sv3asr
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2009
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
(and certain subsidiaries indentified in the Table of Additional Registrants below)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
NEVADA
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
|
|
94-1667468
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500
Frisco, Texas 75034
(972) 668-8800
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
M. Jay Allison
President and Chief Executive Officer
5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500
Frisco, Texas 75034
(972) 668-8800
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
Jack E. Jacobsen, Esq.
Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP
2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 2200
Dallas, Texas 75201
(214) 740-8000
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after
the effective date of this Registration Statement, as determined by market conditions.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend
or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or
continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
Securities Act), other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. þ
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule
462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the
Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement
number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a
post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.
þ
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to
General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of
securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ |
Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company o |
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proposed Maximum |
|
|
Proposed |
|
|
|
|
|
Title of Each Class |
|
|
Amount to be |
|
|
Offering Price |
|
|
Maximum Aggregate |
|
|
Amount of |
|
|
of Securities to be Registered |
|
|
Registered |
|
|
Per Security |
|
|
Offering Price |
|
|
Registration Fee |
|
|
Shares of Common Stock |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
Preferred Share Purchase Rights |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
Shares of Preferred Stock |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
Debt Securities |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
Warrants |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
Units |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
Guarantees of Debt Securities |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price or number of shares of
common stock and preferred stock, principal amount of debt securities, number of
warrants to purchase common stock or debt securities, or units consisting of
combinations of any of the foregoing is being registered as may from time to time be
offered at indeterminate prices. In accordance with Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r)
under the Securities Act, the registrant is deferring payment of all of the
registration fee, except for $58,850 that was previously paid with respect to
$500,000,000 aggregate maximum offering price of securities that were previously
registered by the registrant pursuant to Registration Statement No. 333-128813,
which was filed on October 4, 2005; no securities were sold thereunder. Pursuant to
Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, such unutilized filing fees may be applied to
the filing fee payable pursuant to this Registration Statement. |
|
(2) |
|
The preferred share purchase rights initially will trade together with our
shares of common stock. The value attributable to the preferred shares purchase
rights, if any, is reflected in the offering price of our shares of common stock. |
|
(3) |
|
The guarantees of debt securities will be issued by one or more of the
registrants indentified in the Table of Additional Registrants below and will be
issued without additional consideration. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the
Securities Act, no registration fee is payable with respect to any such guarantees. |
TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State or Other |
|
|
|
|
Jurisdiction of |
|
|
Exact Name of Additional Registrant as |
|
Incorporation or |
|
I.R.S. Employer |
Specified in its Charter |
|
Organization |
|
Identification No. |
Comstock Oil & Gas, LP |
|
Nevada |
|
|
75-2272352 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comstock Oil & Gas-Louisiana, LLC |
|
Nevada |
|
|
26-0012430 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comstock Oil & Gas GP, LLC |
|
Nevada |
|
(not applicable) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comstock Oil & Gas Investments, LLC |
|
Nevada |
|
|
90-0155903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comstock Oil & Gas Holdings, Inc. |
|
Nevada |
|
|
75-2968982 |
|
PROSPECTUS
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
COMMON STOCK
PREFERRED STOCK
DEBT SECURITIES
WARRANTS
UNITS
GUARANTEES OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings:
|
|
|
shares of common stock; |
|
|
|
|
shares of preferred stock; |
|
|
|
|
debt securities; |
|
|
|
|
warrants; and/or |
|
|
|
|
units consisting of combinations of any of the foregoing. |
Our debt securities may be guaranteed by Comstock Oil & Gas, LP, Comstock Oil & Gas-Louisiana,
LLC, Comstock Oil & Gas GP, LLC, Comstock Oil & Gas Investments, LLC, or Comstock Oil & Gas
Holdings, Inc., each a wholly-owned subsidiary of Comstock Resources, Inc.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of these securities. Each time we
will offer and sell them, we will provide their specific terms in a supplement to this prospectus.
Such prospectus supplement may add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus.
You should read this prospectus and the applicable prospectus supplement, as well as all documents
incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement, carefully
before you invest in our securities. This prospectus may not be used to offer and sell securities,
unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
We may offer the securities directly, through agents designated from time to time, or to or
through underwriters or dealers. If any agents or underwriters are involved in the sale of any of
the securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount
arrangement between or among them, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information
set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement. For more information on this topic, please see
Plan of Distribution.
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol CRK.
Investing in securities offered by this prospectus involves a high degree of risk. Please see
the Risk Factors sections beginning on page 3 of this prospectus, in the applicable prospectus
supplement, and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or
complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is October 5, 2009
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or SEC, utilizing what is commonly referred to as a shelf registration
process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell any combination of the securities
described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. This prospectus provides you with a general
description of the securities we may offer. Each time we offer to sell securities, we will provide
a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering and
the securities offered by us in that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update, or
change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the
information in this prospectus and a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information
provided in the prospectus supplement. This prospectus does not contain all of the information
included in the registration statement. The registration statement filed with the SEC includes
exhibits that provide more details about the matters discussed in this prospectus. You should
carefully read this prospectus, the related exhibits filed with the SEC, and any prospectus
supplement, together with the additional information described below under the heading Where You
Can Find More Information.
You should rely only on the information contained, or incorporated by reference, in this
prospectus and in any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person
to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent
information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer of the securities covered by
this prospectus in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should assume that the
information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and any other document
incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of the respective
document. Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may have changed
since those dates.
Under no circumstances should the delivery of this prospectus to you create any implication
that the information contained in this prospectus is correct as of any time after the date of this
prospectus.
Unless otherwise indicated, or unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this
prospectus to Comstock, we, us, and our mean Comstock Resources, Inc. and our consolidated
subsidiaries. In this prospectus, we sometimes refer to the shares of common stock, shares of
preferred stock, debt securities, warrants, and units consisting of combinations of any of the
foregoing collectively as the securities.
-1-
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information contained in this prospectus includes forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act). These
forward-looking statements are identified by use of terms such as expect, estimate,
anticipate, project, plan, intend, believe, may, will, would, and similar terms.
All statements, other than statements of historical or current facts, included in this prospectus,
are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding:
|
|
|
amount and timing of future production of oil and natural gas; |
|
|
|
|
the availability of exploration and development opportunities; |
|
|
|
|
amount, nature, and timing of capital expenditures; |
|
|
|
|
the number of anticipated wells to be drilled after the date hereof; |
|
|
|
|
our financial or operating results; |
|
|
|
|
our cash flow and anticipated liquidity; |
|
|
|
|
operating costs, including lease operating expenses, administrative costs, and other expenses; |
|
|
|
|
finding and development costs; |
|
|
|
|
our business strategy; and |
|
|
|
|
other plans and objectives for future operations. |
Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this prospectus may turn out to be incorrect.
They can be affected by a number of factors, including, among others:
|
|
|
the risks described in Risk Factors and elsewhere in this prospectus and in
any accompanying prospectus supplement; |
|
|
|
|
the volatility of prices and supply of, and demand for, oil and natural gas; |
|
|
|
|
the timing and success of our drilling activities; |
|
|
|
|
the numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of oil and natural
gas reserves and actual future production rates and associated costs; |
|
|
|
|
our ability to successfully identify, execute, or effectively integrate future
acquisitions; |
|
|
|
|
the usual hazards associated with the oil and natural gas industry, including
fires, well blowouts, pipe failure, spills, explosions and other unforeseen hazards; |
|
|
|
|
our ability to effectively market our oil and natural gas; |
|
|
|
|
the availability of rigs, equipment, supplies, and personnel; |
|
|
|
|
our ability to discover or acquire additional reserves; |
|
|
|
|
our ability to satisfy future capital requirements; |
|
|
|
|
changes in regulatory requirements; |
|
|
|
|
general economic conditions, the status of the financial markets, and competitive conditions; |
|
|
|
|
our ability to retain key members of our senior management and other key employees; and |
|
|
|
|
hostilities in the Middle East and other sustained military campaigns and acts
of terrorism or sabotage that impact the supply of crude oil and natural gas. |
-2-
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
We originally incorporated as a Delaware corporation in 1919 under the name Comstock Tunnel
and Drainage Company for the primary purpose of conducting gold and silver mining operations in and
around the Comstock Lode in Nevada. In 1983, we reincorporated under the laws of the State of
Nevada. In November 1987, we changed our name to Comstock Resources, Inc.
