UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
¨ | 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 001-32989
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
(Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
CALIFORNIA | | 94-0787340 |
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
2008 21st. Street. P.O. Box 832, Bakersfield, California | | 93302 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | | (Zip Code) |
| Registrant's telephone number: | (661) 325-1000 | |
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 ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.
| Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated Filer ¨ |
| Non-accelerated filer ¨ | Smaller reporting company x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
(Class) | (Outstanding at November 14, 2013) |
Common Stock Without Par Value | 4,688,085 |
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
FORM 10-Q
September 30, 2013
Table of Contents
| | Page |
| | |
| PART I | |
| | |
Item 1. | Financial Statements | |
| | |
| Balance Sheets - September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012 | 3 |
| | |
| Statements of Operations - | |
| Three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) | 5 |
| Nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) | 6 |
| | |
| Statements of Cash Flows - | |
| Nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited) | 7 |
| | |
| Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 9 |
| | |
Item 2. | Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 16 |
| | |
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 19 |
| | |
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 19 |
| | |
| PART II | |
| | |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 20 |
| | |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 20 |
| | |
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 20 |
| | |
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 20 |
| | |
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 20 |
| | |
Item 5. | Other Information | 20 |
| | |
Item 6. | Exhibits | 20 |
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
ASSETS
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | |
CURRENT ASSETS: | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 3,512,689 | | $ | 3,834,097 | |
Restricted cash | | | 334,657 | | | - | |
Short-term investments | | | 2,139,695 | | | 2,135,709 | |
Trade accounts receivable (net of reserve for doubtful accounts of $4,000 in 2013 and 2012) | | | 446,973 | | | 375,090 | |
Income taxes receivable | | | 45,400 | | | 73,069 | |
Crude oil inventory | | | 85,684 | | | 82,180 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | | | 99,923 | | | 257,370 | |
Deferred Income taxes | | | 694,500 | | | 264,400 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | | | 7,359,521 | | | 7,021,915 | |
| | | | | | | |
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Oil and gas properties and equipment (successful efforts method) | | | 20,089,288 | | | 20,007,453 | |
Capitalized asset retirement costs | | | 425,978 | | | 425,978 | |
Drilling and operating equipment | | | 2,058,744 | | | 1,966,750 | |
Land, buildings and improvements | | | 1,098,918 | | | 1,098,918 | |
Automotive, office and other property and equipment | | | 1,136,566 | | | 1,202,544 | |
| | | 24,809,494 | | | 24,701,643 | |
Less - accumulated depletion, depreciation, amortization and valuation allowances | | | (21,306,941) | | | (20,953,324) | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT | | | 3,502,553 | | | 3,748,319 | |
| | | | | | | |
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS | | | | | | | |
Long-term investments | | | 1,124,100 | | | 1,101,526 | |
Restricted cash | | | 632,672 | | | - | |
Deferred income taxes | | | 472,700 | | | 621,800 | |
Deposits | | | 250,000 | | | 250,000 | |
Other assets | | | 11,380 | | | 17,380 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS | | | 2,490,852 | | | 1,990,706 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL ASSETS | | $ | 13,352,926 | | $ | 12,760,940 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
BALANCE SHEETS
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
| | September 30, | | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
| | (Unaudited) | | | | |
CURRENT LIABILITIES: | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 199,909 | | $ | 226,759 | |
Accrued professional fees | | | 116,020 | | | 120,000 | |
Accrued taxes, other than income taxes | | | 28,822 | | | 70,407 | |
Accrued payroll and related costs | | | 65,649 | | | 58,954 | |
Accrued royalties payable | | | 218,783 | | | 204,509 | |
Deferred compensation | | | 334,657 | | | 0 | |
Accrued insurance | | | 0 | | | 94,116 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES | | | 963,840 | | | 774,745 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITY FOR DEFERRED COMPENSATION | | | 669,316 | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITY FOR ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS | | | 1,352,460 | | | 1,327,861 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL LIABILITES | | | 2,985,616 | | | 2,102,606 | |
| | | | | | | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 4) | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, no par value Authorized - 10,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - none | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Common stock, no par value Authorized - 50,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - 4,688,085 shares | | | 1,682,971 | | | 1,682,971 | |
Retained earnings | | | 8,684,339 | | | 8,975,363 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | 10,367,310 | | | 10,658,334 | |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | $ | 13,352,926 | | $ | 12,760,940 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
| | Three months ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
REVENUES: | | | | | | | |
Oil and gas sales | | $ | 1,138,438 | | $ | 1,198,420 | |
| | | | | | | |
