f10q-033109.htm
 


 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009

Or

£
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: 000-51152

PETROHUNTER ENERGY CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
 
98-0431245
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)
     
1600 Stout Street
 
80202
Suite 2000, Denver, Colorado
 
(Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
   

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(303) 572-8900

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 R     No £

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yeso  No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small 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 £                                                                                   Accelerated filer £
Non-accelerated filer £                                                                                     Smaller reporting company R

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

As of April 30, 2009, the registrant had 375,468,544 shares of common stock outstanding.


 
 

 


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this Quarterly Report constitute “forward-looking statements”. These statements, identified by words such as “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “should”, “expect” and similar expressions include our expectations and objectives regarding our future financial position, operating results and business strategy. These statements reflect the current views of management with respect to future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from those described in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include those set forth under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report. We do not intend to update the forward-looking information to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting such forward-looking information. We advise you to carefully review the reports and documents we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

CURRENCIES

All amounts expressed herein are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.



 
2

 

PETROHUNTER ENERGY CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED
MARCH 31, 2009

INDEX

   
Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
4
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
18
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
23
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
24
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
26
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
26
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
26
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
26
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
26
Item 5.
Other Information
26
Item 6.
Exhibits
26
 
SIGNATURES
27
     
     

 
3

 

PETROHUNTER ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)

   
March 31,
2009
   
September 30,
2008
 
   
( $ in thousands)
 
ASSETS
 
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 874     $ 967  
Receivables
               
Oil and gas receivables, net
          193  
GST receivable
    240       504  
Other receivables
          12  
Due from related parties
    1,430       1,840  
Marketable securities, available for sale
    2,788       6,638  
Restricted marketable securities
    3,485       7,495  
Assets held for sale
    712        
Joint interest billings
    51        
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    62       273  
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    9,642       17,922  
                 
Oil and Gas Properties, at cost under full cost method
               
Unevaluated properties
    2,576       84,576  
Evaluated properties
    149,799       69,704  
Accumulated depreciation, depletion amortization, and impairment
    (149,799 )     (56,928 )
Net Oil and Gas Properties
    2,576       97,352  
                 
Property and Equipment, at cost
               
Furniture and equipment, net
    616       737  
Other Assets
               
Restricted cash
    524       524  
Deposits and other assets
    130       130  
Deferred financing costs
    776       1,388  
Intangible asset
          4,832  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 14,264     $ 122,885  
   
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
Current Liabilities
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 6,070     $ 11,981  
Notes payable — short-term
    202       329  
Notes payable — related party — short term-net
    47,440       3,572  
Accrued interest payable
    1,098       166  
Accrued interest payable — related parties
    2,403       969  
Contingent obligations
    8,805       4,832  
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    66,018       21,849  
                 
Long-Term Liabilities
               
Notes payable – related parties — net of discount
    106       38,035  
    Convertible notes payable — net of discounts
    611       325  
Asset retirement obligation
    612       114  
Other
    120        
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    67,467       60,323  
                 
Stockholders’ Equity
               
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 100,000,000 shares; none issued
           
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 1,000,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding  375,468,544 and 373,343,54 at March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008, respectively
    375       374  
Additional paid-in-capital
    214,630       212,308  
Other comprehensive loss
    (7,298 )     (632 )
Accumulated deficit
    (260,910 )     (149,488 )
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’EQUITY (DEFICIT)
    (53,203 )     62,562  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
  $ 14,264     $ 122,885  
See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

4


PETROHUNTER ENERGY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
   
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
   
Six Months Ended March 31, 2009
   
Six Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
         
($ in thousands)
       
Revenue
                       
   Oil and gas revenue
  $ -     $ 496     $ 120     $ 1,003  
   Other revenue
    -       150       1       150  
   Total Revenue
    -       646       121       1,153  
                                 
Costs and Expenses
                               
   Lease operating expenses
    188       140       586       240  
   General and administrative
    3,370       2,469       5,488       4,787  
   Impairment of oil and gas properties
    83,094       -       93,362       -  
   Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
    63       221       130       483  
   Impairment of intangible asset
    6,092       -       6,092       -  
   Total operating expenses
    92,807       2,830       105,658       5,510  
(Loss) From Operations
    (92,807 )     (2,184 )     (105,537 )     (4,357 )
                                 
Other Income(Expense)
                               
   Loss on conveyance of property
    -       -       (181 )     (11,875 )
   Gain on foreign exchange
    -       11       -       11  
   Interest income
    5       2       11       27  
   Interest expense
    (2,355 )     (2,574 )     (4,839 )     (5,359 )
   Loss on sale of securities
    -       (2,987 )     -       (2,987 )
   Transaction  loss
    -       -       (122 )     -  
Total Other Income (Expense)
    (2,350 )     (5,548 )     (5,131 )     (20,183 )
                                 
Net (Loss)
  $ (95,157 )   $ (7,732 )   $ (110,668 )   $ (24,540 )
                                 
Net (loss) per common share — basic and diluted
  $ (0.25 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.08 )
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic and diluted
    375,446       316,978       375,011       312,610  
 
See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
5

 
PETROHUNTER ENERGY CORPORATION
       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended March 31, 2009
   
Six Months Ended March 31, 2008
 
   
($ in thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
Net loss
  $ (110,668 )   $ (24,540 )
Adjustments used to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
               
Stock based compensation
    2,105       1,072  
Depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion
    130       483  
Impairment of oil and gas properties
    93,362       -  
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    612       1,020  
Impairment of contingent asset
    6,092       -  
        Amortization of debt discount and beneficial conversion feature
    1,377       1,180  
Loss on marketable securities
    -       2,987  
Loss on conveyance of property
    181       11,875  
Warrants issued to settle interest costs
    37       163  
Other adjustments to reconcile to net loss
    -       45  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables
    469       (315 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (226 )     70  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (150     1,898  
Due to shareholder and related parties
    410       -  
Net cash used in operating activities
    (6,269 )     (4,062 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Additions to oil and gas properties
    (1,628 )     (8,707 )
Proceeds from sale of oil and gas properties
    2,320       7,500  
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
    683       2,541  
Additions to furniture and equipment
    (6 )     (277 )
Restricted cash
    -       50  
Net cash provided by investing activities
    1,369       1,107  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Proceeds from the issuance of notes payable
    -       1,250  
Borrowing on short-term notes payable
    -       850  
Payments on short-term notes payable
    (93 )     (4,654 )
Proceeds from related party borrowings
    5,210       (519 )
Payments on related party borrowing
    (310 )     1,170  
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes
    -       6,330  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    4,807       4,427  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (93 )     1,472  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    967       120  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 874     $ 1,592  
                 
Supplemental schedule of cash flow information
               
Cash paid for interest
  $ 422     $ 16  

See accompanying notes to these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 
PETROHUNTER ENERGY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

Note 1 - Organization and Business Activities

The interim consolidated financial statements of PetroHunter Energy Corporation (“we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company”) are unaudited and contain all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim period presented. Results for interim period 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,  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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2008.

