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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

Table of Contents

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-161243

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell nor do they seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 11, 2009

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT   (TO PROSPECTUS DATED AUGUST 11, 2009)

$                        

LOGO

Berry Petroleum Company
101/4% Senior Notes due 2014



          We are offering $                        of our 101/4% Senior Notes due 2014. Interest on the notes will accrue from May 27, 2009 and will be payable semiannually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2009. The notes will mature on June 1, 2014. The notes are being offered as additional notes under an indenture, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture, pursuant to which we issued $325,000,000 principal amount of our 101/4% senior notes due 2014 on May 27, 2009. The notes offered hereby and those previously issued notes will be treated as a single series of debt securities under the indenture.

          We may redeem some or all of the notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest plus a "make-whole" premium. If we sell certain of our assets or experience specific kinds of change of control, we must offer to purchase the notes at prices set forth in this prospectus supplement plus accrued and unpaid interest.

          The notes will be our senior unsecured obligations. The notes will rank effectively junior to all of our existing and any future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that debt, will rank equally in right of payment with any future senior unsecured debt and will rank senior in right of payment to our existing 81/4% senior subordinated notes due 2016 and any of our other existing or future subordinated debt.



          You should consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page S-11 of this prospectus supplement before investing in the notes.

 
  Per Note   Total

Price to Public(1)

             % $                        

Underwriting Discounts

             % $                        

Proceeds to Berry Petroleum Company
(Before Expenses Payable by Berry Petroleum Company)

             % $                        

(1)
Plus accrued interest from May 27, 2009.

          The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange. Delivery of the notes, in book-entry form, will be made on or about August     , 2009 through The Depository Trust Company. See "Underwriting."

          Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Sole Book-Running Manager

Wells Fargo Securities

Co-Manager

Citi

The date of this prospectus supplement is August     , 2009.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prospectus Supplement

       

Prospectus Supplement Summary

   
S-1
 

Risk Factors

    S-11  

Use of Proceeds

    S-29  

Capitalization

    S-30  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

    S-31  

Description of Other Indebtedness

    S-32  

Description of Notes

    S-36  

Certain United States Federal Tax Considerations

    S-90  

Underwriting

    S-94  

Legal Matters

    S-96  

Experts

    S-96  

Prospectus

       

About This Prospectus

   
2
 

Incorporation by Reference

    3  

Where You Can Find More Information

    3  

Forward-Looking Statements

    4  

Berry Petroleum Company

    4  

Risk Factors

    5  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

    5  

Use of Proceeds

    5  

Description of Debt Securities

    6  

Description of Preferred Stock

    6  

Description of Common Stock

    8  

Description of Warrants

    10  

Validity of Offered Securities

    11  

Experts

    11  

          You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or to which the prospectus refers or that is contained in any free writing prospectus relating to the notes. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer of the notes in any jurisdiction where their offer or sale is not permitted. The information in this prospectus supplement and the base prospectus and incorporated herein by reference may only be accurate as of the date of the applicable document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.


Table of Contents

          This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of the notes we are offering and certain other matters. The second part, the base prospectus dated August 11, 2009, provides more general information about the various securities that we may offer from time to time, some of which information may not apply to the notes we are offering hereby. Generally when we refer to this prospectus, we are referring to both this prospectus supplement and the base prospectus combined. If any of the information in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with any of the information in the base prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.


Incorporation by Reference

          The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") allows us to "incorporate by reference" information we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any information we reference in this manner is considered part of this prospectus. Information we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and, to the extent inconsistent, supersede the information contained in this prospectus.

          We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and future filings we make with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") after the date of this prospectus supplement and before the termination of this offering.


Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

          This prospectus supplement and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as "anticipate," "believe," "can," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "should," "would" or "will" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors," which could cause our actual results to differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements we make.

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          We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. However, there may be events in the future that we are unable to accurately predict or control and that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations we describe in our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of such statement. We do not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements after we distribute this prospectus, whether as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise. Potential investors should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Before you invest in the notes, you should be aware that the occurrence of any of the events described in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in this prospectus and the information incorporated by reference into this prospectus could harm our business, prospects, operations and financial condition. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

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PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

          This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and in the documents we incorporate by reference. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding whether or not to invest in the notes. For a more complete understanding of our company and this offering, we encourage you to read this entire document, including "Risk Factors," the financial and other information incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the other documents to which we have referred. Unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, as used in this prospectus, the terms "we," "our" and "us" refer to Berry Petroleum Company. Unless otherwise indicated or required by the context, references to "pro forma" give effect to our July 2008 acquisition of properties in Limestone and Harrison Counties, Texas, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2008. DeGolyer and MacNaughton ("D&M"), independent petroleum engineers, provided the estimates of our proved oil and natural gas reserves as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, included in this prospectus supplement.

Berry Petroleum Company

          We are an independent energy company engaged in the production, development, exploitation and acquisition of crude oil and natural gas. We can trace our roots in California oil production back to 1909, and we have been a publicly traded company since 1987. Since 2002, we have expanded our portfolio of assets to include oil and natural gas properties in the Rocky Mountain region and, in 2008, the East Texas region. Our selective acquisitions have been driven by a consistent focus on properties with proved reserves and significant growth potential through low-risk development. We focus on growing reserves and production by developing known undeveloped reserves rather than through exploration. We maintain a geographically diverse portfolio of assets that generally have long reserve lives, stable and predictable well production characteristics and significant inventories of relatively low-risk repeatable drilling and recompletion opportunities. In April 2009, we sold our natural gas assets in the Denver-Julesburg basin in Colorado ("DJ Basin").

          As of December 31, 2008, our estimated proved reserves were 246 MMBOE, up 45% from 169 MMBOE as of December 31, 2007, of which 51% were crude oil, 49% were natural gas and 55% were proved developed. The 88 MMBOE of net reserve additions before production in 2008 replaced 756% of our production during the year. Of such net reserve additions, 38 MMBOE, or 329% of our production, was replaced from our drilling activities. Our reserve replacement has been achieved through low cost and low risk drilling and acquisitions, with 2008 finding, development and acquisition ("F&D") costs of $12.28/BOE. See "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures—F&D Costs." We also achieved production of 32.0 MBOE/D in 2008, a 19% increase from 2007, which implies a reserve life index of approximately 21 years based on our year-end 2008 reserves.

          Approximately 64% of our oil and natural gas sales volumes in 2008 were crude oil, with 82% of the crude oil being heavy oil produced in California. Our California reserves are characterized by long-lived predictable production with low base decline rates which provide us with strong margins and a steady source of cash flow. The cash flow from these properties funds our significant drilling inventory and the development of our substantial undeveloped reserves. Our consumption of natural gas to produce steam for our California oil production provides us with a natural hedge of approximately 26,000 MMBtu/D on our natural gas production in East Texas and Colorado. We have further protected our 2009 and 2010 cash flows through hedges on approximately 90% and 75% of our anticipated crude oil production for 2009 and 2010, respectively. Our strong hedge position, our ability to generate free cash flow and our operating control of 99% of our assets further enhances our ability to perform in volatile environments.

Recent Developments

          We have successfully taken several actions in recent months to, among other things, enhance our liquidity and financial flexibility.

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          Sale of DJ Basin Assets.    On March 3, 2009, we entered into an agreement to sell our DJ Basin assets and related hedges for $154 million before customary closing adjustments. We completed the sale of our DJ Basin related hedges in March 2009 for approximately $14 million and closed the sale of our DJ Basin assets on April 1, 2009 for approximately $140 million. The DJ Basin assets represented essentially all of our assets in Northeastern Colorado. These assets included natural gas reserves and mid-stream assets. Production from the property was approximately 3,101 BOE/D for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and, as of December 31, 2008, the property represented 21.5 MMBOE of our proved reserves. Proceeds of the sale were used to repay a portion of our borrowings outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility pending utilization as part of our working capital.

          Issuance of $325 Million Principal Amount of Notes, Repayment of Second Lien Term Loan and Borrowing Base Adjustments.    On May 27, 2009, we completed the offering of $325 million principal amount of our 101/4% senior notes due 2014. We used the net proceeds from that offering to repay in full our $140 million second lien term loan and to reduce borrowings outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility. The issuance of the senior notes automatically reduced the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility by 25 cents per dollar of notes issued, or approximately $81 million. On May 28, 2009, the lenders under our senior secured revolving credit facility agreed to increase the borrowing base under the facility by $42 million as a result of our repayment of the $140 million second lien term loan. Each dollar outstanding under the second lien term loan had effectively reduced the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility by 30 cents. Our borrowing base is currently approximately $969 million and, as of July 31, 2009, we had approximately $554 million (excluding $4 million of outstanding letters of credit) outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility, with additional borrowing availability of approximately $411 million under that facility.

          The net proceeds from this offering will be used to further reduce outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility. As a result of this offering, the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility will be automatically reduced by 25 cents per dollar of notes issued. As of July 31, 2009, after giving effect to this offering and the use of the net proceeds, our borrowing base would have been reduced to approximately $             million and we would have had approximately $             million (excluding $4 million of outstanding letters of credit) in outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility, providing us with approximately $             million in liquidity under that facility. For more information regarding our outstanding debt, please read "Description of Other Indebtedness."

          Recent Acquisitions. In June 2009, we completed three acquisitions totaling $11.7 million. We acquired property in McKittrick, California, which we believe provides us with another opportunity to increase our crude oil production and reserves with potential similar to our Poso Creek asset. We also acquired deep rights to one of the leases in our Darco property in East Texas, providing us with an additional 13 Haynesville horizontal locations. In addition, we purchased additional working interests in our Piceance Garden Gulch assets.

          Sale of East Texas Gathering System and Increase in Capital Budget. On July 17, 2009, we closed the sale of our East Texas gas gathering system for $18.4 million in cash. In connection with that sale we also entered into long-term gas gathering agreements for our East Texas production. In addition, we increased our 2009 capital budget by approximately $32 million for a total capital budget of approximately $130 million.

Executive Offices and Website

          We were incorporated in Delaware in 1985. Our corporate headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 1999 Broadway, Suite 3700, Denver, Colorado 80202, and our telephone number is (303) 999-4400. We maintain a web site at http://www.bry.com. The information on our website is not part of this prospectus, and you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and in the documents incorporated by reference when making a decision as to whether to invest in the notes.

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The Offering

          The following summary contains basic information about the notes and is not intended to be complete. For a more complete understanding of the notes, please refer to the section entitled "Description of Notes" beginning on page S-36 in this prospectus supplement.

Issuer

  Berry Petroleum Company

Securities offered

 

$                        aggregate principal amount of 101/4% Senior Notes due 2014. The notes are being offered as additional notes under an indenture, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture, pursuant to which we issued $325,000,000 principal amount of our 101/4% senior notes due 2014 on May 27, 2009. The notes offered hereby and those previously issued notes will be treated as a single series of debt securities under the indenture.

Maturity

 

June 1, 2014

Interest payment dates

 

June 1 and December 1, commencing December 1, 2009. Interest on the notes will accrue from May 27, 2009.

Make-whole redemption

 

We may redeem some or all of the notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a "make-whole" premium described in "Description of Notes—Optional redemption."

Mandatory offers to purchase

 

If a specified change of control event occurs, we must make an offer to purchase the notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of the purchase. See "Description of Notes—Change of control."

 

Certain asset dispositions will be triggering events that may require us to use the net proceeds from those asset dispositions to make an offer to purchase the notes at 100% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase if such proceeds are not otherwise used within 330 days to repay certain types of indebtedness (with a corresponding permanent reduction in commitment, if applicable) or to invest in capital assets or capital expenditures related to our business. See "Description of Notes—Certain covenants—Limitation on sales of assets and subsidiary stock."

Ranking

 

The notes will be our unsecured senior obligations. The notes will rank:

 

 

effectively junior to all of our existing and future senior secured indebtedness, including our senior secured revolving credit facility and our senior secured money market line of credit;

 

 

equally in right of payment with any future senior unsecured indebtedness; and

 

 

senior in right of payment to all of our existing and any future subordinated indebtedness and obligations.

 

As of June 30, 2009, after giving effect to this offering and the application of net proceeds therefrom, the notes would have ranked effectively junior to approximately $      million of senior secured indebtedness and senior to $200 million of our 81/4% senior subordinated notes due 2016 ("81/4% senior subordinated notes"). See "Description of Notes—Ranking."

       

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Covenants

 

We will issue the notes under an indenture with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, dated as of June 15, 2006, as supplemented on May 27, 2009. The indenture, among other things, limits our ability and the ability of our future restricted subsidiaries to:

 

 

incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue redeemable stock;

 

 

pay dividends or distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock;

 

 

prepay, redeem or repurchase debt that is junior in right of payment to the notes;

 

 

make loans and other types of investments;

 

 

incur liens;

 

 

restrict dividends, loans or asset transfers from our subsidiaries;

 

 

sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries;

 

 

consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of our assets to, another person;

 

 

enter into transactions with affiliates; and

 

 

enter into new lines of business.

 

These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, which are described under the caption "Description of Notes—Certain covenants." In addition, if and for as long as the notes have an investment grade rating from both Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Inc. and Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and no default exists under the indenture, we will not be subject to certain of the covenants listed above.

Use of proceeds

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of our current borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility. See "Use of Proceeds."

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Summary Historical and Pro Forma Financial Data

          The following table shows our summary historical financial data as of and for the periods indicated and summary pro forma financial data as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008. Our summary historical financial data as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 have been derived from our audited financial statements included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 11, 2009. Our summary historical financial data as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2009 are derived from our unaudited financial statements and, in our opinion, have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of this information. Certain historical amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation. On May 17, 2006, a two-for-one stock split was approved. All per share amounts have been adjusted for the split.

          The summary pro forma financial data set forth below is derived from our unaudited pro forma financial statements included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 15, 2009. The summary pro forma financial data combines the operations of certain interests in natural gas producing properties in the East Texas Cotton Valley (the "East Texas Assets"), which we acquired on July 15, 2008 (the "East Texas Acquisition"), and our historical statements of operations, and gives effect to the East Texas Acquisition, including the payment of related expenses.

          You should read the summary historical and pro forma financial data below in conjunction with our historical and pro forma financial statements and the accompanying notes, all of which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You should also read the sections entitled "Risk Factors" included elsewhere in this prospectus and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 11, 2009.

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  Historical   Pro Forma  
 
  Year Ended December 31,   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
  Year Ended
December 31,
 
($ in thousands, except ratios and earnings per share)
  2006   2007   2008   2008   2009   2008  

Statement of operations data:

                                     
 

Revenues:

                                     
   

Sales of oil and natural gas

  $ 396,497   $ 433,208   $ 649,248   $ 320,688   $ 246,662   $ 695,779  
   

Sales of electricity

    52,932     55,619     63,525     32,906     16,895     63,525  
   

Gas marketing

            35,750     14,762     12,429     35,750  
   

Gain (loss) on ineffective commodity derivatives

                (728 )   6,034      
   

Gain (loss) on sales of assets

    103     54,173     (1,297 )   414         (1,297 )
   

Interest and other income, net

    1,462     4,414     3,504     1,763     1,088     3,504  
                           
     

Total revenues

  $ 450,994   $ 547,414   $ 750,730   $ 369,805   $ 283,108   $ 797,261  
 

Expenses:

                                     
   

Operating costs—oil and natural gas production

  $ 111,490   $ 130,940   $ 188,758     91,672   $ 72,122   $ 189,872  
   

Operating costs—electricity generation

    48,281     45,980     54,891     31,914     15,179     54,891  
   

Production taxes

    12,169     14,651     26,876     11,751     10,537     30,599  
   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization—oil and natural gas production

    61,419     82,861     125,595     50,108     70,769     135,046  
   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization—electricity generation

    3,343     3,568     2,812     1,345     1,987     2,812  
   

Natural gas marketing

            32,072     14,053     11,516     32,072  
   

General and administrative expenses

    36,474     39,663     54,279     22,061     26,457     56,955  
   

Commodity derivatives

    (736 )   (13 )   213             213  
   

Loss on extinguishment of debt

                    10,494      
   

Dry hole, abandonment, impairment and exploration

    9,754     8,351     10,543     5,908     140     10,543  
   

Bad debt expense

            38,665             38,665  
                           
     

Total expenses

  $ 282,194   $ 326,001   $ 534,704   $ 228,812   $ 219,201   $ 551,668  
                           
   

Income from continuing operations before interest and income taxes

  $ 168,800   $ 221,413   $ 216,026   $ 140,993   $ 63,907   $ 245,593  
   

Interest expense

    8,894     15,069     23,942     6,879     20,639     48,397  
                           
   

Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes

  $ 159,906   $ 206,344   $ 192,084   $ 134,114   $ 43,268   $ 197,196  
   

Provision for income taxes

    62,049     79,060     70,308     50,866     14,258     71,279  
                           
   

Income from continuing operations

    97,857     127,284     121,776     83,248     29,010     125,917  
                           
   

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes

    10,086     2,644     11,753     8,924     (6,991 )      
                             
     

Net income

  $ 107,943   $ 129,928   $ 133,529   $ 92,172   $ 22,019        
                             
   

Basic net income from continuing operations per share

  $ 2.21   $ 2.85   $ 2.70   $ 1.85   $ 0.63   $ 2.79  
   

Basic net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share

  $ 0.23   $ 0.06   $ 0.26   $ 0.20   $ (0.15 )      
   

Basic net income per share

  $ 2.44   $ 2.91   $ 2.96   $ 2.05   $ 0.48        
   

Diluted net income from continuing operations per share

  $ 2.18   $ 2.81   $ 2.66   $ 1.82   $ 0.63   $ 2.75  
   

Diluted net income (loss) from discontinued operations per share

  $ 0.22   $ 0.06   $ 0.26   $ 0.19   $ (0.15 )      
   

Diluted net income per share

  $ 2.40   $ $2.87   $ 2.92   $ 2.01   $ 0.48        
   

Cash dividends declared per common share

    0.30     0.30     0.30     0.15     0.15     .30  

Balance sheet data (as of period end):

                                     
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 416   $ 316   $ 240   $ 5,583   $ 236        
 

Working capital

    (116,594 )   (110,350 )   (71,545 )   (225,123 )   (2,560 )      
 

Oil and natural gas properties, buildings and equipment, net

    1,080,631     1,275,091     2,254,425     1,405,560     2,096,966        
 

Total assets

    1,198,997     1,452,106     2,542,383     1,750,316     2,246,346        
 

Bank debt

    206,000     259,300     957,100     311,000     580,900        
 

101/4% senior notes

                    304,293                   
 

81/4% subordinated notes

    200,000     200,000     200,000     200,000     200,000        
 

Shareholders' equity

    427,700     459,974     827,544     287,995     715,941        

Cash flows data:

                                     
 

Net cash flow provided by (used in):

                                     
   

Operating activities

  $ 258,475   $ 238,879   $ 409,569   $ 193,814   $ 59,180        
   

Investing activities

    (548,783 )   (287,213 )   (1,086,76 )   (237,617 )   41,177        
   

Financing activities

    288,734     48,234     677,124     49,070     (100,361 )      

Other financial data:

                                     
 

EBITDAX(1)

  $ 243,316   $ 316,193   $ 354,976   $ 198,354   $ 136,803        
 

Exploration and development of oil and natural gas properties

    265,110     281,702     392,769     168,382     72,651        
 

Property acquisitions

  $ 257,840   $ 56,247   $ 667,996   $ 380   $ 11,668        

(1)
Before income (loss) from discontinued operations. See "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures—EBITDAX."

