Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

 

x

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

 

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)

 

California

 

94-3214487

(State of incorporation)

 

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

 

 

 

One Maritime Plaza, Suite 700
San Francisco, CA

 

94111

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(415) 398-8186

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  o

 

Accelerated filer  o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer  x

 

Smaller reporting company  o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

 

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

 

There were 32,784,646 shares of no par value common stock outstanding on November 14, 2008.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

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

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Item 5. Other Information

Item 6. Exhibits

SIGNATURES

 

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Table of Contents

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.   Financial Statements.

 

GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

2,965,142

 

$

4,294,565

 

Trade accounts receivable—oil and gas sales

 

146,063

 

965,188

 

Accounts receivable—other

 

33,140

 

345,862

 

Prepaid expenses

 

246,701

 

118,065

 

Total current assets

 

3,391,046

 

5,723,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas properties, at cost (full cost method):

 

 

 

 

 

Unevaluated properties

 

10,225,762

 

5,848,195

 

Evaluated properties

 

48,397,498

 

47,428,750

 

Less—accumulated depletion and impairment

 

(16,293,702

)

(14,917,700

)

Net oil and gas properties

 

42,329,558

 

38,359,245

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation

 

17,169

 

26,727

 

Other assets—deposits and other noncurrent assets

 

7,436

 

6,954

 

Total Assets

 

$

45,745,209

 

$

44,116,606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Trade accounts payable

 

$

807,195

 

$

666,293

 

Production taxes payable

 

255,548

 

407,246

 

Other taxes payable

 

2,324

 

161,032

 

Royalty owners payable

 

1,211,780

 

979,743

 

Net profits interest payable

 

203,998

 

147,513

 

Total current liabilities

 

2,480,845

 

2,361,827

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

57,707

 

53,726

 

Total Liabilities

 

2,538,552

 

2,415,553

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2 and 8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 32,784,646 and 31,950,970 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

 

51,867,733

 

51,492,733

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,384,517

 

2,219,109

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(11,045,593

)

(12,010,789

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

43,206,657

 

41,701,053

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

$

45,745,209

 

$

44,116,606

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas sales

 

$

1,313,308

 

$

1,231,370

 

$

6,106,898

 

$

5,443,562

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating expense

 

296,927

 

315,982

 

1,287,309

 

1,162,089

 

General and administrative

 

601,757

 

482,388

 

1,921,270

 

2,009,307

 

Net profits interest

 

112,308

 

118,916

 

601,237

 

547,504

 

Impairment expense

 

 

495,874

 

63,766

 

495,874

 

Depreciation and depletion expense

 

343,364

 

509,436

 

1,326,099

 

1,739,306

 

Total costs and expenses

 

1,354,356

 

1,922,596

 

5,199,681

 

5,954,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) from operations

 

(41,048

)

(691,226

)

907,217

 

(510,518

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income and (Expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(92,626

)

 

(271,071

)

Interest income

 

25,741

 

38,161

 

73,609

 

94,362

 

Total other income (expense)

 

25,741

 

(54,465

)

73,609

 

(176,709

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) Before Taxes

 

(15,307

)

(745,691

)

980,826

 

(687,227

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

(335

)

 

(15,630

)

(2,300

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(15,642

)

$

(745,691

)

$

965,196

 

$

(689,527

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (Loss) per Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

(0.00

)

$

(0.02

)

$

0.03

 

$

(0.02

)

Diluted

 

$

(0.00

)

$

(0.02

)

$

0.03

 

$

(0.02

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

32,783,736

 

30,603,475

 

32,413,979

 

29,215,952

 

Diluted

 

32,783,736

 

30,603,475

 

33,045,931

 

29,215,952

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

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GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

For the Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,
2008

 

September 30,
2007

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

965,196

 

$

(689,527

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

1,326,099

 

1,739,306

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

165,408

 

104,805

 

Non-cash interest expense

 

 

162,537

 

Impairment expense

 

63,766

 

495,874

 

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations

 

3,185

 

2,419

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable - oil and gas sales

 

819,125

 

(420,741

)

Other assets

 

183,604

 

(18,781

)

Current liabilities

 

119,018

 

(641,534

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

3,645,401

 

734,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas property expenditures

 

(5,345,519

)

(2,644,002

)

Acquisition of furniture, fixtures & equipment

 

