form10-qa_101508.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q/A
 
 
T QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008
 
 
£ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
 
For the transition period from ____________ to____________
 
Commission File No. 000-33999
 
NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada
95-3848122
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer I.D. No.)

315 Manitoba Avenue – Suite 200
Wayzata, Minnesota 55391
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(952) 476-9800
(Issuer’s Telephone Number)
 
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
if changed since last report)
 
Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 T  No £
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large Accelerated Filer  £                                                                Accelerated Filer  £

Non-Accelerated Filer  £                                                                  Smaller Reporting Company T
             (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

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

As of August 4th, 2008, there were 34,014,431shares of our common stock, par value $0.001, outstanding.

 
 

 

NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
FORM 10-Q/A
(Filed October 16, 2008)


For the Period Ended June 30, 2008

C O N T E N T S

 
Page
Explanatory Note
1
   
PART I
 
   
Item 1.                    Financial Statements
2
Condensed Balance Sheets
2
Condensed Statements of Operations
3
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
4
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements
5
   
Item 2.                    Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
15
   
   
PART II
 
   
Item 6.                     Exhibits
27
   
Signatures
28



 
 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE:
 
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (the "Company") is filing this Form 10-Q/A to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 3008 containing the following clarifications and revisions:
 
   
We have provided the following additional disclosures in the “Outlook and Overview” portion of Part I – Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation:
 
o  
We have explained why we chose to use 500,000 barrels of oil as our assumption in estimating the potential oil yield from our current acreage and have provided a sensitivity analysis regarding our assumptions and their impact on our potential yield; and
 
o  
We have provided further detail explaining our basis for projecting approximately $35 million in annualized cash flows entering 2009.
 
   
We have removed the reference to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer on the titles to Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2.

Except as expressly set forth in this Form 10-Q/A, the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 3008 has not been amended, updated or otherwise modified.
 
This Form 10-Q/A does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Form 10-Q or modify or update those disclosures affected by subsequent events.  Consequently, all other information is unchanged and reflects the disclosures made at the time of the filing of the Form 10-Q.  With this Amendment, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the Company have reissued their certifications required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 
1

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 2008 AND DECEMBER 31, 2007
 
                   
 ASSETS
             
 
   
             
June 30, 2008
 
 December 31, 2207
             
 (Unaudited)
 
 
 CURRENT ASSETS
     
 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 $ 12,367,173
 
 $ 10,112,660
 
 Short-term Investments
      3,389,350
 
                -
 
 Trade Receivables
        916,770
 
                -
 
 Prepaid Drilling Costs
        804,343
 
        364,290
 
 Prepaid Expenses
        127,450
 
          25,680
       
 Total Current Assets
    17,605,086
 
    10,502,630
                   
 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST
     
 
 Oil and Natural Gas Properties, Full Cost Method (including unevaluated costs of
     
     
 $16,592,550 at 6/30/08 and $7,587,511 at 12/31/2007)
    20,653,774
 
      7,587,511
 
 Other Property and Equipment
        247,003
 
          44,769
       
 Total Property and Equipment
    20,900,777
 
      7,632,280
 
 Less - Accumulated Depreciation and Depletion
        172,135
 
            3,446
       
 Total Property and Equipment, Net
    20,728,642
 
      7,628,834
                   
                   
       
 Total Assets
 $ 38,333,728
 
 $ 18,131,464
                   
 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 CURRENT LIABILITIES
     
 
 Accounts Payable
 $      426,307
 
 $      113,254
 
 Accrued Expenses
            3,885
 
        110,993
 
 Accrued Drilling Costs
      1,048,458
 
                -
 
 Derivative Liabilities
        847,200
 
                -
 
 Margin Loan
        999,907
 
                -
       
 Total Current Liabilities
      3,325,757
 
        224,247
                   
 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
                -
 
                -
                   
       
 Total Liabilities
      3,325,757
 
        224,247
                   
 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
     
 
 Common Stock, Par Value $.001; 100,000,000 Authorized, 32,281,098
     
   
 Outstanding (2007 – Par Value $.001; 28,695,922 Shares Outstanding)
          32,282
 
          28,696
 
 Additional Paid-In Capital
    39,842,362
 
    22,259,921
 
 Retained Deficit
    (4,285,212)
 
    (4,381,400)
 
 Additional Paid in Capital, Shares to be Issued
        321,713
 
                -
 
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
       (903,174)
 
                -
       
 Total Stockholders' Equity
    35,007,971
 
    17,907,217
                   
       
 Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 $ 38,333,728
 
 $ 18,131,464
                   
                   
                   
                   
       

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

 
2


 STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007
 (UNAUDITED)
                             
                             
                             
                             
               
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
               
June, 30
 
June, 30
               
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 REVENUES
               
 
 Oil and Gas Sales
 
 $      764,528
 
 $              -
 
 $ 1,050,257
 
 $             -
 
 Gain on Derivatives
 
                -
 
                -
 
         1,300
 
                -
               
        764,528
 
                -
 
   1,051,557
 
                -
                             
 OPERATING EXPENSES
               
 
 Production Expenses
 
            8,020
 
                -
 
         9,418
 
                -
 
 Severance Taxes
 
          38,242
 
                -
 
        50,336
 
                -
 
 General and Administrative Expense
 
        410,736
 
        894,460
 
      918,619
 
     1,191,919
 
 Depletion and Depreciation
 
        119,489
 
              260
 
      168,689
 
              520
       
 Total Expenses
 
        576,487
 
        894,720
 
   1,147,062
 
     1,192,439
                             
 INCOME (LOSS) FROM
OPERATIONS
 
        188,041
 
       (894,720)
 
      (95,505)
 
    (1,192,439)
                             
 OTHER INCOME
 
          95,424
 
          13,660
 
      191,693
 
         23,793
                             
 INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
        283,465
 
       (881,060)
 
        96,188
 
    (1,168,646)
                             
 INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)
 
                -
 
                -
 
              -
 
                -
                             
 NET INCOME (LOSS)
 
 $      283,465
 
 $    (881,060)
 
 $     96,188
 
 $ (1,168,646)
                             
 Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share – Basic and Diluted
 $           0.01
 
 $         (0.04)
 
 $        0.00
 
 $        (0.05)
                             
 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic
 
    30,864,339
 
    22,728,958
 
  29,857,035
 
   21,469,892
                             
 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding - Diluted
 
    34,379,541
 
    22,728,958
 
  29,857,035
 
   21,469,892
                             
                             
           

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

3


NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
 
 STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2008 AND 2007
 
 (UNAUDITED)
 
                     
           
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
             
           
2008
 
2007
 
 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
       
 
 Net Income (Loss)
 $          96,188
 
 $  (1,168,646)
 
 
 Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Used for Operating Activities:
     
   
 Depletion and Depreciation
           168,689
 
              520
 
   
 Issuance of Stock for Consulting Fees
            49,875
 
        475,000
 
   
 Market Value adjustment of Derivative Instruments
            10,052
 
                -
 
   
 Share – Based Compensation Expense
            35,125
 
        436,384
 
   
 Increase in Trade Receivables
         (916,770)
 
         (51,776)
 
   
 Increase in Prepaid Expenses
         (101,770)
 
         (23,375)
 
   
 Increase in Accounts Payable
           313,053
 
        113,649
 
   
 Decrease in Accrued Expenses
         (107,108)
 
                -
 
       
 Net Cash Used For Operating Activities
         (452,666)
 
       (218,244)
 
                   
 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
       
 
 Purchases of Office Equipment and Furniture
         (202,234)
 
         (14,082)
 
 
 Increase in Prepaid Drilling Costs
         (440,053)
 
                -
 
 
 Increase in Accrued Drilling Costs
        1,048,458
 
                -
 
 
 Increase in Short-term Investment, net
       (3,550,524)
 
                -
 
 
 Oil and Gas Properties
     (11,779,327)
 
