SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


x

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2010


OR


o

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


For the transition period from ___________ to ______________.


Commission File Number 1-32955


SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Texas

 

76-0314489

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)


7500 San Felipe, Suite 675, Houston, Texas 77063

 (Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)


(713) 458-1560

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


 

 (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)


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


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ¨   No ¨


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


Large accelerated filer  ¨

Accelerated filer  ¨

Non-accelerated filer  ¨

Smaller reporting company  x


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


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 x   No ¨


As of August 2, 2010, we had 17,173,602 shares of $0.001 par value Common Stock outstanding.





SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.


FORM 10-Q


INDEX


 

 

Page No.

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 3

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

4

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009

5

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2010

6

 

  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7

ITEM 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

15

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

22

ITEM 4T.

Controls and Procedures

22

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

Other Information

22

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

23





2




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1

Financial Statements


SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

June 30,

 

December 31,

 

2010

 

2009

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

5,691,689 

 

$

21,575,483 

Accounts receivable

 

6,885,955 

 

 

6,375,864 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

1,810,034 

 

 

1,184,468 

Derivative asset

 

 

 

328,980 

Total current assets

 

14,387,678 

 

 

29,464,795 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas properties - proved (successful efforts method)

 

166,944,884 

 

 

160,709,425 

Other

 

537,280 

 

 

537,280 

 

 

167,482,164 

 

 

161,246,705 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(28,851,133)

 

 

(21,596,154)

Total property and equipment, net

 

138,631,031 

 

 

139,650,551 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets, net

 

2,784,125 

 

 

3,719,405 

Total assets

$

155,802,834 

 

$

172,834,751 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

5,493,467 

 

$

2,673,078 

Revenue and severance tax payable

 

4,925,345 

 

 

3,773,503 

Accrued liabilities

 

3,548,411 

 

 

19,910,354 

Short-term notes payable

 

1,051,919 

 

 

414,257 

Asset retirement obligation

 

903,104 

 

 

873,103 

Total current liabilities

 

15,922,246 

 

 

27,644,295 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

10,043,964 

 

 

9,316,970 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

764,029 

Long-term debt-related party

 

605,428 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of unamortized discount of $5,515,058 and $1,217,578, respectively

 

129,825,814 

 

 

108,811,300 

Total long-term liabilities

 

140,475,206 

 

 

118,892,299 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities subject to compromise

 

 

 

19,631,567 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitment and contingencies (see notes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized 17,173,602 and 16,690,292 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively

 

17,173 

 

 

16,690 

Additional paid-in capital

 

26,823,330 

 

 

19,887,814 

Retained deficit

 

(27,435,121)

 

 

(13,237,914)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

(594,618) 

 

 

6,666,590 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

155,802,834 

 

$

172,834,751 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements




3





SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

For the Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas revenues

$

12,887,341 

 

$

11,576,727 

 

$

25,143,118 

 

$

20,104,082 

Other revenues

 

795,414

 

 

142,900 

 

 

1,230,671

 

 

170,559 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

13,682,755 

 

 

11,719,627 

 

 

26,373,789 

 

 

20,274,641 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expense

 

3,375,909 

 

 

3,289,148 

 

 

7,036,934 

 

 

7,455,254 

Workover expense

 

879,351 

 

 

622,578 

 

 

1,763,874 

 

 

1,100,870 

Exploration expense

 

614,940 

 

 

294,240 

 

 

803,835 

 

 

561,814 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

4,076,040 

 

 

3,841,429 

 

 

7,254,979 

 

 

7,279,387 

Accretion expense

 

425,211 

 

 

328,000 

 

 

850,423 

 

 

642,103 

General and administrative

 

3,176,914 

 

 

1,456,088 

 

 

4,525,735 

 

 

3,122,904 

Severance taxes

 

1,346,271 

 

 

1,585,684 

 

 

2,692,577 

 

 

2,718,486 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

13,894,636 

 

 

11,417,167 

 

 

24,928,357 

 

 

22,880,818 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(211,881) 

 

 

302,460 

 

 

1,445,432 

 

 

(2,606,177)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative income (expense)

 

 

 

(5,312,987)

 

 

696,550 

 

 

(2,472,770)

Loss on settlement of accounts payable

 

(990,786)

 

 

 

 

(990,786)

 

 

Interest income

 

19,651 

 

 

20,636 

 

 

26,590 

 

 

20,636 

Interest expense

 

(6,396,982)

 

 

(5,371,516)

 

 

(13,266,924)

 

 

(10,556,118)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other expense

 

(7,368,117)

 

 

(10,663,867)

 

 

(13,534,570)

 

 

(13,008,252)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss before reorganization expense and income taxes

 

(7,579,998)

 

 

(10,361,407)

 

 

(12,089,138)

 

 

(15,614,429)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reorganization expense

 

539,752 

 

 

577,338 

 

 

1,864,446 

 

 

812,338 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss before income taxes

 

(8,119,750)

 

 

(10,938,745)

 

 

(13,953,584)

 

 

(16,426,767)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit):

 

243,623 

 

 

(3,695,947)

 

 

243,623 

 

 

(5,534,572)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(8,363,373)

 

$

(7,242,798)

 

$

(14,197,207)

 

$

(10,892,195)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per share - basic and diluted:

$

(0.49)

 

$

(0.43)

 

$

(0.84)

 

$

(0.65)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted

 

16,939,914 

 

 

16,685,299 

 

 

16,815,792 

 

 

16,694,841 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements




4





SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2010

 

2009

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(14,197,207)

 

$

(10,892,195)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

7,254,979 

 

 

7,279,387 

Accretion expense

 

850,423 

 

 

642,103 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

399,961 

 

 

310,629 

Amortization of debt discount

 

591,597 

 

 

204,225 

Commodity derivative income

 

(473,962)

 

 

7,294,961 

Stock-based compensation

 

1,846,098 

 

 

691,253 

Loss on settlement of accounts payable

 

990,786 

 

 

Deferred taxes

 

 

 

(5,653,572)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

(510,090)

 

 

961,491 

Prepaids and other

 

(625,566)

 

 

(1,195,878)

Accounts payable

 

(10,744,887)

 

 

1,211,199 

Revenue and severance tax payable

 

(992,203)

 

 

5,226,557 

Accrued liabilities

 

9,799,125 

 

 

5,618,701 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

(5,810,946)

 

 

11,698,861 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to oil and gas property

 

(5,713,296)

 

 

(2,302,710)

Additions to other property and equipment

 

(93,429)

 

 

(32,809)

Other assets

 

(254,742)

 

 

(167,741)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(6,061,467)

 

 

(2,503,260)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of warrants

 

100 

 

 

Proceeds from short-term notes payable

 

1,183,409 

 

 

1,349,405 

Repayments of short-term notes payable

 

(545,746)

 

 

(581,863)

Proceeds from line of credit

 

811,943 

 

 

