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 March 31, 2012

 

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)

 

150 California Street, Suite 600

 

 

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 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 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 o

 

Smaller reporting company x

(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 45,253,101 shares of no par value common stock outstanding on May 15, 2012.

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

3

 

 

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

10

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

15

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

15

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

16

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

16

 

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds

16

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

17

 

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

17

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

17

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

18

 

 

SIGNATURES

19

 

2



 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

March 31,

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

356,498

 

$

916,741

 

Trade accounts receivable—oil and gas sales

 

72,417

 

165,160

 

Accounts receivable—other

 

5,460

 

5,560

 

Prepaid expenses

 

77,073

 

88,931

 

Total current assets

 

511,448

 

1,176,392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Unproved properties

 

7,037,136

 

6,931,499

 

Proved properties

 

52,977,232

 

52,977,232

 

Gas processing plant, at cost

 

5,533,910

 

5,533,910

 

Less—accumulated depletion, depreciation, and impairment

 

(41,004,612

)

(40,823,082

)

Net oil and gas properties

 

24,543,666

 

24,619,559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

38,893

 

42,288

 

Other assets

 

44,600

 

44,600

 

Total Assets

 

$

25,138,607

 

$

25,882,839

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Trade payables

 

$

1,009,843

 

$

969,617

 

Current portion of notes payable

 

53,769

 

1,197,385

 

Note payable related party

 

100,000

 

 

Interest payable

 

46,697

 

16,570

 

Dividends payable

 

629,311

 

548,411

 

Other taxes payable

 

26,123

 

164,796

 

Royalty owners payable

 

335,818

 

338,713

 

Total current liabilities

 

2,201,561

 

3,235,492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long Term Notes Payable

 

2,579,833

 

1,423,707

 

Asset Retirement Obligations

 

75,000

 

75,000

 

Other Long Term Liabilities

 

74,150

 

75,750

 

Total Liabilities

 

4,930,544

 

4,809,949

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

Series B preferred stock, no par value; 7,523,000 shares authorized; 5,423,000 shares issued and outstanding. Liquidation preference of $4,067,250.

 

3,873,602

 

3,873,602

 

Common stock, no par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 45,253,101 and 44,253,101 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.

 

58,975,579

 

58,725,579

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

4,038,472

 

3,942,640

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(46,679,590

)

(45,468,931

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

20,208,063

 

21,072,890

 

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

$

25,138,607

 

$

25,882,839

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements

 

3



 

GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Revenues

 

 

 

 

 

Natural gas sales

 

$

351,082

 

$

401,349

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Plant operating

 

673,861

 

717,055

 

Lease operating

 

70,912

 

72,623

 

General and administrative

 

486,083

 

598,421

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

184,925

 

127,943

 

Total costs and expenses

 

1,415,781

 

1,516,042

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

(1,064,699

)

(1,114,693

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Income (Expense)

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(67,342

)

(224,577

)

Interest income

 

152

 

131

 

Other income

 

2,130

 

 

Total other income (expense)

 

(65,060

)

(224,446

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss

 

(1,129,759

)

(1,339,139

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend

 

(80,900

)

(111,230

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss Applicable to Common Shareholders

 

$

(1,210,659

)

$

(1,450,369

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loss Per Common Share Basic and Diluted

 

$

(0.03

)

$

(0.04

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding basic and diluted

 

44,362,991

 

39,750,530

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

 

2012

 

2011

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,129,759

)

$

(1,339,139

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

184,925

 

127,943

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

94,223

 

107,619

 

Non-cash interest expense

 

14,119

 

38,992

 

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations

 

 

424

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable — oil and gas sales

 

92,743

 

14,868

 

Other assets

 

11,958

 

21,634

 

Current liabilities

 

(71,215

)

(404,878

)

Other long term liabilities

 

(1,600

)

6,000

 

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(804,606

)

(1,426,537

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to oil and gas properties

 

(105,637

)

(84,359

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(105,637

)

(84,359

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of common shares and warrants

 

250,000

 

922,648

 

Proceeds from related party note

 

100,000

 

125,000

 

Repayments of notes payable

 

 

(175,000

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

350,000

 

872,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

(560,243

)

(638,248

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

916,741

 

947,863

 

End of period

 

$

356,498

 

$

309,615

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for interest

 

$

23,096

 

$

306,317

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Cash Transactions

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of warrants in connection with promissory notes and private placements

 

$

41,679

 

