UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Form 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13
OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
Commission File Number 001-16749
GeoPetro Resources Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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94-3214487 |
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(State of incorporation) |
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(IRS Employer Identification Number) |
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One Maritime Plaza, |
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94111 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
(415) 398-8186
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of Each Class |
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
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Common Stock, No Par Value |
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NYSE Amex |
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No
x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on
its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of
this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best
of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition
of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filero |
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Accelerated filero |
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Non-accelerated filer¨ |
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Smaller Reporting Companyx |
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The
aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates
was approximately $13,102,558 based on the closing sale price of $0.47 per
share as reported by the American Stock Exchange on June 30, 2009.
The
number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding on March 30,
2010 was 34,284,646.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions
of the registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be filed on or before April 30, 2010, are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY
Forward-Looking Statements
This
Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act as of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and we
intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors
created thereby. These statements are related to future events or our
future financial performance. We have attempted to identify
forward-looking statements with terminology, including “anticipate,” “believe,”
“can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “will,”
or similar expressions as they relate to us and our business, industry and
markets. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements
that could be deemed forward-looking statements, such as those statements that
address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or
anticipate will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on
certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and
perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future
developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances.
Such forward looking statements are subject to change based on factors beyond
our control. Certain factors that may affect our financial condition and
results of operations are discussed in Item 1A “Risk Factors”
, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations” and Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and may
be discussed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission subsequent to this report. We assume no obligation,
nor do we intend to update these forward-looking statements, unless required by
law. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K to “GeoPetro,” “Company”, “we,” “us”
and “our” refer to GeoPetro Resources Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries.
We were
incorporated in the State of
Our
principal and registered office is located at
Intercorporate Relationships
We hold
100% of the shares of Redwood Energy Company, a
In
addition, we hold a 12% interest in Continental-GeoPetro
(Bengara II) Ltd., “C-G Bengara” which is a British Virgin Islands company and
a 50% interest in CG Xploration Inc., “ CG Xploration
”, which is a
We also
hold 100% of the shares of GeoPetro Canada Ltd.,
“GeoPetro Canada”, an
Our
Company also holds 100% of the shares of GeoPetro
International Ltd., a
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
During
the past three years, we have conducted leasehold acquisition, exploration and
drilling activities on our North American and Indonesian prospects. These
projects currently encompass approximately 377,506 gross (163,590
net) acres, consisting of mineral leases, production sharing contracts and
exploration permits that give us the right to explore for, develop and produce
oil and natural gas. Most of these properties are in the exploration, appraisal
or development drilling phase and have not begun to produce revenue from the sale
of oil and natural gas. Excluding minor interest and dividend income, our only
cash inflows until 2003 were the recovery of capital invested in projects
through sale or other divestiture of interests in oil and gas prospects to
industry partners.
In
December 2000, we acquired working interests in oil and natural gas leases
in the Madisonville Field in Madison County, Texas, including interests in the Rodessa Formation. Also included in the acquisition was the
Magness Well, an existing well that had been drilled,
cased and production tested in the Rodessa Formation.
In October 2001, we re-completed and tested the Magness
Well over a 12-day period. In October 2002, we drilled, completed and
successfully tested an injection well to dispose of waste products resulting
from the treating process for gas produced from the Rodessa
Formation. The Madisonville Field gas treatment plant and associated pipelines,
which were built specifically for this project, were placed into service in
May 2003, and the Magness Well began production
in late May 2003. Since 2003, substantially all of our revenue has been
generated from natural gas sales derived from the Madisonville Field, and the
Madisonville Project was our primary source of revenue in 2009. The first
development well in the Madisonville Field, the Fannin
Well, was drilled in 2005 and was tested at rates of up to 25.7 MMcf/d. In 2006, we drilled the Wilson and Mitchell wells.
Presently, the Fannin, Mitchell and Magness wells are producing while the
In
February 2010, we sold our entire working interest in our Alaskan Cook
Inlet Project for cash and retained certain royalties. See “Properties —
Description of the Properties —
As of
March 31, 2010, we have 34,284,646 shares of common stock and 7,523,000
shares of Series B convertible preferred stock outstanding.
Growth Strategy
Our
growth strategy is to maximize shareholder value through the exploration and
development drilling of oil and natural gas prospects. To carry out this
philosophy we employ the following business strategies:
· identify and pursue potential projects which individually
have the potential to be “company makers” which we define as projects which
could generate a minimum unrisked net present value
of $50 million net to our interest using a 10% discount factor;
· perform
geological, engineering and geophysical evaluations;
· gain
control of key acreage;
· generate
high quality drillable exploration and development drilling prospects;
· retain a large working interest in those projects which
involve low risk appraisal or development drilling, exploitation or appraisal
of proved, probable and possible reserves; and
· minimize early investment and exploration risk in higher
risk exploratory prospects through farmouts to other
oil and natural gas companies and maintain meaningful interests with a “carry”
through the exploration phase.
Risks Associated With Foreign Operations
Our
business activities in Indonesia, Canada and the United States are subject
to political and economic risks, including: loss of revenue, property and
equipment as a result of unforeseen events like expropriation, nationalization,
war, terrorist attacks and insurrection; risks of increases in import, export
and transportation regulations and tariffs, taxes and governmental royalties;
renegotiation of contracts with governmental entities; changes in laws and
policies governing operations of foreign-based companies in Indonesia; exchange
controls, and numerous other factors. While we expect these risks are greater
in
especially political risk, any one or more of such political or
economic conditions could change in the
Financial Information About Geographic Areas
Please
see the notes to the financial statements for information concerning oil and
gas properties located in the
Regulations
Domestic
exploration, production and sale of oil and gas are extensively regulated at
both the federal and state levels. Our business is and will be directly or
indirectly affected by numerous governmental laws and regulations applicable to
the energy industry, including:
· Federal
environmental laws and regulations
· State
environmental laws and regulations
· Local
environmental laws and regulations
· Federal
energy laws and regulations
· Conservation
laws and regulations
· Tax
and other laws and regulations pertaining to the energy industry
Legislation,
rules and regulations affecting the oil and gas industry are under
constant review for amendment or expansion, frequently increasing the
regulatory burden. Any changes in the existing legislation, rules or
regulations could adversely affect our business. The regulatory burdens are
often costly to comply with and carry substantial penalties for failure to
comply.
As of
December 2009, we have re-completed an existing producing well and drilled
three additional wells and an injection well in the Madisonville Project as
operator. In addition, we may drill oil, gas and disposal wells in the future
as the operator and will be required to obtain local government and other
permits to drill such wells. There can be no assurance that such permits will
be available on a timely basis or at all.
Our
operations and activities are subject to numerous federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations:
· Require the acquisition of permits
· Restrict the type, quantities and concentration of various
substances that can be discharged into the environment
· Limit or prohibit drilling and other activities on wetlands
and other designated, protected areas
· Regulate the generation, handling, storage, transportation,
disposal and treatment of waste materials
· Impose criminal or civil liabilities for pollution
resulting from oil and natural gas operations
We
expect that with the increase in our exploratory and development drilling
activities, the impact of environmental laws and regulations on our business
and operations will also increase. We may be required in the future to make
substantial outlays of money to comply with environmental laws and regulations.
Additional changes in operating procedures and expenditures to comply with
future environmental laws cannot be predicted.
Other
than our
As the
operator of the Madisonville Project, among other various environmental laws
and regulations, we are subject to the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“ CERCLA
”) and any comparable legislation adopted by Texas which imposes strict, joint
and several liability on owners and operators of properties and on persons who
dispose or arrange for the disposal of “hazardous substances” found on or under
the sites of such properties.
Under
CERCLA, one owner, lessee or other party, having responsibility for and an
interest in a site requiring cleanup may, under certain circumstances, be
required to bear a disproportionate share of liability for the cost of such
cleanup if payments cannot be obtained from other responsible parties. The
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“ RCRA ”)
and comparable rules adopted by
The
Texas Railroad Commission has been delegated the responsibility and authority
to regulate and prevent pollution from oil and gas operations, including the
prevention of pollution of surface or subsurface water resulting from the
drilling of oil and gas wells and the production of oil and gas. In addition to
regulating the generation, management and disposal of hazardous oil and gas
waste, the Texas Railroad Commission has been delegated authority to regulate
underground hydrocarbon storage, saltwater disposal pits and injection wells.
The
drilling of oil and gas wells in Texas requires operators to obtain drilling
permits, file an organization report and a performance bond or other form of
financial security, such as a letter of credit, and obtain a permit to maintain
pits to store and dispose of drilling fluids, saltwater and waste as well as
other types of pits for other purposes. The issuance of such permits is
conditioned upon the Texas Railroad Commission’s determination that these pits
will not result in waste or pollution of surface or subsurface water.
Other
states in which we have an interest in oil and gas properties may impose
similar or more stringent regulations than imposed under CERCLA or RCRA.
In
re-completing the existing well on the Madisonville Project, we were required
to drill a well for injection or disposal of produced waste gas from wells.
Injection wells are subject to regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (“ SDWA ”) and the regulations and procedures which
have been adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency (“ EPA ”) under
that Act. Generally, enforcement procedures under the SDWA are administered by
the EPA unless such authority has been delegated by the EPA to a state which
has primary enforcement responsibility based on the EPA’s determination that
the state has adopted drinking water regulations no less stringent than the
national primary drinking water regulations and meets certain other criteria.
Underground injection wells not used for the underground injection of natural
gas for storage are generally unlawful and subject to penalties under the SWDA
unless authorized by:
· permit issued by the EPA or a state having primary
enforcement responsibility, or
· rule pursuant to an underground injection control
program established by a state or the EPA.
To the
extent our pipelines transport natural gas in interstate commerce, the rates,
terms and conditions of that transportation service are subject to regulation
by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, pursuant to
Section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, or NGPA, which
regulates, among other things, the provision of transportation services by an
intrastate natural gas pipeline on behalf of an interstate natural gas
pipeline. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the FERC has authority to
impose penalties for violations of the Natural Gas Act, up to $1 million per
day for each violation and disgorgement of profits associated with any
violation.
The
regulatory burden on the natural gas and oil industry increases our cost of
doing business. Future developments, such as stricter requirements of
environmental or health and safety laws and regulations affecting our business
or more stringent interpretations of, or enforcement policies with respect to,
such laws and regulations, could adversely affect us. To meet changing
permitting and operational standards, we may be required, over time, to make
site or operational modifications at our facilities, some of which might be
significant and could involve substantial capital expenditures. There can be no
assurance that material costs or liabilities will not arise from these or
additional environmental matters that may be discovered or otherwise may arise
from future requirements of law. See “Risk Factors — Risks Related
to Our Business”
Foreign Regulations
We own
12% of C-G Bengara which in turn owns an interest in
an oil and gas project located in
of
Technology
We
participate in projects utilizing economically feasible exploration technology
in our exploration and development drilling activities to reduce risks, lower
costs, and more efficiently produce oil and gas. We believe that the
availability of cost effective 2-D and 3-D seismic data makes its use in
exploration and development drilling activities attractive from a risk
management perspective in certain areas.
Briefly,
through the use of a seismograph, a seismic survey sends pulses of sound from
the surface down into the earth, and records the echoes reflected back to the
surface. By calculating the speed at which sound travels through the various
layers of rock, it is possible to estimate the depth to the reflecting surface.
It then becomes possible to infer the structure of rock deep below the earth’s
surface. We evaluate substantially all of our exploratory prospects using 2-D
seismic data. In addition, we own a license as to approximately 12 square
miles of 3-D seismic data covering our leasehold and adjacent lands in the
Madisonville Project.
The use
of seismic technology does not entirely remove the risk of exploration and
development drilling of oil and natural gas deposits. It is important to
consider the following:
· we may not recognize significant geological features due to
errors in interpretation, processing limitations, the presence of certain
geological environments that are out of our control or other factors;
· seismic generally becomes less reliable with increasing
depth of the geological horizon; and
· the use of this technology may increase our finding cost.
Principal Products
Our
principal products are the production of natural gas from properties in which
we own an interest. Since our inception, we have realized only limited
production of natural gas from the properties in which we own an interest. We
have working interests in various undeveloped oil and gas properties. See “Properties”
for a general description of these properties.
During
the last three fiscal years, 100% of our revenues have been derived from the
sale of natural gas. Substantially all of our natural gas sales have been
generated by three producing wells, the Magness #1,
Fannin #1 and Mitchell #1 wells, located in the
Madisonville Field in
For
financial information regarding our business activities, please see our
Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this annual report.
Substantially all of our revenue is produced from natural gas sales in the
Madisonville Field located in
Reserves
The
volume of production from oil and natural gas properties generally declines as
reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir
characteristics. Our proved reserves will decline as reserves are produced from
our properties unless we are able to acquire or develop new reserves.
Acquisition of Producing Properties
We may
supplement our exploration efforts with acquisitions of producing oil and gas
properties. We may seek to acquire producing properties that are
underperforming relative to their potential.
Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Franchises and Concessions
Held
Permits
and licenses are important to our operations, since they allow the search for
the extraction of any oil, gas and minerals discovered on the areas covered.
See “Properties” for a general description of the permits and licenses under
which we operate. Provided we establish a commercial discovery thereon, the Bengara PSC in
Seasonality of Business
Our
business is not seasonal.
Working Capital Items
The
majority of our current assets are in the form of cash received from the sale
of natural gas from our Madisonville Project in
Customers
Substantially
all of our revenues to date have been derived from sales to two customers, Luminant Energy Company, and ETC Katy Pipeline, Ltd., of
natural gas produced from our Madisonville Project in
Competition
The
natural gas and oil industry is intensely competitive and speculative in all of
its phases. We encounter competition from other natural gas and oil companies
in all areas of our operations. In seeking suitable natural gas and oil
properties for acquisition, we compete with other companies operating in our
areas of interest, including large natural gas and oil companies and other
independent operators, which have greater financial resources and in many
instances, have been engaged in the exploration and production business for a
much longer time than we have. Many of our competitors also have substantially
larger operating staffs than we do. Many of these competitors not only explore
for and produce natural gas and oil but also market natural gas and oil and
other products on a regional, national or worldwide basis. These competitors
may be able to pay more for productive natural gas and oil properties and
exploratory prospects and define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater
number of properties and prospects than us. In addition, these competitors may
have a greater ability to continue exploration activities during periods of low
market prices. Our ability to acquire additional properties and to discover
reserves in the future will depend on our ability to evaluate and select
suitable properties and to consummate transactions in a highly competitive
environment.
The
prices of our natural gas production are controlled by market forces. However,
competition in the natural gas and oil exploration industry also exists in the
form of competition to acquire leases and obtain favorable transportation
prices. Our Company is relatively small and may have difficulty acquiring
additional acreage and/or projects and may have difficulty arranging for the
transportation of our production. We also face competition in obtaining natural
gas and oil drilling rigs and in sourcing the manpower to run them and provide
related services.
Employees
Currently,
we have 20 employees, all of whom are full time. We use the services of
independent consultants and contractors to perform various professional
services, including geologic, geophysical, petroleum, reservoir &
drilling engineering, land, legal, environmental and tax services. On those
properties where we are not the operator, we rely on outside operators to
drill, produce and market our natural gas and oil.
Available Information
We maintain
a website located at http://www.geopetro.com and electronic copies of our
annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to those reports, as
well as our code of ethics, are available free of charge under the Investor
Relations link on our
website. This information is available on our website, as soon as
practicable after such material is filed with, or furnished to, the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
In
addition to risks and uncertainties in the ordinary course of business that are
common to all businesses, important factors that are specific to our industry
and our company could materially impact our future performance and results of
operations. We have provided below a list of these risk factors that should be
reviewed when considering our securities. These are not all the risks we face
and other factors currently considered immaterial or unknown to us may impact
our future operations.
Risks Related to Our Business
As of December 31,
2009, we have gross capitalized costs totaling $70 million as proved and
unproved oil and gas properties and gas processing plant whereas we have
generated revenues of only $40 million since January 1, 2003 and revenues
of only $4.1 million during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
Since
inception, our activities have been primarily related to acquiring and
exploring leasehold interests in oil and natural gas properties in
We may be unable to
integrate successfully the operations of the
We
formerly contracted with Madisonville Gas Processing, LP, (“MGP”) which owned
and operated gathering pipelines and a dedicated natural gas treatment plant
(which we refer to as the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant), to treat
impurities in the natural gas generated by our Madisonville Project.
Effective December 31, 2008, we acquired the Madisonville Gas Treatment
Plant from MGP through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Madisonville
Midstream LLC. We plan to complete the expansion of the Madisonville Gas
Treatment Plant’s treatment capacity from 18 MMcf/d
to 68 MMcf/d. Operations in the additional
facilities were suspended by MGP in December 2007 in order to deal with
the presence of diamondoids in the gas stream
produced from the Rodessa Formation. During
March 2009, the Fannin,
Magness and Mitchell wells are producing at a
combined restricted rate of approximately 6.5 MMcf/d
while the
Even if we are able to
successfully complete the expansion of the
Third
parties have, and may in the future, seek access to the Madisonville Gas
Treatment Plant through regulatory proceedings, which could restrict our access
to the Plant, disrupt our production operations and negatively impact our
revenues. An example of such a proceeding is the complaint filed by
Crimson Exploration Inc. (“Crimson”) with the Texas Railroad Commission
described under “Properties — Description of the Properties — Texas — The
Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant and Gathering Facilities.” On
August 9, 2006, the Texas Railroad Commission issued an order requiring
MGP to ratably process, take, transport or purchase natural gas produced by
Crimson into the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant. Since Crimson now has
the right to have its natural gas treated at the Plant, our ability to treat
our own natural gas will be reduced to the extent of Crimson’s usage. Crimson
is not currently utilizing any of the Plant’s capacity. Crimson’s usage
could increase in the future.
Substantially
all of our revenues have been generated from natural gas sales derived from
wells in the Madisonville Field, and 100% of our natural gas generated from the
Madisonville Field wells is treated at the Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment
Plant, which is 100% indirectly owned by the Company. If our ability to
treat natural gas at the Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment Plant is limited
for any reason, including but not limited to increased demands by third
parties, our revenues may be adversely affected.
Substantially all of our current revenues are generated by our interest
in the
Substantially
all of our oil and natural gas revenues for the years ended December 31,
2009 and 2008 were derived from the Madisonville Project. In connection with
that project, we have contracted with Gateway Processing Company, (“Gateway”)
which operates a sales pipeline for natural gas.
The
failure of Gateway to perform its contractual obligations to us could impose
delays or interruptions in our production operations and prevent us from
generating revenues. In addition, events which are beyond our control, or that
of Gateway, could affect our production operations. Such events include, but
are not limited to:
· events referred to as force majeure, such as an act of God,
act of a public enemy, war, blockade, public riot, lightning, fire, storm,
flood, explosion and any other causes whether of the kind enumerated or
otherwise not reasonably within the control of Gateway.
· the inability to secure raw materials or equipment,
· transportation accidents, and
· labor disputes and equipment failures.
We do not own all of the
land on which our pipelines and facilities are located, and we are therefore
subject to the possibility of not being able to retain necessary land use and
associated increased costs.
We have
the right to operate our pipelines on land owned by third parties for specified
periods of time. Our loss of these rights, through our inability to
renew rights-of-way contracts, leases or otherwise, could result in the
suspension of our operations, or increased costs related to continuing
operations elsewhere, which would have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
If third-party pipelines and
other facilities interconnected to our natural gas pipelines and processing
facilities become partially or fully unavailable to transport natural gas, our
revenues could be adversely affected.
We
depend upon third party pipelines and other facilities to provide delivery
options from the Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment Plant to our
customers. If any of these third party pipelines become unavailable to
transport the natural gas produced at the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant, or
if the gas quality specifications for these pipelines or facilities change, we
would be required to find alternate means to transport our natural gas out of
the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant, which could increase our costs, reduce
the revenues we might obtain from the sale of our natural gas or reduce our
ability to process natural gas at the Plant.
In excess of 90% of our
revenues to date have been derived from sales by MGP to two customers. The loss
of one or both these customers could have a material adverse impact on our oil
and gas revenues.
100% of
our natural gas sales and revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008 were derived from the Madisonville Project. During 2009 and 2008, 100%
of our revenues have been derived from sales by MGP to two customers, Luminant Energy Company, LLC, and ETC Katy Pipeline, Ltd.
The loss of, or material nonpayment by one of these customers could impact the
price we receive for our gas sold due to lessened competition. The loss of, or
material nonpayment by, both customers could result in a
loss of our revenue. Our customers may be subject to their own
operating risks which could increase the risk that they could default on their
obligation to us.
Unless we replace our oil and natural gas reserves, our
reserves and production will decline.
The
volume of production from oil and natural gas properties generally declines as
reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir characteristics.
Our proved reserves will decline as reserves are produced from our properties
unless we are able to acquire or develop new reserves. The business of
exploring for, developing or acquiring reserves is capital intensive. For
example, as of December 31, 2009 we have capitalized costs totaling $70
million as proved and unproved oil and gas properties and gas processing plant.
To the extent cash flow from operations is reduced and external sources of
capital
become limited or unavailable, our ability to make the necessary
capital investment to maintain or expand our asset base of oil and natural gas
reserves will be impaired. Even if we are able to raise capital to develop or
acquire additional properties, no assurance can be given that our future
exploitation and development drilling activities will result in the discovery
of any reserves.
Our exploration and
development drilling activities may not be commercially successful. The
drilling of exploratory oil and natural gas wells is expensive, highly
speculative and often unproductive.
Exploration
for oil and natural gas on unproven prospects is expensive, highly speculative
and involves a high degree of risk, including the risk that no commercially
productive oil or natural gas reservoirs will be encountered. Reserves are
dependent on our ability to successfully complete drilling activity on proven
prospects.
The
cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain, and
drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of a
variety of factors, including:
· unexpected drilling conditions, pressure or irregularities
in formations;
· subsurface conditions or formations encountered during the
drilling of wells, whether natural or mechanical, including but not limited to
blowout, igneous rock, salt, saltwater flow, loss of circulation, loss of hole,
abnormal pressures, or any other impenetrable substance or adverse condition,
which renders further drilling of a well impossible or impractical.
· equipment failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions;
· compliance with governmental requirements; and
· shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs,
the delivery of equipment, and availability of qualified manpower.
Our evaluations of the oil
and gas prospects of our properties may be wrong.
With
the exception of the Madisonville Project, the properties in which we have an
interest are prospects in which the presence of oil and natural gas reserves in
commercial quantities has not been established. Any decision to engage in
exploratory drilling or other activities on any of these properties will be
dependent in part on the evaluation of data compiled by petroleum engineers and
geologists and obtained through geophysical testing and geological analysis.
Reservoir
engineering, geophysics and geology are not exact sciences and the results of
studies and tests used to make such evaluations are sometimes inconclusive or
subject to varying interpretations. As such, there is no certain way to know in
advance whether any of our prospects will yield oil and natural gas in
commercial quantities. Further, it is possible that we will participate in the
drilling of more dry holes than productive wells or that all or substantially
all of the wells drilled will be dry holes. The drilling of dry holes on
prospects in which we have an interest could adversely affect their values and
our decision to undertake further exploration and development drilling of such
prospects. It is not certain or predictable whether, and no assurance can be
made that, the wells drilled on the properties in which we have an interest will
be productive or, if productive, that we will recover all or any part of our
investment in the properties. In sum, our participation in future drilling
activities may not be successful and, if unsuccessful, such failure will
negatively impact our revenues and have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations and financial condition. Our natural gas sales and
revenues were $4,077,355 and $6,152,542 for the years ended December 31,
2009 and 2008, respectively. Future revenues could decline from those levels if
our future drilling efforts are not successful. Furthermore, as of
December 31, 2009 we have net capitalized costs totaling $31 million as
proved and unproved oil and gas properties and gas processing plant. Should our
future drilling activities be unsuccessful, we may then be required to record
an impairment charge equal to a portion of, or all, of the capitalized costs
resulting in an immediate adverse impact on our results of operations and
financial position.
Our business may be harmed by failures of third party
operators on which we rely.
Our
ability to manage and mitigate the various risks associated with certain of our
exploration and operations in
operations on that property depends in large measure on whether the
operator of the property properly performs its obligations. The failure of such
operators and their contractors to perform their services in a proper manner
could result in materially adverse consequences to the owners of interests in
that particular property, including us.
Our percentage share of oil
and gas revenues from our Indonesian property is diminished by the terms of our
production sharing contract in the Bengara Block.
C-G Bengara owns 100% of the underlying rights to explore for
and produce oil and natural gas within the Bengara
Block. We have a 12% interest in C-G Bengara.
C-G Bengara is subject to a production sharing
contract, which means generally that C-G Bengara is
entitled to receive, from production proceeds, 100% of expenditures in the
block as “cost recovery.” Once these costs are recovered, C-G Bengara’s production share will be reduced to approximately
26.7% of oil produced and 62.5% of all natural gas produced. We are entitled to
12% of C-G Bengara’s reduced share of any such
production. See the discussion under “
Drilling and completion
equipment, services, supplies and personnel are scarce and may not be available
when needed, which could significantly disrupt or delay our operations.
From
time to time, there has been a general shortage of drilling rigs, equipment,
supplies and oilfield services in North America and
Our working interest in
properties, and our ability to realize any profits from such properties, will
be diminished to the extent that we enter into farmout
arrangements with unaffiliated third parties.
We have
previously entered into, and may in the future enter into, farmout
arrangements with third parties willing to drill natural gas and oil wells on
leaseholds in which we originally acquired working interests, in exchange for
our assignment of part or all of our leasehold interests. As a consequence of
these arrangements, our retained interests in properties which are subject to farmout arrangements have been or may be diminished.
Our opportunity to realize revenues and profits from properties which are
successfully developed under farmout arrangements
will be diminished to the extent of our reduced interests.
Competition with other oil
and natural gas exploration and development drilling companies for viable oil
and natural gas properties may limit our success.
It is
likely that in seeking future property acquisitions, we will compete with companies
which have substantially greater financial and management resources. Our
competition comes primarily from three sources:
(a) those competitors that are seeking oil and gas fields for
expansion, further drilling, or increased production through improved
engineering techniques;
(b) income-seeking entities purchasing a predictable stream of
earnings based upon historic production from fields being acquired; and
(c) junior companies seeking exploration opportunities in unknown,
unproven territories.
Our
competitors may be able to pay more for productive oil and natural gas
properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater
number of properties and prospects than we can. Our ability to acquire
additional properties in the future will depend upon our ability to conduct
efficient operations, evaluate and select suitable properties, implement
advanced technologies and consummate transactions in a highly competitive
environment.
Estimates of oil and natural
gas reserves are inherently imprecise. Any material inaccuracies in these
reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will affect materially the
quantities and present value of our reserves.
Estimates
of proved oil and natural gas reserves and the future net cash flows
attributable to those reserves are prepared by independent petroleum engineers
and geologists. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating
quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves and cash flows attributable
to such reserves, including factors beyond our control and that of our
engineers. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating
underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an
exact manner. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates of
reserves and cash flows based on the same available data. The accuracy of an
estimate of quantities of reserves, or of cash flows attributable to such
reserves, is a function of the available data, assumptions regarding future oil
and natural gas prices and expenditures for future development drilling and
exploration activities, and of engineering and geological interpretation and
judgment. Additionally, reserves and future cash flows may be subject to material
downward or upward revisions, based upon production history, development
drilling and exploration activities and prices of oil and natural gas. Actual
future production, revenue, taxes, development drilling expenditures, operating
expenses, underlying information, quantities of recoverable reserves and the
value of cash flows from such reserves may vary significantly from the
assumptions and underlying information set forth herein.
Competitive pressures may
force us to implement new technologies at substantial cost and our limited
financial resources may limit our ability to implement such technologies at the
same rate as our competitors.
The oil
and gas industry is characterized by rapid and significant technological
advancements and introductions of new products and services utilizing new
technologies. Other oil and gas companies may have greater financial, technical
and personnel resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and
may in the future allow them to implement new technologies before we do. There
can be no assurance that we will be able to respond to such competitive
pressures and implement such technologies on a timely basis or at all. One or
more of the technologies currently utilized by us or implemented in the future
may become obsolete.
We will require additional
capital to fund our future activities. Our ability to pursue our business plan
may be restricted by our access to additional financing.
Until
such time as the properties in which we own interests are generating sufficient
cash flow to fund planned capital expenditures, we will be required to raise
additional capital through the issuance of additional securities or otherwise
sell or farmout interests in our oil and natural gas
properties to third parties. If and when the properties in which we own
interests become productive and have adequate reserves, we may borrow funds to
finance our future oil and natural gas operations and exploratory and
development drilling activities. We may not be able to raise additional funds
in the future from any source or, if such additional funds are made available
to us, we may not be able to obtain such additional financing on terms
acceptable to us. To the extent such funds are not available from any of those
sources, our operations and activities will be limited to those operations and
activities we can afford with the funds then available to us. Our larger
competitors, by reason of their size and relative financial strength, may be
more easily able to access capital markets than us.
The volatility in crude oil
and natural gas prices could adversely affect our financial results and ability
to raise additional capital.