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

EBITDAX

          We define EBITDAX as net income before interest expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation, depletion, amortization, dry hole, abandonment, impairment and exploration expense (from both continuing and discontinued operations) and income or loss from discontinued operations. EBITDAX is a financial measure commonly used in the oil and gas industry, but is not defined under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). EBITDAX should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of a company's profitability or liquidity. Because EBITDAX excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income, this measure may vary among companies. The EBITDAX data presented below may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure of other companies. Our management believes that EBITDAX is a useful comparative measure of operating performance. For example, debt levels, credit ratings and, therefore, the impact of interest expense on earnings vary significantly between companies. Similarly, the tax positions of individual companies can vary because of their differing abilities to take advantage of tax benefits, with the result that their effective tax rates and tax expense can vary considerably. Finally, companies differ in the age and method of acquisition of productive assets, and thus the relative costs of those assets, as well as in the depreciation or depletion (straight-line, accelerated, units of production) method, which can result in considerable variability in depletion, depreciation and amortization expense between companies. Thus, for comparison purposes, management believes that EBITDAX can be useful as an objective and comparable measure of operating profitability and the contribution of operations to liquidity because it excludes these elements.

          The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDAX:

 
  Historical  
 
  Year Ended December 31,   Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
($ in thousands)
  2006   2007   2008   2008   2009  

Net income

  $ 107,943   $ 129,928   $ 133,529   $ 92,172   $ 22,019  

Provision for income taxes

    62,049     79,060     70,308     50,866     14,258  

Interest expense

    8,894     15,069     23,942     6,879     20,639  

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    64,762     86,429     128,407     51,453     72,756  

Dry hole, abandonment, impairment and exploration expense

    9,754     8,351     10,543     5,908     140  

Less:

                               
 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

    10,086     2,644     11,753     8,924     (6,991 )
                       

EBITDAX

  $ 243,316   $ 316,193   $ 354,976   $ 198,354   $ 136,803  
                       

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F&D Costs

          The following table reflects a reconciliation of our F&D costs for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 to the information required by paragraphs 11 and 21 of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 69. F&D costs are computed by dividing the sum of property acquisition costs, development and exploration costs for the year, by total reserve additions, excluding production, for the year. Amounts have not been adjusted to give effect to the sale of our DJ Basin assets in April 2009.

(in millions)
  2006   2007   2008  

Property acquisition costs

  $ 257,840   $ 56,247   $ 667,996  

Development

    277,613     278,398     385,599  

Exploration

    22,435     23,325     32,909  
               

Costs incurred in oil and natural gas producing activities

  $ 557,888   $ 357,970   $ 1,086,504  

Total reserves added, excluding production (MMBOE)

    33.2     28.7     88.5  
               

Estimated F&D cost per BOE

  $ 16.80   $ 12.47   $ 12.28  
               

          Our management believes that providing a measure of F&D costs is useful to assist in an evaluation of how much it costs us, on a per BOE basis, to add proved reserves. However, these measures are provided in addition to, and not as an alternative for, and should be read in conjunction with, the information contained in our financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP (including the notes thereto) included in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 11, 2009. Due to various factors, including timing differences, F&D costs do not necessarily reflect precisely the costs associated with particular reserves. For example, development costs may be recorded in periods subsequent to the periods in which related increases in reserves are recorded. In addition, changes in commodity prices can affect the magnitude of recorded increases in reserves independent of the related costs of such increases.

          As a result of the foregoing factors and various factors that could materially affect the timing and amounts of future increases in reserves and the timing and amounts of future costs, including factors disclosed in our filings with the SEC, we cannot assure you that our future F&D costs will not differ materially from those set forth above.

          The methods we use to calculate our F&D costs may differ significantly from methods used by other companies to compute similar measures. As a result, our F&D costs may not be comparable to similar measures provided by other companies.

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Summary Historical Reserve, Production and Operating Data

          Historical estimates of our oil and natural gas reserves and present values as of and for our fiscal years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are derived from reserve reports prepared by D&M. Estimates of reserves and their value are inherently imprecise and are subject to constant revision and change, and they should not be construed as representing the actual quantities of future production or cash flows to be realized from oil and natural gas properties or the fair market value of such properties.

          The following table sets forth summary data with respect to estimated proved reserves on a historical basis and on a pro forma basis for the sale of our DJ Basin assets as of and for the periods presented:

 
  Historical   Pro Forma for
DJ Basin
Asset Sale(1)
 
 
  As of December 31,   As of
December 31,
 
($ in thousands)
  2006   2007   2008   2008  

Proved reserves:

                         
 

Crude oil (MBbl)

    112,538     116,602     125,251     125,251  
 

Natural gas (MMcf)

    226,363     315,464     724,135     595,281  
 

Total (MBOE)

    150,262     169,179     245,940     224,464  
 

% oil

    75%     70%     51%     56%  
 

% proved developed

    68%     61%     55%     54%  
 

Reserve life (years)(2)

    16.2     17.2     21.0     21.4  
 

Undiscounted future net cash flows

  $ 2,293,207   $ 4,837,388   $ 2,756,343     N/A  
 

Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows(3)

  $ 1,182,268   $ 2,419,506   $ 1,135,581     N/A  

(1)
Gives effect to the DJ Basin asset sale only. Information related to the East Texas Assets is included in the historical information as of December 31, 2008.

(2)
Reserve life is a measure of the productive life of oil and natural gas properties, expressed in years. Reserve life is calculated by dividing proved reserve volumes at year end by production for the year shown.

(3)
Standardized measure is the present value of estimated future net revenue to be generated from the production of proved reserves, determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC (using prices and costs in effect as of the date of estimation), less future development, production and income tax expenses, and discounted at 10% per annum to reflect the timing of future net revenue. Standardized measure does not give effect to derivative transactions. For a description of our derivative transactions, please read "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

End of Period Prices

          In accordance with SEC requirements, our estimated net proved reserves and standardized measure were determined using end of the period prices for oil and natural gas that were realized at

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the date set forth below. The reserve estimates utilized the following realized wellhead prices for the dates presented:

 
  As of December 31,  
 
  2006   2007   2008  

Oil ($/Bbl)

  $ 46.15   $ 79.19   $ 30.92  

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

    4.45     6.27     4.85  

BOE Price

    41.23     66.27     30.03  

Historical Production and Operating Data

          The following table sets forth summary data with respect to production data and effective unit prices on a historical basis for the periods presented and gives effect to the sale of our DJ Basin assets:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
  Six Months
Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2006   2007   2008   2008   2009  

Production data:

                               
 

Crude oil (Bbl/D)

    19,679     19,753     20,330     20,248     19,722  
 

Natural gas (Mcf/D)

    34,317     42,895     69,834     49,712     69,502  
   

Total production (BOE/D)

    25,398     26,902     31,968     28,534     31,305  
 

DJ Basin Production (BOE/D)

    2,679     3,123     3,295     3,213     1,542  
 

Production—Continuing operations (BOE/D)

    22,719     23,779     28,673     25,321     29,763  

Effective unit prices—before the impact of hedges:

                               
 

Crude oil (Bbl)

  $ 52.92   $ 57.85   $ 86.90   $ 97.61   $ 41.26  
 

Natural gas (Mcf)

    5.21     4.17     6.91     8.31     3.46  
 

Average sales price before hedging (BOE)

  $ 50.01   $ 52.30   $ 73.64   $ 88.34   $ 34.24  

Effective unit prices—including impact of hedges:

                               
 

Crude oil (Bbl)

  $ 50.55   $ 53.24   $ 70.01   $ 74.95   $ 57.62  
 

Natural gas (Mcf)

    5.38     5.48     7.11     8.31     4.16  
 

Average sales price after hedging (BOE)

  $ 48.09   $ 49.80   $ 62.03   $ 69.42   $ 46.44  

Operating expenses per BOE:

                               
 

Operating costs—oil and natural gas production

  $ 13.45   $ 15.09   $ 17.99   $ 19.89   $ 13.39  
 

Production taxes

    1.47     1.69     2.56     2.55     1.96  
 

DD&A—oil and natural gas production

    7.41     9.55     11.97     10.87     13.14  
 

G&A

    4.40     4.57     5.17     4.79     4.91  
 

Interest expense

    1.07     1.74     2.28     1.49     3.83  
                       
   

Total

  $ 27.80   $ 32.64   $ 39.97   $ 39.59   $ 37.23  
                       

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RISK FACTORS

          You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as other information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement, before making an investment decision. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected, which in turn could adversely affect our ability to pay interest and/or principal on the notes.

Risks Related to our Business

          Our revenues, profitability and future growth and reserve calculations depend substantially on the price received for our oil and natural gas production. These prices also affect the amount of our cash flow available for capital expenditures, working capital and payments on our debt and payments on the notes and our ability to borrow and raise additional capital. Lower prices may also reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce economically. The oil and natural gas markets fluctuate widely, and we cannot predict future oil and natural gas prices. Commodity prices were extremely volatile in 2008, with WTI crude ranging from a high of $145.29 per barrel to a low of $33.87 per barrel, while Henry Hub natural gas ranged from a high of $13.58 per Mcfe to a low of $5.29 per Mcfe. Prices for oil and natural gas may fluctuate widely in response to relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are beyond our control, such as:

          Our revenue, profitability and cash flow depend upon the prices and demand for oil and natural gas, and a drop in prices can significantly affect our financial results and impede our growth. In particular, declines in commodity prices:

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          As of December 31, 2008, approximately 45% of our proved reserves, or 109 million barrels, consisted of heavy oil. Light crude oil represented 6% and natural gas represented 49% of our oil and natural gas reserves. Heavy crude oil sells for a discount to light crude oil, as more complex refining equipment is required to convert heavy oil into high value products. Additionally, most of our crude oil in California is produced using the enhanced oil recovery process of steam injection. This process is generally more costly than primary and secondary recovery methods.

          We have significant concentrations of credit risk with the purchasers of our crude oil and natural gas. We had a long-term contract to sell all of our heavy crude oil in California for approximately $8.10 below WTI with Big West of California ("BWOC"). On December 22, 2008, Flying J, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Big West Oil and its wholly owned subsidiary BWOC each filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Also in December 2008, BWOC informed us that it was unable to receive our production. On March 17, 2009, we entered into a stipulation with BWOC, terminating the contract effective as of March 16, 2009. We recorded $38.5 million of bad debt expense in 2008 for the bankruptcy of BWOC. Of the $38.5 million due from BWOC, $11.8 million represents 20 days of our December crude oil sales and an administrative claim under the bankruptcy proceedings and $26.7 million represents November and the balance of December crude oil sales which would have the same priority as other general unsecured claims. BWOC will also be liable to us for damages under this contract. While we also have guarantees from Big West Oil and from Flying J, Inc. in the amount of $75 million each, the information received from the bankruptcy proceedings to date has not provided us with adequate data from which to make a conclusion that any amounts will be collected. We have entered into various short-term agreements with other companies to sell our California oil production.

          Additionally, all of our crude oil in Utah is sold under a long-term contract to a single refiner. Under the standard credit terms with our refiners, we may not know that a refiner will be unable to make payment to us until 50 days of our production has been delivered to them. If our purchasers become insolvent, we may not be able to collect any of the amounts owed to us.

          We have drilling obligations in both the Piceance assets in Colorado and our Lake Canyon asset in Utah. In the Piceance basin, we must drill 91 additional wells by February 2011 to avoid penalties of $0.2 million per well and the loss of related leases. In Lake Canyon, we must drill an additional seven wells by November 2009 to avoid the loss of related leases. Our ability to meet these commitments depends on the capital resources available to us to fund our drilling activities and the commodity price environment which affects the economics of these projects.

          We rely on financial institutions to fund their obligations under our senior secured revolving credit facility and make payments to us under our hedging agreements. If one or more of our financial counterparties becomes insolvent, they may not be able to meet their commitment to fund future borrowings under our credit facility which would reduce our liquidity. Additionally, at current commodity prices, a significant portion of our cash flow over the next two years would come from payments from our counterparties on our commodity hedging contracts. If our counterparties are not able to make these payments, our cash flow will be reduced.

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          Our crude oil and natural gas are priced in the local markets where the production occurs based on local or regional supply and demand factors. The prices that we receive for our crude oil and natural gas production are generally lower than the relevant benchmark prices, such as NYMEX, that are used for calculating commodity derivative positions. The difference between the benchmark price and the price we receive is called a differential. We may not be able to accurately predict natural gas and crude oil differentials.

          Price differentials may widen in the future. Numerous factors may influence local pricing, such as refinery capacity, pipeline capacity and specifications, upsets in the mid-stream or downstream sectors of the industry, trade restrictions and governmental regulations. We may be adversely impacted by a widening differential on the products we sell. Our oil and natural gas hedges are based on WTI or natural gas index prices, so we may be subject to basis risk if the differential on the products we sell widens from those benchmarks and we do not have a contract tied to those benchmarks. Additionally, insufficient pipeline capacity or trucking capability and the lack of demand in any given operating area may cause the differential to widen in that area compared to other oil and natural gas producing areas. Increases in the differential between the benchmark price for oil and natural gas and the wellhead price we receive could adversely affect our financial condition.

          Market conditions or the unavailability of satisfactory oil and natural gas transportation arrangements may hinder our access to oil and natural gas markets or delay our production. The availability of a ready market for our oil and natural gas production depends on a number of factors, including the demand for and supply of oil and natural gas and the proximity of reserves to pipelines and terminal facilities. Our ability to market our production depends in substantial part on the availability and capacity of gathering systems, pipelines, processing facilities, trucking capability and refineries owned and operated by third parties. Our failure to obtain such services on acceptable terms could materially harm our business. We may be required to shut in wells for a lack of a market or because of inadequacy or unavailability of natural gas pipelines, gathering system capacity, processing facilities or refineries. If that were to occur, then we would be unable to realize revenue from those wells until arrangements were made to deliver the production to market.

          Production volumes from our Uinta properties over the next five years are uncertain and there is no assurance that we will be able to consistently meet the minimum contractual requirement. After partial completion of its refinery expansion in Salt Lake City in March 2008, the refiner increased its total purchased volumes to 5,000 Bbl/D. During the term of the contract, the minimum number of delivered barrels is 5,000 Bbl/D. In the event that we cannot produce the necessary volume, we may need to purchase crude oil to meet our contract requirements. Gross oil production from our Uinta properties averaged approximately 3,623 Bbl/D for the three months ended June 30, 2009.

          We are dependent on several cogeneration facilities that, combined, provide approximately 32% of our steam capacity as of December 31, 2008. These facilities are dependent on reasonable power contracts for the sale of electricity. If, for any reason, including if utilities that purchase electricity from us are no longer required by regulation to enter into power contracts with us, we were unable to enter into new or replacement contracts or were to lose any existing contract, we may not be able to supply

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100% of the steam requirements necessary to maximize production from our heavy oil assets. An additional investment in various steam sources may be necessary to replace such steam, and there may be risks and delays in being able to install conventional steam equipment due to permitting requirements and availability of equipment. The financial cost and timing of such new investment may adversely affect our production, capital outlays and cash provided by operating activities. All of our power contracts covering our electricity generation expire in 2009.

          We utilize cogeneration plants in California to generate lower cost steam compared to conventional steam generation methods. Electricity produced by our cogeneration plants is sold to utilities and the steam costs are allocated to our oil and natural gas operations. All of our electricity sales contracts in place with the utilities are currently scheduled to terminate in 2009, and while we intend to enter into future contracts with the utilities, all of the terms of such contracts are currently the subject of contested proceedings before the California Public Utilities Commission ("CPUC"). Additionally, legal and regulatory decisions (especially related to the pricing of electricity under the contracts such as the SRAC Decision (as defined in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008) and the pending issues as to effective dates on retroactivity), can by reducing our electricity revenues adversely affect the economics of our cogeneration facilities and as a result the cost of steam for use in our oil and natural gas operations. In addition, any final determination by the CPUC to apply the new SRAC pricing formula retroactively, if applied so as to require payment on a one-time basis, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

          We may be subject to the risks associated with a shortage of natural gas and/or the transportation of natural gas into and within California. We are highly dependent on sufficient volumes of natural gas necessary to use for fuel in generating steam in our heavy oil operations in California. If the required volume of natural gas for use in our operations were to be unavailable or too highly priced to produce heavy oil economically, our production could be adversely impacted. We have firm transportation to move 12,000 MMBtu/D on the Kern River Pipeline from the Rocky Mountains to Kern County, CA, which accounts for approximately one-third of our current requirement.

          We use hedging transactions with respect to a portion of our oil and natural gas production with the objective of achieving a more predictable cash flow, and reducing our exposure to a significant decline in the price of crude oil and natural gas. We also utilize interest rate hedges to fix the rate on a portion of our variable rate indebtedness, as only a portion of our total indebtedness has a fixed rate and we are therefore exposed to fluctuations in interest rates. While the use of hedging transactions limits the downside risk of price declines or rising interest rates, as applicable, their use may also limit future revenues from price increases or reduced expenses from lower interest rates, as applicable. Hedging transactions also involve the risk that the counterparty may be unable to satisfy its obligations.

          To maintain production levels, we must locate and develop or acquire new oil and natural gas reserves to replace those depleted by production. Without successful exploration, exploitation or acquisition activities, our reserves, production and revenues will decline. We may not be able to find, develop or acquire additional reserves at an acceptable cost. In addition, substantial capital is required

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to replace and grow reserves. If lower oil and natural gas prices or operating difficulties result in our cash flow from operations being less than expected or limit our ability to borrow under credit arrangements, we may be unable to expend the capital necessary to locate and to develop or acquire new oil and natural gas reserves.