We are a global oil and gas exploration and production company committed to developing primarily unconventional natural gas and oil prospects.  As of March 31, 2009, we owned properties in Rio Blanco, Garfield and Mesa Counties Colorado, and in the Northern Territory, Australia.  We have drilled five wells on our 20,000 acre Buckskin Mesa property located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. All five wells are drilled and cased, and three of the five are completed and shut in. In the Southern Piceance Basin, we own 1,074 gross acres and 402 net acres located in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado.  During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we sold our working interests in eight wells which were operated by EnCana Oil & Gas USA (“EnCana”) with an effective date of December 1, 2008. In March, 2009 we sold our land position in Montana which included 15,991 net undeveloped acres in the Bear Creek area.   In Australia, we have an undivided 50% working interest in four exploration permits that comprise 7.0 million net acres. We have drilled one test well on our property in the Northern Territory.

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Accounting and Estimates – 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 PetroHunter Operating Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Inter-company accounts and transactions have been 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.  The computation of share based compensation expense requires assumptions such as volatility, expected life and the risk-free interest rate. Our estimates related to changes in the market value of securities held by the us requires reliance on several input variables including fluctuations in value of the US dollar versus foreign currencies,  and  it is at least reasonably possible these estimates could be revised in the near term, and these revisions could be material.

Going Concern - As reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, as of March 31, 2009, we have an accumulated deficit of $261 million and a working capital deficit of $56.4 million. As of March 31, 2009 we had no revenue producing assets. As noted in the report of the independent registered public accounting firm on our September 30, 2008 financial statements, these factors raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

Contingencies – In accounting for legal matters and other contingencies we follow the guidance in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies , under which loss contingencies are accounted for based upon the likelihood of an impairment of an asset or the occurrence of a liability. If a loss contingency is “probable” and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, it is accrued.  If a loss contingency is “probable” but the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, disclosure is made. If a loss contingency is “reasonably possible” disclosure is made, including a potential range of loss, if determinable. Loss contingencies that are “remote” are neither accounted for nor disclosed. Gain contingencies are given no accounting recognition until realized, but are disclosed if material.

7

Comprehensive Loss – Comprehensive loss consists of net loss and foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains or losses on restricted and unrestricted marketable securities held by us. Comprehensive loss is presented net of income taxes in the consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity and comprehensive loss.

Fair Value Measurements - In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements in order to establish a single definition of fair value and a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP that is intended to result in increased consistency and comparability in fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 also expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies whenever other authoritative literature requires (or permits) certain assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value, but does not expand the use of fair value. SFAS No. 157 was originally effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those years with early adoption permitted.
 
In early 2008, the FASB issued Staff Position (FSP) FAS-157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157,” which delays by one year, the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The delay pertains to items including, but not limited to, non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination, non-financial assets recorded at fair value at the time of donation, and long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment under SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.
 
The Company has adopted the portion of SFAS No. 157 that has not been delayed by FSP FAS-157-2 as of the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year, and plans to adopt the balance of its provisions as of the beginning of its 2010 fiscal year. Items carried at fair value on a recurring basis (to which SFAS No. 157 applies in fiscal 2009) consist of available for sale securities based on quoted prices in active or brokered markets for identical as well as similar assets.
 
Fair values of assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2009 included available for sale securities unrestricted and restricted, recorded at a fair value of $6.3 million which had quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (level 1) of $6.3 million.
 
Guarantees – As part of a Gas Gathering Agreement we have with CCES Piceance Partners I, LLC (“CCES”), we have guaranteed that, should there be a mutual failure to execute a formal agreement for long-term gas gathering services in the future, we will repay CCES for certain costs they have incurred in relation to the development of a gas gathering system and repurchase certain gas gathering assets we sold to CCES.  We have accounted for this guarantee using FASB Interpretation No. 45 as amended,  Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others  (“FIN 45”) ,  which requires us to recognize a liability for the obligations undertaken upon issuing the guarantee in order to have a more representative and faithful depiction of the guarantor’s liabilities.  As of March 31, 2009, we have recognized a $6.8 million contingent purchase obligation related to this guarantee. (See Note 11.)

Impairment – SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, requires long-lived assets to be held and used to be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We use the full cost method of accounting for our oil and gas properties. Properties accounted for using the full cost method of accounting are excluded from the impairment testing requirements under SFAS No. 144. Properties accounted for under the full cost method of accounting are instead subject to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 4-10, Financial Accounting and Reporting for Oil and Gas Producing Activities Pursuant to the Federal Securities Laws and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (“Rule 4-10”). Rule 4-10 requires that each regional cost center’s (by country) capitalized cost, less accumulated amortization and related deferred income taxes not exceed a cost center “ceiling”. The ceiling is defined as the sum of:

 
The present value of estimated future net revenues computed by applying current prices of oil and gas reserves to estimated future production of proved oil and gas reserves as of the balance sheet date less
 
 
8


 
 
estimated future expenditures to be incurred in developing and producing those proved reserves to be computed using a discount factor of 10%; plus
 
       The cost of properties not being amortized; plus

       The lower of cost or estimated fair value of unproven properties included in the costs being amortized; less

       Income tax effects related to differences between the book and tax basis of the properties.

If unamortized costs capitalized within a cost center, less related deferred income taxes, exceed the cost center ceiling, the excess is charged to expense. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2009, $83.1 million and $93.4 million in impairment was charged to expense. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, we recorded no impairment charge.

Loss Per Common Share – Basic loss per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss 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. Convertible equity instruments such as stock options and convertible debentures are excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as the effect of the assumed exercises would be anti-dilutive. The diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excluded potential common shares from stock options and warrants of approximately  180 million shares and 140 million shares for the periods ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Liquidity - We hold working interests in undeveloped leases, and foreign exploration permits and we have participated in seismic surveys and the drilling of test wells on undeveloped properties. Based on our current financial position,  only seismic and drilling activity that is necessary to maintain current status on our licenses in Australia are planned for the remainder of 2009. We anticipate future exploration activities 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.

