U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE | |
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SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 | |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE | |
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SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
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For the Transition Period From to |
Commission File Number 0-7406
PrimeEnergy Corporation
Delaware | 84-0637348 | |
(state or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer | |
incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |
One Landmark Square | ||
Stamford, Connecticut | 06901 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (203) 358-5700
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.10 per share
(Title of Class)
Indicate whether Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-B is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12-b-2
Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the average bid and asked price of such common equity as of the last business day of the Registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $26,772,385.
The number of shares outstanding of each class of the Registrants Common Stock as of March 28, 2005, was: 3,477,850 shares, Common Stock, $0.10 par value,
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
PrimeEnergy Corporation
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
For the Fiscal Year Ended
December 31, 2004
PART I
Item 1. BUSINESS.
General
This Report contains forward-looking statements that are based on managements current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, projects and estimates, and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties and are based on a number of assumptions that could ultimately prove inaccurate and, therefore, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may vary materially from what is expressed or forecast in such statements due to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, volatility of oil and gas prices, competition, risks inherent in the Companys oil and gas operations, the inexact nature of interpretation of seismic and other geological and geophysical data, imprecision of reserve estimates, the Companys ability to replace and expand oil and gas reserves, and such other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the Companys periodic reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, stockholders and potential investors are cautioned that certain events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.
PrimeEnergy Corporation (the Company) was organized in March, 1973, under the laws of the State of Delaware.
The Company is engaged in the oil and gas business through the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas. The Companys properties are located primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, the Gulf of Mexico, New Mexico, and Louisiana. The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Prime Operating Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company and EOWS Midland Company, acts as operator and provides well servicing support operations for many of the onshore oil and gas wells in which the Company has an interest, as well as for third parties. The Company owns and operates properties in the Gulf of Mexico through its sixty percent owned subsidiary F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. (FW). The Company is also active in the acquisition of producing oil and gas properties through joint ventures with industry partners. The Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, PrimeEnergy Management Corporation (PEMC), acts as the managing general partner of 18 oil and gas limited partnerships (the Partnerships) of which two are publicly held, and acts as the managing trustee of two asset and income business trusts (the Trusts).
Exploration, Development and Recent Activities
The Companys activities include development and exploratory drilling. The Companys strategy is to develop a balanced portfolio of drilling prospects that includes lower risk wells with a high probability of success and higher risk wells with greater economic potential.
As of December, 2004, the Company had net capitalized costs related to oil and gas properties of $48 million, including $13 million of properties under evaluation. Total expenditures for the acquisition, exploration and development of the Companys properties during 2004 was $25 million of which $5.5 million was related to exploration costs expensed during 2004.
Properties under evaluation include $7.5 million invested in one offshore well completed and tested during the third quarter of 2004, however, early production tests have been inconclusive as to the commercial viability of this prospect. Additional expenditures during 2005 will be required to determine whether production rates and ultimate recoverable reserves are sufficient to warrant the costs of setting a platform and installing production facilities. If this well is determined to be noncommercial, the write off of this investment in 2005 will have a significant negative impact on the Companys earnings.
As of December 31, 2004, our offshore properties had net proved reserves of 10.2 BCFE and net capitalized costs of $18.7 million. Approximately 70% of these reserves are undeveloped and will require substantial capital expenditures during 2005. As of March, 2005, the Company has spent approximately $7.8 million drilling four successful wells in the Gulf of Mexico as part of our program to develop these properties. Our offshore drilling budget for 2005 is $10 million and an additional $16 million has been committed to pipeline and facility construction and installation. Production from these wells, depending on flow rates and the timing of the completion of the pipelines and facilities, may add significant gas volumes to the Companys sales during the fourth quarter of 2005.
The Companys offshore properties include a non-operated interest in producing and undeveloped properties in the Breton Sound Block 41 Field. In February 2005, a working interest owner in the field completed the sale of their interest in this asset. The Company has not received an offer to purchase our interest in the field, however, based on the price of this transaction, the Companys ownership position has an equivalent value of approximately $24 million.
During 2004, onshore exploration and development expenditures totaled $9.3 million. Spending on projects in our core operating areas for 2005 is budgeted at $15 million. As of March, 2005, the Company has drilled four successful wells, one dry hole and is currently drilling two wells in these areas.
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The Company believes that its diversified portfolio approach to its drilling activities results in more consistent and predictable economic results than might be experienced with a less diversified or higher risk drilling program profile.
The Company attempts to assume the position of operator in all acquisitions of producing properties. The Company will continue to evaluate prospects for leasehold acquisitions and for exploration and development operations in areas in which it owns interests and is actively pursuing the acquisition of producing properties. In order to diversify and broaden its asset base, the Company will consider acquiring the assets or stock in other entities and companies in the oil and gas business. The main objective of the Company in making any such acquisitions will be to acquire income producing assets so as to increase the Companys net worth and increase the Companys oil and gas reserve base.
The Company presently owns producing and non-producing properties located primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, the Gulf of Mexico, New Mexico, and Louisiana, and owns a substantial amount of well servicing equipment. The Company does not own any refinery or marketing facilities, and does not currently own or lease any bulk storage facilities or pipelines other than adjacent to and used in connection with producing wells and the interests in certain gas gathering systems. All of the Companys oil and gas properties and interests are located in the United States.
In the past, the supply of gas has exceeded demand on a cyclical basis, and the Company is subject to a combination of shut-in and/or reduced takes of gas production during summer months. Prolonged shut-ins could result in reduced field operating income from properties in which the Company acts as operator.
Exploration for oil and gas requires substantial expenditures particularly in exploratory drilling in undeveloped areas, or wildcat drilling. As is customary in the oil and gas industry, substantially all of the Companys exploration and development activities are conducted through joint drilling and operating agreements with others engaged in the oil and gas business.
Summaries of the Companys oil and gas drilling activities, oil and gas production, and undeveloped leasehold, mineral and royalty interests are set forth under Item 2., Properties, below. Summaries of the Companys oil and gas reserves, future net revenue and present value of future net revenue are also set forth under Item 2., Properties Reserves below.
Well Operations
The Companys on-shore operations are conducted through a central office in Houston, Texas, and district offices in Houston and Midland, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Charleston, West Virginia. The Company currently operates 1,542 oil and gas wells, 418 through the Houston office, 158 through the Midland office, 458 through the Oklahoma City office and 497 through the Charleston, West Virginia office. Substantially all of the wells operated by the Company are wells in which the Company has an interest. The Companys off-shore operations are conducted through FW, also in Houston, Texas.
The Company operates wells pursuant to operating agreements which govern the relationship between the Company as operator and the other owners of working interests in the properties, including the Partnerships, Trusts and joint venture participants. For each operated well, the Company receives monthly fees that are competitive in the areas of operations and also is reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with well operations.
The Partnerships, Trusts and Joint Ventures
Since 1975, PEMC has acted as managing general partner of various partnerships, trusts and joint ventures.
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PEMC, as managing general partner of the Partnerships and managing trustee of the Trusts, is responsible for all Partnership and Trust activities, including the review and analysis of oil and gas properties for acquisition, the drilling of development wells and the production and sale of oil and gas from productive wells. PEMC also provides administration, accounting and tax preparation for the Partnerships and Trusts. PEMC is liable for all debts and liabilities of the Partnerships and Trusts, to the extent that the assets of a given limited partnership or trust are not sufficient to satisfy its obligations. The Company stopped sponsoring partnerships and trusts in 1992. Today there are only 18 partnerships and two trusts remaining. The aggregate number of limited partners in the Partnerships and beneficial owners of the Trusts now administered by PEMC is approximately 3,730. This number, as well as the number of remaining partnerships noted above, has decreased in recent years as the Company continues to buy back limited partner interests.
