.
     If the total outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility are less than the borrowing base, we are required to pay an unused commitment fee to the lenders in an amount equal to 0.25% of the daily average of the unadvanced portion of the borrowing base. The fee is payable quarterly.
     If the borrowing base is increased, we are also required to pay a fee of 0.375% on the amount of any increase.
     All outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the revolving credit facility is due and payable on December 31, 2013. The maturity date of our outstanding loans may be accelerated by the lenders upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
     The Revolving Credit Agreement contains various restrictive covenants, including (i) maintenance of a minimum current ratio, (ii) maintenance of a maximum ratio of funded indebtedness to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, (iii) maintenance of a minimum net worth, (iv) prohibition of payment of dividends and (v) restrictions on incurrence of additional debt. We have pledged substantially all of our producing oil and natural gas properties to secure the repayment of our indebtedness under the revolving credit facility. If we breach any of the provisions of the credit agreement, including the financial covenants, and are unable to obtain waivers from our lenders, they would be entitled to declare an event of default, at which point the entire unpaid principal balance of the loans, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, would become immediately due and payable. Because substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral under the revolving facility, if our lenders declare an event of default, they would be entitled to foreclose on and take possession of our assets.
     In addition to the restrictive covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement, our lenders have the unilateral authority to redetermine the borrowing base at any time they desire to do so. Any such unscheduled redetermination could result in the requirement for us to provide additional collateral or repay any borrowing base deficiency as described above. Although our lenders have not, in the past, initiated an unscheduled borrowing base determination, current economic conditions and the matters described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” could cause the lenders to initiate such an unscheduled redetermination.
     As of March 31, 2009 we were in compliance with our Revolving Credit Agreement.
     On April 30, 2009, we entered into a Third Amendment to our Revolving Credit Agreement. See Note 12-“Subsequent Events”.

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     Senior Notes
     At March 31, 2009, the carrying value of our $150.0 million senior notes was $146.0 million. The senior notes mature on August 1, 2014 and bear interest at 10.25%, per annum on the principal amount. Interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year to holders of record at the close of business on the preceding January 15 and July 15, respectively, and payments commenced on February 1, 2008. Prior to August 1, 2010, we may redeem up to 35% of the senior notes for a price equal to 110.250% of the original principal amount of the senior notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings. On or after August 1, 2011 we may redeem all or some of the senior notes at a redemption price that will decrease from 105.125% of the principal amount of the senior notes to 100% of the principal amount on August 1, 2013. In addition, prior to August 1, 2011, we may redeem some or all of the senior notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the senior notes to be redeemed, plus a make-whole premium, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Generally, the “make-whole” premium is an amount equal to the greater of (a) 1% of the principal amount of the senior notes being redeemed or (b) the excess of the present value of the redemption price of such notes as of August 1, 2011 plus all required interest payments due through August 1, 2011 (computed at a discount rate equal to a specified U.S. “Treasury Rate” plus 50 basis points), over the principal amount of the senior notes being redeemed. If we experience a change of control, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the senior notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.
     The Indenture governing the senior notes restricts our ability to: (i) borrow money; (ii) issue redeemable and preferred stock; (iii) pay distributions or dividends; (iv) make investments; (v) create liens without securing the senior notes; (vi) enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries; (vii) sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies; (viii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (ix) guarantee indebtedness; and (x) enter into new lines of business.
     As of March 31, 2009 we were in compliance with the covenants in the Indenture.
     Interest Incurred
     For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the aggregate interest incurred under our revolving credit facility and our senior notes was approximately $10.4 million. Deferred financing costs and note discount amortization were approximately $285,000 and $281,000 and capitalized interest was approximately $522,000 and $25,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
NOTE 4. OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES
     On February 11, 2009, we entered into a farmout agreement with Chesapeake Energy Corporation, or “Chesapeake”, related to our approximate 35% interest in the Barnett Shale gas project. Under the farmout agreement, for all wells drilled on our Barnett Shale leasehold from November 1, 2008 through December 31, 2016, we have agreed to assign to Chesapeake 100% of our leasehold in the Barnett Shale, subject to the following terms:
    all wells drilled from November 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009, and all wells drilled during each succeeding calendar year through 2016 will be treated as a separate project or payout period, creating eight separate projects or payout periods;
 
    at the time Chesapeake commences the drilling of a well during one of the payout periods, we will assign to Chesapeake 100% of our leasehold interest within the subject unit or lease, reserving and retaining a 50% reversionary interest that will vest after Chesapeake recovers 150% of its costs for a particular payout period. Until 150% payout has been reached, Chesapeake will fund 100% of our costs for drilling, completing and operating wells during

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      the payout period;
 
    on each project, Chesapeake is entitled to receive all revenues from our reversionary interest until Chesapeake receives revenues totaling 150% of the drilling, completion and operating costs Chesapeake incurs in funding our reversionary interest;
 
    upon reaching the 150% payout level for a given project, 50% of the interest assigned to Chesapeake will revert back to us;
 
    after 150% project payout, we will pay all costs and receive all revenues attributable to our 50% reversionary interest in each project;
 
    for wells drilled after January 1, 2017, we will pay all costs and receive all revenues attributable to our 50% reversionary interest; and
 
    we retained all of our interest in wells commenced prior to November 1, 2008, except for 3 wells commenced in late October 2008. We also retained all of our interest in approximately 90 gross (22.4 net) producing wells and 31 gross (9.49 net) wells in progress.
     As non-operator, we do not control the timing of investment in the Barnett Shale gas project. Therefore, we entered into the farmout agreement with Chesapeake. This farmout agreement had minimal effect on our proved reserves as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
     We estimate that our Barnett Shale leasehold acreage operated by Chesapeake and subject to the farmout agreement is approximately 25,600 gross (9,300 net) acres. We anticipate that approximately 61 gross (10.0 net) wells will be drilled and included in the 2009 payout period from November 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. Payout of each project will depend on drilling and completion costs, timing of completion and pipeline connection to sales, and natural gas prices, among other things.
     We use the full cost method to account for our oil and natural gas producing activities. Under the full cost method of accounting, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, may not exceed a calculated “ceiling”. The ceiling limitation is the discounted estimated after-tax future net cash flows from proved oil and natural gas properties. The net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less related deferred income taxes, is compared to the ceiling on a quarterly and annual basis. Any excess of the net book value, less related deferred income taxes, is generally written off as an expense. Please see our 2008 10-K “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a discussion of “Critical Accounting Policies and Practices".
     Under the full cost method of accounting, all costs incurred in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties, including a portion of our overhead, are capitalized. In the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, overhead costs capitalized were approximately $415,000 and $380,000, respectively.
     As a result of the continued decline in oil and natural gas prices we recognized an impairment of approximately $30.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2009. We did not recognize an impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2008. We cannot assure you that we will not experience further ceiling test write-downs in the future.

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     The following table reflects capitalized costs related to the oil and natural gas properties as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
                 
    2009     2008  
    ($ in thousands)  
Proved properties
  $ 749,994     $ 741,520  
Unproved properties, not subject to depletion
    137,027       137,202  
 
           
 
    887,021       878,722  
Accumulated depletion (1)
    (525,286 )     (488,168 )
 
           
 
 
  $ 361,735     $ 390,554  
 
           
 
(1)   Includes $30.4 million and $300.5 million impairment of oil and natural gas properties for the periods ending March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
NOTE 5. OTHER ASSETS
     Below are the components of other assets as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    ($ in thousands)  
Revolving credit facility deferred financing costs, net
  $ 1,796     $ 1,306  
Senior notes deferred financing costs, net
    1,367       1,432  
Other
    370       828  
 
           
 
  $ 3,533     $ 3,566  
 
           
NOTE 6. OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES
     Below are the components of other accrued liabilities as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008:
                 
    March 31,     December 31,  
    2009     2008  
    ($ in thousands)  
Revenue payable to joint interest and royalty owners
  $ 6,879     $ 8,004  
Accrued capital expenditures
    3,622       9,275  
Accrued lease operating expense
    2,161       2,223  
Other
    3,782       2,278  
 
           
 
  $ 16,444     $ 21,780  
 
           

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NOTE 7. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
     The following table summarizes our asset retirement obligation transactions:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    M arch 31,  
    2009     2008  
    ($ in thousands)  
Beginning asset retirement obligation
  $ 11,379     $ 4,937  
 
Additions related to new properties
    115       152  
 
Revisions in estimated cash flows
    (72 )     642  
 
Deletions related to property disposals
    (203 )     (12 )
 
Accretion expense
    210       83  
 
           
 
Ending asset retirement obligation
  $ 11,429     $ 5,802  
 
           
     The adoption of FAS 157 on non financial assets and liabilities, related to our asset retirement obligations, had an immaterial impact on our balance sheet as of March 31, 2009 and our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2009.
NOTE 8. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
     General
     We enter into derivative contracts to provide a measure of stability in the cash flows associated with our oil and natural gas production and interest rate payments and to manage exposure to commodity price and interest rate risk. Our objective is to lock in a range of oil and natural gas prices and to limit variability in our cash interest payments. In addition, our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain derivative financial instruments which limit our exposure to fluctuating commodity prices covering at least 50% of our estimated monthly production of oil and natural gas extending 24 months into the future.
     Our put contracts contain a financing element, which management believes is other than insignificant, resulting in related cash settlements being classified as cash from financing activities within the Statement of Cash Flows. These settlements are disclosed as net settlements to reflect the amount of the gross settlement less the amount of the original put premium for the specific contracts being settled.
     All derivative contracts are marked to market at each period end and the increases or decreases in fair values recorded to earnings.
     We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to these contracts, BNP Paribas and Citibank, N.A. We actively monitor our credit risks related to financial institutions and counterparties including monitoring credit agency ratings, financial position and current news to mitigate this credit risk. We minimize credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with counterparties that are parties to our credit facility. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for additional discussion concerning the risk with counterparties of the derivative instruments.
     Adoption of SFAS No. 161
     We adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”), effective January 1, 2009 for all financial assets and liabilities. SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging

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activities and thereby improves transparency of financial reporting. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosure about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flow.
     The tables below provide the fair values of the derivative instruments and their gains and losses located on the Balance Sheet and Statement of Operations as of March 31, 2009.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments under Statement 133
                 
    As of  
    March 31, 2009     December 31, 2008  
    ($ in thousands)  
Derivative Asset
               
Gas swaps
  $ 362     $  
Gas collars
    8,755       6,611  
Oil collars
    10,500       13,480  
Oil puts
    15,160       16,655  
Derviative Obligation
               
Interest rate swaps
    (7,835 )     (8,051 )
Gas collars
    (337 )      
Oil collars
    (31 )     (89 )
 
           
Net derivative asset
  $ 26,574     $ 28,606  
 
           
The Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Statement of Operations
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments under Statement 133(1)
                 
    For the three months ended  
    March 31, 2009     March 31, 2008  
    ($ in thousands)  
Interest rate swaps
  $ (480 )   $ (2,102 )
Gas collars
    4,522       (4,565 )
Gas swaps
    362        
Oil swaps
          (3,039 )
Oil collars
    1,331       (12,180 )
Oil puts
    30        
 
           
Total gain (loss) on derivatives
  $ 5,765     $ (21,886 )
 
           
 
(1)   All changes in the “mark-to-market” valuation of our derivatives are recorded on the Statement of Operations under the line item “Gain (loss) on derivatives not classified as hedges”.
     Adoption of SFAS No. 157
     We adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), effective January 1, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities. Beginning January 1, 2009, we also applied SFAS No. 157 to non-financial assets and liabilities. As defined in SFAS No. 157, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). In determining the fair value of its derivative contracts the Company evaluates its counterparty and third party service provider valuations and adjusts for credit risk when

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appropriate. SFAS 157 requires disclosure that establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. The statement requires fair value measurements be classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
         
 
  Level 1:   Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. We consider active markets as those in which transactions for the assets or liabilities occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
 
       
 
  Level 2:   Quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. This category includes those derivative instruments that are valued using observable market data. Substantially all of these inputs are observable in the marketplace throughout the full term of the derivative instrument, can be derived from observable data, or supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. Instruments in this category include non-exchange traded derivatives such as over-the-counter commodity price swaps and interest rate swaps.
 
       
 
  Level 3:   Measured based on prices or valuation models that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and less observable from objective sources (i.e., supported by little or no market activity). Our valuation models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various inputs including: (a) quoted forward prices for commodities, (b) time value, (c) volatility factors and (d) current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Level 3 instruments primarily include derivative instruments, such as commodity price collars and puts. These instruments are considered Level 3 because we do not have sufficient corroborating market evidence for volatility to support classifying these assets and liabilities as Level 2.
   As required by SFAS No. 157, financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.
     The following table summarizes the valuation of our derivative financial assets (liabilities) by SFAS No. 157 valuation levels as of March 31, 2009 (in thousands):
                                 
    Quoted Prices in                    
    Active Markets                    
    for Identical     Other Observable     Unobservable     Fair Value at  
    Assets (Level 1)     Inputs (Level 2)     Inputs (Level 3)     March 31, 2009  
Interest swaps
  $     $ (7,835 )   $     $ (7,835 )
Gas swaps
  $     $ 362     $     $ 362  
Oil puts
  $     $     $ 15,160     $ 15,160  
Oil & gas collars
  $     $     $ 18,887     $ 18,887  
 
                       
 
  $     $ (7,473 )   $ 34,047     $ 26,574  
 
                       

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     The determination of the fair values above incorporates various factors required under SFAS No. 157. These factors include the impact of our nonperformance risk and the credit standing of the counterparties involved in our derivative contracts. The risk of nonperformance by our counterparties is mitigated by the fact that such counterparties (or their affiliates) are also bank lenders under our Revolving Credit Agreement and the derivative instruments with these counterparties allow us to setoff amounts owed by the counterparty to it against any obligation we owe the counterparty under our Revolving Credit Agreement.
     The following table sets forth a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of financial assets and liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy (in thousands):
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31, 2009  
    Derivative     Derivative  
    Collars     Puts  
Beginning balance
  $ 20,002     $ 16,656  
Total gains
    5,854       30  
Settlements
    (6,969 )     (1,526 (1)
Transfers in and/or out of level 3
           
 
           
Ending balance
  $ 18,887     $ 15,160  
 
           
 
               
Change in unrealized losses included in earnings relating to derivatives still held as of March 31, 2009(2)
  $ (1,115 )   $ (1,496 )
 
           
 
(1)   Premiums of $150,000 were netted from the settlement receipts.
 
