The presence of one or a combination of these factors at our properties could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our future success will depend on the success of our exploratory drilling program. Oil and gas exploration involves a high degree of risk. These risks are more acute in the early stages of exploration. Our ability to produce revenue and our resulting financial performance are significantly affected by the prices we receive for oil and natural gas produced from wells on our acreage. Especially in recent years, the prices at which oil and natural gas trade in the open market have experienced significant volatility and will likely continue to fluctuate in the foreseeable future due to a variety of influences including, but not limited to, the following:
Our expenditures on exploration may not result in new discoveries of oil or natural gas in commercially viable quantities. Projecting the costs of implementing an exploratory drilling program is difficult due to the inherent uncertainties of drilling in unknown formations, the costs associated with encountering various drilling conditions, such as over-pressured zones and tools lost in the hole, and changes in drilling plans and locations as a result of prior exploratory wells or additional seismic data and interpretations thereof.
Even when used and properly interpreted, three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data and visualization techniques only assist geoscientists in identifying subsurface structures and hydrocarbon indicators. Such data and techniques do not allow the interpreter to know conclusively if hydrocarbons are present or economically producible. In addition, the use of three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data becomes less reliable when used at increasing depths. We could incur losses as a result of expenditures on unsuccessful wells. If exploration costs exceed our estimates, or if our exploration efforts do not produce results which meet our expectations, our exploration efforts may not be commercially successful, which could adversely impact our ability to generate revenues from our operations.
If we succeed in discovering oil and/or natural gas reserves, we cannot assure that these reserves will be capable of production levels we project or in sufficient quantities to be commercially viable. On a long-term basis, our viability depends on our ability to find or acquire, develop and commercially produce additional oil and natural gas reserves. Without the addition of reserves through acquisition, exploration or development activities, our reserves and production will decline over time as reserves are produced. Our future reserves will depend not only on our ability to develop then-existing properties, but also on our ability to identify and acquire additional suitable producing properties or prospects, to find markets for the oil and natural gas we develop and to effectively distribute our production into our markets.
Future oil and gas exploration may involve unprofitable efforts, not only from dry wells, but from wells that are productive but do not produce sufficient net revenues to return a profit after drilling, operating and other costs. Completion of a well does not assure a profit on the investment or recovery of drilling, completion and operating costs. In addition, drilling hazards or environmental damage could greatly increase the cost of operations, and various field operating conditions may adversely affect the production from successful wells. These conditions include delays in obtaining governmental approvals or consents, shut-downs of connected wells
resulting from extreme weather conditions, problems in storage and distribution and adverse geological and mechanical conditions. While we will endeavor to effectively manage these conditions, we cannot be assured of doing so optimally, and we will not be able to eliminate them completely in any case. Therefore, these conditions could diminish our revenue and cash flow levels and result in the impairment of our oil and natural gas interests.
Estimates of oil and natural gas reserves that we make may be inaccurate and our actual revenues may be lower than our financial projections.
We will make estimates of oil and natural gas reserves, upon which we will base our financial projections. We will make these reserve estimates using various assumptions, including assumptions as to oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. Some of these assumptions are inherently subjective, and the accuracy of our reserve estimates relies in part on the ability of our management team, engineers and other advisors to make accurate assumptions. Economic factors beyond our control, such as interest rates, will also impact the value of our reserves.
Determining the amount of oil and gas recoverable from various formations where we have exploration and production activities involves great uncertainty. For example, in 2006, the North Dakota Industrial Commission published an article that identified three different estimates of generated oil recoverable from the Bakken formation. An organic chemist estimated 50% of the reserves in the Bakken formation to be technically recoverable, an oil company estimated a recovery factor of 18%, and values presented in the North Dakota Industrial Commission Oil and Gas Hearings ranged from 3 to 10%.
The process of estimating oil and natural gas reserves is complex and will require us to use significant decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of available geological, geophysical, engineering and economic data for each property. As a result, our reserve estimates will be inherently imprecise. Actual future production, oil and natural gas prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and quantities of recoverable oil and natural gas reserves may vary substantially from those we estimate. If actual production results vary substantially from our reserve estimates, this could materially reduce our revenues and result in the impairment of our oil and natural gas interests.
Drilling new wells could result in new liabilities, which could endanger our interests in our properties and assets.