Marketable Securities – We have received marketable equity securities as consideration from the sale of certain of interests in our oil and gas properties, and account for them in accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.  As the shares we have received are available for sale in the short term, or may be used as collateral for future borrowings, we have accounted for them by marking them to market with unrealized gains and losses reflected as a component of Other Comprehensive Income, until such gains or losses become realized, when they are then recognized in our statement of operations. In addition, in circumstances where significant price declines are experienced subsequent to the balance sheet date, we consider whether such declines are other than temporary, after considering our expected holding period, and may record a provision for impairment in the event we do not expect the value of the securities to recover from such a decline in market value. We consider our accounting for marketable securities to involve significant management judgment that is subject to estimation.

ReclassificationsCertain prior period amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated financial statements to conform with current period presentation. Such reclassifications have had no effect on the net loss.

Restricted Cash – Consists of certificates of deposit underlying letters of credit for exploration permits, state and local bonds and guarantees to vendors, as well as amounts received from a related party restricted for use in completing drilling on our Buckskin Mesa project.


9


Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2— “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” This FSP amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This FSP does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. The FSP shall be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this FSP will have on our financial statements.

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4— “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.” This FSP provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This FSP shall be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this FSP will have on our financial statements.


Supplemental Cash Flow Information.  Supplemental cash flow information for the six months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, is as follows: (unaudited) ( in $ thousands)
 
   
Six Months
Ended March 31,
2009
   
Six Months
Ended
March 31,
2008
 
             
Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities
           
Contracts for oil and gas properties
  $     $ (1,500 )
Shares issued for debt conversion
  $     $ 6,834  
Shares issued for commissions on offerings
  $     $ 56  
Shares issued in connection with investor relations
  $ 22     $  
Shares issued for property
  $     $ 9,000  
Shares returned on property conveyance
  $     $ (1,408 )
Warrants issued for debt
  $     $ 3,757  
Discount associated with beneficial conversion and detachable warrants
  $     $ 6,956  
Marketable securities received from sale of oil and gas properties
  $     $ 5,529  
Acquisition of oil and gas properties by exchange of joint
interest billings, oil and gas receivables and accounts payable
  $     $ 12,707  




10



Note 3 – Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities

As of March 31, 2009, long term restricted cash consists of $0.5 million in certificates of deposit underlying letters of credit for exploration permits, state and local bonds and guarantees to vendors.

As of March 31, 2009, we have recorded $2.8 million in available for sale marketable securities, and $3.5 million in restricted marketable securities on our consolidated balance sheet. Included in these amounts are 26.1 million shares of Falcon Oil and Gas Ltd. (“Falcon”) common stock received in connection with the sale of a 50% interest in our four exploration permits in Australia in October 2008.

The Falcon shares have been classified as follows as of March 31, 2009:

14.5 million shares are held in escrow at the direction of Falcon, and serve as collateral against $5 million we have borrowed from Falcon.

11.6 million shares have been made available for use as collateral against future borrowings.

Note 4 — Oil and Gas Properties

Oil and gas properties consisted of the following ($ in thousands):

   
March 31,
2009
   
September 30,
2008
 
Oil and gas properties, at cost, full cost method
 
(unaudited)
       
Unproved United States
  $ -     $ 82,040  
Unproved Australia
    2,576       2,536  
Proved, United States
    149,799       69,704  
      152,375       154,280  
Less accumulated  depreciation, depletion, amortization and impairment
    (149,799 )     (56,928 )
Total
  $ 2,576     $ 97,352  

During the three-and six-month fiscal periods ended March 31, 2009, we have reclassified approximately $71.9 million in costs from unproved to proved properties within the US full cost pool.  The costs are associated with the Jolley and Buckskin Mesa areas.  The Company’s partner in the five Buckskin Mesa, Falcon chose not to exercise its option to participate in an additional 50% interest in the play rendering us unable to meet the capital obligations necessary to develop the acreage for mineral extraction. Thus we have recorded additional impairment in the amount of $83.1 million during the period ended March 31, 2009.

The following is a summary of depreciation, depletion, amortization and accretion, as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations (including depletion and amortization of oil and gas properties per thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalent) for the six months ended ($ in thousands, except per thousand cubic feet):

   
March 31, 2009
   
March 31, 2008
 
             
Depletion and amortization of oil and gas properties
  $ 8     $ 351  
Depreciation of furniture and equipment
    121       131  
Accretion of asset retirement obligation
    4       2  
Gain on asset retirement obligation
    (3 )     -  
Total
  $ 130     $ 484  
Depletion and amortization per thousand cubic feet of natural gas equivalent
  $ 2.59     $ 1.86  

Due to our lack of working capital our ability to extract minerals associated with the assets in the US full cost pool became non-feasible.  As of March 31, 2009 the US full cost pool was fully impaired; therefore no depletion calculation was necessary. We recorded an impairment of $83.0 million and $93.4 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2009.  For the six months ended March 31, 2008 there was no impairment loss recorded.

11

Included below is the description of significant oil and gas properties and their current status.

PICEANCE BASIN, COLORADO

Buckskin Mesa Project.  As of March 31, 2009, we have drilled five wells within our 20,000-acre Buckskin Mesa Project area.  All five wells are drilled and cased, and three of the five are completed and shut in. The first PetroHunter operated well, the Anderson 6-16, was drilled to a total depth of 10,785 feet through the Williams Fork, Cozzette, Corcoran, and Sego sands into the Cretaceous Mancos Shale. The initial well was followed in close succession with the drilling of the Anderson 13-10, the Lake 16-21, Anderson 4-21, and the Lake 6-22 wells. Completion operations have begun on the Lake 16-21, Lake 6-22, and the Anderson 6-16 wells.  Due to our financial position this play was deemed economically unfeasible as of March 31, 2009.

Piceance Project. We own an additional 1,074 gross acres and 402 net acres in the Piceance Basin. During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we sold our 50% working interests in our 8 producing wells located in this area of Garfield, and Mesa Counties, Colorado for $2.3 million.  Related to this sale, we have recorded a loss on the conveyance during the six months ended March 31, 2009 of approximately $0.2 million.

AUSTRALIA

Northwest Shelf Project. In March 2007, Sweetpea Petroleum (“Sweetpea”) acquired Exploration Permit #WA-393-P in the Barrow Sub-Basin of the Carnavon Basin on the Northwest Shelf of Australia.  Subsequently, Sweetpea acquired the available seismic on and adjacent to the permit and mapped four stratigraphic horizons. Initial seismic mapping of the permit area demonstrates three structures: one structure entirely on the block and two partially on the block in water depths of approximately 600 feet. These structures are within about 80 kilometers of the major discovery in the Triassic Mungaroo Formation at the Chevron Clio-1 well on the Northwest Shelf in this basin, which occur in deeper water depths of about 3,000 feet. Additional geophysical analysis and mapping are ongoing on the block. As of March 31, 2009, our permit has expired, we have requested a two year extension and are currently awaiting a response from the Australian government.