$

215,730

 

Dividends on preferred stock

 

$

80,900

 

$

111,230

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Preferred Stock
Series B

 

Common Stock

 

Additional Paid-

 

Accumulated

 

Total
Shareholders’

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

in Capital

 

Deficit

 

Equity

 

Balances, January 1, 2012

 

5,423,000

 

$

3,873,602

 

44,253,101

 

$

58,725,579

 

$

3,942,640

 

$

(45,468,931

)

$

21,072,890

 

Issuance of common stock and warrants for cash, net

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

250,000

 

 

 

250,000

 

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

94,223

 

 

94,223

 

Fair value of warrants issued in connection with notes payable

 

 

 

 

 

1,609

 

 

1,609

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,129,759

)

(1,129,759

)

Dividends on Series B preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

(80,900

)

(80,900

)

Balances, March 31, 2012

 

5,423,000

 

$

3,873,602

 

45,253,101

 

$

58,975,579

 

$

4,038,472

 

$

(46,679,590

)

$

20,208,063

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

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, 2011.

 

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. 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.

 

2.                LIQUIDITY

 

As of March 31, 2012, we had a working capital deficit of $1,690,113, and for the three months ended March 31, 2012, our cash used in operating activities amounted to $804,606.  We estimate that our investment needs during the remainder of fiscal year 2012 will amount to $2,345,000 related to our natural gas properties within the Madisonville field, our California properties and our Canadian properties.  Our results of operations have resulted in an accumulated deficit of $46,679,590 from inception through the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

We hold working interests and overriding royalty 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.  We plan further leasehold acquisitions and seismic operations for the remainder of fiscal year 2012 and future periods.  Exploratory and developmental drilling is scheduled during the remainder of fiscal 2012 and future periods on our undeveloped properties.  We will need additional financing to continue our operations and our planned development activities. If additional financing is not available, we will be compelled to reduce the scope of our business activities.  If we are unable to fund our operating cash flow needs and planned capital investments, it may be necessary to farm-out our interest in proposed wells, sell a portion of our interest in prospects, sell a portion of our interest in our producing oil and gas properties, reduce general and administrative expenses, or a combination of all of these factors. Further, we have debt service and lease obligations that will require cash payments.

 

In April 2012, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Redwood Energy Production, L.P., elected to temporarily shut-in its natural gas production at the Madisonville Field, Madison County, Texas in light of depressed natural gas prices.  The Company will monitor market conditions and bring its natural gas production back on stream as market conditions warrant. For the three months ended March 31, 2012, 100% of the Company’s revenue was derived from the natural gas production in the Madisonville Field.

 

As a result of the Company’s liquidity issues, it may be required to sell certain assets or raise capital with terms that may not be as favorable as might otherwise be available.

 

3.                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.

 

7



 

Diluted net loss per common share is computed in the same manner, but also considers the effect of common stock shares underlying the following:

 

 

 

As of

 

 

 

March 31,
2012

 

March 31,
2011

 

Stock options

 

2,770,000

 

2,895,000

 

Warrants

 

5,894,044

 

5,057,229

 

Convertible preferred stock, Series B

 

5,423,000

 

7,503,000

 

 

All of the common shares underlying the stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock, Series B above were excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and March 31, 2011 respectively because their effects were considered antidilutive.

 

4.                OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES

 

There were no material changes to oil and gas properties from those disclosed in the audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 other than those discussed below.

 

In April 2012, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Redwood Energy Production, L.P., elected to temporarily shut-in its natural gas production at the Madisonville Field, Madison County, Texas in light of depressed natural gas prices.  The Company will monitor market conditions and bring its natural gas production back on stream as market conditions warrant.

 

5.                DEBT

 

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 debt consisted of the following:

 

 

 

March 31,
2012

 

December 31,
2011

 

Current

 

 

 

 

 

Promissory notes (b)

 

$

75,000

 

$

1,225,000

 

Related party note (a)

 

100,000

 

 

Less discount on promissory notes

 

(21,231

)

(27,615

)

Net current notes payable

 

153,769

 

1,197,385

 

Long Term

 

 

 

 

 

Promissory notes (b)

 

1,740,000

 

590,000

 

Bridge notes

 

900,000

 

900,000

 

Less discount on promissory notes

 

(60,167

)

(66,293

)

Net long term notes payable

 

2,579,833

 

1,423,707

 

Total

 

$

2,733,602

 

$

2,621,092

 

 


(a)         In March 2012, Stuart J. Doshi, President and CEO, advanced to the Company a loan in the amount of $100,000.  The note bears interest at 10% per annum and is payable on demand.  In connection with this note, the Company agreed to issue 20,000 warrants to purchase our common stock at $0.50 per share for a period of three years.  The fair value of the warrants issued was $1,609 (Note 8).  Interest expense accrued on this note for the three month period ending March 31, 2012 was $301.