(4,305

)

(5,881

)

Decrease in related party notes receivable

 

 

1,000,000

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(5,349,824

)

(1,649,883

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of common shares, option and warrant exercises, net

 

375,000

 

7,825,608

 

Proceeds from promissory notes, net

 

 

1,000,000

 

Payments of loan fee

 

 

(57,000

)

Repayments of promissory notes

 

 

(100,000

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

375,000

 

8,668,608

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

(1,329,423

)

7,753,083

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

4,294,565

 

734,561

 

End of period

 

$

2,965,142

 

$

8,487,644

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

 

$

108,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for income taxes

 

$

15,630

 

$

1,500

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.     BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND USE OF ESTIMATES:

 

The interim consolidated financial statements of GeoPetro Resources Company (“we,” “us,” “our,” “GeoPetro” or the “Company”) are unaudited and contain all adjustments (consisting primarily of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year or for previously reported periods due in part, but not limited to, the volatility in crude oil and natural gas commodity prices, interest rates, estimates of reserves, drilling risks, geological risks, transportation restrictions, the timing of acquisitions, product demand, market competition, interruption in production and our ability to obtain additional capital. You should read these consolidated interim financial statements in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in GeoPetro’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of GeoPetro and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. In preparing the accompanying financial statements, management has made certain estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Significant assumptions are required in the valuation of proved oil and natural gas reserves, which may affect the amount at which oil and natural gas properties are recorded. For the unevaluated properties, the Company evaluates the possibility of potential impairment on a quarterly basis. During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, approximately $63,766 of unevaluated property costs related to our Canadian properties were reclassified to proved property and a ceiling test impairment was recorded in the Canadian full cost pool. The computation of share-based compensation expense requires assumptions such as volatility, expected life and the risk-free interest rate. It is at least reasonably possible these estimates could be revised in the near term, and these revisions could be material.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior period financial statements to conform with the current presentation.

 

2.     LIQUIDITY:

 

We hold working interests in undeveloped leases, seismic options, lease options and foreign concessions and we have participated in seismic surveys and the drilling of test wells on undeveloped properties. Further leasehold acquisitions and seismic operations are planned for 2008 and future periods.  In addition, exploratory and developmental drilling is scheduled in future periods on our undeveloped properties.  We anticipate that these exploration activities together with others that may be entered into may impose financial requirements which may exceed our existing working capital. We may need to raise additional equity or enter into new borrowing arrangements to finance our continued participation in planned activities. Further, we have farmed-out certain of our projects.  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 forfeit our interest in proposed wells, farm-out our interest in proposed wells, sell a portion of our interests in prospects and use the sale proceeds to fund participation for a lesser interest, reduce general and administrative expenses, or a combination of all of these factors.

 

3.     RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which we adopted on January 1, 2008.  SFAS 157 provides a definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements for future transactions. The adoption of this pronouncement did not impact our financial position or results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R, which among other things, establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. This standard will change our accounting treatment for business combinations on a prospective basis.

 

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In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Minority interests will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. It also establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and requires expanded disclosures. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. We do not expect the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.  SFAS 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of FASB Statement No. 133 with the intent to provide users of financial statement 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 under FASB Statement No. 133 and its related interpretations, and (iii) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect and entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS No. 161 is effective for financial statements issued for years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 161 to have a significant effect on our reported financial position or results of operations.

 

4.     EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

 

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is calculated by dividing net income or loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared from the earnings of the entity. There were 2,131,855 outstanding common stock warrants as well as 990,000 outstanding common stock options at September 30, 2008  that were not included in the diluted EPS calculation because the warrants’ and options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

2008

 

2007

 

Numerators:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income (Loss)

 

$

(15,642

)

$

(745,691

)

$

965,196

 

$

(689,527

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

 

32,783,736

 

30,603,475

 

32,413,979

 

29,215,952

 

Outstanding Options

 

Anti-dilutive

 

Anti-dilutive

 

592,817

 

Anti-dilutive

 

Outstanding Warrants

 

Anti-dilutive

 

Anti-dilutive

 

39,135

 

Anti-dilutive

 

Average Number of Shares for Diluted Calculation

 

32,783,736

 

30,603,475

 

33,045,931

 

29,215,952

 

Diluted EPS

 

$

(0.00

)

$

(0.02

)

$

0.03

 

$

(0.02

)

 

5.      INCOME TAXES:

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states.  There are currently no federal or state income tax examinations underway.  Furthermore, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by the Internal Revenue Service for tax years before 2005 and for state and local tax authorities for tax years before 2002.  The Company does, however, have net operating losses generated in tax years 1997 and after, which remain open for examination.

