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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011

Commission file number 001-33334



PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  86-0876964
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

1000 Louisiana, Suite 5600, Houston, Texas 77002
(Address of principal executive offices including ZIP code)

(832) 204-2700
(Registrant's telephone number)

        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share   New York Stock Exchange



        Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

        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 ý    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 ý    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 definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

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

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

        As of April 27, 2011 the Registrant had 303,787,055 shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page  

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

       
 

ITEM 1.

 

Condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

   
5
 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010

   
5
 

 

Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010

   
6
 

 

Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010

   
7
 

 

Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements

   
8
 
 

ITEM 2.

 

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations

   
35
 
 

ITEM 3.

 

Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk

   
47
 
 

ITEM 4.

 

Controls and procedures

   
48
 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

       
 

ITEM 1.

 

Legal proceedings

   
48
 
 

ITEM 1A.

 

Risk factors

   
49
 
 

ITEM 2.

 

Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds

   
50
 
 

ITEM 3.

 

Defaults upon senior securities

   
50
 
 

ITEM 4.

 

(Removed and reserved)

   
50
 
 

ITEM 5.

 

Other information

   
50
 
 

ITEM 6.

 

Exhibits

   
51
 

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Special note regarding forward-looking statements

        This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains, and we may from time to time otherwise make in other public filings, press releases and presentations, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, concerning, among other things, planned capital expenditures, potential increases in oil and natural gas production, the number and location of wells to be drilled in the future, future cash flows and borrowings, pursuit of potential acquisition opportunities, our financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "may," "expect," "estimate," "project," "plan," "believe," "intend," "achievable," "anticipate," "will," "continue," "potential," "should," "could" and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. One should consider carefully the statements under the "Risk Factors" section of this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and the other disclosures contained herein and therein, which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following factors:

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        All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere in this document. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, subsequent events or circumstances, changes in expectations or otherwise.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)


PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Operating revenues:

             
 

Oil and natural gas

  $ 350,208   $ 300,591  
 

Marketing

    140,544     130,119  
 

Midstream

    972     7,072  
           
     

Total operating revenues

    491,724     437,782  
           

Operating expenses:

             
 

Marketing

    154,898     136,622  
 

Production:

             
   

Lease operating

    12,611     17,395  
   

Workover and other

    4,876     2,378  
 

Taxes other than income

    11,735     12,760  
 

Gathering, transportation and other

    52,895     28,156  
 

General and administrative

    39,975     32,034  
 

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

    157,312     104,768  
           
     

Total operating expenses

    434,302     334,113  

Amortization of deferred gain

   
48,468
   
 
           

Income from operations

    105,890     103,669  

Other income (expenses):

             
 

Net (loss) gain on derivative contracts

    (50,907 )   214,703  
 

Interest expense and other

    (66,803 )   (62,846 )
 

Equity investment income

    13,571      
           
     

Total other income (expenses)

    (104,139 )   151,857  
           

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

    1,751     255,526  

Income tax provision

    (571 )   (99,234 )
           

Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes

    1,180     156,292  

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

    (2,408 )   (157 )
           

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,228 ) $ 156,135  
           

Net (loss) income per share:

             
 

Basic:

             
   

Continuing operations

  $   $ 0.52  
   

Discontinued operations

         
           
   

Total

  $   $ 0.52  
           
 

Diluted:

             
   

Continuing operations

  $   $ 0.52  
   

Discontinued operations

         
           
   

Total

  $   $ 0.52  
           

Weighted average shares outstanding:

             
 

Basic

    301,021     300,157  
           
 

Diluted

    305,039     302,668  
           

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

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
  March 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 

Current assets:

             
 

Cash

  $ 1,541   $ 1,591  
 

Accounts receivable

    376,045     356,597  
 

Receivables from derivative contracts

    163,111     217,018  
 

Prepaids and other

    35,568     62,831  
           
   

Total current assets

    576,265     638,037  
           

Oil and natural gas properties (full cost method):

             
 

Evaluated

    8,205,478     7,520,446  
 

Unevaluated

    2,538,432     2,387,037  
           
   

Gross oil and natural gas properties

    10,743,910     9,907,483  
 

Less—accumulated depletion

    (4,928,072 )   (4,774,579 )
           
   

Net oil and natural gas properties

    5,815,838     5,132,904  
           

Other operating property and equipment:

             
 

Gas gathering systems and equipment

    204,010     150,372  
 

Other operating assets

    57,671     55,315  
           
   

Gross other operating property and equipment

    261,681     205,687  
 

Less—accumulated depreciation

    (22,534 )   (19,194 )
           
   

Net other operating property and equipment

    239,147     186,493  
           

Other noncurrent assets:

             
 

Goodwill

    932,802     932,802  
 

Other intangible assets, net of amortization

    86,579     89,342  
 

Debt issuance costs, net of amortization

    50,278     45,941  
 

Deferred income taxes

    229,818     258,570  
 

Receivables from derivative contracts

    36,962     41,721  
 

Assets held for sale

        74,448  
 

Equity investment

    214,664     217,240  
 

Other

    4,402     6,944  
           

Total assets

  $ 8,186,755   $ 7,624,442  
           

Current liabilities:

             
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

  $ 1,009,737   $ 787,238  
 

Deferred income taxes

    16,386     48,499  
 

Liabilities from derivative contracts

    32,202     5,820  
 

Payable to equity affiliate

    99     976  
 

Long-term debt

    14,815     14,790  
           
   

Total current liabilities

    1,073,239     857,323  
           

Long-term debt

    2,973,709     2,612,852  

Other noncurrent liabilities:

             
 

Liabilities from derivative contracts

    36,904     13,575  
 

Asset retirement obligations

    34,368     31,741  
 

Deferred gain on sale

    515,653     564,121  
 

Other

    563     544  
 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)

             

Stockholders' equity:

             
 

Common stock: 500,000,000 shares of $.001 par value authorized; 303,748,482 and 302,489,501 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively

    304     302  
 

Additional paid-in capital

    4,640,868     4,631,609  
 

Accumulated deficit

    (1,088,853 )   (1,087,625 )
           
   

Total stockholders' equity

    3,552,319     3,544,286  
           

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 8,186,755   $ 7,624,442  
           

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

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Cash flows from operating activities:

             

Net (loss) income

  $ (1,228 ) $ 156,135  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:

             
 

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

    157,312     106,074  
 

Income tax (benefit) provision

    (911 )   99,138  
 

Loss on sale

    3,950      
 

Stock-based compensation

    6,680     4,089  
 

Net unrealized loss (gain) on derivative contracts

    114,965     (190,095 )
 

Amortization of deferred gain

    (48,468 )    
 

Equity investment income

    (13,571 )    
 

Distributions from equity affiliate

    16,147      
 

Other operating

    11,169     8,349  

Change in assets and liabilities:

             
 

Accounts receivable

    (21,794 )   (20,368 )
 

Prepaids and other

    27,263     (8,452 )
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (10,343 )   (21,673 )
 

Payable to equity affiliate

    (877 )    
 

Other

    2,758     20,975  
           

Net cash provided by operating activities

    243,052     154,172  
           

Cash flows from investing activities:

             
 

Oil and natural gas capital expenditures

    (682,898 )   (638,999 )
 

Proceeds received from sale of oil and natural gas properties

    76,026     16,676  
 

Proceeds received from sale of Fayetteville gas gathering systems

    76,898      
 

Marketable securities purchased

    (155,000 )   (226,000 )
 

Marketable securities redeemed

    155,000     226,000  
 

Increase in restricted cash

    (295,748 )    
 

Decrease in restricted cash

    295,748     177,528  
 

Other operating property and equipment capital expenditures

    (54,315 )   (72,591 )
           

Net cash used in investing activities

    (584,289 )   (517,386 )
           

Cash flows from financing activities:

             
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    3,734     503  
 

Proceeds from borrowings

    1,449,500     571,000  
 

Repayment of borrowings

    (1,100,677 )   (204,968 )
 

Debt issuance costs

    (7,250 )    
 

Other

    (4,120 )   (3,439 )
           

Net cash provided by financing activities

    341,187     363,096  
           

Net decrease in cash

    (50 )   (118 )

Cash at beginning of period

   
1,591
   
1,511
 
           

Cash at end of period

  $ 1,541   $ 1,393  
           

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

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

        Petrohawk Energy Corporation (Petrohawk or the Company) is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development and production of predominately natural gas properties located in the United States. The Company operates in two segments, oil and natural gas production and midstream operations. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all majority-owned, controlled subsidiaries. The Company uses the equity method to account for investments in which the Company does not have a majority interest, but does have significant influence. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of the Company's management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the financial position as of, and the results of operations for, the periods presented. During interim periods, Petrohawk follows the accounting policies disclosed in its 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Please refer to the footnotes in the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K when reviewing interim financial results.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the Company's management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, if any, at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions and information that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be perceived with certainty and, accordingly, these estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained and as the Company's operating environment changes. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

        Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations or cash flows for the full year and accordingly, certain information normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States has been condensed or omitted. The Company has evaluated events or transactions through the date of issuance of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Marketing Revenue and Expense

        A subsidiary of the Company purchases and sells the Company's own and third party natural gas produced from wells which the Company and third parties operate. The revenues and expenses related to these marketing activities are reported on a gross basis as part of operating revenues and operating expenses. Marketing revenues are recorded at the time natural gas is physically delivered to third parties at a fixed or index price. Marketing expenses attributable to gas purchases are recorded as the Company takes physical title to natural gas and transports the purchased volumes to the point of sale.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Continued)

Midstream Revenues

        Revenues from the Company's midstream operations are derived from providing gathering and treating services for the Company and other owners in wells which the Company and third parties operate. Revenues are recognized when services are provided at a fixed or determinable price, collectability is reasonably assured and evidenced by a contract. The midstream operations segment does not take title to the natural gas for which services are provided, with the exception of imbalances that are monthly cash settled. The imbalances are recorded using published natural gas market prices.

Gas Gathering Systems and Equipment and Other Operating Assets

        Gas gathering systems and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over a 30-year estimated useful life. Upon disposition, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed and any gains or losses are reflected in current operations. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to operating expense as incurred. Material expenditures which increase the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining useful life of the asset. The Company capitalized $0.7 million and $1.2 million of interest for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, related to the construction of the Company's gas gathering systems and equipment.

        Gas gathering systems and equipment as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following:

 
  March 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010(1)
 
 
  (In thousands)
 

Gas gathering systems and equipment

  $ 204,010   $ 305,096  

Less—accumulated depreciation

    (4,248 )   (13,729 )
           
 

Net gas gathering systems and equipment

  $ 199,762   $ 291,367  
           

(1)
Includes gas gathering systems and equipment of approximately $155 million and related accumulated depreciation of approximately $11 million associated with the Fayetteville Shale midstream assets, which were classified as "Assets held for sale" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010. "Assets held for sale" were recorded at the lesser of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell, which resulted in a write down of approximately $69.7 million that was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2010. "Assets held for sale" were approximately $74 million as of December 31, 2010. The Company divested its Fayetteville Shale midstream operations on January 7, 2011.

        Other operating property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: automobiles, leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment, five years or the lesser of lease term; rental equipment, seven years; and computers, three years. Upon disposition, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed and any gains or losses are reflected in current operations. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to operating expense as incurred. Material expenditures which increase the life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining useful life of the asset.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Continued)

        The Company reviews its gas gathering systems and equipment and other operating assets in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment (ASC 360). ASC 360 requires the Company to evaluate gas gathering systems and equipment and other operating assets as events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value below the carrying amount. If the carrying amount is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows, then the Company would recognize an impairment loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the current fair value. Further, the Company evaluates the remaining useful lives of its gas gathering systems and equipment and other operating assets at each reporting period to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining depreciation periods.

Equity Method Investment

        On May 21, 2010, the Company contributed its Haynesville Shale gas gathering and treating business for a 50% membership interest in a new joint venture entity, KinderHawk Field Services LLC (KinderHawk), and approximately $917 million in cash. The Company's investment in KinderHawk, in which the Company does not have a majority interest, but does have significant influence, is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company's share of net income (loss) from KinderHawk is reflected as an increase (decrease) in its investment account in "Other noncurrent assets" and is also recorded as "Equity investment income" in "Other income (expenses)." Distributions from KinderHawk are recorded as reductions of the Company's investment and contributions to KinderHawk are recorded as increases of the Company's investment. The Company reviews its equity method investment for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the value of the investment has occurred. See Note 13, "Equity Method Investment," for further discussion.

Amortization of Deferred Gain

        As part of the KinderHawk transaction, the Company contributed its Haynesville Shale gathering and treating business in Northwest Louisiana to KinderHawk and Kinder Morgan contributed approximately $917 million ($875 million for a 50% membership interest in KinderHawk and $42 million for certain closing adjustments, including 2010 capital expenditures through the closing date) in cash to the new entity which was distributed to the Company. At May 21, 2010, as a result of the transaction, the Company recorded a deferred gain of approximately $719.4 million for the difference between 50% of the net carrying value of the assets it contributed to the joint venture and the net cash proceeds from KinderHawk, representing the cash contributed by Kinder Morgan at closing for its 50% membership interest in KinderHawk. The Company will recognize the portion of the deferred gain equal to its capital commitment as contributions to KinderHawk are made or upon expiration of the capital commitment at December 31, 2011. In addition to the capital commitment, the Company guaranteed to deliver certain minimum volumes of natural gas through the Haynesville gathering system through May 2015. The Company will recognize the remaining deferred gain as volumes are delivered through the Haynesville gathering system through May 2015. The recognition of the deferred gain is included in "Amortization of deferred gain" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Continued)

Goodwill

        Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired net of the fair value of liabilities assumed in an acquisition. ASC 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (ASC 350) requires that intangible assets with indefinite lives, including goodwill, be evaluated on an annual basis for impairment or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that could potentially result in impairment. The goodwill impairment test requires the allocation of goodwill and all other assets and liabilities to reporting units. The Company has determined that it has two reporting units: oil and natural gas production and midstream operations. All of the Company's goodwill has been allocated to its oil and natural gas production reporting unit as all of its historical goodwill relates to its acquisitions of oil and natural gas properties.

