Unassociated Document
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
 
 
[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010
 
 
OR
 
 
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
 
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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

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

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

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

 
Yes [  ]
No [  ]

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

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

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

 
Yes [  ]
No [x]
 
As of April 30, 2010, 47,838,980 shares of the issuer's common stock were outstanding.
 
 
 
 
FORM 10-Q
UNIT CORPORATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
     
Page
     
Number
   
PART I. Financial Information
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
   
March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
3
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
5
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
6
       
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009
7
       
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
       
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
21
       
 
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
 
   
Condition and Results of Operations
22
       
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
40
       
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
41
       
   
PART II. Other Information
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
42
       
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
42
       
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
42
       
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
42
       
 
Item 4.
Reserved and Removed
42
       
 
Item 5.
Other Information
42
       
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
43
       
 
Signatures
 
44
 
 
 
1
 
Forward-Looking Statements

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

Item 1.  Financial Statements

UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

   
March 31,
     
December 31,
 
   
2010
     
2009
 
   
(In thousands except share amounts)
 
ASSETS
                 
Current assets:
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,039
     
$
1,140
 
Restricted cash
   
20
       
20
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $5,186 at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009
   
87,686
       
74,382
 
Materials and supplies
   
6,669
       
6,914
 
Current derivative assets (Note 9)
   
40,210
       
9,945
 
Current income tax receivable
   
15,894
       
15,236
 
Current deferred tax asset
   
14,423
       
14,423
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
4,780
       
6,035
 
Total current assets
   
170,721
       
128,095
 
                   
Property and equipment:
                 
Drilling equipment
   
1,224,646
       
1,217,361
 
Oil and natural gas properties on the full cost
                 
method:
                 
Proved properties
   
2,360,943
       
2,309,193
 
Undeveloped leasehold not being amortized
   
146,940
       
140,129
 
Gas gathering and processing equipment
   
179,440
       
172,549
 
Transportation equipment
   
30,718
       
30,726
 
Other
   
22,856
       
22,747
 
     
3,965,543
       
3,892,705
 
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion, amortization
                 
and impairment
   
1,901,659
       
1,879,112
 
Net property and equipment
   
2,063,884
       
2,013,593
 
                   
Goodwill
   
62,808
       
62,808
 
Other intangible assets, net
   
4,795
       
5,633
 
Non-current derivative assets (Note 9)
   
1,511
       
 
Other assets
   
17,451
       
18,270
 
Total assets
 
$
2,321,170
     
$
2,228,399
 



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

 
 
3
 
UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED

   
March 31,
     
December 31,
 
   
2010
     
2009
 
   
(In thousands except share amounts)
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
Current liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable
 
$
63,219
     
$
55,880
 
Accrued liabilities (Note 4)
   
38,758
       
34,571
 
Contract advances
   
1,587
       
3,124
 
Current portion of derivative liabilities (Note 9)
   
932
       
2,230
 
Current portion of other liabilities (Note 5)
   
10,155
       
9,342
 
Total current liabilities
   
114,651
       
105,147
 
                   
Long-term debt (Note 5)
   
30,000
       
30,000
 
Long-term derivative liabilities (Note 9)
   
1,087
       
1,142
 
Other long-term liabilities (Note 5)
   
80,252
       
79,984
 
Deferred income taxes
   
466,697
       
446,316
 
                   
Shareholders’ equity:
                 
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 5,000,000 shares
                 
authorized, none issued
   
       
 
Common stock, $.20 par value, 175,000,000 shares
                 
authorized, 47,841,710 and 47,530,669 shares
                 
issued, respectively
   
9,430
       
9,405
 
Capital in excess of par value
   
390,706
       
383,957
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
24,204
 
     
4,458
 
Retained earnings
   
1,204,143
       
1,167,990
 
Total shareholders’ equity
   
1,628,483
       
1,565,810
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
2,321,170
     
$
2,228,399
 













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

 
Three Months Ended
 
 
March 31,
 
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Revenues:
           
Contract drilling
$
60,854
 
$
88,699
 
Oil and natural gas
 
99,053
   
88,904
 
Gas gathering and processing
 
41,135
   
22,143
 
Other
 
5,508
   
1,316
 
Total revenues
 
206,550
   
201,062
 
             
Expenses:
           
Contract drilling:
           
Operating costs
 
40,900
   
50,330
 
Depreciation
 
13,786
   
12,619
 
Oil and natural gas:
           
Operating costs
 
25,034
   
24,816
 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
25,336
   
38,006
 
Impairment of oil and natural
           
gas properties (Note 2)
 
   
281,241
 
Gas gathering and processing:
           
Operating costs
 
32,726
   
20,677
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
3,941
   
4,061
 
General and administrative
 
6,279
   
6,089
 
Interest, net
 
   
477
 
Total operating expenses
 
148,002
   
438,316
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
58,548
   
(237,254
)
             
Income tax expense (benefit):
           
Current
 
2,240
   
 
Deferred
 
20,155
   
(89,761
)
Total income taxes
 
22,395
   
(89,761
)
             
Net income (loss)
$
36,153
 
$
(147,493
)
             
Net income (loss) per common share:
           
Basic
$
0.77
 
$
(3.14
)
             
Diluted
$
0.76
 
$
(3.14
)



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
5
 
UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
     
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income (loss)
 
$
36,153
     
$
(147,493
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                 
provided by operating activities:
                 
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
   
43,313
       
54,958
 
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties (Note 2)
   
       
281,241
 
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives
   
(1,148
)
     
1,968
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit)
   
20,155
       
(89,761
)
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
   
(5,435
)
     
(1,304
)
Stock compensation plans
   
3,316
       
3,134
 
Other
   
676
       
639
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
                 
increasing (decreasing) cash:
                 
Accounts receivable
   
(13,304
)
     
61,832
 
Accounts payable
   
966
       
1,204
 
Material and supplies inventory
   
245
       
(513
)
Accrued liabilities
   
(4,269
)
     
(2,423
)
Contract advances
   
(1,537
)
     
(327
)
Other – net
   
536
       
9,735
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
79,667
       
172,890
 
                   
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Capital expenditures
   
(105,563
)
     
(115,904
)
Proceeds from disposition of assets
   
18,313
       
3,870
 
Other - net
   
324
       
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(86,926
)
     
(112,034
)
                   
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Borrowings under line of credit
   
19,100
       
50,800
 
Payments under line of credit
   
(19,100
)
     
(86,800
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
246
       
17
 
Book overdrafts
   
6,912
       
(24,445
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
7,158
       
(60,428
)
                   
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(101
)
     
428
 
                   
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
1,140
       
584
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
1,039
     
$
1,012
 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
6
 
UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
 
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
36,153
 
$
(147,493
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
             
    Change in value of derivative instruments
             
used as cash flow hedges, net of tax of
             
$14,667 and $29,406
   
23,672
   
49,005
 
Reclassification - derivative settlements,
             
Net of tax of ($2,014) and ($9,847)
   
(3,252
)
 
(16,554
)
Ineffective portion of derivatives,
             
net of tax of ($417) and $16
   
(674
)
 
28
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
55,899
 
$
(115,014
)






















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 
7
 
UNIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION

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

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and do not include all the notes in our annual financial statements. This quarterly report should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Form 10-K, filed February 23, 2010, for the year ended December 31, 2009.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal recurring adjustments (including the elimination of all intercompany transactions) necessary to fairly state the following:

·
  Balance Sheets at March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009;

·
  Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009; and

·
  Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

·
  Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009.

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Results for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be realized for the full year in the case of 2010, or that we realized for the full year of 2009.

With respect to our unaudited financial information for the three month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, included in this quarterly report, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP reported that it applied limited procedures in accordance with professional standards for a review of that information.  Its separate report, dated May 4, 2010, which is included in this quarterly report, states that it did not audit and it does not express an opinion on that unaudited financial information.  Accordingly, the degree of reliance placed on its report of such information should be restricted in light of the limited review procedures applied.  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 (Act) for its report on the unaudited financial information because that report is not a "report" or a "part" of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meaning of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

 
8
 
 
NOTE 2 –OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES

Full cost accounting rules require us to review the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties at the end of each quarter. The full cost ceiling is based principally on the estimated future discounted net cash flows from our oil and natural gas properties discounted at 10%.  Effective December 31, 2009, full cost companies must use the unweighted arithmetic average of the price on the first day of the month for each month within the 12-month period before the end of the reporting period, unless prices were defined by contractual arrangements, to calculate discounted future revenues. Previously, the price used was the single-day period-end price. In the event the unamortized cost of the oil and natural gas properties being amortized exceeds the full cost ceiling, the excess amount is charged to expense in the period during which the excess occurs, even if prices are depressed for only a short period of time. Once incurred, a write-down of oil and natural gas properties is not reversible.

We recorded a non-cash ceiling test write down of $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million, net of tax) during the quarter that ended March 31, 2009. This write down resulted from the decline in commodity prices as compared to prices existing at the end of 2008.  At March 31, 2010, 12-month average commodity prices, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, were at levels that did not require us to take a write-down of the value of our oil and natural gas properties. However if there are declines in the 12-month average prices, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, a write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties may be required in future periods.

Derivative instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges were included in determining the limitation on the capitalized costs in our March 31, 2009 ceiling test calculation. The effect of including those hedges was a $197.9 million pre-tax increase in the discounted net cash flow of our oil and natural gas properties.  Our qualifying cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2009, which consisted of swaps and collars, covered 30.3 Billion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Bcfe) and 33.2 Bcfe in 2009 and 2010, respectively.