Our
revenues, cash flows and profitability are substantially dependent on
prevailing prices for both oil and natural gas. Decreases in natural gas prices
will decrease revenues and cash flows from the Madisonville Project and our
other producing properties, if any, and decreases in oil and natural gas prices
could deter potential investors from investing in our company and generally
impede our ability to raise additional financing to fund our exploration and
development drilling activities. Historically, oil and natural gas prices and
markets have been volatile, and they are likely to continue to be volatile in
the future. Prices for oil and natural gas are subject to wide fluctuations 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. These factors include, but are not limited to, political
conditions in the Middle East and other regions, internal and political
decisions of OPEC and other oil and natural gas producing nations to decrease
or increase production of crude oil, domestic and foreign supplies of oil and
natural gas, consumer demand, weather conditions, domestic and foreign
government regulations and taxation, transportation costs, the price and
availability of alternative fuels, the impact of energy conservation efforts and
overall economic conditions.
Risks associated with recent
economic trends have adversely affected, and could further adversely affect our
financial performance.
As
widely reported, the global financial markets have been experiencing extreme
disruption in the past year, including severely diminished liquidity and credit
availability. Concurrently, we have experienced a global recession. We believe
these conditions have adversely impacted our financial position as of
December 31, 2009 and our liquidity for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2009. Our financial condition and performance could be
further negatively impacted if either of these conditions continues to exist
for a sustained period of time, or if there is further deterioration in financial
markets and major
economies. We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity
of the current disruption in financial markets and adverse economic conditions
in the
We are subject to a number
of operational risks beyond our control against which we may not have, or be
able to obtain insurance.
Our
operations are subject to the many risks and hazards incident to exploring and
drilling for, and producing and transporting, oil and natural gas, including
among other risks:
· blowouts, fires, craterings,
pollution and equipment failures that may result in damage to or destruction of
wells, pipelines, producing formations, production facilities and equipment;
· damage to pipelines, facilities and properties caused by
hurricanes, tornados, floods and other natural disasters
· personal injuries or death due to accidents, human error or
acts of God;
· unavailability of materials and equipment to drill and
complete or re-complete wells; unfavorable weather conditions; engineering and
construction delays;
· fluctuations in product markets and prices; proximity and
capacity of pipeline, and trucking or termination facilities to our oil and
natural gas reserves; hazards resulting from unusual or unexpected geological
or environmental conditions; environmental regulations and requirements;
· accidental leakage of toxic or hazardous materials, such as
petroleum liquids or drilling fluids into the environment, remediation and
clean-up costs; and
· political instability and civil unrest, insurrections or
disruptions in foreign countries in which some of our interests are located.
If one
or more of these events occurs, we could incur substantial liabilities to third
parties or governmental entities, the payment of which could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, or we
could lose properties in which we have invested significant sums (totaling $70
million) which are capitalized as proved and unproved oil and gas properties
and gas processing plant as of December 31, 2009.
A loss not covered by insurance could result in substantial
expenses to us.
We do
not insure fully against all business risks either because such insurance is
not available or because premium costs are prohibitive. We are not
insured against all environmental accidents that might occur which may include
toxic tort claims. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully
insured, if we fail to recover all anticipated insurance proceeds for
significant accidents or events for which we are insured, or if we fail to
rebuild facilities damaged by such accidents or events, our operations and
financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, we may not be
able to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount we desire at
reasonable rates. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for
certain of our insurance policies have increased substantially, and could
escalate further. For example, following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, insurance
premiums, deductibles and co-insurance requirements increased substantially,
and terms generally are less favorable than terms that could be obtained prior
to such hurricanes. In some instances, certain insurance could become
unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. A loss not
fully covered by insurance could result in expenses to us and could have a
material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Uninsured losses in excess of $1.0 million would be materially adverse to our
financial position and results of operations.
We are subject to extensive
government regulations that can change from time to time, compliance with which
are costly and could negatively impact our production, operations and financial
results.
The oil
and gas industry is subject to extensive government regulations in the countries
in which we operate. Matters subject to regulation include discharge permits
for drilling operations, drilling bonds, reports concerning operations,
unitization and pooling of properties and taxation. Historically, our costs of
complying with these regulations have not exceeded $100,000 per year. From time
to time, regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on
production by restricting the rate of flow of oil and natural gas wells below
actual production capacity in order to conserve supplies of oil and natural
gas. We are also subject to changing and extensive tax laws, the effects of
which cannot be predicted. Legal requirements are frequently changed and
subject to interpretation, and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance
with these requirements or
their effects on our operations. Future laws, or existing laws
or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted or changed in the
future, could result in increased operating costs, fines and liabilities, in
amounts which are unknown at this time, any of which could materially adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our industry is subject to
extensive environmental regulation that may limit our operations and negatively
impact our production.
Extensive
national, state, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations in the
Environmental
legislation may require that we:
· acquire permits before commencing drilling;
· restrict spills, releases or emissions of various
substances produced in association with our operations;
· limit or prohibit drilling activities on protected areas
such as wetlands or wilderness areas;
· take reclamation measures to prevent pollution from former
operations;
· take remedial measures to mitigate pollution from former
operations, such as plugging abandoned wells and remedying contaminated soil
and groundwater;
· take remedial measures with respect to property designated
as a contaminated site.
There
is inherent risk of incurring environmental costs and liabilities in connection
with our operations due to our handling of natural gas and other petroleum
products, air emissions and water discharges related to our operations, and
historical industry operations and waste disposal practices. The costs of
any of these liabilities are presently unknown but could be significant.
We may not be able to recover all or any of these costs from insurance.
We are
not presently aware of any environmental liabilities or able to predict the
ultimate cost of liabilities not yet recognized. We have not established
a separate reserve fund for the purpose of funding any possible future
environmental liability. As a result, we may not be able to satisfy these
obligations, if they occur. Any such costs incurred will be funded out of
our cash flow from operations. If we are unable to fully fund the cost of
remedying an environmental obligation, we might be required to suspend
operations or enter into interim compliance measures pending satisfaction of
the liability, which could have an adverse affect on our financial condition and
results of operations. We have recorded an asset requirement obligation
in connection with the estimated future costs to plug certain wells at our
Madisonville Project in
The effects
of future environmental legislation on our business is unknown but could
be substantial.
Environmental
legislation is evolving in a manner expected to result in stricter standards
and enforcement, larger fines and liability and potentially increased capital
expenditures and operating costs. Changes in, or enforcement of, environmental
laws may result in a curtailment of our production activities, or a material
increase in the costs of production, development drilling or exploration, any
of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
results of operations or prospects. In addition, many countries, as well as
several states in the
gases.” Methane, a primary component of natural gas, and
carbon dioxide, a byproduct of burning natural gas, are greenhouse gases.
Regulation of greenhouse gases could adversely impact some of our operations
and demand for products in the future. See “Business — Regulations.”
Potential regulations
regarding climate change could alter the way we conduct our business.
Governments
around the world are beginning to address climate change matters. This may
result in new environmental regulations that may unfavorably impact us, our
suppliers and our customers. The cost of meeting these requirements may have an
adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows.
Should we fail to comply
with all applicable FERC administered statutes, rules, regulations and orders,
we could be subject to substantial penalties and fines.
Under
the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or
FERC, has authority to impose penalties for violations of the Natural Gas Act,
up to $1 million per day for each violation and disgorgement of profits
associated with any violation. FERC has recently proposed and adopted
regulations that may subject our facilities to reporting and posting
requirements. Additional rules and legislation pertaining to these
and other matters may be considered or adopted by FERC from time to time.
Failure to comply with FERC regulations could subject us to civil penalties.
We may incur significant
costs and liabilities as a result of pipeline integrity management program
testing and any related pipeline repair or preventative or remedial measures.
The
United States Department of Transportation, or DOT, has adopted regulations
requiring pipeline operators to develop integrity management programs for
transportation pipelines located where a leak or rupture could do the most harm
in “high consequence areas.” The regulations require operators to:
· Perform ongoing assessments of pipeline integrity;
· Indentify and characterize applicable threats to pipeline
segments that could impact a high consequence area;
· Improve data collection, integration and analysis;
· Repair and remediate the pipeline as necessary; and
· Implement preventive and mitigating actions.
Political and/or economic
conditions in
Our
business activities in Indonesia, Canada and the United States are subject
to political and economic risks, including: loss of revenue, property and
equipment as a result of unforeseen events like expropriation, nationalization,
war, terrorist attacks and insurrection; increases in import, export and
transportation regulations and tariffs, taxes and governmental royalties;
renegotiation of contracts with governmental entities; changes in laws and
policies governing operations of foreign-based companies; exchange controls,
currency fluctuations and other uncertainties arising out of foreign government
sovereignty over international operations; laws and policies affecting foreign
trade, taxation and investment; and the possibility of being subject to the
exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts in connection with legal disputes and
the possible inability to subject foreign persons to the jurisdiction of courts
in the United States.
Terrorist attacks could have an adverse effect on our oil
and natural gas operations, especially overseas.
To
date, our operations have not been disrupted by terrorist activity. It is
uncertain how terrorist activity will affect us in the future, or what steps,
if any, the Indonesian, Canadian or American government may take in response to
terrorist activities. The attack on the
We could lose our entire
Production Sharing Contract (“PSC”), if BP Migas
ascertains we have not discovered commercially producible hydrocarbons.
It is
possible that BP Migas could terminate our entire
Production Sharing Contract (“PSC”) if it is determined that the hydrocarbons
we have discovered are not in commercially producible quantities. Our
Indonesian PSC requires us and our partners to submit to and receive approval
from BP Migas for a “Plan of Development” by specified dates in order to maintain our oil and
natural gas rights. See “Properties—Description of the Properties—
We may not be able to sell
our natural gas production in
Our
Indonesian operations lack a local market for natural gas, and if we produce
natural gas in
We could lose our ownership interests in our properties due
to a title defect of which we are not presently aware.
As is
customary in the oil and gas industry, only a perfunctory title examination, if
any, is conducted at the time properties believed to be suitable for drilling
operations are first acquired. Before starting drilling operations, a more
thorough title examination is usually conducted and curative work is performed
on known significant title defects. We typically depend upon title opinions
prepared at the request of the operator of the property to be drilled. The
existence of a title defect on one or more of the properties in which we have
an interest could render it worthless and could result in a large expense to
our business. Industry standard forms of operating agreements usually provide that
the operator of an oil and natural gas property is not to be monetarily liable
for loss or impairment of title. The operating agreements to which we are a
party provide that, in the event of a monetary loss arising from title failure,
the loss shall be borne by all parties in proportion to their interest owned.
Our acquisition activities
are subject to uncertainties and may not be successful nor
provide a return to us on our investments.
We have
grown primarily through acquisitions and intend to continue acquiring
undeveloped oil and gas properties. Although we perform a review of the
properties proposed to be acquired, such reviews are subject to uncertainties.
It generally is not feasible to review in detail every individual property
involved in an acquisition. Ordinarily, management review efforts are focused
on the higher-valued properties; however, even a detailed review of all
properties and records may not reveal existing or potential problems; nor will
it permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess
fully their deficiencies and capabilities. Inspections are not always performed
on every well, and potential problems, such as mechanical integrity of
equipment and environmental conditions that may require significant remedial
expenditures, are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is
undertaken.
We are dependent upon our
key officers and employees and our inability to retain and attract key
personnel could significantly hinder our growth strategy and cause our business
to fail.
While
no assurances can be given that our current management resources will enable us
to succeed as planned, a loss of one or more of our current directors, officers
or key employees could severely and negatively impact our operations and delay
or preclude us from achieving our business objectives. Stuart Doshi and David
Creel, two members of our senior management team, have a combined experience of
approximately 80 years in the oil and gas industry. We could suffer the
loss of key individuals for one reason or another at any time in the future.
There is no guarantee that we could attract or locate other individuals with
similar skills or experience to carry out our business objectives. We maintain “key man”
insurance with respect to our Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Doshi.
Some of our directors may
become subject to conflicts of interest which could impair their abilities to
act in our best interest.
Nick DeMare, one of our directors, is a director, officer and/or
significant shareholder of other natural resource companies and
David Anderson, another one of our directors, is a director and officer of
Dundee Securities Corporation, an investment banking firm that was the lead
underwriter of our public offering of common stock in Canada and concurrent
previous private placement of common shares with qualified institutional buyers
in the U.S. Their association with these other companies in the oil and gas
business may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. For example,
they could be presented with business opportunities in their capacities as our
directors, which they could, in turn, offer to the other companies for whom they
also serve as directors, rather than to us, whose interests might be
competitive with ours. Our directors are required by law to act honestly and in
good faith with a view to our best interests and to disclose any interest which
they may have in any project or opportunity to us; however, their interests in
the other companies may affect their judgment and cause such directors to act
in a manner that is not necessarily in our best interests.
Our directors and officers
hold significant positions in our shares and their interests may not always be
aligned with those of our other shareholders.
As of
December 31, 2009 our directors and officers beneficially own
approximately 18.7% of our outstanding common stock. This shareholding level
will allow the directors, officers and certain beneficial owners to have a
significant degree of influence on matters that are required to be approved by
shareholders, including the election of directors and the approval of
significant transactions. The short-term interests of our directors, officers
and certain beneficial owners may not always be aligned with the long-term
interests of our public shareholders, and vice versa. Because our directors,
officers and certain beneficial owners have a significant degree of influence
on matters that are required to be approved by our shareholders, they could
influence the approval of transactions.
Our failure to manage
internal or acquisition-based growth may cause operational difficulties and
negatively affect our financial performance.
We
expect to experience internal and/or acquisition-based growth, which may bring
many challenges. Growth in the number of employees, sales and operations will
place additional pressure on already limited resources and infrastructure. No
assurances can be given that we will be able to effectively manage this or
future growth. Our growth may place a significant strain on our managerial,
operational, financial and other resources. Our success will depend upon our
ability to manage our growth effectively which will require that we continue to
implement and improve our operational, administrative and financial and
accounting systems and controls and continue to expand, train and manage our employee
base. Our systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our
operations and our management may not be able to achieve the rapid execution
necessary to exploit the market for our business model. If we are unable to
manage internal and/or acquisition-based growth effectively, our business,
results of operations and financial condition will be materially adversely
affected.
Risks associated with recent
economic trends could adversely affect our financial performance.
In 2010
we will need to raise capital. Due to the tight credit markets and
prolonged downturn in the stock market, funds may not be available, or may be
available only on unfavorable terms. Due to the decrease in our stock price, we
may need to sell more shares to raise the same amount of money than we would
have in the past, resulting in greater dilution to existing shareholders than
would be the case if our stock price was higher and this trend could
continue. We have scheduled exploratory and development well drilling and
workover activity during 2010 and future periods on
our proved and unproved properties. It is anticipated that these activities
together with others that we may undertake will impose financial requirements
which will exceed our existing working capital. We may raise additional equity
and/or debt capital, and we may farmout certain of
our projects to finance our continued participation in planned activities;
however, if additional financing is not available, we may be compelled to
reduce the scope of our business activities. If we are unable to fund planned
expenditures, it may be necessary to:
· farm-out our interest in proposed wells;
· sell a portion of our interest in prospects and use the
sale proceeds to fund our participation for a lesser interest;
· forfeit our interest in wells that we propose to drill; and
· reduce general and administrative expenses.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The shareholding position of
holders of our common stock could be diluted by future issuances and
conversions of other securities.
If our
options and warrants are exercised for common shares, holders of our common
stock will experience immediate and, depending on the magnitude of the
exercises, substantial dilution. As of March 31, 2010, 34,284,646 shares
of our common stock are outstanding, 7,523,000 shares of our Series B
Preferred stock are outstanding, 1,561,547 shares
of our common stock are issuable upon exercise of warrants and 2,004,000
shares of our common stock are issuable upon exercise of options and 7,523,000
shares of our common stock are issuable upon conversion of the series B
Preferred Stock.
Investors
may be subject to further dilution if we sell additional common shares or issue
additional common shares in connection with future financings. If a significant
number of our common shares are sold in the public market, the market price of
our common shares could be depressed. This could hamper our ability to raise
capital by issuing additional equity securities.
Our results may be affected by fluctuations in currency
exchange rates.
Our
financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars and all of our revenue,
and most of our operating costs, are currently
denominated in U.S. dollars; however, we have operations outside the
Non- U.S. holders of our
common shares may be subject to
Since
we believe that we are a United States real property holding corporation, gain
recognized by a non-U.S. holder on the sale of our common shares will be
subject to U.S. federal income tax at normal graduated rates, and a purchaser
will be required to withhold for the benefit of the IRS 10% of the purchase
price, unless certain trading requirements are met. There is an exemption from
At such
time that it is no longer the case that 100 or fewer persons own 50% or more of
our common shares, under temporary Treasury Regulations, our common shares
would also be “regularly traded” on an established securities market for a
calendar quarter if: (a) our common shares trade, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during the calendar
quarter; (b) the aggregate number of our common shares traded during the
calendar quarter is at least 7.5% of the average number of our common shares
outstanding during such calendar quarter (reduced to 2.5% if there are 2,500 or
more record shareholders); and (c) in the event that our common shares are
traded on an established securities market located outside the United States,
the common shares are registered under Sec. 12 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. See “Material Income Tax Consequences — Dispositions of Common Shares”
for a more detailed discussion.
There is a limited public
market for our common shares, and the ability of our shareholders to dispose of
their common shares may be limited.
Our
common shares have been trading on the NYSE Amex (formerly the American Stock
Exchange) since February 15, 2007. We cannot foresee the degree of
liquidity that will be associated with our common shares. A holder of our
common shares may not be able to liquidate his, her or its investment in a
short time period or at the market prices that currently exist at the time the
holder decides to sell. The purchase and sale of relatively small common share
positions may result in disproportionately large increases or decreases in the
price of our common shares. A trade involving a large number of common shares
could have an exaggerated effect on the reported market price of our common
shares.
Our stock price may fluctuate significantly.
The
stock market in general and the market for natural gas and oil exploration
companies have experienced price and volume fluctuations that are often
unrelated or disproportionate to the operating results or asset values of
companies. These broad market and industry factors may seriously impact the
market price and trading volume of our common shares regardless of our actual
operating performance. The market price of our common stock could also
fluctuate significantly as a result of:
· actual or anticipated quarterly variations in our operating
results and our reserve estimates;
· changes in expectations as to our future financial
performance or changes in financial estimates, if any, of public market
analysts;
· announcements relating to our business or the business of
our competitors;
· conditions generally affecting the oil and natural gas
industry, including changes in oil and natural gas prices;
· speculation in the press or investment community;
· general market and economic conditions;
· the success of our operating strategy; and
· the operating and stock price performance of other
comparable companies.
The sale of large numbers of
our common stock may depress the market price of our common stock.
The
sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public
market, or the perception that substantial sales may occur, could cause the
market price of our common stock to decrease. Substantially all of the shares
of our common stock are freely transferable or will be transferable in
compliance with restrictions under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. In 2010, we will need to raise additional working capital and
investors may be subject to further dilution if we sell additional common
shares or issue additional common shares in connection with future financings.
If a significant number of our common shares are sold in the public market, the
market price of our common shares could be depressed. This could hamper our
ability to raise capital by issuing additional equity securities.
We will continue to incur
significant expenses as a result of being a public company, which may
negatively impact our financial performance.
We have
incurred and will continue to incur significant legal, accounting, insurance
and other expenses as a result of being a public company. The Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, as well as related rules implemented by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the NYSE Amex, have
required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies.
Compliance with these laws, rules and regulations has increased our
expenses, including our legal and accounting costs, and made some activities
more time-consuming and costly. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to
attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as
officers. Furthermore, any additional increases in legal, accounting, insurance
and certain other expenses that we may experience in the future could
negatively impact our financial performance and have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations and financial condition .
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Our
principal executive office consists of 2,956 square feet and is located at
Description of the Properties
Our
current oil and natural gas exploration, appraisal and development drilling
activities are focused in four distinct project areas as follows:
· United States—Texas(East
Texas and onshore South Texas regions), Alaska (onshore Cook Inlet area)
and California (onshore San
Joaquin basin);
· Canada—Alberta
(central Alberta basin);
· Indonesia—onshore and
offshore East Kalimantan Province; and
· Australia—onshore in
two permit areas located in the South Perth basin.
We do
not fully insure against all business risks either because such insurance is
not available or because premium costs are prohibitive. This is a common
practice in the oil and gas industry. We believe our property is adequately
insured in view of the nature of our operations and industry practices in this
regard.
We own
and operate the interest in the Madisonville Project in Madison County, Texas.
We own working interests in approximately 4,557 gross and net acres of leases
in the Rodessa Formation interval, as well as
approximately 4,447 gross and net acres of leases as to depths below the Rodessa Formation interval. We also own a license as to
12.5 square miles of 3-D seismic data over the Madisonville
Field.
The
Madisonville Field, located approximately 100 miles north of
UMC
previously production tested the Magness Well in 1994
through perforations in the lower most ten feet of the indicated Rodessa Formation pay interval. The well tested at a rate
of 12 MMcf/d from this limited interval on a
22/64ths inch choke with flowing wellhead pressures increasing from 3,915
to 3,919 pounds per square inch. In 2001, we re-entered and recompleted the Magness Well. A total of 139 feet of interval has been
perforated in the Rodessa Formation at approximately
12,000 feet of depth for this well. The well was production tested over a
12-day period in 2001 on various choke sizes with flowing rates ranging up to
approximately 20.8 MMcf/d. We own a 100% working
interest (75.1333% net revenue interest) in the Magness
Well located in the surrounding production unit consisting of 684 gross and 629
net acres. The Magness Well commenced production in
May of 2003.
The
first development well, the Fannin Well, was drilled
and completed in 2004. We own a 100% working interest (69.9162% net revenue
interest) in the Fannin Well located in the
surrounding production unit consisting of 704 gross and net acres. A total of
146 feet of indicated pay was perforated in the well and a flow test of
the well was completed in December 2004 from the Rodessa
Formation at rates of up to 25.7 MMcf/d. We
commenced production from the Fannin Well in early
2006.
The
Madisonville Field is a geologic feature encompassing approximately
5,800 acres at the Rodessa limestone at about
11,800 feet of depth. A 3-D seismic program shot in early 1998 confirmed the
size of the structure and slightly increased its size over earlier
interpretations.
Our
working interest covers the Rodessa Formation at
approximately 12,000 feet of depth. The Rodessa
reserves are being developed through the recompletion of the Magness Well and the drilling of additional proved
undeveloped locations. Production began in May 2003 and stabilized at a
rate of 18 MMcf/d of raw gas from the Magness Well. In 2006, we drilled the Wilson and Mitchell
wells. We own a 100% working interest (70% net revenue interest) in the Wilson
and Mitchell wells. The Magness, Fannin and Mitchell wells are currently producing at a
combined restricted rate of approximately 6.5 MMcf/d
while the
The
hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen
combined comprise about 28% of the gas content. The untreated natural gas is
delivered to the Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment Plant where all the
natural gas impurities are removed before delivery to the sales pipeline. As a
result of the costs to treat the natural gas, we receive a net price that is
substantially lower than we would otherwise receive if the gas did not contain
the 28% of impurities. In addition, the high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide result in higher capital and
operating costs for our wells. For example, the hydrogen sulphide
and carbon dioxide are corrosive to the wellbores. This means we have to
utilize higher grade specification well tubing and casing which is more
expensive than what we would utilize absent the impurities. In addition, we
continuously treat the wellbores with chemicals designed to inhibit the
corrosive effects of the impurities. We also maintain field personnel at or
near the wellsites who monitor the wells on a twenty
four hour basis and equip the wellsites with
extensive safety equipment systems due to the toxic properties of the hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. These factors and others
result in higher capital and operating costs for our wells in the Madisonville
Project.
The
In
order to produce the proved gas reserves from the Rodessa
Formation, we developed an onsite plan to treat and remove impurities from the
Madisonville Project natural gas in order to meet pipeline-quality
specifications. On June 15, 2001, we, through our subsidiary Redwood LP,
entered into an agreement, which agreement was subsequently amended and
restated, together with certain related agreements (collectively, the “
Hanover Agreement ”), with Hanover Compression Limited Partnership pursuant
to which Hanover committed to fund, construct and operate a dedicated natural
gas treatment plant to process our Rodessa Formation
natural gas. The Hanover Agreement also provided for the installation by
Gateway of field gathering pipelines and an approximately nine-mile sales
pipeline with an estimated capacity of approximately 70 MMcf/d to transport the Madisonville Field natural gas to a
major pipeline. By April of 2003, the construction and installation
of
On
July 25, 2005, MGP purchased the natural gas treatment plant from
Originally,
the MGP Agreement required MGP to complete the additional treating facilities
by March 1, 2006. However, due to events of force majeure,
construction of the additional treating facilities was delayed. In early
November 2007, MGP began testing the additional treatment facilities by
accepting 20 MMcf/d at the inlet.
Subsequently in December 2007, MGP suspended the operations of the
additional treatment facilities in order to make modifications to more
effectively deal with the presence of diamondoids in
the gas stream produced from the Rodessa Formation. A
diamondoid is a rare, naturally occurring compound
that can segregate out of the gas stream upon a decrease in temperature and
pressure and as such, could cause operational problems for the nitrogen
rejection portion of the additional treating facilities. MGP obtained a
detailed laboratory composition analysis of the diamondoids
which indicated that removal of the diamondoids will
require flowing the natural gas stream through a diesel contactor after the gas
stream has had the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide removed. MGP also
conducted a field pilot test which successfully confirmed the laboratory
results. Through this contactor process, the diesel will absorb the diamondoids from the gas stream prior to entry into the
nitrogen removal tower.
During
2008, MGP analyzed various options for removing the diamondoids; however, they did not complete the necessary plant
system modifications. On December 31, 2008, we purchased the gas
treatment plant and related gathering pipelines from MGP in exchange for the
assumption of secured bank debt, payment of certain outstanding payables of MGP
and shares of GeoPetro’s common stock. The
secured bank debt we incurred as part of the Plant acquisition totaled $6.7
million and is in the form of a 3 year loan with the lender, Bank of Oklahoma,
National Association (“BOK”). The loan agreement provides for minimum
quarterly principal payments of $150,000 and supplemental principal amounts payable
upon GeoPetro achieving certain cash flow
thresholds. The Company has pledged its
outstanding under the loan. There is no prepayment
penalty. GeoPetro and its wholly owned
subsidiary Redwood Energy Production, LP (“Redwood”) are guarantors of the
loan.
The
effective date of the acquisition was December 31, 2008 and the current
owner of the Plant is GeoPetro’s wholly-owned,
indirect subsidiary, Madisonville Midstream LLC (“MM”). We expect to
complete installation of the system modifications required in the new plant in
2010. In the meantime, the existing, in service portion of the plant
continues to operate with a capacity of approximately 18 million cubic feet per
day of inlet gas.
Our
natural gas deliveries to our gas treatment plant may be affected by third
party demands for access to the plant. On August 9, 2006, the Texas
Railroad Commission issued an order requiring the Plant to ratably process,
take, transport or purchase natural gas produced by Crimson into the
To
date, Crimson has drilled and completed two wells to a depth of approximately
12,635 feet. Crimson has also drilled an injection well for disposal of waste
products resulting from the treatment of their natural gas. Crimson has
not delivered any natural gas to the treatment plant since August 2009.
Other Interests in the
Our
working interest in the Madisonville Project is subject to a net profits
interest in favor of the third party that sold us our working interests in the
Madisonville Project. The net profits interest is 12.5% (proportionately
reduced to our interest) of the net operating profits until payout is achieved.
After payout, the net profits interest increases to 30% (proportionately
reduced to our interest). “Payout”, for purposes of the net profits interest,
is defined and achieved at such time as we have recouped from net operating
cash flows our total net investment in the Madisonville Project plus a 33% cash on cash return.
The Cook Inlet
Over
the past five years, we acquired a 100% working interest in approximately
123,000 acres onshore in the Cook Inlet region of
On
February 26, 2010, we sold our entire working interest in the Alaskan
Leases to Linc Energy (
Linc will acquire
all of the Alaskan Leases for the following consideration:
a. A cash payment of $1.0 million will be deposited by Linc in an escrow account, to be released to us upon
approval of the assignments of the Alaskan Leases to Linc.
b. In addition, we will receive a $4.0 million payment from
the first 75% of 8/8ths of the proceeds from any oil and gas production from
the Alaskan Leases.
c. After we have received the $4.0 million payment specified
in paragraph (b) above, we will thereafter receive an overriding royalty
interest of 10% of 8/8ths in and to the Alaskan Leases issued by the State of
Alaska and the Alaska Mental Health Trust (which comprise over 99% of the
Alaskan Leases), and an overriding royalty interest of 7% of 8/8ths in and to
the Alaskan Leases issued by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. on conventional oil
and gas production and coal bed methane production.
d. Linc has agreed to pay all of the costs of maintaining the
Alaskan Leases at least through the end of the primary terms thereof.
e. Following the lessors’ approval
of the assignments of the Alaskan Leases into Linc, Linc will diligently commence and prosecute the drilling of
the Frontier Spirit #1 exploration well to evaluate a conventional oil and gas
prospect identified and developed by us.
The
initial reserve target in the Cook Inlet Project was identified by us after we
reprocessed certain 2-D seismic data acquired from AMOCO on the Point MacKenzie Block. The prospect is estimated to cover
approximately eighteen sections (11,500 acres) under structural closure, and
will target conventional gas reserves in the Middle and Lower Tyonek Formations reaching to a depth of approximately
8,000 feet. We have constructed a drill pad and access road at the
Frontier Spirit #1 location which will be located less than two miles from the Enstar 20” natural gas pipeline. The Frontier Spirit #1
well is expected to be drilled by Linc in 2010.