Other Intangible Assets

        The Company treats the costs associated with acquired transportation contracts as other intangible assets. The initial amount recorded represents the fair value of the contract at the time of acquisition, which is amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the contract. Any unamortized balance of the Company's other intangible assets is subject to impairment testing pursuant to the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets Subsections of ASC Subtopic 360-10. The Company reviews its intangible assets for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the value of the investment has occurred.

        Amortization expense was $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, and was allocated to operating expenses between "Marketing" and "Gathering, transportation and other" on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations based on the usage of the contract. The estimated amortization expense will be approximately $11.1 million per year for the remainder of the contract through 2019.

        Other intangible assets subject to amortization at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 are as follows:

 
  March 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 
 
  (In thousands)
 

Transportation contracts

  $ 105,108   $ 105,108  

Less—accumulated amortization

    (18,529 )   (15,766 )
           
 

Net transportation contracts

  $ 86,579   $ 89,342  
           

Assets Held for Sale

        As discussed in Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," the Company divested its Fayetteville Shale midstream operations on January 7, 2011 for approximately $75 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. The Company's assets related to the Fayetteville Shale midstream operations were presented separately as "Assets held for sale" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010, in accordance with ASC 360. Assets held for sale were recorded at the lesser of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell, which resulted in a write down of the carrying amount of approximately $69.7 million that was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2010.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION (Continued)

Discontinued Operations

        Certain amounts related to the Company's Fayetteville Shale midstream operations and other operating property and equipment have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented. Unless otherwise noted, information contained in the notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements relates to the Company's continuing operations. See Note 14, "Discontinued Operations," for further discussion of the presentation of the Company's Fayetteville Shale midstream and other operating assets as discontinued operations.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In December 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-28, When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts (ASU 2010-28). This codification update modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts and requires reporting units with such carrying amounts to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. ASU 2010-28 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2010 and early adoption is not permitted. The Company adopted the provisions of this update for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and will apply the provisions of ASU 2010-28 when the Company's annual goodwill test is performed in 2011. The Company does not expect a material impact on its operating results, financial position, cash flows or disclosures as a result of the adoption.

        In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-29, Disclosure of Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations (ASU 2010-29). ASU 2010-29 requires a public entity who discloses comparative pro forma information for business combinations that occurred in the current reporting period to disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination(s) occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual period only. This update also expands the supplemental pro forma disclosures required to include a description of the nature and amount of material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. ASU 2010-29 is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2010 and early adoption is permitted. The Company will apply the provisions of this update for any business combinations that occur after January 1, 2011.

2. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES

Divestitures

Fayetteville Shale

        On December 22, 2010, the Company completed the sale of its interest in natural gas properties and other operating property and equipment in the Fayetteville Shale for $575 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale of the interest in natural gas properties were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the Company's full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. In conjunction with the sale of the other operating property and equipment, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $0.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. On January 7, 2011, the Company completed the sale of its midstream assets in the Fayetteville Shale for

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

2. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Continued)


approximately $75 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. As of December 31, 2010, the Fayetteville Shale midstream assets were classified as "Assets held for sale" on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. "Assets held for sale" were recorded at the lesser of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell, which resulted in a write down of the carrying amount of approximately $69.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. Both transactions had an effective date of October 1, 2010.

Mid-Continent Properties

        On September 29, 2010, the Company completed the sale of its interest in certain Mid-Continent properties in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas for $123 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the Company's full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. The transaction had an effective date of July 1, 2010.

Hawk Field Services, LLC Joint Venture

        On May 21, 2010, Hawk Field Services, LLC (Hawk Field Services), a wholly owned subsidiary of Petrohawk, and KM Gathering LLC (Kinder Morgan), an affiliate of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P., a publicly traded master limited partnership, formed a new joint venture pursuant to a Formation and Contribution Agreement (Contribution Agreement). The new joint venture entity, KinderHawk, engages in the natural gas midstream business in Northwest Louisiana, focused on the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales. Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, Hawk Field Services contributed to KinderHawk its Haynesville Shale gathering and treating business in Northwest Louisiana, and Kinder Morgan contributed approximately $917 million in cash ($875 million for a 50% membership interest in KinderHawk and $42 million for certain closing adjustments including 2010 capital expenditures through the closing date) to KinderHawk. Each of Hawk Field Services and Kinder Morgan own a 50% membership interest in KinderHawk. KinderHawk distributed approximately $917 million to Hawk Field Services. The joint venture had an economic effective date of January 1, 2010, and Hawk Field Services continued to operate the business until September 30, 2010, at which date Hawk Field Services and Kinder Morgan terminated the transition services agreement and KinderHawk assumed operations of the joint venture. The Company accounts for its interest in KinderHawk under the equity method of accounting.

        The Company is obligated to deliver to KinderHawk agreed upon minimum annual quantities of natural gas from Petrohawk operated wells producing from the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales with specified acreage in Northwest Louisiana through May 2015, or in the alternative, pay an annual true-up fee to KinderHawk if such minimum annual quantities are not delivered. The Company pays KinderHawk negotiated gathering and treating fees, subject to an annual inflation adjustment factor. The gathering fee is equal to $0.34 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas delivered at KinderHawk's receipt points. The treating fee is charged for gas delivered containing more than 2% by volume of carbon dioxide. For gas delivered containing between 2% and 5.5% carbon dioxide, the treating fee is between $0.030 and $0.345 per Mcf, and for gas containing over 5.5% carbon dioxide, the treating fee starts at $0.365 per Mcf and increases on a scale of $0.09 per Mcf for each additional 1% of carbon dioxide content. KinderHawk charges included in "Gathering, transportation and other" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations totaled approximately $27 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

2. ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTITURES (Continued)

Terryville

        On May 12, 2010, the Company completed the sale of its interest in Terryville Field, located in Lincoln and Claiborne Parishes, Louisiana for $320 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the Company's full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. The transaction had an effective date of January 1, 2010. In conjunction with the closing, the Company deposited $75 million with a qualified intermediary to facilitate like-kind exchange transactions all of which had been spent as of December 31, 2010.

West Edmond Hunton Lime Unit

        On April 30, 2010, the Company completed the sale of its interest in the West Edmond Hunton Lime Unit (WEHLU) Field in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma for $155 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the Company's full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. The transaction had an effective date of April 1, 2010.

3. OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES

        The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for its investment in oil and natural gas properties. Under this method of accounting, all costs of acquisition, exploration and development of oil and natural gas reserves (including such costs as leasehold acquisition costs, geological expenditures, dry hole costs, tangible and intangible development costs and direct internal costs) are capitalized as the cost of oil and natural gas properties when incurred. To the extent capitalized costs of evaluated oil and natural gas properties, net of accumulated depletion exceed the discounted future net revenues of proved oil and natural gas reserves net of deferred taxes, such excess capitalized costs are charged to expense. Beginning December 31, 2009, full cost companies use the unweighted arithmetic average first day of the month price for oil and natural gas for the 12-month period preceding the calculation date to calculate the future net revenues of proved reserves.

        The Company assesses all items classified as unevaluated property on a quarterly basis for possible impairment or reduction in value. The Company assesses properties on an individual basis or as a group if properties are individually insignificant. The assessment includes consideration of the following factors, among others: intent to drill; remaining lease term; geological and geophysical evaluations; drilling results and activity; the assignment of proved reserves; and the economic viability of development if proved reserves are assigned. During any period in which these factors indicate an impairment, the cumulative drilling costs incurred to date for such property and all or a portion of the associated leasehold costs are transferred to the full cost pool and are then subject to amortization.

        At March 31, 2011 the ceiling test value of the Company's reserves was calculated based on the first day average of the 12-months ended March 31, 2011 of the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) spot price of $83.55 per barrel, adjusted by lease or field for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials, and the first day average of the 12-months ended March 31, 2011 of the Henry Hub price of $4.10 per million British thermal units (Mmbtu), adjusted by lease or field for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials. Using these prices, the Company's net book value of oil and natural gas properties at March 31, 2011, did not exceed the ceiling amount. Changes in production rates, levels of reserves, future development costs, and other factors will determine the Company's actual ceiling test calculation and impairment analyses in future periods.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

3. OIL AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES (Continued)

        At March 31, 2010 the ceiling test value of the Company's reserves was calculated based on the first day average of the 12-months ended March 31, 2010 of the WTI posted price of $69.64 per barrel, adjusted by lease or field for quality, transportation fees, and regional price differentials, and the first day average of the 12-months ended March 31, 2010 of the Henry Hub price of $3.99 per Mmbtu, adjusted by lease or field for energy content, transportation fees, and regional price differentials. Using these prices, the Company's net book value of oil and natural gas properties at March 31, 2010, did not exceed the ceiling amount.

4. LONG-TERM DEBT

        Long-term debt as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 consisted of the following:

 
  March 31,
2011(1)
  December 31,
2010(1)
 
 
  (In thousands)
 

Senior revolving credit facility

  $ 364,000   $ 146,000  

7.25% $1.2 billion senior notes(2)

    1,232,371     825,000  

10.5% $600 million senior notes(3)

    564,262     562,115  

7.875% $800 million senior notes

    800,000     800,000  

7.125% $275 million senior notes(4)

        268,922  

Deferred premiums on derivatives

    13,076     10,815  
           

  $ 2,973,709   $ 2,612,852  
           

(1)
Table excludes $14.6 million of deferred premiums on derivative contracts which have been classified as current at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Table also excludes $0.2 million of 9.875% senior notes due 2011 which have been classified as current at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

(2)
On August 17, 2010 and January 31, 2011, the Company issued an initial $825 million principal amount and an additional $400 million principal amount, respectively, of its 7.25% senior notes due 2018. Amount includes a $7.4 million premium at March 31, 2011, recorded by the Company in conjunction with the issuance of the additional $400 million principal amount. See "7.25% Senior Notes" below for more details.

(3)
Amount includes a $35.8 million and $37.9 million discount at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, recorded by the Company in conjunction with the issuance of the 10.5% $600 million senior notes. See "10.5% Senior Notes" below for more details.

(4)
The 7.125% $275 million senior notes were redeemed during the first quarter of 2011. Amount includes a $3.5 million discount at December 31, 2010, recorded by the Company in conjunction with the assumption of the notes. See "7.125% Senior Notes" below for more details.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

Senior Revolving Credit Facility

        Effective August 2, 2010, the Company amended and restated its existing credit facility dated October 14, 2009 by entering into the Fifth Amended and Restated Senior Revolving Credit Agreement (the Senior Credit Agreement), among the Company, each of the lenders from time to time party thereto (the Lenders), BNP Paribas, as administrative agent for the Lenders, Bank of America, N.A. and Bank of Montreal as co-syndication agents for the Lenders, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as co-documentation agents for the Lenders. The Senior Credit Agreement provides for a $2.0 billion facility. As of March 31, 2011, the borrowing base was approximately $1.6 billion, $1.5 billion of which related to the Company's oil and natural gas properties and up to $100 million (currently limited as described below) related to the Company's midstream assets. The portion of the borrowing base relating to the Company's oil and natural gas properties is redetermined on a semi-annual basis (with the Company and the Lenders each having the right to one annual interim unscheduled redetermination) and adjusted based on the Company's oil and natural gas properties, reserves, other indebtedness and other relevant factors. The component of the borrowing base relating to the Company's midstream assets is limited to the lesser of $100 million or 3.5 times midstream earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), and is calculated quarterly. As of March 31, 2011, the midstream component of the borrowing base was limited to approximately $95.2 million based on midstream EBITDA. At March 31, 2011, the Company had approximately $34.7 million outstanding letters of credit with various customers, vendors and others. The Company's borrowing base is subject to a reduction equal to the product of $0.25 multiplied by the stated principal amount (without regard to any initial issue discount) of any unsecured senior or senior subordinated notes that the Company may issue.

        Amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Agreement bear interest at specified margins over the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) of 2.00% to 3.00% for Eurodollar loans or at specified margins over the Alternate Base Rate (ABR) of 1.00% to 2.00% for ABR loans. Such margins will fluctuate based on the utilization of the facility. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Agreement are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the Company's assets, including pursuant to the terms of the Fifth Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, all of the assets of, and equity interests in, the Company's subsidiaries. Amounts drawn down on the facility will mature on July 1, 2014.

        The Senior Credit Agreement contains customary financial and other covenants, including minimum working capital levels (the ratio of current assets plus the unused commitment under the Senior Credit Agreement to current liabilities) of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and minimum coverage of interest expenses (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.5 to 1.0. In addition, the Company is subject to covenants limiting dividends and other restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, incurrence of debt, changes of control, asset sales, and liens on properties. At March 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with its financial debt covenants under the Senior Credit Agreement.

        See Note 15, "Subsequent Event" for discussion of the amendment of the Company's Senior Credit Agreement subsequent to March 31, 2011.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

7.25% Senior Notes

        On August 17, 2010, the Company completed a private placement offering to eligible purchasers of an aggregate principal amount of $825 million of its 7.25% senior notes due 2018 (the initial 2018 Notes) at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount of the initial 2018 Notes. The initial 2018 Notes were issued under and are governed by an indenture dated August 17, 2010, between the Company, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, and the Company's subsidiaries named therein as guarantors (the 2018 Indenture). The Company applied the net proceeds from the sale of the initial 2018 Notes to redeem its 9.125% $775 million senior notes due 2013.