We did not have a ceiling test write down for the quarter ended March 31, 2010.  Our qualifying cash flow hedges as of March 31, 2010, which consisted of swaps and collars, covered 36.5 Bcfe in 2010, 5.5 Bcfe in 2011 and 5.5 Bcfe in 2012. The effect of those hedges was a $70.1 million pre-tax increase in the discounted net cash flows of our oil and natural gas properties. Without the impact of the hedges, there still would not be a write down for the first quarter of 2010. Our oil and natural gas hedging is discussed in Note 9 of the Notes to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
9
 

NOTE 3 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

       
Weighted
     
   
Income
 
Shares
 
Per-Share
 
   
(Numerator)
 
(Denominator)
 
Amount
 
   
(In thousands except per share amounts)
 
For the three months ended
                   
March 31, 2010:
                   
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
36,153
   
47,121
 
$
0.77
 
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted
                   
stock and stock appreciation rights (SARs)
   
   
565
   
(0.01
)
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
36,153
   
47,686
 
$
0.76
 
                     
For the three months ended
                   
March 31, 2009:
                   
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(147,493
)
 
46,921
 
$
(3.14
)
Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted
                   
    stock and stock appreciation rights
   
   
   
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
 
$
(147,493
)
 
46,921
 
$
(3.14
)

Because we had a net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2009, approximately 216,000 weighted average shares related to stock options and SARs were antidilutive and not included in the calculation of earnings per share above.  The following table shows the number of stock options and SARs (and their average exercise price) excluded because their option exercise prices were greater than the average market price of our common stock:

   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31,
   
2010
     
2009
                 
Stock options and SARs
   
132,165
       
374,921
                 
Average Exercise Price
 
$
59.87
     
$
47.09


NOTE 4 – ACCRUED LIABILITIES
 
        Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
 
   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2010
 
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Employee costs
    7,278   $   13,307  
Lease operating expense accrual
      5,506       6,244  
Taxes      18,006      5,085  
Other
   
7,968
   
9,935
 
Total accrued liabilities
 
$
38,758
 
$
34,571
 
 
 
 
10
 
 
NOTE 5 – LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Long-Term Debt

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

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2010
 
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Revolving credit facility with interest,
             
  including the effect of hedging, of 6.1% at
             
  March 31, 2010 and 4.3% at December 31, 2009
 
$
30,000
 
$
30,000
 
Less current portion
   
   
 
Total long-term debt
 
$
30,000
 
$
30,000
 
               

Our existing bank credit agreement (Credit Facility) has a maximum credit amount of $400.0 million maturing on May 24, 2012. The lenders’ commitment under the Credit Facility is $325.0 million. Our borrowings under the Credit Facility are limited to the commitment amount that we elect. As of March 31, 2010, the commitment amount was $325.0 million. We are charged a commitment fee of 0.375 to 0.50 of 1% on the amount available but not borrowed with the rate varying based on the amount borrowed as a percentage of the amount of the total borrowing base. To date we have paid $1,215,625 in origination, agency and syndication fees under the Credit Facility. These fees are being amortized over the life of the agreement.

The lenders’ aggregate commitment is limited to the lesser of the amount of the value of the borrowing base or $400.0 million. The amount of the borrowing base, which is subject to redetermination on April 1 and October 1 of each year, is based primarily on a percentage of the discounted future value of our oil and natural gas reserves and, to a lesser extent, the loan value the lenders reasonably attribute to the cash flow (as defined in the Credit Facility) of our mid-stream operations.  The April 1, 2010 redetermination set the borrowing base at $500.0 million.  We or the lenders may request a onetime special redetermination of the borrowing base amount between each scheduled redetermination.  In addition, we may request a redetermination following the completion of an acquisition that meets the requirements set forth in the Credit Facility.

At our election, any part of the outstanding debt under the Credit Facility may be fixed at a London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for a 30, 60, 90 or 180 day period. During any LIBOR funding period, the outstanding principal balance of the promissory note to which the LIBOR option applies may be repaid after three days prior notice to the administrative agent and on payment of any applicable funding indemnification amounts. LIBOR interest is computed as the sum of the LIBOR base applicable for the interest period plus 1.75% to 2.50% depending on the level of debt as a percentage of the borrowing base and payable at the end of each term, or every 90 days, whichever is less. Borrowings not under LIBOR bear interest at the BOK Financial Corporation (BOKF) National Prime Rate, which in no event will be less than LIBOR plus 1.00%, payable at the end of each month and the principal borrowed may be paid at any time, in part or in whole, without a premium or penalty. At March 31, 2010, all of our $30.0 million in outstanding borrowings were subject to LIBOR.

The Credit Facility prohibits:

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

 
11
 
The Credit Facility also requires that we have at the end of each quarter:

·  
consolidated net worth of at least $900 million;
·  
a current ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not less than 1 to 1; and
·  
a leverage ratio of long-term debt to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the most recently ended rolling four fiscal quarters of no greater than 3.50 to 1.0.

As of March 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all the covenants contained in the Credit Facility.

Based on the borrowing rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and maturities and consideration of our non-performance risk, long-term debt at March 31, 2010 approximates its fair value.

At March 31, 2010, the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, other current assets and current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value because of their short term nature.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consisted of the following:
 
   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2010
 
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
               
Asset retirement obligations (ARO) liability
 
$
57,342
 
$
56,404
 
Workers’ compensation
   
22,979
   
22,974
 
Separation benefit plans
   
4,757
   
4,681
 
Gas balancing liability
   
3,263
   
3,263
 
Deferred compensation plan
   
2,066
   
2,004
 
     
90,407
   
89,326
 
Less current portion
   
10,155
   
9,342
 
Total other long-term liabilities
 
$
80,252
 
$
79,984
 
 
The estimated total annual principal payments due under the terms of debt and other long-term liabilities during each of the five successive twelve month periods beginning April 1, 2010 (and through 2015) are $10.2 million, $17.1 million, $33.5 million, $2.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively.


NOTE 6 – ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

We are required to record the fair value of liabilities associated with the future retirement of our long-lived assets. Our oil and natural gas wells are required to be plugged and abandoned when the oil and natural gas reserves in those wells are depleted or the wells are no longer able to produce. The plugging and abandonment expense for a well is recorded in the period in which the obligation is incurred (at the time the well is drilled or acquired). None of our assets are restricted for purposes of settling these AROs.

 
12
 
The following table shows certain information about our AROs for the periods indicated:


   
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2010
 
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
               
ARO liability, January 1:
 
$
56,404
 
$
49,230
 
Accretion of discount
   
687
   
632
 
Liability incurred
   
472
   
898
 
Liability settled
   
(270
)
 
(202
)
Revision of estimates
   
49
   
40
 
ARO liability, March 31:
   
57,342
   
50,598
 
Less current portion
   
1,632
   
1,135
 
Total long-term plugging liability
 
$
55,710
 
$
49,463
 


NOTE 7 - NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.  In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which provides additional guidance to improve disclosures regarding fair value measurements. The ASU amends ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures--Overall (formerly FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements) to add two new disclosures: (1) transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 measurements and the reasons for the transfers, and (2) a gross presentation of activity within the Level 3 roll forward.  The ASU also includes clarifications to existing disclosure requirements on the level of disaggregation and disclosures regarding inputs and valuation techniques.  The ASU applies to all entities required to make disclosures about recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The effective date of the ASU is the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the gross presentation of the Level 3 roll forward information, which is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim reporting periods within those years. This statement will not have a significant impact on us due to it only requiring enhanced disclosures.


NOTE 8 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, we recognized stock compensation expense for restricted stock awards, stock options and stock settled SARs of $2.5 million and $1.9 million, respectively, and capitalized stock compensation cost for oil and natural gas properties of $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively. For these same periods, the tax benefit related to this stock based compensation was $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards at March 31, 2010 is approximately $12.4 million with $2.7 million of this amount anticipated to be capitalized. The weighted average period of time over which this cost will be recognized is 0.7 years.

We did not grant any stock options or SARs during either of the three month periods ending March 31, 2010 and 2009.

 
13
 
The following table shows the fair value of the restricted stock awards granted, if any, during the periods indicated:

   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31,
   
2010
 
2009
                 
Shares granted
   
248,383
     
 
                 
Estimated fair value (in millions)
 
$
10.6
   
$
 
                 
Percentage of shares granted
               
Expected to be distributed
   
93
%
   
%
                 

The restricted stock awards granted during the first three months of 2010 increased the stock compensation expense and the capitalized cost related to oil and natural gas properties for the first quarter of 2010 by an aggregate of $1.4 million.


NOTE 9 – DERIVATIVES

Interest Rate Swaps

From time to time we enter into interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to possible future interest rate increases. Under these transactions we swap the variable interest rate we would otherwise incur on a portion of our bank debt for a fixed rate of interest. As of March 31, 2010, we had two outstanding interest rate swaps; both were cash flow hedges. There was no material amount of ineffectiveness. This table provides certain information about our interest rate swaps:


Term
 
Amount
 
Fixed Rate
 
Floating Rate
April 2010 – May 2012
 
$     15,000,000
 
4.53%
 
3 month LIBOR
April 2010 – May 2012
 
$     15,000,000
 
4.16%
 
3 month LIBOR
             

Commodity Derivatives
 
We have entered into various types of derivative instruments covering some of our projected production of natural gas, natural gas liquids and oil.  These transactions are intended to reduce our exposure to market price volatility by setting the price(s) that we will receive for that production. Our decision on the type and quantity of our production and the price(s) of our hedge is based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions. As of March 31, 2010, our derivative instruments consisted of the following types of swaps and collars:

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

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

 
14
 
·  
Basis Swaps. We receive or pay the NYMEX settlement value plus or minus a fixed delivery point price for the hedged commodity and pay or receive the published index price at the specified delivery point. We use basis swaps to hedge the price risk between NYMEX and its physical delivery points.

Oil and Natural Gas Segment:
 
        At March 31, 2010, the following cash flow hedges were outstanding:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Weighted Average Fixed Price for Swaps
 
Hedged Market
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Crude oil - collar
 
1,000 Bbl/day
 
$67.50 put & $81.53 call
 
WTI – NYMEX
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Crude oil – swap
 
1,500 Bbl/day
 
$61.36
 
WTI – NYMEX
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 7.20
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.89
 
IF – Tenn Zone 0
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.12
 
IF – CEGT
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.67
 
IF – PEPL
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.79)
 
PEPL – NYMEX
                 
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.56
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.14)
 
Tenn Zone 0 – NYMEX
                 
Jan’12 – Dec’12
 
Natural gas – swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.62
 
IF – PEPL

        At March 31, 2010, the following non-qualifying cash flow derivatives were outstanding:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Basis Differential
 
Hedged Market
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.14)
 
Tenn Zone 0 – NYMEX
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.21)
 
CEGT – NYMEX
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.225)
 
PEPL – NYMEX
 
        After March 31, 2010, we entered into the following cash flow hedge:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Weighted Average Fixed Price
 
Hedged Market
May’10–Dec’11
 
Liquids – swap (1)
 
644,406 Gal/mo
 
$0.97
 
OPIS – Conway
___________ 
(1) Types of liquids involved are natural gasoline, ethane, propane, isobutane and natural butane.
 