Beetaloo Basin Project. Sweetpea also has four exploration permits in the Northern Territory, comprising the Beetaloo Basin Project. In September 2007, Sweetpea drilled and cased one well the Shenandoah #1 to a total depth of 1,555 meters (4,740 feet) in the area covered by Exploration Permit (“EP”) 98 in the Beetaloo Basin. The test was a twin (50 meter distance) from the Balmain #1 well and was designed to test the Bessie Creek Formation at a depth of approximately 3,000 meters. The well was completed to the drilled depth of 1,555 meters and cased, in anticipation of later completing the well to the targeted total depth.  It is expected that this well will be deepened to evaluate the petroleum potential there.  Subject to available capital we are obligated to attempt to drill four wells prior to December 31, 2009, to fulfill our obligations under EP 98 and EP 117, with additional activity planned for EP 76 and EP 99.  We have requested that our current drilling commitments be reduced by the Australian government, we have not received confirmation that our obligations under these permits will be reduced.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we sold a 50% interest in our exploration permits to Falcon, a related party.  Subsequent to the end of the period we entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell an additional 25% interest in our four exploration permits.  (See Note 12.)

In addition to the Beetaloo Basin and Northwest Shelf projects, we have also applied for two additional exploration permits in the Northern Territory in Australia covering an additional 1.5 million acres, which are adjacent to our Beetaloo Basin Project acreage.

Note 5 — Asset Retirement Obligation

The Company recognizes an estimated liability for future costs associated with the abandonment of its oil and gas properties. A liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation and a corresponding increase to the carrying value of the related long-lived asset are recorded at the time a well is completed or acquired. The increase in carrying value is included in proved oil and gas properties in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company depletes
 
 
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the amount added to proved oil and gas property costs and recognizes accretion expense in connection with the discounted liability over the remaining estimated economic lives of the respective oil and gas properties.

The Company’s estimated asset retirement obligation liability is based on estimated economic lives, estimates as to the cost to abandon the wells in the future, and federal and state regulatory requirements. The liability is discounted using a credit-adjusted risk-free rate estimated at the time the liability is incurred or revised. The credit-adjusted risk-free rates used to discount the Company’s abandonment liabilities range from 8% to 22%. Revisions to the liability are due to increases in estimated abandonment costs and changes in well economic lives, or in changes to federal or state regulations regarding the abandonment of wells.

A reconciliation of the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability is as follows ($ in thousands):

   
March 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2008
 
Beginning asset retirement obligation
  $ 108     $ 136  
    Liabilities settled
          (16 )
    Revisions to estimates
    504       (14 )
    Accretion expense
          8  
Ending asset retirement obligation
  $ 612     $ 114  

As the five Buckskin Mesa wells proved to be uneconomic, a revised estimate has been calculated for plugging fees and the liability was updated.

Note 6 — Notes Payable

Notes payable as of March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008 are summarized below ($ in thousands):
   
March 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2008
 
Short-term notes payable
 
(unaudited)
       
Installment loan                                                                                   
  $ 125     $ 199  
Other
    25        
Vendor                                                                                   
    52       130  
Notes payable – short-term
  $ 202     $ 329  
Note payable – related party – short term
               
Falcon Energy
  $ 5,000     $  
Bruner Family Trust
    2,722       2,722  
Global Project Finance
    40,650       850  
Discount on notes payable
    (932 )      
Notes payable – related party – short, term
  $ 47,440     $ 3,572  
Long-term notes payable – related party — net
               
Bruner Family Trust
    106       106  
Global Project Finance
          39,800  
Other                                                                                    
          146  
Discount on notes payable
          (2,017 )
Long-term notes payable – related party — net
  $ 106     $ 38,035  
Convertible debt
    6,956       6,956  
Discount on convertible debt
    (6,345 )     (6,631
Convertible debt — net
    611       325  
Other
               
Capital lease
  $ 120     $  
 

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During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we issued an 18% subordinated debenture in the amount of $0.03 million to a shareholder of the Company in exchange for the relief of amounts due the shareholder. The subordinated debenture is collateralized by an interest in .01 million shares of Falcon common stock held by us as unrestricted marketable securities. In connection with the issuance of the debenture, we issued 0.07 million warrants to purchase our common stock at $0.15 per share, which expire in January 2010.  The debenture was initially due on April 15, 2009 and has been extended by the lender through May 15, 2009.
 
During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we issued three subordinated convertible debentures totaling $0.2 million to two related parties. These debentures bore interest at 15% per annum and were due in May 2009. We issued 0.5 million warrants to purchase our common stock at $0.15 per share in connection with these debentures. (See Note 9)   These debentures along with all related accrued interest were repaid in January 2009.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we issued a promissory note in the amount of $0.1 million to a related party. This note bore interest at 15% per annum as of March 31, 2009 we have repaid this note and all accrued interest.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we entered into a secured loan agreement with Falcon (“Falcon Loan”). Under the terms of the loan agreement, Falcon agreed to advance to us $5.0 million.  The loan is secured by 14.5 million shares of Falcon common stock we had received as consideration in relation to the sale of a 50% working interest in our four exploration permits in Australia to Falcon. The shares have been pledged under a Pledge and Security Agreement and are classified as restricted marketable securities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Falcon Loan is also secured by a first position security interest in our five well bores in our Buckskin Mesa project.

As of March 31, 2009, we received waiver and release from the Bruner Family Trust related to our covenant violations and in relation to our default and failure to make scheduled interest payments.

Our largest creditor, Global, had previously granted us waiver of covenant violations and default and failure to make interest payments. This waiver remains in effect through January 1, 2010.

Subsequent to March 31, 2009, we have received a waiver of covenant violations and default and failure to make interest payments from the holders of our 8.5% convertible debentures. (See Note 12.)

Note 7 — Stockholders’ Equity

We have authorized 1 billion shares of common stock and 100 million shares of preferred stock. No preferred stock was issued or is outstanding as of March 31, 2009.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009,  we issued 1.9 million shares of our common stock at $0.22 cents per share in connection with the receipt of an amendment to a letter of understanding between Clear Creek Energy Services “CCES” and us, related to our property interests. Under the terms of the agreement CCES agreed to allow Falcon to exercise an additional option for and additional working interest in our Buckskin Mesa project, should Falcon choose to do so.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we issued 0.25 million shares of our common stock at $0.09 cents per share in connection with investor relation services.

Note 8 — Share-Based Compensation

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we granted an extension allowing for the continuation of the vesting of options related to a consultant of the Company whose tenure with the Company was terminated in December 2008.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we granted the acceleration of the vesting of 0.1 million unvested options granted to a consultant in August 2008.

