UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007

 

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

Commission file number 1-10447

 


CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE 04-3072771

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

1200 Enclave Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077

(Address of principal executive offices including ZipZIP Code)

(281) 589-4600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


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

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

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨

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

As of October 24, 2006,April 30, 2007, there were 47,914,15996,899,682 shares of Common Stock, Par Value $.10 Per Share, outstanding.

 



CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Part I. Financial Information  Page

      Item 1.Part I. Financial InformationStatements

  
  

Item 1. Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006 and 2005

  3
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 and December 31, 20052006

  4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the NineThree Months Ended September 30,March 31, 2007 and 2006 and 2005

  5
  

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  6
  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Review of Interim Financial Information

  2619
      Item 2.  

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

  2720
      Item 3.  

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

  4529
      Item 4.  

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

  4631

Part II. Other Information

  
      Item 1.  

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

  4631
      Item 1A.  

Item 1A. Risk Factors

  4631
      Item 2.  

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

  4731
      Item 6.  

Item 6. Exhibits

  4832

Signatures

  4933

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

ITEM 1.Financial Statements

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  Three Months Ended
March 31,

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

  2006  2005  2006 2005  2007  2006

OPERATING REVENUES

           

Natural Gas Production

  $140,261  $121,477  $436,931  $337,566  $146,750  $155,167

Brokered Natural Gas

   17,075   18,756   67,389   60,768   33,177   32,819

Crude Oil and Condensate

   26,435   21,336   80,283   57,250   10,942   24,180

Other

   973   188   5,703   2,131   704   2,602
                  
   184,744   161,757   590,306   457,715   191,573   214,768

OPERATING EXPENSES

           

Brokered Natural Gas Cost

   15,282   16,550   59,924   53,549   28,699   29,245

Direct Operations - Field and Pipeline

   19,893   14,246   55,478   43,171

Direct Operations – Field and Pipeline

   17,131   17,630

Exploration

   13,561   16,665   39,972   47,396   5,652   11,614

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

   32,088   26,578   96,815   79,346   33,395   31,935

Impairment of Unproved Properties

   3,826   4,092   11,289   11,146   3,986   3,580

General and Administrative

   10,715   9,679   38,079   27,339   18,280   14,252

Taxes Other Than Income

   14,366   14,939   44,439   37,053   13,165   15,495
                  
   109,731   102,749   345,996   299,000   120,308   123,751

Gain on Sale of Assets

   229,733   15   229,944   74   7,920   207
                  

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

   304,746   59,023   474,254   158,789   79,185   91,224

Interest Expense and Other

   6,978   5,339   19,151   15,461   3,924   6,150
                  

Income Before Income Taxes and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

   297,768   53,684   455,103   143,328

Income Before Income Taxes

   75,261   85,074

Income Tax Expense

   108,748   19,928   165,651   53,388   26,714   31,909
            

INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

   189,020   33,756   289,452   89,940

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE, NET OF TAX (Note 11)

   —     —     (403)  —  
                  

NET INCOME

  $189,020  $33,756  $289,049  $89,940  $48,547  $53,165
                  

Basic Earnings Per Share - Before Accounting Change

  $3.92  $0.69  $5.96  $1.84

Diluted Earnings Per Share - Before Accounting Change

  $3.84  $0.68  $5.85  $1.81

Basic Loss Per Share - Accounting Change

  $—    $—    $(0.01) $—  

Diluted Loss Per Share - Accounting Change

  $—    $—    $(0.01) $—  

Basic Earnings Per Share

  $3.92  $0.69  $5.95  $1.84  $0.50  $0.55

Diluted Earnings Per Share

  $3.84  $0.68  $5.84  $1.81  $0.50  $0.54

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

   48,230   48,951   48,548   48,865   96,695   97,360

Diluted Common Shares (Note 5)

   49,162   49,665   49,508   49,613   98,047   98,747

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

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except share amounts)

  

September 30,

2006

  

December 31,

2005

 
  March 31, December 31, 

(In thousands, except share amounts)

September 30,

2006

  

December 31,

2005

   2007 2006 
      

Current Assets

      

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $322,123  $10,626   $57,442  $41,854 

Accounts Receivable

   104,157   168,248 

Accounts Receivable, Net

   97,507   116,546 

Income Taxes Receivable

   —     24,512 

Inventories

   41,120   24,616    15,410   32,997 

Deferred Income Taxes

   8,333   15,674    9,901   9,386 

Derivative Contracts

   58,415   1,736    30,373   81,982 

Other

   12,859   9,412    8,886   8,405 
              

Total Current Assets

   547,007   230,312    219,519   315,682 

Properties and Equipment, Net (Successful Efforts Method)

   1,390,182   1,238,055    1,568,108   1,480,201 

Deferred Income Taxes

   25,190   19,587    33,871   30,912 

Derivative Contracts

   9,725   164 

Other Assets

   7,856   7,252    21,859   7,696 
              
  $1,979,960  $1,495,370   $1,843,357  $1,834,491 
              

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current Liabilities

      

Accounts Payable

  $137,333  $140,006   $137,798  $147,680 

Current Portion of Long-Term Debt

   20,000   20,000    20,000   20,000 

Deferred Income Taxes

   22,968   941    12,012   31,962 

Derivative Contracts

   16   22,478 

Income Taxes Payable

   89,887   41    9,499   9,282 

Accrued Liabilities

   35,339   35,118    37,801   42,103 
              

Total Current Liabilities

   305,543   218,584    217,110   251,027 

Long-Term Debt

   380,000   320,000 

Long-Term Liability for Pension Benefits (Note 10)

   8,198   7,219 

Long-Term Liability for Postretirement Benefits (Note 10)

   19,132   18,204 

Long-Term Debt (Note 4)

   210,000   220,000 

Deferred Income Taxes

   330,855   289,381    367,387   347,430 

Other Liabilities

   53,778   67,194    55,637   45,413 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6)

      

Stockholders’ Equity

      

Common Stock:

      

Authorized — 120,000,000 and 80,000,000 Shares of $.10 Par Value in 2006 and 2005, respectively

   

Issued — 50,510,809 Shares and 50,081,983 Shares in 2006 and 2005, respectively

   5,051   5,008 

Authorized — 120,000,000 Shares of $0.10 Par Value in 2007 and 2006, respectively
Issued and Outstanding — 102,053,232 Shares and 101,418,220 Shares in 2007 and 2006, respectively

   10,205   10,142 

Additional Paid-in Capital

   414,201   397,349    424,490   417,995 

Retained Earnings

   535,383   252,167    612,205   565,591 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

   40,839   (15,115)

Less Treasury Stock, at Cost:

   

2,602,350 and 1,513,850 Shares in 2006 and 2005, respectively

   (85,690)  (39,198)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Note 8)

   4,683   37,160 

Less Treasury Stock, at Cost: 5,204,700 Shares in both 2007 and 2006

   (85,690)  (85,690)
              

Total Stockholders’ Equity

   909,784   600,211    965,893   945,198 
              
  $1,979,960  $1,495,370   $1,843,357  $1,834,491 
              

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

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

 

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(In thousands)

  2006 2005   2007 2006 

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net Income

  $289,049  $89,940   $48,547  $53,165 

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Cash Provided by Operating Activities:

      

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

   403   —   

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

   96,815   79,346    33,395   31,935 

Impairment of Unproved Properties

   11,289   11,146    3,986   3,580 

Deferred Income Tax Expense

   31,514   18,225    15,874   12,893 

Gain on Sale of Assets

   (229,944)  (74)   (7,920)  (207)

Exploration Expense

   39,972   47,396    5,652   11,614 

Unrealized Loss on Derivatives

   —     2,051 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense and Other

   11,859   7,154    7,170   4,870 

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:

      

Accounts Receivable

   64,090   (6,086)

Accounts Receivable, Net

   19,039   42,130 

Income Taxes Receivable

   17,902   11,850 

Inventories

   (16,504)  (11,424)   17,587   10,830 

Other Current Assets

   (3,447)  1,167    (481)  913 

Other Assets

   (438)  (203)   (13,300)  (79)

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

   (34,137)  1,516    (28,548)  (34,124)

Income Taxes Payable

   95,278   3,292    10,963   6,461 

Other Liabilities

   6,007   3,665    10,127   2,130 

Stock-Based Compensation Tax Benefit

   (5,756)  —      (4,135)  (2,952)
              

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

   356,050   247,111    135,858   155,009 
              

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

      

Capital Expenditures

   (344,620)  (241,504)   (113,748)  (103,116)

Proceeds from Sale of Assets

   322,987   996    5,784   541 

Exploration Expense

   (39,972)  (47,396)   (5,652)  (11,614)
              

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

   (61,605)  (287,904)   (113,616)  (114,189)
              

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Increase in Debt

   195,000   85,000    —     55,000 

Decrease in Debt

   (135,000)  (75,000)   (10,000)  (100,000)

Increase in Book Overdrafts

   —     25,691 

Sale of Common Stock Proceeds

   3,620   4,088    1,144   1,062 

Stock-Based Compensation Tax Benefit

   5,756   —      4,135   2,952 

Purchase of Treasury Stock

   (46,492)  (571)

Dividends Paid

   (5,832)  (5,254)   (1,933)  (1,946)
              

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

   17,052   33,954 

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

   (6,654)  (42,932)
       
       

Net Increase / (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

   311,497   (6,839)   15,588   (2,112)

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

   10,626   10,026    41,854   10,626 
              

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period

  $322,123  $3,187   $57,442  $8,514 
              

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

CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

During interim periods, Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (the Company) follows the same accounting policies used in its Annual Report to Stockholders and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20052006 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). People usingThe interim financial information produced for interim periods are encouraged to referstatements should be read in conjunction with the notes to the footnotesfinancial statements and information presented in the Company’s 2006 Annual Report to Stockholders and its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 when reviewing interim financial results.10-K. In management’s opinion, the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements contain all material adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation. Additionally, certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal year 2007 presentation. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the expected results of operations for the entire year.

Our independent registered public accounting firm has performed a review of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements in accordance with standards established by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Pursuant to Rule 436(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this report should not be considered a part of a registration statement prepared or certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the meanings of Sections 7 and 11 of the Act.

On February 23, 2007, the Board of Directors declared a 2-for-1 split of the Company’s common stock in the form of a stock distribution. The stock dividend was distributed on March 30, 2007 to stockholders of record on March 16, 2007. All common stock accounts and per share data have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the 2-for-1 split of the Company’s common stock. The pro forma effect on the December 31, 2006 Balance Sheet was a reduction to Additional Paid-in Capital and an increase to Common Stock of $5.1 million.

Effective January 1, 2006,2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment (revised 2004),” which replaces the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (as amended). The Company elected the modified prospective transition method for adoption, and accordingly, no adjustments to prior period financial statements have been made. Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative effect of change in accounting principle totaling $0.4 million, net of tax, in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the first quarter of 2006. Adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) increased income from operations and income before income taxes by approximately $1.2 million and increased net income by approximately $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. There was no material impact on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. See Note 11 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments-an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140.” SFAS No. 155 amends SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” and also resolves issues addressed in SFAS No. 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, “Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.” SFAS No. 155 was issued to eliminate the exemption from applying SFAS No. 133 to interests in securitized financial assets so that similar instruments are accounted for in a similar fashion, regardless of the instrument’s form. The Company does not believe that its financial position, results of operations or cash flows will be impacted by SFAS No. 155 as the Company does not currently hold any hybrid financial instruments.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” This Interpretation provides guidanceDue to this adoption, the Company recorded a charge of less than $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2007 for recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions, as defined in SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.”incremental interest expense that is more likely than not payable. For further information regarding the adoption of FIN No. 48, prescribes a two-step process for accounting for income tax uncertainties. First, a threshold condition of “more likely than not” should be metplease refer to determine whether anyNote 12 of the benefitNotes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115,” which permits companies to choose, at specified dates, to measure certain eligible financial instruments at fair value. The objective of this Statement is to reduce volatility in preparer reporting that may be caused as a result of measuring related financial assets and liabilities differently and to expand the use of fair value measurements. The provisions of the uncertain tax position should be recognized inStatement apply only to entities that elect to use the financial statements. Iffair value option and to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. Additional disclosures are also required for instruments for which the recognition thresholdfair value option is met, FIN 48 provides additional guidance on measuring the amount of the uncertain tax position. Guidance is also provided regarding derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, interim period accounting, transition and disclosure of these uncertain tax positions. FIN 48elected. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after DecemberNovember 15, 2006.2007. No retrospective application is allowed, except for companies that choose to adopt early. At the effective date, companies may elect the fair value option for eligible items that exist at that date, and the effect of the first remeasurement to fair value must be reported as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating thewhat impact, if any, that this Interpretationadopted, SFAS No. 159 may have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which establishes a formal framework for measuring fair values of assets and liabilities in financial statements that are already required by U.S.United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 157 clarifies guidance in FASB Concepts Statement (CON) No. 7 which discusses present value techniques in measuring fair value. Additional disclosures are also required for transactions measured at fair value. No new fair value measurements are prescribed, and SFAS No. 157 is intended to codify the several definitions of fair

value included in various accounting standards. However, the application of this Statement may change current practices for certain companies. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating what impact SFAS No. 157 may have on its financial position or results of operations or cash flows.operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” SFAS No. 158 requires recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the Company’s balance sheet and the recognition through other comprehensive income of gains, losses, prior service costs and credits, net of tax, arising during the period but not included as a component of periodic benefit cost. In addition, the measurement date of plan assets and obligations must be the Company’s balance sheet date. Additional disclosures in the notes to the financial statements will also be required and guidance is prescribed regarding the selection of discount rates to be used in measuring the benefit obligation. For public companies, the effective date of SFAS No. 158 is as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006. The effective date of the new measurement date provision is for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008; however, the Company’s measurement date is currently its balance sheet date, so no change will be required. The Company plans to adopt this standard using the prospective transition method of adoption effective with its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The anticipated incremental effect of SFAS No. 158 is to increase the Company’s total liabilities and total assets by $18.7 million and $7.1 million, respectively, and to decrease total stockholders’ equity by $11.6 million based on actuarial reports as of September 30, 2006.

In September 2006, the SEC Staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements,” in an effort to address diversity in the accounting practice of quantifying misstatements and the potential for improper amounts on the balance sheet. Prior to the issuance of SAB No. 108, the two methods used for quantifying the effects of financial statement errors were the “roll-over” and “iron curtain” methods. Under the “roll-over” method, the primary focus is the income statement, including the reversing effect of prior year misstatements. The criticism of this method is that misstatements can accumulate on the balance sheet. On the other hand, the “iron curtain” method focuses on the effect of correcting the ending balance sheet, with less importance on the reversing effects of prior year errors in the income statement. SAB No. 108 establishes a “dual approach” which requires the quantification of the effect of financial statement errors on each financial statement, as well as related disclosures. Public companies are required to record the cumulative effect of initially adopting the “dual approach” method in the first year ending after November 16, 2006 by recording any necessary corrections to asset and liability balances with an offsetting adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The use of this cumulative effect transition method also requires detailed disclosures of the nature and amount of each error being corrected and how and when they arose. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that SAB No. 108 may have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

2. PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Properties and equipment, net are comprised of the following:

 

  March 31, December 31, 

(In thousands)

  September 30,
2006
 December 31,
2005
   2007 2006 

Unproved Oil and Gas Properties

  $107,619  $107,787   $117,546  $114,108 

Proved Oil and Gas Properties

   1,996,857   1,970,407    2,221,989   2,109,045 

Gathering and Pipeline Systems

   192,841   178,876    209,121   205,473 

Land, Building and Improvements

   4,897   4,892    4,997   4,976 

Other

   32,991   33,077    34,499   34,067 
              
   2,335,205   2,295,039    2,588,152   2,467,669 

Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization

   (945,023)  (1,056,984)   (1,020,044)  (987,468)
              
  $1,390,182  $1,238,055   $1,568,108  $1,480,201 
              

At both September 30, 2006 and DecemberMarch 31, 2005,2007, the Company did not have any capitalized well costs that have been capitalized for greater than one year after drilling was suspended.