 

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, on January 1, 2007.  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.

 

The Company provides for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”). SFAS 109 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.

 

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The effective tax rate for the nine month period ended September 30, 2008 and for the year ended December 31, 2007 is 3.1 percent, and differs from statutory rates primarily due to changes in the valuation allowance.

 

6.      COMMON STOCK OPTIONS:

 

There were no material changes to common stock options from those disclosed in the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 except as follows:

 

On June 27, 2008, the Company issued 820,000 common stock options to officers, directors, and employees at a price of $4.28 per share with a term of 5 years from the date issued (expiring June 26, 2013) and shall vest over five years pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.

 

The weighted average fair value of options granted on June 27, 2008, as calculated under the Black-Scholes pricing model is $2.17. The fair value of each new issued option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: risk-free, weighted-average interest rate of 3.5% based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant, expected dividend yield of 0 percent, expected life of 5 years from the date of grant, and expected volatility of 65.68%.

 

On April 25, 2008, an officer and director exercised options to purchase 750,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share. The options had an expiration date of April 30, 2008.

 

The options outstanding as of September 30, 2008 have the following contractual lives:

 

Number of
Options
Outstanding

 

Number of
Options
Exercisable

 

Exercise
Prices

 

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life

 

1,750,000

 

1,750,000

 

2.10

 

4.67

 

150,000

 

60,000

 

3.85

 

2.54

 

10,000

 

6,000

 

4.25

 

1.25

 

820,000

 

 

4.28

 

4.74

 

10,000

 

6,000

 

6.25

 

1.69

 

2,740,000

 

1,822,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

The total intrinsic value of options outstanding was approximately $332,500 and $8,158,500 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The intrinsic value for exercisable options was $332,500 and $7,486,500 at September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

As of September 30, 2008, there are 1,822,000 options which are exercisable. The remaining 918,000 options will become exercisable over the next five years. The stock compensation expense related to the unvested awards is $1,829,853.

 

7.      COMMON STOCK WARRANTS:

 

On July 2, 2008, the Company issued 83,676 shares of common stock pursuant to a cashless exercise of 175,125 common stock warrants.

 

8.      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

 

There are no material changes to commitments and contingencies from those disclosed in the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 except as follows:

 

South Dry Hollow Prospect, Lavaca County, Texas—On February 26, 2008, the Company’s subsidiary, South Texas GeoPetro LLC, entered into a participation agreement wherein it acquired a 15% non-operated working interest in the South Dry Hollow Prospect, which is located in Lavaca County, Texas.  On February 25, 2008, the Company paid a $150,000 prospect fee and advanced $1.1 million to drill the Eichhorn #1 Well. The Eichorn #1 Well was drilled to a depth of approximately 16,650 feet and is currently being evaluated for production.

 

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9.      SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

 

Office Lease — The lease for the Company’s principal executive office located at One Maritime Plaza, Suite 700, San Francisco, CA 94111 has been amended to extend the term of the sublease for an additional one (1) year and two (2) months and the new expiration day is April 30, 2010.

 

Acquisition of South Bengara-II Block – On November 13, 2008, the Company acquired an interest in a new production sharing contract (“PSC”) in Indonesia.  Pursuant to a joint bid agreement (“JBA”) with Adelphi Energy Limited and Continental Energy Corporation, the group's joint venture company, ACG (South Bengara-II) Pte. Ltd. (“ACG”), signed a new PSC for the South Bengara-II block. GeoPetro's wholly owned subsidiary, GeoPetro Resources (South Bengara-II) Pte. Ltd., owns a 24.999% stake in ACG and its new PSC.  ACG, in accordance with the terms of its bid and the PSC, is obliged to pay a signing bonus of $1,000,000 and complete a work program during the first 3 PSC contract years which includes conducting geological and geophysical field surveys and studies, acquiring at least 100 line kilometers of new 2D seismic, and drilling one exploration well for a total minimum expenditure of $7,850,000.  In accordance with the provisions of the JBA, GeoPetro will pay 50% of the signing bonus and 50% of the first $3,000,000 in work program expenditures. Thereafter it will pay its 24.999% equity share of costs and be entitled to the same share of revenues.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 2. 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 372,317 gross (158,401 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 2008. We expect the majority of our capital expenditures in 2008 and 2009 will be spent on the Madisonville Project.