There are risks associated with the drilling of oil and natural gas wells, including encountering unexpected formations or pressures, premature declines of reservoirs, blow-outs, craterings, sour gas releases, fires and spills, among others. The occurrence of any of these events could significantly reduce our revenues or cause substantial losses, impairing our future operating results. We may become subject to liability for pollution, blow-outs or other hazards. We intend to obtain insurance with respect to these hazards; however, such insurance has limitations on liability that may not be sufficient to cover the full extent of such liabilities. The payment of such liabilities could reduce the funds available to us or could, in an extreme case, result in a total loss of our properties and assets. Moreover, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates that are considered reasonable. Oil and natural gas production operations are also subject to all the risks typically associated with such operations, including premature decline of reservoirs and the invasion of water into producing formations.
Decommissioning costs are unknown and may be substantial. Unplanned costs could divert resources from other projects.
We may become responsible for costs associated with abandoning and reclaiming wells, facilities and pipelines which we use for production of oil and natural gas reserves. Abandonment and reclamation of these facilities and the costs associated therewith is often referred to as “decommissioning.” We accrue a liability for decommissioning costs associated with our wells, but have not established any cash reserve account for these potential costs in respect of any of our properties. If decommissioning is required before economic depletion of our properties or if our estimates of the costs of decommissioning exceed the value of the reserves remaining at any particular time to cover such decommissioning costs, we may have to draw on funds from other sources to satisfy such costs. The use of other funds to satisfy such decommissioning costs could impair our ability to focus capital investment in other areas of our business.
We may have difficulty distributing our production, which could harm our financial condition.
In order to sell the oil and natural gas that we are able to produce, the operators of our wells may have to make arrangements for storage and distribution to the market. We will rely on local infrastructure and the availability of transportation for storage and shipment of our products, but infrastructure development and storage and transportation facilities may be insufficient for our needs at commercially acceptable terms in the localities in which we operate. This situation could be particularly problematic to the extent that our operations are conducted in remote areas that are difficult to access, such as areas that are distant from shipping and/or pipeline
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facilities. These factors may affect our ability to explore and develop properties and to store and transport our oil and natural gas production and may increase our expenses.
Furthermore, weather conditions or natural disasters, actions by companies doing business in one or more of the areas in which we will operate, or labor disputes may impair the distribution of oil and/or natural gas and in turn diminish our financial condition or ability to maintain our operations.
Environmental risks may adversely affect our business.
All phases of the oil and gas business present environmental risks and hazards and are subject to environmental regulation pursuant to a variety of federal, state and municipal laws and regulations. Environmental legislation provides for, among other things, restrictions and prohibitions on spills, releases or emissions of various substances produced in association with oil and gas operations. The legislation also requires that wells and facility sites be operated, maintained, abandoned and reclaimed to the satisfaction of applicable regulatory authorities. Compliance with such legislation can require significant expenditures, and a breach may result in the imposition of fines and penalties, some of which may be material. Environmental legislation is evolving in a manner we expect may result in stricter standards and enforcement, larger fines and liability and potentially increased capital expenditures and operating costs. The discharge of oil, natural gas or other pollutants into the air, soil or water may give rise to liabilities to governments and third parties and may require us to incur costs to remedy such discharge. The application of environmental laws to our business may cause us to curtail our production or increase the costs of our production, development or exploration activities.
Our business will suffer if we cannot obtain or maintain necessary licenses.
Our operations will require licenses, permits and in some cases renewals of licenses and permits from various governmental authorities. Our ability to obtain, sustain or renew such licenses and permits on acceptable terms is subject to change in regulations and policies and to the discretion of the applicable governments, among other factors. Our inability to obtain, or our loss of or denial of extension of, any of these licenses or permits could hamper our ability to produce revenues from our operations.
Challenges to our properties may impact our financial condition.
Title to oil and gas interests is often not capable of conclusive determination without incurring substantial expense. While we intend to make appropriate inquiries into the title of properties and other development rights we acquire, title defects may exist. In addition, we may be unable to obtain adequate insurance for title defects, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all. If title defects do exist, it is possible that we may lose all or a portion of our right, title and interests in and to the properties to which the title defects relate. If our property rights are reduced, our ability to conduct our exploration, development and production activities may be impaired. To mitigate title problems, common industry practice is to obtain a Title Opinion from a qualified oil and gas attorney prior to the drilling operations of a well.
We will rely on technology to conduct our business, and our technology could become ineffective or obsolete.
We rely on technology, including geographic and seismic analysis techniques and economic models, to develop our reserve estimates and to guide our exploration, development and production activities. We will be required to continually enhance and update our technology to maintain its efficacy and to avoid obsolescence. The costs of doing so may be substantial and may be higher than the costs that we anticipate for technology maintenance and development. If we are unable to maintain the efficacy of our technology, our ability to manage our business and to compete may be impaired. Further, even if we are able to maintain technical effectiveness, our technology may not be the most efficient means of reaching our objectives, in which case we may incur higher operating costs than we would were our technology more efficient.