Preliminary
log analysis and seismic data indicate the Point MacKenzie and Trading Bay
Blocks may contain conventional accumulations of natural gas reserves in
Tertiary sandstones in addition to the prospect identified at the Frontier
Spirit #1 location. Structural anticlines and/or domes occur on the lease
blocks and may contain large undrilled gas reservoirs. Sandstone units also
pinch-out toward the margins of the basin and may have formed stratigraphic traps on the lease blocks. In the past, oil
and gas exploration has focused on oil production and anticlinal
gas traps, but stratigraphic accumulations have been
largely unexplored in the
Additional
potential on the Alaskan Leases may be realized from the development of coal
bed methane reserves. The coals occur in seams which are commonly 20 feet thick
and can be as thick as 70 feet. Accessible onshore areas have 200 to 300 feet
of aggregate coal thickness shallower than 5,000 feet. Estimated gas content
for these coals ranges from 80 to 250 standard cubic feet per ton. Testing for
coal bed methane has been restricted to a very small number of bore holes and is
almost completely unknown for most of the inlet.
Lokern Project
We have
100% working interests in 1,280 lease acreage in the Lokern
Project, located in the southern San Joaquin basin, near
The Lokern Project is being developed in part as a result of
positive results from the Machii-Ross Ackerman show
well drilled in 1979 on acreage currently controlled by us. Based on log
analysis, we believe this well had approximately 240 feet of potential net oil
pay and an additional 150 feet of potential pay in the Stevens zone. The Machii-Ross Ackerman well was drilled to a depth of 15,078
feet by Machii-Ross Petroleum Company and was plugged
and abandoned as a dry hole. We believe, based on our log analysis, that the
well may have been a bypassed producer.
We
expect that a well will be drilled, either by us or through a farmout arrangement with a third party, to a depth of
18,000 feet in 2011.
Based
on our review of title information from public authorities and other publicly
available sources, we believe that we have a 100% working interest in the Lokern Project. As is customary in the
Swan Hills Project
The
Swan Hills Project is located in the Central Alberta Basin, Alberta, Canada.
The primary exploration objective is the Swan Hills Formation at approximately
9,000 feet. Secondary objectives will include the shallower Gilwood,
Nordegg and Falher
formations.
We,
through our wholly-owned subsidiary, GeoPetro
C-G Bengara owns 100% of the underlying rights to explore for
and produce oil and natural gas within the contract area designated as the Bengara II Block, which rights have been granted under
a production sharing contract dated December 4, 1997 (the “ Bengara II PSC ”)
with Pertamina. Previously we owned 40% of CG Bengara and Continental Energy Corporation (“ Continental ”) owned the remaining 60% and, through
it, the rights to the Bengara II PSC. On
September 29, 2006, we executed a definitive agreement to sell 70% of our
interest in C-G Bengara to CNPCHK (
The Bengara Block is located in the
The Makapan Gas Field
Since
1938, only two wells have been drilled in the Bengara
Block prior to 2007, one of which resulted in the discovery of the Makapan Gas Field. The Muara Makapan No. 1 well was drilled in 1988 by P.T. Deminex
Exploration in the Bengara Block
We
believe that the key to successful prospecting in the Bengara
Block will be the identification of traps and understanding sand distribution.
Nearly
2,200 line kilometers of 2-D seismic data available within the Bengara Block appear to be adequate for both detailed and
reconnaissance interpretation purposes. Some localized areas may benefit from
reprocessing. New seismic data is required in places where insufficient data
exists and for prospect confirmation in other locations.
Several
separate and unique geologic plays within the Bengara
Block, as well as a number of prospects and leads, have been identified. Some
well-defined prospects present immediate drilling targets. Exploration within
the Bengara Block is in its formative stages and it
is premature to make meaningful resource or reserve estimates. However, the
existing exploration work to date indicates that there may be potential
petroleum accumulations in the Bengara Block.
Analysis of source rocks indicates a propensity for both oil and natural gas.
Terms of Participation in the Bengara Block
The Bengara II PSC is a “standard terms” PSC employed by
BP Migas for all oil and natural gas concessions
in
Bengara may designate which areas are to be relinquished subject
to approval by BP Migas. C-G Bengara’s
obligation to relinquish parts of the original contract area under these
provisions does not apply to the surface area of any field in which
petroleum has been discovered. To date, acreage has been relinquished by
C-G Bengara in accordance with the terms of the Bengara II PSC such that the remaining acreage within
the Bengara II PSC totals approximately 240,000
acres, or 970 square kilometers. The remaining 240,000 acres is
considered by C-G Bengara to be the most prospective
portion of the original 1.2 million acre block.
C-G Bengara is required to pay to BP Migas
specified amounts based on achieving certain cumulative production quantities
of crude oil from the contract area when and if commercial production is
established. These production bonuses are as follows:
|
Cumulative Production |
|
Cash Bonus Due |
|
|
|
25,000,000 boe |
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
|
60,000,000 boe |
|
$ |
1,500,000 |
|
|
100,000,000 boe |
|
$ |
2,500,000 |
|
In
order to maintain the Bengara II PSC in effect, C-G Bengara was required to complete the work programs and
expenditures totaling $25 million during the first ten years of the
contract. C-G Bengara has fulfilled such
minimum work and cash expenditure requirements.
Upon
establishing commercial production, if ever, C-G Bengara
and BP Migas shall share ratably in the first
20% of oil and natural gas produced in the contract area within a given year
according to the percentages specified below. After the first 20% of
production, C-G Bengara is entitled to receive 100%
of production until cost recovery has been achieved. Cost recovery generally
includes 100% of the operating and drilling costs and depreciation of fixed
assets applicable to oil and natural gas operations within the contract area.
After C-G Bengara has received oil and natural gas
production with a value sufficient to achieve cost recovery in a given year,
C-G Bengara and BP Migas
shall then share ratably in the production according to the percentages
specified below:
|
Description |
|
BP Migas |
|
C-G Bengara |
|
Our net share |
|
|
Oil production |
|
73.2143 |
% |
26.7857 |
% |
3.2143 |
% |
|
Gas production |
|
37.5 |
% |
62.5 |
% |
7.5 |
% |
Upon
the completion of five years after commercial production commences, C-G Bengara is further subject to a domestic market obligation.
This obligation requires C-G Bengara to sell and
deliver to BP Migas, to meet
Upon
the first commercial discovery of oil or natural gas in the contract area,
BP Migas has the right to demand that 10% of C-G
Bengara’s undivided interest in the total rights and
obligations under the Bengara II PSC be
offered to itself or an entity owned by Indonesian nationals. The 10% interest
shall be offered at a dollar amount equal to 10% of C-G Bengara’s cumulative costs incurred in the contract area.
Current
and Planned Activities in the Bengara Block
In
accordance with the terms of our agreement dated September 29, 2006
pursuant to which we sold 70% of our interest in C-G Bengara
to CNPC, CNPC:
1. Purchased 14,000 and 21,000 shares of C-G Bengara from us and Continental, respectively, at a cost of
$1 per share. As a result of the transaction, we and Continental own 6,000 and
9,000 C-G Bengara shares, respectively,
retaining a 12% and 18% interest in C-G Bengara,
respectively.
2. Paid the sum of $18.7 million (the “Earning Obligation”)
into a special joint venture account at a
3. Agreed to provide development loans to pay 100%, and
thereby “carry” our share and Continental’s share of all C-G Bengara’s exploitation, drilling, and development expenditures
attributable to the Bengara II PSC, after the Earning
Obligation funds are expended and a Plan of Development has been approved by BP
Migas, until an additional amount of U.S. $41.3
million over and above the Earning Obligation funds has been expended.
4. Agreed to pay a cash bonus totaling $5,000,000, in the
proportions of $2,000,000 to us and $3,000,000 to Continental, respectively,
contingent upon and within fourteen business days of the receipt by C-G Bengara of the written approval from governmental
authorities approving the development of the first commercial oil or gas
discovery within the Bengara II PSC contract area.
During
2007, C-G Bengara drilled a total of four wells on
the Bengara II PSC: the Seberaba-1, the Seberaba-3,
the Seberaba-4, and the Punga-1. The technical information provided by drilling
and testing results to date confirm the presence of an
oil accumulation. However the data is not yet adequate to conclusively
demonstrate the extent of the oil accumulation or that it has sufficient size
of oil reserves to economically justify a full commercial development. Further
technical information is required prior to commencing development. C-G Bengara has prepared a preliminary plan of development for
the Seberaba discovery based upon drilling and
testing results from the Seberaba-1 and 3 wells. In addition to these well test
results, C-G Bengara
believes additional technical information is needed prior to finalizing the
formal plan of development and submitting it for approval to Indonesian oil and
gas authorities. Approval of the formal plan of development will automatically
invoke the final 20-year production period of the Bengara-II
PSC through December 4, 2027.
During
2009 C-G Bengara awarded a contract to a seismic
acquisition contractor to conduct a seismic acquisition program in the Bengara-II Block. Work is presently underway to
acquire a total of 120 square kilometers of 3D seismic and 844 line kilometers
of 2D seismic at an estimated acquisition cost of $ 28.5 million. The primary
objective of the 3D seismic program is to further define and delineate the Seberaba oil discovery and the Makapan
gas/condensate discovery. CGB2 is eyeing a joint development of Makapan gas with Seberaba oil to
achieve economies of scale and provide a gas source for fuel, pressure
maintenance, and artificial lift of oil.
A large
part of the 2D seismic program is also intended to provide additional
definition of other exploration prospects in the Bengara-II
Block to firm up new exploration drilling targets for a proposed 2010/2011
drilling program. A large portion of the seismic acquisition program shall be
conducted in the logistically difficult and higher cost “transition zone”
between a shallow marine offshore and onshore setting. The eastern portion of
the Block is located mostly onshore but partially offshore in the shallow
waters of the
C-G Bengara has received approval of the Indonesian government
for an extension of time under the Bengara-II PSC to
appraise, assess, and justify the economic feasibility of commercial
development of the apparent oil discovery made on the Seberaba
prospects during exploratory drilling in 2007 as noted above. The
extension is valid until December 3, 2011 and may be extended for
subsequent years subject to further approval based on an annual review of
progress and results of appraisal work.
CG Xploration
In
November 2005, we and Continental formed CG Xploration
to pursue new venture oil and gas exploration and production projects and
obtain new exploration concessions in
On
June 20, 2007, the Company agreed to sell and transfer all of its
remaining property interests in
1. Initial cash consideration of $175,000 was received on November 19,
2007;
2. a second cash
payment of $175,000 upon a successful flow test of petroleum from a well
located on the property interests. A successful flow test is defined for
purposes of this agreement to be a test of at least 7 million standard cubic
feet of natural gas for a continuous and uninterrupted 24 hour period (or an
equivalent oil/condensate rate based on a conversion ratio of 6000 cubic feet
of gas to a barrel of oil or condensate); and,
3. a Petroleum Sales
Royalty Payment equal to 25% of the future annual earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization from the property interests up to a total
amount of $2,200,000.
Proved Reserves Disclosures
Recent
SEC Rule-Making Activity In December 2008, the SEC announced that
it had approved revisions designed to modernize the oil and gas company
reserves reporting requirements. The most significant amendments to the
requirements that impact us included the following:
· Commodity Prices — Economic producible reserves and
discounted cash flows are now based on a 12-month average net natural gas price
unless contractual arrangements designate the price to be used.
· Disclosure of Unproved Reserves — Probable and possible
reserves may be disclosed separately on a voluntary basis. We are not
presently disclosing probable and possible reserves, but may do so in the
future.
· Proved Undeveloped Reserves Guidelines — Reserves may be
classified as proved undeveloped if there is a high degree of confidence that
the quantities will be recovered and they are scheduled to be drilled within
the next five years, unless the specific circumstances justify a longer time.
· Reserves Estimation Using New Technologies — Reserves may
be estimated through the use of reliable technology in addition to flow tests
and production history.
· Reserves Personnel and Estimation Process — Additional
disclosure is required regarding the qualifications of the chief technical
person(s) who oversee the reserves estimation process. We are
also required to provide a general discussion of our internal controls used to
assure the objectivity of the reserves estimate.
· Disclosure by Geographic Area — Reserves in foreign
countries or continents must be presented separately if they represent more
than 15% of our total oil and gas proved reserves. We presently do not
report reserves in foreign countries or continents, but may do so in the future
as a result of our exploration activities.
· Non-Traditional Resources — The definition of oil and gas
producing activities has expanded and focuses on the marketable product rather
than the method of extraction.
We
adopted the rules effective December 31, 2009.
Effect
of Adoption - Application of the new reserve rules resulted in the use of a
lower natural gas price at December 31, 2009 than would have resulted
under the previous rules. The new pricing methodology rules resulted in a
lower net present value (PV-10) of economically producible reserves. The
prices under the new rules were $3.11 per Mcf
for natural gas adjusted for energy content, quality and basis differentials.
Under the new rules, this resulted in a year-end ceiling test write-down of
$19.8 million associated with the
reserves, less estimated future expenditures to be incurred in
developing and producing the proved reserves assuming the continuation of
existing economic conditions.
Use of
new 12-month average pricing rules at December 31, 2009 also resulted
in a decrease in economically producible proved reserves of approximately 1.03 Bcf. Use of the old year-end prices rules would have
resulted in a decrease in proved reserves of approximately 0.53 Bcf at December 31, 2009. Therefore, the total
impact of the new price methodology rules resulted in negative reserves
revisions of 0.5 Bcf.
The use
of the new pricingmethodology had an insignificant
impact on our depletion expense in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Internal
Controls Over Reserves Estimates Our policies regarding internal controls over the recording of
reserves estimates requires reserves to be in compliance with the SEC
definitions and guidance and prepared in accordance with generally accepted
petroleum engineering principles.
The
Company engaged the independent petroleum engineering firm, MHA Petroleum
Consultants, LLC (“MHA”) to prepare the Company’s reserve estimates at
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. MHA is a
Proved
Undeveloped Reserves (PUDs) - As of December 31, 2009, our PUDs
totaled 8.4 Bcf of natural gas.
· PUD Locations - 100%
of our PUDs at year-end 2009 were associated with a
location in the Madisonville Field.
· Changes in PUDS - Changes
in PUDs that occurred during the year were due to two
reasons. The first reason is that one Probable location from the year end
2008 report was moved to a PUD in the year end 2009 report. This change
was based on the overall Proved volumetrics for the
field (which did not change year over year), and a decline in the volumes
assigned for existing Proved Developed locations because of reservoir
geometry. The second reason is that the hydraulic fracture treatment for the existing
· Development Costs - No costs were incurred relating to the
development of PUDs in 2009 and 2008.
· Estimated future development costs relating to the
development of PUDs are projected to be approximately
$6.6 million in 2010 and 2011.
· Drilling Plans - Our
PUD development is scheduled in 2010 and 2011. Initial production
from the PUD reserves is expected to begin in 2010.
For
more information see the following:
· Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations — Comparison of Results of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 for a discussion of the
financial impact of the SEC revisions;
· Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates — Reserves for further discussion of our reserves estimation process;
· Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data —
Supplementary Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited) for additional information
regarding estimates of crude oil and natural gas reserves, including estimates
of proved, proved developed, and proved undeveloped reserves, the standardized
measure of discounted future net cash flows, and the changes in the
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.
Other
Reserves Information Since
January 1, 2009, no crude oil or natural gas reserves information has
been filed with, or included in any report to, any federal authority or agency
other than the SEC and the Alberta Securities Commission. We filed
reports with the Alberta Securities Commission in March 2009 that included
total proved reserves using forecasted (escalated) natural gas prices inclusive
of royalties and net profits interests as of December 31, 2008 totaling
46,168 MMcf. The total net proved reserves using
period-end (un-escalated) natural gas prices, excluding royalties and net
profits interests, as of December 31, 2008 was 20,470 MMcf.
The difference between the two numbers represents proved reserves attributable
to royalties and net profits interests as well as the different natural gas
price scenarios.
Our
estimated total net proved reserves of natural gas and oil as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the present values of estimated future net
revenues attributable to those reserves as of those dates, are presented in the
following tables.
“Proved
developed oil and gas reserves” means
reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with
existing equipment and operating methods. Additional oil and gas expected to be
obtained through the application of fluid injection or other improved recovery
techniques for supplementing the natural forces and mechanisms of primary
recovery should be included as “proved developed reserves” only after testing
by a pilot project or after the operation of an installed program has confirmed
through production response that increased recovery will be achieved.
“Proved
developed nonproducing reserves” means
reserves expected to be recovered from zones behind casing in existing wells.
“Proved oil and gas reserves” -Proved oil and gas
reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with
reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward,
from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating
methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts
providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal
is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic
methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons
must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will
commence the project within a reasonable time.
(a) The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:
i. The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid
contacts, if any; and
ii. Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with
reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain
economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.
(b) In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved
quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as
seen in a well penetration unless geoscience,
engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower
contact with reasonable certainty.
(c) Where direct observation from well penetrations has
defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an
associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally
higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience,
engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher
contact with reasonable certainty.
(d) Reserves which can be produced economically through
application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to,
fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:
i. Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the
reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole,
the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous
reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the
reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or
program was based; and
ii. The project has been approved for development by all
necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.
(e) Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at
which economic producibility from a reservoir is to
be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period
prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month
price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by
contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.
The
2009 and 2008 estimates were prepared by MHA Petroleum Consultants, independent
reservoir engineers, and are part of their reserve reports on our natural gas
and oil properties. MHA Petroleum Consultants’ estimates were based on a review
of geologic, economic, ownership and engineering data that we provided. In
estimating the reserve quantities that are economically recoverable, MHA
Petroleum Consultants used end-of-period natural gas prices for the 2008
estimates. Prices used for the year ended December 31, 2009 estimates were
the simple arithmetic average of the natural gas price in effect on the first
day of each month in 2009. In accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission regulations, no price or cost escalation or reduction was
considered. All of our proved reserves are attributable to our Madisonville
Project in Madison County, Texas.
|
|
|
AS OF DECEMBER 31, |
|
||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
(MMcf) |
|
(MMcf) |
|
|
Proved developed |
|
3,650 |
|
17,300 |
|
|
Proved developed non-producing |
|
6,611 |
|
3,170 |
|
|
Proved undeveloped |
|
8,371 |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
18,632 |
|
20,470 |
|
In
accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, estimates of
our proved reserves and future net revenues are made using sales prices which
are held constant throughout the life of the properties, except to the extent a
contract specifically provides for escalation. Estimated quantities of proved
reserves and future net revenues are affected by natural gas and oil prices,
which have fluctuated significantly in recent years.
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
For
purposes of the following disclosures, estimates were made of quantities of
proved reserves and the periods during which they are expected to be produced.
Future cash flows for the 2008 estimates were computed by applying year-end
prices to estimated annual future production from proved gas reserves. Future
cash flows for the 2009 estimates were computed by applying the simple
arithmetic average of the natural gas price in effect on the first day of each
month in 2009 to estimated annual future production from proved gas reserves.
The price assumptions used for natural gas are indicated below. Future
development drilling and production costs were computed by applying year-end
costs to be incurred in producing and further developing the proved reserves. Future
income tax expenses were computed by applying, generally, year-end statutory
tax rates (adjusted for permanent differences, tax credits and allowances) to
the estimated net future pre-tax cash flows. The discount was computed by
application of a 10% discount factor. The calculations assume the continuation
of existing economic, operating and contractual conditions. However, such
arbitrary assumptions have not proven to be the case in the past. Other
assumptions of equal validity could give rise to substantially different
results.
|
|
|
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
||||
|
Future cash inflows |
|
50,652 |
|
$ |
107,063 |
|
|
|
Future production costs |
|
(17,157 |
) |
(34,414 |
) |
||
|
Future development costs |
|
(7,849 |
) |
(5,075 |
) |
||
|
Future income taxes |
|
— |
|
(7,977 |
) |
||
|
Future net cash flows |
|
25,646 |
|
59,597 |
|
||
|
10% annual discount |
|
(6,005 |
) |
(12,282 |
) |
||
|
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows |
|
$ |
19,641 |
|
$ |
47,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
standardized measure values shown in the aforementioned table are not intended
to represent the current market value of the estimated proved oil and gas
reserves owned by us.
Pricing Assumptions
SEC
regulations require that the gas prices used in the MHA Petroleum Consultants
reserve reports included herewith are the period-end prices for natural gas at
December 31, 2008. SEC regulations require that the gas price used
for the December 31, 2009 MHA Petroleum Consultants reserve report is the
simple arithmetic average of the natural gas price in effect on the first day
of each month in 2009. These prices are projected without inflation for the
life of the wells included in the reserve reports. The pricing assumptions are
listed below and represent the weighted average price for natural gas at
December 31 st delivered at
the Houston Ship Channel before any reductions for transportation and
processing fees.
|
AVERAGE PRICE |
|
YEAR-END PRICE |
|
||
|
2009 REPORT |
|
2008 REPORT |
|
||
|
Gas ($/MMBtu) |
|
Gas ($/MMBtu) |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
$ |
3.11 |
|
$ |
5.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drilling Activities
The
following indicates the number of natural gas wells drilled during the periods
indicated.
|
|
|
Productive |
|
Dry |
|
Total Wells |
|
||||||
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploratory |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
Development |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploratory |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
3 |
|
1.15 |
|
3 |
|
1.15 |
|
|
Development |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
Acreage and Productive Wells
The
following table sets forth our ownership interest in undeveloped acreage,
developed acreage and productive wells in the areas indicated where we own a
working interest as of December 31, 2009. Gross represents the total
number of acres or wells in which we own a working interest. Net represents our
proportionate working interest resulting from our ownership in gross acres or
wells. Productive wells are wells in which we have a working interest and that
are capable of producing natural gas or oil. Wells that are completed in more
than one producing horizon are counted as one well.
|
|
|
Undeveloped acreage |
|
Developed acreage |
|
Producing Wells |
|
Non-Producing Wells |
|
||||||||
|
Acreage
Holdings |
|
Gross Acres |
|
Net Acres |
|
Gross Acres |
|
Net Acres |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
239,692 |
|
28,763 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
4,480 |
|
1,493 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
5,484 |
|
5,484 |
|
3,520 |
|
3,520 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1,280 |
|
1,280 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
123,050 |
|
123,050 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
Total |
|
373,986 |
|
160,070 |
|
3,520 |
|
3,520 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
The
following table sets forth as of December 31, 2009, the expiration periods
of the gross and net undeveloped acreage:
|
|
|
Undeveloped Acreage |
|
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
|
Twelve months ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2010 |
|
2,490 |
|
2,490 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
December 31, 2011 |
|
1,685 |
|
1,685 |
|
239,692 |
|
28,763 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
December 31, 2012 |
|
124,151 |
|
124,151 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
4,480 |
|
1,493 |
|
|
December 31, 2013 |
|
1,310 |
|
1,310 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
December 31, 2014 and thereafter |
|
177 |
|
177 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
129,813 |
|
129,813 |
|
239,692 |
|
28,763 |
|
4,480 |
|
1,493 |
|
Volumes, Prices and Production Costs
Substantially
all of our production is derived from our Madisonville Project in Madison
County, Texas. The following table sets forth information with respect to our
production volumes, average prices received and average production costs for
the periods indicated:
|
|
|
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
Production: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Natural gas (MMcf) (1) |
|
1,278 |
|
1,275 |
|
||
|
Natural gas (MMcf/d) (1) |
|
3.50 |
|
3.49 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Average Sales Prices (2) |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Natural gas ($per Mcf) (2) |
|
$ |
3.19 |
|
$ |
4.82 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Lease Operating Expense |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
($per Mcf) (3) |
|
$ |
0.66 |
|
$ |
1.16 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Plant Operating Expense (4) |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
($per Mcf) |
|
$ |
3.71 |
|
— |
|
|
(1) Production volumes for 2009
represent actual plant throughput. Sales volumes net to our interests in
the
(2) Represents sales price realized net of treatment,
gathering and transportation costs in 2008 since we sold the gas at the
wellhead to an unaffiliated purchaser. Commencing January 1, 2009, we
moved the point of sale of the gas to the outlet of the gas treatment plant
since we purchased the gas treatment plant and related gathering systems
effective December 31, 2008. Accordingly, the sales price reflected
for the year ended December 31, 2009 represents the sales price realized
before deducting treatment, gathering and transportation costs, and is based up
on plant throughput.
(3) Lease operating expense per Mcf is based on lease operating expense and sales volumes
net to our interests in the
(4) Plant operating expense per Mcf is based on total plant operating expense and actual
plant throughput.
Business Risks and Other Special Considerations
Refer
to “Risk Factors” in this report for a discussion of business risks and other
special considerations.
From
time to time, we are party to litigation or other legal and administrative
proceedings that we consider to be a part of the ordinary course of our
business. Currently, we are not involved in any legal proceedings nor are we
party to any pending or threatened claims that could, individually or in the
aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, cash flow or results of operations, except as follows:
On
September 11, 2009, the Company’s subsidiary, Redwood Energy Production,
L.P. filed an Original Petition for Declaratory Judgment against Devon Energy
Production Company (“Devon”) regarding certain overriding royalty interests and
related revenue amounts claimed by
Not applicable.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related
Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Our
common stock trades on the NYSE Amex under the symbol “GPR”. On
March 30, 2010, the last reported sale price for our common stock on the
NYSE Amex was $0.61. The following table sets forth the high and low sale
prices of our common shares as reported on the NYSE Amex for the periods
presented.
|
|
|
NYSE Alternext (1) |
|
||||
|
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
||
|
2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
$ |
1.05 |
|
$ |
0.57 |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
$ |
1.35 |
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
|
Second Quarter |
|
$ |
0.78 |
|
$ |
0.33 |
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
1.27 |
|
$ |
0.21 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Fourth Quarter |
|
$ |
2.28 |
|
$ |
0.48 |
|
|
Third Quarter |
|
$ |
4.12 |
|
$ |
1.90 |
|
|
Second Quarter |
|
$ |
4.29 |
|
$ |
2.25 |
|
|
First Quarter |
|
$ |
3.58 |
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
(1) Our common stock commenced trading on the American Stock
Exchange on February 15, 2007. On December 1, 2008, the American
Stock Exchange was merged with the NYSE Exchange.
(2) As of March 12, 2010, there were 301 holders of
record of our common shares.
Incentive Stock Plan and Stock
Option Plan
Effective
as of September 10, 2001, the board of directors approved an incentive
stock plan, providing for awards under the terms and provisions of such plan of
incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock awards
to officers, directors and employees of GeoPetro and
its consultants (the “Stock Incentive Plan”). The plan provides, among other
provisions, the following:
The
maximum number of Common Shares which may be awarded, optioned and sold under
the plan is 5,000,000 (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends
and certain other adjustments to GeoPetro’s common
stock); and the per share exercise price for Common Shares to be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an option shall be no less than the fair market
value of GeoPetro’s Common Shares as of the date of
grant.
The
Stock Incentive Plan provides for the granting to employees incentive stock
options within the meaning of Section 422 of the United States
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and for the granting of
non-statutory stock options to directors who are not employees and consultants.
In the case of employees who receive incentive stock options which are first
exercisable in a particular calendar year and the aggregate fair market value
of which exceeds $100,000, the excess of the $100,000 limitation shall be
treated as a nonstatutory stock option under the
Stock Incentive Plan.
The
Stock Incentive Plan is being administered by the Board of Directors. The Board
of Directors determines the terms of the options granted, including the number
of Common Shares subject to each option, the exercisability and vesting
requirements of each option, and the form of consideration payable upon the
exercise of such option (i.e., whether cash or exchange of existing Common
Shares in a cashless transaction or a combination thereof). The Stock Incentive
Plan will continue in effect for 10 years from September 10, 2001
(i.e., the date first adopted by the Board), unless sooner terminated by
the board of directors.
In
2004, we implemented a new 2004 Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (the “Stock
Option Plan”) providing for awards of incentive stock options, non-qualified
stock options and stock appreciation rights. The Stock Option Plan replaced the
Stock Incentive Plan as to new award grants effective in 2004 or thereafter to
our directors, officers, employees and consultants. Outstanding awards issued
under the Stock Incentive Plan will continue to be outstanding in accordance
with their terms and the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan, but will count
toward the limits in the number of shares of common stock available to be
issued under the Stock Option Plan, which is
5,000,000. The exercise price of stock options granted under the Stock Option
Plan may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on
the date of grant.
Dividends
The
holders of Series B preferred stock are entitled to receive ratably such
cash dividends, as were declared from time to time by the board of directors
out of funds legally available therefor and, when
declared, dividends were paid at the rate of $0.06 per share per annum, paid on
a calendar quarter basis. During 2009, we incurred $179,045 in dividends
associated with the Series B preferred stock, of which $68,583 had been
paid as of December 31, 2009.
The
holders of our common stock shall be entitled to receive ratably such lawful
dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors. We have never paid any
dividends, whether cash or property, on our common stock. For the foreseeable
future it is anticipated that any earnings which may be generated from our
operations will be used to finance our growth and that dividends will not be
paid to common stockholders.
Use of Proceeds
On our
registration statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-135485) we
registered up to 16,499,991 shares of our common stock, no par value per share,
including 5,943,105 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants
and options, for resale by selling shareholders. The registration statement was
declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission in
February 2007. The offering commenced on in February 2007 and has not
terminated. On our registration statement on Form S-1
(Reg. No. 333-146557) we
registered up to 2,002,599 shares of outstanding common stock and the resale of
up to 780,857 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants, for
resale by selling shareholders. The registration statement was declared
effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission in October 2007. The
offering commenced in October 2007 and has not terminated. We will not
receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the selling shareholders
under the registration statements; however, if all warrants and options to
acquire our common stock being registered thereunder
are exercised, we will realize cash proceeds of approximately $12,168,321,
which we expect to use for general working capital purposes and the drilling of
wells in our Texas, California, Canadian and Indonesian prospects.