        On January 31, 2011, the Company completed the issuance of an additional $400 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% senior notes due 2018 (the additional 2018 Notes) in a private placement to eligible purchasers. The additional 2018 Notes are issued under the same Indenture and are part of the same series as the initial 2018 Notes. The additional 2018 Notes together with the initial 2018 Notes are collectively referred to as the 2018 Notes.

        The additional 2018 Notes were sold to Barclays Capital Inc. at 101.875% of the aggregate principal amount of the additional 2018 Notes plus accrued interest. The net proceeds from the sale of the additional 2018 Notes were approximately $400.5 million (after deducting offering fees and expenses). A portion of the proceeds of the additional 2018 Notes were utilized to redeem all of the Company's outstanding 7.125% $275 million senior notes due 2012.

        Interest on the 2018 Notes is payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2011. Interest on the 2018 Notes accrued from August 17, 2010, the original issuance date of the series. The 2018 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equally with all of the Company's current and future senior indebtedness. The 2018 Notes are jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company's subsidiaries. Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the issuer of the 2018 Notes, has no material independent assets or operations apart from the assets and operations of its subsidiaries.

        On or prior to August 15, 2013, the Company may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 107.25% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date; provided that at least 65% in aggregate principal amount of the 2018 Notes originally issued under the 2018 Indenture remain outstanding immediately after the redemption. In addition, at any time prior to August 15, 2014, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2018 Notes for the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus a make whole premium equal to the excess, if any of (a) the present value at such time of (i) the redemption price of such note at August 15, 2014, (ii) any required interest payments due on the notes (except for currently accrued and unpaid interest), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, discounted to the redemption date on a semi-annual basis, over (b) the principal amount of such note.

        On or after August 15, 2014, the Company may redeem all or part of the 2018 Notes at any time or from time to time at the redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) set

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)


forth in the following table plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning August 15 of the years indicated below:

Year
  Percentage  

2014

    103.625  

2015

    101.813  

2016 and thereafter

    100.000  

        The Company may be required to offer to repurchase the 2018 Notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date, in the event of a change of control as defined in the 2018 Indenture. The 2018 Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, restrict or limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to: borrow money; pay dividends on stock; purchase or redeem stock or subordinated indebtedness; make investments; create liens; enter into transactions with affiliates; sell assets; and merge with or into other companies or transfer all or substantially all of the Company's assets.

        In conjunction with the issuance of the additional 2018 Notes, the Company recorded a premium of $7.5 million to be amortized over the remaining life of the notes utilizing the effective interest rate method. The remaining unamortized premium was $7.4 million at March 31, 2011.

10.5% Senior Notes

        On January 27, 2009, the Company completed a private placement offering to eligible purchasers of an aggregate principal amount of $600 million of its 10.5% senior notes due 2014 (the 2014 Notes). The 2014 Notes were issued under and are governed by an indenture dated January 27, 2009, between the Company, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, and the Company's subsidiaries named therein as guarantors (the 2014 Indenture).

        The 2014 Notes bear interest at a rate of 10.5% per annum, payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year. The 2014 Notes will mature on August 1, 2014. The 2014 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equally with all of its current and future senior indebtedness. The 2014 Notes are jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company's subsidiaries. Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the issuer of the 2014 Notes, has no material independent assets or operations apart from the assets and operations of its subsidiaries.

        In conjunction with the issuance of the 2014 Notes, the Company recorded a discount of $52.3 million to be amortized over the remaining life of the notes utilizing the effective interest rate method. The remaining unamortized discount was $35.8 million at March 31, 2011.

7.875% Senior Notes

        On May 13, 2008 and June 19, 2008, the Company issued $500 million principal amount and $300 million principal amount, respectively, of its 7.875% senior notes due 2015 (the 2015 Notes). The 2015 Notes were issued under and are governed by an indenture dated May 13, 2008, between the Company, U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee, and the Company's subsidiaries named therein as guarantors.

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

        The 2015 Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.875% per annum, payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The 2015 Notes will mature on June 1, 2015. The 2015 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equally with all of its current and future senior indebtedness. The 2015 Notes are jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company's subsidiaries. Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the issuer of the 2015 Notes, has no material independent assets or operations apart from the assets and operations of its subsidiaries.

7.125% Senior Notes

        On July 12, 2006, the date of the Company's merger with KCS Energy, Inc. (KCS), the Company assumed (pursuant to the Second Supplemental Indenture relating to the 7.125% Senior Notes, also referred to as the 2012 Notes), and subsidiaries of the Company guaranteed (pursuant to the Third Supplemental Indenture relating to such notes), all the obligations (approximately $275 million) of KCS under the 2012 Notes and the Indenture dated April 1, 2004 (the 2012 Indenture) among KCS, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and the subsidiary guarantors named therein, which governs the terms of the 2012 Notes. Interest on the 2012 Notes is payable semi-annually, on each April 1 and October 1. The 2012 Notes are jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company's subsidiaries. Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the issuer of the 2012 Notes, has no material independent assets or operations apart from the assets and operations of its subsidiaries.

        In conjunction with the assumption of the 7.125% Senior Notes from KCS, the Company recorded a discount of $13.6 million to be amortized over the remaining life of the notes utilizing the effective interest rate method. The Company had no remaining unamortized discount at March 31, 2011 and $3.5 million at December 31, 2010.

        On March 17, 2011, the Company redeemed all of the outstanding 2012 Notes with a portion of the proceeds received from the issuance of the additional 2018 Notes.

9.875% Senior Notes

        On April 8, 2004, Mission Resources Corporation (Mission) issued $130 million of its 9.875% senior notes due 2011 (the 2011 Notes). The Company assumed these notes upon the closing of the Company's merger with Mission. In conjunction with the Company's merger with KCS, the Company repurchased substantially all of the 2011 Notes. There were approximately $0.2 million of the notes were not redeemed and are still outstanding and classified as current as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. In connection with the extinguishment of substantially all of the 2011 Notes, the Company requested and received from the noteholders consent to eliminate the debt covenants associated with the 2011 Notes.

        On April 1, 2011, the Company repaid the $0.2 million of 2011 Notes that were outstanding.

Debt Issuance Costs

        The Company capitalizes certain direct costs associated with the issuance of long-term debt. During the first quarter of 2011, the Company capitalized approximately $7.3 million in costs associated with its issuance of the additional 2018 Notes. In the first quarter of 2011, the Company wrote off

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)


$0.2 million of debt issuance costs as a result of the additional 2018 Notes issuance and the corresponding reduction of the Company's Senior Credit Agreement's borrowing base. At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company had approximately $50.3 million and $45.9 million, respectively, of debt issuance costs remaining that are being amortized over the lives of the respective debt.

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

        Pursuant to ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (ASC 820) the Company's determination of fair value incorporates not only the credit standing of the counterparties involved in transactions with the Company resulting in receivables on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, but also the impact of the Company's nonperformance risk on its own liabilities. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). The Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable. The Company classifies fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs.

        The following tables set forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company's financial assets and liabilities that were accounted for at fair value as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010. As required by ASC 820, a financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of fair value assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 
  March 31, 2011  
 
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  
 
  (In thousands)
 

Assets:

                         
 

Receivables from derivative contracts

  $   $ 200,073   $   $ 200,073  
                   

Liabilities:

                         
 

Liabilities from derivative contracts

  $   $ 69,106   $   $ 69,106  
                   

 

 
  December 31, 2010  
 
  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Total  
 
  (In thousands)
 

Assets:

                         
 

Receivables from derivative contracts

  $   $ 258,739   $   $ 258,739  
                   

Liabilities:

                         
 

Liabilities from derivative contracts

  $   $ 19,395   $   $ 19,395  
                   

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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

        As discussed in Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," the Company divested its Fayetteville Shale midstream operations on January 7, 2011 for approximately $75 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. The Company's assets related to the Fayetteville Shale midstream operations were presented separately as "Assets held for sale" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010, in accordance with ASC 360. Assets held for sale were recorded at the lesser of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell, which resulted in a write down of the carrying amount of approximately $69.7 million that was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2010.

        Derivatives listed above include collars, swaps, and put options that are carried at fair value. The Company records the net change in the fair value of these positions in "Net (loss) gain on derivative contracts" in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company is able to value the assets and liabilities based on observable market data for similar instruments, which resulted in the Company reporting its derivatives as Level 2. This observable data includes the forward curve for commodity prices based on quoted markets prices and implied volatility factors related to changes in the forward curves.

        As of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company's derivative contracts were with major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings which are believed to have a minimal credit risk. As such, the Company is exposed to credit risk to the extent of nonperformance by the counterparties in the derivative contracts discussed above; however, the Company does not anticipate such nonperformance. Each of the counterparties to the Company's derivative contracts is a lender in the Company's Senior Credit Agreement. The Company did not post collateral under any of these contracts as they are secured under the Senior Credit Agreement.

        The following disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments is made in accordance with the requirements of ASC 825, Financial Instruments. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined at discrete points in time based on relevant market information. These estimates involve uncertainties and cannot be determined with precision. The estimated fair value of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates their carrying value due to their short-term nature. The estimated fair value of the Company's Senior Credit Agreement approximates carrying value because the facility's interest rate approximates current market rates. The following table presents the estimated fair values of the Company's fixed interest rate, long-term debt instruments as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (excluding premiums and discounts, deferred premiums on derivative contracts, and any amounts that have been classified as current):

 
  March 31, 2011   December 31, 2010  
Debt
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
  Carrying
Amount
  Estimated
Fair Value
 
 
  (In thousands)
 

7.25% $1.2 billion senior notes

  $ 1,225,000   $ 1,264,813   $ 825,000   $ 832,425  

10.5% $600 million senior notes

    600,000     690,000     600,000     684,000  

7.875% $800 million senior notes

    800,000     848,800     800,000     834,000  

7.125% $275 million senior notes

            272,375     273,465  
                   

  $ 2,625,000   $ 2,803,613   $ 2,497,375   $ 2,623,890  
                   

        The fair values of the Company's fixed interest debt instruments were calculated using quoted market prices based on trades of such debt as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

6. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

        For wells drilled, the Company records an asset retirement obligation (ARO) when the total depth of a drilled well is reached and the Company can reasonably estimate the fair value of an obligation to perform site reclamation, dismantle facilities or plug and abandon costs. For gas gathering systems and equipment, the Company records an ARO when the system is placed in service and the Company can reasonably estimate the fair value of an obligation to perform site reclamation and other necessary work. The Company records the ARO liability on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets and capitalizes the cost in "Oil and natural gas properties" or "Gas gathering systems and equipment" during the period in which the obligation is incurred. The Company records the accretion of its ARO liabilities in "Depletion, depreciation and amortization" expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The additional capitalized costs are depreciated on a unit-of-production basis or straight-line basis.

        The Company recorded the following activity related to its ARO liability for the three months ended March 31, 2011 (in thousands):

Liability for asset retirement obligation as of December 31, 2010

  $ 31,741  

Liabilities settled and divested(1)

    (465 )

Additions

    2,648  

Accretion expense

    444  
       

Liability for asset retirement obligation as of March 31, 2011

  $ 34,368  
       

(1)
Refer to Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" for more details on the Company's divestiture activities.

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments

        The Company leases corporate office space in Houston, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma as well as a number of other field office locations. In addition, the Company has lease commitments related to certain vehicles, machinery and equipment under long-term operating leases. Rent expense was $1.8 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

        As of March 31, 2011, the Company had the following commitments:

 
  Total Obligation
Amount(1)
  Years
Remaining
 
 
  (in thousands)
   
 

Gathering and transportation commitments

  $ 1,928,842     18  

Drilling rig commitments

    261,920     3  

Non-cancelable operating leases

    32,278     8  

Pipeline and well equipment obligations

    129,372     1  

Various contractual commitments (including, among other things, rental equipment obligations, obtaining and processing seismic data and fracture stimulation services)

   
65,680
   
3
 
             

Total commitments

  $ 2,418,092        
             

(1)
On May 21, 2010, the Company created a joint venture with Kinder Morgan, KinderHawk, which engages in the natural gas midstream business in Northwest Louisiana, focused on the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales. As part of this transaction, the Company is committed to contribute up to an additional $57.7 million in capital during 2011 in the event KinderHawk requires capital to finance its planned capital expenditures. This obligation is not reflected in the amounts shown in the above table. In addition, the Company is obligated to deliver to KinderHawk agreed upon minimum annual quantities of natural gas from Petrohawk operated wells producing from the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales in North Louisiana through May 2015, or in the alternative, pay an annual true-up fee to KinderHawk if such minimum annual quantities are not delivered. These obligations are not reflected in the amounts shown in the table above. The Company pays to KinderHawk negotiated gathering and treating fees, subject to an annual inflation adjustment factor. See Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" for more details.

Contingencies

        From time to time, the Company may be a plaintiff or defendant in a pending or threatened legal proceeding arising in the normal course of its business. All known liabilities are accrued based on the Company's best estimate of the potential loss. While the outcome and impact of currently pending legal proceedings cannot be determined, the Company's management and legal counsel believe that the resolution of these proceedings through settlement or adverse judgment will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's condensed consolidated operating results, financial position or cash flows. Please refer to Part II. Other Information, Item 1. Legal Proceedings for further information on pending cases.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

8. DERIVATIVES

        The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations, such as commodity price risk and interest rate risk. Derivative contracts are utilized to economically hedge its exposure to price fluctuations and reduce the variability in the Company's cash flows associated with anticipated sales of future oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production. The Company generally hedges a substantial, but varying, portion of anticipated oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production for the next 12 to 36 months. Derivatives are carried at fair value on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, with the changes in the fair value included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the period in which the change occurs. Historically, the Company has also entered into interest rate swaps to mitigate exposure to market rate fluctuations by converting variable interest rates (such as those on the Company's Senior Credit Agreement) to fixed interest rates and may do so at some point in the future as situations present themselves.

