form10q.htm




UNITED STATES
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, 2013

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 001-12108

CRIMSON EXPLORATION INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
 
20-3037840
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
     
717 Texas Avenue, Suite 2900
Houston, Texas
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
77002
(Zip Code)
     

(713) 236-7400
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 twelve 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 twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes x  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.

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
   
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

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

On May 2, 2013, there were 46,623,161 shares outstanding of the registrant’s Common Stock, par value $0.001.

 
 

 

FORM 10-Q

CRIMSON EXPLORATION INC.

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2013


Table of Contents
 
Page
   
Part I:Financial Information
 
   
Item 1.Financial Statements
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
4
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012
6
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
7
   
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
15
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
23
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
24
   
Part II:Other Information
 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
25
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors
25
   
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use Of Proceeds
25
   
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities
25
   
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
25
   
Item 5.Other Information
25
   
Item 6.Exhibits
26
   
Signatures
28




 
2

 

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
CRIMSON EXPLORATION INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
   
(unaudited)
       
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $568,429 and $525,556, respectively
    12,215,741       11,726,078  
Prepaid expenses
    811,937       844,495  
Derivative instruments
    23,203       1,892,744  
Deferred tax asset, net
    10,854,534       10,361,157  
Total current assets
    23,905,415       24,824,474  
                 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
               
Oil and gas properties (successful efforts method of accounting)
    750,422,487       740,070,145  
Other property and equipment
    3,036,873       3,061,635  
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization
    (454,996,621 )     (442,304,300 )
Total property and equipment, net
    298,462,739       300,827,480  
                 
NONCURRENT ASSETS
               
Deposits
    34,743       34,743  
Debt issuance cost
    960,325       1,056,272  
Derivative instruments
    211,210       67,261  
Deferred tax asset, net
    43,801,070       41,810,159  
Total noncurrent assets
    45,007,348       42,968,435  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 367,375,502     $ 368,620,389  
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accounts payable
  $ 31,939,209     $ 31,127,671  
Accrued liabilities
    9,616,158       6,680,843  
Asset retirement obligations
    738,428       876,774  
Derivative instruments
    136,373        
Total current liabilities
    42,430,168       38,685,288  
                 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Long-term debt
    238,589,148       239,368,865  
Asset retirement obligations
    10,236,482       10,152,432  
Derivative instruments
    21,026        
Other noncurrent liabilities
    559,349       571,687  
Total noncurrent liabilities
    249,406,005       250,092,984  
                 
Total liabilities
    291,836,173       288,778,272  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common stock (par value $0.001; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 46,874,484 and 46,259,009 shares issued and 46,606,703 and 46,063,822 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)
    46,874       46,259  
Additional paid-in capital
    246,669,871       246,007,941  
Retained deficit
    (170,074,924 )     (165,343,525 )
Treasury stock (at cost, 267,781 and 195,187 shares as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively)
    (1,102,492 )     (868,558 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    75,539,329       79,842,117  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 367,375,502     $ 368,620,389  

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
3

 

CRIMSON EXPLORATION INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

   
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
             
OPERATING REVENUES
           
Crude oil sales
  $ 16,093,396     $ 16,892,614  
Natural gas sales
    6,002,675       7,069,114  
Natural gas liquids sales
    1,998,863       2,724,851  
Total operating revenues
    24,094,934       26,686,579  
                 
OPERATING EXPENSES
               
Lease operating expenses
    3,262,127       4,637,385  
Production and ad valorem taxes
    1,688,742       1,408,741  
Exploration expenses
    117,481       300,696  
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    12,839,720       14,462,062  
Impairment of oil and gas properties
    817,738       676,474  
General and administrative
    4,314,334       4,771,457  
Gain on sale of assets
    (6,384 )     (8,900 )
Total operating expenses
    23,033,758       26,247,915  
                 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
    1,061,176       438,664  
                 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
               
Interest expense
    (6,283,737 )     (6,245,182 )
Other income (expense) and financing costs
    (119,402 )     (242,743 )
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments
    (1,882,990 )     (525,633 )
Total other income (expense)
    (8,286,129 )     (7,013,558 )
                 
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (7,224,953 )     (6,574,894 )
                 
Income tax benefit
    2,493,554       2,175,809  
                 
NET LOSS
  $ (4,731,399 )   $ (4,399,085 )
                 
NET LOSS PER SHARE
               
Basic
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.10 )
Diluted
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.10 )
                 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
               
Basic
    44,389,522       43,976,950  
Diluted
    44,389,522       43,976,950  












The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
4

 


CRIMSON EXPLORATION INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013
(UNAUDITED)

                                     
   
NUMBER OF SHARES OF
         
ADDITIONAL
               
TOTAL
 
   
COMMON STOCK
   
COMMON STOCK
   
PAID-IN CAPITAL
   
RETAINED DEFICIT
   
TREASURY STOCK
   
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 2012
    46,063,822     $ 46,259     $ 246,007,941     $ (165,343,525 )   $ (868,558 )   $ 79,842,117  
Current period net loss
                      (4,731,399 )           (4,731,399 )
Share-based compensation
    615,475       615       661,930                   662,545  
Treasury stock
    (72,594 )                       (233,934 )     (233,934 )
BALANCE, MARCH 31, 2013
    46,606,703     $ 46,874     $ 246,669,871     $ (170,074,924 )   $ (1,102,492 )   $ 75,539,329  



































The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

 
5

 

CRIMSON EXPLORATION INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

   
For The Three Months Ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net loss
  $ (4,731,399 )   $ (4,399,085 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    12,839,720       14,462,062  
Asset retirement obligations
    (179,601 )     121,042  
Stock compensation expense
    662,545       532,311  
Amortization of financing costs and discounts
    418,391       385,585  
Deferred income taxes
    (2,484,288 )     (2,175,809 )
Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties
    817,738       676,474  
Gain on sale of assets
    (6,384 )     (8,900 )
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments
    1,882,990       525,633  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net
    (489,663 )     175,929  
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses
    32,558       (235,151 )
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    3,734,515       (9,521,713 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    12,497,122       538,378  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital expenditures
    (11,167,412 )     (32,675,599 )
Sale of assets
    6,384       8,900  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (11,161,028 )     (32,666,699 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payments on debt
    (37,215,089 )     (43,293,956 )
Proceeds from debt
    36,112,929       75,503,103  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
          6,952  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (233,934 )     (87,778 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (1,336,094 )     32,128,321  
                 