At December 31, 2006, the Company had four projects that had $0.1 million of exploratory well costs that were capitalized since 2005 for a period greater than one year. This amount related to three projects comprised of preliminary costs incurred in the preparation of well sites where drilling had not commenced as of December 31, 2006. In 2007, it was determined not to drill these projects and associated costs were expensed. Also included in the December 31, 2006 amount was another well that had completed drilling in January 2007 and was awaiting completion results before confirmation of proved reserves could be made. That well was completed in 2007 and proved reserves have been recorded in the first quarter of 2007.

Disposition of Assets

On September 29, 2006, the Company substantially completed the sale of its offshore portfolio and certain south Louisiana properties to Phoenix Exploration Company LP (“Phoenix”)(Phoenix) for a gross sales price of $340.0 million. The properties sold included proved reserves ofThrough March 31, 2007, the Company had received approximately 98 Bcfe as of the August 1, 2006 effective date, including 68 Bcfe of proved reserved recorded as of December 31, 2005, and had average daily production for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 of 47.4 Mmcfe.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated August 25, 2006, the gross sales price is to be offset by the net cash flow (as defined$333.3 million in the Agreement) from operation of the properties from August 1, 2006 and other purchase price adjustments, if any. The net proceeds from the sale, are expected to be used to add funding to the Company’s capital program, repurchase sharescomprised of common stock, repay outstanding debt under the revolving credit facility$327.5 million received through December 31, 2006 and pay taxes related to the transaction. Also pursuant to the Agreement, the Company entered into certain commodity price swaps on behalf$5.8 million of Phoenix. At closing on September 29, 2006, these derivative instruments were assigned to Phoenix, and the Company was released from all rights and obligations with respect thereto. There was no ultimate impact on the Company’s financial statements due to the existence of these swaps.

Through September 30, 2006, the Company had received approximately $321.4 million in net proceeds from this sale of its offshore and south Louisiana properties. Net proceeds of $321.4 million reflectsreceived during the $340.0 million gross sales price, reduced by purchase price adjustments of $3.1 million as well as consents and preferential rights expected to be settled in the fourthfirst quarter of 2006 of $15.5 million. A net gain of $229.7 million ($143.6 million, net of tax) is recorded in the Statement of Operations2007 attributable to consents obtained for the third quarter of 2006, calculated as follows:

(in millions)

 

Cash Proceeds

  $321.4 

Less:

  

Remaining purchase price adjustments

   12.8 

Carrying value of properties sold

   102.2 

Asset retirement obligation of properties sold

   (23.8)

Transaction costs

   0.5 
     

Pre-tax gain

  $229.7 
     

The estimate of required purchase price adjustments shown in the preceding table and recorded in the Company’s September 30, 2006 balance sheet are expected to be settled in the fourth quarter of 2006. The net impact of the purchase price adjustments will be reflected in cash flows from investing activities when such settlements are made. In addition, a gain of approximately $12.0 million is expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2006, in connection with the closing of certain property sales to Phoenix for which third party consents had not been obtained as of September 30,December 31, 2006. In addition to the net gain of $231.2 million ($144.5 million, net of tax) recorded for the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company recorded a net gain $7.9 million ($4.9 million, net of tax) in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2007. This gain recorded in the first quarter of 2007 reflects cash proceeds of $5.8 million and a $2.1 million increase due to purchase price adjustments. During the second quarter of 2007, approximately a $4.4 million additional gain is expected to be recognized in connection with the closing of sales to other parties that executedexercised their contractual preferential rights. This gain will be subject to customary purchase price adjustments.

3. ADDITIONAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

Certain balance sheet amounts are comprised of the following:

 

  March 31, December 31, 

(In thousands)

  September 30,
2006
 December 31,
2005
   

2007

 2006 

Accounts Receivable

   

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET

   

Trade Accounts

  $93,423  $147,016   $90,364  $102,023 

Joint Interest Accounts

   15,731   14,319    11,966   18,574 

Current Income Tax Receivable

   —     12,239 

Other Accounts

   376   315    203   501 
              
   109,530   173,889    102,533   121,098 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

   (5,373)  (5,641)   (5,026)  (4,552)
              
  $104,157  $168,248   $97,507  $116,546 
              

Inventories

   

INVENTORIES

   

Natural Gas and Oil in Storage

  $32,204  $18,279   $5,565  $22,717 

Tubular Goods and Well Equipment

   7,736   7,161    8,151   7,680 

Pipeline Imbalances

   1,180   (824)   1,694   2,600 
              
  $41,120  $24,616   $15,410  $32,997 
              

Other Current Assets

   

OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

   

Drilling Advances

  $3,268  $2,169   $376  $651 

Prepaid Balances

   9,253   6,939    8,172   7,416 

Other Accounts

   338   304    338   338 
              
  $12,859  $9,412   $8,886  $8,405 
              

Accounts Payable

   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

   

Trade Accounts

  $17,585  $18,227   $8,201  $28,569 

Natural Gas Purchases

   9,433   12,208    6,221   8,356 

Royalty and Other Owners

   44,874   49,312    36,363   37,230 

Capital Costs

   52,599   37,489    68,564   59,524 

Taxes Other Than Income

   4,868   10,329    6,039   4,805 

Drilling Advances

   2,000   5,760    3,565   1,506 

Wellhead Gas Imbalances

   2,251   2,175    2,823   2,288 

Other Accounts

   3,723   4,506    6,022   5,402 
              
  $137,333  $140,006   $137,798  $147,680 
              

Accrued Liabilities

   

ACCRUED LIABILITIES

   

Employee Benefits

  $8,918  $9,020   $3,707  $13,575 

Current Liability for Pension Benefits

   67   67 

Current Liability for Postretirement Benefits

   577   577 

Taxes Other Than Income

   19,398   16,188    20,299   15,696 

Interest Payable

   5,300   6,818    4,848   5,995 

Other Accounts

   1,723   3,092    8,303   6,193 
              
  $35,339  $35,118   $37,801  $42,103 
              

Other Liabilities

   

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pension

  $8,704  $6,517 

Accrued Pension Cost

   6,917   5,904 

OTHER LIABILITIES

   

Rabbi Trust Deferred Compensation Plan

   5,660   4,883   $14,451  $6,077 

Accrued Plugging and Abandonment Liability

   21,952   42,991    22,794   22,655 

Other Accounts

   10,545   6,899    18,392   16,681 
              
  $53,778  $67,194   $55,637  $45,413 
              

4. LONG-TERM DEBT

At September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, the Company had $150 million of debt outstandingno borrowings under its revolving credit facility. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on October 2, 2006, the Company repaid the entire $150 million outstanding balance. The credit facility provides for an available credit line of $250 million, which can be expanded up to $350 million, either with the existing banks or new banks. The term of the credit facility expires in December 2009. The credit facility is unsecured. The available credit line is subject to adjustment from time to time on the basis of the projected present value (as determined by the banks’ petroleum engineer) of estimated future net cash flows from certain proved oil and gas reserves and other assets of the Company. While the Company does not expect a reduction in the available credit line, in the event that it is adjusted below the outstanding level of borrowings, the Company has a period of six months either to reduce its outstanding debt to the adjusted credit line available with a requirement to provide additional borrowing base assets or to pay down one-sixth of the excess during each of the six months.

In addition to the $150 million of debt outstanding under the credit facility, theThe Company had the following debt outstanding at September 30, 2006:March 31, 2007:

 

$8060 million of 12-year 7.19% Notes due in November 2009, which consisted of $60$40 million of long-term debt and $20 million of current portion of long-term debt, to be repaid in fourthree remaining annual installments of $20 million in November of each year

 

$75 million of 10-year 7.26% Notes due in July 2011

 

$75 million of 12-year 7.36% Notes due in July 2013

 

$20 million of 15-year 7.46% Notes due in July 2016

The Company is in compliance in all material respects with its debt covenants.

5. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic Earnings per Share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income (the numerator) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period (the denominator). Diluted EPS is similarly calculated using the treasury stock method except that the denominator is increased to reflect the potential dilution that could occur if stock options and stock awards outstanding at the end of the applicable period were exercised for common stock.

The following is a calculation of basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.2006:

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   2006  2005  2006  2005

Shares - basic

  48,229,689  48,951,439  48,548,489  48,865,202

Dilution effect of stock options and awards at end of period

  932,260  713,848  959,631  747,805
            

Shares - diluted

  49,161,949  49,665,287  49,508,120  49,613,007
            

Stock awards and shares excluded from diluted earnings per share due to the anti-dilutive effect

  —    —    —    —  
            
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
   2007  2006

Weighted Average Shares - Basic

  96,695,471  97,359,822

Dilution Effect of Stock Options and Awards at End of Period

  1,351,187  1,386,958
      

Weighted Average Shares - Diluted

  98,046,658  98,746,780
      

Weighted Average Stock Awards and Shares Excluded from Diluted Earnings per Share due to the Anti-Dilutive Effect

  218,840  —  
      

6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contingencies

The Company is a defendant in various legal proceedings arising in the normal course of its business. All known liabilities are accrued based on management’s best estimate of the potential loss. While the outcome and impact of such legal proceedings on the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these proceedings through settlement or adverse judgment will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or cash flow. Operating results, however, could be significantly impacted in the reporting periods in which such matters are resolved.

West Virginia Royalty Litigation

In December 2001, the Company was sued by two royalty owners in West Virginia state court for an unspecified amount of damages. The plaintiffs have requested class certification and allege that the Company failed to pay royalty based upon the wholesale market value of the gas, that itthe Company had taken improper deductions from the royalty and that it failed to properly inform royalty owners of the deductions. The plaintiffs also claimed that they are entitled to a 1/8th royalty share of the gas sales contract settlement that the Company reached with Columbia Gas Transmission Corporation in 1995 bankruptcy proceedings.

Discovery and pleadings necessary to place the class certification issue before the state court have been ongoing. The Court entered an order on June 1, 2005 granting the motion for class certification. The parties have negotiated a modification to the order which will resultresulted in the dismissal of the claims related to the gas sales contract settlement in connection with the Columbia Gas Transmission bankruptcy proceedings and that will limitlimiting the claims to those arising on and after December 17, 1991. The Court has postponed thea trial date fromof April 17, 2006, in light of the case involving an unrelated party pending before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals described below. The Company intends to challenge the class certification order by filing a Petition for Writmotion to decertify all or part of Prohibition withthe class, or by appeal to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals issued itsa decision in 2006 in a case involving an unrelated party on June 15, 2006, which became final on July 15, 2006. Theagainst another producer (the Tawney case) that raised some of the same issues as are raised in the Company’s case. This recent decision may negatively impact some of the defenses raised on behalf of the Company has raised in its litigation with respect to the issue of deductibility of post-production expenses under certain leases, but the Companyit believes that in a significant number of leases itthe Company has lease language, factual distinctions and defenses that are not implicated by the ruling. At

The Tawney case involves claims concerning the deductibility of post-production expenses and the failure to properly inform, issues shared with the Company’s case, but also involves additional claims not raised in its case. The most significant additional claims in the Tawney case are related to sales under long-term, fixed-price agreements at prices considered significantly below market value, as well as claims for certain volume reductions and unmetered production. The Tawney case went to trial in January 2007, and the jury returned a status conference held on October 24, 2006, the caseverdict against the Company was re-activated toproducer for $130 million in compensatory damages and $270 million in punitive damages. Judgment has not yet been entered in the docketTawney case, and trial was set for August 13, 2007.an appeal is expected. The Company is closely monitoring developments in the Tawney case, and it continues to investigate how this recent ruling may impact its defense of the case. The case against the Company has been re-activated to the docket and trial is set for August 13, 2007.

The Company is vigorously defending the case. A reserve has been established that management believes is adequate based on its estimate of the probable outcome of this case.

Texas Title Litigation

On January 6, 2003, the Company was served with Plaintiffs’ Second Amended Original Petition in Romeo Longoria, et al. v. Exxon Mobil Corporation, et al. in the 79th Judicial District Court of Brooks County, Texas. Plaintiffs filed their Second Supplemental Original Petition on November 12, 2004 and their Third Supplemental Original Petition on February 22, 2005 (which added Wynn-Crosby 1996, Ltd. and Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration & Production, Inc.). Plaintiffs filed their Third Amended Original Petition on February 21, 2006, which incorporated all prior supplemental petitions. Plaintiffs allege that they are the owners of a one-half undivided mineral interest in and to certain lands in Brooks County, Texas. Cody Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, acquired certain leases and wells in 1997 and 1998.

The plaintiffs allege that they are entitled to be declared the rightful owners of an undivided interest in minerals and all improvements on the lands on which the Company acquired these leases. The plaintiffs also

assert claims for trespass to try title, action to remove a cloud on the title, failure to properly account for royalty, fraud, trespass and conversion, all for unspecified actual and exemplary damages. Plaintiffs claim that they acquired title to the property by adverse possession. Plaintiffs also assert the discovery rule and a claim of fraudulent concealment to avoid the affirmative defense of limitations. In August 2005, the case was abated until late February 2006, during which time the parties were allowed to amend pleadings or add additional parties to the litigation. Plaintiffs did not join additional parties by the abatement deadline. Defendants, including the Company, re-urged its motion to dismiss, and on April 5, 2006, the Court granted the motion, dismissing the oil company defendants, without prejudice. Because all defendants were not dismissed at that time, the order dismissing the Company was not then final. A motion to finalize the proceedings in the trial court via severance of the dismissed defendants was filed April 25, 2006, and the remaining defendants moved to join the motions that led to the dismissal of the Company. At a hearing on June 23, 2006, the Court dismissed the remaining defendants, and effectively denied the plaintiffs’ attempt to modify the prior dismissal order, which is now final.

Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal on July 17, 2006. Although the record is not yet complete and, therefore, specific appellate deadlines have not been set, the Company expects that, following briefing and oral argument, the appellate court will issue its decision by the end of 2007 or early 2008.

Raymondville Area

In April 2004, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Cody Energy, LLC, filed suit in state court in Willacy County, Texas against certain of its co-working interest owners in the Raymondville Area, located in Kenedy and Willacy Counties. In early 2003, Cody had proposed a new prospect under the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement. Some of the co-working interest owners elected not to participate. The initial well was successful and subsequent wells have been drilled to exploit the discovery made in the first well.

The working interest owners who elected not to participate notified Cody that they believed that they had the right to participate in wells drilled after the initial well. Cody contends that the working interest owners that elected not to participate are required to assign their interest in the prospect to those who elected to participate. The defendants filed a counter claim against Cody, and one of the defendants filed a lien against Cody’s interest in the leases in the Raymondville area.

Cody has signed a settlement agreement with certain of the defendants representing approximately 3% of the interest in the area. Cody and the remaining defendant filed cross motions for summary judgment. In August 2005, the trial judge entered an order granting Cody’s Motion for Summary Judgment requiring the remaining defendant to assign to Cody all of its interest in the prospect and to remove the lien filed against Cody’s interest. The defendant filed a Motion for Reconsideration and Opposition to Proposed Order. The Court, on March 24, 2006, denied the Motion.

On July 12, 2006, Cody entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement to acquire all of the defendant’s interest in the Raymondville Field. The agreement would make the summary judgment ruling by the trial judge a final order, dismiss, with prejudice, all pending counter claims filed by such defendant and remove the lien against Cody’s properties filed by such defendant. Cody completed the acquisition in the third quarter of 2006. The lien has been removed and the parties filed a joint motion to make the summary judgment a final order and dismiss all other claims. The order making the summary judgment final and dismissing all of the defendant’s claims was signed by the judge on September 7, 2006.