Repayment of debt borrowings

 

(5,500,000)

 

 

Settlements of commodity hedges recorded in purchase accounting

 

38,913 

 

 

(82,117)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) in financing activities

 

(4,011,381)

 

 

685,425 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

(15,883,794)

 

 

9,881,026 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

21,575,483 

 

 

5,677,994 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$

5,691,689 

 

$

15,559,020 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

$

359,638 

 

$

Cash paid for interest

$

2,568,137 

 

$

3,306,907 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable for oil and gas additions

$

522,163 

 

$

Accrued interest converted to long-term debt

$

26,712,978 

 

$

Debt issuance cost from issuance of warrants

$

4,099,016 

 

$


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements



5





SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional

 

Net

 

Total

 

Common Stock

 

Paid-in

 

Income

 

Stockholders'

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

(Loss)

 

Equity

Balance, December 31, 2009

16,690,292 

 

 

16,690 

 

 

19,887,814

 

 

(13,237,914)

 

 

6,666,590 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock issued to vendors

483,310 

 

 

483 

 

 

990,302

 

 

 

 

990,785 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of warrants issued in connection with debt restructuring

 

 

 

 

4,099,116

 

 

 

 

4,099,116 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of warrants issued for services

 

 

 

 

120,000

 

 

 

 

120,000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based employee compensation

 

 

 

 

1,726,098

 

 

 

 

1,726,098 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

-

 

 

(14,197,207)

 

 

(14,197,207)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance, June 30, 2010

17,173,602 

 

$

17,173 

 

$

26,823,330

 

$

(27,435,121)

 

$

(594,618)


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements




6




SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2010

(Unaudited)


NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION


Organization


Saratoga Resources, Inc. (“Saratoga,” or the “Company”) is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the production, development, acquisition and exploitation of natural gas and crude oil properties.


Financial Statements Presented


The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q.  They do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for a complete financial presentation. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation, have been included in the accompanying unaudited financial statements.  Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.


These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes which are included as part of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.


Changes in Presentation


Certain financial presentations for the periods presented for 2009 have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.


Concentration of Credit Risk


Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk include cash, cash equivalents and any marketable securities. The Company had cash deposits of approximately $5,441,689 million in excess of FDIC insured limits at the period end. The Company has not experienced any losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents.


Accounting for Reorganization


On March 31, 2009, Saratoga and its subsidiaries, all of which are 100%-owned: Harvest Oil and Gas, LLC, The Harvest Group, LLC, Lobo Operating, Inc. and Lobo Resources, Inc. (collectively the “Debtors”), filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Debtors operated under Chapter 11 protection from the filing date on March 31, 2009 until the effective date of the Debtors’ plan of reorganization and exit from Chapter 11 on May 14, 2010. The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Saratoga have been prepared in accordance with FASB ASC 852, Reorganizations and on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Notwithstanding the Company’s exit from bankruptcy, such realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities are subject to a significant number of uncertainties. Saratoga’s consolidated financial statements do not reflect adjustments that might be required if it (or each of the Debtors) is unable to continue as a going concern. FASB ASC 852 requires the following for Debtor entities:


·

Reclassification of unsecured or under-secured pre-petition liabilities to a separate line item in the balance sheet which we have called Liabilities Subject to Compromise (LSTC);


·

Non-accrual of interest expense for financial reporting purposes, to the extent not paid during bankruptcy and not expected to be an allowable claim. However, unpaid contractual interest is calculated for disclosure purposes. We accrued interest for financial reporting purposes.


·

Adjust any unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts/premiums associated with debt classified as LSTC to reflect the expected amount of the probable allowed claim;




7




·

Segregation of reorganization items (direct and incremental costs, such as professional fees, of being in bankruptcy) as a separate line item in the statement of operations outside of income from continuing operations. During the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, we incurred $1,864,446 and $812,338 of reorganization costs, respectively, which reflects cash payments, all of which are related to operating activities;


·

Evaluation of actual or potential bankruptcy claims, which are not already reflected as a liability on the balance sheet, under FASB ASC 450, Contingencies.  If valid unrecorded claims, including parent guarantees of subsidiary debt, meeting the criteria set out in the above guidance are presented in future periods, Saratoga would accrue for these amounts, also at the expected amount of the allowed claim rather than at the expected settlement amount.


·

Disclosure of condensed combined debtor entity financial information, if the consolidated financial statements include material subsidiaries that did not file for bankruptcy protection.


·

Upon confirmation of Saratogas plan of reorganization, and emergence from Chapter 11 reorganization, fresh-start reporting” must be adopted if the reorganization value of Saratoga’s assets immediately before the date of confirmation is less than the total of all post-petition liabilities and allowed claims, and if holders of existing voting shares immediately before confirmation receive less than 50 percent of the voting shares of the emerging entity. Essentially, the reorganization value of the entity, as mutually agreed to by the debtor-in-possession and its creditors, would be allocated to the entity’s assets in conformity with the procedures specified by FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations.  The Company did not qualify for fresh-start reporting.


Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the provisions of AICPA’ Statement of Position 90-7, Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code (“SOP 90-7”). This contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.


While we exited from Chapter 11 in May 2010, the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities, without substantial adjustments and/or changes in ownership, are subject to uncertainty. Accordingly, there is substantial doubt about the current financial reporting entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.


The accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements reflect the Company’s exit from bankruptcy on the terms set out in its plan of reorganization, including (1) the reclassification of amounts previously classified as LSTC to current liabilities and payment, in part of such amounts as provided for in the plan of reorganization, (2) the reclassification of previously deferred interest expense as long term debt, and (3) the issuance of common stock and warrants pursuant to the plan of reorganization.  See Note 2 – “Chapter 11 Reorganization,” Note 3 – “Liabilities Subject to Compromise”.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements


In January 2010, the FASB issued revised authoritative guidance that requires more robust disclosures about the different classes of assets and liabilities measured at fair value, the valuation techniques and inputs used, the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, and the transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009 (which is January 1, 2010 for the Company) except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward activity in Level 3 fair value measurements. Those disclosures are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those fiscal years (which is January 1, 2011 for the Company). Early application is encouraged. The revised guidance was adopted as of January 1, 2010. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.


No other accounting standards or interpretations issued recently are expected to a have a material impact on our consolidated financial position, operations or cash flows.


NOTE 2 – CHAPTER 11 REORGANIZATION


On March 31, 2009, Saratoga and its subsidiaries, all of which are 100%-owned: Harvest Oil and Gas, LLC, The Harvest Group, LLC, Lobo Operating, Inc. and Lobo Resources, Inc. (collectively the “Debtors”), filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.