 
15
   The following tables present the fair values and locations within our balance sheets where these derivative instruments are recorded:

       
Derivative Assets
       
Fair Value
       
March 31,
 
December 31,
   
Balance Sheet Location
 
2010
 
2009
Derivatives designated as hedging
 
(In thousands)
    instruments
               
                 
Commodity derivatives:
               
Current
 
Current derivative assets
 
$
40,196
 
$
9,945
Long-term
 
Non-current derivative assets
   
1,468
   
Total derivatives designated as hedging
           
    instruments
   
41,664
   
9,945
             
Derivatives not designated as hedging
           
    instruments
           
             
Commodity derivatives (basis swaps):
               
Current
 
Current derivative assets
   
14
   
Long-term
 
Non-current derivative assets
   
43
   
Total derivatives not designated as
           
    hedging instruments
   
57
   
             
Total derivative assets
 
$
41,721
 
$
9,945
 

       
Derivative Liabilities
       
Fair Value
       
March 31,
 
December 31,
   
Balance Sheet Location
 
2010
 
2009
Derivatives designated as hedging
 
(In thousands)
    instruments
               
                 
Interest rate swaps:
               
Current
 
Current portion of derivative liabilities
 
$
932
 
$
806
Long-term
 
Other long-term derivative liabilities
   
1,087
   
1,142
Commodity derivatives:
               
Current
 
Current portion of derivative liabilities
   
   
1,424
Total derivatives designated as hedging
           
    instruments
   
2,019
   
3,372
                 
Total derivatives not designated as
           
    hedging instruments
   
   
                 
Total derivative liabilities
     
$
2,019
 
$
3,372
 
        If a legal right of set-off exists, we net the value of the derivative arrangements we have with the same counterparty in our balance sheets.
 
        We recognize in accumulated other comprehensive income (OCI) the effective portion of any changes in fair value and reclassify the recognized gains (losses) on the sales to revenue and the purchases to expense as the underlying transactions are settled.  As of March 31, 2010 and 2009, we had a gain of $24.2 million and $65.8 million, net of tax, respectively, in accumulated OCI.
 
        Based on market prices at March 31, 2010, we expect to transfer to earnings approximately $24.3 million, net of tax, of the gain included in accumulated OCI during the next 12 months in the related month of settlement. The interest rate swaps and the commodity derivative instruments existing as of March 31, 2010 are expected to mature by May 2012 and December 2012, respectively.
 
        Certain derivatives do not qualify as cash flow hedges. Currently, we have three basis swaps that do not qualify as cash flow hedges. For these types of derivatives, any changes in the fair value that occurs before their maturity
 
16
 
(i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations within our oil and natural gas revenues. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in OCI until the hedged item is recognized into earnings. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized in our oil and natural gas revenues.
 
        Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (cash flow hedges) for the three months ended March 31:

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships
   
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion) (1)
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
     
(In thousands)
 
Interest rate swaps
 
$
(1,247
)
 
$
(1,555
)
Commodity derivatives
   
25,451
     
67,318
 
Total
 
$
24,204
   
$
65,763
 
 __________________________________
 
(1)  Net of taxes.
 
        Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (cash flow hedges) for the three months ended March 31:

Derivative Instrument
Location of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income & Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (1)
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income  (2)
 
     
2010
 
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
     
(In thousands)
 
Commodity derivatives
Oil and natural gas revenue
 
$
5,573
 
$
26,589
 
$
1,091
 
$
(44
Interest rate swaps
Interest, net
   
(307
)
 
(188
)
 
   
 
 
Total
 
$
5,266
 
$
26,401
 
$
1,091
 
$
(44
  _______________________________________
 
(1)  Effective portion of gain (loss).
 
(2)  Ineffective portion of gain (loss).
 
        Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (derivatives not designated as hedging instruments) for the three months ended March 31:

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
 
       
2010
 
2009
 
       
(In thousands)
 
                   
Commodity derivatives (basis swaps)
 
Oil and natural gas revenue
 
$
57
 
$
(1,108
)
Total
     
$
57
 
$
(1,108
)
 
 
 
17
 

NOTE 10 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

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

The following tables set forth our recurring fair value measurements:

 
   March 31, 2010
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets (liabilities):
                         
Interest rate swaps
 
$
 
$
 
$
(2,019
)
$
(2,019
)
Commodity derivatives
 
$
 
$
(9,718
)
$
51,439
 
$
41,721
 


 
   December 31, 2009
 
     
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets (liabilities):
                         
Interest rate swaps
 
$
 
$
 
$
(1,948
)
$
(1,948
)
Commodity derivatives
 
$
 
$
(11,427
)
$
19,948
 
$
8,521
 

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

Level 2 Fair Value Measurements

Commodity Derivatives. We measure the fair values of our crude oil swaps using estimated internal discounted cash flow calculations based on the NYMEX futures index.

Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

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

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

 
18
 
The following tables are reconciliations of our level 3 fair value measurements:

   
Net Derivatives
 
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010
   
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
 
   
Interest Rate Swaps
   
Commodity Swaps and Collars
   
Interest Rate Swaps
   
Commodity Swaps and Collars
 
                                 
   
(In thousands)
 
Beginning of period
 
$
(1,948
)
 
$
19,948
   
$
(2,516
  )
 
$
58,508
 
Total gains or losses (realized and unrealized):
                               
Included in earnings (loss) (1)
   
(307
)
   
9,074
     
(188
)
   
23,878
 
Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(71
)
   
30,343
     
37
     
52,873
 
Purchases, issuance and settlements
   
307
     
(7,926
)
   
188
     
(25,846
)
End of period
 
$
(2,019
)
 
$
51,439
   
$
(2,479
)
 
$
109,413
 
                                 
Total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings
                               
attributable to the change in unrealized gain (loss)
                               
relating to assets still held at end of period
 
$
   
$
1,148
   
$
   
$
(1,968
)
____________ 
 
(1) Interest rate swaps and commodity swaps and collars are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations in interest, net and revenues, respectively.
 
        Based on our valuation at March 31, 2010, we determined that the non-performance risk with regard to our counterparties was immaterial.


NOTE 11 - INDUSTRY SEGMENT INFORMATION

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

· Contract drilling,
· Oil and natural gas and
· Mid-stream

The contract drilling segment is engaged in the land contract drilling of oil and natural gas wells. The oil and natural gas segment is engaged in the development, acquisition and production of oil and natural gas properties and the mid-stream segment is engaged in the buying, selling, gathering, processing and treating of natural gas.
 
 
19
 
We evaluate each segment’s performance based on its operating income (loss), which is defined as operating revenues less operating expenses and depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment. Our natural gas production in Canada is not significant.

The following table provides certain information about the operations of each of our segments:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
 
2009
 
               
   
(In thousands)
 
Revenues:
             
Contract drilling
 
$
67,501
 
$
91,324
 
Elimination of inter-segment revenue
   
(6,647
)
 
(2,625
)
Contract drilling net of
             
inter-segment revenue
   
60,854
   
88,699
 
               
Oil and natural gas
   
99,053
   
88,904
 
               
Gas gathering and processing
   
53,734
   
30,656
 
Elimination of inter-segment revenue
   
(12,599
)
 
(8,513
)
Gas gathering and processing
             
net of inter-segment revenue
   
41,135
   
22,143
 
               
Other
   
5,508
   
1,316
 
Total revenues
 
$
206,550
 
$
201,062
 
               
Operating income (loss) (1):
             
Contract drilling
 
$
6,168
 
$
25,750
 
Oil and natural gas (2)
   
48,683
   
(255,159
)
Gas gathering and processing
   
4,468
   
(2,595
)
Total operating income (loss)
   
59,319
   
(232,004
)
General and administrative expense
   
(6,279
)
 
(6,089
)
Interest expense, net
   
   
 (477
)
Other
   
5,508
   
1,316
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
$
58,548
 
$
(237,254
)
____________ 

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


 
20
 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM



To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Unit Corporation

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Unit Corporation and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2010, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

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

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

We previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and of cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein), and in our report dated February 23, 2010, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2009, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Tulsa, Oklahoma
May 4, 2010
 
 
21
 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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

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

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

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

General

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

Business Outlook

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

In addition to their direct impact on us, low commodity prices if sustained for a long period of time could impact the liquidity of some of our industry partners and customers which, in turn, could limit their ability to meet their financial obligations to us.
 
The slowdown in the United States and world economies starting in late 2008 resulted in less demand for oil and natural gas products by those industries and consumers that use those products in their businesses. The long-term impact on our business and financial results as a consequence of the volatility in oil and natural gas prices and the global economic downturn is uncertain.
 
 
22
        The following table reflects the recent fluctuations in the prices for oil and natural gas:

Date
 
Gas Spot Price Henry Hub ($ per MMBtu)
 
Crude Oil WTI-Cushing, OK       ($ per Bbl)
July 1, 2008
 
$
13.19
 
$
140.99
August 1, 2008
 
$
9.26
 
$
125.10
September 1, 2008
 
$
8.24
 
$
115.48
October 1, 2008
 
$
7.17
 
$
98.55
November 1, 2008
 
$
6.20
 
$
67.81
December 1, 2008
 
$
6.44
 
$
49.28
January 1, 2009
 
$
5.63
 
$
44.61
February 1, 2009
 
$
4.77
 
$
41.70
March 1, 2009
 
$
4.04
 
$
44.76
April 1, 2009
 
$
3.58
 
$
48.39
May 1, 2009
 
$
3.25
 
$
53.20
June 1, 2009
 
$
3.93
 
$
68.58
July 1, 2009
 
$
3.72
 
$
69.31
August 1, 2009
 
$
3.34
 
$
69.45
September 1, 2009
 
$
2.41
 
$
68.05
October 1, 2009
 
$
3.24
 
$
70.82
November 1, 2009
 
$
4.10
 
$
77.00
December 1, 2009
 
$
4.40
 
$
78.37
January 1, 2010
 
$
5.79
 
$
79.36
February 1, 2010
 
$
5.26
 
$
74.43
March 1, 2010
 
$
4.77
 
$
78.70
April 1, 2010
 
$
3.93
 
$
84.47

As noted in the table above, oil and natural gas prices declined significantly after their July 2008 levels before they began to reverse that trend by the end of 2009. Our initial 2010 operating budget is based on oil and natural gas prices averaging $72.00 per Bbl and $5.30 per Mcf, respectively, for the year; however, we will continue to monitor prices and may consider updates to the budget as necessary.  We expect to fund our 2010 operating budget using internally generated cash flow and to a lesser extent from borrowings under our credit facility.

The impact on the use of our drilling rigs and dayrates because of the decline in commodity prices is reflected in the following table.