 

Results of Operations

 

The financial information with respect to the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 that is discussed below is unaudited. In the opinion of management, such information contains all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods.  The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full fiscal years.

 

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Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

6,106,898

 

$

5,443,562

 

Lease operating expense

 

1,287,309

 

1,162,089

 

General and administrative

 

1,921,270

 

2,009,307

 

Net profits expense

 

601,237

 

547,504

 

Impairment expense

 

63,766

 

495,874

 

Depreciation and depletion expense

 

1,326,099

 

1,739,306

 

Earnings (Loss) from operations

 

907,217

 

(510,518

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

965,196

 

$

(689,527

)

 

Industry Overview for the nine months ended September 30, 2008

 

The nine months ended September 30, 2008 saw moderately weaker natural gas prices. 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 September 30, 2008, was $6.77 per Mcf versus $6.81 per Mcf as of December 31, 2007. Natural gas prices have been very volatile during 2008 year to date due to supply concerns earlier in the year, and more recently due to recession concerns arising from the current financial crisis.

 

In the future we may need to raise capital, and due to the tight credit markets and downturn in the stock market, funds may not be available, or if available, may be on unfavorable terms.  Exploratory and development drilling is scheduled during 2008 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.

 

forfeit our interest in wells that are proposed to be drilled;

 

 

 

2.

 

farm-out our interest in proposed wells;

 

 

 

3.

 

sell a portion of our interest in prospects and use the sale proceeds to fund our participation for a lesser interest; and

 

 

 

4.

 

reduce general and administrative expenses.

 

Company Overview for the nine months ended September 30, 2008

 

Our net income after taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $965,196. 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 September 30, 2008 of $11,045,593. Commencing in May 2003, we placed our Madisonville Project into production. Substantially all of our oil and natural gas sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 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 three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2008, we had oil and natural gas revenues of $1,313,308. Our net production was 281,337 Mcf of natural gas at an average price of $4.67 per Mcf. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we had oil and natural gas revenues of $1,231,370. Our net production for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was 448,214 Mcf at an average price of $2.75 per Mcf.  Revenue increased in the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the prior year period due to higher natural gas prices. The 37% lower production volumes for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007 was due to (i) disruption due to Hurricane Ike in September (plant was shut down for 10 days due to storm and lack of electricity), and (ii) higher shrinkage rates in the plant, and (iii) restricted production rates due to high

 

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inlet pressures into the plant. Natural gas prices were approximately 70% higher for the three months ended September 30, 2008 versus the same period in 2007.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred lease operating expense of $296,927. Our average lifting cost for the 2008 period was $1.06 per Mcf. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we incurred lease operating expense of $315,982. Our average lifting cost for the 2007 period was $0.70 per Mcf. The average lifting cost per Mcf in 2008 was higher due to lower net production in proportion to fixed components of LOE (281,337 net production volume three months ended September 30, 2008 versus 448,214 net production volume in the same period of 2007).

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred net profits interest expense of $112,308 associated with the Magness, the Fannin, and the Mitchell wells as compared to $118,916 during the three months ended September 30, 2007. The 6% decrease resulted from adjustment of ad valorem taxes of prior periods in the three months ended September 30, 2008. 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 three months ended September 30, 2008 were $601,757 compared to $482,388 for the three months ended September 30, 2007. This represents a $119,369 or 25% increase over the prior year period. The higher G&A expense incurred in 2008 was due primarily to costs associated with implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requirements, additional personnel, and share-based compensation associated with option grants made in 2008.

 

The 2008 third quarter impairment expense was $-0- versus $495,874 for the 2007 third quarter. The 2007 impairment expense was due to dry hole drilled associated with the Wildwood project in Canada, which resulted in a ceiling test write down.

 

Depreciation and depletion expense for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $343,364 as compared to $509,436 in the same period of 2007, which amounts primarily represent depletion of the oil and gas properties for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The 33% decrease was due to lower net production in the three-month period of 2008.