Today, our common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
CRK, and we are engaged in the acquisition, development, production, and exploration of oil and
natural gas. Our executive offices are located at 5300 Town and Country Boulevard, Suite 500,
Frisco, Texas 75034, and our telephone number is (972) 668-8800.
In August 2008, we divested of our interests in our offshore oil and gas properties through
the sale of our stake in Bois dArc Energy, Inc. and, accordingly, the information contained herein
pertains solely to our continuing onshore oil and gas operations. Such operations are concentrated
in the East Texas/North Louisiana and South Texas regions.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before deciding to purchase any
of our securities, you should carefully consider the discussion of risks and uncertainties:
|
|
|
under the heading Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year that ended December 31, 2008, which is incorporated by reference in this
prospectus; |
|
|
|
|
under this heading or similar headings, such as Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk, in our subsequently filed quarterly reports on Form
10-Q and annual reports on Form 10-K; and |
|
|
|
|
in any other place in this prospectus, any applicable prospectus supplement as well
as in any document that is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. |
See the section entitled Where You Can Find More Information in this prospectus. The risks
and uncertainties we discuss in the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus are
those we currently believe may materially affect Comstock. Additional risks and uncertainties not
presently known to us, or that we currently believe are immaterial, also may materially and
adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless otherwise specified in an accompanying prospectus supplement, we expect to use the net
proceeds from the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus:
|
|
|
to refinance certain existing indebtedness; |
|
|
|
|
to finance acquisitions and the development and exploration of our properties; and |
|
|
|
|
for general corporate purposes. |
We may invest funds not required immediately for these purposes in marketable securities and
short-term investments. The precise amount and timing of the application of these proceeds will
depend upon our funding requirements and the availability and cost of other funds.
-3-
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our ratios of earnings to fixed charges on a consolidated basis
for the periods shown. You should read these ratios in connection with our consolidated financial
statements, including the notes to those statements, incorporated by reference into this
prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ended |
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
2006 |
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges |
|
|
3.7x |
|
|
|
5.8x |
|
|
|
5.2x |
|
|
|
3.3x |
|
|
|
4.4x |
|
|
|
9.5x |
|
|
|
|
|
The ratios were computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. Earnings consist of income
from continuing operations before income taxes, interest expense, and that portion of
non-capitalized rental expense deemed to be the equivalent of interest, while fixed charges
consists of interest expense, capitalized interest expense, preferred stock dividends, and that
portion of non-capitalized rental expense deemed to be the equivalent
of interest. For the six months ended June 30, 2009,
earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges. The coverage deficiency
was $26.2 million. See the
Computation of Earnings to Fixed Charges Ratio that is filed as Exhibit 12.1 to the registration
statement of which this prospectus is a part.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Our authorized capital stock consists of 75,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.50
per share and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $10.00 par value per share. At October 5, 2009
we had 46,621,445 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.
At that date, we also had options and warrants outstanding to purchase 453,620 shares of our common
stock.
The following is a summary of the key terms and provisions of our equity securities. You
should refer to the applicable provisions of our restated articles of incorporation, bylaws, the
general corporate law of Nevada, and the documents we have incorporated by reference for a complete
statement of the terms and rights of our capital stock.
Common Stock
Voting Rights. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share. Subject to the
rights, if any, of the holders of any series of preferred stock pursuant to applicable law or the
provision of the certificate of designation creating that series, all voting rights are vested in
the holders of shares of common stock. Holders of shares of common stock have no right to cumulate
votes in the election of directors, thus, the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock
can elect all of the members of the board of directors standing for election.
Dividends. Dividends may be paid to the holders of common stock when, as, and if declared by
the board of directors out of funds legally available for their payment, subject to the rights of
the holders of preferred stock, if any. We have never declared a cash dividend on our common stock
and intend to continue our policy of using retained earnings for expansion of our business.
Rights upon Liquidation. In the event of our voluntary or involuntary liquidation,
dissolution, or winding up, the holders of common stock will be entitled to share equally, in
proportion to the number of shares of common stock held by them, in any of our assets available for
distribution after the payment in full of all debts and distributions and after the holders of all
series of outstanding preferred stock, if any, have received their liquidation preferences in full.
Non-Assessable. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
Any additional common stock we offer and issue under this prospectus, and any related prospectus
supplement, will also be fully paid and non-assessable.
No Preemptive Rights. Holders of common stock are not entitled to preemptive purchase rights
in future offerings of our common stock. Although our restated articles of incorporation do not
specifically deny preemptive
-4-
rights, pursuant to the general corporate law of Nevada, our
stockholders do not have preemptive rights with respect to shares that are registered under Section
12 of the Exchange Act and our common stock is so registered.
Listing. Our outstanding shares of common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under the symbol CRK. Any additional common stock we issue will also be listed on the
NYSE and any other exchange on which our common stock will then be traded.
Preferred Stock
Our board of directors can, without approval of our stockholders, issue one or more series of
preferred stock and determine the number of shares of each series and the rights, preferences, and
limitations of each series. The following description of the terms of the preferred stock sets
forth certain general terms and provisions of our authorized preferred stock. If we offer
preferred stock, a more specific description will be filed with the SEC, and the designations and
rights of such preferred stock will be described in a prospectus supplement, including the
following terms:
|
|
|
the series, the number of shares offered, and the liquidation value of the preferred
stock; |
|
|
|
|
the price at which the preferred stock will be issued; |
|
|
|
|
the dividend rate, the dates on which the dividends will be payable, and other terms
relating to the payment of dividends on the preferred stock; |
|
|
|
|
the liquidation preference of the preferred stock; |
|
|
|
|
the voting rights of the preferred stock; |
|
|
|
|
whether the preferred stock is redeemable, or subject to a sinking fund, and the
terms of any such redemption or sinking fund; |
|
|
|
|
whether the preferred stock is convertible, or exchangeable for any other
securities, and the terms of any such conversion or exchange; and |
|
|
|
|
any additional rights, preferences, qualifications, limitations, and restrictions of
the preferred stock. |
The description of the terms of the preferred stock that will be set forth in an applicable
prospectus supplement will not be complete and will be subject to and qualified in its entirety by
reference to the certificate of designation relating to the applicable series of preferred stock.
The registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part, will include the certificate of
designation as an exhibit or incorporate it by reference.
Undesignated preferred stock may enable our board of directors to render more difficult or to
discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a tender offer, proxy contest, merger, or
otherwise and to thereby protect the continuity of our management. The issuance of shares of
preferred stock may adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock. For example,
any preferred stock issued may:
|
|
|
rank prior to our common stock as to dividend rights, liquidation preference, or
both; |
|
|
|
|
have full or limited voting rights; and |
|
|
|
|
be convertible into shares of common stock. |
As a result, the issuance of shares of preferred stock may:
|
|
|
discourage bids for our common stock; or |
|
|
|
|
otherwise adversely affect the market price of our common stock or any then existing
preferred stock. |
Any preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and non-assessable.
-5-
Stockholders Rights Plan
On December 8, 2000, our board of directors adopted Comstocks Stockholders Rights Plan and
we declared a dividend distribution of one preferred stock purchase right for each outstanding
share of our common stock. Each purchase right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us
one one-hundredth of a share of our series A junior participating preferred stock, $10.00 par value
per share, at an exercise price of $50.00 per one one-hundredth of a share of preferred stock,
subject to adjustment. The description and terms of the purchase rights are set forth in a rights
agreement between us and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company, as rights agent.