 

(b)         In May 2012, the Company extended the maturities of five promissory notes totaling $1,150,000 to January 2014 and two promissory notes totaling $365,000 to May 2014.  In connection with these extensions, the Company extended the warrants to purchase our common stock associated with the notes for an additional year and reduced the exercise price to purchase the common shares from $1.00 to $0.50 per share.

 

8



 

6.                INCOME TAXES

 

The effective income tax rates for the three month period ending March 31, 2012 were negligible, primarily due to adjustments to the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

 

7.                STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

In March 2012, we completed a unit sale through a private placement transaction to an individual accredited investor. Units were priced at $0.25 per unit, and each unit consisted of one share of no par value common stock, and a one-half common share purchase warrant. Each one whole warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.50 for a period of three years. The total aggregate purchase price for the units sold was $250,000, and represented the sale of 1,000,000 common shares and 500,000 warrants (Note 8).  We agreed to grant “piggyback” registration rights to the investor with respect to the shares of common stock and common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants which the investor acquired in the transaction.

 

8.                COMMON STOCK WARRANTS

 

In March 2012, we agreed to issue 20,000 warrants to purchase our common shares at $0.50 per share in connection with the issuance of a note payable to Stuart J. Doshi, President and CEO, for $100,000 (Note 5). The warrants expire on March 20, 2015.  The total fair value of the warrants as calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model was $1,609.  Key assumptions used in valuing the warrants included: an estimated dividend yield of 0%, volatility of 91.97%, an estimated risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the date of grant of 0.62% and an expected life of three years.

 

In March 2012, we agreed to issue 500,000 warrants to purchase our common shares at $0.50 per share in conjunction with a private placement of our common stock (Note 7). The warrants expire on March 21, 2015.  The total fair value of the warrants as calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model was $40,070.  Key assumptions used in valuing the warrants included: an estimated dividend yield of 0%, volatility of 90.87%, an estimated risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the date of grant of 0.58% and an expected life of three years.

 

As of March 31, 2012 we have reserved 5,894,044 shares of common stock for the exercise of our stock purchase warrants.

 

9.                SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

We have evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in the consolidated financials statements or disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, except as disclosed below:

 

In April 2012, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Redwood Energy Production, L.P., elected to temporarily shut-in its natural gas production at the Madisonville Field, Madison County, Texas in light of depressed natural gas prices.  The Company will monitor market conditions and bring its natural gas production back on stream as market conditions warrant.

 

In May 2012, the Company extended the maturities of five promissory notes totaling $1,150,000 to January 2014 and two promissory notes totaling $365,000 to May 2014.  In connection with these extensions, the Company extended the warrants to purchase our common stock associated with the notes for an additional year and reduced the exercise price to purchase the common shares from $1.00 to $0.50 per share.

 

9



 

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, geological, geophysical and engineering risks and uncertainties, 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”, 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 249,042 gross (35,126 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 all of our revenues for 2012. We expect the majority of our capital expenditures for the remainder of 2012 will be for the Madisonville Project. Considering our liquidity issues, we may have to raise capital or sell assets on less favorable terms than may otherwise be available in order to accomplish our goals.

 

Results of Operations

 

The financial information with respect to the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 as discussed below is unaudited. In the opinion of management, such information contains all adjustments (consisting primarily 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.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31,
2012

 

March 31,
2011

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

(unaudited)

 

Consolidated Statement of Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

351,082

 

$

401,349

 

Plant operating

 

673,861

 

717,055

 

Lease operating

 

70,912

 

72,623

 

General and administrative

 

486,083

 

598,421

 

Depreciation and depletion

 

184,925

 

127,943

 

Loss from operations

 

(1,064,699

)

(1,114,693

)

Net loss

 

(1,129,759

)

(1,339,139

)

Net loss applicable to common shareholders

 

$

(1,210,659

)

$

(1,450,369

)

 

10



 

Revenue and Operating Trends

 