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During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we granted continuance of 8.4 million options for employees and consultants of the Company who were to be separated from the Company as of March 31, 2009.

The fair value of each share-based award under all plans is estimated on the date of grant or amendment using a Black-Scholes pricing model that incorporates the assumptions noted in the following table for the six months ended March 31, 2009:

Expected option term – years
1.75-3.5
Risk-free interest rate
1%-1.69%
Expected dividend yield
0
Weighted average volatility
98.84%

The following table sets forth stock options outstanding under our 2005 stock option plan as of March 31, 2009   (shares in thousands):

   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Options Outstanding – September 30, 2008
    34,170     $ 0.90  
Granted
    -       -  
Forfeited
    (170 )   $ 1.87  
Expired
    -       -  
Options outstanding  — March 31, 2009
    34,000     $ .90  
Options exercisable — March 31, 2009
    20,454     $ .99  

Compensation Expense – Stock-based employee and non-employee compensation expense of $1.6 and $2.1 million was charged to operations during the three months and six months ended March 31, 2009.  Stock based employee and non-employee compensation expense of $0.5 million and $1.1 million was charged to operations during the three and six months ended March 31, 2008.  Stock-based compensation has been included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Note 9 — Common Stock Warrants

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we issued 0.5 million warrants to purchase our common stock at $0.15 per share to three related parties, in connection with sale of $0.2 million in convertible debentures (see Note 6). The warrants issued have a one year term and the total value of $0 million as calculated under the Black-Scholes method.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009,  we issued a total of  0.92 million warrants to purchase our common stock at prices ranging $0.24 to $0.28 per share to the holders of our Series A 8.5% convertible debentures in connection with our default and failure to make scheduled interest payments. In addition these warrants were issued as consideration for the receipt of waivers related to our violation of certain debt covenants. These warrants expire in November 2012 and had a total value of $0 million as calculated under the Black-Scholes method.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we issued .07 million warrants to purchase our common stock at $0.15 per share, which expire in January 2010 in connection with a convertible debenture issued to a shareholder of the Company. (See Note 6.)


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The following stock purchase warrants were outstanding at March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008 (warrants in thousands):

 
March 31,
2009
 
September 30,
2008
Number of warrants
 137,282
 
135,754
Exercise price
$0.15 - $2.10
 
$0.21 - $2.10
Expiration date
2009 - 2012
 
2011 - 2012


Note 10 — Related Party Transactions

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we issued three subordinated debentures in the total amount of $0.2 million to related parties. These debentures bore interest at 15% per annum and were due in May 2009. We issued 0.5 million warrants to purchase our common stock at $0.15 per share in connection with these debentures. (See Notes  6 and 9.)  These debentures and all related accrued interest have been repaid as of March 31, 2009.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we issued a promissory note in the amount of $0.1 million to a related party. This note bore interest at 15% per annum. As of March 31, 2009, the note and all accrued interest have been repaid.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we entered into a loan agreement with Falcon for proceeds of $5.0 million.  The Falcon Loan is secured by a mortgage on our Buckskin Mesa Wells as defined in the Buckskin Mesa Purchase and Sale Agreement dated August 22, 2008, as well as a pledge of shares of Falcon common stock received in connection with our sale of a 50% interest in our Beetaloo Basin property.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we sold a 25% interest in five drilled but uncompleted wells in our Buckskin Mesa Project to Falcon. Under the terms of the agreement, Falcon deposited $7.0 million into escrow, of which $5.3 million was to be used for testing and completion costs on these wells.  In February 2009, Falcon elected to not participate in an additional 50% of our Buckskin Mesa project. (See Note 4.)

As of March 31, 2009 we have recorded both restricted and unrestricted marketable securities totaling $6.3 million in aggregate on our consolidated balance sheet. These securities were received from a related party, Falcon, pursuant to the sale of a 50% interest in four exploration permits in Australia.

Note 11 — Commitments and Contingencies

CCES - On April 11, 2008, we closed the sale of certain natural gas gathering assets for $0.7 million in cash consideration, and simultaneously entered into a Gas Gathering Agreement with CCES Piceance relating to the initial phase of our gas gathering system project.  These agreements formalize and expand upon a Letter of Understanding (“LOU”) between the parties which contemplates a dedicated relationship with CCES in the development of a gas gathering system and the provision of Gas Gathering Services within our Buckskin Mesa Project area (the “CCES Agreements”). In addition to customary terms and conditions, the CCES Agreements include a guarantee (the “Guarantee”) from us to CCES regarding their increasing financial commitments as they are incurred in relation to the development of the gas gathering system, including our contingent repurchase of the gas gathering assets we sold to CCES.  The triggering event for the Guarantee is contingent upon our mutual failure to execute a formal agreement for long-term gas gathering services in the future (the “Second Phase Midstream Services Agreement”).  The resolution of this contingency is dependent upon, among other things, gas production levels from the initial phase gas gathering system for our Buckskin Mesa Project. Per the agreement should we fail to execute a mutually agreeable long-term contract, CCES had the right to invoice us for their incurred costs and demand repayment within 20 days of our receipt of the Demand Invoice.  To secure our Guarantee, we have executed a Promissory Note for an amount up to $11.5 million, secured by second deeds of trust on our Colorado properties.  The amount of the Guarantee is variable, based upon the underlying incurred costs by CCES as defined in the CCES Agreements.

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As of March 31, 2009, the liabilities associated with the construction of this gathering system amounted to approximately $6.8 million. We have accounted for our Guarantee under the requirements of FASB Interpretation (“FIN”) 45.  As of March 31, 2009, we have recorded all amounts due as current contingent liabilities in our financial statements, to reflect our Contingent Purchase Obligation relating to the Guarantee. In February 2009, completion of this gathering system became economically unfeasible for us. We are currently in negotiations with CCES and other third parties to address this liability.

As we have deemed that the completion of this gathering system is economically unfeasible for us as of March 31, 2009, we have impaired approximately $6.1 million in value related to the asset component of the gathering system. We have deemed there to be approximately $0.7 million in assets for which we may recoup some value either through a sale to a third party or for which CCES may find an alternate use.  These costs been classified as assets held for sale in accordance with FASB No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.

Daniels Petroleum – In September 2008, our August 2005 Exploration and Development agreement with Daniels Petroleum was amended.  In accordance with this latest amendment, we committed to drill and or commence drilling four wells in the Buckskin Mesa no later than July 2009.  The penalty for failing to commence drilling by July 31, 2009 was prescribed to be no less than $0.5 million per well. As a result of our current liquidity issues, it appears highly unlikely that we will be able to commence the drilling of the wells prior to July 2009, therefore we have recorded the maximum penalty of $2.0 million as a current liability as of March 31, 2009.