The purchase rights are initially evidenced by the common stock certificates as no separate
purchase rights certificates have been distributed. The purchase rights separate from our common
stock and a distribution date will occur at the close of business on the earliest of:
|
|
|
the tenth business day following a public announcement that a person or group of
affiliated or associated persons (Acquiring Person) has acquired, or obtained the
right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of our
common stock (Stock Acquisition Date); |
|
|
|
|
the tenth business day (or such later date as may be determined by action of our
board of directors) following the commencement of a tender offer or exchange offer that
would result in a person or group beneficially owning 20% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock; or |
|
|
|
|
the tenth business day after (i) our board of directors determined that any
individual, firm, corporation, partnership, or other entity (alone or together with its
affiliates and associates; collectively, an Adverse Person, if so determined and
declared according to the following procedure) has become the beneficial owner of at
least 10% of the shares of our common stock then outstanding, and (ii) a majority of
our continuing directors who are not our officers, after reasonable inquiry and
investigation (including consulting with such Adverse Person as such directors shall
deem appropriate), determined that: |
|
(a) |
|
such amount of beneficial ownership of our common stock is
substantial; and |
|
|
(b) |
|
such beneficial ownership by the Adverse Person is intended to
cause (I) Comstock to repurchase the common stock beneficially owned by the
Adverse Person; or (II) pressure on Comstock to take action, or enter into a
transaction, intended to provide the Adverse Person with short-term financial
gain, and that the best long-term interests of Comstock and Comstocks
stockholders would not be served by taking such action, or entering into such
transaction or series of transactions, at that time; or (III) or is reasonably
likely to cause, a material adverse impact on Comstock. |
The purchase rights are not exercisable until the distribution date outlined above and will
expire at the close of business on December 18, 2010, unless earlier redeemed by us. If (i) a
person becomes the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the then outstanding shares of our common
stock (except (a) pursuant to certain offers for all outstanding shares of common stock approved by
at least a majority of the continuing directors who are not our officers, or (b) solely due to a
reduction in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as a result of the repurchase of
shares of common stock by us), or (ii) our board of directors determines that a person is an
Adverse Person, each holder of a purchase right will thereafter have the right to receive, upon
exercise, common stock (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property, or our other securities)
having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the purchase right. Notwithstanding any of
the foregoing, following the occurrence of either of the events set forth in this paragraph, all
purchase rights that are, or (under certain circumstances specified in the rights agreement) were,
beneficially owned by any Acquiring Person or Adverse Person will be null and void.
If at any time following the Stock Acquisition Date, (i) we are acquired in a merger or other
business combination transaction in which we are not the surviving corporation, or in which we are
the surviving corporation, but our common stock is changed or exchanged (other than a merger which
follows an offer for all outstanding shares of common stock approved by at least a majority of the
continuing directors who are not our officers), or (ii) more than 50% of our assets, cash flow or
earning power is sold or transferred, each holder of a purchase right (except purchase rights which
previously have been voided as set forth above) shall thereafter have the right to receive, upon
exercise, common stock of the acquiring company, having a value equal to two times the exercise
price of the purchase right.
-6-
At any time after the earlier to occur of (i) an Acquiring Person becoming such, or (ii) the
date on which our board of directors declares an Adverse Person to be such, our board of directors
may cause us to exchange the purchase rights (other than purchase rights owned by the Adverse
Person or Acquiring Person, as the case may be, which will have become null and void), in whole or
in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock per purchase right (subject to
adjustment). Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such exchange may be effected at any time after any
person becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of our outstanding common stock.
The rights plan has certain anti-takeover effects including making it prohibitively expensive
for a corporate raider to try to control or take us over unilaterally without negotiation with our
board of directors. Although intended to preserve the best long-term value for our stockholders,
the rights plan may make it more difficult for stockholders to benefit from certain transactions
which are opposed by the continuing directors who are not our officers.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
In addition to the rights plan, our restated articles of incorporation and bylaws and the
general corporate law of Nevada include certain provisions which may have the effect of delaying or
deterring a change in control or in our management or encouraging persons considering unsolicited
tender offers or other unilateral takeover proposals to negotiate with our board of directors
rather than pursue non-negotiated takeover attempts. These provisions include a classified board
of directors, authorized blank check preferred stock, restrictions on business combinations, and
the availability of authorized but unissued common stock. Please see Preferred Stock above.
Our bylaws contain provisions dividing the board of directors into classes with only one class
standing for election each year. A staggered board of directors makes it more difficult for
stockholders to change the majority of the directors and instead promotes a continuity of existing
management.
Combinations with Interested Stockholders Statute. Sections 78.411 to 78.444 of the Nevada
Revised Statutes (N.R.S.), which apply to any Nevada corporation subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including us, prohibits an interested stockholder
from entering into a combination with the corporation for three years, unless certain conditions
are met. A combination includes:
|
|
|
any merger of the corporation or a subsidiary of the corporation with an interested
stockholder, or any other corporation which is or after the merger would be, an
affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder; |
|
|
|
|
any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition in one
transaction, or a series of transactions, to or with an interested stockholder of
assets: |
|
(i) |
|
having an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the
aggregate market value of the corporations assets; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
having an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the
aggregate market value of all outstanding shares of the corporation; or |
|
|
(iii) |
|
representing 10% or more of the earning power or net income of the
corporation; |
|
|
|
any issuance or transfer of shares of the corporation or its subsidiaries, to the
interested stockholder, having an aggregate market value equal to 5% or more of the
aggregate market value of all of the outstanding shares of the corporation; |
|
|
|
|
the adoption of any plan, or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the
corporation, proposed by the interested stockholder; |
|
|
|
|
certain transactions which would result in increasing the proportionate share of
shares of the corporation owned by the interested stockholder; |
|
|
|
|
a recapitalization of the corporation; or |
|
|
|
|
the receipt by an interested stockholder, except proportionately as a stockholder,
of the benefits of any loans, advances, or other financial benefits provided by the
corporation. |
An interested stockholder is a person who:
|
|
|
directly or indirectly owns 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding
voting shares of the corporation; or |
-7-
|
|
|
an affiliate or associate of the corporation, which at any time within three years
before the date in question was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or
more of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the corporation. |
A corporation to which the Combinations with Interested Stockholders Statute applies may not
engage in a combination within three years after the interested stockholder acquired its shares,
unless the combination or the interested stockholders acquisition of shares was approved by the
board of directors before the interested stockholder acquired the shares. If this approval is not
obtained, the combination may be consummated after the three year period expires if either (i)(a)
the board of directors of the corporation approved, prior to such person becoming an interested
stockholder, the combination or the purchase of shares by the interested stockholder, or (b) the
combination is approved by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of voting power not
beneficially owned by the interested stockholder at a meeting called no earlier than three years
after the date the interested stockholder became such, or (ii) the aggregate amount of cash and the
market value of consideration other than cash to be received by holders of shares of common stock
and holders of any other class or series of shares meets the minimum requirements set forth in the
statue, and prior to the completion of the combination, except in limited circumstances, the
interested stockholder has not become the beneficial owner of additional voting shares of the
corporation.
Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute. In addition, Nevadas Acquisition of
Controlling Interest Statute, prohibits an acquiror, under certain circumstances, from voting
shares of a target corporations stock after crossing certain threshold ownership percentages,
unless the acquiror obtains the approval of the target corporations stockholders. Sections 78.378
to 78.3793 of the N.R.S. only apply to Nevada corporations with at least 200 stockholders,
including at least 100 record stockholders who are Nevada residents, that do business directly or
indirectly in Nevada and whose articles of incorporation or bylaws in effect 10 days following the
acquisition of a controlling interest by an acquiror do not prohibit its application.
We do not intend to do business in Nevada within the meaning of the Acquisition of
Controlling Interest Statute. Therefore, we believe it is unlikely that this statute will apply to
us. The statute specifies three thresholds:
|
|
|
at least one-fifth but less than one-third; |
|
|
|
|
at least one-third but less than a majority; and |
|
|
|
|
a majority or more, |
of the outstanding voting power. Once an acquiror crosses one of these thresholds, shares which it
acquired in the transaction taking it over the threshold (or within ninety days preceding the date
thereof) become control shares which could be deprived of the right to vote until a majority of
the disinterested stockholders restore that right.
A special stockholders meeting may be called at the request of the acquiror to consider the
voting rights of the acquirors shares. If the acquiror requests a special meeting and gives an
undertaking to pay the expenses of said meeting, then the meeting must take place no earlier than
30 days (unless the acquiror requests that the meeting be held sooner) and no more than 50 days
(unless the acquiror agrees to a later date) after the delivery by the acquiror to the corporation
of an information statement which sets forth the range of voting power that the acquiror has
acquired or proposes to acquire and certain other information concerning the acquiror and the
proposed control share acquisition.
If no such request for a stockholders meeting is made, consideration of the voting rights of
the acquirors shares must be taken at the next special or annual stockholders meeting. If the
stockholders fail to restore voting rights to the acquiror, or if the acquiror fails to timely
deliver an information statement to the corporation, then the corporation may, if so provided in
its articles or bylaws, call certain of the acquirors shares for redemption at the average price
paid for the control shares by the acquiror.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws do not currently permit us to redeem an acquirors
shares under these circumstances. The Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute also provides
that in the event the stockholders restore full voting rights to a holder of control shares that
owns a majority of the voting stock, then all other stockholders who do not vote in favor of
restoring voting rights to the control shares may demand payment for the fair value of their
shares (which is generally equal to the highest price paid by the acquiror in the transaction
subjecting the acquiror to this statute).