8




On February 11, 2010, the Company filed its Third Amended Plan of Reorganization and on March 30, 2010 the Company filed a modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization (the “Modified Third Amended Plan”).  On April 19, 2010, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Modified Third Amended Plan and, on May 14, 2010, the Company satisfied all of the conditions set forth in the Modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization, the Modified Third Amended Plan became effective and the Company exited from bankruptcy. The principal terms of the Modified Third Amended Plan were as follows:


·

the existing revolving credit agreement was amended as to maturity date and interest rate and claims under the revolving credit agreement were allowed in the amount of $23.5 million (including outstanding letters of credit), of which $5.5 million was paid on exit from bankruptcy;


·

the existing term credit agreement was amended and restated as to maturity and interest rate and claims under the term credit agreement were allowed in the amount of $127.5 million (including $30 million of accrued interest and reorganization costs capitalized and added to the principal balance of the term note);


·

all allowed claims of unsecured creditors and oil lien claim creditors are payable in full, with unsecured creditors receiving 75% in cash on exit from bankruptcy and the balance in quarterly installments over one year, and oil lien claim creditors receiving 80% in cash on exit from bankruptcy and the balance in quarterly installments over one year;


·

state lessor audit royalty claims were allowed 100% and are payable in monthly installments over twenty-four months;


·

amounts owing on notes payable to officers are payable in full, including compound accrued interest, in forty months;


·

a warrant to purchase 2,000,000 shares of our common stock was issued to the administrative agent for the revolving and term credit facilities; the warrant is exercisable at $0.01 per share and vested 111,111 shares on exit from bankruptcy and 111,111 shares per month thereafter; and


·

483,310 shares of common stock were issued pro rata among the oil lien claim creditors, other secured creditors and unsecured creditors.


See Note 9 – “Credit Agreements.”


NOTE 3 – LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE


As a result of the Chapter 11 filings, the payment of prepetition indebtedness was subject to possible compromise or other treatment under the Debtors’ plan of reorganization. Generally, actions to enforce or otherwise effect payment of prepetition liabilities were stayed. See Note 1 – “Organization and Basis of Presentation – Accounting for Reorganization”.


The Debtors paid undisputed postpetition claims in the ordinary course of business. In addition, the Debtors had a right to reject prepetition executory contracts and unexpired leases with respect to the Debtors’ operations, with the approval of the Court. Damages resulting from rejection of executory contracts and unexpired leases were treated as general unsecured claims and classified as liabilities subject to compromise.


FASB ASC 852, Reorganizations requires prepetition liabilities that are subject to compromise to be reported at the amounts expected to be allowed, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts. The amounts classified as liabilities subject to compromise were subject to future adjustments depending on Court actions, further developments with respect to disputed claims, determinations of the secured status of certain claims, the values of any collateral securing such claims, or other events.


During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, the Company paid $11.1 million of uncontested claims of oil lien claim holders and unsecured claims and reclassified $2.8 million from liabilities subject to compromise to accounts payable (reflecting the balance owing to oil lien claim holders and unsecured claims).  The Company paid $0.9 million for revenue and severance taxes payable and reclassed $1.3 million from liabilities subject to compromise to royalties payable which reflects the amount due related to the royalty audit.




9




Pursuant to the Modified Third Amended Plan, notes payable to our Chief Executive Officer and to our President, in the aggregate amount of $605,428 will bear compound interest at 10% per annum and are due and payable in full, with interest, in September 2013.


Liabilities subject to compromise consist of the following:


 

June 30,

2010

 

December 31,

2009

Accounts payable

$

-

 

$

13,043,112

Revenue and severance tax payable

 

-

 

 

2,144,046

Accrued interest

 

-

 

 

2,871,856

Accrued liabilities

 

-

 

 

967,125

Notes payable – related parties

 

-

 

 

605,428

Total liabilities subject to compromise

$

-

 

$

19,631,567


See Note 2 “Chapter 11 Reorganization” for a discussion of the payment of various classes of holders of liabilities subject to compromise.


NOTE 4 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND WARRANTS


The Company periodically grants restricted stock and stock options to employees, directors and consultants.  The Company is required to make estimates of the fair value of the related instruments and recognize expense over the period benefited, usually the vesting period.


Stock Option Activity


In April 2010, the Company’s board of directors approved stock option grants to purchase an aggregate of 845,000 shares of common stock to the Company’s non-employee directors and to various key employees, including an aggregate of 50,000 stock options granted to non-employee directors and 150,000 stock options granted to an officer of the Company. There were 150,000 options forfeited during the quarter ended June 1010 due to the resignation of an employee.  The grant date value of the aggregate 845,000 options was $2,548,232, which includes the grant date value of the 150,000 options forfeited of $449,970. The options are exercisable at $3.00 per share for a term of ten years.  The options are subject to different vesting periods. The options were valued using the Black-Sholes model with the following assumptions: $3.00 quoted stock price; $3.00 exercise price; 352% volatility; 5 to 6 year estimated life; zero dividends; 3.88% discount rate.


The following table summarizes information about stock option activity and related information for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below:


 

 

Options

 

Weighted-

Average Exercise

Price

 

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

 

75,000

 

$

0.36

 

$

87,750

Granted

 

845,000

 

 

3.00

 

 

-

Exercised

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Forfeited

 

(150,000)

 

 

3.00

 

 

-

Outstanding at June 30, 2010

 

770,000

 

$

2.74

 

$

87,750

Exercisable at June 30, 2010

 

290,000

 

$

2.32

 

$

87,750


The weighted average remaining contract life of the options is 9.7 years.


The following table reflects share-based compensation recorded by the Company for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:


 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

2010

 

2009

Share-based compensation expense included in reported net income

$

1,695,498 

 

$

272,121 

Earnings per share effect of share-based compensation expense

$

(0.10)

 

$

(0.02)




10




The following table reflects share-based compensation recorded by the Company for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:


 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2010

 

2009

Share-based compensation expense included in reported net income

$

1,726,098 

 

$

691,253 

Earnings per share effect of share-based compensation expense

$

(0.10)

 

$

(0.04)


At June 30, 2010, unamortized stock-based compensation not yet recorded totaled $430,179.


Warrant Activity


In April 2010, the Company sold to a service provider, for a purchase price of $100, a warrant to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.  The grant date value of the warrants was $120,000 and recorded as legal expense. The warrants are exercisable at $3.00 per share for a term of five years.  The warrants are vested immediately. The warrants were valued using the Black-Sholes model with the following assumptions: $3.00 quoted stock price; $3.00 exercise price; 352% volatility; 5 year estimated life; zero dividends; 3.88% discount rate.


In May 2010, pursuant to the plan of reorganization, the Company issued 2,000,000 warrants exercisable at $0.01 per share and subject to vesting over a seventeen month period.  See Note 2 – “Chapter 11 Reorganization.”


The following table summarizes information about stock warrant activity and related information for the six months ended June 30, 2010 is presented below:


 

 

Warrants

 

Weighted-

Average Exercise

Price

 

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

 

1,090,516

 

$

0.08

 

$

1,585,334

Granted

 

2,040,000

 

 

0.07

 

 

3,040,000

Exercised

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Forfeited

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Outstanding at June 30, 2010

 

3,130,516

 

$

0.07

 

$

4,625,334

Exercisable at June 30, 2010

 

1,352,738

 

$

0.16

 

$

1,923,112


The weighted average remaining contract life of the warrants is 4.3 years.