Note 12 — Subsequent Events

In April 2009, we entered into a non-binding letter of intent with Falcon to sell an additional 25% interest in our four exploration permits in the Beetaloo Basin in Australia. In consideration for the sale of the 25% interest Falcon would relieve a $5 million note payable we currently owe to them. The relief of this note allows us to access the shares of Falcon that currently serve as collateral on this note.  As a component of the transaction, Falcon will also assume certain trade liabilities related to these permits and become the operator of record on the project.
 
In April 2009, we received several demand letters from creditors, asserting demands for payments of which we were in default.
 
In May 2009, we received waiver of default and covenant violations from the holders of our 8.5% convertible debentures. In connection with the receipt of this waiver we will grant to the noteholders 1.85 million warrants to purchase our common stock.
 
In May 2009, we received a final invoice from CCES, indicating amounts recorded as a contingent liabilities as of March 31, 2009 were due within 20 days of the receipt of the demand invoice. We have not resolved this issue but continue negotiations with CCES.  The management of CCES has indicated that no further definitive action will be taken until the ongoing negotiations have been completed.
 
 
 
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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 the 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, 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.

Executive Summary

We are a global oil and gas exploration and production company committed to developing primarily unconventional natural gas and oil prospects.  As of March 31, 2009, we owned properties in Rio Blanco Garfield and Mesa Counties , Colorado, and in the Northern Territory, Australia.  We have drilled five wells on our 20,000 acre Buckskin Mesa property located in Rio Blanco County, Colorado. All five wells are drilled and cased, and three of the five are completed and shut in. In the Southern Piceance Basin, we own 1,074 gross acres and 402 net acres located in Garfield and Mesa Counties, Colorado.  During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we sold our working interests in eight wells which were operated by EnCana Oil & Gas USA (“EnCana”) with an effective date of December 1, 2008. In March, 2009 we sold our land position in Montana which included 15,991 net undeveloped acres in the Bear Creek area.   In Australia, we have an undivided 50% working interest in four exploration permits that comprise 7.0 million net acres. We have drilled one test well on our property in the Northern Territory.

During the six months ended March 31, 2009, Falcon our working interest partner in our Buckskin Mesa property, decided not to exercise its option to obtain an additional 25% interest in the prospect. Falcon’s decision not to exercise this option resulted in our recognition of significant impairment expense as the play became economically non-feasible for us. Additionally, Falcon’s decision not to exercise this option limited our opportunities, and compelled us to turn our focus on our prospects in Australia.

Results of Operations

The financial information with respect to the three and six months ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008 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.

Industry Overview for the three months ended March 31, 2009
 
The three months ended March 31, 2009 saw weaker natural gas prices. The index price prevailing in the locale of our Piceance Basin project in Colorado, as quoted in Gas Daily as of March 31, 2009, was $3.94 per Mcf versus $10.84 per Mcf as of March 31, 2008 (assuming a BTU factor of 1.1).  Natural gas prices have been very volatile during 2009 year to date due to supply concerns earlier in the year, and more recently due to recession concerns arising from the current worldwide financial crisis.

In the future, we may need to raise capital, and due to the global credit crisis, funds may not be available, or if available, may be on unfavorable terms.  Based on our current financial position, only seismic and drilling activity that is necessary to maintain current licenses in Australia is planned for the remainder of 2009. It is anticipated that these exploration activities together with others that may impose financial requirements which will exceed our
 
 
18

 
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 three and six months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
 
Our net losses for the three and six months ended March 31, 2009 were $95.2 million and $110.7 million, respectively. We received only nominal revenues from our oil and natural gas activities while incurring substantial impairment charges and overhead expenses which have resulted in an accumulated deficit through March 31, 2009 of $261 million. We sold our only revenue producing assets during the six months ended March 31, 2009.

Comparison of the results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2009 March 31, 2008

Oil and Gas Revenue. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, oil and gas revenue was nil as compared to $0.65 million for the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease in revenue relates to the sale of our 8 producing wells effective December 1, 2008.

For the six months ended March 31, 2009, revenue was $0.1 million compared to approximately $1.2 million for the corresponding period in 2008. The decrease in revenue relates to the factors as discussed above as well as the natural production decline in the wells, coupled with decreased pricing.

Costs and Expenses

Lease Operating Expenses. Lease operating expenses were $0.2 million and $0.6 million during the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2009, compared to $0.1 million and $0.2 million in the comparable prior periods.  This increase is primarily attributable to compressor rental charges in the Buckskin Mesa.

General and Administrative. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2009, general and administrative expense was $3.4 million and $5.5 million as compared to $2.5 million and $4.8 million in the comparable prior period.

The following table highlights the areas with the most significant changes ($ in thousands):

   
Three Months ended March 31,
   
Six Months ended March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Personnel and contract services
  $ 1,557     $ 909     $ 2,996     $ 1,793  
Legal
    123       140       217       392  
Stock based compensation
    1,624       599       2,105       1,072  
Travel
    9       22       18       74  
Other
    57       799       152       1,456  
                                 
Total
  $ 3,370     $ 2,469     $ 5,488     $ 4,787  

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The increase in general and administrative expenses in 2009 is primarily a result of increases in stock based compensation and rent expenses  as well as personnel and contract services, offset by decreases in legal expense, and other expense which had included among other items moving expenses in prior periods.

We anticipate that in future periods general and administrative expenses will be significantly less. As of March 31, 2009, we began to implement significant reductions in expense through reductions in staffing, and additional cost cutting measures.

Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties. Costs capitalized for properties accounted for under the full cost method of accounting are subjected to a ceiling test limitation to the amount of costs included in the cost pool by geographic cost center. Costs of oil and gas properties may not exceed the ceiling which is an amount equal to the present value, discounted at 10%, of the estimated future net cash flows from proved oil and gas reserves plus the cost, or estimated fair market value, if lower, of unproved properties. Should capitalized costs exceed this ceiling, impairment is recognized.

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2009, we recognized impairment expense of $83.1 million and $93.4 million, respectively, as compared to Nil million and Nil during the corresponding prior periods.

Depreciation, Depletion, Amortization and Accretion. “DD&A” - During the three and six months ended March 31, 2009 we recognized  $0.1 million and $0.1 million of DDA, respectively, as compared to $0.2 million and $0.5 during the corresponding prior periods.

 Interest Expense. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2009, interest expense was $2.4 million and $4.8 million, respectively, as compared to $2.6 and $ 5.4 million during the corresponding prior periods.