Risks Related to our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock is, and is likely to continue to be, highly volatile and subject to wide fluctuations.
The market price of our common stock is likely to continue to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including:
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| • | dilution caused by our issuance of additional shares of common stock and other forms of equity securities, which we expect to make in connection with future capital financings to fund our operations and growth, to attract and retain valuable personnel and in connection with future strategic partnerships with other companies; |
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| • | announcements of new acquisitions, reserve discoveries or other business initiatives by our competitors; |
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| • | our ability to take advantage of new acquisitions, reserve discoveries or other business initiatives; |
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| • | fluctuations in revenue from our oil and gas business as new reserves come to market; |
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| • | changes in the market for oil and natural gas commodities and/or in the capital markets generally; |
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| • | changes in the demand for oil and natural gas, including changes resulting from the introduction or expansion of alternative fuels; |
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| • | quarterly variations in our revenues and operating expenses; |
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| • | changes in the valuation of similarly situated companies, both in our industry and in other industries; |
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| • | changes in analysts’ estimates affecting our company, our competitors and/or our industry; |
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| • | changes in the accounting methods used in or otherwise affecting our industry; |
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| • | additions and departures of key personnel; |
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| • | announcements of technological innovations or new products available to the oil and gas industry; |
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| • | announcements by relevant governments pertaining to incentives for alternative energy development programs; |
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| • | fluctuations in interest rates and the availability of capital in the capital markets; and |
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| • | significant sales of our common stock, including sales by selling stockholders following the registration of shares under a prospectus. |
Some of these and other factors are largely beyond our control, and the impact of these risks, singly or in the aggregate, may result in material adverse changes to the market price of our common stock and/or our results of operations and financial condition.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly, and these fluctuations may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
Our operating results will likely vary in the future primarily as the result of fluctuations in our revenues and operating expenses, including the coming to market of oil and natural gas reserves that we are able to discover and develop, expenses that we incur, the prices of oil and natural gas in the commodities markets and other factors. If our results of operations do not meet the expectations of current or potential investors, the price of our common stock may decline.
Stockholders will experience dilution upon the exercise of options and issuance of common stock under our incentive plans.
As ofNovember 15, 2010, we had authorized the issuance of up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock underlying options that may be granted, of which options for 1,660,000 shares of common stock had already been granted, and of those granted,265,963remain outstanding, pursuant to our 2006 Incentive Stock Option Plan. On January 30, 2009, our Board of Directors also adopted the 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, pursuant to which we may issue up to 3,000,000 shares of our common stock either upon exercise of stock options granted under such plan or through restricted stock awards under such plan. As of November 15, 2010, we had issued 1,670,000 shares of common stock pursuant to our 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. No options have been issued under our 2009 Equity Incentive Plan. If the holders of outstanding options exercise those options or our Compensation Committee determines to grant additional restricted stock awards under our incentive plan, stockholders may experience dilution in the net tangible book value of our common stock. Further, the sale or availability for sale of the underlying shares in the marketplace could depress our stock price.
We do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.
We do not intend to declare dividends for the foreseeable future, as we anticipate that we will reinvest any future earnings in the development and growth of our business. Therefore, investors will not receive any funds unless they sell their common stock, and stockholders may be unable to sell their shares on favorable terms or at all. Investors cannot be assured of a positive return on investment or that they will not lose the entire amount of their investment in our common stock.
We may issue additional stock without shareholder consent.
Our Board of Directors has authority, without action or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of our authorized but unissued shares. Additional shares may be issued in connection with future financing, acquisitions, employee stock plans, or otherwise. Any such issuance will dilute the percentage ownership of existing shareholders. We are also currently authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock. The Board of Directors can issue preferred stock in one or more series and fix the terms of
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such stock without shareholder approval. Preferred stock may include the right to vote as a series on particular matters, preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion and redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. The issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect the rights of the holders of common stock and reduce the value of the common stock. In addition, specific rights granted to holders of preferred stock could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of our company, even if doing so would benefit our stockholders, and could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors of your choosing and to cause us to take other corporate actions you desire.
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $147.4 million (assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option), based on an assumed offering price of $19.22 per share, which was the last reported sale price of our common stock on November 15, 2010.