Commitment and Contingency Reserves

The Company has established reserves for certain legal proceedings. The establishment of a reserve involves an estimation process that includes the advice of legal counsel and subjective judgment of management. While management believes these reserves to be adequate, it is reasonably possible that the

Company could incur approximately $8.8$9.1 million of additional loss with respect to those matters in which reserves have been established. Future changes in the facts and circumstances could result in the actual liability exceeding the estimated ranges of loss and amounts accrued.

While the outcome and impact on the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the resolution of these proceedings through settlement or adverse judgment will not have a material adverse effect on the condensed consolidated financial position or cash flow of the Company. Operating results, however, could be significantly impacted in the reporting periods in which such matters are resolved.

Firm Gas Transportation Agreements

The Company has entered intoincurred, and will incur over the next several years, demand charges on firm gas transportation agreements. The agreements that provide firm transportation capacity rights on pipeline systems in Canada, the West region and the East regions.region. The remaining terms on these agreements range from less than one year to 21 years and require the Company to pay transportation demand charges regardless of the amount of pipeline capacity utilized by the Company.

The amount of demand charges on firm gas transportation agreements has decreased by approximately $3.8$2.4 million over the total length of these contracts from the amount previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.2006. This is due to rate changes and released volumes on certain contracts, partially offset by increased charges as a result of new contracts entered intoone contract in Canada.the West region. As of September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, demand charges for 20062007 and 2008, respectively, are expected to be $7.1$8.2 million and $7.5 million, a decrease of $4.6$1.7 million and $0.7 million from the $11.7 million figurefigures previously disclosed.

Future For further information on these future obligations, under firm gas transportation agreements in effect at September 30, 2006 are as follows:

(In thousands)

2007

  $9,516

2008

   7,744

2009

   6,553

2010

   3,629

2011

   3,381

Thereafter

   52,123
    
  $82,946
    

Rig Commitments

Duringplease refer to Note 7 of the second quarter of 2006,Notes to the Company entered into a long-term contract for the use of an additional land drilling rig in the Gulf Coast with an existing contracted rig provider. The Company is obligated to pay $8.0 million over the one year contract starting on the delivery date in September 2006. Additionally, commitments on two rigs with existing contracted rig providers disclosedConsolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 have been renewed for an additional $1.8 million expected to be paid in 2008.2006.

Drilling Rig Commitments

In its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, the Company also disclosed that it had commitments on fourseven drilling rigs under contract in the Gulf Coast and that were not yet delivered. During October 2006, twoone of these rigs werehad not yet been delivered. This rig was delivered in April 2007. In addition, the total commitment increased by $0.7 million in the aggregate ($0.2 million, $0.3 million and it is expected that a third will be delivered by October$0.2 million in each of 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively) as of March 31, 2006. The2007. This increase was due to an increase in the daily rig rates on two of these rigs have increased in accordance with the contracts as a result of increased contractor expenses. The Company expects to pay an additional $1.5 million over approximately the next three years.

Guarantees

On June 28, 2006, the Company announced the commencementincrease of an offering under its Mineral, Royalty and Overriding Royalty Interest Plan. The Company assisted certain non-executive employees in obtaining loans to purchase an interest5% in the offering by providing a guaranteeU.S. Department of repayment shouldLabor Wholesale Price Index for Oilfield Machinery and Tools from the non-executive employee failbase index, as required in the commitment agreement. For further information on these future obligations, please refer to repayNote 7 of the loan. The repayment term for all of these loans is five years. The outstanding loan balances and fair value of these guarantees are immaterialNotes to the Company’s financial statements. All loans are collateralized by the interests transferred to the employeesConsolidated Financial Statements in the producing properties.Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITY

The Company periodically enters into derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposure to price fluctuations on natural gas and crude oil production. Under the Company’s revolving credit agreement, the aggregate level of commodity hedging must not exceed 100% of the anticipated future equivalent production during the period covered by these cash flow hedges. At September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, the Company had 2622 cash flow hedges open: 2421 natural gas price collar arrangements and twoone crude oil collar arrangements.arrangement. At September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, a $68.1$29.4 million ($42.218.3 million, net of tax) unrealized gain was recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, along with a $58.4$30.4 million short-term derivative receivable, a $1.8 million short-term derivative liability (included within Accrued Liabilities on the Balance Sheet) and a $9.7$0.8 million long-term derivative receivable.receivable (included within Other Assets on the Balance Sheet). The change in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedges that is effective is initially recorded to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The ineffective portion, if any, of the change in the fair value of derivatives designated as hedges, and the change in fair value of all other derivatives, is recorded currently in earnings as a component of Natural Gas Production and Crude Oil and Condensate Revenue, as appropriate. During the first three months of 2007 and 2006, there was no ineffectiveness recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

Assuming no change in commodity prices, after September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 the Company would expect to reclassify to the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, over the next 12 months, $36.2$17.8 million in after-tax income associated with commodity hedges. This reclassification represents the net short-term receivable associated with open positions currently not reflected in earnings at September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 related to anticipated 20062007 and 20072008 production.

During the first ninethree months of 2006,2007, the Company entered into one new oil collar contract and 16two new natural gas collar contracts covering a portion of its 20072008 production. As of September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, natural gas price collars for 20072008 cover 34,2466,584 Mmcf of production at a weighted average floor of $9.09$8.62 per Mcf and a weighted average ceiling of $12.45. The oil price collar for 2007 covers 365 Mbbl of production at a floor of $60.00 and a ceiling of $80.00.$11.15 per Mcf.

8. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive Income includes Net Income and certain items recorded directly to Stockholders’ Equity and classified as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The following table illustrates the calculation of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 and 2005.2006:

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 

(In thousands)

 2006 2005  2006  2005 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

        

Income / (Loss) - Beginning of Period

  $15,330  $(21,074)  $(15,115)  $(20,351)

Net Income

 $189,020    33,756   $289,049   $89,940  

Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

        

Reclassification Adjustment for Settled Contracts, net of taxes of $3,242, ($9,085), $6,523 and ($15,720), respectively

  (5,290)   14,735    (10,643)   25,495  

Changes in Fair Value of Hedge Positions, net of taxes of ($18,913), $41,034, ($40,292) and $48,578, respectively

  30,859    (66,080)   65,740    (78,621) 

Minimum Pension Liability, net of taxes of $ -, $ -, $ - and ($794), respectively

  —      —      —      1,287  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, net of taxes of $38, ($679), ($525) and ($538), respectively

  (60)   1,101    857    872  
                               

Total Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

  25,509   25,509  (50,244)  (50,244)  55,954   55,954   (50,967)  (50,967)
                               

Comprehensive Income / (Loss)

 $214,529   $(16,488)  $345,003   $38,973  
                    

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

        

Income / (Loss) - End of Period

  $40,839  $(71,318)  $40,839   $(71,318)
                   
   

Three Months Ended

March 31,

 

(In thousands)

  2007  2006 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) - Beginning of Period

   $37,160   $(15,115)

Net Income

  $48,547    53,165  

Other Comprehensive (Loss) / Income

     

Reclassification Adjustment for Settled Contracts, net of taxes of $6,719 and $546, respectively

   (11,056)   (891) 

Changes in Fair Value of Hedge Positions, net of taxes of $12,904 and $(12,125), respectively

   (21,886)   19,785  

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, net of taxes of $(282) and $135, respectively

   465    (220) 
                 

Total Other Comprehensive (Loss) / Income

   (32,477)  (32,477)  18,674   18,674 
                 

Comprehensive Income

  $16,070   $71,839  
           

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - End of Period

   $4,683   $3,559 
           

Changes in the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes, for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006 areMarch 31, 2007 were as follows:

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)

 Net Gains /
(Losses) on Cash
Flow Hedges
  Minimum Pension
Liability
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
 Total 

Balance at December 31, 2005

 $(12,860) $(3,170) $915 $(15,115)

Net change in unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $33,769

  55,097   —     —    55,097 

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $525

  —     —     857  857 
               

Balance at September 30, 2006

 $42,237  $(3,170) $1,772 $40,839 
               

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Income(In thousands)

  Net Gains /
(Losses) on Cash
Flow Hedges
  Defined Benefit
Pension and
Postretirement Plans
  Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustment
  Total 

Balance at December 31, 2006

  $51,239  $(14,168) $89  $37,160 
                 

Net change in unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $19,623

   (32,942)  —     —     (32,942)

Change in foreign currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $(282)

   —     —     465   465 
                 

Balance at March 31, 2007

  $18,297  $(14,168) $554  $4,683 
                 

9. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

The following table reflects the changes in the asset retirement obligations during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006.March 31, 2007:

 

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

     

Carrying amount of asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2005

  $42,991 

Carrying amount of asset retirement obligations at December 31, 2006

  $22,655 

Liabilities added during the current period

   1,727    342 

Liabilities settled and divested during the current period

   (23,875)   (452)

Current period accretion expense

   1,109    249 
        

Carrying amount of asset retirement obligations at September 30, 2006

  $21,952 

Carrying amount of asset retirement obligations at March 31, 2007

  $22,794 
        

Accretion expense is $1.1was $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for both the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 and is included within Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization expense on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

10. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and nine months ended September 30,March 31, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 arewere as follows:

 

  For the Three Months Ended
September 30,
 For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(In thousands)

  2006 2005 2006 2005   2007 2006 

Qualified and Non-Qualified Pension Plans

        

Current Period Service Cost

  $680  $558  $2,040  $1,674   $733  $680 

Interest Cost

   583   495   1,749   1,485    692   583 

Expected Return on Plan Assets

   (521)  (355)  (1,473)  (1,065)   (754)  (476)

Amortization of Prior Service Cost

   44   44   132   132    36   44 

Amortization of Net Loss

   303   225   909   675    272   303 
                    

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

  $1,089  $967  $3,357  $2,901 

Net Periodic Pension Cost

  $979  $1,134 
                    

Postretirement Benefits Other than Pension Plans

        

Current Period Service Cost

  $197  $169  $591  $507   $224  $197 

Interest Cost

   219   151   658   453    266   219 

Plan Termination (Gain) / Loss

   (21)  80   (64)  240 

Recognized Net Actuarial Loss / (Gain)

   8   (20)  24   (60)

Plan Termination Gain

   —     (21)

Amortization of Net Loss

   42   8 

Amortization of Prior Service Cost

   238   227   714   681    238   238 

Amortization of Net Obligation at Transition

   158   162   474   486    158   158 
                    

Total Postretirement Benefit Cost

  $799  $769  $2,397  $2,307   $928  $799 
                    

Employer Contributions

The funding levels of the pension and postretirement plans are in compliance with standards set by applicable law or regulation. The Company previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 20052006 that it expected to contribute less than $0.1 million to its non-qualified pension plan and approximately $0.6 million to the postretirement benefit plan during 2006.2007. It is anticipated that these contributions will be made prior to December 31, 2006.2007. The Company does not have any required minimum funding obligations for its qualified pension plan in 2006. The Company made a $2.0 million contribution to the qualified pension plan during the second quarter of 2006.2007. Management has not determined if any additional discretionary funding will be made to the qualified pension plan during the remainder of 2006.2007.

11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Incentive Plans

On April 29, 2004, the 2004 Incentive Plan was approved by the stockholders. Under the Company’s 2004 Incentive Plan, incentive and non-statutory stock options, SARs,stock appreciation rights (SARs), stock awards, cash awards and performance awards may be granted to key employees, consultants and officers of the Company. Non-employee directors of the Company may be granted discretionary awards under the 2004 Incentive Plan consisting of stock options or stock awards, in addition toawards. In the first quarter of 2007, the Compensation Committee eliminated the automatic award of an option to purchase 15,000 shares (pre 2-for-1 split) of common stock on the date the non-employee directors first join the board of directors. A total of 2,550,0005,100,000 shares of common stock may be issued under the 2004 Incentive Plan. Under the 2004 Incentive Plan, no more than 900,0001,800,000 shares may be used for stock awards that are not subject to the achievement of performance based goals, and no more than 1,500,0003,000,000 shares may be issued pursuant to incentive stock options.

Adoption of SFAS No. 123(R)Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with the intrinsic value based method prescribed by APB No. 25. Under the intrinsic value based method, no compensation expense was recorded for stock options granted when the exercise price for options granted was equal to or greater than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant.

Beginning January 1, 2006, the Company began accounting for stock-based compensation under SFAS No. 123(R), which applies to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased or cancelled after December 31, 2005. The Company records compensation expense based on the fair value of awards as described below. Additionally, compensation expense for the portion of the awards for which the requisite service period has not been rendered that are outstanding at December 31, 2005 is recognized as the requisite service is rendered on or after January 1, 2006.

Compensation expense that has been charged against income for stock-based awards in the thirdfirst quarter of 2007 and 2006 and 2005 is $3.2was $6.6 million and $4.3$4.9 million, pre-tax, respectively, and is included in General and Administrative Expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.

For further information regarding Stock-Based Compensation, please refer to Note 10 of the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, stock-based compensation expense is $11.8 million and $6.8 million, respectively. InNotes to the first nine months of 2006, compensation expense includes amortization of restricted stock grants, stock options, SARs and performance shares at fair value. Compensation expenseConsolidated Financial Statements in the first nine months of 2005 only includes amortization of restricted stock grants and compensation expense related to performance shares.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the Company presented tax benefits resulting from tax deductions related to stock-based compensation as an operating cash flow. Under SFAS No. 123(R), the tax benefits resulting from tax deductions in excess of expense is reported as an operating cash outflow and a financing cash inflow. For the first nine months of 2006, $5.8 million is reported in these two separate line items in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

The cumulative effect of adoption that is recorded in the first quarter of 2006 is due primarily to the recording of the liability component of the Company’s performance share awards at fair value, rather than intrinsic value.

During the third quarter of 2006, the Company adopted the provisions outlined under FSP FAS No. 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to AccountingAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards,” which discusses accounting for taxes for stock awards using the APIC Pool concept. The Company is not required to adopt this provision until January 1, 2007, one year from the adoption of 123(R); however, it chose early adoption. The Company has made a one time election as prescribed under the FSP to use the shortcut approach to derive the initial windfall tax benefit pool. The Company has chosen to use a one pool approach which combines all awards granted to employees, including non-employee directors.

The following table illustrates the effect on Net Income and Earnings per Share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123(R) to stock-based employee compensation during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005:December 31, 2006.

   Three Months Ended  Nine Months Ended 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

  September 30, 2005  September 30, 2005 
Net Income, as reported  $33,756  $89,940 

Add: Employee stock-based compensation expense, net of related tax effects, included in net income, as reported

   2,629   4,217 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of tax, previously not included in Net Income

   (2,799)  (4,866)
         

Pro forma net income

  $33,586  $89,291 
         

Earnings per Share:

   

Basic - as reported

  $0.69  $1.84 

Basic - pro forma

  $0.69  $1.83 

Diluted - as reported

  $0.68  $1.81 

Diluted - pro forma

  $0.68  $1.80 

Share Count

   48,951   48,865 

Diluted Share Count

   49,665   49,613 

Restricted Stock Awards

Restricted stock awards vest either at the end of a three year service period, or on a graded-vesting basis for awards that vestof one-third at each anniversary date over a three year service period. Under the graded-vesting approach, the Company recognizes compensation cost over the three year requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche as though the awards are, in substance, multiple awards. For awards that vest at the end of the three year service period, expense is recognized ratably using a straight-line expensing approach over three years. For all restricted stock awards, vesting is dependant upon the employees’ continued service with the Company.Company, with the exception of employment termination due to death, disability or retirement.

The fair value of restricted stock grants is based on the average of the high and low stock price on the grant date. The maximum contractual term is three years. In accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), the Company acceleratesaccelerated the vesting period for retirement-eligible employees for purposes of recognizing compensation expense in accordance with the vesting provisions of the Company’s stock-based compensation programs for awards issued after the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). The Company used an annual forfeiture rate ranging from 0% to 3.3% based on the Company’s ten year history for this type of award to various employee groups.