       (948,955)
 
       
 Net Cash Used For Investing Activities
     (14,923,680)
 
       (963,037)
 
                   
 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
       
 
 Increase in Margin Loan
           999,907
 
                -
 
 
 Repayments of Convertible Notes Payable (Related Party)
                   -
 
       (165,000)
 
 
 Cash Paid for Listing Fee
           (65,000)
 
                -
 
 
 Sale of Calls
            95,148
 
                -
 
 
 Deferred Offering Costs
                   -
 
       (111,839)
 
 
 Proceeds from the Issuance of Common Stock – Net of Issuance Costs
      15,667,004
 
      1,188,990
 
 
 Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options
           933,800
 
                -
 
       
 Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
      17,630,859
 
        912,151
 
                   
 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
        2,254,513
 
       (269,130)
 
                   
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – BEGINNING OF PERIOD
      10,112,660
 
        849,935
 
                   
 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD
 $    12,367,173
 
 $      580,805
 
                   
                   
 
 
4

 
 Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information
       
 
 Cash Paid During the Period for Interest
 $                -
 
 $              -
 
 
 Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes
 $                -
 
 $              -
 
                   
 
 Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities:
       
   
 Purchase of Oil and Gas Properties through Issuance of Common Stock
 $     1,286,936
 
 $      705,012
 
   
 Payment of Consulting Fees through Issuance of Common Stock
 $          49,875
 
 $      475,000
 
                   
                   
         

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




NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

June 30, 2008


NOTE 1                 ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and words of similar import) is a growth-oriented independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of oil and natural gas properties.  Prior to March 20, 2007, our name was “Kentex Petroleum, Inc.”  The Company took its present form on March 20, 2007, when Kentex completed a so-called short-form merger with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. (“NOG”), a Nevada corporation engaged in the Company’s current business, in which NOG merged into Kentex and Kentex was the surviving entity.  The Company’s common stock trades on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “NOG”.

The Company will continue to focus on projects in the oil and gas industry primarily based in the Rocky Mountains and specifically the Williston Basin Bakken Shale formation. The Company has begun to develop its substantial leasehold in the Bakken play and will continue to do so as well as target additional opportunities in emerging plays utilizing its first mover leasing advantage. We participate on a heads up basis in the drilling of wells on our leasehold.  We own working interest in wells, and do not lease land to operators.  To this point we have participated only in wells operated by others but have a substantial inventory of high working interest locations that we will likely drill in 2009 and beyond.  We believe the advantage gained by participating as a non-operating partner in the 60-70 gross oil wells we will drill in 2008 will give us valuable data on completions and help to control well costs as we begin to develop our high working interest sections in 2009.

The Company participates on a heads up basis proportionate to its working interest in a declared drilling unit.  Although to this point we have participated with only minority interests ranging from 1% to 37%, we expect to participate in the drilling of incrementally higher working interest drilling units, eventually operating our substantial inventory of high working interest drilling units with a range of 40% to 100% ownership.  We control 60,000 net acres in the growing North Dakota Bakken Play.  This exposes us to 93 net wells based on 640 acre spacing units.  To be more specific, if we drill a well and participate with a 25% working interest, this counts towards this total as a quarter of one well.  To drill our complete inventory of 93 net drilling locations, we expect to participate in approximately 450 gross Bakken wells.

 Our land acquisition and field operations, along with various other services, are primarily outsourced through the use of consultants and drilling partners.  The Company will continue to retain independent contractors to assist in operating and managing the prospects as well as to carry out the principal and necessary functions incidental to the oil and gas business.  With the additional acquisition of oil and natural gas properties, the Company intends to continue to use both in-house employees and outside consultants to develop and exploit its leasehold interests.

5

As an independent oil and gas producer, the Company’s revenue, profitability and future rate of growth are substantially dependent on prevailing prices of natural gas and oil.  Historically, the energy markets have been very volatile and it is likely that oil and gas prices will continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in the future.  A substantial or extended decline in natural gas and oil prices could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, cash flows and access to capital, and on the quantities of natural gas and oil reserves that can be economically produced.


NOTE 2                 BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The financial information included herein is unaudited, except the balance sheet as of December 31, 2007, which has been derived from our audited financial statements as of December 31, 2007.  However, such information includes all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for an entire year.

Certain information, accounting policies, and footnote disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to certain rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2007, which are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141(R), “Business Combinations.”  SFAS No. 141(R) changes the accounting for and reporting of business combination transactions in the following way:  Recognition with certain exceptions, of 100% of the fair values of assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and non controlling interests of acquired businesses; measurement of all acquirer shares issued in consideration for a business combination at fair value on the acquisition date; recognition of contingent consideration arrangements at their acquisition date fair values, with subsequent changes in fair value generally reflected in earnings; recognition of pre-acquisition gain and loss contingencies at their acquisition date fair value; capitalization of in-process research and development (IPR&D) assets acquired at acquisition date fair value; recognition of acquisition-related transaction costs as expense when incurred; recognition of acquisition-related restructuring cost accruals in acquisition accounting only if the criteria in Statement No. 146 are met as of the acquisition date; and recognition of changes in the acquirer’s income tax valuation allowance resulting from the business combination separately from the business combination as adjustments to income tax expense.  SFAS No. 141(R) is effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008 with earlier adoption prohibited.  The adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) will affect valuation of business acquisitions made in 2009 and forward.    

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160 "Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements – an Amendment of ARB 51" (SFAS 160).  SFAS 160 clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements.  It also requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest, and requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated statement of income, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest.  SAFS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008.  Earlier adoption is prohibited.  We do not anticipate a material impact upon adoption.

In March 2008, the FSAB issued FASS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  SFAS 161 is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows.  SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged.  We do not anticipate a material impact upon adoption.

 
6

 

NOTE 3                 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES

Full Cost Method

The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas operations whereby all costs related to the exploration and development of oil and gas properties are initially capitalized into a single cost center (“full cost pool”).  Such costs include land acquisition costs, geological and geophysical evaluation expenses, carrying charges on non-producing properties, costs of drilling directly related to acquisition, and exploration activities.  As of June 30, 2008, we controlled approximately 21,354 net acres of leaseholds in Sheridan County, Montana with primary targets including the Red River and Mission Canyon formations, approximately 60,000 net acres, primarily in Mountrail County, North Dakota, targeting the Bakken Shale and 10,000 net acres in Yates County, New York that is prospective for Marcellus Shale and Trenton-Black River natural gas production. See Note 6 for an explanation of activities on these properties.

Proceeds from property sales generally will be credited to the full cost pool, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such a sale would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs and the proved reserves attributable to these costs.  A significant alteration would typically involve a sale of 25% or more of the proved reserves related to a single full costs pool.

Costs capitalized will be depleted and amortized on the unit-of-production method based on the estimated gross proved reserves as determined by independent petroleum engineers.  The costs of unproved properties are withheld from the depletion base until such time as they are either developed or abandoned.  When proved reserves are assigned or the property is considered to be impaired, the cost of the property or the amount of the impairment is added to costs subject to depletion calculations.

Capitalized costs of oil and gas properties (net of related deferred income taxes) may not exceed an amount equal to the present value, discounted at 10% per annum, of the estimated future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves plus the cost of unevaluated properties (adjusted for related income tax effects).  Should capitalized costs exceed this ceiling, impairment is recognized.  The present value of estimated future net cash flows is computed by applying period-end prices of oil and natural gas to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves as of period-end, less estimated future expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved reserves and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.  Such present value of proved reserves’ future net cash flows excludes future cash outflows associated with settling asset retirement obligations that have been accrued on the Balance Sheet (following SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 106).  Should this comparison indicate an excess carrying value, the excess is charged to earnings as an impairment expense.