 

Loss from operations totaled $41,048 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to $691,226 for the same period of 2007. The decrease in the loss from operations was due primarily to higher gas prices and no impairment write-downs in the three months ended September 30, 2008.

 

Other income for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of interest income in the amount of $25,741 and $38,161, respectively.  The higher interest income in the three months ended September 30, 2007 was due primarily to higher average cash and cash equivalent balances during the 2007 period.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we incurred interest expense of $-0- and $92,626, respectively. We had no outstanding debt during the third quarter of 2008 since all loans were paid in full in October 2007.

 

Net loss before taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $15,307 as compared to net loss before taxes of $745,691 for the three months ended September 30, 2007. The decrease in net loss before taxes during the three months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily due to higher gas prices, lower expenses and an impairment recorded in the comparable 2007 period.

 

Comparison of Results of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we had oil and natural gas revenues of $6,106,898, and our net production was 1,106,521 Mcf of natural gas at an average price of $5.52 per Mcf. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we had oil and natural gas revenues of $5,443,562 and our net production was 1,556,551 Mcf at an average price of $3.50 per Mcf. Revenues increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the prior year period due to higher natural gas prices. The 29% lower production volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007 was due to (i) disruption due to Hurricane Ike in September (plant was shut down for 10 days), and (ii) higher shrinkage rates in the plant, and (iii) restricted production rates due to high inlet pressures into the plant. Natural gas prices were approximately 58% higher for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 versus the same period in 2007.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred lease operating expense of $1,287,309. Our average lifting cost for the 2008 period was $1.16 per Mcf. During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we incurred lease operating expense of $1,162,089. Our average lifting cost for the 2007 period was $0.75 per Mcf. The average lifting cost per Mcf in 2008 was higher due to a workover performed on the Magness well during that period and due to lower production.

 

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we incurred net profits interest expense of $601,237 associated with the Magness, the Fannin, and the Mitchell wells as compared to $547,504 during the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The 10% increase resulted from higher gas prices in the nine months ended September 30, 2008 versus 2007. 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 nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $1,921,270 compared to $2,009,307 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. This represents a $88,037 or 4% decrease over the prior year period. The higher G&A expense incurred in 2007 was due primarily to costs associated with our initial SEC registration and American Stock Exchange listing.

 

The 2008 nine months ended September 30, the impairment expense was $63,766 versus $495,874 for the same period of 2007. The 2008 impairment expense was the remaining costs associated with a dry hole drilled in 2007 in the Wildwood project in Canada. Under the full cost accounting, the impairment is evaluated based on each cost center on a country by country basis.

 

Depreciation and depletion expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $1,326,099 as compared to $1,739,306 in the same period of 2007, which amounts primarily represent depletion of the oil and gas properties for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The 24% decrease was due to lower net production in the nine months period of 2008.

 

Income from operations totaled $907,217 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 as compared to loss from operations of $510,518 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase in the income from operations was due primarily to higher gas prices and lower expenses.

 

Other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 consisted of interest income in the amount of $73,609 and $94,362, respectively. The higher interest income in 2007 was due primarily to interest received on a note receivable. The note was repaid on June 29, 2007.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we incurred interest expense of $-0- and $271,071, respectively. We had no outstanding debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 since all loans were paid in full in October 2007.

 

Net income before taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $980,826 as compared to net loss before taxes of $687,227 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. The increase in net income during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was primarily due to higher gas price and lower expenses.

 

Income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 was $15,630 compared to $2,300 in the same period of 2007. The increased income tax expense was due to alternative minimum tax incurred in the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

Recent Developments

 

In 2005 we secured a commitment from Madisonville Gas Processing, LP (“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 October 2007, MGP informed us that they had partially completed construction of the additional treating facilities.  Subsequently in November 2007, MGP commenced phase-in of the additional treating capacity reaching a temporary peak inlet volume of 21 mmcf/d out of the total contracted 50 mmcf/d design capacity at such facilities. However, operations at the additional treating facilities were suspended by MGP in December 2007 in order to make the necessary modifications to 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 previously obtained a detail laboratory composition analysis of the diamondoids, conducted a pilot test of a diamondoid removal process at the field level and is currently designing modifications to the operating system.  MGP indicates that removal of the diamondoids will require flowing the natural gas stream through a hydrocarbon contactor after the gas stream has had the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide removed.  Through this contactor process, the hydrocarbons will absorb the diamondoids from the gas stream prior to entry into the nitrogen removal tower.  In the meantime, the existing, in service portion of the plant continues to treat inlet gas.