NOTE 5 – EQUITY


Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s plan of reorganization, in May 2010, the Company issued an aggregate of 483,310 shares of common stock pro rata among oil lien claim creditors, other secured creditors and unsecured creditors.  We recorded a loss on settlement of accounts payable in the income statement for $990,786 for the fair value of the common stock.


Additionally, the Company issued to Wayzata Investment Partners a warrant to purchase 2,000,000 shares of common stock.  The warrants vest as to 111,111 shares on exit from bankruptcy (May 14, 2010) and, thereafter, vests as to 111,111 shares per month until April 2012.  The fair value of the warrants is $4,099,016 and was recorded as a debt discount to long-term debt. The warrants are exercisable at $.001 per share for a term of five years.  The warrants were valued using the Black-Sholes model with the following assumptions: $3.00 quoted stock price; $.001 exercise price; 326% volatility; 5 year estimated life; zero dividends; 3.12% discount rate.  See Note 2 – “Chapter 11 Reorganization.”




11




NOTE 6 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE


A reconciliation of the components of basic and diluted net income per common share is presented in the tables below:  


 

For the Three Months Ended June 30,

 

2010

 

2009

 

Income

(Loss)

 

Weighted

Average

Common

Shares

Outstanding

 

Per Share

 

Income

(Loss)

 

Weighted

Average

Common

Shares

Outstanding

 

Per Share

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss attributable to common stock

$

(8,363,373)

 

16,939,914

 

$

(0.49)

 

$

(7,242,798)

 

16,685,299

 

$

(0.43)

Effective of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options and other

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss attributable to common

stock, including assumed conversions

$

(8,363,373)

 

16,939,914

 

$

(0.49)

 

$

(7,242,798)

 

16,685,299

 

$

(0.43)


Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of weighted average diluted shares of common stock, because the impact of these potentially dilutive securities were antidilutive, totaled 4,338,016 and 1,165,516 shares for the three months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


 

For the Six Months Ended June 30,

 

2010

 

2009

 

Income

(Loss)

 

Weighted

Average

Common

Shares

Outstanding

 

Per Share

 

Income

(Loss)

 

Weighted

Average

Common

Shares

Outstanding

 

Per Share

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss attributable to common stock

$

(14,197,207)

 

16,815,792

 

$

(0.84)

 

$

(10,892,195)

 

16,694,841

 

$

(0.65)

Effective of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options and other

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss attributable to common

stock, including assumed conversions

$

(14,197,207)

 

16,815,792

 

$

(0.84)

 

$

(10,892,195)

 

16,694,841

 

$

(0.65)


Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of weighted average diluted shares of common stock, because the impact of these potentially dilutive securities were antidilutive, totaled 4,488,016 and 1,165,516 shares for the six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


NOTE 7 – COMMODITY DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS


The Company periodically uses derivative instruments in connection with anticipated crude oil and natural gas sales to mitigate the variability of cash flows associated with commodity price fluctuations.  While the use of these derivative instruments limits the downside risk of adverse price movements, their use also may limit future revenues from favorable price movements.


During the three months ended June 30, 2010, we had no natural gas or crude oil derivative instruments activity or any instruments outstanding.  During the three months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recognized a realized gain of $1,689,013 and had an unrealized loss of $7,002,000 as a result of mark-to-market valuations.


During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we recognized a realized gain of $261,501due to pricing and a realized gain of $435,049 as a result of the liquidation of all of our derivative instruments by our secured lender.  During the six months ended June 30, 2009, the Company recognized a realized gain of $4,822,191 and had an unrealized loss of $7,294,961 as a result of mark-to-market valuations.


As of June 30, 2010, the Company had no natural gas or crude oil derivative instruments outstanding.




12




NOTE 8 – ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS


The Company accounts for plugging and abandonment costs in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification 410-20, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.  


The Company maintains an escrow agreement that has been established for the purpose of assuring maintenance and administration of a performance bond which secures certain plugging and abandonment obligations assumed in the acquisition of oil and gas properties in certain fields.


At June 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the amount of the escrow account totaled $2,320,709 and $2,065,968, respectively and is shown as other assets on the Company’s balance sheet.


A reconciliation of the beginning and ending aggregate carrying amount of asset retirement obligations are as follows:


Balance at December 31, 2009

$

10,190,073 

Accretion expense

 

850,423 

Additions

 

Revisions

 

Settlements

 

(93,428)

Balance at June 30, 2010

$

10,947,068 


NOTE 9 – CREDIT AGREEMENTS


Pursuant to the Company’s Modified Third Amended Plan, on the Effective Date (May 14, 2010), the Company and Wayzata Investment Partners entered into an amendment to the prior revolving credit agreement (as amended, the “Amended Revolving Credit Agreement”) and amended and restated the prior term credit agreement (as amended and restated, the “Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement”) to reflect the terms of the Modified Third Amended Plan.  See Note 2 – “Chapter 11 Reorganization.”  As so amended, the principal terms of the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement and the Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement are as follows:


Amended Revolving Credit Agreement


Under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, the Company’s revolving credit facility was revised to provide for total outstanding principal under the facility of $18,000,000, including $10,159,128 in letters of credit and after payment of $5.5 million. No further borrowings can be made under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement.


The Amended Revolving Credit Agreement provides for payments of interest only on a monthly basis at a floating rate of prime plus 2% with all amounts owing under the agreement being due and payable in full on April 30, 2012.


Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement and Trouble Debt Restructuring


Under the Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement, the Company’s term credit facility was revised to reflect the total amount borrowed and owing thereunder of $127.5 million and to provide for accrual of interest at 11.25% per annum payable interest only on a monthly basis with all amounts owing under the agreement being due and payable in full on April 30, 2012.  The principal amount owing under the term note includes interest expense and certain reorganization costs totaling $30.0 million that were recorded as current period expenses and capitalized as part of the aggregate principal amount payable on the term loan.


In evaluating the accounting for the debt restructuring under the Plan, management of the Company was required to make a determination as to whether the debt restructuring should be accounted for as a Troubled Debt Restructuring ("TDR") or as an extinguishment or modification of debt. The relevant accounting guidance required us to determine first whether the exchanges of debt instruments should be accounted for as a TDR. A TDR results when it is determined that a debtor is experiencing financial difficulties and the creditors grant a concession; otherwise, such exchanges should be accounted for as an extinguishment or modification of debt. The assessment of this critical accounting estimate required management to apply a significant amount of judgment in evaluating the inputs, estimates, and internally generated forecast information to conclude on the accounting for the debt restructuring.