There were 46,850 restricted stock awards granted to employees in the first nine months of 2006. All of these awards were granted inDuring the first quarter of 2006.2007, there were 92,400 shares of restricted stock granted to employees with a grant date per share value of $35.22. These awards vest over a three year service period on a graded-vesting schedule. Compensation expense recorded for all unvested restricted stock awards for the first ninethree months of 2007 and 2006 and 2005 is $4.8was $2.0 million and $4.2$2.4 million, respectively. Included in the 2007 and 2006 expense isfigures were $0.9 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to the immediate expensing of shares granted to retirement-eligible employees. Unamortized expense as of September 30, 2006 for all outstanding restricted stock awards is $5.5 million.

The following table is a summary of activity of restricted stock awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

Restricted Stock Awards

  Shares  Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per share
  Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands) (1)

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2005

  588,465  $26.68    

Granted

  46,850   47.60    

Vested

  (230,743)  21.71    

Forfeited

  (3,800)  31.31    
         

Non-vested shares outstanding at September 30, 2006

  400,772  $31.92  1.7  $19,209
              

(1)The aggregate intrinsic value of restricted stock awards is calculated by multiplying the closing market price of the Company’s stock on September 30, 2006 by the number of non-vested restricted stock awards outstanding.

Restricted Stock Units

Restricted stock units are granted from time to time to non-employee directors of the Company. The fair value of these units is measured at the average of the high and low stock price on grant date and compensation expense is recorded immediately. These units immediately vest and are paid out when the director ceases to be a director of the Company. Due to

During the immediate vestingfirst quarter of the units and the unknown term of each director, the weighted-average remaining contractual term in years has been omitted from the table below.

The following table is a summary of activity of restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

Restricted Stock Units

  Shares  Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per share
  Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands) (1)

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

  30,100  $31.30  

Granted and fully vested

  17,220   50.82  

Issued

  (8,600)  31.30  

Forfeited

  —     —    
       

Outstanding at September 30, 2006

  38,720  $39.98  $1,856
           

(1)The intrinsic value of restricted stock units is calculated by multiplying the closing market price of the Company’s stock on September 30, 2006 by the number of outstanding restricted stock units as of September 30, 2006.

As shown in the table above, 17,2202007, 24,654 restricted stock units were granted during the first nine monthswith a grant date per share value of 2006.$35.49. The compensation cost, which reflects the total fair value of these units, recorded in the secondfirst quarter of 20062007 is $0.9 million. During the first three months of 2006, the Company did not have any expense related to restricted stock units.

Stock Options

DuringOption awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the first nine months of 2006, 30,000 stock options were granted to two incoming non-employee directorsfair market price (defined as the average of the Company. Allhigh and low trading prices of thesethe Company’s stock options were granted inat the first quarterdate of 2006.grant) of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. The grant date fair value of a stock option is calculated by using a Black-Scholes model. Compensation cost is recorded based on a graded-vesting schedule as the options vest over a service period of three years, with one-third of the award becoming exercisable each year on the anniversary date of the grant. Stock options have a maximum contractual term of five years. No forfeiture rate is assumed for stock options

granted to directors due to the forfeiture rate history for these types of awards for this group of individuals. Option awards are generally granted with an exercise price equal toDuring the fair market pricefirst quarter of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. No2007, there were no stock options were granted in the first nine months of 2005.granted.

Compensation expense recorded during the first ninethree months of 2007 and 2006 for these stock options is $0.2 million. Since the Company had not yet adopted SFAS No. 123(R) in the first nine months of 2005, stock options were not expensed through the statement of operations during 2005 and no compensation expense was recorded. Unamortized expense as of September 30, 2006 for all outstanding stock options is $0.3 million. The weighted average period over which this compensation will be recognized is approximately 2.4 years.

The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes fair value calculation for stock options are as follows:

   Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006
 

Weighted Average Value per Option Granted During the Period (1) 

  $14.65 

Assumptions

  

Stock Price Volatility

   31.5%

Risk Free Rate of Return

   4.6%

Expected Dividend

   0.3%

Expected Term (in years)

   4.0 

(1)Calculated using the Black-Scholes fair value based method.

The following table is a summary of activityamortization of stock options was $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

Stock Options

  Shares  Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands) (1)

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

  913,348  $15.32    

Granted

  30,000   47.60    

Exercised

  (237,273)  15.19    

Forfeited or Expired

  (900)  18.20    
         

Outstanding at September 30, 2006

  705,175  $16.74  1.3  $21,996
              

Options Exercisable at September 30, 2006

  675,175  $15.37  1.1  $21,986
              

(1)The intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the current market value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option.

At September 30, 2006, the exercise price range for outstanding options is $12.84 to $47.60 per share. The following tables provide more information about the options by exercise price.

Options with exercise prices between $12.84 and $15.00 per share:

Options Outstanding

Number of Options

   159,400

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $12.84

Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)

   0.4

Options Exercisable

Number of Options

   159,400

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $12.84

Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)

   0.4

Options with exercise prices between $15.01 and $30.00 per share:

Options Outstanding

Number of Options

   515,775

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $16.15

Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)

   1.4

Options Exercisable

Number of Options

   515,775

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $16.15

Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)

   1.4

Options with exercise prices between $30.01 and $47.60 per share:

Options Outstanding

Number of Options

   30,000

Weighted Average Exercise Price

  $47.60

Weighted Average Contractual Term (in years)

   4.4

None of the options with exercise prices between $30.01 and $47.60 are exercisable as of September 30, 2006.

In September 2006, the SEC Staff issued a letter summarizing their views regarding the backdating of stock options. The letter discusses the date that is to be used as the measurement date for options in order to value the exercise price of the options. It also discusses the documentation that should be available to support award grant dates. The Company has reviewed its stock option granting practices and has found no instances of backdating. Further, as required under the Company’s incentive plans, the stock option grant date is the date on which the Compensation Committee and/or Board of Directors approves the award. Company management is given no discretion to choose the grant date. The Company maintains Compensation Committee and/or Board of Directors minutes and other records to support the grant dates of its options.each period.

Stock Appreciation Rights

On February 23, 2006,During the Companyfirst quarter of 2007, the Compensation Committee granted 132,800 stock appreciation rights (SARs)107,200 SARs to employees. These awards allow the employee to receive any intrinsic value over the $47.60$35.22 grant date fair market value that may result from the price appreciation on a set number of common shares during the contractual term of seven years. All of these awards have graded-vesting features and will vest over a service period of three years, with one-third of the award becoming exercisable each year on the anniversary date of the grant. As of September 30, 2006, there are 132,800 SARs outstanding. The aggregate intrinsic value of

these awards is less than $0.1 million at September 30, 2006. As these SARs are paid out in stock, rather than in cash, the Company calculates the fair value in the same manner as stock options, by using a Black-Scholes model.

The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes fair value calculation for SARs are as follows:

 

 Three and Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2006
   Three Months Ended
March 31, 2007
 

Weighted Average Value per Stock Appreciation Right Granted During the Period (1)

 $14.19 

Weighted Average Value per Stock Appreciation Right

  

Granted During the Period (1)

  $11.26 

Assumptions

   

Stock Price Volatility

  31.6%   32.6%

Risk Free Rate of Return

  4.6%   4.6%

Expected Dividend

  0.3%   0.2%

Expected Term (in years)

  3.75    4.0 

(1)Calculated using the Black-Scholes fair value based method.

Compensation expense recorded during the first ninethree months of 2007 and 2006 for these SARs is $0.7 million. As no SARs were outstandingwas $0.8 million and $0.1 million, respectively. Included in the first nine months2007 amount was $0.5 million related to the immediate expensing of 2005, no compensation expense was recorded for this type of award. In addition, all SARs were unvested at September 30, 2006. Unamortized expense as of September 30, 2006 for all outstanding SARs is $1.2 million which will be recognized over the next 2.4 years.shares granted to retirement-eligible employees.

Performance Share Awards

The Company grantsDuring 2007, the Compensation Committee granted two types of performance share awards to employees.employees for a total of 294,700 performance shares. The performance period for both of these awards commences January 1, 2007 and ends December 31, 2009. Certain of these awards, totaling 98,200 performance shares, are earned, or not earned, based on the comparative performance of the Company’s common stock measured against sixteen other companies in the Company’s peer group over a three year vesting performance period. The grant date per share value of the equity portion of this award was $30.72. Depending on the Company’s performance, employees may earn up to 100% of the award in common stock, and an additional 100% of the award in cash. A new type of award has been granted in 2006 that measuresIn addition, 196,500 performance shares are earned, or not earned, based on the Company’s internal performance based on internal metrics rather than a peer group. The grant date per share value of the equity portion of this award was $35.22. These awards represent the right to receive up to 100% of the award in shares of common stock. The actual number of shares issued at the end of the performance period will be determined based on three performance criteria set by the Company’s Compensation Committee. An employee will earn one-third of the award granted for each internal metric performance criteriametric that the Company meets at the end of the performance period. These performance criteria measure the Company’s average production, average finding costs and average reserve replacement over three years. Based on the Company’s probability assessment at March 31, 2007, it is currently considered probable that these three criteria will be met.

Both of these types of awards vest at the end of a designated three year performance period. For all awards granted to employees before and after January 1, 2006, an annual forfeiture rate ranging from 0% to 5.0% has been assumed based on the Company’s history for this type of award to various employee groups.

On February 23, 2006, the Board of Directors granted a series of 89,850 performance share awards with performance conditions and 52,900 performance share awards with market conditions to employees of the Company. The performance period for both of these awards commences January 1, 2006 and ends December 31, 2008.

For awards that are based on the internal metrics (performance condition) of the Company and for awards that were granted prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006, fair value is measured based on the average of the high and low stock price of the Company on grant date and expense is amortized over the three year vesting period. To determine the fair value for awards that were granted after January 1, 2006 that are based on the Company’s comparative performance against a peer group (market condition), the equity and liability components are bifurcated. On the grant date, the equity component iswas valued using a Monte Carlo binomial model and is amortized on a straight-line basis over three years. The liability component is valued at each reporting period by using a Monte Carlo binomial model.

The three primary inputs for the Monte Carlo model are the risk-free rate, volatility of returns and correlation in stock price movement. The risk-free rate was generated from the Federal Reserve website for constant maturity treasuries for six-month, one, two and three year bonds and is set equal to the yield, for the period over the remaining duration of the performance period, on treasury securities as of the reporting date. Volatility iswas set equal to the annualized daily volatility measured over a historic four year period ending on the reporting date. A sample of correlation statistics were reviewed between the Company and its peers and the average ranged between 87% and 93%.

The following assumptions were used as of September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 for the Monte Carlo model to value the liability componentscomponent of the peer group measured performance share awards.awards issued during the first quarter of 2007. The equity portion of the award granted in 2006 has already been valued on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo model and this portion iswas not marked to market.

 

    As of September 30,March 31,
20062007

Risk Free Rate of Return

  

4.7% - 4.9%

4.6
%

Stock Price Volatility

            32.8%32.9%

Correlation in stock price movementStock Price Movement

                90%90%

Expected Dividend

0.2%

The Monte Carlo value per share for the liability component for this performance share award was $13.95 at March 31, 2007. The liability component for all outstanding market condition performance share awards at September 30, 2006 ranged from $1.91$13.95 to $27.50.$30.86 at March 31, 2007. The long-term liability for all market condition performance share awards, included in Other Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 31, 2007 and short-term liability, included in Accrued Liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, for performance share awards at September 30, 2006 is $1.6was $5.3 million and $0.4$1.1 million, respectively.

The following table is a summary of activity of performance share awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2006:

Performance Share Awards

  Shares  

Weighted-
Average Grant

Date Fair Value

per share(1)

  Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (in
years)
  

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

(in thousands) (2)

Non-vested shares outstanding at December 31, 2005

  330,850  $24.30    

Granted

  142,750   43.35    

Vested

  —     —      

Forfeited

  (2,750)  29.08    
         

Non-vested shares outstanding at September 30, 2006

  470,850  $30.05  1.2  $22,568
              

(1)The fair value figures in this table represent the fair value of the equity component of the performance share awards.
(2)The aggregate intrinsic value of performance share awards is calculated by multiplying the closing market price of the Company’s stock on September 30, 2006 by the number of non-vested performance share awards outstanding.

Total unamortized compensation cost related to the equity component of performance shares at September 30, 2006 is $6.1 million and will be recognized over the next 2.0 years, as computed by using the weighted average of the time in years remaining to recognize unamortized expense. Total compensation cost recognized for both the equity and liability components of all performance share awards during the ninethree months ended September 30,March 31, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 is $5.2was $2.8 million and $2.6$2.3 million, respectively.

12.UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS

12. CAPITAL STOCK

Increase in Authorized Shares

On May 4,In June 2006, the stockholdersFASB issued FIN No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” This Interpretation provides guidance for recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions as defined in SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 prescribes a two-step process for accounting for income tax uncertainties. First, a threshold condition of “more likely than not” should be met to determine whether any of the Company approved an increasebenefit of the uncertain tax position should be recognized in the authorized numberfinancial statements. If the recognition threshold is met, FIN No. 48 provides additional guidance on measuring the amount of sharesthe uncertain tax position. Under FIN No. 48, the Company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of common stockthe position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from 80 million to 120 million shares. such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Guidance is also provided regarding derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, interim period accounting, transition and increased disclosure of these uncertain tax position. FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.

The Company correspondingly increasedadopted the numberprovisions of shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock reserved for issuance from 800,000 to 1,200,000. The shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock are issuable pursuant to the Rights Agreement between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent.

Treasury Stock

In August 1998, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of two million shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions.FIN No. 48 on January 1, 2007. As a result of the 3-for-2 stock split effectedimplementation of FIN No. 48, the Company recognized no change to the liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

As of January 1, 2007, after the implementation of FIN No. 48, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits are $1.0 million. This amount, if recognized, would not affect the effective tax rate.

The Company recognizes interest accrued related to uncertain tax positions in March 2005, this figure was adjusted to three million shares. All purchases executed to date have been through open market transactions. Therethe Interest Expense and Other line and penalties accrued in the General and Administrative line in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations, which is no expiration date associatedconsistent with the authorizationrecognition of these items in prior reporting periods. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company recorded a $0.1 million increase to repurchase securitiesinterest expense. As of January 1, 2007, the Company had recorded a liability of approximately $0.9 million for interest. As of March 31, 2007, the Company determined that no accrual for penalties was appropriate.

As of January 1, 2007, it is reasonably possible that the 2001-2004 years currently pending before the IRS Appeals Division will be settled within the next twelve months. However, no increase or decrease to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits can be anticipated. All issues pending before Appeals relate to the proper timing of deductions for tax purposes.

It is possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change in the next twelve months. The Company does not expect that a change would have a significant impact on the results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

The U.S. federal statute of limitations remains open for years 2001 and onward. State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three to four years after filing of the Company.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company repurchased 1,088,500 shares with a weighted average price per sharerespective return. The state impact of $42.71any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for a total costperiod of approximately $46.5 million. Allup to one year after formal notification to the states. Years still open to examination by state authorities in major jurisdictions include Texas and West Virginia (2001 onward). The Company is not currently under examination, nor has it been notified of the repurchases occurred during the second and third quarters.an upcoming examination, by West Virginia. The repurchased shares are held as treasury stock. Since the authorization date, the Company is not currently under examination by Texas; however, it has repurchased 2,602,350 shares, or 87%been notified of the total shares authorized for repurchase at September 30, 2006, for a total cost of approximately $85.7 million.

On October 26, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors increased the number of shares of the Company’s common stock authorized for repurchase by an additional two million shares.upcoming routine examination.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation:

We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, and the related condensed consolidated statementstatements of operations for each of the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 and the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the ninethree month periods ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 and 2005.2006. These interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have previously audited in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20052006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20052006 and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005;2006; and in our report dated March 6, 2006,February 28, 2007, which included an explanatory paragraph related to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, “Accounting158, “Employers’ Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” we expressed unqualified opinions thereon. The consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to above are not presented herein. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet information as of December 31, 2005,2006, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

As discussed in Notes 1 and 11 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment (revised 2004).”/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas

May 2, 2007

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Houston, Texas
October 27, 2006

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

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

The following review of operations for the three and nine month periods ended September 30,March 31, 2007 and 2006 and 2005 should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes included in this Form 10-Q and with the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Cabot Oil & Gas Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.2006.