Other Property and Equipment

Property and equipment that are not oil and gas property are recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives of three to five years.  Expenditures for replacements, renewals, and betterments are capitalized.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Long-lived assets, other than oil and gas properties, are evaluated for impairment to determine if current circumstances and market conditions indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  We have not recognized any impairment losses on non oil and gas long-lived assets.  Depreciation expense was $21,111 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Impairment

SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, requires that long-lived assets to be held and used be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Oil and gas properties accounted for using the full cost method of accounting (which we use) are excluded from this requirement but continue to be subject to the full cost method's impairment rules.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short Term Investments

Our cash positions represent assets held in checking, money market accounts and other short term instruments.  These assets are generally available to us on a daily or weekly basis and are highly liquid in nature.  Due to the balances being greater than $100,000, we do not have FDIC coverage on the entire amount of bank deposits.  The Company believes this risk is minimal.
 

 
7


NOTE 3                 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES – Continued

Derivative Instruments and Price Risk Management

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage market risks resulting from fluctuations in the prices of oil and natural gas.  The Company may periodically enter into derivative contracts, including price swaps, caps and floors, which require payments to (or receipts from) counterparties based on the differential between a fixed price and a variable price for a fixed quantity of oil or natural gas without the exchange of underlying volumes.  The notional amounts of these financial instruments would be based on expected production from existing wells. The Company has, and may continue to use exchange traded futures contracts and option contracts to hedge the delivery price of oil at a future date.

Derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income, depending on whether a derivative is designated as part of a hedge transaction and, if it is, depending on the type of hedge transaction.  The Company's derivatives consist primarily of cash flow hedge transactions in which the Company is hedging the variability of cash flows related to a forecasted transaction.  Period to period changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to earnings in the periods in which the contracts are settled.  The ineffective portion of the cash flow hedges is recognized in current period earnings as income or loss from derivative.  Gains and losses on derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are included in income or loss from derivative in the period in which they occur.  The resulting cash flows from derivatives are reported as cash flows from operating activities.

At the inception of a derivative contract or upon identification of hedged production to which a derivative contract applies, the Company may designate the derivative as a cash flow hedge.  For all derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the Company formally documents the relationship between the derivative contract and the hedged items, as well as the risk management objective for entering into the derivative contract.  To be designated as a cash flow hedge transaction, the relationship between the derivative and the hedged items must be highly effective in achieving the offset of changes in cash flows attributable to the risk both at the inception of the derivative and on an ongoing basis.  The Company measures hedge effectiveness on a quarterly basis and hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively if it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item.  Gains and losses deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedge derivatives that become ineffective remain unchanged until the related production is delivered.  If the Company determines that it is probable that a hedged forecasted transaction will not occur, deferred gains or losses on the derivative are recognized in earnings immediately.  See Note 10 for a description of the derivative contracts which the Company executes.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has accounted for stock-based compensation under the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share Based Payment.  This statement requires us to record an expense associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation.  We currently use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock based compensation at the date of grant.  Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility.  Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.

The average risk-free interest rate is determined using the U. S. Treasury rate in effect as of the date of grant, based on the expected term of the stock option.

Options Granted November 1, 2007

On November 1, 2007, the Board of Directors granted 560,000 options to board members and one employee.  The total fair value of the options was recognized as compensation in 2007 as the optionees were immediately vested.  In computing the expected volatility, we used the combined historical volatility of the Company’s common stock for a one month period and the blended historical volatility for two of our peer Companies over a period of four years and eleven months.  In computing the exercise price we used the average closing/last trade price of the Company’s common stock for the five highest volume trading days during the 30-day trading period ending on the last trading day preceding the date of the grants.
 

 
8

NOTE 3                 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES – Continued

The following assumptions were used for the Black-Scholes model:

   
November 1,
   
2007
Risk free rates
 
4.36%
Dividend yield
 
0%
Expected volatility
 
56%
Weighted average expected stock option life
 
5 Years

The “fair market value” at the date of grant for stock options granted using the formula relied upon for calculating the exercise price is as follows:

Weighted average fair value per share
$
 2.72
Total options granted
 
 560,000
Total weighted average fair value of options granted
$
1,524,992

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.  Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based upon differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.  FASB Statement No. 109 requires the consideration of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” that some component or all of the benefits of deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition and Gas Balancing

We recognize oil and gas revenues from our interests in producing wells when production is delivered to, and title has transferred to, the purchaser and to the extent the selling price is reasonably determinable.  We use the sales method of accounting for gas balancing of gas production and would recognize a liability if the existing proven reserves were not adequate to cover the current imbalance situation.  As of June 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, our gas production was in balance, i.e., our cumulative portion of gas production taken and sold from wells in which we have an interest equaled our entitled interest in gas production from those wells.

Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

Net Income (Loss) per common share is based on the Net Income (Loss) less preferred dividends divided by weighted average number of common shares outstanding.

Diluted earnings per share is computed using weighted average number of common shares plus dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. 

As of June 30, 2008 there were 400,000 potentially dilutive shares from stock options that became exercisable in 2007.


 
9

 

NOTE 3                 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRACTICES – Continued

In addition, as of June 30, 2008, there were 1,733,334 warrants what were issued in conjunction with the September 12, 2007 private placement that remained outstanding and exercisable.  These warrants are presently exercisable and represent potentially dilutive shares.  Each of these warrants has an exercise price of $6.00.  If all warrants were exercised the company would receive proceeds of $10,400,004.  As of July 31, 2008, all of these warrants had been exercised and the Company received the entire aggregate exercise price for such warrants.   As of August 1, 2008, the Company has received gross proceeds of $26,915,872.75 from the exercise of warrants and options in fiscal year 2008.

NOTE 4                 SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

Short-term investments primarily consist of investment grade securities that either mature within the next 12 months or have other characteristics of short-term investments, such as auction dates within at least six months of the prior auction date or being available to be used for current operations even if some maturities may extend beyond one year.  All auction rate securities are classified as short-term investments.

All marketable debt and equity securities that are included in short-term investments are considered available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.  The unrealized gains and losses related to these securities are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Fair values are based on quoted market prices provided to us by our prime broker.  When securities are sold, their cost is determined based on the first-in first-out method.  The realized gains and losses related to these securities are included in investment income in the statements of operations.  Although we have elected to mark the value of certain auction market securities at less than par, we expect to eventually receive full value as the market returns to a more stable condition.  We continue to earn interest on these securities and our prime broker has allowed us to borrow up to 100% of their value at a rate generally less than the interest they bear.

The following is a summary of our short-term available-for-sale investments as of June 30, 2008:

     
 
 
Cost at
June 30, 2008
 
 
 
Unrealized
(Loss)
 
Fair Market
Value at
June 30,
2008
 
Municipal Bonds
 
$
 2,550,000
 
$
 (140,250)
 
$
 2,409,750
 
Auction Market Securities
   
 1,000,524
   
 (20,924)
 
 
 979,600
 
      Total Short-Term Investments
 
$
 3,550,524
 
$
 (161,174)
 
$
 3,389,350

NOTE 5                 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment at June 30, 2008, consisted of the following:

     
June 30, 2008
Oil and Gas Properties, Full Cost Method
         
  Unevaluated Costs, Not Subject to Amortization or Ceiling Test
     
 
$
 
16,592,550
  Evaluated Costs
       
4,061,224
         
20,653,774
Office Equipment, Furniture, and Software
       
247,003
         
20,900,777
Less: Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization
       
                                           (172,135)
      Property and Equipment
     
$
20,728,642

The following table shows depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense by type of asset:

 
Six-Month Period
Ended June 30,
 
2008
 
2007
Depletion of Costs for Evaluated Oil and Gas Properties
$
      147,578
 
$
                                                       -
Depreciation of Office Equipment, Furniture, and Software
 
        21,111
   
260
      Total Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization Expense
$
      168,689
 
$
260


10


NOTE 6                 OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

Recent Acquisitions – Related Party Transactions

In September 2007, we commenced a continuous lease program with South Fork Exploration, LLC. (“SFE”) to acquire acreage in and around Burke and Divide Counties of North Dakota.  As of June 30, 2008, the Company has paid SFE $615,600 for all acreage secured under the program. SFE’s president is J.R. Reger, brother of Michael Reger, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.  J.R. Reger is also a shareholder in the Company.