The following table highlights interest expense for the three and six months ended March 31, ($ in thousands):
 
   
3 Months ended March 31, 2009
   
3 months ended March 31, 2008
   
6 Months ended March 31, 2009
   
6 Months ended March 31, 2008
 
Interest expense related to credit facility, convertible notes and other notes
  $ 1,354     $ 1,354     $ 2,828     $ 2,770  
Amortization of debt discounts, deferred financing costs and accretion
    990       885       1,989       2,200  
Interest on vendor obligations and other
    11       335       22       389  
                                 
Total
  $ 2,355     $ 2,574     $ 4,839     $ 5,359  
 
We expect that interest expense will decrease during the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009, due to the fact that the interest rates on the majority of our debt portfolio are linked to indices that continue to benefit and enjoy lower interest rates as a result of the global credit crisis. In addition, issuances of our stock purchase warrants in connection with penalties and defaults will continue to yield lower interest expense as the value of our stock has continued to drop.

Net Loss.  For the three and six months ended March 31, 2009  we incurred net losses of $95.2 million and $110.7 million as compared to net losses of $7.7 million and $24.5 million during the corresponding prior periods.

Going Concern

The report of our independent registered public accounting firm on the financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2008, includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the uncertainty of our ability to continue as a going concern. We have an accumulated deficit of $261 million and have a working capital deficit of approximately $56.4 million as of March 31, 2009. We are not in compliance with the covenants of several loan agreements, and have significant capital expenditure commitments. We require significant additional funding to sustain our
20

 
operations and satisfy our contractual obligations for our planned oil and gas exploration and development operations. We are in default on certain obligations. Our ability to establish the Company as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional funding in order to finance our planned operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

On November 10, 2008, we closed the sale of an undivided 25% interest in five wells drilled in Buckskin Mesa, in exchange for a $5.3 million cash work commitment to complete certain of these wells. In addition, in December 2008, we completed the sale of our working interests in our eight producing wells operated by EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc., for net cash proceeds of $2.3 million. As of March 31, 2009, we had a working capital deficit of $57 million.

As part of the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Falcon relating to our Buckskin Mesa property, Falcon obtained an option to acquire up to a 50% interest in our entire Buckskin Mesa Project, for total consideration of $28.5 million in cash or shares of Falcon common stock, and an $18.0 million work commitment. In February 2009, Falcon elected not to exercise its option.

We have currently entered into a non-binding letter of intent with a related party, Falcon to sell an additional 25% interest in our four exploration permits in the Beetaloo Basin in Australia. In consideration for the sale of the 25% interest Falcon would relieve a $5 million note payable we currently owe to them. The relief of this note allows us to access the shares of Falcon that currently serve as collateral on this note.  As a component of the transaction, Falcon will also assume certain trade liabilities related to these permits and become the operator of record on the project.  This transaction would allow us to continue our work in the Beetaloo Basin in Australia, and it provides us with working capital.
 

Working Capital. Working capital is the amount by which current assets exceed current liabilities. Our working capital is impacted by changes in prices of oil and gas along with other business factors that affect our net income and cash flows. Our working capital is also affected by the timing of operating cash receipts and disbursements, borrowings of and payments of debt, additions to oil and gas properties and increases and decreases in other non-current assets.

As of March 31, 2009, we had a working capital deficit of $56.4 million and cash of $0.9 million, while at September 30, 2008 we had a working capital deficit of $3.9 million and cash of $1.0 million. The decrease in working capital is primarily attributable to the majority of our debt being reclassified from long term to current.

Cash Flow. Net cash used in or provided by operating, investing and financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows ($ in thousands):
 
   
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Net cash (used in) operating activities
  $ (6,269 )   $ (4,062 )
Net cash provided by investing activities
  $ 1,369     $ 1,107  
Net cash provided by financing activities
  $ 4,807     $ 4,427  

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities. The changes in net cash used in operating activities are attributable to our net income adjusted for non-cash charges as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows and changes in working capital as discussed above.

Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities. Net cash provided by investing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2009 was primarily related to net proceeds of $2.3 million received from the sale of our 8 producing “Jolley” wells.   Net cash provided by investing activities for six months ended March 31, 2008 related to cash received from the sale of oil and gas properties of $7.5 million and the sale of trading securities of $2.5 million.
 
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Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities.   Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2009 was comprised primarily of proceeds received related to the $5.0 million note payable associated with our Beetaloo transaction and the receipt of $0.3 million in borrowings from related parties net of repayments $.04 million. Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2008 was primarily comprised of borrowings of $9.6 million net of repayments of debt in the amount of $5.2 million.

Plan of Operation

We will continue to seek opportunities related to our interests and or in the acreage. We cannot say with any reasonable probability what the outcome of our ongoing efforts will be.
 
We plan to explore and develop portions of our undivided 50% working interest in our 7.0 million acre position in four exploration permits in the Beetaloo Basin project area located in the Northern Territory of Australia. Based on our current financial position only seismic and drilling activity that is necessary to maintain current license status in Australia is planned for the remainder of 2009.  We anticipate that costs related to seismic acquisition, development of operational infrastructure, and the drilling and completion of wells over the nine months, will aggregate approximately $18.5 million relating to our 50% working interest.  We have requested an extension and or reduction in commitments from the Australian government.
 
Capital Requirements.

As of March 31, 2009 and for the remainder of the calendar year 2009 we have obligations to drill and or commence drilling a total of 8 wells in Colorado for which, our ownership interests and corresponding obligations vary from 37.5% to 100%. Due to liquidity concerns we do not anticipate having the cash to meet these obligations. We are currently exploring all potential opportunities related to these commitments.

In Australia we have commitments to drill 4 wells in our Beetaloo Basin project during the remainder of the calendar year.

Subsequent to March 31, 2009, we entered in negotiations with the Australian Land authorities to reduce the drilling commitments that we had originally entered into related to our Beetaloo Basin Project. The outcome of these negotiations is not yet known; therefore a significant reduction in future capital expenditures may not necessarily result.
 
Financing. During the six months ended March 31, 2009, we entered into the following financing arrangements:

In October 2008, we entered into a secured loan agreement with Falcon, whereby Falcon agreed to advance to us up to $5.0 million. During October and November 2008, we received advances aggregating $5.0 million. The loan is secured by 14.5 million shares of Falcon common stock we received in consideration for our sale of a 50% working interest in four exploration permits in Australia. These shares have been pledged to Falcon under a pledge and security agreement. The loan carries interest at 10% payable in monthly installments and was due in full on April 30, 2009. Funds were used to satisfy various vendor obligations. As we have entered into a non-binding letter of intent to sell an additional 25% interest in our four exploration permits in the Beetaloo Basin in exchange for the relief of this loan amount, the repayment of the loan has been suspended until the outcome of the negotiations becomes known.