Period
 
Average Rigs in Use
 
Average Dayrates
(1)
July 2008
 
108.8
   
$
18,276
 
August 2008
 
111.2
   
$
18,624
 
September 2008
 
112.1
   
$
19,044
 
October 2008
 
111.5
   
$
19,229
 
November 2008
 
97.8
   
$
19,426
 
December 2008
 
81.0
   
$
19,352
 
January 2009
 
63.8
   
$
18,993
 
February 2009
 
52.2
   
$
18,414
 
March 2009
 
42.2
   
$
18,356
 
April 2009
 
37.3
   
$
17,749
 
May 2009
 
30.2
   
$
17,429
 
June 2009
 
27.5
   
$
16,616
 
July 2009
 
31.4
   
$
15,460
 
August 2009
 
35.3
   
$
15,357
 
September 2009
 
37.1
   
$
15,275
 
October 2009
 
36.5
   
$
14,942
 
November 2009
 
35.9
   
$
14,996
 
December 2009
 
37.7
   
$
14,234
 
January 2010
 
46.5
   
$
14,004
 
February 2010
 
51.6
   
$
14,066
 
March 2010
 
54.7
   
$
14,278
 
    ________________________________
(1)  
As of March 2010, the average dayrates include 32 term contracts, of which 13 are up for renewal during 2010, 18 are up for renewal in 2011 and the remaining one in 2012.
 
 
23
 
Executive Summary

Contract Drilling

Our first quarter 2010 utilization rate was 40%, compared to 28% and 40% in the fourth quarter of 2009 and the first quarter 2009, respectively. Dayrates for the first quarter of 2010 averaged $14,127, a decrease of 4% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and 24% from the first quarter of 2009. Direct profit (contract drilling revenue less contract drilling operating expense) increased 15% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and decreased 48% from the first quarter of 2009. The increase was primarily due to the increase in utilization over the fourth quarter of 2009 and the decrease from the first quarter of 2009 was primarily due to the decrease in dayrates over the comparative periods. Operating cost per day decreased 1% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and decreased 16% from the first quarter of 2009. The decrease from the fourth quarter 2009 was primarily due to decreases in the per day general and administrative expenses.  The decrease from the first quarter of 2009 was primarily due to decreased per day direct cost and decreases in workers’ compensation costs. While we experienced increased drilling activity and spending by our customers during the first quarter of 2010, the decline in natural gas prices over the first quarter if sustained could limit further increases and result in reduced activity through 2010.

In January and February 2010, our contract drilling segment entered into contracts to sell eight of its idle mechanical drilling rigs to an unaffiliated third party. These drilling rigs ranged in horse power from 800 to 1,000. The closing on six of these drilling rigs occurred in the first quarter.  The last transaction for the remaining two rigs is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010. Proceeds from the sale of those drilling rigs will be $23.9 million with an estimated gain of $5.7 million.  These proceeds will be used to refurbish and upgrade additional drilling rigs in our fleet allowing those rigs to be used in horizontal drilling operations. We also placed into service in our Rocky Mountain division a 1,500 horsepower, diesel-electric drilling rig that previously had been placed on hold during 2009 by our customer.  After the completion of the sale of the eight rigs and with the additional rig recently placed into service, this segment will have 123 drilling rigs in its fleet.

Our anticipated 2010 capital expenditures for this segment are $76.0 million.

Oil and Natural Gas

First quarter 2010 production from our oil and natural gas segment was 157,000 Mcfe per day, a 1% increase over the fourth quarter of 2009 and a 13% decrease over the first quarter of 2009.  The decrease in production from first quarter 2009 is primarily due to the natural declines in production and the reduction in reserve replacement after slowing our development drilling program through most of 2009 due to the downturn in commodity prices.

 First quarter 2010 oil and natural gas revenues increased 9% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and increased 11% from the first quarter of 2009. Our oil, natural gas and NGL prices in the first quarter of 2010, increased 9%, 3% and 64%, respectively, from the fourth quarter of 2009 and our oil, natural gas and NGL prices increased 33%, 9% and 129%, respectively, from the first quarter of 2009.  Direct profit (oil and natural gas revenues less oil and natural gas operating expense) increased 13% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and increased 15% from the first quarter of 2009.  The increases from the fourth quarter 2009 and the first quarter 2009 were primarily attributable to increases in oil and liquids prices and to a lesser extent natural gas prices. Operating cost per Mcfe produced increased 2% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and 16% from the first quarter of 2009 due to the increase in production taxes due to increased commodity prices.

For 2010, we hedged 74% of our average daily oil production (based on our first quarter 2010 production) and approximately 74% of our average natural gas production (based on our first quarter 2010 production) to help manage our cash flow and capital expenditure requirements.  Currently for 2011 and 2012, we have hedged 13% for each year of our average natural gas production (based on our first quarter 2010 production) and currently do not have any oil hedges in place for these years.

In March 2009, we incurred a non-cash ceiling test write down of our oil and natural gas properties of $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million net of tax) due to low commodity prices at the end of the first quarter. At March 31, 2010, the 12-month average of commodity prices, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, were at levels that did not require us to record a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties. Prior to December 31,
 
 
24
2009, the price was based on the single-day period-end price.  Effective December 31, 2009, SEC reserve reporting rules require the use of a 12-month average price. The revision to the 12-month average price was made to reduce the affect of short-term volatility and seasonality that previously occurred with single-day pricing. Using the 12-month average may or may not result in write-downs that would have been required had the single-day period-end price been used. Should the 12-month average for commodity prices decline below those existing at the period-end, including the discounted value of our commodity hedges, a write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties could be required in future periods.

Our first quarter 2010 drilling activity was slowed down by unusually wet weather, especially in the Texas Panhandle Granite Wash play, and operational delays as we transition to drilling primarily horizontal wells.  In addition, we are experiencing delays in completing wells due to shortages in fracture stimulation services. As a result of these conditions, we have reduced our 2010 production guidance to approximately 64.0 to 65.0 Bcfe, an increase of 5% to 7% from our 2009 production.  The number of wells we plan to participate in drilling and the level of capital expenditures remains unchanged for 2010 at 175 wells and $365 million, respectively.

In the third quarter of 2008, commodity prices started to decrease substantially and continued to decline into the third quarter of 2009. As a result of these lower commodity prices and the relatively high costs for well drilling services, we decided to reduce our drilling activity during the fourth quarter of 2008 and continued to do so through the second quarter of 2009.  We began increasing activity during the third quarter of 2009 and plan to continue to increase activity throughout 2010.

Mid-Stream

First quarter 2010 liquids sold per day decreased 4% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and increased 16% from the first quarter of 2009. Liquids sold per day decreased from the fourth quarter of 2009 primarily due to reduced liquid recoveries on wells within the system and for down time maintenance at one of our plants, and increased from the first quarter of 2009 primarily as the result of upgrades and expansions to existing plants and the connection of new wells. Gas processed per day was essentially unchanged from the fourth quarter of 2009 and increased 5% over the first quarter of 2009. In 2009, we upgraded several of our existing processing facilities and added three processing plants which was the primary reason for increased volumes. Gas gathered per day increased 2% from the fourth quarter of 2009 due to additional well connects and decreased 6% from the first quarter of 2009 primarily from our gathering systems experiencing natural production declines associated with connected wells.

NGL prices in the first quarter of 2010 increased 9% from the price received in the fourth quarter of 2009 and 81% over the price received in the first quarter of 2009. The price of liquids as compared to natural gas affects the revenue in our mid-stream operations and determines the fractionation spread which is the difference in the value received for the NGLs recovered from natural gas in comparison to the amount received for the equivalent MMBtu’s of natural gas if unprocessed. We currently do not have any fractionation spread hedges in place for 2010 and beyond.

Direct profit (mid-stream revenues less mid-stream operating expense) decreased 7% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and increased 474% from the first quarter of 2009. The decrease from the fourth quarter 2009 was due to lower volumes and the increase from the first quarter 2009 resulted primarily from increased commodity prices. Total operating cost for our mid-stream segment increased 17% from the fourth quarter of 2009 and increased 58% from the first quarter of 2009 due primarily to the increase in the price paid for the purchase of natural gas.

Our anticipated capital expenditures for 2010 for this segment are $53.0 million. For 2010, we anticipate an increase in well connections due to anticipated drilling activity by operators in the areas of our existing gathering systems as well as adding an additional processing facility to accommodate the increased drilling activity of our oil and natural gas segment.

 
25
 
Financial Condition and Liquidity

Summary.    Our financial condition and liquidity depends on the cash flow from our operations and, when necessary, borrowings under our Credit Facility. The principal factors determining the amount of our cash flow are:
 
· the demand for and the dayrates we receive for our drilling rigs;
· the quantity of natural gas, oil and NGLs we produce;
· the prices we receive for our natural gas production and, to a lesser extent, the prices we receive for our oil and NGL production; and
· the margins we obtain from our natural gas gathering and processing contracts.
 
 
The following is a summary of certain financial information as of March 31, 2010 and 2009 and for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
March 31,
   
%
 
     
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
   
(In thousands except percentages)
 
Working capital
 
$
56,070
 
$
103,001
   
(46
)%
Long-term debt
 
$
30,000
 
$
163,500
   
(82
)%
Shareholders’ equity (1)
 
$
1,628,483
 
$
1,528,917
   
7
%
Ratio of long-term debt to total capitalization (1)
   
2
%
 
10
%
 
(81
)%
Net income (loss) (1)
 
$
36,153
 
$
(147,493
 
125
%
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
79,667
 
$
172,890
   
(54
)%
Net cash used in investing activities
 
$
(86,926
)
$
(112,034
)
 
(22
)%
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
$
7,158
 
$
(60,428
 
112
%
 ________________ 
(1)  
In March 2009, we incurred a $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million net of tax) non-cash ceiling test write down of our oil and natural gas properties due to low commodity prices at quarter-end. The write down impacted our 2009 shareholders’ equity, ratio of long-term debt to total capitalization and net income.  The write down did not impact our compliance with the covenants contained in our Credit Facility.

 
26
 
        The following table summarizes certain operating information:
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31,
   
%
 
     
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
Contract Drilling:
                   
Average number of our drilling rigs in use during
                   
the period
   
50.9
   
52.8
   
(4
)%
Total number of drilling rigs owned at the end
                   
of the period
   
125
   
131
   
(5
)%
Average dayrate
 
$
14,127
 
$
18,638
   
(24
)%
Oil and Natural Gas:
                   
Oil production (MBbls)
   
303
   
343
   
(12
)%
Natural gas liquids production (MBbls)
   
377
   
393
   
(4
)%
Natural gas production (MMcf)
   
10,034
   
11,862
   
(15
)%
Average oil price per barrel received
 
$
67.33
 
$
50.51
   
33
%
Average oil price per barrel received excluding hedges
 
$
75.70
 
$
38.52
   
97
%
Average NGL price per barrel received
 
$
42.76
 
$
18.69
   
129
%
Average NGL price per barrel received excluding hedges
 
$
42.76
 
$
18.69
   
129
%
Average natural gas price per mcf received
 
$
5.95
 
$
5.44
   
9
%
Average natural gas price per mcf received excluding hedges
 
$
5.14
 
$
3.48
   
48
%
Mid-Stream:
                   
Gas gathered—MMBtu/day
   
180,117
   
192,320
   
(6
)%
Gas processed—MMBtu/day
   
76,513
   
72,650
   
5
%
Gas liquids sold — gallons/day
   
253,707
   
218,762
   
16
%
Number of natural gas gathering systems
   
33
   
37
   
(11
)%
Number of processing plants
   
8
   
9
   
(11
)%
 
At March 31, 2010, we had unrestricted cash totaling $1.0 million and we had borrowed $30.0 million of the $325.0 million we had elected to have available under our Credit Facility. Our Credit Facility is used for working capital and capital expenditures. Before 2009, most of our capital expenditures were discretionary and directed toward future growth. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008 and continuing through 2009, we significantly reduced our capital expenditures because of the uncertain economic environment. For 2010, we plan to increase our capital expenditures, focusing on growth and funded mainly through internally generated cash flow and to a lesser extent from borrowings under the credit facility.