On January 18, 2008, Montana Oil Properties, Inc. (“MOP”) assigned to the Company leases covering approximately 1,600 net acres in Mountrail County, North Dakota.  The total purchase price for this assignment is $800,000 in cash and 30,000 shares of restricted common stock.  As of June 30, 2008, MOP delivered an additional 885 acres.  The total purchase price for this assignment was $442,291 in cash and 16,587 shares of restricted stock.  Of the 16,587 of restricted stock, 2,558 shares have not been issued.  The principals of MOP are Mr. Steven Reger and Mr. Tom Ryan, both are relatives of our Chief Executive Officer, Michael Reger.

Recent Acquisitions – Non-Related Party

On February 15, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire from Antares Exploration Fund, L.P. (“Antares”), leasehold interests covering up to 5,700 net acres in Mountrail County, North Dakota for an aggregate purchase price of $5,700,000.  On April 14, 2008, we entered into an Agreement setting forth a land bank arrangement with Deephaven MCF Acquisition, LLC (“Deephaven”), an affiliate of Deephaven Capital Management, LLC.  On April 14, 2008, pursuant to the land bank arrangement, Deephaven closed on the acquisition from Antares of leases covering 5,132 net acres for the Company's benefit, which leases can then be acquired by the Company at any time during the initial year that Deephaven owns such leases.  On April 14, 2008 and June 26, 2008, the Company closed on the purchase directly from Antares of an additional 277 net acres and 223 net acres in Mountrail County, North Dakota, respectively.  The foregoing transactions have resulted in the Company controlling an aggregate of 5,632.99 net acres purchased from Antares pursuant to the February 15, 2008 agreement.

On May 21, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire from Ritter, Laber & Associates, Inc. leasehold interest on approximately 3,209 net acres in Mountrail and Burke Counties, North Dakota.  The total purchase price for this assignment was $3,049,367 in cash.  As of June 30, 2008 the Company paid a deposit of $50,000 in cash.  On July 1, 2008, the transaction closed and the Company paid the remaining balance of $2,999,367 in cash.

On June 13, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire from Woodstone Resources, LLC leasehold interests on approximately 23,210 net acres in Dunn County, North Dakota.  On July 10, 2008, the Company closed on this acquisition.  The total purchase price for this assignment was $9,284,000 in cash.  As of June 30, 2008, the Company paid a deposit of $1,500,000 in cash.  On July 10, 2008, the Company paid the remaining balance of $7,784,000.

The Company has also completed other miscellaneous acquisitions in North Dakota and Montana.



NOTE 7                 PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK

The Company has neither authorized nor issued any shares of preferred stock.

In March 2008, an optionee exercised 100,000 stock options granted to them in 2006.  The shares related to this exercise were not issued until April 2008.

In April 2008, an employee exercised 60,000 stock options granted in 2007.

In May 2008, a board member exercised 100,000 stock options granted in 2007.

In April and June 2008 3,084,853 shares were issued related to the exercise of warrants issued in 2007.

11


NOTE 7                 PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK – Continued

Restricted Stock Awards

In March 2008, the Company issued 20,000 shares of restricted common stock to employee James Sankovitz pursuant to a written employment agreement.  The issuance of restricted stock is intended to retain and motivate the employee.  The fair value of the award was $140,500 or $7.03 per share, the average market value of a share of Common Stock on the date the stock was issued. The fair value will be expensed over the one-year term of the award.  The Company expensed $35,125 related to this award in the quarter ended June, 30, 2008.  Vesting of the shares is contingent on the employee maintaining employment with the Company and other restrictions included in the employment agreement.


NOTE 8                 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company has purchased leasehold interests from South Fork Exploration, LLC (SFE).  SFE’s president is J.R. Reger, the brother of Michael Reger, CEO of NOG.  J.R. Reger is also a shareholder in NOG.  See Note 6.

The Company also has purchased leasehold interests from MOP.  MOP is controlled by Mr. Tom Ryan and Mr. Steven Reger, both are relatives of the Company’s CEO, Michael Reger.  See Note 6.

The Company also has purchased leasehold interests from Gallatin Resources, LLC.  Carter Stewart, one of NOG’s directors, owns a 25% interest in Gallatin Resources, LLC.


NOTE 9                 STOCK OPTIONS/STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

On November 1, 2007 the Board of Directors granted an additional 560,000 of options under the 2006 Stock Option Plan.  The Company granted 500,000 options, in aggregate, to members of the board and 60,000 options to one employee pursuant to an employment agreement.  These options were granted at a price of $5.18 per share and the optionees were fully vested on the grant date.  In April 2008, an employee exercised 60,000 options under this plan.  In May 2008, a member of the Board of Directors exercised 100,000 options under this plan.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation under the provisions of SFAS No. 123(R), Share Based Payment.  This statement requires us to record an expense associated with the fair value of stock-based compensation.  We currently use the Black-Scholes option valuation model to calculate stock based compensation at the date of grant. Option pricing models require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected price volatility.  Changes in these assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate.  The total fair value of the options will be recognized as compensation over the service period (see Note 2 for calculation of fair value).  The Company received no cash consideration for these option grants.

Currently Outstanding Options:
·  
260,000 options were exercised in the six months ended June 30, 2008.
·  
No options were forfeited during the six months ended June 30, 2008.
·  
400,000 options are exercisable as of June 30, 2008.
·  
The Company recorded compensation expense related to these options of $2,366,417 for the year ended December 31, 2007.  There is no further compensation expense that will be recognized in future years relating to options that had been granted as of June 30, 2008, because the entire fair value compensation has been recognized.


NOTE 10                      DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company utilizes commodity swap and option contracts to (i) reduce the effects of volatility in price changes on the oil commodities it produces and sells, (ii) reduce commodity price risk and (iii) provide a base level of cash flow.  The Company has hedged 20,000 barrels of production thru the end of 2008 at approximately $105 per barrel of oil however no production has been hedged into 2009 or beyond.

 
12

 

NOTE 10                      DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND PRICE RISK MANAGEMENT – Continued

Crude Oil Derivative Contracts Cash-flow hedges

The Company's cash-flow hedges consisted of crude oil futures contracts.  The contracts are used to establish floor prices on anticipated future oil production. There were no net premiums received or paid when the Company entered into these contracts.

Derivative positions including written call options that are not designated as hedges are reflected at fair value on the balance sheet. These positions were entered into as investment vehicles, they are not classified as cash flow hedges. At each balance sheet date, the value of derivatives not qualifying as hedging contracts is adjusted to reflect current fair value and any gains or losses are recognized as gain (loss) on derivatives.  Futures contracts that cannot be matched with production for cash flow purposes are included as investment vehicles.

The following table provides a summary of the fair value of these derivatives and of certain futures contracts not designated as hedges included in other current liabilities:

 
June 30,
 
December 31,
 
2008
 
2007
Fair value of undesignated derivatives
$
      105,200
 
$
                   -

The following table provides a summary of the impact on earnings from the changes in the fair values of these derivative contracts as recorded as an increase or decrease in other income, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2008:

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Increase in earnings due to changes in fair value of  derivatives entered into as investment vehicles
 
 
$
 
 
18,336
 
 
 
$
 
 
                                                 -
 
 
 
$
 
 
18,336
 
 
 
$
 
 
                                                 -
 
                         

The following table reflects open commodity derivative contracts at June 30, 2008, the associated volumes and the corresponding weighted average NYMEX reference price.