(2)   Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2009 are reported in gain (loss) on derivatives not classified as hedges on the Statement of Operations.
     During periods of market disruption, including periods of volatile oil and gas prices, rapid credit contraction or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of our derivative instruments if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. There may be certain asset classes that were in active markets with observable data that become illiquid due to the current financial environment. In such cases, more derivative instruments may fall to Level 3 and thus require more subjectivity and management judgment. As such, valuations may include inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater estimation as well as valuation methods which are more sophisticated or require greater estimation thereby resulting in valuations with less certainty. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of derivative instruments as reported within our financial statements and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in value may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
     We have entered into interest rate swap contracts with BNP Paribas and Citibank, N.A. (the “counterparties”) which are intended to have the effect of converting the variable rate interest payments to be made on our Revolving Credit Agreement to fixed interest rates for the periods covered by the swaps. Under terms of these swap contracts, in periods during which the fixed interest rate stated in the swap contract exceeds the variable rate (which is based on the 90-day LIBOR rate) we pay to the counterparties an amount determined by applying this excess fixed rate to the notional amount of the contract. In periods when the variable rate exceeds the fixed rate stated in the swap contracts, the counterparties pay an amount to us determined by applying the excess of the variable rate over the stated fixed rate to the

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notional amount of the contract. These contracts are accounted for by “mark-to-market” accounting as prescribed in SFAS 133. We have historically viewed these contracts as additional protection against future interest rate volatility. As of March 31, 2009, the fair market value of these interest rate swaps was a liability of approximately $7.8 million.
     The table below recaps the nature of these interest rate swaps and the fair market value of these contracts as of March 31, 2009.
                         
    Notional     Weighted Average   Estimated  
                                Period of Time   Amounts     Fixed Interest Rates   Fair Market Value  
    ($ in millions)             ($ in thousands)  
April 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
  $ 100       4.22 %   $ (2,338 )
January 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010
  $ 100       4.71 %     (2,738 )
November 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
  $ 50       4.26 %     (237 )
January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011
  $ 100       4.67 %     (2,522 )
 
                     
Total Fair Market Value
                  $ (7,835 )
 
                     
Commodity Price Sensitivity
     All of our commodity derivatives are accounted for using “mark-to-market” accounting as prescribed in SFAS 133.
     Put Options. Puts are options to sell an asset at a specified price. For any put transaction, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Company if the reference floating price for any settlement period is less than the put or floor price for such contract.
     In June 2008, we entered into multiple put contracts with BNP Paribas and in October 2008 we entered into a put contract with Citibank, N.A. In lieu of making premium payments for the puts at the time of entering into our put contracts, we deferred payment until the settlement dates of the contracts. Future premium payments will be netted against any payments that the counterparty may owe to us based on the floating price. Due to the deferral of the premium payments, we will pay a total amount of premiums of $4.68 million which is $491,000 greater than if the premiums had been paid at the time of entering into the contracts. The $491,000 difference is recorded as a discount to the put premium obligations and recognized as interest expense over the terms of the contracts using the effective interest method. Through March 31, 2009, we had accrued $141,000 of interest expense and settled premiums of $150,000. Accordingly, the recorded balance of the put premium obligations at March 31, 2009 is $4.2 million.
     A summary of our put positions at March 31, 2009 is as follows:
                         
                    Estimated  
    Barrels of             Fair Market  
                                Period of Time   Oil     Floor     Value  
                    ($ in thousands)  
April 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
    82,500     $ 100.00     $ 3,727  
January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
    280,100     $ 84.36       6,256  
January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011
    146,000     $ 100.00       5,177  
 
                     
Total Fair Market Value
                  $ 15,160  
 
                     
     Collars. Collars are contracts which combine both a put option or “floor” and a call option or “ceiling”. These contracts may or may not involve payment or receipt of cash at inception, depending on

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the “ceiling” and “floor” pricing. BNP Paribas and Citibank, N.A. are the counterparties to our oil and natural gas collar contracts.
     On February 18, 2009, we executed a trade for 10,000 MMBtu/day natural gas for calendar 2010 (WAHA) costless collars with a floor of $4.75 and a ceiling of $5.90 with a total volume of 3,650,000 MMBtu.
     A summary of our collar positions at March 31, 2009 is as follows:
                                 
                            Estimated
    Barrels of   NYMEX Oil Prices   Fair Market
                                Period of Time   Oil   Floor   Ceiling   Value
                            ($ in thousands)
April 1, 2009 thru December 31, 2009
    577,500     $ 65.71     $ 82.93     $ 7,583  
January 1, 2010 thru October 31, 2010
    486,400     $ 63.44     $ 78.26       2,886  
                                 
    MMBtu of     WAHA Gas Prices          
    Natural Gas     Floor     Ceiling          
April 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
    2,475,000     $ 7.06     $ 9.93       8,728  
January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
    3,650,000     $ 4.75     $ 5.90       (310 )
 
                             
Total Fair Market Value
                          $ 18,887  
 
                             
     Commodity Swaps. Generally, swaps are an agreement to buy or sell a specified commodity for delivery in the future, at an agreed fixed price. Swap transactions convert a floating or market price into a fixed price. For any particular swap transaction, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Company if the reference price for any settlement period is less than the swap or fixed price for such contract, and the Company is required to make a payment to the counterparty if the reference price for any settlement period is greater than the swap or fixed price for such contract.
     On March 31, 2009, we executed a trade to sell 5,000 MMBtu/day natural gas for May 2009 through September 2009 (WAHA) with a fixed price of $3.91.
     A recap for the period of time, MMBtu and swap prices are as follows:
                         
                    Estimated
    Number of   WAHA   Fair Market
                                Period of Time   MMBtu   Swap Price   Value
                    ($ in thousands)
May 1, 2009 thru September 30, 2009
    765,000     $ 3.91       $362  
 
                       
NOTE 9. NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
     Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) exclude any dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities and is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed similar to basic earnings per share. However, diluted earnings per share reflect the assumed conversion of all potentially dilutive securities.

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     The following table provides the computation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:
                 
    Three Months Ended  
    March 31,  
    2009     2008  
    (in thousands,  
    except per share data)  
Basic EPS Computation:
               
Numerator-
               
Net loss
  $ (20,361 )   $ (2,740 )
 
           
Denominator-
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    41,597       41,273  
 
           
Basic EPS:
               
Net loss per share
  $ (0.49 )   $ (0.07 )
 
           
Diluted EPS Computation:
               
Numerator-
               
Net loss
  $ (20,361 )   $ (2,740 )
 
           
Denominator-
               
Weighted average common shares outstanding
    41,597       41,273  
Employee stock options
           
Warrants
           
 
           
Weighted average common shares for diluted earnings per share assuming conversion
    41,597       41,273  
 
           
Diluted EPS:
               
Net loss per share
  $ (0.49 )   $ (0.07 )
 
           
     For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, the effects of all potentially dilutive securities (including options and warrants) were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because we had a net loss and, therefore, the effect would have been anti-dilutive. Approximately zero and 482,000 options and warrants were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
NOTE 10. RECENTLY ANNOUNCED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations, (“SFAS 141(R)”), which replaces FASB Statement No. 141. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non- controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. The Statement also establishes disclosure requirements that will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for acquisitions that occur in an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008, which will be the Company’s fiscal year 2009. The impact, if any, will depend on the nature and size of business combinations we consummate after the effective date.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51, (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires that accounting and reporting for minority interests will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. SFAS 160 also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures

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that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008, which will be the Company’s fiscal year 2009. Based upon our balance sheet as of March 31, 2009, the statement has no impact.
     In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”), which granted a one-year deferral of the effective date of SFAS No. 157 as it applies to non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (e.g. those measured at fair value in a business combination and asset retirement obligations). Beginning January 1, 2009, we applied SFAS No. 157 to non-financial assets and liabilities. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
     In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, (“SFAS 161”). This statement is intended to improve transparency in financial reporting by requiring enhanced disclosures of an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities and their effects on the entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 applies to all derivative instruments within the scope of SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, (“SFAS 133”), as well as related hedged items, bifurcated derivatives, and nonderivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments. Entities with instruments subject to SFAS 161 must provide expanded disclosures. SFAS 161 is effective prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application permitted. We applied SFAS 161 beginning January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
     In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, (“SFAS 162”), which becomes effective for the Company 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With General Accepted Accounting Principles. This standard identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. We do not anticipate that this pronouncement will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
     In December 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission published a Final Rule, Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting. The new rule permits the use of new technologies to determine proved reserves if those technologies have been demonstrated to lead to reliable conclusions about reserves volumes. The new requirements also will allow companies to disclose their probable and possible reserves to investors. In addition, the new disclosure requirements require companies to: (a) report the independence and qualifications of its reserves preparer or auditor; (b) file reports when a third party is relied upon to prepare reserves estimates or conducts a reserves audit; and (c) report oil and gas reserves using an average price based upon the prior 12-month period rather than year-end prices. The use of average prices will affect future impairment and depletion calculations.
     The new disclosure requirements are effective for annual reports on Forms 10-K for fiscal years ending on or after December 31, 2009. A company may not apply the new rules to disclosures in quarterly reports prior to the first annual report in which the revised disclosures are required. The Company has not yet determined the impact of this Final Rule, which will vary depending on changes in commodity prices,

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on its disclosures, financial position or results of operations.
     In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS 157-4, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP 157-4”). FSP 157-4 clarified the application of SFAS 157 providing additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This FSP shall be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009, is not permitted. If a reporting entity elects to adopt early either FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 or FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, the reporting entity also is required to adopt early this FSP. Additionally, if the reporting entity elects to adopt early this FSP, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 also must be adopted early. This FSP does not require disclosures for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. In periods after initial adoption, this FSP requires comparative disclosures only for periods ending after initial adoption. Revisions resulting from a change in valuation technique or its application shall be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate (paragraph 19 of FASB Statement No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections). In the period of adoption, a reporting entity shall disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs resulting from the application of this FSP, and quantify the total effect of the change in valuation technique and related inputs, if practicable, by major category. We do not anticipate that this pronouncement will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
     In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP 107-1”). FSP 107-1 amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. This FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. This FSP shall be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity may early adopt this FSP only if it also elects to early adopt FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, and FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. This FSP does not require disclosures for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. In periods after initial adoption, this FSP requires comparative disclosures only for periods ending after initial adoption. We do not anticipate that this pronouncement will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
     In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 141-(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (“FSP 141-(R)-1”). FSP 141-(R)-1 amends and clarifies FASB Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations to address application issues raised by preparers, auditors, and members of the legal profession on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. This FSP shall be effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The impact, if any, will depend on the nature and terms of business combinations we consummate after the effective date.

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NOTE 11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
     From time to time, we are party to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.
     On March 24, 2008, a lawsuit was filed in the 24th District Court of Jackson County, Texas, against us and twenty-two other defendants in Cause No. 07-6-13069, styled “Tony Kubenka, Carolyn Kubenka, Dennis J. Kallus, David J. Kallus, Mary L. Kallus, Patricia Kallus, Nova Deleon, Janie Figuerova, and Larkin Thedford, Plaintiffs v. Tri-C Resources, Inc., Marie S. Adian, Laura E. Adian, Glenn A. Fiew, Lynn Kramer, Debra Boysen, Carol J. Gleason, Alana Sue Curlee, Connie W. Marthiljohni, Claire E. Adian, Zachary D. Adian, Donald R. Starkweather, Inc., D.A. Webernick, Danette Bundick, Johnny A. Webernick, Donna Gail Glover, Sherry Shulze, William H. Webernick, Jr., TAC Resources, Inc., New Century Exploration, Inc., Allegro Investments, Inc., Parallel Petroleum Corporation and Welper Interests, LP”. The nine plaintiffs in this lawsuit have named us and the other working interest owners, including Tri-C Resources, Inc., the operator, as defendants. The plaintiffs in this lawsuit allege that they are royalty owners under oil and gas leases which are part of a pooled gas unit (the “unit”) located in Jackson County, Texas, and that the defendants, including us, are owners of the leasehold estate under the plaintiffs’ leases and others forming the unit. Plaintiffs also assert that one of the leases (other than plaintiffs’ leases) forming part of the unit has been terminated and, as a result, the defendants have not properly computed the royalties due to plaintiffs from unit production and have failed to properly pay royalties due to them. Plaintiffs have sued for an unspecified amount of damages, including exemplary damages, under theories of breach of contract (including breach of express and implied covenants of their leases) and conversion, and seek an accounting, a declaratory judgment to declare the rights of the parties under the leases, and attorneys’ fees, interest and court costs. If a judgment adverse to the defendants were entered, as a working interest owner in the leases comprising the unit, we believe our liability would be proportionate to the ownership of the other working interest owners in the leases. We have filed an answer denying any liability. Although an initial exchange of discovery has occurred, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, but believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to vigorously contest this lawsuit. We have not established a reserve with respect to plaintiffs’ claims.
     We received a Notice of Proposed Adjustment from the Internal Revenue Service, or the “Service” in May 2007 advising us of proposed adjustments to federal income tax of approximately $2.0 million for the years 2004 and 2005. Subsequent discussions with the Service placed the issues contested in a development status. In November 2007, the Service issued a letter on the matter giving us 30 days to agree or disagree with a final examination report. The final examination report reflected revisions of the previous proposed adjustments resulting in a reduced $1.1 million of additional income tax and interest charges. The decrease in proposed tax was the result of information supplied by us to the examiner as well as discussions of the applicable tax statutes and regulations. In December 2007, we filed a protest documenting our complete disagreement with the adjustments proposed on the final examination report and requested a conference with the appeals office of the Service. The examination office of the Service filed a response to our protest in February 2008 with the appeals office. In the response the additional tax was further reduced by the examination office to $720,000. In June and November of 2008, our representatives met with the Service’s Appeals Officer to review specific issues related to the alternative minimum tax items in dispute. During these meetings we submitted supplements to our initial protest in further support of our position. Currently, the IRS appeals office is considering our information as well as data supplied at the request of the appeals officer. We intend to vigorously contest the adjustment proposed by the Service and believe that we will ultimately prevail in our position. We have not recorded a liability for tax, interest, or penalties related to this matter based on our analysis. If a liability for additional income tax should later be determined to be more likely than not, we anticipate the adjustment to increase the federal income tax liability would be offset by an increase to a deferred tax asset and would not result in a charge to earnings. Any interest or penalties resulting from a subsequent determination of increased tax liability would require a charge to earnings. We believe that the effects of

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this matter would not have a material effect on our results of operations for the fiscal quarter in which we actually establish a reserve account for interest or penalties.
     We also are presently a named defendant in one other lawsuit arising out of our operations in the normal course of business, which we believe is not material.
     We are not aware of any legal or governmental proceedings against us, or contemplated to be brought against us, under the various environmental protection statues to which we are subject, nor have we been a party to any bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, adjustment or similar proceedings.
     Effective January 1, 2005, we established a 401(k) Plan and Trust for eligible employees. For the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, we made contributions to the 401(k) Plan and Trust of approximately $87,000 and $75,000, respectively.
NOTE 12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
     On April 8, 2009 we executed two separate gas collar trades. One trade was for 5,000 MMBtu/day natural gas for October 2009 thru December 2009 (WAHA) costless collars with a floor $3.60 and ceiling of $4.10 with a total volume of 460,000 MMBtu. The other trade was for 2,000 MMBtu/day natural gas for calendar 2010 (WAHA) costless collars with a floor of $4.70 and ceiling of $5.65 with a total volume of 730,000 MMBtu.
     On April 30, 2009, we entered into a Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”) with our bank lenders. The Amendment reaffirmed our borrowing base of $230.0 million and changed the Funded Debt Ratio we are required to maintain. As amended, our ratio of Consolidated Funded Debt to Consolidated EBITDA may not exceed:
    5.00 to 1.00 during 2009;
 