Working Capital. Typically, our working capital balance fluctuates primarily because of the timing of our trade accounts receivable and accounts payable and from the fluctuation in current assets and liabilities associated with the mark to market value of our hedging activity.  We had working capital of $56.1 million and $103.0 million as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effect of our hedging activity increased working capital by $24.3 million and $52.3 million as of March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Contract Drilling.    Our drilling work is subject to many factors that influence the number of drilling rigs we have working as well as the costs and revenues associated with that work. These factors include the demand for drilling rigs, competition from other drilling contractors, the prevailing prices for natural gas and oil, availability and cost of labor to run our drilling rigs and our ability to supply the equipment needed.
 
During 2009, competition to keep and attract qualified employees to meet our requirements did not materially affect us due to the depressed conditions within our industry. If current commodity price and industry drilling utilization rates continue, we do not anticipate that our drilling labor costs will increase from those levels in effect at the end of the fourth quarter of 2009.  However, if demand for drilling rigs increase, so will the competition to retain and attract qualified labor.
 
Demand for drilling rigs in the 1,000 to 1,500 horsepower range has increased over the past year as more of our customers shift to drilling horizontal wells, which are suited for this horsepower range.  Availability of drilling rigs in this range will also have a larger impact on dayrates in the future. For the first three months of 2010, our average
 
 
27
dayrate was $14,127 per day compared to $18,638 per day for the first three months of 2009. The average number of our drilling rigs used in the first quarter of 2010 was 50.9 drilling rigs (40%) compared with 52.8 drilling rigs (40%) in the first quarter of 2009. Based on the average utilization of our drilling rigs during the first three months of 2010, a $100 per day change in dayrates has a $5,090 per day ($1.9 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. Industry demand for our drilling rigs remained strong during the second and third quarters of 2008 before the fourth quarter downturn. We expect that utilization and dayrates for our drilling rigs will slowly improve for 2010 compared to 2009 and depend mainly on the price of natural gas, the levels of natural gas storage and the availability of drilling rigs to meet the demands of the industry.

Our contract drilling subsidiaries provide drilling services for our exploration and production subsidiary. The contracts for these services contain the same terms and rates as the contracts we use with unrelated third parties for comparable type projects. During the first three months of 2010 and 2009, we drilled 9 and 6 wells, respectively, for our exploration and production subsidiary. The profit associated with these wells received by our contract drilling segment of $0.4 million and $0.6 million during the first three months of 2010 and 2009, respectively, was used to reduce the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties rather than being included in our operating profit.

Impact of Prices for Our Oil, NGLs and Natural Gas.    As of December 31, 2009, natural gas comprised 73% of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves. Any significant change in natural gas prices has a material effect on our revenues, cash flow and the value of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves. Generally, prices and demand for domestic natural gas are influenced by weather conditions, economic conditions, supply imbalances worldwide oil price levels and the value of the U.S. dollar. Domestic oil prices are primarily influenced by world oil market developments. All of these factors are beyond our control and we cannot predict nor measure their future influence on the prices we will receive.
 
Based on our first three months of 2010 production, a $0.10 per Mcf change in what we are paid for our natural gas production, without the effect of hedging, would result in a corresponding $320,000 per month ($3.8 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. The average price we received for our natural gas production, including the effect of hedging, during the first three months of 2010 was $5.95 compared to $5.44 for the first three months of 2009. Based on our first three months of 2010 production, a $1.00 per barrel change in our oil price, without the effect of hedging, would have a $96,000 per month ($1.2 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow and a $1.00 per barrel change in our NGL prices, without the effect of hedging, would have a $121,000 per month ($1.5 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. In the first three months of 2010, our average oil price per barrel received, including the effect of hedging, was $67.33 compared with an average oil price, including the effect of hedging, of $50.51 in the first three months of 2009 and our first three months of 2010 average NGLs price per barrel received was $42.76 compared with an average NGL price per barrel of $18.69 in the first three months of 2009.

Because natural gas prices have such a significant effect on the value of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves, declines in those prices can result in a decline in the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties. Price declines can also adversely affect the semi-annual determination of the amount available for us to borrow under our bank credit facility since that determination is based mainly on the value of our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves. Such a reduction could limit our ability to carry out our planned capital projects.

Most of our natural gas production is sold to third parties under month-to-month contracts.
 
Mid-Stream Operations.    Our mid-stream operations are conducted through Superior Pipeline Company, L.L.C. and its subsidiary.  Superior is a mid-stream company engaged primarily in the buying, selling, gathering, processing and treating of natural gas and operates three natural gas treatment plants, eight processing plants, 33 gathering systems and 845 miles of pipeline. Superior operates in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Pennsylvania and has been in business since 1996. This segment enhances our ability to gather and market not only our own natural gas but also that owned by third parties and serves as a mechanism through which we can construct or acquire existing natural gas gathering and processing facilities.   During the first three months of 2010 and 2009, our mid-stream operations purchased $11.6 million and $7.0 million, respectively, of our oil and natural gas segment’s production and provided gathering and transportation services to it of $1.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Intercompany revenue from services and purchases of production between our mid-stream segment and our oil and natural gas exploration segment has been eliminated in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
28
        Our mid-stream segment gathered an average of 180,117 MMBtu per day in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 192,320 MMBtu per day in the first quarter of 2009, processed volumes were 76,513 MMBtu per day in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 72,650 MMBtu per day in the first quarter of 2009 and the amount of NGLs sold were 253,707 gallons per day in the first quarter of 2010 compared to 218,762 gallons per day in the first quarter of 2009. Gas gathering volumes per day in the first three months of 2010 decreased 6% compared to the first three months of 2009 primarily due to a volumetric decline in gathering systems due to natural production declines associated with the connected wells.  Processed volumes increased 5% over the comparative three months and NGLs sold also increased 16% over the comparative period primarily due to the addition of wells connected and recent upgrades to several of our processing systems.

Our Credit Facility.  Our existing bank credit agreement (Credit Facility) has a maximum credit amount of $400.0 million maturing on May 24, 2012. The lenders’ commitment under the Credit Facility is $325.0 million. Our borrowings under the Credit Facility are limited to the commitment amount that we elect. As of March 31, 2010, the commitment amount was $325.0 million. We are charged a commitment fee of 0.375 to 0.50 of 1% on the amount available but not borrowed with the rate varying based on the amount borrowed as a percentage of the amount of the total borrowing base. To date we have paid $1,215,625 in origination, agency and syndication fees under the Credit Facility. These fees are being amortized over the life of the agreement. The average interest rate for the first quarter of 2010, which includes the effect of our two interest rate swaps, was 6.1% compared to 4.0% for the first three months of 2009. At both March 31, 2010 and April 30, 2010, borrowings were $40.0 million.

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

Lender
 
Participation Interest
Bank of Oklahoma, N.A.
 
18.75%
Bank of America, N.A.
 
18.75%
BMO Capital Markets Financing, Inc.
 
18.75%
BBVA Compass Bank
 
17.50%
Comerica Bank
 
08.75%
BNP Paribas
 
08.75%
Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank
 
08.75%
   
100.00%
 
The lenders’ aggregate commitment is limited to the lesser of the amount of the value of the borrowing base or $400.0 million. The amount of the borrowing base, which is subject to redetermination on April 1 and October 1 of each year, is based primarily on a percentage of the discounted future value of our oil and natural gas reserves and, to a lesser extent, the loan value the lenders reasonably attribute to the cash flow (as defined in the Credit Facility) of our mid-stream operations.  The April 1, 2010 redetermination set the borrowing base at $500.0 million.  We or the lenders may request a onetime special redetermination of the borrowing base amount between each scheduled redetermination.  In addition, we may request a redetermination following the completion of an acquisition that meets the requirements set forth in the Credit Facility.

At our election, any part of the outstanding debt under the Credit Facility may be fixed at a London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) for a 30, 60, 90 or 180 day period. During any LIBOR funding period, the outstanding principal balance of the promissory note to which the LIBOR option applies may be repaid after three days prior notice to the administrative agent and on payment of any applicable funding indemnification amounts. LIBOR interest is computed as the sum of the LIBOR base applicable for the interest period plus 1.75% to 2.50% depending on the level of debt as a percentage of the borrowing base and payable at the end of each term, or every 90 days, whichever is less. Borrowings not under LIBOR bear interest at the BOK Financial Corporation (BOKF) National Prime Rate, which in no event will be less than LIBOR plus 1.00%, payable at the end of each month and the principal borrowed may be paid at any time, in part or in whole, without a premium or penalty. At March 31, 2010, all of our $30.0 million in outstanding borrowings were subject to LIBOR.
 
 
29
        The Credit Facility prohibits:
 
 
· the payment of dividends (other than stock dividends) during any fiscal year in excess of 25% of our consolidated net income for the preceding fiscal year;
· the incurrence of additional debt with certain very limited exceptions; and
· the creation or existence of mortgages or liens, other than those in the ordinary course of business, on any of our properties, except in favor of our lenders.
 
 
The Credit Facility also requires that we have at the end of each quarter:
 
· a consolidated net worth of at least $900.0 million;
· a current ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not less than 1 to 1; and
· a leverage ratio of long-term debt to consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Credit Facility) for the most recently ended rolling four fiscal quarters of no greater than 3.50 to 1.0.


As of March 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all the covenants contained in the Credit Facility.
 
We entered into the following interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to possible future interest rate increases. Under these transactions we swapped the variable interest rate we would otherwise incur on a portion of our bank debt for a fixed rate of interest.

