arena_10q33110.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2010
or
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to __________.

Commission File Number 001-31657

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 Nevada    73-1596109
 (State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization)
 
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
        
6555 S. Lewis Ave.
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136
(Address of principal executive offices)

(918) 747-6060
(Registrant’s telephone number)

 
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 past 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.   [X]  Yes      [   ]  No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
[   ]    Yes       [   ]    No       [X]    Not Applicable
 
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   [X]  Accelerated filer   [   ] 
Non-accelerated filer   [   ]  Smaller reporting company   [   ] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
[   ]  Yes      [X]  No
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practical date:

As of May 6, 2010, the Company had outstanding 39,459,963 shares of common stock ($0.001 par value).
 
1

 

INDEX

Arena Resources, Inc.
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2010
 
        Page
Part I.  Financial Information    
     
  Item 1.  Financial Statements (Unaudited)   3
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (Unaudited)
   4
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
   5
         
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 (Unaudited)
   6
         
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)    7
         
 
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
   18
         
  Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    22
         
  Item 4.  Controls and Procedures    23
         
Part II.  Other Information    
         
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings    23
         
  Item 1A. Risk Factors    23
         
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    24
         
  Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities    24
         
  Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    24
         
  Item 5. Other Information    24
         
  Item 6. Exhibits    24
         
Signatures        25
   
 
2

 
Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements in this Section and elsewhere in this report are forward-looking in nature and relate to trends and events that may affect the Company’s future financial position and operating results.  Such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  The terms “expect,” ”anticipate,” ”intend,” and “project” and similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  These statements speak only as of the date of this report.  The statements are based on current expectations, are inherently uncertain, are subject to risks, and should be viewed with caution.  Actual results and experience may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including changes in economic conditions in the markets served by the company, increasing competition, fluctuations in raw materials and energy prices, and other unanticipated events and conditions.  It is not possible to foresee or identify all such factors.  The company makes no commitment to update any forward-looking statement or to disclose any facts, events, or circumstances after the date hereof that may affect the accuracy of any forward-looking statement.

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1.  Financial Statements:

The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.

In the opinion of the Company, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Company and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows have been made. The results of its operations and its cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010.

3

 
ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
   
March 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
             
ASSETS
           
Current Assets
           
Cash
  $ 55,015,353     $ 63,635,078  
Accounts receivable
    19,109,114       13,103,483  
Joint interest billing receivable
    2,834,249       2,392,814  
Receivable from derivatives
    25,500       -  
Fair value of derivatives
    17,268       -  
Prepaid expenses
    1,212,171       1,040,513  
                 
Total Current Assets
    78,213,655       80,171,888  
                 
Property and Equipment
               
Oil and gas properties subject to amortization
    708,649,133       661,453,134  
Oil and gas gathering systems
    3,318,186       2,134,876  
Inventory for property development
    991,861       1,052,538  
Drilling rigs
    6,694,841       6,694,841  
Land, buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements
    6,132,667       5,991,983  
Total Property and Equipment
    725,786,688       677,327,372  
Less:  Accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (112,919,977 )     (100,428,326 )
                 
Net Property and Equipment
    612,866,711       576,899,046  
                 
Total Assets
  $ 691,080,366     $ 657,070,934  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 18,002,641     $ 17,155,260  
Current taxes payable
    -       314,700  
Accrued liabilities
    1,322,964       1,101,633  
                 
Total Current Liabilities
    19,325,605       18,571,593  
                 
Long-Term Liabilities
               
Asset retirement liability
    8,158,997       7,209,812  
Deferred income taxes
    119,267,035       108,622,799  
                 
Total Long-Term Liabilities
    127,426,032       115,832,611  
                 
Stockholders' Equity
               
Preferred stock - $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized;
               
no shares issued or outstanding
    -       -  
Common stock - $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized;
               
39,459,963 shares and 38,693,963 shares outstanding, respectively
    39,460       38,694  
Additional paid-in capital
    330,527,853       326,990,590  
Retained earnings
    213,750,537       195,637,446  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    10,879       -  
                 
Total Stockholders' Equity
    544,328,729       522,666,730  
                 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
  $ 691,080,366     $ 657,070,934  
 
See the accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

 
ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Oil and Gas Revenues
  $ 51,797,626     $ 20,193,160  
                 
Costs and Operating Expenses
               
Oil and gas production costs
    4,463,674       4,206,783  
Oil and gas production taxes
    2,786,047       1,098,339  
Realized gain on derivatives
    (25,500 )     (5,111,210 )
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    12,297,186       7,231,481  
Accretion expense
    131,965       94,750  
General and administrative expense
    3,503,810       2,674,769  
                 
             Total Costs and Operating Expenses
    23,157,182       10,194,912  
                 
Other Income (Expense)
               
Interest income
    110,494       266,312  
                 
             Net Other Income (Expense)
    110,494       266,312  
                 
Income Before Provision for Income Taxes
    28,750,938       10,264,560  
                 
Provision for Deferred Income Taxes
    (10,637,847 )     (3,799,111 )
                 
Net Income
  $ 18,113,091     $ 6,465,449  
                 
Basic Net Income Per Common Share
  $ 0.47     $ 0.17  
Diluted Net Income Per Common Share
    0.46       0.17  
                 
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
               
Realized gain on hedge derivative contract settlements
               
reclassified from other comprehensive loss
    -       (2,916,308 )
Change in unrealized deferred hedging gains
    10,879       9,945  
                 