    4.25 to 1.00 during 2010; or
 
    4.00 to 1.00 during 2011 and thereafter.
     The ratio is tested at the end of each fiscal quarter using the results of the twelve-month period immediately preceding the end of such fiscal quarter.
     For purposes of the Amendment, Consolidated Funded Debt is generally defined as total outstanding liabilities for borrowed money and other interest-bearing liabilities, plus an amount equal to the amount that accounts payable exceed accounts receivable, and less an amount equal to the value of unpledged cash equivalent investments.
     Consolidated EBITDA is defined as consolidated earnings from continuing operations, before interest expenses, income taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, gains and losses on asset sales and other non-cash charges, plus payments received under hedging transactions and less payments made under hedging transactions.
     In addition to reaffirmation of the borrowing base and modifying the Funded Debt Ratio, the definitions of “Base Rate Margin” and “Libor Margin” were also amended to increase the margin percentages by 0.25%. As amended, Base Rate Margin means:
    one-half percent (0.50%) per annum whenever the borrowing base usage is equal to or greater than 75%; or
 
    one-quarter percent (0.25%) per annum whenever the borrowing base usage is equal to or greater 50% but less than 75%; or

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    zero percent (0%) per annum whenever the borrowing base usage is less than 50%.
     As amended, Libor Margin means:
    three and one-quarter percent (3.25%) per annum whenever the borrowing base usage is equal to or greater than 75%; or
 
    three percent (3.00%) per annum whenever the borrowing base usage is equal to or greater than 50% but less than 75%; or
 
    two and three-quarters percent (2.75%) per annum whenever the borrowing base usage is less than 50%.
     The bank fees associated with the Amendment were $115,000.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
     The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with management’s discussion and analysis contained in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the unaudited financial statements and notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
OVERVIEW
Strategy
     2009 Priorities. Due to the current economic environment, we have identified four areas in which we will concentrate our efforts in 2009. These areas of concentration are dependent on market conditions and some could change as prices and events in 2009 develop. At present, our four top priorities for 2009 are:
    maximize liquidity and financial flexibility;
 
    generate “operating cash flow” in excess of our capital investment budget (“CAPEX”);
 
    invest $29.1 million in CAPEX spending; and
 
    focus on operated properties.
     Actions to accomplish these priorities have already commenced. As described in Note 4-“Oil and Natural Gas Properties”, we entered into a farmout agreement with Chesapeake Energy Corporation, which will allow us to conserve cash and more importantly direct efforts in areas in which we believe have a greater rate of return for the Company. The majority of the remaining planned CAPEX spending for 2009 will be on our operated properties where we can control the timing and pace of this spending. If prices continue to deteriorate, we will be able to defer planned spending until prices go up and/or service costs go down to support these projects. Under our current budget and with existing prices, we anticipate that all spending will be supported by revenue generated by our expected production and by our derivative contracts. However, if we determine that operating cash flow will not support our spending we will be able to alter our budget so that we retain our financial and operational flexibility in this adverse market environment.
     Conduct Exploitation Activities on Our Existing Assets. We seek to maximize economic return on our existing assets by maximizing production rates and ultimate recovery, while managing operational efficiency to minimize direct lifting costs. Development and production growth activities include infill and extension drilling of new wells, re-completion, pay adds and re-stimulation of existing wells and

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implementation and management of enhanced oil recovery projects such as waterflood operations. Operational efficiencies and cost reduction measures include optimization of surface facilities, such as fluid handling systems, gas compression or artificial lift installations. Efficiencies are also increased through aggressive monitoring and management of electrical power consumption, injection water quality programs, chemical and corrosion prevention programs and the use of production surveillance equipment and software. In all instances, a proactive approach is taken to achieve the desired result while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
     Use of Horizontal Drilling and Fracture Stimulation Activities in Gas Resource Plays. We believe the use of horizontal drilling and fracture stimulations has enabled us to develop reserves economically, such as our Barnett Shale and Wolfcamp Carbonate gas projects.
     Use of Advanced Technologies and Production Techniques. We believe that 3-D seismic surveys, horizontal drilling, fracture stimulation and other advanced technologies and production techniques are useful tools that help improve normal drilling operations and enhance our production and returns. We believe that our use of these technologies and production techniques in exploring for, developing and exploiting oil and natural gas properties can reduce drilling risks, lower finding costs, provide for more efficient production of oil and natural gas from our properties and increase the probability of locating and producing reserves that might not otherwise be discovered.
     Acquire Long-Lived Properties with Enhancement Opportunities. Our acquisition strategy is focused on leveraging our geographical expertise in our core areas of operation and seeking assets located in and around these areas. We selectively evaluate acquisition opportunities and expect that they will continue to play a role in increasing our reserve base and future drilling inventory. When identifying target assets, we focus primarily on reserve quality and assets in new development plays with upside potential. Through this approach, we have traditionally targeted smaller asset acquisitions which allow us to absorb, enhance and exploit properties without taking on significant integration risk. While we have not adopted any specific quantitative guidelines for the screening of prospective leasehold or producing property acquisitions, desirable attributes related to reserve life include a reserve to production ratio of greater than 15 years and stabilized exponential decline rates of less than 20% per year. We believe these types of properties provide us with a greater certainty in growing production, reserves and shareholder value through time.
     Conduct Exploratory Activities. Although we do not emphasize exploratory drilling, we will selectively undertake exploratory projects that have known geological and reservoir characteristics that are in close proximity to existing wells so data from the existing wells can be correlated with seismic data on or near the prospect being evaluated, and that could have a potentially meaningful impact on our reserves.
     The extent to which we are able to implement and follow through with our business strategy is influenced by:
    the prices we receive for the oil and natural gas we produce;
 
    sources and availability of funds to conduct operations and complete acquisitions;
 
    the results of reprocessing and reinterpreting our 3-D seismic data;
 
    the results of our drilling activities;
 
    the costs of obtaining high quality field services;
 
    our ability to find and consummate acquisition opportunities; and

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    our ability to negotiate and enter into “work to earn” arrangements, joint ventures or other similar arrangements on terms acceptable to us.
     Significant changes in the prices we receive for the oil and natural gas we produce, or the occurrence of unanticipated events beyond our control, such as the recent and dramatic downturn in the financial markets, can cause us to defer or deviate from our business strategy, including the amounts we have budgeted for our activities. See Trends and Outlook.
Operating Performance
     Our operating performance is influenced by several factors, the most significant of which are the prices we receive for our oil and natural gas and the quantities of oil and natural gas that we are able to produce. The world price for oil has overall influence on the prices that we receive for our oil production. The prices received for different grades of oil are based upon the world price for oil, which is then adjusted based upon the particular grade. Typically, light oil is sold at a premium, while heavy grades of crude are discounted. Natural gas prices we receive are influenced by:
    seasonal demand;
 
    weather;
 
    hurricane conditions in the Gulf of Mexico;
 
    availability of pipeline transportation to end users;
 
    proximity of our wells to major transportation pipeline infrastructures; and
 
    to a lesser extent, world oil prices.
     Additional factors influencing our overall operating performance include:
    production expenses;
 
    overhead requirements;
 
    costs of capital; and
 
    effects of derivative contracts.
     Our oil and natural gas exploration, development and acquisition activities require substantial and continuing capital expenditures. Historically, the sources of financing to fund our capital expenditures have included:
    cash flow from operations;
 
    sales of our equity and debt securities;
 
    bank borrowings; and
 
    industry joint ventures.
     Overall, the decrease in the sales price of crude oil and natural gas is the most significant factor affecting operating performance for the three months ended March 31, 2009 (the “Current Quarter”). Our production volumes have not fluctuated more than (4.1)% from the prior quarter ended December 31, 2008 or (2.4)% from the three months ended March 31, 2008 (the “Comparable Quarter”), and our operating expenses, excluding impairment of oil and natural gas properties, have not fluctuated more than

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(14.2)% from the prior quarter or (10.9)% from the Comparable Quarter. Considering that our production and operating expenses have been fairly consistent, our revenues have declined (30.7)% from the prior quarter and (58.5)% from the Comparable Quarter due to the significant decrease in the sales price of oil and natural gas as a result of the global economic slowdown. Furthermore, the decreases in the sales price of oil and natural gas affects the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties as determined by our ceiling test under the full cost method of accounting. Even though we recorded an impairment of $300.5 million as of December 31, 2008, the continual decline in natural gas prices has created an additional impairment charge of $30.4 million in the Current Quarter. For information regarding prices received, refer to the selected operating data table under “-Results of Operations” on page 28.
     Our oil and natural gas producing activities are accounted for using the full cost method of accounting. Under this accounting method, we capitalize all costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of oil and natural gas properties and the exploration for and development of oil and natural gas reserves. These costs include lease acquisition costs, geological and geophysical expenditures, costs of drilling productive and non-productive wells, and overhead expenses directly related to land and property acquisition and exploration and development activities. Proceeds from the disposition of oil and natural gas properties are accounted for as a reduction in capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recognized unless a disposition involves a material change in the relationship between capitalized costs and reserves, in which case the gain or loss is recognized. Please see Note 4-“Oil and Natural Gas Properties” for a discussion on the impairment calculation.
     Depletion of the capitalized costs of oil and natural gas properties, including estimated future development costs, is provided using the equivalent unit-of-production method based upon estimates of proved oil and natural gas reserves and production, which are converted to a common unit of measure based upon their relative energy content. Unproved oil and natural gas properties are not amortized, but are individually assessed for impairment. The cost of any impaired property is transferred to the balance of oil and natural gas properties being depleted.
Results of Operations
     Our business activities are characterized by frequent, and sometimes significant, changes in our:
    reserve base;
 
    sources of production;
 
    product mix (gas versus oil volumes); and
 
    the prices we receive for our oil and natural gas production.
     Year-to-year or other periodic comparisons of the results of our operations can be difficult and may not fully and accurately describe our condition.

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     The following table shows selected operating data for each of the three months ended March 31, 2009, December 31, 2008 and March 31, 2008.
                         
    Three Months Ended  
    3/31/2009     12/31/2008     3/31/2008  
    (in thousands, except per unit data)  
Production Volumes:
                       
Oil (Bbls)
    252       269       247  
Natural gas (Mcf)
    2,529       2,606       2,662  
BOE(1)
    674       703       691  
BOE per day
    7.5       7.6       7.6  
 
                       
Sales Prices:
                       
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 36.21     $ 54.96     $ 93.74  
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ 3.59     $ 4.43     $ 7.80  
BOE price
  $ 27.04     $ 37.41     $ 63.60  
 
                       
Operating Revenues:
                       
Oil
  $ 9,147     $ 14,756     $ 23,169  
Natural gas
    9,082       11,542       20,772  
 
                 
 
  $ 18,229     $ 26,298     $ 43,941  
 
                 
 
Operating Expenses:
                       
Lease operating expense
  $ 8,086     $ 6,682     $ 6,979  
Production taxes
    573       1,014       2,289  
Production tax refund
          (1,958 )      
General and administrative
    3,433       2,949       2,568  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    6,781       13,305       9,352  
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
    30,426       300,532        
 
                 
 
  $ 49,299     $ 322,524     $ 21,188  
 
                 
Operating income
  $ (31,070 )   $ (296,226 )   $ 22,753  
 
                 
 
(1)   A BOE means one barrel of oil equivalent using the ratio of six Mcf of gas to one barrel of oil.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008:
     Our oil and natural gas revenues and production product mix are displayed in the following table for the Current and Comparable Quarters.
   Oil and Gas Revenues
                                 
    Revenues     Production  
    2009     2008     2009     2008  
Oil (Bbls)
    50 %     53 %     37 %     36 %
Natural gas (Mcf)
    50 %     47 %     63 %     64 %
 
                       
Total
    100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %
 
                       

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     The following table shows our production volumes, product sales prices and operating revenues for the indicated periods.
                                 
    Three Months Ended March 31,     Increase     % Increase  
    2009     2008     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
    (in thousands except per unit data)  
Production Volumes:
                               
Oil (Bbls)
    252       247       5       2 %
Natural gas (Mcf)
    2,529       2,662       (133 )     (5 )%
BOE (1)
    674       691       (17 )     (2 )%
BOE/Day
    7.5       7.6       (0.1 )     (1 )%
 
                               
Sales Price:
                               
Oil (per Bbl)
  $ 36.21     $ 93.74     $ (57.53 )     (61 )%
Natural gas (per Mcf)
  $ 3.59     $ 7.80     $ (4.21 )     (54 )%
BOE price
  $ 27.04     $ 63.60     $ (36.56 )     (57 )%
 
                               
Operating Revenues:
                               
Oil
  $ 9,147     $ 23,169     $ (14,022 )     (61 )%
Natural gas
    9,082       20,772       (11,690 )     (56 )%
 
                         
Total
  $ 18,229     $ 43,941     $ (25,712 )     (59 )%
 
                         
 
(1)   A BOE means one barrel of oil equivalent using the ratio of six Mcf of gas to one barrel of oil.
Oil revenues
     Average wellhead realized crude oil prices decreased $57.53 per Bbl, or 61%, to $36.21 per Bbl in the Current Quarter, over the Comparable Quarter. This price decrease resulted in decreased revenues by approximately $14.5 million for the Current Quarter, as compared to the Comparable Quarter. Oil production increased by approximately 5,000 Bbls due primarily to new wells and the additional interest acquired in the Diamond M area, where volumes increased approximately 29,000 Bbls in the Current Quarter. This increase was partially offset with natural declines in the Andrews and Fullerton areas. The increase in production offset the revenue decline due to sales price decreases by approximately $500,000 in the Current Quarter over the Comparable Quarter.
Natural gas revenues
     Average realized wellhead natural gas prices decreased $4.21 per Mcf, or 54%, to $3.59 per Mcf in the Current Quarter, over the Comparable Quarter. This price decrease accounted for a decrease in revenue of approximately $10.7 million. Natural gas production decreased by approximately 133,000 Mcf primarily due to declines in the Barnett Shale area caused by a production pad shut-in partially offset by new wells added in our Barnett Shale and New Mexico Wolfcamp areas. In addition, the overall decrease in natural gas volumes decreased revenue approximately $1.0 million for the Current Quarter as compared to the Comparable Quarter.