The table provides certain information about out interest rate swaps:

Term
 
Amount
 
Fixed Rate
 
Floating Rate
             
April 2010 – May 2012
 
$     15,000,000
 
4.53%
 
3 month LIBOR
April 2010 – May 2012
 
$     15,000,000
 
4.16%
 
3 month LIBOR

 
Capital Requirements

Contract Drilling Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures.   In January and February 2010, our contract drilling segment entered into contracts to sell eight of its idle mechanical drilling rigs to an unaffiliated third party. These drilling rigs ranged in horse power from 800 to 1,000. The closing on six of these drilling rigs occurred in the first quarter.  The last transaction for the remaining two rigs is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010. Proceeds from the sale of those drilling rigs will be $23.9 million with an estimated gain of $5.7 million which was booked in the first quarter 2010.  These proceeds will be used to refurbish and upgrade additional drilling rigs in our fleet allowing those rigs to be used in horizontal drilling operations. We also placed into service in our Rocky Mountain division a 1,500 horsepower, diesel-electric drilling rig that previously had been placed on hold during 2009 by our customer.  After the completion of the sale of the eight rigs and with the additional rig recently placed into service, this segment will have 123 drilling rigs in its fleet.

Our anticipated 2010 capital expenditures for this segment are $76.0 million.  We currently do not have a shortage of drill pipe and drilling equipment. At March 31, 2010, we had commitments to purchase approximately $0.8 million of drilling rig components and $13.8 million of drill pipe and drill collars in 2010.  We have spent $39.8 million in capital expenditures as of March 31, 2010.

For 2009, our capital expenditures were $67.7 million.  In late 2008, we postponed the construction of eight additional drilling rigs we had previously anticipated building.  In the third quarter 2009, we recognized an early termination fee associated with the cancellation of long-term contracts by a customer on two of these eight rigs. In addition, as a result of an existing contractual obligation, we took delivery of a new 1,500 horsepower drilling rig during the fourth quarter of 2009 at a cost of $13.2 million.  The customer, who had signed a two year term contract
 
 
30
for this rig when it was ordered, opted not to take delivery of the rig and paid an early termination fee under the contract provisions during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Oil and Natural Gas Segment Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures.  Most of our capital expenditures are discretionary and directed toward future growth. Our decision to increase our oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves through acquisitions or through drilling depends on the prevailing or expected market conditions, potential return on investment, future drilling potential and opportunities to obtain financing under the circumstances involved, all of which provide us with a large degree of flexibility in deciding when and if to incur these costs. We completed drilling 27 gross wells (12.16 net wells) in the first three months of 2010 compared to 21 gross wells (5.43 net wells) in the first three months of 2009. Total capital expenditures for the first three months of 2010 by this segment, excluding a $0.3 million ARO liability, totaled $58.2 million. Currently we plan to participate in drilling an estimated 175 gross wells in 2010 and estimate our total capital expenditures (excluding any possible acquisitions) for our oil and natural gas segment will be approximately $365.0 million. Whether we are able to drill the full number of wells we are planning on drilling is dependent on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control and include the availability of drilling rigs, prices for oil, NGLs and natural gas, demand for oil and natural gas, the cost to drill wells, the weather and the efforts of outside industry partners.

During 2009, we acquired interests in approximately 60,000 net undeveloped acres in the Marcellus Shale Play, located mainly in Pennsylvania and Maryland for approximately $43.6 million. In July 2009, we received $7.1 million and approximately 1,500 net undeveloped acres, representing payment for our 50% interest in 4,000 gross undeveloped acres and reimbursement for costs we paid on behalf of unaffiliated third parties. On September 30, 2009, per our agreement with the third parties, we were paid approximately $14.9 million for our 50% interest in approximately 18,000 gross undeveloped acres of the Marcellus Shale and $26.1 million for a receivable from the third parties for their 50% share of the costs we paid on their behalf to acquire the acreage.  The sales proceeds reduced undeveloped leasehold and no gain or loss was recorded on this sale. We now have an interest in approximately 50,500 net undeveloped acres.

As of March 31, 2010, we had commitments to purchase casing for $1.1 million.

Mid-Stream Acquisitions and Capital Expenditures.  During the first quarter of 2010, our mid-stream segment incurred $6.9 million in capital expenditures as compared to $5.3 million in the first quarter of 2009. For 2010, we have budgeted capital expenditures of approximately $53.0 million. The increase over 2009 expenditures is due to anticipated drilling activity by operators in the areas of our existing gathering systems resulting in new well connections as well as adding an additional processing facility to accommodate the increased drilling activity of our oil and natural gas segment.

As of December 31, 2008, we had commitments to purchase two new processing plants. After December 31, 2008, we cancelled the purchase of one of these plants due to nonperformance of contractual terms.  We are seeking to recover the $2.8 million progress payments made toward the full purchase price before this contract was terminated. In March 2009, we cancelled our remaining commitment for the second plant and incurred a $1.3 million penalty.  Approximately half of the penalty is being applied toward the purchase price of the plant we are constructing in 2010.

 
31
         Contractual Commitments.    At March 31, 2010, we had the following contractual obligations:
 
   
Payments Due by Period
 
           
Less Than
   
2-3
   
4-5
   
After
 
     
Total
   
1 Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
5 Years
 
                (In thousands)          
Bank debt (1)
 
$
33,928
 
$
1,828
 
$
32,100
 
$
 
$
 
Operating leases (2)
   
6,904
   
1,690
   
2,909
   
2,305
   
 
Drill pipe, drilling components and
                               
equipment purchases (3)
   
17,512
   
17,512
   
   
   
 
Total contractual obligations
 
$
58,344
 
$
21,030
 
$
35,009
 
$
2,305
 
$
 
________________ 
(1)
See previous discussion in MD&A regarding our Credit Facility. This obligation is presented in accordance with the terms of the Credit Facility and includes interest calculated using our March 31, 2010 interest rate of 6.1% which includes the effect of the interest rate swaps.
 
(2)
We lease office space or yards in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Houston, Texas; Englewood and Denver, Colorado; Pinedale, Wyoming; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under the terms of operating leases expiring through January, 2015. Additionally, we have several equipment leases and lease space on short-term commitments to stack excess drilling rig equipment and production inventory.

(3)
For the next twelve months, we have committed to purchase approximately $14.6 million of new drilling rig components, drill pipe, drill collars and related equipment and $1.1 million of casing.  Also in 2010, we will pay the remaining $1.8 million towards the purchase of a 50mmcf/d gas plant.
  
 
32
        At March 31, 2010, we also had the following commitments and contingencies that could create, increase or accelerate our liabilities:
 
   
Estimated Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
           
Less
                   
     
Total
   
Than 1
   
2-3
   
4-5
   
After 5
 
Other Commitments
   
Accrued
   
Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Years
 
   
 (In thousands)
 
Deferred compensation plan (1)
 
$
2,066
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
 
Separation benefit plans (2)
 
$
4,757
 
$
140
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
 
Derivative liabilities – interest rate swaps
 
$
2,019
 
$
932
 
$
1,087
 
$
 
$
 
Asset retirement liability (3)
 
$
57,342
 
$
1,632
 
$
17,429
 
$
4,152
 
$
34,129
 
Gas balancing liability (4)
 
$
3,263
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
 
Repurchase obligations (5)
 
$
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
   
Unknown
 
Workers’ compensation liability (6)
 
$
22,979
 
$
8,383
 
$
3,185
 
$
1,141
 
$
10,270
 
__________________ 
(1)
We provide a salary deferral plan which allows participants to defer the recognition of salary for income tax purposes until actual distribution of benefits, which occurs at either termination of employment, death or certain defined unforeseeable emergency hardships. We recognize payroll expense and record a liability, included in other long-term liabilities in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, at the time of deferral.
 
(2)
Effective January 1, 1997, we adopted a separation benefit plan (“Separation Plan”). The Separation Plan allows eligible employees whose employment with us is involuntarily terminated or, in the case of an employee who has completed 20 years of service, voluntarily or involuntarily terminated, to receive benefits equivalent to four weeks salary for every whole year of service completed with the company up to a maximum of 104 weeks. To receive payments the recipient must waive any claims against us in exchange for receiving the separation benefits. On October 28, 1997, we adopted a Separation Benefit Plan for Senior Management (“Senior Plan”). The Senior Plan provides certain officers and key executives of the company with benefits generally equivalent to the Separation Plan. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has absolute discretion in the selection of the individuals covered in this plan. On May 5, 2004 we also adopted the Special Separation Benefit Plan (“Special Plan”). This plan is identical to the Separation Benefit Plan with the exception that the benefits under the plan vest on the earliest of a participant’s reaching the age of 65 or serving 20 years with the company. On December 31, 2008, all these plans were amended to bring the plans into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
(3)
When a well is drilled or acquired, under “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” we have recorded the fair value of liabilities associated with the retirement of long-lived assets (mainly plugging and abandonment costs for our depleted wells).
 
(4)
We have recorded a liability for those properties we believe do not have sufficient oil, NGLs and natural gas reserves to allow the under-produced owners to recover their under-production from future production volumes.
 
(5)
We formed The Unit 1984 Oil and Gas Limited Partnership and the 1986 Energy Income Limited Partnership along with private limited partnerships (the “Partnerships”) with certain qualified employees, officers and directors from 1984 through 2008, with a subsidiary of ours serving as general partner. The Partnerships were formed for the purpose of conducting oil and natural gas acquisition, drilling and development operations and serving as co-general partner with us in any additional limited partnerships formed during that year. The Partnerships participated on a proportionate basis with us in most drilling operations and most producing property acquisitions commenced by us for our own account during the period from the formation of the Partnership through December 31 of that year. These partnership agreements require, on the election of a limited partner, that we repurchase the limited partner’s interest at amounts to be determined by appraisal in the future. Such repurchases in any one year are limited to 20% of the units outstanding. We made repurchases of $1,000 in 2009, $241,000 in 2008 and did not have any repurchases for the first quarter of 2010.

 
33
 
(6)  
We have recorded a liability for future estimated payments related to workers’ compensation claims primarily associated with our contract drilling segment.

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

Interest Rate Swaps. From time to time we enter into interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to possible future interest rate increases under our Credit Facility. Under these transactions we swap the variable interest rate we would otherwise incur on a portion of our bank debt for a fixed rate of interest. As of March 31, 2010, we had two outstanding interest rate swaps; both were cash flow hedges. There was no material amount of ineffectiveness. Our March 31, 2010 balance sheet recognized the fair value of these swaps as current and non-current derivative liabilities and is presented in the table below:

Term
 
Amount
 
Fixed Rate
 
Floating Rate
 
Fair Value Asset (Liability)
($ in thousands)
April 2010 – May 2012
 
$     15,000
 
4.53%
 
3 month LIBOR
 
$                                     (1,070)
April 2010 – May 2012
 
$     15,000
 
4.16%
 
3 month LIBOR
 
(949)
               
$                                     (2,019)

Because of these interest rate swaps, interest expense increased by $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. A loss of $1.2 million, net of tax, is reflected in accumulated OCI as of March 31, 2010.

