SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x  

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


For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010

OR


o

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


For the transition period from ___________to___________


Commission File Number 0-27563


SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Texas

 

76-0314489

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)


7500 San Felipe, Suite 675, Houston, Texas 77063

(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)


(713) 458-1560

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


 

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


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


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  

Yes o    No o


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


Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer  o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company x


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

Yes o    No x


As of May 3, 2010, we had 16,690,292 shares of $0.001 par value Common Stock outstanding.




SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.


FORM 10-Q


INDEX

 

 

Page No.

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

 3

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

3

 

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

4

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009

5

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6

ITEM 2.

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

13

ITEM 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

20

ITEM 4T.

Controls and Procedures

20

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

Other Information

21

ITEM 6.

Exhibits

21




2





PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements


SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

2010

 

2009

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

22,759,192 

 

$

21,575,483 

Accounts receivable

 

6,060,714 

 

 

6,375,864 

Prepaid expenses and other

 

574,485 

 

 

1,184,468 

Derivative asset

 

 

 

328,980 

Total current assets

 

29,394,391 

 

 

29,464,795 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas properties - proved (successful efforts method)

 

164,019,594 

 

 

160,709,425 

Other

 

537,280 

 

 

537,280 

 

 

164,556,874 

 

 

161,246,705 

Less: Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

(24,775,093)

 

 

(21,596,154)

Total property and equipment, net

 

139,781,781 

 

 

139,650,551 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets, net

 

3,603,019 

 

 

3,719,405 

Total assets

$

172,779,191 

 

$

172,834,751 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

2,325,159 

 

$

2,673,078 

Revenue and severance tax payable

 

3,565,223 

 

 

3,773,503 

Accrued liabilities

 

27,165,574 

 

 

19,910,354 

Short-term notes payable

 

 

 

414,257 

Asset retirement obligation

 

908,747 

 

 

873,103 

Total current liabilities

 

33,964,703 

 

 

27,644,295 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Asset retirement obligation

 

9,706,538 

 

 

9,316,970 

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

764,029 

Long-term debt, net of unamortized discount of $1,048,474 and $1,217,578, respectively

 

108,980,404 

 

 

108,811,300 

Total long-term liabilities

 

118,686,942 

 

 

118,892,299 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities subject to compromise

 

19,264,190 

 

 

19,631,567 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitment and contingencies (see notes)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity (deficit):

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

16,690 

 

 

16,690 

Additional paid-in capital

 

19,918,414 

 

 

19,887,814 

Retained deficit

 

(19,071,748)

 

 

(13,237,914)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

863,356 

 

 

6,666,590 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

172,779,191 

 

$

172,834,751 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements



3






SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2010

 

2009

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas revenues

$

11,921,581 

 

$

8,527,355 

Other revenues

 

769,453 

 

 

27,659 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

12,691,034 

 

 

8,555,014 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expense

 

4,545,548 

 

 

4,644,398 

Exploration expense

 

188,895 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

3,178,939 

 

 

3,437,958 

Accretion expense

 

425,212 

 

 

314,103 

General and administrative

 

1,348,821 

 

 

1,934,390 

Production and severance taxes

 

1,346,306 

 

 

1,132,802 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

11,033,721 

 

 

11,463,651 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

1,657,313 

 

 

(2,908,637)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivative income, net

 

696,550 

 

 

2,840,217 

Interest income

 

6,939 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(6,869,942)

 

 

(5,184,602)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other expense

 

(6,166,453)

 

 

(2,344,385)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss before reorganization expense and income taxes

 

(4,509,140)

 

 

(5,253,022)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reorganization expense

 

1,324,694 

 

 

235,000 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss before income taxes

 

(5,833,834)

 

 

(5,488,022)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

 

 

1,841,625 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(5,833,834)

 

$

(3,646,397)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss per share - basis and diluted:

$

(0.35)

 

$

(0.22)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basis and diluted

 