          It is not possible to measure underground accumulations of oil or natural gas in an exact way. Estimating accumulations of oil and natural gas is a complex process that relies on subjective interpretations of available geologic, geophysical, engineering and production data. The extent, quality and reliability of this data can vary. The process also requires certain economic assumptions, such as oil and natural gas prices, drilling and operating expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds, some of which are mandated by the SEC. The accuracy of a reserve estimate is a function of:

          Any significant variance could materially affect the quantities and present value of our reserves. For example, our ultimate recovery of oil in place on our California diatomite assets could be significantly less than our current target and there can be no assurance that our expectations with regard to resource additions from the Piceance Basin will prove to be accurate. In addition, we may adjust estimates of proved reserves to reflect production history, results of development and exploration and prevailing oil and natural gas prices.

          In accordance with SEC requirements, we base the estimated discounted future net cash flows from proved reserves on prices and costs on the date of the estimate. Actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or lower than the prices and costs as of the date of the estimate.

          Declines in oil and natural gas prices may result in our having to make substantial downward adjustments to our estimated proved reserves. If this occurs, or if our estimates of development costs increase, production data factors change or drilling results deteriorate, accounting rules may require us to write down, as a non-cash charge to earnings, the carrying value of our oil and natural gas properties for impairments.

          We capitalize costs to acquire, find and develop our oil and natural gas properties under the successful efforts accounting method. If net capitalized costs of our oil and natural gas properties exceed fair value, we must charge the amount of the excess to earnings. We review the carrying value of our properties annually and at any time when events or circumstances indicate a review is necessary, based on estimated prices as of the end of the reporting period. The carrying value of oil and natural gas properties is computed on a field-by-field basis. Once incurred, a writedown of oil and natural gas properties is not reversible at a later date even if oil or natural gas prices increase. While we did not incur any such impairment charges in 2008 or the first six months of 2009, it is possible that declining commodity prices could prompt an impairment in the future. We may incur impairment charges in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in the period incurred and on our ability to borrow funds under our senior secured revolving credit facility.

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          Competition in the oil and gas industry is intense, particularly with respect to the acquisition of producing properties and of proved undeveloped acreage. Major and independent oil and natural gas companies actively bid for desirable oil and natural gas properties, as well as for the equipment, supplies, labor and services required to operate and develop their properties. Some of these undeveloped reserves may be limited and have higher prices due to current strong demand. Many of our competitors have financial resources that are substantially greater than ours, which may adversely affect our ability to compete within the industry.

          Many of our larger competitors not only drill for and produce oil and natural gas but also carry on refining operations and market petroleum and other products on a regional, national or worldwide basis. These companies may be able to pay more for oil and natural gas properties and evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater number of properties than our financial or human resources permit. In addition, there is substantial competition for investment capital in the oil and natural gas industry. These larger companies may have a greater ability to continue drilling activities during periods of low oil and natural gas prices and to absorb the burden of present and future federal, state, local and other laws and regulations. Our inability to compete effectively with larger companies could have a material adverse impact on our business activities, financial condition and results of operations.

          Our future success will partly depend on the success of our drilling program. In addition to the numerous operating risks described in more detail below, these drilling activities involve the risk that no commercially productive oil or natural gas reservoirs will be discovered. Also, we are often uncertain as to the future cost or timing of drilling, completing and producing wells. Furthermore, drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or canceled as a result of a variety of factors, including:

          As a result, there can be no assurance that our anticipated production levels will be realized. For example, although we expect that our diatomite production will increase over 50% during 2009, averaging approximately 3,000 Bbl/D, actual production from these assets could be significantly lower.

          These risks include:

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          If any of these events occur, we could incur substantial losses as a result of:

          If we experience any of these problems, our ability to conduct operations could be adversely affected. If a significant accident or other event occurs and is not fully covered by insurance, it could adversely affect us. In accordance with customary industry practices, we maintain insurance coverage against some, but not all, potential losses in order to protect against the risks we face. For instance, we do not carry business interruption insurance. We may elect not to carry insurance if our management believes that the cost of available insurance is excessive relative to the risks presented. In addition, we cannot insure fully against pollution and environmental risks. The occurrence of an event not fully covered by insurance could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. While we intend to obtain and maintain insurance coverage we deem appropriate for these risks, there can be no assurance that our operations will not expose us to liabilities exceeding such insurance coverage or to liabilities not covered by insurance.

          All facets of our operations are regulated extensively at the federal, state, regional and local levels. In addition, a portion of our leases in Uinta are, and some of our future leases may be, regulated by Native American tribes. Environmental laws and regulations impose limitations on our discharge of pollutants into the environment, establish standards for our management, treatment, storage, transportation and disposal of hazardous materials and of solid and hazardous wastes, and impose on us obligations to investigate and remediate contamination in certain circumstances. We also must satisfy, in some cases, federal and state requirements for providing environmental assessments, environmental impact studies and/or plans of development before we commence exploration and production activities. Environmental and other requirements applicable to our operations generally have become more stringent in recent years, and compliance with those requirements more expensive. Frequently changing environmental and other governmental laws and regulations have increased our costs to plan, design, drill, install, operate and abandon oil and natural gas wells and other facilities,

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and may impose substantial liabilities if we fail to comply with such regulations or for any contamination resulting from our operations. Our business results from operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by any failure to comply with, or future changes to, these laws and regulations. In particular, failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the suspension or termination of our operations and subject us to administrative, civil and criminal penalties.

          From time to time we have experienced accidental spills, leaks and other discharges of contaminants at some of our properties. We could be liable for the investigation or remediation of such contamination, as well as other liabilities concerning hazardous materials or contamination such as claims for personal injury or property damage. We have incurred expenses and penalties in connection with remediation of contamination in the past, and we may do so in the future. Such liabilities may arise at many locations, including properties in which we have an ownership interest but no operational control, properties we formerly owned or operated and sites where our wastes have been treated or disposed of, as well as at properties that we currently own or operate, and may arise even where the contamination does not result from any noncompliance with applicable environmental laws. Under a number of environmental laws, including the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), such liabilities may be joint and several, meaning that we could be held responsible for more than our share of the liability involved, or even the entire share. Some of the properties that we have acquired, or in which we may hold an interest but not operational control, may have past or ongoing contamination for which we may be held responsible. Some of our operations are in environmentally sensitive areas that may provide habitat for endangered or threatened species, and other protected areas, and our operations in such areas must satisfy additional regulatory requirements. Moreover, public interest in environmental protection has increased in recent years, and environmental organizations have opposed certain drilling projects and/or access to prospective lands and have filed litigation to attempt to stop such projects, including decisions by the Bureau of Land Management regarding several leases in Utah that we have been awarded.

          Our activities are also subject to regulation by oil and natural gas-producing states and one Native American tribe of conservation practices and protection of correlative rights. These regulations affect our operations and limit the quantity of oil and natural gas we may produce and sell. A major risk inherent in our drilling plans is the need to obtain drilling permits from federal, state, local and Native American tribal authorities. Delays in obtaining regulatory approvals or drilling permits, the failure to obtain a drilling permit for a well, or the receipt of a permit with unreasonable conditions that are more expensive than we have anticipated could have a negative effect on our ability to explore or develop our properties. Additionally, the oil and natural gas regulatory environment could change in ways that might substantially increase the financial and managerial costs to comply with the requirements of these laws and regulations and, consequently, adversely affect our profitability.

          Recent and future environmental laws and regulations, including additional federal and state restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions that may be passed in response to climate change concerns, may increase our operating costs and also reduce the demand for the oil and natural gas we produce. The oil and gas industry is a direct source of certain greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane, and future restrictions on such emissions could impact our future operations. Specifically, on April 17, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") issued a notice of its proposed finding and determination that emission of carbon dioxide, methane, and other GHGs present an endangerment to human health and the environment because emissions of such gases are, according to EPA, contributing to warming of the earth's atmosphere. EPA's proposed finding and determination, and any final action in the future, will allow it to begin regulating emissions of GHGs under existing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act. Although it may take EPA several years to adopt and impose regulations limiting emissions of GHGs, any such regulation could require us to incur costs to reduce emissions of GHGs associated with our operations. Similarly, on June 26, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved adoption of the "American Clean Energy and Security Act

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of 2009," also known as the "Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade legislation" or ACESA. ACESA would establish an economy-wide cap on emissions of GHGs in the United States and would require most sources of GHG emissions to obtain GHG emission "allowances" corresponding to their annual emissions of GHGs. The U.S. Senate has begun work on its own legislation for controlling and reducing emissions of GHGs in the United States. Any laws or regulations that may be adopted to restrict or reduce emissions of GHGs would likely require us to incur increased operating costs and could have an adverse effect on demand for the oil and natural gas we produce. At the state level, more than one-third of the states, including California, have begun taking actions to control and/or reduce emissions of GHGs. The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, also known as "AB 32," caps California's greenhouse gas emissions at 1990 levels by 2020, and the California Air Resources Board is currently developing mandatory reporting regulations and early action measures to reduce GHG emissions prior to January 1, 2012. Although most of the regulatory initiatives developed or being developed by the various states have to date been focused on large sources of GHG emissions, such as coal-fired electric power plants, it is possible that smaller sources of emissions could become subject to GHG emission limitations in the future. A number of our personnel are involved in monitoring the establishment of these regulations through industry trade groups and other organizations in which we are a member. It is not possible, at this time, to estimate accurately how these regulations would impact our business.

          In addition, the U.S. Congress is currently considering certain other legislation which, if adopted in its current proposed form, could subject companies involved in oil and natural gas exploration and production activities to substantial additional regulation. If such legislation is adopted, federal tax incentives could be curtailed, and hedging activities as well as certain other business activities of exploration and production companies could be limited, resulting in increased operating costs. Any such limitations or increased operating costs could have a material adverse effect on our business.

          Our business strategy has emphasized growth through strategic acquisitions, but we may not be able to continue to identify properties for acquisition or we may not be able to make acquisitions on terms that we consider economically acceptable. There is intense competition for acquisition opportunities in our industry. Competition for acquisitions may increase the cost of, or cause us to refrain from, completing acquisitions. Our strategy of completing acquisitions is dependent upon, among other things, our ability to obtain debt and equity financing and, in some cases, regulatory approvals. If we are unable to achieve strategic acquisitions, our growth may be impaired, thus impacting earnings, cash from operations and reserves.

          Our recent growth is due in part to acquisitions of properties with additional development potential and properties with minimal production at acquisition but significant growth potential, and we expect acquisitions will continue to contribute to our future growth. Successful acquisitions require an assessment of a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include: recoverable reserves, exploration potential, future oil and natural gas prices, operating costs, production taxes and potential environmental and other liabilities. Such assessments are inexact and their accuracy is inherently uncertain. In connection with our assessments, we perform a review of the acquired properties, which we believe is generally consistent with industry practices. However, our reviews of acquired properties are inherently incomplete because it generally is not feasible to perform an in-depth review of the individual properties involved in each acquisition. Even a detailed review of records and properties may not necessarily reveal all existing or potential problems, nor will it permit a buyer to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess fully their deficiencies and potential

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problems, including structural, subsurface and environmental problems that may exist or arise. Inspections may not always be performed on every well, and environmental problems, such as ground water contamination, are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is undertaken. Our review prior to signing a definitive purchase agreement may be even more limited.

          We generally are not entitled to contractual indemnification for preclosing liabilities, including environmental liabilities, on acquisitions. Often, we acquire interests in properties on an "as is" basis with limited remedies for breaches of representations and warranties. If material breaches are discovered by us prior to closing, we could require adjustments to the purchase price or, if the claims are significant, we or the seller may have a right to terminate the agreement. We could also fail to discover breaches or defects prior to closing and incur significant unknown liabilities, including environmental liabilities, or experience losses due to title defects, for which we would have limited or no contractual remedies or insurance coverage.

          Increasing our reserve base through acquisitions is an important part of our business strategy. Any acquisition involves potential risks, including, among other things:

          Our decision to acquire a property or business will depend in part on the evaluation of data obtained from production reports and engineering studies, geophysical and geological analyses and seismic and other information, the results of which are often inconclusive and subject to various interpretations.

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          We depend upon third party pipelines that provide delivery options from our wells and gathering facilities. Since we do not own or operate these pipelines, their continuing operation in their current manner is not within our control. If any of these third-party pipelines become partially or fully unavailable to transport our natural gas, or if the natural gas quality specifications for their pipelines change so as to restrict our ability to deliver natural gas to those pipelines, our revenues and cash available for distribution could be adversely affected.

          Section 1(b) of the Natural Gas Act ("NGA") exempts natural gas gathering facilities from regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") as a natural gas company under the NGA. We believe that the natural gas pipelines in our gathering systems meet the traditional tests FERC has used to establish a pipeline's status as a gatherer not subject to regulation as a natural gas company, but the status of these lines has never been challenged before FERC. The distinction between FERC-regulated transmission services and federally unregulated gathering services is subject to change based on future determinations by FERC, the courts, or Congress, and application of existing FERC policies to individual factual circumstances. Accordingly the classification and regulation of some of our natural gas gathering facilities may be subject to challenge before FERC or subject to change based on future determinations by FERC, the courts, or Congress. In the event our gathering facilities are reclassified to FERC-regulated transmission services, we may be required to charge lower rates and our revenues could thereby be reduced.

          FERC has recently issued an order requiring certain participants in the natural gas market, including natural gas gatherers and marketers, that engage in a minimum level of natural gas sales or purchases to submit annual reports regarding those transactions to FERC. In addition, FERC has issued an order requiring major non-interstate pipelines, defined as certain non-interstate pipelines delivering, on an annual basis, more than an average of 50 million MMBtu of gas over the previous three calendar years, to post daily certain information regarding the pipeline's capacity and scheduled flows for each receipt and delivery point that has design capacity equal to or greater than 15,000 MMBtu per day. Should we fail to comply with these requirements or any other applicable FERC-administered statute, rule, regulation or order, we could be subject to substantial penalties and fines. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, or EP Act 2005, FERC has civil penalty authority under the NGA to impose penalties for current violations of up to $1 million per day for each violation and disgorgement of profits associated with any violation.

          We depend to a large extent on the efforts and continued employment of our executive management team and other key personnel. The loss of the services of these or other key personnel could adversely affect our business, and we do not maintain key man insurance on the lives of any of these persons. Our drilling success and the success of other activities integral to our operations will depend, in part, on our ability to attract and retain experienced geologists, engineers, landmen and other professionals. Competition for many of these professionals is intense. If we cannot retain our

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technical personnel or attract additional experienced technical personnel and professionals, our ability to compete could be harmed.

          Our final determination of whether to drill any scheduled or budgeted wells will depend on a number of factors, including:

          Although we have identified or budgeted for numerous drilling prospects, we may not be able to lease or drill those prospects within our expected time frame, or at all. For instance, our drilling schedule may vary from our expectations because of future uncertainties and rig availability and access to our drilling locations utilizing available roads. In addition, we will not necessarily drill wells on all of our identified drilling locations on our acreage.

          We acquire from third parties, or directly from the mineral fee owners, working and revenue interests in the oil and natural gas leaseholds and estates upon which we will perform our exploration activities. The existence of a material title deficiency can reduce the value or render a property worthless thus adversely affecting the results of our operations and financial condition. Title insurance covering mineral leaseholds is not always available and when available is not always obtained. As is customary in our industry, we rely upon the judgment of staff and independent landmen who perform the field work of examining records in the appropriate governmental offices and abstract facilities before attempting to acquire or place under lease a specific mineral interest and/or undertake drilling activities. We, in some cases, perform curative work to correct deficiencies in the marketability of the title to us. In cases involving title problems, the amount paid for affected oil and natural gas leases or estates can be generally lost, and a prospect can become undrillable.

          In July 2009, we received a notice of proposed civil penalty from the Bureau of Land Management (the "BLM") related to our alleged non-compliance during 2007 with regulations relating to the operation and position of certain valves in our Uinta basin operations. The regulations are intended to address production security on Federal and tribal lands managed by the BLM. The proposed civil penalty is $69.6 million and reflects the theoretical maximum penalty amount under applicable regulations, absent mitigating factors. We immediately remediated the instances of non-compliance in 2007, cooperated fully with the BLM's investigation and we believe no production was lost, all royalties were paid and there was no harm to the environment. Due to the above mitigating factors, among others, we believe this matter will be resolved by the payment of a penalty that will not exceed $2.1 million and have accrued such amount in the second quarter of 2009.

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However, there can be no assurance that any penalty would not be in excess of $2.1 million or have a material adverse effect on us.

Risks Related to our Indebtedness and the Notes

          We have a substantial amount of indebtedness. At July 31, 2009, we had total long-term outstanding debt of approximately $1.1 billion and no short-term debt. Our borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility is currently approximately $969 million and, as of July 31, 2009, we had approximately $554 million (excluding $4 million of outstanding letters of credit) outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility, with additional borrowing availability of approximately $411 million under that facility. The issuance of the notes will automatically reduce the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility by 25 cents per dollar of notes issued. After giving effect to this offering, the application of net proceeds therefrom and the decrease in our borrowing base, at July 31, 2009 we would have had a borrowing base of approximately $             million and approximately $             million (excluding $4 million of outstanding letters of credit) outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility, with additional borrowing availability of approximately $             million under that facility.

          We have demands on our cash resources in addition to interest expense on the notes, including, among others, operating expenses and interest and principal payments under our senior secured revolving credit facility, our senior secured money market line of credit and our 81/4% senior subordinated notes. Our level of indebtedness relative to our proved reserves and these significant demands on our cash resources could have important effects on our business and on your investment in the notes. For example, they could:

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          A higher level of indebtedness increases the risk that we may default on our obligations. Our ability to pay the principal and interest on our long-term debt, including the notes, and to satisfy our other liabilities will depend upon our future performance and our ability to refinance our debt as it becomes due. Our future operating performance and ability to refinance will be affected by economic and capital markets conditions, oil and natural gas prices, our financial condition, results of operations and prospects and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.

          If we are unable to service our indebtedness and fund our operating costs, we will be forced to adopt alternative strategies that may include:

          There can be no assurance that any such strategies could be implemented on satisfactory terms, if at all.