Total Other Comprehensive Income
  $ 18,123,970     $ 3,559,086  
 
See the accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5


ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
           
Net income
  $ 18,113,091     $ 6,465,449  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
               
provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
    12,297,186       7,231,481  
Provision for income taxes
    10,637,847       3,799,111  
Stock based compensation
    1,608,779       1,329,317  
Accretion of asset retirement obligation
    131,965       94,750  
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts and joint interest receivable
    (6,472,566 )     1,853,860  
Income taxes payable
    (798,690 )     -  
Prepaid expenses
    312,332       148,390  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    1,068,712       (9,691,042 )
                 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
    36,898,656       11,231,316  
                 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
               
Purchase and development of oil and gas properties
    (42,902,119 )     (15,256,515 )
Purchase of inventory for property development
    (3,221,518 )     (1,818,526 )
Construction of oil and gas gathering systems
    (1,183,310 )     -  
Purchase of buildings, drilling rigs & equipment
    (140,684 )     (242,575 )
                 
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
    (47,447,631 )     (17,317,616 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from exercise of options
    1,929,250       -  
                 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
    1,929,250       -  
                 
Net Decrease in Cash
    (8,619,725 )     (6,086,300 )
                 
Cash at Beginning of Period
    63,635,078       58,489,574  
                 
Cash at End of Period
  $ 55,015,353     $ 52,403,274  
                 
                 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
               
Cash paid for income taxes
  $ 314,700     $ -  
Cash paid for interest
    -       -  
                 
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
               
Asset retirement obligation incurred in property
               
acquisitions and development
    817,220       134,232  
Depreciation on drilling rigs capitalized as oil and gas properties
    194,465       110,675  
Use of inventory in property development
    3,282,195       1,486,572  
 
See the accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

 ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
NOTE 1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company and are unaudited.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for fair presentation, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, except as disclosed herein.

The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been condensed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission; therefore, certain information and disclosures generally included in financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual financial statements included in its annual report on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2009.  The financial position and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2010.

Nature of Operations – Arena Resources, Inc. (the “Company”) owns interests in oil and gas properties located in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and New Mexico.  The Company is engaged primarily in the acquisition, exploration and development of oil and gas properties and the production and sale of oil and gas.  The accompanying statements of operations and cash flows include the operations of their wholly owned subsidiaries from the date of acquisition/formation.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments — The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheets for joint interest billings receivable, prepaid expenses and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The carrying amounts reported for notes payable and long-term debt approximate fair value because the underlying instruments are at interest rates which approximate current market rates.  The fair value estimates for oil derivatives are derived from published market prices for the underlying commodities to determine discounted expected future cash flows as of the date of the estimate. See Note 8—Derivative Instruments.

Consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Major Customer – The Company has cash in excess of federally insured limits at March 31, 2010.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, sales to one customer represented 82% of oil and gas revenues.  At March 31, 2010, this customer made up 83% of accounts receivable.

Oil and Gas Properties – The Company uses the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas properties.  Under this method, all costs associated with acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas reserves are capitalized. Costs capitalized include acquisition costs, geological and geophysical expenditures, lease rentals on undeveloped properties and costs of drilling and equipping productive and non-productive wells. Drilling costs include directly related overhead costs.  Capitalized costs are categorized either as being subject to amortization or not subject to amortization.

7

 ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
All capitalized costs of oil and gas properties, including the estimated future costs to develop proved reserves and estimated future costs of abandonment and site restoration, are amortized on the unit-of-production method using estimates of proved reserves as determined by independent engineers. Investments in unproved properties and major development projects are not amortized until proved reserves associated with the projects can be determined. The Company evaluates oil and gas properties for impairment at least annually. Amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $12,297,186, based on depletion at the rate of $16.47 per barrel of oil equivalent compared to $7,231,481 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, based on depletion at the rate of $12.60 per barrel of oil equivalent. These amounts include $117,160 and $73,274 of depreciation for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
In addition, capitalized costs are subject to a ceiling test which limits such costs to the estimated present value of future net revenues from proved reserves, discounted at a 10-percent interest rate, based on current economic and operating conditions, plus the lower of cost or fair market value of unproved properties.  As of March 31, 2010, the Company’s net book value of oil and gas properties did not exceed the ceiling amount.  Consideration received from sales or transfers of oil and gas property is accounted for as a reduction of capitalized costs. Revenue is not recognized in connection with contractual services performed on properties in which the Company holds an ownership interest.

Drilling Rigs – Drilling rigs are valued at historical cost adjusted for impairment loss less accumulated depreciation.  Historical costs include all direct costs associated with the acquisition of drilling rigs and placing them in service.  Drilling rigs are depreciated over 10 years and the depreciation is capitalized as part of oil and gas properties subject to amortization.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 the Company had depreciation of $194,465 and $110,675, respectively, on the Company owned drilling rigs.  During the three months ended March 31, 2009, the Company temporarily discontinued the use of one of the two Company owned rigs and placed it in storage.  Because the rig was not in use during the quarter no depreciation was calculated on that rig.

Land, Buildings, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements – Land, buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements are valued at historical cost adjusted for impairment loss less accumulated depreciation.  Historical costs include all direct costs associated with the acquisition of land, buildings, equipment and leasehold improvements and placing them in service.