16,690,292 

 

 

16,709,514 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements



4






SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

For the Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2010

 

2009

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(5,833,834)

 

$

(3,646,397)

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

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

3,178,939 

 

 

3,437,958 

Accretion expense

 

425,212 

 

 

314,103 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

237,537 

 

 

103,045 

Amortization of debt discount

 

169,104 

 

 

59,271 

Commodity derivative income

 

(473,962)

 

 

292,961 

Stock-based compensation

 

30,600 

 

 

419,132 

Deferred taxes

 

 

 

(1,960,625)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

315,150 

 

 

(673,068)

Prepaids and other

 

609,983 

 

 

359,891 

Accounts payable

 

(123,645)

 

 

(258,656)

Revenue and severance tax payable

 

(88,949)

 

 

2,670,776 

Accrued liabilities

 

6,544,236 

 

 

598,020 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

4,990,371 

 

 

1,716,411 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to oil and gas property

 

(3,310,169)

 

 

(2,012,062)

Additions to other property and equipment

 

 

 

(32,809)

Other

 

(121,150)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(3,431,319)

 

 

(2,044,871)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Repayment of short-term notes payable

 

(414,256)

 

 

(557,970)

Repayment of debt borrowings - related party

 

 

 

(82,117)

Settlements of commodity hedges recorded in purchase accounting

 

38,913 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(375,343)

 

 

(640,087)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

1,183,709 

 

 

(968,547)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

21,575,483 

 

 

5,677,994 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

$

22,759,192 

 

$

4,709,447 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

$

 

$

3,306,907 

Cash paid for income taxes

$

 

$


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements




5





SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

(DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

March 31, 2010

(Unaudited)


NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION


Organization


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


Financial Statements Presented


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


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


Changes in Presentation


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


Concentration of Credit Risk


Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk include cash, cash equivalents and any marketable securities. The Company had cash deposits of approximately $22.8 million in excess of FDIC insured limits at the period end. The Company has not experienced any losses on its deposits of cash and cash equivalents.


Accounting for Reorganization


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


·

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


·

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




6





·

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


·

Segregation of reorganization items (direct and incremental costs, such as professional fees, of being in bankruptcy) as a separate line item in the statement of operations outside of income from continuing operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2010 and March 31, 2009, we incurred $1,324,694 and $235,000 of reorganization costs, respectively, which reflects cash payments, all of which are related to operating activities;


·

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


·

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


·

Upon confirmation of Saratogas plan of reorganization, and emergence from Chapter 11 reorganization, fresh-start reporting” must be adopted if the reorganization value of Saratoga’s assets immediately before the date of confirmation is less than the total of all post-petition liabilities and allowed claims, and if holders of existing voting shares immediately before confirmation receive less than 50 percent of the voting shares of the emerging entity. Essentially, the reorganization value of the entity, as mutually agreed to by the debtor-in-possession and its creditors, would be allocated to the entity’s assets in conformity with the procedures specified by FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations.


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


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


The accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements do not reflect or provide for the consequences of the Chapter 11 proceedings. In particular, the financial statements do not show (1) as to assets, their realizable value on a liquidation basis or their availability to satisfy liabilities; (2) as to pre-petition liabilities, the amounts that may be allowed for claims or contingencies, or their status and priority; (3) as to shareowners’ equity accounts, the effect of any changes that may be made in our capitalization; or (4) as to operations, the effect of any changes that may be made in our business.  See Note 2 – “Plan of Reorganization” and Note 9 – “Subsequent Events – Exit from Bankruptcy.”