          The amount we are able to borrow under our senior secured revolving credit facility is determined based on the value of our proved oil and natural gas reserves and is based on oil and natural gas price assumptions which vary by individual lender. Our borrowing base is subject to redetermination twice each year in April and October with the option for one additional redetermination each year and additional redeterminations contemporaneously with any issuance of permitted second lien debt and after any issuance of permitted unsecured debt, including the issuance of the notes. Each dollar of permitted senior unsecured debt, including the notes, automatically reduces the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility by 25 cents. Should there be a deficiency in the amount of our borrowing base in comparison to our outstanding debt under the senior secured revolving credit facility, we would be required to repay any such deficiency in two equal installments, 90 and 180 days after the redetermination. If we were unable to make those repayments, we would be in default under our senior secured revolving credit facility, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. See "Description of Other Indebtedness."

          The terms of the indenture governing the notes permit us to incur substantial additional indebtedness, including significant additional secured debt, under our senior secured revolving credit facility or other facilities. Any secured debt we incur will effectively rank senior to the notes to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that debt. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the notes, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with you in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding-up of our business. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to you. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify. See "Description of Notes" and "Description of Other Indebtedness."

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          Agreements governing our outstanding debt and the indenture governing the notes restrict our ability to, among other things:

          In addition, our senior secured revolving credit facility contains certain covenants, which, among other things, require the maintenance of a minimum current ratio and a minimum earnings (before interest, taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization, non-cash income and expense) to debt ratio. Our ability to borrow under our senior secured revolving credit facility is dependent upon the quantity of proved reserves attributable to our natural gas and crude oil properties and the respective projected commodity prices as determined by the lenders under that credit facility. Our ability to meet these covenants or requirements may be affected by events beyond our control, and we cannot assure you that we will satisfy such covenants and requirements.

          Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, including a default under our senior secured revolving credit facility, our senior secured money market line of credit or the 81/4% senior subordinated notes indenture, that is not waived by the required lenders, and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness, could make us unable to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes and substantially decrease the market value of the notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium (if any) and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants, in the instruments governing our indebtedness (including covenants in our senior secured revolving credit facility, our senior secured money market line of credit, the 81/4% senior subordinated notes indenture and the indenture governing our $325 million principal amount of 101/4% senior notes and the notes offered hereby), we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder and cease making further loans and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. Moreover, our senior secured revolving credit facility, our senior secured money market line of credit, the 81/4% senior subordinated notes indenture and the indenture governing our $325 million principal amount of 101/4% senior notes and the notes offered hereby each contain cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions that would be triggered by the occurrence of a default or

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acceleration under other instruments governing our indebtedness. If the payment of our indebtedness is accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full that indebtedness and our other indebtedness that would become due as a result of any acceleration.

          If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under our senior secured revolving credit facility to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under our senior secured revolving credit facility and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under our senior secured revolving credit facility, the lenders could exercise their rights and the lenders under our senior secured money market line of credit, the 81/4% senior subordinated notes indenture and the indenture governing our $325 million principal amount of 101/4% senior notes and the notes offered hereby could exercise their cross-default or cross-acceleration rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. See "Description of Other Indebtedness" and "Description of Notes."

          The notes will be our general unsecured obligations and will be effectively junior in right of payment to all of our secured indebtedness, if any, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. If we become insolvent or are liquidated, our assets which serve as collateral under our secured indebtedness, if any, would be made available to satisfy our obligations under any secured debt before any payments are made on the notes.

          Our borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility (and generally under our senior secured money market line of credit) are, and are expected to continue to be, at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness would increase even though the amount borrowed remained the same, and our net income would decrease. Borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility can either be base rate loans or Eurodollar rate loans. On all base rate loans we pay a varying rate per annum equal to the sum of (i) the higher of (a) the prime rate announced from time to time by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds Rate most recently determined by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York plus one-half of one percent and (c) the LIBOR rate for deposits in U.S. dollars as of 11:00 a.m. London time on such day with a term equivalent to one month, plus (ii) a base rate margin of between 2.25% and 3.0% depending on the amount of utilization by us. On all Eurodollar rate loans, we pay a rate per interest period equal to the sum of (x) the quotient of (a) LIBOR rate for deposits in U.S. dollars as of 11:00 a.m. London time two business days prior to the first day of the interest period, divided by (b) one minus the reserve requirement applicable to such interest period, plus (y) a LIBOR margin of between 2.25% and 3.0% per annum depending on the amount of utilization by us. Borrowings under our senior secured money market line of credit bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of approximately one percent. As of June 30, 2009, a one percent change in interest rates would result in a $1 million change in annual interest expense. We currently have $375 million of our borrowings hedged using interest rate swaps, $100 million at a fixed rate of approximately 4.7% and $275 million at a fixed rate of 2.0% plus the senior secured revolving credit facility's margin through July 15, 2012. In the future we may enter into additional interest rate swaps involving the exchange of floating for fixed rate interest payments to reduce interest rate volatility.

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          You will not have any claim as a creditor against any of our subsidiaries that are not or do not become guarantors of the notes. Indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, whether secured or unsecured, of those subsidiaries will be effectively senior to your claims against those subsidiaries.

          In addition, the indenture governing the notes, subject to some limitations, permits our present and future non-guarantor subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness and does not contain any limitation on the amount of other liabilities, such as trade payables, that these subsidiaries may incur.

          Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of change of control events, we will be required to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. We may not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of control because we may not have sufficient funds. Our failure to repurchase the notes upon a change of control would cause a default under the indenture and a cross-default under the senior secured revolving credit facility, our senior secured money market line of credit and the 81/4% senior subordinated notes indenture. Our senior secured revolving credit facility also provides that a change of control, as defined in such agreement, will be a default that permits lenders to terminate their commitment to lend and to accelerate the maturity of borrowings thereunder, thereby limiting our ability to raise cash to purchase the notes, and reducing the practical benefit of the offer-to-purchase provisions to the holders of the notes. Any of our future debt agreements may contain similar provisions.

          In addition, the change of control provisions in the indenture may not protect you from certain important corporate events, such as a leveraged recapitalization (which would increase the level of our indebtedness), reorganization, restructuring, merger, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets or other similar transaction. Such a transaction may not involve a change in voting power or beneficial ownership or, even if it does, may not involve a change that constitutes a "Change of Control" as defined in the indenture that would trigger our obligation to repurchase the notes. If an event occurs that does not constitute a "Change of Control" as defined in the indenture, we will not be required to make an offer to repurchase the notes and you may be required to continue to hold your notes despite the event. See "Description of Other Indebtedness" and "Description of Notes—Change of control."

          There is no active trading market for the notes of the series offered hereby, and we cannot assure you that an active trading market for the notes will develop or be maintained. We do not intend to list the notes on any national securities exchange. The underwriters are not obligated to make any market for the notes and may cease their market-making activities at any time. In addition, the liquidity of the trading market in the notes, and the market price quoted for the notes, will depend on a number of factors, including:

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          Historically, the market for non-investment grade debt has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of securities similar to the notes. We cannot assure you that an active trading market for the notes will develop or be maintained or that the market will be free from similar disruptions or that any such disruptions may not adversely affect the prices at which you may sell your notes. Therefore, we cannot assure you that you will be able to sell your notes at a particular time or the price that you receive when you sell will be favorable.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

          We estimate that the net proceeds from this offering (excluding the accrued interest paid by the purchasers), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, will be approximately $       million. The net proceeds from this offering will be used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility. As of July 31, 2009, after giving effect to this offering and the use of the net proceeds, our borrowing base would have been reduced to approximately       million and we would have had approximately $       million (excluding $4 million of outstanding letters of credit) in outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility, providing us with approximately $       million in liquidity under that facility. For more information regarding our outstanding debt, please read "Description of Other Indebtedness."

          Borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility were incurred for general corporate purposes, including the East Texas Acquisition. As of July 31, 2009, the weighted average interest rate with respect to outstanding borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility was 2.8%. The indebtedness under our senior secured revolving credit facility matures on July 15, 2012. Affiliates of the underwriters are lenders under our senior secured revolving credit facility and will be partially repaid with a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. See "Underwriting."

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CAPITALIZATION

          The following table sets forth our unaudited capitalization as of June 30, 2009:

          The following table is unaudited and should be read together with our financial statements and accompanying notes incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

($ in thousands)
  Actual   As
Adjusted
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 236   $ 236  
           

Short-term debt:

             

Senior secured money market line of credit

  $   $  

Long-term debt:

             

Senior secured revolving credit facility(1)

    580,900        

101/4% senior notes due 2014 (including the notes offered hereby)

    304,293 (2)     (2)

81/4% senior subordinated notes due 2016

    200,000     200,000  
           

Total long-term debt

  $ 1,085,193   $    

Total debt

  $ 1,085,193   $    

Total shareholders' equity

    715,941     715,941  
           

Total capitalization

  $ 1,801,134   $    
           

(1)
As of July 31, 2009, outstanding borrowings were approximately $554 million (excluding $4 million of outstanding letters of credit). We used the $18.4 million of proceeds from the sale of our East Texas gas gathering system, which closed on July 17, 2009, to repay borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility.

(2)
$325 million principal amount of senior notes are recorded at their discounted amount, with the discount to be accrued over the life of the senior notes.

          The issuance of the notes will automatically reduce the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility by 25 cents per dollar of notes issued.

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

          Our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges is as follows:

 
  Years Ended December 31,   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2004   2005   2006   2007   2008   2009  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    44.3 x   25.8 x   8.7 x   6.3 x   4.4 x   1.9 x(1)

(1)
Includes interest costs relating to our $325 million principal amount of 101/4% senior notes due 2014 for the period beginning May 27, 2009, the date of issuance, and ending June 30, 2009.

          For purposes of this table, "earnings" consists of income from continuing operations before income taxes plus fixed charges and less capitalized interest. "Fixed charges" consists of interest expense and capitalized interest (for both continued and discontinued operations).

          The calculation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges is different from the calculation of the Consolidated Coverage Ratio contemplated by the indenture. See "Description of Notes" for more information about the Consolidated Coverage Ratio.

          Because the proceeds of this offering will be used to repay indebtedness and, when aggregated with the offering of our $325 million principal amount of 101/4% senior notes due 2014, our ratio of our earnings to fixed charges would change by ten percent or more, we are presenting our pro forma ratio below.

          In computing the pro forma ratio, the historical ratio is adjusted by the pro forma interest expense (net) amount calculated as follows:

          The pro forma ratio does not give pro forma effect to the East Texas Acquisition.

 
  Pro Forma  
($ in thousands, except ratios)
  Year Ended
December 31, 2008
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2009
 

Total earnings

  $ 218,293   $ 64,722  
           

Fixed charges

  $ 49,418   $ 34,080  

Adjustments:

             

Estimated net increase in interest expense from refinancing

             
           

Total pro forma fixed charges

             
           

Pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    x     x  

          The following table shows the computation of the pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

 
  Pro Forma  
($ in thousands, except ratios)
  Year Ended
December 31, 2008
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2009
 

Pre-tax income from continuing operations

  $ 192,084   $ 43,268  
           

Interest expense

  $     $    

Capitalized interest

  $ 23,209   $ 12,626  

Earnings

  $     $    

Pro forma ratio of earnings to fixed charges

    x     x  

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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS

Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility

          On July 15, 2008, we entered into a five year amended and restated credit agreement (the "Agreement") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as administrative agent and other lenders. The Agreement was amended on October 17, 2008, February 19, 2009 and April 24, 2009. The Agreement amended and restated our previous credit agreement dated as of April 28, 2006. The Agreement is a senior secured revolving credit facility for up to $1.5 billion, subject to borrowing base limitations.

          On October 17, 2008, we amended the senior secured revolving credit facility to increase our borrowing base from $1.0 billion to $1.25 billion with commitments of $1.08 billion and a new maturity date of July 15, 2012. Commitments were increased during the fourth quarter of 2008 with the addition of $130 million in commitments, bringing the total commitments under the facility to $1.21 billion from 19 banks. The amendment included an accordion feature which allowed us to increase borrowing commitments to $1.25 billion without further bank approval.

          On February 19, 2009, our senior secured revolving credit facility was amended to increase the amount of total leverage we may incur and provide us with the flexibility to add various forms of debt that is junior to our senior secured revolving credit facility.

          On April 27, 2009, we completed the scheduled redetermination of the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility. Our borrowing base was reduced from $1.25 billion to $1.05 billion, with $100 million of the reduction resulting from the sale of our DJ Basin assets.

          Also on April 27, 2009, we entered into a $140 million second lien term loan with Wells Fargo Energy Capital, Inc. as administrative agent and other lenders, which further reduced our borrowing base from $1.05 billion to $1.0 billion.

          On May 27, 2009, we completed the offering of $325 million principal amount of our 101/4% senior notes due 2014. We used the net proceeds from that offering to repay in full our $140 million second lien term loan and to reduce borrowings outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility. The issuance of the senior notes automatically reduced the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility by 25 cents per dollar of notes issued, or approximately $81 million. On May 28, 2009, the lenders under our senior secured revolving credit facility agreed to increase the borrowing base under the facility by $42 million as a result of our repayment of the $140 million second lien term loan. After giving effect to the offering of the senior notes, the application of net proceeds therefrom and the adjustments to the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility as described above, our borrowing base was approximately $969 million at July 31, 2009.

          We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay a portion of our current borrowings under our senior secured revolving credit facility. However, the issuance of the notes will automatically reduce the borrowing base under our senior secured revolving credit facility by 25 cents per dollar of notes issued. After giving effect to this offering, the application of net proceeds therefrom and the decrease in our borrowing base, at July 31, 2009, we would have had approximately $       million (excluding $4 million of outstanding letters of credit) outstanding under our senior secured revolving credit facility, with additional borrowing availability of approximately $       million under that facility.

          Our borrowing base is subject to semi-annual redeterminations in April and October of each year in accordance with the lender's customary procedures and practices. Both we and the banks have the bilateral right to one additional redetermination between each two determinations, and the banks have the right to a redetermination contemporaneously with any issuance of permitted second lien debt and after any issuance of permitted unsecured debt, including the notes offered hereby and permitted convertible debt.

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          The borrowing base is determined by each lender based on the value of our proved oil and gas reserves using price assumptions that vary by lender. Should the amount of our borrowing base decrease below the amount outstanding under the facility, we would be required to repay any such deficiency in two equal installments 90 and 180 days after the borrowing base redetermination or to provide additional collateral to eliminate the deficiency. Hedges generally add significant value to our borrowing base as the prices banks use to value our assets are at a discount to futures prices. We have a minimal amount of our oil production hedged after 2011 and may enter into additional hedge positions as needed to increase our borrowing base under the senior secured revolving credit facility.

          Interest on amounts borrowed under our senior secured revolving credit facility is charged at LIBOR or the prime rate plus a margin. The LIBOR and prime rate margins range between 2.25% and 3.0% based on the ratio of credit outstanding to the borrowing base. Additionally, there is an annual commitment fee of .50% is charged on the unused portion of the credit facility, regardless of the amount outstanding.

          The senior secured revolving credit facility contains restrictive covenants which, among other things, require us to maintain the following ratios:

          The non-cash financial statement impact of hedging is excluded from the calculation of both ratios and all of the availability under the senior secured revolving credit facility is added to current assets when computing the current ratio. Additionally, the write off of $38.5 million to bad debt expense associated with the bankruptcy of BWOC is excluded from the calculation of EBITDAX.

          Subject to certain agreed limitations, we granted first priority security interests over substantially all of our assets in favor of the lenders under the senior secured revolving credit facility.

          The senior secured revolving credit facility contains customary covenants, subject to certain agreed exceptions, including covenants restricting our ability to, among other things:

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Senior Secured Money Market Line of Credit

          In 2005, we entered into an unsecured uncommitted money market line of credit. Borrowings under the line of credit may be up to $30 million for a maximum of 30 days. The line of credit may be terminated at any time upon written notice by either us or the lender. In conjunction with the amendment to our senior secured revolving credit facility, on July 15, 2008, the line of credit was secured by all of our assets. At December 31, 2008 and July 31, 2009, the outstanding balance under the senior secured money market line of credit was $25.3 million and $0, respectively. Interest on amounts borrowed is charged at LIBOR plus a margin of approximately 1%.

101/4% Senior Notes due 2014

          On May 27, 2009, we issued $325 million aggregate principal amount of our 101/4% senior notes due 2014, the terms of which are identical to the notes offered hereby. Please read "Description of Notes."

81/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016

          In October 2006, we sold $200 million of ten year 81/4% senior subordinated notes due 2016. The 81/4% senior subordinated notes rank junior in right of payment to all of our existing and future senior indebtedness, including our senior secured revolving credit facility and our senior secured money market line of credit, and equally in right of payment with any future senior subordinated indebtedness.

          The 81/4% senior subordinated notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on and after November 1, 2011 at the redemption prices described in the indenture governing the 81/4% senior subordinated notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. At any time prior to November 1, 2011, we may redeem some or all of the 81/4% senior subordinated notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 81/4% senior subordinated notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a "make-whole" premium.

          The indenture governing the 81/4% senior subordinated notes, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our future restricted subsidiaries to:

          These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, which are described in the indenture governing the 81/4% senior subordinated notes. In addition, if and for as long as the 81/4% senior subordinated notes have an investment grade rating from both Standard & Poor's Ratings

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Group, Inc. and Moody's Investors Service, Inc., and no default exists under the indenture, we will not be subject to certain of the covenants listed above.

          Subject to certain conditions, if a specified change of control event (as defined in the indenture governing the 81/4% senior subordinated notes) occurs, we must make an offer to purchase the 81/4% senior subordinated notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount of the 81/4% senior subordinated notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Certain asset dispositions will be triggering events that may require us to use the net proceeds from those asset dispositions to make an offer to purchase the 81/4% senior subordinated notes at 100% of their principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest.

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DESCRIPTION OF NOTES

          The Company will issue the notes under the Indenture (as such may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Indenture") between itself and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"). The terms of the notes include those expressly set forth in the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The Indenture is unlimited in aggregate principal amount, although the issuance of notes in this offering will be limited to $     million. On May 27, 2009, we issued $325 million principal amount of notes under the Indenture. The $     million principal amount of notes to be issued in this offering are Additional Notes (as defined below) under the Indenture, and will be treated together with the previously issued notes as a single series of debt securities. References to the "notes" in this section of this prospectus supplement include both the outstanding notes and the notes offered hereby. We may from time to time again issue additional notes under the Indenture having identical terms and conditions as the notes other than issue date, issue price and the first interest payment date (the "Additional Notes"). We may issue an unlimited principal amount of Additional Notes, subject to compliance with the covenants contained in the Indenture. Any Additional Notes will be part of the same issue as the notes that we previously issued and are currently offering and will vote on all matters with the holders of the notes.