We expect to use the net proceeds from this offering to continue to pursue acquisition opportunities, to fund our accelerated drilling program and for other working capital purposes. Currently, we have no commitments or agreements regarding any acquisitions or investments that are material. Pending their ultimate use, we intend to invest the net proceeds from this offering in money market funds and government debt securities.
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of September 30, 2010:
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| • | on an actual basis; and |
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| • | on an as adjusted basis to give effect to our sale of 8,000,000 shares of common stock, which excludes the 1,200,000 shares of common stock subject to the underwriter’s over-allotment option, at an assumed public offering price of $19.22 per share, which was the last reported sale price for our common stock on November 15, 2010, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses payable by us. |
The information set forth in the following table should be read in conjunction with and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the audited and unaudited financial statements and notes thereto incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
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| | As of September 30, 2010 | |
| | Actual | | | As Adjusted | |
| | (In thousands) | |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | | $ | 39,487 | | | $ | 186,847 | |
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Long-Term Debt: | | $ | 400 | | | $ | 400 | |
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Stockholders’ Equity: | | | | | | | | |
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Common Stock, Par Value $0.001; 100,000,000 shares authorized | | | | | | | | |
Actual — 51,596,849 shares outstanding | | | | | | | | |
As adjusted — 59,596,849 shares outstanding | | $ | 52 | | | $ | 60 | |
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Additional Paid In Capital | | | 223,848 | | | | 371,200 | |
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Retained Earnings | | | 9,510 | | | | 9,510 | |
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Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | | | (987 | ) | | | (987 | ) |
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Total Stockholders’ Equity | | $ | 232,423 | | | $ | 379,783 | |
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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
Our common stock currently trades on the NYSE Amex Equities Market under the symbol “NOG.” The last reported sales price of our common stock on the NYSE Amex Equities Market on November 15, 2010 was $19.22 per share.
Prior to our listing on the NYSE Amex Equities Market, our common stock was listed on the OTC Bulletin Board commencing on January 19, 2006, under the symbol KNTX, but no active trading occurred prior to approximately December 2006. Effective April 3, 2007, our trading symbol was changed to NOGS.OB. Our common stock commenced trading on the American Stock Exchange (AMEX) on March 26, 2008.
The high and low sales prices for shares of common stock of our company for each quarter of 2008, 2009 and 2010 (to date) are set forth below.
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| | Sales Price | |
| | High | | | Low | |
2010 | | | | | | | | |
First Quarter | | $ | 16.23 | | | $ | 10.47 | |
Second Quarter | | $ | 18.00 | | | $ | 11.72 | |
Third Quarter | | $ | 17.11 | | | $ | 11.95 | |
Fourth Quarter (through November 15, 2010) | | $ | 21.98 | | | $ | 16.98 | |
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2009 | | | | | | | | |
First Quarter | | $ | 4.24 | | | $ | 2.01 | |
Second Quarter | | $ | 8.89 | | | $ | 3.40 | |
Third Quarter | | $ | 8.44 | | | $ | 4.74 | |
Fourth Quarter | | $ | 12.66 | | | $ | 7.65 | |
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2008 | | | | | | | | |
First Quarter | | $ | 7.30 | | | $ | 5.65 | |
Second Quarter | | $ | 16.40 | | | $ | 6.95 | |
Third Quarter | | $ | 14.00 | | | $ | 5.14 | |
Fourth Quarter | | $ | 8.13 | | | $ | 2.05 | |
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES
Common Stock
Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of 95,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of which 51,596,849 shares were outstanding as of November 15, 2010. Holders of common stock have no cumulative voting rights. Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to share ratably in dividends, if any, as may be declared, from time to time by the board of directors in its discretion, from funds legally available to be distributed. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of shares of common stock are entitled to share pro rata all assets remaining after payment in full of all liabilities. Holders of common stock have no preemptive rights to purchase our common stock. There are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to the common stock. All of the outstanding shares of common stock are validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
Preferred Stock
Our articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share, of which no shares were outstanding as of November 15, 2010. The shares of preferred stock will be issuable from time to time in one or more series, as determined by our Board of Directors and the Board of Directors will have the authority to determine and fix the number of shares, voting rights, designations, powers, preferences and other rights and restrictions of one or more series of preferred stock.
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Securities Convertible into Common Stock
As of November 15, 2010, we had outstanding warrants to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock at $5.00 per share issued to CIT Group/Equity Investments, Inc., and outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of 265,963 shares of common stock at $5.18 per share issued to members of our board of directors pursuant to our stock option plan. The outstanding warrant is exercisable at any time up to and including February 27, 2012 and each of the options issued to our directors is exercisable at any time up to and including November 1, 2017. We do not otherwise have outstanding any warrants, preferred stock or other securities convertible into shares of our common stock.