Recent Accounting Pronouncements


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



7






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


NOTE 2 – PLAN OF REORGANIZATION


On February 11, 2010 the Company filed its Third Amended Plan of Reorganization and on March 30, 2010 the Company filed a modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization (the “Modified Third Amended Plan”).  The principal terms of the Modified Third Amended Plan are:


·

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


·

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


·

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


·

state lessor audit royalty claims would be paid 100% in monthly installments over twenty-four months;


·

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


·

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


·

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


On April 19, 2010, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Modified Third Amended Plan and, on May 14, 2010, the Company satisfied all of the conditions set forth in the Modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization, the Modified Third Amended Plan became effective and the Company exited from bankruptcy.  See Note 9 – “Subsequent Events – Exit From Bankruptcy.”


NOTE 3 – LIABILITIES SUBJECT TO COMPROMISE


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


The Debtors have been paying and intend to continue to pay undisputed postpetition claims in the ordinary course of business. In addition, the Debtors may reject prepetition executory contracts and unexpired leases with respect to the Debtors’ operations, with the approval of the Court. Damages resulting from rejection of executory contracts and unexpired leases are treated as general unsecured claims and will be classified as liabilities subject to compromise.


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




8





Liabilities subject to compromise consist of the following:


 

March 31,

2010

 

December 31,

2009

Accounts payable

$

13,267,388

 

$

13,043,112

Revenue and severance tax payable

 

2,263,377

 

 

2,144,046

Accrued interest

 

2,871,856

 

 

2,871,856

Accrued liabilities

 

256,141

 

 

967,125

Notes payable – related parties

 

605,428

 

 

605,428

Total liabilities subject to compromise

$

19,264,190

 

$

19,631,567


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


NOTE 4 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE AND WARRANTS


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


Stock Option Activity


The following table summarizes information about stock option activity and related information for the three months ended March 31, 2010 is presented below:


 

 

Options

 

Weighted-

Average Exercise

Price

 

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2010

 

75,000

 

$

0.36

 

$

70,500

Granted

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Exercised

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Forfeited

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Outstanding at March 31, 2010

 

75,000

 

$

0.36

 

$

70,500

Exercisable at March 31, 2010

 

75,000

 

$

0.36

 

$

70,500


The weighted average remaining contract life of the options is 9 years.


Share-Based Compensation Expense


The following table reflects share-based compensation recorded by the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:


 

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

2010

 

2009

Share-based compensation expense included in reported net income

$

30,600 

 

$

419,132 

Earnings per share effect of share-based compensation expense

$

(0.00)

 

$

(0.03)


At March 31, 2010, unamortized stock-based compensation not yet recorded totaled $40,800.


Warrant Activity


No warrants were issued or exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2010.  At March 31, 2010, the Company had 1,090,516 warrants outstanding with a remaining contractual life of 3.3 years.  The weighted average exercise price for all remaining outstanding warrants was $0.08.  The warrants had an intrinsic value of $1,334,516 at March 31, 2010.




9





NOTE 5 – EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE


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


 

For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 

2010

 

2009

 

Income

(Loss)

 

Weighted

Average

Common

Shares

Outstanding

 

Per Share

 

Income

(Loss)

 

Weighted

Average

Common

Shares

Outstanding

 

Per Share

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) attributable to common stock

$

(5,833,834)

 

16,690,292 

 

$

(0.35)

 

$

(3,646,397)

 

16,709,514 

 

$

(0.22)

Effective of Dilutive Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock options and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) attributable to common

stock, including assumed conversions

$

(5,833,834)

 

16,690,292

 

$

(0.35)

 

$

(3,646,397)

 

16,709,514 

 

$

(0.22)


Potentially dilutive securities excluded from the computation of weighted average diluted shares of common stock because the impact of these potentially dilutive securities were antidilutive totaled 1,090,516 and 1,165,516 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.


NOTE 6 – COMMODITY DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS


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


During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we recognized a realized gain of $261,501due to pricing and a realized gain of $435,049 as a result of the liquidation of all of our derivative instruments by our secured lender.  During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company recognized a realized gain of $3,133,178 and had an unrealized loss of $292,961 as a result of mark-to-market valuations.


As of March 31, 2010, the Company had no natural gas or crude oil derivative instruments outstanding.