        It is the Company's policy to enter into derivative contracts, including interest rate swaps, only with counterparties that are creditworthy financial institutions deemed by management as competent and competitive market makers. Each of the counterparties to the Company's derivative contracts is a lender in the Company's Senior Credit Agreement. The Company did not post collateral under any of these contracts as they are secured under the Company's Senior Credit Agreement.

        At March 31, 2011 the Company had entered into commodity collars and swaps. The Company has elected to not designate any of its derivative contracts for hedge accounting. Accordingly, the Company records the net change in the mark-to-market valuation of these derivative contracts, as well as all payments and receipts on settled derivative contracts, in "Net (loss) gain on derivatives contracts" on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

        At March 31, 2011, the Company had 97 open commodity derivative contracts summarized in the tables below: two natural gas swap arrangements, 75 natural gas collar arrangements, 19 crude oil collar arrangements, and one natural gas liquids swap (which was an ethane swap). Derivative commodity contracts settle based on NYMEX WTI and Henry Hub prices, or the applicable information service for the Company's natural gas liquids contracts, which may have differed from the actual price received by the Company for the sale of its oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production.

        At December 31, 2010, the Company had 79 open commodity derivative contracts summarized in the tables below: 60 natural gas collar arrangements, two natural gas swap arrangements, 16 crude oil collar arrangements, and one natural gas liquids swap (which was an ethane swap). Derivative commodity contracts in 2010 settled based on NYMEX WTI and Henry Hub prices, or the applicable information service for the Company's natural gas liquids contracts, which may have differed from the actual price received by the Company for the sale of its oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids production.

        All derivative contracts are recorded at fair market value in accordance with ASC 815 and ASC 820 and included in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

8. DERIVATIVES (Continued)


The following table summarizes the location and fair value amounts of all derivative contracts in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
  Asset derivative contracts   Liability derivative contracts  
 
Derivatives not designated
as hedging contracts
under ASC 815
  Balance sheet
location
  March 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
  Balance sheet
location
  March 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 
   
   
  (In thousands)
   
  (In thousands)
 
 

Commodity contracts

  Current assets—receivables from derivative contracts   $ 163,111   $ 217,018   Current liabilities—liabilities from derivative contracts   $ (32,202 ) $ (5,820 )
 

Commodity contracts

  Other noncurrent assets—receivables from derivative contracts     36,962     41,721   Other noncurrent liabilities—liabilities from derivative contracts     (36,904 )   (13,575 )
                             
 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging contracts under ASC 815

      $ 200,073   $ 258,739       $ (69,106 ) $ (19,395 )
                             

        The following table summarizes the location and amounts of the Company's realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivative contracts in the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations:

 
   
  Amount of gain or (loss)
recognized in income on
derivative contracts
three months ended
March 31,
 
 
  Location of gain or (loss) recognized in
income on derivative contracts
 
Derivatives not designated as
hedging contracts under ASC 815
  2011   2010  
 
   
  (In thousands)
 

Unrealized (loss) gain on commodity contracts

  Other income (expenses)—net (loss) gain on derivative contracts   $ (114,965 ) $ 190,095  

Realized gain on commodity contracts

 

Other income (expenses)—net (loss) gain on derivative contracts

   
64,058
   
24,608
 
               
 

Total net (loss) gain on derivative contracts

  Other income (expenses)—net (loss) gain on derivative contracts   $ (50,907 ) $ 214,703  
               

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

8. DERIVATIVES (Continued)

        At March 31, 2011, the Company had the following open derivative contracts:

 
   
   
  March 31, 2011  
 
   
   
   
  Floors   Ceilings  
Period
  Instrument   Commodity   Volume in
Mmbtu's/
Bbl's/Gal's
  Price /
Price Range
  Weighted
Average
Price
  Price /
Price Range
  Weighted
Average
Price
 

April 2011 - December 2011

  Collars   Natural gas     143,000,000   $5.50 - $6.00   $ 5.55   $9.00 - $10.30   $ 9.66  

April 2011 - December 2011

  Collars   Crude oil     1,512,500   75.00 - 80.00     78.00   95.00 - 101.00     98.88  

April 2011 - December 2011

  Swaps   Natural gas liquids     3,600,000   0.46     0.46            

January 2012 - December 2012

  Collars   Natural gas     184,830,000   4.75 - 5.00     4.86   5.70 - 8.00     6.55  

January 2012 - December 2012

  Swaps   Natural gas     7,320,000   5.20     5.20            

January 2012 - December 2012

  Collars   Crude oil     4,758,000   75.00 - 90.00     80.00   98.00 - 110.00     102.29  

        At December 31, 2010, the Company had the following open derivative contracts:

 
   
   
  December 31, 2010  
 
   
   
   
  Floors   Ceilings  
Period
  Instrument   Commodity   Volume in
Mmbtu's/
Bbl's/Gal's
  Price /
Price Range
  Weighted
Average
Price
  Price /
Price Range
  Weighted
Average
Price
 

January 2011 - December 2011

  Collars   Natural gas     189,800,000   $5.50 - $6.00   $ 5.55   $9.00 - $10.30   $ 9.66  

January 2011 - December 2011

  Collars   Crude oil     2,007,500   75.00 - 80.00     78.00   95.00 - 101.00     98.88  

January 2011 - December 2011

  Swaps   Natural gas liquids     4,800,000   0.46     0.46            

January 2012 - December 2012

  Collars   Natural gas     118,950,000   4.75 - 5.00     4.92   5.72 - 8.00     6.96  

January 2012 - December 2012

  Swaps   Natural gas     7,320,000   5.20     5.20            

January 2012 - December 2012

  Collars   Crude oil     3,660,000   75.00 - 80.00     77.00   98.00 - 102.45     100.00  

9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

        During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company granted stock options covering 2.3 million shares of common stock to employees of the Company. The stock options have exercise prices ranging from $20.57 to $20.64 with a weighted average price of $20.57. These awards vest over a three year period at a rate of one-third on the annual anniversary date of the grant and expire ten years from the grant date. At March 31, 2011, the unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock appreciation rights and stock options totaled $32.1 million and will be recognized on a straight line basis over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.6 years.

        During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company granted stock options covering 2.0 million shares of common stock to employees of the Company. The stock options have exercise prices ranging from $21.18 to $23.58 with a weighted average price of $21.19. These awards vest over a three year period at a rate of one-third on the annual anniversary date of the grant and expire ten years from the grant date. At March 31, 2010, the unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock appreciation rights and stock options totaled $23.7 million and will be recognized on a straight line basis over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.6 years.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)

Restricted Stock

        During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company granted 1.2 million shares of restricted stock to employees of the Company and non-employee directors. These restricted shares were granted at prices ranging from $20.57 to $20.64 with a weighted average price of $20.57. Employee shares vest over a three-year period at a rate of one-third on the annual anniversary date of the grant and the non-employee directors' shares vest six-months from the date of grant. At March 31, 2011, the unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock totaled $33.6 million and was to be recognized on a straight line basis over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.6 years.

        During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company granted 1.1 million shares of restricted stock to employees of the Company and non-employee directors. These restricted shares were granted at prices ranging from $21.18 to $23.58 with a weighted average price of $21.20. Employee shares vest over a three-year period at a rate of one-third on the annual anniversary date of the grant and the non-employee directors' shares vest six-months from the date of grant. At March 31, 2010, the unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock totaled $25.7 million and was to be recognized on a straight line basis over the weighted average remaining vesting period of 1.6 years.

Assumptions

        The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the Company's stock-based compensation are disclosed in the following table:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Weighted average value per option granted during the period

  $ 10.47   $ 10.31  

Assumptions(1) :

             

Stock price volatility(2)

    58.0%     62.0%  

Risk free rate of return

    2.01%     2.02%  

Expected term

    5.0 years     4.0 years  

(1)
The Company's estimated future forfeiture rate is approximately 5% based on the Company's historical forfeiture rate. Calculated using the Black-Scholes fair value based method. The Company does not pay dividends on its common stock.

(2)
In 2011 and 2010, the Company used a combination of implied and historic volatility.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

        The following represents the calculation of earnings per share:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2011   2010  
 
  (In thousands, except
per share amounts)

 

Basic

             

Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes

  $ 1,180   $ 156,292  
           

Weighted average basic number of shares outstanding

    301,021     300,157  
           

Basic income from continuing operations, net of income taxes per share

  $   $ 0.52  
           

Diluted

             

Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes

  $ 1,180   $ 156,292  
           

Weighted average basic number of shares outstanding

    301,021     300,157  

Common stock equivalent shares representing shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights

    2,654     1,444  

Common stock equivalent shares representing shares included upon vesting of restricted shares

    1,364     1,067  
           

Weighted average diluted number of shares outstanding

    305,039     302,668  
           

Diluted income from continuing operations, net of income taxes per share

  $   $ 0.52  
           

        Common stock equivalents, including stock options and stock appreciation rights (SARS), totaling 0.2 million shares were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share of common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2011, because the grant prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares. Common stock equivalents, including stock options and SARS, totaling 0.1 million shares were not included in the computations of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive for the three months ended March 31, 2010 because the grant prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

11. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

        Certain balance sheet amounts are comprised of the following:

 
  March 31,
2011
  December 31,
2010
 
 
  (In thousands)
 

Accounts receivable:

             
 

Oil and natural gas revenues

  $ 155,859   $ 146,823  
 

Marketing revenues

    41,186     43,462  
 

Joint interest accounts

    137,017     122,602  
 

Income and other taxes receivable

    39,669     40,016  
 

Other

    2,314     3,694  
           

  $ 376,045   $ 356,597  
           

Prepaids and other:

             
 

Prepaid insurance

  $ 2,464   $ 3,871  
 

Prepaid drilling costs

    29,233     55,871  
 

Other

    3,871     3,089  
           

  $ 35,568   $ 62,831  
           

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities:

             
 

Trade payables

  $ 24,906   $ 70,324  
 

Revenues and royalties payable

    147,451     154,559  
 

Accrued oil and natural gas capital costs

    578,533     353,280  
 

Accrued midstream capital costs

    21,133     13,703  
 

Accrued interest expense

    43,496     58,858  
 

Prepayment liabilities

    49,755     42,329  
 

Accrued lease operating expenses

    10,314     10,207  
 

Accrued ad valorem taxes payable

    13,671     8,834  
 

Accrued employee compensation

    13,885     11,401  
 

Other

    106,593     63,743  
           

  $ 1,009,737   $ 787,238  
           

12. SEGMENTS

        In accordance with ASC 280, Segment Reporting (ASC 280), the Company has identified two reportable segments: oil and natural gas production and midstream operations. The oil and natural gas production segment is responsible for acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas properties, while the midstream operations segment is responsible for gathering and treating natural gas for the Company and third parties. The Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker evaluates the performance of the reportable segments based on "Income from continuing operations before income taxes."

        As discussed in Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" and Note 13 "Equity Method Investment," on May 21, 2010, the Company contributed its Haynesville Shale gathering and treating business to form a joint venture entity with Kinder Morgan. The Company accounts for its 50% investment in the joint venture entity, KinderHawk, under the equity method and the revenues and expenses associated with

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

12. SEGMENTS (Continued)


the Haynesville Shale gathering and treating business are no longer presented within the Company's consolidated revenues and expenses in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company pays to KinderHawk negotiated gathering and treating fees, which are included in "Gathering, transportation and other" on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations, and are discussed further in Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures."

        On January 7, 2011, the Company sold its midstream operations in the Fayetteville Shale. The revenues and expenses associated with the Fayetteville Shale midstream operations have been classified as discontinued operations in the condensed unaudited consolidated statements of operations for all periods presented, in the line item "Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes." See Note 14, "Discontinued Operations," for further discussion of the presentation of the Company's Fayetteville Shale midstream assets as discontinued operations. The segment information presented in the tables below is amounts related to continuing operations.

        The Company's oil and natural gas segment and midstream segment revenues and expenses include intersegment transactions, which are generally based on transactions made at market-related rates. Consolidated revenues and expenses reflect the elimination of all intercompany transactions. The accounting policies of the reporting segments are the same as those described in the "Summary of Significant Events and Accounting Policies" in Note 1 of the 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

12. SEGMENTS (Continued)

        Summarized financial information concerning our reportable segments is shown in the following table (in thousands):

 
  Oil and
Natural Gas
  Midstream   Intersegment
Eliminations
  Consolidated
Total
 

For the three months ended March 31, 2011:

                         
 

Revenues

  $ 490,752   $ 972   $   $ 491,724  
 

Intersegment revenues

        3,068     (3,068 )    
                   
   

Total revenues

  $ 490,752   $ 4,040   $ (3,068 ) $ 491,724  
 

Gathering, transportation and other

    (54,557 )   (1,406 )   3,068     (52,895 )
 

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

    (156,182 )   (1,130 )       (157,312 )
 

General and administrative

    (37,149 )   (2,826 )       (39,975 )
 

Interest (expense) income and other

    (67,528 )   725         (66,803 )
 

Amortization of deferred gain

        48,468         48,468  
 

Equity investment income

        13,571         13,571  
 

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

 
$

(59,384

)

$

61,135
 
$

 
$

1,751
 
 

Total assets(1)

  $ 7,372,256   $ 842,358   $ (27,859 ) $ 8,186,755  
 

Equity investment

  $   $ 214,664   $   $ 214,664  
 

Capital expenditures

  $ (691,817 ) $ (45,396 ) $   $ (737,213 )

For the three months ended March 31, 2010:

                         
 

Revenues

  $ 430,710   $ 7,072   $   $ 437,782  
 

Intersegment revenues

        22,165     (22,165 )    
                   
   

Total revenues

  $ 430,710   $ 29,237   $ (22,165 ) $ 437,782  
 

Gathering, transportation and other

    (44,454 )   (5,867 )   22,165     (28,156 )
 

Depletion, depreciation and amortization

    (101,885 )   (2,883 )       (104,768 )
 

General and administrative

    (30,535 )   (1,499 )       (32,034 )
 

Interest expense and other

    (64,014 )   1,168         (62,846 )
 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 
$

236,081
 
$

19,445
 
$

 
$

255,526
 
 

Total assets

  $ 6,726,879   $ 684,649   $ (82,538 ) $ 7,328,990  
 

Capital expenditures

  $ (644,372 ) $ (67,218 ) $   $ (711,590 )

(1)
Includes gas gathering systems and equipment of approximately $155 million and related accumulated depreciation of approximately $11 million associated with the Fayetteville Shale midstream assets, which were classified as "Assets held for sale" in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2010. "Assets held for sale" were recorded at the lesser of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell, which resulted in a write down of approximately $69.7 million that was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2010. "Assets held for sale" were approximately $74 million as of December 31, 2010. The Company divested its Fayetteville Shale midstream operations on January 7, 2011. See Note 1, "Financial Statement Presentation," and Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures."