13




The Company then evaluated if the debt restructuring constituted a material modification, in which case the debt restructuring would be accounted for as an extinguishment of the original debt and the creation of new debt, resulting in the recognition of a gain or loss on the extinguishment of debt. If it was determined that the debt restructuring was a TDR, then there is no recognition of gain or loss on the extinguishment of debt, and the carrying amount of the debt is adjusted for any premium or discount that is amortized over the modification period.


Based on analysis performed and after the consideration of the applicable accounting guidance, management concluded that the debt restructuring was deemed to be a TDR. The debt restructuring was determined to be a TDR based on the creditors being deemed to have granted a concession since our effective borrowing rate of 13.93% on the restructured debt is less than the 22.15 % effective borrowing rate of the old debt immediately prior to the restructuring. Accordingly, the effects of the restructuring were accounted for prospectively from the time of the restructuring, and the restructured debt has been recorded with premiums which reflect the carrying value of the old debt less the fair value of 2,000,000 warrants for common stock issued to the creditors.


NOTE 10 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


From time to time the Company may become involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business. At June 30, 2010 the Company’s management was not aware, and as of the date of this report is not aware, of any such litigation that could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.


The Company, as an owner or lessee and operator of oil and gas properties, is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to discharge of materials into, and protection of, the environment. These laws and regulations may, among other things, impose liability on the lessee under an oil and gas lease for the cost of pollution clean-up resulting from operations and subject the lessee to liability for pollution damages. In some instances, the Company may be directed to suspend or cease operations in the affected area. The Company maintains insurance coverage, which it believes is customary in the industry, although the Company is not fully insured against all environmental risks. The Company is not aware of any environmental claims existing as of June 30, 2010, which have not been provided for, covered by insurance or otherwise have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations. There can be no assurance, however, that current regulatory requirements will not change, or past non-compliance with environmental laws will not be discovered on the Company’s properties.


NOTE 11 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


Stock Option Grants


In July 2010, the Company granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 437,500 shares of common stock to various key employees and consultants, including an aggregate of 140,000 stock options granted to officers of the Company and 202,500 stock options granted to consultants.  115,000 of the stock options are exercisable at $1.53 per share and 322,500 of the stock options are exercisable at $1.71 per share, the respective grant date closing prices of the Company’s stock.  The employee options are exercisable for terms of ten years and the consultant stock options are exercisable for a term of five years.  The stock options granted to employees vest ratably over three years.   200,000 of the stock options granted to a consultant vested as to 10,000 on the date of grant and vests, as to 110,000 shares, periodically over time based on continued service over a period running through December 31, 2013 and, as to 80,000 shares, based on satisfaction of certain performance criteria.  2,500 of the stock options granted to a consultant vested in full on the grant date.




14





ITEM 2

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Forward-Looking Information


This Form 10-Q quarterly report of Saratoga Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) for the six months ended June 30, 2010, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby.  To the extent that there are statements that are not recitations of historical fact, such statements constitute forward-looking statements that, by definition, involve risks and uncertainties.  In any forward-looking statement, where we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement of expectation or belief will be achieved or accomplished.


The actual results or events may differ materially from those anticipated and as reflected in forward-looking statements included herein.  Factors that may cause actual results or events to differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included herein include the Risk Factors described in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.


Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date hereof.  We believe the information contained in this Form 10-Q to be accurate as of the date hereof.  Changes may occur after that date, and we will not update that information except as required by law in the normal course of our public disclosure practices.


Additionally, the following discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes contained in Item 1 of Part 1 of this Form 10-Q, as well as the Risk Factors in Item 1A and the financial statements in Item 7 of Part II of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.


2010 Developments


Plan of Reorganization and Exit from Bankruptcy  


We operated as debtor-in-possession during the period commencing March 31, 2009 and ending on May 14, 2010 (the “Effective Date”) when we exited from bankruptcy pursuant to our modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization (the “Modified Third Amended Plan”).  The principal terms of the Modified Third Amended Plan were:


·

the existing revolving credit agreement was amended as to maturity date and interest rate and claims under the revolving credit agreement were allowed in the amount of $23.5 million (including outstanding letters of credit), of which $5.5 million was paid on exit from bankruptcy;


·

the existing term credit agreement was amended and restated as to maturity and interest rate and claims under the term credit agreement was allowed in the amount of $127.5 million;


·

all allowed claims of unsecured creditors and oil lien claim creditors are payable in full with unsecured creditors receiving 75% in cash on exit from bankruptcy and the balance in quarterly installments over one year and oil lien claim creditors receiving 80% in cash on exit from bankruptcy and the balance in quarterly installments over one year;


·

state lessor audit royalty claims were allowed 100% and are payable in monthly installments over twenty-four months;


·

amounts owing on notes payable to officers are payable in full, including compound accrued interest, in forty months;


·

a warrant to purchase 2,000,000 shares of our common stock was issued to the administrative agent for the revolving and term credit facilities; the warrant is exercisable at $0.01 per share and vested 111,111 shares on exit from bankruptcy and 111,111 shares per month thereafter; and




15




·

483,310 shares of common stock were issued pro rata among the oil lien claim creditors, other secured creditors and unsecured creditors.


Upon the effectiveness of our Modified Third Amended Plan and exit from bankruptcy, among other things, we (1) paid $5.5 million toward reduction of the principal balance outstanding under our revolving credit facility, (2) paid $11.1 million of uncontested claims of oil lien claim holders and unsecured claims, (3) reclassified $2.8 million from liabilities subject to compromise to accounts payable (reflecting the balance owing to oil lien claim holders and unsecured claims), (4) recorded interest expense and certain reorganization costs of $30.0 million as current period expenses and as part of the aggregate principal amount payable on the term loan of $127.5 million, and (5) issued shares of common stock and warrants to various creditors. On the Effective Date, our revolving credit agreement was amended to eliminate future borrowing capacity under the facility, to provide for monthly payments of interest only with interest accruing at prime plus 2% and to extend the maturity date of the facility to April 30, 2012.


Drilling and Development Activities


During the six months ended June 30, 2010, we continued our plan to further develop our assets albeit at a curtailed pace pending our emergence from bankruptcy.  During the period, our principal development activities related to the ongoing full field study in the Grand Bay field and planning for post-bankruptcy development activities, including infrastructure upgrades and drilling plans.  No wells were drilled during the quarter or six months ended June 30, 2010 and no drilling, recompletions or workovers were ongoing at June 30, 2010.


At and for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010, we had approximately 98 wells in production.  


Seismic Activities


During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we purchased a license for seismic covering 42.88 blocks (330 square miles) in Breton Sound.  Pursuant to the license agreement we paid an initial installment in May 2010 of $185,000 and, beginning June 1, 2010, make monthly installments of $80,000 for ten months ending March 2011.


Executive Compensation


On May 14, 2010, the Effective Date of our exit from bankruptcy, we paid one-time bonuses of $55,000 to our Chief Executive Officer and to our President and increased the base salary of each to $305,000.