UNDERWRITING
Under the terms and subject to the conditions in an underwriting agreement dated November , 2010, we have agreed to sell to each of the underwriters named below, for whom Canaccord Genuity Inc. is acting as book-running manager, the number of shares listed opposite its respective name.
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Underwriter | | | Number of Shares | |
Canaccord Genuity Inc. | | | | |
Canaccord Genuity Corp. | | | | |
Howard Weil Incorporated | | | | |
Total | | | 8,000,000 | |
The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters are obligated to purchase all of the shares of our common stock in this offering if any are purchased, other than those shares covered by the over-allotment option described below. The underwriters are offering the shares of our common stock, when, as and if issued to and accepted by it, subject to approval of legal matters by its counsel, including the validity of the common stock and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates’ and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part. The shares will be offered in the United States and Canada through the underwriters either directly or through their respective United States or Canada broker-dealer affiliates or agents, as applicable.
The underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase up to 1,200,000 additional shares of common stock from us at the public offering price less the underwriting discount, as set forth in the table below. This option may be exercised only to cover over-allotments, if any, of our common stock.
The following table summarizes the compensation that we will pay to the underwriters. The compensation we will pay to the underwriters will consist solely of the underwriting discount, which is equal to the public offering price per share of common stock less the amount the underwriters pay to us per share of common stock. The underwriters have not received and will not receive from us any other item of compensation or expense in connection with this offering considered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority to be underwriting compensation under its rule of fair price. The underwriting discount was determined through arms-length negotiations between us and the underwriters.
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| | | | | | Total | |
| | Per Share | | | With no over-allotment | | | With full over-allotment | |
Underwriting discount | | $ | | | | $ | | | | $ | | |
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We estimate that the expenses payable by us in connection with this offering, other than the underwriting discount, will be approximately $250,000. Expenses include the fees and expenses of our accountants and attorneys, the fees of our registrar and transfer agent, the cost of printing this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus and filing fees paid to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
We have agreed, and our directors and executive officers have agreed, to certain restrictions on our and their ability to sell additional shares of our common stock for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus. During such period, we have agreed, and our directors and executive officers have agreed, not to directly or indirectly offer for sale, sell, contract to sell, grant any option for the sale of, or otherwise issue or dispose of, any shares of common stock, options or warrants to acquire shares of common stock, or any related security or instrument, without the prior written consent of Canaccord Genuity Inc. The agreements provide exceptions
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for (i) sales to the underwriters pursuant to the purchase agreement, (ii) sales in connection with the exercise of options granted and (iii) certain other exceptions.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
The shares of our common stock are traded on the NYSE Amex Equities Market under the symbol “NOG.”
To facilitate the offering, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment transactions, stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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| • | Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. |
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| • | Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase shares of our common stock so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. |
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| • | Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of our common stock in the open market after the distribution has been complete to cover syndicate short positions. |
Stabilizing transactions and syndicate covering transactions may cause the price of our common stock to be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the NYSE Amex Equities Market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
In the ordinary course of business, the underwriters and their affiliates may in the future engage in investment banking or other transactions of a financial nature with us, including the provision of certain advisory services to us or financing transactions for which they may in the future receive customary compensation.
INDEMNIFICATION
We are subject to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 302A, the Minnesota Business Corporation Act (the “Corporation Act”). Section 302A.521 of the Corporation Act provides in substance that, unless prohibited by its articles of incorporation or bylaws, a corporation must indemnify an officer or director who is made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding by reason of the former or present official capacity of the person against judgments, penalties, fines, including, without limitation, excise taxes assessed against the person with respect to an employee benefit plan, settlements, and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees and disbursements, incurred by such person in connection with the proceeding, if certain criteria are met. These criteria, all of which must be met by the person seeking indemnification, are (a) that such person has not been indemnified by another organization or employee benefit plan for the same judgments, penalties, fines, including, without limitation, excise taxes assessed against the person with respect to an employee benefit plan, settlements, and reasonable expenses, including attorneys’ fees and disbursements, incurred by the person in connection with the proceeding with respect to the same acts or omissions; (b) that such person must have acted in good faith; (c) that no improper personal benefit was obtained by such person and such person satisfied certain statutory conflicts of interest provisions, if applicable; (d) that in the case of a criminal proceeding, such person had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful; and (e) that, in the case of acts or omissions occurring in such person’s performance in an official capacity, such person must have acted in a manner such person reasonably believed was in the best interests of the corporation or, in certain limited circumstances, not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. In addition, Section 302A.521, subd. 3, requires payment by the registrant, upon written request, of reasonable expenses in advance of final disposition in certain instances. A decision as to required indemnification is made by a majority of the disinterested board of directors present at a meeting at which a disinterested quorum is present, or by a designated committee of disinterested directors, by special legal counsel, by the disinterested shareholders, or by a court.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted for our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
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LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of the common stock and certain other legal matters in connection with the issuance of the common stock will be passed upon for us by Faegre & Benson LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Certain matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP, Boston, Massachusetts.