Subject to capital availability, we plan to workover the Mitchell #1 well and to frac and connect via gathering line the Wilson #1 well during fiscal 2012. Once the above production enhancements are completed, the Company expects the combined Rodessa formation production to increase from current rates.  The Company hopes to continue to realize both intermediate and long term cost and operating efficiencies generated by consolidating the upstream and midstream portions of the Madisonville Project under common ownership.  We will continue to explore other long term cost savings and efficiency measures at the natural gas treatment plant.  Future plans are to expand the plant capacity from the current design capacity of 18 MMcf/d to 30 MMcf/d.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we did not generate sufficient revenues to cover the plant operating expenses and lease operating expenses in our Madisonville Project.  This was due to low production volumes, high shrinkage rates in the gas plant and low natural gas prices.

 

In April 2012, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Redwood Energy Production, L.P., elected to temporarily shut-in its natural gas production at the Madisonville Field, Madison County, Texas in light of currently depressed natural gas prices caused by the oversupply of natural gas and the abnormally warm winter weather which has reduced the demand for natural gas.  The Company plans to resume its natural gas production from the Madisonville Field when natural gas prices recover from the recently depressed levels, thus providing a better economic return.  The Company will monitor market conditions and bring its natural gas production back on stream as market conditions warrant.

 

Industry Overview for the three months ended March 31, 2012

 

Natural gas prices have been volatile due to concerns surrounding the recent global financial crisis and a resultant decline in demand for natural gas, an increase in production from shale gas, and the relatively mild winter just completed. Fluctuations in the price for natural gas are closely associated with customer demand relative to the volumes produced and the level of inventory in underground storage. These factors have recently led to natural gas prices falling to 10-year lows.

 

Company Overview for the three months ended March 31, 2012

 

Our net loss applicable to common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $1,210,659. 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 March 31, 2012 of $46,679,590.  All of our natural gas sales for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were derived from our Madisonville Project, from three producing wells, the Magness #1 well, the Fannin #1 well and the Mitchell #1 well.

 

Comparison of Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011

 

Gross natural gas revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $351,082. During this 2012 period, the sales of gas from our wells amounted to 161,377 Mcf and our average natural gas price realized was $2.18 per Mcf. Gross natural gas revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $401,349. During this 2011 period, the sales of gas from our wells amounted to 106,946 Mcf and our average natural gas price realized was $3.75 per Mcf. Revenues decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the prior year period, despite a 51% increase in production volumes, due to a 42% decrease in natural gas prices.

 

Plant operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $673,861 as compared to $717,055 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in plant operating expense of $43,194 or 6% was primarily attributable to continued cost cutting measures at our facility.

 

Lease operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $70,912. Our net average lifting cost for this 2012 period was $0.44 per Mcf. Lease operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $72,623. Our net average lifting cost for this 2011 period was $0.68 per Mcf. The average lifting cost per Mcf in 2012 was lower due to higher production volumes while most of the lease operating expenses such as salaries, insurance, and ad valorem property taxes were fixed costs.

 

General and administrative expenses (“G&A”) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 were $486,083 as compared to $598,421 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in G&A of $112,338 or 19% was primarily attributable to reduced professional fees.

 

11



 

Depreciation, depletion and amortization expense (“DD&A”) for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $184,925 as compared to $127,943 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. These amounts primarily represent amortization of the oil and gas properties. The 45% increase was primarily attributable to higher production volumes.

 

The loss from operations for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $1,064,699 as compared to $1,114,693 for the three months ended March 31, 2011. The decrease in the loss from operations was primarily attributable to lower operating and administrative expenses.

 

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $67,342 as compared to $224,577 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The lower interest expense in the 2012 period was primarily attributable to the retirement of the Bank of Oklahoma debt in September 2011.

 

Recent Developments

 

In March 2012, Stuart J. Doshi, President and CEO, advanced to the Company a loan in the amount of $100,000.  The note bears interest at 10% per annum and is payable on demand.  In connection with the note, the Company agreed to issue 20,000 warrants to purchase our common stock.  Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.50 for a period of three years.

 

In March 2012, we completed a unit sale through a private placement transaction to an individual accredited investor. Units were priced at $0.25 per unit, and each unit consisted of one share of no par value common stock, and a one-half common share purchase warrant. Each one whole warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.50 for a period of three years. The total aggregate purchase price for the units sold was $250,000, and represented the sale of 1,000,000 common shares and 500,000 warrants.  We agreed to grant “piggyback” registration rights to the investor with respect to the shares of common stock and common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants which the investor acquired in the transaction.