-8-
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust
Company.
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
This section describes the general terms and provisions of the debt securities which may be
offered by us from time to time. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific
terms of the debt securities offered by such supplement.
We may issue debt securities either separately, or together with, or upon the conversion of,
or in exchange for, other securities. The debt securities are to be either our senior obligations
issued in one or more series and referred to herein as the senior debt securities, or our
subordinated obligations issued in one or more series and referred to herein as the subordinated
debt securities. The debt securities will be our general obligations. Each series of debt
securities will be issued under an indenture agreement between us and an independent third party,
usually a bank or trust company, known as a trustee, who will be legally obligated to carry out the
terms of the indenture. We may issue the debt securities offered hereby under one or more
indentures, as one or as separate series, as specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement(s).
This summary of certain terms and provisions of the debt securities and indenture is based on
the form of indenture for debt securities that we expect to enter into with The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A. and is filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the
registration statement of which this prospectus is a part; it is not complete. We expect that the indenture
that we actually will enter into will be substantially in the form of such exhibit. If we refer to
particular provisions of the indenture, the provisions, including definitions of certain terms, are
incorporated by reference as a part of this summary. The indenture is subject to and governed by
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the Trust Indenture Act).
The indenture that we actually will enter into will be filed as an exhibit to documents that
we will file under the Exchange Act which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. You
should refer to that indenture, as supplemented, for a complete statement of the terms and rights
of our debt securities.
General
The indenture may not limit the amount of debt securities which we may issue. We may issue
debt securities up to an aggregate principal amount as we may authorize from time to time. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any debt securities being offered,
including:
|
|
|
the title and aggregate principal amount; |
|
|
|
|
the date(s) when principal is payable; |
|
|
|
|
the interest rate, if any, and the method for calculating the interest rate; |
|
|
|
|
the interest payment dates and the record dates for the interest payments; |
|
|
|
|
the places where the principal and interest will be payable; |
|
|
|
|
any mandatory or optional redemption or repurchase terms or prepayment, conversion,
sinking fund or exchangeability or convertibility provisions; |
|
|
|
|
whether such debt securities will be senior debt securities or subordinated debt
securities and, if subordinated debt securities, the subordination provisions and the
applicable definition of senior indebtedness; |
|
|
|
|
additional provisions, if any, relating to the defeasance and covenant defeasance of
the debt securities; |
|
|
|
|
if other than denominations of $1,000 or multiples of $1,000, the denominations the
debt securities will be issued in; |
|
|
|
|
whether the debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities, as
discussed below, or certificates; |
-9-
|
|
|
any applicable material federal tax consequences; |
|
|
|
|
the dates on which premiums, if any, will be payable; |
|
|
|
|
our right, if any, to defer payment of interest and the maximum length of such
deferral period; |
|
|
|
|
any paying agents, transfer agents, registrars, or trustees (except as provided for
herein); |
|
|
|
|
any listing on a securities exchange; |
|
|
|
|
if convertible into common stock or preferred stock, the terms on which such debt
securities are convertible; |
|
|
|
|
the terms, if any, of the transfer, mortgage, pledge, or assignment as security for
any series of debt securities of any properties, assets, proceeds, securities, or other
collateral, including whether certain provisions of the Trust Indenture Act are
applicable, and any corresponding changes to provisions of the indenture as then in
effect; |
|
|
|
|
restrictions on the declaration of dividends, if any; |
|
|
|
|
restrictions on issuing additional debt, if any; |
|
|
|
|
material limitations or qualifications on the debt securities imposed by the rights
of any of our other securities, if any; |
|
|
|
|
the initial offering price; and |
|
|
|
|
other specific terms, including covenants and any additions or changes to the events
of default provided for with respect to the debt securities. |
The terms of the debt securities of any series may differ, and without the consent of the
holders of the debt securities of any series, we may reopen a previous series of debt securities
and issue additional debt securities of such series or establish additional terms of such series,
unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Non-U.S. Currency
If the purchase price of any debt securities is payable in a currency other than United States
dollars (U.S. dollars) or if principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any of the
debt securities is payable in any currency other than U.S. dollars, the specific terms with respect
to such debt securities and such foreign currency will be specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Original Issue Discount Securities
Debt securities may be issued as original issue discount securities to be sold at a
substantial discount below their principal amount. Original issue discount securities may include
zero coupon securities that do not pay any cash interest for the entire term of the securities.
In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of any original issue discount security, the amount
payable to the holder thereof upon such acceleration will be determined in the manner described in
the applicable prospectus supplement. Material federal income tax and other considerations
applicable to original issue discount securities will be described in the applicable prospectus
supplement.
Covenants
Under the indenture, we will be required to:
|
|
|
pay the principal, interest, and any premium on the debt securities when due; |
|
|
|
|
maintain a place of payment; |
|
|
|
|
deliver a report to the trustee at the end of each fiscal year, reviewing our
obligations under the indenture; and |
|
|
|
|
deposit sufficient funds with any paying agent on or before the due date for any
principal, interest, or any premium. |
Any additional covenants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
-10-
Registration, Transfer, Payment and Paying Agent
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, each series of debt securities will be
issued in registered form only, without coupons, and such registered securities will be issued in
denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof.
Unless otherwise indicated in a prospectus supplement, Comstock will pay interest on the debt
securities to the persons who are their registered holders at the close of business on a certain
date preceding the respective interest payment date. We will not be required to register the
transfer or exchange of debt securities of any series during a period beginning 15 days before the
mailing of a notice of redemption of or an offer to repurchase debt securities of that series or 15
days before an interest payment date.
Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, holders must surrender the
debt securities to a Paying Agent to collect principal payments. It is expected that initially,
The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. will act as paying agent. We may appoint and
change any paying agent, registrar or co-registrar without notice. Comstock may act as paying
agent, registrar or co-registrar.
Ranking of Debt Securities
The senior debt securities will be our unsubordinated obligations and will rank equally in
right of payment with all other unsubordinated indebtedness of ours. The subordinated debt
securities will be obligations of ours and will be subordinated in right of payment to all existing
and future senior indebtedness. The prospectus supplement will describe the subordination
provisions and set forth the definition of senior indebtedness applicable to the subordinated debt
securities, and will set forth the approximate amount of such senior indebtedness outstanding as of
a recent date.
Subsidiary Guarantors
One or more of our subsidiaries may fully and unconditionally guarantee any series of debt
securities offered by this prospectus, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. These
subsidiaries are sometimes referred to in this prospectus as possible subsidiary guarantors. The
term subsidiary guarantors with respect to a series of debt securities refers to our subsidiaries
that guaranty such series of debt securities. The applicable prospectus supplement will name the
subsidiary guarantors, if any, for that series of debt securities and will describe the terms of
the guarantee by the subsidiary guarantors.
Global Securities
The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more
global securities that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depository, such as the
Depository Trust Company, identified in the prospectus supplement relating to such series. Global
debt securities may be issued in either registered or bearer form and in either temporary or
permanent form. Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for individual certificates
evidencing debt securities, a global debt security may not be transferred except as a whole:
|
|
|
by the depository to a nominee of such depository; |
|
|
|
|
by a nominee of such depository to such depository or another nominee of such
depository; or |
|
|
|
|
by such depository, or any such nominee to a successor of such depository, or a
nominee of such successor. |
The specific terms of the depository arrangement with respect to a series of global debt
securities and certain limitations and restrictions relating to a series of global bearer
securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Outstanding Debt Securities
In determining whether the holders of the requisite principal amount of outstanding debt
securities have given any authorization, demand, direction, notice, consent, or waiver under the
indenture, the amount of outstanding debt securities will be calculated based on the following:
-11-
|
|
|
the portion of the principal amount of an original issue discount security that
shall be deemed to be outstanding for such purposes shall be that portion of the
principal amount thereof that could be
declared to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration pursuant to the
terms of such original issue discount security as of the date of such determination; |
|
|
|
|
the principal amount of a debt security denominated in a currency other than U.S.
dollars shall be the U.S. dollar equivalent, determined on the date of original issue
of such debt security, of the principal amount of such debt security; and |
|
|
|
|
any debt security owned by us or any obligor on such debt security or any affiliate
of us or such other obligor shall be deemed not to be outstanding. |
Redemption and Repurchase
The debt securities may be redeemable at our option, may be subject to mandatory redemption
pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise, or may be subject to repurchase by us at the option of the
holders, in each case upon the terms, at the times and at the prices set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement.