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Cost and Expenses
                                 
    Three months ended March 31,     Increase     % Increase  
    2009     2008     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
    ($ in thousands)  
Lease operating expense
  $ 8,086     $ 6,979     $ 1,107       16 %
Production taxes
    573       2,289       (1,716 )     (75 )%
General and administrative
    3,433       2,568       865       34 %
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    6,781       9,352       (2,571 )     (27 )%
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
    30,426             30,426       N/A  
 
                         
Total
  $ 49,299     $ 21,188     $ 28,111       133 %
 
                         
Lease operating expense
     Lease operating expense increased approximately $1.1 million or 16%, to $8.1 million during the Current Quarter compared to $7.0 million for the Comparable Quarter.  Lease operating expense per BOE increased to $12.00 for the Current Quarter compared to $10.10 per BOE in the Comparable Quarter. The increase in expense was due to higher electricity and well costs associated with the increased production in the New Mexico Wolfcamp and Barnett Shale areas and the additional Diamond M interests acquired in June 2008.  Overall costs and volumes increased from the additional interest acquired in the Diamond M area and from the new wells drilled in the New Mexico Wolfcamp and Barnett Shale areas. Ad valorem taxes increased in the Current Quarter by approximately $253,000 over the Comparable Quarter due to an overall increase in our producing property values caused by our drilling activity.
Production taxes
     Production taxes decreased $1.7 million for the Current Quarter, as compared to the Comparable Quarter. Production taxes were 3.1% of revenue for the Current Quarter compared to 5.2% of revenue for the Comparable Quarter. The decrease in production taxes is primarily due to lower tax values resulting from lower prices. Production tax rates are also lower in the Fullerton and Barnett Shale areas resulting from tax abatements granted by state regulatory agencies. Production taxes in future periods will be a function of product mix, production volumes, product prices and tax rates.
General and administrative
     General and administrative expenses increased 34%, or $865,000, for the Current Quarter, over the Comparable Quarter. This increase was primarily due to increased stock based compensation expense of approximately $464,000, an increase in staffing and salary cost of approximately $100,000 and an increase in professional and consulting fees of approximately $258,000 over the Comparable Quarter. This increase over the Comparable Quarter was partially offset by lower investor relation cost, road show cost and lower bonus cost in the Current Quarter. On a BOE basis, general and administrative costs were $5.09 per BOE in the Current Quarter, as compared to $3.72 per BOE in the Comparable Quarter.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
     Depreciation depletion and amortization expense decreased 27%, or $2.6 million, in the Current Quarter, over the Comparable Quarter. Total depreciation, depletion and amortization per BOE was $10.06 for the Current Quarter and $13.53 for the Comparable Quarter. This decrease is primarily a result of the impairment write down which we made at the end of the year in 2008. The rate at which we depreciate our oil and gas properties is dependent on our remaining oil and gas depletable cost base, anticipated future drilling and development costs and our reserve volumes.

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Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
     We recorded a $30.4 million write down in our full cost pool oil and gas property base in the Current Quarter. This write down was primarily the result of the declining natural gas prices during the last three months. The write down was partially offset by a slight increase in crude oil prices. The natural gas price that we used for our March 31, 2009 reserve study was $3.605/MMBtu, a 36% decrease from the December 31, 2008 price of $5.620/MMBtu. The crude oil price that we used for our March 31, 2009 reserve study was $49.66/Bbl, an 11% increase from the December 31, 2008 price of $44.60/Bbl. The decrease in natural gas prices caused an overall decrease in the present value of our oil and gas reserves, which resulted in the impairment. Although we believe prices will recover, we cannot make any assurances where natural gas prices and crude oil prices will be in the short term. Consequently, if prices do continue to decline, we may experience additional impairment write downs in the future.
Other income (expense)
                                 
    Three months ended March 31,     Increase     % Increase  
    2009     2008     (Decrease)     (Decrease)  
    ($ in thousands)  
Gain (loss) on derivatives not classified as hedges
  $ 5,765     $ (21,886 )   $ 27,651       126 %
Interest and other income
    69       33       36       109 %
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest
    (6,330 )     (5,518 )     (812 )     (15 )%
Equity in gain of pipelines and gathering system ventures
    1       217       (216 )     (100 )%
 
                         
Total
  $ (495 )   $ (27,154 )   $ 26,659       (98 )%
 
                         
Gain (loss) on derivatives not classified as hedges
     We recorded a gain of $5.8 million in the Current Quarter for derivatives not classified as hedges as compared to a loss of $21.9 million for the Comparable Quarter. Of these amounts, we had a loss of $480,000 in the Current Quarter for changes in fair market value in our interest rate swaps versus a loss of $2.1 million in the Comparable Quarter. For our natural gas derivative contracts, we had a gain of $4.9 million in the Current Quarter versus a loss of $4.6 million for the Comparable Quarter. For our crude oil derivative contracts we had a gain of $1.4 million in the Current Quarter versus a loss of $15.2 million in the Comparable Quarter. The primary reason for the differences in the performance in our commodity derivative contracts was declining commodity prices in the Current Quarter and rising prices in the Comparable Quarter. See Note 8-“Derivative Instruments”.
Interest expense
     Interest expense increased approximately $812,000. The Current Quarter is higher primarily due to higher average outstanding debt balances over the Comparable Quarter. Partially offsetting the increase in interest expense, our weighted average interest rate decreased to 7.01% for the Current Quarter, from 9.28% for the Comparable Quarter. Capitalized interest for the Current Quarter was approximately $522,000 and $25,000 for the Comparable Quarter.
Equity in gain of pipelines and gathering system ventures
     For the Current Quarter we recorded a gain of $1,000 compared to a gain of $217,000 in the Comparable Quarter for our equity investments. This change is primarily due to the treatment of the Hagerman Gas Gathering System Joint Venture. In June 2008, we acquired all of the assets of the Hagerman Gas Gathering System Joint Venture. The results of operations of the Hagerman Gas

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Gathering System are now included in our operating income and not as an equity gain / loss item in our Statement of Operations. We have one remaining equity investment in West Fork Pipeline II, LP.
Income taxes, deferred
     Income tax benefit was approximately $11.2 million in the Current Quarter, as compared to approximately $1.7 million in the Comparable Quarter. Income tax expense for 2009 will be dependent on our earnings (loss) and is expected to be approximately 35% of income (loss) before income taxes.
Basic and diluted net loss
     We had basic and diluted net loss per share of $0.49 and $0.07 for the Current Quarter and the Comparable Quarter, respectively. Basic weighted average common shares outstanding increased from 41.3 million shares in the Comparable Quarter to 41.6 million shares in the Current Quarter. Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding increased from 41.3 million shares in the Comparable Quarter to 41.6 million shares in the Current Quarter. The increase in common shares was primarily due the exercise of employee and nonemployee stock options and warrants during 2008.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
     Historically, our primary cash requirements have been for exploration, development and acquisition of oil and natural gas properties, payment of derivative loss settlements and repayment of principal and interest on our debt. Our capital resources have consisted of cash flows from our oil and natural gas properties, bank borrowings supported by our oil and natural gas reserves, proceeds from derivative gain settlements, proceeds from sales of debt and equity securities and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from sales of non-core assets. Our level of earnings and cash flows depend on many factors, including the prices we receive for the oil and natural gas we produce.
     Working capital decreased approximately $523,000 as of March 31, 2009 compared with December 31, 2008. Current assets exceeded current liabilities by $28.0 million at March 31, 2009. The working capital decrease was due primarily to the decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $14.7 million. This decrease was due to capital projects that were carried in from 2008 being finished up in 2009 and the investment of approximately $5.0 million in short-term investments as we do not anticipate a need for this cash in the near term. Accounts receivable were down approximately $2.3 million. This decrease was primarily as a result of natural gas prices being down from year end. Current liabilities were down $12.1 million which partially offset the decreases in current assets when comparing the working capital decrease as of March 31, 2009 versus December 31, 2008. This decrease was primarily brought about by the slow down in capital activity as our accounts payable trade balance decreased by approximately $3.0 million and our accrued capital expenditures decreased by $5.7 million. This decrease in capital activity also came about from the farmout agreement with Chesapeake Energy Corporation in the Barnett Shale gas project. Please see Note 4-“Oil and Natural Gas Properties” for additional information on this transaction. Our accrued interest payable associated with our senior notes decreased by $3.8 million due to the timing of this payment.
     We maintain our cash in bank deposit and brokerage accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. As of March 31, 2009 accounts were guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Corporation (FDIC) up to $250,000. As of March 31, 2009, we had deposits in excess of the FDIC and SIPC limits in the amount of $13.9 million. In addition we had short –term investments in United States Treasury bills of $10.0 million at March 31, 2009.
     Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $27.4 million in the first quarter ended March 31, 2009 when compared to the first quarter ended March 2008. This decrease was primarily due a decrease in oil and natural gas prices received in the 2009 versus 2008. We also experienced an increase

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in operating expenses due to the acquisition of additional interests in our Snyder area properties as well as additional properties in our New Mexico Wolfcamp and Barnett Shale areas. Our interest expense also increased due to the increased loan value from period to period. These items were partially offset with a decrease in production taxes. This decrease was as a result of the decrease in oil and natural gas sales as well as our participation in state severance tax abatement programs. For additional discussions regarding our change in operating results please see the Results of Operations beginning on page 28.
     Cash used in investing activities decreased by approximately $34.2 million in 2009 compared to 2008. This decrease was primarily as a result of the decrease in our capital spending levels. Additions to oil and natural gas properties decreased from $38.7 million to $13.8 million or $24.9 million. This is primarily due to the farmout arrangement with Chesapeake where our capital contributions were reduced from $19.0 million to $2.0 million, a $17.0 million reduction in spending. In addition, due to the current natural gas price environment, we have temporarily stopped drilling in our New Mexico Wolfcamp area where our capital spending has been reduced by $12.3 million. These decreases were partially offset with an increase in spending on our Permian basin oil projects where we are completing a 6 well development program in our Diamond M Deep property. We also increased our cash flow from investing activities through our settlements on derivative instruments. In 2008, we used $8.3 million to settle derivative contracts versus receiving a net of $6.3 million in 2009 for derivatives classified as investing activities. This was primarily due to lower commodity prices as well as higher fixed prices on our derivative contracts which settled. Finally these increases in cash flow were offset with the purchase of $5.0 million in United States Treasury bills in 2009. These United States Treasury bills have a maturity of 6 months.
     Cash provided by financing activities decreased by $21.5 million in 2009 compared to 2008. This is primarily as a result of our borrowing on our revolving credit facility $22.0 million in 2008 to support our 2008 capital program. This was partially offset with the settlement of certain commodity put contracts which were classified as a financing activity due to the deferred premium aspect found within these contracts.
     Our 2009 capital investment budget is $29.1 million. We have incurred $13.8 million of capital expenditures through March 31, 2009. Cash flow from operating activities will be highly dependent on the success of this spending as well as on commodity pricing. Due to the farmout of our Barnett Shale interests, we are in control of most of the remaining capital expenditures budgeted for the remainder of the year. The amount and timing of our expenditures are subject to change based upon market conditions, results of expenditures, new opportunities and other factors. See Note 4-“Oil and Natural Gas Properties” for further discussion of the agreement with Chesapeake Energy Corporation.
     We anticipate that our cash requirements for the foreseeable future, including our 2009 capital expenditures, will be supported with cash flow from operations, available cash, short term investments and proceeds from settlements of derivative contracts. Our current borrowing capacity which is supported by our oil and natural gas reserves allows for an additional $5.0 million of borrowings. Given lower commodity prices our borrowing base, which is re-determined on or about April 1 and October 1, may be reduced to an amount less than our outstanding borrowings at which time we would have to immediately repay any excess of our outstanding borrowings over our borrowing base. We may, from time to time, seek additional financing, either in the form of increased bank borrowings, sale of debt or equity securities or other forms of financing. There can be no assurance as to the availability of any additional financing upon terms acceptable to us and conditions in the capital and debt markets may limit our ability to obtain additional capital, if necessary. Finally, current oil and natural gas prices and operating performances may be lower than we have anticipated which will adversely affect our operating cash flow. If any of the above circumstances causes us to be limited with our ability to fund our current activities we may need to adjust our spending to levels commensurate with our capital resources. In an effort to adjust our spending levels, we have taken steps to begin reducing overhead expenses by approximately $1.5 million, on an annualized basis, through reductions in salaries and other general and administrative expenses.

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     Stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2009 was $87.2 million, as compared to $107.0 million at December 31, 2008. The change is primarily attributable to our net loss of approximately $20.4 million.
Bank Borrowings — Revolving Credit Facility
     We maintain one bank credit facility, our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated May 16, 2008, as amended.
     Our Revolving Credit Agreement, with a group of bank lenders provides us with a revolving line of credit having a “borrowing base” limitation of $230.0 million at March 31, 2009. The total amount that we can borrow and have outstanding at any one time is limited to the lesser of $600.0 million or the borrowing base established by the lenders. At March 31, 2009, the principal amount outstanding under our revolving credit facility was $225.0 million, excluding $445,000 reserved for our letters of credit. We have pledged substantially all of our producing oil and natural gas properties to secure the repayment of our indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
     See Note 3-“Credit Arrangements” for additional information concerning our bank borrowings.
     Our Revolving Credit Agreement allows us to borrow, repay and reborrow amounts available under the facility. The amount of the borrowing base is based primarily upon the estimated value of our oil and natural gas reserves. The borrowing base is redetermined by the lenders semi-annually on or about April 1 and October 1 of each year or at other times required by the lenders or at our request. If the outstanding principal amount of our loans ever exceeds the borrowing base, we must either provide additional collateral to the lenders or repay the outstanding principal of our loans in an amount equal to the excess. Except for principal payments that may be required because of our outstanding loans being in excess of the borrowing base, interest only is payable monthly.
     As of March 31, 2009, our group of bank lenders included Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Compass Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, Bank of America, N.A., Texas Capital Bank, N.A., Western National Bank and West Texas National Bank. None of the bank lenders held more than 21% of the facility at March 31, 2009.
     Loans made to us under this revolving credit facility bear interest on the base rate of Citibank, N.A. or the “LIBOR” rate, at our election.
     The interest rate we are required to pay on our borrowings, including the applicable margin, may never be less than 4.75%. At March 31, 2009, our base rate, plus the applicable margin, was 4.75% on $225.0 million, the outstanding principal amount of our revolving loan on that same date.
     In the case of base rate loans, interest is payable on the last day of each month. In the case of LIBOR loans, interest is payable on the last day of each applicable interest period.
     If the borrowing base is increased, we are also required to pay a fee of 0.375% on the amount of any increase.
     All outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the revolving credit facility is due and payable on December 31, 2013. The maturity date of our outstanding loans may be accelerated by the lenders upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
     The Revolving Credit Agreement contains various restrictive covenants, including (i) maintenance of a minimum current ratio, (ii) maintenance of a maximum ratio of funded indebtedness to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, (iii) maintenance of a