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
           
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
               
Beginning of period
           
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
               
End of period
  $     $  
                 
Cash paid for interest
  $ 5,870,267     $ 5,833,170  
Cash paid for income taxes
  $     $  







The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 
6

 

CRIMSON EXPLORATION INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
 
1.           ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Crimson Exploration Inc., together with its subsidiaries, (“Crimson”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is an independent energy company engaged in the exploitation, exploration, development and acquisition of natural gas and crude oil properties.  Our operating areas include the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast, South Texas, East Texas, Southeast Texas and Colorado regions, which are generally characterized by high rates of return in known, prolific producing trends.  We have expanded our strategic focus to include longer reserve life resource plays that we believe provide significant long-term growth potential in multiple formations.  We are also focusing on further developing our oil/liquid weighted assets.

2.           BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for complete annual financial statements.  The accompanying consolidated financial statements at March 31, 2013 (unaudited) and December 31, 2012 and for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (unaudited) and 2012 (unaudited) contain all normally recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for such periods.  Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.

These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include Crimson Exploration Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Crimson Exploration Operating, Inc. and LTW Pipeline Co.  All material intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated upon consolidation.  Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

New Accounting Standards Adopted in 2013

In December 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-11 “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities ASU 2011-11.  This accounting update requires that an entity disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position.  This accounting update was adopted on January 1, 2013 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-01— “Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities”.  The main objective in developing this update is to address implementation issues about the scope of ASU No. 2011-11.  This ASU clarifies the scope of the offsetting disclosures and addresses any unintended consequences.  The scope of Update

 
7

 


2011-11 applies to derivatives accounted for in accordance with Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, including bifurcated embedded derivatives, repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending transactions that are either offset in accordance with Section 210-20-45 or Section 815-10-45 or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement.  This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and interim periods within those annual periods.  An entity should provide the required disclosures retrospectively for all comparative periods presented.  This ASU was adopted on January 1, 2013 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

3.           USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Significant estimates included in the consolidated financial statements are: (1) crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids revenues and reserves; (2) depreciation, depletion and amortization; (3) impairment of oil and gas properties; (4) accrued assets and liabilities; (5) stock-based compensation; (6) asset retirement obligations; (7) valuation of derivative instruments and (8) valuation allowances associated with income taxes and accounts receivables.  Although management believes these estimates are reasonable, changes in facts and circumstances or discovery of new information may result in revised estimates.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

4.           FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Certain of our assets and liabilities are reported at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair values for each class of financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.  The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short-term nature or maturity of the instruments.

Derivative Instruments.  Our derivative instruments consist of variable to fixed price commodity swaps and costless collars.  The fair value measurement of our unrealized commodity price instruments were obtained from financial institutions and adjusted for non-performance risk, and were evaluated for accuracy using our hedge agreements and future commodity curves.  Differences between management’s calculation and that of the financial institutions were evaluated for reasonableness.  See Note 5 — “Derivative Instruments” for further information.

Impairments.  We test oil and gas properties for impairment when events and circumstances indicate a decline in the recoverability of the carrying value of such properties, such as a downward revision of the reserve estimates or lower commodity prices.  We estimate the future cash flows expected in connection with the properties and compare such future cash flows to the carrying amounts of the properties to determine if the carrying amounts are recoverable.  The factors used to determine fair value include, but are not limited to, estimates of proved and probable reserves, future commodity prices, the timing of future production and capital expenditures and a discount rate commensurate with the risk reflective of the lives remaining for the respective oil and gas properties.  Additionally, we may use appropriate market data to determine fair value.  Because these significant fair value inputs are typically not observable, we classify impairments of long-lived assets as a Level 3 fair value measure.  See Note 6 – “Oil and Gas Properties” for further information.

 
8

 


Asset Retirement Obligations.  The initial measurement of asset retirement obligations ("AROs") at fair value is calculated using discounted cash flow techniques and based on internal estimates of future retirement costs associated with oil and gas properties.  The factors used to determine fair value include, but are not limited to, plugging costs and reserve lives.  See Note 7 – “Asset Retirement Obligations” for further information.

Debt.  The fair value of floating-rate debt is estimated to be equivalent to the carrying amounts because the interest rates paid on such debt are set for periods of three months or less.  See Note 8 — “Debt” for further information.

Accounting guidance has established a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels.  The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  There have been no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during this quarter.

Fair value information related to our derivative instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis was as follows at March 31, 2013:

   
Total
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Derivatives
                       
Commodity price contracts (assets)
  $ 234,413     $     $ 234,413     $  
Commodity price contracts (liabilities)
    (157,399 )           (157,399 )      
Total
  $ 77,014     $     $ 77,014     $  

At March 31, 2013, we did not measure assets or liabilities at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

Fair value information for related to our derivative instruments measured at fair value was as follows at December 31, 2012:

   
Total
   
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
Carrying Value
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Derivatives
                       
Commodity price contracts
  $ 1,960,005     $     $ 1,960,005     $  

5.           DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

At the end of each reporting period we record on our balance sheet the mark-to-market valuation of our derivative instruments.  We recorded net assets for derivative instruments of $77,014 and $2.0 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.  As a result of these agreements, we recorded non-cash unrealized losses for unsettled contracts of $1.9 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The estimated change in fair value of the derivatives is reported in other income (expense) as unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments.  The realized gain (loss) on derivative instruments is included in crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids sales for our commodity price hedges.

 
9

 


In the past we have entered into, and may in the future enter into, certain derivative arrangements with respect to portions of our natural gas and crude oil production, to reduce our sensitivity to volatile commodity prices, and with respect to portions of our debt, to reduce our sensitivity to volatile interest rates.  None of our derivative instruments are designated as cash flow or fair value hedges.  We believe that these derivative arrangements, although not free of risk, allow us to achieve a more predictable cash flow and to reduce exposure to commodity price and interest rate fluctuations.  However, derivative arrangements limit the benefit of increases in the prices of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids sales and limit the benefit of decreases in interest rates.  Moreover, our derivative arrangements apply only to a portion of our production and provide only partial protection against declines in commodity prices.  Such arrangements may expose us to risk of financial loss in certain circumstances.  We continuously reevaluate our hedging programs in light of changes in production, market conditions, commodity price forecasts, capital spending, interest rate forecasts and debt service requirements.