           
Notional
     
   
Derivative
     
Amount -
   
NYMEX
Settlement Period
 
Instrument
 
Hedge Strategy
 
Oil (Barrels)
   
Reference Price
Futures Contracts
                 
12/01/08 - 12/31/08
 
Sold Future
 
Cash flow
 
20,000
 
$
104.35
Options Contracts
                 
07/16/08
 
Written Call
140 Strike
 
Undesignated
 
20,000
   
4.75
                   


 
13

 

NOTE 11                      FAIR VALUE

Effective January 1, 2008, the fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments also reflect the Company's estimate of the default risk of the parties in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 "Fair Value Measurements" (SFAS 157).  The fair value of the Company's derivative financial instruments is determined based on counterparties’ valuation models that utilize market-corroborated inputs. The fair value of the Company's short-term investments are based on either quoted market prices or counterparties valuation models that utilize market corroborative inputs.  The following schedule summarizes the valuation of financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the balance sheet as of June 30, 2008.  The current liability amounts represent the fair values expected to be included in the results of operations for the subsequent year.

     
Quoted Prices
In Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
 
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Current Short-term Investments
 
$
 2,409,750
 
$
 979,600
 
$
                -
 
Current derivative liabilities
   
                -
   
 (847,200)
 
 
                -
 
      Total
 
$
 2,409,750
 
$
 132,400
 
$
                -



NOTE 12                      COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

For the periods indicated, comprehensive income (loss) consisted of the following:

   
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
     
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
283,465
 
$
(881,060
)
$
96,188
 
$
(1,168,646
)
 
  Unrealized losses on marketable securities
 
(20,100
)
 
                                              -
   
(161,174
)
 
                                              -
 
 
  Net unrealized loss on hedges
 
(742,000
)
 
                                              -
   
(742,000
)
 
                                              -
 
 
Other Comprehensive Income (loss) net
$
(478,635
)
$
(881,060
)
$
(806,986
)
$
(1,168,646
)
                           





NOTE 13                      SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In July, 2008 the Company received additional gross proceeds of $10,400,004 from the exercise of outstanding warrants exercisable for $6.00 per share previously issued in connection with the Company’s September 2007 institutional private placement.  The warrants resulted in the issuance of an aggregate of 1,733,334 shares of the Company’s common stock.   As of August 1, 2008, the Company has received gross proceeds of $26,915,872.75 from the exercise of warrants and options in fiscal year 2008.  The Company believes the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the warrants was exempt from the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 by virtue of Section 4(2) and Regulation D, Rule 506.


 
 
14

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.

The following updates information as to our financial condition and plan of operation provided in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007.  The following also analyzes our results of operations for six month periods ended June 30, 2008 and June 30, 2007.

Except as discussed below, a discussion of our past financial results is not pertinent to the business plan of the Company on a going forward basis, due to the change in our business which occurred upon consummation of the merger on March 20, 2007.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

 This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”).  All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations, industry conditions, and indebtedness covenant compliance are forward-looking statements.  When used in this report, forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes.  Items contemplating or making assumptions about, actual or potential future sales, market size, collaborations, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond our Company’s control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including the following, general economic or industry conditions, nationally and/or in the communities in which our Company conducts business, changes in the interest rate environment, legislation or regulatory requirements, conditions of the securities markets, our ability to raise capital, changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines, financial or political instability, acts of war or terrorism, other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technical factors affecting our Company’s operations, products, services and prices.

We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events.  While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control.  Accordingly, results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results in these statements.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.  You should consider carefully the statements in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and other sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.  Our Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements.

Overview and Outlook
 
We are a growth-oriented independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of oil and natural gas properties, and have focused our activities primarily on projects based in the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States, specifically the Williston Basin.  We have targeted specific prospects and began drilling for oil in the Williston Basin region in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007.  As of August 5, 2008, we have completed 13 successful discoveries, consisting of eleven targeting the Bakken formation and two targeting a Red River Structure.  As of August 5, 2008, we are participating in the drilling of thirteen Bakken wells.  We are included in approximately 70 gross Bakken wells expected to be drilled between now and early 2009.

15

The Company participates on a heads up basis proportionate to its working interest in a declared drilling unit.  Although to this point we have participated with only minority interests ranging from 1% to 37%, we expect to participate in the drilling of incrementally higher working interest drilling units, eventually operating our substantial inventory of high working interest drilling units with a range of 40% to 100% ownership.  We control 60,000 net acres in the growing North Dakota Bakken Play.  This exposes us to 93 net wells based on 640 acre spacing units.  To be more specific, if we drill a well and participate with a 25% working interest, this counts towards this total as a quarter of one well.  We control approximately 50 spacing units where we own in excess of 40% of the acreage, this gives us a substantial inventory of potential drilling locations that we could drill and operate on our own timing.  To drill our complete inventory of 93 net drilling locations we expect to participate in approximately 450 gross wells.

We expect to participate in approximately 60 gross oil wells in 2008 with an average working interest of 8% yielding approximately 5 net wells.  Based on the current pace of development we expect to fully develop our  Bakken position in 2011.  We expect our position to have the potential to yield approximately 46 Million gross barrels of oil.  This is based on assumptions of 92 net wells and 500,000 barrels of recoverable oil per well. Operators have stated a range of approximately 250,000 to 900,000 barrels of recoverable oil. Our assumption of 500,000 barrels of recoverable oil per well was derived from reported results from our operating partners and reservoir engineering data from our producing wells.  The pace of development and our assumptions are subject to change and it is possible that results may not be as favorable as we expect.  However we may also experience substantially higher reserves due to secondary recovery and enhanced completion techniques.  Based on currently planned wells, we expect to exit 2008 at a run rate of approximately 1,100 gross barrels of daily oil production.  After paying landowner royalties ranging from 12% to 20% this equates to approximately 900 barrels of daily production net to us.

At $110 dollar oil prices,  our target exit rate of 900 barrels per day will produce approximately $35 million in annualized cash flows entering 2009.  We expect this number to grow substantially through 2009 as we continue to add production.  Any fluctuation in the per barrel price of oil, the actual daily production from our wells or the number of wells in production entering 2009 would correspondingly increase or decrease our actual annualized cash flow at any point in time.  For instance, in the event that the price of oil decreases by ten percent from $110 per barrel, our annualized cash flows entering 2009 would equal approximately $32.5 million.  Conversely, in the event that the price of oil increases by ten percent from $110 per barrel, our annualized cash flows entering 2009 would equal approximately $40 million.

As an exploration company, our business strategy is to identify and exploit resources in and adjacent to existing or indicated producing areas that can be quickly developed and put in production at low cost based on the activity of larger drillers in the area.  We also intend to take advantage of our expertise in aggressive land acquisition to develop exploratory projects with attractive growth potential in focus areas and to participate with other companies in those areas to explore for oil and natural gas using state-of-the-art three-dimensional (3-D) seismic technology.  We believe our competitive advantage lies in our ability to acquire property in the most exciting new plays in a nimble and efficient fashion.  We are focused on low overhead, our expected cash expense burn rate is approximately $2 million for fiscal year 2008.  We believe we are in a position to most efficiently exploit and identify high production oil and gas properties.  We intend to continue to actively pursue the acquisition of properties that fit our profile.
 
We currently control the rights to mineral leases on approximately 91,354 net acres of land.  Our principal assets are located in the Williston Basin region of the northern United States and Yates County, New York, and include the following primary positions as of June 30, 2008:

▪  
Approximately 21,354 net acres located in Sheridan County, Montana, representing a stacked pay prospect;

▪  
Approximately 25,000 net acres located in Mountrail County North Dakota, within and surrounding to the north, south and west the Parshall Field currently being developed by EOG Resources and others to target the Bakken Shale;

16

▪  
Approximately 10,000 net acres located in Burke and Divide Counties of North Dakota, in which we are targeting the Winnepegosis and Bakken Shales on acreage in close proximity to recent discoveries by Continental Resources and others in the formation;

▪  
Approximately 25,000 net acres in and around Marathon Oil production in Dunn County, North Dakota; and

▪  
Approximately 10,000 net acres located in the “Finger Lakes” region of Yates County, New York, in which we are targeting natural gas production from the Trenton/Black River, Marcellus and Queenstown-Medina formations.