NOTE 7 – ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS


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


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


At March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the amount of the escrow account totaled $2,187,118 and $2,065,968, respectively and is shown as other assets on the Company’s balance sheet.




10





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


Balance at December 31, 2009

$

10,190,073 

Accretion expense

 

425,212 

Additions

 

Revisions

 

Settlements

 

Balance at March 31, 2010

$

10,615,285 


NOTE 8 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


As noted above and in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, since the filing by the Company and its subsidiaries of petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on March 31, 2009, the Company has operated its business as debtor-in-possession.  There is no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully operate, or finance its operations, upon exit from bankruptcy.


From time to time the Company may become involved in litigation in the ordinary course of business. At March 31, 2010, other than the Company’s operation under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the Company’s management was not aware, and as of the date of this report is not aware, of any such litigation that could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.


The Company, as an owner or lessee and operator of oil and gas properties, is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to discharge of materials into, and protection of, the environment. These laws and regulations may, among other things, impose liability on the lessee under an oil and gas lease for the cost of pollution clean-up resulting from operations and subject the lessee to liability for pollution damages. In some instances, the Company may be directed to suspend or cease operations in the affected area. The Company maintains insurance coverage, which it believes is customary in the industry, although the Company is not fully insured against all environmental risks. The Company is not aware of any environmental claims existing as of March 31, 2010, which have not been provided for, covered by insurance or otherwise have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations. There can be no assurance, however, that current regulatory requirements will not change, or past non-compliance with environmental laws will not be discovered on the Company’s properties.


NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS


Exit From Bankruptcy


Confirmation of Plan


On April 19, 2010, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Louisiana (the “Bankruptcy Court”) entered an order (the “Confirmation Order”) confirming the Company’s Modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization.


Effectiveness of Plan


On May 14, 2010, the Company satisfied all of the conditions set forth in the Modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization, the Modified Third Amended Plan became effective and the Company exited from bankruptcy.


Amended Revolving Credit Agreement


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


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



11






Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement


On May 14, 2010, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement reflecting the terms described in the Modified Third Amended Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement, the Company’s term credit facility was revised to reflect the total amount borrowed and owing thereunder of $127.5 million and to provide for accrual of interest at 11.25% per annum payable interest only on a monthly basis with all amounts owing under the agreement being due and payable in full on April 30, 2012.


Compensation and Stock Option Grants


Executive Compensation


In April 2010, the Company’s board of directors approved increases in base salary to $305,000 for Thomas Cooke, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Andy Clifford, President of the Company.  The board also approved one-time bonuses of $55,000 to both Mr. Cooke and Mr. Clifford.  The increase in base salary and payment of bonuses each are subject to, and payable on or commencing on, exit from bankruptcy.


Stock Option Grants


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


Warrant


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




12





ITEM 2.

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


Forward-Looking Information


This Form 10-Q quarterly report of Saratoga Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) for the three months ended March 31, 2010, contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby.  To the extent that there are statements that are not recitations of historical fact, such statements constitute forward-looking statements that, by definition, involve risks and uncertainties.  In any forward-looking statement, where we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the statement of expectation or belief will be achieved or accomplished.


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


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


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


Note Regarding Bankruptcy Filing


The accompanying consolidated and combined financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed elsewhere in this report, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the US Bankruptcy Code on March 31, 2009, which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.  The following discussion should be read in light of the foregoing.


2010 Developments


Plan of Reorganization and Exit from Bankruptcy  


We continued to operate as debtor-in-possession during the quarter ended, and as of, March 31, 2010.