We use a mix of commodity swaps and costless collars to accomplish our hedging strategy.  Derivative assets and liabilities with the same counterparty, subject to contractual terms which provide for net settlement, are reported on a net basis on our consolidated balance sheets.  We have exposure to financial institutions in the form of derivative transactions in connection with our hedges.  These transactions are with counterparties in the financial services industry, and specifically with members of our bank group.  These transactions could expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparties.  We believe our counterparty risk is low in part because of the offsetting relationship we have with each of our counterparties provided for in our senior secured revolving credit agreement and various hedge contracts.  See Note 4 — “Fair Value Measurements” for further information.

The following derivative contracts were in place at March 31, 2013:

Crude Oil
     
Volume/Month
   
Price/Unit
   
Fair Value
 
Apr 2013-Dec 2013
 
Swap
 
14,000 Bbls
 
$
101.25 (1)
 
$
559,262
 
Apr 2013-Dec 2013
 
Swap
 
9,000 Bbls
   
109.13 (2)
   
90,989
 
Apr 2013-Jun 2013
 
Swap
 
6,000 Bbls
   
108.35 (2)
   
(21,678
)
Apr 2013-Dec 2013
 
Swap
 
6,000 Bbls
   
107.10 (2)
   
(48,805
)
Apr 2013-Jun 2013
 
Swap
 
7,000 Bbls
   
104.80 (2)
   
(99,799
)
Jul 2013-Sep 2013
 
Swap
 
6,000 Bbls
   
103.47 (2)
   
(82,032
)
Oct 2013-Dec 2013
 
Swap
 
3,000 Bbls
   
102.30 (2)
   
(36,529
)
Jan 2014-Dec 2014
 
Swap
 
7,500 Bbls
   
102.10 (2)
   
(79,460
)
Jan 2014-Jun 2014
 
Swap
 
2,000 Bbls
   
108.07 (2)
   
45,665
 
Jan 2014-Dec 2014
 
Swap
 
6,000 Bbls
   
106.40 (2)
   
236,162
 
                       
Natural Gas
                     
Apr 2013-Jun 2013
 
Collar
 
50,000 Mmbtu
   
Put $3.75-$4.00 Call (3)
   
(12,110
)
Apr 2013-Dec 2013
 
Collar
 
75,000 Mmbtu
   
Put $3.00-$4.25 Call (3)
   
(127,094
)
Apr 2013-Dec 2013
 
Collar
 
75,000 Mmbtu
   
Put $3.25-$4.00 Call (3)
   
(185,288
)
Apr 2013-Dec 2013
 
Collar
 
35,000 Mmbtu
   
Put $3.75-$4.21 Call (3)
   
(33,805
)
Apr 2013-Dec 2013
 
Swap
 
70,000 Mmbtu
   
$4.02 (3)
   
(53,207
)
Apr 2013-Dec 2014
 
Collar
 
42,500 Mmbtu
   
Put $3.75-$4.60 Call (3)
   
(42,669
)
Apr 2013-Dec 2014
 
Collar
 
42,500 Mmbtu
   
Put $3.50-$5.00 Call (3)
   
(32,588
)
                       
 
Total net fair value of derivative instruments
 
$
77,014
 

(1)  
Commodity derivative based on West Texas Intermediate crude oil
(2)  
Commodity derivative based on Brent crude oil
(3)  
Commodity derivatives based on Henry Hub NYMEX natural gas prices

 
10

 

The following table details the effect of derivative contracts on the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively:
 
     
Amount of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income
 
 
Location of Gain or (Loss)
 
Three months ended March 31,
 
Contract Type
Recognized in Income
 
2013
   
2012
 
Crude oil contracts
Crude oil sales
  $ (207,269 )   $ (161,597 )
Natural gas contracts
Natural gas sales
    144,325       1,535,460  
 
Realized (loss) gain
  $ (62,944 )   $ 1,373,863  
                   
Crude oil contracts
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments
  $ (809,413 )   $ (1,532,130 )
Natural gas contracts
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivative instruments
    (1,073,577 )     1,006,497  
 
Unrealized loss
  $ (1,882,990 )   $ (525,633 )
 

Balance Sheet Presentation

Our derivatives are presented on a net basis in derivative instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The following summarizes the fair value of derivatives outstanding on a gross and net basis:

   
March 31, 2013
 
   
Gross
   
Netting (1)
   
Total
 
Assets:
                 
Commodity derivatives
  $ 932,078     $ (697,665 )    $ 234,413  
Liabilities:
                       
Commodity derivatives
    855,064       (697,665 )     157,399  

   
December 31, 2012
 
   
Gross
   
Netting (1)
   
Total
 
Assets:
                 
Commodity derivatives
  $ 2,206,705     $ (246,700 )   $ 1,960,005  
Liabilities:
                       
Commodity derivatives
    246,700       (246,700 )      

(1)  
Represents counterparty netting under agreements governing such derivatives

6.           OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

The following table sets forth the composition of impairment and abandonment expenses:

   
Three months ended March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Impairment and abandonment of unproved properties
  $ 817,738     $ 676,474  

2013 Asset Impairments. Non-cash impairments of unproved properties include $0.8 million related to individually insignificant acreage.  There were no impairments or abandonments of proved properties.

2012 Asset Impairments. Non-cash impairments of unproved properties include $0.7 million related to individually insignificant acreage.  There were no impairments or abandonments of proved properties.