If less
than the $12,168,321 proceeds are realized from the exercise of such warrants
and options, the proceeds will be spent in the following order of priority:
1. Madisonville Project, Madison County, Texas — Approximately
$3,028,000 may be expended in the Madisonville Field area as follows:
$1,433,000 million for capital maintenance and repair on new gas treatment
plant; $945,000 toward the fracture stimulation and hook up costs of the Wilson
Well; and $650,000 for the Mitchell well workover.
2.
We do
not know if, or how many, of the warrants or options will be exercised. This is
our best estimate of our use of proceeds generated from the possible exercise
of warrants or options based on the current state of our business operations,
our current plans and current economic and industry conditions. Any changes in
the projected use of proceeds will be made at the sole discretion of our board
of directors.
Unregistered Sales of
Securities
During
October 2009, we issued 3,401,996 shares of Series B Preferred Stock
for total gross proceeds of 2,551,500 pursuant to preferred stock purchase
agreements with 31 accredited investors. We issued the Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock in reliance on the exemption from registration
provided for under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, and
Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder. We relied
on the exemption from registration provided for under Section 4(2) of
the Securities Act based in part on the representations made by the investors,
including the representations with respect to the investors’ status as
accredited investors, as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of the
Securities Act, and the their investment intent with respect to the shares
purchased. We paid $134,600 in cash and issued 170,190 warrants (exercisable at
$1.00 per share) as finders fees and commissions in
connection with this offering.
During
October 2009, GeoPetro raised $720,000 (before
fees) by issuing an unsecured subordinated promissory note to an accredited
investor, having the following terms: (i) 10%
annual simple interest payable at maturity, (ii) principal and any unpaid
outstanding interest shall be payable October 31, 2010,
(iii) subordinated to the BOK loan and (iv) be unsecured. The
note purchaser also received a warrant to purchase 36,000 shares of GeoPetro common stock for $1.00 per share, exercisable for
three years. The issuance of the promissory note and warrant was not
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, in reliance on
Section 4(2) of the Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder. The person acquiring the note and warrant
was an accredited investor, as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation
D. The issuance of the promissory note and warrant involved no public
offering. GeoPetro did not engage in general
solicitation or advertising in connection with the issuance and sale of the
promissory note and warrant, and did not engage an underwriter.
Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The
following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction
with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes
to those statements included elsewhere in this report. The consolidated
statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2009 and
2008 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 are
derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere
in this report. The consolidated statements of operations data for the years
ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 and the balance sheet data as of
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 are derived from our audited
consolidated financial statements not included in this report.
Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
in the future, and the results for the years presented should not be considered
indicative of our future results of operations.
|
|
|
For The Years Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||||||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|||||||
|
Consolidated Statement of Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
4,077,355 |
|
$ |
6,152,542 |
|
$ |
6,890,777 |
|
$ |
6,716,360 |
|
$ |
7,975,990 |
|
|
|
|
Plant operating expense |
|
4,832,548 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|||||||
|
Lease operating expense |
|
606,266 |
|
1,484,267 |
|
1,558,900 |
|
1,602,932 |
|
878,176 |
|
|||||||
|
General and administrative |
|
2,767,385 |
|
2,717,121 |
|
2,807,091 |
|
2,347,447 |
|
1,551,747 |
|
|||||||
|
Net profits expense |
|
— |
|
579,941 |
|
679,337 |
|
632,708 |
|
856,837 |
|
|||||||
|
Impairment expense |
|
20,843,305 |
|
69,856 |
|
1,111,151 |
|
38,849 |
|
— |
|
|||||||
|
Depreciation and depletion expense |
|
1,595,597 |
|
1,553,418 |
|
2,269,995 |
|
2,406,612 |
|
1,832,693 |
|
|||||||
|
Earnings (loss) from operations |
|
(26,567,746 |
) |
(252,061 |
) |
(1,535,697 |
) |
(312,188 |
) |
2,856,537 |
|
|||||||
|
Net income (loss) |
|
(25,808,260 |
) |
(174,825 |
) |
(1,616,804 |
) |
(482,406 |
) |
2,640,471 |
|
|||||||
|
Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
(25,987,305 |
) |
$ |
(174,825 |
) |
$ |
(1,616,804 |
) |
$ |
(1,011,806 |
) |
$ |
2,111,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Earnings (Loss) per Share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.76 |
) |
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
$ |
0.10 |
|
|
|
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.76 |
) |
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
$ |
0.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Basic |
|
34,284,646 |
|
32,511,251 |
|
29,830,447 |
|
25,990,868 |
|
20,890,841 |
|
|||||||
|
Diluted |
|
34,284,646 |
|
32,511,251 |
|
29,830,447 |
|
25,990,868 |
|
24,001,888 |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Production Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Natural gas (Mcf) |
|
1,278,434 |
|
1,275,445 |
|
2,005,359 |
|
2,229,059 |
|
1,991,105 |
|
|||||||
|
Natural gas (Mcf/d) |
|
3,503 |
|
3,494 |
|
5,494 |
|
6,107 |
|
5,455 |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Production Data reduced by net profits interests: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Natural gas (Mcf) |
|
1,118,630 |
|
1,116,014 |
|
1,754,689 |
|
1,950,427 |
|
1,742,217 |
|
|||||||
|
Natural gas (Mcf/d) |
|
3,065 |
|
3,058 |
|
4,807 |
|
5,344 |
|
4,773 |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Average Sales Prices: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
|
Natural gas (per Mcf) |
|
$ |
3.19 |
|
$ |
4.82 |
|
$ |
3.44 |
|
$ |
3.01 |
|
$ |
4.01 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
|||||||||||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|||||
|
Balance Sheet Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Current assets |
|
$ |
3,044,731 |
|
$ |
1,023,090 |
|
$ |
5,723,680 |
|
$ |
2,366,081 |
|
$ |
1,718,893 |
|
|
Total assets |
|
34,004,213 |
|
54,076,005 |
|
44,116,606 |
|
39,061,478 |
|
25,014,826 |
|
|||||
|
Current liabilities |
|
4,218,956 |
|
3,174,742 |
|
2,361,827 |
|
3,604,342 |
|
3,574,466 |
|
|||||
|
Current portion of Long-term liabilities |
|
1,549,829 |
|
600,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|||||
|
Long-term liabilities |
|
6,051,654 |
|
7,078,548 |
|
53,726 |
|
48,842 |
|
26,641 |
|
|||||
|
Redeemable Series AA Preferred Stock |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
5,924,068 |
|
5,924,068 |
|
|||||
|
Series B Preferred Stock |
|
5,448,602 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|||||
|
Accumulated Deficit |
|
$ |
(38,172,919 |
) |
$ |
(12,185,614 |
) |
$ |
(12,010,789 |
) |
$ |
(10,393,985 |
) |
$ |
(9,382,179 |
) |
Notes to Selected Financial Data:
(a) For each of the years presented the Company has not paid
dividends to any of its common stockholders.
(b) See Item 2. “Properties —Texas-
Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment Plant and Gathering Facilities” for
discussion of the acquisition of the MGP Gas Treatment Plant.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and
analysis should be read in conjunction with accompanying financial statements
and related notes included elsewhere in this report. It contains forward
looking statements that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and
expected performance. The forward looking statements are dependent upon events,
risks and uncertainties that may be outside our control. Our actual results
could differ materially from those discussed in these forward looking
statements.
Factors that could cause or
contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, market prices
for natural gas and oil, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory
changes, estimates of proved reserves, potential failure to achieve production
from development drilling projects, capital expenditures and other
uncertainties, as well as those factors discussed below and elsewhere in this
report, particularly in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward
Looking Statements”, all of which are difficult to predict and which expressly
qualify all subsequent oral and written forward-looking statements attributable
to us or persons acting on our behalf. In light of these risks, uncertainties
and assumptions, the forward looking events discussed may not occur. We do not
have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements included
in this report after the date of this report, except as required by law.
Overview
We are
an oil and gas company in the business of exploring and developing oil and
natural gas reserves on a worldwide basis. Since inception, we have conducted
leasehold acquisition, exploration and drilling activities on our North
American, Australian and Indonesian prospects. These projects currently
encompass approximately 377,506 gross (163,590 net) acres, consisting of
mineral leases, production sharing contracts and exploration permits that give
us the right to explore for, develop and produce oil and natural gas. Most of
these properties are in the exploration, appraisal or development drilling
phase and have not begun to produce revenue from the sale of oil and natural
gas. Excluding minor interest and dividend income, our only significant cash
inflows until 2003 were the recovery of capital invested in projects through
sale or other divestiture of interests in oil and gas prospects to industry
partners.
Since
2003, substantially all of our revenue has been generated from natural gas
sales derived from the Magness #1, the Fannin #1, and the Mitchell #1 wells in the Madisonville
Field in East Texas under spot gas purchase contracts at market prices. Natural
gas sales from the Madisonville Field are expected to account for substantially
all of our revenues for 2010. We expect the majority of our capital expenditures
in 2010 will be for the Madisonville Project.
|
|
|
For The Years Ended December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
Consolidated Statement of Operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
4,077,355 |
|
$ |
6,152,542 |
|
|
Plant operating expense |
|
4,832,548 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Lease operating expense |
|
606,266 |
|
1,484,267 |
|
||
|
General and administrative |
|
2,767,386 |
|
2,717,121 |
|
||
|
Net profits expense |
|
— |
|
579,941 |
|
||
|
Impairment expense |
|
20,843,305 |
|
69,856 |
|
||
|
Depreciation and depletion expense |
|
1,595,597 |
|
1,553,418 |
|
||
|
Loss from operations |
|
(26,567,746 |
) |
(252,061 |
) |
||
|
Net loss |
|
(25,808,260 |
) |
(174,825 |
) |
||
|
Net loss attributable to common shareholders |
|
$ |
(25,987,305 |
) |
$ |
(174,825 |
) |
Revenue and Operating Trends in
2009
As
discussed in the “Properties — Texas — Madisonville Project” section of this
annual report, in order to produce the gas reserves from the Rodessa Formation, we developed an onsite plan to treat and
remove impurities from the Madisonville Project natural gas in order to meet
pipeline-quality specifications. In 2003, a third party completed the
construction and installation of a
natural gas treatment plant with a designed capacity of 18 million
cubic feet of gas per day (“MMcf/d”) and associated
pipeline and gathering facilities.
In 2005
we secured a commitment from MGP to install and make operational additional
treating facilities capable of treating 50 MMcf/d,
which combined with the capacity of the current in-service treating facilities
will represent a total designed treating capacity of 68 MMcf/d
for the Madisonville treatment plant. In early November 2007,
MGP began testing the additional treatment facilities by accepting 20 MMcf/d at the inlet. Subsequently in
December 2007, MGP suspended the operations of the additional treatment
facilities in order to make modifications to more effectively deal with the
presence of diamondoids in the gas stream produced
from the Rodessa Formation.
During
2008, MGP analyzed various options for removing the diamondoids;
however, they did not complete the necessary plant system modifications.
On December 31, 2008, we purchased the gas treatment plant and related
gathering pipeline from MGP in exchange for assumption of secured debt, payment
of certain outstanding payables of MGP and shares of GeoPetro’s
common stock. The effective date of the acquisition was December 31,
2008 and the new owner of the Plant is GeoPetro’s
wholly-owned, indirect subsidiary, Madisonville Midstream LLC (“MM”). We
expect to complete installation of the system modifications required in the new
plant in 2010. In the meantime, the existing, in service portion of the
plant continues to operate with a design capacity of up to approximately 18 MMcf/d of inlet gas.
While
there can be no assurance, with acquisition of the gas treatment plant, our
goal is to make the necessary upgrades to the plant and increase the production
rates from our wells which may result in higher net production and increased
revenue during 2010 as compared to 2009 and prior periods. To accomplish the
plant upgrades, we will need to raise capital in 2010. Due to the unsettled
state of the capital markets, funds may not be available, or may not be
available on favorable terms.
Prior
to December 31, 2008, the price received for natural gas was determined
pursuant to certain agreements which were in effect with MGP. Pursuant to
these agreements, MGP purchased the Company’s untreated natural gas in the
Madisonville Field for each of the producing wells and charged the Company a
fixed fee to gather, treat, transport and market its natural gas, provided
however, that such fees would not exceed the value of the natural gas.
Hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen
combined comprise about 28% of the gas content. The untreated natural gas is
delivered to the Gas Treatment Plant where substantially all the natural gas
impurities are removed before delivery to the sales pipeline. As a result of
the costs to gather, treat, transport and market the natural gas, we received a
net price that is substantially lower than we would otherwise receive if the
gas did not contain the 28% of impurities.
Due to
weak natural gas prices prevailing for most of 2009, the costs to gather,
treat, transport and market the natural gas exceeded the value of the natural
gas produced during most of the year.
Industry Overview for the year
ended December 31, 2009
During
2009 we experienced significantly deteriorating natural gas prices throughout
of the year, with a rebound in prices by the end of the year. The Houston Ship
Channel price, the index price prevailing in the locale of our Madisonville
Project in Madison County, Texas, as quoted in Gas Daily as of
December 31, 2009 was per $5.72 Mcf versus $5.25
per Mcf as of December 31, 2008. Natural gas
prices were volatile during 2009 due to over-supply and recessionary concerns
earlier in the year and later in the year due to seasonal weather driven demand
spurred by unusually cold winter temperatures in many parts of the
Company Overview in 2009
Our net
loss after taxes for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $25,808,260.
From our inception, through mid-2003, we only received nominal revenues from
our oil and natural gas activities, while incurring substantial acquisition and
exploration costs and overhead expenses which have resulted in an accumulated
deficit through December 31, 2009 of $38,172,919. Commencing in
May 2003, we placed our Madisonville Project into production.
Substantially all of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009
were derived from our Madisonville Project, from three producing wells, the UMC
Ruby Magness #1 well (the “Magness
Well”), the Angela Farris Fannin #1 well (the “Fannin Well”), and the Mitchell #1 well (the “Mitchell Well”).
Comparison of Results of
Operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we had gross natural gas
revenues from the treatment plant of $4,006,939 and revenues from treating
third party gas in the Plant of $70,416. During this period, our gross
production from our wells was 1,278,434 Mcf
(production net of royalties of 922,393 Mcf) and our
average natural gas price realized was $3.19 per
Mcf. During the twelve months ended December 31,
2008, we had oil and natural gas revenues of $6,152,542, and our net production
was 1,275,445 Mcf of natural gas at an average price
of $4.82 per Mcf. Revenues decreased in the twelve
months ended December 30, 2009 as compared to the prior year period due to
lower production volumes and lower natural gas prices. The 27.68% lower net
production volumes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 as
compared to the same period of 2008 was due to natural declines in the wells.
Average natural gas prices were approximately 34% lower for the twelve months
ended December 31, 2009 versus the same period in 2008.The average natural
gas price of $4.82 per Mcf for the 2008 period was
net of treating, gathering, marketing and transportation fees (collectively the
“Fees”) in accordance with our contracts with MGP and Gateway ADAC Pipeline,
LLC. The average natural gas price of $3.19 per Mcf
for the 2009 period was not “net” of the aforementioned Fees since the
contracts that were in place with MGP were terminated as of December 31,
2008.
Prior
to December 31, 2008, revenue was recognized upon delivery of oil and gas
production and was shown net of applicable royalty payments, as well as
processing, gathering, transportation and marketing fees. As indicated in the
preceding paragraph, the Company recognized revenue from the Madisonville Field
net of applicable fees to treat, gather, transport and market the Company’s
natural gas production. The applicable fees were paid to unrelated third
parties. On December 31, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition
of the Plant from MGP. Commencing January 1, 2009, revenue is being
recognized without the netting of applicable royalty payments, as well as
processing, gathering, transportation and marketing fees since we have acquired
the Plant. For all periods presented, revenue from the Madisonville Field is
recognized when the price for gas delivered became fixed and determinable.
Our
results of operations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009
include the operating results of the Plant, but our results of operations for
the twelve months ended December 31, 2008 do not include the operating
results of the natural gas treatment plant because such acquisition closed on
December 31, 2008. The following condensed pro forma information gives
effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2008. The
pro forma information has been included in the notes to the financial
statements included elsewhere in this document as required by generally
accepted accounting principles and is provided for comparison purposes only.
The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the
financial results that would have occurred had the acquisition been effective
on the dates indicated and should not be viewed as indicative of operations in
the future.
|
|
|
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
15,066,915 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
$ |
15,954,201 |
|
|
Loss applicable to common stock |
|
$ |
(1,239,749 |
) |
|
Net loss per share |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we incurred plant operating
expenses of $4,832,548. Our average plant operating cost for the 2009 period
was $3.71 per Mcf on net throughput of 1,302,618 Mcf. We purchased the gas treatment plant effective on
December 31, 2008, thus there was no plant operating expense for the
comparable 2008 period.
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we incurred lease operating
expense of $606,266. Our average lifting cost for the 2009 period was $0.66 per
Mcf. During the twelve months ended December 31,
2008, we incurred lease operating expense of $1,484,267. Our average lifting
cost for the 2008 period was $1.16 per Mcf. The
average lifting cost per Mcf in 2009 was lower due to
cost cutting efforts and a reduction of ad valorem property taxes applicable to
the wells.
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, we incurred no net profits
interest expense because we did not generate a net operating profit from our Magness, Fannin, and Mitchell
wells. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, we incurred net
profits interest expense of $579,941 associated with the Magness,
the Fannin, and the Mitchell wells. The net profit
interest is 12.5% of the net operating profit from our Magness,
Fannin, and Mitchell wells.
General
and administrative (“G&A”) expenses for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2009 were $2,767,385 compared to $2,717,121 for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2008. This represents a $50,265 or 1.8% increase
over the prior year period. The higher G&A expense incurred in 2009 was due
primarily to new options issued during 2009 and 2008.
For the
year ended December 31, 2009, impairment expense was $20,843,305 versus
$69,856 for the same period of 2008. The 2009 impairment write-downs were
due to (i) dry holes drilled on our Canadian oil
and gas properties, and (ii) writeoff remaining
costs related to the South Bengara due to project
cancellation (iii) $19.8 million impairment in the
For
year-end 2009, new SEC rules were implemented requiring that reserve
calculations be based on the un-weighted average first-day-of-the-month prices
for the prior twelve months, as contrasted with the previous method which
utilized period end prices. The prices under the new rules were $3.11 per Mcf for natural gas adjusted for energy content, quality
and basis differentials. Under the new rules, this resulted in a ceiling test
write-down of $19,798,390 associated with the
Depreciation
and depletion expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was
$1,595,597 as compared to $1,553,418 in the same period of 2008, which amounts
primarily represent depletion of the oil and gas properties for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 2.7% increase
was due to gas processing plant depreciation in 2009 which offset decreased
depletion expense resulting from lower net production in the twelve months
period of 2009 as previously discussed.
Loss
from operations totaled $26,567,746 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2009 as compared to loss from operations of $252,061 for the
twelve months ended December 30, 2008. The increase in the loss from
operations was due primarily to higher impairment, depreciation and depletion
expenses.
Other
income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 consisted of
interest income in the amount of $6,404 and $91,867, respectively, resulting
from lower average cash balances due to our purchase of the Plant on December
31, 2008.
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, we incurred interest
expense of $735,596 and $1,846, respectively. We incurred new debt in late
December 2008 and subsequently during 2009 associated with the plant
acquisition and working capital requirements.
Net
loss before taxes for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was
$25,809,251 as compared to $162,040 for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2008. The increase in net loss during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2009 was primarily due to lower gas prices, lower production
volume, higher operating expenses, ceiling test write-off in the
Income
tax benefit for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 was $991
compared to income tax expense of $12,785 in the same period of 2008. The
increased income tax benefit was due to refund from 2008
Recent Developments
During
the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 we borrowed $850,000 pursuant to
five separate three year loans which were convertible into a newly designated
class of preferred stock of GeoPetro, Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) and
$1,897,000 pursuant to eleven separate loans. The $850,000 in loans
converted into Series B Preferred Stock on April 30, 2009, along with
an additional $1,000,000 which was advanced during April for a total
subscription in the private placement of 2,466,670 shares for a purchase price
of $0.75 per share and an aggregate investment of $1,850,000. The holders of
Series B Stock are entitled to receive an annual dividend at the rate of
$0.06 per share and are entitled to such number of votes per share as equals
the number of common shares into which each share of Series B Stock is
convertible. Each share of Series B Stock is convertible, at the option of
the holder, into fully paid and non-assessable common shares on a one-for-one
basis, subject to certain adjustments. The Series B Stock will
automatically convert into common shares on a one-for-one share basis effective
the first trading day after the reported high selling price for the Company’s
common shares on any international, national or regional securities exchange or
inter-dealer quotation system including but not limited to, NASDAQ, the Pink
Sheets or the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, is at least $1.50 per share for
any ten consecutive trading days. If an automatic conversion occurs within one
year after the Series B Stock was purchased from the Company, a holder
will receive, on the one-year anniversary date of his, her or its purchase, a
cash dividend equivalent to a full year of dividends less any dividends paid
before such conversion.
In accordance with the provisions of an agreement with
Adelphi Energy Limited (“Adelphi”) and our wholly owned subsidiary, GeoPetro Resources (South Bengara-II)
Pte. Ltd., we
relinquished our interest in the recently awarded South Bengara-II
production sharing contract, onshore
On
September 10, 2009, the Company’s subsidiary, Madisonville Midstream, LLC
reached an agreement to sell certain idle equipment related to the plant to Gas
Processors, Inc. for a sale price of $2.5 million. A nonrefundable deposit
of $250,000 was received on September 10, 2009. The remaining balance of
$2.25 million was received on September 30, 2009. Of the $2,500,000
sales proceeds, $1,125,000 was applied toward a reduction of the principal
balance on the Bank of Oklahoma term loan.
Between
August 3, 2009 and October 13, 2009, we entered into preferred
stock purchase agreements for the private placement of 5,049,333 shares of
Series B Preferred Stock for a purchase price of $0.75 per share and an
aggregate investment, before offering costs, of $3,787,000. Significant
rights and preferences attaching to the Series B Preferred Stock are
described above.
Between
August 3, 2009 and October 23, 2009, we issued promissory notes
for total gross proceeds of $1,000,000 (net proceeds of $960,000). We
issued to the note holders warrants exercisable to purchase 50,000 shares of
our common stock. Each warrant is exercisable for a three year term to
purchase one share of our common stock at a price of $1.00 per share. The
issuance dates, maturity dates and interest rates for these promissory notes
are as follows:
|
DATE OF |
|
MATURITY |
|
INTEREST |
|
PRINCIPAL |
|
|
|
NOTE |
|
DATE |
|
RATE |
|
AMOUNT |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
08/13/09 |
|
08/30/10 |
|
10 |
% |
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
08/21/09 |
|
08/30/10 |
|
10 |
% |
100,000 |
|
|
|
09/01/09 |
|
08/30/10 |
|
10 |
% |
30,000 |
|
|
|
09/16/09 |
|
08/30/10 |
|
10 |
% |
50,000 |
|
|
|
10/23/09 |
|
10/31/10 |
|
10 |
% |
720,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,000,000 |
|
On
September 11, 2009, our subsidiary, Redwood Energy Production, L.P. filed
an Original Petition for Declaratory Judgment against Devon Energy Production
Company (“Devon”) regarding certain overriding royalty interests and related
revenue amounts claimed by
On
February 15, 2010, we entered into a new lease for our principal executive
office to be located at
|
2010 |
|
95,223 |
* |
|
|
2011 |
|
145,635 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
149,836 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
154,037 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
158,238 |
|
|
|
2015 |
|
162,439 |
|
|
|
2016 |
|
166,640 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
56,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,088,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*The lease provides that rent for the first five months of
the lease term totaling $59,514 shall be abated provided we are not in default
during the term of the lease.
On
February 26, 2010, we sold our entire working interest in our Alaskan
leases to Linc Energy (
Linc will acquire
all of the Alaskan Leases for the following consideration:
a. A cash payment of $1.0 million will be deposited by Linc in an escrow account, to be released to us upon
approval of the assignments of the Alaskan leases to Linc.
b. In addition, we will receive a $4.0 million payment from
the first 75% of 8/8ths of the proceeds from any oil and gas production from
the Alaskan leases.
c. After we have received the $4.0 million payment specified
in paragraph (b) above, we will thereafter receive an overriding royalty
interest of 10% of 8/8ths in and to the Alaskan leases issued by the State of
Alaska and the Alaska Mental Health Trust (which comprise over 99% of the
Alaskan Leases), and an overriding royalty interest of 7% of 8/8ths in and to
the Alaskan Leases issued by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. on conventional oil
and gas production and coal bed methane production.
d. Linc has agreed to pay all of the costs of maintaining the
Alaskan leases at least through the end of the primary terms thereof.
e. Following the lessors’ approval
of the assignments of the Alaskan leases into Linc, Linc will diligently commence and prosecute the drilling of
the Frontier Spirit #1 exploration well to evaluate a conventional oil and gas
prospect identified and developed by us.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our
cash balance at December 31, 2009 was $2,429,891 compared to a cash
balance of $770,779 at December 31, 2008. The change in our cash balance
is summarized as follows:
|
Cash balance at December 31, 2008 |
|
$ |
770,779 |
|
|
Sources of cash: |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash provided by disposition of equipment |
|
2,500,000 |
|
|
|
Cash provided by financing activities |
|
5,280,019 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total sources of cash including cash on hand |
|
8,550,798 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Uses of cash: |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash used by operating actives |
|
(4,773,997 |
) |
|
|
Cash used in investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
Oil and natural gas property expenditures |
|
(758,006 |
) |
|
|
Gas processing plant |
|
(588,904 |
) |
|
|
Total uses of cash |
|
(6,120,907 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash balance at December 31, 2009 |
|
$ |
2,429,891 |
|
We had
a working capital deficit of $1,174,225 and $2,151,652 at December 31,
2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively. Our working capital increased
during year ended December 31, 2009 due primarily to funds raised from
private placement from Series B preferred stock.
We have
historically financed our business activities through December 31, 2009
principally through issuances of preferred stocks, issuances of common shares,
promissory notes, common share purchase warrants in private placements and an
initial public offering. These financings are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
Years Ended |
|
||||
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Proceeds from sale of common shares and warrant
exercises, net |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
|
Proceeds from sale of Preferred Series B, net |
|
5,448,602 |
|
|
|
||
|
Payment on preferred dividends |
|
(68,583 |
) |
— |
|
||
|
Repayments of promissory notes |
|
(1,825,000 |
) |
— |
|
||
|
Proceeds from promissory notes |
|
1,897,000 |
|
1,050,000 |
|
||
|
Payment of loan fee |
|
(40,000 |
) |
(6,000 |
) |
||
|
Repayment of related party note |
|
(132,000 |
) |
— |
|
||
|
Net option exercise |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
$ |
5,280,019 |
|
$ |
1,419,000 |
|
The net
proceeds of our equity and note financings have been primarily invested in oil
and natural gas properties totaling $758,006, and $5,569,417 for the years
ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
On
December 31, 2008, we acquired the gas treatment plant from MGP for
$10,707,982 in combination of cash, debt and common stock. The Company assumed
$7,697,847 of Madisonville Gas Processing LP’s (“MGP”) bank debt related to the
Company’s acquisition of the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant (the “Plant”) via
a (i) $1 million cash payment applied directly
towards debt principal reduction, and (ii) a refinancing by GeoPetro of the $6,697,847 remaining balance in the form of
a 3 year Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement with the lender, Bank
Oklahoma (“BOK”). The terms of the three year loan provide for minimum
quarterly principal payments of $150,000 and interest payable quarterly in
arrears at prime plus 4% or, Libor plus 5.5%, at
the option of the Company. Additional principal will be payable upon GeoPetro meeting certain net operating cash flow thresholds
during the three year term of the loan. The loan is secured by a first
lien on the Madisonville Midstream Plant and all of the Company’s proved
natural gas reserves located at the Madisonville Project. In addition, GeoPetro has agreed to a pay, at the time the loan is
repaid in full, a loan origination fee of (i) $60,000
for any period during the three year term during which the loan principal
remains outstanding. There is no prepayment penalty. The Amended
and Restated Term Loan Agreement, as further amended, contains customary
affirmative and negative covenants including restrictions on incurring
additional debt and requiring that the Company maintain a minimum tangible net
worth of at least $18,000,000.
On
December 31, 2008, we issued 1.5 million shares of common stock pursuant
to an asset purchase agreement related to the acquisition of the Madisonville
Midstream Gas Treatment Plant and related gas gathering pipelines and related
facilities from Madisonville Gas Processing, LP.
During
December 2008, GeoPetro raised $1,050,000 by
issuing promissory notes to accredited investors, each having the following
terms: (i) 8% annual simple interest
payable quarterly in arrears, (ii) principal and any unpaid outstanding
interest shall be payable at the end of three years, (iii) subordinated to
the BOK loan and (iv) be unsecured. Each note purchaser also
received warrants to purchase one share of GeoPetro
common stock for $1.00 per share, exercisable for three years. One
warrant was received for each $10 in face amount of notes purchased (a total of
105,000 warrants exercisable to purchase 105,000 shares of common stock).