Regulation
Regulation of Transportation and Sale of Natural Gas:
Historically, the transportation and sale for resale of natural gas in interstate commerce have been regulated pursuant to the Natural Gas Act of 1938, as amended (NGA), the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, as amended (NGPA), and regulations promulgated there under by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and its predecessors. In the past, the federal government has regulated the prices at which natural gas could be sold. While sales by producers of natural gas can currently be made at uncontrolled market prices, Congress could reenact price controls in the future. Deregulation of wellhead natural gas sales began with the enactment of the NGPA. In 1989, Congress enacted the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act, as amended (the Decontrol Act). The Decontrol Act removed all NGA and NGPA price and non-price controls affecting wellhead sales of natural gas effective January 1, 1993.
Since 1985, FERC has endeavored to make natural gas transportation more accessible to natural gas buyers and sellers on an open and non-discriminatory basis. FERC has stated that open access policies are necessary to improve the competitive structure of the interstate natural gas pipeline industry and to create a regulatory framework that will put natural gas sellers into more direct contractual relations with natural gas buyers by, among other things, unbundling the sale of natural gas from the sale of transportation and storage services. Beginning in 1992, FERC issued Order No. 636 and a series of related orders (collectively, Order No. 636) to implement its open access policies. As a result of the Order No. 636 program, the marketing and pricing of natural gas have been significantly altered. The interstate pipelines traditional role as wholesalers of natural gas has been eliminated and replaced by a structure under which pipelines provide transportation and storage service on an open access basis to others who buy and sell natural gas. Although FERCs orders do not directly regulate natural gas producers, they are intended to foster increased competition within all phases of the natural gas industry.
In 2000, FERC issued Order No. 637 and subsequent orders (collectively, Order No. 637), which imposed a number of additional reforms designed to enhance competition in natural gas markets. Among other things, Order No. 637 revised FERC pricing policy by waiving price ceilings for short-term released capacity for a two-year experimental period, and effected changes in FERC regulations relating to scheduling procedures, capacity segmentation, penalties, rights of first refusal and information reporting. Most major aspects of Order No. 637 have been upheld on judicial review, and most pipelines tariff filings to implement the requirements of Order No. 637 have been accepted by the FERC and placed into effect.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA), which FERC implements as to transportation and pipeline issues, requires that all pipelines operating on or across the outer continental shelf (OCS) provide open access, non-discriminatory transportation service. One of FERCs principal goals in carrying out OCSLAs mandate is to increase transparency in the market to provide producers and shippers on the OCS with greater assurance of open access service on pipelines located on the OCS and non-discriminatory rates and conditions of service on such pipelines.
It should be noted that FERC currently is considering whether to reformulate its test for defining non-jurisdictional gathering in the shallow waters of the OCS and, if so, what form that new test should take. The stated purpose of this initiative is to devise an objective test that furthers the goals of the NGA by protecting producers from the unregulated market power of third-party transporters of gas, while providing incentives for investment in production, gathering and transportation infrastructure offshore. While we cannot predict whether FERCs gathering test ultimately will be revised and, if so, what form such revised test will take, any test that refunctionalizes as FERC-jurisdictional transmission facilities currently classified as gathering would impose an increased regulatory burden on the owner of those facilities by subjecting the facilities to NGA certificate and abandonment requirements and rate regulation.
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We cannot accurately predict whether FERCs actions will achieve the goal of increasing competition in markets in which our natural gas is sold. Additional proposals and proceedings that might affect the natural gas industry are pending before FERC and the courts. The natural gas industry historically has been very heavily regulated; therefore, there is no assurance that the less stringent regulatory approach recently pursued by FERC will continue. However, we do not believe that any action taken will affect us in a way that materially differs from the way it affects other natural gas producers, gatherers and marketers.
Intrastate natural gas transportation is subject to regulation by state regulatory agencies. The basis for intrastate regulation of natural gas transportation and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate natural gas pipeline rates and services varies from state to state. Insofar as such regulation within a particular state will generally affect all intrastate natural gas shippers within the state on a comparable basis, we believe that the regulation of similarly situated intrastate natural gas transportation in any states in which we operate and ship natural gas on an intrastate basis will not affect our operations in any way that is materially different from the effect of such regulation on our competitors.
Regulation of Transportation of Oil:
Sales of crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids are not currently regulated and are made at negotiated prices. The transportation of oil in common carrier pipelines is also subject to rate regulation. FERC regulates interstate oil pipeline transportation rates under the Interstate Commerce Act. In general, interstate oil pipeline rates must be cost-based, although settlement rates agreed to by all shippers are permitted and market-based rates may be permitted in certain circumstances. Effective January 1, 1995, FERC implemented regulations establishing an indexing system (based on inflation) for transportation rates for oil that allowed for an increase or decrease in the cost of transporting oil to the purchaser. A review of these regulations by the FERC in 2000 was successfully challenged on appeal by an association of oil pipelines. On remand, the FERC in February 2003 increased the index slightly, effective July 2001. Intrastate oil pipeline transportation rates are subject to regulation by state regulatory commissions. The basis for intrastate oil pipeline regulation, and the degree of regulatory oversight and scrutiny given to intrastate oil pipeline rates, varies from state to state. Insofar as effective interstate and intrastate rates are equally applicable to all comparable shippers, we believe that the regulation of oil transportation rates will not affect our operations in any way that is materially different from the effect of such regulation on our competitors.
Further, interstate and intrastate common carrier oil pipelines must provide service on a non-discriminatory basis. Under this open access standard, common carriers must offer service to all shippers requesting service on the same terms and under the same rates. When oil pipelines operate at full capacity, access is governed by prorationing provisions set forth in the pipelines published tariffs. Accordingly, we believe that access to oil pipeline transportation services generally will be available to us to the same extent as to our competitors.
Regulation of Production:
The production of oil and natural gas is subject to regulation under a wide range of local, state and federal statutes, rules, orders and regulations. Federal, state and local statutes and regulations require permits for drilling operations, drilling bonds and plugging and abandonment and reports concerning operations. The states in which we own and operate properties have regulations governing conservation matters, including provisions for the unitization or pooling of oil and natural gas properties, the establishment of maximum allowable rates of production from oil and natural gas wells, the regulation of well spacing, and plugging and abandonment of wells. Many states also restrict production to the market demand for oil and natural gas, and states have indicated interest in revising applicable regulations. The effect of these regulations is to limit the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce from our wells and to limit the number of wells or the locations at which we can drill. Moreover, each state generally imposes a production or severance tax with respect to the production and sale of oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids within its jurisdiction.
Some of our offshore operations are conducted on federal leases that are administered by Minerals Management Service (MMS) and are required to comply with the regulations and orders promulgated by MMS under OCSLA. Among other things, we are required to obtain prior MMS approval for any exploration plans we pursue and our development and production plans for these leases. MMS regulations also establish construction requirements for production facilities located on our federal offshore leases and govern the plugging and abandonment of wells and the removal of production facilities from these leases. Under limited circumstances, MMS could require us to suspend or terminate our operations on a federal lease.
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MMS also establishes the basis for royalty payments due under federal oil and natural gas leases through regulations issued under applicable statutory authority. State regulatory authorities establish similar standards for royalty payments due under state oil and natural gas leases. The basis for royalty payments established by MMS and the state regulatory authorities is generally applicable to all federal and state oil and natural gas lessees. Accordingly, we believe that the impact of royalty regulation on our operations should generally be the same as the impact on our competitors.