Conversion and Exchange
The terms, if any, on which debt securities of any series are convertible into or exchangeable
for common stock, preferred stock, or other debt securities will be set forth in the applicable
prospectus supplement. Such terms of conversion or exchange may be either mandatory, at the option
of the holders, or at our option.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
The indenture generally will permit a consolidation or merger between us and another
corporation, if the surviving corporation meets certain limitations and conditions. Subject to
those conditions, the indenture may also permit the sale by us of all or substantially all of our
property and assets. If this happens, the remaining or acquiring corporation shall assume all of
our responsibilities and liabilities under the indenture including the payment of all amounts due
on the debt securities and performance of the covenants in the indentures.
We are only permitted to consolidate or merge with or into any other corporation or sell all
or substantially all of our assets according to the terms and conditions of the indentures, as
indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. The remaining or acquiring corporation will be
substituted for us in the indentures with the same effect as if it had been an original party to
the indenture. Thereafter, the successor corporation may exercise our rights and powers under any
indenture, in our name or in its own name.
Events of Default
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, an event of default, as
defined in the indenture and applicable to debt securities issued under such indenture, typically
will occur with respect to the debt securities of any series under the indenture upon:
|
|
|
default for a period to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement in
payment of any interest with respect to any debt security of such series; |
|
|
|
|
default in payment of principal or any premium with respect to any debt security of
such series when due upon maturity, redemption, repurchase at the option of the holder,
or otherwise; |
|
|
|
|
default by us in the performance, or breach, of any other covenant or warranty in
the indenture, which shall not have been remedied for a period to be specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement after notice to us by the applicable trustee or the
holders of not less than a fixed percentage in aggregate principal amount of the debt
securities of all series issued under the indenture; |
|
|
|
|
certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization of Comstock or our
subsidiary guarantors; or |
|
|
|
|
any other event of default that may be set forth in the applicable prospectus
supplement, including an event of default based on other debt being accelerated, known
as a cross-acceleration. |
No event of default with respect to any particular series of debt securities necessarily
constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities. If the
trustee considers it in the interest of the holders to
-12-
do so, the trustee under an indenture may
withhold notice of the occurrence of a default with respect to the debt
securities to the holders of any series outstanding, except a default in payment of principal,
premium, if any, or interest, if any.
The indenture will provide that if an event of default with respect to any series of debt
securities issued thereunder shall have occurred and be continuing, either the relevant trustee or
the holders of at least a fixed percentage in principal amount of the debt securities of such
series then outstanding may declare the principal amount of all the debt securities of such series
to be due and payable immediately. In the case of original issue discount securities, the trustee
may declare as due and payable such lesser amount as may be specified in the applicable prospectus
supplement. However, upon certain conditions, such declaration and its consequences may be
rescinded and annulled by the holders of at least a fixed percentage in principal amount of the
debt securities of all series issued under the indenture.
The applicable prospectus supplement will provide the terms pursuant to which an event of
default shall result in acceleration of the payment of principal of debt securities.
In the case of a default in the payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest, if
any, on any debt securities of any series, the applicable trustee, subject to certain limitations
and conditions, may institute a judicial proceeding for the collection thereof.
No holder of any of the debt securities of any series will have any right to institute any
proceeding with respect to the indenture or any remedy thereunder, unless the holders of at least a
fixed percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of such series:
|
|
|
have made written request to the trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee,
and offered reasonable indemnity to the trustee; |
|
|
|
|
the trustee has failed to institute such proceeding within the time period specified
in the applicable prospectus supplement after receipt of such notice; and |
|
|
|
|
the trustee has not within such period received directions inconsistent with such
written request by holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of such series. Such limitations do not apply, however, to a suit
instituted by a holder of a debt security for the enforcement of the payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, or any accrued and unpaid interest on the debt security
on or after the respective due dates expressed in the debt security. |
During the existence of an event of default under an indenture, the trustee is required to
exercise such rights and powers vested in it under the indenture and use the same degree of care
and skill in its exercise thereof as a prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the
conduct of such persons own affairs. Subject to the provisions of the indenture relating to the
duties of the trustee, if an event of default shall occur and be continuing, the trustee is under
no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or
direction of any of the holders, unless such holders shall have offered to the trustee reasonable
security or indemnity. Subject to certain provisions concerning the rights of the trustee, the
holders of at least a fixed percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
any series have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for
any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any power conferred on the trustee with respect
to such series.
The indenture provides that the trustee will, within the time period specified in the
applicable prospectus supplement after the occurrence of any default, give to the holders of the
debt securities of such series notice of such default known to it, unless such default shall have
been cured or waived; provided that the trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if it
determines in good faith that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of such holders,
except in the case of a default in payment of principal of or premium, if any, on any debt security
of such series when due or in the case of any default in the payment of any interest on the debt
securities of such series.
We will be required to furnish to the trustee annually a statement as to compliance with all
conditions and covenants under the indenture.
-13-
Modification and Waivers
From time to time, when authorized by resolutions of our board of directors and by the
trustee, we may, without the consent of the holders of debt securities of any series, amend, waive,
or supplement the indenture and the debt securities of such series for certain specified purposes,
including, among other things:
|
|
|
to cure ambiguities, defects, or inconsistencies; |
|
|
|
|
to provide for the assumption of our obligations to holders of the debt securities
of such series in the case of a merger or consolidation; |
|
|
|
|
to add to our events of default or our covenants or to make any change that would
provide any additional rights or benefits to the holders of the debt securities of such
series; |
|
|
|
|
to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series and any related
coupons; |
|
|
|
|
to add subsidiary guarantors with respect to the debt securities of such series; |
|
|
|
|
to release any subsidiary guarantor from its obligations under its guarantee in
compliance with the terms of the indenture; |
|
|
|
|
to secure the debt securities of such series; |
|
|
|
|
to maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or |
|
|
|
|
to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any holder. |
Other amendments and modifications of the indenture or the debt securities issued thereunder
may be made by the trustee and us with the consent of the holders of not less than a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected, with each
series voting as a separate class; provided that, without the consent of the holder of each
outstanding debt security affected, no such modification or amendment may:
|
|
|
reduce the principal amount of, or extend the fixed maturity of the debt securities,
or alter or waive any redemption, repurchase, or sinking fund provision of the debt
securities; |
|
|
|
|
reduce the amount of principal of any original issue discount securities that would
be due and payable upon an acceleration of the maturity thereof; |
|
|
|
|
change the currency in which any debt securities, or any premium or the accrued
interest thereon is payable; |
|
|
|
|
reduce the percentage in principal amount outstanding of debt securities of any
series which must consent to an amendment, supplement, or waiver or consent to take any
action under the indenture or the debt securities of such series; |
|
|
|
|
impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to the debt securities; |
|
|
|
|
waive a default in payment with respect to the debt securities or any subsidiary
guarantee; or |
|
|
|
|
reduce the rate or extend the time for payment of interest on the debt securities. |
The holders of a fixed percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt
securities of any series may waive compliance by us with certain restrictive provisions of the
relevant indenture, including any set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The holders
of a fixed percentage in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any
series may, on behalf of the holders of that series, waive any past default under the indenture
with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal
of, or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on any debt securities of such series, or in respect
of a covenant or provision which cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders
of each outstanding debt security of the series affected.
Discharge, Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
When we establish a series of debt securities, we may provide that such series is subject to
the defeasance and discharge provisions of the indenture. If those provisions are made applicable,
we may elect either:
|
|
|
to terminate and be discharged from all of our obligations with respect to those
debt securities subject to some limitations; or |
-14-
|
|
|
to be released from our obligations to comply with specified covenants relating to
those debt securities, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement. |
To effect that defeasance, or covenant defeasance, we must irrevocably deposit in trust with
the relevant trustee an amount which, through the payment of principal and interest in accordance
with their terms, will provide money sufficient to make payments on those debt securities and any
mandatory sinking fund or similar payments on those debt securities. This deposit may be made in
any combination of funds or government obligations. On such a defeasance, we will not be released
from certain of our obligations that will be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
To establish such a trust, we must deliver to the relevant trustee an opinion of counsel to
the effect that the holders of those debt securities:
|
|
|
will not recognize income, gain, or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a
result of the defeasance or covenant defeasance; and |
|
|
|
|
will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner,
and at the same times as would have been the case if the defeasance or covenant
defeasance had not occurred (and, in the case of defeasance, such opinion must be based
upon a published ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or a change in applicable
income tax laws). |
If we effect covenant defeasance with respect to any debt securities, the amount of deposit
with the relevant trustee must be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities at the time
of their stated maturity. However, those debt securities may become due and payable prior to their
stated maturity, if there is an event of default with respect to a covenant from which we have not
been released. In that event, the amount on deposit may not be sufficient to pay all amounts due
on the debt securities at the time of the acceleration.