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

13. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT

        The Company's investment in an unconsolidated entity in which the Company does not have a majority interest, but does have significant influence, is accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company's share of net income (loss) from its equity affiliate is reflected as an increase (decrease) in its investment account in "Other noncurrent assets" and is also recorded as "Equity investment income" in "Other income (expenses)." Distributions from the equity affiliate are recorded as reductions of the Company's investment and contributions to the equity affiliate are recorded as increases of the Company's investment.

        The Company reviews its equity method investment for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in the value of the investment has occurred.

Investment in KinderHawk Field Services LLC

        As discussed in Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures," on May 21, 2010, the Company and Kinder Morgan formed a joint venture entity, KinderHawk, which engages in the natural gas midstream business in Northwest Louisiana, focused on the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales. As part of the transaction, the Company contributed its Haynesville Shale gathering and treating business in Northwest Louisiana to KinderHawk and Kinder Morgan contributed approximately $917 million in cash, to the new entity. The cash was distributed by KinderHawk to the Company and each of the Company and Kinder Morgan owns a 50% membership interest in KinderHawk. The Company accounts for its 50% membership interest in KinderHawk as an equity method investment. As of March 31, 2011, the Company's investment in KinderHawk totaled $214.7 million. The Company contributed assets to KinderHawk and recorded its investment at the historic book value of the assets while KinderHawk recorded the contributed assets at their fair market value. The difference between the carrying amount of the Company's investment in KinderHawk and the Company's underlying equity in KinderHawk's assets creates a basis differential which is amortized over the useful life of gas gathering assets. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company recognized $2.4 million of the basis differential in "Equity investment income" on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

        At May 21, 2010, as of a result of the transaction, the Company recorded a deferred gain of approximately $719.4 million for the difference between 50% of the net carrying value of the assets the Company contributed to the joint venture and the net cash proceeds from KinderHawk, representing the cash contributed by Kinder Morgan at closing for its 50% membership interest in KinderHawk. The Company will recognize the portion of the deferred gain equal to its capital commitment as contributions to KinderHawk are made or upon expiration of the capital commitment at December 31, 2011. In addition to the capital commitment, the Company guaranteed to deliver certain minimum volumes of natural gas through the Haynesville gathering system through May 2015, as discussed in Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures". The Company will recognize the remaining deferred gain as volumes are delivered through the Haynesville gathering system through May 2015. As of March 31, 2011, the balance of the Company's deferred gain was $515.7 million.

14. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

        On December 22, 2010, the Company completed the sale of its interest in natural gas properties and other operating property and equipment in the Fayetteville Shale. On January 7, 2011, the

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

14. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Continued)


Company completed the sale of its midstream assets in the Fayetteville Shale. For all periods presented, the Company classified the operations associated with the Fayetteville Shale gas gathering systems and equipment, which are part of the Company's midstream operations segment, and the Fayetteville Shale other operating property and equipment, which are part of the Company's oil and natural gas production segment, as "Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations.

        On March 1, 2011, the Company completed the sale of its interest in the Buffalo Hump Ranch located in Van Buren County, Arkansas for approximately $2.1 million in cash. Proceeds from the sale were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of the land. A loss on the sale of approximately $4.3 million was recorded during the first quarter of 2011 in "Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The transaction had an effective date of March 1, 2011.

        As of December 31, 2010, the Fayetteville Shale midstream assets were classified as "Assets held for sale" on the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. "Assets held for sale" were recorded at the lesser of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell, which resulted in a write down of the carrying amount of approximately $69.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. In conjunction with the sale of the other operating property and equipment, the Company recorded a loss of approximately $0.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2010.

        The following table contains summarized income statement information for the Fayetteville Shale midstream operations and other operating property and equipment for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 
  Three months
ended March 31,
 
 
  2011   2010  

Operating revenues

  $ 153   $ 2,534  

Operating expenses

    (13 )   2,787  

Loss on sale

    (4,056 )    
           

Loss from discontinued operations, before income taxes

    (3,890 )   (253 )

Income tax benefit

    1,482     96  
           

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

  $ (2,408 ) $ (157 )
           

        The following table contains summarized assets held for sale information for the Fayetteville Shale midstream operations as of December 31, 2010 (as discussed above, the Company completed the sale of its midstream assets in the Fayetteville Shale on January 7, 2011).

 
  In thousands  

Gas gathering systems and equipment

  $ 154,724  

Accumulated depreciation

    (10,548 )
       

Net assets

    144,176  

Write down of midstream assets

    (69,728 )
       

Assets held for sale

  $ 74,448  
       

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PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) (Continued)

15. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

        During the second quarter of 2011, the Company amended its Senior Credit Agreement, the Fifth Amended and Restated Senior Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended on November 8, 2010 and December 22, 2010, by entering into the Third Amendment to the Fifth Amended and Restated Senior Revolving Credit Agreement (the Third Amendment), among the Company, each of the lenders from time to time party thereto (the Lenders), BNP Paribas, as administrative agent for the Lenders, Bank of America, N.A. and Bank of Montreal as co-syndication agents for the Lenders, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as co-documentation agents for the Lenders. Among other things, the Third Amendment: (a) increased the Company's borrowing base to $1.9 billion, $1.8 billion of which relates to the Company's oil and natural gas properties and $100 million relates to the Company's midstream assets (limited as described below); (b) reduced interest rates such that amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Agreement will bear interest at specified margins over the London Interbank Offered Rate of 1.50% to 2.50% for Eurodollar loans or at specified margins over the Alternate Base Rate (ABR) of 0.50% to 1.50% for ABR loans, which margins will fluctuate based on the utilization of the facility; (c) extended the maturity date of the facility from July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2016; and (d) increased the amount of the facility from $2.0 billion to $2.5 billion. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Agreement are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the Company's assets, including pursuant to the terms of the Fifth Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, all of the assets of, and equity interests in, the Company's subsidiaries. The component of the borrowing base related to the Company's midstream assets is limited to the lesser of $100 million or 3.5 times midstream EBITDA and is calculated quarterly.

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

        The following discussion is intended to assist in understanding our results of operations and our current financial position for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 and should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with the consolidated financial statements, notes and management's discussion and analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

        Statements in this discussion may be forward-looking. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below, which could cause actual results to differ from those expressed.

Overview

        We are an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development and production of predominately natural gas properties located in the United States. Our business is comprised of an oil and natural gas production segment and a midstream operations segment. Our oil and natural gas properties are concentrated in three premier domestic shale plays that we believe have decades of future development potential. We organize our oil and natural gas production operations into two principal regions: the Mid-Continent, which includes our Louisiana and East Texas properties; and the Western, which includes our South Texas properties. Our midstream operations segment consists of our gathering subsidiary, Hawk Field Services, LLC (Hawk Field Services) which was formed to integrate our active drilling program with activities of third parties and to develop additional gathering and treating capacity. Hawk Field Services currently serves the Haynesville Shale and Lower Bossier Shale in North Louisiana through its investment in KinderHawk Field Services LLC (KinderHawk) and the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas.

        Historically, we have grown through acquisitions of proved oil and natural gas reserves and undeveloped acreage, with a focus on properties within our core operating areas that we believe have significant development and exploration opportunities. In the past few years, we significantly expanded our leasehold position in resource plays, particularly in the Haynesville Shale play in Northern Louisiana and East Texas and the Eagle Ford Shale play in South Texas, where we believe we can apply our technical experience and economies of scale to increase production and proved reserves while lowering unit lease operating costs. The vast majority of our acreage in these plays is currently undeveloped. Typically, the leases we own require that production in paying quantities be established on units under the lease within the primary lease term (generally three to five years) or the lease will expire. Lease expirations are expected to be an important factor determining our capital expenditures focus over the next nine to twelve months.

        Our average daily oil and natural gas production increased 32% in the first three months of 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year. During the first quarter of 2011, we averaged 826 million cubic feet of natural gas equivalent (Mmcfe) per day (Mmcfe/d) compared to average daily production of 625 Mmcfe/d during the first three months of 2010. The increase in production compared to the prior year period is driven by our drilling successes in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford Shales as our production gains have more than made up for production sold during 2010. During the first three months of 2011, we drilled or participated in the drilling of 113 gross wells (49.5 net wells), all of which were successful.

        Our financial results depend upon many factors, but are largely driven by the volume of our oil and natural gas production and the price that we receive for that production. Our production volumes will decline as reserves are depleted unless we expend capital in successful development and exploration activities or acquire properties with existing production. The amount we realize for our production depends predominantly upon commodity prices and our related commodity price hedging

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activities, which are affected by changes in market demand and supply, as impacted by overall economic activity, weather, pipeline capacity constraints, inventory storage levels, basis differentials and other factors. Accordingly, finding and developing oil and natural gas reserves at economical costs is critical to our long-term success.

        During the first quarter of 2011, we announced our intention to sell approximately $1.0 billion in non-core assets to fund a portion of our acquisition and capital expenditure budget for 2011. On March 11, 2011 an independent third party exercised their option to acquire a portion of our interest in oil and natural gas properties in the Eagle Ford Shale. Proceeds from this transaction were approximately $74 million and were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. The effective date of the transaction was March 1, 2011. On January 7, 2011, we completed the sale of our midstream assets in the Fayetteville Shale for approximately $75 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. The transaction had an effective date of October 1, 2010.

        On January 31, 2011, we completed the issuance of an additional $400 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.25% senior notes due 2018 (the additional 2018 Notes). The net proceeds from the sale of the additional 2018 Notes were approximately $400.5 million (after deducting offering fees and expenses). A portion of the proceeds of the additional 2018 Notes were utilized to redeem our 7.125% $275 million senior notes due 2012 (the 2012 Notes).

        During late 2010 and early 2011, we began acquiring acreage in a new core operating area, the Permian Basin of West Texas. We have acquired or committed to acquire approximately 325,000 net acres in the Midland and Delaware Basins. Our lease-acquisition plans for this area are primarily for 2011 and the leases in this area generally provide for a five-year development window. We expect to spend approximately $75 million on drilling and completions in the new Basins during 2011 and we anticipate to gradually increase capital spending in the area in 2012 and beyond, subject to drilling results.

        Our 2011 capital budget is focused on the development of non-proved reserve locations in our Haynesville, Lower Bossier, and Eagle Ford Shale plays so that we can hold our acreage in these areas. Capital spending for 2011 was initially estimated at $2.3 billion, of which $1.9 billion was allocated for drilling and completions, $200 million was allocated for midstream operations and $200 million was allocated for potential acquisitions. Our estimated capital expenditures for drilling and completions is increasing to $2.0 billion, our budget for potential acquisitions will increase to $600 million due to our addition of the Permian Basin as a new core operating area as discussed above, and our budget for midstream operations will increase to $250 million to accomodate accelerated operations in the Eagle Ford Shale. Of the $2.0 billion budget for drilling and completions, $950 million is planned for the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales, which will enable us to fulfill our held-by-production goals, $950 million is budgeted for the Eagle Ford Shale, $75 million is planned for the Permian Basin and $25 million is planned for various other projects. Our 2011 drilling and completion budget contemplates an increase in drilling activity in the Eagle Ford Shale throughout the year, a significant decrease in the Haynesville Shale operated rig count in the second half of the year as our lease-holding activities are substantially completed, and the beginning of the development of our new Permian Basin acreage. Our 2011 program will emphasize the development of our extensive condensate-rich properties, largely in the Eagle Ford Shale, and a shift away from dry gas development in our core areas. Our drilling and completion budget for 2011 is based on our current view of market conditions, our objective of accelerating development of certain areas of our Eagle Ford Shale position, and our desire to reduce capital allocated to pure natural gas drilling once our Haynesville Shale lease-holding activities are effectively completed.

        We expect to fund our 2011 capital budget with cash flows from operations, proceeds from asset dispositions, a portion of the proceeds from our recent senior note offering and borrowings under our

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Senior Credit Agreement. We strive to maintain financial flexibility and may access capital markets as necessary to maintain substantial borrowing capacity under our Senior Credit Agreement, facilitate drilling on our large undeveloped acreage position and selectively expand our acreage position and infrastructure projects. In the event our cash flows or proceeds from potential asset dispositions are materially less than anticipated and other sources of capital we historically have utilized are not available on acceptable terms, we may curtail our capital spending.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

        Our primary sources of capital and liquidity are internally generated cash flows from operations, proceeds from asset dispositions, availability under our Senior Credit Agreement, and access to capital markets, to the extent available. Volatility in the capital markets could adversely impact our access to capital, which could reduce our ability to execute our development and acquisition plans, our ability to replace our reserves and our production levels. We continuously monitor our liquidity and the capital markets and evaluate our development plans in light of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, our cash flows, capital resources and drilling success.