EXPERTS
Mantyla McReynolds, LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, and an independent member of the BDO Seidman Alliance, has audited our financial statements as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, and our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, as stated in their report, and such financial statements have been incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Certain estimates of our oil and gas reserves incorporated by reference herein were based in part upon reports prepared by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., independent consulting petroleum engineers. These estimates are included herein in reliance on the authority of such firm as an expert in such matters.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are required to comply with the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and accordingly we file annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read or obtain a copy of these reports at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room and their copy charges by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains registration statements, reports, proxy information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is http://www.sec.gov.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to register the shares offered by this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. The term “registration statement” means the original registration statement and any and all amendments thereto, including the schedules and exhibits to the original registration statement or any amendment. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are part of that registration statement. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the shares we are offering pursuant to this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the copy of that contract or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. You may read or obtain a copy of the registration statement at the SEC’s public reference facilities and Internet site referred to above.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is complete:
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| • | Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to such report filed with the SEC on April 30, 2010, and Amendment No. 2 to such report filed with the SEC on November 5, 2010. |
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| • | Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q (i) for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on May 6, 2010; (ii) for the quarter ended June 30, 2010, filed with the SEC on August 9, 2010, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to such report filed with the SEC on November 5, 2010; and (iii) for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, filed with the SEC on November 8, 2010. |
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| • | Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on each of March 25, 2010, April 12, 2010, April 15, 2010, June 1, 2010, July 2, 2010, and August 27, 2010. |
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| • | Form 8-A filed with the SEC on March 19, 2008. |
S-15
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| • | The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (No. 333-146596), including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
| |
| Chad Winter |
| Chief Financial Officer |
| Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. |
| 315 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 200 |
| Wayzata, Minnesota 55391 |
| (952) 476-9800 |
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.
S-16
PROSPECTUS
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
Common Stock
Preferred Stock
Depositary Shares
Senior Debt Securities
Subordinated Debt Securities
Warrants
Stock Purchase Contracts
Stock Purchase Units
We may offer from time to time shares of our common stock, shares of our preferred stock, depositary shares, senior debt securities, subordinated debt securities, warrants, stock purchase contracts, or stock purchase units covered by this prospectus independently, or together in any combination that may include other securities set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement, for sale directly to purchasers or through underwriters, dealers or agents to be designated at a future date. In addition, selling stockholders to be named in a prospectus supplement may use this prospectus to offer and sell shares of our common stock from time to time as provided herein.
We will provide specific terms of any offering of these securities, including the names of and other information relating to the selling stockholders, if applicable, in supplements to this prospectus. The securities may be offered separately or together in any combination and as separate series. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, as well as the documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, carefully before you invest.
Our common stock is listed on NYSE Amex Equities Market under the symbol “NOG.”