The applicable prospectus supplement may further describe the provisions, if any, permitting
defeasance or covenant defeasance, including any modifications to the provisions described above.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with,
the laws of the State of New York.
The Initial Trustee
The initial trustee named in the form of indenture for debt securities is The Bank of New York
Mellon Trust Company, N.A.
Regarding the Trustees
The Trust Indenture Act contains limitations on the rights of a trustee, should it become a
creditor of ours, to obtain payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain property
received by it in respect of any such claims as security or otherwise. Each trustee is permitted
to engage in other transactions with us from time to time, provided that, if such trustee becomes
subject to any conflicting interest, it must eliminate such conflict upon the occurrence of an
event of default under the relevant indenture, or else resign as trustee.
-15-
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants to purchase debt or equity securities. Warrants may be issued
independently or together with any other securities and may be attached to, or separate from, such
securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be
entered into between us and a warrant agent. The terms of any warrants to be issued and a
description of the material provisions of the applicable warrant agreement will be set forth in the
applicable prospectus supplement.
The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the following terms of any warrants in
respect of which this prospectus is being delivered:
|
|
|
the title of such warrants; |
|
|
|
|
the aggregate number of such warrants; |
|
|
|
|
the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued; |
|
|
|
|
any changes or adjustments to the exercise price; |
|
|
|
|
the securities or other rights, including rights to receive payment in cash or
securities based on the value, rate, or price of one or more specified commodities,
currencies, securities, or indices, or any combination of the foregoing, purchasable
upon exercise of such warrants; |
|
|
|
|
the price at which, and the currency or currencies in which the securities or other
rights purchasable upon exercise of, such warrants may be purchased; |
|
|
|
|
the date on which the right to exercise such warrants shall commence and the date on
which such right shall expire; |
|
|
|
|
if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of such warrants that may be exercised
at any one time; |
|
|
|
|
if applicable, the designation and terms of the securities with which such warrants
are issued and the number of such warrants issued with each such security; |
|
|
|
|
if applicable, the date on and after which such warrants and the related securities
will be separately transferable; |
|
|
|
|
information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any; |
|
|
|
|
if applicable, a discussion of any material United States federal income tax
considerations; and |
|
|
|
|
any other terms of such warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations
relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants. |
DESCRIPTION OF UNITS
As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units consisting of one or
more debt securities, shares of common stock, shares of preferred stock, or warrants or any
combination of such securities.
The applicable prospectus supplement will specify the following terms of any units in respect
of which this prospectus is being delivered:
|
|
|
the terms of the units and of any of the debt securities, common stock, preferred
stock, and warrants comprising the units, including whether and under what
circumstances the securities comprising the units may be traded separately; |
|
|
|
|
a description of the terms of any unit agreement governing the units; and |
|
|
|
|
a description of the provisions for the payment, settlement, transfer, or exchange
of the units. |
-16-
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities offered by this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplements in
one or more of the following ways from time to time:
|
|
|
through underwriters or dealers; |
|
|
|
|
through agents; |
|
|
|
|
directly to purchasers, including institutional investors; or |
|
|
|
|
through a combination of any such methods of sale. |
Any such underwriter, dealer, or agent may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning
of the Securities Act.
The applicable prospectus supplement relating to the securities will set forth:
|
|
|
the offering terms, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers, or
agents; |
|
|
|
|
the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us from such sales; |
|
|
|
|
any underwriting discounts, commissions, and other items constituting compensation
to underwriters, dealers, or agents; |
|
|
|
|
any initial public offering price, if applicable; |
|
|
|
|
any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid by underwriters or dealers
to other dealers; |
|
|
|
|
in the case of debt securities, the interest rate, maturity, and redemption
provisions; and |
|
|
|
|
any securities exchanges on which the securities may be listed. |
If underwriters or dealers are used in the sale, the securities will be acquired by the
underwriters or dealers for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more
transactions:
|
|
|
at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; |
|
|
|
|
at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
|
|
|
|
at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or |
|
|
|
|
at negotiated prices. |
The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented
by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more of such firms. Unless otherwise
stated in an applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of underwriters or dealers to
purchase the securities will be subject to certain customary closing conditions and the
underwriters or dealers will be obligated to purchase all the securities if any of the securities
are purchased. Any public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or
paid by underwriters or dealers to other dealers may be changed from time to time.
Securities may be sold directly by us, or through agents designated by us, from time to time.
Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities in respect of which this prospectus and a
prospectus supplement is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to such agent
will be set forth, in the prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus
supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its
appointment.
If so indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will authorize underwriters, dealers, or
agents to solicit offers from certain specified institutions to purchase securities from us at the
public offering price set forth in the prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts
providing for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. Such contracts will be
subject to any conditions set forth in the prospectus supplement and the prospectus supplement will
set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts. The underwriters and other
persons soliciting such contracts will have no responsibility for the validity or performance of
any such contracts.
-17-
Underwriters, dealers, and agents may be entitled under agreements entered into with us to be
indemnified by us against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities
Act, or to contribution by us to payments which they may be required to make. The terms and
conditions of such indemnification will be described in an applicable prospectus supplement.
Underwriters, dealers, and agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform
services for us in the ordinary course of business.
Each class or series of securities will be a new issue of securities with no established
trading market, other than the common stock, which is listed on the NYSE. We may elect to list any
other class or series of securities on any exchange, other than the common stock, but we are not
obligated to do so. Any underwriters to whom securities are sold by us for public offering and
sale may make a market in such securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and
may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the
liquidity of the trading market for any securities.
Certain persons participating in any offering of securities may engage in transactions that
stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the securities offered in accordance with
Regulation M under the Exchange Act. In connection with any such offering, the underwriters or
agents, as the case may be, may purchase and sell securities in the open market. These
transactions may include over-allotment and stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover
syndicate short positions created in connection with the offering. Stabilizing transactions
consist of certain bids or purchases for the purpose of preventing or retarding a decline in the
market price of the securities; and syndicate short positions involve the sale by the underwriters
or agents, as the case may be, of a greater number of securities than they are required to purchase
from us, as the case may be, in the offering. The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid,
whereby selling concessions allowed to syndicate members or other broker-dealers for the securities
sold for their account may be reclaimed by the syndicate if such securities are repurchased by the
syndicate in stabilizing or covering transactions. These activities may stabilize, maintain, or
otherwise affect the market price of the securities, which may be higher than the price that might
otherwise prevail in the open market, and if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. These
transactions may be effected on the NYSE in the over-the-counter market or otherwise. These
activities will be described in more detail in the sections entitled Plan of Distribution or
Underwriting in the applicable prospectus supplement.
The prospectus supplement or pricing supplement, as applicable, will set forth the anticipated
delivery date of the securities being sold at that time.
LEGAL MATTERS
Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP, Dallas, Texas, will issue an opinion for us regarding the
legality of the securities offered by this prospectus and applicable prospectus supplement. If the
securities are being distributed in an underwritten offering, certain legal matters will be passed
upon for the underwriters by counsel identified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
EXPERTS
Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 and for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2008 appearing in our Current Report (Form 8-K) dated
September 22, 2009, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2008 included in our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2008,
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth
in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such
consolidated financial statements and managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 are incorporated herein by reference in
reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
With respect to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial information of Comstock
Resources, Inc. for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2009 and March 31, 2008, and the
quarterly periods ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2008, incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, Ernst & Young LLP reported that they have applied limited procedures in accordance with
professional standards for a review of such information. However, their separate reports dated May
5, 2009 and August 4, 2009, included in Comstock Resources, Inc.s reports on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly periods ended March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, respectively, and incorporated by
reference herein, states that they did not audit and they do not express an opinion on that interim
financial information. Accordingly, the degree of reliance on their reports on such information
should be restricted in light of the limited nature of the review procedures applied. Ernst &
Young LLP is not subject to the liability provisions of Section 11 of the Securities Act for their
report on the unaudited interim financial information because that report is not a report or a
part of a registration statement prepared or certified by Ernst & Young LLP within the meaning of
Sections 7 and 11 of the Securities Act.