        Our future capital resources and liquidity depend, in part, on our success in developing our leasehold interests. Cash is required to fund capital expenditures necessary to offset inherent declines in our production and proven reserves, which is typical in the capital-intensive oil and natural gas industry. Future success in growing reserves and production will be highly dependent on our capital resources and our success in finding additional reserves. During the third quarter of 2010, we issued our initial 2018 Notes which consisted of $825 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.25% senior notes due 2018. On January 31, 2011, we completed the issuance of the additional 2018 Notes which were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $400 million. The additional 2018 Notes were a subsequent aggregate principal issue of the initial 2018 Notes. The additional 2018 Notes together with the initial 2018 Notes are collectively referred to as the 2018 Notes. The proceeds from the initial 2018 Notes were utilized to redeem our outstanding 9.125% $775 million senior notes due 2013. A portion of the proceeds of the additional 2018 Notes were utilized to redeem our 7.125% $275 million senior notes due 2012. Together, these issuances of our 2018 Notes allowed us to reduce our future interest expense as a result of a lower interest rate and also extended the maturity of our outstanding term debt. On April 1, 2011, we repaid the remaining $0.2 million of our 2011 Notes outstanding.

        Our Senior Credit Agreement provides for a $2.0 billion credit facility. As of March 31, 2011, the borrowing base was approximately $1.6 billion, $1.5 billion of which relates to our oil and natural gas properties and $100 million of which relates to our midstream assets (currently limited as described below). The portion of the borrowing base which relates to our oil and natural gas properties is redetermined on a semi-annual basis (with the Company and the lenders each having the right to one annual interim unscheduled redetermination) and adjusted based on our oil and natural gas properties, reserves, other indebtedness and other relevant factors. The component of the borrowing base related to our midstream assets is limited to the lesser of $100 million or 3.5 times midstream EBITDA and is calculated quarterly. As of March 31, 2011, the midstream component of the borrowing base was limited to approximately $95.2 million based on the midstream EBITDA limitation. Our ability to utilize the full amount of our borrowing capacity is influenced by a variety of factors, including redeterminations of our borrowing base, and covenants under our Senior Credit Agreement and our senior unsecured debt indentures. Additionally, our borrowing base is subject to a reduction equal to the product of $0.25 multiplied by the stated principal amount (without regard to any initial issue discount) of any unsecured senior or senior subordinated notes that we may issue. Our Senior Credit Agreement contains customary financial and other covenants, including minimum working capital levels (the ratio of current assets plus the unused commitment under the Senior Credit Agreement to current liabilities) of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 and minimum coverage of interest expenses (as defined in the Senior Credit Agreement) of not less than 2.5 to 1.0. We are subject to additional covenants limiting

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dividends and other restricted payments, transactions with affiliates, incurrence of debt, changes of control, asset sales, and liens on properties. Additionally, the indentures governing our senior unsecured debt contain covenants limiting our ability to incur additional indebtedness, including borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement, unless we meet one of two alternative tests. The first test applies to all indebtedness and requires that after giving effect to the incurrence of additional debt the ratio of our adjusted consolidated EBITDA (as defined in our indentures) to our adjusted consolidated interest expense over the trailing four fiscal quarters will be at least 2.5 to 1.0. The second test applies only to borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement that do not meet the first test and it limits these borrowings to the greater of a fixed sum of $1 billion and a percentage of 30% of our adjusted consolidated net tangible assets (as defined in all of our indentures), which is determined using discounted future net revenues from proved oil and natural gas reserves as of the end of each year. As of March 31, 2011, we had $364.0 million of debt outstanding under the Senior Credit Agreement and $1.2 billion of additional borrowing capacity available. At March 31, 2011, we were in compliance with our financial debt covenants under the Senior Credit Agreement.

        During the second quarter of 2011, we amended our Senior Credit Agreement, the Fifth Amended and Restated Senior Revolving Credit Agreement, as amended on November 8, 2010 and December 22, 2010, by entering into the Third Amendment to the Fifth Amended and Restated Senior Revolving Credit Agreement (the Third Amendment), among us, each of the lenders from time to time party thereto (the Lenders), BNP Paribas, as administrative agent for the Lenders, Bank of America, N.A. and Bank of Montreal as co-syndication agents for the Lenders, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as co-documentation agents for the Lenders. Among other things, the Third Amendment: (a) increased our borrowing base to $1.9 billion, $1.8 billion of which relates to our oil and natural gas properties and $100 million relates to our midstream assets (limited as described below); (b) reduced interest rates such that amounts outstanding under the Senior Credit Agreement will bear interest at specified margins over the London Interbank Offered Rate of 1.50% to 2.50% for Eurodollar loans or at specified margins over the Alternate Base Rate (ABR) of 0.50% to 1.50% for ABR loans, which margins will fluctuate based on the utilization of the facility; (c) extended the maturity date of the facility from July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2016; and (d) increased the amount of the facility from $2.0 billion to $2.5 billion. Borrowings under the Senior Credit Agreement are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of our assets, including pursuant to the terms of the Fifth Amended and Restated Guarantee and Collateral Agreement, all of the assets of, and equity interests in, our subsidiaries. The component of the borrowing base related to our midstream assets is limited to the lesser of $100 million or 3.5 times midstream EBITDA and is calculated quarterly.

        Our borrowing base, EBITDA and consolidated net tangible assets are significantly influenced by, among other things, oil and natural gas prices. We strive to maintain financial flexibility while continuing our aggressive drilling plans and may access the capital markets to, among other things, maintain substantial borrowing capacity under our Senior Credit Agreement, facilitate drilling on our large undeveloped acreage position and permit us to selectively expand our acreage position and infrastructure projects. Our ability to complete future debt and equity offerings is subject to market conditions.

        In conjunction with the KinderHawk joint venture (a joint venture in which our wholly owned subsidiary, Hawk Field Services, and Kinder Morgan each own a 50% membership interest), we are obligated to commit up to an additional $57.7 million, as of March 31, 2011, in capital contributions to KinderHawk during 2011, if required by KinderHawk to fund its capital expenditures. Additional contributions above this amount can be made at our discretion. Capital contributions to KinderHawk could impact our development plans by reducing the amount of capital available to fund our drilling program. Capital contributions to be made to KinderHawk will be factored into our overall analysis of capital resources and liquidity on an ongoing basis.

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        Our long-term cash flows are subject to a number of variables including our level of oil and natural gas production and commodity prices, as well as various economic conditions that have historically affected the oil and natural gas industry. If natural gas prices remain at their current levels for a prolonged period of time or if oil and natural gas prices decline, our ability to fund our capital expenditures, reduce debt, meet our financial obligations and become profitable may be materially impacted.

Cash Flow

        Our primary sources of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were from operating and financing activities in addition to funds from asset sales. Our primary sources of cash for the three months ended March 31, 2010 were from operating and financing activities. Borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement and cash received from operations were offset by repayments of our Senior Credit Agreement and cash used in investing activities to fund our drilling program and acquisition activities. Operating cash flow fluctuations were substantially driven by changes in commodity prices and changes in our production volumes. Working capital was substantially influenced by these variables. Fluctuation in cash flow may result in an increase or decrease in our future capital expenditures. Prices for oil and natural gas have historically been subject to seasonal influences typically characterized by peak demand and higher prices in the winter heating season; however, the impact of other risks and uncertainties have influenced prices throughout recent years. See "Results of Operations" below for a review of the impact of prices and volumes on revenues.

        Net decrease in cash is summarized as follows:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2011   2010  
 
  (In thousands)
 

Cash flows provided by operating activities

  $ 243,052   $ 154,172  

Cash flows used in investing activities

    (584,289 )   (517,386 )

Cash flows provided by financing activities

    341,187     363,096  
           

Net decrease in cash

  $ (50 ) $ (118 )
           

        Operating Activities.    Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 were $243.1 million and $154.2 million, respectively.

        Net cash provided by operating activities increased in 2011 primarily due to the increase in realized gains on our derivative contracts from $24.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $64.1 million for the same period in 2011. Also contributing to this increase was our drilling successes in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford Shales. Production for the first three months of 2011 averaged 826 Mmcfe/d compared to 625 Mmcfe/d during the same period of 2010, a 32% increase. The increase was partially offset by a 12% decrease in our realized natural gas equivalent price compared to the same period in prior year. As a result of our 2011 capital budget program, we expect to continue to increase our production volumes throughout 2011. However, we are unable to predict future production levels or future commodity prices with certainty, and, therefore, we cannot provide any assurance about future levels of net cash provided by operating activities.

        Investing Activities.    The primary driver of cash used in investing activities is capital spending, inclusive of acquisitions and net of dispositions. Cash used in investing activities was $584.3 million and $517.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

        During the first three months of 2011, we spent $682.9 million on oil and natural gas capital expenditures. In the first three months of 2011, we participated in the drilling of 113 gross wells

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(49.5 net wells). We spent an additional $54.3 million on other operating property and equipment capital expenditures, primarily to fund the development of our gathering systems in the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas.

        During the first three months of 2011, we purchased and redeemed $155.0 million of marketable securities. These marketable securities were classified and accounted for as trading securities and were used primarily to fund a portion of our 2011 capital program.

        On March 11, 2011 an independent third party exercised their option to acquire a portion of our interest in oil and natural gas properties in the Eagle Ford Shale. Proceeds from this transaction were approximately $74 million and were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. The effective date of the transaction was March 1, 2011.

        On December 22, 2010, we completed the sale of our interest in natural gas properties and other operating property and equipment in the Fayetteville Shale for $575 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale of the interest in natural gas properties were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our full cost pool with no gain or loss recorded. In conjunction with the sale of the other operating property and equipment, we recorded a loss of approximately $0.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. On January 7, 2011, we completed the sale of our midstream assets in the Fayetteville Shale for approximately $75 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. Both transactions had an effective date of October 1, 2010.

        On May 21, 2010, our wholly owned subsidiary, Hawk Field Services, and Kinder Morgan entered into a joint venture arrangement to create a new entity, KinderHawk, which engages in the natural gas midstream business in Northwest Louisiana, focused on the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales. Hawk Field Services contributed to KinderHawk our Haynesville Shale gathering and treating business in Northwest Louisiana, and Kinder Morgan contributed approximately $917 million in cash ($875 million for a 50% membership interest in KinderHawk and $42 million for certain closing adjustments including 2010 capital expenditures through the closing date) to KinderHawk. We, along with Kinder Morgan, own a 50% membership interest in KinderHawk. KinderHawk distributed the approximate $917 million to us. During the first three months of 2011, we have made no cash contributions to KinderHawk and have received distributions of $16.1 million, which are recorded in cash flows from operating activities.

        During the first three months of 2010, we spent $639.0 million on oil and natural gas capital expenditures and participated in the drilling of 169 gross wells (46.5 net wells). We spent an additional $72.6 million on other operating property and equipment expenditures, primarily to fund the completion of gathering systems in the Fayetteville Shale in Arkansas and the development of our gathering systems in the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana and the Eagle Ford Shale in Texas.

        During the first three months of 2010, we purchased and redeemed $226.0 million of marketable securities. These marketable securities were classified and accounted for as trading securities and were used primarily to fund a portion of our 2010 capital program.

        On February 10, 2010, we sold our Talihina properties in Latimer County, Oklahoma to Ward Energy, LLC for $17 million, subject to customary closing adjustments. The effective date of the sale was December 1, 2009.

        On October 30, 2009, we sold our Permian Basin properties for $376 million in cash, before customary closing adjustments. Proceeds from the sale were recorded as a reduction to the carrying value of our full cost pool. In conjunction with the closing of this sale, we deposited the remaining net proceeds of $331 million with a qualified intermediary to facilitate potential like-kind exchange transactions ($37.6 million was previously received as a deposit). As of March 31, 2010, $36.2 million remained with the intermediary.

        Financing Activities.    Net cash flows provided by financing activities were $341.2 million and $363.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

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        On January 31, 2011, we completed the issuance of an additional $400 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.25% senior notes due 2018. The additional 2018 Notes are a subsequent aggregate principal issue of our outstanding 7.25% senior notes due 2018 which were issued in an aggregate principal amount of $825 million on August 17, 2010, the initial 2018 Notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the additional 2018 Notes were approximately $400.5 million, after deducting offering fees and expenses. We capitalized $7.3 million of debt issuance costs in conjunction with the issuance of the additional 2018 Notes. A portion of the proceeds of the additional 2018 Notes were utilized to redeem our 2012 Notes on March 17, 2011.

        Capital financing and excess cash flow from operations are used to repay borrowings under our Senior Credit Agreement to the extent available. During the first three months of 2011, we had net borrowings of $348.8 million. During the first three months of 2010, we had net borrowings of $366.0 million.

Contractual Obligations

        We have no material changes in our long-term commitments associated with our capital expenditure plans or operating agreements other than those described below. Our level of capital expenditures will vary in future periods depending on the success we experience in our acquisition, development and exploration activities, oil and natural gas price conditions and other related economic factors. Currently no sources of liquidity or financing are provided by off-balance sheet arrangements or transactions with unconsolidated, limited-purpose entities. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2011:

 
  Total Obligation
Amount
(1)
  Years Remaining  
 
  (in thousands)
   
 

Gathering and transportation commitments

  $ 1,928,842     18  

Drilling rig commitments

    261,920     3  

Non-cancelable operating leases

    32,278     8  

Pipeline and well equipment obligations

    129,372     1  

Various contractual commitments (including, among other things, rental equipment obligations, obtaining and processing seismic data and fracture stimulation services)

    65,680     3  
             

Total commitments

  $ 2,418,092        
             

(1)
On May 21, 2010, we created a joint venture with Kinder Morgan, KinderHawk, which engages in the natural gas midstream business in Northwest Louisiana, focused on the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales. As part of this transaction, we are committed to contribute up to an additional $57.7 million in capital during 2011 in the event KinderHawk requires capital to finance its planned capital expenditures. This obligation is not reflected in the amounts shown in the above table. See Note 2, "Acquisitions and Divestitures" for more details.