Overview

Operating revenues decreased by $23.2 million, or 11%, from the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2007 due to decreased realized commodity prices as well as decreased equivalent production that results from the disposition of assets substantially completed in the third quarter of 2006. Natural gas revenues increaseddecreased by $99.4$8.4 million, or 29%,five percent, for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 as compared to the ninethree months ended September 30, 2005.March 31, 2006. The increasedecrease is due to higher realizeda 10% decrease in natural gas prices, as well as increased productionpartially offset by a five percent increase in the Gulf Coast, East and Canada.natural gas production. Oil revenues increaseddecreased by $23.0$13.3 million, or 40%55%, for the first ninethree months of 20062007 as compared to the first ninethree months of 2005.2006. This increasedecrease is primarily due to a decrease in crude oil production as a result of the third quarter 2006 disposition of assets as well as a decrease in crude oil realized prices in the first three months of 2007 as compared to the first three months of 2006. After removing $27.3 million and $15.4 million, respectively, of natural gas and crude oil revenues attributable to properties sold from the first quarter 2006 revenues, natural gas revenues for the quarter increased by 15% and crude oil revenues increased by 25%. Brokered natural gas revenues increased by $0.4 million due to an increase in oil prices in the first nine months of 2006 as compared to the first nine months of 2005. Additionally, crude oil revenues for the first nine months of 2005 included an unrealized loss on crude oil derivatives of $1.9 million, and there is no unrealized impact in the first nine months of 2006. Somewhat offsetting the crude oil price increase and the change in the unrealized loss on crude oil derivatives is thebrokered volumes, partially offset by a decrease in crude oil production of approximately 10% in the first nine months of 2006.sales price.

Our realized natural gas price for the first nine monthsquarter of 20062007 was $7.22$7.42 per Mcf, 17% higher10% lower than the $6.16$8.22 per Mcf price realized in the same period of the prior year. Our realized crude oil price was $66.42$53.36 per Bbl, 51% higher13% lower than the $43.92$61.11 per Bbl price realized in the same period of the prior year. These realized prices are impacted by realized gains and losses resulting from commodity derivatives.derivatives (costless collars). For information about the impact of these derivatives on realized prices, refer to the “Results of Operations” section. Commodity prices are determined by factors that are outside of our control. Historically, commodity prices have been volatile and we expect them to remain volatile. Commodity prices are affected by changes in market demands, overall economic activity, weather, pipeline capacity constraints, storage levels, basis differentials and other factors. As a result, we cannot accurately predict future natural gas, NGL and crude oil prices and, therefore, cannot accurately predict revenues.

On an equivalent basis, our production for the first three months of 2007 decreased by one percent from the first three months of 2006. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we produced 67.821.0 Bcfe compared to production of 62.921.3 Bcfe for the comparable period of the prior year. Natural gas production was 60.519.8 Bcf and oil production was 1,209205 Mbbls. Natural gas production increased by approximately 10%five percent when compared to the comparable period of the prior year, which had production of 54.818.9 Bcf. Our EastThis increase was primarily a result of increased production in the West region, improved natural gas productionassociated with an increase in the success of our drilling program.program, and to a lesser extent an increase in Canada due to increased pipeline capacity in Canada for the Hinton field. The Gulf Coast region also had increasedexperienced an overall decrease in natural gas production fromof 0.8 Bcf, or 11%. After removing 3.0 Bcf of first quarter 2006 natural gas production related to the prior year period due to a successful 2006 drilling program as well as an offshore well that commenced productionproperties sold in the secondthird quarter of 2006. In addition,2006, the Gulf Coast region experienced a 2.2 Bcf, or 52% increase in production, in Canada increasedprimarily as a result of increased drilling in the continued drilling success, with the initiation ofMinden and McCampbell fields. Natural gas production in the Narraway area and additional production volume from the Hinton field. These increases are partially offset by reduced production in our WestEast region as a result of pipeline and compression curtailments and natural production declines.remained relatively flat quarter over quarter. Oil production decreased by 137191 Mbbls from 1,346396 Mbbls in the first ninethree months of 20052006 to 1,209205 Mbbls produced in the first ninethree months of 2006.2007. This was primarily the result of a decrease of 182 Mbbls in the Gulf Coast region. After removing 250 Mbbls of first quarter 2006 crude oil production related to the properties sold in the third quarter of 2006, oil production increased by 84% due primarily to the increase in drilling and workover activity in the McCampbell field, and to a lesser extent, in the Minden field. Oil production increased in the West, remained relatively flat in the East andregion, decreased slightly in the Gulf CoastWest region and Canada. The primary reason for the production decrease is from a decreaseincreased slightly in Gulf Coast production due to the continued natural decline of the CL&F lease in south Louisiana, which was sold in September 2006.Canada.

We had net income of $289.0$48.5 million, or $5.95$0.50 per share, for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 compared to net income of $89.9$53.2 million, or $1.84$0.55 per share, for the comparable period of the prior year. The increasedecrease in net income is primarily due to the gain of $229.7 million ($143.6 million, net of tax) recorded in the third quarter of 2006 related to the disposition of our offshore and certain south Louisiana properties described below. In addition, net income is higher due to increaseddecreased natural gas and oil production revenues, as discussed above. Offsetting these increases in income were increases in the first nine months of 2006 as compared to the first nine months of 2005Partially offsetting this revenue decrease was a decrease in total operating expenses of $47.0$3.5 million in the first three months of 2007 as well as

compared to the first three months of 2006, primarily due to decreased exploration charges and taxes other than income, tax expensepartially offset by increased general and administrative expenses and depreciation, depletion and amortization (DD&A). Because of $112.3reduced income before taxes due to the reasons discussed above, income taxes decreased by $5.2 million. Income taxes increased primarily as a result of the gain on the disposition of properties that occurred during the third quarter of 2006.

In addition to production volumes and commodity prices, finding and developing sufficient amounts of crude oil and natural gas reserves at economical costs are critical to our long-term success. For the fourth quarter of 2006,In 2007, we expect to spend approximately $100$434 million in capital and exploration expenditures. Our annual capital budget of approximately $500 million was increased by approximately $104 million from the $396 million figure previously reported in our Form 10-K in order to reflect increased drilling costs as well as new projects. Of the $104 million increase, approximately $60 million will be funded from the proceeds from the saleFunding of the offshoreprogram will come from operating cash flow, existing cash and south Louisiana assets.increased borrowings, if required. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, approximately $401.0$129.2 million of capital and exploration expenditures have been invested in our exploration and development efforts.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we drilled 301100 gross wells (278(97 development, 142 exploratory and 91 extension wells) with a success rate of 97%99.0% compared to 22971 gross wells (207(66 development, 184 exploratory and 41 extension wells) with a success rate of 95%97.2% for the comparable period of the prior year. As disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, for the full year of 2006,2007, we plan to drill approximately 391440 gross wells compared to 316387 gross wells drilled in 2005.2006.

We remain focused on our strategies of pursuing lower risk drilling opportunities that provide more predictable results and selectively pursuing impact exploration opportunities as we accelerate drilling on our accumulated acreage position. In the current year we have allocated our planned program for capital and exploration expenditures among our various operating regions. We believe these strategies are appropriate in the current industry environment and will continue to add shareholder value over the long term.

On September 29, 2006,During the first quarter of 2007, we completedrecorded a gain of $7.9 million related to the salecompletion of our offshore portfolio anddisposition of certain south Louisiana properties to Phoenix Exploration Company LP (“Phoenix”) for a gross sales price of $340.0 million. The properties sold included proved reserves of approximately 98 Bcfe as ofand offshore properties. During the August 1, 2006 effective date, including 68 Bcfe of proved reserved recorded as of December 31, 2005, and had average daily production for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 of 47.4 Mmcfe.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated August 25, 2006, the gross sales price is to be offset by the net cash flow (as defined in the Agreement) from operation of the properties from August 1, 2006 and other purchase price adjustments, if any. The net proceeds from the sale are expected to be used to add funding to our capital program, repurchase shares of common stock, repay outstanding debt under the revolving credit facility and pay taxes related to the transaction. Also pursuant to the Agreement, we entered into certain commodity price swaps on behalf of Phoenix. At closing on September 29, 2006, these derivative instruments were assigned to Phoenix, and we were released from all rights and obligations with respect thereto. There was no ultimate impact on our financial statements due to the existence of these swaps.

Through September 30, 2006, the Company had received approximately $321.4 million in net proceeds from this sale of our offshore and south Louisiana properties. Net proceeds of $321.4 million reflects the $340.0 million gross sales price, reduced by purchase price adjustments of $3.1 million as well as consents and preferential rights expected to be settled in the fourthsecond quarter of 2006 of $15.5 million. A net gain of $229.7 million ($143.6 million, net of tax) is recorded in the Statement of Operations for the third quarter of 2006 and2007, we expect to record an additional gain of approximately $12.0 million is expected to be recognized in the fourth quarter of 2006, in connection with the closing of certain property sales to Phoenix for which third party consents had not been obtained as of September 30, 2006 and sales to other parties that executed their contractual preferential rights.$4.4 million.

The preceding paragraphs, discussing our strategic pursuits and goals, contain forward-looking information. Please read “Forward-Looking Information” for further details.

Financial Condition

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our primary sources of cash for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006 areMarch 31, 2007 were from funds generated from the sale of natural gas and crude oil production as well as proceeds from the sale of our offshore and certain south Louisiana properties.production. Operating cash flow fluctuations are substantially driven by commodity prices and changes in our production volumes. Prices for crude oil and natural gas have historically been subject tovolatile, including seasonal influences characterized by peak demand and higher prices in the winter heating season; however, the impact of other risks and uncertainties, as described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, have also influenced prices throughout the recent years. Working capital is also substantially influenced by these variables. Fluctuation in cash flow may result in an increase or decrease in our capital and exploration expenditures. See “Results of Operations” for a review of the impact of prices and volumes on sales. Cash flows provided by operating activities were primarily used to fund explorationdevelopment, and developmentto a lesser extent, exploratory expenditures, purchase treasury stockreduce borrowings on our revolving credit facility and to pay dividends. See below for additional discussion and analysis of cash flow.

 

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

   Three Months Ended
March 31,
 

(In thousands)

  2006 2005   2007 2006 

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

  $356,050  $247,111   $135,858  $155,009 

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

   (61,605)  (287,904)   (113,616)  (114,189)

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

   17,052   33,954 

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities

   (6,654)  (42,932)
              

Net Increase / (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $311,497  $(6,839)  $15,588  $(2,112)
              

Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities in the first ninethree months of 2006 increased2007 decreased by $108.9$19.1 million over the comparable period in 2005.2006. This increasedecrease is primarily due to highera decrease in working capital changes as well as a decrease in net income due to reduced commodity prices and, to a lesser extent, increaseddecreased equivalent production. Key components impacting net operating cash flows are commodity prices, production volumes and operating costs. Average realized natural gas prices increased 17%for the first three months of 2007 decreased by 10% over the 20052006 period, whileand crude oil realized prices increased 51%decreased by 13% over the same period. Equivalent production volumes increaseddecreased by approximately 8%one percent in the first ninethree months of 20062007 compared to the comparable period in 2005.2006. While we expectbelieve 2007 actual commodity production may exceed 2006 actual production to exceed 2005 levels, we are unable to predict future commodity prices, and as a result, cannot provide any assurance about future levels of net cash provided by operating activities.

Investing Activities. The primary uses of cash in investing activities are capital spending and exploration expense. Cash flows used for investments in capital and exploration expenditures is $384.6 million in the first nine months of 2006 compared to $288.9 used in the first nine months of 2005. This increase of $95.7 million in investments in capital and exploration expenses is entirely offset by the increase of $322.0 million in proceeds from the sale of assets, primarily as a result of the sale of our offshore and certain south Louisiana properties, resulting in an overall decrease of $226.3 million in net cash used in investing activities for the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005. We establish the budget for these amounts based on our current estimate of future commodity prices. Due to the volatility of commodity prices, our capital expenditures budget may be periodically adjusted during any given year. The increase from 2005 to 2006 in cashCash flows used in capital spendinginvesting activities decreased by $0.6 million from the first three months of 2006 compared to the first three months of 2007. The decrease from 2006 to 2007 is due to proceeds from the sale of assets related to the disposition of certain south Louisiana and offshore properties as well as a decrease in exploration expense, is primarily due topartially offset by an increase in drilling activity in response to higher commodity prices.capital expenditures.

Financing Activities. Cash flows provided byused in financing activities are $17.1were $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006first quarter of 2007, and arewere comprised of payments made to purchase treasury stockdecrease outstanding debt under our revolving credit facility and dividend payments. Offsettingto pay dividends. Partially offsetting these cash uses were inflows from a net increase in borrowings under our revolving credit facility, the exercise of stock options and the tax benefit received from stock-based compensation. Cash flows providedused by financing activities were $34.0$42.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. Cash flows provided by financing activities in the first nine monthsquarter of 2005 were the result of an increase in book overdrafts,2006, primarily from payments made to reduce outstanding borrowings underon our revolving credit facility and proceedsby $45 million as well as dividend payments, partially offset by cash inflows from the exercise of stock options partially offset by dividend payments and purchases of treasury stock.the tax benefit received from stock-based compensation.

At September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we had $150 million of debtno borrowings outstanding under our credit facility. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, on October 2, 2006, we repaid the entire $150 million outstanding balance with proceeds from the sale of assets. The credit facility provides for an available credit line of $250 million, which can be expanded up to $350 million, either with the existing banks or new banks. The available credit line is subject to adjustment on the basis of the present value of estimated future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves (as determined by the banks’ petroleum engineer) and other assets. The revolving term of the credit facility ends in December 2009. We strive to manage our debt at a level below the available credit line in order to maintain excess borrowing capacity. Management believes that we have the ability to finance through new debt or equity offerings, if necessary, our capital requirements, including potential acquisitions.

In August 1998, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of two million shares of our common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. As a result of the 3-for-2 stock split effected in March 2005, this figure was adjusted to three million shares. During the first nine months of 2006, we repurchased 1,088,500 shares of our common stock at a weighted average price of $42.71. All of the repurchases occurred during the second and third quarters. All purchases executed to date have been through open market transactions. OnIn October 26, 2006, we announced that our Board of Directors increased the number of shares of our common stock authorized for repurchase by an additional two million shares for a total of five million shares. As a result of the 2-for-1 stock split effected in March 2007, this figure was adjusted to 10 million shares. During the first quarter of 2007, we did not repurchase any shares of our common stock. All purchases executed to date have been through open market transactions. There is no expiration date associated with the authorization to repurchase our securities. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan as of September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 was 397,650.4,795,300. See “Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities – Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities” in Item 2 of Part II of this quarterly report.

Capitalization

OurInformation about our capitalization information is as follows:

 

  March 31, December 31, 

(In millions)

  September 30,
2006
 December 31,
2005
   2007 2006 

Debt (1)

  $400.0  $340.0   $230.0  $240.0 

Stockholders’ Equity

   909.8   600.2    965.9   945.2 
 ��            

Total Capitalization

  $1,309.8  $940.2   $1,195.9  $1,185.2 
              

Debt to Capitalization

   31%  36%   19%  20%

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  $322.1  $10.6   $57.4  $41.9 

(1)

Includes $20.0 million of current portion of long-term debt at both September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2005.2006. Includes $150 million and $90$10.0 million of borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively. The $150 million2006. No borrowings were outstanding balanceunder our revolving credit facility at September 30, 2006 was repaid on October 2, 2006.March 31, 2007.

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we paid dividends of $5.8$1.9 million on our common stock. A regular dividend of $0.04 per share of common stock has been declared for each quarter since we became a public company in 1990.