-18-
Certain estimates of our oil and natural gas reserves and related information incorporated by
reference in this prospectus have been derived from engineering reports prepared by Lee Keeling &
Associates as of December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008, and all such information has been so included on
the authority of such firm as an expert regarding the matters contained in its reports.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act, and therefore we file
annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements, and other documents with the SEC. You may
read and copy any of the reports, proxy statements, and any other information that we file at the
SECs Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain
information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In
addition, the SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxies,
information statements, and other information regarding registrants, including us, that file
electronically with the SEC. We also maintain a website at http://www.comstockresources.com;
however, the information contained at this website does not constitute part of this prospectus or
any prospectus supplement. Reports, proxies, information statements, and other information about
us may also be inspected at the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-3 under the Securities Act, with
respect to the securities offered in this prospectus. This prospectus is part of that registration
statement and, as permitted by the SECs rules, does not contain all of the information set forth
in the registration statement. For further information about us and the securities that may be
offered, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits that are filed with it. You
can review and copy the registration statement and its exhibits and schedules at the addresses
listed above.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference into this prospectus certain information we
file with the SEC in other documents. This means that we can disclose important information to you
by referring you to other documents that we file with the SEC. The information may include
documents filed after the date of this prospectus which update and supersede the information you
read in this prospectus. We incorporate by reference the documents listed below, except to the
extent information in those documents is different from the information contained in this
prospectus, and all future documents filed by us with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or
15(d) of the Exchange Act (other than current reports furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of
Form 8-K) until the offering of the securities described herein is terminated:
|
|
|
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed with the
SEC on February 25, 2009; |
|
|
|
|
Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2009,
filed with the SEC on May 6, 2009; |
|
|
|
|
Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009,
filed with the SEC on August 4, 2009; |
|
|
|
|
Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 5, 2009; |
|
|
|
|
Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on February 6, 2009; |
|
|
|
|
Our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on September 22, 2009; and |
|
|
|
|
The description of our common stock, par value $0.50 per share, contained in the
Companys registration statement on Form 8-A (Registration Statement No. 001-03262)
filed with the SEC on December 6, 1996, pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act,
including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
Any statement contained in a document incorporated, or deemed to be incorporated, by reference
in this prospectus shall be deemed modified, superseded, or replaced for purposes of this
prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any subsequently filed
document that also is, or is deemed to be incorporated, by reference in this prospectus modifies,
supersedes, or replaces such statement. Any statement so modified, superseded, or replaced shall
not be deemed, except as so modified, superseded, or replaced, to constitute a part of this
prospectus.
-19-
We will provide without charge to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a copy
of this prospectus is delivered, upon that persons written or oral request, a copy of any or all
of the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than exhibits to those
documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into those documents).
Requests should be directed to:
Comstock Resources, Inc.
Attention: Roland O. Burns, Senior Vice President
5300 Town and Country Blvd., Suite 500
Frisco, Texas 75034
Telephone number: (972) 668-8800
-20-
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than selling or underwriting
discounts and commissions, to be incurred by us in connection with the issuance and distribution of
the securities being registered hereby. All fees and expenses set forth below are estimates.
|
|
|
|
|
SEC registration fee |
|
$ |
|
(1) |
Printing and engraving expenses |
|
|
40,000 |
|
Legal fees and expenses |
|
|
30,000 |
|
Trustee fees and expenses |
|
|
5,000 |
|
Rating agency fees |
|
|
100,000 |
|
Accounting fees and expenses |
|
|
20,000 |
|
Petroleum consultant fees |
|
|
5,000 |
|
Miscellaneous |
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
205,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Deferred in accordance with Rules 456(b) and 457(r) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the Securities Act), except for $58,850 that was previously paid
with respect to $500,000,000 aggregate maximum offering price of securities that were
previously registered by us pursuant to Registration Statement No. 333-128813, which
was filed on October 4, 2005; no securities were sold thereunder. |
|
(2) |
|
Excluding any SEC registration fee.See Note (1) above. |
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Revised Statutes (N.R.S.) permits a corporation to indemnify any
person who was, is, or is threatened to be made a party in a completed, pending, or threatened
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (except an action by or in
the right of the corporation), by reason of being or having been an officer, director, employee, or
agent of the corporation or serving in certain capacities at the request of the corporation.
Indemnification may include attorneys fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement. The
person to be indemnified must have acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably
believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to
any criminal action, such person must have had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct
was unlawful.
With respect to actions by or in the right of the corporation, indemnification may not be made
for any claim, issue, or matter as to which such a person has been finally adjudged by a court of
competent jurisdiction to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the
corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action was brought or other
court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that in view of all circumstances the
person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.
Unless indemnification is ordered by a court, the determination to pay indemnification must be
made by the stockholders, by a majority vote of a quorum of our board of directors who were not
parties to the action, suit, or proceeding, or in certain circumstances by independent legal
counsel in a written opinion. Section 78.751 of the N.R.S. permits the articles of incorporation
or bylaws to provide for payment to an indemnified person of the expenses of defending an action as
incurred upon receipt of an undertaking to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a
court of competent jurisdiction that the person is not entitled to indemnification.
Section 78.7502 of the N.R.S. also provides that to the extent a director, officer, employee,
or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any such action, he or
she must be indemnified by the corporation against expenses, including attorneys fees, actually
and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense.
II-1
Article VI, Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents, of our bylaws
provides as follows with respect to indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and
agents:
Section 1. To the fullest extent allowed by Nevada law, any director of the Corporation
shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for an act or
omission in the directors capacity as a director, except that this Article VI does not eliminate
or limit the liability of a director for:
|
(a) |
|
an act or omission which involves intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing
violation of law; or |
|
|
(b) |
|
the payment of dividends in violation of N.R.S. 78.300. |
Section 2. The Corporation shall indemnify each director, officer, employee and agent, now or
hereafter serving the Corporation, each former director, officer, employee and agent, and each
person who may now or hereafter serve or who may have heretofore served at the Corporations
request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or other business
enterprise, and the respective heirs, executors, administrators and personal representatives of
each of them against all expenses actually and reasonably incurred by, or imposed upon, him in
connection with the defense of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, civil or criminal, against
him by reason of his being or having been such director, officer, employee or agent, except in
relation to such matters as to which he shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction
after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom in such action, suit or proceeding to be liable for gross
negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duty. For purposes hereof, the term
expenses shall include but not be limited to all expenses, costs, attorneys fees, judgements
(including adjudications other than on the merits), fines, penalties, arbitration awards, costs of
arbitration and sums paid out and liabilities actually and reasonably incurred or imposed in
connection with any suit, claim, action or proceeding, and any settlement or compromise thereof
approved by the Board of Directors as being in the best interests of the Corporation. However, in
any case in which there is no disinterested majority of the Board of Directors available, the
indemnification shall be made: (1) only if the Corporation shall be advised in writing by counsel
that in the opinion of counsel (a) such officer, director, employee or agent was not adjudged or
found liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of duty as such
director, officer, employee or agent or the indemnification provided is only in connection with
such matters as to which the person to be indemnified was not so liable, and in the case of
settlement or compromise, the same is in the best interests of the Corporation; and (b)
indemnification under the circumstances is lawful and falls within the provisions of these Bylaws;
and (2) only in such amount as counsel shall advise the Corporation in writing is, in his opinion,
proper. In making or refusing to make any payment under this or any other provision of these
Bylaws, the Corporation, its directors, officers, employees and agents shall be fully protected if
they rely upon the written opinion of counsel selected by, or in the manner designated by, the
Board of Directors.
Section 3. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may
be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding
as authorized by the Board of Directors upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the
director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined
that he is entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation as authorized in these Bylaws.
Section 4. The Corporation may indemnify each person, though he is not or was not a director,
officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, who served at the request of the Corporation on a
committee created by the Board of Directors to consider and report to it in respect of any matter.
Any such indemnification may be made under the provisions hereof and shall be subject to the
limitations hereof, except that (as indicated) any such committee member need not be nor have been
a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation.
Section 5. The provisions hereof shall be applicable to actions, suits or proceedings
(including appeals) commenced after the adoption hereof, whether arising from acts or omissions to
act occurring before or after the adoption hereof.