        We are obligated to deliver to KinderHawk agreed upon minimum annual quantities of natural gas from our operated wells producing from the Haynesville and Lower Bossier Shales, within specified acreage in Northwest Louisiana through May 2015, or in the alternative, pay an annual true-up fee to

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KinderHawk if such minimum annual quantities are not delivered. The minimum annual quantities per contract year are as follows:

Contract Year
  Minimum Annual
Quantity (Bcf)
 

Year 1 (partial)—2010

    81.090  

Year 2—2011

    152.899  

Year 3—2012

    238.595  

Year 4—2013

    324.047  

Year 5—2014

    368.614  

Year 6 (partial)—2015

    143.066  

        These quantities represent 50% of our anticipated production from the specified acreage at the time we entered into the contract. Production from this acreage has been significantly in excess of these quantities during 2010 and through the first quarter of 2011, and we have not been obligated to pay a true-up fee to date.

        We pay KinderHawk negotiated gathering and treating fees, subject to an annual inflation adjustment factor. The gathering fee is currently equal to $0.34 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of natural gas delivered at KinderHawk's receipt points. The treating fee is charged for gas delivered containing more than 2% by volume of carbon dioxide. For gas delivered containing between 2% and 5.5% carbon dioxide, the treating fee is between $0.030 and $0.345 per Mcf, and for gas containing over 5.5% carbon dioxide, the treating fee starts at $0.365 per Mcf and increases on a scale of $0.09 per Mcf for each additional 1% of carbon dioxide content. In the event that annual natural gas deliveries are ever less than the minimum annual quantity per contract year set forth in the table above, our true-up fee obligation would be determined by subtracting the volumes delivered from the minimum annual quantity for the applicable contract year and multiplying the positive difference by the sum of the gathering fee in effect on the last day of such year plus the average monthly treating fees for such year. For example, if the quantity of natural gas delivered in 2011 were 50 Bcf less than the minimum annual quantity for such year and the year-end gathering fee was $0.34 per Mcf and the average treating fee for the period was $0.345 per Mcf, the true-up fee would be $34.3 million.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies from those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

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Results of Operations

Quarters Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010

        We reported income from continuing operations, net of income taxes of $1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to income from continuing operations, net of income taxes of $156.3 million for the same period in 2010, resulting in a net change of $155.1 million. The following table summarizes key items of comparison and their related change for the periods indicated.

 
  Three Months
Ended March 31,
   
 
In thousands (except per unit and per Mcfe amounts)
  2011   2010   Change  

Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes

  $ 1,180   $ 156,292   $ (155,112 )

Operating revenues:

                   
 

Oil and natural gas

    350,208     300,591     49,617  
 

Marketing

    140,544     130,119     10,425  
 

Midstream

    972     7,072     (6,100 )

Operating expenses:

                   
 

Marketing

    154,898     136,622     18,276  
 

Production:

                   
   

Lease operating

    12,611     17,395     (4,784 )
   

Workover and other

    4,876     2,378     2,498  
 

Taxes other than income

    11,735     12,760     (1,025 )
 

Gathering, transportation and other:

                   
   

Oil and natural gas

    51,489     22,289     29,200  
   

Midstream

    1,406     5,867     (4,461 )
 

General and administrative:

                   
   

General and administrative

    33,295     27,945     5,350  
   

Stock-based compensation

    6,680     4,089     2,591  
 

Depletion, depreciation and amortization:

                   
   

Depletion—Full cost

    153,493     100,262     53,231  
   

Depreciation—Midstream

    1,067     2,821     (1,754 )
   

Depreciation—Other

    2,308     1,150     1,158  
   

Accretion expense

    444     535     (91 )
 

Amortization of deferred gain

    48,468         48,468  

Other income (expenses):

                   
 

Net (loss) gain on derivative contracts

    (50,907 )   214,703     (265,610 )
 

Interest expense and other

    (66,803 )   (62,846 )   (3,957 )
 

Equity investment income

    13,571         13,571  

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes

                   
 

Oil and natural gas

    (59,384 )   236,081     (295,465 )
 

Midstream

    61,135     19,445     41,690  

Income tax provision

    (571 )   (99,234 )   98,663  

Production:

                   

Natural gas—Mmcf

    66,897     54,775     12,122  

Crude oil—MBbl

    717     241     476  

Natural gas liquids—MBbl

    526     8     518  

Natural gas equivalent—Mmcfe(1)

    74,355     56,269     18,086  

Average daily production—Mmcfe(1)

    826     625     201  

Average price per unit(2):

                   

Natural gas price—Mcf

  $ 3.93   $ 5.14   $ (1.21 )

Crude oil price—Bbl

    85.98     75.29     10.69  

Natural gas liquids price—Bbl

    47.28     38.24     9.04  

Natural gas equivalent price—Mcfe(1)

    4.70     5.34     (0.64 )

Average cost per Mcfe:

                   

Production:

                   
   

Lease operating

    0.17     0.31     (0.14 )
   

Workover and other

    0.07     0.04     0.03  

Taxes other than income

    0.16     0.23     (0.07 )

Gathering, transportation and other:

                   
   

Oil and natural gas

    0.69     0.40     0.29  
   

Midstream

    0.02     0.10     (0.08 )

General and administrative:

                   
 

General and administrative

    0.45     0.50     (0.05 )
 

Stock-based compensation

    0.09     0.07     0.02  

Depletion

    2.06     1.78     0.28  

(1)
Oil and natural gas liquids are converted to equivalent gas production using a 6:1 equivalent ratio. This ratio does not assume price equivalency and given price differentials, the price for a barrel of oil equivalent for natural gas may differ significantly from the price for a barrel of oil.

(2)
Amounts exclude the impact of cash paid/received on settled contracts as we did not elect to apply hedge accounting.

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        For the three months ended March 31, 2011, oil and natural gas revenues increased $49.6 million from the same period in 2010, to $350.2 million. The increase was primarily due to the increase in our production of 18,086 Mmcfe, or 32% over the three months ended March 31, 2010, primarily due to our drilling successes in resource plays in Louisiana and Texas. Increased production contributed approximately $97 million in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011. This increase was offset by a decrease of $0.64 per Mcfe in our realized average price to $4.70 per Mcfe from $5.34 per Mcfe in the prior year period. The decrease in realized average prices led to a decrease in oil and natural gas revenues of approximately $47 million.

        We had marketing revenues of $140.5 million and marketing expenses of $154.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, resulting in a loss before taxes of $14.4 million as compared to a loss before taxes of $6.5 million for the same period in 2010. Our marketing subsidiary purchases and sells our own and third party natural gas produced from wells which we and third parties operate. We report the revenues and expenses related to these marketing activities on a gross basis as part of our operating revenues and operating expenses. Marketing revenues are recorded at the time natural gas is physically delivered to third parties at a fixed or index price. Marketing expenses attributable to gas purchases are recorded as we take physical title to the natural gas and transport the purchased volumes to the point of sale. Our loss before income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2011 is primarily attributable to decreased margins and the amortization of our acquired transportation contracts.

        We had gross revenues from our midstream segment of $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 of $29.2 million, a decrease of $25.2 million. Gross revenues of $4.0 million included $3.0 million of inter-segment revenues that were eliminated in consolidation. On a net basis, we had revenues of $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, a decrease of $6.1 million from the prior year. Gathering and treating throughput decreased 38.4 Bcf to 11.9 Bcf for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to 50.3 Bcf for the three months ended March 31, 2010, which includes 45.4 Bcf of Haynesville throughput. The decrease in revenues and throughput was primarily due to the contribution of the gas gathering systems and treating facilities in the Haynesville Shale to KinderHawk on May 21, 2010.

        Lease operating expenses decreased $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 primarily due to our continued cost control efforts as well as the sale of our higher cost properties in 2010. On a per unit basis, lease operating expenses decreased $0.14 per Mcfe to $0.17 per Mcfe in 2011 from $0.31 per Mcfe in 2010. The decrease on a per unit basis is primarily due to the increase in production during 2011 from our resource plays which historically have a lower per unit operating cost. Additionally, the sale of our Terryville, WEHLU, and Fayetteville Shale properties in 2010, contributed to a decrease in costs for the three months ended March 31, 2011 over the same period in 2010 as these properties historically operated with higher operating costs per unit.

        Workover expenses increased $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The increase was primarily due to an increase in activity in the Haynesville Shale related to the replacement of corroded conventional tubing with chrome tubing in a number of our wells.

        Taxes other than income decreased $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. The largest components of taxes other than income are production and severance taxes which are generally assessed as either a fixed rate based on production or as a percentage of gross oil and natural gas sales. Our increase in production in the current year was offset by severance tax refunds related to drilling incentives for horizontal wells in the Haynesville and Eagle Ford Shales. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we recorded severance tax refunds totaling $4.0 million compared to $7.6 million in the prior year. On a per unit basis, excluding the severance tax refunds, taxes other than income decreased $0.15 per Mcfe to $0.21 per Mcfe compared

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to $0.36 per Mcfe in 2010. This adjusted decrease from prior year is due to severance tax exemptions related to the drilling incentives as well as a reduction in the Louisiana statutory severance tax rate.

        Gathering, transportation and other expense attributable to our oil and natural gas production segment increased $29.2 million, for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. The increase was primarily due to the closing of our KinderHawk joint venture with Kinder Morgan on May 21, 2010, as gathering and treating fees now paid to KinderHawk historically had been paid to Hawk Field Services and eliminated in consolidation. We pay $0.34 per Mcf of gas that is delivered at KinderHawk's receipt points for gathering and a treating fee that ranges between $0.030 per Mcf and $0.365 per Mcf or more depending on carbon dioxide content. On a per unit basis, gathering, transportation and other expenses increased $0.29 per Mcfe to $0.69 per Mcfe in 2011 compared to $0.40 per Mcfe in 2010. The increase on a per unit basis is primarily attributable to the gathering and treating fees we are paying to KinderHawk which historically had been paid to Hawk Field Services and eliminated in consolidation.

        Gathering, transportation and other expenses attributable to our midstream segment decreased $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The decrease was primarily due to the contribution of the gas gathering systems and treating facilities in the Haynesville Shale to KinderHawk on May 21, 2010 partially offset by the current year expansion of our Eagle Ford gas gathering and treating system.

        General and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased $5.4 million as compared to the same period in 2010. The increase is primarily attributable to an approximate $8.2 million increase in payroll and employee costs, including salaries, benefits and incentives associated with increases in our work force as a result of our continued growth. This increase was partially offset by a $6.0 million decrease in professional fees, primarily decreases in legal fees and settlements.

        Depletion for oil and natural gas properties is calculated using the unit of production method, which depletes the capitalized costs associated with evaluated properties plus future development costs based on the ratio of production volume for the current period to total remaining reserve volume for the evaluated properties. Depletion expense increased $53.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 from the same period in 2010, to $153.5 million. On a per unit basis, depletion expense increased $0.28 per Mcfe to $2.06 per Mcfe. The increase on a per unit basis is primarily due to our 2010 asset sales as well as the impact of our 2010 and 2011 capital expenditures program.

        Depreciation expense associated with our gas gathering systems decreased $1.8 million to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily due to the contribution of the gas gathering systems and treating facilities in the Haynesville Shale to KinderHawk which resulted in a $404 million decrease in gas gathering system and equipment assets partially offset by the current year expansion of our Eagle Ford gas gathering and treating system. We depreciate our gas gathering systems over a 30 year useful life and begin depreciating on the estimated placed in service date.

        On May 21, 2010, we contributed our Haynesville Shale gathering and treating business in exchange for a 50% membership interest in a joint venture entity, KinderHawk, and approximately $917 million in cash. At May 21, 2010, as a result of this transaction, we recorded a deferred gain of approximately $719.4 million for the difference between 50% of the net carrying value of the assets we contributed to the joint venture and the net cash proceeds from KinderHawk, representing the cash contributed by Kinder Morgan at closing for its 50% membership interest in KinderHawk. We will recognize the portion of the deferred gain equal to our capital commitment as contributions to KinderHawk are made or upon expiration of the capital commitment at December 31, 2011. In addition to the capital commitment, we guaranteed to deliver certain minimum volumes of natural gas through the Haynesville Shale gathering system through May 2015. We will recognize the remaining

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deferred gain as volumes are delivered through the Haynesville Shale gathering system through May 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the Company recognized $48.5 million of the deferred gain.

        We enter into derivative commodity instruments to economically hedge our exposure to price fluctuations on our anticipated oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids production. Historically, we have also entered into interest rate swaps to mitigate exposure to market rate fluctuations by converting variable interest rates (such as those on our Senior Credit Agreement) to fixed interest rates. Consistent with the prior year, we have elected not to designate any positions as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes, and accordingly, we recorded the net change in the mark-to-market value of these derivative contracts in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations. At March 31, 2011, we had a $200.1 million derivative asset, $163.1 million of which was classified as current, and a $69.1 million derivative liability, $32.2 million of which was classified as current. We recorded a net derivative loss of $50.9 million ($115.0 million net unrealized loss and $64.1 million net gain for cash received on settled contracts) for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to a net derivative gain of $214.7 million ($190.1 million net unrealized gain and a $24.6 million net gain for cash received on settled contracts) in the same period in 2010.

        Interest expense and other increased $4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. During the first quarter of 2011, we wrote-off $3.0 million related to the unamortized discount associated with our 2012 Notes that were redeemed in the first quarter of 2011, which was the primary cause of the increase in interest expense and other over the first quarter of 2010.

        Our investment in KinderHawk in which we do not have a majority interest, but do have significant influence, is accounted for under the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, our share of net income (loss) from KinderHawk is reflected as an increase (decrease) in our investment account and is also recorded as equity investment income (loss). Distributions from KinderHawk are recorded as reductions of our investment and contributions to KinderHawk are recorded as increases of our investment. Our net share of KinderHawk's earnings or losses is reported as "Equity investment income" in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2011, our net share of KinderHawk's income was $13.6 million.