Commodity Hedges.  Our hedging is intended to reduce price volatility and manage price risks. Our decision on the type and quantity of our production and the price(s) of our hedge(s) is based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions.  Based on our first quarter 2010 average daily production, as of March 31, 2010, the approximated percentages we have hedged are as follows:

Oil and Natural Gas Segment:

     
April – December 2010
 
January – December 2011
 
January – December 2012
Daily oil production
   
74
%
 
%
 
%
Daily natural gas production
   
74
%
 
13
%
 
13
%
 
        With respect to the commodities subject to the hedge, the use of hedging limits the risk of adverse downward price movements, however it also limits increases in future revenues that would otherwise result from favorable price movements.
 
        The use of derivative transactions also involves the risk that the counterparties will be unable to meet the financial terms of the transactions. Based on our valuation at March 31, 2010, we determined that the non-performance risk with regard to our counterparties was immaterial. At March 31, 2010, Bank of Montreal, Bank of America, N.A., Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, London Branch, Comerica Bank, BBVA Compass Bank and Barclays Capital were the counterparties with respect to all of our commodity derivative transactions.  At March 31, 2010, the fair values of the net assets we had with each of these counterparties was $12.3 million, $12.7 million, $4.6 million, $8.9 million, $3.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
 
        If a legal right of set-off exists, we net the value of the derivative arrangements we have with the same counterparty in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2010, we recorded the fair value of our commodity derivatives on our balance sheet as current and non-current derivative assets of $40.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. At March 31, 2009, we recorded the fair value of our commodity derivatives on our balance sheet as current and non-current derivative assets of $86.3 million and $22.2 million, respectively, and current and non-current derivative liabilities of $1.6 million and $0.2 million, respectively.
 
 
34
        We recognize in accumulated OCI the effective portion of any changes in fair value and reclassify the recognized gains (losses) on the sales to revenue and the purchases to expense as the underlying transactions are settled.  As of March 31, 2010, we had a gain of $25.4 million, net of tax from our oil and natural gas segment derivatives and no gain or loss from our mid-stream segment derivatives in accumulated OCI.
 
        Based on market prices at March 31, 2010, we expect to transfer to earnings approximately $24.3 million, net of tax, of the gain included in accumulated OCI during the next 12 months in the related month of production. The interest rate swaps and the commodity derivative instruments existing as of March 31, 2010 are expected to mature by May 2012 and December 2012, respectively.
 
        Certain derivatives do not qualify as cash flow hedges. Currently, we have three basis swaps that do not qualify as cash flow hedges.  For these types of derivatives, any changes in the fair value that occurs before their maturity (i.e., temporary fluctuations in value) are reported currently in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as unrealized gains (losses) within our oil and natural gas revenues. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in OCI until the hedged item is recognized into earnings. Any change in fair value resulting from ineffectiveness is recognized currently in our oil and natural gas revenues as unrealized gains (losses). The effect of these realized and unrealized gains and losses on our revenues and expenses were as follows for the three months ended March 31:

 
2010
   
2009
 
    (In thousands)  
Increases (decreases) in:
             
Oil and natural gas revenue:
             
Realized gains (losses) on oil and natural gas derivatives
$
5,573
   
$
27,405
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges
 
1,091
     
(44
)
Unrealized gains (losses) on non-qualifying oil and natural gas derivatives
 
57
     
(1,924
)
 Total increase on oil and natural gas revenues due to derivatives
$
6,721
   
$
25,437
 


Stock and Incentive Compensation. During the first quarter of 2010, we granted awards covering 248,383 shares of restricted stock. These awards were granted as retention incentive awards. The first quarter 2010 restricted stock awards had an estimated fair value as of the grant date of $10.6 million.  Compensation expense will be recognized over the two and three year vesting periods, and during the first quarter of 2010, we recognized $1.2 million in additional compensation expense and capitalized $0.2 million for these awards. During the first three months of 2010, we recognized compensation expense of $2.5 million for all of our restricted stock, stock options and SAR grants and capitalized $0.5 million of compensation cost for oil and natural gas properties.

Insurance.    We are self-insured for certain losses relating to workers' compensation, control of well and employee medical benefits.  Insured policies for other coverage contain deductibles or retentions per occurrence that range from $50,000 for fiduciary liability to $1.0 million for drilling rig physical damage.  We have purchased stop-loss coverage in order to limit, to the extent feasible, per occurrence and aggregate exposure to certain types of claims.  However, there is no assurance that the insurance coverage will adequately protect us against liability from all potential consequences.  We have elected to use an ERISA governed occupational injury benefit plan to cover all Texas drilling operations in lieu of covering them under Texas Workers' Compensation.  If insurance coverage becomes more expensive, we may choose to self-insure, decrease our limits, raise our deductibles or any combination of these rather than pay higher premiums.
 
Oil and Natural Gas Limited Partnerships and Other Entity Relationships.    We are the general partner of 15 oil and natural gas partnerships which were formed privately or publicly. Each partnership’s revenues and costs are shared under formulas set out in that partnership's agreement. The partnerships repay us for contract drilling, well supervision and general and administrative expense. Related party transactions for contract drilling and well supervision fees are the related party’s share of such costs. These costs are billed on the same basis as billings to unrelated third parties for similar services. General and administrative reimbursements consist of direct general and administrative expense incurred on the related party’s behalf as well as indirect expenses assigned to the related parties. Allocations are based on the related party’s level of activity and are considered by us to be reasonable. For
 
 
35
the first three months of 2010 and 2009, the total we received for all of these fees was $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Our proportionate share of assets, liabilities and net income relating to the oil and natural gas partnerships is included in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
New Accounting Pronouncements

Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements.  In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06 – Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820): Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, which provides additional guidance to improve disclosures regarding fair value measurements. The ASU amends ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures--Overall (formerly FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements) to add two new disclosures: (1) transfers in and out of Level 1 and 2 measurements and the reasons for the transfers, and (2) a gross presentation of activity within the Level 3 roll forward.  The ASU also includes clarifications to existing disclosure requirements on the level of disaggregation and disclosures regarding inputs and valuation techniques.  The ASU applies to all entities required to make disclosures about recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The effective date of the ASU is the first interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the gross presentation of the Level 3 roll forward information, which is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and for interim reporting periods within those years. This statement will not have a significant impact on us due to it only requiring enhanced disclosures.

 
36
 
Results of Operations

Quarter Ended March 31, 2010 versus Quarter Ended March 31, 2009

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

   
 Quarter Ended March 31,
   
Percent
 
     
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
                     
Total revenue
 
$
206,550,000
 
$
201,062,000
   
3
%
Net income (loss)
 
$
36,153,000
 
$
(147,493,000
)
 
125
%
Contract Drilling:
                   
Revenue
 
$
60,854,000
 
$
88,699,000
   
(31
)%
Operating costs excluding depreciation
 
$
40,900,000
 
$
50,330,000
   
(19
)%
Percentage of revenue from daywork contracts
   
98
%
 
100
%
 
(2
)%
Average number of drilling rigs in use
   
50.9
   
52.8
   
(4
)%
Average dayrate on daywork contracts
 
$
14,127
 
$
18,638
   
(24
)%
Depreciation
 
$
13,786,000
 
$
12,619,000
   
9
%
Oil and Natural Gas:
                   
Revenue
 
$
99,053,000
 
$
88,904,000
   
11
%
Operating costs excluding depreciation, depletion,
                   
amortization and impairment
 
$
25,034,000
 
$
24,816,000
   
1
%
Average oil price (Bbl)
 
$
67.33
 
$
50.51
   
33
%
Average NGL price (Bbl)
 
$
42.76
 
$
18.69
   
129
%
Average natural gas price (Mcf)
 
$
5.95
 
$
5.44
   
9
%
Oil production (Bbl)
   
303,000
   
343,000
   
(12
)%
NGL production (Bbl)
   
377,000
   
393,000
   
(4
)%
Natural gas production (Mcf)
   
10,034,000
   
11,862,000
   
(15
)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
                   
rate (Mcfe)
 
$
1.78
 
$
2.32
   
(23
)%
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
 
$
25,336,000
 
$
38,006,000
   
(33
)%
Impairment of oil and natural gas properties
 
$
 
$
281,241,000
   
NM
 
Mid-Stream Operations:
                   
Revenue
 
$
41,135,000
 
$
22,143,000
   
86
%
Operating costs excluding depreciation
                   
and amortization
 
$
32,726,000
 
$
20,677,000
   
58
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
3,941,000
 
$
4,061,000
   
(3
)%
Gas gathered—MMBtu/day
   
180,117
   
192,320
   
(6
)%
Gas processed—MMBtu/day
   
76,513
   
72,650
   
5
%
    Gas liquids sold—gallons/day
   
253,707
   
218,762
   
16
%
                     
General and administrative expense
 
$
6,279,000
 
$
6,089,000
   
3
%
Interest expense, net
 
$
 
$
477,000
   
NM
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
$
22,395,000
 
$
(89,761,000
)
 
125
%
Average interest rate
   
6.1
%
 
4.0
%
 
53
%
Average long-term debt outstanding
 
$
31,081,000
 
$
195,774,000
   
(84
)%
 ________________ 
(1)  
NM – A percentage calculation is not meaningful due to a zero-value denominator or a percentage change greater than 200.
 
Contract Drilling:

Drilling revenues decreased $27.8 million or 31% in the first quarter of 2010 versus the first quarter of 2009 primarily due to a 24% lower average dayrate in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009 and to a lesser extent a 4% decrease in the average number of rigs in use during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009. Average drilling rig utilization decreased from 52.8 drilling rigs in the first quarter of 2009 to 50.9 drilling rigs in the first quarter of 2010. Commodity prices have improved in the first quarter of 2010
 
 
37
compared to the first quarter of 2009. While we experienced increased drilling activity and spending by our customers during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the fourth quarter of 2009, weak natural gas prices may limit further increases and could result in reduced activity through 2010. 

Drilling operating costs decreased $9.4 million or 19% between the comparative first quarters of 2010 and 2009 primarily due to reductions in per day direct cost, indirect and workers’ compensation expense and to a lesser extent a decrease in the number of drilling rigs used. The industry utilization decreases since the third quarter of 2008, has reduced the demand for personnel which in turn has reduced the pressure on our labor costs. As demand for our rigs begin to increase so will the competition for qualified labor. Contract drilling depreciation increased $1.2 million or 9% primarily due to capital expenditures for upgrades to existing drilling rigs in our fleet.