On February 11, 2010 the Company filed its Third Amended Plan of Reorganization and on March 30, 2010 the Company filed a modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization (the “Modified Third Amended Plan”).  The principal terms of the Modified Third Amended Plan are:


·

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


·

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




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·

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


·

state lessor audit royalty claims would be paid 100% in monthly installments over twenty-four months;


·

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


·

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


·

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


On April 19, 2010, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the Modified Third Amended Plan and, on May 14, 2010, the Company satisfied all of the conditions set forth in the Modified Third Amended Plan of Reorganization, the Modified Third Amended Plan became effective and the Company exited from bankruptcy.  See Note 9 – “Subsequent Events – Exit From Bankruptcy.”


Drilling and Development Activities


During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we continued our plan to further develop our assets albeit at a curtailed pace pending our emergence from bankruptcy.  During the quarter, our principal development activities related to the ongoing full field study in the Grand Bay field and planning for post-bankruptcy development activities, including infrastructure upgrades and drilling plans.  No wells were drilled during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 and no drilling, recompletions or workovers were ongoing at March 31, 2010.


At and for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, we had approximately 86 wells in production.  


Executive Compensation


In April 2010, our board of directors approved increases in base salary to $305,000 for Thomas Cooke, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Andy Clifford, President of the Company.  The board also approved one-time bonuses of $55,000 to both Mr. Cooke and Mr. Clifford.  The increase in base salary and payment of bonuses each are subject to, and payable on or commencing on, the Effective Date.


Stock Option Grants


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


Warrant


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




14





Results of Operations


Oil and Gas Revenue


Oil and gas revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 increased by 40% to $11,921,581from $8,527,355 in the 2009 quarter.  The increase in revenue was attributable to a 58% increase in average hydrocarbon prices realized during the quarter, as compared to the 2009 quarter, partially offset by an 11% decrease in production volumes as compared to the 2009 quarter. The following table discloses the net oil and natural gas production volumes, average daily production, oil and gas revenues and average sales prices for the quarters ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:


 

2010

 

2009

Oil and gas production (MMcfe)

 

1,185

 

 

1,336

Average daily production (Mcfe)

 

13,163

 

 

14,842

Oil and gas revenues (in 000’s)

$

11,922

 

$

8,527

Price per Mcfe

$

10.06

 

$

6.38


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


The decrease in production during the 2010 quarter was due to unusually cold weather during the quarter that resulted in line freezes and a temporary cessation of production.


Operating Expenses


Operating expenses decreased by 3.8% to $11,033,721 for the first quarter of 2010 from $11,463,651 in the 2009 quarter. The following table sets forth the components of operating expenses for the 2010 and 2009 quarters:


 

2010

 

2009

Lease operating expense

$

4,545,548

 

$

4,644,298

Exploration expense

 

188,895

 

 

-

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

 

3,178,939

 

 

3,437,958

Accretion expense

 

425,212

 

 

314,103

General and administrative expenses

 

1,348,821

 

 

1,934,390

Production and severance taxes

 

1,346,306

 

 

1,132,802

 

$

11,033,721

 

$

11,463,651


As more fully described below, the decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributable to decreases in lease operating expenses, general and administrative expenses and depreciation, depletion and amortization, partially offset by increased exploration expense, accretion expense and production and severance taxes.


As a result of the Company’s bankruptcy filing on March 31, 2009, commencing in the second quarter of 2009 and continuing during the pendency of the bankruptcy case, the Company’s operating expenses will reflect additional general and administrative costs associated with operations while in bankruptcy.  That increase in expenses may be offset in part by reduced operating expenses attributable to a curtailment in the scope of operations during the bankruptcy and ongoing cost cutting efforts of the Company.


Lease Operating Expenses  


Lease operating expenses for the 2010 quarter decreased to $4,545,548, or $3.84 per Mcfe, from $4,644,398, or $3.48 per Mcfe, in the 2009 quarter.  




15





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


Exploration Expense


Exploration expense, totaling $188,895 for the 2010 quarter, was attributable to our ongoing full field studies on our properties for evaluation of our assets, which studies commenced subsequent to the corresponding 2009 quarter.


Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (DD&A)


Depreciation, depletion and amortization for the 2010 quarter decreased to $3,178,939 from $3,437,958 in the 2009 quarter. The decrease in DD&A was attributable to the decrease in production volumes during the 2010 quarter. DD&A is computed on the units-of-production method separately on each individual property and includes the accrual of future plugging and abandonment costs.


Accretion expense  


Accretion expense for the 2010 quarter increased to $425,212 from $314,103 in 2009 quarter.  The increase in accretion expense was attributed to increased revisions to asset retirement obligations at year end 2009.


General and Administrative Expenses and Other   


General and administrative expense for the 2010 quarter decreased to $1,384,821 from $1,934,390 in the 2009 quarter. The decrease was attributable to lower stock-based compensation ($388,532) during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 and general cost control measures.  


Production and Ad Valorem Taxes


Production and ad valorem taxes for the 2010 quarter increased to $1,346,306 from $1,132,802 in the 2009 quarter. The increase was due to higher oil prices during the quarter ended March 31, 2010.


Other Income (Expense), Net


Net other expense totaled $6,166,453 for the 2010 quarter and $ 2,344,385 of expenses for the 2009 quarter.  The following table sets forth the components of net other income (expenses) for the 2010 and 2009 quarters:


 

2010

 

2009

Commodity derivative income (expense)

$

696,550 

 

$

2,840,217 

Interest income

 

6,939 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(6,869,942)

 

 

(5,184,602)

 

$

(6,166,453)

 

$

(2,344,385)


As more fully described below, the changes in other income (expense), net, was principally attributable to the liquidation of our commodity derivates during the 2010 quarter, resulting in a 75% smaller gain for the quarter compared to income from commodity derivatives during the 2009 quarter, and an increase in the estimated accrued interest rate we are recording based on the settled terms with Wayzata.




16





Commodity Derivative Income (Expense)


Commodity derivative income decreased to $696,550 during the 2010 quarter from income of $2,840,217 for the 2009 quarter.  Pursuant to the terms of the Term Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement, we entered into certain derivative contracts and entered into additional derivative contracts to reduce the impact of changes in the prices of oil and natural gas.  During the 2010 quarter, Wayzata, as administrative agent for the lenders under both the Term Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement, liquidated all of our then existing commodity derivates and applied the proceeds to amounts owed under the credit agreements.  As a result of changes in prices and liquidation of our commodity derivatives we realized a gain during the 2010 quarter.  Commodity derivative income during 2009 reflected the sharp drop in oil and gas prices during that period resulting in forward hedge prices exceeding oil and natural gas prices during the 2009 quarter.


Interest Income (Expense), Net  


Interest income (expense), net, reflects interest incurred on debt under the Term Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement, partially offset by interest earned on cash balances held. Net interest expense increased to $6,869,942 in the 2010 quarter from $5,184,602 in the 2009 quarter.  The increase in net interest expense was attributable to an increase in the estimated accrued interest we are recording based on the settled terms with Wayzata as reflected in the Modified Third Amended Plan.


Reorganization Expenses


Reorganization expenses reflect payments to professionals and other fees incurred in connection with our ongoing Chapter 11 case. Reorganization expenses increased to $1,324,694 during the 2010 quarter from $235,000 in the 2009 quarter. The increase in reorganization expenses was attributable to the payment of expenses for a full quarter during the 2010 quarter compared to limited payments of such expenses during the 2009 quarter as the Chapter 11 case was filed at the end of the 2009 quarter.


Income Tax Benefit


For the 2010 quarter, we recorded an income tax benefit of $0 compared to an income tax benefit of $1,841,625 in the 2009 quarter. For the quarter ended 2010, we had a deferred tax asset and a 100% valuation allowance; therefore, we recorded no tax benefit this quarter.