GeoPetro also reissued 15,000 warrants at $1.00 per
share to be exercised for three years.
We
raised $850,000 in convertible notes that were converted into our Series B
Preferred Stock on April 30, 2009, an additional $2,181,710 in our
Series B Preferred Stock, and issued $1,177,000 in promissory notes. On
September 30, 2009, we
completed the sale of certain idle equipment from our natural gas
processing plant for total cash proceeds of $2.5 million. During
October 2009, we issued a promissory note for total gross proceeds of
$720,000 (net proceeds of $701,383) and issued an additional 3,401,996 shares
of Series B Preferred Stock for total gross proceeds of $2,551,500.
Our
current cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flow from operations may
not be sufficient to meet our working capital, capital expenditures and growth
strategy requirements for the foreseeable future. See “Outlook for 2010” for a
description of our expected capital expenditures for 2010. If we are unable to
generate revenues necessary to finance our operations over the long-term, we
may have to seek additional capital through the sale of our equity or
borrowing. As noted in “Recent Developments,” we periodically borrow funds
pursuant to promissory notes to finance our activities.
As
discussed in the “Outlook for 2010”, we are forecasting capital expenditures of
$3.5 million during 2010. We will need to obtain adequate sources of cash to
fund our anticipated capital expenditures through the end of 2010 and to follow
through with plans for continued investments in oil and gas properties. Our
success, in part, depends on our ability to generate additional financing and farmout certain of our projects. Additionally, as a
result of the 2009 economic downturn, the Company may have difficulty raising
sufficient funds to meet our projected funding requirements. See Item 1A.- “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business”.
Since our
inception, we have participated as a working interest owner in the acquisition
of undeveloped leases, seismic options, lease options and foreign concessions
and have participated in seismic surveys and the drilling of test wells on our
undeveloped properties. Further leasehold acquisitions, drilling and seismic
operations are planned for 2010 and future periods. In addition, exploratory
and development drilling is scheduled during 2010 and future periods on our
undeveloped properties. It is anticipated that these exploration activities
together with others that may be entered into will impose financial
requirements which will exceed our existing working capital. We may raise
additional equity and/or debt capital, and we may farm-out certain of our projects
to finance our continued participation in planned activities. However, if
additional financing is not available, we may be compelled to reduce the scope
of our business activities. If we are unable to fund planned expenditures, it
may be necessary to:
1. farmout our interest in proposed wells;
2. sell a portion of our interest in prospects and use the
sale proceeds to fund our participation for a lesser interest;
3. reduce general and administrative expenses;
4. forfeit our interest in wells that are proposed to be drilled .
Outlook for 2010 Capital
Depending
on capital availability, we are forecasting capital spending of up to
approximately $3,528,000 during the year 2010, allocated as follows:
1. Madisonville Project, Madison County, Texas — Approximately
$3,028,000 may be expended in the Madisonville Field area as follows:
$1,433,000 million for capital maintenance and repair on new gas treatment
plant; $945,000 toward the fracture stimulation and hook up costs of the Wilson
Well; and $650,000 for the Mitchell well workover.
2.
We may,
in our discretion, decide to allocate resources towards other projects in
addition to or in lieu of, those listed above should other opportunities arise
and as circumstances warrant. We currently do not have sufficient working
capital to fund all of the capital expenditures listed above. We may, in our
discretion, fund the foregoing planned expenditures from operating cash flows,
asset sales, potential debt and equity issuances and/or a combination of all
four. The Madisonville Project forecasted capital expenditures will play an
important part in the Company achieving our 2010 cash flow projections. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
We
expect commodity prices to be volatile, reflecting the current supply and
demand fundamentals for North American natural gas and world crude oil.
Political and economic events around the world, which are difficult to predict,
will continue to influence both oil and gas prices. Significant price changes
for oil and gas often lead to changes in the levels of drilling activity which
in turn lead to changes in costs to explore, develop and acquire oil and gas
reserves. Significant change in costs could affect the returns on our capital
expenditures. Higher crude prices could also help keep natural gas prices high
by keeping alternative fuels, such as heating oil and residual fuel, expensive.
Income Taxes
As of
December 31, 2009, GeoPetro had net operating
loss (NOL) carryforwards of approximately $31,991,000
for federal income tax purposes which begin to expire in 2017. If the
Company were to experience a change in ownership under Section 382, the
Company may be limited in its ability to fully utilize its net operating
losses.
However,
in accordance with ASC 718 (formerly SFAS 123(R)), a deferred tax asset has not
been recognized for the portion of the net operating loss carryforwards
that is attributable to excess tax deductions associated with the exercise of
stock options which do not reduce income taxes payable. Accordingly,
approximately $3,536,000 of GeoPetro’s federal NOL
has not been benefited for financial statement purposes as it relates to excess
tax deductions that have not reduced income taxes payable. The benefit of these
excess tax deductions will not be recognized for financial statement purposes
until the related deductions reduce income taxes payable.
The
Company also has approximately $10,258,000 of
In
addition, the Company has approximately $334,000 of carryforward
credits in
A
significant change in our ownership may limit our ability to use these NOL carryforwards.ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes
(formerly Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109), requires
that the tax benefit of such net operating loss be recorded as an asset. At
December 31, 2009, we had net deferred tax assets of approximately
$12,836,000 related to the NOL and
other temporary differences. We have recorded a full valuation
allowance of $12,836,000 at December 31, 2009 due to uncertainties
surrounding the realizability of the deferred tax
asset.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
From
time to time, we may enter into off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions
that can give rise to off-balance sheet obligations. As of December 31,
2009, our off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions include operating
lease agreements and gas transportation commitments. We do not believe that
these arrangements are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or
availability of, or requirements for, capital resources.
Financial Instruments
We
currently have no natural gas price financial instruments or hedges in place.
Similarly, we have no financial derivatives. Our natural gas marketing
contracts use “spot” market prices. Given the uncertainty of the timing and
volumes of our natural gas production this year, we do not currently plan to
enter into any long term fixed-price natural gas contracts, swap or hedge
positions, other gas financial instruments or financial derivatives in 2009.
Impact of Inflation &
Changing Prices
As the
following table illustrates, average sales prices of natural gas have changed
in the past three years. This has led to changes in revenues and earnings from
operations:
|
|
|
For the Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 (1) |
|
2008 (2) |
|
||
|
Average Sales Prices per Mcf |
|
$ |
3.19 |
|
$ |
4.82 |
|
|
Net Production Volume Mcf |
|
1,278,434 |
|
1,275,445 |
|
||
|
Revenues |
|
$ |
4,077,355 |
|
$ |
6,152,542 |
|
|
Loss from Operation |
|
$ |
(26,567,746 |
) |
$ |
(252,061 |
) |
(1) Includes $20,843,305
impairment expense
(2) Includes $69,856
impairment expense
We are
highly dependent upon natural gas pricing. A material decrease in current and
projected natural gas prices could impair our ability to raise additional
capital on acceptable terms. Likewise, a material decrease in current and
projected natural gas prices could also impact our revenues and cash flows.
This could impact our ability to fund future activities.
Changing
prices have had a significant impact on costs of drilling and completing wells,
particularly in the Madisonville Field area where we are currently the most
active. The estimated cost of drilling and completing a Rodessa
formation well at approximately 12,300 feet of depth has increased from $3.0
million in 2001 to $4.2 million in 2009 due to higher costs associated with
tubular goods, well equipment, and day rates for drilling contracts, among
other factors. These higher costs have impacted and will continue to impact our
income from operations in the form of higher depletion expense.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our
consolidated financial statements have been prepared by management in
accordance with U.S. GAAP.
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Management
believes the most critical accounting policies that may have an impact on our
financial results relate to the accounting for oil and gas properties.
Amortization, abandonment costs and full cost ceiling limitation write-downs
are all based on numerous estimates, many of which are beyond management’s
control. Reserves valuation is central to much of the
accounting for an oil and gas company as described below.
Significant
accounting policies are contained in Note 2 to the consolidated
financial statements. A summary of unaudited supplementary oil and gas
reserve information is contained in Note 12 to the consolidated
financial statements.
The
following discusses the accounting estimates that are critical in determining
the reported financial results:
Oil
and Gas Properties—We follow the full cost
method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities as prescribed by
U.S. GAAP and, accordingly, capitalize all costs incurred in the
acquisition, exploration, and development drilling of proved oil and gas
properties, including the costs of abandoned properties, dry holes, geophysical
costs, and lease rentals. All general corporate costs are expensed as incurred.
In general, sales or other dispositions of oil and gas properties are accounted
for as adjustments to capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recorded.
Amortization of proved oil and gas properties is computed on the units of
production method based on all proved reserves on a country by country basis.
Unproved oil and gas properties are assessed for impairment either individually
or on an aggregate basis. The net capitalized costs of proved oil and gas
properties (full cost ceiling limitation) are not to exceed their related
estimated future net revenues discounted at 10%, and the lower of cost or
estimated fair value of unproved properties, net of tax considerations.
Reserves—We
engage independent petroleum engineering consultants to evaluate our reserves.
Reserves, future production profiles, and net revenues are estimated by
independent professional reservoir engineering firms. While we engage qualified
reservoir engineering firms, their estimates are inherently uncertain, involve
numerous assumptions that may not be realized, and predict asset values that
may not be indicative of the true market value of the assets evaluated. As a
result of the inherent uncertainties and changing technical and economic
assumptions, reserve estimates are subject to revisions that can materially
impact our results.
Stock
Based Compensation—The Company has a
stock- based compensation plan that allows employees to purchase common shares
of the Company. Option exercise prices approximate the market price for the
common shares on the date the options were issued. Options granted under the
plan are generally fully exercisable within five years and expire five to ten
years after the grant date. We measure and record stock-based awards to directors,
employees and consultants based on the grant-date fair value, determined using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model with
assumptions for: risk free interest rates, expected dividend yield, expected
life of the option, and the expected volatility. We record the
compensation expense ratably over the requisite service period defined in the
award. The Company recorded $403,963 and $268,723 of stock-based employee
compensation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Recently Issued Accounting
Pronouncements
Effective
January 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 260-10 (formerly Staff Position
No. EITF 03-6-1), “Determining whether Instruments Granted in
Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities,” which provides
that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to
dividend or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating
securities, and, therefore need to be included in the earnings allocation in
computing earnings per share under the two-class method. We adopted the
provisions of this standard on January 1, 2009, with no significant impact
on our financial statements.
Effective
January 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 815-10 (formerly Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 161,
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an
amendment of FASB Statement 133 ), which amends and expands the disclosure
requirements with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an
enhanced understanding of (i) how and why an
entity uses derivative instruments; (ii) how derivative instruments and
the related hedged items are accounted for; and (iii) how derivative
instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position,
financial performance and cash flows. We adopted the provisions of this
standard on January 1, 2009, with no significant impact on our financial
statements.
In
June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 105-10 (formerly SFAS No. 168),
Accounting Standards CodificationTM and
the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles . The FASB Accounting Standards CodificationTM (the “Codification”) has become the
source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be
applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements
in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). All
existing accounting standard documents are superseded by the Codification and
any accounting literature not included in the Codification will not be
authoritative. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC issued under the
authority of federal securities laws, however, will continue to be the source
of authoritative generally accepted accounting principles for SEC registrants.
Effective September 30, 2009, all references made to GAAP in our
consolidated financial statements will include the new Codification numbering
system along with original references. The Codification does not change or
alter existing GAAP and, therefore, will not have an impact on our financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
In
December 2008, the SEC issued the final rule on the Modernization of
Oil and Gas Reporting. This SEC ruling revises its oil and gas reserves
reporting requirements effective for fiscal years ending on or after
December 31, 2009, with early adoption prohibited. These revisions
by the SEC are intended to provide investors with a more meaningful and
comprehensive understanding of oil and gas reserves. These changes
include:
· Modifying prices used to estimate reserves for SEC disclosure purposes
to a 12-month average price instead of a single-day, period-end price.
· Requiring certain additional disclosures around proved undeveloped
reserves, internal controls used to ensure objectivity of the estimation
process, and qualifications of those preparing and/or auditing the reserves.
· Expanding the definition of oil and gas reserves and providing
clarification of certain concepts and technologies used in the reserve
estimation process.
· Allowing optional disclosure of probable and possible reserves and
permitting optional disclosure of price sensitivity analysis.
· We are now required to file the report of any third party used to
prepare or audit reserves our estimates.
In
addition, in January 2010, FASB issued Account Standards Update (the “Update”)
2010-03, “Oil and Gas Reserve Estimation and Disclosures,” to provide
consistency with the new reserve rules. The Update amends existing standards to
align the reserves calculation and disclosure requirements under GAAP with the
requirements in the SEC’s reserve rules. We adopted
the new standards effective December 31, 2009. The new standards are
applied prospectively as a change in estimate.
Application
of the new reserve rules resulted in the use of a lower natural gas price
at December 31, 2009 than would have resulted under the previous rules. As
a result, the new pricing methodology rules resulted in a lower net
present value (PV-10) of economically producible reserves. The new SEC
rules require that reserve calculations be based on the un-weighted
average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior twelve months, as
contrasted with the previous method which utilized period end prices. The
prices under the new rules were $3.11 per Mcf
for natural gas adjusted for energy content, quality and basis differentials.
Under the new rules, this resulted in a ceiling test write-down of $19.8
million associated with the
Use of
new 12-month average pricing rules at December 31, 2009 also resulted
in a decrease in economically producible proved reserves of approximately 1.03 Bcf. Use of the old year-end prices rules would have
resulted in a decrease in proved reserves of approximately 0.53 Bcf at December 31, 2009. Therefore, the total
impact of the new price methodology rules resulted in negative reserves
revisions of 0.5 Bcf.
Because
we use quarter-end reserves and add back current production to calculate
quarterly depletion, depreciation and amortization expense, or DD&A,
adoption of these new standards had an impact on DD&A for the fourth
quarter of 2009. We estimate the impact of using the unweighted,
arithmetic average on the closing price on the first day of each month for the
12-month period prior to December 31, 2009, as required by the new reserve
rules, instead of year-end commodity prices, to be an increase in DD&A for
the fourth quarter of 2009 of approximately $84,423.
On
June 30, 2009, we adopted ASC 855-10 (formerly SFAS No. 165)
Subsequent Events. ASC 855-10 establishes general standards of accounting
for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before
financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Specifically,
ASC 855-10 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which
management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that
may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements,
the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions
occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the
disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that
occurred after the balance sheet date. The adoption of ASC 855-10 had no impact
on our results, cash flow or financial position as management already
followed a similar approach prior to the adoption of this standard.
In
January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued amendments
to Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures under ASC Topic 820. Effective for
our 2010 financial statements, this guidance provides for disclosures of
significant transfers in an out of Levels 1 and 2. In addition, the
guidance clarifies existing disclosure requirements regarding inputs and
valuation techniques as well as the appropriate level of disaggregation for
fair value measurements and disclosures. Effective for our 2011 financial
statements, this guidance provides for disclosures of activity on a gross basis
within Level 3 reconciliation.
Risks and Uncertainties
There
are a number of risks that face participants in the
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are
exposed to market risks arising from fluctuating prices of crude oil, natural
gas and interest rates as discussed below.
Commodity Risk. Our major commodity price risk exposure is to
the prices received for our natural gas production. Realized commodity prices
received for our production are the spot prices applicable to natural gas in
the
Currency Translation Risk. Because our
revenues and expenses are primarily in U.S. dollars, we have little
exposure to currency translation risk, and, therefore, we have no plans in the
foreseeable future to implement hedges or financial instruments to manage
international currency changes.
Hedging. We did
not enter into any hedging transactions during the year ended December 31
2009.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The
reports of our independent registered public accounting firms and our
consolidated financial statements and supplemental information required to be
filed under Item 8 of Form 10-K are presented beginning on
Page F-1 of this Form 10-K.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With
Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Our
management, with the participation of our President, Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman and our Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness
of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of
December 31, 2009. Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that,
as of December 31, 2009, our disclosure controls and procedures were
effective, in that they ensure that information required to be disclosed by us
in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is
(1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and
(2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our
President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Internal control over financial
reporting
Pursuant
to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we have included a
report of management’s assessment of the design and effectiveness of our
internal controls as part of this annual report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2009. This annual report does not
include an attestation report of the company’s registered public accounting
firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report
was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting
firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission
that permit the company to provide only management’s report in this annual
report. Management’s report shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of
Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of
that section.
No
changes to our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the
last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act).
None.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our
definitive proxy statement relating to our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
to be filed on or before April 30, 2010, the 2010 proxy statement.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our 2010
proxy statement.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Shareholder Matters
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our 2010
proxy statement.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and
Director
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from our 2010
proxy statement.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from 2010 proxy
statement.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
|
(a) The following documents are
filed as part of this report |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management’s
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
|
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Financial Statements |
|
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
|
F-4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
|
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008 |
|
F-6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
|
F-7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
All other schedules are omitted
because they are not applicable, not required or the required information is
included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3. |
A list of exhibits filed or
furnished with this report on Form 10-K (or-incorporated by reference to
exhibits previously filed or furnished by GeoPetro)
is provided in the Exhibit Index immediately following the financial
statements in this report. |
|
|
Pursuant
to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 31, 2010.
|
|
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Stuart J. Doshi |
|
|
|
Stuart J. Doshi |
|
|
|
Chairman of the Board of
Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has
been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in
the capacities indicated on March 31, 2010.
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Stuart J. Doshi |
|
Chairman of the Board, President |
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Stuart J. Doshi |
|
and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ David V. Creel |
|
Vice President of Exploration and |
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
David V. Creel |
|
Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Chris Steinhauser |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
J. Chris Steinhauser |
|
and Principal Accounting Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ J. Chris Steinhauser |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
J. Chris Steinhauser |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Jeffrey Friedman |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Jeffrey Friedman |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Thomas D. Cunningham |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Thomas D. Cunningham |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ David G. Anderson |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
David G. Anderson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Nick DeMare |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Nick DeMare |
|
|
|
|
GLOSSARY OF OIL AND NATURAL GAS TERMS
In this
report, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have
the indicated meanings. A reference to an agreement means the agreement as it
may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.
“1933 Act” means the
“BOK” means the Bank of
Oklahoma N.A.
“Bengara
II PSC” means the PSC dated December 4, 1997 between C-G Bengara and Pertamina.
“Bengara
Block” means the contract area in the Indonesian
“BP Migas”
means Badan Pelaksana Minyak Dan Gas Muni, a new executive board established
by the government of Indonesia in 2002 for oil and gas upstream operations and
an implementing body created to assume the role of Pertamina’s
regulatory functions and responsibilities in managing oil and gas contractors.
“CBM” means coal bed
methane, which is methane found in coal seams. It is produced by
non-traditional means, and therefore, while it is sold and used the same as
traditional natural gas, its production is different. CBM is generated either
from a biological process as a result of microbial action or from a thermal
process as a result of increasing heat with depth of the coal. Often a coal
seam is saturated with water, with methane held in the coal by water pressure.
“C-G Bengara”
means Continental-GeoPetro (Bengara
II) Ltd., a
“CG Xploration”
means CG Xploration Inc., a
“CNPC” means CNPCHK (
“Company” or “GeoPetro” means GeoPetro
Resources Company, a corporation incorporated under the laws of the State of
“Condensate” means a
low-density, high-API gravity liquid hydrocarbon product that is generally
produced in association with natural gas. Condensate is mainly composed of
propane, butane, pentane and heavier hydrocarbon fractions.
“Continental” means
Continental Energy Corporation.
“CRA” means the Canada
Revenue Agency.
“Earning Obligation” means
$18.7 million paid by CNPC into a special joint venture account at a Hong Kong
international bank, which funds are under joint signature control of CNPC
ourselves and Continental, and has been expended to pay for 2007 exploration
drilling in the Bengara II PSC area.
“EIA” means the United
States Energy Information Administration.
“EP 408” means the
approximately 201,000 gross (52,675 net) acre permit area including
the Whicher Range gas field in the South Perth basin
of Western Australia designated as Exploration Permit 408 which we
transferred to an unrelated party in June 2007.
“Proved Properties” means
those properties that are producing oil or gas or on which, based on known
geological and engineering data, oil and gas reserves are reasonably certain to
exist.
“Fannin
Well” means the Angela Farris Fannin No. 1
well located at the Madisonville Field.
“Farmout”
means an agreement whereby a third party agrees to pay for the drilling of a
well on one or more of GeoPetro’s properties in order
to earn an interest therein with GeoPetro retaining a
residual interest in such properties.
“Flow-Through Share” means
a share of common stock issued as a “flow-through share” within the meaning of
Canadian tax law.
“Gateway” means Gateway
Processing Company, a
“GeoPetro
“GeoPetro
“
“Hanover Agreement” means,
collectively, the First Amended and Restated Master Agreement, dated as of
September 12, 2002 among Redwood, Hanover and Gateway, as amended,
providing for the processing of natural gas from the Madisonville Field, and
the agreements related thereto, which agreements were in effect prior to
August 2005.
“LPG” means liquefied
petroleum gas.
“Madisonville Field” means
the
“
“
“Magness
Well” means the UMC Ruby Magness No. 1 well
located at the Madisonville Field.
“Makapan
Gas Field” means the Makapan gas field in East
Kalimantan, Indonesia.
“MGP” means Madisonville
Gas Processing, LP, a Colorado Limited Partnership that has purchased from
“MGP Agreement” means,
collectively, the Termination and Release Agreement, Madisonville Field
Development Agreement, Gas Purchase Contract between Redwood LP as Seller,
and MGP as Buyer, Escrow Agreement and Dedication Agreement, all effective as
of August 1, 2005 among Redwood LP, MGP, Gateway and Gateway Pipeline
Company, providing for the termination of the Hanover Agreement, the expansion
of the treatment facilities and the provision of the gathering, processing,
transportation and sale of natural gas from the Madisonville Field.
“Mitchell Well” means the
Mitchell No. 1 well located at the Madisonville Field.
“Pertamina”
means Perusahaan Pertambangan Minyak
Dan Gas Bumi Negara, the previous Indonesian
state-owned oil and natural gas company established in
1971 which had exclusive authority to explore, drill for, and produce oil and
natural gas minerals in
“Proved developed oil and gas
reserves” means reserves that can be
expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing equipment and
operating methods. Additional oil and gas expected to be obtained through the
application of fluid injection or other improved recovery techniques for
supplementing the natural forces and mechanisms of primary recovery should be
included as “proved developed reserves” only after testing by a pilot project
or after the operation of an installed program has confirmed through production
response that increased recovery will be achieved.
“Proved developed nonproducing reserves”means reserves expected to be recovered from zones behind casing
in existing wells.
“Proved oil and gas reserves” means estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas, and
natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with
reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs
under existing economic and operating conditions, i.e., prices and costs as of
the date the estimate is made. Prices include consideration of changes in
existing prices provided only by contractual arrangements, but not on
escalations based upon future conditions.
(i) Reservoirs are considered proved if economic producibility is supported by either actual production or a
conclusive formation test. The area of a reservoir considered proved includes
(A) that portion delineated by drilling and defined by gas-oil and/or
oil-water contacts, if any; and (B) the immediately adjoining portions not
yet drilled, but which can be reasonably judged as economically productive on
the basis of available geological and engineering data. In the absence of
information on fluid contacts, the lowest known structural occurrence of
hydrocarbons controls the lower proved limit of the reservoir.
(ii) Reserves which can be produced economically through
application of improved recovery techniques (such as fluid injection) are
included in the “proved” classification when successful testing by a pilot
project, or the operation of an installed program in the reservoir, provides
support for the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based.
(iii) Estimates of proved reserves do not include the following:
(A) oil
that may become available from known reservoirs but is classified separately as
“indicated additional reserves”;
(B) crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, the recovery of
which is subject to reasonable doubt because of uncertainty as to geology,
reservoir characteristics, or economic factors;
(C) crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids, that may occur
in undrilled prospects; and
(D) crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids that may be
recovered from oil shales, coal, gilsonite
and other such sources.
“Proved undeveloped reserves” means reserves that are expected to be recovered from new
wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major
expenditure is required for recompletion. Reserves on undrilled acreage shall
be limited to those drilling units offsetting productive units that are
reasonably certain of production when drilled. Proved reserves for other
undrilled units can be claimed only where it can be demonstrated with certainty
that there is continuity of production from the existing productive formation.
Under no circumstances should estimates, for proved undeveloped reserves be
attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or
other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have
been proved effective by actual tests in the area and in the same reservoir.
“PSC” means a production
sharing contract, being a contract with Pertamina
whereby Pertamina contracts with a petroleum company
to explore for, develop and extract petroleum substances from a particular
license area, on Pertamina’s behalf, at the risk and
expense of the petroleum company, in exchange for a share of the production.
“Redwood” means Redwood
Energy Company, a
“Redwood LP” means
Redwood Energy Production, L.P., a
“Rodessa
Formation” means the geological formation at the Madisonville Field
existing at a depth of approximately 12,000 feet.
“Seismic” means data
collected that uses reflected seismic waves to produce images of the Earth’s
subsurface. The method requires a controlled seismic source of energy, such as
dynamite or a specialized air gun. By noting the time it takes for a reflection
to arrive at a receiver, it is possible to estimate the depth of the feature
that generated the reflection.
“Series A Stock” means
the preferred stock of GeoPetro designated as
Series A preferred stock, all of which converted to GeoPetro’s
common stock on March 30, 2006.
“Series AA Stock”
means the preferred stock of GeoPetro designated as
Series AA preferred stock, as described under “Description of Share
Capital”.
“Series B Stock” means
the preferred stock of GeoPetro designed as
Series B preferred stock, as described under “Description of Share Capital”.
“South Texas GeoPetro” means South Texas GeoPetro,
LLC., a
“Tertiary Sandstones” means
sandstones which were deposited during a geologic time period ranging from 2 to
63 million years ago.
“TSX” means the Toronto
Stock Exchange.
“Unproved Properties” means
properties not yet evaluated through exploration and drilling as to whether or
not they have proved reserves.
“
“Wilson Well” means the
Wilson No. 1 well located at the Madisonville Field.
“Working interest” means
the percentage of undivided interest held by a party in the oil and/or natural
gas or mineral lease granted by the mineral owner, which interest gives the
holder the right to “work” the property (lease) to explore for, develop,
produce and market the leased substances.
ABBREVIATIONS AND CONVERSIONS
In this
report, the following abbreviations have the meanings set forth below:
|
API |
American Petroleum Institute |
|
bbl and bbls |
barrel and barrels, each barrel
representing 34.972 Imperial gallons or 42 |
|
bbls/d |
barrels per day |
|
bcf |
billion cubic feet |
|
boe |
barrels of oil equivalent converting 6 mcf
of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent and one barrel of natural gas
liquids to one barrel of oil equivalent. Measures of boes
may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. This conversion ratio
is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at
the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead,
but is a commonly used industry benchmark. |
|
boe/d |
barrels of oil equivalent per
day |
|
degree API |
an indication of the specific gravity of crude oil measured
on the API gravity scale. Liquid petroleum with a specified gravity of 28
degree API or higher is generally referred to as light crude oil. |
|
LPG |
liquefied petroleum gas |
|
mbbls |
one thousand barrels |
|
mboe |
one thousand barrels of oil
equivalent |
|
mcf |
one thousand cubic feet |
|
mcf/d |
one thousand cubic feet per day |
|
mmbbls |
one million barrels |
|
MMBTU |
one million British Thermal
Units |
|
MMcf |
one million cubic feet |
|
MMcf/d |
one million cubic feet per day |
|
NGLs |
natural gas liquids |
|
Psig |
Pounds per square inch gauge |
|
TCF |
trillion cubic feet |
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY
|
|
Page |
|
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
Management’s
Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
F-2 |
|
|
|
|
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm—Financial Statements |
F-3 |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
F-4 |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
F-5 |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008 |
F-6 |
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 |
F-7 |
|
|
|
|
F-8 |
MANAGEMENT’S
Management is responsible for
establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting
(as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934). Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide
reasonable assurance to management and our board of directors regarding the
preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Because of
its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not
prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be
effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial
statement preparation and presentation. Management assessed the effectiveness
of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009.
In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO) in
Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Based on our assessment, we believe that as
of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was
effective based on those criteria. This annual report does not include an
attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding
internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not
subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm
pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and exchange Commission that
permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Stuart J. Doshi |
|
By: |
/s/ J. Chris Steinhauser |
|
|
Stuart J. Doshi |
|
|
J. Chris Steinhauser |
|
|
President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chairman |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders
GeoPetro Resources Company
We have audited the consolidated
balance sheets of GeoPetro Resources Company and
subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and
2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the years then ended.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(
In our opinion, the consolidated
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of GeoPetro
Resources Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years then
ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.
As discussed in Note 2 to the
financial statements, the Company has changed its method of estimating its
proved natural gas reserves and related disclosures as a result of adopting new
oil and gas reserve estimation and disclosure requirements as of
December 31, 2009.
We were not engaged to examine
management’s assessment of the effectiveness of GeoPetro
Resources Company and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2009, included in the accompanying Management’s Report
on Internal Controls and Financial Reporting and, accordingly, we do not
express an opinion thereon.