The failure to comply with these rules and regulations can result in substantial penalties. The regulatory burden on the oil and natural gas industry increases our cost of doing business and, consequently, affects our profitability. Our competitors in the oil and natural gas industry are subject to the same regulatory requirements and restrictions that affect our operations.
Taxation
The Companys oil and gas operations are affected by federal income tax laws applicable to the petroleum industry. The Company is permitted to deduct currently, rather than capitalize, intangible drilling and development costs incurred or borne by it. As an independent producer, the Company is also entitled to a deduction for percentage depletion with respect to the first 1,000 barrels per day of domestic crude oil (and/or equivalent units of domestic natural gas) produced by it, if such percentage depletion exceeds cost depletion. Generally, this deduction is computed based upon the lesser of 100% of the net income, or 15% of the gross income from a property, without reference to the basis in the property. The amount of the percentage depletion deduction so computed which may be deducted in any given year is limited to 65% of taxable income. Any percentage depletion deduction disallowed due to the 65% of taxable income test may be carried forward indefinitely.
See Notes 1 and 9 to the consolidated financial statements included in this Report for a discussion of accounting for income taxes and availability of federal tax net operating loss carryforwards and alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards.
Competition and Markets
The business of acquiring producing properties and non-producing leases suitable for exploration and development is highly competitive. Competitors of the Company, in its efforts to acquire both producing and non-producing properties, include oil and gas companies, independent concerns, income programs and individual producers and operators, many of which have financial resources, staffs and facilities substantially greater than those available to the Company. Furthermore, domestic producers of oil and gas must not only compete with each other in marketing their output, but must also compete with producers of imported oil and gas and alternative energy sources such as coal, nuclear power and hydroelectric power. Competition among petroleum companies for favorable oil and gas properties and leases can be expected to increase.
The availability of a ready market for any oil and gas produced by the Company at acceptable prices per unit of production will depend upon numerous factors beyond the control of the Company, including the extent of domestic production and importation of oil and gas, the proximity of the Companys producing properties to gas pipelines and the availability and capacity of such pipelines, the marketing of other competitive fuels, fluctuation in demand, governmental regulation of production, refining, transportation and sales, general national and worldwide economic conditions, and use and allocation of oil and gas and their substitute fuels. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to market all of the oil or gas produced by it or that favorable prices can be obtained for the oil and gas production.
Listed below are the percent of the Companys total oil and gas sales made to each of the
customers whose purchases represented more than 10% of the Companys oil and gas sales.
26.65
%
29.29
%
16.20
%
16.10
%
10.29
%
Although there are no long-term purchasing agreements with these purchasers, the Company believes that they will continue to purchase its oil and gas products and, if not, could be replaced by other purchasers.
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Environmental Matters
Various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the protection of the environment, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA), the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended (the Clean Water Act), and the Federal Clean Air Act, as amended (the Clean Air Act), affect our operations and costs. In particular, our exploration, development and production operations, our activities in connection with storage and transportation of oil and other hydrocarbons and our use of facilities for treating, processing or otherwise handling hydrocarbons and related wastes may be subject to regulation under these and similar state legislation. These laws and regulations:
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restrict the types, quantities and concentration of various substances that can be released into the environment in connection with drilling and production activities; | |
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limit or prohibit drilling activities on certain lands lying within wilderness, wetlands and other protected areas; and | |
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impose substantial liabilities for pollution resulting from our operations. |
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal fines and penalties or the imposition of injunctive relief. Changes in environmental laws and regulations occur regularly, and any changes that result in more stringent and costly waste handling, storage, transport, disposal or cleanup requirements could materially adversely affect our operations and financial position, as well as those in the oil and natural gas industry in general. While we believe that we are in substantial compliance with current applicable environmental laws and regulations and that continued compliance with existing requirements would not have a material adverse impact on us, there is no assurance that this trend will continue in the future.
As with the industry generally, compliance with existing regulations increases our overall cost of business. The areas affected include:
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unit production expenses primarily related to the control and limitation of air emissions and the disposal of produced water; | |
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capital costs to drill exploration and development wells primarily related to the management and disposal of drilling fluids and other oil and natural gas exploration wastes; and | |
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capital costs to construct, maintain and upgrade equipment and facilities. |
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). CERCLA, also known as Superfund, imposes liability for response costs and damages to natural resources, without regard to fault or the legality of the original act, on some classes of persons that contributed to the release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These persons include the owner or operator of a disposal site and entities that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at the site. CERCLA also authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, in some instances, third parties to act in response to threats to the public health or the environment and to seek to recover from the responsible classes of persons the costs they incur. It is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous substances released into the environment. In the course of our ordinary operations, we may generate waste that may fall within CERCLAs definition of a hazardous substance. We may be jointly and severally liable under CERCLA or comparable state statutes for all or part of the costs required to clean up sites at which these wastes have been disposed.
We currently own or lease properties that for many years have been used for the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Although we and our predecessors have used operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been disposed or released on, under or from the properties owned or leased by us or on, under or from other locations where these wastes have been taken for disposal. In addition, many of these properties have been operated by third parties whose actions with respect to the treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons or other wastes were not under our control. These properties and wastes disposed on these properties may be subject to CERCLA and analogous state laws. Under these laws, we could be required:
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to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes, including wastes disposed or released by prior owners or operators; | |
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to clean up contaminated property, including contaminated groundwater; or to perform remedial operations to prevent future contamination. |
At this time, we do not believe that we are associated with any Superfund site and we have not been notified of any claim, liability or damages under CERCLA.
Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended (the OPA), and regulations there under impose liability on responsible parties for damages resulting from oil spills into or upon navigable waters, ad adjoining shorelines or in the exclusive economic zone of the United States. Liability under OPA is strict, and under certain circumstances joint and several, and potentially unlimited. A responsible party includes the owner or operator of an onshore facility and the lessee or permittee of the area in which an offshore facility is located. The OPA also requires the lessee or permittee of the offshore area in which a covered offshore facility is located to establish and maintain evidence of financial responsibility in the amount of $35.0 million ($10.0 million if the offshore facility is located landward of the seaward boundary of a state) to cover liabilities related to an oil spill for which such person is statutorily responsible. The amount of required financial responsibility may be increased above the minimum amounts to an amount not exceeding $150.0 million depending on the risk represented by the quantity or quality of oil that is handled by the facility. We carry insurance coverage to meet these obligations, which we believe is customary for comparable companies in our industry. A failure to comply with OPAs requirements or inadequate cooperation during a spill response action may subject a responsible party to civil or criminal enforcement actions. We are not aware of any action or event that would subject us to liability under OPA, and we believe that compliance with OPAs financial responsibility and other operating requirements will not have a material adverse effect on us.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations address the disposal of oil and natural gas operational wastes under three federal acts more fully discussed in the paragraphs that follow. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended (RCRA), provides a framework for the safe disposal of discarded materials and the management of solid and hazardous wastes. The direct disposal of operational wastes into offshore waters is also limited under the authority of the Clean Water Act. When injected underground, oil and natural gas wastes are regulated by the Underground Injection Control program under Safe Drinking Water Act. If wastes are classified as hazardous, they must be properly transported, using a uniform hazardous waste manifest, documented, and disposed at an approved hazardous waste facility. We have coverage under the Region VI National Production Discharge Elimination System Permit for discharges associated with exploration and development activities. We take the necessary steps to ensure all offshore discharges associated with a proposed operation, including produced waters, will be conducted in accordance with the permit.