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


Financial Condition


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Our principal requirements for capital are to fund our day-to-day operations and exploration, development and acquisition activities and to satisfy our contractual obligations, primarily for the repayment of debt and any amounts owing during the period related to our hedging positions.  Pending our exit from bankruptcy, we have funded our operations, limited capital expenditures and debt service obligations through operating cash flow and cash on hand.  Since prior to our bankruptcy filing in March 2009, we have not had access to available capital under our Revolving Credit Agreement.


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




17





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


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


Cash, Cash Flows and Working Capital


We had a cash balance of $22,759,192 and working capital deficiency of $4,570,312 at March 31, 2010 as compared to a cash balance of $21,575,483 and working capital surplus of $1,820,500 at December 31, 2009. The increase in cash on hand is primarily attributable to non-payment of interest expense during the period of bankruptcy. The decrease in working capital is attributable to the accrual of interest relating to Wayzata’s first and second lien note payable based on the anticipated settlement with Wayzata under the Modified Third Amended Plan. Accrued liabilities at March 31, 2010 were $27,526,837 of which $26,357,510 relates to interest accrued on Wayzata’s first and second lien claims. Following our exit from bankruptcy under the terms of the Modified Third Amended Plan, we expect to reclassify all accrued interest to Wayzata to the first and second lien note payables to Wayzata.


At March 31, 2010, liabilities subject to compromise totaled $19,264,190. As noted, on exit from bankruptcy we have utilized, or will utilize, approximately $10.7 million of our cash balance to pay liabilities subject to compromise and $5.5 million to pay owing under the Revolving Credit Agreement.


Operations provided cash flow of $4,990,371 for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 as compared to cash provided by operations of $1,716,411 for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. The increase in operating cash flows during 2010 was principally attributable to increases in oil and natural gas prices and decreases in operating expenses during 2010 as compared to 2009 and the accompanying increase in revenues and profitability.


Investing activities used cash totaling $3,431,319 during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 as compared to cash used in investing of $2,044,871 during the quarter ended March 31, 2009.  The increase in cash used in investing activities during 2010 was attributable to development of our oil and gas properties.


Financing activities used cash flows of $375,343 during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 as compared to cash used in financing activities of $640,087 during quarter ended March 31, 2009.  Cash flows used for financing during 2010 related primarily to payments related to insurance premiums.   The decrease in cash flows used in financing activities was primarily attributable to the cessation of payments on related party notes following the 2009 Chapter 11 filing.


Debt and Non-Current Liabilities; Impact of Bankruptcy


At March 31, 2010, we had $108,980,404 of indebtedness outstanding, consisting of $97,500,000 under the Term Credit Agreement (excluding $1,048,474 debt discount) and $12,528,878 under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Under the terms of our Modified Third Amended Plan, on exit from bankruptcy, we entered into an Amended Revolving Credit Agreement and Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement, under which the aggregate indebtedness (including accrued interest and costs) owed is fixed at $127,500,000 under the Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement and at $18,000,000 (including $10,159,128 in letters of credit and after payment of $5,500,000 on exit) under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement.




18





Additionally, at March 31, 2010, as noted above, we had liabilities subject to compromise of $19,264,190, including $1,951,091 attributable to a state mineral royalty audit and $605,430 owed on notes payable to officers. Under our Modified Third Amended Plan, on the Effective Date of our exit from bankruptcy, we paid, or will pay, 75%-80% of those liabilities (excluding amounts attributable to the state mineral royalty audit, notes payable to officers and amounts owing under the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Term Credit Agreement) in cash with the balance being payable over a period of one year.  


Letters of credit totaling approximately $9.7 million were outstanding at March 31, 2010.   At March 31, 2010, we had no availability to draw down funds under the Revolving Credit Agreement and, pursuant to the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, will have no availability to draw funds under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement following exit from bankruptcy.


Amended Revolving Credit Agreement


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


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


Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement


On May 14, 2010, we entered into an Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement reflecting the terms described in the Modified Third Amended Plan.  Under the Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement, our term credit facility was revised to reflect the total amount borrowed and owing thereunder of $127.5 million and to provide for accrual of interest at 11.25% per annum payable interest only on a monthly basis with all amounts owing under the agreement being due and payable in full on April 30, 2012.