 

On February 26, 2008, our subsidiary, South Texas GeoPetro LLC, entered into a participation agreement wherein it acquired a 15% non-operated working interest in the South Dry Hollow Prospect, which is located in Lavaca County, Texas. On February 25, 2008, the Company paid a $150,000 prospect fee and advanced $1.1 million to drill the Eichhorn #1 Well. The Eichorn #1 Well was drilled to a depth of approximately 16,650 feet and is currently being evaluated for production.

 

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On April 25, 2008, an officer and director exercised options to purchase 750,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share. The options had an expiration date of April 30, 2008.

 

On July 2, 2008, we issued 83,676 shares of our common stock pursuant to a cashless exercise of 175,125 common stock warrants.

 

On July 31, 2008, we entered into a third amendment with Pioneer Oil Company (“Pioneer”).  Per the terms of the amendment, the Company paid Pioneer the sum of $1,168,093 on August 7, 2008, which represents the second and final payment for leases comprising 116,806 acres onshore in Cook Inlet, Alaska.  The amendment further provided that the work program requiring $2.5 million in expenditures by GeoPetro has been eliminated in its entirety.

 

On October 14, 2008, we amended the lease for our principal executive office located at One Maritime Plaza, Suite 700, San Francisco, CA 94111, to extend the term of the sublease for an additional one (1) year and two (2) months and the new expiration day is April 30, 2010.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We had a working capital surplus of $910,201 at September 30, 2008 versus $3,361,853 at December 31, 2007. Our working capital decreased during nine months ended September 30, 2008 due primarily to our participation in the drilling of a well in South Texas and the final payment to Pioneer to secure the leases in Cook Inlet, Alaska.

 

We have historically financed our business activities principally through issuances of common shares, promissory notes and common share purchase warrants in private placements and an initial public offering. However, during the nine months ended September 30, 2008, we had minor financing activities. These financings are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

 

Proceeds from sale of common shares and warrant exercises, net

 

$

375,000

 

$

7,825,608

 

Proceeds from promissory notes

 

 

1,000,000

 

Payments of loan fee

 

 

(57,000

)

Repayments of promissory notes

 

 

(100,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

$

375,000

 

$

8,668,608

 

 

The net proceeds of our equity financings have been primarily invested in oil and natural gas properties totaling $5,345,519 and $2,644,002 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

Our cash balance at September 30, 2008 was $2,965,142 compared to a cash balance of $4,294,565 at December 31, 2007. The change in our cash balance is summarized as follows:

 

Cash balance at December 31, 2007

 

$

4,294,565

 

Sources of cash:

 

 

 

Cash provided by operating activities

 

3,645,401

 

Cash provided by financing activities

 

375,000

 

Total sources of cash including cash on hand

 

8,314,966

 

 

 

 

 

Uses of cash:

 

 

 

Cash used in investing activities:

 

 

 

Oil and natural gas property expenditures

 

(5,345,519

)

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

(4,305

)

Total uses of cash

 

(5,349,824

)

 

 

 

 

Cash balance at September 30, 2008

 

$

2,965,142

 

 

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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 2008/2009” for a description of our expected capital expenditures for 2008. 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. Due to the tight credit markets and downturn in the stock market, such capital through the sale of our equity or borrowing may not be available, or if available, may be on unfavorable terms.  As noted in the annual report on form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 in “Recent Developments,” we periodically borrowed funds pursuant to short term promissory notes to finance our activities.

 

As discussed in the “Outlook for 2008/2009”, we are forecasting capital expenditures of $29.2 million during 2008/2009. We will need to obtain adequate sources of cash to fund our anticipated capital expenditures through the end of 2008/2009 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 farm-out certain of our projects.  As noted in the previous paragraph, the tight credit markets and downturn in the stock market may impair our ability to generate additional financing.

 

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 the remainder of 2008 and future periods. In addition, exploratory and development drilling is scheduled during 2008 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.

 

forfeit our interest in wells that are proposed to be drilled;

 

 

 

2.

 

farm-out our interest in proposed wells;

 

 

 

3.