Section 6. The indemnification provisions herein provided shall not be deemed exclusive of
any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, or by law or statute, both as to action in
his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall
continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure
to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
II-2
Section 7. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is
or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the
request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and persons described in Section 4 of this
Article VI above, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such
capacity or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power
to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of these Bylaws.
Item 16. Exhibits.
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
1.1**
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement for each of the Securities registered hereby. |
|
|
|
3.1*
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation dated May 21, 2009. |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Specimen Stock Certificate for Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to Comstocks Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on
December 16, 2003). |
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Rights Agreement dated as of December 14, 2000, by and between Comstock and American
Stock Transfer and Trust Company, as Rights Agent (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 1 to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated January 11, 2001). |
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to our Registration
Statement on Form 8-A dated January 11, 2001). |
|
|
|
4.4*
|
|
Form of Indenture between Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee to be
designated therein covering Debt Securities to be offered hereunder, including form of
Note or Debenture attached thereto. |
|
|
|
4.5**
|
|
Form of Certificate of Designation for Preferred Stock, including specimen certificate. |
|
|
|
4.6**
|
|
Form of Warrant Agreement covering Common Stock Warrants to be offered hereunder,
including Form of Common Stock Warrant attached thereto. |
|
|
|
4.7**
|
|
Form of Unit Agreement for the Units registered hereby. |
|
|
|
5.1*
|
|
Opinion of Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP as to the validity of the securities being
registered hereunder. |
|
|
|
12.1*
|
|
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. |
|
|
|
15.1*
|
|
Letter of Ernst & Young LLP as to unaudited interim financial information. |
|
|
|
23.1*
|
|
Consent of Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP (Included in Exhibit 5.1). |
|
|
|
23.2*
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. |
|
|
|
23.3*
|
|
Consent of Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc. |
|
|
|
24.1*
|
|
Power of Attorney (Included on the Signature Pages to the Registration Statement). |
|
|
|
25.1*
|
|
Statement on Form T-1 of eligibility of Trustee for the Debt Securities. |
|
|
|
* |
|
Filed herewith. |
|
** |
|
To be filed on Form 8-K. |
II-3
Item 17. Undertakings.
|
(a) |
|
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: |
|
(1) |
|
To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement, |
|
(i) |
|
To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this
registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may
be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to
Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no
more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in
the Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective Registration
Statement; and |
|
|
(iii) |
|
To include any material information with respect to the plan
of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
material change to such information in the registration statement; |
provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(1)(iii) above do not apply
if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by Comstock pursuant to Section 13
or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) that are
incorporated by reference in this registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus
filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
|
(2) |
|
That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof. |
|
|
(3) |
|
To remove from registration by means of post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering. |
|
|
(4) |
|
That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities
Act to any purchaser: |
|
(A) |
|
Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule
424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the
date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration
statement; and |
|
|
(B) |
|
Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule
424(b)(2), (b)(5) or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on
Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(l)(i), (vii) or
(x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of
the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the
registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is
first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of
securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule
430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date
an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the
registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement
to which the prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided,
however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that
is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or
deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus
that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time
of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any
statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was |
II-4
|
|
|
part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately
prior to such effective date; and |
|
(5) |
|
That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant
under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the
securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of
securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement,
regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the
purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any
of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to
the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such
purchaser: |
|
(i) |
|
Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned
registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; |
|
|
(ii) |
|
Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared
by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the
undersigned registrant; |
|
|
(iii) |
|
The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to
the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant
or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and |
|
|
(iv) |
|
Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made
by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser. |
|
(b) |
|
The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining
any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of its annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, that is incorporated by reference
in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. |
|
|
(c) |
|
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may
be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of Comstock pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion
of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director,
officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by
controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question
whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. |
II-5
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on October 5, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMSTOCK RESOURCES, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
|
|
|
|
M. Jay Allison |
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby
constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related
to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
M. Jay Allison
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman
of the Board of Directors, Director (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS
Roland O. Burns
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Director (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ DAVID K. LOCKETT
David K. Lockett
|
|
Director
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ CECIL E. MARTIN, JR.
Cecil E. Martin, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
October , 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ DAVID W. SLEDGE
David W. Sledge
|
|
Director
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ NANCY E. UNDERWOOD
Nancy E. Underwood
|
|
Director
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
II-6
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on October 5, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMSTOCK OIL & GAS, LP
|
|
|
By: |
Comstock Oil and Gas GP, LLC, |
|
|
|
general partner |
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
|
|
|
|
M. Jay Allison |
|
|
|
Manager (Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby
constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related
to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
M. Jay Allison
|
|
Manager of General Partner (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS
Roland O. Burns
|
|
Manager of General Partner (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
II-7
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on October 5, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMSTOCK OIL & GAS LOUISIANA, LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
|
|
|
|
M. Jay Allison |
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby
constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related
to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
M. Jay Allison
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer
and Manager (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS
Roland O. Burns
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Manager
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
II-8
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on October 5, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMSTOCK OIL & GAS GP, LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
|
|
|
|
M. Jay Allison |
|
|
|
Manager
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby
constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related
to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
M. Jay Allison
|
|
Manager (Principal
Executive Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS
Roland O. Burns
|
|
Manager (Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
II-9
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in
the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on October 5, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMSTOCK OIL & GAS INVESTMENTS, LLC
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
|
|
|
|
M. Jay Allison |
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby
constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related
to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
M. Jay Allison
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer, and
Manager (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS
Roland O. Burns
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Manager (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
II-10
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has
duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Frisco, State of Texas, on October 5, 2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMSTOCK OIL & GAS HOLDINGS, INC.
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
|
|
|
|
M. Jay Allison |
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby
constitutes and appoints M. Jay Allison and Roland O. Burns, each his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and any registration statement related
to the offering contemplated by this registration statement that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
any state or other securities authority, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full
power and authority to do and perform each and every act in person, hereby ratifying and confirming
all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them or their or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ M. JAY ALLISON
M. Jay Allison
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman
of the Board of Directors, Director (Principal Executive Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ ROLAND O. BURNS
Roland O. Burns
|
|
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Director (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ DAVID K. LOCKETT
David K. Lockett
|
|
Director
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ CECIL E. MARTIN, JR.
Cecil E. Martin, Jr.
|
|
Director
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ DAVID W. SLEDGE
David W. Sledge
|
|
Director
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ NANCY E. UNDERWOOD
Nancy E. Underwood
|
|
Director
|
|
October 5, 2009 |
II-11
EXHIBIT INDEX
|
|
|
Exhibit |
|
|
Number |
|
Description |
|
|
|
1.1**
|
|
Form of Underwriting Agreement for each of the Securities registered hereby. |
|
|
|
3.1*
|
|
Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Articles of Incorporation dated May 21, 2009. |
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Specimen Stock Certificate for Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to Comstocks Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the SEC on
December 16, 2003). |
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Rights Agreement dated as of December 14, 2000, by and between Comstock and American
Stock Transfer and Trust Company, as Rights Agent (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 1 to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated January 11, 2001). |
|
|
|
4.3
|
|
Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Series B Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to our Registration
Statement on Form 8-A dated January 11, 2001). |
|
|
|
4.4*
|
|
Form of Indenture between Comstock, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee to be
designated therein covering Debt Securities to be offered hereunder, including form of
Note or Debenture attached thereto. |
|
|
|
4.5**
|
|
Form of Certificate of Designation for Preferred Stock, including specimen certificate. |
|
|
|
4.6**
|
|
Form of Warrant Agreement covering Common Stock Warrants to be offered hereunder,
including Form of Common Stock Warrant attached thereto. |
|
|
|
4.7**
|
|
Form of Unit Agreement for the Units registered hereby. |
|
|
|
5.1*
|
|
Opinion of Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP as to the validity of the securities being
registered hereunder. |
|
|
|
12.1*
|
|
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges. |
|
|
|
15.1*
|
|
Letter of Ernst & Young LLP as to unaudited interim financial information. |
|
|
|
23.1*
|
|
Consent of Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell LLP (Included in Exhibit 5.1). |
|
|
|
23.2*
|
|
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP. |
|
|
|
23.3*
|
|
Consent of Lee Keeling and Associates, Inc. |
|
|
|
24.1*
|
|
Power of Attorney (Included on the Signature Pages to the Registration Statement). |
|
|
|
25.1*
|
|
Statement on Form T-1 of eligibility of Trustee for the Debt Securities. |
|
|
|
* |
|
Filed herewith. |
|
** |
|
To be filed on Form 8-K. |
II-12