C. K. COOPER & COMPANY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION AND REORGANIZATION OF ITS EQUITY RESEARCH DEPARTMENT

• Evolution Petroleum (NYSE MKT:  EPM)

• Gulfport Energy (NASDAQ: GPOR)

• Saratoga Resources (NYSE MKT: SARA)

Jeff Grampp has been promoted to Senior Research Analyst with a focus on covering companies with an operational focus in the DJ Basin, and the Bakken and Mississippi Lime plays.  “Since joining the firm in 2011, Mr. Grampp has been instrumental in providing essential support in covering E&P companies across our entire oil and gas coverage universe and has demonstrated a profound ability to provide thoughtful, and thorough analysis of companies and I look forward to continuing to work with him in this expanded capacity,” said Daren Oddenino Director of Research.  As a result of this promotion, C. K Cooper has reassigned coverage of the following companies to Mr. Grampp:

• Abraxas Petroleum  (NASDAQ: AXAS)

• Bonanza Creek Energy  (NYSE: BCEI)

• FX Energy  (NASDAQ: FXEN)

• Northern Oil & Gas  (NYSE MKT: NOG)

• PDC Energy  (NASDAQ: PDCE)

• Synergy Resources  (NYSE MKT: SYRG)

Additionally, Bhakti Pavani has been promoted to Senior Research Analyst and an additional coverage sector to include E&P MLPs with initiations expected in the coming weeks.

Furthermore, as a result of the departure of Joel Musante, C. K. Cooper is terminating coverage on the following companies:

• Emerald Oil, Inc.  (NYSE MKT: EOX)

• Endeavour International Corp  (NYSE: END)

• US Energy Corp.  (NASDAQ: USEG)

 About C. K. Cooper & Company

C. K. Cooper & Company is a full-service investment bank headquartered in Irvine, California.  The Company is focused on providing superior and insightful research coverage to its clients; innovative investment banking solutions supported by sales and trading services; and portfolio advisory and management services for private clients.  Though C. K. Cooper & Company has been noted for a variety of measures of accomplishment, we chart our success by only one metric: The growth of our clients. For more about C. K. Cooper & Company, visit www.ckcooper.com.  For more information, please contact:

C. K. Cooper & Company, Inc. – 4 Park Plaza, Suite 1900, Irvine, California 92614

Telephone: (949) 477-9300 E-Mail: [email protected] 

The information contained herein is not a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any company, industry or security. Although opinions and estimates expressed herein reflect the current judgment of C. K. Cooper & Company, the information upon which such opinions and estimates are based is not necessarily updated on a regular basis; when it is, the date of the change in estimate will be noted. In addition, opinions and estimates are subject to change without notice. This report contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly from the results described in the forward-looking statements.  Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in “Investment Risks.” C. K. Cooper & Company from time to time perform corporate finance or other services for some companies described herein and may occasionally possess material, nonpublic information regarding such companies. This information is not used in the preparation of the opinions and estimates herein. While the information contained in this Report and the opinions contained herein are based on sources believed to be reliable, C. K. Cooper & Company has not independently verified the facts, assumptions and estimates contained in this Report. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information and opinions contained in this Report.  C. K. Cooper & Company, its managing directors, its affiliates, and/or its employees may have an interest in the securities of the issue(s) described and may make purchases or sales while this report is in circulation.