Stock Option Grants


In April 2010, our board of directors approved stock option grants to purchase an aggregate of 845,000 shares of common stock to our non-employee directors and to various key employees, including an aggregate of 50,000 stock options granted to non-employee directors and 150,000 stock options granted to an officer of the Company.  All of the stock options are exercisable at $3.00 per share, the grant date closing price of our stock, and are exercisable for terms of ten years.  The stock options granted became exercisable on the Effective Date and each of the options, other than the grants of non-employee directors, are subject to additional vesting provisions.


Subsequent to June 30, 2010, in July 2010, we granted stock option to purchase an aggregate of 437,500 shares of common stock to various key employees and consultants, including an aggregate of 140,000 stock options granted to officers and 202,500 stock options granted to consultants.  115,000 of the stock options are exercisable at $1.53 per share and 322,500 of the stock options are exercisable at $1.71 per share, the respective grant date closing prices of our stock.  The employee options are exercisable for terms of ten years and the consultant stock options are exercisable for a term of five years.  The stock options granted to employees vest ratably over three years.   200,000 of the stock options granted to a consultant vested as to 10,000 on the date of grant and vests, as to 110,000 shares, periodically over time based on continued service over a period running through December 31, 2013 and, as to 80,000 shares, based on satisfaction of certain performance criteria.  2,500 of the stock options granted to a consultant vested in full on the grant date.


Warrant


In April 2010, we sold to a service provider, for a purchase price of $100, a warrant to purchase 40,000 shares of common stock.  The warrant is exercisable at $3.00 per share for a term of five years.




16




Results of Operations


Oil and Gas Revenue


Oil and gas revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 increased by 11% to $12,887,341 from $11,576,727 in the 2009 quarter.  For the six month period ended June 30, 2010, oil and gas revenue increased 25% to $25,143,118 from $20,104,082 in the 2009 period.


The increase in revenue was attributable to higher average sales prices for oil and gas during 2010, partially offset by a decrease in production volumes in 2010 as compared to the 2009 periods. The following table discloses the gross and net producing wells, net oil and natural gas production volumes, average daily production, oil and gas revenues and average sales prices for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010 and 2009:


 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Oil and gas production (Boe)

 

 

216,380

 

 

 

257,200

 

 

 

413,830

 

 

 

491,100

Average daily production (Boe)

 

 

2,378

 

 

 

2,826

 

 

 

2,286

 

 

 

2,698

Average sales price – oil (per barrel)

 

$

76.13

 

 

$

55.97

 

 

$

76.25

 

 

$

47.43

Average sales price – natural gas (per Mcf)

 

$

4.42

 

 

$

3.45

 

 

$

4.97

 

 

$

4.13


The increase in average prices realized from the sale of oil and gas reflected the recovery and stabilization of oil and natural gas prices following the sharp worldwide economic decline that began during the second half of 2008 and continued to cause depressed oil and gas prices during the first half of 2009.


The decrease in production during the 2010 quarter was due to limitations on our ability to offset natural production declines through development of our properties during the pendency of our bankruptcy. The decrease in production during the 2010 six month period was due to the same factors and the unusually cold weather during the first quarter that resulted in line freezes and a temporary cessation of production.


Other Revenues


Other revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 increased to $1,230,671 from $142,900 in the 2009 quarter.  For the six month period ended June 30, 2010, other revenue increased to $795,414 from $170,559 in the 2009 period. The increase in other revenues was attributable to an increase in management fees from a field that we operate for a third party.  Our payments for operating this field (Breton Sound 31) are based on a net profits interest.  During the 2009 periods, there were no net profits for this field due to higher costs related to repairs as a result of the 2008 hurricane season.


Operating Expenses


Operating expenses increased by 22% to $13,894,636 for the 2010 quarter from $11,417,167 in the 2009 quarter. For the six month period ended June 30, 2010, operating expenses increased by 9% to $24,928,357 from $22,880,818 in the 2009 period. The following table sets forth the components of operating expenses for the 2010 and 2009 quarter and six month periods:


 

 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

Lease operating expense

 

$

3,375,909

 

 

$

3,289,148

 

 

$

7,036,934

 

 

$

7,455,254

Workover expense

 

 

879,351

 

 

 

622,575

 

 

 

1,763,874

 

 

 

1,100,870

Exploration expense

 

 

614,940

 

 

 

294,240

 

 

 

803,835

 

 

 

561,814

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

 

4,076,040

 

 

 

3,841,429

 

 

 

7,254,979

 

 

 

7,279,387

Accretion expense

 

 

425,211

 

 

 

328,000

 

 

 

850,423

 

 

 

642,103

General and administrative expenses

 

 

3,176,914

 

 

 

1,456,088

 

 

 

4,525,735

 

 

 

3,122,904

Severance taxes

 

 

1,346,271

 

 

 

1,585,684

 

 

 

2,692,577

 

 

 

2,718,486

 

 

$

13,894,636

 

 

$

11,417,167

 

 

$

24,928,357

 

 

$

22,880,818


As more fully described below, the change in operating expenses was primarily attributable to increased general and administrative expense and lesser increases in workover expenses, exploration expense and accretion expense, partially offset by decreased severance taxes.




17




As a result of our bankruptcy filing on March 31, 2009, commencing in the second quarter of 2009 and continuing during the pendency of the bankruptcy case, our operating expenses reflected additional general and administrative costs associated with operations while in bankruptcy.  That increase in expenses was partially offset by reduced operating expenses attributable to a curtailment in the scope of operations during the bankruptcy and ongoing cost cutting efforts.


Lease Operating Expenses  


Lease operating expenses for the 2010 quarter increased to $3,375,909, or $15.60 per Boe, from $3,289,148, or $12.79 per Boe, in the 2009 quarter.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, lease operating expenses decreased to $7,036,934, or $17.00 per Boe, from $7,455,254, or $15.18 per Boe, in the 2009 period.


Operating costs in our fields have historically been relatively high due to water handling, the need for gas lift to maintain oil production and due to the need for marine transportation in the shallow water, bay environment. We have been actively engaged in field management efforts to reduce our lease operating expenses. A general reduction in lease operating expenses resulting from our field management efforts and the absence of certain expenses incurred during 2009 were the primary causes of reductions in lease operating expenses during the 2010 six month period. The increase in lease operating expenses per Boe was attributable to decreased production volume arising from the weather related temporary cessation of production.


Workover Expense


Workover expense for the 2010 quarter increased to $879,351 from $622,578 in the 2009 quarter.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, exploration expense increased to $1,763,874 from $1,100,870 in the 2009 period. The increase in workover expense was attributable to extended work and development of previously producing zones from our oil and gas properties.