/s/HEIN &
ASSOCIATES LLP
March 31, 2010
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
2,429,891 |
|
$ |
770,779 |
|
|
Trade accounts receivable—oil and gas sales |
|
473,944 |
|
4,266 |
|
||
|
Accounts receivable—other |
|
8,658 |
|
35,107 |
|
||
|
Prepaid expenses |
|
132,238 |
|
212,938 |
|
||
|
Total current assets |
|
3,044,731 |
|
1,023,090 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Oil and gas properties, at cost (full cost method): |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Unproved properties |
|
8,411,773 |
|
10,500,498 |
|
||
|
Proved properties |
|
51,194,852 |
|
48,346,939 |
|
||
|
Gas processing plant |
|
10,285,573 |
|
10,707,982 |
|
||
|
Less—accumulated depletion, depreciation and impairment |
|
(38,950,914 |
) |
(16,522,304 |
) |
||
|
Net oil and gas properties |
|
30,941,284 |
|
53,033,115 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment, at cost, net of
depreciation |
|
2,071 |
|
12,364 |
|
||
|
Other assets—deposits and other noncurrent assets |
|
16,127 |
|
7,436 |
|
||
|
Total Assets |
|
$ |
34,004,213 |
|
$ |
54,076,005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Trade payables |
|
$ |
950,097 |
|
$ |
1,137,432 |
|
|
Current portion of long term notes payable |
|
1,549,829 |
|
600,000 |
|
||
|
Interest payable |
|
136,233 |
|
1,479 |
|
||
|
Dividends payable |
|
110,462 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Production taxes payable |
|
309,904 |
|
311,168 |
|
||
|
Other taxes payable |
|
11,147 |
|
20,833 |
|
||
|
Royalty owners payable |
|
1,151,284 |
|
1,103,830 |
|
||
|
Total current liabilities |
|
4,218,956 |
|
3,174,742 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Long Term Notes Payable |
|
5,986,645 |
|
7,019,449 |
|
||
|
Asset Retirement Obligations |
|
65,009 |
|
59,099 |
|
||
|
Total Liabilities |
|
10,270,610 |
|
10,253,290 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 1, 4, and 10) |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Shareholders’ Equity: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Series B preferred stock, no par value; 7,523,000
shares authorized; 7,523,000 shares issued and outstanding at
December 31, 2009. Liquidation preference of $5,642,250 and $0,
respectively |
|
5,448,602 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Common stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares
authorized; 34,284,646 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
|
53,397,733 |
|
53,397,733 |
|
||
|
Additional paid-in-capital |
|
3,060,187 |
|
2,610,596 |
|
||
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
(38,172,919 |
) |
(12,185,614 |
) |
||
|
Total shareholders’ equity |
|
23,733,603 |
|
43,822,715 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity |
|
$ |
34,004,213 |
|
$ |
54,076,005 |
|
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial
statements.
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Oil and gas sales |
|
$ |
4,077,355 |
|
$ |
6,152,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Costs and expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Plant operating |
|
4,832,548 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Lease operating |
|
606,266 |
|
1,484,267 |
|
||
|
General and administrative |
|
2,767,385 |
|
2,717,121 |
|
||
|
Net profits interest |
|
— |
|
579,941 |
|
||
|
Impairment of oil and gas properties |
|
20,843,305 |
|
69,856 |
|
||
|
Depreciation and depletion |
|
1,595,597 |
|
1,553,418 |
|
||
|
Total costs and expenses |
|
30,645,101 |
|
6,404,603 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Loss from operations |
|
(26,567,746 |
) |
(252,061 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Other Income (Expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Interest expense |
|
(736,596 |
) |
(1,846 |
) |
||
|
Interest income |
|
6,404 |
|
91,867 |
|
||
|
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
1,488,687 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Total other income |
|
758,495 |
|
90,021 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Loss Before Taxes |
|
(25,809,251 |
) |
(162,040 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Income tax (expense) benefit |
|
991 |
|
(12,785 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Net Loss After Taxes |
|
(25,808,260 |
) |
(174,825 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Preferred stock dividend |
|
(179,045 |
) |
— |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Net Loss Available to Common Shareholders |
|
$ |
(25,987,305 |
) |
$ |
(174,825 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Loss per Share: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Basic |
|
$ |
(0.76 |
) |
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
Diluted |
|
$ |
(0.76 |
) |
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Basic |
|
34,284,646 |
|
32,511,251 |
|
||
|
Diluted |
|
34,284,646 |
|
32,511,251 |
|
||
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial
statements.
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2009 AND 2008
|
|
|
Preferred Stock Series B |
|
Common stock |
|
Additional Paid-in |
|
Accumulated |
|
Total Shareholders’ |
|
|||||||||
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
Shares |
|
Amount |
|
Capital |
|
Deficit |
|
Equity |
|
|||||
|
Balances, January 1, 2008 |
|
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
31,950,970 |
|
$ |
51,492,733 |
|
2,219,109 |
|
$ |
(12,010,789 |
) |
$ |
41,701,053 |
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock from
options/warrants |
|
— |
|
— |
|
750,000 |
|
375,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
375,000 |
|
|||||
|
Issuance of common stock from gas plant
acquisition |
|
— |
|
— |
|
1,500,000 |
|
1,530,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
1,530,000 |
|
|||||
|
Net warrant exercise |
|
— |
|
— |
|
83,676 |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|||||
|
Fair value of warrants issued with notes
payable |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
122,764 |
|
— |
|
122,764 |
|
|||||
|
Share-based compensation |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
268,723 |
|
— |
|
268,723 |
|
|||||
|
Net loss |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(174,825 |
) |
(174,825 |
) |
|||||
|
Balances, December 31, 2008 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
34,284,646 |
|
53,397,733 |
|
2,610,596 |
|
(12,185,614 |
) |
43,822,715 |
|
|||||
|
Issuance of Series B preferred stock for
cash net |
|
7,523,000 |
|
5,448,602 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
5,448,602 |
|
|||||
|
Share-based compensation |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
403,963 |
|
— |
|
403,963 |
|
|||||
|
Fair value of warrants issued with notes
payable |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
45,628 |
|
— |
|
45,628 |
|
|||||
|
Net loss |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(25,808,260 |
) |
(25,808,260 |
) |
|||||
|
Dividends on Series B preferred
stock |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(179,045 |
) |
(179,045 |
) |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
Balances, December 31, 2009 |
|
7,523,000 |
|
$ |
5,448,602 |
|
34,284,646 |
|
$ |
53,397,733 |
|
$ |
3,060,187 |
|
$ |
(38,172,919 |
) |
$ |
23,733,603 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to these consolidated financial
statements.
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(25,808,260 |
) |
$ |
(174,825 |
) |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Depreciation and depletion |
|
1,595,598 |
|
1,553,418 |
|
||
|
Share-based compensation expense |
|
403,963 |
|
268,723 |
|
||
|
Non-cash interest expense |
|
62,649 |
|
366 |
|
||
|
Impairment of oil and gas properties |
|
20,843,305 |
|
69,856 |
|
||
|
Gain on sale of equipment |
|
(1,488,687 |
) |
— |
|
||
|
Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations |
|
4,728 |
|
4,298 |
|
||
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Accounts receivable |
|
(443,229 |
) |
960,922 |
|
||
|
Other assets |
|
72,013 |
|
215,400 |
|
||
|
Other liabilities |
|
(16,077 |
) |
212,915 |
|
||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |
|
(4,773,997 |
) |
3,111,073 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Additions to oil and gas properties |
|
(758,006 |
) |
(5,569,417 |
) |
||
|
Additions to gas processing plant |
|
(588,904 |
) |
(2,480,135 |
) |
||
|
Acquisition of furniture, fixtures and equipment |
|
— |
|
(4,307 |
) |
||
|
Proceeds from sale of equipment |
|
2,500,000 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
|
1,153,090 |
|
(8,053,859 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Proceeds from issuance of common shares, option and
warrant exercises, net |
|
— |
|
375,000 |
|
||
|
Proceeds from issuance of Series B preferred stock,
net |
|
5,448,602 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Payments of preferred dividends |
|
(68,583 |
) |
— |
|
||
|
Proceeds from promissory notes, net |
|
1,897,000 |
|
1,050,000 |
|
||
|
Payments of loan fee |
|
(40,000 |
) |
(6,000 |
) |
||
|
Repayments of promissory notes |
|
(1,825,000 |
) |
— |
|
||
|
Repayments of related party notes |
|
(132,000 |
) |
— |
|
||
|
Net cash provided by financing activities |
|
5,280,019 |
|
1,419,000 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents: |
|
1,659,112 |
|
(3,523,786 |
) |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Beginning of period |
|
770,779 |
|
4,294,565 |
|
||
|
End of period |
|
$ |
2,429,891 |
|
$ |
770,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
462,786 |
|
$ |
1,528 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Cash (refund) paid for income taxes |
|
$ |
(991 |
) |
$ |
12,785 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Non-Cash Transactions : |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Assumption of long-term debt for acquisition of gas
treatment plant |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
6,697,847 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Issuance of common stock for acquisition of gas treatment
plant |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
1,530,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Issuance of warrants in connection with promissory notes
and private placements |
|
$ |
45,628 |
|
$ |
122,764 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Information subsequent to December 31, 2009 is
unaudited)
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS:
GeoPetro—GeoPetro Resources Company (“we,” “us,” “our,” “GeoPetro” or the “Company”) was originally incorporated as GeoPetro Company under the laws of the State of Wyoming in
1994 to participate in the oil and gas acquisition, exploration, development
and production business in the United States and internationally. GeoPetro Company was subsequently merged into GeoPetro Resources Subsidiary Company, a
Operations
and Liquidity—Although GeoPetro
is not a development stage enterprise, the Company has a limited operating
history upon which an evaluation of its business prospects can be based. The
risks, expense, and difficulties encountered by early stage companies must be
considered when evaluating GeoPetro’s business
prospects. GeoPetro recorded a net loss of 25,987,305
and $174,825 in 2009 and 2008 respectively, and
had a working capital deficit of $1,174,225 and an accumulated deficit at
December 31, 2009 of $38,172,919. GeoPetro
expects to make significant capital expenditures in the foreseeable future.
Management believes that GeoPetro will be successful
in obtaining adequate sources of cash to fund its anticipated capital
expenditures and operating expense through the end of 2010 and to follow through
with plans for continued investments in oil and gas properties. GeoPetro’s success, in part, depends on its ability to
generate additional financing, farmout certain of its
projects and manage its relations with the companies that provide exploration
and development services. GeoPetro’s success also
depends on its ability to effectively manage growth and develop proved
reserves. Additionally, GeoPetro’s operations are
subject to all of the environmental and operational risks normally associated
with the oil and gas industry.
Since
its inception, GeoPetro has participated as a working
interest owner in the acquisition of undeveloped leases, seismic options, lease
options and foreign concessions and has participated in seismic surveys and the
drilling of test wells on its undeveloped properties. More recently, we
acquired a natural gas treatment plant in
1. farm-out its interest in proposed wells;
2. sell a portion of its interest in prospects and use the sale proceeds to
fund its participation for a lesser interest;
3. forfeit its interest in wells that are proposed to be drilled and;
4. reduce general and administrative expenses.
As an
example of this, in March 2010 we sold our entire working interest in our
Alaskan Leases for certain cash payments and overriding royalties.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
U.S.
GAAP—The Company’s
financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted within the
Use
of Estimates and Significant Estimates—Certain amounts in GeoPetro’s
financial statements are based upon significant estimates, including oil and
gas reserve quantities which form the basis for the calculation of
depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment of oil and gas properties,
the carrying values of unproved properties, asset retirement obligations,
accounting for business combinations and share-based payments. Actual results
could materially differ from those estimates.
Oil
and Gas Properties—GeoPetro
follows the full cost method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities
and, accordingly, capitalizes all costs incurred in the acquisition,
exploration, and development of proved oil and gas properties, including the
costs of abandoned properties, dry holes, geophysical costs, and annual lease
rentals. All general corporate costs are expensed as incurred. In general,
sales or other dispositions of oil and gas properties are accounted for as adjustments
to capitalized costs, with no gain or loss recorded. Costs incurred for repairs
and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Amortization
of proved oil and gas properties is computed on the units of production method
based on all proved reserves on a country by country basis. Unproved oil and
gas properties are assessed for impairment either individually or on an
aggregate basis. The net capitalized costs of proved oil and gas properties
(full cost ceiling limitation) are not to exceed their related estimated future
net revenues discounted at 10%, and the lower of cost or estimated fair value
of unproved properties, net of tax considerations.
Asset
Impairment—Under
full cost accounting, a ceiling test is performed to ensure that unamortized
capitalized costs in each cost center (country) do not exceed their fair
value. Impairment is recognized when the carrying value is greater than
the discounted future cash flows. In the event of impairment, the amount
by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the long-lived
asset is charged to earnings. The present value of estimated future net
revenues is computed by applying average oil and gas prices to estimated future
production of proved oil and gas reserves as of period-end, less estimated
future expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing the proved
reserves assuming the continuation of existing economic conditions. In
December 2008, the SEC announced that it had approved revisions designed
to modernize the oil and gas company reserves reporting requirements. We
adopted the rules effective December 31, 2009. Application of
the new reserve rules resulted in the use of a lower natural gas price at
December 31, 2009 than would have resulted under the previous rules. As a
result, the new pricing methodology rules resulted in a lower net present
value (PV-10) of economically producible reserves. The new SEC
rules require that reserve calculations be based on the un-weighted
average first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior twelve months, as
contrasted with the previous method which utilized period end prices. The
prices under the new rules were $3.11 per Mcf
for natural gas adjusted for energy content, quality and basis differentials.
Under the new rules, this resulted in a ceiling test write-down of $19,798,390
associated with the
For the
unproved properties, the Company evaluates the possibility of potential impairment
on a quarterly basis. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2009,
approximately $1,020,270 of unproved property costs related to Canadian
exploration projects and $24,644 of unproved property costs related to
Indonesia exploration were reclassified to proved property and ceiling test
impairment was recorded in the Canadian and Indonesia full cost pool due to dry
holes drilled.
Joint
Ventures—Some
exploration and production activities are conducted jointly with others and,
accordingly, the accounts reflect only GeoPetro’s
proportionate interest in such activities.
Revenue
Recognition—Prior to December 31,
2008, revenue was recognized upon delivery of oil and gas production and was
shown net of applicable royalty payments, processing and transportation fees.
The Company recognized revenue from the Madisonville Field net of applicable
fees to gather, treat and transport the Company’s natural gas production. The
applicable fees were paid to unrelated third parties. On
December 31, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of a natural gas
treatment plant (the “Plant”) from Madisonville Gas Processing, LP (“MGP”).
Effective January 1, 2009, the Company began recognizing revenue without the
netting of applicable processing and the transportation fees since the Company
acquired the Plant. See Note 3.
Asset
Retirement Obligation—In accordance
with Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligation, ASC 410-20 (formerly
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143,”SFAS 143”), the
fair value of an asset retirement cost, and corresponding liability, should be
recorded as part of the cost of the related long-lived asset and subsequently
allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method. GeoPetro recorded an asset retirement obligation to reflect
GeoPetro’s legal obligations related to future
plugging and abandonment of its oil and gas wells. GeoPetro
estimated the expected cash flow associated with the obligation and discounted
the amount using a credit-adjusted, risk-free interest rate. At least annually,
GeoPetro reassesses the obligation to determine
whether a change in the estimated obligation is necessary. GeoPetro
evaluates whether there are indicators that suggest the estimated cash flows
underlying the obligation have materially changed. Should those indicators
suggest the estimated obligation has materially changed, GeoPetro will accordingly update its assessment.
There
are asset retirement obligations associated with the Plant. However, components
of the Plant can be used for extended and indeterminate periods of time as long
as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. GeoPetro’s
intent is to maintain the Plant assets and continue making improvements to
those assets based on technological advances. As a result, GeoPetro’s
management believes that the Plant has an indeterminate life for purposes of
estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon
which GeoPetro would retire the Plant cannot
reasonably be estimated.
|
|
|
December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Asset retirement obligations, beginning of period |
|
$ |
59,099 |
|
$ |
53,726 |
|
|
Liabilities incurred |
|
1,182 |
|
1,075 |
|
||
|
Accretion expense |
|
4,728 |
|
4,298 |
|
||
|
Asset retirement obligations, end of period |
|
$ |
65,009 |
|
$ |
59,099 |
|
Furniture,
Fixtures and Equipment—Furniture, fixtures and equipment are stated at cost.
Depreciation is provided on furniture, fixtures and equipment using the
straight-line method over an estimated service life of three to seven years.
Income
Taxes—GeoPetro
accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method wherein deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply
to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected
to be recovered or settled. Because management has determined that realization
of deferred tax assets is not more likely than not, the net deferred tax assets
are fully reserved.
Concentrations
of Credit Risk—Credit risk represents
the accounting loss that would be recognized at the reporting date if
counterparties failed completely to perform as contracted. Concentrations of
credit risk (whether on or off balance sheet) that arise from financial
instruments exist for groups of customers or counterparties when they have
similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet
contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or
other conditions described below. The credit risk amounts for cash and accounts
receivable do not take into account the value of any collateral or security.
GeoPetro maintains
several cash accounts with three financial institutions. Accounts at each
institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to
$250,000. As of December 31, 2009, the uninsured bank balance was
$1,561,754. GeoPetro has not experienced any losses
in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk.
During
the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the Company had sales to
customers exceeding 10% of total sales as follows:
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
Luminant Energy Company, LLC |
|
100 |
% |
98 |
% |
|
ETC Katy Pipeline, Ltd. |
|
— |
|
2 |
% |
At
December 31, 2009, and 2008, the Company had accounts receivable balances
from Luminant Energy Company, LLC of $473,944 or 98%
and $ 4,266 or 11% of total accounts receivable respectively.
Trade
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—Accounts receivable, oil and gas sales, consist of
uncollateralized accrued revenues due under normal trade terms, generally
requiring payment within 30 days. No interest is charged on past-due
balances. Payments made on all accounts receivable are applied to the
earliest unpaid items. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at net
realizable value. If the financial condition of GeoPetro’s
customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to
make payments, additional allowances may be required. Delinquent trade accounts
receivable are charged against the allowance for doubtful accounts once uncollectibility has been determined. The allowance is
determined through an analysis of the past-due status of accounts receivable
and assessments of risk that are based on historical trends and an evaluation
of the impact of current and projected economic conditions. There was no
allowance for doubtful accounts needed as of the years ended December 31,
2009 or 2008.
Fair
Value of Financial Instruments—The estimated fair values for financial instruments are
determined at discrete points in time based on relevant market information.
These estimates involve uncertainties and cannot be determined with precision.
For certain of GeoPetro’s financial instruments,
including cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and current portion of
notes payable, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their
maturities.
Share-Based
Payments—The
Company has a stock- based compensation plan that allows employees to purchase
common shares of the Company. Option exercise prices approximate the market
price for the common shares on the date the options were issued. Options
granted under the plan are generally fully exercisable after five years
and expire five to ten years after the grant date. The Company measures and
records stock-based awards to directors, employees and consultants based on the
grant-date fair value, determined using the Black-Scholes
option pricing model with assumptions for: risk free interest rates, expected
dividend yield, expected life of the option, and the expected volatility. The
compensation expense was recorded ratably over the requisite service period
defined in the award. The Company recorded $403,963 and $268,723 of
stock-based employee compensation for the twelve months ended December 31,
2009 and 2008, respectively. See Note 8.
Net
Loss per Common Share—Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing the
net loss attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of
shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
Diluted
net loss per common share is computed in the same manner, but also considers
the effect of common stock shares underlying the following:
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
Stock options (Note 8) |
|
2,720,000 |
|
2,740,000 |
|
|
Warrants (Note 9) |
|
1,561,547 |
|
1,249,857 |
|
|
Convertible preferred stock, Series B |
|
7,523,000 |
|
— |
|
All of
the common shares underlying the stock options and warrants above were excluded
from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for each of the two years in
the period ended December 31, 2009 because their effects were antidilutive.
Segment
Reporting—GeoPetro
has oil and gas exploration, development and production operations in the
Cash
and Cash Equivalents—Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts
held in banks and highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity
of three months or less.
Recently
Issued Accounting Pronouncements— Effective January 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 260-10
(formerly Staff Position No. EITF 03-6-1), “Determining whether
Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating
Securities,” which provides that unvested share-based payment awards that
contain non-forfeitable rights to dividend or dividend equivalents (whether
paid or unpaid) are participating securities, and, therefore need to be
included in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share under the
two-class method. We adopted the provisions of this standard on January 1,
2009, with no significant impact on our financial statements.
Effective
January 1, 2009, we adopted ASC 815-10 (formerly Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) 161,
Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an
amendment of FASB Statement 133 ), which amends and expands the disclosure
requirements with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an
enhanced understanding of (i) how and why an
entity uses derivative instruments; (ii) how derivative instruments and
the related hedged items are accounted for; and (iii) how derivative
instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position,
financial performance and cash flows. We adopted the provisions of this
standard on January 1, 2009, with no significant impact on our financial
statements.
In
June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 105-10 (formerly SFAS No. 168),
Accounting Standards CodificationTM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles .
The FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (the “Codification”) has become the source of authoritative
accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental
entities in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). All existing accounting
standard documents are superseded by the Codification and any accounting
literature not included in the Codification will not be authoritative.
Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC issued under the authority of
federal securities laws, however, will continue to be the source of
authoritative generally accepted accounting principles for SEC registrants.
Effective September 30, 2009, all references made to GAAP in our
consolidated financial statements will include the new Codification numbering
system along with original references. The Codification does not change or
alter existing GAAP and, therefore, will not have an impact on our financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.
In
December 2008, the SEC issued the final rule on the Modernization of
Oil and Gas Reporting. This SEC ruling revises its oil and gas reserves reporting
requirements effective for fiscal years ending on or after December 31,
2009, with early adoption prohibited. These revisions by the SEC are
intended to provide investors with a more meaningful and comprehensive
understanding of oil and gas reserves. These changes include:
· Modifying prices used to estimate reserves for SEC
disclosure purposes to the simple average of the prices posted on the first day
of each month in the Company’s fiscal year instead of a single-day, period-end
price.
· Requiring certain additional disclosures around proved
undeveloped reserves, internal controls used to ensure objectivity of the
estimation process, and qualifications of those preparing and/or auditing the
reserves.
· Expanding the definition of oil and gas reserves and
providing clarification of certain concepts and technologies used in the
reserve estimation process.
· Allowing optional disclosure of probable and possible
reserves and permitting optional disclosure of price sensitivity analysis.
· We are now required to file the report of any third party
used to prepare or audit reserves our estimates.
In addition, in January 2010, FASB issued Account
Standards Update (the “Update”) 2010-03, “Oil and Gas Reserve Estimation and
Disclosures,” to provide consistency with the new reserve rules. The Update
amends existing standards to align the reserves calculation and disclosure
requirements under GAAP with the requirements in the SEC’s
reserve rules. We adopted the new standards effective December 31, 2009.
The new standards are applied prospectively as a change in estimate.
Application
of the new reserve rules resulted in the use of a lower natural gas price at
December 31, 2009 than would have resulted under the previous rules. As a
result, the new pricing methodology rules resulted in a lower net present value
(PV-10) of economically producible reserves. The new SEC rules require that
reserve calculations be based on the un-weighted average first-day-of-the-month
prices for the prior twelve months, as contrasted with the previous method
which utilized period end prices. The prices under the new rules were
$3.11 per Mcf for natural gas adjusted for energy
content, quality and basis differentials. Under the new rules, this resulted in
a ceiling test write-down of $19.8 million associated with the
Use of
new 12-month average pricing rules at December 31, 2009 also resulted in a
decrease in economically producible proved reserves of approximately 1.03 Bcf. Use of the old year-end prices rules would have
resulted in a decrease in proved reserves of approximately 0.53 Bcf at December 31, 2009. Therefore, the total impact of
the new price methodology rules resulted in negative reserves revisions of 0.5 Bcf.
The
effect of adopting the new reserve rules on our depletion was insignificant.
On
June 30, 2009, we adopted ASC 855-10 (formerly SFAS No. 165)
Subsequent Events. ASC 855-10 establishes general standards of accounting
for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before
financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. Specifically,
ASC 855-10 sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which
management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that
may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements,
the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions
occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the
disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that
occurred after the balance sheet date. The adoption of ASC 855-10 had no impact
on our results, cash flow or financial position as management already
followed a similar approach prior to the adoption of this standard.
In
January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued amendments
to Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures under ASC Topic 820. Effective for
our 2010 financial statements, this guidance provides for disclosures of
significant transfers in an out of Levels 1 and 2. In addition, the
guidance clarifies existing disclosure requirements regarding inputs and
valuation techniques as well as the appropriate level of disaggregation for
fair value measurements and disclosures. Effective for our 2011 financial
statements, this guidance provides for disclosures of activity on a gross basis
within Level 3 reconciliation. The adoption of the standard is not
expected to have a material impact on our financial statements.
3. SUMMARY OF OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS:
Capitalized
costs at year end and costs incurred relating to GeoPetro’s
oil and gas properties are summarized as follows:
Capitalized
costs as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|||||
|
Proved properties |
|
$ |
46,102,853 |
|
$ |
2,388,051 |
|
$ |
24,644 |
|
$ |
2,679,304 |
|
$ |
51,194,852 |
|
|
Unproved properties |
|
5,225,530 |
|
1,522,718 |
|
1,333,797 |
|
329,728 |
|
8,411,773 |
|
|||||
|
Gas processing plant |
|
10,285,573 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
10,285,573 |
|
|||||
|
Less—accumulated depletion and impairment |
|
(33,858,915 |
) |
(2,388,051 |
) |
(24,644 |
) |
(2,679,304 |
) |
(38,950,914 |
) |
|||||
|
Net capitalized costs |
|
$ |
27,755,041 |
|
$ |
1,522,718 |
|
$ |
1,333,797 |
|
$ |
329,728 |
|
$ |
30,941,284 |
|
Costs
incurred for the year ended December 31, 2009 are as follows:
|
Gas processing plant acquisition |
|
$ |
(570,971 |
) |
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
(570,971 |
) |
|
Exploration |
|
528,532 |
|
— |
|
(41,896 |
) |
(15,683 |
) |
470,953 |
|
|||||
|
Development |
|
288,236 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
288,236 |
|
|||||
|
Total costs incurred |
|
$ |
245,797 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
(41,896 |
) |
$ |
(15,683 |
) |
$ |
188,218 |
|
Capitalized
costs as of December 31, 2008 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Totals |
|
|||||
|
Proved properties |
|
$ |
44,299,854 |
|
$ |
2,388,051 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
1 ,659,034 |
|
$ |
48,346,939 |
|
|
Unproved properties |
|
6,211,761 |
|
1,522,718 |
|
1,400,338 |
|
1,365,681 |
|
10,500,498 |
|
|||||
|
Gas processing plant |
|
10,707,982 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
10,707,982 |
|
|||||
|
Less—accumulated depletion and impairment |
|
(12,475,219 |
) |
(2,388,051 |
) |
— |
|
(1,659,034 |
) |
(16,522,304 |
) |
|||||
|
Net capitalized costs |
|
$ |
48,744,378 |
|
$ |
1,522,718 |
|
$ |
1,400,338 |
|
$ |
1,365,681 |
|
$ |
53,033,115 |
|
Costs
incurred for the year ended December 31, 2008 are as follows:
|
Gas processing plant acquisition |
|
$ |
10,707,982 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
10,707,982 |
|
|
Exploration |
|
3,854,688 |
|
— |
|
376,498 |
|
490,973 |
|
4,722,159 |
|
|||||
|
Development |
|
848,332 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
848,332 |
|
|||||
|
Total costs incurred |
|
$ |
15,411,002 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
376,498 |
|
$ |
490,973 |
|
$ |
16,278,473 |
|
During
2009 and 2008, the Company recorded impairment write-downs associated with the
Canadian proved cost pool due to dry holes of $1,020,270, and $69,856,
respectively. The Company also record impairment write-downs associated with
Unproved
Oil and Gas Properties—
Unproved
Oil and Gas Properties—Australia—Unproved costs incurred in Australia represent costs in
connection with the exploration of two exploration permit areas in Australia.
The prospects and their related costs in unproved properties have been assessed
individually and no impairment charges were considered necessary for the
Australian properties for any of the periods presented. On June 20, 2007,
the Company entered into a contract to sell its Australian Properties to an
unaffiliated third party. These costs remaining in unproved properties represent
our retained interest.
Unproved
Oil and Gas Properties—Indonesia—Unproved costs incurred in Indonesia represent costs in
connection with one production sharing contract area and the exploration
efforts in Indonesia. The prospect and its related costs in the unproved
properties have been assessed individually and no impairment charges were
considered necessary for the Indonesian property for any of the periods
presented. The current status of this prospect is that seismic data is being
interpreted on an on-going basis to identify drilling locations on the subject
lands within the prospect. Drilling was commenced on the prospect in early 2007
and is expected to continue in future periods.
The
Company retains a carried 12% stake in the Bengara
(II) Block PSC through its subsidiary, Continental-GeoPetro
(Bengara-II) Ltd. (“CGB2”), the operator company of
the project with offices in
In the
event that the Company does not establish commerciality and provided that no
extensions are granted for establishing commerciality, the Company would be
required to forfeit its interest in the production sharing contract. If the
Company forfeits its interest, it will be necessary to record an impairment
write-down equal to the capitalized costs recorded for the area forfeited.
In
2009, C-G Bengara received an extension to the Bengara-II PSC contract until December 4, 2011 and may
be extended for subsequent years subject to further approval based on an annual
review of progress and results of appraisal work.