Depreciation of buildings and equipment is calculated using the straight-line method based upon the following estimated useful lives:

Buildings and improvements
  30 years
 
Office equipment and software   5-7 years  
Machinery and equipment
  5-7 years
 
 
Inventory for Property Development – Inventories consist primarily of tubular goods used in development and are stated at the lower of specific cost of each inventory item or market value.

Basic and Diluted Income Per Common Share – Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if all contracts to issue common stock were converted into common stock, except for those that are anti-dilutive.  The dilutive effect of stock options and other share based compensation is calculated using the treasury method with an offset from expected proceeds upon exercise of the stock options and unrecognized compensation expense.

8

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
Restricted shares outstanding are included in the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.  This treatment is based on FASB guidance that states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (ASU 2010-06). This update provides amendments to Subtopic 820-10 and requires new disclosures for 1) significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 and the reasons for such transfers and 2) activity in Level 3 fair value measurements to show separate information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements. In addition, this update amends Subtopic 820-10 to clarify existing disclosures around the disaggregation level of fair value measurements and disclosures for the valuation techniques and inputs utilized (for Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements). The provisions in ASU 2010-06 are applicable to interim and annual reporting periods beginning subsequent to December 15, 2009, with the exception of Level 3 disclosures of purchases, sales, issuances and settlements, which will be required in reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of ASU 2010-06 did not impact the Company’s operating results, financial position or cash flows, but did impact the Company’s disclosures on fair value measurements. See Note 9, “Fair Value Measurements.”
 
In February 2010, FASB issued ASU No. 2010-09, Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements (ASU 2010-09). This update amends Subtopic 855-10 and gives a definition to SEC filer, and requires SEC filers to assess for subsequent events through the issuance date of the financial statements. This amendment states that an SEC filer is not required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated for a reporting period. ASU 2010-09 becomes effective upon issuance of the final update. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2010-09 for the period ended March 31, 2010.
 
In April 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-12, Accounting for Certain Tax Effects of the 2010 Health Care Reform Acts (ASU 2010-12). This update clarifies questions surrounding the accounting implications of the different signing dates of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (signed March 30, 2010) and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (signed March 23, 2010). ASU 2010-12 states that the FASB and the Office of the Chief Accountant at the SEC would not be opposed to view the two Acts together for accounting purposes. The Company is currently assessing the impact, if any, the adoption of ASU 2010-12 will have on the Company’s disclosures, operating results, financial position and cash flows.

9

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
NOTE 2 – EARNINGS PER SHARE INFORMATION
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2010
   
2009
 
Net Income
  $ 18,113,091     $ 6,465,449  
Basic Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
    38,836,252       38,210,187  
Effect of dilutive securities
               
Warrants
    -       133,007  
Stock options
    438,901       450,255  
Diluted Weighted-Average Common Shares Outstanding
    39,275,153       38,793,449  
Basic Income Per Common Share
               
Net income
  $ 0.47     $ 0.17  
Diluted Income Per Common Share
               
Net Income
    0.46       0.17  
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2010, 205,000 stock options were not included in the computation of diluted income per share as their effects are anti-dilutive.  For the three months ended March 31, 2009, 780,000 stock options were not included in the computation of diluted income per share as their effects are anti-dilutive.

NOTE 3 – NOTES PAYABLE

Credit facility - Effective as of June 30, 2009, the Company entered into a new agreement that provides for a credit facility of $150 million with a borrowing base of $75 million with the structure in place to increase that borrowing base an additional $75 million.  The new facility has an interest rate grid with a range of LIBOR plus 2.25% to 3.25%, depending upon our level of utilization of the credit facility with the total interest rate to be charged being no less than 4.00%.  As of March 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants and did not have any amount outstanding under this credit facility.

NOTE 4 – ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION

The Company provides for the obligation to plug and abandon oil and gas wells at the dates properties are either acquired or the wells are drilled.  The asset retirement obligation is adjusted each quarter for any liabilities incurred or settled during the period, accretion expense and any revisions made to the estimated cash flows. The reconciliation of the asset retirement obligation for the three months ended March 31, 2010 is as follows:

Balance, January 1, 2010
  $ 7,209,812  
Liabilities incurred
    817,220  
Accretion expense
    131,965  
Balance, September 30, 2009
  $ 8,158,997  
 
NOTE 5 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Options exercised – During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company issued 330,000 shares of common stock from the exercise of options for proceeds of $1,929,250.  Of these options, 305,000 had an exercise price of $4.15 per share, 20,000 had an exercise price of $23.42 per share and 5,000 had an exercise price of $39.02 per share.

10

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
Common Stock Issued pursuant to Restricted Stock Award Plan – During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company issued 436,000 shares of common stock to key personnel.  The shares were valued based on the closing price on the date the shares were awarded.  The expense associated with these issuances will be allocated ratably over the vesting period.  Following is a table of the shares granted during the three months ended March 31, 2010:
 
 Shares granted
Date granted
 Grant date price
 
Vesting
      75,000
 
01/06/10
 
 $    45.05
   
50% each year for two years from issuance
    300,000
 
03/30/10
 
       32.62
   
1 year from issuance
      60,000
 
03/30/10
 
       32.62
  (1)
 
After transition period of merger, if closing occurs
       1,000
 
03/30/10
 
       32.62
   
At December 31, 2010.
 
(1) The referenced shares were issued in anticipation of entering into a definitive merger agreement.  Said agreement was entered into subsequent to March 31, 2010 (See Note 10:  Subsequent Events).  Subject shares will vest only in the event that said merger closes and recipients of the subject shares remain employed through an as yet undefined transition period after closing.