 
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7.           ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

We estimate the fair values of AROs based on historical experience of plug and abandonment costs by field and, assumptions and judgments regarding such factors as the existence of a legal obligation for an ARO; estimated probabilities, amounts and timing of settlements; the credit-adjusted risk-free rate to be used and inflation rates.  The following table sets forth the composition of asset retirement obligations rollforward:

Beginning January 1, 2013 liability
  $ 11,029,206  
Accretion expense
    122,638  
Liabilities incurred
    2,667  
Liabilities settled
    (179,601 )
Revisions
     
Ending March 31, 2013 liability
  $ 10,974,910  

8.           DEBT

We maintain a senior secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo Bank”), as agent, and the lender parties thereto (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) that matures on May 31, 2015.  The borrowing base, currently set at $100 million, is based on our current proved crude oil and natural gas reserves, and is subject to semi-annual redeterminations, although our lenders may elect to make one additional unscheduled redetermination between scheduled redetermination dates.  The next borrowing base redetermination under our Senior Credit Agreement is scheduled for May 1, 2013.  We have started discussions with our agent bank on the scheduled redetermination, but may not finalize these discussions prior to filing this quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC.  As part of this process, our agent bank has recommended affirmation of the $100 million borrowing base to the lender group.  Based on our discussions, we are optimistic that the borrowing base will be reaffirmed at $100 million.  As of March 31, 2013, we had $68.1 million outstanding, with availability of $31.9 million, under our Senior Credit Agreement.

We also maintain a second lien credit agreement dated December 27, 2010 with Barclays Bank Plc, as agent, and the lender parties thereto, including an affiliate of OCM GW Holdings, LLC (“Oaktree Holdings”), our largest stockholder (the “Second Lien Credit Agreement”).  The Second Lien Credit Agreement provides for a term loan, which was made to us in a single draw in an aggregate principal amount of $175.0 million that matures on December 27, 2015.  As of March 31, 2013, we had a principal amount of $175.0 million outstanding, with a discount of $4.4 million using the estimated market value interest rate at the time of issuance, for a net reported balance of $170.6 million.  The Senior Credit Agreement and the Second Lien Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreements”) are secured by liens on substantially all of our assets, as well as security interests in the stock of our subsidiaries.  The liens securing the Second Lien Credit Agreement are junior to those securing the Senior Credit Agreement.  Interest is payable on the Credit Agreements as interim borrowings mature.

The Credit Agreements include usual and customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of their respective types and sizes, including, among others, limitations on liens, hedging, mergers, asset sales or dispositions, payments of dividends, incurrence of additional indebtedness, certain leases and investments outside of the ordinary course of business, as well as events of default.  The Credit Agreements also contain certain financial covenants.  See Note 9 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for a more detailed description of our Credit Agreements and the covenants under the Credit Agreements.  At March 31, 2013, we were in compliance with the covenants.


 
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9.           STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

In the three months ended March 31, 2013, 417,252 shares of restricted Common Stock vested, of which 72,594 shares were withheld by us to satisfy the employees’ tax liability resulting from the vesting of these shares, with the remaining shares being distributed to the employees and directors.  Discretionary grants of 642,000 shares of unvested restricted Common Stock were made to our employees during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as incentive-based equity compensation under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.

In the three months ended March 31, 2012, 193,228 shares of restricted Common Stock vested, of which 27,436 shares were withheld by us to satisfy the employees’ tax liability resulting from the vesting of these shares, with the remaining shares being distributed to the employees and directors.  During the three months we also issued 2,897 shares pursuant to stock option exercises.  Discretionary grants of 948,000 shares of unvested restricted Common Stock were made to our employees during the three months ended March 31, 2013 as incentive-based equity compensation under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.  We also granted 4,000 shares of restricted Common Stock during such period to new employees as part of their compensation package.

10.         INCOME TAXES

Income tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $2.5 million compared to income tax benefit of $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012.  The quarterly income tax provision is based on our estimate of the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year.  Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences net of a tax-adjusted $13.3 million valuation allowance.  The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced in the future if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

11.         RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04— “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date”.  The objective of this update is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. GAAP.  Examples of obligations within the scope of this update include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings.  U.S. GAAP does not include specific guidance on accounting for such obligations with joint and several liability, which has resulted in diversity in practice.  The accounting update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013.  We are currently evaluating the provisions of this accounting update and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on our financial position and results of operations.

Further, we are closely monitoring the joint standard-setting efforts of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board.  There are a large number of pending accounting standards that are being targeted for completion in 2013 and beyond, including, but not limited to, standards relating to revenue recognition, accounting for leases, fair value measurements, accounting for financial instruments, disclosure of loss contingencies and financial statement

 
13

 


presentation.  Because these pending standards have not yet been finalized, at this time we are not able to determine the potential future impact that these standards will have, if any, on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

12.         SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On April 30, 2013, Crimson Exploration Inc. ("Crimson") and Contango Oil & Gas Company ("Contango") jointly announced that they have signed a merger agreement for an all-stock transaction pursuant to which Crimson would become a wholly owned subsidiary of Contango.  Upon consummation of the merger, each share of Crimson stock will be converted into 0.08288 shares of Contango stock resulting in Crimson stockholders owning 20.3% of the post-merger Contango.

Following the merger, the combined company will be a premier Houston-based independent oil and gas company with a balanced offshore Gulf of Mexico ("GoM") and onshore Texas production profile.  The combined company will offer a deep inventory of high-impact GoM prospects complemented by Crimson's onshore oil and natural gas liquids-focused, lower-risk unconventional resource positions in several prolific plays.  Pro forma for the merger, the combined companies’ net daily production for the quarter ending March 31, 2013 would be approximately 101 Mmcfe (31% oil and natural gas liquids) and total proved reserves are estimated to be approximately 312 Bcfe (31% oil and natural gas liquids), based on SEC pricing at March 31, 2013.  Pro forma PV-10 of the estimated proved reserves of the combined company would be approximately $932.5 million.  The enhanced size and scale of the combined company and its conservatively capitalized balance sheet will position it to implement an accelerated oil and natural gas liquids-focused drilling program.

Crimson stockholders will receive per-share consideration consisting of 0.08288 shares of Contango common stock for each Crimson share.  Based on Contango’s closing stock price on April 29, 2013, this transaction represents an implied price per share for Crimson of $3.19, a premium of approximately 8% percent to the most recent closing price of Crimson common stock.  Aggregate consideration in the transaction is approximately $390 million based on the assumed issuance of approximately 3.9 million shares of Contango common stock and the assumption by Contango of approximately $244 million of long-term debt of Crimson.

The merger is subject to the approval of the stockholders of both Contango and Crimson as well as customary closing conditions.  The Estate of Kenneth R. Peak, Brad Juneau, members of the management teams of Contango and Crimson, and affiliates of Oaktree Capital Management (Crimson’s largest stockholder) have all entered into voting agreements in support of the transaction.  The merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2013.