Resource Conservation Recovery Act. RCRA is the principal federal statute governing the treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes. RCRA imposes stringent operating requirements and liability for failure to meet such requirements on a person who is either a generator or transporter of hazardous waste or an owner or operator of a hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facility. At present, RCRA includes a statutory exemption that allows most oil and natural gas exploration and production waste to be classified as nonhazardous waste. A similar exemption is contained in many of the state counterparts to RCRA. As a result, we are not required to comply with a substantial portion of RCRAs requirements because our operations generate minimal quantities of hazardous wastes. At various times in the past, proposals have been made to amend RCRA to rescind the exemption that excludes oil and natural gas exploration and production wastes from regulation as hazardous waste. Repeal or modification of the exemption by administrative, legislative or judicial process, or modification of similar exemptions in applicable state statutes, would increase the volume of hazardous waste we are required to manage and dispose of and would cause us to incur increased operating expenses.
Clean Water Act. The Clean Water Act imposes restrictions and controls on the discharge of produced waters and other wastes into navigable waters. Permits must be obtained to discharge pollutants into state and federal waters and to conduct construction activities in waters and wetlands. Certain state regulations and the general permits issued under the Federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program prohibit the discharge of produced waters and sand, drilling fluids, drill cuttings and certain other substances related to the oil and natural gas industry into certain coastal and offshore waters. Further, the EPA has adopted regulations requiring certain oil and natural gas exploration and production facilities to obtain permits for storm water discharges. Costs may be associated with the treatment of wastewater or developing and implementing storm water pollution prevention plans. The Clean Water Act and comparable state statutes provide for civil, criminal and administrative penalties for unauthorized discharges for oil and other pollutants and impose liability on parties responsible for those discharges for the costs of cleaning up any
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environmental damage caused by the release and for natural resource damages resulting from the release. We believe that our operations comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Clean Water Act and state statutes enacted to control water pollution.
Safe Drinking Water Act. Underground injection is the subsurface placement of fluid through a well, such as the reinjection of brine produced and separated from oil and natural gas production. The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended establishes a regulatory framework for underground injection, with the main goal being the protection of usable aquifers. The primary objective of injection well operating requirements is to ensure the mechanical integrity of the injection apparatus and to prevent migration of fluids from the injection zone into underground sources of drinking water. Hazardous-waste injection well operations are strictly controlled, and certain wastes, absent an exemption, cannot be injected into underground injection control wells. In Louisiana and Texas, no underground injection may take place except as authorized by permit or rule. We currently own and operate various underground injection wells. Failure to abide by our permits could subject us to civil and/or criminal enforcement. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of applicable state underground injection control programs and our permits.
Marine Protected Areas. Executive Order 13158, issued on May 26, 2000, directs federal agencies to safeguard existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)in the United States and establish new MPAs. The order requires federal agencies to avoid harm to MPAs to the extent permitted by law and to the maximum extent practicable. It also directs the EPA to propose new regulations under the Clean Water Act to ensure appropriate levels of protection for the marine environment. This order has the potential to adversely affect our operations by restricting areas in which we may carry out future development and exploration projects and/or causing us to incur increased operating expenses.
Marine Mammal and Endangered Species. Federal Lease Stipulations address the reduction of potential taking of protected marine species (sea turtles, marine mammals, Gulf Sturgen and other listed marine species). MMS permit approvals will be conditioned on collection and removal of debris resulting from activities related to exploration, development and production of offshore leases. MMS has issued Notices to Lessees and Operators (NTL) 2003-G06 advising of requirements for posting of signs in prominent places on all vessels and structures and of an observing training program.
Consideration of Environmental Issues in Connection with Governmental Approvals. Our operations frequently require licenses, permits and/or other governmental approvals. Several federal statutes, including OCSLA, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) require federal agencies to evaluate environmental issues in connection with granting such approvals and/or taking other major agency actions. OCSLA, for instance, requires the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) to evaluate whether certain proposed activities would cause serious harm or damage to the marine, coastal or human environment. Similarly, NEPA requires DOI and other federal agencies to evaluate major agency actions having the potential to significantly impact the environment. In the course of such evaluations, an agency would have to prepare an environmental assessment and, potentially, an environmental impact statement. CZMA, on the other hand, aids states in developing a coastal management program to protect the coastal environment from growing demands associated with various uses, including offshore oil and natural gas development. In obtaining various approvals from the DOI, we must certify that we will conduct our activities in a manner consistent with an applicable program.
Lead-Based Paints. Various pieces of equipment and structures owned by us may have been coated with lead-based paints as was customary in the industry at the time these pieces of equipment were fabricated and constructed. These paints may contain lead at a concentration high enough to be considered a regulated hazardous waste when removed. If we need to remove such paints in connection with maintenance or other activities and they qualify as a regulated hazardous waste, this would increase the cost of disposal. High lead levels in the paint might also require us to institute certain administrative and/or engineering controls required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act and MMS to ensure worker safety during paint removal.
Air Pollution Control. The Clean Air Act and state air pollution laws adopted to fulfill its mandates provide a framework for national, state and local efforts to protect air quality. Our operations utilize equipment that emits air pollutants subject to federal and state air pollution control laws. These laws require utilization of air emissions abatement equipment to achieve prescribed emissions limitations and ambient air quality standards, as well as operating permits for existing equipment and construction permits for new and modified equipment. Air emissions associated with offshore activities are projected using a matrix and formula supplied by MMS, which has primacy from the Environmental Protection Agency for regulating such emissions.
9
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). NORM are materials not covered by the Atomic Energy Act, whose radioactivity is enhanced by technological processing such as mineral extraction or processing through exploration and production conducted by the oil and natural gas industry. NORM wastes are regulated under the RCRA framework, but primary responsibility for NORM regulation has been a state function. Standards have been developed for worker protection; treatment, storage and disposal of NORM waste; management of waste piles, containers and tanks; and limitations upon the release of NORM contaminated land for unrestricted use. We believe that our operations are in material compliance with all applicable NORM standards established by the states, as applicable.
Employees
At March 25, 2005, the Company had 190 full-time and 6 part-time employees, 16 of whom were employed by the Company at its principal offices in Stamford, Connecticut, 20 in Houston, Texas, at the offices of Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company, EOWS Midland Company and F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C., and 160 employees who were primarily involved in the district operations of the Company in Houston and Midland, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Charleston, West Virginia.
Item 2. PROPERTIES.
The Companys executive offices are located in leased premises at One Landmark Square, Stamford, Connecticut. The executive offices of Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company, EOWS Midland Company and F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. are located in leased premises in Houston, Texas, and the offices of Southwest Oilfield Construction Company are in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The Company maintains district offices in Houston and Midland, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Charleston, West Virginia, and has field offices in Carrizo Springs and Midland, Texas, Kingfisher and Garvin, Oklahoma and Orma, West Virginia.
Substantially all of the Companys oil and gas properties are subject to a mortgage given to collateralize indebtedness of the Company, or are subject to being mortgaged upon request by the Companys lender for additional collateral.
The information set forth below concerning the Companys properties, activities, and oil and gas reserves include the Companys interests in affiliated entities.
The following table sets forth the exploratory and development drilling experience with
respect to wells in which the Company participated during the five years ended December 31, 2004.
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
2
.400
1
1
1
1.000
10
2.850
4
1.565
1
.25
1
.602
3
1.279
4
1.594
6
1.400
4
2.50
2
.276
6
2.561
2
1.25
1
.500
7
3.993
8
4.478
10
7.59
7
4.926
7
4.134
2
1.594
1
.500
6
5.30
2
1.585
2
.400
6
2.56
3
2.25
2
1.500
17
6.843
12
6.042
11
7.84
8
5.528
10
5.413
6
2.722
7
1.900
10
7.80
2
1.585
2
.276
25
9.965
25
10.504
24
17.89
12
8.613
12
5.689
10
Oil and Gas Production
As of December 31, 2004, the Company had ownership interests in the following numbers of gross and net producing oil and gas wells and gross and net producing acres (1).