Increase in Authorized Shares

On May 4, 2006, our stockholders approved an After the March 2007 2-for-1 stock split, the dividend was increased to $0.03 per share per quarter, or a 50% increase in the authorized number of shares of our common stock from 80 million to 120 million shares. We correspondingly increased the number of shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock reserved for issuance from 800,000 to 1,200,000. The shares of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock are issuable pursuant to our Rights Agreement with The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent.pre-split levels.

Capital and Exploration Expenditures

On an annual basis, we generally fund most of our capital and exploration activities, excluding significant oil and gas property acquisitions, with cash generated from operations and, when necessary, our revolving credit facility. We budget these capital expenditures based on our projected cash flows for the year.

The following table presents major components of capital and exploration expenditures for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 and 2005.2006:

 

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,

(In millions)

  2006  2005

Capital Expenditures

    

Drilling and Facilities

  $300.6  $163.2

Leasehold Acquisitions

   35.4   15.6

Pipeline and Gathering

   16.4   12.0

Other

   2.0   1.1
        
   354.4   191.9

Proved Property Acquisitions

   6.6   60.4

Exploration Expense

   40.0   47.4
        

Total

  $401.0  $ 299.7
        

During the nine months ended September 30, 2005, we spent $60.4 million on producing property acquisitions. Of this amount, $59.4 million was spent in the third quarter of 2005. During the third quarter of 2005, we closed on two large producing property acquisitions for interests in fields in the Gulf Coast region. For the McCampbell field acquisition, we spent $41.2 million. The Vernon field acquisition was $18.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2006, primarily in the third quarter, we spent $6.6 million on producing property acquisitions in the Gulf Coast region.

    Three Months
Ended March 31,

(In millions)

  2007  2006

Capital Expenditures

    

Drilling and Facilities

  $115.0  $89.2

Leasehold Acquisitions

   4.4   14.7

Pipeline and Gathering

   3.7   3.1

Other

   0.4   0.7
        
   123.5   107.7

Proved Property Acquisitions

   —     0.2

Exploration Expense

   5.7   11.6
        

Total

  $129.2  $119.5
        

We plan to drill approximately 391440 gross wells in 2006.2007. This drilling program includes approximately $500$434 million in total capital and exploration expenditures. See the “Overview” discussion for additional information regarding the current year drilling program. The increase in our leasehold acquisitions expense from September 30, 2005 to September 30, 2006 is the result of several new exploratory resource areas in all regions. We will continue to assess the natural gas and crude oil price environment and may increase or decrease the capital and exploration expenditures accordingly.

Contractual Obligations

During the ninethree months ended September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, certain events have occurred changing the amounts previously reported in our contractual obligations table for drilling rig commitments and firm gas transportation agreements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.2006.

Our firm gas transportation agreements provide firm transportation capacity rights on pipeline systems in Canada, the West region and the East regions.region. The amount of transportation demand charges under these agreements that we are estimated to pay, regardless of the amount of pipeline capacity we utilize, has decreased by approximately $3.8$2.4 million overfrom the total remaining terms of these contracts, which range from less than one year to 21 years.$85.1 million figure previously disclosed. This is due to rate changes and released volumes on certain contracts, partially offset by increased charges as a result of new contracts entered intoone contract in Canada. Demand charges for 2006 are expected to be $7.1 million, a decrease of $4.6 million from the $11.7 million figure previously disclosed. Future obligations that we expect to pay starting in 2007 under these firm gas transportation agreements in effect at September 30, 2006 have increased by $0.8 million to $82.9 million.West region.

Drilling rig commitments increased by $0.7 million from the $120.3 million figure reported in theour Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 totaled $104.3 million. As2006. This increase was due to an increase in the daily rig rates on two rigs as a result of an additional contract entered into during 2006, renewalsincrease of existing contracts5% in the U.S. Department of Labor Wholesale Price Index for Oilfield Machinery and increasesTools from the base index, as required in daily rates due to increased contractor expenses for certain rigs, our total commitments have increased by $11.3 million.the commitment agreement.

For further information, please refer to “Firm Gas Transportation Agreements” and “Rig Commitments” under Note 6 in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted and adopted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005,2006, for further discussion of our critical accounting policies.

Effective January 1, 2006,2007, we adopted the accounting policies described in SFASprovisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation (FIN) No. 123(R), “Share Based Payment (revised 2004).” We chose to use the modified prospective method of transition, and accordingly, no adjustments to prior period financial statements have been made. Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for stock-based compensation in accordance with the intrinsic value based method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) No. 25,48, “Accounting for Stock IssuedUncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” Due to Employees.” In addition, SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” outlines a fair value based method of accounting for stock options or similar equity instruments.

One primary difference in our method of accounting after the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) is that unvested stock options will now be expensed as a component of Stock-Based Compensation cost in the General and Administrative Expense line item of the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. This expense will be based on the fair value of the award at the original grant date and will be recognized over the vesting period. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), we included this amount as a pro-forma disclosure in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The expense resulting from the expensing of stock options is $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Another change relates to the accounting for our performance share awards. Certain of these awards are now accounted for by bifurcating the equity and liability components. A Monte Carlo model is used to value the liability component, rather than accounting for the award using the average closing stock price at the end of each reporting period. All other awards are accounted for in substantially the same way as they were or would have been in prior periods, with the exception of the differences noted below.

Other differences in the way we account for stock-based compensation after January 1, 2006, result from the application of a forfeiture rate to all grants rather than recording actual forfeitures as they occur. We are now required to estimate forfeitures on all equity-based compensation and adjust periodic expense. Upon adoption, we did not recordrecorded a cumulative effect adjustment for these forfeitures as the amount is immaterial. In addition, this change in accounting for forfeitures results in an immaterial change in overall compensation cost for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. Furthermore, we are required to immediately expense certain awards to retirement-eligible employees depending on the structurecharge of each individual plan. The retirement-eligibility provision only applies to new grants that were awarded after January 1, 2006. The total expense that we immediately recognized related to restricted stock awards granted to retirement-eligible employees in the first nine months of 2006 is $0.5 million.

We issued stock appreciation rights to executive employees for the first time during the first quarter of 2006. The grant date fair value of these awards is measured using a Black-Scholes model and compensation cost is expensed over the three year graded-vesting service period. Expense related to these awards is $0.7less than $0.1 million before the effect of taxes, for the first nine months of 2006. In addition, a new type of performance share was issued to employees. These awards measure our performance based on three internal metrics rather than a peer group’s stock performance used for our other performance share awards. These awards cliff vest at the end of the three year service period. Compensation cost related to these new internal-metric based performance share awards granted to employees is $1.0 million, before the effect of taxes, for the first nine months of 2006. In addition, we incurred a $0.4 million, net of tax, cumulative effect charge in the first quarter of 2006 as a result of changes made in our accounting2007 for performance shares. For further information on the accounting for these and our other stock-based compensation awards, please refer to Notes 1 and 11 to the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

During the third quarter of 2006, we adopted the provisions outlined under FSP FAS No. 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards,” which discusses accounting for taxes for stock awards using the APIC Pool concept. We have made a one time election as prescribed under the FSP to use the shortcut approach to derive the initial windfall tax benefit pool. We chose to use a one pool approach which combines all awards granted to employees, including non-employee directors.

Our Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors made one modification to our stock option awards in 2005. It approved the acceleration to December 15, 2005 of the vesting of 198,799 unvested stock options awarded in February 2003 under our Second Amended and Restated 1994 Long-Term Incentive Plan and 24,500 unvested stock options awarded in April 2004 under our 2004 Incentive Plan.

The 198,799 shares awarded to employees under the 1994 plan at an exercise price of $15.32 would have vested in February 2006. The 24,500 shares awarded to non-employee directors under the 2004 plan at an exercise price of $23.32 would have vested 12,250 shares in each of April 2006 and April 2007. The decision to accelerate the vesting of these unvested options, which we believed to be in the bestincremental interest of our shareholders and employees, was made solely to reduce compensation expense and administrative burden associated with ourthat is more likely than not payable. This adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). The accelerated vesting of the options did not have ana material impact on any of our results of operations or cash flows for 2005. The acceleration of vesting reduced our compensation expense related to these options by approximately $0.2 million for 2006.financial statements.

Results of Operations

ThirdFirst Quarters of 20062007 and 20052006 Compared

We reported net income in the thirdfirst quarter of 20062007 of $189.0$48.5 million, or $3.92$0.50 per share. During the corresponding quarter of 2005,2006, we reported net income of $33.8$53.2 million, or $0.69$0.55 per share. Net income increaseddecreased in the thirdfirst quarter by $155.2$4.7 million, primarily due to an increasea decrease in operating income of $245.7$12.0 million from $59.0$91.2 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20052006 to $304.7$79.2 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2006.2007. This increasedecrease in net income was primarily due to the $229.7 million ($143.6 million net of tax) gain on the sale of offshore and certain south Louisiana assets recorded in the third quarter of 2006 as well as an increasea decrease in natural gas and crude oil production revenues. This income increase isrevenues, partially offset by an increasea decrease of $88.8$5.2 million in income tax expense as well as an increaseand a decrease in operating expenses of $7.0 million.$3.5 million, primarily as a result of reduced exploration expense, partially offset by general and administrative and other operating expense increases.

Natural Gas Production Revenues

Our average total company realized natural gas production sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, is $6.76was $7.42 per Mcf for the three months ended September 30, 2006March 31, 2007 compared to $6.77$8.22 per Mcf for the comparable period of the prior year. These prices include the realized impact of derivative instrument settlements which increased the price by $0.41$0.89 per Mcf in 20062007 and reduced the price by $1.26$0.08 per Mcf in 2005. The following table excludes the unrealized loss from the change in derivative fair value of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2005.2006. There iswas no unrealized impact from the change in derivative fair value for the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2007 or 2006. The unrealized change in fair value has been included in Natural Gas Production Revenues in the Statement of Operations.

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance   Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance 
  2006 2005  Amount Percent   2007 2006  Amount Percent 

Natural Gas Production (Mmcf)

            

East

   5,757   5,765   (8) 0%

Gulf Coast

   8,029   6,333   1,696  27%   6,479   7,248   (769) (11%)

West

   6,124   5,961   163  3%   6,458   5,390   1,068  20%

East

   5,930   5,453   477  9%

Canada

   652   264   388  147%   1,072   477   595  125%
                      

Total Company

   20,735   18,011   2,724  15%   19,766   18,880   886  5%
                      

Natural Gas Production Sales Price ($/Mcf)

            

East

  $8.08  $9.31  $(1.23) (13%)

Gulf Coast

  $7.13  $6.67  $0.46  7%  $7.75  $8.21  $(0.46) (6%)

West

  $5.84  $5.91  $(0.07) (1)%  $6.51  $7.08  $(0.57) (8%)

East

  $7.41  $7.75  $(0.34) (4)%

Canada

  $5.09  $8.04  $(2.95) (37)%  $7.46  $8.12  $(0.66) (8%)

Total Company

  $6.76  $6.77  $(0.01) —     $7.42  $8.22  $(0.80) (10%)

Natural Gas Production Revenue (in thousands)

      

Natural Gas Production Revenue(In thousands)

      

East

  $46,498  $53,666  $(7,168) (13%)

Gulf Coast

  $57,216  $42,253  $14,963  35%   50,240   59,475   (9,235) (16%)

West

   35,770   35,229   541  2%   42,020   38,157   3,863  10%

East

   43,958   42,280   1,678  4%

Canada

   3,317   2,123   1,194  56%   7,992   3,869   4,123  107%
                      

Total Company

  $140,261  $121,885  $18,376  15%  $146,750  $155,167  $(8,417) (5%)
                      

Price Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

            

(in thousands)

      

(In thousands)

      

East

  $(7,097)    

Gulf Coast

  $3,723        (2,957)    

West

   (415)       (3,699)    

East

   (2,021)    

Canada

   (1,925)       (706)    
                

Total Company

  $(638)      $(14,459)    
                

Volume Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

            

(in thousands)

      

(In thousands)

      

East

  $(71)    

Gulf Coast

  $11,240        (6,278)    

West

   956        7,562     

East

   3,699     

Canada

   3,119        4,829     
                

Total Company

  $19,014       $6,042     
                

The increasedecrease in Natural Gas Production Revenue is primarily due to the decrease in realized natural gas sales prices, partially offset by an increase in natural gas production. Production is higherPrices were lower in all regions in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005. Increased production is primarily the result of the increased capital program in 2005 and 2006 and timing of initial production from the drilling program. Prices were lower overall quarter over quarter for the Company. The increase in production and decrease in the realized natural gas price and increase in production resulted in a net revenue increasedecrease of $18.4$8.4 million. After removing $27.3 million excluding the unrealized impact of derivative instruments. For the quarter ended September 30, 2006, natural gas volumes fromrevenues and 2,986 Mmcf of natural gas production associated with properties in the propertiesGulf Coast region sold in the third quarter disposition were 2,952 Mmcfof 2006 divestiture from 2006 results, total natural gas revenue would have increased by $18.9 million, or 15%, and natural gas revenuesproduction would have increased by 3,872 Mmcf, or 24%, from those properties were approximately $20.2 million.the first quarter of 2006 to the first quarter of 2007.

Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost

 

   Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
   2006  2005  Amount  Percent 

Sales Price ($/Mcf)

  $6.96  $9.41  $(2.45) (26)%

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

   2,453   1,994   459  23%
           

Brokered Natural Gas Revenues (in thousands)

  $17,075  $18,756   
           

Purchase Price ($/Mcf)

  $6.23  $8.30  $(2.07) (25)%

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

   2,453   1,994   459  23%
           

Brokered Natural Gas Cost (in thousands)

  $15,282  $16,550   
           

Brokered Natural Gas Margin (in thousands)

  $1,793  $2,206  $(413) (19)%
              

(in thousands)

      

Sales Price Variance Impact on Revenue

  $(6,000)    

Volume Variance Impact on Revenue

   4,319     
         
  $(1,681)    
         

(in thousands)

      

Purchase Price Variance Impact on Purchases

  $5,078     

Volume Variance Impact on Purchases

   (3,810)    
         
  $1,268     
         
    Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance 
   2007  2006  Amount  Percent 

Sales Price($/Mcf)

  $8.96  $9.20  $(0.24) (3%)

Volume Brokered(Mmcf)

   3,703   3,566   137  4%
           

Brokered Natural Gas Revenues(In thousands)

  $33,177  $32,819   
           

Purchase Price($/Mcf)

  $7.75  $8.20  $(0.45) (5%)

Volume Brokered(Mmcf)

   3,703   3,566   137  4%
           

Brokered Natural Gas Cost(In thousands)

  $28,699  $29,245   
           

Brokered Natural Gas Margin(In thousands)

  $4,478  $3,574  $904  25%
              

(In thousands)

      

Sales Price Variance Impact on Revenue

  $(899)    

Volume Variance Impact on Revenue

   1,260     
         
  $361     
         

(In thousands)

      

Purchase Price Variance Impact on Purchases

  $1,666     

Volume Variance Impact on Purchases

   (1,123)    
         
  $543     
         

The decreasedincreased brokered natural gas margin of $0.4$0.9 million is driven by decreased commodity prices fora decrease in purchase price that outpaced the third quarter of 2006 compareddecrease in sales price in addition to the third quarter of 2005. Partially offsetting this decrease is an increase in the volumes brokered in the thirdfirst quarter of 20062007 over the same period in the prior year.

Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues

Our average total company realized crude oil sales price is $69.80was $53.36 per Bbl for the thirdfirst quarter of 2006. There is no2007. The 2007 price includes the realized impact of derivative instruments ininstrument settlements which increased the third quarter of 2006.price by $0.89 per Bbl. Our average total company realized crude oil sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, is $46.05was $61.11 per Bbl for the thirdfirst quarter of 2005. The 2005 price includes the2006. There was no realized impact of derivative instrument settlements which reducedinstruments in the price by $14.59 per Bbl. The following table excludes the unrealized gain from the change in derivative fair value of $2.0 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 2005.2006. There iswas no unrealized impact from the change in derivative fair value for the thirdeither first quarter of 2007 or 2006. The unrealized change in fair value has been included in Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues in the Statement of Operations.