 
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ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”)and with the consolidated financial statements, notes and management’s discussion and analysis reported on our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Statements in this discussion may be forward-looking.  These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control.

These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

·  
estimates of proved reserve quantities and net present values of those reserves;
·  
reserve potential;
·  
business strategy;
·  
estimates of future commodity prices;
·  
amounts, timing and types of capital expenditures and operating expenses;
·  
expansion and growth of our business and operations;
·  
expansion and development trends of the oil and gas industry;
·  
acquisitions of natural gas and crude oil properties;
·  
production of natural gas and crude oil reserves;
·  
exploration prospects;
·  
wells to be drilled and drilling results;
·  
operating results and working capital;
·  
results of borrowing base redeterminations under our revolving credit facility; and
·  
future methods and types of financing.

We caution that a number of risks and uncertainties could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results implied by these or any other forward-looking statements made by us on our behalf.  Risks and uncertainties that could cause or contribute to such differences include, without limitation, those factors discussed in “ITEM 1A. Risk Factors” contained in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

We caution you that the forward-looking statements contained in this Report are not guarantees of future performance, and we cannot assure you that those statements will be realized or the forward-looking events and circumstances will occur.  All forward-looking statements speak only as of the respective dates thereof.

We do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.  These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf.

Overview

We are an independent energy company engaged in the exploitation, exploration, development and acquisition of crude oil and natural gas properties.  Our operating areas include the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast, Texas and Colorado regions, which are generally characterized by high rates of return in known, prolific producing trends.  We have shifted our strategic focus to include longer reserve life resource

 
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plays in Southeast Texas (the Woodbine oil play) and South Texas (the Eagle Ford Shale and Buda oil plays).  We believe these plays provide significant long-term growth potential from multiple formations.  Additionally, we have producing properties in the Denver Julesburg Basin (“DJ Basin”) in Weld and Adams counties in Colorado, which we believe may be prospective in the Niobrara Shale oil play.  Until we see improvement in natural gas prices, we will focus our drilling activity predominantly on further developing our oil and liquids-rich assets.

Results of Operations

The following is a discussion of our consolidated results of operations, financial condition and capital resources. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

         Comparative results of operations for the periods indicated are discussed below.

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

Revenues

   
Three months
ended March 31,
             
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Percent Change
 
Product revenues:
 
(in millions, except percentages)
 
Crude oil sales
  $ 16.1     $ 16.9     $ (0.8 )     -4.7 %
Natural gas sales
    6.0       7.1       (1.1 )     -15.5 %
Natural gas liquids sales
    2.0       2.7       (0.7 )     -25.9 %
Product revenues
  $ 24.1     $ 26.7     $ (2.6 )     -9.7 %

Crude Oil, Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids Sales.  Revenues from the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids, net of the realized effects of our commodity price hedging instruments, were $24.1 million for the first quarter of 2013 compared to $26.7 million for the first quarter of 2012.  The decrease results from a 7.4% decrease in equivalent production volumes and a 2.5% decrease in realized equivalent prices.  The decrease in equivalent production volumes was primarily from an approximate 16% decrease in natural gas production while the decrease in equivalent realized prices was primarily from a 44% decrease in natural gas liquids realizations.

Production

   
Three months
ended March 31,
             
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Percent Change
 
Sales volumes:
                       
Crude oil (Bbl)
    153,042       158,633       (5,591 )     -3.5%  
Natural gas (Mcf)
    1,824,552       2,164,125       (339,573 )     -15.7%  
Natural gas liquids (Bbl)
    81,723       62,536       19,187       30.7%  
Natural gas equivalents (Mcfe) (1)
    3,233,142       3,491,139       (257,997 )     -7.4%  
% Crude oil and natural gas liquids
    43.6%       38.0%               5.6%  

(1)  
Equivalent volumes are based upon one barrel of crude oil or natural gas liquids equivalent to 6 Mcf of natural gas based on an approximation of equivalent energy content but are not equivalent in value

 
16

 

Quarterly production was approximately 3.2 Bcfe for the first quarter of 2013 compared to approximately 3.5 Bcfe for the first quarter of 2012.  On a daily basis, we produced an average of 35,924 Mcfe for the first quarter of 2013 compared to an average of 38,364 Mcfe for the first quarter of 2012, a decrease primarily due to our continued transition to drilling higher value, lower rate (on an equivalent basis) oil and liquids-rich projects in the Eagle Ford and Woodbine formations, compared to the higher rate dry natural gas wells previously pursued in the Haynesville/Mid-Bossier formations in East Texas.

Average Sales Prices

   
Three months
ended March 31,
             
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Percent Change
 
Average sales prices (before hedging):
                       
Crude oil (Bbl)
  $ 106.51     $ 107.51     $ (1.00 )     -0.9%  
Natural gas (Mcf)
    3.21       2.56       0.65       25.4%  
Natural gas liquids (Bbl)
    24.46       43.57       (19.11 )     -43.9%  
Natural gas equivalents (Mcfe)
    7.47       7.25       0.22       3.0%  

   
Three months
ended March 31,
             
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Percent Change
 
Average sales prices (after hedging):
                       
Crude oil (Bbl)
  $ 105.16     $ 106.49     $ (1.33 )     -1.2%  
Natural gas (Mcf)
    3.29       3.27       0.02       0.6%  
Natural gas liquids (Bbl)
    24.46       43.57       (19.11 )     -43.9%  
Natural gas equivalents (Mcfe)
    7.45       7.64       (0.19 )     -2.5%  

Crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices are reported net of the realized effects of our hedging agreements.  We realized gains of $0.1 million on natural gas hedges and losses of $0.2 million on crude oil hedges in the first quarter of 2013, compared to realized gains of $1.5 million for natural gas hedges and losses of $0.2 million for crude oil hedges in the first quarter of 2012.  The decrease in realized hedging results for 2013 was due to the expiration in 2012 of more favorable natural gas hedges put in place during a higher commodity price environment in January 2011.