NOTE 6 – EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PLAN

Compensation expense charged against income for stock based awards during the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $1,608,779, with $876,557 of this being associated with the stock option plan and $732,222 associated with the restricted stock award plan.  This compares to $1,329,317 for the three months ended March 31, 2009, all of which is associated with the stock option plan.  All equity based compensation is included in general and administrative expense in the accompanying financial statements.

Employee Stock Options – On March 11, 2010, the Company granted 25,000 nonqualified stock options to an employee.  These options have an exercise price of $32.42 per share, based on the market price on the date of grant.  There were no forfeitures during the three months ended March 31, 2010.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, a total of 330,000 options were exercised to purchase shares.  Of these options, 305,000 had an exercise price of $4.15 per share, 20,000 had an exercise price of $23.42 per share and 5,000 had an exercise price of $39.02 per share.  A summary of the status of the stock options as of March 31, 2010 is as follows:

   
Options
   
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    1,920,000     $ 23.94  
Granted
    25,000     $ 32.42  
Exercised
    (330,000 )   $ 5.85  
                 
Outstanding at March 31, 2010
    1,615,000     $ 27.77  
                 
Exercisable at March 31, 2010
    625,000     $ 25.77  
                 
Weighted average fair value of options granted
          $ 14.35  
 
11

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the fair-value of each option grant.  The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of options granted are as follows:  Risk free interest rate:  2.43%  Expected life:  4.25 years  Dividend yield:  None  Volatility:  53%.

As of March 31, 2010, there was approximately $4,535,915 of unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.03 years.  The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2010 was $9,289,650.  The aggregate intrinsic value of options expected to vest at March 31, 2010 was $12,083,504.  The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable at March 31, 2010 was $5,900,750.  The intrinsic value is based on a March 31, 2010 closing price of the Company’s common stock of $33.40.

Restricted stock grants – During 2009 and 2010, the Company granted restricted stock awards pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award Plan.  All shares awarded are valued based on the market price on the date of grant.  The fair value of the awards is expensed over the vesting period associated with the award.  Following is a schedule of all outstanding restricted stock awards and the terms associated with them:

 Shares granted
Date granted
 Grant date price
 Grant date fair value
 
Vesting
       5,226
 
12/17/09
 
 $    43.10
 
 $        225,241
   
6 month from issuance
      75,000
 
01/06/10
 
       45.05
 
        3,378,750
   
50% each year for two years from issuance
    300,000
 
03/30/10
 
       32.62
 
        9,786,000
   
1 year from issuance
      60,000
 
03/30/10
 
       32.62
 
        1,957,200
  (1)
 
After transition period of merger, if closing occurs
       1,000
 
03/30/10
 
       32.62
 
            32,620
   
At December 31, 2010.

(1) The referenced shares were issued in anticipation of entering into a definitive merger agreement.  Said agreement was entered into subsequent to March 31, 2010 (See Note 10:  Subsequent Events).  Subject shares will vest only in the event that said merger closes and recipients of the subject shares remain employed through an as yet undefined transition period after closing.

As of March 31, 2010, there was approximately $14,631,534 of unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock grants that will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1 year.

NOTE 7 – CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS

Standby Letters of Credit – A commercial bank has issued standby letters of credit on behalf of the Company to the states of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Kansas totaling $686,969 to allow the Company to do business in those states.  The standby letters of credit are valid until cancelled or matured and are collateralized by the revolving credit facility with the bank. Letter of credit terms range from one to five years.  The Company intends to renew the standby letters of credit for as long as the Company does business in those states. No amounts have been drawn under the standby letters of credit.

12

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
NOTE 8 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

The Company uses commodity–based derivative contracts to manage exposures to commodity price fluctuations. The Company does not enter into these arrangements for speculative or trading purposes. These contracts consist of costless collars. The Company does not utilize complex derivatives such as swaptions, knockouts or extendable swaps.  At March 31, 2010, the Company had three costless collar contracts.  The fair value of all hedges, represented by the estimated amount that would be realized upon termination, based on a comparison of the contract prices and the reference price, on March 31, 2010, was $17,268.
 
The following table sets forth our derivative volumes as of March 31, 2010:

Commodity
 
Remaining Period
 
 Volume (Bbls)
 
 Floor
 
 Ceiling
WTI Crude Oil
 
April 2010 - December 2010
 
               275,000
 
 $  70.00
 
 $   92.85
WTI Crude Oil
 
April 2010 - December 2010
 
               550,000
 
 $  65.00
 
 $   93.00
                 
Commodity
 
Remaining Period
 
 Volume (MMBTU)
 Floor
 
 Ceiling
El Paso Permian Gas
April 2010 - December 2010
 
            1,375,000
 
 $    4.00
 
 $    7.87
                 
 
Every derivative instrument is required to be recorded on the balance sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at its fair value. Fair value is generally determined based on the difference between the fixed contract price and the underlying estimated market price at the determination date. Changes in the fair value of effective cash flow hedges are recorded as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),” (“AOCI”) which is later transferred to earnings when the underlying physical transaction occurs.  As of March 31, 2010, there was an unrealized gain on derivative, net of tax, of $10,879 recorded in AOCI.
 
For those derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting, settled transaction gains and losses are determined monthly, and are included in the operating section of our income statement as “Realized loss (gain) on derivatives” in the period the hedged production is sold.  Our realized gain on derivatives includes $25,500 in the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to a gain of $5.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2009. Any ineffectiveness associated with these hedges would be reflected in the income statement caption called “Derivative fair value income (loss).” Our hedging contracts are all fully effective.
 