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minimum net worth, (iv) prohibition of payment of dividends and (v) restrictions on incurrence of additional debt. If we breach any of the provisions of the credit agreement, including the financial covenants, and are unable to obtain waivers from our lenders, they would be entitled to declare an event of default, at which point the entire unpaid principal balance of the loans, together with all accrued and unpaid interest, would become immediately due and payable. Because substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral under the revolving facility, if our lenders declare an event of default, they would be entitled to foreclose on and take possession of our assets.
     In addition to the restrictive covenants contained in the Revolving Credit Agreement, our lenders have the unilateral authority to redetermine the borrowing base at any time they desire to do so. Any such unscheduled redetermination could result in the requirement for us to provide additional collateral or repay any borrowing base deficiency as described above. Although our lenders have not, in the past, initiated an unscheduled borrowing base determination, current economic conditions and the matters described under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” could cause the lenders to initiate such an unscheduled redetermination. Also see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 filed with the SEC on February 23, 2009.
     All outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the revolving credit facility is due and payable on December 31, 2013. The maturity date of our outstanding loans may be accelerated by the lenders upon the occurrence of an event of default under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
     As of March 31, 2009 we were in compliance with our Revolving Credit Agreement.
     Please see Note 12-“Subsequent Events” for additional information on our Revolving Credit Agreement.
Senior Notes
     At March 31, 2009, the carrying value of our $150.0 million senior notes was $146.0 million. The senior notes mature on August 1, 2014 and bear interest at 10.25%, per annum on the principal amount. Interest is payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year to holders of record at the close of business on the preceding January 15 and July 15, respectively, and payment commenced on February 1, 2008. Prior to August 1, 2010, we may redeem up to 35% of the senior notes for a price equal to 110.250% of the original principal amount of the senior notes with the proceeds of certain equity offerings. On or after August 1, 2011 we may redeem all or some of the senior notes at a redemption price that will decrease from 105.125% of the principal amount of the senior notes to 100% of the principal amount on August 1, 2013. In addition, prior to August 1, 2011, we may redeem some or all of the senior notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the senior notes to be redeemed, plus a make-whole premium, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Generally, the “make-whole” premium is an amount equal to the greater of (a) 1% of the principal amount of the senior notes being redeemed and (b) the excess of the present value of the redemption price of such notes as of August 1, 2011 plus all required interest payments due through August 1, 2011 (computed at a discount rate equal to a specified U.S. “Treasury Rate” plus 50 basis points), over the principal amount of the senior notes being redeemed.
     The Indenture governing the senior notes restricts our ability to: (i) borrow money; (ii) issue redeemable and preferred stock; (iii) pay distributions or dividends; (iv) make investments; (v) create liens without securing the senior notes; (vi) enter into agreements that restrict dividends from subsidiaries; (vii) sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies; (viii) enter into transactions with affiliates; (ix) guarantee indebtedness; and (x) enter into new lines of business.
     As of March 31, 2009 we were in compliance with the covenants in the Indenture.

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Debt Ratings
     We receive debt credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, Inc. (“S&P”) and Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody”), which are subject to regular reviews. S&P’s rating for Parallel is B with a negative outlook. Moody’s Long-Term Corporate rating is B3 with a negative outlook. S&P and Moody’s consider many factors in determining our ratings, including production growth opportunities, liquidity, debt levels and asset and reserve mix. A reduction in our debt ratings could negatively impact our ability to obtain additional financing or the interest rate, fees and other terms associated with such additional financing.
Interest Incurred
     For the Current Period, the aggregate interest incurred under our Revolving Credit Agreement and our senior notes was approximately $10.4 million. Bank fees and note discount amortization was approximately $285,000 for the Current Period and interest capitalized was approximately $522,000.
Commodity Price Risk Management Transactions and Effects of Derivative Instruments
     We enter into derivative contracts to provide a measure of stability in the cash flows associated with our oil and natural gas production and interest rate payments and to manage exposure to commodity price and interest rate risk. Our objective is to lock in a range of oil and natural gas prices and to limit variability in our cash interest payments. In addition, our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain derivative financial instruments which limit our exposure to fluctuating commodity prices covering at least 50% of our estimated monthly production of oil and natural gas extending 24 months into the future. The derivative trade arrangements we have employed include collars, costless collars, floors or purchased puts, oil, and interest rate swaps.
     All derivative contracts at March 31, 2009 were accounted for by “mark-to-market” accounting whereby changes in fair value were charged to earnings. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are recorded in our Statements of Operations as these changes occur in “Other income (expense), net”. To the extent commodity prices in 2009 and beyond decrease, we will report a gain, but if there are no further changes in prices, our revenue will be correspondingly lower (than if there had been no price decrease) when the production is sold.
     We are exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to our derivative trade instruments. We actively monitor our credit risks related to financial institutions and counterparties including monitoring credit agency ratings, financial position and current news to mitigate this credit risk. We minimize credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with counterparties that are parties to our credit facility.
     We adopted SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS 161”), effective January 1, 2009 for all financial assets and liabilities. SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities and thereby improves transparency of financial reporting. Entities are required to provide enhanced disclosure about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flow.
     We adopted SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurement, (“SFAS 157”) effective January 1, 2008 to measure fair value of our derivatives, which had no significant effect on our financial position or operating results. As defined in SFAS 157, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price).

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     This statement requires fair value measurements to be classified and disclosed in categories of Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, with Level 1 reflecting fair value measurements based on the most observable and active markets. During periods of market disruption, including periods of volatile oil and natural gas prices, rapid credit contraction or illiquidity, it may be difficult to value certain of our derivative instruments if trading becomes less frequent and/or market data becomes less observable. There may be certain asset classes that were in active markets with observable data that become illiquid due to the current financial environment. In such cases, more derivative instruments may fall to Level 3 and thus require more subjectivity and management judgment. As such, valuations may include inputs and assumptions that are less observable or require greater estimation as well as valuation methods which are more sophisticated or require greater estimation thereby resulting in valuations with less certainty. Further, rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of derivative instruments as reported within our financial statements and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Increases or decreases in value may have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Please read Note 8- “Derivative Instruments” for additional information about the different categories of our fair value measurements under SFAS 157.
     Management of risk requires, among other things, policies and procedures to record properly and verify a number of transactions and events. We have devoted resources to develop our risk management policies and procedures and expect to continue to do so in the future. Nonetheless, our policies and procedures may not be comprehensive. Many of our methods for managing risk and exposures are based upon the use of observed historical market behavior or statistics based on historical models. As a result, these methods may not fully predict future exposures, which can be significantly greater than our historical measures indicate. Other risk management methods depend upon the evaluation of information regarding markets, or other matters that is publicly available or otherwise accessible to us. This information may not always be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated and our risk management policies and procedures may leave us exposed to unidentified or unanticipated risk, which could negatively affect our business. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” under Item 3 in this Form 10-Q and in our 2008 Form 10-K beginning on page 74.
Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
     We have contractual obligations and commitments that may affect our financial position. However, based on our assessment of the provisions and circumstances of our contractual obligations and commitments in existence at March 31, 2009, we do not believe there will be an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.
     Our contractual obligations include long-term debt, operating leases, drilling commitments, asset retirement obligations, earn-out obligation and derivative obligations. From time-to-time, we enter into off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that can give rise to material off-balance sheet obligations. As of March 31, 2009, the material off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that we had entered into included (i) undrawn letters of credit, (ii) operating lease agreements and, (iii) contractual obligations for which the ultimate settlement amounts are not fixed and determinable, such as derivative contracts that are sensitive to future changes in commodity prices. Other than the off-balance sheet arrangements described above, we have no transactions, arrangements or other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or availability of our requirements for capital resources.
Trends and Outlook
     Our business is influenced by trends that affect the oil and natural gas industry. In particular, recent declines in oil and natural gas prices and recent economic trends could adversely affect our

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business, liquidity, results of operations and financial conditions.
     Our business is increasingly subject to the adverse trends that have taken place in the global capital markets recently. The recent events in the credit and stock markets indicate a high likelihood of a continuation of, and probable further expansion of, the economic weakness in the U.S. economy that began over one year ago. The spillover of deepening fears about our banking system may adversely impact investor confidence in us, our banking relationships, and the liquidity and financial condition of third parties with whom we conduct operations.
     We expect to face the continuing challenges of weakness in the U.S. real estate market and increased mortgage delinquencies, investor anxiety over the U.S. economy, rating agency downgrades of various financial issuers, unresolved issues with structured investment vehicles, deleveraging of financial institutions and hedge funds and dislocation in the inter-bank market. If significant, continued volatility, changes in interest rates, defaults, market liquidity, declines in equity prices, and the strengthening or weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar, individually or in tandem, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows through realized losses, and impairments.
     In response to deteriorating market conditions, we have:
    revised our 2009 capital expenditures downward to $29.1 million of which:
  o   $10.2 million will be used for the completion of wells that were in progress at year-end in our north Texas Barnett Shale project;
 
  o   $5.2 million will be used for the completion of wells that were in progress at year-end, pipeline construction, seismic and leasehold acquisitions in our New Mexico Wolfcamp Carbonate project;
 
  o   $12.1 million will be used for the completion of wells that were in progress at year-end, the drilling and completion of new wells and workovers of existing wells in our Permian Basin of west Texas properties; and
 
  o   $1.6 million will be used for drilling and completion of new wells in our Yegua/Frio and Cotton Valley Reef projects and lease maintenance on our Utah/Colorado project; and
    entered into the Barnett Shale Farmout Agreement as described in Note 4-“Oil and Natural Gas Properties”; and
 
    have taken steps to begin reducing overhead expenses by approximately $1.5 million on an annualized basis through reductions in salaries and other general and administrative expenses.
     As of March 31, 2009, we had approximately $371.0 million of long-term indebtedness outstanding, representing 81% of our total capitalization. This indebtedness consists of approximately $225.0 million of borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility and $146.0 million under our Senior Notes. We may also incur additional indebtedness in the future. Our substantial leverage exposes us to significant risk during periods of decreasing commodity prices and economic downturn such as the one we currently face, as our cash flows may decrease, but our required principal payments in respect of indebtedness do not change and our interest expense obligations could increase. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations or our requirements under our other long-term liabilities, we could face substantial liquidity problems and may be forced to sell assets, seek additional capital or seek to restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful, and therefore we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be

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required to sell material assets or operations to attempt to meet our debt service and other obligations.
     The oil and natural gas industry is capital intensive. We make, and anticipate that we will continue to make, capital expenditures in the exploration for, development and acquisition of oil and natural gas reserves. Historically, our capital expenditures have been financed primarily with:
    internally generated cash from operations;
 
    proceeds from bank borrowings;
 
    proceeds from sales of equity and debt securities; and
 
    proceeds from sales of non-core assets.
     The continued availability of these capital sources depends upon a number of variables, including:
    our proved reserves;
 
    the volumes of oil and natural gas we produce from existing wells;
 
    the prices at which we sell oil and natural gas;
 
    our ability to acquire, locate and produce new reserves;
 
    events occurring within the global capital markets; and
 
    results from re-determinations of the borrowing base.
     Each of these variables materially affects our borrowing capacity. We may from time to time seek additional financing in the form of:
    increased bank borrowings;
 
    additional sales of our debt or equity securities;
 
    sales of non-core properties;
 
    other forms of financing; or
 
    a combination of the above.
     Except for the existing revolving credit facility we have with our bank lenders, we do not currently have any agreements for any future financing and there can be no assurance as to the availability or terms of any such future financing.
     Oil and Natural Gas Price Trends
     Changes in oil and natural gas prices significantly affect our revenues, financial condition, cash flows and borrowing capacity. Markets for oil and natural gas have historically been volatile and we expect this trend to continue. Prices for oil and natural gas typically fluctuate in response to relatively minor changes in supply and demand, market uncertainty, seasonal, political and other factors beyond our control. We are unable to accurately predict the prices we receive for our oil and natural gas. Accordingly, any significant or sustained declines in oil or natural gas prices may materially adversely affect our financial condition, liquidity, ability to obtain financing and operating results. Lower oil or

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natural gas prices also may reduce the amount of oil or natural gas that we can produce economically. A decline in oil or natural gas prices could have a material adverse effect on the estimated value and estimated quantities of our oil and natural gas reserves, our ability to fund our operations and our financial condition, cash flow, results of operations and access to capital.
     Our capital expenditure budgets are highly dependent on future oil and natural gas prices.
     For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the average realized sales price for our oil and natural gas was $63.60 per BOE. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, our average realized price was $27.04 per BOE.
     Production Trends
     We recognize that oil and gas production from a given well naturally decreases over time and that a downward trend in our overall production could occur unless these natural declines are offset by additional production from drilling, workover or recompletion activity, or acquisitions of producing properties. If any production declines we experience are other than a temporary trend, and if we cannot economically replace our reserves, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected and our stock price may decline. Our future growth will depend upon our ability to continue to add oil and natural gas reserves in excess of production at a reasonable cost.
     Production growth in our Barnett Shale investments will be limited due to the farmout agreement with Chesapeake. Please see Note 4-“Oil and Natural Gas Properties” for additional information. We have also delayed future development plans in our New Mexico Wolfcamp project as we wait to see where natural gas prices and development costs are heading. This will slow down the production increases that we have seen in the past in this area. However, we anticipate that this decline in production can be quickly offset with new wells as soon as natural gas prices recover and or development costs decline based on the recent results of the wells that we completed in late 2008.
     Due to limited development, our production has decreased in accordance with normal decline curves for our principal Permian Basin oil properties and south Texas gas properties. We will monitor our production levels and depending on commodity prices and development costs will act accordingly to stave off any significant production declines.
     Lease Operating Expense Trends
     The level of drilling, workover and maintenance activity in the primary areas in which we operate and produce has dramatically decreased. Service rates charged by oil field service companies have begun to decline during recent periods and electrical costs have also declined recently. We hope to see a positive impact of declines in our per BOE lease operating expense throughout the remainder of 2009. We anticipate declines in production costs associated with reduced energy pricing, particularly in the case of our Permian Basin oil properties. Finally, with lower commodity prices, production taxes and ad valorem taxes will be lower as these costs are directly related to sales values.
     Interest Expense Trends
     As a result of having increased our borrowings by $62.5 million at the end of the fourth quarter of 2008, we expect a corresponding increase in our annual interest expense. An increase in interest rates would also negatively impact our interest expense.
     Income Taxes
     In accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”, we continually assess our ability to use all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards and state operating loss credit carryforwards that

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result from substantial income tax deductions and prior year losses on a quarterly basis. We consider future federal and state taxable income in making such assessments. If we conclude that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized under accounting standards, they will be reduced by a valuation allowance. At this time, we believe that it is more likely than not that we utilize all of our federal net operating loss carryforwards and state operating loss credit carryforwards in connection with federal and state income tax generated in the future. We based this conclusion on an evaluation of our future cash flows from our reserve report, estimates related to general and administrative costs, estimated net proceeds from derivatives and the interest expenses we anticipate to incur.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations, (“SFAS 141(R)”), which replaces FASB Statement No. 141. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non- controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. The Statement also establishes disclosure requirements that will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is effective for acquisitions that occur in an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008, which will be the Company’s fiscal year 2009. The impact, if any, will depend on the nature and size of business combinations we consummate after the effective date.
     In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51, (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires that accounting and reporting for minority interests will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. SFAS 160 also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS 160 applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding noncontrolling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2008, which will be the Company’s fiscal year 2009. Based upon our balance sheet as of March 31, 2009, the statement has no impact.
     In February 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSP 157-2”), which granted a one-year deferral of the effective date of SFAS No. 157 as it applies to non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis (e.g. those measured at fair value in a business combination and asset retirement obligations).  Beginning January 1, 2009, we applied SFAS No. 157 to non-financial assets and liabilities.   The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.
     In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133, (“SFAS 161”). This statement is intended to improve transparency in financial reporting by requiring enhanced disclosures of an entity’s derivative instruments and hedging activities and their effects on the entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. SFAS 161 applies to all derivative instruments within the scope of SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, (“SFAS 133”), as well as related hedged items, bifurcated derivatives, and nonderivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments. Entities with instruments subject to SFAS 161 must provide expanded disclosures. SFAS 161 is effective prospectively for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application permitted. We applied SFAS 161 beginning