 
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Costs and Expenses

   
Three months ended March 31,
             
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Percent Change
 
Selected Operating Expenses:
 
(in millions, except percentages)
 
Lease operating expenses
  $ 3.3     $ 4.6     $ (1.3 )     -28.3%  
Production and ad valorem taxes
    1.7       1.4       0.3       21.4%  
Exploration expenses
    0.1       0.3       (0.2 )     -66.7%  
General and administrative (1)
    3.7       4.2       (0.5 )     -11.9%  
Cash operating expenses
    8.8       10.5       (1.7 )     -16.2%  
Depreciation, depletion & amortization
    12.8       14.5       (1.7 )     -11.7%  
Share-based compensation (1)
    0.7       0.5       0.2       40.0%  
Selected operating expenses (2)
  $ 22.3     $ 25.5     $ (3.2 )     -12.5%  

(2)  
Total general and administrative costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include share-based compensation
(3)  
Exclusive of impairments, abandonments and sales of assets

   
Three months ended March 31,
             
   
2013
   
2012
   
Change
   
Percent Change
 
Selected Operating Expenses ($ per Mcfe):
 
Lease operating expenses
  $ 1.01     $ 1.33     $ (0.32 )     -24.1%  
Production and ad valorem taxes
    0.52       0.40       0.12       30.0%  
Exploration expenses
    0.04       0.09       (0.05 )     -55.6%  
General and administrative (1)
    1.13       1.21       (0.08 )     -6.6%  
Cash operating expenses
    2.70       3.03       (0.33 )     -10.9%  
Depreciation, depletion & amortization
    3.97       4.14       (0.17 )     -4.1%  
Share-based compensation (1)
    0.20       0.15       0.05       33.3%  
Selected operating expenses ($ per Mcfe) (2)
  $ 6.87     $ 7.32     $ (0.45 )     -6.1%  

(1)  
Total general and administrative costs on the Consolidated Statements of Operations include share-based compensation
(2)  
Exclusive of impairments, abandonments and sales of assets

Lease Operating Expenses.  Lease operating expenses for the first quarter of 2013 were $3.3 million ($1.01 per Mcfe) compared to $4.6 million ($1.33 per Mcfe) in the first quarter of 2012, a decrease resulting from lower workover costs.

Production and Ad Valorem Tax Expenses.  Production and ad valorem tax expenses for the first quarter of 2013 were $1.7 million compared to $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2012, an increase primarily due to a higher percentage of taxable production.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization (“DD&A”).  DD&A expense for the first quarter of 2013 was $12.8 million compared to $14.5 million for the first quarter of 2012.

Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties.  Non-cash impairment of oil and gas properties for the first quarter of 2013 was $0.8 million compared to $0.7 million for the first quarter of 2012.  The impairments were the result of amortization of unproved properties.

 
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General and Administrative (“G&A”) Expenses.  Total G&A expenses were $4.3 million ($1.33 per Mcfe) for the first quarter of 2013 compared to $4.8 million ($1.37 per Mcfe) for the first quarter of 2012, which includes non-cash stock expense of $0.7 million ($0.20 per MCFE) and $0.5 million ($0.15 per Mcfe) for the first three months of 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Cash G&A expenses decreased primarily due to lower personnel and facility costs.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense was $6.3 million for the first quarter of 2013 compared to $6.2 million for the first quarter of 2012.

Other Income (Expense) and Financing Cost.  Other income (expense) and financing cost was $0.1 million for the first quarter 2013 compared to $0.2 million for the first quarter of 2012.  These expenses consist primarily of the amortization of capitalized costs associated with our credit facilities and commitment fees related to the undrawn availability under our revolving credit agreement.

Unrealized Loss on Derivative Instruments.  The non-cash unrealized loss on derivative instruments for the first quarter of 2013 was $1.9 million compared to $0.5 million for the first quarter of 2012.  The unrealized gain or loss is the change in the mark-to-market exposure under our commodity price hedging contracts.  Unrealized gain or loss will vary period to period, and will be a function of the hedges in place, the strike prices of those hedges and the forward price curve of the commodities being hedged.

Income Taxes.  Our net loss before taxes was $7.2 million for the first quarter of 2013 compared to $6.6 million in the first quarter of 2012.  After adjusting for permanent tax differences, we recorded an income tax benefit of $2.5 million for the first quarter of 2013, compared to $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2012.  Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are deductible, we believe it is more likely than not that we will realize the benefits of these deductible differences net of a previously recorded tax-adjusted $13.3 million valuation allowance.  The amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable could be reduced in the future if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary cash requirements are for capital expenditures (including acquisitions), working capital, operating expenses and principal and interest payments on indebtedness.  Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated by operations, net of the realized effect of our hedging agreements, and amounts available to be drawn under our revolving credit facility.  To the extent our cash requirements exceed our sources of liquidity, we will be required to fund our cash requirements through other means, such as through debt and equity financing activities or asset monetizations, or reduce our capital expenditures.

 
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Liquidity and Cash Flow

Our working capital deficit was $18.5 million as of March 31, 2013, compared to a working capital deficit of $13.9 million as of December 31, 2012.  The following table provides the components and changes in working capital as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

   
March 31, 2013
   
December 31, 2012
   
Change
 
Current assets
 
(in millions, except percentages)
       
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 12.2     $ 11.7     $ 0.5  
Prepaid expenses
    0.8       0.8        
Derivative instruments
          1.9       (1.9 )
Deferred tax asset, net
    10.9       10.4       0.5  
Total current assets
    23.9       24.8       (0.9 )
                         
Current liabilities
                       
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1)
    41.6       37.8       3.8  
Asset retirement obligations
    0.7       0.9       (0.2 )
Derivative instruments
    0.1             0.1  
Total current liabilities
    42.4       38.7       3.7  
                         
Working capital (deficit)
  $ (18.5 )   $ (13.9 )   $ (4.6 )

(1)  
Reflects impact of timing of capital expenditures payable.

The table below summarizes certain measures of liquidity and capital expenditures, as well as our sources of capital from internal and external sources, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

   
Three months ended
March 31,
 
   
2013
   
2012
 
Financial Measures
 
(in millions)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 12.5     $ 0.5  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (11.2 )     (32.6 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    (1.3 )     32.1  
Cash and cash equivalents
           

During the three months ended March 31, 2013 the net cash provided by operating activities before changes in working capital decreased to $9.2 million, from $10.1 million for the first three months of 2012, primarily due to slightly lower revenue.

Net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures on oil and gas drilling projects and leasehold acquisitions.