To designate a derivative as a cash flow hedge, the Company documents at the hedge’s inception our assessment that the derivative will be highly effective in offsetting expected changes in cash flows from the item hedged. This assessment, which is updated at least quarterly, is generally based on the most recent relevant historical correlation between the derivative and the item hedged. The ineffective portion of the hedge is calculated as the difference between the change in fair value of the derivative and the estimated change in cash flows from the item hedged. If, during the derivative’s term, the Company determines the hedge is no longer highly effective, hedge accounting is prospectively discontinued and any remaining unrealized gains or losses, based on the effective portion of the derivative at that date, are reclassified to earnings as realized gain or loss on derivatives when the underlying transaction occurs. If it is determined that the designated hedge transaction is not probable to occur, any unrealized gains or losses are recognized immediately in the statement of operations as a “Derivative fair value income or loss.” Our hedges are considered to be effective and therefore no amounts have been recorded for ineffectiveness.
 

13

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
Derivative Fair Value Income (Loss)
 
The following table presents information about the components of derivative fair value income in the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
For the Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Realized gain on oil derivatives
  $ 25,500     $ 5,111,210  
 
The combined fair value of derivatives included in our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is summarized below. The Company conducts derivative activities with two corporations. The Company believes these corporations are an acceptable credit risk.  The credit worthiness of our counterparties is subject to periodic review.
 
   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
Derivative assets, natural gas collars
  $ 17,268     $ -  
 
The Company does not have any derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting.  The table below provides data about the carrying values of derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting:

   
March 31, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Asset
   
(Liabilities)
   
Net
   
Asset
   
(Liabilities)
   
Net
 
    Carrying value     Carrying value     Carrying value     Carrying value     Carrying value     Carrying value  
Derivatives that qualify for cash flow hedge accounting                                                
    Collars
  $ 17,268       -     $ 17,268       -       -       -  
 
The tables below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to cash flow derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting included in the balance sheet caption “Accumulated other comprehensive income” (AOCI) and in our statement of operations:
 
   
Amount of Gain/(Loss)
recognized in AOCI
   
Amount of Gain/(Loss)
reclassified from AOCI in Income
 
   
As of March 31,
   
As of March 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Collar
  $ 17,268     $ 15,786     $ -     $ 4,629,061  
Income taxes
    (6,389 )     (5,841 )     -       (1,712,753 )
   Total
  $ 10,879     $ 9,945     $ -     $ 2,916,308  
 
14

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
NOTE 9 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The FASB’s fair value measurement standards establish a single authoritative definition of fair value based upon the assumptions market participants would use when pricing and asset or liability and create a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions.  The standards require additional disclosures, including disclosures of fair value measurements by level within the fair value hierarchy.
   
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or the amount paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price) at the measurement date. Fair value is a market based measurement considered from the perspective of a market participant. The Company uses 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. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or unobservable. The Company primarily applies a market approach for recurring fair value measurements using the best available information while utilizing valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.

Generally accepted accounting principals establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). The Company’s fair value balances are based on the observability of those inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 
 
Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.  The Company does not have any fair value balances classified as Level 1.
       
 
 
Level 2 — Inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, that are either directly or indirectly observable. These inputs are either directly observable in the marketplace or indirectly observable through corroboration with market data for substantially the full contractual term of the asset or liability being measured. The Company’s Level 2 items consist of a costless collar.
       
 
 
Level 3 — Includes inputs that are not observable for which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability being measured. These inputs reflect management’s best estimate of the assumptions market participants would use in determining fair value. Level 3 would include instruments valued using industry standard pricing models and other valuation methods that utilize unobservable pricing inputs that are significant to the overall fair value. The Company does not have any fair value balances classified as Level 3.

In valuing certain contracts, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. For disclosure purposes, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety in the fair value hierarchy level based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

15

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 

The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy the Company’s liability that is measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2010 Using:
 
                         
   
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Liabilities: 
(Level 1)
   
Significant Other Observable Inputs 
(Level 2)
   
Significant Unobservable Inputs 
(Level 3)
   
Total
 
Assets/(Liabilities):
                       
                         
2010 - $70 - $92.85 oil hedge
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
2010 - $65 - $93 oil hedge
    -       -       -       -  
                                 
2010 - $4 - 7.87 gas hedge
    -       17,268       -       17,268  
                                 
 
NOTE 10 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 3, 2010, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) with SandRidge Energy, Inc. (“SandRidge”) and a wholly owned subsidiary of SandRidge, Steel Subsidiary Corporation (“Merger Sub”).  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Merger Sub will merge into the Company, and the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of SandRidge (or, in certain circumstances, the Company will merge with and into Merger Sub, in which event the Merger Sub would be the surviving entity).  The merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including the approval of the merger by holders of at least a majority of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting of stockholders.  A more complete description of the Merger Agreement and the transactions related to the merger may be found in the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2010.