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January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not have an impact on our financial position or results of operations.
     In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, (“SFAS 162”), which becomes effective for the Company 60 days following the SEC’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With General Accepted Accounting Principles. This standard identifies the sources of accounting principles and the framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. We do not anticipate that this pronouncement will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
     In December 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission published a Final Rule, Modernization of Oil and Gas Reporting. The new rule permits the use of new technologies to determine proved reserves if those technologies have been demonstrated to lead to reliable conclusions about reserves volumes. The new requirements also will allow companies to disclose their probable and possible reserves to investors. In addition, the new disclosure requirements require companies to: (a) report the independence and qualifications of its reserves preparer or auditor; (b) file reports when a third party is relied upon to prepare reserves estimates or conducts a reserves audit; and (c) report oil and gas reserves using an average price based upon the prior 12-month period rather than year-end prices. The use of average prices will affect future impairment and depletion calculations.
     The new disclosure requirements are effective for annual reports on Forms 10-K for fiscal years ending on or after December 31, 2009. A company may not apply the new rules to disclosures in quarterly reports prior to the first annual report in which the revised disclosures are required. The Company has not yet determined the impact of this Final Rule, which will vary depending on changes in commodity prices, on its disclosures, financial position or results of operations.
     In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position SFAS 157-4, “Determining the Fair Value of a Financial Asset When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly” (“FSP 157-4”). FSP 157-4 clarified the application of SFAS 157 providing additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This FSP shall be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. Earlier adoption for periods ending before March 15, 2009, is not permitted. If a reporting entity elects to adopt early either FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 or FSP FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, the reporting entity also is required to adopt early this FSP. Additionally, if the reporting entity elects to adopt early this FSP, FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2 also must be adopted early. This FSP does not require disclosures for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. In periods after initial adoption, this FSP requires comparative disclosures only for periods ending after initial adoption. Revisions resulting from a change in valuation technique or its application shall be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate (paragraph 19 of FASB Statement No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections). In the period of adoption, a reporting entity shall disclose a change, if any, in valuation technique and related inputs resulting from the application of this FSP, and quantify the total effect of the change in valuation technique and related inputs, if practicable, by major category. We do not anticipate that this pronouncement will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
     In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 107-1 and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” (“FSP 107-1”). FSP 107-1 amends FASB

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Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, to require disclosures about fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies as well as in annual financial statements. This FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require those disclosures in summarized financial information at interim reporting periods. This FSP shall be effective for interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ending after March 15, 2009. An entity may early adopt this FSP only if it also elects to early adopt FSP FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly, and FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments. This FSP does not require disclosures for earlier periods presented for comparative purposes at initial adoption. In periods after initial adoption, this FSP requires comparative disclosures only for periods ending after initial adoption. We do not anticipate that this pronouncement will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position.
     In April 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 141-(R)-1, “Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (“FSP 141-(R)-1”). FSP 141-(R)-1 amends and clarifies FASB Statement No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations to address application issues raised by preparers, auditors, and members of the legal profession on initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. This FSP shall be effective for assets or liabilities arising from contingencies in business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The impact, if any, will depend on the nature and terms of business combinations we consummate after the effective date.
Critical Accounting Policies
     Our critical accounting policies are included and discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 23, 2009. These critical accounting policies should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the accompanying notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
     Some statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are “forward-looking statements”. These forward looking statements relate to, among others, the following:
    our future financial and operating performance and results;
 
    our drilling plans and ability to secure drilling rigs to effectuate our plans;
 
    production volumes;
 
    our business strategy;
 
    market prices;
 
    sources of funds necessary to conduct operations and complete acquisitions;
 
    development costs;

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    number and location of planned wells;
 
    our future commodity price risk management activities;
 
    our plans and forecasts; and
 
    any other statements that are not historical facts.
     We have based these forward-looking statements on our current assumptions, expectations and projections about future events.
     We use the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “continue”, “intend”, “plan”, “budget”, “future”, “present value”, “reserves” or other similar words to identify forward-looking statements. These statements also involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results or financial condition to materially differ from our expectations. We believe the assumptions and expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, we cannot give any assurance that our assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct or that we will be able to take any actions that are presently planned. All of these statements involve assumptions of future events and risks and uncertainties. Risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
    difficult and adverse conditions in the global and domestic capital and credit markets;
 
    continued volatility and further deterioration of the capital and credit markets;
 
    uncertainty about the effectiveness of the U.S. government’s plan to purchase large amounts of illiquid, mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions;
 
    the impairment of financial institutions;
 
    exposure to financial and capital market risk;
 
    changes in general economic conditions, including the performance of financial markets and interest rates, which may affect our ability to raise capital and generate operating cash flow;
 
    unanticipated changes in industry trends;
 
    fluctuations in prices of oil and natural gas;
 
    dependent on key personnel;
 
    reliance on technological development and technology development programs;
 
    demand for oil and natural gas;
 
    losses due to future litigation;
 
    future capital requirements and availability of financing;
 
    geological concentration of our reserves;
 
    risks associated with drilling and operating wells;
 
    competition;
 
    general economic conditions;

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    governmental regulations and liability for environmental matters;
 
    receipt of amounts owed to us by purchasers of our production and counterparties to our derivative contracts;
 
    hedging decisions, including whether or not to hedge;
 
    terrorist attacks or war;
 
    actions of third party co-owners of interests in properties in which we also own an interest; and
 
    fluctuations in interest rates and availability of capital.
     For these and other reasons, actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied.
We believe it is important to communicate our expectations of future performance to our investors.
However, events may occur in the future that we are unable to accurately predict, or over which we have no control. We caution you against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements.
     Before you invest in our common stock or our 10.25% senior notes, you should be aware that there are various risks associated with an investment. We have described some of these risks under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” on page 50 of this Quarterly Report and under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
     The following quantitative and qualitative information is provided about market risks and derivative instruments to which we were a party at March 31, 2009, and from which we may incur future earnings, gains or losses from changes in market interest rates and oil and natural gas prices.
Interest Rate Sensitivity as of March 31, 2009
     Although we are currently protected from interest rate volatility up to $250.0 million through our senior notes and our interest rate swaps, we are exposed to interest rate volatility on lending above this level. Our only financial instruments sensitive to changes in interest rates are our bank debt and interest rate swaps. As the interest rate is variable and reflects current market conditions, the carrying value of our bank debt approximates the fair value. The table below shows principal cash flows and related interest rates by expected maturity dates. Refer to Note 3 of the Financial Statements for further discussion of our debt that is sensitive to interest rates.
                                                 
                                    2013 and    
    2009   2010   2011   2012   after   Total
    ($ in thousands, except interest rates)
Revolving Credit Facility (secured)
  $     $     $     $     $ 225,000     $ 225,000  
Interest rate
    4.75 %     4.75 %     4.75 %     4.75 %     4.75 %        
Senior notes
  $     $     $     $     $ 150,000     $ 150,000  
Interest rate
    10.25 %     10.25 %     10.25 %     10.25 %     10.25 %        
     At March 31, 2009, we had outstanding bank loans in the aggregate principal amount of $225.0 million at a base interest rate of 4.75%, including applicable margin. Under our revolving credit facility,

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we may elect an interest rate based upon the agent bank’s base lending rate, plus a margin ranging from 0% to 0.25%, or the LIBOR rate, plus a margin ranging from 2.50% to 3.00% per annum, depending upon the outstanding principal amount of the loans. The interest rate we are required to pay, including the applicable margin, may never be less than 4.75%. A change in the interest rate of one percent could cause an approximate $307,000 change in interest expense on a quarterly basis on the current amount of borrowings, when factoring in the interest rate protection we have with our interest rate swaps. As the interest rate is variable and reflects current market conditions, the carrying value of our bank debt approximates the fair value.
     At March 31, 2009, we had outstanding senior notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million bearing interest at a rate of 10.25% per annum. The carrying value of our 10.25% senior notes at March 31, 2009 was approximately $146.0 million and their estimated fair value is approximately $93.0 million. Fair value is estimated based on market trades at or near March 31, 2009. Interest on our senior notes and their carrying value are not affected by changes in interest rates. However, the fair value of the senior notes increases as interest rates decrease and their fair value decreases as interest rates increase. Because we have no present plan or intent to redeem the senior notes, changes in their fair value are not expected to have any effect on our cash flow in the foreseeable future.
     We have employed fixed interest rate swap contracts with BNP Paribas and Citibank, N.A. based on the 90-day LIBOR rates at the time of the contracts. These contracts are accounted for by “mark-to-market” accounting as prescribed in SFAS 133. We receive interest based on a 90-day LIBOR rate and pay the fixed rates shown below. We view these contracts as protection against future interest rate volatility. As of March 31, 2009, the fair market value of these interest rate swaps was a liability of approximately $7.8 million.
     A recap for the period of time, notional amounts, fixed interest rates, and fair market value of these contracts at March 31, 2009 follows:
                         
    Notional     Weighted Average   Estimated  
                                Period of Time   Amounts     Fixed Interest Rates   Fair Market Value  
    ($ in millions)             ($ in thousands)  
April 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
  $ 100       4.22%     $ (2,338 )
January 1, 2010 through October 31, 2010
  $ 100       4.71%       (2,738 )
November 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
  $ 50       4.26%       (237 )
January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011
  $ 100       4.67%       (2,522 )
 
                     
Total Fair Market Value
                  $ (7,835 )
 
                     
Commodity Price Sensitivity
     From time to time, we execute price-risk management transactions (e.g., swaps, collars and puts) for a portion of our oil and natural gas production to achieve a more predictable cash flow, as well as to reduce exposure to the instability of oil and natural gas price fluctuations. While the use of these arrangements may limit our ability to benefit from increases in the price of oil and natural gas, they also reduce our potential exposure to adverse price movements. Our price-risk management arrangements apply to only a portion of our production, provide only partial price protection against declines in oil and natural gas prices and limit our potential gains from future increases in prices. None of these transactions are entered into for trading purposes. All of our derivative transactions provide for financial rather than physical settlement. Our management periodically reviews all of our price-risk management transactions, including volumes, accounting treatment, types of instruments and counterparties. These transactions are implemented by management through the execution of trades by our Chief Financial Officer after consultation with and concurrence by the Hedging and Acquisitions Committee, which includes all

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members of our Board of Directors.
     Our major market risk exposure is in the pricing applicable to our oil and natural gas production. Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in oil and natural gas prices. Realized pricing is primarily driven by the prevailing domestic price for crude oil and spot prices applicable to the region in which we produce natural gas. Historically, prices received for oil and natural gas production have been volatile and unpredictable. We expect pricing volatility to continue. NYMEX closing oil prices ranged from a low of $86.99 per barrel to a high of $110.33 per barrel during the three months ended March 31, 2008. NYMEX closing natural gas prices during the three months ended March 31, 2008 ranged from a low of $7.62 per Mcf to a high of $10.23 per Mcf. During the three months ended March 31, 2009 NYMEX closing oil prices ranged from a low of $33.98 to a high of $54.34. NYMEX closing natural gas prices during the three months ended March 31, 2009 ranged from a low of $3.63 per Mcf to a high of $6.07 per Mcf. A significant decline in the prices of oil or natural gas could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
     We employ various derivative instruments in order to minimize our exposure to the aforementioned commodity price volatility. As of March 31, 2009, we had employed collars, puts and swaps in order to protect against this price volatility. Although all of the contracts that we have entered into are viewed as protection against this price volatility, all contracts are accounted for by the “mark-to-market” accounting method as prescribed in SFAS 133. See Note 8-“Derivative Instruments”.
     At March 31, 2009 we had crude oil collar and put derivative contracts in place covering future oil production of approximately 1.6 million barrels. If prices stay at current levels, the settlement price will be below the price range of the collar contracts, thus causing our counterparties to make payments at settlement date for these contracts. In addition, at current price levels, the settlement price will cause our counterparty to pay us at settlement date for our put contracts.
     At March 31, 2009 we had natural gas collar and swap derivative contracts in place covering future natural gas production of approximately 6.9 Bcf. If prices stay at current levels, the settlement price will be below the price range of the collar contracts, thus causing our counterparties to make payments at settlement date for these contracts. In addition, at current price levels, the settlement price will cause our counterparty to pay us at settlement date for our swap contracts.
     Changes in commodity prices will affect the fair value of our derivative contracts as recorded on our balance sheet during future periods and, consequently, our reported net earnings. The changes in the recorded fair value of the commodity derivatives are marked to market through earnings. If commodity prices decrease, this commodity price change could have a positive impact to our earnings. Conversely, if commodity prices increase, this commodity price change will have a negative effect on earnings. Each derivative contract is evaluated separately to determine its own fair value. Due to the current volatility of both crude oil and natural gas prices, we are currently unable to estimate the effects on earnings in future periods, but based on the volume of our future oil and natural gas production covered by commodity derivative contracts, the effects may be material.
     Descriptions of our active commodity derivative contracts as of March 31, 2009 are set forth below:
     Put Options. Puts are options to sell an asset at a specified price.  For any put transaction, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Company if the reference floating price for any settlement period is less than the put or floor price for such contract. 
     In June 2008, we entered into multiple put contracts with BNP Paribas and in October 2008 we entered into a put contract with Citibank, N.A. In lieu of making premium payments for the puts at the time of entering into our put contracts, we deferred payment until the settlement dates of the contracts.