          This description of notes is intended to be a useful overview of the material provisions of the notes and the Indenture. Since this description of notes is only a summary, you should refer to the Indenture for a complete description of the obligations of the Company and your rights. We have filed a copy of the Indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement which includes this Prospectus.

          You will find the definitions of capitalized terms used in this description under the heading "—Certain definitions." For purposes of this description of notes, references to "the Company," "we," "our" and "us" refer only to Berry Petroleum Company and not to any future subsidiaries. Certain defined terms used in this description of notes but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

General

          The notes.    The notes:

          Interest.    Interest on the notes will:

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Payments on the notes; paying agent and registrar

          We will pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes at the office or agency designated by the Company, except that we may, at our option, pay interest on the notes by check mailed to holders of the notes at their registered address as it appears in the Registrar's books. We have initially designated the corporate trust office of the Trustee in Minneapolis, Minnesota to act as our Paying Agent and Registrar. We may, however, change the Paying Agent or Registrar without prior notice to the holders of the notes, and the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

          We will pay principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, notes in global form registered in the name of or held by The Depository Trust Company or its nominee in immediately available funds to The Depository Trust Company or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of such global note.

Transfer and exchange

          A holder may transfer or exchange notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Registrar and the Trustee may require a holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents. No service charge will be imposed by the Company, the Trustee or the Registrar for any registration of transfer or exchange of notes, but the Company may require a holder to pay a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other governmental taxes and fees required by law or permitted by the Indenture. The Company is not required to transfer or exchange any note selected for redemption. Also, the Company is not required to transfer or exchange any note for a period of 15 days before a selection of notes to be redeemed.

          The registered holder of a note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

Optional redemption

          Except as described below, the notes are not redeemable at the option of the Company prior to maturity.

          The notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time at the option of the Company upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days' notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

          "Applicable Premium" means, with respect to a note on any date of redemption, the greater of (1) 1.0% of the principal amount of such note and (2) the excess of (a) the present value at such time of all remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on such note (but excluding accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points, over (b) the then-outstanding principal amount of such note.

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          "Treasury Rate" means the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the redemption date to the maturity date of the notes; provided, however, that if the period from the redemption date to such maturity date is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from the redemption date to such maturity date is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

          If any redemption date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, the accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid to the Person in whose name the note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest will be payable to holders whose notes will be subject to redemption by the Company.

          In the case of any partial redemption, selection of the notes for redemption will be made by the Trustee in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the notes are listed or, if the notes are not listed, then on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee in its sole discretion will deem to be fair and appropriate, although no note of $2,000 in original principal amount or less will be redeemed in part. If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption relating to such note will state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the holder thereof upon cancellation of the original note.

          The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption payments or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes. However, under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to offer to purchase notes as described below under the captions "Change of control" and "Certain covenants—Limitation on sales of assets and subsidiary stock."

          The Company may acquire notes by means other than a redemption, whether by tender offer, open market purchases, negotiated transactions or otherwise, in accordance with applicable securities laws, so long as such acquisition does not otherwise violate the terms of the Indenture.

Ranking

          The notes will be unsecured senior indebtedness of the Company, will rank equally in right of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, and will be senior in right of payment to all existing and future subordinated indebtedness of the Company, including the Company's existing 81/4% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2016. The notes will be effectively subordinated to all secured Indebtedness of the Company to the extent of the value of the assets securing such Indebtedness.

          Although the Company does not currently have any Subsidiaries, the notes would be structurally subordinated to the liabilities of any future Subsidiaries of the Company that do not provide Subsidiary Guarantees. See "—Future subsidiary guarantors."

          Although the Indenture will limit the amount of indebtedness that the Company and any Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur, such indebtedness may be substantial, and a substantial portion of it may be secured and therefore structurally senior to the notes.

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Change of control

          If a Change of Control occurs, unless the Company has exercised its right to redeem all of the notes as described under "—Optional redemption," each holder will have the right to require the Company to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or larger integral multiples of $1,000) of such holder's notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

          Within 30 days following any Change of Control, unless the Company has given irrevocable notice that it will exercise its right to redeem all of the notes as described under "—Optional redemption," the Company will mail a notice (the "Change of Control Offer") to each holder, with a copy to the Trustee, stating:

          On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful:

          The paying agent will promptly mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each holder of notes so tendered the Change of Control Payment for such notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book entry) to each holder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered, if any; provided that each such new note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or larger integral multiples of $1,000.

          If the Change of Control Payment Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, will be paid on the relevant interest payment date to the Person in whose name a note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest will be payable to holders who tender pursuant to the Change of Control Offer.

          The Change of Control provisions described above will be applicable whether or not any other provisions of the Indenture are applicable. Except as described above with respect to a Change of Control, the Indenture does not contain provisions that permit the holders to require that the Company repurchase or redeem the notes in the event of a takeover, recapitalization, sale of all or substantially all assets or similar transaction.

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          The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Company and purchases all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

          The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of notes pursuant to this covenant. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of the Indenture, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations described in the Indenture by virtue of the conflict.

          The Company's ability to repurchase notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer may be limited by a number of factors. The occurrence of certain of the events that constitute a Change of Control would constitute a default under our senior secured revolving credit facility. In addition, certain events that may constitute a change of control under the senior secured revolving credit facility and cause a default under that agreement may not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture. Future Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries may also contain prohibitions of certain events that would constitute a Change of Control or require such Indebtedness to be repurchased upon a Change of Control. Moreover, the exercise by the holders of their right to require the Company to repurchase the notes could cause a default under such Indebtedness, even if the Change of Control itself does not, due to the financial effect of such repurchase on the Company. Finally, the Company's ability to pay cash to the holders upon a repurchase may be limited by the Company's then existing financial resources. There can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any required repurchases.

          The Change of Control provisions described above may deter certain mergers, tender offers and other takeover attempts involving the Company by increasing the capital required to effectuate such transactions, but may have no impact on certain other proposed takeover transactions. The definition of "Change of Control" includes a disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any Person other than a Permitted Holder. Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve a disposition of "all or substantially all" of the property or assets of a Person. As a result, it may be unclear as to whether a Change of Control has occurred and whether a holder of notes may require the Company to make an offer to repurchase the notes as described above.

          Certain provisions under the Indenture relative to the Company's obligation to make an offer to repurchase the notes as a result of a Change of Control may be waived or modified with the written consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes.

Certain covenants

Effectiveness of covenants

          Following the first day:

the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to the provisions of the Indenture summarized under the subheadings below:

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(collectively, the "Suspended Covenants"). If at any time the notes' credit rating is downgraded from an Investment Grade Rating by any Rating Agency or a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then the Suspended Covenants will thereafter be reinstated as if such covenants had never been suspended (the "Reinstatement Date") and thereafter be applicable pursuant to the terms of the Indenture (including in connection with performing any calculation or assessment to determine compliance with the terms of the Indenture), unless and until the notes subsequently attain an Investment Grade Rating (in which event the Suspended Covenants shall no longer be in effect for such time that the notes maintain an Investment Grade Rating and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing); provided, however, that no Default, Event of Default or breach of any kind shall be deemed to exist under the Indenture, the notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees with respect to the Suspended Covenants based on, and none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall bear any liability for, any actions taken or events occurring after the notes attain an Investment Grade Rating and before any reinstatement of such Suspended Covenants as provided above, or any actions taken at any time pursuant to any contractual obligation arising prior to such reinstatement, regardless of whether such actions or events would have been permitted if the applicable Suspended Covenants remained in effect during such period. The period of time between the date of suspension of the covenants and the Reinstatement Date is referred to as the "Suspension Period."

          On the Reinstatement Date, all Indebtedness Incurred during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been Incurred pursuant to the first paragraph of "Limitation on indebtedness" or one of the clauses set forth in the second paragraph of "Limitation on indebtedness" (to the extent such Indebtedness would be permitted to be Incurred thereunder as of the Reinstatement Date and after giving effect to Indebtedness Incurred prior to the Suspension Period and outstanding on the Reinstatement Date). To the extent such Indebtedness would not be so permitted to be Incurred pursuant to the first or second paragraph of "Limitation on indebtedness," such Indebtedness will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under clause (4)(b) of the second paragraph of "Limitation on indebtedness." Calculations made after the Reinstatement Date of the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under "—Limitation on restricted payments" will be made as though the covenants described under "—Limitation on restricted payments" had been in effect since the Issue Date and throughout the Suspension Period. Accordingly, Restricted Payments made during the Suspension Period will reduce the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments under the first paragraph of "—Limitation on restricted payments."

          During any period when the Suspended Covenants are suspended, the Board of Directors of the Company may not designate any of the Company's Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the Indenture.

Limitation on indebtedness

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness); provided, however, that the Company and any Subsidiary Guarantors may Incur Indebtedness if on the date thereof:

          The first paragraph of this covenant will not prohibit the Incurrence of the following Indebtedness:

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          The Company will not Incur any Indebtedness under the preceding paragraph if the proceeds thereof are used, directly or indirectly, to refinance any Subordinated Obligations of the Company unless such Indebtedness will be subordinated to the notes to at least the same extent as such Subordinated Obligations. No Subsidiary Guarantor will Incur any Indebtedness under the preceding paragraph if the proceeds thereof are used, directly or indirectly, to refinance any Guarantor Subordinated Obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor unless such Indebtedness will be subordinated to the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee to at least the same extent as such Guarantor Subordinated Obligations. No Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Subsidiary Guarantor) may Incur any Indebtedness if the proceeds are used to refinance Indebtedness of the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor.

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          For purposes of determining compliance with, and the outstanding principal amount of any particular Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to and in compliance with, this covenant:

          Accrual of interest, accrual of dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness, the payment of dividends in the form of additional shares of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock and the incurrence of unrealized losses or charges in respect of Hedging Obligations (including those resulting from the application of FAS 133 and similar provisions), in each case will be deemed not to be Incurrences of Indebtedness for purposes of this covenant. The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date shall be (i) the accreted value thereof in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount and (ii) the principal amount or liquidation preference thereof, together with any interest thereon that is more than 30 days past due, in the case of any other Indebtedness.

          In addition, the Company will not permit any of its Unrestricted Subsidiaries to Incur any Indebtedness or issue any shares of Disqualified Stock, other than Non-Recourse Debt. If at any time an Unrestricted Subsidiary becomes a Restricted Subsidiary, any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be Incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary as of such date (and, if such Indebtedness is not

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permitted to be Incurred as of such date under this "—Limitation on indebtedness" covenant, the Company shall be in Default of this covenant).

          For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Indebtedness, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred, in the case of term Indebtedness, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit Indebtedness; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-denominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-denominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being refinanced. Notwithstanding any other provision of this covenant, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company may Incur pursuant to this covenant shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies. The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred to refinance other Indebtedness, if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness being refinanced, shall be calculated based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such Refinancing Indebtedness is denominated that is in effect on the date of such refinancing.

Limitation on restricted payments

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, to:

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(any such dividend, distribution, purchase, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, other acquisition, retirement or Restricted Investment referred to in clauses (1) through (4) shall be referred to herein as a "Restricted Payment"), if at the time the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary makes such Restricted Payment:

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          The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) shall be the fair market value on the date of such Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be paid, transferred or issued by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to such Restricted Payment. The fair market value of any cash Restricted Payment shall be its face amount and any non-cash Restricted Payment (i) of less than $5.0 million shall be determined conclusively by an executive officer of the Company acting in good faith whose certification with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee or (ii) of $5.0 million or more shall be determined conclusively by the Board of Directors of the Company acting in good faith whose resolution with respect thereto shall be delivered to the Trustee, such determination to be based upon an opinion or appraisal issued by an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm of national standing if such fair market value is estimated in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company to exceed $25.0 million. Not later than the date of making any Restricted Payment, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate stating that such Restricted Payment is permitted and setting forth the basis upon which the calculations required by the covenant "—Restricted Payments" were computed, together with a copy of any fairness opinion or appraisal required by the Indenture.

Limitation on liens

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, Incur or suffer to exist any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of its property or assets (including Capital Stock of Subsidiaries), whether owned on the Issue Date or acquired after that date, which Lien is securing any Indebtedness, unless contemporaneously with the Incurrence of such Liens effective provision is made to secure the Indebtedness due under the Indenture and the notes and, in respect of Liens on any Restricted Subsidiary's property or assets, any Subsidiary Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary, with Liens on such property or assets (1) in the case of unsubordinated Indebtedness, that rank equally and ratably with, or senior in priority to, the Liens securing such other Indebtedness, and (2) in the case of Subordinated Obligations or Guarantor Subordinated Obligations, that rank senior in priority to the Liens securing such other Indebtedness, in each case for so long as such other Indebtedness is so secured.

Limitation on restrictions on distributions from restricted subsidiaries

          The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:

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          The preceding provisions will not prohibit:

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Limitation on sales of assets and subsidiary stock

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any Asset Disposition unless:

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          Any Net Available Cash from Asset Dispositions that is not applied or invested as provided in the preceding paragraph will be deemed to constitute "Excess Proceeds." On the 331st day after an Asset Disposition, if the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $20.0 million, the Company will be required to (and may, in satisfaction of such requirement, at any time prior to such day) make an offer (an "Asset Disposition Offer") to all holders of notes and to the extent required by the terms of other Pari Passu Indebtedness, to all holders of other Pari Passu Indebtedness outstanding with similar provisions requiring the Company to make an offer to purchase such Pari Passu Indebtedness with the proceeds from any Asset Disposition ("Pari Passu Notes"), to purchase the maximum principal amount of notes and any such Pari Passu Notes to which the Asset Disposition Offer applies that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds, at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes and Pari Passu Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Indenture or the agreements governing the Pari Passu Notes, as applicable, in each case in denominations of $2,000 and larger integral multiples of $1,000. To the extent that the aggregate amount of notes and Pari Passu Notes so validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to an Asset Disposition Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Company may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes, subject to other covenants contained in the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of notes surrendered by holders thereof and other Pari Passu Notes surrendered by holders or lenders, collectively, exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the notes and Pari Passu Notes to be purchased on a pro rata basis on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of tendered notes and Pari Passu Notes. Upon completion of such Asset Disposition Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

          The Asset Disposition Offer will remain open for a period of 20 Business Days following its commencement, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the "Asset Disposition Offer Period"). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Asset Disposition Offer Period (the "Asset Disposition Purchase Date"), the Company will purchase the principal amount of notes and Pari Passu Notes required to be purchased pursuant to this covenant (the "Asset Disposition Offer Amount") or, if less than the Asset Disposition Offer Amount has been so validly tendered, all notes and Pari Passu Notes validly tendered in response to the Asset Disposition Offer.

          If the Asset Disposition Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related interest payment date, any accrued and unpaid interest will be paid to the Person in whose name a note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest will be payable to holders who tender notes pursuant to the Asset Disposition Offer.

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          For the purposes of clause (2) of the first paragraph of this covenant only, the following will be deemed to be cash:

          The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any Asset Swaps, unless:

          The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of notes pursuant to the Indenture. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this covenant, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the Indenture by virtue of any conflict.

Limitation on affiliate transactions

          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or conduct any transaction (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any Affiliate of the Company (an "Affiliate Transaction") unless:

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          The preceding paragraph will not apply to:

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Limitation on sale of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries

          The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, transfer, convey, sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any Voting Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary or, with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary, to issue any of the Voting Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary (other than, if necessary, shares of its Voting Stock constituting Foreign Required Minority Shares) to any Person except:

          Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell all the Voting Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary as long as the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries comply with the terms of the covenant described under "—Limitation on sales of assets and subsidiary stock."

SEC reports

          Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, to the extent permitted by the Exchange Act, the Company will file with the SEC, and make available to the Trustee and the registered holders of the notes, the annual reports and the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the SEC may by rules and regulations prescribe) that are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act with respect to U.S. issuers, in each case not later than 60 days after the final due dates therefor specified therein or in the relevant forms (after giving effect to any cure period specified therein). For the avoidance of doubt, no Default shall be deemed to occur under the Indenture until the expiration of such 60-day period.

          In the event that the Company is not permitted to file such reports, documents and information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, the Company will nevertheless make available such Exchange Act information to the Trustee and the holders of the notes as if the Company were subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, in each case not later than 60 days after the final due dates therefor specified therein or in the relevant forms (after giving effect to any cure period specified therein). For the avoidance of doubt, no Default shall be deemed to occur under the Indenture until the expiration of such 60-day period.

          If the Company has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by the preceding paragraph shall include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes to the financial statements and in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition, of the financial condition and results of operations of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

          In the event that any direct or indirect parent company of the Company becomes a guarantor of the notes, the Company may satisfy its obligations under this covenant by furnishing financial

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information relating to such parent; provided that (a) such financial statements are accompanied by consolidating financial information for such parent, the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Subsidiaries of the Company that are not Subsidiary Guarantors in the manner prescribed by the SEC and (b) such parent is not engaged in any business in any material respect other than incidental to its ownership, directly or indirectly, of the Capital Stock of the Company.

          A Default under this covenant is subject to a 180-day cure period. During such cure period, the interest rate on the notes shall increase by 0.50% per annum.

Merger and consolidation

          The Company will not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, any Person, unless:

          For purposes of this covenant, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Company, which properties and assets, if held by the Company instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company.

          The predecessor Company will be released from its obligations under the Indenture and the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under the Indenture, but, in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the predecessor Company will not be released from the obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the notes.

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          Although there is a limited body of case law interpreting the phrase "substantially all," there is no precise established definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to whether a particular transaction would involve "all or substantially all" of the property or assets of a Person.

          Notwithstanding the preceding clause (3), (a) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate with, merge into or transfer all or part of its properties and assets to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor and (b) the Company may merge with an Affiliate incorporated solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Company in another jurisdiction to realize tax benefits; provided that, in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that merges into the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Company will not be required to comply with the preceding clause (5).