Exploration Expense


Exploration expense for the 2010 quarter increased to $614,940 from $294,240 in the 2009 quarter.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, exploration expense increased to $803,835 from $561,814 in the 2009 period. The increase in exploration expense was attributable to our ongoing full field studies on our properties for evaluation of our assets, which studies commenced in 2009 and continued until the quarter ended June 2010, and our purchase of a seismic license in May 2010 which accounted for $265,000 of exploration expenses during the quarter and six month periods.


Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A)


Depreciation, depletion and amortization for the 2010 quarter increased to $4,076,040 from $3,841,429 in the 2009 quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased to $7,254,979 from $7,279,387 in the 2009 six month period. Changes in DD&A were attributed to different production rates and added capital expenditures. DD&A is computed on the units-of-production method separately on each individual property and includes the accrual of future plugging and abandonment costs.


Accretion expense  


Accretion expense for the 2010 quarter increased to $425,211 from $328,000 in 2009 quarter.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, accretion expense increased to $850,423 from $642,103 in the 2009 six month period. The increase in accretion expense was attributed to increased revisions to asset retirement obligations at year end 2009.


General and Administrative Expenses and Other   


General and administrative expense for the 2010 quarter increased to $3,176,914 from $1,456,088 in the 2009 quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, general administrative expense increased to $4,525,735 from $3,122,904 in the 2009 six month period. The increase in general and administrative expense for the quarter and six month period was attributable to cash bonuses paid on exit from bankruptcy ($110,000), increases in salary commencing on exit from bankruptcy (up $141,000 for the quarter and six months) and increase stock-based compensation due to 2010 stock option grants (up $1,677,898 for the quarter 2010 and $1,709,098 for six months 2010) partially offset by general cost control measures.  




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Severance Taxes


Severance taxes for the 2010 quarter decreased to $1,346,271 from $1,585,684 in the 2009 quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, severance taxes decreased to $2,692,577 from $2,718,486 in the 2009 six month period. The decrease was due to lower production volumes during the 2010 periods.


Other Income (Expense), Net


Net other expense totaled $7,368,117 for the 2010 quarter and $10,663,867 of expenses for the 2009 quarter.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, net other expense totaled $13,534,570 as compared to $13,008,252 in the 2009 six month period. The following table sets forth the components of net other income (expenses) for the 2010 and 2009 quarter and six month periods:


 

Three Months Ended

June 30,

 

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

Commodity derivative income (expense)

$

-

 

$

(5,312,987)

 

$

696,550 

 

$

(2,472,770)

Loss on settlement of accounts payable

 

(990,786)

 

 

 

 

(990,786)

 

 

Interest income

 

19,651 

 

 

20,636 

 

 

26,590 

 

 

20,636 

Interest expense

 

(6,396,982)

 

 

(5,371,516)

 

 

(13,266,924)

 

 

(10,556,118)

 

$

(7,368,117)

 

$

(10,663,867)

 

$

(13,534,570)

 

$

(13,008,252)


As more fully described below, the changes in other income (expense), net, was principally attributable to the liquidation of our commodity derivates during the 2010 first quarter and an increase in the estimated accrued interest rate we are recording based on the settled terms with Wayzata.


Commodity Derivative Income (Expense)


For the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we had commodity derivative expense of $0 as compared to commodity derivative expense of $5,312,987 during the 2009 quarter.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, we had commodity derivative income of $696,550 as compared to commodity derivative expense of $2,472,770 during the 2009 six month period. Pursuant to the terms of our prior term credit agreement and revolving credit agreement, we entered into certain derivative contracts and entered into additional derivative contracts to reduce the impact of changes in the prices of oil and natural gas.  During the 2010 first quarter, Wayzata, as administrative agent for the lenders under both our term credit agreement and revolving credit agreement, liquidated all of our then existing commodity derivates and applied the proceeds to amounts owed under the credit agreements.  As a result of changes in prices and liquidation of our commodity derivatives we realized a gain during the 2010 six month period and no commodity derivative income or expense during the 2010 quarter. Commodity derivative expense during 2009 reflected the sharp drop in oil and gas prices during that the first quarter of 2009 followed by a rise in oil and gas prices during the second quarter of 2009.


Loss on Settlement of Accounts Payable  


Loss of settlement of accounts payable reflects the fair value of the common stock issued to our vendors as part of the settlement terms in the Modified Third Amended Plan. Loss on settlement of accounts payable increased to $990,786 in the quarter and six month ended June 30, 2010 from $0 in the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2009.


Interest Income (Expense), Net  


Interest income (expense), net, reflects interest incurred on debt under our term credit agreement and revolving credit agreement, partially offset by interest earned on cash balances held. Net interest expense increased to $6,377,331 in the 2010 quarter from $5,350,880 in the 2009 quarter and, for the six month period, increased to $13,240,334 in 2010 from $10,535,482 in 2009.  The increase in net interest expense was attributable to an increase in the estimated accrued interest we are recording based on the settled terms with Wayzata and our vendors as reflected in the Modified Third Amended Plan.




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Reorganization Expenses


Reorganization expenses reflect payments to professionals and other fees incurred in connection with our Chapter 11 case. Reorganization expenses decreased to $539,752 during the 2010 quarter from $577,338 in the 2009 quarter. The decrease in the 2010 quarter was attributed to our exit of from bankruptcy on May 14, 2020.  For the six months ended June 30, 2010, reorganization expense increased to $1,864,446 from $812,338 in the 2009 six month period. The increase in reorganization expenses was attributable to us being in bankruptcy during the entire six months of 2010 and only the second quarter of 2009.


Income Tax Expense (Benefit)


For the 2010 quarter, we recorded an income tax expense of $243,623 compared to an income tax benefit of $3,695,947 in the 2009 quarter. For the six months ended June 30, 2010, we recorded an income tax expense of $243,623 compared to an income tax benefit of $5,534,572 in the 2009 six month period.  For the quarter and six months ended 2010, we had a deferred tax asset and a 100% valuation allowance for federal income tax provision (benefit); therefore, we recorded no tax benefit for federal tax provision (benefit) for the current quarter and six month period.  Our income tax expense for the 2010 periods was related to Louisiana state franchise taxes.


The effective tax rate for the 2010 and 2009 six month periods were 0% and 34%, respectively.  Our effective tax rates were different than our federal statutory tax rate due to state income taxes associated with income from various locations in which we have operations. Estimates of future taxable income can be significantly affected by changes in oil and natural gas prices, the timing, amount, and location of future production and future operating expenses and capital costs.


Financial Condition


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Our principal requirements for capital are to fund our day-to-day operations and exploration, development and acquisition activities and to satisfy our contractual obligations, primarily for the repayment of debt.  During the pendency of our bankruptcy, we funded our operations, limited capital expenditures and debt service obligations through operating cash flow and cash on hand.  Since prior to our bankruptcy filing in March 2009, we have not had access to available capital under our revolving credit agreement.


On exit from bankruptcy under the terms of the Modified Third Amended Plan, we paid out to our creditors approximately $16.2 million and will pay approximately $5.0 million to creditors over the following twelve months.