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Future premium payments will be netted against any payments that the counterparty may owe to us based on the floating price. Our put contracts contain a financing element, which management believes is other than insignificant, resulting in related cash settlements being classified as cash from financing activities within the Statement of Cash Flows. These settlements are disclosed as net settlements to reflect the amount of the gross settlement less the amount of the original put premium for the specific contracts being settled.
     Due to the deferral of the premium payments, we will pay a total amount of premiums of $4.68 million which is $491,000 greater than if the premiums had been paid at the time of entering into the contracts. The $491,000 difference is recorded as a discount to the put premium obligations and recognized as interest expense over the terms of the contracts using the interest method. Through March 31, 2009, we had accrued $141,000 to interest expense and settled premiums of $150,000. Accordingly, the balance of the put premium obligations at March 31, 2009 including accrued interest is $4.2 million.
     A summary of our put positions at March 31, 2009 is as follows:
                         
                    Estimated  
    Barrels of             Fair Market  
                                Period of Time   Oil     Floor     Value  
                    ($ in thousands)  
April 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
    82,500     $ 100.00     $ 3,727  
January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
    280,100     $ 84.36       6,256  
January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011
    146,000     $ 100.00       5,177  
 
                     
Total Fair Market Value
                  $ 15,160  
 
                     
     Collars. Collars are contracts which combine both a put option or “floor” and a call option or “ceiling”. These contracts may or may not involve payment or receipt of cash at inception, depending on the “ceiling” and “floor” pricing. Citibank, N.A. and BNP Paribas are the counterparties used for oil and natural gas collar contracts.
     On February 18, 2009, we executed a trade for 10,000 MMBtu/day natural gas for calendar 2010 (WAHA) costless collars with a floor of $4.75 and a ceiling of $5.90 with a total volume of 3,650,000 MMBtu.
     A summary of our collar positions at March 31, 2009 is as follows:
                                 
    Barrels of     NYMEX Oil Prices     Fair Market  
                                Period of Time   Oil     Floor     Ceiling     Value  
                            ($ in thousands)  
April 1, 2009 thru December 31, 2009
    577,500     $ 65.71     $ 82.93     $ 7,583  
January 1, 2010 thru October 31, 2010
    486,400     $ 63.44     $ 78.26       2,886  
                                 
    MMBtu of     WAHA Gas Prices          
    Natural Gas     Floor     Ceiling          
April 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009
    2,475,000     $ 7.06     $ 9.93       8,728  
January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
    3,650,000     $ 4.75     $ 5.90       (310 )
 
                             
Total Fair Market Value
                          $ 18,887  
 
                             

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     Commodity Swaps. Generally, swaps are an agreement to buy or sell a specified commodity for delivery in the future, at an agreed fixed price. Swap transactions convert a floating or market price into a fixed price. For any particular swap transaction, the counterparty is required to make a payment to the Company if the reference price for any settlement period is less than the swap or fixed price for such contract, and the Company is required to make a payment to the counterparty if the reference price for any settlement period is greater than the swap or fixed price for such contract.
     On March 31, 2009, we executed a trade to sell 5,000 MMBtu/day natural gas for May 2009 through September 2009 (WAHA) with a fixed price of $3.91.
     A recap for the period of time, MMBtu and swap prices are as follows:
                         
                    Estimated  
    Number of     WAHA     Fair Market  
                                Period of Time   MMBtu     Swap Price     Value  
                    ($ in thousands)  
May 1, 2009 thru September 30, 2009
    765,000     $ 3.91     $ 362  
 
                     
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
     As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) was evaluated by our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Larry C. Oldham (principal executive officer), and our Chief Financial Officer, Steven D. Foster (principal financial officer), in accordance with rules of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on that evaluation, Mr. Oldham and Mr. Foster have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2009 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to management and recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
     There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
     From time to time, we are party to ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business.
     On March 24, 2008, a lawsuit was filed in the 24th District Court of Jackson County, Texas, against us and twenty-two other defendants in Cause No. 07-6-13069, styled “Tony Kubenka, Carolyn Kubenka, Dennis J. Kallus, David J. Kallus, Mary L. Kallus, Patricia Kallus, Nova Deleon, Janie Figuerova, and Larkin Thedford, Plaintiffs v. Tri-C Resources, Inc., Marie S. Adian, Laura E. Adian, Glenn A. Fiew, Lynn Kramer, Debra Boysen, Carol J. Gleason, Alana Sue Curlee, Connie W. Marthiljohni, Claire E. Adian, Zachary D. Adian, Donald R. Starkweather, Inc., D.A. Webernick, Danette Bundick, Johnny A. Webernick, Donna Gail Glover, Sherry Shulze, William H. Webernick, Jr., TAC Resources, Inc., New Century Exploration, Inc., Allegro Investments, Inc., Parallel Petroleum Corporation and Welper Interests, LP”. The nine plaintiffs in this lawsuit have named us and the other working interest owners, including Tri-C Resources, Inc., the operator, as defendants.

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The plaintiffs in this lawsuit allege that they are royalty owners under oil and gas leases which are part of a pooled gas unit (the “unit”) located in Jackson County, Texas, and that the defendants, including us, are owners of the leasehold estate under the plaintiffs’ leases and others forming the unit. Plaintiffs also assert that one of the leases (other than plaintiffs’ leases) forming part of the unit has been terminated and, as a result, the defendants have not properly computed the royalties due to plaintiffs from unit production and have failed to properly pay royalties due to them. Plaintiffs have sued for an unspecified amount of damages, including exemplary damages, under theories of breach of contract (including breach of express and implied covenants of their leases) and conversion, and seek an accounting, a declaratory judgment to declare the rights of the parties under the leases, and attorneys’ fees, interest and court costs. If a judgment adverse to the defendants were entered, as a working interest owner in the leases comprising the unit, we believe our liability would be proportionate to the ownership of the other working interest owners in the leases. We have filed an answer denying any liability. Although an initial exchange of discovery has occurred, we cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this matter, but believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to vigorously contest this lawsuit. We have not established a reserve with respect to plaintiffs’ claims.
     We received a Notice of Proposed Adjustment from the Internal Revenue Service, or the “Service” in May 2007 advising us of proposed adjustments to federal income tax of approximately $2.0 million for the years 2004 and 2005. Subsequent discussions with the Service placed the issues contested in a development status. In November 2007, the Service issued a letter on the matter giving us 30 days to agree or disagree with a final examination report. The final examination report reflected revisions of the previous proposed adjustments resulting in a reduced $1.1 million of additional income tax and interest charges. The decrease in proposed tax was the result of information supplied by us to the examiner as well as discussions of the applicable tax statutes and regulations. In December 2007, we filed a protest documenting our complete disagreement with the adjustments proposed on the final examination report and requested a conference with the appeals office of the Service. The examination office of the Service filed a response to our protest in February 2008 with the appeals office. In the response the additional tax was further reduced by the examination office to $720,000. In June and November of 2008, our representatives met with the Service’s Appeals Officer to review specific issues related to the alternative minimum tax items in dispute. During these meetings we submitted supplements to our initial protest in further support of our position. Currently, the IRS appeals office is considering our information as well as data supplied at the request of the appeals officer. We intend to vigorously contest the adjustment proposed by the Service and believe that we will ultimately prevail in our position. We have not recorded a liability for tax, interest, or penalties related to this matter based on our analysis. If a liability for additional income tax should later be determined to be more likely than not, we anticipate the adjustment to increase the federal income tax liability would be offset by an increase to a deferred tax asset and would not result in a charge to earnings. Any interest or penalties resulting from a subsequent determination of increased tax liability would require a charge to earnings. We believe that the effects of this matter would not have a material effect on our results of operations for the fiscal quarter in which we actually establish a reserve account for interest or penalties.
     We are also presently a named defendant in one other lawsuit arising out of our operations in the normal course of business, which we believe is not material.
     We are not aware of any legal or governmental proceedings against us, or contemplated to be brought against us, under the various environmental protection statutes to which we are subject, nor have we been a party to any bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization, adjustment or similar proceeding.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
     You should review and consider the information regarding certain factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results set forth under “Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors” in

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our annual Report on Form 10-K for 2008. Except for the risk factor “Certain federal income tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and gas drilling and development may be eliminated as a result of future legislation”, there have been no material changes during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 to the Risk Factors set forth in “Part I. Item 1A” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2008. Set forth below are some of the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. However, we urge you to read all of the risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
     We must replace oil and natural gas reserves that we produce. Failure to replace reserves may negatively affect our business.
     In the last three years, the rate at which we have replaced oil and natural gas that we have produced has declined. Our future performance depends in part upon our ability to find, develop and acquire additional oil and natural gas reserves that are economically recoverable. Our proved reserves decline as they are depleted and we must locate and develop or acquire new oil and natural gas reserves to replace reserves being depleted by production. In addition, if our reserve and production decline, then the amount we are able to borrow under our credit agreement will also decline. No assurance can be given that we will be able to find and develop or acquire additional reserves on an economic basis. If we cannot economically replace our reserves, our results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
     General economic conditions could adversely impact our results of operations.
     A further slowdown in the U.S. economy or other economic conditions affecting capital markets, such as declining oil and gas prices, failing or weakened financial institutions, inability to access cash in our bank accounts, inflation, deteriorating business conditions, interest rates and tax rates, may adversely affect our business and financial condition by reducing overall public confidence in our financial strength, by causing us to further reduce our capital expenditure program and curtail planned drilling activities or by causing the oil field service sector of the domestic oil and gas industry to reduce equipment, labor and services that would otherwise be available to us. Further, some of our properties are operated by third parties whom we depend upon for timely performance of drilling and other contractual obligations and, in some cases, for distribution to us of our proportionate share of revenues from sales of oil and natural gas we produce. If current economic conditions adversely impact our third party operators, we are exposed to the risk that drilling operations or revenue disbursements to us could be delayed. This “trickle down” effect could significantly harm our business, financial condition and results of operation.
     The consequences of a recession may include a lower level of economic activity and uncertainty regarding energy prices and the capital and commodity markets.  A lower level of economic activity might result in a decline in energy consumption, which may adversely affect our revenue, liquidity and future growth.  Instability in the financial markets, as a result of recession or otherwise, also may affect the cost of capital and our ability to raise capital. These events increase the likelihood that we could become highly vulnerable to further adverse general economic consequences and industry conditions and that our cash flows and financial condition may be materially adversely affected as a result thereof. 
       In addition, the instability and uncertainty in the financial markets has made it difficult for us to follow through with drilling operations and other business activities that we had planned on implementing before the current financial crisis.  Lower oil and gas prices, the financial markets and U.S. economy have altered our ability and willingness to continue drilling operations at a pace consistent with 2008 levels. 
       The economic situation could also have an impact on our customers and suppliers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us, and on our operating partners, resulting in delays in operations or failure to make required payments. Additionally, the current economic situation could lead to reduced demand for oil and natural gas or further reductions in the prices of oil and natural gas, or both, which

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could have a negative impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.  While the ultimate outcome and impact of the current financial crisis cannot be predicted, it may have a material adverse effect on our future liquidity and financial condition.
     Adverse capital and credit market conditions may significantly affect our ability to meet liquidity needs, access to capital and cost of capital.
      The capital and credit markets have been experiencing extreme volatility and disruption for more than twelve months. This volatility and disruption has reached unprecedented levels. In some cases, the markets have exerted downward pressure on availability of liquidity and credit capacity for certain issuers. We need liquidity to pay our operating expenses and interest on our debt. Without sufficient liquidity, we could be forced to curtail our operations, and our business will suffer. The principal sources of our liquidity have been cash flow from our operations, bank borrowings and proceeds from the sale of our debt and equity securities.
      If cash flow from operations and bank borrowings do not satisfy our needs, we may have to seek additional financing. The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, the volume of trading activities, the overall availability of credit to the exploration and production segment of the oil and gas industry, our credit ratings and credit capacity, and the possibility that our lenders could develop a negative perception of our long or short-term financial prospects if the level of our business activity decreases due to a market downturn. Similarly, our access to funds may be impaired if rating agencies take negative actions against us. Our internal sources of liquidity may prove to be insufficient, and in such case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on favorable terms, or at all.
       Disruptions, uncertainty or volatility in the capital and credit markets may also limit our access to capital required to operate our business, most significantly our drilling operations. Such market conditions may limit our ability to: replace, in a timely manner, oil and gas reserves that we produce; meet maturing liabilities; generate revenue to meet liquidity needs; and access the capital necessary to grow our business. As such, we may be forced to delay raising capital, issue more debt or equity securities than we prefer, or bear an unattractive cost of capital which could decrease our profitability and significantly impair financing alternatives available to us. Our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and capital position could be materially adversely affected by disruptions in the financial markets.
      Difficult conditions in the global capital markets and the economy generally may materially adversely affect our business and results of operations and we do not expect these conditions to improve in the near future.
      Our results of operations are materially affected by conditions in the domestic capital markets and the economy generally. The stress experienced by domestic capital markets that began in the second half of 2008 has continued and substantially increased during the first quarter of 2009. Recently, concerns over inflation, energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market and a declining real estate market in the U.S. have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the markets going forward. These factors, combined with volatile oil and gas prices, declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment, have precipitated an economic slowdown and recession. In addition, the fixed-income markets are experiencing a period of extreme volatility which has negatively impacted market liquidity conditions.
     Initially, the concerns on the part of market participants were focused on the subprime segment of the mortgage-backed securities market. However, these concerns have since expanded to include a broad range of mortgage-and asset-backed and other fixed income securities, including those rated investment grade, the U.S. and international credit and interbank money markets generally, and a wide range of

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financial institutions and markets, asset classes and sectors. As a result, capital markets have experienced decreased liquidity, increased price volatility, credit downgrade events, and increased probabilities of default. These events and the continuing market upheavals may have an adverse effect on us because our liquidity and ability to fund our capital expenditures may be dependent in part upon our bank borrowings and access to the public capital markets. Our revenues are likely to decline in such circumstances and our profit margins could erode. In addition, in the event of extreme prolonged market events, such as the global credit crisis, we could incur significant losses. Even in the absence of a market downturn, we are exposed to substantial risk of loss due to market volatility.
     Factors such as business investment, government spending, the volatility and strength of the capital markets, and inflation all affect the business and economic environment and, ultimately, the amount and profitability of our business. In an economic downturn characterized by higher unemployment, lower corporate earnings and lower business investment, our operations could be negatively impacted. Purchasers of our oil and gas production may delay or be unable to make timely payments to us. Adverse changes in the economy could affect earnings negatively and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The current mortgage crisis has also raised the possibility of future legislative and regulatory actions in addition to the recent enactment of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) that could further impact our business. We cannot predict whether or when such actions may occur, or what impact, if any, such actions could have on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
     There can be no assurance that actions of the U.S. Government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets will achieve the intended effect.
      In response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, on October 3, 2008, President Bush signed the EESA into law. Pursuant to the EESA, the U.S. Treasury has the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgage-backed and other securities from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing the financial markets. The Federal Government, Federal Reserve and other governmental and regulatory bodies have taken or are considering taking other actions to address the financial crisis. There can be no assurance as to what impact such actions will have on the financial markets, including the extreme levels of volatility currently being experienced. Such continued volatility could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, or the trading price of our common stock.
     The impairment of financial institutions could adversely affect us.
     We have exposure to counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks that we rely upon for our credit facilities. In the event of default of one or more of these counterparties, we may have exposure in the form of our ability to withdraw funds on short notice to meet our obligations and short-term investments. We also have exposure to these financial institutions in the form of derivative transactions in that the collectibility of amounts owed to us by a defaulting counterparty may be delayed or impaired. However, our derivative instruments provide rights of setoff of amounts we owe under our credit facilities against amounts owed to us by a counterparty under our derivative transactions.
     If the counterparties to the derivative instruments we use to hedge our business risks default or fail to perform, we may be exposed to risks we had sought to mitigate, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
      We use derivative instruments to mitigate our risks in various circumstances. We enter into a variety of derivative instruments, including swaps, puts and collars with a number of counterparties who