          In addition, the Company will not permit any Subsidiary Guarantor to consolidate with, merge with or into any Person (other than the Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor) and will not permit the conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all of the assets of any Subsidiary Guarantor (other than to the Company or another Subsidiary Guarantor) unless:

Future subsidiary guarantors

          After the Issue Date, the Company will cause each Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Foreign Subsidiary) that Guarantees any Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor to execute and deliver to the Trustee a Subsidiary Guarantee pursuant to which such Subsidiary Guarantor will unconditionally Guarantee, on a joint and several basis, the full and prompt payment of the principal of, premium, if any and interest on the notes on a senior basis.

          The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor will be limited to the maximum amount as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor (including, without limitation, any guarantees under the Senior Credit Facility) and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under the Indenture, result in the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law.

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          In the event a Subsidiary Guarantor is sold or disposed of (whether by merger, consolidation, the sale of its Capital Stock or the sale of all or substantially all of its assets (other than by lease) and whether or not the Subsidiary Guarantor is the surviving corporation in such transaction) to a Person which is not the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, such Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee if:

          In addition, each Subsidiary Guarantor will be released from its obligations under the Indenture and its Subsidiary Guarantee if the Company designates such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary and such designation complies with the other applicable provisions of the Indenture or in connection with any legal defeasance of the notes or upon satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture, each in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture.

Limitation on lines of business

          The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage in any business as a primary line of business other than a Related Business.

Payments for consent

          Neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries will, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fees or otherwise, to any holder of any notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture or the notes unless such consideration is offered to be paid or is paid to all holders of the notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or amendment.

Events of default

          Each of the following is an Event of Default:

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However, a default under clauses (4), (5)(b) and (9)(a)(i) of this paragraph will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes notify the Company of the default and the Company does not cure such default within the time specified in clauses (4), (5)(b) and (9)(a)(i) of this paragraph after receipt of such notice.

          During the continuance of a Default under clause (5)(a) above, the interest rate on the notes shall increase by 0.50% per annum.

          If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default described in clause (7) above) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding notes by notice to the Company and the Trustee, may, and the Trustee at the

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request of such holders shall, declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the notes to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal, premium and accrued and unpaid interest will be due and payable immediately. In the event of a declaration of acceleration of the notes because an Event of Default described in clause (6) under "—Events of default" has occurred and is continuing, the declaration of acceleration of the notes shall be automatically annulled if the default triggering such Event of Default pursuant to clause (6) shall be remedied or cured by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or waived by the holders of the relevant Indebtedness within 20 days after the declaration of acceleration with respect thereto and if (1) the annulment of the acceleration of the notes would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (2) all existing Events of Default, except nonpayment of principal, premium or interest on the notes that became due solely because of the acceleration of the notes, have been cured or waived. If an Event of Default described in clause (7) above occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all the notes will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes may waive all past defaults (except with respect to nonpayment of principal, premium or interest) and rescind any such acceleration with respect to the notes and its consequences if (1) rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction and (2) all existing Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the notes that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived.

          Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the Trustee, if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest when due, no holder may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the notes unless:

          Subject to certain restrictions, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding notes are given the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Indenture provides that in the event an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee will be required in the exercise of its powers to use the degree of care that a prudent person would use in the conduct of its own affairs. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under the Indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to indemnification satisfactory to it in its sole discretion against all losses and expenses caused by taking or not taking such action.

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          The Indenture provides that if a Default occurs and is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee must mail to each holder notice of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any note, the Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of trust officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the holders.

          The Company is required to deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know of any Default that occurred during the previous year. The Company also is required to deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after the occurrence thereof, written notice of any events which would constitute certain Defaults, their status and what action the Company is taking or proposing to take in respect thereof.

Amendments and waivers

          Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture and the notes may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, notes) and, subject to certain exceptions, any past default or compliance with any provisions may be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, notes). However, without the consent of each holder of an outstanding note affected, no amendment, supplement or waiver may, among other things:

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any holder, the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee may amend the Indenture and the notes to:

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          The consent of the holders is not necessary under the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or supplement. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment or supplement. A consent to any amendment, supplement or waiver under the Indenture by any holder of notes given in connection with a tender of such holder's notes will not be rendered invalid by such tender. After an amendment or supplement under the Indenture becomes effective, the Company is required to mail to the holders a notice briefly describing such amendment or supplement. However, the failure to give such notice to all the holders, or any defect in the notice will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment or supplement.

Defeasance

          The Company at any time may terminate all its obligations under the notes and the Indenture ("legal defeasance"), except for certain obligations, including those respecting the defeasance trust and obligations to register the transfer or exchange of the notes, to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes and to maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the notes. If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option, the Subsidiary Guarantees in effect at such time will terminate.

          The Company at any time may terminate its obligations described under "—Change of control" and under the covenants described under "—Certain covenants" (other than "—Merger and consolidation"), the operation of the cross-default upon a payment default, the cross acceleration provision, the bankruptcy provisions with respect to Subsidiaries and the judgment default provision described under "—Events of default" above and the limitations contained in clause (3) under "—Certain covenants—Merger and consolidation" above ("covenant defeasance").

          The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Company exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect to the notes. If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in clause (4), (5), (6), (7) (with respect only to Subsidiaries), (8) or (9)

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under "—Events of default" above or because of the failure of the Company to comply with clause (3) under "—Certain covenants—Merger and consolidation" above.

          In order to exercise either defeasance option, the Company must irrevocably deposit in trust (the "defeasance trust") with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on the notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be, and must comply with certain other conditions, including delivery to the Trustee of an Opinion of Counsel (subject to customary exceptions and exclusions) to the effect that holders of the notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred. In the case of legal defeasance only, such Opinion of Counsel must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or other change in applicable Federal income tax law.

No personal liability of directors, officers, employees and stockholders

          No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Company under the notes, the Indenture or the Subsidiary Guarantees or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each holder by accepting a note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the notes. Such waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Concerning the trustee

          Wells Fargo Bank, National Association is the Trustee under the Indenture and has been appointed by the Company as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to the notes. It is also the trustee under the indenture governing our existing senior subordinated notes, and is and may be in the future a lender under our senior secured revolving credit facility.

Governing law

          The Indenture provides that it and the notes will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

Certain definitions

          "Acquired Indebtedness" means Indebtedness (1) of a Person or any of its Subsidiaries existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or (2) assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person, in each case whether or not Incurred by such Person in connection with, or in anticipation or contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or such acquisition. Acquired Indebtedness shall be deemed to have been Incurred, with respect to clause (1) of the preceding sentence, on the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary and, with respect to clause (2) of the preceding sentence, on the date of consummation of such acquisition of assets.

          "Additional Assets" means:

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provided, however, that, in the case of clauses (3) and (4), such Restricted Subsidiary is primarily engaged in a Related Business.

          "Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" means (without duplication), as of the date of determination, the remainder of:

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          If the Company changes its method of accounting from the successful efforts method of accounting to the full cost or a similar method, "Adjusted Consolidated Net Tangible Assets" will continue to be calculated as if the Company were still using the successful efforts method of accounting.

          "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing; provided that exclusively for purposes of "—Certain covenants—Limitation on affiliate transactions," beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person shall be deemed to be control.

          "Asset Disposition" means any direct or indirect sale, lease (other than an operating lease entered into in the ordinary course of business), transfer, issuance or other disposition, or a series of related sales, leases, transfers, issuances or dispositions that are part of a common plan, of shares of Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than Foreign Required Minority Shares), property or other assets (each referred to for the purposes of this definition as a "disposition") by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including any disposition by means of a merger, consolidation or similar transaction, in each case after the Issue Date.

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          Notwithstanding the preceding, the following items shall not be deemed to be Asset Dispositions:

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          "Asset Swap" means a concurrent purchase and sale or exchange of Oil and Gas Properties between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person; provided that any cash received must be applied in accordance with "—Certain covenants—Limitation on sales of assets and subsidiary stock."

          "Attributable Indebtedness" in respect of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction means, as at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the interest rate implicit in the transaction) of the total obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been extended), determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that if such Sale/Leaseback Transaction results in a Capitalized Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby will be determined in accordance with the definition of "Capitalized Lease Obligations"; and provided further, obligations relating to Qualifying SLBs shall be deemed not to be Attributable Indebtedness.

          "Average Life" means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any Indebtedness or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products of the numbers of years from the date of determination to the dates of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment by (2) the sum of all such payments.

          "Board of Directors" means, as to any Person, the board of directors of such Person or any duly authorized committee thereof.

          "Business Day" means each day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or required by law to close.

          "Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred Stock and limited liability or partnership interests (whether general or limited), but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.

          "Capitalized Lease Obligations" means an obligation that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capitalized lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation will be the capitalized amount of such obligation at the time any determination thereof is to be made as determined in accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof will be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date such lease may be terminated without penalty.

          "Cash Equivalents" means:

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          "Change of Control" means:

          "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          "Commodity Agreement" means any commodity futures contract, commodity swap, commodity option or other similar agreement or arrangement, including options, swaps, floors, caps, collars, futures, forward sales or forward purchases involving commodities (including Hydrocarbons and

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Related Assets), commodity-related revenues or costs (including basis), equities, bonds, or indexes based on any of the foregoing and any other derivative agreement or arrangement based on any of the foregoing.

          "Common Stock" means with respect to any Person, any and all shares, interest or other participations in, and other equivalents (however designated and whether voting or nonvoting) of such Person's common stock whether or not outstanding on the Issue Date, and includes, without limitation, all series and classes of such common stock.

          "Consolidated Cash Flow" for any period means, without duplication, the Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus the following to the extent deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:

          minus the sum of:

          Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, clauses (2) through (6) relating to amounts of a Restricted Subsidiary of a Person will be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person only to the extent (and in the same proportion) that the net income (loss) of such Restricted Subsidiary was included in calculating the Consolidated Net Income of such Person and, to the extent the amounts set forth in clauses (2) through (6) are in excess of those necessary to offset a net loss of such Restricted Subsidiary or if such Restricted Subsidiary has net income for such period included in Consolidated Net Income, only if a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to the Company by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior approval (that has not been obtained), pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.

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          "Consolidated Coverage Ratio" means as of any date of determination, with respect to any Person, the ratio of (x) the aggregate amount of Consolidated Cash Flow of such Person for the period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal quarters ending prior to the date of such determination for which financial statements are in existence to (y) Consolidated Interest Expense for such four fiscal quarters, provided, however, that:

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          For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any calculation under this definition, the pro forma calculations will be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Company (including pro forma expense and cost reductions calculated on a basis consistent with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act). If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest expense on such Indebtedness will be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Interest Rate Agreement applicable to such Indebtedness to the extent of the remaining term thereof). If any Indebtedness that is being given pro forma effect bears an interest rate at the option of the Company, the interest rate shall be calculated by applying such optional rate chosen by the Company.

          "Consolidated Income Taxes" means, with respect to any Person for any period, taxes imposed upon such Person or other payments required to be made by such Person by any governmental authority which taxes or other payments are calculated by reference to the income or profits of such Person or such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries (to the extent such income or profits were included in computing Consolidated Net Income for such period), regardless of whether such taxes or payments are required to be remitted to any governmental authority.

          "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period, the total interest expense of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, whether paid or accrued, plus, to the extent not included in such interest expense and without duplication:

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          minus, to the extent included above, the sum of amortization of debt issuance costs and interest income.

          For the purpose of calculating the Consolidated Coverage Ratio, the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense shall include all interest expense (including any amounts described in clauses (1) through (10) above) relating to any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary described in the penultimate paragraph of the definition of "Indebtedness".

          For purposes of the foregoing, total interest expense will be determined (i) after giving effect to any net payments made or received by the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to Interest Rate Agreements and (ii) exclusive of amounts classified as other comprehensive income in the balance sheet of the Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges Incurred in connection with any transaction pursuant to which the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer or grant a security interest in any accounts receivable or related assets shall be included in Consolidated Interest Expense.

          "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that there will not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:

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          "Continuing Directors" means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Company who: (1) was a member of such Board of Directors on the Issue Date; or (2) was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board at the time of such nomination or election.

          "Credit Facilities" means, with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the Senior Credit Facility and the uncommitted money market line of credit facility, dated November 3, 2005, as amended), or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time (and whether or not with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or other lenders and whether provided under the original Senior Credit Facility or any other credit or other agreement or indenture).

          "Currency Agreement" means in respect of a Person any foreign exchange contract, currency swap agreement, futures contract, option contract or other similar agreement as to which such Person is a party or a beneficiary.

          "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

          "Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event:

in each case on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the earlier of the date (a) of the Stated Maturity of the notes or (b) on which there are no notes outstanding, provided that only the portion of Capital Stock which so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date will be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided, further that any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale (each defined in a substantially identical manner to the corresponding definitions in the Indenture) shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock (and all such securities into which it is convertible or for which it is ratable or exchangeable) provide that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock (and all such securities into which it is convertible or for which it is ratable or exchangeable) pursuant to such provision prior to compliance by the Company with the provisions of the Indenture described under the captions "—Change of control" and "—Certain covenants—Limitation on sales of assets and subsidiary stock" and such repurchase or redemption complies with "—Certain covenants—Limitation on restricted payments."

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          "Dollar-Denominated Production Payments" means production payment obligations recorded as liabilities in accordance with GAAP, together with all undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.

          "Domestic Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

          "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

          "Foreign Required Minority Shares" means directors' qualifying shares and other shares of Capital Stock of a Foreign Subsidiary that are required by the applicable laws and regulations of such foreign jurisdiction to be owned by the government of such foreign jurisdiction or individual or corporate citizens of such foreign jurisdiction in order for such Foreign Subsidiary to transact business in such foreign jurisdiction.

          "Foreign Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that is not organized under the laws of the United States of America or any state thereof or the District of Columbia and any Subsidiary of such Restricted Subsidiary.

          "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession. All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in the Indenture will be computed in conformity with GAAP, except that in the event the Company is acquired in a transaction that is accounted for using purchase accounting, the effects of the application of purchase accounting shall be disregarded in the calculation of such ratios and other computations contained in the Indenture.

          "Guarantee" means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:

          "Guarantor Subordinated Obligation" means, with respect to a Subsidiary Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is subordinated in right of payment to the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee pursuant to a written agreement.

          "Hedging Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement, Currency Agreement or Commodity Agreement.

          "holder" means a Person in whose name a note is registered on the Registrar's books.

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          "Hydrocarbons" means oil, natural gas, casinghead gas, drip gasoline, natural gasoline, condensate, distillate, liquid hydrocarbons, gaseous hydrocarbons and all constituents, elements or compounds thereof and products refined or processed therefrom.

          "Incur" means issue, create, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (whether by merger, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) will be deemed to be Incurred by such Restricted Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; and the terms "Incurred" and "Incurrence" have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

          "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person on any date of determination (without duplication):

          Notwithstanding the preceding, Indebtedness shall not include Volumetric Production Payments. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date will be the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described above and the maximum liability, upon the occurrence of the

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contingency giving rise to the obligation, of any contingent obligations at such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, money borrowed and set aside at the time of the Incurrence of any Indebtedness in order to pre-fund the payment of interest on such Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be "Indebtedness," provided that such money is held to secure the payment of such interest.

          In addition, "Indebtedness" of any Person shall include Indebtedness described in the preceding paragraph that would not appear as a liability on the balance sheet of such Person if:

          No Indebtedness will be deemed to be subordinate in right of payment to any other Indebtedness solely by virtue of being unsecured, being secured by junior liens or having a later maturity date.

          "Interest Rate Agreement" means, with respect to any Person any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate hedge agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement as to which such Person is party or a beneficiary.

          "Investment" means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of any direct or indirect advance, loan or other extension of credit (including by way of Guarantee or similar arrangement) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other similar instruments issued by, such Person and all other items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP.

          For purposes of "—Certain covenants—Limitation on restricted payments,"

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          "Investment Grade Rating" means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and BBB- (or the equivalent) by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Inc., in each case, with a stable or better outlook.

          "Issue Date" means May 27, 2009.

          "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in the nature thereof).

          "Minority Interest" means the percentage interest represented by any shares of stock of any class of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary that are not owned by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary.

          "Net Available Cash" from an Asset Disposition means cash payments received (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise and net proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any securities received as consideration, but only as and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating to the properties or assets that are the subject of such Asset Disposition or received in any other non-cash form) therefrom, in each case net of:

          "Net Cash Proceeds," with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys' fees, accountants' fees, underwriters' or placement agents' fees, listing fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees and charges actually Incurred in connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a result of such issuance or sale (after taking into account any available tax credit or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements).

          "Net Working Capital" means (a) all current assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries except current assets constituting non-cash gains on Hedging Obligations resulting from the

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requirements of FAS 133 and similar provisions, less (b) all current liabilities of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, except current liabilities included in Indebtedness and any current liabilities constituting any non-cash losses or charges on Hedging Obligations resulting from the requirements of FAS 133 and similar provisions, in each case as set forth in the consolidated financial statements of the Company prepared in accordance with GAAP.

          "Non-Guarantor Restricted Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor.

          "Non-Recourse Debt" means Indebtedness of a Person:

          "Officer" means the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of the Company. Officer of any Subsidiary Guarantor has a correlative meaning.

          "Officers' Certificate" means a certificate signed by two Officers or by an Officer and either an Assistant Treasurer or an Assistant Secretary of the Company.

          "Oil and Gas Business" means (a) the business of acquiring, exploring, exploiting, developing, producing, operating and disposing of interests in Hydrocarbons and Oil and Gas Properties, (b) the business of gathering, marketing, distributing, treating, processing, storing, refining, selling and transporting of Hydrocarbons and Oil and Gas Properties and products produced in association therewith, (c) other energy-related business, including the ownership and operation of co-generation facilities and steam and electrical transmission businesses, (d) any business relating to oil field sales and services including ownership and operation of drilling rigs, and (e) any business or activity relating to, arising from, or necessary, appropriate or incidental to, the activities described in the foregoing clauses of this definition.

          "Oil and Gas Properties" means all properties, including equity or other ownership interests therein, owned by such Person which contain or are believed to contain oil and gas reserves.

          "Opinion of Counsel" means a written opinion from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company or the Trustee.

          "Pari Passu Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that ranks equally in right of payment to the notes.

          "Permitted Business Investment" means any Investment made in the ordinary course of, and of a nature that is or shall have become customary in, the Oil and Gas Business or any other Related Business including investments or expenditures for actively exploiting, exploring for, acquiring, developing, producing, operating, disposing of interests in, processing, gathering, marketing, distributing, treating, storing, refining, selling or transporting Hydrocarbons, Related Assets and Oil and Gas Properties through agreements, transactions, interests or arrangements which permit one to share

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risks or costs, comply with regulatory requirements regarding local ownership or satisfy other objectives customarily achieved through the conduct of such businesses jointly with third parties, including:

provided, however that a "Permitted Business Investment" shall only include Investments in entities that are classified as pass-through entities for U.S. federal, state and local and foreign income tax purposes.