We believe that our cash flows from operations and cash on hand are sufficient to support our liquidity needs for the balance of 2010. We do not, however, believe that our cash flows from operations and cash on hand will be adequate to fully pursue our planned drilling and development activities.  We may be required to secure additional financing to fully restart our drilling and development plan or to refinance our debt upon maturity in 2012. Future declines in oil and gas prices, and accompanying declines in revenues and profitability could result in our inability to support our operations and drilling and development activities and comply with the terms of our credit facilities. Such price declines were a principal cause of our 2009 Chapter 11 filing.


We have no commitments to provide additional capital or financing if needed to retire our existing indebtedness or to fully fund our planned drilling and development activities and there is no assurance that any such capital or financing will be available on acceptable terms, or at all, if needed.  


Cash, Cash Flows and Working Capital


We had a cash balance of $5,691,689 and June 30, 2010 compared to a cash balance of $21,575,483 at December 31, 2009. The decrease in cash on hand is primarily attributable to payment to creditors on our exit from bankruptcy as provided for in our Modified Third Amended Plan.


Operations used cash flows of $5,810,946 for the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to cash provided by operations of $11,698,861 for the six months ended June 30, 2009. The change in operating cash flows was principally attributable to payment to creditors on our exit from bankruptcy as provided for in our Modified Third Amended Plan.




20




Investing activities used cash totaling $6,061,467 during the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to cash used in investing of $2,503,260 during the six months ended June 30, 2009.  The change in cash used in investing activities was attributable to increased development activity of our oil and gas properties.


Financing activities used cash flows of $4,011,381 during the six months ended June 30, 2010 as compared to cash provided in financing activities of $685,425 during six months ended June 30, 2009.  The change in cash flows used in financing activities was primarily attributable to $5.5 million paid toward reduction of the principal balance outstanding under our revolving credit facility offset by financing for our insurance premiums.


Debt and Non-Current Liabilities


At June 30, 2010, we had $130,431,242 of indebtedness outstanding, consisting of $127,500,000 under our Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement (excluding $5,515,058 debt discount), $7,840,872 under our Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, and $605,428 owing to officers.  


Letters of credit totaling approximately $10,159,128 million were outstanding at June 30, 2010.


Amended Revolving Credit Agreement.  On May 14, 2010, we entered into an Amended Revolving Credit Agreement reflecting the terms described in the Modified Third Amended Plan.  Under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, our revolving credit facility was revised to provide for total outstanding principal under the facility of $18,000,000, including $10,159,128 in letters of credit and after payment of $5.5 million. No further borrowings can be made under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement.


The Amended Revolving Credit Agreement provides for payments of interest only on a monthly basis at a floating rate of prime plus 2% with all amounts owing under the agreement being due and payable in full on April 30, 2012.


Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement.  On May 14, 2010, we entered into an Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement reflecting the terms described in the Modified Third Amended Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement, our term credit facility was revised to reflect the total amount borrowed and owing thereunder of $127.5 million and to provide for accrual of interest at 11.25% per annum payable interest only on a monthly basis with all amounts owing under the agreement being due and payable in full on April 30, 2012. The principal amount owing under the term note includes interest expense and certain reorganization costs totaling $30.0 million that were recorded as current period expenses and capitalized as part of the aggregate principal amount payable on the term loan.


State Lessor Audit Royalty Liability.  Pursuant to the Modified Third Amended Plan, we are obligated to pay amounts owing with respect to a state lessor royalty audit. The total royalty audit liability of $1,293,385 is payable over 24 equal monthly installments of $71,235 commencing February 2010.


Officer Notes.  Pursuant to the Modified Third Amended Plan, notes payable to our Chief Executive Officer and to our President, in the aggregate amount of $605,428 will bear compound interest at 10% per annum and are due and payable in full, with interest, in September 2013.


Capital Expenditures and Commitments


Our capital spending for the six months ended June 30, 2010 was $5,713,296 relating primarily to development of our oil and gas properties.  As a result of our operation as debtor-in-possession and inability to access our revolving credit facility, planned capital expenditures under our drilling and development program were curtailed or deferred during the period.


Having exited from bankruptcy, we intend to restart our development and drilling program. Our 2010 capital budget will focus on those projects that we believe will generate and lay the foundation for production growth. We have the operational flexibility to react quickly with our capital expenditures to changes in our cash flows from operations. Actual levels of capital expenditures in any year may vary significantly due to many factors, including the extent to which properties are acquired, drilling results, oil and gas prices, industry conditions and the prices and availability of goods and services.




21




Risk Management Activities – Commodity Derivative Instruments


Due to the volatility of oil and natural gas prices and requirements under our prior revolving credit agreement, historically we periodically entered into price-risk management transactions (e.g., swaps, and floors) for a portion of our oil and natural gas production.  In certain cases, this allowed us to achieve a more predictable cash flow, as well as to reduce exposure from price fluctuations.  The commodity derivative instruments applied to only a portion of our production, and provided only partial price protection against declines in oil and natural gas prices, and partially limited our potential gains from future increases in prices.  None of these instruments were used for trading purposes.


During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Wayzata, acting under our prior revolving credit agreement, liquidated all of our commodity derivative instruments and applied the proceeds to indebtedness owed thereunder. As a result, at June 30, 2010, we had no commodity derivative instruments in place. Under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, we may not, without the consent of Wayzata, hedge more than 60% of our production.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


We had no off-balance sheet arrangements or guarantees of third party obligations at June 30, 2010.


Inflation


We believe that inflation has not had a significant impact on our operations since inception.


ITEM 3

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


As noted elsewhere, during the six months ended June 30, 2010, all of our natural gas and oil derivative instruments were liquidated by Wayzata. Under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, we may not, without the consent of Wayzata, hedge more than 60% of our production.


Otherwise, there have been no material changes to the Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.


ITEM 4T

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Under the supervision and the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation as of June 30, 2010 of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2010.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


During the quarter ended June 30, 2010, we implemented various changes designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting and address previously disclosed weaknesses.  Changes implemented during the quarter consisted of (i) a streamlining and integration of systems, processes and responsibilities and emphasis on more timely completion of processes to assure the timely and accurate recording of share-based compensation, oil and gas accruals and tax accruals, (ii) more detailed and specific delegation of duties amount accounting personnel to assure adequate segregation of duties, and (iii) implementation of review procedures with respect to third party accounting and billing functions to assure the accuracy of such third party reports.



22




PART II


ITEM 6

EXHIBITS


Exhibit Number

Description


31.1

Certification of CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


31.2

Certification of CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002


32.1

Certification of CEO 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 CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002




SIGNATURES


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


  

SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

Date:  August 16, 2010 

  

  

  

By:

/s/ Thomas Cooke

  

  

Thomas Cooke

  

  

Chief Executive Officer

  

  

  

  

By:

/s/ Edward Hebert

  

  

Edward Hebert

  

  

Vice President – Finance





23