Net cash used in financing activities, which consisted primarily of net borrowings (repayments) on our revolving credit agreement, was $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $32.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease primarily due to the 2012 reduction of the working capital deficit at December 31, 2011.

See the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for further details.

 
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Capital Resources

We maintain a senior secured revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“Wells Fargo Bank”), as agent, and the lender parties thereto (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) that matures on May 31, 2015.  The borrowing base currently set at $100 million, is based on our current proved crude oil and natural gas reserves, and is subject to semi-annual redeterminations, although our lenders may elect to make one additional unscheduled redetermination between scheduled redetermination dates.  The next borrowing base redetermination under our Senior Credit Agreement is scheduled for May 1, 2013.  We have started discussions with our agent bank on the scheduled redetermination, but may not finalize these discussions prior to filing this quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the SEC.  As part of this process, our agent bank has recommended affirmation of the $100 million borrowing base to the lender group.  Based on our discussions, we are optimistic that the borrowing base will be reaffirmed at $100 million.  The credit agreement also provides for the issuance of letters-of-credit up to a $5.0 million sub-limit.  As of March 31, 2013, we had $68.1 million outstanding, with availability of $31.9 million under our Senior Credit Agreement.

Advances under our Senior Credit Agreement are in the form of either base rate loans or LIBOR loans.  The interest rate on the base rate loans fluctuates based upon the higher of the lender’s “prime rate” and the Federal Funds rate.  The interest rate on the LIBOR loans fluctuates based upon the rate at which Eurodollar deposits in the LIBOR market are quoted for the maturity selected.  The applicable margin ranges between 1.75% and 2.75%, for LIBOR loans, and between 0.75% and 1.75%, for base rate loans.  The specific applicable interest margin is determined by, in each case, the percent of the borrowing base utilized at the time of the credit extension.  LIBOR loans of one, two, three and six months may be selected.  The commitment fee payable on the unused portion of our borrowing base is between 0.375% and 0.500%, depending on the borrowing base utilization.

We also maintain a second lien credit agreement dated December 27, 2010 with Barclays Bank Plc, as agent, and the lender parties thereto, including an affiliate of OCM GW Holdings, LLC (“Oaktree Holdings”), our largest stockholder (the “Second Lien Credit Agreement”).  The Second Lien Credit Agreement provides for a term loan, made to us in a single draw, in an aggregate principal amount of $175.0 million and matures on December 27, 2015.  As of March 31, 2013, we had a principal amount of $175.0 million outstanding, with a discount of $4.4 million using the estimated market value interest rate at the time of issuance, for a net reported balance of $170.6 million.

Advances under our Second Lien Credit Agreement are in the form of either base rate loans or LIBOR loans.  The interest rate on the base rate loans fluctuates based upon the greatest of (i) 4.00% per annum, (ii) the “prime rate”, (iii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus ½ of 1% and (iv) the LIBOR rate for a one month interest period plus 1.00%.  The applicable margin for base rate loans is 8.50%.  The interest rate on the LIBOR loans fluctuates based upon the higher of (i) 3.0% per annum and (ii) the LIBOR rate per annum.  The applicable margin for LIBOR loans is 9.50%.

Our Senior Credit Agreement and Second Lien Credit Agreement are secured by liens on substantially all of our assets, including the capital stock of our subsidiaries.  The liens securing the obligations under our Second Lien Credit Agreement are junior to those under our Senior Credit Agreement.  Unpaid interest is payable under our credit agreements as interim borrowings mature.

We utilize commodity price hedge instruments to minimize exposure to declining prices on our natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids production.  We use a series of swaps and costless collars to accomplish our commodity hedging position.  We currently have 5.2 Bcfe of equivalent production hedged for the remainder of 2013, consisting of 3.2 Bcf of natural gas hedges at NYMEX prices, 201 MBbl of crude oil hedges at Brent prices and 126 MBbl of crude oil hedges at WTI prices.  We also

 
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have 2.0 Bcfe of equivalent production hedged for 2014, consisting of 174 MBbl of crude oil hedges at Brent prices and 1.0 Bcf of natural gas hedges at NYMEX prices.

Future Capital Requirements

        Our future natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids reserves and production, and therefore our cash flow and results of operations, are highly dependent on our success in efficiently developing and exploiting our current reserves and economically finding or acquiring additional recoverable reserves.  We intend to grow our reserves and production by further exploiting our existing property base through drilling opportunities identified in our resource plays in South, Southeast and East Texas and Colorado and in our conventional inventory, with activity in any particular area to be a function of market and field economics.  In the short term, due to the low natural gas price environment, and the superior economics from oil production, we will focus the majority of our capital expenditures on the development of our South and Southeast Texas crude oil and natural gas liquids rich prospect inventory.  We anticipate that acquisitions, including those of undeveloped leasehold interests, will continue to play a role in our business strategy as those opportunities arise from time to time.  While there are currently no unannounced agreements for the acquisition of any material businesses or assets, such transactions can be effected quickly and could occur at any time.
 
        We believe that our internally generated cash flow, combined with access to our Senior Credit Agreement, will be sufficient to meet the liquidity requirements necessary to fund our daily operations, planned capital development and debt service requirements for the next twelve months.  We currently plan to limit our 2013 capital expenditures to our forecasted cash flow from operations for the year; however, we do possess the capacity, through our Senior Credit Agreement, to increase and/or accelerate drilling on any particular area should we determine that market and project economics so warrant.  The vast majority of our planned capital expenditures for 2013 are on acreage that is currently held by existing production, therefore, we also possess the flexibility of reducing or deferring our capital expenditures, if deemed appropriate, without the risk of significant lease expirations.  Our ability to execute on our growth strategy will be determined, in large part, by our cash flow and the availability of debt and equity capital at that time.  Any decision regarding a financing transaction, and our ability to complete such a transaction, will depend on prevailing market conditions and other factors.  Our ability to continue to meet our liquidity requirements and execute on our growth strategy can be impacted by economic conditions outside of our control, such as commodity price volatility, which could, among other things, lead to a decline in the borrowing base under our Senior Credit Agreement in connection with a borrowing base redetermination.  In addition, if any lender under our credit agreement is unable to fund their commitment, our liquidity could be reduced by an amount up to the aggregate amount of such lender’s commitment under our credit agreement.  In such case, we may be required to seek other sources of capital earlier than anticipated.  Restrictions in our credit agreements may impair our ability to access other sources of capital, and access to additional capital may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.  See Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Item 7.  “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-04— “Liabilities (Topic 405): Obligations Resulting from Joint and Several Liability Arrangements for Which the Total Amount of the Obligation is Fixed at the Reporting Date”.  The objective of this update is to provide guidance for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of obligations resulting from joint and several liability arrangements for which the total amount of the obligation within the scope of this guidance is fixed at the reporting date, except for obligations addressed within existing guidance in U.S. generally accepted accounting