Since the date of the Merger Agreement, nine shareholder lawsuits styled as class actions have been filed against the Company and its board of directors.  The lawsuits are as follows:

Thomas Slater v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. – filed in the District Court in Tulsa County, Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 6, 2010;

Raymond M. Eberhardt v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. - filed in District Court in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 8, 2010;

City of Pontiac General Employees’ Retirement System v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. – filed in District Court in Washoe County, Reno, Nevada on April 8, 2010;

West Palm Beach Police Pension Fund v. Rochford, et al. – filed in District Court in Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada on April 12, 2010;

Henry Kolesnik v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. - filed in District Court in Washoe County, Reno, Nevada on April 14, 2010;

16

ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
MARCH 31, 2010
 
Roger and Kanya Tiemchan Phillips v. Rochford, et al. - filed in District Court in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 16, 2010;

Richard J. Erickson v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. – filed in the District Court in Tulsa County, Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 16, 2010;

Reinfried v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. - filed in District Court in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 20, 2010;

Thomas R. Stevenson v. Rochford, et al. - filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma on April 26, 2010;

All nine lawsuits also name SandRidge as a defendant.  Six of the lawsuits (Eberhardt, Pontiac, West Palm Beach, Tiemchan Phillips, Reinfried, and Stevenson) name both SandRidge and Merger Sub as additional defendants.  All nine complaints generally allege that the Company’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties in negotiating and approving the merger and by administering a sale process that failed to maximize shareholder value.  The suits (other than Pontiac) also claim that Arena and SandRidge aided and abetted the Company directors in breaching their fiduciary duties.  In the Stevenson lawsuit, the plaintiff also alleges that the defendants violated Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder by issuing an incomplete and misleading proxy statement.  The plaintiffs seek among other relief, to enjoin the merger, to rescind the Merger Agreement and/or collect damages.  In the Pontiac lawsuit, the plaintiff also specifically seeks an order declaring the termination fee contained in the Merger Agreement void and unenforceable, on the ground that it allegedly impermissibly influences the vote of the Company stockholders on the proposed merger.

The Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and it has valid defenses to all claims.  The Company intends to vigorously defend itself and its directors in the lawsuits.

Subsequent to March 31, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement for a commodity swap on a portion of oil production.  The volumes hedged under these agreements are 2,000 barrels per day at $87.35 for June through December 2010, 3,700 barrels per day at $90.30 for calendar year 2011 and 3,000 barrels per day at $91.30 for calendar year 2012, all based on the WTI index price.

17 

 

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

Results of Operations – For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2010

Oil and natural gas sales.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, oil and natural gas sales revenue increased $31,604,466 to $51,797,626, compared to $20,193,160 for the same period during 2009.  Oil sales increased $29,179,164 and natural gas sales increased $2,425,302.  The increases were the result of higher oil and gas prices between periods and higher oil and gas production.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, oil sales volume increased 141,803 barrels to 631,052 barrels, compared to 489,249 barrels for the same period in 2009.  The average realized per barrel oil price increased 103% from $36.89 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to $74.84 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  For the three months ended March 31, 2010, gas sales volume increased 178,005 thousand cubic feet (MCF) to 650,828 MCF, compared to 472,823 MCF for the same period in 2009.  The average realized natural gas price per MCF increased 55% from $4.54 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to $7.02 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Oil and gas production costs. Our lease operating expenses (LOE) increased from $4,206,783 or $7.41 per barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to $4,463,674 or $6.04 per BOE for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  The increase in total LOE is the result of rising costs while the decrease on a per BOE basis was the result of higher production.

Production taxes.  Production taxes as a percentage of oil and natural gas sales were 5% during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and remained steady at 5% for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  Production taxes vary from state to state.  Therefore, these taxes may vary in the future depending on the mix of production we generate from various states, as well as the possibility that any state may raise its production tax rate.

Depreciation, depletion and amortization. Our depreciation, depletion and amortization expense increased by $5,065,705 to $12,297,186 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009. The increase was primarily a result of an increase in our depletion rate from $12.60 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to $16.47 and an increase in produced volumes.

General and administrative expenses.  General and administrative expenses increased by $829,041 to $3,503,810 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to the same period in 2008.  The increase was the result of an increase in stock-based compensation expense from $1,329,317 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to $1,608,779 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and higher overall compensation expense between periods.

Interest income. Interest income was $110,494 for the three months ended March 31, 2010, compared to $266,312 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.  The decrease was due to lower interest rates between periods.

Income tax expense.  Our effective tax rate was 37% during the three months ended March 31, 2009 and remained steady at 37% for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Net income. Net income increased from $6,465,449 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 to $18,113,091 for the same period in 2010. The primary reason for this increase is higher commodity prices between periods partially offset by higher depreciation, depletion and amortization and higher general and administrative expense.
 
18


Revenues Year to Date by Geographic section

Arena reports its net oil and gas revenues for the year to date as applicable to the following geographic sectors:

OIL
   Net Production Volume   Net Revenue
Texas Leases  569,317 BBLS $   42,623,856
Oklahoma Leases  13,334 BBLS $        992,093
New Mexico Leases  48,401 BBLS $      3,611,140
 
                                                                                                                                                                                           
 GAS
   Net Production Volume  Net Revenue
Texas Leases 552,154  MCF $     3,886,070
Oklahoma Leases  2,784  MCF $           14,976
New Mexico Leases  66,927  MCF $         529,497
Kansas Leases 28,963  MCF $        139,994

Significant Subsequent Events occurring after March 31, 2010:

On April 3, 2010, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (“Merger Agreement”) with SandRidge Energy, Inc. (“SandRidge”) and a wholly owned subsidiary of SandRidge, Steel Subsidiary Corporation (“Merger Sub”).  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Merger Sub will merge into the Company, and the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of SandRidge (or, in certain circumstances, the Company will merge with and into Merger Sub, in which event the Merger Sub would be the surviving entity).  The merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, including the approval of the merger by holders of at least a majority of shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting of stockholders.  A more complete description of the Merger Agreement and the transactions related to the merger may be found in the Company’s definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 5, 2010.