 

  Three Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance   Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Variance 
  2006 2005  Amount Percent   2007 2006  Amount Percent 

Crude Oil Production (Mbbl)

            

East

   6   7   (1) (14%)

Gulf Coast

   319   364   (45) (12)%   148   331   (183) (55%)

West

   52   43   9  21%   45   54   (9) (17%)

East

   6   7   (1) (14)%

Canada

   2   5   (3) (60)%   6   4   2  50%
                      

Total Company

   379   419   (40) (10)%   205   396   (191) (48%)
                      

Crude Oil Sales Price ($/Bbl)

            

East

  $53.49  $59.15  $(5.66) (10%)

Gulf Coast

  $70.10  $43.93  $26.17  60%  $53.07  $61.36  $(8.29) (14%)

West

  $68.53  $60.77  $7.76  13%  $54.17  $60.64  $(6.47) (11%)

East

  $64.67  $59.22  $5.45  9%

Canada

  $69.53  $52.94  $16.59  31%  $54.44  $48.67  $5.77  12%

Total Company

  $69.80  $46.05  $23.75  52%  $53.36  $61.11  $(7.75) (13%)

Crude Oil Revenue (in thousands)

      

Crude Oil Revenue(In thousands)

      

East

  $324  $412  $(88) (21%)

Gulf Coast

  $22,391  $15,970  $6,421  40%   7,872   20,284   (12,412) (61%)

West

   3,565   2,642   923  35%   2,434   3,303   (869) (26%)

East

   379   440   (61) (14)%

Canada

   100   246   (146) (59)%   312   181   131  72%
                      

Total Company

  $26,435  $19,298  $7,137  37%  $10,942  $24,180  $(13,238) (55%)
                      

Price Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

            

(in thousands)

      

(In thousands)

      

East

  $(34)    

Gulf Coast

  $8,403        (1,230)    

West

   404        (291)    

East

   32     

Canada

   41        33     
                

Total Company

  $8,880       $(1,522)    
                

Volume Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

            

(in thousands)

      

(In thousands)

      

East

  $(54)    

Gulf Coast

  $(1,982)       (11,182)    

West

   519        (578)    

East

   (93)    

Canada

   (187)       98     
                

Total Company

  $(1,743)      $(11,716)    
                

The increasedecrease in the realized crude oil price combined with the decline in production resulted in a net revenue increasedecrease of $7.1 million, excluding the unrealized impact of derivative instruments.$13.3 million. The decrease in oil production is mainly the result of decreased Gulf Coast production from the continued natural decline of the CL&F lease in south Louisiana, which was soldsale in the third quarter of 2006. For2006 of certain south Louisiana and offshore properties in the quarter ended September 30, 2006,Gulf Coast region. After removing $15.4 million of crude oil revenues and condensate volumes from250 Mbbls of crude oil production associated with properties in the propertiesGulf Coast region sold in the third quarter disposition were 196 Mbblof 2006 divestiture from 2006 results, total crude oil revenue would have increased by $2.2 million, or 25%, and crude oil and condensate revenuesproduction would have increased by 59 Mbbls, or 40%, from those properties were approximately $13.9 million.the first quarter of 2006 to the first quarter of 2007.

Impact of Derivative Instruments on Operating Revenues

The following table reflects the realized impact of cash settlements and the net unrealized change in fair value of derivative instruments:

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

   

Three Months Ended

March 31,

  2006  2005   2007  2006
  Realized  Unrealized  Realized Unrealized 
  (In thousands) 

Operating Revenues - Increase/(Decrease) to Revenue

       

(In thousands)

  Realized  Unrealized  Realized  Unrealized

Operating Revenues - Increase to Revenue

        

Cash Flow Hedges

               

Natural Gas Production

  $8,532  $—    $(22,723) $(408)  $17,593  $—    $1,437  $—  

Crude Oil

   —     —     (1,165)  (24)   182   —     —     —  
                         

Total Cash Flow Hedges

   8,532   —     (23,888)  (432)  $17,775  $—    $1,437  $—  

Other Derivative Financial Instruments

       

Crude Oil

   —     —     (4,948)  2,062 
                         

Total Other Derivative Financial Instruments

   —     —     (4,948)  2,062 
             
  $8,532  $—    $(28,836) $1,630 
             

We are exposed to market risk on derivative instruments to the extent of changes in market prices of natural gas and oil. However, the market risk exposure on these derivative contracts is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity.

Other Operating Revenues

Other operating revenues increaseddecreased by $0.8$1.9 million between the thirdfirst quarter of 20062007 and the third quarter of 2005 primarily due to a decrease in our payout liability associated with a favorable legal ruling in the first quarter of 2006 which correspondingly increased other revenues, as well asprimarily due to an increase in cash received for a net profits interest that originated in 2006.our payout liability, which correspondingly decreased other revenues.

Operating Expenses

Total costs and expenses from operations increased $7.0decreased $3.5 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20062007 compared to the same period of 2005.2006. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:

 

Direct Operations expense increased by $5.6 million over the third quarter of 2005. This is primarily the result of an increase over the prior year quarter in outside operated properties expense, primarily in the Gulf Coast, due to offshore activity, including hurricane repairs. In addition, higher expenses were incurred related to disposal costs, treating, compressors and workovers. These increases were primarily seen in the Gulf Coast region due to additional usage, rates and production in addition to timing. In addition, we incurred higher insurance expenses due to premium increases as well as higher expenses for compensation and personnel related expenses.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization increased by $5.5 million in the third quarter of 2006. This is primarily due to increased production for the quarter, an increase in finding costs and an increase in the DD&A rate associated with one field in East Texas as well as the commencement of offshore production in late 2005.

General and Administrative expense increased by $1.0 million in the third quarter of 2006. Third quarter 2005 expense included a credit to miscellaneous expenses for a reversal of a reserve attributable to litigation settled during the quarter. Partially offsetting this increase is a decrease in the third quarter 2006 stock compensation expense of $1.1 million due to the change in accounting for performance share compensation as prescribed by SFAS No. 123(R).

Exploration expense decreased by $3.1$5.9 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 2006,2007, primarily as a result of a decrease in total dry hole expense of $2.1$3.2 million which is primarily comprised ofand a decrease in dry hole expense in the Gulf Coast region, partially offset by increases in Canada and the West region, as well as decreased geophysical and geological expenses of $1.1$2.4 million, primarily in Canada and the West.Gulf Coast region

Brokered Natural Gas Cost decreasedGeneral and Administrative expense increased by $1.3$4.0 million fromin the thirdfirst quarter of 20052007 primarily due to increased stock compensation charges of $1.7 million resulting from new stock awards issued during the first quarter of 2007, increased performance share expense as a result of a favorable company ranking against its peers and the associated increase in the liability related to the third quartercash portion of 2006. See the preceding table labeled “Brokered Natural Gas Revenueawards, and Cost”increased SAR expense for further analysis.retirement eligible employees which are expensed immediately upon grant. Additionally, expense for litigation accruals increased by $0.5 million.

 

Taxes Other Than Income decreased by $0.6$2.4 million in the first three months of 2007 compared to the third quarterfirst three months of 2005,2006, primarily due to decreased production taxes of $1.1 million as a result of decreased natural gas prices.and crude oil prices as well as a decrease of $1.1 million in ad valorem taxes.

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization increased by $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2007. This is primarily due to negative reserve revisions due to lower prices at year-end, higher capital costs and commencement of production in an East Texas field.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net increased $1.8decreased by $2.2 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20062007 due to higherlower credit facility borrowings, as well as an increasinglower borrowings on our 7.19% fixed rate debt and increased interest rate environment.on our short term investments. Weighted average borrowings on our credit facility based on daily balances were approximately $113$3 million during the thirdfirst quarter of 20062007 compared to $49approximately $70 million during the thirdfirst quarter of 2005.2006.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increaseddecreased by $88.8$5.2 million due to a comparable increasedecrease in our pre-tax income, primarily as a result of the gain on the sale of assets recordeddecrease in the third quarter.revenues. The effective tax rate for the thirdfirst quarter of 2007 and 2006 was 35.5% and 2005 is 36.5% and 37.1%37.5%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the recognition of a change in the Texas state income tax rate due to a change in the tax law in May 2006. In addition, there was a changereduction in the overall blended state income tax rate due to the sale of certain south Louisiana and offshore properties.

Nine Months of 2006 and 2005 Compared

We reported net income in the first nine months of 2006 of $289.0 million, or $5.95 per share. During the corresponding period of 2005, we reported net income of $89.9 million, or $1.84 per share. Net income increased in the current period by $199.1 million primarily due to an increase in operating income as a result of the gain of $229.7 million ($143.6 million, net of tax) recorded in the third quarter of 2006 related to the disposition of our offshore and certain south Louisiana properties as well as an increase in natural gas and oil production revenues. This increase is partially offset by an increase in total operating expenses of $47.0 million and an increase of $112.3 million in income tax expense. Operating income increased $315.5 million compared to the prior year, from $158.8 million in the first nine months of 2005 to $474.3 million in the first nine months of 2006.

Natural Gas Production Revenues

Our average total company realized natural gas production sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, is $7.22 per Mcf for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 compared to $6.16 per Mcf for the comparable period of the prior year. These prices include the realized impact of derivative instrument settlements which increased the price by $0.28 per Mcf in 2006 and reduced the price by $0.73 per Mcf in 2005. The following table excludes the unrealized loss from the change in derivative fair value of $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. There is no unrealized impact from the change in derivative fair value for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. The unrealized change in fair value has been included in Natural Gas Production Revenues in the Statement of Operations.

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
   2006  2005  Amount  Percent 

Natural Gas Production (Mmcf)

      

Gulf Coast

   23,881   21,007   2,874  14%

West

   17,272   17,337   (65) —   

East

   17,581   15,669   1,912  12%

Canada

   1,778   818   960  117%
              

Total Company

   60,512   54,831   5,681  10%
              

Natural Gas Production Sales Price ($/Mcf)

      

Gulf Coast

  $7.41  $6.26  $1.15  18%

West

  $6.19  $5.38  $0.81  15%

East

  $8.09  $6.90  $1.19  17%

Canada

  $6.10  $5.95  $0.15  3%

Total Company

  $7.22  $6.16  $1.06  17%

Natural Gas Production Revenue (in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $176,888  $131,548  $45,340  34%

West

   106,953   93,229   13,724  15%

East

   142,248   108,109   34,139  32%

Canada

   10,842   4,866   5,976  123%
              

Total Company

  $436,931  $337,752  $99,179  29%
              

Price Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

      

(in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $27,461     

West

   14,071     

East

   20,949     

Canada

   270     
         

Total Company

  $62,751     
         

Volume Variance Impact on Natural Gas Production Revenue

      

(in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $17,879     

West

   (347)    

East

   13,190     

Canada

   5,706     
         

Total Company

  $36,428     
         

The increase in Natural Gas Production Revenue is due to the increase in natural gas sales prices and, to a lesser extent, the increase in natural gas production. Prices were higher in all regions and production increased in the Gulf Coast, East and Canada. Slightly decreased production in the West is due to natural declines as well as lower production on a small number of non-operated wells. The increase in the total realized natural gas price and production resulted in a net revenue increase of $99.2 million, excluding the unrealized impact of derivative instruments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, natural gas volumes from the properties sold in the third quarter disposition were 9,143 Mmcf and natural gas revenues from those properties were approximately $70.9 million.

Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
   2006  2005  Amount  Percent 

Sales Price ($/Mcf)

  $8.13  $7.82  $0.31  4%

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

   8,292   7,773   519  7%
            

Brokered Natural Gas Revenues (in thousands)

  $67,389  $60,768    
            

Purchase Price ($/Mcf)

  $7.23  $6.89  $0.34  5%

Volume Brokered (Mmcf)

   8,292   7,773   519  7%
            

Brokered Natural Gas Cost (in thousands)

  $59,924  $53,549    
            

Brokered Natural Gas Margin (in thousands)

  $7,465  $7,219  $246  3%
              

(in thousands)

       

Sales Price Variance Impact on Revenue

  $2,562      

Volume Variance Impact on Revenue

   4,059      
          
  $6,621      
          

(in thousands)

       

Purchase Price Variance Impact on Purchases

  $(2,799)     

Volume Variance Impact on Purchases

   (3,576)     
          
  $(6,375)     
          

The increased brokered natural gas margin of $0.2 million is driven by an increase in brokered volumes partially offset by an increased purchase cost that outpaced the increase in sales price.

Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues

Our average total company realized crude oil sales price is $66.42 per Bbl for the first nine months of 2006. There is no realized impact of derivative instruments in the first nine months of 2006. Our average total company realized crude oil sales price, including the realized impact of derivative instruments, is $43.92 per Bbl for the first nine months of 2005. The 2005 price includes the realized impact of derivative instrument settlements which reduced the price by $8.93 per Bbl. The following table excludes the unrealized loss from the change in derivative fair value of $1.9 million for the first nine months of 2005. There is no unrealized impact from the change in derivative fair value for the first nine months of 2006. The unrealized change in fair value has been included in Crude Oil and Condensate Revenues in the Statement of Operations.

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
  Variance 
   2006  2005  Amount  Percent 

Crude Oil Production (Mbbl)

      

Gulf Coast

   1,020   1,189   (169) (14)%

West

   162   123   39  32%

East

   19   20   (1) (5)%

Canada

   8   14   (6) (43)%
              

Total Company

   1,209   1,346   (137) (10)%
              

Crude Oil Sales Price ($/Bbl)

      

Gulf Coast

  $66.71  $42.72  $23.99  56%

West

  $64.99  $54.21  $10.78  20%

East

  $63.29  $52.98  $10.31  19%

Canada

  $65.90  $42.23  $23.67  56%

Total Company

  $66.42  $43.92  $22.50  51%

Crude Oil Revenue (in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $67,967  $50,804  $17,163  34%

West

   10,545   6,651   3,894  59%

East

   1,220   1,074   146  14%

Canada

   551   586   (35) (6)%
              

Total Company

  $80,283  $59,115  $21,168  36%
              

Price Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

      

(in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $24,397     

West

   1,804     

East

   167     

Canada

   198     
         

Total Company

  $26,566     
         

Volume Variance Impact on Crude Oil Revenue

      

(in thousands)

      

Gulf Coast

  $(7,234)    

West

   2,090     

East

   (21)    

Canada

   (233)    
         

Total Company

  $(5,398)    
         

The increase in the realized crude oil price combined with the decline in production resulted in a net revenue increase of $21.2 million, excluding the unrealized impact of derivative instruments. The decrease in oil production is primarily the result of decreased Gulf Coast production from the continued natural decline of the CL&F lease in south Louisiana, which was sold in the third quarter of 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2006, crude oil and condensate volumes from the properties sold in the third quarter disposition were 634 Mbbl and crude oil and condensate revenues from those properties were approximately $42.8 million.

Impact of Derivative Instruments on Operating Revenues

The following table reflects the realized impact of cash settlements and the net unrealized change in fair value of derivative instruments:

   

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
   2006  2005 
   Realized  Unrealized  Realized  Unrealized 
   (In thousands) 

Operating Revenues - Increase/(Decrease) to Revenue

       

Cash Flow Hedges

       

Natural Gas Production

  $17,166  $—    $(40,211) $(186)

Crude Oil

   —     —     (1,552)  (103)
                 

Total Cash Flow Hedges

   17,166   —     (41,763)  (289)

Other Derivative Financial Instruments

       

Crude Oil

   —     —     (10,470)  (1,762)
                 

Total Other Derivative Financial Instruments

   —     —     (10,470)  (1,762)
                 
  $17,166  $—    $(52,233) $(2,051)
                 

We are exposed to market risk on derivative instruments to the extent of changes in market prices of natural gas and oil. However, the market risk exposure on these derivative contracts is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity.