Gross | Net | |||||||
Producing wells (1)
|
||||||||
Oil Wells
|
851 | 320.99 | ||||||
Gas Wells
|
1,149 | 399.47 | ||||||
Producing Acres
|
263,841 | 92,539 |
(1) | A gross well or gross acre is a well or an acre in which a working interest is owned. A net well or net is the sum of the fractional revenue interests owned in gross wells or gross acres. Wells are classified by their primary product. Some wells produce both oil and gas. |
The following table shows the Companys net production of crude oil and natural gas for each
of the five years ended December 31, 2004. Net production is net after royalty interests of
others are deducted and is determined by multiplying the gross production volume of properties in
which the Company has an interest by percentage of the leasehold, mineral or royalty interest owned
by the Company.
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
371,000
370,000
321,000
306,000
298,000
5,138,000
3,991,000
3,540,000
3,764,000
3,930,000
The following table sets forth the Companys average sales price per barrel of crude oil
and average sales prices per one thousand cubic feet (Mcf) of gas, together with the Companys
average production costs per unit of production for the five years ended December 31, 2004.
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
$
40.45
28.90
23.37
24.92
28.34
$
5.64
4.80
3.06
4.08
3.76
$
12.17
12.42
11.80
11.88
9.57
(1) | Net equivalent barrels are computed at a rate of 6 Mcf per barrel. |
Undeveloped Acreage
The following table sets forth the approximate gross and net undeveloped acreage in which the Company has leasehold, mineral and royalty interests as of December 31, 2004. Undeveloped acreage is that acreage on which wells have not been drilled or completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities of oil and gas, regardless of whether or not such acreage contains proved reserves.
Leasehold | Mineral | Royalty | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interests | Interests | Interests | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross | Net | Gross | Net | Gross | Net | |||||||||||||||||||
State | Acres | Acres | Acres | Acres | Acres | Acres | ||||||||||||||||||
Colorado
|
799 | 23 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Gulf of Mexico
|
95,225 | 54,489 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Montana
|
13,984 | 59 | 786 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Nebraska
|
2,553 | 331 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
North Dakota
|
640 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Oklahoma
|
5,011 | 2,938 | 320 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Texas
|
18,838 | 8,518 | 680 | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wyoming
|
1,000 | 125 | 5,043 | 35 | 14 | 35 | ||||||||||||||||||
TOTAL
|
120,074 | 66,070 | 24,019 | 466 | 926 | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||
11
Reserves
The Companys interests in proved developed and undeveloped oil and gas properties have been evaluated by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. for each of the five years ended December 31, 2004. All of the Companys reserves are located within the continental United States. The following table summarizes the Companys oil and gas reserves at each of the respective dates (figures rounded):
Reserve Category | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proved Developed | Proved Undeveloped | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As of | Oil | Gas | Oil | Gas | Oil | Gas | ||||||||||||||||||
12-31 | (bbls) | (Mcf) | (bbls) | (Mcf) | (bbls) | (Mcf) | ||||||||||||||||||
2000
|
2,362,000 | 27,029,000 | | | 2,362,000 | 27,029,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
2001
|
1,996,000 | 24,266,000 | | 453,000 | 1,996,000 | 24,719,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
2002
|
2,319,000 | 29,917,000 | | | 2,319,000 | 29,917,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
2003
|
2,865,000 | 34,045,000 | 40,000 | 4,960,000 | 2,905,000 | 39,005,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
2004
|
2,926,000 | 37,728,000 | 6,000 | 7,142,000 | 2,932,000 | 44,870,000 |
The estimated future net revenue (using current prices and costs as of those dates,
exclusive of income taxes) and the present value of future net revenue (at a 10% discount for
estimated timing of cash flow) for the Companys proved developed and proved undeveloped oil and
gas reserves at the end of each of the five years ended December 31, 2004, are summarized as
follows (figures rounded):
Proved Developed
Proved Undeveloped
Total
Present Value
Present Value
Present Value
As of
Future Net
Of Future
Future Net
Of Future
Future Net
Of Future
12-31
Revenue
Net Revenue
Revenue
Net Revenue
Revenue
Net Revenue
$
199,376,000
113,137,000
199,376,000
113,137,000
$
41,086,000
24,653,000
957,000
629,000
42,043,000
25,282,000
$
97,600,000
56,855,000
97,600,000
56,855,000
$
141,194,000
85,695,000
22,891,000
17,401,000
164,085,000
103,096,000
$
177,916,000
107,116,000
33,484,000
26,796,000
211,400,000
133,912,000
Proved developed oil and gas reserves are reserves that can be expected to be recovered from existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves that are expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively major expenditure is required for recompletion.
In accordance with FASB Statement No. 69, December 31 market prices are determined using the daily oil price or daily gas sales price (spot price) adjusted for oilfield or gas gathering hub and wellhead price differentials (e.g. grade, transportation, gravity, sulfur, and BS&W) as appropriate. Also in accordance with SEC and FASB specifications, changes in market prices subsequent to December 31 are not considered.
The spot price for gas at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $6.18 and $5.97 per MMBTU, respectively. The range of spot prices during the year 2004 was a low of $ 4.39 and a high of $7.96 and the average was $5.87. The range during the first quarter of 2005 has been from $ 5.56 to $ 7.19 with an average of $6.38. The recent futures market prices have traded above $7.00 per MMBTU.
The NYMEX price for oil at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $43.45 and $32.55 per barrel, respectively. The range of NYMEX prices during the year 2004 was a low of $32.48 and a high of $55.17 and the average was $41.31. Range during the first quarter of 2005 has been from $ 42.12 to $56.72 with an average of $ 49.79. The recent futures market prices have fluctuated around $ 54.00.
While it may reasonably be anticipated that the prices received by the Company for the sale of its production may be higher or lower than the prices used in this evaluation, as described above, and the operating costs relating to such production may also increase or decrease from existing levels, such possible changes in prices and costs were, in accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, omitted from consideration in making this evaluation for the SEC case. Actual volumes produced, prices received and costs incurred by the Company may vary significantly from the SEC case.
12
Since January 1, 2005, the Company has not filed any estimates of its oil and gas reserves with, nor were any such estimates included in any reports to, any federal authority or agency, other than the Securities and Exchange Commission, except Form EIA-23, Annual Survey of Domestic Oil and Gas Reserves, filed with The Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS .
From time to time, the Company is party to certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these events cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not expect these matters to have a materially adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
No matters were submitted during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 to a vote of the Companys security-holders through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise.
13
PART II
The Companys Common Stock is traded in the NASDAQ Stock Market, trading symbol PNRG. The
high and low bid quotations for each quarterly period during the two years ended December 31, 2004,
were as follows:
The above quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions,
and may not represent actual transactions.
The number of record holders of the Companys Common Stock as of March 25, 2005 was 976.
No dividends have been declared or paid during the past two years on the Companys Common
Stock. Provisions of the Companys line of credit agreement restrict the Companys ability to pay
dividends. Such dividends may be declared out of funds legally available therefore, when and as
declared by the Companys Board of Directors.
Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
(1) In December 1993, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase
program whereby we may purchase outstanding shares of our common stock from time-to-time, in open
market transactions or negotiated sales. A total of 2,400,000 shares have been authorized, to date,
under this program. Through December 31, 2004 we repurchased a total of 2,058,706 shares under
this program for $12,929,848 at an average price of $6.28 per share. Additional purchases of
shares may occur as market conditions warrant. We expect future purchases will be funded with
internally generated cash flow or from working capital.