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are also bank lenders under our credit facility. See “Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2008 Form 10-K. If our counterparties fail or refuse to honor their obligations under these derivative instruments, our hedges of the related risk will be ineffective. This is a more pronounced risk to us in view of the recent stresses suffered by financial institutions. Such failure could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. We cannot provide assurance that our counterparties will honor their obligations now or in the future. A counterparty’s insolvency, inability or unwillingness to make payments required under terms of derivative instruments with us could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. However, our derivative instruments allow us to setoff amounts owed to us by a counterparty against amounts that are owed by us to a counterparty under our loan facility. At the date of filing this Form 10-Q Report with the Securities and Exchange Commission, our counterparties included Citibank, N.A. and BNP Paribas.
     The fluctuation and volatility of oil and natural gas prices may adversely affect our business, the value of our mineral properties, our revenues and profitability.
     Our business, the value of our oil and natural gas properties and our revenues and profitability are substantially dependent on prevailing prices of oil and natural gas. Our ability to borrow and to obtain additional capital on attractive terms is also substantially dependent upon oil and natural gas prices. Volatile oil and natural gas prices make it difficult to estimate the value of producing properties for acquisition and often causes disruption in the market for acquiring oil and natural gas producing properties, as buyers and sellers have difficulty agreeing on such value. Price volatility also makes it difficult to budget for acquisitions, development and exploitation projects. From March 31, 2008 thru March 31, 2009, oil prices have fluctuated from a low of approximately $33.87 to a high of approximately $145.29 per barrel for oil traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX). During the same periods, natural gas prices have fluctuated from a low of $3.63 per MMBtu to a high of $13.58 per MMBtu on NYMEX. Our average price received per BOE in the Current Quarter was $27.04 versus $63.60 in the Comparable Quarter, a 57% decline. Subsequent to June 30, 2008, the prices of oil and natural gas traded on NYMEX have declined significantly. If commodity prices continue to decline our financial condition and results of operation would be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any further and extended decline in the price of oil and natural gas could have an adverse effect on our business, the value of our properties, our borrowing capacity, revenues, profitability and cash flows from operations.
     Our oil and gas operations are subject to various Federal, state and local regulations that materially affect our operations.
      Matters regulated include permits for drilling operations, drilling and abandonment bonds, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells and unitization and pooling of properties and taxation. At various times, regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on production. In order to conserve supplies of oil and gas, these agencies have restricted the rates of flow of oil and gas wells below actual production capacity. Federal, state and local laws regulate production, handling, storage, transportation and disposal of oil and gas, by-products from oil and gas and other substances and materials produced or used in connection with oil and gas operations. To date, our expenditures related to complying with these laws and for remediation of existing environmental contamination have not been significant. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. However, the requirements of such laws and regulations are frequently changed. We cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations.

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     Certain federal income tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and gas drilling and development may be eliminated as a result of future legislation.
     The White House released a preview of its budget for Fiscal Year 2010 on February 26, 2009, entitled “A New Era of Responsibility: Renewing America’s Promise.” Among the new administration’s proposed changes are the outright elimination of many of the key federal income tax benefits historically associated with oil and gas. Although presented in very summary form, among other significant energy tax items, the administration’s budget appears to propose the complete elimination of (i) expensing of intangible drilling costs, and (ii) the “percentage depletion” method of deduction with respect to oil and gas wells.
     Although no legislation has yet been formally introduced, the administration’s apparent effective date would be January 1, 2011. It is unclear whether such proposal will be proposed as actual legislation and, if so, whether it will actually be enacted. In addition, there are other significant tax changes under discussion in the Congress. If this proposal (or others) is enacted into law, it could represent an extremely significant reduction in the tax benefits that have historically applied to certain investments in oil and gas.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
     As part of a review by the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Staff”) of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, we received written comments from the Staff on March 31, 2009 and April 28, 2009. We have responded to all of the comments in the Staff’s March 31, 2009 letter. As of the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, comments in the Staff letter dated April 28, 2009 remain unresolved. The Staff’s comments in the April 28, 2009 letter pertain primarily to (1) a request for us to disclose what our measures of reserve replacement and replacement percentages represent, and how these measures are calculated, (2) expanding our disclosure to provide an explanation of and the extent to which factors other than extensions and discoveries contribute materially to our replacement percentages, (3) expanding our disclosures to indicate our yearly reserve replacement ratios for 2001 through 2008, and (4) the status of a waterflood project.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
     (a) Exhibits
     The following exhibits are filed herewith or incorporated by reference, as indicated:
         
No.   Description of Exhibit
       
 
  3.1    
Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2004)
       
 
  3.2    
Bylaws of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2007)
       
 
  3.3    
Certificate of Formation of Parallel, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.3 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  3.4    
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Parallel, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.4 of the Registrant’s Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  3.5    
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Parallel, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.5 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)

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No.   Description of Exhibit
 
  3.6    
Agreement of Limited Partnership of Parallel, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.6 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  4.1    
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Serial Preferred Stock – 6% Convertible Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2004)
       
 
  4.2    
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000)
       
 
  4.3    
Rights Agreement, dated as of October 5, 2000, between the Registrant and Computershare Trust Company, Inc., as Rights Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form 8-A of the Registrant filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2000)
       
 
  4.4    
Form of common stock certificate of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.6 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  4.5    
Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated November 20, 2001, between the Registrant and Stonington Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
       
 
  4.6    
Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated December 23, 2003, between the Registrant and Stonington Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
       
 
  4.7    
Purchase Warrant Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1980, between the Registrant and American Stock Transfer, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  4.8    
First Amendment to Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2007, among the Registrant, Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  4.9    
Form of Rule 144A 101/4% Senior Note due 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.10    
Form of IAI 101/4% Senior Note due 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.11    
Form of Regulation S 101/4% Senior Note due 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.12    
Indenture, dated as of July 31, 2007, among the Registrant as Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.13    
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2007, by and among the Registrant, Jefferies & Company, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated and BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)

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No.   Description of Exhibit
 
  4.14    
Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2007, by and among the Registrant, Jefferies & Company, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated and BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.15    
Form of 101/4% Unrestricted Senior Note due 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of Form S-4 of the Registrant, Registration No. 333-148465)
       
 
 
Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements (Exhibit No.’s 10.1 through 10.11):
       
 
  10.1    
1992 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
       
 
  10.2    
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2005)
       
 
  10.3    
1998 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.4    
2001 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Report for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004)
       
 
  10.5    
2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Grant Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report dated September 22, 2004)
       
 
  10.6    
Incentive and Retention Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.7    
2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report dated March 27, 2008)
       
 
  10.8    
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for nonqualified stock options granted under the Registrant’s 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2008)
       
 
  10.9    
Form of Outside Director Stock Award Agreement for stock awards granted under the Registrant’s 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2008)
       
 
  10.10    
Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Agreement for restricted stock grants under the Registrant’s 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2008)
       
 
  10.11    
Agreement of Limited Partnership of West Fork Pipeline Company LP (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
       
 
  10.12    
ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2005, between Parallel, L.P. and Citibank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report dated October 14, 2005 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 2005)
       
 
  10.13    
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2005, among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Parallel, L.P., Parallel, L.L.C. and Citibank Texas, N.A., BNP Paribas, CitiBank F.S.B., Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Comerica Bank, Bank of Scotland and Fortis Capital Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K

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No.   Description of Exhibit
 
       
Report, dated December 23, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2005)
 
  10.14    
Second Lien Term Loan Agreement, dated November 15, 2005, among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Parallel, L.P., BNP Paribas and Citibank Texas, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report, dated November 15, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005)
       
 
  10.15    
Intercreditor and Subordination Agreement, dated November 15, 2005, among Citibank Texas, N.A., BNP Paribas, Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Parallel, L.P. and Parallel, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.5 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report, dated November 15, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005)
       
 
  10.16    
Guaranty, dated as of December 23, 2005, made by Parallel, L.L.C. to and in favor of Citibank Texas, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.17    
Third Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2005, between Parallel, L.L.C. and Citibank Texas, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.18    
Second Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, made by Parallel Petroleum Corporation and Parallel, L.P. to and in favor of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.19    
Third Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2007, among the Registrant, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Comerica Bank, Bank of Scotland, and Fortis Capital Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  10.20    
Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2007, among the Registrant, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Comerica Bank, Bank of Scotland, and Fortis Capital Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of Form S-4 of the Registrant, Registration No. 333-148465)
       
 
  10.21    
Hagerman Gas Gathering System Joint Venture Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2007, among the Registrant, Feagan Gathering Company and Capstone Oil and Gas Company, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007)
       
 
  10.22    
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2008, among the Registrant, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Comerica Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, and Texas Capital Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2008)
       
 
  10.23    
First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2008, by and among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, Texas Capital Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A. and West Texas National Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Report for the third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008)

(58)


Table of Contents

         
No.   Description of Exhibit
 
  10.24    
Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, executed as of February 19, 2009, by and among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, Texas Capital Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A. and West Texas National Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008)
       
 
  10.25    
Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, executed as of April 30, 2009, by among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, Texas Capital Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A. and West Texas National Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2009)
       
 
  14    
Code of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 14 of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2004)
       
 
  *31.1    
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  *31.2    
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  **32.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  **32.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
 
*   Filed herewith.
 
**   Furnished herewith.

(59)


Table of Contents

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.
         
  PARALLEL PETROLEUM CORPORATION
 
 
  BY: /s/ Larry C. Oldham    
Date: May 5, 2009  Larry C. Oldham   
  President and Chief Executive Officer   
 
     
Date: May 5, 2009  BY: /s/ Steven D. Foster    
  Steven D. Foster,   
  Chief Financial Officer   
 

 


Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS
         
No.   Description of Exhibit
       
 
  3.1    
Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2004)
       
 
  3.2    
Bylaws of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 30, 2007)
       
 
  3.3    
Certificate of Formation of Parallel, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.3 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  3.4    
Limited Liability Company Agreement of Parallel, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.4 of the Registrant’s Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  3.5    
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Parallel, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.5 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  3.6    
Agreement of Limited Partnership of Parallel, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.6 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  4.1    
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Serial Preferred Stock – 6% Convertible Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2004)
       
 
  4.2    
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000)
       
 
  4.3    
Rights Agreement, dated as of October 5, 2000, between the Registrant and Computershare Trust Company, Inc., as Rights Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of Form 8-A of the Registrant filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2000)
       
 
  4.4    
Form of common stock certificate of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.6 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, No. 333-119725 filed on October 13, 2004)
       
 
  4.5    
Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated November 20, 2001, between the Registrant and Stonington Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
       
 
  4.6    
Warrant Purchase Agreement, dated December 23, 2003, between the Registrant and Stonington Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
       
 
  4.7    
Purchase Warrant Agreement, dated as of October 1, 1980, between the Registrant and American Stock Transfer, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  4.8    
First Amendment to Warrant Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2007, among the Registrant, Computershare Shareholder Services, Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)

 


Table of Contents

         
No.   Description of Exhibit
 
  4.9    
Form of Rule 144A 101/4% Senior Note due 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.10    
Form of IAI 101/4% Senior Note due 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.11    
Form of Regulation S 101/4% Senior Note due 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.12    
Indenture, dated as of July 31, 2007, among the Registrant as Issuer and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.13    
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2007, by and among the Registrant, Jefferies & Company, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated and BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.14    
Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2007, by and among the Registrant, Jefferies & Company, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Smith Incorporated and BNP Paribas Securities Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  4.15    
Form of 101/4% Unrestricted Senior Note due 2014 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of Form S-4 of the Registrant, Registration No. 333-148465) Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements (Exhibit No.’s 10.1 through 10.11):
       
 
  10.1    
1992 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
       
 
  10.2    
Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2005)
       
 
  10.3    
1998 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.4    
2001 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Report for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004)
       
 
  10.5    
2004 Non-Employee Director Stock Grant Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report dated September 22, 2004)
       
 
  10.6    
Incentive and Retention Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.7    
2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report dated March 27, 2008)
       
 
  10.8    
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement for nonqualified stock options granted under the Registrant’s 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2008)
       
 
  10.9    
Form of Outside Director Stock Award Agreement for stock awards granted under the Registrant’s 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2008)

 


Table of Contents

         
No.   Description of Exhibit
 
  10.10    
Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Agreement for restricted stock grants under the Registrant’s 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 18, 2008)
       
 
  10.11    
Agreement of Limited Partnership of West Fork Pipeline Company LP (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004)
       
 
  10.12    
ISDA Master Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2005, between Parallel, L.P. and Citibank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report dated October 14, 2005 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 20, 2005)
       
 
  10.13    
Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2005, among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Parallel, L.P., Parallel, L.L.C. and Citibank Texas, N.A., BNP Paribas, CitiBank F.S.B., Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Comerica Bank, Bank of Scotland and Fortis Capital Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report, dated December 23, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 2005)
       
 
  10.14    
Second Lien Term Loan Agreement, dated November 15, 2005, among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Parallel, L.P., BNP Paribas and Citibank Texas, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.4 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report, dated November 15, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005)
       
 
  10.15    
Intercreditor and Subordination Agreement, dated November 15, 2005, among Citibank Texas, N.A., BNP Paribas, Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Parallel, L.P. and Parallel, L.L.C. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.5 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report, dated November 15, 2005, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005)
       
 
  10.16    
Guaranty, dated as of December 23, 2005, made by Parallel, L.L.C. to and in favor of Citibank Texas, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.17    
Third Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2005, between Parallel, L.L.C. and Citibank Texas, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.18    
Second Lien Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, made by Parallel Petroleum Corporation and Parallel, L.P. to and in favor of BNP Paribas (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006)
       
 
  10.19    
Third Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 31, 2007, among the Registrant, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Comerica Bank, Bank of Scotland, and Fortis Capital Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2007)
       
 
  10.20    
Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2007, among the Registrant, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Comerica Bank, Bank of Scotland, and Fortis Capital Corp. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of Form S-4 of the Registrant, Registration No. 333-148465)
       
 
  10.21    
Hagerman Gas Gathering System Joint Venture Agreement, dated as of January 16, 2007, among the Registrant, Feagan Gathering Company and Capstone Oil and Gas Company, L.P. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007)

 


Table of Contents

         
No.   Description of Exhibit
 
  10.22    
Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 16, 2008, among the Registrant, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Comerica Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, and Texas Capital Bank, N.A. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 22, 2008)
       
 
  10.23    
First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2008, by and among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, Texas Capital Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A. and West Texas National Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Report for the third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008)
       
 
  10.24    
Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, executed as of February 19, 2009, by and among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, Texas Capital Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A. and West Texas National Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008)
       
 
  10.25    
Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, executed as of April 30, 2009, by among Parallel Petroleum Corporation, Citibank, N.A., BNP Paribas, Western National Bank, Compass Bank, Bank of Scotland plc, Texas Capital Bank, N.A., Bank of America, N.A. and West Texas National Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2009)
       
 
  14    
Code of Ethics (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 14 of the Registrant’s Form 10-K Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2004)
       
 
  *31.1    
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  *31.2    
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  **32.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  **32.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes – Oxley Act of 2002.
 
*   Filed herewith.
 
**   Furnished herewith.