Since the date of the Merger Agreement, nine shareholder lawsuits styled as class actions have been filed against the Company and its board of directors.  The lawsuits are as follows:

Thomas Slater v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. – filed in the District Court in Tulsa County, Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 6, 2010;

Raymond M. Eberhardt v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. - filed in District Court in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 8, 2010;

City of Pontiac General Employees’ Retirement System v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. – filed in District Court in Washoe County, Reno, Nevada on April 8, 2010;

West Palm Beach Police Pension Fund v. Rochford, et al. – filed in District Court in Clark County, Las Vegas, Nevada on April 12, 2010;

Henry Kolesnik v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. - filed in District Court in Washoe County, Reno, Nevada on April 14, 2010;

19

 
Roger and Kanya Tiemchan Phillips v. Rochford, et al. - filed in District Court in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 16, 2010;

Richard J. Erickson v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. – filed in the District Court in Tulsa County, Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 16, 2010;

Reinfried v. Arena Resources, Inc., et al. - filed in District Court in Oklahoma County, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on April 20, 2010;

Thomas R. Stevenson v. Rochford, et al. - filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma on April 26, 2010;

All nine lawsuits also name SandRidge as a defendant.  Six of the lawsuits (Eberhardt, Pontiac, West Palm Beach, Tiemchan Phillips, Reinfried, and Stevenson) name both SandRidge and Merger Sub as additional defendants.  All nine complaints generally allege that the Company’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties in negotiating and approving the merger and by administering a sale process that failed to maximize shareholder value.  The suits (other than Pontiac) also claim that Arena and SandRidge aided and abetted the Company directors in breaching their fiduciary duties.  In the Stevenson lawsuit, the plaintiff also alleges that the defendants violated Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder by issuing an incomplete and misleading proxy statement.  The plaintiffs seek among other relief, to enjoin the merger, to rescind the Merger Agreement and/or collect damages.  In the Pontiac lawsuit, the plaintiff also specifically seeks an order declaring the termination fee contained in the Merger Agreement void and unenforceable, on the ground that it allegedly impermissibly influences the vote of the Company stockholders on the proposed merger.

The Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and it has valid defenses to all claims.  The Company intends to vigorously defend itself and its directors in the lawsuits.

Subsequent to March 31, 2010, the Company entered into an agreement for a commodity swap on a portion of oil production.  The volumes hedged under these agreements are 2,000 barrels per day at $87.35 for June through December 2010, 3,700 barrels per day at $90.30 for calendar year 2011 and 3,000 barrels per day at $91.30 for calendar year 2012, all based on the WTI index price.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

As shown in the financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company had cash on hand of $55,015,353, compared to $63,635,078 as of December 31, 2009.  The Company had net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2010 of $36,898,656, compared to $11,231,316 for the same period 2009.  The only other significant source of cash inflow was proceeds from option exercises of $1,929,250 during the three months ended March 31, 2010 with no amounts from this source during the same period in 2009.  The most significant cash outflows during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and 2009 were capital expenditures of $47,447,631 and $17,317,616, respectively.

Effective as of June 30, 2009, we entered into a new agreement that provides for a credit facility of $150 million with a borrowing base of $75 million with the structure in place to increase that borrowing base an additional $75 million.  The new facility has an interest rate grid with a range of LIBOR plus 2.25% to 3.25%, depending upon our level of utilization of the credit facility with the total interest rate to be charged being no less than 4.00%.  As of March 31, 2010, we were in compliance with all covenants and did not have any amount outstanding under this credit facility.

20


Disclosures About Market Risks

Like other natural resource producers, Arena faces certain unique market risks.  The two most salient risk factors are the volatile prices of oil and gas and certain environmental concerns and obligations.

Oil and Gas Prices
 
Current competitive factors in the domestic oil and gas industry are unique.  The actual price range of crude oil is largely established by major international producers.  Pricing for natural gas is more regional.  Because domestic demand for oil and gas exceeds supply, there is little risk that all current production will not be sold at relatively fixed prices.  To this extent Arena does not see itself as directly competitive with other producers, nor is there any significant risk that the Company could not sell all production at current prices with a reasonable profit margin.  The risk of domestic overproduction at current prices is not deemed significant.  The primary competitive risks would come from falling international prices which could render current production uneconomical.

Secondarily, Arena is presently committed to use the services of the existing gatherers in its present areas of production.  This gives to such gatherers certain short term relative monopolistic powers to set gathering and transportation costs, because obtaining the services of an alternative gathering company would require substantial additional costs since an alternative gatherer would be required to lay new pipeline and/or obtain new rights-of-way in the lease.

It is also significant that more favorable prices can usually be negotiated for larger quantities of oil and/or gas product, such that Arena views itself as having a price disadvantage to larger producers.  Large producers also have a competitive advantage to the extent they can devote substantially more resources to acquiring prime leases and resources to better find and develop prospects.

Environmental

Oil and gas production is a highly regulated activity which is subject to significant environmental and conservation regulations both on a federal and state level.  Historically, most of the environmental regulation of oil and gas production has been left to state regulatory boards or agencies in those jurisdictions where there is significant gas and oil production, with limited direct regulation by such federal agencies as the Environmental Protection Agency.  However, while the Company believes this generally to be the case for its production activities in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico, it should be noted that there are various Environmental Protection Agency regulations which would govern significant spills, blow-outs, or uncontrolled emissions.

In Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and New Mexico specific oil and gas regulations exist related to the drilling, completion and operations of wells, as well as disposal of waste oil.  There are also procedures incident to the plugging and abandonment of dry holes or other non-operational wells, all as governed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, Oil and Gas Division, the Texas Railroad Commission, Oil and Gas Division, the Kansas Corporation Commission, Oil and Gas Division or the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division.
 
21


Compliance with these regulations may constitute a significant cost and effort for Arena.  No specific accounting for environmental compliance has been maintained or projected by Arena to date.  Arena does not presently know of any environmental demands, claims, or adverse actions, litigation or administrative proceedings in which it or the acquired properties are involved or subject to or arising out of its predecessor operations.

In the event of a breach of environmental regulations, these environmental regulatory agencies have a broad range of alternative or cumulative remedies to include:  ordering a cleanup of any spills or waste material and restoration of the soil or water to conditions existing prior to the environmental violation; fines; or enjoining further drilling, completion or production activities.  In certain egregious situations the agencies may also pursue criminal remedies against the Company or its principals.

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is subject to interest rate risk on its revolving credit facility, which bears variable interest based upon a LIBOR rate.  Changes in interest rates affect the interest earned on the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and the interest rate paid on borrowings under its bank credit facility. Currently, the Company does not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company’s revenues, profitability and future growth depend substantially on prevailing prices for oil and natural gas.  Prices also affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and Arena’s ability to borrow and raise additional capital. The amount the Company can borrow under its bank credit facility is subject to periodic redetermination based in part on changing expectations of future prices. Lower prices may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that the Company can economically produce. Arena currently sells all of its oil and natural gas production under price sensitive or market price contracts.

The Company has entered into derivative contracts in order to manage the commodity price risk for a portion of production through 2010.  The Company’s current derivative contracts are costless collars.  A collar is a contract which combines both a put option or “floor” and a call option or “ceiling.”  The Company receives the excess, if any, of the floor price over the reference price, based on NYMEX quoted prices, and pays the excess, if any, of the reference price over the ceiling price.  The following is information relating to the Company’s collar positions as of March 31, 2010.

Commodity
 
Remaining Period
 
 Volume (Bbls)
 
 Floor
 
 Ceiling
WTI Crude Oil
 
April 2010 - December 2010
 
               275,000
 
 $  70.00
 
 $   92.85
WTI Crude Oil
 
April 2010 - December 2010
 
               550,000
 
 $  65.00
 
 $   93.00
                 
Commodity
 
Remaining Period
 
 Volume (MMBTU)
 Floor
 
 Ceiling
El Paso Permian Gas
April 2010 - December 2010
 
            1,375,000
 
 $    4.00
 
 $    7.87
                 
 
The change in fair value of the oil hedging contracts in place at March 31, 2010, resulted in the recording of an asset of $17,268.  The after tax impact of the change in the fair value of the hedge of $10,879 is reflected in other comprehensive income.  Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective in offsetting cash flows attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income” until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.  Any change in fair value from ineffectiveness is recognized currently in unrealized derivative gain or loss in the consolidated statements of operations.

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Cash settlements of cash flow hedges are recorded as a gain on derivatives in the operating section of the Company’s statement of operations.  Our statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2010 include gain on derivative instrument of $25,500 as compared to a gain of $5,111,210 for the three months ended March 31, 2009.

Additionally, to the extent we hedge our commodity price exposure, we will forego the benefits we would have otherwise experienced if commodity prices were to change in our favor.
 
Currency Exchange Rate Risk

Foreign sales accounted for none of the Company’s sales; further, the Company accepts payment for its commodity sales only in U.S. dollars; hence, Arena is not exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk on these sales.

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  At the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company's management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of such period the Company’s disclosure control and procedures are effective in alerting them to material information that is required to be included in the reports the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting 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

None.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from risk factors as previously disclosed in our Form 10-K in response to Item 1A to Part I of Form 10-K.
 
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Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

During the three months ended March 31, 2010, the Company issued 436,000 shares of restricted common stock pursuant to its Restricted Stock Award Plan which was adopted at the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders in December 2009.  The restricted shares were issued in transactions not involving a public offering in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.  The persons to whom the shares were issued had access to full information concerning the Company and represented that they acquired the shares for their own account and not for the purpose of distribution.  The certificates for the shares contain a restricted legend advising that the shares may not be offered for sale, sold or otherwise transferred without having first been registered under the 1933 Act or pursuant to an exemption from registration under the 1933 Act.  There was no underwriter involved in these transactions.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

Item 5.  Other Information

None.

Item 6.  Exhibits
 
(a)  Exhibit 31.1  Section 302 Certification of CEO
   Exhibit 31.2  Section 302 Certification of CFO
     
(b)  Exhibit 32.1  Section 1350 Certification of CEO
   Exhibit 32.2  Section 1350 Certification of CFO
 

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SIGNATURES

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


 
   REGISTRANT:  ARENA RESOURCES, INC.
     
Dated: May 10, 2010  By: /s/ Phillip W. Terry   
    Phillip W. Terry
    President, Chief Executive Officer
     
     
Dated: May 10, 2010  By: /s/ William R. Broaddrick   
    William R. Broaddrick
    Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
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