14
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes certain selected financial data to highlight significant trends
in the Companys financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. The
selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and related
notes included elsewhere in this Report.
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Company and
notes thereto. The Companys subsidiaries are defined in Note 1 of the financial statements.
15
Liquidity And Capital
Resources:
Cash flow provided by operations for the year ended December 31, 2004, increased by $5
million, compared to the prior year, primarily due to a 18.5% increase in production and an
increase in oil and gas prices throughout the entire year, combined with changes in our working
capital accounts. We expect sufficient cash flow to be provided by operations during 2005 because
of higher projected production from new properties, combined with oil and gas prices consistent
with 2004 and steady operating, general and administrative, interest and financing costs.
Excluding the effects of significant unforeseen expenses or other income, our cash flow from
operations fluctuates primarily because of variations in oil and gas production and prices or
changes in working capital accounts. Our oil and gas production will vary based on actual well
performance but may be curtailed due to factors beyond our control. Hurricanes in the Gulf of
Mexico may shut down our production for the duration of the storms presence in the Gulf or damage
production facilities so that we cannot produce from a particular property for an extended amount
of time. In addition, downstream activities on major pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico can also cause
us to shut-in production for various lengths of time.
Our realized oil and gas prices vary due to world political events, supply and demand of
products, product storage levels, and weather patterns. We sell the vast majority of our production
at spot market prices. Accordingly, product price volatility will affect our cash flow from
operations. To mitigate price volatility we sometimes lock in prices for some portion of our
production through the use of financial instruments. Currently we have no such arrangements in
place.
We expect to continue to make significant capital expenditures over the next several years as
part of our long-term growth strategy. We have budgeted $25 million for drilling expenditures in
2005. We project that we will spend $10 million in the Gulf of Mexico and $15 million on onshore
wells. In addition, we have committed approximately $16 million for offshore pipelines and production
facilities.
If our exploratory drilling results in significant new discoveries, we will have to expend
additional capital in order to finance the completion, development, and potential additional
opportunities generated by our success. We believe that, because of the additional reserves
resulting from the success and our record of reserve growth in recent years, we will be able to
access sufficient additional capital through additional bank financing.
The Company has in place both a stock repurchase program and a limited partnership interest
repurchase program. Spending under these programs in 2004 was $4.5
million. The Company
expects to expend a similar amount in 2005.
Effective March 2005, we agreed with our lenders to increase the Companys borrowing base to
$41,000,000. As of March 31, 2005, $21,500,000 was borrowed under the facility. The banks review
the borrowing base semi-annually and, at their discretion, may decrease or propose an increase to
the borrowing base relative to a redetermined estimate of proved oil and gas reserves. Our oil and
gas properties are pledged as collateral for the line of credit and we are subject to certain
financial covenants defined in the agreement. We are currently in compliance with these financial
covenants. If we do not comply with these covenants on a continuing basis, the lenders have the
right to refuse to advance additional funds under the facility and/or declare all principal and
interest immediately due and payable.
It is the goal of the Company to increase its oil and gas reserves and production through the
acquisition and development of oil and gas properties. The Company also continues to explore and
consider opportunities to further expand its oilfield servicing revenues through additional
investment in field service equipment. However, the majority of the Companys capital spending is
discretionary, and the ultimate level of expenditures will be dependent on the Companys assessment
of the oil and gas business environment, the number and quality of oil and gas prospects available,
the market for oilfield services, and oil and gas business opportunities in general.
16
Results of Operations:
2004 as compared to 2003
The Company had net income of $7,275,000 in 2004 as compared to $5,702,000 in 2003.
Oil and gas sales
were $ 43,967,000 in 2004 as compared to $29,855,000 in 2003. A chart
summarizing oil and gas production and revenue is presented below.
Field
Service Revenue
increased 9% to $11,965,000 in 2004 from
$11,013,000 in 2003. This
increase reflects higher utilization of equipment during 2004 combined with an upward trend in
rates during the fourth quarter of 2004.
Lease operating expenses
increased by 17% to $14,939,000 in 2004 as compared to $12,783,000 in
2003. The difference is attributable to production taxes related to higher prices combined with
costs on properties added during 2004 and repairs made to marginal wells currently economic due to
higher product price levels.
General
and administrative expenses
increased to $7,536,000 in 2004 as compared to $6,995,000
in 2003. This increase reflects the addition of FWs costs for the full year and increased
ownership in the Partnerships.
Depreciation
and depletion
of oil and gas properties increased to $11,021,000
in 2004 from $6,283,000 in 2003. This increase is related to the additional capital expended during 2003 and 2004
combined with increased production.
Exploration
costs
in 2004 of $5,499,000 consist of dry hole expenditures and certain geological, geophysical and
seismic costs. Dry hole costs of $4,656,000 during 2004 were attributable to the drilling of one
offshore well and three wells onshore. Exploration costs of $519,000 were incurred during 2003
drilling seven dry holes.
Interest expense
increased to $1,136,000 in 2004 from $880,000 in 2003 due to increased
average outstanding debt. The average interest rates paid on
outstanding borrowings during 2004 and 2003 were 3.91% and 3.84%,
respectively. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the total outstanding borrowings were $29,900,000 and
$27,280,000, respectively.
Income
tax expense
of $3,023,000 in 2004 represents a 29% effective rate as compared to the
effective rate of 30% in 2003. Current tax expense in 2004 was $453,000 with the remainder being
attributable to an increase in the Companys deferred tax liability.
The primary reason that the Companys federal tax expense for 2004 is well below the statutory
rate is that the Company is allowed to deduct currently, rather than capitalize, intangible
drilling costs as incurred. The current deduction of these costs, which are capitalized for
financial accounting purposes, is also the primary reason for the increase in the Companys
deferred tax liability between 2003 and 2004.
17
2003 as compared to 2002
The Company had net income of $5,702,000 in 2003 as compared to $1,757,000 in 2002.
Oil and gas sales
were $29,855,000 in 2003 as compared to $18,330,000 in 2002. A chart
summarizing oil and gas production and revenue is presented below.
Field Service Revenue
increased to $11,013,000 in 2003 from $9,891,000 in 2002. This increase
reflects higher utilization of equipment during 2003.
Lease operating expenses
increased by 25% to $12,783,000 in 2003 as compared to $10,210,000 in
2002. The difference is attributable to production taxes related to higher prices combined with
costs on properties added during 2003 and repairs made to marginal wells currently economic due to
higher product price levels.
General
and administrative expenses
increased to $6,995,000 in 2003 as
compared to $6,007,000
in 2002 . This increase reflects the addition of FWs costs and increased ownership in the
Partnerships offset by savings related to reduced personnel costs in the Connecticut office
Depreciation
and depletion
of oil and gas properties increased by 57% to
$6,283,000 in 2003
from $3,988,000 in 2002. This increase is related to the additional capital costs expended in 2003
combined with increased production.
Exploration costs
of $519,000 were incurred during 2003 drilling seven dry holes. Exploration
costs of $894,000 were incurred during 2002 drilling five dry holes.
Interest expense
increased to $880,000 in 2003 from $766,000 in 2002 due to increased average
outstanding debt. The average interest rates paid on outstanding borrowings subject to interest at
the banks base rate during 2003 and 2002 were 4.50%. During the same periods, the average rates
paid on outstanding borrowings bearing interest based upon the LIBO rate were 3.84% and 3.59%. As
of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the total outstanding borrowings were $27,280,000 and $24,500,000,
respectively.