See the “Risk Factors” section in any prospectus supplement hereto, as well as beginning on page 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 (which is incorporated herein by reference), to read about factors you should consider before purchasing any of the securities offered hereby.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We may offer and sell these securities, and the selling stockholders may offer and sell shares of common stock, on a continuous or delayed basis directly, through agents, dealers or underwriters as designated from time to time, or through a combination of these methods. We reserve the sole right to accept, and together with any agents, dealers and underwriters, reserve the right to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of securities. If any agents, dealers or underwriters are involved in the sale of any securities, the applicable prospectus supplement will set forth any applicable commissions or discounts. Our net proceeds from the sale of securities also will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The date of this prospectus is July 2, 2010.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus
Neither we nor any selling stockholder has authorized any person to give any information or to make any representation in connection with this offering other than those contained or incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus, and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been so authorized. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized, or in which the person is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale hereunder shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date hereof, that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date, or that any information incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of an automatic shelf registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “Commission” or “SEC,” as a “well-known seasoned issuer” as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. Under the automatic shelf process, over time, we may sell any combination of the securities, and selling stockholders may sell common stock, described in this prospectus or in any applicable prospectus supplement in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we and the selling stockholders may offer. The exhibits to our registration statement contain the full text of certain contracts and other important documents we have summarized in this prospectus. Since these summaries may not contain all the information that you may find important in deciding whether to purchase the securities we offer, you should review the full text of these documents. The registration statement and the exhibits can be obtained from the SEC as indicated below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
This prospectus only provides you with a general description of the securities we and the selling stockholders may offer. Each time we sell securities, or the selling stockholders sell common stock, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains specific information about the terms of those securities and that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
When we refer to “our company,” “we,” “us” or “our” in this prospectus or when we otherwise refer to ourselves in this prospectus, we mean Northern Oil and Gas, Inc., a Minnesota corporation.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are required to comply with the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and accordingly we file annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read or obtain a copy of these reports at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the public reference room and their copy charges by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains registration statements, reports, proxy information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is http://www.sec.gov.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to register the securities offered by this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. The term “registration statement” means the original registration statement and any and all amendments thereto, including the schedules and exhibits to the original registration statement or any amendment. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement are part of that registration statement. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement do not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the securities we are offering pursuant to this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, you should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits. Statements contained in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the copy of that contract or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. You may read or obtain a copy of the registration statement at the SEC’s public reference facilities and Internet site referred to above.
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and any future filings made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until our offering is complete:
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| | • | Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, filed with the SEC on March 8, 2010, as amended by Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on April 30, 2010. |
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| | • | Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on May 6, 2010. |
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| | • | Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on each of March 25, 2010, April 12, 2010, April 15, 2010, June 1, 2010 and July 2, 2010. |
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| | • | Form 8-A filed with the SEC on March 19, 2008. |
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| | • | The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (No. 333-146596), including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
| | | |
| You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address: |
| | | |
| | | Chad Winter |
| | | Chief Financial Officer |
| | | Northern Oil and Gas, Inc. |
| | | 315 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 200 |
| | | Wayzata, Minnesota 55391 |
| | | (952) 476-9800 |
You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We are including the following discussion to inform our existing and potential security holders generally of some of the risks and uncertainties that can affect us and to take advantage of the “safe harbor” protection for forward-looking statements that applicable federal securities law affords.
From time to time, our management or persons acting on our behalf may make forward-looking statements to inform existing and potential security holders about our company. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, including the documents incorporated herein by reference, regarding our financial position, business strategy, plans and objectives of management for future operations, industry conditions, and indebtedness covenant compliance are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as “estimate,” “project,” “predict,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “plan,” “intend,” “seek,” “goal,” “will,” “should,” “may” or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Items contemplating or making assumptions about, actual or potential future sales, market size, collaborations, and trends or operating results also constitute such forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors (many of which are beyond our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements, including the following: general economic or industry conditions, nationally and/or in the communities in which we conduct business, changes in commodities prices or the interest rate environment, legislation or regulatory requirements, conditions of the securities markets, our ability to raise capital, changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines, financial or political instability, acts of war or terrorism, and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technical factors affecting our operations, products, services and prices.
We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and assumptions about future events. While our management considers these expectations and assumptions to be reasonable, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, regulatory and other risks, contingencies and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, results actually achieved may differ materially from expected results in these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. You should consider carefully the statements in the “Risk Factors” section and other sections of this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, including the documents incorporated herein by reference, which describe factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. We do not undertake, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of such statements.
Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this prospectus, other than as may be required by applicable law or regulation. Readers are urged to carefully review
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and consider the various disclosures made by us in our reports filed with the SEC which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected.
THE COMPANY
We are a growth-oriented independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, exploitation and development of oil and natural gas properties, and have focused our activities primarily on projects based in the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States, specifically the Bakken and Three Forks/Sanish formations within the Williston Basin. We believe that we are able to create value via strategic acreage acquisitions and convert that value or portion thereof into production by utilizing experienced industry partners specializing in the specific areas of interest. We have targeted specific prospects and began drilling for oil in the Williston Basin region in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007. As of March 1, 2010, we owned working interests in 188 successful discoveries, consisting of 185 targeting the Bakken/Three Forks formation and three targeting a Red River structure.
As an exploration company, our business strategy is to identify and exploit repeatable and scalable resource plays that can be quickly developed and at low costs. We also intend to take advantage of our expertise in aggressive land acquisition to pursue exploration and development projects as a non-operating working interest partner, participating in drilling activities primarily on a heads-up basis proportionate to our working interest. Our business does not depend upon any intellectual property, licenses or other proprietary property unique to our company, but instead revolves around our ability to acquire mineral rights and participate in drilling activities by virtue of our ownership of such rights and through the relationships we have developed with our operating partners. We believe our competitive advantage lies in our ability to acquire property, specifically in the Williston Basin, in a nimble and efficient fashion.