COSTS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses | | | 535,227 | | | 476,122 | |
General and administrative | | | 294,430 | | | 192,910 | |
Deferred compensation | | | 1,040,764 | | | 0 | |
Taxes, other than income and payroll taxes | | | 33,044 | | | 44,885 | |
Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization | | | 127,010 | | | 151,502 | |
Accretion expense | | | 6,288 | | | 13,153 | |
Other costs and expenses | | | 29,991 | | | 33,975 | |
| | | 2,066,754 | | | 912,547 | |
| | | | | | | |
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | | | (928,316) | | | 285,873 | |
| | | | | | | |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 10,235 | | | 10,975 | |
Interest expense | | | 0 | | | (152) | |
| | | 10,235 | | | 10,823 | |
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE | | | | | | | |
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT) | | | (918,081) | | | 296,696 | |
Income tax provision (benefit) | | | | | | | |
Current | | | (4,000) | | | 16,800 | |
Deferred | | | (380,300) | | | 72,000 | |
| | | (384,300) | | | 88,800 | |
| | | | | | | |
NET (LOSS) INCOME | | $ | (533,781) | | $ | 207,896 | |
| | | | | | | |
BASIC (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE | | $ | (0.11) | | $ | 0.04 | |
| | | | | | | |
DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE | | $ | (0.11) | | $ | 0.04 | |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | | | 4,688,085 | | | 4,687,644 | |
| | | | | | | |
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding | | | 4,688,085 | | | 4,687,644 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
| | Nine months ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
REVENUES: | | | | | | | |
Oil and gas sales | | $ | 3,300,650 | | $ | 3,907,792 | |
| | | | | | | |
COSTS AND EXPENSES: | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses | | | 1,469,708 | | | 1,365,861 | |
General and administrative | | | 751,433 | | | 632,804 | |
Deferred compensation | | | 1,040,764 | | | 0 | |
Taxes, other than income and payroll taxes | | | 100,599 | | | 129,266 | |
Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization | | | 388,806 | | | 519,396 | |
Accretion expense | | | 24,599 | | | 31,970 | |
Other costs and expenses | | | 116,189 | | | 118,449 | |
| | | 3,892,098 | | | 2,797,746 | |
| | | | | | | |
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME | | | (591,448) | | | 1,110,046 | |
| | | | | | | |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE): | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | 30,550 | | | 31,835 | |
Other income | | | 0 | | | 250 | |
Interest expense | | | 0 | | | (868) | |
| | | 30,550 | | | 31,217 | |
(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE | | | | | | | |
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT) | | | (560,898) | | | 1,141,263 | |
Income tax provision (benefit) | | | | | | | |
Current | | | 11,126 | | | 99,800 | |
Deferred | | | (281,000) | | | 172,900 | |
| | | (269,874) | | | 272,700 | |
| | | | | | | |
NET (LOSS) INCOME | | $ | (291,024) | | $ | 868,563 | |
| | | | | | | |
BASIC (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE | | $ | (0.06) | | $ | 0.19 | |
| | | | | | | |
DILUTED (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON SHARE | | $ | (0.06) | | $ | 0.19 | |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | | | 4,688,085 | | | 4,685,117 | |
| | | | | | | |
Diluted average number of common shares outstanding | | | 4,688,085 | | | 4,685,117 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| | Nine months ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (291,024) | | $ | 868,563 | |
| | | | | | | |
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Provision for depletion, depreciation, and amortization | | | 388,806 | | | 519,396 | |
Deferred compensation | | | 1,003,973 | | | 0 | |
Accretion expense | | | 24,599 | | | 31,970 | |
Deferred income taxes | | | (281,000) | | | 172,900 | |
Asset retirement obligations | | | 0 | | | (6,009) | |
Loss on disposal of fixed assets | | | 30,790 | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Decrease (increase) in trade accounts and income taxes receivable | | | (44,214) | | | 89,944 | |
Decrease (increase) in crude oil inventories | | | (3,504) | | | 12,131 | |
Decrease in prepaid expenses | | | 157,446 | | | 139,706 | |
Decrease in other assets | | | 6,000 | | | 0 | |
(Decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | (145,562) | | | (83,103) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities | | | 846,310 | | | 1,745,498 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| | Nine months ended September 30, | |
| | 2013 | | 2012 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | $ | (173,829) | | $ | (848,952) | |
(Increase) in short-term investments | | | (3,986) | | | (6,011) | |
(Increase) in long-term investments | | | (22,574) | | | (21,935) | |
Restricted Cash | | | (967,329) | | | 0 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (1,167,718) | | | (876,898) | |
| | | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Principal payments on long-term debt | | | 0 | | | (48,634) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash (used in) financing activities | | | 0 | | | (48,634) | |
| | | | | | | |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (321,408) | | | 819,966 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | | | 3,834,097 | | | 2,762,676 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 3,512,689 | | $ | 3,582,642 | |
| | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the nine months for interest | | $ | 0 | | $ | 868 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the nine months for income taxes | | $ | 800 | | $ | 134,200 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
PYRAMID OIL COMPANY
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2013
(UNAUDITED)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The financial statements include the accounts of Pyramid Oil Company (the “Company”). Such financial statements included herein have been prepared by the Company, without an audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