Income tax expense
of $2,446,000 in 2003 represents a 30% effective rate as compared to the
effective rate of 20% in 2002. Current tax expense in 2003 was $867,000 with the remainder being
attributable to an increase in the Companys deferred tax liability.
The primary reason that the Companys federal tax expense for 2003 is well below the statutory
rate is that the Company is allowed to deduct currently, rather than capitalize, intangible
drilling costs as incurred. The current deduction of these costs, which are capitalized for
financial accounting purposes, is also the primary reason for the increase in the Companys
deferred tax liability between 2002 and 2003.
Item 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk on its line of credit, which has variable rates
based upon the lenders base rate, as defined, and the London Inter-Bank Offered rate. Based on the
balance outstanding at December 31, 2004 a hypothetical 2.5% increase in the applicable interest
rates would increase interest expense by approximately $727,000.
Oil and gas prices have historically been extremely volatile, and have been particularly so in
recent years. The Company did not enter into significant hedging transactions during 2004, and had
no open hedging transactions at December 31, 2004. Declines in domestic oil and gas prices could
have a material adverse effect on the Companys revenues, operating results, estimates of
economically recoverable reserves and the net revenue there from.
18
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The financial statements and supplementary information included in this Report are
described in the Index to Financial statements at Page F-1 of this Report.
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
Item 9A. INTERNAL CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
(a) Evaluation
of disclosure controls and procedures.
Our
management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and
chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our
disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the end of the period
covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The evaluation
included certain internal control areas in which we have made and are
continuing to make changes to improve and enhance controls. In
designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures,
management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how
well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of
achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of
disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there
are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its
judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and
procedures relative to their costs.
Based
on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial
officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are
effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are
required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within
the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission
rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and
communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer
and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure.
(b) Changes in
internal control over financial reporting.
There
were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that
occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially
affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management
is currently in the process of comprehensively documenting and
further analyzing our system of internal control over financial
reporting. We are in the process of designing enhanced processes and
controls to address any issues identified through this review. We
plan to continue this initiative as well as prepare for our first
management report on internal control over financial reporting, as
required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for the
annual period ending December 31, 2006, which may result in
changes to our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
No
information was required to be disclosed by Registrant in a report on
Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of the year covered by this Report.
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information relating to the Companys Directors, nominees for Directors and executive officers
is included in the Companys definitive proxy statement relating the Companys Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held in June, 2005, which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2004 and which is incorporated herein by reference..
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information relating to executive compensation is included in the Companys definitive proxy
statement relating to the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in June, 2005, which
will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2004
and which is incorporated herein by reference.
19
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Information relating to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is
included in the Companys definitive proxy statement relating the Companys Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held in June, 2005 which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2004 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
Information relating to certain transactions by Directors and executive officers of the
Company is included in the Companys definitive proxy statement relating the Companys Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held in June, 2005, which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 2004 and which is incorporated herein by
reference.
Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Information relating to principal accountant fees and services is included in the Companys
definitive proxy statement relating to the Companys Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in
June, 2005, which will be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of
December 31, 2004 and which is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
Item 15. EXHIBITS AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
1. Financial statements (Index to Financial Statements at page F-1 of this Report)
2. Financial Statement Schedules (Index to Financial Statements Supplementary Information)
3. Exhibits
20
Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. continued
21
22
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, on the 31st day of March, 2005.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated
and on the 31st day of March, 2005.
23
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PrimeEnergy Corporation and
Subsidiaries (the Corporation) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders equity, and cash flows for the years ended December 31
2004, 2003 and 2002. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporations
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of PrimeEnergy Corporation and Subsidiaries as of
December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for the
years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 in conformity with U.S generally accepted accounting
principles.
PUSTORINO, PUGLISI & CO., LLP
F-2
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, December 31, 2004 and 2003
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-3
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, December 31, 2004 and 2003
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-4
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS of OPERATIONS
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT of STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-6
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT of CASH FLOWS
for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
Supplemental information of noncash investing and financing activities:
In 2002, the Company recorded capital lease obligations in the amount of $59,000.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-7
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Nature of Operations
:
PrimeEnergy Corporation (PEC), a Delaware corporation,
was organized in March 1973. The Company is engaged in the
development, acquisition and production of oil and natural gas
properties. The Company owns leasehold, mineral and royalty interests
in producing and non-producing oil and gas properties across the
United States, including Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi,
Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah,
West Virginia and Wyoming and the Gulf of Mexico. The Company
operates 1,533 wells and owns non-operating interests in over 770
additional wells. Additionally, the Company provides well-servicing
support operations, site-preparation and construction services for
oil and gas drilling and reworking operations, both in connection
with the Companys activities and providing contract services
for third parties. The Company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under
the symbol PNRG.
PEC owns
Eastern Oil Well Service Company (EOWSC), EOWS Midland
Company (EMID)
and Southwest Oilfield Construction
Company (SOCC), all of which perform oil and gas field servicing. PEC also owns Prime Operating
Company (POC), which serves as operator for most of the producing oil and gas properties owned
by the Company and affiliated entities. During 2003 PEC acquired a sixty percent interest in F-W Oil Exploration LLC,
(FW), which owns and operates properties in the Gulf of Mexico. PrimeEnergy Corporation and
its subsidiaries are herein referred to as the Company.
PrimeEnergy Management Corporation (PEMC), a wholly-owned
subsidiary, acts as the managing general partner, providing
administration, accounting and tax preparation services for 18
private and publicly-held limited partnerships and 2 trusts
(collectively, the Partnerships). During the course of
2003 PrimeEnergy dissolved 20 private limited partnerships.
The markets
for the Companys products are highly competitive, as oil and
gas are commodity products and prices depend upon numerous factors
beyond the control of the Company, such as economic, political and
regulatory developments and competition from alternative energy
sources.
Consolidation
and Presentation
:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PrimeEnergy Corporation, its
subsidiaries and the Partnerships, using the proportionate consolidation method, whereby our
proportionate share of each entitys assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses are included in
the appropriate classifications in the consolidated financial statements. Inter-company balances
and transactions are eliminated in preparing the consolidated
financial statements. Certain 2002 and 2003 amounts have been
reclassified where appropriate to conform with the 2004 presentation. These
reclassifications had no effect on the Companys net income
(loss) or stockholders equity.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Estimates of oil and gas reserves, as determined by independent petroleum engineers, are
continually subject to revision based on price, production history and other factors. Depletion
expense, which is computed based on the units of production method, could be significantly
impacted by changes in such estimates. Additionally, FAS 144 requires that if the expected future
cash flow from an asset is less than its carrying cost, that asset must be written down to its
fair market value. As the fair market value of an oil and gas property will usually be
significantly less than the total future net revenue expected from that property, small changes
in the estimated future net revenue from an asset could lead to the necessity of recording a
significant impairment of that asset.
F-8
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Property and Equipment
The Company follows the successful efforts method of accounting for its oil and gas
properties. Under the successful efforts method, costs of acquiring undeveloped oil and gas
leasehold acreage, including lease bonuses, brokers fees and other related costs are
capitalized. Provisions for impairment of undeveloped oil and gas leases are based on periodic
evaluations. Annual lease rentals and exploration expenses, including geological and
geophysical expenses and exploratory dry hole costs, are charged against income as incurred.
Costs of drilling and equipping productive wells, including development dry holes and related
production facilities, are capitalized. Costs incurred by the Company related to the
exploration, development and acquisition of oil and gas properties on behalf of the
Partnerships or joint ventures are deferred and charged to the related entity upon the
completion of the acquisition.