Oil and Natural Gas:

Oil and natural gas revenues increased $10.1 million or 11% in the first quarter of 2010 as compared to the first quarter of 2009 primarily due to an increase in average oil, NGL and natural gas prices slightly offset by a 13% decrease in equivalent production volumes. Average oil prices between the comparative quarters increased 33% to $67.33 per barrel, NGL prices increased 129% to $42.76 per barrel and natural gas prices increased 9% to $5.95 per Mcf. In the first quarter of 2010, as compared to the first quarter of 2009, oil production decreased 12%, NGL production decreased 4% and natural gas production decreased 15% due to the natural declines in production from wells as we slowed down our drilling activity and reserve replacement throughout most of 2009 due to low commodity prices. We began increasing drilling activity during the fourth quarter of 2009 and currently plan to continue to increase our activity throughout 2010.

Oil and natural gas operating costs increased $0.2 million or 1% between the comparative first quarters of 2010 and 2009 as reductions in lease operating expenses were offset by increased gross production taxes due to higher commodity prices between quarters. Lease operating expenses per Mcfe decreased 1% to $1.06.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”) decreased $12.7 million or 33% primarily due to a 23% decrease in our DD&A rate and a 13% decrease in equivalent production. The decrease in our DD&A rate in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009 resulted primarily from the $281.2 million pre-tax non-cash ceiling test write-down of the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties in the first quarter of 2009 as a result of a decline in commodity prices. Our DD&A expense on our oil and natural gas properties is calculated each quarter utilizing period end reserve quantities.

Mid-Stream:

Our mid-stream revenues were $19.0 million or 86% higher for the first quarter of 2010 as compared to the first quarter of 2009 primarily due to higher NGL and natural gas prices and higher NGL volumes processed and sold. The average price for NGLs sold increased 81% and the average price for natural gas sold increased 57%. Gas processing volumes per day increased 5% between the comparative quarters and NGLs sold per day increased 16% between the comparative quarters.  The increase in volumes processed per day is primarily attributable to the volumes added from new wells connected to existing systems throughout 2009. NGLs sold volumes per day increased due to both an increase in volumes processed and upgrades to several of our processing facilities.  Gas gathering volumes per day decreased 6% primarily from well production declines associated with the wells gathered from one of our gathering systems located in Southeast Oklahoma.

Operating costs increased $12.0 million or 58% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009 primarily due to a 73% increase in prices paid for natural gas purchased. Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.1 million, or 3%, primarily due to decreased amortization on our intangible assets.  For 2010, we anticipate an increase in well connections over 2009 due to anticipated drilling activity by operators in the areas of our existing gathering systems as well as adding an additional processing facility to accommodate the increased drilling activity of our oil and natural gas segment.

 
38
Other:

Other revenue of $5.5 million for the first three months of 2010 was primarily attributable to the sale of six mechanical drilling rigs.

Interest expense, net of capitalized interest, decreased $0.5 million between the comparative quarters. We capitalized interest based on the net book value associated with our undeveloped oil and natural gas properties, the construction of additional drilling rigs and the construction of gas gathering systems. Our average interest rate was 53% higher and our average debt outstanding was 84% lower in the first quarter of 2010 as compared to the first quarter of 2009. Total interest incurred increased $0.3 million for the first quarter of 2010 and $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2009 due to interest rate swap settlements.

Income tax expense (benefit) changed from a benefit of $89.8 million in the first quarter of 2009 to an expense of $22.4 million in the first quarter of 2010 due to the non-cash ceiling test write down of $281.2 million pre-tax ($175.1 million, net of tax) of our oil and natural gas properties during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 as a result of declines in commodity prices. Our effective tax rate was 38.3% and 37.8% for the first quarters of 2010 and 2009, respectively. The portion of our taxes reflected as a current income tax expense for the first quarter of 2010 was $2.2 million or 10% of the total income tax expense for the first quarter of 2010 as compared with zero of total income tax expense in the first quarter of 2009.  Income taxes paid in the first quarter of 2010 were $2.4 million.


Safe Harbor Statement

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

These forward-looking statements include, among others, such things as:
 
· the amount and nature of our future capital expenditures and how we expect to fund our capital expenditures;
· the amount of wells to be drilled or reworked;
· prices for oil and natural gas;
· demand for oil and natural gas;
· our exploration prospects;
· estimates of our proved oil and natural gas reserves;
· oil and natural gas reserve potential;
· development and infill drilling potential;
· our drilling prospects;
· expansion and other development trends of the oil and natural gas industry;
· our business strategy;
· production of oil and natural gas reserves;
· growth potential for our mid-stream operations;
· gathering systems and processing plants we plan to construct or acquire;
· volumes and prices for natural gas gathered and processed;
· expansion and growth of our business and operations;
· demand for our drilling rigs and drilling rig rates; and
· our belief that the final outcome of our legal proceedings will not materially affect our financial results.
 
 
39
        These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and our perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments as well as other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform to our expectations and predictions is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations, including:
 
· the risk factors discussed in this report and in the documents we incorporate by reference;
· general economic, market or business conditions;
· the nature or lack of business opportunities that we pursue;
· demand for our land drilling services;
· changes in laws or regulations;
· the time period associated with the current decrease in commodity prices; and
· other factors, most of which are beyond our control.

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

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

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

Our operations are exposed to market risks primarily because of changes in commodity prices and interest rates.
 
Commodity Price Risk.   Our major market risk exposure is in the price we receive for our oil and natural gas production. These prices are primarily driven by the prevailing worldwide price for crude oil and market prices applicable to our natural gas production. Historically, the prices we received for our oil and natural gas production have fluctuated and we expect these prices to continue to fluctuate. The price of oil and natural gas also affects both the demand for our drilling rigs and the amount we can charge for the use of our drilling rigs. Based on our first three months 2010 production, a $0.10 per Mcf change in what we are paid for our natural gas production, without the effect of hedging, would result in a corresponding $320,000 per month ($3.8 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow. A $1.00 per barrel change in our oil price, without the effect of hedging, would have a $96,000 per month ($1.2 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow and a $1.00 per barrel change in our NGL prices, without the effect of hedging, would have a $121,000 per month ($1.5 million annualized) change in our pre-tax operating cash flow.
 
We use hedging transactions to reduce price volatility and manage price risks. Our decisions regarding the amount and prices at which we choose to hedge certain of our products is based, in part, on our view of current and future market conditions. The transactions we use include financial price swaps under which we will receive a fixed price for our production and pay a variable market price to the contract counterparty, and collars that set a floor and ceiling price for the hedged production. If the applicable monthly price indices are outside of the ranges set by the floor and ceiling prices in the various collars, we will settle the difference with the counterparty to the collars. Currently, we also have one basis swap that does not qualify as cash flow hedge. These financial derivatives are intended to support oil and gas prices at targeted levels and to manage our exposure to oil and gas price fluctuations. We do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes.

 
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Oil and Natural Gas Segment:

        At March 31, 2010, the following cash flow hedges were outstanding:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Weighted Average Fixed Price for Swaps
 
Hedged Market
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Crude oil - collar
 
1,000 Bbl/day
 
$67.50 put & $81.53 call
 
WTI – NYMEX
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Crude oil – swap
 
1,500 Bbl/day
 
$61.36
 
WTI – NYMEX
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 7.20
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.89
 
IF – Tenn Zone 0
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
30,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 6.12
 
IF – CEGT
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – swap
 
20,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.67
 
IF – PEPL
Apr’10 – Dec’10
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.79)
 
PEPL – NYMEX
                 
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.56
 
IF – NYMEX (HH)
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.14)
 
Tenn Zone 0 – NYMEX
                 
Jan’12 – Dec’12
 
Natural gas – swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
$ 5.62
 
IF – PEPL
 
        At March 31, 2010, the following non-qualifying cash flow derivatives were outstanding:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Basis Differential
 
Hedged Market
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.14)
 
Tenn Zone 0 – NYMEX
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
15,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.21)
 
CEGT – NYMEX
Jan’11 – Dec’11
 
Natural gas – basis differential swap
 
10,000 MMBtu/day
 
($0.225)
 
PEPL – NYMEX
 
         After March 31, 2010, we entered into the following cash flow hedge:

Term
 
Commodity
 
Hedged Volume
 
Weighted Average Fixed Price
 
Hedged Market
May’10–Dec’11
 
Liquids – swap (1)
 
644,406 Gal/mo
 
$0.97
 
OPIS – Conway
___________ 
(1) Types of liquids involved are natural gasoline, ethane, propane, isobutane and natural butane.

Interest Rate Risk.   Our interest rate exposure relates to our long-term debt, all of which bears interest at variable rates based on the BOKF National Prime Rate or the LIBOR Rate. At our election, borrowings under our revolving Credit Facility may be fixed at the LIBOR Rate for periods of up to 180 days. To help manage our exposure to any future interest rate volatility, we currently have two $15.0 million interest rate swaps, one at a fixed rate of 4.53% and one at a fixed rate of 4.16%, both expiring in May 2012.  Based on our average outstanding long-term debt subject to the floating rate in the first three months of 2010, a 1% increase in the floating rate would reduce our annual pre-tax cash flow by less than $0.1 million.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures under Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of March 31, 2010 in ensuring the appropriate information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported in our periodic SEC filings relating to the company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) and is accumulated and communicated to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and management to allow timely decisions.

Changes in Internal Controls. There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a – 15(f) under the Exchange Act.
 
 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Item 3 of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. There have been no significant changes to what was disclosed in the Form 10-K.

Item 1A.                    Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed below and in Part I, "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

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

The following table provides information relating to our repurchase of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2010:
 
Period
 
(a)
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
(b)
 Average
 Price
 Paid
 Per
 Share(2)
 
(c)
Total
Number
of Shares
Purchased
As Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (1)
 
(d)
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value)
of Shares
That May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs
January 1, 2010 to January 31, 2010
  
21,054
  
$
45.01
  
21,054
  
February 1, 2010 to February 28, 2010
  
  
 
  
  
March 1, 2010 to March 31, 2010
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
Total
  
21,054
  
$
45.01
  
21,054
  
 

 
(1)
The shares were repurchased to remit withholding of taxes on the value of stock distributed with the January 2010 vesting distribution for grants previously made from our “Unit Corporation Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan” adopted May 3, 2006.
   
(2)
The price paid per common share represents the closing sales price of a share of our common stock as reported by the NYSE on the day that the stock was acquired by us.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4.  Reserved and Removed

Not applicable.

 Item 5.  Other Information

Not applicable.

 
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Item 6.  Exhibits

Exhibits:

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

 
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SIGNATURES


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

   
Unit Corporation
   
Date:  May 4, 2010
By:  /s/ Larry D. Pinkston
 
LARRY D. PINKSTON
 
Chief Executive Officer and Director
   
Date:  May 4, 2010
By:  /s/ David T. Merrill
 
DAVID T. MERRILL
 
Chief Financial Officer and
 
Treasurer
 
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