A summary of the Company's significant accounting policies is contained in its December 31, 2012 Form 10-K which is incorporated herein by reference. The financial data presented herein should be read in conjunction with the Company's December 31, 2012 financial statements and notes thereto, contained in the Company's Form 10-K.
In the opinion of the Company, the unaudited financial statements, contained herein, include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position as of September 30, 2013 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
Income Taxes - When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, California, Texas and New York states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal tax examination for the years before 2009. State jurisdictions that remain subject to examination range from 2009 to 2012. The Company does not believe there will be any material changes in its unrecognized tax positions over the next 12 months.
The Company policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. As of the date of adoption of FASB ASC 740, the Company did not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized during the quarter.
Interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as interest expense and penalties are classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of income.
Income (Loss) per Share - Basic income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
Diluted income (loss) is computed by dividing the net (loss) income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus the weighted average number of dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period. For periods with a net loss, the dilutive common stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted income (loss) calculation.
Valuation Allowances - The Company records valuation allowances for its oil and gas properties when the undiscounted future net cash flows are less than the net capitalized costs for the property. No valuation allowances were recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012.
2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-011, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or A Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” These amendments provide guidance on the financial statement presentation of unrecognized tax benefits to better reflect the manner in which an entity would settle at the reporting date any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position. For public entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
3. Dividends
No cash dividends were paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
4. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company has been notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of a final settlement offer to settle its potential liability as a generator of waste containing hazardous substances that was disposed of at a waste disposal site in Santa Barbara County. The Company has responded to the EPA by indicating that the waste contained petroleum products that fall within the exception to the definition of hazardous substances for petroleum-related substances of the pertinent EPA regulations. Management has concluded that under both Federal and State regulations no reasonable basis exists for any valid claim against the Company. As such, the likelihood of any settlement is deemed remote. There has been not further communication form the EPA on this matter since September 25, 2009.
5. Income Tax Provision
The Company recognized an income tax provision (benefit) of $(269,874) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and a net income tax provision of $272,700 for the same period in 2012.
Income tax provision (benefit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
| | Federal | | State | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Current tax provision | | $ | 9,226 | | $ | 1,900 | | $ | 11,126 | |
Deferred tax (benefit) | | | (225,300) | | | (55,700) | | | (281,000) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | (216,074) | | $ | (53,800) | | $ | (269,874) | |
Income tax provision for the nine months September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
| | Federal | | State | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Current tax provision | | $ | 85,300 | | $ | 14,500 | | $ | 99,800 | |
Deferred tax provision | | | 134,550 | | | 38,350 | | | 172,900 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 219,850 | | $ | 52,850 | | $ | 272,700 | |
Income tax provision (benefit) for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was calculated as follows:
| | Federal | | State | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Current tax (benefit) | | $ | (3,500) | | $ | (500) | | $ | (4,000) | |
Deferred tax (benefit) | | | (302,500) | | | (77,800) | | | (380,300) | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | (306,000) | | $ | (78,300) | | $ | (384,300) | |
Income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2012 was calculated as follows:
| | Federal | | State | | Total | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Current tax provision | | $ | 14,300 | | $ | 2,500 | | $ | 16,800 | |
Deferred tax provision | | | 56,050 | | | 15,950 | | | 72,000 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 70,350 | | $ | 18,450 | | $ | 88,800 | |
Deferred income taxes are recognized using the asset and liability method by applying income tax rates to cumulative temporary differences based on when and how they are expected to affect the tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for income tax rate changes. Deferred income tax assets have been offset by a valuation allowance of $1,719,000 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Management reviews deferred income taxes regularly throughout the year, and accordingly makes any necessary adjustments to properly reflect the valuation allowance based upon current financial trends and projected results.