We are focused on maintaining a low overhead structure. We believe we are in a position to most efficiently exploit and identify high production oil and gas properties due to our unique non-operator model through which we are able to diversify our risk and participate in the evolution of technology by the collective expertise of those operators with which we partner. We intend to continue to carefully pursue the acquisition of properties that fit our profile.
Our executive offices are located at 315 Manitoba Avenue, Suite 200, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391. Our general telephone number is (952) 476-9800.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus, the net proceeds from the sale by us of the securities to which this prospectus relates will be used for general corporate purposes. General corporate purposes may include, without limitation, acquisitions, additions to working capital, capital expenditures, and repayment of debt. Net proceeds may be temporarily invested prior to use. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of common stock by any selling stockholder.
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
Set forth below is our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods presented.
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| | | | | | | | | | Three Months | |
Fiscal Year Ended December 31, | | Ended March 31, | |
2005 | | 2006 | | 2007 | | 2008 | | 2009 | | 2010 | |
— | | — | | — | (1) | — | (1) | 4.36 | x | 15.19 | x |
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(1) | The Company had no fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008. |
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is calculated as follows:
|
(earnings) |
(fixed charges) |
For purposes of calculating the ratios, earnings consist of:
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| • | pre-tax income from continuing operations before adjustment for income or loss from equity investees; |
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| • | fixed charges; |
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| • | amortization of capitalized interest; |
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| • | distributed income of equity investees; |
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| • | our share of pre-tax losses of equity investees for which charges arising from guarantees are included in fixed charges; |
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| • | minus capitalized interest; |
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| • | minus preference security dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries; and |
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| • | minus the noncontrolling interest in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges. |
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For purposes of calculating the ratios, fixed charges consist of: |
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| �� | interest expensed and capitalized; |
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| • | amortized premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to indebtedness; |
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| • | an estimate of the interest portion of rental expense; and |
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| • | preference security dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries. |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES
We may issue from time to time, in one or more offerings, the following securities:
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| • | shares of common stock; |
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| • | shares of preferred stock; |
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| • | depositary shares; |
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| • | debt securities, which may be senior or subordinated; |
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| • | warrants; |
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| • | stock purchase contracts; or |
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| • | stock purchase units. |
In addition, selling stockholders to be named in a prospectus supplement may use this prospectus to offer and sell shares of our common stock.
We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of the common stock, preferred stock, depositary shares, senior or subordinated debt securities, warrants, stock purchase contracts or stock purchase units that may be offered under this prospectus. The terms of the offering of securities, including the names of and other information relating to the selling stockholders, if applicable, and the net proceeds to us will be contained in the prospectus supplement, and other offering material, relating to such offering.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the offered securities and selling stockholders may sell common stock (a) through agents; (b) through underwriters or dealers; (c) directly to one or more purchasers; (d) through a combination of any of these methods of sale; or (e) as otherwise described in the applicable prospectus supplement. We will identify the specific plan of distribution, including any underwriters, dealers, agents or direct purchasers and their compensation in a prospectus supplement.
Any of the shares of common stock held by selling stockholders that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this prospectus. In addition, this prospectus may be used by broker-dealers to resell any such shares of common stock that are being sold by a selling stockholder pursuant to Rule 144. If any selling stockholder sells pursuant to Rule 144, such selling stockholder will not be deemed to be an “underwriter” under the Securities Act with respect to those sales.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities and certain other matters will be passed upon for us by Faegre & Benson LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
EXPERTS
Mantyla McReynolds, LLC, an independent registered public accounting firm, and an independent member of the BDO Seidman Alliance, has audited our financial statements incorporated by reference in this prospectus, as stated in their report, and such financial statements have been incorporated by reference in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
Certain estimates of our oil and gas reserves incorporated by reference herein were based in part upon reports prepared by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., independent consulting petroleum engineers. These estimates are included herein in reliance on the authority of such firm as an expert in such matters.
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8,000,000 Shares
![(NORTHERN OIL & GAS, INC. LOGO)](https://capedge.com/proxy/424B5/0000897101-10-002282/a105744001_v1.jpg)
Northern Oil and Gas, Inc.
Common Stock
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Canaccord Genuity | | Howard Weil Incorporated |
November , 2010