 

In April 2012, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Redwood Energy Production, L.P., elected to temporarily shut-in its natural gas production at the Madisonville Field, Madison County, Texas in light of currently depressed natural gas prices caused by the oversupply of natural gas and the abnormally warm winter weather which has reduced the demand for natural gas.  We plan to resume our natural gas production from the Madisonville Field when natural gas prices recover from the recently depressed levels, thus providing a better economic return.  We will monitor market conditions and bring our natural gas production back on stream as market conditions warrant.

 

In April 2012, Nick DeMare indicated that he will not stand for reelection at this year’s Annual Meeting.  Mr. DeMare did not reference any disagreement with the Company on any matter.  Mr. DeMare indicated that he needed to resign in order to devote all of his attention to managing his own company and his other business interests.

 

In April 2012, in accordance with the provisions of the Company’s Bylaws, the Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution to reduce the size of the Board of Directors from 6 to 5 directors, effective upon the expiration of the current directors’ term of office.

 

In May 2012, the Company extended the maturities of five promissory notes totaling $1,150,000 to January 2014 and two promissory notes totaling $365,000 to May 2014.  In connection with these extensions, the Company extended the warrants to purchase our common stock associated with the notes for an additional year and reduced the exercise price to purchase the common shares from $1.00 to $0.50 per share.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We had a working capital deficit of $1,690,113 at March 31, 2012 versus $2,059,100 at December 31, 2011. Our working capital deficit decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2012 primarily due to the extension of five promissory notes, despite losses incurred in connection with natural gas operations. Due to the current natural gas commodity price environment, the results of our natural gas operations amounted to a loss of $1,064,699 for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

 

12



 

Our cash balance at March 31, 2012 was $356,498 as compared to $916,741 at December 31, 2011. The change in our cash balance is summarized as follows:

 

Cash balance at December 31, 2011

 

$

916,741

 

Sources of cash:

 

 

 

Cash provided by financing activities

 

350,000

 

Total sources of cash including cash on hand

 

1,266,741

 

Uses of cash:

 

 

 

Cash used in operating activities

 

(804,606

)

Cash used in investing activities

 

(105,637

)

Total uses of cash

 

(910,243

)

Cash balance at March 31, 2012

 

$

356,498

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities of $804,606 and $1,426,537 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, are attributable to our net loss adjusted for non-cash charges as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows and changes in working capital as discussed above.

 

We have historically financed our business activities principally through issuances of common shares, preferred shares, promissory notes and common share purchase warrants issued in private placements. These financings are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

March 31, 2012

 

March 31, 2011

 

Proceeds from sale of common shares

 

$

250,000

 

$

922,648

 

Proceeds from related party note

 

100,000

 

125,000

 

Repayment of notes payable

 

 

(175,000

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

$

350,000

 

$

872,648

 

 

The net proceeds of our equity and note financings have been primarily used to satisfy working capital requirements and to invest in oil and natural gas properties and the gas treatment plant. These investments totaled $105,637 and $84,359 for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

 

Our current cash and cash equivalents and anticipated cash flow from operations will not be sufficient to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the foreseeable future.  Additional financing is required to carry out our business plan.  See “Outlook for 2012 Capital” for a description of our expected capital expenditures for the year of 2012. 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. We periodically borrow funds through the issuance of short and long term promissory notes to finance our activities.

 

As discussed in the “Outlook for 2012 Capital”, we are forecasting capital expenditures of $2.3 million during the remainder of 2012. We will need to obtain adequate sources of cash to fund these anticipated capital expenditures, to fund ongoing operations and to follow through with our plans for continued investments in oil and gas properties. Our success, in part, depends on our ability to generate additional financing and/or farmout certain of our projects.  Additionally, as a result of the current economic conditions, the Company may have difficulty raising sufficient funds to meet our projected funding requirements.

 

We hold working interests and overriding royalty interest 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.  We plan further leasehold acquisitions and seismic operations for the remainder of 2012 and future periods.  Exploratory and developmental drilling is scheduled during 2012 and future periods on our undeveloped properties.  We are attempting to raise additional cash through the sale or farmout of certain of our unproved properties.  We also need to raise additional equity or enter into new borrowing arrangements to finance our operating deficit and our continued participation in planned activities. If additional financing is not available, we will be compelled to reduce the scope of our business activities.  If we are unable to fund our operating cash flow needs and planned capital investments, it will be necessary to farm-out our interest in proposed wells, sell a portion of our interest in prospects, sell a portion of our interest in our producing oil and gas properties, sell all or a portion of our gas plant, reduce general and administrative expenses, or a combination of all of these factors. Further, we have debt service and lease obligations that will require cash payments.