6. Incentive and Retention Plan
On January 9, 2007, the Company's Board of Directors adopted an Incentive and Retention Plan pursuant to which the Company's officers and other employees selected by the Company's Compensation Committee are entitled to receive payments if they are employed by the Company as of the date of a 'Corporate Transaction,' as defined in the Incentive and Retention Plan. A 'Corporate Transaction' includes certain mergers involving the Company, sales of Company assets, and other changes in the control of the Company, as specified in the Incentive and Retention Plan. In general, the amount that is payable to each plan participant will equal the number of plan units that have been granted to him or her, multiplied by the increase in the value of the Company between January 9, 2007 and the date of a Corporate Transaction. There has been no Corporate Transaction since the adoption of the Incentive and Retention Plan.
7. Related-party Transaction
Effective January 1, 1990, John H. Alexander, a former officer and director of the Company participated with a group of investors that acquired the mineral and fee interest on one of the Company's oil and gas leases (Santa Fe Energy lease) in the Carneros Creek field after the Company declined to participate. The thirty-three percent interest owned by Mr. Alexander represents a minority interest in the investor group. Royalties on oil and gas production from this property paid to the investor group approximated $180,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and $131,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.
8. Stock Based Compensation
The Company issued options to purchase common shares of the Company as compensation for Board of Directors services. The value of options issued for compensation are accounted for as a non-cash expense to the Company at the fair value of the options issued. The Company values the options at fair value as calculated by using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. As of September 30, 2013 the Company has $0 in unamortized stock based compensation related to outstanding options.
The following table summarizes the option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
(Unaudited) | | Number of Options | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price | |
| | | | | | |
Outstanding, December 31, 2012 | | 10,000 | | $ | 5.40 | |
Granted | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Exercised | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Cancelled | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Outstanding, September 30, 2013 | | 10,000 | | $ | 5.40 | |
The following summarizes the options issued, outstanding and exercisable as of September 30, 2013:
Grant Date | | | June 2, 2011 | |
Strike Price | | $ | 5.40 | |
Expiration Date | | | June 1, 2016 | |
Options Remaining | | | 10,000 | |
Proceeds if Exercised | | $ | 54,000 | |
Call Feature | | | None | |
9. Fair Value
As defined in FASB ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company utilizes market data or assumptions the Company believes market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. FASB ASC 820 establishes a three-tiered fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
Level 1 - Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2 - Inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; and
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. Included in this category is the Company's determination of the value of its asset retirement obligation liability. The obligation has increased $24,599 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 as a result of normal accretion expense.
The carrying amount of our cash and equivalents, restricted cash, short and long term investments reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.
Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). There were no instances of impairment recorded for the 9 months ended September 30, 2013.
10. Registration Statement on Form S-3
The Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 5, 2013, that when declared effective by the SEC, the registration statement is designed to provide the Company the flexibility to offer and sell from time to time up to $30 million of the Company's common stock. The Company may offer and sell such securities through one or more methods of distribution, subject to market conditions and the Company's capital needs. The terms of any offering under the shelf registration statement will be established at the time of such offering and will be described in a prospectus supplement filed with the SEC prior to the completion of the offering. The Company has not filed any supplemental prospectus with the SEC or sold any common stock under this registration statement.
11. Asset Retirement Obligations
The Company recognizes a liability at discounted fair value for the future retirement of tangible long-lived assets and associated assets retirement cost associated with the petroleum and natural gas properties. The fair value of the liability is capitalized as part of the cost of the related asset and amortized to expense over its useful life. The liability accretes until the date of expected settlement of the retirement obligations. The related accretion expense is recognized in the statement of operations. The provision will be revised for the effect of any changes to timing related to cash flow or undiscounted abandonment costs. Actual expenditures incurred for the purpose of site reclamation are charged to the asset retirement obligations to the extent that the liability exists on the balance sheet. Differences between the actual costs incurred and the fair value of the liability recorded are recognized in income in the period the actual costs are incurred.