          "Permitted Holders" means William F. Berry and Winberta Holdings, Ltd. Any person or group whose acquisition of beneficial ownership constitutes a Change of Control in respect of which a Change of Control Offer is made in accordance with the requirements of the Indenture (or would result in a Change of Control Offer in the absence of the waiver of such requirement by holders in accordance with the Indenture) will thereafter constitute additional Permitted Holders.

          "Permitted Investment" means an Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in:

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          "Permitted Liens" means, with respect to any Person:

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          "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, government or any agency or political subdivision hereof or any other entity.

          "Preferred Stock," as applied to the Capital Stock of any corporation, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such corporation, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such corporation.

          "Production Payments and Reserve Sales" means the grant or transfer by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to any Person of a royalty, overriding royalty, net profits interest, production payment (including Volumetric Production Payments and Dollar-Denominated Production Payments), partnership or other interest in oil and gas properties, reserves or the right to receive all or a portion of the production or the proceeds from the sale of production attributable to such properties where the holder of such interest has recourse solely to such production or proceeds of production, subject to the obligation of the grantor or transferor to operate and maintain, or cause the subject interests to be operated and maintained, in a reasonably prudent manner or other customary standard or subject to the obligation of the grantor or transferor to indemnify for environmental, title or other matters customary in the Oil and Gas Business, including any such grants or transfers pursuant to incentive compensation programs on terms that are reasonably customary in the Oil and Gas Business for geologists, geophysicists or other providers of technical services to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary.

          "Qualified Proceeds" means any of the following or any combination thereof: (1) Net Cash Proceeds, (2) Cash Equivalents, (3) assets that are used or useful in a Related Business and (4) the Capital Stock of any Person engaged in a Related Business that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or merges with or into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.

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          "Rating Agencies" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Inc. and Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or if Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Inc. or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or both shall not make a rating on the notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating agency or agencies, as the case may be, selected by the Company (as certified by a resolution of the Board of Directors) which shall be substituted for Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, Inc. or Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or both, as the case may be.

          "Receivable" means a right to receive payment arising from a sale or lease of goods or the performance of services by a Person pursuant to an arrangement with another Person pursuant to which such other Person is obligated to pay for goods or services under terms that permit the purchase of such goods and services on credit and shall include, in any event, any items of property that would be classified as an "account," "chattel paper," "payment intangible" or "instrument" under the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in the State of New York and any "supporting obligations" as so defined.

          "Receivables Fees" means any fees or interest paid to purchasers or lenders providing the financing in connection with a securitization transaction, factoring agreement or other similar agreement, including any such amounts paid by discounting the face amount of Receivables or participations therein transferred in connection with a securitization transaction, factoring agreement or other similar arrangement, regardless of whether any such transaction is structured as on-balance sheet or off-balance sheet or through a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

          "Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that is Incurred to refund, refinance, replace, exchange, renew, repay or extend (including pursuant to any defeasance or discharge mechanism) (collectively, "refinance"; "refinances" and "refinanced" shall each have a correlative meaning) any Indebtedness existing on the Issue Date or Incurred in compliance with the Indenture (including Indebtedness of the Company that refinances Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that refinances Indebtedness of another Restricted Subsidiary) including Indebtedness that refinances Refinancing Indebtedness, provided, however, that:

          "Related Assets" means steam, electricity, by-products of the utilization of Hydrocarbons, products produced in association with Hydrocarbons, minerals, and other assets commonly created, recovered or produced in the course of the conduct of any Related Business.

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          "Related Business" means (1) any business which is the same as or related, ancillary or complementary to any of the businesses of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date, (2) the Oil and Gas Business and (3) the business of acquiring, exploiting, developing, producing, operating, gathering, marketing, treating, processing, storing, refining, selling and transporting Related Assets.

          "Restricted Investment" means any Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

          "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

          "Sale/Leaseback Transaction" means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired whereby the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person.

          "SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

          "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

          "Senior Credit Facility" means the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of July 15, 2008 among the Company, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders parties thereto from time to time, as the same may be amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time, with the same or different agents or lenders (including increasing the amount loaned or the aggregate commitments of the lenders thereunder, provided that such additional Indebtedness is Incurred in accordance with the covenant described under "—Certain covenants—Limitation on indebtedness"); provided that a Senior Credit Facility shall not (1) include Indebtedness issued, created or Incurred pursuant to a registered offering of securities under the Securities Act or a private placement of securities (including under Rule 144A or Regulation S) pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or (2) relate to Subordinated Obligations.

          "Significant Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a "Significant Subsidiary" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

          "Start Date" means October 24, 2006.

          "Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision, but shall not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof.

          "Subordinated Obligation" means any Indebtedness of the Company (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is subordinated in right of payment to the notes pursuant to a written agreement.

          "Subsidiary" of any Person means (a) any corporation or other business entity (other than a legal partnership, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50% of the total ordinary voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof (or persons performing similar functions) or (b) any legal partnership, limited liability company or similar entity of which more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general or limited partnership interests, as applicable, is, in the case of clauses (a) and (b), at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (1) such Person, (2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless otherwise specified herein, each reference to a Subsidiary will refer to a Subsidiary of the Company.

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          "Subsidiary Guarantee" means, individually, any Guarantee of payment of the notes by a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to the terms of the Indenture and any supplemental indenture thereto, and, collectively, all such Guarantees. Each such Subsidiary Guarantee will be in the form prescribed by the Indenture.

          "Subsidiary Guarantor" means any Restricted Subsidiary that provides a Subsidiary Guarantee after the Issue Date in accordance with the Indenture; provided that upon release or discharge of such Restricted Subsidiary from its Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the Indenture, such Restricted Subsidiary ceases to be a Subsidiary Guarantor.

          "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means:

          The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Subsidiary of the Company (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary or a Person becoming a Subsidiary through merger or consolidation or Investment therein) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary only if:

          Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Company shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company giving effect to such designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation complies with the foregoing conditions. If, at any time, any Unrestricted Subsidiary would fail to meet the foregoing requirements as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall thereafter cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary for purposes of the Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary shall be deemed to be Incurred as of such date.

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          The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that immediately after giving effect to such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof and the Company could Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the first paragraph of the "—Certain covenants—Limitation on indebtedness" covenant on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation.

          "U.S. Government Obligations" means securities that are (a) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged or (b) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of the United States of America, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act), as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligations or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligations held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligations or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligations evidenced by such depositary receipt.

          "Volumetric Production Payments" means production payment obligations recorded as deferred revenue in accordance with GAAP, together with all undertakings and obligations in connection therewith.

          "Voting Stock" of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees, as applicable.

          "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary, all of the Capital Stock of which (other than Foreign Required Minority Shares) is owned by the Company or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary.

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CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

          The following discussion is a summary of certain United States federal tax considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes, which does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This summary is based upon the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"), Treasury regulations, rulings and pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), and judicial decisions as of the date of this prospectus supplement. These authorities may be changed, perhaps retroactively, so as to result in United States federal tax consequences different from those described herein.

          The notes will be issued as additional notes under an indenture, as supplemented by a supplemental indenture, pursuant to which we issued $325 million principal amount of our 101/4% senior notes due 2014 on May 27, 2009, and the notes will have the same CUSIP number as the notes presently outstanding under the indenture. The notes will be subject to the same information reporting for federal income tax purposes as, and will be fungible with, the notes presently outstanding. This discussion pertains only to the notes hereby being issued and not to the notes presently outstanding under the indenture. This summary applies only to an initial purchaser that purchases notes pursuant to this offering.

          This summary does not address the tax considerations arising under the laws of any foreign, state or local jurisdiction or the effect of any tax treaty. In addition, this discussion does not address tax considerations that are the result of a holder's particular circumstances or of special rules, such as those that apply to holders who are subject to the alternative minimum tax, financial institutions, tax exempt organizations, insurance companies, dealers or traders in securities or commodities, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, U.S. holders (as defined below) whose "functional currency" is not the U.S. dollar, certain former citizens or former long-term residents of the United States, or persons who will hold the notes as a position in a hedging transaction, "straddle," "conversion transaction" or any other similar transaction.

          If a partnership (or any entity that is treated as a partnership for United States federal tax purposes) holds notes, then the United States federal income tax treatment of a partner will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner should consult its tax advisor as to its consequences. We have not sought any ruling from the IRS with respect to the statements made and conclusions reached in this discussion, and there can be no assurance that the IRS will agree with these statements and conclusions.

Consequences to U.S. Holders

          As used in this discussion, a "U.S. holder" is a beneficial owner of a note who is a citizen or resident of the United States, a corporation (or any entity that is treated as a corporation for United States federal tax purposes) created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust (1) if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) that has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a United States person.

          Payments of Interest.    All interest on the notes will be qualified stated interest (within the meaning of the original issue discount ("OID") rules discussed below) and, except as otherwise described below at "—Pre-Issuance Accrued Interest," will be taxable to you as ordinary income at the time it is paid or accrues in accordance with your ordinary method of accounting for United States federal income tax purposes.

          Pre-Issuance Accrued Interest.    A U.S. holder who purchases a note in this offering will exclude from the U.S. holder's income the portion of the December 1, 2009 interest payment on the note that is attributable to interest that accrued on the note prior to issuance. However, we are entitled to, and will, file our own federal income tax return and any required federal income tax information returns on

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the basis that the entire amount of the December 1, 2009 interest payment is interest income to U.S. holders.

          Original Issue Discount.    The notes presently outstanding under the indenture were issued on May 27, 2009 at an issue price equal to 93.546% of their stated principal amount. The excess of the stated principal amount of the notes presently outstanding under the indenture over the issue price of the notes presently outstanding under the indenture constitutes OID for federal income tax purposes on the notes presently outstanding under the indenture.

          The notes offered in this offering constitute a "qualified reopening," within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §1.1275-2(k), of the May 27, 2009 issuance of the notes presently outstanding under the indenture. As a result, the notes offered in this offering will be treated as bearing OID in the same amount as the notes presently outstanding under the indenture.

          Because U.S. holders will purchase notes in this offering for an amount greater than the notes' principal amount (excluding any amount properly allocable to pre-issuance accrued interest as described above at "—Pre-Issuance Accrued Interest"), such holders will not be required to include any OID in income. Nevertheless, each such U.S. holder will receive annual information reports on IRS Form 1099-OID reporting the entire amount of OID accrued on the notes during the year as taxable income and will be required to show such OID on such holder's federal income tax return, subject to a fully offsetting adjustment.

          In general, the amount of OID reportable to each initial U.S. holder of a note on Form 1099-OID is equal to a ratable amount of OID with respect to the note for each day in an accrual period during the taxable year (or portion of the taxable year) on which the U.S. holder held the note. An 'accrual period' may be of any length and the accrual periods may vary in length over the term of the note, provided that each accrual period is no longer than one year and each scheduled payment of principal or interest occurs either on the final day of an accrual period or on the first day of an accrual period. The amount of OID allocable to each accrual period is generally equal to the excess of the product of the note's adjusted issue price at the beginning of such accrual period and its yield to maturity (determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period and appropriately adjusted to take into account the length of the particular accrual period) over the amount of any qualified stated interest payments allocable to such accrual period. The 'adjusted issue price' of a note at the beginning of any accrual period is the sum of the issue price of the note plus the amount of OID included in the holder's income in all prior accrual periods minus the amount of any prior payments on the note that were not qualified stated interest payments.

          Amortizable Bond Premium.    Because U.S. holders will purchase notes in this offering for an amount greater than the notes' principal amount (excluding any amount properly allocable to pre-issuance accrued interest as described above at "—Pre-Issuance Accrued Interest"), such holders will be considered to have purchased the notes at a premium. A U.S. holder may elect to amortize the premium on a constant yield to maturity basis. U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the period over which the premium may be amortized and the amount of premium (if any) allowed in a particular tax year. The amount amortized in any year will be treated as a reduction of the U.S. holder's interest income from the notes. A U.S. holder who elects to amortize any premium on notes must reduce its tax basis in the notes by the amount of the premium amortized in any year. An election to amortize premium applies to all taxable debt obligations held by the U.S. holder at the beginning of the first taxable year to which the election applies and to all such obligations thereafter acquired by the U.S. holder and may be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. Premium on notes held by a U.S. holder who does not make such an election will decrease the gain or increase the loss otherwise recognized on the disposition of the notes.

          Election to Use Constant Yield Method.    Under applicable Treasury regulations, an initial U.S. holder may elect to include stated interest, OID and amortizable bond premium on the notes in income on a constant yield basis. Such an election could, in some instances, affect the timing of the

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inclusion of interest income and the treatment of amortizable bond premium. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the desirability and effects of such an election.

          Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Disposition of the Notes.    You will recognize gain or loss upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note that is equal to the difference between the amount of cash proceeds and the fair market value of any property received on such disposition (less any amount attributable to accrued and unpaid interest on the note that you have not previously included in income, which will be taxable as ordinary income) and your adjusted tax basis in the note. Your adjusted tax basis in a note will generally equal your cost thereof, reduced for any amortizable bond premium that has accrued thereon. Any gain or loss that is recognized on the disposition of a note generally will be capital gain or loss and will be a long-term capital gain or loss if you have held the note for more than one year. If you are not a corporation for United States federal tax purposes, then any long-term capital gain will generally be subject to United States federal income tax at a reduced rate. Your ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.

          Information Reporting and Backup Withholding.    In general, information reporting is required as to certain payments of principal and interest on the notes and on the proceeds of the disposition of a note unless you are a corporation or other exempt recipient. In addition, you will be subject to backup withholding if you are not exempt and you fail to properly furnish a taxpayer identification number and certain other information or if the IRS has notified you that you are subject to backup withholding. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules will be allowed as a refund or a credit against your United States federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund provided that you properly provide certain information to the IRS.

Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders

          The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax considerations that apply to a beneficial owner of a note that is not a U.S. holder (as defined above) and is not a partnership. The rules governing the United States federal income taxation of a non-U.S. holder are complex, and no attempt will be made herein to provide more than a summary of certain of those rules. Prospective non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine the effect of United States federal, state and other tax laws, as well as foreign tax laws, including any reporting requirements.

          Payment of Interest.    Under the portfolio interest exemption, payments of interest on a note that you receive will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding if the interest is not effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States and you:

          Such a statement may be provided by you on a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN and may be provided by certain other persons who have received certain information from you. If the portfolio interest exemption is not available to you, then the interest on a note may be subject to United States federal income tax (which may be collected by withholding) at a rate of 30 percent, unless you provide us or our paying agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN claiming an exemption from (or reduction of) withholding under an applicable income tax treaty.

          Interest on a note that is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if a tax treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent establishment you maintain in the United States) is not subject to withholding if you provide a properly completed IRS Form W-8ECI. However, you will generally be subject to United States federal income tax on such

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interest on a net income basis at rates applicable to a United States person generally. In addition, if you are a foreign corporation, you may also incur a branch profits tax on such interest.

          Sale, Exchange, Redemption or Other Disposition of the Notes.    You will not be subject to United States federal income tax on any gain realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition of a note (other than with respect to payments attributable to accrued interest, which will be taxed as described under "—Payment of Interest" above) unless the gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if a tax treaty applies, is attributable to a permanent establishment you maintain in the United States) or, you are an individual present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year in which such disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met.

          Certain United States Federal Estate Tax Considerations for Non-U.S. Holders.    A note beneficially owned by an individual who is not a citizen or resident of the United States (as defined for United States federal estate tax purposes) at the time of death will generally not be includable in the decedent's gross estate for United States federal estate tax purposes, provided that the beneficial owner did not at the time of death actually or constructively own 10% or more of the combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote, and provided that, at the time of the holder's death, payments with respect to that note would not have been effectively connected with the holder's conduct of a trade or business within the United States.

          Information Reporting and Backup Withholding.    Payments to a non-U.S. holder of interest on a note, and amounts withheld from such payments, if any, generally will be required to be reported to the IRS and to the non-U.S. holder.

          United States backup withholding tax generally will not apply to payments of interest and principal on a note to a non-U.S. holder if the holder properly provides the certification statements described in "—Payment of Interest" or the holder otherwise establishes an exemption, provided that we do not have actual knowledge or reason to know that the holder is a United States person.

          Payment of the proceeds of a sale of a note effected by the U.S. office of a U.S. or foreign broker will be subject to information reporting requirements and backup withholding unless you properly certify under penalties of perjury as to your foreign status and certain other conditions are met or you otherwise establish an exemption. Information reporting requirements and backup withholding generally will not apply to any payment of the proceeds of the sale of a note effected outside the United States by a foreign office of a broker. However, unless such a broker has documentary evidence in its records that you are a non-U.S. holder and certain other conditions are met, or you otherwise establish an exemption, information reporting will apply to a payment of the proceeds of the sale of a note effected outside the United States by such a broker if it:

          Any amount withheld from a payment under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a credit against your United States federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.

          You should consult your own tax advisor regarding the application of withholding and backup withholding in your particular circumstances and the availability of and procedure for obtaining an exemption from withholding and backup withholding.

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UNDERWRITING

          Subject to the terms and conditions in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus supplement by and among us and the underwriters named below, for whom Wells Fargo Securities, LLC is acting as representative, we have agreed to sell to each of the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed to purchase from us, the principal amount of the notes indicated in the following table.

Underwriter
  Principal Amount
of Notes
 

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

  $                     

Citigroup Global Markets Inc. 

  $                     
       

Total

  $                     
       

          Under the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, if the underwriters purchase any of the notes, then they are obligated to purchase all of the notes.

          The underwriters propose to offer the notes initially at the price to investors on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and may offer the notes to certain dealers, who may include the underwriters, at that price less a concession not in excess of          % of the principal amount per note. The underwriters may allow, and those dealers may reallow, a concession to certain other broker/dealers not in excess of          % of the principal amount per note. After the initial offering of the notes to the public, the underwriters may change the public offering price and the concession.

          We estimate that the total expenses of this offering, excluding underwriting discounts, will be approximately $            . The underwriters have agreed to reimburse a portion of our expenses related to this offering.

          In connection with this offering and in compliance with applicable law, the underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing and syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

          These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the notes. They may also cause the price of the notes to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of these transactions. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. The underwriters are not required to engage in any of these activities and such activities, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.