Breakdown
of Unproved Oil and Gas Properties—The
following table sets forth a summary of oil and gas property costs not being amortized
at December 31, 2009, by the period in which the costs were incurred:
|
|
|
Totals |
|
Year Ended December 31, 2009 |
|
Year Ended December 31, 2008 |
|
Year Ended December 31, 2007 |
|
2006 and Prior Years |
|
|||||
|
Unproved property acquisition |
|
$ |
2,150,134 |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
296,189 |
|
$ |
1,853,945 |
|
|
Exploration |
|
6,261,639 |
|
(2,088,725 |
) |
4,652,303 |
|
1,048,525 |
|
2,649,536 |
|
|||||
|
Total |
|
$ |
8,411,773 |
|
$ |
(2,088,725 |
) |
$ |
4,652,303 |
|
$ |
1,344,714 |
|
$ |
4,503,481 |
|
Management
expects that planned activities for the year 2010 will enable the evaluation of
approximately 25% of the costs as of December 31, 2009. Evaluation of 30%
of the remaining costs is expected to occur in 2011 with the remaining 45% in
2012 and beyond.
GAS PROCESSING PLANT
On
December 31, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of a natural gas
treatment plant (the “Plant”) from Madisonville Gas Processing, LP (“MGP”), in
exchange for shares of GeoPetro’s common stock,
assumption of debt and a cash payment (“the Acquisition”). The Plant is
located in Madison County, Texas and the new owner of the Plant is GeoPetro’s wholly-owned indirect subsidiary, Madisonville
Midstream LLC (“MM”).
GeoPetro paid total
consideration of $10,707,982 for the plant, summarized as follows:
|
Cash |
|
$ |
2,094,000 |
|
|
Assumption of note payable to Bank of Oklahoma, N.A. |
|
6,697,847 |
|
|
|
1,500,000 common shares of GeoPetro
valued at $1.02 per share, based on the weighted average trading value of GeoPetro’s common shares during the five days before and
after the terms of the sale were announced to the public |
|
1,530,000 |
|
|
|
Direct costs incurred |
|
386,135 |
|
|
|
Total consideration |
|
$ |
10,707,982 |
|
All of the purchase
price was allocated to the processing plant, included in oil and gas properties
on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2009.
There
are asset retirement obligations associated with the Plant. However, components
of the Plant can be used for extended and indeterminate periods of time as long
as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. GeoPetro’s
intent is to maintain the Plant assets and continue making improvements to
those assets based on technological advances. As a result, GeoPetro’s
management believes that the Plant has an indeterminate life for purposes of
estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon
which GeoPetro would retire the Plant cannot
reasonably be estimated.
Our
results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 do not include
the operating results of the natural gas treatment plant because such
acquisition closed on December 31, 2008. The following condensed pro
forma information gives effect to the acquisition as if it had occurred on
January 1, 2008. The pro forma information has been included in the
notes as required by generally accepted accounting principles and is provided
for comparison purposes only. The pro forma financial information is not
necessarily indicative of the financial results that would have occurred had
the acquisition been effective on the dates indicated and should not be viewed
as indicative of operations in the future.
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
|
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
Operating revenues |
|
$ |
15,066,915 |
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
$ |
15,954,201 |
|
|
Loss applicable to common stock |
|
$ |
(1,239,749 |
) |
|
Net loss per share — basic |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
Net loss per share — diluted |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
The
Plant consists of the original facilities (currently in service) installed and
made operational by Hanover Compression Limited Partnership (“Hanover”) in 2003
and the expanded facilities which were installed by MGP in 2007, but which have
not yet been placed into operation. The Plant’s primary components
consist of amine treaters, nitrogen rejection units,
compressors and related equipment. Other assets acquired in the
transaction include land, buildings, gathering lines, fuel lines, acid
injection lines and rights of way. The Plant facilities were installed in
order to treat and remove impurities associated with natural gas produced from
the Rodessa Formation at the Madisonville
Field. The expanded facilities have a designed capacity to treat 50 million
cubic feet of natural gas per day (“MMcf/d”), which
combined with the design capacity of the current in-service facilities of 18 MMcf/d will represent a total treating capacity of 68 MMcf/d for the Plant.
Prior
to acquisition of the Plant, GeoPetro and MGP had
certain agreements whereby MGP was responsible for the gathering, treating and
marketing of GeoPetro’s gas production from the
Madisonville Project. The agreements provided, among other things, that
MGP install and make operational the expanded facilities. The agreements
and related obligations were terminated concurrent with GeoPetro’s
acquisition of the Plant effective December 31, 2008.
4. DEBT:
Debt at
December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 consisted of the following:
|
|
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Promissory notes dated December 23, 2008 (a) |
|
$ |
1,050,000 |
|
$ |
1,050,000 |
|
|
Promissory notes dated May 2009 (b) |
|
365,000 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Promissory notes dated June 2009 (c) |
|
300,000 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Bridge notes dated August, September, and
October 2009 (d) |
|
1,000,000 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Bank of Oklahoma loan (e) |
|
4,972,847 |
|
6,697,847 |
|
||
|
|
|
7,687,847 |
|
7,747,847 |
|
||
|
Less current portion of long term debt |
|
(1,600,000 |
) |
(600,000 |
) |
||
|
Less discount on promissory notes relating to loan fees |
|
(101,202 |
) |
(128,398 |
) |
||
|
|
|
$ |
5,986,645 |
|
$ |
7,019,449 |
|
(a) The Company issued four promissory notes totaling
$1,050,000 during December 2008 with maturity dates in December 2011.
The notes may be repaid at any time without penalty. The notes bear an annual
rate of eight percent (8%), with such interest payable quarterly in arrears.
The principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest are due and payable on
December 23, 2011. In connection with the notes, the Company paid loan
origination fees totaling $6,000 and granted three-year exercisable warrants to
purchase 105,000 Common Shares and reissued 15,000 warrants at $1.00 per share.
We also issued 150,000 warrants as a finder’s fee. The fair value of the
warrants on the dates of issuance, $122,764 and the $6,000 of loan origination
fees, was recorded as a debt discount and is being amortized over the life of
the promissory note. As of December 31, 2009, the unamortized debt
discount was $85,476.
(b) During May 2009 the Company borrowed $365,000 pursuant
to two separate three-year loans. The notes have maturity dates in
May 2012. The notes may be repaid at any time without penalty.
The notes bear an annual rate of eight percent (8%), with such interest
payable quarterly in arrears. The principal amount and accrued and unpaid
interest are due and payable on May 2012. In connection with the
notes, the Company granted three-year exercisable warrants to purchase 36,500
Common Shares warrants at $1.00 per share. The fair value of the warrants on
the dates of issuance, $12,724, was recorded as a debt discount and is being
amortized over the life of the promissory note. As of December 31, 2009,
the unamortized debt discount was $10,073.
(c) In June 2009 the Company borrowed $300,000 pursuant to
two separate one-year loans. The two notes have maturity dates in
June 2010. The notes may be repaid at any time without penalty.
The notes bear an annual rate of eight percent (8%), with such interest
payable quarterly in arrears. The principal amount and accrued and unpaid
interest are due and payable on June 2010. In connection with the
notes, the Company granted three-year exercisable warrants to purchase 30,000
Common Shares warrants at $1.00 per share. The fair value of the warrants on
the dates of issuance, $7,537, was recorded as a debt discount and is being
amortized over the life of the promissory note. On March 16, 2010, these
two notes were
extended for
an additional one year and the new maturity dates are June 30, 2011. As of
December 31, 2009, the unamortized debt discount was $5,652.
(d) During August thru October 2009, the Company
borrowed $1,000,000 pursuant to five separate one-year bridge loans. The
notes have maturity dates in August 31, 2010 and October 23,
2010. The notes may be repaid at any time without penalty. The note
bears an annual rate of ten percent (10%), with such interest payable at
maturity. The principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest are due
and payable on August 31, 2010 and October 23, 2010. In
connection with the notes, the Company granted three-year warrants exercisable
to purchase 50,000 Common Shares at $1.00 per share. The fair value of the warrants
on the dates of issuance, $25,367, was recorded as a debt discount and is being
amortized over the life of the bridge note. As of December 31, 2009, the
unamortized debt discount was $19,507.
(e) Effective December 31, 2008, the Company assumed
$7,697,847 of Madisonville Gas Processing LP’s (“MGP”) bank debt related to the
Company’s acquisition of the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant (the “Plant”) via
a (i) $1 million cash payment applied directly
towards debt principal reduction, and (ii) a refinancing by GeoPetro of the $6,697,847 remaining balance in the form of
a 3 year Amended and Restated Term Loan Agreement with the lender, Bank
Oklahoma (“BOK”). The terms of the three year loan provide for minimum
quarterly principal payments of $150,000 and interest payable quarterly in
arrears at prime plus 4% or Libor plus 5.5% at the option of the Company. At
December 31, 2009, the interest rate was 5.78% (LIBOR + 5.5%).
Additional principal will be payable upon GeoPetro
meeting certain net operating cash flow thresholds during the three year term
of the loan. The loan is secured by a first lien on the Madisonville
Midstream Plant and all of the Company’s proved natural gas reserves located at
the Madisonville Project. In addition, GeoPetro
has agreed to pay, at the time the loan is repaid in full, a loan origination
fee of $60,000 for any annual period during which the loan principal remains
outstanding. There is no prepayment penalty. The Amended and
Restated Term Loan Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative
covenants including restrictions on incurring additional debt and requiring
that the Company maintain a minimum tangible net worth of at least $35,000,000.
The Company’s tangible net worth was less than $35 million at December 31,
2009 due to the impairment write-down of $19.8 million in the
5. INCOME TAXES:
The
Company files income tax returns in the
The
Company adopted the provisions of ASC 740, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes (formerly SFAS 109 and FIN 48), on January 1, 2007. As of
December 31, 2009 the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits. There have
been no changes during the year with respect to unrecognized tax
benefits. The Company does not foresee the total amounts of unrecognized
tax benefits significantly increasing within the next 12 months.
Furthermore, no corresponding interest and penalties have been accrued as the
Company is in a net operating loss position.
ASC 740
requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the
expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of the assets and liabilities.
Where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will not be realized, a
valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the deferred tax asset to its
realizable value.
A
valuation allowance has been provided against the Company’s net deferred tax
assets as the Company believes that it is more likely than not that the net
deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The
effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2009 is negligible.
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Federal |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
|
State |
|
2,100 |
|
13,000 |
|
||
|
Total |
|
2,100 |
|
13,000 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Federal |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||
|
State |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||
|
Total |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||
|
Total Income Tax Provision |
|
$ |
2,100 |
|
$ |
13,000 |
|
The
actual income tax (benefit) expense differs from the expected tax (benefit)
expense as computed by applying the U.S. Federal corporate income tax rate of
35% for each period as follows:
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
Amount of expected tax (benefit) expense |
|
$ |
(9,096,000 |
) |
$ |
(57,000 |
) |
|
Non-deductible expenses |
|
69,000 |
|
16,000 |
|
||
|
Alternative minimum tax |
|
— |
|
— |
|
||
|
State Taxes |
|
2,100 |
|
1,600 |
|
||
|
Other |
|
— |
|
2,400 |
|
||
|
Valuation allowance adjustments |
|
9,027,000 |
|
50,000 |
|
||
|
|
|
$ |
2,100 |
|
$ |
13,000 |
|
Deferred
income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and
the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s
deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
Deferred tax assets (liabilities): |
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Net operating loss carry forwards |
|
$ |
10,460,000 |
|
$ |
8,294,000 |
|
|
Oil and gas property basis differences |
|
2,795,000 |
|
(5,071,000 |
) |
||
|
Stock compensation |
|
330,000 |
|
189,000 |
|
||
|
Other |
|
(749,000 |
) |
(96,000 |
) |
||
|
Total deferred tax assets |
|
12,836,000 |
|
3,316,000 |
|
||
|
Valuation allowance |
|
(12,836,000 |
) |
(3,316,000 |
) |
||
|
Total net deferred taxes |
|
$ |
— |
|
$ |
— |
|
As of
December 31, 2009, GeoPetro had net operating
loss (NOL) carryforwards of approximately $31,991,000
for federal income tax purposes which begin to expire in 2017. If the
Company were to experience a change in ownership under Section 382, the
Company may be limited in its ability to fully utilize its net operating
losses.
However,
in accordance with ASC 718 (formerly SFAS 123(R)), a deferred tax asset has not
been recognized for the portion of the net operating loss carryforwards
that is attributable to excess tax deductions associated with the exercise of
stock options which do not reduce income taxes payable. Accordingly,
approximately $3,536,000 of GeoPetro’s federal NOL
has not been benefited for financial statement purposes as it relates to excess
tax deductions that have not reduced income taxes payable. The benefit of these
excess tax deductions will not be recognized for financial statement purposes
until the related deductions reduce income taxes payable.
The
Company also has approximately $10,258,000 of
In
addition, the Company has approximately $334,000 of carryforward
credits in
6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
On
June 18, 2009 and August 12, 2009, Stuart J. Doshi, President and
CEO, made loans to the Company totaling $132,000. The notes accrued interest at
8% annually and was payable on demand. The notes and accrued interest were
repaid on August 20, 2009 and September 14, 2009, respectively.
7. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
GeoPetro’s articles
of incorporation allow for the issuance of 100,000,000 shares of common stock,
1,000,000 shares of Series A preferred stock (“Series A Stock”), 5,000,000 shares of Series AA preferred
stock (“Series AA Stock”), and an additional 44,000,000 shares of
preferred stock which may be issued from time to time in one or more series.
Common
Stock—The holders of
common stock are entitled to one vote per share. Subject to preferences on
outstanding preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to
receive ratably such dividends as may be declared by the board of directors. In
the
event of a liquidation, the holders of common stock and Series A preferred
stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of
liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock.
Series B
Preferred Stock— There are presently 7,523,000 shares of Series B
Stock issued and outstanding. The holders of Series B Stock are
entitled to receive an annual dividend at the rate of $0.06 per share and are
entitled to such number of votes per share as equals the number of common
shares into which each share of Series B Stock is convertible. Each share
of Series B Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into fully
paid and non-assessable common shares on a one-for-one basis, subject to
certain adjustments. The Series B Stock will automatically convert into
common shares on a one-for-one share basis effective the first trading day after
the reported high selling price for the Company’s common shares on any
international, national or regional securities exchange or inter-dealer
quotation system including but not limited to, NASDAQ, the Pink Sheets or the
Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board, is at least $1.50 per share for any ten
consecutive trading days. If an automatic conversion occurs within one year
after the Series B Stock was purchased from the Company, a holder will
receive, on the one-year anniversary date of his, her or its purchase, a cash
dividend equivalent to a full year of dividends less any dividends paid before
such conversion. In 2009, we incurred $179,045 in dividends on the Series B
Stock, of which $68,583 had been paid as of December 31, 2009.
8. COMMON STOCK OPTIONS:
Effective
as of September 10, 2001, the board of directors approved an incentive
stock plan, providing for awards under the terms and provisions of such plan of
incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock awards
to officers, directors and employees of GeoPetro and
its consultants (the “Stock Incentive Plan”). The plan provides, among other
provisions, the following:
The
maximum number of Common Shares which may be awarded, optioned and sold under
the plan is 5,000,000 (subject to adjustment for stock splits, stock dividends
and certain other adjustments to GeoPetro’s common
stock); and the per share exercise price for Common Shares to be issued
pursuant to the exercise of an option shall be no less than the fair market
value of GeoPetro’s Common Shares as of the date of
grant.
The
Stock Incentive Plan provides for the granting to employees incentive stock
options within the meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and for the granting of non-statutory stock
options to directors who are not employees and consultants. In the case of
employees who receive incentive stock options which are first exercisable in a
particular calendar year and the aggregate fair market value of which exceeds
$100,000, the excess of the $100,000 limitation shall be treated as a nonstatutory stock option under the Stock Incentive Plan.
The
Stock Incentive Plan is being administered by the Board of Directors. The Board
of Directors determines the terms of the options granted, including the number
of Common Shares subject to each option, the exercisability and vesting
requirements of each option, and the form of consideration payable upon the
exercise of such option (i.e., whether cash or exchange of existing Common
Shares in a cashless transaction or a combination thereof).
The
Stock Incentive Plan will continue in effect for 10 years from
September 10, 2001 (i.e., the date first adopted by the Board), unless
sooner terminated by the board of directors. In 2004, we implemented a new 2004
Stock Option and Appreciation Rights Plan (the “Stock Option Plan”) providing
for awards of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and stock
appreciation rights. The Stock Option Plan replaced the Stock Incentive Plan as
to new award grants effective in 2004 or thereafter to our directors, officers,
employees and consultants. Outstanding awards issued under the Stock Incentive
Plan will continue to be outstanding in accordance with their terms and the terms
of the Stock Incentive Plan, but will count toward the limits in the number of
shares of common stock available to be issued under the Stock Option Plan,
which is 5,000,000. The exercise price of stock
options granted under the Stock Option Plan may not be less than 110% of the
fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.
During
2008, the Company issued 820,000 of stock options to officers, directors and
employees, which were exercisable at $4.28 per share.
On
April 27, 2009, the Company reduced the option price previously granted to
an officer from $2.10 per share to $1.00 per share based on the new employment
agreement. The fair value of the repricing options
was insignificant.
The
Company recorded stock compensation expense of $403,963 and $268,723 for the
twelve months period ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
A
summary of the status of GeoPetro’s stock option plan
is as follows:
|
|
|
Options |
|
Exercise Prices |
|
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|
|
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2008 |
|
2,670,000 |
|
$0.50 to $6.25 |
|
$ |
1.77 |
|
|
Granted |
|
820,000 |
|
$4.28 |
|
4.28 |
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
(750,000 |
) |
$0.50 |
|
0.50 |
|
|
|
Expired |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
|
2,740,000 |
|
$2.10 to $6.25 |
|
2.87 |
|
|
|
Granted |
|
60,000 |
|
$1.00 |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
Canceled |
|
(80,000 |
) |
$4.28 |
|
4.28 |
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2009 |
|
2,720,000 |
|
$1.00 to $6.25 |
|
$ |
2.73 |
|
We
estimated the fair values of each option granted using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions for options
granted during the years ended December 31:
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
— |
|
|
|
Expected volatility |
|
113.0% |
|
66.0% |
|
|
Risk-free interest rates |
|
2.53% |
|
3.5% to 4.9% |
|
|
Expected lives |
|
5 years |
|
5 years |
|
|
|
$0.33 |
|
$2.17 |
|
We
estimated the dividend yield at 0% considering that we have not historically
paid dividends on our common stock, nor do we expect to pay dividends in the
future. Volatility estimates represent the historic trading volatility
underlying our common stock at the date of grant. We estimated risk-free
interest rates based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the date of
grant. Expected lives are based on our historic experience with employee
option exercise behavior and consider the vesting period and the contractual
lives of the related options.
The
options outstanding as of December 31, 2009 have the following contractual
lives:
|
Number of Options Outstanding |
|
Number of Options Exercisable |
|
Exercise Prices |
|
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life |
|
|
210,000 |
|
150,000 |
|
1.00 |
|
4.26 |
|
|
1,600,000 |
|
1,600,000 |
|
2.10 |
|
3.43 |
|
|
150,000 |
|
90,000 |
|
3.85 |
|
1.29 |
|
|
10,000 |
|
8,000 |
|
4.25 |
|
0.01 |
|
|
740,000 |
|
148,000 |
|
4.28 |
|
3.49 |
|
|
10,000 |
|
8,000 |
|
6.25 |
|
0.44 |
|
|
2,720,000 |
|
2,004,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
The total
intrinsic value of options outstanding was $0.00 at December 31, 2009 and
2008, respectively. The intrinsic value for exercisable options was $0.00 at
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The total intrinsic value for
stock options exercised was $0 and approximately $172,500 for the years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
As of
December 31, 2009, there are 2,004,000 options which are exercisable. The
remaining 716,000 options will become exercisable over the next four years. The
stock compensation expense related to the unvested awards is $1,209,781.
As of
December 31, 2009, the available issuable options are 2,280,000 shares.
9. COMMON STOCK WARRANTS:
During
October 2009, the Company issued warrants to purchase 157,690 shares of
common stock to a non-related parties expiring September 30, 2011 and
October 19, 2014, with a strike price of $1.00 per share. The
grant-date fair value of the warrants amounted to $97,144, using the Black-Scholes valuation method, was recorded as finder’s fee and
offset additional paid in capital.
On
April 10, 2009, the Company extended the expiration date on a warrant to
purchase 114,000 shares of common stock (exercisable at $3.50 per share) to
December 15, 2011. The fair value of the warrant extension was
insignificant.
On
March 31, 2009, the Company extended the expiration date on a warrant to
purchase 100,000 shares of common stock (exercisable at $5.25 per share) to
March 31, 2014. The fair value of the warrant extension was
insignificant.
On
February 23, 2009 and October 8, 2009, the Company issued warrants to
purchase 98,500 shares of common stock to a non-related party expiring
February 22, 2012 and October 18, 2012 with a strike price of $1.00
to $1.25 per share. Warrants granted shall vest according the following
schedule: 25% immediately; 25% at the three month anniversary of the signing of
the agreement; 25% at the six month anniversary of the signing of the
agreement; and 25% at the nine month anniversary of the signing of the
agreement. The grant-date fair value of the warrants amounted to $55,893, using
the Black-Scholes valuation method, which is
recognized in general and administrative expense on our consolidated statement
of operations ratably over the requisite service period as defined by the
vesting schedule above.
During
2008, the Company issued three-year exercisable common stock warrants to
purchase 105,000 Common Shares and reissued 15,000 warrants at $1.00 per share
in conjunction with the issuance of certain promissory notes payable. The
purchase right under the warrants has expiration dates of December 22,
2011, December 23, 2011, and December 25, 2011 unless terminated
earlier in accordance with the stock warrant purchase agreement. On
January 9, 2009, the Company issued 150,000 warrants as a finder’s fee
related to certain promissory notes. The fair value of the warrants issued on
the dates of grant of $122,764 and the origination fees of $6,000 were recorded
as discount to notes payable and are being amortized as interest expense over
the term of the notes.
On
December 15, 2008, the Company extended the date of expiration on 114,000
warrants to December 15, 2010. The warrants were issued as a finder fee
for a 2003 private placement of the Company’s common shares. The fair value of
the warrants extension of $17,507 was recorded as finder’s fee and offset
additional paid in capital.
On
July 2, 2008, the Company issued 83,676 shares of common stock pursuant to
a cashless exercise of 175,125 common stock warrants.
The
following table summarizes the number of shares reserved for the exercise of
common stock purchase warrants as of December 31, 2009:
|
|
|
Expiration |
|
Exercise |
|
Outstanding at |
|
Warrants |
|
Warrants |
|
Warrants |
|
Outstanding at |
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Price |
|
12/31/2008 |
|
Exercised |
|
Granted |
|
(Expired/Canceled) |
|
12/31/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
01/31/09 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
150,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(150,000 |
) |
— |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
02/12/09 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
20,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(20,000 |
) |
— |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
02/28/09 |
|
$ |
4.51 |
|
5,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(5,000 |
) |
— |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
01/31/10 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
80,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
80,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
08/13/10 |
|
$ |
3.85 |
|
60,078 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
60,078 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
09/30/11 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
27,150 |
|
— |
|
27,150 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/15/11 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
114,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
114,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/22/11 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
35,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
35,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/23/11 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
45,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
45,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/25/11 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
40,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
40,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
02/22/12 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
— |
|
50,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
01/12/12 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
— |
|
150,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
05/17/12 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
|
|
36,500 |
|
— |
|
36,500 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
06/29/12 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
|
|
30,000 |
|
— |
|
30,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
08/13/12 |
|
$ |
4.50 |
|
600,779 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
600,779 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
09/30/12 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
|
|
14,000 |
|
— |
|
14,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
10/22/12 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
|
|
36,000 |
|
— |
|
36,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
11/22/12 |
|
$ |
1.25 |
|
— |
|
|
|
12,500 |
|
— |
|
12,500 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
03/31/14 |
|
$ |
5.25 |
|
100,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
100,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
10/19/14 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
|
|
130,540 |
|
— |
|
130,540 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,249,857 |
|
— |
|
486,690 |
|
(175,000 |
) |
1,561,547 |
|
|
The
following table summarizes the number of shares reserved for the exercise of
common stock purchase warrants as of December 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrants |
|
Warrants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expiration |
|
Exercise |
|
Outstanding at |
|
Warrants |
|
Granted/ |
|
(Expired/ |
|
Outstanding at |
|
|
|
|
|
Date |
|
Price |
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
Exercised |
|
Extended |
|
Canceled) |
|
12/31/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
02/28/08 |
|
$ |
5.00 |
|
27,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(27,000 |
) |
— |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
07/19/08 |
|
$ |
5.00 |
|
50,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(50,000 |
) |
— |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
09/30/08 |
|
$ |
5.00 |
|
14,375 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(14,375 |
) |
— |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/15/08 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
1,100,998 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(1,100,998 |
) |
— |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
01/31/09 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
150,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
150,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
02/12/09 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
20,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
20,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
02/28/09 |
|
$ |
4.51 |
|
5,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
5,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
03/31/09 |
|
$ |
5.25 |
|
100,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
100,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/15/10 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
114,000 |
|
— |
|
114,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
01/31/10 |
|
$ |
3.50 |
|
95,000 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(15,000 |
) |
80,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
08/13/10 |
|
$ |
3.85 |
|
60,078 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
60,078 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/22/11 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
35,000 |
|
— |
|
35,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/23/11 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
45,000 |
|
— |
|
45,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/25/11 |
|
$ |
1.00 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
40,000 |
|
— |
|
40,000 |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
08/13/12 |
|
$ |
4.50 |
|
600,779 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
— |
|
600,779 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Related party: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock |
|
04/30/08 |
|
$ |
3.00 |
|
33,333 |
|
— |
|
— |
|
(33,333 |
) |
— |
|
|
Common Stock |
|
12/31/08 |
|
$ |
2.00 |
|
185,125 |
|
(175,125 |
) |
— |
|
(10,000 |
) |
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,441,688 |
|
(175,125 |
) |
234,000 |
|
(1,250,706 |
) |
1,249,857 |
|
|
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
Employment
Agreements—The Company entered into a
contract of employment with Stuart J. Doshi, Founder, President, Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors, as amended through
December 31, 2008. The contract, as amended, provides for a five-year term
commencing May 1, 2005 which term is automatically extended for successive
two-year renewal terms unless: (a) the board of directors elects not to
renew the contract and the Company provides notice to Mr. Doshi of such
non-renewal at least six months prior to the expiry of his employment term or
any renewal term, or (b) Mr. Doshi attains age 75, in which case
the term ends upon the completion of the calendar year in which he becomes
75 years old unless the Company and Mr. Doshi mutually agree to
one-year extensions. The contract of employment currently provides for an
annual base salary of $300,000 and further provides that in the event of a
change of control of the Company or if Mr. Doshi is terminated without
cause, he is entitled to receive (a) in exchange for all of his vested
stock options and vested restricted shares, such number of Common Shares having
a market value equal to the difference between (x) the aggregate
total market value of all vested restricted shares and Common Shares he would
receive upon exercise of all vested stock options less (y) the
aggregate total exercise price for all of his vested stock options; provided,
however, that if the Common Shares to be delivered to Mr. Doshi upon such
change of control or termination have not been registered so as to permit
immediate public resale, Mr. Doshi shall instead receive a cash payment
equal to the market value on the date of termination of all vested stock
options and restricted shares without any discount for liquidity or minority
position against cancellation of such options and restricted shares, (b) a
cash payment equal to the greater of (i) his
compensation for the remainder of his term, including salary and the aggregate
amount of his bonuses in respect of the last four fiscal years and
(ii) four times his compensation in the current year, including his
then-current salary and the average amount of his bonuses for the last four
fiscal years, and (c) an additional cash payment representing his
employment benefits equal to 20% of the amount of salary he is entitled to
receive under (b)(i) or (b)(ii) above, as
applicable. In addition, in the event of a change of control or termination
without cause, all unvested options issued by the Company to Mr. Doshi
will vest.
GeoPetro has
executed an employment contract as amended through December 31, 2008 with
its Vice President of Exploration, David V. Creel. The contract provides an
annual salary of $163,200 and may be terminated by GeoPetro
without cause upon the payment to Mr. Creel of cash payments
equal to the lesser
of three months’ base salary or base salary during the remainder of the
employment term, and, in the event of termination without cause, all unvested
options issued by GeoPetro to Mr. Creel will
vest.
GeoPetro has
executed an employment contract dated April 27, 2009 with its Chief
Financial Officer, J. Chris Steinhauser. The contract
provides an annual salary of $225,000 and may be terminated by GeoPetro without cause upon the payment to Mr. Steinhauser of cash payments equal to the lesser of nine
months’ base salary or base salary during the remainder of the employment term.
Office
Lease—The
Company leases its
Rent
expense for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, was approximately
$90,651 and $78,334, respectively, and is included in general and
administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of operations.
Madisonville
Net Profits Interest—Redwood LP’s 100% working interest is subject to a net
profits interest in favor of unrelated third parties. The net profits interest
is 12.5% (proportionately reduced) of the net operating profits until payout is
achieved. After payout, the net profits interest increases to 30%
(proportionately reduced). Payout, for purposes of the net profits interest, is
defined and achieved at such time as Redwood LP has recouped from net operating
cash flows its total net investment in the project plus a 33%
cash on cash return.