We have also completed other miscellaneous acreage acquisitions in North Dakota and Montana.
 

Results of Operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and the six months ended June 30, 2008.
 
The Company is in the early stage of developing its properties in Montana, North Dakota and New York.  During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, our operations were limited primarily to technical evaluation of the properties and the design of development plans to exploit the oil and gas resources on those properties, as well as seeking opportunities to acquire additional oil and gas properties.  Accordingly, we had minimal production due to our wells commencing production near the end of the fourth quarter of 2007.  We completed drilling of our first wells and began selling limited quantities of oil and gas in the fourth quarter of 2007.   In the first two quarters of 2008, we increased production and expect to continue to grow production consistently throughout the remainder of 2008.

As of June 30, 2008, we recognized production revenues from a total ten wells, of which five wells are located in Mountrail County, North Dakota, three wells are located in Dunn County, North Dakota and two wells are located in Sheridan County, Montana.  Subsequent to quarter end we added production from an additional 3 wells in the Bakken formation.  We expect to participate in the drilling of approximately 70 gross oil wells between now and early 2009.  Our revenue has increased approximately 165% over the first quarter of 2008.

We did not recognize any oil and gas revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2007.  We realized our first meaningful revenues from production late in the quarter ended March 31, 2008, as we were able to establish commercial production in connection with new drilling activities commenced in 2007.    Revenues from oil and gas sales in the quarter ended June 30, 2008 were $764,528.   Our average realized sales price for oil produced during the quarter ended June 30, 2008 was approximately $120 per barrel.  We expect that our revenues will continue to increase quarter-over-quarter during 2008 as we continue to drill new wells and establish commercial production from our existing and new wells.   In the late second quarter of 2008 we began to realize the full revenue benefit of wells put into production late in the first quarter as well as additional wells drilled or completed in the second quarter.  We expect to continue to realize the additional revenue benefit of wells as they continue to be put into production in 2008.
 
Our operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2008 consisted principally of general and administrative costs. General and administrative costs for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $410,736 compared to $507,883 for the three months ended March 31, 2008 representing a decline of approximately 19% or $97,147 primarily due to the absence of certain one-time charges in conjunction with the hiring of additional staff.  Our drilling, acreage and production capital expenditures for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $4,305,996.  We expect these costs to continue to increase as we proceed with our development plans.  In the future we expect to incur increased geologic, geophysical, and engineering costs.

Total expenses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 were $4,513,189, for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 were $570,575 and for the three months ended June 30, 2008 were $576,487.  We incurred a net loss of $4,305,293 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, a net loss of $187,277 for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, net income of $283,465 for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 and net income of $96,188 for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  Approximately $500,000 of the loss experienced during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 was a cash expense, and the balance was related to share issuance costs which are expected to decrease substantially in 2008.  Approximately $125,546 of the loss experienced during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 consisted of cash expenses, and the balance was related to share issuance costs.  We expect the cash general and administrative expenses to run approximately $500,000 per quarter going forward, excluding any one-time charges.

17

Overview of Second Quarter 2008 Operational Results

In the quarter ended March 31, 2008, we began selling meaningful amounts of oil from wells that became operational in the fourth quarter of 2007.  In the quarter ended June 30, 2008, we continued to realize additional sales of oil from wells that were productive during the prior fiscal quarter and began selling meaningful amounts of oil from additional wells that became operational during the second fiscal quarter.  We expect our revenue to continue to increase along with our oil production as we continue to participate in additional wells during the remainder of 2008.  There is typically a lag from drilling until revenue recognition of two-to-three months.

Mountrail County, North Dakota

We realized production revenues totaling $412,325 from five wells in Mountrail County, North Dakota during the quarter ended June 30, 2008, of which three wells came into production during the second fiscal quarter of 2008.  As of June 30, 2008, we capitalized approximately $2,723,529 in drilling costs for these five wells.

Dunn County, North Dakota

We realized production revenues totaling $108,110 from three wells in Dunn County, North Dakota during the quarter ended June 30, 2008.  We began selling oil from our first well in Dunn County during November 2007 and added an additional well in Dunn County during the second quarter of 2008.  As of June 30, 2008, we have capitalized approximately $617,305 in drilling costs for these three wells.

Sheridan County, Montana

We realized production revenues totaling $244,093from two well in Sheridan County, Montana during the quarter ended June 20, 2008.  One of these wells was productive during the first quarter of 2008, and the other well in Sheridan County became productive during the second quarter of 2008.  As of June 30, 2008, we capitalized approximately $632,399 in drilling costs for these two wells.


Second Quarter 2008 Operational Results

Production Volumes

The following table illustrates our revenues from the sale of oil and natural gas for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
Oil revenue:
       
Oil revenue
 
$  285,692
 
$  762,763
Unrealized oil derivative gains (losses)
 
$      1,300
 
$              0
Oil revenue including unrealized oil derivative gains (losses)
 
$  286,992
 
$  762,763
Natural gas revenue:
       
Natural gas revenue
 
$          37
 
$     1,765
Unrealized natural gas derivative gains (losses)
 
$            0
 
  $            0
Natural gas revenue including unrealized natural gas derivative gains (losses)
 
$          37
 
$     1,765
 Oil and natural gas revenue:
       
Oil and natural gas revenue
 
$ 285,729
 
$ 764,528
Unrealized oil and natural gas derivative gains (losses)
 
$     1,300
 
$             0
Oil and natural gas revenue including unrealized derivative gains (losses)
 
$ 287,029
 
$ 764,528
Total revenue
 
$ 287,029
 
$ 764,528
 
 
18

The following table illustrates the average prices at which we sold oil and natural gas for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
Average oil prices:
       
Oil price (per Bbl)
 
$ 92.10
 
$ 120.12
Average natural gas prices:
       
Natural Gas price (per Mcf)
 
$ 10.96
 
$ 13.31
         


Depletion of oil and natural gas properties

Our depletion expense is driven by many factors including certain exploration costs involved in the development of producing reserves, production levels and estimates of proved reserve quantities and future developmental costs at the end of the first two fiscal quarters of 2008.

   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2008
Depletion of oil and natural gas properties
 
$ 40,636
 
$ 106,942
         


Operation Plan
 
During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, we commenced in earnest the development of our oil and gas properties in conjunction with our drilling partners.  These activities continued to build in the quarters ended March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008, and are anticipated to continue to grow throughout the remainder of 2008 and beyond.  The Company has several projects that are in various stages of discussions and is continually evaluating oil and gas opportunities in the Continental United States.  We will continue to participate on a heads-up basis in the continuing development of our substantial Bakken acreage holdings.  We do not typically lease land to operators or dilute working interest in any way.  We own our proportionate share of wells and we will continue to develop higher working interest sections going forward.  We will continue to acquire acreage in the play as it may become available as well as continually evaluate additional opportunities both in the Bakken and beyond.
 
19

Our future financial results will depend primarily on the following factors, among others:

   
Our ability to continue to source and screen potential projects;
 
   
Our ability to discover commercial quantities of oil and gas;
 
   
The market price for oil and gas; and
 
   
Our ability to fully implement our exploration and development program, which is dependent on the availability of capital resources.
 
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in any of these respects, that the prices of oil and gas prevailing at the time of production will be at a level allowing for profitable production, or that we will be able to obtain additional funding to increase our currently limited capital resources.