There are no legally restricted assets for the settlement of asset retirement obligations. A reconciliation of the Company's asset retirement obligations from the periods presented is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2012 | | $ | 1,327,861 | |
Incurred during the period | | | 0 | |
Additions for new wells | | | 0 | |
Accretion expense | | | 24,599 | |
Balance at September 30, 2013 | | $ | 1,352,460 | |
12. Change in Directors of Registrant
On September 30, 2013, John H. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer, and as a director, of the Company, and John E. Turco resigned as a director of the Company. Michael D. Herman, currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, was appointed as the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Mr. Herman served as Pyramid Oil’s Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2005. Following his purchases of Pyramid Oil common stock from Messrs. Alexander and Turco, Mr. Herman owns approximately 39.5% of the outstanding common stock of Pyramid Oil (not including the 100,000 shares that Mr. Herman will acquire in April 2014).
As part of this Board of Directors and management transition, Mr. Herman purchased 243,579 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock from Mr. Turco at a purchase price of $6.00 per share. In addition, Mr. Herman purchased 95,592 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock from Mr. Alexander at a purchase price $6.00 per share, and will purchase an additional 100,000 of Mr. Alexander's shares by April 5, 2014, at the same price.
On October 8, 2013, the Board of Directors of Pyramid Oil Company, appointed Rick D. Kasch to the Company’s Board of Directors to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of John Turco. Mr. Kasch was also appointed as Chairman of the Company’s Audit Committee and as a member of the Company’s Compensation and Nominating Committees.
Mr. Kasch serves as President of ENSERVCO Corporation, which is a publicly traded energy services company based in Denver, Colorado. Pyramid Oil’s Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael D. Herman, serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of ENSERVCO Corporation.
13. Settlement Agreement
In February 2002, the Company entered into an employment agreement with John H. Alexander pursuant to which Mr. Alexander agreed to serve as the Company's Vice President. On June 3, 2004, Mr. Alexander was appointed as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer. The employment agreement was for an initial term of six years, which term automatically renews annually if written notice is not tendered. The agreement was automatically renewed on June 3, 2013. On September 30, 2013, Mr. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
In connection with Mr. Alexander’s resignation, Mr. Alexander and Pyramid Oil entered into a Settlement Agreement and General Release of Claims, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Settlement Agreement”). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things:
| | Mr. Alexander’s existing employment agreement terminated effective as of September 30, 2013; |
| | |
| · | Pyramid Oil agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $967,329 to Mr. Alexander in satisfaction of amounts that are owed to Mr. Alexander under his employment agreement, with such amount to be paid in three equal installments of $322,443 each, on April 5, 2014, January 5, 2015, and January 5, 2016. These amounts are included in restricted cash and deferred compensation liability. |
| | |
| · | Pyramid Oil agreed to secure these payments owed to Mr. Alexander in a “rabbi trust” pursuant to a Trust Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013 between Pyramid Oil and Gilbert Ansolabehere, as trustee (the “Trust Agreement”); |
| | |
| · | Mr. Alexander agreed to resign as a director and officer of Pyramid Oil; |
| | |
| · | Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander entered into a Consulting Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013 (the “Consulting Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. Alexander will serve as a consultant to Pyramid Oil on a part-time basis through September 30, 2014 for a fee of $10,000 per month; |
| · | Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander waived known and unknown claims against each other; |
| | |
| · | Mr. Herman agreed to purchase shares of Pyramid Oil common stock held by Messrs. Alexander and Turco, see Footnote 12; and |
| | |
| · | Pyramid Oil and Mr. Alexander entered into an Indemnity Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Indemnity Agreement”), pursuant to which Pyramid Oil agreed to indemnify Mr. Alexander against certain claims, losses, costs and expenses that may result in the future from lawsuits and other proceedings in connection with his service as a director and an officer of Pyramid Oil. |
14. Subsequent Events
The Company evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of September 30, 2013 through the date these unaudited financial statements were issued.
On October 8, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors approved compensation of $30,000 per year for each non-employee director, granted an option to purchase 25,000 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock to each of directors Rick D. Kasch and Gary L. Ronning, and granted an option to purchase 50,000 shares of Pyramid Oil common stock to Mr. Herman.