In December 2008, we issued $0.2 million in convertible debentures to three related parties. The debentures bore interest at interest at 15%. The debenture holders were issued 0.5 million warrants to purchase our common stock. Funds borrowed were used to fund the operations.

In December 2008, we borrowed $0.1 million from Global, a related party, under short term promissory notes which were unsecured and bore interest at 15%. Funds borrowed were used to fund the operations.

In January, 2009 we converted $.025 in trade accounts payable into a convertible promissory note. This note bore interest at 18%. The noteholders were issued 0.07 million warrants to purchase our common stock.

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The continuation and future development of our business will require substantial additional capital expenditures. Meeting capital expenditure, operational, and administrative needs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009 will depend on our success in farming out or selling portions of working interests in our properties for cash and/or funding of our share of development expenses, the availability of debt or equity financing, and the results of our activities. To limit capital expenditures, we may form industry alliances and exchange an appropriate portion of our interest for cash and/or a carried interest in our exploration projects using farm-out arrangements. We may need to raise additional funds to cover capital expenditures. These funds may come from cash flow, equity or debt financings, a credit facility, or sales of interests in our properties, although there is no assurance additional funding will be available or that it will be available on satisfactory terms. The global credit crisis may impact our ability to raise additional funds. If we are unable to raise capital through the methods discussed above, our ability to execute our development plans will be greatly impaired. See the Going Concern section above.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and 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 10K for the year ended September 30, 2008 for the description of critical accounting policies and estimates

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 115-2 and FAS 124-2— “Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments.” This FSP amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance in U.S. GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements. This FSP does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities. The FSP shall be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this FSP will have on our financial statements.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued FSP FAS 157-4— “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.” This FSP provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. This FSP also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This FSP shall be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009, and shall be applied prospectively. Management is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this FSP will have on our financial statements.
 
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Commodity Price Risk

Because of our current lack of oil and gas production, we are not exposed to a great degree of market risk relating to the pricing applicable to our oil and natural gas production. However, our ability to raise additional capital at attractive pricing, our generate future revenues from oil and gas operations, our future profitability and future rate of growth all depend substantially upon the market prices of oil and natural gas, which fluctuate considerably. We expect commodity price volatility to continue. We do not currently utilize hedging contracts to protect against commodity price risk. As our oil and gas production grows, we may manage our exposure to oil and natural gas price declines by entering into oil and natural gas price hedging arrangements to secure a price for a portion of our expected future oil and natural gas production.

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Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We conduct business in Australia and are subject to exchange rate risk on cash flows related to sales, expenses, financing and investment transactions. We do not currently utilize hedging contracts to protect against exchange rate risk. As our foreign oil and gas production grows, we may utilize currency exchange contracts, commodity forwards, swaps or futures contracts to manage our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risks.

Interest Rate Risk

Interest rates on future credit facility draws and debt offerings could be higher than current levels, causing our financing costs to increase accordingly. This could limit our ability to raise funds in debt capital markets.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the quarter ended March 31, 2009, our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting 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.

Remediation of Material Weaknesses in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As previously disclosed in our past filings with the SEC, management identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting for the years ended September 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006. The weaknesses that the Company previously disclosed related to (a) our lack of adequate processes for monitoring our financial reporting and accounting processes and our failure to conduct a comprehensive review of our account balances and transactions; (b) our lack of appropriate processes and procedures, including inadequate segregation of duties; and (c) our lack of appropriate processes and procedures in relation to the timely review of material documents and transactions for accounting and disclosure purposes. In order to remediate these material weaknesses management retained additional senior accounting staff and financial consultants and, during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2008, and into the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company designed and implemented improved processes and controls to ensure that (a) all material transactions are properly recorded, reviewed and approved; (b) all significant accounts are reconciled on a timely basis; (c) duties are properly segregated; and, (d) complex accounting issues are properly evaluated and accounted for in accordance with GAAP.

Management believes we now have sufficient individuals that collectively possess a strong background, experience and expertise related to accounting, SEC reporting and other finance functions. We now believe that the remediation steps taken in previous periods and through the quarter ended March 31, 2009, permitted observation over an appropriate period of time for us to conclude that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2009 to assure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the SEC's rules.

Notwithstanding the existence of these past material weaknesses in internal control, we believe that the consolidated financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2009 and September 30, 2008 and the related consolidated statements of operations, and cash flows for the three and six months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008 are in conformity with GAAP.
 
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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2009 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.



 
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As of March 31, 2009, the Company is not a party to any legal or administrative actions or proceedings.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our viability will depend upon our ability to negotiate satisfactory arrangements with our creditors and vendors.

As of March 31, 2009, we have no revenue-producing assets and a working capital deficit of approximately $57 million.  In May 2009, we received debt covenant waivers from several of our lenders allowing us to extend the due dates on scheduled maturities, and or to extend due dates on scheduled interest payments.  We will need to negotiate with other lenders for similar extensions and with vendors for extended and/or reduced payment terms in order to survive our existing cash shortage.  We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so.  If we are unsuccessful in these negotiation efforts, we may be unable to continue in existence.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we issued 0.25 million shares of our common stock at $0.09 cents per share in connection with the investor relations services.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we issued 0.07 million warrants to purchase our common stock at $0.15 per share in connection with the issuance of $.025 million in convertible debentures.

During the three months ended March 31, 2009, we issued 0.9 million warrants to purchase our common stock at prices ranging $.024 to $0.28 per share to the holders of our Series A 8.5% convertible debentures in connection with  the receipt of waivers related to our violation of certain debt covenants.

No underwriters were used in the above stock transactions.  The Company relied upon the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 as to these transactions, as the investors were either deemed to be sophisticated with respect to the investment in the securities due to their financial condition and involvement in the Company’s business or accredited investors.  Restrictive legends were placed on the certificates evidencing the securities issued in both of the above transactions.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

See Exhibit Index


 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

  PETROHUNTER ENERGY CORPORATION  
       
 
By:
/s/ Martin Oring  
    Martin Oring  
    Chief Executive Officer  
       
       
 
By:
/s/ Paul D. Maniscalco   
    Paul D. Maniscalco  
    Principal Accounting Officer  
       
  Date:  May 15, 2009  


 
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EXHIBIT INDEX

  Regulation
S-K Number
 
Exhibit
   
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Martin Oring
   
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Paul D. Maniscalco
   
32.1
Certification of Martin Oring Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002
   
32.2
Certification of Paul D. Maniscalco to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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