 

sell a portion of our interest in prospects and use the sale proceeds to fund our participation for a lesser interest; and

 

 

 

4.

 

reduce general and administrative expenses.

 

We will continue to analyze the potential effects of the global economic downturn on our business and prospects and our ability to generate additional financing.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

We have assumed various contractual obligations and commitments in the normal course of our operations and financing activities.  We have described these obligations and commitments in our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.  There were no material changes to our contractual obligations since December 31, 2007, except as mentioned herein in “Recent Developments.”

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

From time to time, we enter into off-balance sheet arrangements and transactions that can give rise to off-balance sheet obligations. As of September 30, 2008, 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 2008.

 

Outlook for 2008/2009

 

Depending on capital availability, we are forecasting capital spending of up to approximately $29.2 million during the year(s) 2008/2009, allocated as follows:

 

1.

 

Madisonville Project, Madison County, Texas. Approximately $16.5 million may be expended in the Madisonville Field area as follows: $1.5 million toward the fracture stimulation and hook up costs of the Wilson Well and $15.0 million toward the drilling of a deep well.

 

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2.

 

Central Alberta Project. Up to approximately $2.7 million may be expended to drill an exploratory well in the Swan Hills Prospect.

 

 

 

3.

 

Cook Inlet, Alaska. Up to $5.0 million may be expended toward the drilling and completion of one exploratory well and an additional $2.0 million to be utilized for land acquisition and geologic and geophysical costs.

 

 

 

4.

 

Indonesia. Up to $3.0 million may be expended toward the drilling, completion and testing of wells as well as the acquisition of seismic data in the Bengara II PSC as well as acquisition costs associated with new ventures.

 

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 expenditure listed above. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

We expect commodity prices to be volatile, reflecting the current tight supply and demand fundamentals for North American natural gas and world crude oil. Political events around the world, which are difficult to predict, will continue to influence both oil and gas prices.

 

Impact of Inflation & Changing Prices

 

We are highly dependent upon natural gas pricing.  Higher prices for oil and gas often lead to higher levels of drilling activity which in turn lead to higher costs to explore, develop and acquire oil and gas reserves due to greater competition for resources and supplies. These higher 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.  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 $7.5 million in 2008 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. We refer you to the corresponding section in Part II, Item 7 and the notes to the consolidated financial statements of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for the description of critical accounting policies and estimates.

 

Risks and Uncertainties

 

There are a number of risks that face participants in the U.S., Canadian and international oil and natural gas industry, including a number of risks that face us in particular. Accordingly, there are risks involved in an ownership of our securities. See “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as well as the risk factors set forth herein for a description of the principal risks faced by us in addition to the risk factor described below.

 

Risks associated with recent economic trends could adversely affect our financial performance.

 

As widely reported, the global financial markets have been experiencing extreme disruption in recent months, including severely diminished liquidity and credit availability. Concurrently, economic weakness has begun to accelerate globally. We believe these conditions have not materially impacted our financial position as of September 30, 2008 or liquidity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. However, our financial condition and performance could be negatively impacted if either of these conditions exists 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 U.S. and the world.

 

Item 3. 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 East Texas region. Prices received for natural gas are volatile and unpredictable and are beyond our control. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, a 10% change in the prices received for natural gas production would have had an approximate $700,000 impact on our revenues.

 

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 nine montshs ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the third quarter ended September 30, 2008, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in such reports is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

During the most recent fiscal quarter, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

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.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

As of the date of this filing, except as set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, referred to as our 2007 Annual Report. An investment in our securities involves various risks. When considering an investment in our company, you should consider carefully all of the risk factors described in our 2007 Annual Report as well as the risk factors set forth herein. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing us and there may be additional matters that we are unaware of or that we currently consider immaterial.

 

Risks associated with recent economic trends could adversely affect our financial performance.

 

As widely reported, the global financial markets have experienced extreme disruption in recent months, including severely diminished liquidity and credit availability. Concurrently, economic weakness has begun to accelerate globally. We believe these conditions have not materially impacted our financial position as of September 30, 2008 or liquidity for the nine months ended September 30, 2008; however, our financial condition and performance could be negatively impacted if either of these conditions exists 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 U.S. and the world.