Devon
Lawsuit—-On September 11, 2009, the Company’s subsidiary,
Redwood Energy Production, L.P. (“Redwood”) filed an Original Petition for
Declaratory Judgment against Devon Energy Production Company (“Devon”)
regarding certain overriding royalty interests and related revenue amounts
claimed by Devon. In the context of this lawsuit,
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
We have
evaluated subsequent events through the date on which these financial
statements were filed.
New
Office Lease:On February 15, 2010, we entered into a new lease for
our principal executive office to be located at
|
2010 |
|
95,223 |
* |
|
|
2011 |
|
145,635 |
|
|
|
2012 |
|
149,836 |
|
|
|
2013 |
|
154,037 |
|
|
|
2014 |
|
158,238 |
|
|
|
2015 |
|
162,439 |
|
|
|
2016 |
|
166,640 |
|
|
|
2017 |
|
56,013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,088,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*The lease provides that rent for the first five months of
the lease term totaling $59,514 shall be abated provided we are not in default
during the term of the lease.
Linc will acquire
all of the Alaskan Leases for the following consideration:
f. A cash payment of $1.0 million will be deposited by Linc in an escrow account, to be released to us upon
approval of the assignments of the Alaskan leases to Linc.
g. In addition, we will receive a $4.0 million payment from
the first 75% of 8/8ths of the proceeds from any oil and gas production from
the Alaskan leases.
h. After we have received the $4.0 million payment specified
in paragraph (b) above, we will thereafter receive an overriding royalty
interest of 10% of 8/8ths in and to the Alaskan leases issued by the State of
Alaska and the Alaska Mental Health Trust (which comprise over 99% of the
Alaskan Leases), and an overriding royalty interest of 7% of 8/8ths in and to
the Alaskan Leases issued by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. on conventional oil
and gas production and coal bed methane production.
i. Linc has agreed to pay all of the costs of maintaining the
Alaskan leases at least through the end of the primary terms thereof.
j. Following the lessors’ approval
of the assignments of the Alaskan leases into Linc, Linc will diligently commence and prosecute the drilling of
the Frontier Spirit #1 exploration well to evaluate a conventional oil and gas
prospect identified and developed by us.
Bank
of
12. SUPPLEMENTARY OIL AND GAS RESERVE INFORMATION: (UNAUDITED)
The
reserve quantities and valuations are based upon estimates by MHA Petroleum
Consultants. The proved reserves presented herein are located entirely within
the
first-day-of-the-month prices for the prior twelve months, as contrasted with the previous
method which utilized period end prices. The prices under the new
rules were $3.11 per Mcf for natural gas
adjusted for energy content, quality and basis differentials. By contrast, the price prevailing on December 31, 2009 of
$5.45 per Mcf. Prices include
consideration of changes in existing prices provided only by contractual
arrangements, but not on escalations based upon future conditions. Reservoirs
are considered proved if economic productivity is supported by either actual
production or a conclusive formation test. The area of a reservoir considered
proved includes (A) that portion delineated by drilling and defined by
gas-oil and/or oil-water contacts, if any, and (B) the immediately adjoining
portions not yet drilled, but which can reasonably be judged as economically
productive on the basis of available geological and engineering data. In the
absence of information on fluid contacts the lowest known structural occurrence
of hydrocarbons controls the lower proved limit of the reservoir.
Proved
developed reserves are reserves that can be expected to be recovered through
existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Additional oil
and gas reserves expected to be obtained through the application of fluid
injection or other improved recovery techniques for supplementing the natural
forces and mechanisms of primary recovery should be included as “proved
developed reserves” only after testing by a pilot project or after the operation
of an installed program has confirmed through production response that
increased recovery will be achieved.
The
estimates included in the following tables are by their nature inexact and are
subject to changing economic, operating and contractual conditions. At
December 31, 2009, all of GeoPetro’s reserves
are attributable to three producing wells, one shut-in well and an undeveloped
location. Other than the producing wells and one shut-in well, there is no
other production history as of or subsequent to that date. Reserve estimates
for these wells are subject to substantial upward or downward revisions after
production commences and a production history is obtained.
Accordingly, reserve estimates of future net revenues from production may be
subject to substantial revision from year to year. Reserve information
presented herein is based on reports prepared by independent petroleum
engineers.
The
assumptions used to compute the standardized measure are those prescribed by
the Financial Accounting Standards Board and, as such, do not necessarily
reflect GeoPetro’s expectations for actual revenues
to be derived from those reserves nor their present worth. The limitations
inherent in the reserve quantity estimation process, as discussed previously,
are equally applicable to the standardized measure computations since these are
the basis for the valuation process.
|
|
|
Natural Gas (Mcf) |
|
|
PROVED-DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED RESERVES: |
|
|
|
|
January 1, 2008 |
|
23,139 |
|
|
Revisions of previous estimates |
|
(1,553 |
) |
|
Extensions, discoveries, and other additions |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Production |
|
(1,116 |
) |
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
20,470 |
|
|
Revisions of previous estimates |
|
(6,280 |
) |
|
Extensions, discoveries, and other additions |
|
5,249 |
|
|
|
|
— |
|
|
Production |
|
(807 |
) |
|
December 31, 2009 |
|
18,632 |
|
PROVED RESERVES PRESENTED HEREIN ARE LOCATED
ENTIRELY WITHIN THE
UNITED STATES
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
(MMcf) |
|
(MMcf) |
|
|
Proved developed |
|
|
3,651 |
|
17,300 |
|
|
Proved developed non-producing |
|
|
6,611 |
|
3,170 |
|
|
Proved undeveloped |
|
|
8,371 |
|
— |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
18,632 |
|
20,470 |
|
The
downward revision of previous estimates of natural gas reserves during 2009 of
6,280 MMcf is primarily associated with performance
revisions attributable to the Fannin #1 well. The
remainder of the downward revision of previous estimates is attributable to
lower natural gas prices as calculated under the new SEC pricing methodology.
Natural gas prices utilizing the new SEC price methodology decreased
approximately 41% from December 31, 2008 to December 31, 2009,
resulting in a decrease in proved reserves of approximately 505 MMcf.
The
reserve increases resulting from extensions, discoveries and other additions
resulted for two reasons. The first reason is that one probable location
from the year end 2008 report was reclassified to a proved undeveloped location
in the year end 2009 report. This change was based on the overall proved volumetrics for the field (which did not change year over
year), and a decline in the volumes assigned for existing proved developed
locations because of reservoir geometry. The second reason is that the
planned hydraulic fracture treatment for the existing Wilson #1 well, in
conjunction with the necessary plant upgrade to handle the increased volume of
gas, resulted in the Wilson#1 well reserves being reclassified into the
proved undeveloped category because of the relatively large expense required to
achieve the predicted production rates from this well.
For
purposes of the following disclosures, estimates were made of quantities of
proved reserves and the periods during which they are expected to be produced.
Future cash flows for the 2008 estimates were computed by applying year-end
prices, adjusted for historic differentials, to estimated annual future
production from proved gas reserves. Future cash flows for the 2009 estimates
were computed by applying the simple arithmetic average of the natural gas
price in effect on the first day of each month in 2009 to estimated annual
future production from proved gas reserves. The average and year-end prices for
gas are indicated below. Future development and production costs were computed
by applying year-end costs to be incurred in producing and further developing
the proved reserves. Future income tax expenses were computed by applying,
generally, year-end statutory tax rates (adjusted for permanent differences,
tax credits and allowances) to the estimated net future pre-tax cash flows. The
discount was computed by application of a 10% discount factor. The calculations
assume the continuation of existing economic, operating and contractual
conditions. However, such arbitrary assumptions have not proven to be the case
in the past. Other assumptions of equal validity could give rise to
substantially different results.
STANDARDIZED MEASURE OF DISCOUNTED FUTURE NET CASH FLOWS
RELATING TO PROVED
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS RESERVES
|
|
|
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
||||
|
Future cash inflows |
|
$ |
50,652 |
|
$ |
107,063 |
|
|
Future production costs |
|
(17,157 |
) |
(34,414 |
) |
||
|
Future development costs |
|
(7,849 |
) |
(5,075 |
) |
||
|
Future income taxes |
|
— |
|
(7,977 |
) |
||
|
Future net cash flows |
|
25,646 |
|
59,597 |
|
||
|
10% annual discount |
|
(6,005 |
) |
(12,282 |
) |
||
|
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows |
|
$ |
19,641 |
|
$ |
47,315 |
|
The PV-10 values shown in the aforementioned table are not
intended to represent the current market value of the estimated proved oil and
gas reserves owned by us.
For comparative purposes, in addition to the new SEC
pricing methodology, we also prepared estimates of our year-end proved reserves
using the old pricing methodology which would have utilized the December 31,
2009 price of $5.45 per Mcf. Under the old pricing
methodology, our reserves at the end of 2009 would have been 19.14 Bcf, with a PV-10 value of $44.5 million.
Accordingly, the impact of using the new SEC pricing methodology resulted in a
net reduction of our PV-10 value of approximately $24.9 million.
|
AVERAGE PRICE |
|
YEAR END PRICE |
|
||
|
2009 REPORT |
|
2008 REPORT |
|
||
|
Gas ($/MMBtu) |
|
Gas ($/MMBtu) |
|
||
|
$ |
3.11 |
|
$ |
5.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
following are the principal sources of changes in the standardized measure of
discounted future net cash flows:
CHANGES IN THE STANDARDIZED MEASURE OF DISCOUNTED FUTURE
NET CASH
FLOWS FROM PROVED
PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS RESERVE
QUANTITIES
PROVED RESERVES ARE
LOCATED ENTIRELY WITHIN THE UNITED STATES
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Balance, beginning of period |
|
47,315 |
|
60,208 |
|
||
|
Sales of oil and gas, net |
|
1,373 |
|
(4,088 |
) |
||
|
Net change in prices and production costs |
|
(32,319 |
) |
(5,664 |
) |
||
|
Net change in future development costs |
|
(2,497 |
) |
(3,547 |
) |
||
|
Extensions and discoveries |
|
7,229 |
|
— |
|
||
|
Revisions of previous quantity estimates |
|
(8,648 |
) |
(4,376 |
) |
||
|
Net change in income taxes |
|
6,109 |
|
4,748 |
|
||
|
Accretion of discount |
|
3,548 |
|
4,823 |
|
||
|
Other |
|
(2,469 |
) |
(4,789 |
) |
||
|
Balance, end of period |
|
$ |
19,641 |
|
$ |
47,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
Exhibit Number |
|
Description |
|
3.1
(2) |
|
Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of GeoPetro Resources Company |
|
3.2
(4) |
|
Second Amended and Restated
Bylaws of the GeoPetro Resources Company |
|
4.1
(2) |
|
Form of Warrant issued by GeoPetro Resources Company to various investors on
various dates. |
|
4.2
(3) |
|
Specimen Common Stock
Certificate |
|
4.3 |
|
Form of common stock
purchase warrant issued to various investors dated August 13, 2007
(filed as exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2007, and
incorporated herein by reference) |
|
4.4 |
|
Registration Rights Agreement
between GeoPetro Resources Company and various
investors dated August 13, 2007 (filed as Exhibit B to the
Form of Unit Subscription Agreement dated August 13, 2007 filed as
Exhibit 10.20 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K as filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 2007 and incorporated
herein by reference) |
|
4.5
(6) |
|
Placement Agent Warrant dated
August 13, 2007 |
|
4.6
(7) |
|
Form of Common Stock
Purchase Warrant dated as of various dates, issued to purchasers of
promissory notes |
|
10.1
(2) |
|
Joint Venture Agreement Bengara II, Dated January 1, 2000 |
|
10.2
(2) |
|
Production Sharing Contract Bengara II, Dated December 4, 1997 |
|
10.4
(2) |
|
Exploration Permit#408, Dated
July 2, 1997 |
|
10.5
(2) |
|
Madisonville Field Development
Agreement dated August 1, 2005 |
|
10.6
(2) |
|
Alaska Cook Inlet Option dated
April 20, 2005 |
|
10.7
(2)† |
|
The 2001 Stock Incentive Plan |
|
10.8
(2)† |
|
The 2004 Stock Option and
Appreciation Rights Plan |
|
10.9
(2)† |
|
Stuart Doshi Employment
Agreement, Dated July 28, 1997 (effective July 1, 1997) and
amendments dated January 11, 2001, July 1, 2003, April 20,
2004, May 9, 2005, July 28, 2005 and January 30, 2006 |
|
10.10
(2)† |
|
David Creel Employment
Agreement, Dated April 28, 1998 and amendments dated June 15, 2000,
May 12, 2003 and January 1, 2005 |
|
10.12
(2) |
|
Office Lease Agreement, Dated
effective March 1, 2004 |
|
10.13
(4) |
|
Form of Subscription
Agreement for GeoPetro Resources Company stock
executed by various investors on various dates. |
|
10.19
(5) |
|
Shares Sale & Purchase
Agreement Dated September 29, 2006 |
|
10.20
(6) |
|
Form of Unit Subscription
Agreement Dated August 13, 2007 |
|
10.22
(6) |
|
Promissory Note to Stuart Doshi
dated February 12, 2007 |
|
10.23
(11)† |
|
Seventh Amendment to Employment
Agreement of Stuart Doshi, dated December 29, 2008 |
|
10.24
(11)† |
|
Eighth Amendment to Employee
Agreement of Stuart Doshi, dated December 31, 2008 |
|
10.25
(11)† |
|
Fourth Amendment to Employment
Agreement of David Creel, dated December 29, 2008 |
|
10.26
(11)† |
|
Fifth Amendment to Employee
Agreement of David Creel, dated December 31, 2008 |
|
10.29
(8) |
|
Purchase and Sale Agreement
dated December 31, 2008 |
|
10.30
(9) |
|
Amended and Restated Term Loan
Agreement dated December 31, 2008 with Bank of Oklahoma |
|
10.31
(11) |
|
Security Agreement dated
December 31, 2008 |
|
10.32
(11) |
|
Form of Promissory Note
issued by GeoPetro Resources Company to various
investors dated various dates from December 23, 2008 to
December 26, 2008 |
|
10.24 (12)† |
|
Employment Agreement with J.
Chris Steinhauser dated April 27, 2009 |
|
10.25 (13)† |
|
Sixth Amendment to David Creel
Employment Agreement dated April 28, 2009 |
|
10.26 (14) |
|
Related Party Promissory Note
Dated June 18, 2009 |
|
21.1
(11) |
|
List of subsidiaries of GeoPetro Resources |
|
23.1
(1) |
|
Consent of MHA Petroleum
Consultants |
|
23.2
(1) |
|
Consent of Hein &
Associates LLP |
|
31.1
(1) |
|
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer. |
|
31.2
(1) |
|
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer. |
|
32.1
(1) |
|
Certification of Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer of GeoPetro
Resources Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350. |
|
99.1
(1) |
|
Report of MHA Petroleum
Consultants |
|
(1) |
Filed herewith. |
|
|
|
|
(2) |
Filed as the identically
numbered exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1,
(No. 333-135485), as filed with the |
|
|
Securities and Exchange
Commission on June 30, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
(3) |
Filed as the identically
numbered exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1,
(No. 333-135485), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on January 31, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
(4) |
Filed as the
Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 2008, and
incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
(5) |
Filed as the identically
numbered exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
(No. 333-135485), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on January 9, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
(6) |
Filed as the identically
numbered exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1
(No. 333-146557), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on October 9, 2007, and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
(7) |
Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the
Company’s Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on January 7, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
(8) |
Filed as Exhibit 10.24 to
the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on January 14, 2009, and incorporated herein by
reference. |
|
|
|
|
(9) |
Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to
the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on January 14, 2009, and incorporated herein by
reference. |
|
|
|
|
(10) |
Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
the Company’s Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on December 21, 2007, and incorporated herein by
reference. |
|
|
|
|
(11) |
Filed as Exhibit 23.1 to
the Company’s Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on March 23, 2009, and incorporated herein by
reference. |
|
|
|
|
(12) |
Filed as Exhibit 10.24 to
the Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
May 11, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
(13) |
Filed as Exhibit 10.25 to
the Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
May 11, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
(14) |
Filed as Exhibit 10.26 to
the Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
August 10, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference. |
|
|
|
|
† |
Indicates a management or
compensatory plan or arrangement. |
EXHIBIT 23.1
Consent of Independent Petroleum Engineers
MHA Petroleum
Consultants, Inc. does hereby consent to the use of its reports relating
to the proved oil and gas reserves of GeoPetro
Resources Company and to the reference to the firm as an expert in the
Form 10-K Annual Report being filed by GeoPetro
Resources Company.
|
/s/ JOHN W. ARSENAULT |
|
|
|
|
|
MHA Petroleum
Consultants, Inc. |
|
|
John W. Arsenault |
|
|
Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2010 |
|
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the incorporation by
reference in Registration Statements (No. 333-146557 and
No. 333-135485) on Form S-3 of GeoPetro
Resources Company of our report dated March 31, 2010, relating to our audits of
the consolidated financial statements which appears in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K of GeoPetro Resources Company for the
year ended December 31, 2009.
/s/ HEIN & ASSOCIATES LLP
March 31, 2010
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I,
Stuart J. Doshi, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this amended annual report on
Form 10-K of GeoPetro Resources Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other
financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are
responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d) – 15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused
such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or
caused suchinternalcontrol over financial reporting
to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure
controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case
of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have
disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the
design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting.
|
Date: March 31, 2010 |
/s/ Stuart J. Doshi |
|
|
Stuart J. Doshi, President and
Chief |
|
|
Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, J.
Chris Steinhauser, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this amended annual report on
Form 10-K of GeoPetro Resources Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any
untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary
to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this
report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other
financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are
responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and the
internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15(d) – 15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused
such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,
to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over the financial
reporting, or caused such control over financial reporting to be designed under
our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of
financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure
controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the
period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s
most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case
of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting;
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have
disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over
financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of
registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the
design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting which are
reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves
management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s
internal control over financial reporting.
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Date: March 31, 2010 |
/s/ J. Chris Steinhauser |
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J. Chris Steinhauser |
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Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT
TO
SECTION 906 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002*
In connection with the amended
Annual Report of GeoPetro Resources Company (the “Company”)
on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2009 as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the
undersigned, Stuart J. Doshi , Chief Executive Officer, and J. Chris Steinhauser, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each
hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant
to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to his knowledge, that:
(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in
all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the
Company.
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Dated: March 31, 2010 |
/s/ Stuart J. Doshi |
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Stuart J. Doshi |
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President, Chief Executive
Officer |
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and Chairman of the Board |
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Dated: March 31, 2010 |
/s/ J. Chris Steinhauser |
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J. Chris Steinhauser |
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Chief Financial Officer |
A signed original of this written
statement required by Section 906 has been provided to GeoPetro
Resources Company and will be retained by GeoPetro
Resources Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or
its staff upon request.
* This certification is being furnished solely to accompany
the Report pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed for
purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company,
whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation
language in such filing.
Exhibit 99.1
MHA Petroleum Consultants LLC
Securities and Exchange Commission Evaluation
of the
Natural Gas Reserves of
Madisonville Field,
GeoPetro
Resources Company
(As of December 31, 2009)
Prepared for
GeoPetro
Resources Company
March 2010
MHA Petroleum Consultants LLC
143 Union Bld.,
March 25, 2010
Mr. Stuart Doshi
GeoPetro Resources Company
One Maritime Plaza,
Dear Mr. Doshi:
Pursuant to your request, MHA
Petroleum Consultants LLC (MHA) has prepared an estimate of the reserves and
income attributable to the Madisonville Field owned by GeoPetro
Resources Company (GeoPetro) as of December 31,
2009. It is MHA’s understanding that the proved
reserves estimated in this report constitute all of the proved reserves owned
by GeoPetro. The subject property is located in
the state of
The reserve and income data have
been estimated using the SEC technical guidelines, as modified at year end
2009. Forecast oil and gas prices and all operating costs remain constant
for the life of the wells. Hydrocarbon prices used in the preparation of
the report were based on the average price from the first day of the month of
each month in 2009. Reserve estimates and cash flow estimates are
dependent on the pricing and cost parameters used in the report. Future
variations in the pricing and cost parameters will cause variations in the
reserve and cash flow estimates reported in the evaluation. The results
of this study are summarized below.
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Gross Oil MBBLS |
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Gross Gas* MMCF |
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Net Oil MBBLS |
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Net Gas* MMCF |
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BFIT Net Income M$ |
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Disc Net Income M$ @ 10% |
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Proved Developed Producing |
|
0.0 |
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5,734.2 |
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0.0 |
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3,650.6 |
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4,719.4 |
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4,254.5 |
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Proved Developed Non-Producing |
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0.0 |
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10,793.4 |
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0.0 |
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6,611.0 |
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12,036.3 |
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9,394.6 |
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Proved Undeveloped |
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0.0 |
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13,666.2 |
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0.0 |
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8,370.6 |
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8,890.2 |
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5,991.8 |
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Total Proved |
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0.0 |
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30,193.9 |
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0.0 |
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18,632.2 |
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25,645.9 |
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19,640.9 |
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*Gas volumes shown in the above
table represent processed, pipeline ready gas. Net gas volumes
specifically exclude volumes associated with the net profits interest
(NPI) which burdens the field.
Note: Numbers in the above table
may not exactly match economic output due to rounding.
The future net revenue in this
report was based on net hydrocarbon volume sold multiplied by the appropriate
price. Expenses include severance and ad valorem taxes, and the normal
cost of operating the wells. Future net cash flow is future net revenue
minus expenses and any development costs. The future net cash flow has
not been adjusted for outstanding loans, which may exist, nor does it include any adjustments for cash on hand or undistributed
income. No attempt has been made to quantify or otherwise account for any
accumulated gas production imbalances that may exist.
Reserve Estimates
Reserve estimates included in this
study were assigned on the basis of the SEC definitions (as of year-end 2009).
All reserve categories assigned in this report follow the guidelines of
the SEC reserve definitions. The reserve estimates included in this study were
estimated by performance methods, volumetric methods and comparisons with
analogous wells, where applicable. These methods were deemed appropriate for
the purpose of the report.
The reserves shown in this report
are estimates only and should not be construed as exact quantities.
Proved reserves are those quantities of oil and gas which, by analysis of engineering
and geoscience data, can be estimated with reasonable
certainty to be economically producible. If the reserves are recovered,
the revenues therefrom and the costs related thereto
could be more or less than the estimated amounts. Because of governmental
policies and uncertainties of supply and demand, the sales rates, prices
received for the reserves, and costs incurred in recovering such reserves may
vary from assumptions made while preparing this report. Estimates of
reserves may increase or decrease as a result of future operations, market
conditions, or changes in regulations.
The Company’s Natural Gas reserves
for the Madisonville Field are located in Madison County, Texas, in the
In order to capitalize on the
Madisonville Field Rodessa gas reserves, the Company
has developed a plan to treat the Madisonville Project natural gas and has
purchased the gas plant which treats the produced gas. Following
treatment, the gas is transported by Gateway Processing Company (“Gateway”)
approximately nine miles west to the Atmos pipeline
or the ETC Katy pipeline.
The Company has a 100% working
interest in approximately 56% (areally) of the
Madisonville Field, and a 100% working interest in all existing and future
wells has been used for the economic projections. The net revenue
interest (NRI) to the Company is 75.13% in the Ruby Magness
#1 well, 69.9% in the Fannin well, and 70.0% in the
remaining wells, the Mitchell #1,
the
The natural gas reserves for the
Forecasts of net revenue were
prepared by predicting annual production from the reserves and product prices.
Annual production was forecasted taking into account historical production
trends, planned equipment upgrades, applicable regulatory conditions, and
existing or anticipated contract rates.
Note that reserves were assigned
only to those lands directly under GeoPetro owned
leases.
Prices and Costs
The hydrocarbon prices used in the
report were based on the average prices from the first day of the twelve
calendar months in 2009, per SEC regulations. Adjustments were made to
this price based on differentials to the posted prices due to hydrocarbon
quality, transportation fees, contract terms, etc. All hydrocarbon prices
were held constant for the life of the properties with no future escalation.
Oil and condensate prices were not
relevant to the report, as there is no oil production from the Madisonville
Field.
Natural gas prices were based on
the actual average Houston Ship Channel price received by GeoPetro
on the first day of each month of 2009, which was $3.11 per MMBTU. This
price has been adjusted for gas quality, contractual agreements, transportation
and marketing fees, shrinkage and regional price variations. The gas
being produced has a heating value of approximately 1000 BTU per cubic foot.
Operating costs used in the report
were provided by GeoPetro and were estimated at
approximately $15,000 to $20,000 per producing well per month going
forward. All operating costs were held constant over the life of the
properties with no future escalation. Plant operating expenses were
applied in accordance with average values over the past 12 months, adjusted for
known treatment modifications. Gas treatment fees are collected from the
royalty owners in accordance with recently executed contractual
agreements. Transportation fees are also paid to Gateway. The
methodology is approximately summarized as follows:
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· |
Gathering, Processing and
Marketing Fees (paid to GeoPetro by the royalty
owners): |
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Prior to September 30,
2010: |
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First 18 MMSCFD Raw gas |
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$1.68 per Mcf
inlet gas |
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Over 18 MMSCFD Raw gas |
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$1.26 per Mcf
inlet gas |
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After September 2010: |
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All gas |
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$1.26 per Mcf
inlet gas |
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· |
Transportation Fees |
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Prior to July 31, 2010: |
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First 18 MMSCFD Raw gas |
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$0.08 per Mcf
inlet gas |
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Over 18 MMSCFD Raw gas |
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$0.10 per Mcf
outlet gas |
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After July 31, 2010: |
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All gas |
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$0.10 per Mcf
outlet gas |
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· |
Plant Costs |
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Approx. fixed monthly base costs |
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$351,500 (prior to modification) |
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$247,700 (after modification) |
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Variable costs (after
modification) |
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$0.22 per Mcf
inlet gas |
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These costs were not independently
verified by MHA, but were checked for reasonableness.
Development costs for the PUD #1
well have been estimated at approximately $4.2 million. GeoPetro does have plans to fracture treat the
No deductions were made for
indirect costs such as loan repayments, interest expenses, and exploration and
development prepayments.
Following is the procedure used in
calculating the economics for the production streams:
|
1) |
Gas production streams from rate
analysis were adjusted for GeoPetro lease ownership
and then adjusted for shrinkage. A shrinkage factor of approximately 40% was
applied to future gas production prior to the plant modification (28%
impurities plus 12% fuel use). Subsequent to the plant upgrade, the shrinkage
factor used was 35% (28% impurities, 7% fuel). Gross revenue was calculated
based on this adjusted stream, using the constant gas price. |
|
2) |
Net revenue was calculated based
on a 100% working interest to the Company, and a 75.13% net revenue interest
(NRI) in the Ruby Magness #1 well, a 69.9% NRI in
the Angela Farris Fannin #1 well, and a 70.0% NRI
in the Wilson #1, Mitchell #1 and PUD#1 wells. |
|
3) |
Severance taxes were applied at
7.5% of the gas revenue net of gas treatment costs. Note that the Company has
a 10 year moratorium on severance taxes for the Ruby Magness
#1 well. |
|
4) |
Ad Valorem taxes were applied at
4% of the net revenue less severance taxes. |
|
5) |
Operating expenses were deducted
at the rates stated above. |
|
6) |
A net profits interest (NPI) was
deducted from the revenue stream. The amount of the NPI is 12.5% of the net
operating profits until payout is achieved. After payout, the NPI increases
to 30%. Payout is defined and achieved at such time as the Company has recouped
from net operating cash flows its total net investment in the project plus a 33% cash on cash return. |
|
7) |
Capital expenditures are applied
and net cash flow determined. |
Statement of Risk
The accuracy of reserve and
economic evaluations is always subject to uncertainty. The magnitude of
this uncertainty is generally proportional to the quantity and quality of data
available for analysis. As a well matures and new information becomes
available, revisions may be required which may either increase or decrease the
previous reserve assignments. Sometimes these revisions may result not
only in a significant change to the reserves and value assigned to a property,
but also may impact the total company reserve and economic status. The reserves
and forecasts contained in this report were based upon a technical analysis of
the available data using accepted engineering principles. However, they
must be accepted with the understanding that further information and future
reservoir performance subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify their
revision. It is MHA’s opinion that the
estimated proven reserves and other reserve information as specified in this
report are reasonable, and have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted petroleum engineering and evaluation principles, as set forth in the
Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserve
Information, promulgated by the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
Notwithstanding the aforementioned opinion, MHA makes no warranties concerning
the data and interpretations of such data. In no event shall MHA be
liable for any special or consequential damages arising from GeoPetro’s use of MHA’s
interpretation, reports, or services produced as a result of its work for GeoPetro.
Neither MHA, nor any of our
employees have any interest in the subject properties and neither the
employment to do this work, nor the compensation, is contingent on our
estimates of reserves for the properties in this report.
This report was prepared for the
exclusive use of GeoPetro and will not be released by
MHA to any other parties without GeoPetro’s written
permission. The data and work papers used in the preparation of this
report are available for examination by authorized parties in our offices.
It was a pleasure performing this
work for GeoPetro. If you have any questions
regarding this evaluation or if additional information is needed, please
contact the undersigned at this office.
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Sincerely, |
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/s/ John W. Arsenault |
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John W. Arsenault |
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Vice President |
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/s/ Dennis P. Holler |
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Dennis P. Holler |
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Senior Geological Associate |
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