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          The notes are offered for sale only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to offer them.

          There is no active trading market for the notes of the series offered hereby. The notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or included in any automated quotation system. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the notes, as permitted by applicable law. They are not obligated, however, to make a market in the notes, and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without notice, in their sole discretion. If either of the underwriters ceases to act as a market-maker for the notes for any reason, there can be no assurance that another firm or person will make a market in the notes. Accordingly, we cannot assure you as to the development or liquidity of any market for these notes.

          Neither we nor either of the underwriters makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the notes. In addition, neither we nor either of the underwriters makes any representation that the underwriters will engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

          We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any such liabilities.

          In addition, we have agreed that we will not offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company and having a term of more than one year (other than the notes) for a period of 90 days after the date of this prospectus supplement without the prior consent of the representative of the underwriters.

          In the ordinary course of their business, the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged, and may in the future engage, in commercial banking and/or investment banking transactions with us and our affiliates for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses. In particular, affiliates of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. are lenders under our senior secured revolving credit facility and will be partially repaid with a portion of the net proceeds of this offering. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, an affiliate of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, is the administrative agent, lead arranger, swing line lender and a joint book runner under our senior secured revolving credit facility. Amounts repaid under our senior secured revolving credit facility may be reborrowed by us. In addition, from time to time, the underwriters and their affiliates may effect transactions for their own account or the account of customers, and hold on behalf of themselves or their customers, long or short positions in our debt or equity securities or loans, and may do so in the future.

          Because we intend to use more than 10% of the net proceeds from the sale of the notes to repay indebtedness owed by us to the underwriters or their affiliates, the offering is being made in compliance with the requirements of Rule 5110(h) of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). This rule provides generally that if more than 10% of the net proceeds from the sale of debt securities, not including underwriting compensation, is paid to the underwriters of such debt securities or their affiliates, the yield on the securities may not be lower than that recommended by a "qualified independent underwriter" meeting certain standards. Accordingly, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is assuming the responsibilities of acting as the qualified independent underwriter in pricing the offering and conducting due diligence. The yield on the notes, when sold to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, is no lower than that recommended by Citigroup Global Markets Inc. We have agreed to indemnify Citigroup Global Markets Inc. in its capacity as qualified independent underwriter against certain liabilities under the Securities Act.

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LEGAL MATTERS

          The validity of notes offered under this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and, with respect to certain legal matters, by Baker Botts L.L.P., Houston, Texas and Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP, Westlake Village, California. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas.


EXPERTS

          The financial statements incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to Berry Petroleum Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 11, 2009 and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this prospectus supplement by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Berry Petroleum Company for the year ended December 31, 2008 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

          The audited Statements of Combined Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses for the oil and gas properties purchased by Berry Petroleum Company from a consortium of private sellers for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007 included in Exhibit 99.4 of Berry Petroleum Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated September 29, 2008 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

          The appraisal reports of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent consulting petroleum engineers, and certain information as with respect to the oil and natural gas reserves associated with our oil and natural gas properties derived from such reports has been included and incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement upon the authority of each such firm as experts with respect to matters covered by such reports and in giving such reports.

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PROSPECTUS

BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY

Debt Securities
Preferred Stock
Class A Common Stock
Warrants



        The following are types of securities that we may offer, issue and sell from time to time, together or separately: debt securities, which may be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities and may be convertible; shares of our preferred stock; shares of our Class A Common Stock; and warrants to purchase debt or equity securities.

        This prospectus contains summaries of the general terms of these securities. At the time of each offering we will provide the specific terms, manner of offering and the initial public offering price of the securities in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, together with the documents we incorporate by reference, before you decide to invest. This prospectus may not be used to sell securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

        We may offer and sell these securities through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, through underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by one or more underwriters, or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering.

        Our Class A Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "BRY." Each prospectus supplement will indicate if the securities offered thereby will be listed on any securities exchange.

        Investing in any of our securities involves risks. You should consider carefully the risk factors described on page 5 of this prospectus and in the applicable prospectus supplement or any of the documents we incorporate by reference.



        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.



        This prospectus is dated August 11, 2009.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page  

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

    2  

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

    3  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

    3  

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    4  

BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY

    4  

RISK FACTORS

    5  

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

    5  

USE OF PROCEEDS

    5  

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

    6  

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

    6  

DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

    8  

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

    10  

VALIDITY OF OFFERED SECURITIES

    11  

EXPERTS

    11  


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a "shelf" registration statement that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell from time to time in one or more offerings any combination of the securities described in this prospectus. For further information about the securities and us, you should refer to our registration statement and its exhibits. The registration statement can be obtained from the SEC as described below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information." References in this prospectus to "we," "our" or "us" refer to Berry Petroleum Company and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

        This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer. Each time we sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that contains more specific information about the terms of those securities. 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 additional information included in our reports, proxy statements and other information filed with the SEC. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

        You should rely only on information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, any written communications from us or any "free writing prospectus" we may authorize to be delivered to you. We have not authorized anyone to provide different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should not assume that the information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any prospectus supplement or any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered to you is accurate as of any date other than their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

2



INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information we file with it. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Any information we reference in this manner is considered part of this prospectus. Information we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and, to the extent inconsistent, supersede the information contained in this prospectus.

        We incorporate by reference the documents listed below and future filings we make with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (excluding, unless otherwise provided therein or herein, information furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and Item 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K) after the effectiveness of this registration statement and before the termination of the offering.

        As a recipient of this prospectus, you may request a copy of any document we incorporate by reference, except exhibits to the documents that are not specifically incorporated by reference, at no cost to you, by writing or calling us at:

Berry Petroleum Company
Attn: Investor Relations
1999 Broadway, Suite 3700
Denver, Colorado 80202
(303) 999-4400


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our filings are available over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov and at our web site at http://www.bry.com. Information on our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference in this prospectus and does not constitute part of this prospectus.

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement and, as permitted by SEC rules, does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. Whenever a reference is made in this prospectus to any of our contracts or other documents, the reference may not be complete and, for a copy of the contract or document, you should refer to the exhibits that are part of the registration

3



statement. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at the SEC's public reference rooms at:

100 F Street, N.E.
Room 1580
Washington, D.C. 20549

        You may call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for more information on the public reference rooms and their copy charges. You may also inspect the reports and other information we file with the SEC at:

NYSE Euronext
11 Wall Street, 5th Floor
New York, New York 10005.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        This prospectus and the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus contains statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Any statements in this prospectus that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Words such as "expect," "could," "would," "may," "believe," "estimate," "anticipate," "intend," "plans," other forms of those words and others indicate forward-looking statements, but their absence does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. A statement is forward-looking if the discussion involves strategy, beliefs, plans, targets, or intentions.

        Forward-looking statements are made based on our management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon us. Important factors which could affect actual results are discussed in detail in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein.


BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY

        We are an independent energy company engaged in the production, development, exploitation and acquisition of crude oil and natural gas. While we were incorporated in Delaware in 1985 and have been a publicly traded company since 1987, we can trace our roots in California oil production back to 1909. Currently, our principal reserves and producing properties are located in California (San Joaquin Valley and Los Angeles Basins), Utah (Uinta Basin), Colorado (Piceance Basin) and Texas (East Texas Basin).

        Berry Petroleum Company is a Delaware corporation. Our corporate headquarters and principal executive offices are located at 1999 Broadway, Suite 3700, Denver, Colorado 80202, and our telephone number is (303) 999-4400.

4



RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider all of the information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and other information which may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement as provided under "Incorporation by Reference," including the risks described under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Please read "Forward-Looking Statements." Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including the risks described elsewhere in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement and in the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement. If any of these risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely affected. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on us.


RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table presents our historical ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the six-month period ended June 30, 2009 and each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2008.

 
   
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2009
 
 
  2008   2007   2006   2005   2004  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges:

                                     

Berry Petroleum Company

    1.9 x   4.4 x   6.3 x   8.7 x   25.8 x   44.3 x

        For purposes of this table, "earnings" consists of income before income taxes plus fixed charges and less capitalized interest. "Fixed charges" consists of interest expense and capitalized interest.

        We had no preferred stock outstanding for any period presented, and accordingly our ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends is the same as our ratio of earnings to fixed charges.


USE OF PROCEEDS

        Unless we have indicated otherwise in the accompanying prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net proceeds we receive from any offering of these securities for our general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, working capital, repayment or reduction of debt, capital expenditures, acquisitions of additional oil and natural gas properties or companies owning oil and natural gas properties and repurchases and redemptions of securities. Pending any specific application, we may initially invest funds in short-term marketable securities or apply them to the reduction of other short-term indebtedness.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

        The debt securities will either be senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, senior debt securities will be issued under a senior indenture dated June 15, 2006 among Berry Petroleum Company, as issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee, and subordinated debt securities will be issued under a subordinated indenture dated June 15, 2006 among Berry Petroleum Company, as issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. The senior indenture and the form of the subordinated indenture are filed as exhibits to and are incorporated by reference in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We will include in a supplement to this prospectus the specific terms of each series of debt securities being offered, including the terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock, preferred stock or other debt securities. The statements and descriptions in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement regarding provisions of the indentures and debt securities are summaries thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the indentures (and any amendments or supplements we may enter into from time to time which are permitted under each indenture) and the debt securities, including the definitions therein of certain terms.

        Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be direct unsecured obligations of Berry Petroleum Company. The senior debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with any of our other unsecured senior and unsubordinated debt. The senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated to, and thus have a junior position to, our secured debt with respect to the assets securing that debt. The subordinated debt securities will be subordinate and junior in right of payment to any senior indebtedness. The indentures do not limit the aggregate principal amount of debt securities that we may issue and provide that we may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, in each case with the same or various maturities, at par or at a discount. Unless indicated in a prospectus supplement, we may issue additional debt securities of a particular series without the consent of the holders of the debt securities of such series outstanding at the time of the issuance. Any such additional debt securities, together with all other outstanding debt securities of that series, will constitute a single series of debt securities under the applicable indenture.


DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK

        This section summarizes the general terms of the preferred stock that we may offer. The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of preferred stock offered will describe the specific terms of that series, which may be in addition to or different from the general terms summarized in this section. The summary in this section and in any prospectus supplement does not describe every aspect of the preferred stock and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the certificate of designation relating to the applicable series of preferred stock, copies of which are listed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and the Delaware General Corporation Law. The certificate of designation is incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

        Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes us to issue 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $.01 per share. As of July 20, 2009, no shares of preferred stock were outstanding, and 500,000 were reserved for issuance under our Shareholder Rights Agreement. We may issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more classes or series with such rights and preferences, including voting, dividend and conversion rights and other terms, as our board of directors may establish without any further authorization by the shareholders.

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        The preferred stock that we may offer will be issued in one or more classes or series. The prospectus supplement relating to the particular class or series of preferred stock will describe the specific terms of the class or series, including:

General

        The holders of preferred stock will have no preemptive rights. Upon issuance against full payment of the purchase price, the preferred stock will be fully paid and non-assessable. Unless otherwise provided in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular class or series, the preferred stock will have the rights described below.

Dividends

        The preferred stock will be preferred over any class or series of common stock as to payment of dividends. Before we can declare, pay or set apart for payment any dividends or distributions on the common stock, other than dividends or distributions payable in common stock, we will pay dividends to the holders of shares of each class and series of preferred stock entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors. We will pay those dividends either in cash, shares of common stock or preferred stock or otherwise, at the rate and on the date or dates set forth in the prospectus supplement. For each class or series of preferred stock, the dividends on each share of the class or series will be cumulative from the date of issue of the share unless some other date is set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. Accruals of dividends will not bear interest.

Liquidation

        The preferred stock will be preferred over the common stock as to asset distributions so that the holders of each class and series of preferred stock will be entitled to be paid the amount stated in the applicable prospectus supplement upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and before any distribution is made to the holders of common stock. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, our net assets are insufficient to permit the payment in full of the respective amounts to which the holders of all outstanding preferred stock are entitled, unless otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, our entire remaining net assets will be distributed among the holders of each class and series of preferred stock in amounts proportional to the full amounts to which the holders of each class and series are entitled.

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Redemption or Conversion

        The shares of any class or series of preferred stock will be redeemable or will be convertible into shares of common stock or any other class or series of preferred stock to the extent described in the prospectus supplement relating to the series.


DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK

        We are authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, and up to 3,000,000 shares of Class B Stock, par value $.01 per share. As of July 20, 2009, there were 42,826,373 shares of Class A Common Stock and 1,797,784 shares of Class B Stock outstanding.

        If we issue any common stock under this prospectus, we will issue shares of Class A Common Stock. This section summarizes the general terms of our Class A Common Stock and Class B Stock. The prospectus supplement relating to the common stock offered will state the number of shares offered, the initial offering price and market price, dividend information and any other relevant information. The summary in this section and in the prospectus supplement does not describe every aspect of the common stock and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to all the provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws, copies of which are listed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and the Delaware General Corporation Law.

General

        Shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Stock are each entitled to one vote and 95% of one vote, respectively. Each share of Class B Stock is entitled to a $0.50 per share preference in the event of liquidation or dissolution. Further, each share of Class B Stock is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holder. All shares of common stock have equal rights to participate in dividends. Stockholders have the right to vote their shares on a cumulative basis with respect to the election of directors. Shares of common stock carry no conversion rights, other than the right to convert shares of Class B Stock into Shares of Class A Common Stock, carry no preemptive or subscription rights and are not subject to redemption. All outstanding shares of common stock are, and any shares of common stock issued upon conversion of any convertible securities will be, fully paid and non-assessable. We may pay dividends on our common stock when, as and if declared by our board of directors. Dividends may be declared in the discretion of the board of directors from funds legally available, subject to any preferential rights with respect to our preferred stock and any restrictions under agreements related to our indebtedness.

        The outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol "BRY." The transfer agent, registrar and dividend disbursement agent for the common stock is Mellon Investor Services.

Shareholder Rights

        In November 1999, we adopted a Shareholder Rights Agreement and declared a dividend distribution of one Right for each outstanding share of Class A Common Stock and Class B Stock on December 8, 1999. Each Right, when exercisable, entitles the holder to purchase one one-hundredth of a share of a Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock, or in certain cases other securities, for $19.00. The exercise price and number of shares issuable are subject to adjustment to prevent dilution. The Rights would become exercisable, unless earlier redeemed by us, 10 days following a public announcement that a person or group has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock or 10 business days following the commencement of a tender or exchange offer for such outstanding shares which would result in such person or group

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acquiring 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, either event occurring without our prior consent.

        The Rights will expire on December 8, 2009 or may be redeemed by us at $.005 per Right prior to that date unless they have theretofore become exercisable. The Rights do not have voting or dividend rights, and until they become exercisable, have no diluting effect on our earnings. A total of 500,000 shares of our preferred stock has been designated Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock and reserved for issuance upon exercise of the Rights.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions of Delaware Law, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws

        The provisions of Delaware law, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Restated Bylaws summarized below may have anti-takeover effects and may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the common stock.

        We are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, an anti-takeover law. In general, this section prevents certain Delaware companies under certain circumstances, from engaging in a "business combination" with (1) a stockholder who owns 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock (otherwise known as an "interested stockholder"); (2) an affiliate of the company who is also an interested stockholder; or (3) an associate of the company who is also an interested stockholder, for three years following the date that the stockholder became an "interested stockholder." A "business combination" includes a merger or sale of 10% or more of our assets.

        Our Restated Bylaws provide that stockholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors at, or bring other business before, an annual meeting of stockholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. In general, to bring a matter before an annual meeting or to nominate a candidate for director, a stockholder must give notice of the proposed matter or nomination not less than 120 and not more than 210 days prior to the first anniversary date of the proxy statement for the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. If the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 90 days after such anniversary date, the stockholder notice must be received not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the meeting is made.

        Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that our authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock are available for future issuance without stockholder approval and does not preclude the future issuance without stockholder approval of the authorized but unissued shares of our common stock. These additional shares may be utilized for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee benefit plans. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock could make it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

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        Pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law and our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, certain provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, including those relating to the declaration of dividends, the number of directors, amending our bylaws and limitations on a director's liability, may not be repealed or amended, in whole or in part, without the approval of at least 662/3% of our outstanding voting stock.

        Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Restated Bylaws permit our board of directors to adopt, amend and repeal our Restated Bylaws. They also provide that our Restated Bylaws can be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of our outstanding voting stock.

        Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation generally provides that the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of our outstanding voting stock is required to effect the following:

unless (i) our board of directors approved the transaction prior to the time that the other party thereto become the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding voting stock or (ii) a majority of the voting stock of such other corporation, or a majority of the equity interest in any such other person or entity, is owned by us.


DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

        The following is a description of the general terms and provisions of the warrants. The particular terms of any series of warrants will be described in a prospectus supplement. If so indicated in a prospectus supplement, the terms of that series may differ from the terms set forth below.

General

        We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any debt securities, preferred stock or common stock and may be attached to or separate from the debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.

        You should review the applicable prospectus supplement for the specific terms of any warrants that may be offered including the following:

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VALIDITY OF OFFERED SECURITIES

        The validity of the offered securities and other matters in connection with any offering of the securities will be passed upon for us by Musick, Peeler & Garrett LLP, Westlake Village, California, and for the underwriters or agents, if any, by a firm named in the prospectus supplement relating to the particular security.


EXPERTS

        The financial statements incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to Berry Petroleum Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 11, 2009 and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (which is included in Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting) incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Berry Petroleum Company for the year ended December 31, 2008 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

        The audited Statements of Combined Revenues and Direct Operating Expenses for the oil and gas properties purchased by Berry Petroleum Company from a consortium of private sellers for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2007 included in Exhibit 99.4 of Berry Petroleum Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated September 29, 2008 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.

        Certain information incorporated by reference in this prospectus regarding estimated quantities of oil and natural gas reserves owned by us, the future net revenues from those reserves and their present value is based on estimates of the reserves and present values prepared by or derived from estimates

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prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent consulting petroleum engineers, and all such information has been so incorporated in reliance on the authority of such firm as experts regarding the matters contained in their report. Future estimates of oil and natural gas reserves and related information hereafter incorporated by reference in this prospectus and the registration statement will be incorporated in reliance upon the reports of the firm examining such oil and gas reserves and related information and upon the authority of that firm as experts regarding the matters contained in their reports, to the extent the firm has consented to the use of their reports.

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