Drilling Projects

As of June 30, 2008, we had completed ten successful discoveries, compared to six successful discoveries completed as of March 31, 2008.  Subsequent to June 30, 2008, we have completed thirteen successful discoveries and as of August 5, 2008, are participating in the drilling of thirteen additional wells, all of which are expected to commence production in the third calendar quarter of 2008.  Our acreage has been included in approximately 70 proposed drilling locations as of June 30, 2008.  We expect most, if not all, of these wells and potentially more will be drilled between now and early 2009, although we have no control over the timing of such wells in our position as a non-operator in these particular wells.  During the fiscal year 2009, we will drill wells on some of our high working interest locations potentially ranging up to 100% working interest.

Upon full development of our North Dakota acreage position, we anticipate that we will be able to drill up to 93 net wells based on 640-acre spacing.  In the event the Bakken field continues to be down spaced to 320-acre units, we could control as many as 186 net Bakken wells.  EOG Resources previously announced calculations of 9 million barrels of oil in place per 640-acre section in the Parshall Field, of which they believe they will recover 900,000 barrels with a single lateral well. Based on the numbers referenced by EOG resources we may be exposed to approximately 80 million gross barrels of oil based on 640 acre spacing, excluding the Brigham joint venture acreage.  On continued down spacing to 320 acre drilling units, we could be exposed up to a potential 160 million barrels of oil.  In addition we believe significant amounts of oil may be recoverable from a second producing reservoir in the Three Forks/Sanish formation, this formation has the potential to increase reserves and productivity significantly.  We are currently participating in a well operated by Continental Resources and have several planned that will be targeting this formation.  With the addition of the Three Forks/Sanish formation, our potential reserves may increase substantially.

Upon full development of our Montana acreage position, we anticipate that we would be able to drill up to 137 net wells based on 160-acre spacing although the inventory of high-grade prospects is substantially lower than this number currently.  Our full Montana acreage position is subject to the Brigham joint venture as long as Brigham continues to drill on it. Should Brigham let 120 days pass without the spud of a new well the joint venture shall terminate.

The following table summarizes our producing wells as of August 5, 2008:

State/County
Operator
Well Name
Northern Oil and Gas Working Interest
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
BRIGHAM EXPLORATION
BERGSTROM TRUST 26-1H
6.25%/24% BIAPO
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
BRIGHAM EXPLORATION
HALLINGSTAD 27-1H
8.5%/20% BIAPO
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
BRIGHAM EXPLORATION
RICHARDSON 25-1
37.00%
 
20

 
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
BRIGHAM EXPLORATION
RICHARDSON 30-1
12.5%/20% BIAPO
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
BRIGHAM EXPLORATION
JOHNSON 33-1H
16.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
MUREX PETROLEUM
RICK CLAIR  25-36H
6.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
WHITING OIL & GAS
BRAAFLAT  11-11H
1.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SINCLAIR OIL
NELSON 1-26H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
PATHFINDER  1-9H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
REISS  34-20H
1.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
KENT CARLSON  24-36H
6.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
VOIGT 11-15H
1.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
BURLINGTON RESOURCES
BONNEY 34-3H
3.00%

 
Brigham Exploration

On April 23, 2007 we entered into a joint venture agreement with Brigham Exploration. Under the terms of the agreement, we contributed 3,000 net acres of our approximate 60,000 net acres located in North Dakota and approximately 21,350 net acres of our Sheridan County, Montana acreage.

Drilling under the Brigham joint venture commenced in the early fourth quarter of 2007.  On the Mountrail County, North Dakota acreage, we successfully completed the Bergstrom Family Trust 26, a Bakken well that produced at an early rate of approximately 200 gross barrels of oil per day.  We participated for a 6.25% working interest that converts to 24% working interest at payout.  We also completed the Hallingstad 27, a Bakken well that produced at an early rate of approximately 500 gross barrels of oil per day.  We participated for an 8.4% working interest that converts to 20.5% working interest at payout.

On the Sheridan County, Montana acreage, we successfully completed the Richardson #25, a Red River test well that went on production at a consistent rate of approximately 300 barrels of oil per day.  The Company participated for a 10% working interest that converts to 37% working interest at payout, which is expected to occur in the second fiscal quarter of 2008. We did not recognize any revenue from these wells in 2007.  We also completed the Richardson #30 in late June 2008, an offset to the productive Richardson #25 Red River Well.  The Richardson #30 began production at a rate of approximately 175 barrels of oil per day.  The Company participated for a 12.5% working interest that converts to 21.25% working interest at payout as well as retaining a 1% over-riding royalty interest.

Commencing in 2008, Brigham is subject to a 120 day continuous drilling provision requiring Brigham to drill every 120 days to retain future drilling opportunity.  Under the joint venture acreage in Mountrail County North Dakota, Brigham expects to operate a fourth Bakken well in the second half of 2008. On the Sheridan county acreage, Brigham expects to operate a third conventional well in the second half of 2008.


21


Murex Petroleum

In the second quarter of 2007, our acreage was included in the Rick Clair 25-36H, a horizontal Bakken well in Mountrail County North Dakota that produced at an early rate of 1400 gross barrels of oil per day.


Whiting Oil & Gas

In the second quarter of 2007, we participated with Whiting Oil & Gas in the Braaflat 11-11H, a horizontal Bakken well in Mountrail County North Dakota that produced at an early rate of 1600 gross barrels of oil per day.  We expect to be included in additional Whiting wells later in 2008 and into 2009.


Sinclair Oil

In the second quarter of 2007, we participated with Sinclair Oil in the Nelson 1-26H a horizontal Bakken well in Mountrail County North Dakota that produced at an early rate of 750 gross barrels of oil per day.


Slawson Exploration

In the second quarter of 2007, we participated with Slawson Exploration in the Pathfinder 1-9H, a horizontal Bakken well in Mountrail County North Dakota that produced at an early rate of 1,500 gross barrels of oil per day.


Marathon Oil Corporation

In the fourth quarter of 2007, we participated with Marathon Oil for a 3% working interest in the Reiss 34 20H, a horizontal Bakken well in Dunn County North Dakota that produced at an early rate of 700 gross barrels of oil per day.  In the second quarter of 2008, we have successfully completed two additional wells, the Kent Carlson 24-36H and the Voigt 11-15H. The Kent Carlson 24-36H is a horizontal Bakken well located in Dunn County North Dakota. We participated for a 6.25% working interest.  The Voigt 11-15H, is a horizontal Bakken well located in Dunn County North Dakota. We participated for a 1% working interest. We expect to be included in at least three additional wells with Marathon during the second half of 2008.  The Marathon Oil program is an excellent example of how we attempt to participate in wells with a small working interest in order to accumulate data as the completion techniques continue to evolve.

Burlington Resources

In the second quarter of 2007, we participated with Burlington Resources in the Bonney 34-3H, a horizontal Bakken well in Dunn County North Dakota that produced at an early rate of 400 gross barrels of oil per day.


The following table summarizes wells that are currently drilling or completing as of August 5, 2008:

State/County
Operator
Well Name
Northern Oil and Gas Working Interest
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
WAYZETTA 1-13H
6.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
PARSHALL  11-28H
2.00%
 
22

 
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
PROWLER  1-16H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
PAYARA  1-21H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
CLIVE PELTON 34-23H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
ECKELBERG 41-26H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DIVIDE
CONTINENTAL RESOURCES
SKACHENKO 1-31H
6.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – DIVIDE
CONTINENTAL RESOURCES
ELVEIDA  1-33H
10.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DIVIDE
CONTINENTAL RESOURCES
ARVID 1-34H
6.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
HESS CORPORATION
EN-NESET-0706H-1
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
HESS CORPORATION
EN-PERSON-1102H-1
12.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
HESS CORPORATION
RS-AGRIBANK-1102H-1
7.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
HESS CORPORATION
BL-Blanchard- ###-##-####H-1
2.50%




The following table summarizes wells that are currently permitted on our acreage as of August 5, 2008:

State/County
Operator
Well Name
Northern Oil and Gas Working Interest
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
AUSTIN 19-30H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
MODEL   1-05H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
MODEL   2-08H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
MODEL  4-19H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
RUUD  1-18H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
AUSTIN 23-32H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
SHELL 1-08H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
AUSTIN 3-4H
1.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
PARSHALL  12-27H
2.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
EOG RESOURCES
MODEL 1-09H
3.00%
 