Each option has an exercise price of $5.16 per share, which equals the closing price of Pyramid Oil’s common stock on October 8, 2013, is fully exercisable immediately, and expires on October 7, 2018. The options were granted under Pyramid Oil’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, with respect to which Pyramid Oil filed a Registration Statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 21, 2011.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
The Company is working aggressively to reverse a decline in oil and gas production volumes. Management intends to implement a plan by the end of 2013 to rework and recomplete a number of existing wells on its core California properties. The Company also will pursue opportunities to acquire properties from other oil and gas operators within, and potentially outside, of California.
Pyramid previously announced plans to re-drill and deepen three existing wells into the Monterey formation on its Delaney Tunnell property in Santa Maria, California. The Company has received permits to re-drill two of the three wells and has received verbal confirmation that a permit to re-drill the third well and utilize it to dispose of produced water has been approved and will be mailed to the Company shortly. Pyramid now anticipates drilling operations on this three-well program will commence during first quarter of 2014.
In addition, management intends to explore potential merger and joint venture opportunities with other domestic oil and gas operators, should such opportunities arise.
Pyramid has positioned itself to withstand various types of economic uncertainties, and has maintained a strong balance sheet and working capital position. In addition, the Company has filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). When declared effective by the SEC, the registration statement will give Pyramid the flexibility to offer and sell from time to time, up to $30 million of common or preferred stock. Pyramid does not have immediate plans to sell securities under the shelf registration statement.
Pyramid's future growth will be highly dependent on the level of success it has in its operations and capital investments, including the outcome of wells that have not yet been drilled. The Company's future capital investment program may be modified due to exploration and development successes or failures, market conditions and other variables. The production and sales of oil and gas involves many complex processes that are subject to numerous uncertainties, including reservoir risk, mechanical failures, human error and market conditions.
The Company may be subject to future costs necessary for compliance with the implementation of new air and water environmental quality requirements of various state and federal governmental agencies. However, those potential requirements and costs are unknown at this time. The Company continues to absorb the costs for various state and local fees and permits under new environmental programs, the sum of which were not material during 2012. The Company is actively pursuing an ongoing policy of upgrading and restoring older properties to comply with current and proposed environmental regulations. Management believes the costs associated with these programs will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Portions of the Quarterly Report, including Management's Discussion and Analysis, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and performance in future periods to be materially different from any future results or performance suggested in forward-looking statements in this release. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements found herein to reflect any changes in Company expectations or results or any change in events. Factors that could cause results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices of oil, gas and electricity, environmental risk, drilling and operational costs, uncertainties about estimates of reserves and government regulations.
ANALYSIS OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
REVENUES
The decrease in oil and gas sales of $59,982 is due primarily to lower crude oil production offset by higher average sales prices for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The Company's net revenue share of crude oil production/sales decreased by approximately 900 barrels for the third quarter of 2013. The average sales price of the Company's oil and gas for the third quarter of 2013 increased by approximately $2.32 per equivalent barrel when compared to the same period of 2012.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses increased by $59,105 for the third quarter of 2013. The cost to produce an equivalent barrel of crude oil during the third quarter of 2013 was approximately $48.05 per barrel, an increase of approximately $8.37 per barrel when compared with production costs for the third quarter of 2012. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company paid $69,000 for its share of the costs of a gas sales pipeline obligation related to the Murray Franklin Estate No. 1 well, a Texas joint venture well. Absent this one-time payment of $69,000, operating expense decreased by $9,915 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and production costs per barrel would be $41.86 per barrel. The net decrease in lease operating expenses, excluding the Texas joint venture costs of $69,000, of $9,915 is the result of a number of offsetting cost factors.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
General and administrative expenses increased by $101,520 for the third quarter of 2013 when compared with the same period for 2012. Legal fees increased by $65,759 due primarily to legal services related to the Settlement Agreement between the Company and John H. Alexander and the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S-3 that was filed in October of 2013. Accounting services increased by $17,550 due primarily to higher fees for audit services.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
On September 30, 2013, Mr. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In connection with Mr. Alexander’s resignation, Mr. Alexander and Pyramid Oil entered into a Settlement Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Settlement Agreement”). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things, Pyramid Oil agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $967,329 to Mr. Alexander in satisfaction of amounts that are owed to Mr. Alexander under his employment agreement, with such amount to be paid in three equal installments of $322,443 each, on April 5, 2014, January 5, 2015, and January 5, 2016. These amounts are included in restricted cash and deferred compensation liability.