 

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As a result of the Company’s liquidity issues, it may be required to sell certain assets or raise capital with terms that may not be as favorable as might otherwise be available.

 

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, 2011.  There were no material changes to our contractual obligations since December 31, 2011 except items described in “Recent Developments”.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

Financial Instruments

 

We currently have no natural gas price financial instruments or hedges in place.  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, or other gas financial instruments in 2012.

 

Outlook for 2012 Capital

 

Depending on capital availability, we are forecasting capital spending of up to approximately $2,345,000 during the remainder of fiscal 2012, allocated as follows:

 

1.                 Madisonville Project, Madison County, Texas — Approximately $2,095,000 may be expended in the Madisonville Field area as follows: $650,000 for the Mitchell well workover; $1,445,000 toward the fracture stimulation and hook up costs of the Wilson Well.

 

2.                  California — Approximately $100,000 to be utilized for land and permitting costs.

 

3.                  Canada – Approximately $150,000 to be utilized for permitting costs.

 

The Company also has future plans to expand the gas treatment plant at a cost of approximately $4,000,000.

 

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 its 2012 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.

 

Impact of Inflation & Changing Prices

 

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.

 

14



 

Changing prices have had a significant impact on costs for 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 2012 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, 2011 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, 2011 for a description of the principal risks faced by us.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Interest rates on future debt offerings could be higher than current levels, causing our financing costs to increase accordingly. We do not currently utilize hedging contracts to protect against interest rate risk.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman and our Principal Accounting 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 March 31, 2012.  Based on this evaluation, we have concluded that, as of March 31, 2012, 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 our Principal Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

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.

 

15



 

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, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, referred to as our 2011 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 2011 Annual Report. 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.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Unregistered Sales of Securities

 

In March 2012, Stuart J. Doshi, President and CEO, advanced to the Company a loan in the amount of $100,000.  In connection with the note, the Company agreed to issue 20,000 warrants to purchase our common stock.  Each warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.50 for a period of three years.

 

In March 2012, we completed a unit sale through a private placement transaction to an individual accredited investor. Units were priced at $0.25 per unit, and each unit consisted of one share of no par value common stock, and a one-half common share purchase warrant. Each one whole warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share at a price of $0.50 for a period of three years. The total aggregate purchase price for the units sold was $250,000, and represented the sale of 1,000,000 common shares and 500,000 warrants.  We agreed to grant “piggyback” registration rights to the investor with respect to the shares of common stock and common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants which the investor acquired in the transaction.

 

GeoPetro issued the aforementioned common shares and warrants in reliance on the exemption from registration provided for under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder. GeoPetro 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 purchasers, including the representations with respect to each purchaser’s status as an accredited investor, as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of the Securities Act, and each purchaser’s investment intent with respect to the securities purchased.  In addition, the Securities, which were taken for investment purposes and not for resale, were subject to restrictions on transfer.  We did not engage in any public advertising or general solicitation in connection with this transaction, and we provided the investors with disclosure of all aspects of our business, including providing the investor with our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other financial, business and corporate information.  Based on our investigation, we believed that the accredited investors obtained all information regarding the Company that they requested, received answers to all questions posed and otherwise understood the risks of accepting our Securities for investment purposes.

 

Use of Proceeds

 

Proceeds realized will be spent in the following order of priority by the Company:

 

(1)                    Debt Service

 

(2)                    General Working Capital

 

(3)                    Madisonville Project, Madison County

 

(4)                    California Project

 

16



 

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. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

17



 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

 

 

 

 

 

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 Principal Accounting Officer.

 

 

 

32.1 (1)

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer of GeoPetro Resources Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350.

 

 

 

101 (1)

 

The following materials from the GeoPetro Resources Company Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (iv) related notes, tagged as blocks of text.

 


(1)         Furnished herewith

 

18



 

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 May 15, 2012.

 

 

GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Stuart J. Doshi

 

 

Stuart J. Doshi

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Dale W. Dvoracek

 

 

Dale W. Dvoracek

 

 

Principal Accounting Officer

 

 

19