23

 
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
WHITING OIL&GAS
FEDERAL 11-9H
1.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
BANDIT  1-29H
27.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
PEACEMAKER 1-8H
15.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
HEDGEHOG   1-6H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
TOMCAT  1-2H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
SENTRY  10-1H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
NIGHTCRAWLER  1-17H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
VOYAGER 1-28H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
POLARIS 1-21H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
SLAWSON EXPLORATION
PANTHER 1-29H
7.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
BRIGHAM EXPLORATION
AFSETH 34-1H
6.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
BRIGHAM EXPLORATION
HALLINGSTAD 35-1H
15.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
WINDSOR ENERGY
WOLF 1-4H
16.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
TRACKER RESOURCES
KNUTSON  #4-1H
8.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
XTO - HEADINGTON
SMOUSE 41-28
30.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MCKENZIE
ENCORE OPERATING
ROLFSON 14-33H
5.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – BURKE
SAMSON OIL
GUSTAFSON 29-161-92H
25.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
MUREX PETROLEUM
CHAD ALLEN 25-36H
6.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – RICHLAND
CRUSADER ENERGY
OILERS 1H-10
7.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
KENT CARLSON  14-36H
6.25%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
KOVAOFF 21-17H
2.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
SHOBE 24-20H
7.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – DUNN
MARATHON OIL COMPANY
STROMMEN 14-8H
3.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DIVIDE
CONTINENTAL RESOURCES
SHONNA  1-15H
15.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – DIVIDE
CONTINENTAL RESOURCES
ELLS 1-6H
12.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – DIVIDE
CONTINENTAL RESOURCES
VIOLA 1-7H
7.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – DIVIDE
CONTINENTAL RESOURCES
ROSSOW 1-10H
10.00%
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
ST. MARY
S.M. CLARK 4-6H
2.00%
 
24

 
NORTH DAKOTA – MOUNTRAIL
HESS CORPORATION
EN-HYNEK-0112H-1
12.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – SHERIDAN
KODIAK OIL&GAS
MEAGHER 16-30
8.50%
NORTH DAKOTA – SHERIDAN
KODIAK OIL&GAS
BONEYARD 13-20
8.50%



Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to meet potential cash requirements.  We have historically met our capital requirements through the issuance of common stock and by short term borrowings.  In the future, we anticipate we will be able to provide the necessary liquidity by the revenues generated from the sales of our oil and gas reserves in our existing properties, however, if we do not generate sufficient sales revenues we will continue to finance our operations through equity and/or debt financings.
 
The following table summarizes total current assets, total current liabilities and working capital at March 31, 2008 and June 30, 2008.

 
March 31, 2008
(Unaudited)
 
June 30, 2008
(Unaudited)
       
Current Assets
$ 5,962,838
 
$ 17,605,086
       
Current Liabilities
$ 2,194,099
 
$ 3,325,757
       
Working Capital
$ 3,768,739
 
$ 14,279,329


Satisfaction of our cash obligations for the next 12 months.
 
We currently are funded to meet our minimum drilling commitments and expected general and administrative expenses for the next 12 months.  However, we anticipate the continuing acquisition of acreage will require additional funds which we anticipate obtaining through the expected oil and gas sales during 2008, from our substantial position in the rapidly developing Parshall Field as well as our other prospects.

Since inception, we have financed cash flow requirements through short term debt financing, our recent land bank arrangement and the issuance of common stock for cash and services as well as proceeds from the exercise of warrants to purchase common equity.  In the future, if we deem it necessary to raise capital for continued acreage acquisition or an accelerated drilling program, we may access the debt or equity markets.  There can be no assurance this capital will be available and if it is not, we may be forced to substantially curtail or cease acreage acquisition and/or drilling expenditures.  No assurance can be made that such financing would be available, and if available it may take either the form of debt or equity.  In either case, the financing could have a negative impact on our financial condition and our stockholders.
  
We may incur operating losses over the next twelve months.  Our lack of operating history makes predictions of future operating results difficult.  Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stage of operations, particularly companies in the oil and gas exploration industry.  Such risks include, but are not limited to, an evolving and unpredictable business model and the management of growth.  To address these risks we must, among other things, implement and successfully execute our business and marketing strategy, continue to develop and upgrade technology and products, respond to competitive developments, and attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.  There can be no assurance that we will be successful in addressing such risks, and the failure to do so can have a material adverse effect on our business prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

25

Significant financing arrangements following the quarter ended June 30, 2008.

On April 14, 2008, we entered into an Agreement setting forth a land bank arrangement with Deephaven MCF Acquisition, LLC (“Deephaven”), an affiliate of Deephaven Capital Management LLC, pursuant to which the Company may acquire leases having an aggregate value of up to $8.1 million.  Under the arrangement, Deephaven will acquire certain qualifying leases in the Bakken Shale formation in Mountrail County, North Dakota, which leases can then be acquired by the Company at any time during the initial year that Deephaven owns such leases.

The Company utilized approximately $5.1 million of the potential $8.1 million facility available under the Agreement upon initiation of the facility.  The Agreement provides that the Company will act as Deephaven’s agent to continue to identify additional leases for acquisition by Deephaven until August 1, 2008, and Deephaven will purchase any additional qualifying leases during that period having an aggregate cost of up to $3.0 million, in addition to those already purchased on April 14, 2008.

As of June 30, 2008, we received gross proceeds of approximately $15,582,069 from the exercise of outstanding warrants previously issued in connection with the Company’s September 2007 institutional private placement.  The warrants resulted in the issuance of an aggregate of 3,084,853 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001, as of June 30, 2008.  Subsequent to June 30, 2008, the Company received additional gross proceeds of $10,400,004 from the exercise of outstanding warrants exercisable for $6.00 per share previously issued in connection with the Company’s September 2007 institutional private placement.  The warrants resulted in the issuance of an aggregate of 1,733,334 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of August 1, 2008, the Company has received gross proceeds of $26,915,872.75 from the exercise of warrants and options in fiscal year 2008.

Expected purchase or sale of any significant equipment.
 
We do not anticipate the purchase or sale of any plant or significant equipment as such items are not required by us at this time or anticipated to be needed in the next twelve months.
 
Significant changes in the number of employees.
 
As of June 30, 2008, we had four full-time employees.  As drilling production activities commence, we may hire additional technical, operational and administrative personnel as appropriate.  We do not expect a significant change in the number of full time executive employees over the next 12 months.  We are using, and will continue to use, extensively the services of independent consultants and contractors to perform various professional services, particularly in the area of land services, reservoir engineering, drilling, water hauling, pipeline construction, well design, well-site monitoring and surveillance, permitting and environmental assessment.  We believe that this use of third-party service providers may enhance our ability to contain general and administrative expenses.
 
Summary of product research and development that we will perform for the term of our plan.

We do not anticipate performing any significant product research and development under our plan of operation until such time as we can raise adequate working capital to sustain our operations.

Expected purchase or sale of any significant equipment.

We do not anticipate the purchase or sale of any plant or significant equipment as such items are not required by us at this time or anticipated to be needed in the next twelve months.

26

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We currently do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits.
 
The exhibits listed in the accompanying exhibit index are filed as part of this amend to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 


 
27

 

SIGNATURES
 
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this Quarterly Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
NORTHERN OIL AND GAS, INC.
 
Date:
October 16, 2008
 
By:
/s/Michael Reger
       
Michael Reger, Chief Executive Officer and Director
         
Date:
October 16, 2008
 
By:
/s/Ryan Gilbertson
       
Ryan Gilbertson, Chief Financial Officer and Director


 
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EXHIBIT INDEX


Exhibit Number
 
 
Exhibit Description
31.1
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
31.2
 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
32.1
 
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S. C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 

 
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