PROVISION FOR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
The provision for depletion, depreciation and amortization decreased by $24,492 for the third quarter of 2013, when compared with the same period for 2012. The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in the depletion of oil and gas properties. Depletion decreased due to lower production volumes combined with a lower average per barrel depletion rates. The depletion rates for 2013 declined due to lower net costs to amortize.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
REVENUES
The decrease in oil and gas sales of $607,142 is due primarily to lower crude oil sales volumes offset by higher average sales prices for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The Company's net revenue share of crude oil production/sales decreased by approximately 4,400 barrels for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decline in production for the first nine months of 2013 is not attributable to any one property. Many of the oil and gas leases had lower production due primarily to natural decline. The average sales price of the Company's oil and gas for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 decreased by approximately $4.31 per equivalent barrel when compared to the same period of 2012.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Operating expenses increased by $103,847 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The cost to produce an equivalent barrel of crude oil during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was approximately $45.49 per barrel, an increase of approximately $8.28 per barrel when compared with production costs for the same period of 2012. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company paid $69,000 for its share of the costs of a gas sales pipeline obligation related to the Murray Franklin Estate No. 1 well, a Texas joint venture well. Absent this one-time payment, operating expense increased by $34,847 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and production costs per barrel would be $44.44 per barrel. Labor costs increased by $54,271 due primarily to the hiring of one additional field level employee in the fourth quarter of 2012 and a 7% salary increase for all field employees that was effective May 1, 2012. After consideration of the Texas joint venture payment and the increase in labor costs, the remaining favorable variance is $19,424 which is the result of a number of offsetting cost factors.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
General and administrative expenses increased by $118,629 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 when compared with the same period for 2012. Legal fees increased by $62,016 due primarily to legal services related to the Settlement Agreement between the Company and John H. Alexander and the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S- 3 that was filed in October of 2013. Accounting services increased by $37,978 due primarily to higher fees for audit services. The remaining net increase in general and administrative costs of $18,635 is attributable to many offsetting cost categories.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
On September 30, 2013, Mr. Alexander resigned as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. In connection with Mr. Alexander’s resignation, Mr. Alexander and Pyramid Oil entered into a Settlement Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2013 (the “Settlement Agreement”). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, among other things, Pyramid Oil agreed to pay an aggregate amount of $967,329 to Mr. Alexander in satisfaction of amounts that are owed to Mr. Alexander under his employment agreement, with such amount to be paid in three equal installments of $322,443 each, on April 5, 2014, January 5, 2015, and January 5, 2016. These amounts are included in restricted cash and deferred compensation liability.
PROVISION FOR DEPLETION, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
The provision for depletion, depreciation and amortization decreased by $130,590 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, when compared with the same period for 2012. The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in the depletion of oil and gas properties. Depletion decreased due to lower production volumes combined with a lower average per barrel depletion rates. The depletion rates for 2013 declined due to lower net costs to amortize.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $321,408 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, operating activities provided cash of $846,310. Cash was used for capital spending of $173,829. See the Statements of Cash Flows for additional detailed information. The Company had available a line of credit of $500,000 and short-term and long-term investments of $3,263,795 at September 30, 2013 that provided additional liquidity during the first nine months of 2013.
IMPACT OF CHANGING PRICES
The Company’s revenue is affected by crude oil prices paid by the major oil companies. Average crude oil prices for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 decreased by approximately $4.31 per equivalent barrel when compared with the same period of 2012. The Company cannot predict the future course of crude oil prices.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Not Applicable
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2013 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. - Legal Proceedings
None
Item 1A. - Risk Factors
See the risk factors that are included in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Item 2. - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. - Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. - Mine Safety Disclosures
None
Item 5. - Other Information
None
Item 6. - Exhibits
31.1 - Certification of the Registrant's Principal Executive Officer under Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15-d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 - Certification of the Registrant's Principal Financial Officer under Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15-d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 - Certification of the Registrant's Principal Executive Officer under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 - Certification of the Registrant's Principal Financial Officer under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101 - The following information from the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (1) Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012; (2) Income Statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012; (3) Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012; and (4) Notes to Financial Statements.
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.
| PYRAMID OIL COMPANY |
| (registrant) |
| |
Dated: November 14, 2013 | MICHAEL HERMAN |
| Michael Herman |
| President |
| |
Dated: November 14, 2013 | LEE G. CHRISTIANSON |
| Lee G. Christianson |
| Chief Financial Officer |