We believe that our cash flows from operations and cash on hand are sufficient to support the payment of all amounts called for under the Modified Third Amended Plan, including amounts owing under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement and Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement, and our liquidity needs for 2010 and beyond.  However, as noted under the discussion of “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above, our ability to support operations and debt service is dependent upon oil and natural gas prices and our ability to refinance our obligations owing under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement and under the Amended and Restated Term Credit Agreement when the same mature in April 2012.  Any substantial decline in oil and natural gas prices or an inability to refinance our secured debt at maturity could substantially impair our ability to operate and to service our debt following our exit from bankruptcy.


Capital Expenditures and Commitments


Our capital spending for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 was $3,310,169 relating primarily to development of our oil and gas properties.  As a result of our operation as debtor-in-possession and inability to access our revolving credit facility, planned capital expenditures under our drilling and development program were curtailed or deferred during the quarter.


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




19





Risk Management Activities – Commodity Derivative Instruments


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


During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, Wayzata, acting under the Revolving Credit Agreement, liquidated all of our commodity derivative instruments and applied the proceeds to indebtedness owed thereunder. As a result, at March 31, 2010, we had no commodity derivative instruments in place and, in turn, were out of compliance with the requirements of the Revolving Credit Agreement relative to the maintenance of such hedges. Under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, we may not, without the consent of Wayzata, hedge more than 60% of our production.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements


We had no off-balance sheet arrangements or guarantees of third party obligations at March 31, 2010.


Inflation


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


ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


As noted elsewhere, during the quarter ended March 31, 2010, all of our natural gas and oil derivative instruments were liquidated by Wayzata. Under the Amended Revolving Credit Agreement, we may not, without the consent of Wayzata, hedge more than 60% of our production.


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


ITEM 4T.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Under the supervision and the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation as of March 31, 2010 of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2010.


In concluding that disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, management noted that the weaknesses identified in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 continued to exist.  Specifically, management noted the following:


1.

Lack of adequate internal accounting and financial reporting infrastructure.  The Company presently maintains a very limited internal accounting staff and does not employ a controller, resulting in its Vice President – Finance carrying out multiple functions that would normally be segregated among multiple positions.  As a result, the Company lacks adequate segregation of duties and is overly reliant upon outside consultants in the accounting and financial reporting process; and




20





2.

Non-timely recording of certain accounting entries.  Primarily as a result of the Company’s limited internal accounting and financial reporting infrastructure and the added demands on the accounting and financial reporting personnel due to the Company’s operation in bankruptcy, certain adjusting journal entries were required at the end of accounting periods, based on review by our outside accountants, which entries should have been recorded during the period.  In particular, share-based compensation expense, certain oil and gas accruals and tax accruals were recorded only after review by the Company’s outside auditors instead of being recorded as the same arose which would have been the case had we maintained sufficient internal accounting personnel.


Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



PART II


ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION


Executive Compensation


In April 2010, the Company’s board of directors approved increases in base salary to $305,000 for Thomas Cooke, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Andy Clifford, President of the Company.  The board also approved one-time bonuses of $55,000 to both Mr. Cooke and Mr. Clifford.  The increase in base salary and payment of bonuses each are payable on, or commencing on, the Effective Date.


Stock Option Grants


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


Warrant


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


ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS


Exhibit No.

 

Description

 

 

 

31.1

 

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

 

 

 

31.2

 

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

 

 

 

32.1

 

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

 

 

 

32.2

 

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




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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 behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 

 

 

SARATOGA RESOURCES, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:   May 17, 2010

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas F. Cooke

 

 

 

 

Thomas F. Cooke

 

 

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:   May 17, 2010

 

 

By:

/s/ Edward Hebert

 

 

 

 

Edward Hebert

 

 

 

 

Vice President – Finance





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