 
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principles (“GAAP”).  Examples of obligations within the scope of this update include debt arrangements, other contractual obligations, and settled litigation and judicial rulings.  U.S. GAAP does not include specific guidance on accounting for such obligations with joint and several liability, which has resulted in diversity in practice.  The accounting update is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013.  We are currently evaluating the provisions of this accounting update and assessing the impact, if any, it may have on our financial position and results of operations.

        Further, we are closely monitoring the joint standard-setting efforts of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the International Accounting Standards Board.  There are a large number of pending accounting standards that are being targeted for completion in 2013 and beyond, including, but not limited to, standards relating to revenue recognition, accounting for leases, fair value measurements, accounting for financial instruments, disclosure of loss contingencies and financial statement presentation.  Because these pending standards have not yet been finalized, at this time we are not able to determine the potential future impact that these standards will have, if any, on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 3.          QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are currently exposed to market risk primarily related to adverse changes in natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids prices. We use derivative instruments to manage our commodity price risk caused by fluctuating prices. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading purposes. For information regarding our exposure to certain market risks, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and Note 5 – Derivative Instruments included in Part I. Item 1. Financial Statements of this Report.

Commodity Price Risk

In the past we have entered into, and may in the future enter into, certain derivative arrangements with respect to portions of our natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids production, to reduce our sensitivity to volatile commodity prices.  We believe that these derivative arrangements, although not free of risk, allow us to achieve a more predictable cash flow and to reduce exposure to commodity price and interest rate fluctuations.  However, derivative arrangements limit the benefit of increases in the prices of natural gas, crude oil and natural gas liquids.  Moreover, our derivative arrangements apply only to a portion of our production and provide only partial protection against declines in commodity prices.  Such arrangements may expose us to risk of financial loss in certain circumstances.  We expect that the monthly volume of derivative arrangements will vary from time to time.  We continuously reevaluate our hedging program in light of increases in production, market conditions, commodity price forecasts, capital spending and debt service requirements.

At March 31, 2013, we had entered into swaps and costless collars related to future natural gas and crude oil sales with a net fair value of $77,014.  A price increase of $1.00 per Bbl of crude oil would decrease the net fair value of our commodity derivatives by approximately $0.3 million.  A price increase of $0.10 per MMBtu for natural gas would decrease the net fair value of our commodity derivatives by approximately $0.2 million.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk on debt with variable interest rates.  In the past we have entered into, and may in the future enter into, interest rate swap agreements.  Changes in interest rates affect the amount of interest we pay on borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement and our Second Lien Credit Agreement.  At March 31, 2013, we did not have any outstanding interest rate swap

 
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agreements.  Assuming our current level of borrowings, a 100 basis point increase in the interest rates we pay under our Senior Credit Agreement would result in an increase of our interest expense by $0.7 million.

ITEM 4.          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Report, that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in such reports is accumulated and communicated to management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, there has been no change to our internal controls over financial reporting that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls.



 
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PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.          LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 for a description of legal proceedings to which we are subject.

ITEM 1A.       RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.  The risks described in this report and in our previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission 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 or future results.

ITEM 2.          UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

We withheld the following shares of Crimson Common Stock from employee stock distributions to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to restricted stock which vested during the first quarter of 2013.  These shares may be deemed to be “issuer purchases” of shares that are required to be disclosed pursuant to this item.


Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
 
Average price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares That May Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs
February 1-28, 2013
 
11,267
$
3.23
 
11,267
 
(1)
March 1-31, 2013
 
61,327
$
3.20
 
61,327
 
(1)
Total
 
72,594
     
72,594
   

(1)  Shares were withheld from employees to satisfy certain tax withholding obligations due in connection with grants of stock under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and other equity incentives.  Company policy and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan provide for the withholding of shares to satisfy tax obligations.

ITEM 3.          DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
        None.

ITEM 4.          MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

        None.

ITEM 5.          OTHER INFORMATION

        None.


 
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ITEM 6.                 EXHIBITS

Number
 
Description
   
       
3.1
 
 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 5, 2005)
 
       
3.2
 
 Bylaws of Crimson Exploration Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 5, 2005)
 
       
3.3
 
 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Information Statement on Schedule 14C filed on August 18, 2006)
 
       
4.1
 
 Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 5, 2005)
 
       
4.2
 
 Shareholders Rights Agreement between GulfWest Energy Inc. and OCM GW Holdings, LLC dated February 28, 2005 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99(e) of the Schedule 13D, Reg. No. 005-54301, filed on March 10, 2005)
 
       
4.3
 
 Waiver, Consent and First Amendment to the Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2009, between Crimson Exploration Inc. and OCM GW Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2009)
 
       
4.4
 
 Termination Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2009, between Crimson Exploration Inc. and OCM GW Holdings, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2009)
 
       
*31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Exchange Rule13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
       
*31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Exchange Rule 13a-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
       
**32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18.U.S.C Section 1350 pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
       
**32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18.U.S.C Section 1350 pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
       
*101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
       
*101.SCH
 
XBRL Schema Document
 
     
*101.CAL
 
XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document
     
*101.LAB
 
XBRL Labels Linkbase Document
 
 
 
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ITEM 6.                 EXHIBITS (continued)

 
Number
 
Description
   
       
*101.PRE
 
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
     
*101.DEF
 
XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
     
   
*Filed herewith
   
**Furnished herewith

 
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SIGNATURES

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

   
CRIMSON EXPLORATION INC.
   
(Registrant)
       
       
Date:
May 8, 2013
By:
/s/ Allan D. Keel
     
Allan D. Keel
     
President and Chief Executive Officer
       
Date:
May 8, 2013
By:
/s/ E. Joseph Grady
     
E. Joseph Grady
     
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 
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