        We had an income tax provision of $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 due to our income from continuing operations before income taxes of $1.8 million compared to an income tax provision of $99.2 million due to our income from continuing operations before income taxes of $255.5 million in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was 32.6% compared to 38.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The change in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the impact of stock-based compensation adjustments on our lower net income in the current year compared to the first quarter of 2010.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        We discuss recently adopted and issued accounting standards in Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 1, "Financial Statement Presentation."

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Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

        We are exposed to various risks including energy commodity price risk. When oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids prices decline significantly our ability to finance our capital budget and operations could be adversely impacted. We expect energy prices to remain volatile and unpredictable, therefore we have designed a risk management policy which provides for the use of derivative instruments to provide partial protection against declines in oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids prices by reducing the risk of price volatility and the affect it could have on our operations. The types of derivative instruments that we typically utilize include collars, swaps, and puts. The total volumes which we hedge through the use of our derivative instruments varies from period to period, however, generally our objective is to hedge approximately 65% to 70% of our current and anticipated production for the next 12 to 36 months. Our hedge policies and objectives may change significantly as commodities prices or price futures change.

        We are exposed to market risk on our open derivative contracts of non-performance by our counterparties. We do not expect such non-performance because our contracts are with major financial institutions with investment grade credit ratings. Each of the counterparties to our derivative contracts is a lender in our Senior Credit Agreement. We did not post collateral under any of these contracts as they are secured under the Senior Credit Agreement. Please refer to Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 8, "Derivatives" for additional information.

        We have also been exposed to interest rate risk on our variable interest rate debt. If interest rates increase, our interest expense would increase and our available cash flow would decrease. Periodically, we may look to utilize interest rate swaps to reduce the exposure to market rate fluctuations by converting variable interest rates to fixed interest rates. At March 31, 2011, we did not have any open positions that converted our variable interest rate debt to fixed interest rates. We continue to monitor our risk exposure as we incur future indebtedness at variable interest rates and will look to continue our risk management policy as situations present themselves.

        We account for our derivative activities under the provisions of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815). ASC 815 establishes accounting and reporting that every derivative instrument be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at fair value. See Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)—Note 8, "Derivatives" for more details.

Interest Sensitivity

        We are exposed to market risk related to adverse changes in interest rates. Our interest rate risk exposure results primarily from fluctuations in short-term rates, which are LIBOR and ABR based and may result in reductions of earnings or cash flows due to increases in the interest rates we pay on these obligations.

        At March 31, 2011, total long-term debt was $3.0 billion, of which approximately 88% bears interest at a weighted average fixed interest rate of 8.2% per year. The remaining 12% of our total debt balance at March 31, 2011 bears interest at floating or market interest rates that at our option are tied to prime rate or LIBOR. Fluctuations in market interest rates will cause our annual interest costs to fluctuate. At March 31, 2011, the interest rate on our variable rate debt was 2.7% per year. If the balance of our variable rate debt at March 31, 2011 were to remain constant, a 10% change in market interest rates would impact our cash flow by approximately $0.2 million per quarter.

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Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

        In accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2011 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted 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. Our disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

        There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

        From time to time, we may be a plaintiff or defendant in a pending or threatened legal proceeding arising in the normal course of our business. While the outcome and impact of currently pending legal proceedings cannot be determined, our management and legal counsel believe that the resolution of these proceedings through settlement or adverse judgment will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated operating results, financial position or cash flows.

        Under rules promulgated by the SEC, administrative or judicial proceedings arising under any Federal, State or local provisions that have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or primarily for the purpose of protecting the environment are disclosed if the governmental authority is a party to such proceeding and the proceeding involves potential monetary sanctions of $100,000 or more. We are not party to any such proceedings, except as described below.

        We were formerly involved in natural gas exploration in the Fayetteville Shale play in North Central Arkansas. Our subsidiary, Hawk Field Services, constructed a pipeline to transport natural gas from wellheads. Hawk Field Services' activities were being performed pursuant to required environmental permits issued by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps of Engineers). The terrain in and around the Fayetteville Shale play is very hilly and required that the pipeline cross numerous small creeks and streams. Some of these streams ultimately drain into larger waters that are home to an endangered freshwater mussel known as the Speckled Pocketbook (Lampsilis streckeri).

        In 2008, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) opened an investigation into the activities of Hawk Field Services and the Company in the Fayetteville Shale play. The investigation focused on the pipeline stream crossings and potential impacts on the Speckled Pocketbook. On April 22, 2009, we received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas and the Environmental Crimes Section of the United States Department of Justice notifying us that we were under criminal investigation for alleged violations of the Federal Clean Water Act and the Federal Endangered Species Act with respect to the endangered Speckled Pocketbook. Hawk Field Services sold its gathering and treating assets serving the Fayetteville Shale in conjunction with the Company's disposition of its Fayetteville Shale natural gas properties and, as a consequence, neither the

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Company nor Hawk Field Services currently have ongoing operations in Arkansas. The Company and the United States Department of Justice have finalized a plea agreement, whereby Hawk Field Services will plead guilty to three misdemeanor counts of violating the Endangered Species Act, pay a $350,000 fine, and contribute $150,000 toward environmental conservation efforts in the Fayetteville Shale area. Final approval of the plea agreement is expected to occur in the summer of 2011.

        We are also involved in natural gas exploration in the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana. On July 27, 2009, we received a Cease and Desist Order from the Corps of Engineers alleging violations of the Federal Clean Water Act for unauthorized land clearing and discharges of dredged or fill material into wetlands associated with the development of three gas wells in Bossier, Caddo, and Red River Parishes in Louisiana. The Company subsequently identified additional well sites on which work may have been conducted without required authorizations under the Clean Water Act. The Company disclosed information relating to the additional well sites to the Corps of Engineers and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On January 26, 2011, the Company and EPA entered into a Consent Agreement and Final Order. Pursuant to that Order, the Company paid an administrative penalty of $177,500. This matter is now resolved.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

        There have been no material changes to the risk factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2010, except as stated below.

Availability of adequate gathering systems and transportation take-away capacity may hinder our access to suitable oil and natural gas markets or delay our production.

        Our ability to bring natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil production to market depends on a number of factors including the availability and proximity of pipelines and processing facilities. The recent growth in production in the Eagle Ford Shale, especially of oil and natural gas liquids production, has limited the availability of transportation take-away capacity for these products. If we are unable to obtain adequate amounts of take-away capacity to meet our growing production levels, we may have to delay initial production or shut in our wells awaiting a pipeline connection or capacity and / or sell our production at significantly lower prices than those quoted on NYMEX or than we currently project, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Certain federal income tax deductions currently available with respect to oil and gas exploration and development may be eliminated as a result of future legislation.

        Among the changes contained in the President's Fiscal Year 2012 budget proposal, released by the White House on February 14, 2011, is the elimination or deferral of certain key U.S. federal income tax deductions currently available to oil and gas exploration and production companies. Such changes include, but are not limited to, (i) the repeal of the percentage depletion allowance for oil and gas properties; (ii) the elimination of current deductions for intangible drilling and development costs; (iii) the elimination of the deduction for certain U.S. production activities; and (iv) an extension of the amortization period for certain geological and geophysical expenditures. Recently, members of the U.S. Congress have considered similar changes to the existing federal income tax laws that affect oil and gas exploration and production companies, which, if enacted, would negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations. The passage of any legislation as a result of the budget proposal or any other similar change in U.S. federal income tax law could eliminate or defer certain tax deductions within the industry that are currently available with respect to oil and gas exploration and development, and any such change could negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.

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

        The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the surrender of our common stock by employees in exchange for the payment of certain tax obligations during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 
  Total Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
  Average Price
Paid Per
Share
  Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans or
Programs
  Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
 

January 2011

    364   $ 18.83          

February 2011

    129,454     20.71          

March 2011

    64,627     20.86          

(1)
All of the shares were surrendered by employees in exchange for the payment of tax withholding upon the vesting of restricted stock awards and the exercise of settled stock appreciation rights. The acquisitions of the surrendered shares was not part of a publicly announced program to repurchase shares of our common stock, nor were they considered as or accounted for as treasury shares.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities

        None.

Item 4.    (Removed and Reserved)

Item 5.    Other Information

        None.

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Item 6.    Exhibits

        The following documents are included as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Those exhibits incorporated by reference are so indicated by the information supplied with respect thereto. Those exhibits which are not incorporated by reference are attached hereto.

Exhibit No   Description
  3.1   Certificate of Incorporation for Petrohawk Energy Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Form S-8 (File No. 333-117733) filed on July 29, 2004).

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation for Petrohawk Energy Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 24, 2004).

 

3.3

 

Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of Petrohawk Energy Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 3, 2005).

 

3.4

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Petrohawk Energy Corporation effective as of July 12, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2006).

 

3.5

 

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Petrohawk Energy Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2006).

 

3.6

 

Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Preferred Stock of Petrohawk Energy Corporation effective as of October 15, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 16, 2008).

 

3.7

 

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Petrohawk Energy Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 23, 2009).

 

4.1

 

Indenture dated as of April 8, 2004, among Mission Resources Corporation, the Guarantors named therein and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to Petrohawk Energy Corporation's 97/8% Senior Notes due 2011 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Mission Resources Corporation's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on April 15, 2004).

 

4.2

 

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 28, 2005, among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the successor by way of merger to Mission Resources Corporation, the parties named therein as Existing Subsidiary Guarantors, the parties named therein as Additional Subsidiary Guarantors, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as successor trustee to The Bank of New York (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 3, 2005).

 

4.3

 

Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 12, 2006, among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, as successor by merger to Mission Resources Corporation, the parties named therein as subsidiary guarantors, and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2006).

 

4.4

 

Indenture dated April 1, 2004 among KCS Energy, Inc., U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and the subsidiary guarantors named therein, relating to KCS Energy, Inc.'s 71/8% senior notes due 2012 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to KCS Energy, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2004).

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Exhibit No   Description
  4.5   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 8, 2005, to Indenture dated as of April 1, 2004, among KCS Energy, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries and U.S. Bank National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of KCS Energy, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on April 11, 2005).

 

4.6

 

Second Supplemental Indenture dated July 12, 2006 among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the successor by way of merger to KCS Energy, Inc., the parties named therein as guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2006).

 

4.7

 

Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 12, 2006 among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the successor by way of merger to KCS Energy, Inc., the parties named therein as existing guarantors, the parties named therein as new guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 17, 2006).

 

4.8

 

Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 3, 2007 among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the successor by way of merger to KCS Energy, Inc., the parties named therein as existing guarantors, the parties named therein as new guarantors, and The Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as the successor to U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 6, 2008).

 

4.9

 

Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 28, 2008 among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, HK Energy Marketing, LLC, the parties named therein as guarantors, and The Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as the successor to U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2009).

 

4.10

 

Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 26, 2009 among Winwell Resources, L.L.C., KCS Resources, LLC, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the parties named therein as guarantors, and The Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as the successor to U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2009).

 

4.11

 

Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 4, 2009 among Kaiser Trading, LLC, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the existing Guarantors, and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as the successor to U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009).

 

4.12

 

Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2010 among Big Hawk Services, LLC, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the existing Guarantors, and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as the successor to U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2010).

 

4.13

 

Indenture, dated May 13, 2008, among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 15, 2008).

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Exhibit No   Description
  4.14   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 28, 2008 among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, HK Energy Marketing, LLC, and parties named therein as guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2009).

 

4.15

 

Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 26, 2009 among Winwell Resources, L.L.C., KCS Resources, LLC, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the parties named therein as guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2009).

 

4.16

 

Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 4, 2009 among Kaiser Trading, LLC, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the existing Guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2009).

 

4.17

 

Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2010 among Big Hawk Services, LLC, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the existing Guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2010).

 

4.18

 

Indenture, dated January 27, 2009, among the Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 28, 2009).

 

4.19

 

First Supplemental Indenture, dated August 4, 2009, among the Kaiser Trading, LLC, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the existing Guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2009).

 

4.20

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated June 30, 2010, among the Big Hawk Services, LLC, Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the existing Guarantors, and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2010).

 

4.21

 

Indenture, dated as of August 17, 2010, among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 20, 2010).

 

4.22

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 17, 2010, among Petrohawk Energy Corporation and Barclays Capital Inc., on behalf the initial purchasers named therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 20, 2010).

 

4.23

 

Registration Rights Agreement, dated January 31, 2011, among Petrohawk Energy Corporation, the subsidiary guarantors named therein, and the initial purchaser named therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 3, 2011).

 

10.1

 

Purchase Agreement dated January 14, 2011, between the Company and Barclays Capital Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 20, 2011).

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Exhibit No   Description
  10.2 Second Amendment to Employment Agreement of Floyd C. Wilson entered into February 21, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.46 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 22, 2011).

 

10.3

*

Third Amendment to Fifth Amended and Restated Senior Revolving Credit Agreement dated April 29, 2011.

 

12.1

*

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preference Dividends

 

31.1

*

Certificate of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

31.2

*

Certificate of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

32.1

*

Certifications required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

101

*

Interactive Data File

*
Attached hereto.

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

        The registrant has not filed with this report copies of the instruments defining rights of all holders of long-term debt of the registrant and its consolidated subsidiaries based upon the exception set forth in Item 601 (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K. Copies of such instruments will be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

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SIGNATURES

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

    PETROHAWK ENERGY CORPORATION

Date: May 5, 2011

 

By:

 

/s/ FLOYD C. WILSON

Floyd C. Wilson
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer

 

 

By:

 

/s/ MARK J. MIZE

Mark J. Mize
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer

 

 

By:

 

/s/ C. BYRON CHARBONEAU

C. Byron Charboneau
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
and Controller

55