Other Operating Revenues

Other operating revenues increased by $3.6 million between the first nine months of 2006 and the first nine months of 2005 primarily due to an increase in net profits interest that originated in 2006 as well as a decrease in our payout liability associated with a favorable legal ruling in the first quarter of 2006. This variance also results, to a lesser extent, from changes in our wellhead gas imbalances over the previous year period.

Operating Expenses

Total costs and expenses from operations increased $47.0 million in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the same period of 2005. The primary reasons for this fluctuation are as follows:

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization increased by $17.5 million in the first nine months of 2006. This is primarily due to increased production for the first nine months of 2006, an increase in finding costs and an increase in the DD&Aqualified production activities deduction rate associated with one field in East Texas as well as the commencement of offshore production in late 2005.

Direct Operations expense increased by $12.3 million over the first nine months of 2005. This is primarily the result of an increase over the prior year period in outside operated properties expense, compressor expense, workovers, treating and disposal costs, as well as expenses for incentive compensation and personnel related charges. The increase in outside operated properties expense resulted from increases in the Gulf Coast region, largely from accruals relatedthree percent to repairs on a plant damaged by the hurricanes that occurred in 2005 and also, to a lesser extent, in the West region.

General and Administrative expense increased by $10.7 million in the first nine months of 2006. This increase is primarily due to increased stock compensation costs of $5.0 million. During the first nine months of 2006, performance share and restricted stock amortization expense increased by $2.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, primarily due to new grants issued in 2006 and changes in the accounting for the value of performance shares. For the first nine months of the year, expense related to SARs, which were granted for the first time in 2006, and stock options, which are being expensed in 2006 due to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), increased by $0.9 million in total. In addition, there is an increase in litigation expense and incentive compensation related to employee bonuses over the first nine months of the prior year.

Taxes Other Than Income increased by $7.4 million compared to the first nine months of 2005, primarily due to increased production taxes as a result of increased commodity prices as well as an increase in ad valorem taxes and, to a lesser extent, franchise taxes.

Brokered Natural Gas Cost increased by $6.4 million from the first nine months of 2005 to the first nine months of 2006. See the preceding table labeled “Brokered Natural Gas Revenue and Cost” for further analysis.

Exploration expense decreased by $7.4 million in the first nine months of 2006, primarily as a result of decreased dry hole expense of $9.1 million, mainly as a result of a decrease in the Gulf Coast attributable to a more successful drilling program in the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005 and, to a lesser extent, better success in Canada, partially offset by an increase in dry hole expense in the West region. Partially offsetting this overall decrease in dry hole expense is an increase in employee expenses for salaries and benefits of approximately $0.8 million for employees in this division as well as increased delay rental expenses of $0.4 million.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net increased $4.0 million in the first nine months of 2006 due to higher credit facility borrowings as well as an increasing interest rate environment. Weighted average borrowings based on daily balances were approximately $81 million during the first nine months of 2006 compared to $49 million during the first nine months of 2005.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increased by $112.3 million due to a comparable increase in our pre-tax income, primarily as a result of the gain on the sale of assets recorded in the third quarter of 2006. The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005 is 36.4% and 37.2%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the recognition of a change in the Texas state income tax rate due to a change in the tax law in May 2006. In addition, there was a change in the overall blended state income tax rate due to sale in the third quarter of 2006 of certain south Louisiana and offshore properties.six percent.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2006,2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS(SFAS) No. 155, “Accounting159, “The Fair Value Option for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments-an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140.” SFAS No. 155 amends SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments ofFinancial Liabilities,” and also resolves issues addressed in SFAS No. 133 Implementation Issue No. D1, “Application of Statement 133 to Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.” SFAS No. 155 was issued to eliminate the exemption from applying SFAS No. 133 to interests in securitized financial assets so that similar instruments are accounted for in a similar fashion, regardless of the instrument’s form. We do not believe that our financial position, results of operations or cash flows will be impacted by SFAS No. 155 as we do not currently hold any hybrid financial instruments.

In July 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation (FIN) No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an interpretation including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 109.115,This Interpretation provides guidancewhich permits companies to choose, at specified dates, to measure certain eligible financial instruments at fair value. The objective of this Statement is to reduce volatility in preparer reporting that may be caused as a result of measuring related financial assets and liabilities differently and to expand the use of fair value measurements. The provisions of the Statement apply only to entities that elect to use the fair value option and to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities. Additional disclosures are also required for recognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions, as defined ininstruments for which the fair value option is elected. SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 prescribes a two-step process for accounting for income tax uncertainties. First, a threshold condition of “more likely than not” should be met to determine whether any of the benefit of the uncertain tax position should be recognized in the financial statements. If the recognition threshold is met, FIN 48 provides additional guidance on measuring the amount of the uncertain tax position. Guidance is also provided regarding derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, interim period accounting, transition and disclosure of these uncertain tax positions. FIN 48159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after DecemberNovember 15, 2006.2007. No retrospective application is allowed, except for companies that choose to adopt early. At the effective date, companies may elect the fair value option for eligible items that exist at that date, and the effect of the first remeasurement to fair value must be reported as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. We are currently evaluating thewhat impact SFAS No. 159, if any, that this Interpretationadopted, may have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.operations.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” which establishes a formal framework for measuring fair values of assets and liabilities in financial statements that are already required by U.SUnited States. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 157 clarifies guidance in FASB Concepts Statement (CON) No. 7 which discusses present value techniques in measuring fair value. Additional disclosures are also required for transactions measured at fair value. No new fair value measurements are prescribed, and SFAS No. 157 is intended to codify the several definitions of fair value included in various accounting standards. However, the application of this Statement may change current practices for certain companies. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating what impact SFAS No. 157 may have on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).” SFAS No. 158 requires recognition of the funded status of a benefit plan in the balance sheet and the recognition through other comprehensive income of gains, losses, prior service costs and credits, net of tax, arising during the period but not included as a component of periodic benefit cost. In addition, the measurement date of plan assets and obligations must be as of a Company’s balance sheet date. Additional disclosures in the notes to the financial statements will also be required and guidance is prescribed regarding the selection of discount rates to be used in measuring the benefit obligation. For public companies, the effective date of SFAS No. 158 is as of the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2006. The effective date of the new measurement date provision is for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008; however, our measurement date is currently its balance sheet date, so no change will be required. We plan to adopt this standard using the prospective transition method of adoption effective with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. The anticipated incremental effect of SFAS No. 158 is to increase our total liabilities and total assets by $18.7 million and $7.1 million, respectively, and to decrease total stockholders’ equity by $11.6 million based on actuarial reports as of September 30, 2006.

In September 2006, the SEC Staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements,” in an effort to address diversity in the accounting practice of quantifying misstatements and the potential for improper amounts on the balance sheet. Prior to the issuance of SAB No. 108, the two methods used for quantifying the effects of financial statement errors were the “roll-over” and “iron curtain” methods. Under the “roll-over” method, the primary focus is the income statement, including the reversing effect of prior year misstatements. The criticism of this method is that misstatements can accumulate on the balance sheet. On the other hand, the “iron curtain” method focuses on the effect of correcting the ending balance sheet, with less importance on the reversing effects of prior year errors in the income statement. SAB No. 108 establishes a “dual approach” which requires the quantification of the effect of financial statement errors on each financial statement, as well as related disclosures. Public companies are required to record the cumulative effect of initially adopting the “dual approach” method in the first year ending after November 16, 2006 by recording any necessary corrections to asset and liability balances with an offsetting adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The use of this cumulative effect transition method also requires detailed disclosures of the nature and amount of each error being corrected and how and when they arose. We are currently evaluating the impact that SAB No. 108 may have on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.operations.

Forward-Looking Information

The statements regarding future financial performance and results, market prices and the other statements which are not historical facts contained in this report are forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “budget,” “plan,” “forecast,” “predict” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, market factors, market prices (including regional basis differentials) of natural gas and oil, results for future drilling and marketing activity, future production and costs and other factors detailed herein and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

ITEM 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity

Our hedging strategy is designed to reduce the risk of price volatility for our production in the natural gas and crude oil markets. A hedging committee that consists of members of senior management oversees our hedging activity. Our hedging arrangements apply to only a portion of our production and provide only partial price protection. These hedging arrangements limit the benefit to us of increases in prices, but offer protection in the event of price declines. Further, if our counterparties defaulted, this protection might be limited as we might not receive the benefits of the hedges. Please read the discussion below and Note 7 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a more detailed discussion of our hedging arrangements.

Hedges on Production – Options

From time to time, we enter into natural gas and crude oil collar agreements with counterparties to hedge price risk associated with a portion of our production. These cash flow hedges are not held for trading purposes. Under the collar arrangements, if the index price rises above the ceiling price, we pay the counterparty. If the index price falls below the floor price, the counterparty pays us. During the first ninethree months of 2006,2007, natural gas price collars covered 20,32810,487 Mmcf, or 34%53%, of our 2006first quarter 2007 gas production, with a weighted average floor of $8.25$8.99 per Mcf and a weighted average ceiling of $12.74$12.19 per Mcf.

At September 30, 2006,March 31, 2007, we had open natural gas price collar contracts covering a portion of our 20062007 and 2008 production as follows:

    Natural Gas Price Collars 

Contract Period

  Volume
in
Mmcf
  

Weighted

Average
Ceiling / Floor 
(per Mcf)

  Net Unrealized
Gain / (Loss)
(In thousands)
 

As of March 31, 2007

      

Second Quarter 2007

  10,604  $12.19 / $8.99  

Third Quarter 2007

  10,721   12.19 /   8.99  

Fourth Quarter 2007

  10,721   12.19 /   8.99  
            

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007

  32,046  $12.19 / $8.99  $30,032 
            

First Quarter 2008

  1,637  $11.15 / $8.62  

Second Quarter 2008

  1,637   11.15 /   8.62  

Third Quarter 2008

  1,655   11.15 /   8.62  

Fourth Quarter 2008

  1,655   11.15 /   8.62  
            

Full Year 2008

  6,584  $11.15 / $8.62  $(650)
            

During the first three months of 2007, a crude oil price collar covered 90 Mbbls, or 44%, of our first quarter 2007 oil production, with a floor of $60.00 per Bbl and a ceiling of $80.00 per Bbl.

At March 31, 2007, we had one open crude oil price collar contract covering a portion of our 2007 production as follows:

 

   Natural Gas Price Collars

Contract Period

  Volume
in
Mmcf
  

Weighted

Average
Ceiling /Floor (
per Mcf)

  

Net Unrealized

Gain

(In thousands)

As of September 30, 2006

      

Fourth Quarter 2006

  6,851  $12.74 / $8.25  
        

Three Months Ended December 31, 2006

  6,851  $12.74 / $8.25  $16,670
          

First Quarter 2007

  8,444  $12.45 / $9.09  

Second Quarter 2007

  8,538  12.45 / 9.09  

Third Quarter 2007

  8,632  12.45 / 9.09  

Fourth Quarter 2007

  8,632  12.45 / 9.09  
        

Full Year 2007

  34,246  $12.45 /$9.09  $51,257
          

During the first nine months of 2006, crude oil price collars covered 273 Mbbls, or 23%, of our 2006 oil production, with a weighted average floor of $50.00 per Bbl and a weighted average ceiling of $76.00 per Bbl.

At September 30, 2006, we had open crude oil price collar contracts covering our 2006 and 2007 production as follows:

   Crude Oil Price Collar 

Contract Period

  Volume
in
Mbbl
  

Weighted

Average

Ceiling /Floor (per Bbl)

  

Net Unrealized

(Loss) / Gain

(In thousands)

 

As of September 30, 2006

      

Fourth Quarter 2006

  92  $76.00 / $50.00  
        

Three Months Ended December 31, 2006

  92  $76.00 / $50.00  $(16)
           

First Quarter 2007

  90  $80.00 / $60.00  

Second Quarter 2007

  91  80.00 / 60.00  

Third Quarter 2007

  92  80.00 / 60.00  

Fourth Quarter 2007

  92  80.00 / 60.00  
        

Full Year 2007

  365  $80.00 / $60.00  $212 
           
    Crude Oil Price Collar

Contract Period

  Volume
in
Mbbl
  Ceiling / Floor
(per Bbl)
  

Net Unrealized
Gain

(In thousands)

As of March 31, 2007

      

Second Quarter 2007

  91  $80.00 / $60.00  

Third Quarter 2007

  92   80.00 /   60.00  

Fourth Quarter 2007

  92   80.00 /   60.00  
           

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2007

  275  $80.00 / $60.00  $35
           

We are exposed to market risk on these open contracts, to the extent of changes in market prices of natural gas and crude oil. However, the market risk exposure on these hedged contracts is generally offset by the gain or loss recognized upon the ultimate sale of the commodity that is hedged.

The preceding paragraphs contain forward-looking information concerning future production and projected gains and losses, which may be impacted both by production and by changes in the future market prices of energy commodities. See “Forward-Looking Information” for further details.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

ITEM 4.Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the current reported period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective, in all material respects, with respect to the recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms, of information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act.

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

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings

ITEM 1.Legal Proceedings

The information set forth under the captionscaption “West Virginia Royalty Litigation,” “Texas Title Litigation” and “Raymondville Area” in Note 6 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is incorporated by reference in response to this item.

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

ITEM 1A.Risk Factors

For additional information about the risk factors facing the Company, see Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.2006.

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

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period

  

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

  

Average

Price Paid

per Share

  

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased as

Part of

Publicly

Announced

Plans or

Programs

  

Maximum

Number

of Shares that

May Yet Be

Purchased

Under the

Plans or

Programs

July 2006

  —    $—    —    819,950

August 2006

  —    $—    —    819,950

September 2006

  422,300  $45.71  422,300  397,650
         

Total

  422,300  $45.71    
         

In August 1998, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of two million shares of the Company’sits common stock in the open market or in negotiated transactions. As a result of the 3-for-2 stock split effected in March 2005, this figure was adjusted to three million shares. In October 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors increased the number of shares of our common stock authorized for repurchase by an additional two million shares for a total of five million shares. As a result of the 2-for-1 stock split effected in March 2007, this figure was adjusted to 10 million shares. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. All purchases executed to date have been through open market transactions. There is no expiration date associated with the authorization to repurchase securities of the Company.

On October 26, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors increased thethese securities. The maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan as of common stock authorized for repurchase by an additional two million shares.March 31, 2007 was 4,795,300.

ITEM 6. Exhibits

ITEM 6.Exhibits

 

* 10.14.2  PurchaseBy-laws as amended and Salerestated May 2, 2007
4.3Rights Agreement dated August 25, 2006as of March 28, 1991 between the Company and The First National Bank of Boston, as Rights Agent, as amended and restated as of December 8, 2000, which includes as Exhibit A the form of Certificate of Designation of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Form 8-K for December 21, 2000).
(a) Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of January 1, 2003 (The Bank of New York as rights agent).
(b) Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of March 30, 2007(regarding uncertified shares).
10.24Amendment to the Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation a Delaware corporation, Cody Energy LLC, a Colorado limited liability company, and Phoenix Exploration Company LP, a Delaware limited partnership (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 29, 2006).2004 Incentive Plan
15.1  Awareness letter of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
31.1  302 Certification - Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
31.2  302 Certification - Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
32.1  906 Certification

*Incorporated by reference as indicated

SIGNATURES

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

 

 CABOT OIL & GAS CORPORATION
 

(Registrant)

October 27, 2006May 2, 2007 By: 

/s/ Dan O. Dinges

  Dan O. Dinges
  Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
October 27, 2006May 2, 2007 By: 

/s/ Scott C. Schroeder

  Scott C. Schroeder
  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)
October 27, 2006May 2, 2007 By: 

/s/ Henry C. Smyth

  Henry C. Smyth
  Vice President, Controller and Treasurer
  (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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