 

In the future we may need to raise capital, and due to the tight credit markets and downturn in the stock market, funds may not be available, or may be available only on unfavorable terms. Due to the recent decrease in our stock price, we may have 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.  We have scheduled exploratory and development drilling during 2008 and future periods on our undeveloped properties. It is anticipated that these exploration 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 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.

 

forfeit our interest in wells that we propose to drill;

 

 

 

2.

 

farm-out our interest in proposed wells;

 

 

 

3.

 

sell a portion of our interest in prospects and use the sale proceeds to fund our participation for a lesser interest; and

 

 

 

4.

 

reduce general and administrative expenses.

 

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

 

Unregistered Sales of Securities

 

On April 29, 2008, we issued 750,000 shares of common stock to an officer and director, an accredited investor, pursuant to an exercise of stock options at $0.50 per share for proceeds of $375,000.  These shares were issued pursuant to Rule 701 promulgated

 

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under the Securities Act, in that they were offered and sold pursuant to a written contract relating to compensation, as provided by Rule 701. On July 2, 2008, we issued 83,676 shares of common stock pursuant to a cashless exercise of 175,125 common stock warrants. These shares were issued pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D without payment of underwriting discounts or commissions to any person.

 

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 4,301,355 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 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 $10,008,955, which we expect to use for general working capital purposes and the drilling of wells in our Texas, Alaska, California, Canadian and Indonesian prospects.

 

If less than the $10,008,955 proceeds are realized from the exercise of such warrants and options, the proceeds will be spent in the following order of priority:

 

1.

 

Alaska Cook Inlet Project, up to approximately $5.0 million will be expended for the drilling of pilot program wells.

 

 

 

2.

 

Madisonville Project, Madison County, Texas. Up to approximately $5 million will be expended in the Madisonville Field area towards the drilling and completion of one deep exploratory well location to an estimated depth of 18,000 feet.

 

 

 

3.

 

General working capital.

 

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.

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of the Security Holders.

 

On June 27, 2008, the Company held its annual stockholders meeting. The Board proposed, and the shareholders approved, (i) the election of each of the Company’s Directors for an additional term of one year to expire at the Company’s next Annual Meeting and (ii) ratification of the appointment of Hein & Associates, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. The number or votes cast for and against, or withheld, as to each Director and for the Ratification of Hein & Associates, LLP were as follows:

 

 

 

Stuart J.

 

David V.

 

J. Chris

 

Thomas D.

 

David G.

 

Nick

 

Jeffrey

 

 

 

Doshi

 

Creel

 

Steinhauser

 

Cunningham

 

Anderson

 

DeMare

 

Friedman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares in Favor

 

17,573,661

 

17,436,225

 

17,461,325

 

17,562,955

 

17,632,955

 

17,578,955

 

17,972,705

 

Shares Withheld

 

1,023,231

 

1,160,667

 

1,135,567

 

1,033,937

 

963,937

 

1,017,937

 

627,187

 

 

Ratification of the appointment of Hein & Associates, LLP:

 

For: 18,501,892

 

 

 

Against: 94,000

 

 

 

Abstain: 1,000

 

 

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Item 5.  Other Information.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1 (2)

 

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of GeoPetro Resources Company

 

 

 

3.2 (8)

 

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

 

 

 

5.1 (6)

 

Opinion of Greene Radovsky Maloney Share & Hennigh LLP

 

 

 

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 September 15, 2000, May 12, 2003 and January 1, 2005

 

 

 

10.11 (2)†

 

J. Chris Steinhauser Employment Agreement, Dated September 19, 2000 and amendments dated December 12, 2002 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

 

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10.22 (6)

 

Promissory Note to Stuart Doshi dated February 12, 2007

 

 

 

10.23 (7)†

 

Third Amendment to J. Chris Steinhauser Employment Agreement dated December 18, 2007

 

 

 

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.

 


(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 September 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 Exhibit 10.14 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-135485) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2006, 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 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.

 

 

 

(8)

 

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 April 25, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference.

 

 

 

 

Indicates a management or compensatory plan or arrangement

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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 November 14, 2008.

 

 

GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Stuart J. Doshi

 

 

Stuart J. Doshi

 

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ J. Chris Steinhauser

 

 

J. Chris Steinhauser

 

 

Vice President of Finance and

 

 

Chief Financial Officer, Principal

 

 

Accounting Officer and Director

 

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