All other property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation and depletion of oil and
gas production equipment and properties are determined under the unit-of-production method
based on estimated proved recoverable oil and gas reserves. Depreciation of all other
equipment is determined under the straight-line method using various rates based on useful
lives. The cost of assets and related accumulated depreciation is removed from the accounts
when such assets are disposed of, and any related gains or losses are reflected in current
earnings.
Asset Retirement Obligation:
Effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted SFAS No. 143,
Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations
. Our asset retirement obligation primarily represents the estimated present value
of the amount the Company will incur to plug, abandon and remediate our producing properties
(including removal of our offshore platforms) at the end of their productive lives, in
accordance with applicable state laws. The Company determined its asset retirement obligation
by calculating the present value of estimated cash flows related to the liability. The
retirement obligation is recorded as a liability at its estimated present value as of the
assets inception, with an offsetting increase to producing properties. Periodic accretion of
discount of the estimated liability is recorded as an expense in the income statement.
Income Taxes
:
The Company records income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. SFAS No. 109 is an asset and
liability approach to accounting for income taxes, which requires the recognition of deferred
tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been
recognized in the Companys financial statements or tax returns.
Deferred tax liabilities or assets are established for temporary differences between financial
and tax reporting bases and are subsequently adjusted to reflect changes in the rates expected
to be in effect when the temporary differences reverse. A valuation allowance is established
for any deferred tax asset for which realization is not likely.
F-9
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
General and Administrative Expenses
:
General and administrative expenses represent costs and expenses associated with the operation
of the Company. Certain of the Partnerships sponsored by the Company reimburse general and
administrative expenses incurred on their behalf.
Income Per Common Share
:
Income per share of common stock has been computed based on the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the respective periods in accordance with SFAS No. 128,
Earnings per Share.
Statements of cash flows:
For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers short-term,
highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than ninety days to be cash
equivalents.
Concentration of Credit Risk:
The Company maintains significant banking relationships with financial institutions in the
State of Texas. The Company limits its risk by periodically evaluating the relative credit
standing of these financial institutions. The Companys oil and gas production purchasers
consist primarily of independent marketers and major gas pipeline companies.
Hedging:
The Company periodically enters into oil and gas financial instruments to manage its
exposure to oil and gas price volatility. The oil and gas reference prices upon which the
price hedging instruments are based reflect various market indices that have a high degree of
historical correlation with actual prices received by the Company.
The financial instruments are accounted for in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which
established new accounting and reporting requirements for derivative instruments and hedging
activities. SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 138, requires that all derivative instruments
subject to the requirements of the statement be measured at fair market value and recognized
as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet. The accounting for changes in the fair value of
a derivative depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation is
generally established at the inception of a derivative. For derivatives designated as cash
flow hedges and meeting the effectiveness guidelines of SFAS No. 133, changes in fair value,
to the extent effective, are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is
recognized in earnings. Hedge effectiveness is measured at least quarterly based on the
relative changes in fair value between the derivative contract and the hedged item over time.
Any change in fair value of a derivative resulting from ineffectiveness or an excluded
component of the gain/loss is recognized immediately in the statement of operations.
F-10
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
:
In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64,
Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections. Prior to the adoption of the
provisions of SFAS No. 145, generally accepted accounting principles required gains or losses on
the early extinguishment of debt be classified in a companys periodic consolidated statements of
operations as extraordinary gains or losses, net of associated income taxes, below the
determination of income or loss from continuing operations. SFAS No. 145 changes generally
accepted accounting principles to require, except in the case of events or transactions of a
highly unusual and infrequent nature, gains or losses from the early extinguishment of debt be
classified as components of a companys income or loss from continuing operations. The adoption
of the provisions of SFAS No. 145 in 2003 did not affect the Companys financial position or
results of operations.
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or
Disposal Activities. SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit
or disposal activity be recognized and measured initially at fair value only when the liability
is incurred. SFAS No. 146 is effective for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after
December 31, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 146 in 2003 did not effect on the Companys financial
position or results of operations.
In November 2002, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including Indirect Guarantee of Indebtedness of Others
(FIN 45). FIN 45 requires that upon issuance of a guarantee, the guarantor must recognize a
liability for the fair value of the obligation it assumes under that guarantee. FIN 45s
provisions for initial recognition and measurement should be applied on a prospective basis to
guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The guarantors previous accounting for
guarantees that were issued before the date of FIN 45s initial application may not be revised or
restated to reflect the effect of the recognition and measurement provisions of the
Interpretation. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements of both
interim and annual periods that end after December 15, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have
an impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 148, Accounting for Stock-Based CompensationTransition
and Disclosure. SFAS No. 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair
value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this
Statement amends the disclosure for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the
method used on the reported results. The provisions of SFAS 148 are effective for financial
statements with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of this statement has
not impacted the Companys financial position or results of operations.
In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entitiesan interpretation of ARB No. 51 (FIN 46). FIN 46 is an interpretation of
Accounting Research Bulletin 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, and addresses consolidation
by business enterprises of variable interest entities (VIEs). The primary objective of FIN 46 is
to provide guidance on the identification of, and financial reporting for, entities over which
control is achieved through means other than voting rights; such entities are known as VIEs. FIN
46 requires an enterprise to consolidate a variable interest entity if that enterprise has a
variable interest that will absorb a majority of the entitys expected losses if they occur,
receive a majority of the entitys expected residual return if they occur, or both. An enterprise
shall consider the rights and obligations conveyed by its variable interests in making this
determination. This guidance applies immediately to variable interest entities created after
January 31, 2003, and to variable interest entities in which an enterprise obtains an interest
after that date. It applies in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15,
2003, to variable interest entities in which an enterprise holds a variable interest that it
acquired before February 1, 2003. The adoption of this interpretation did not have an effect on
the Companys financial position or results of operations.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. SFAS 123R revises
SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and focuses on accounting for share-based
payments for services by employer to employee. The statement requires companies to expense the
fair value of employee stock options and other equity-based compensation at the grant date. The
statement does not require a certain type of valuation model and either a binomial or
Black-Scholes model may be used.
F-11
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The provisions of SFAS 123R are effective for financial statements for fiscal periods ending
after June 15, 2005. We are currently evaluating the method of adoption and the impact on our
operating results. Our future cash flows will not be impacted by the adoption of this standard.
In February 2005, the FASB released for public comment proposed Staff Position FAS 19-a
Accounting for Suspended Well Costs. This proposed staff position would amend FASB Statement
No. 19 Financial Accounting and Reporting by Oil and Gas Producing Companies and provides
guidance about exploratory well costs to companies who use the successful efforts method of
accounting. The proposed position states that exploratory well costs should continue to be
capitalized if: 1) a sufficient quantity of reserves are discovered in the well to justify its
completion as a producing well and 2) sufficient progress is made in assessing the reserves and
the wells economic and operating feasibility. If the exploratory well costs do not meet both of
these criteria, these costs should be expensed, net of any salvage value. Additional disclosures
are required to provide information about managements evaluation of capitalized exploratory well
costs. In addition, the Staff Position requires the disclosure of: 1) net changes from period to
period of capitalized exploratory well costs for wells that are pending the determination of
proved reserves, 2) the amount of exploratory well costs that have been capitalized for a period
greater than one year after the completion of drilling and 3) an aging of exploratory well costs
suspended for greater than one year with the number of wells it related to. Further, the
disclosures should describe the activities undertaken to evaluate the reserves and the projects,
the information still required to classify the associated reserves as proved and the estimated
timing for completing the evaluation.
As more fully described in Note 7, the Company is committed to offer to repurchase the interests
of the partners and trust unit holders in certain of the Partnerships. The Company purchased such
interests in an amount totaling $ 2,038,305 in 2004, $695,673 in 2003 and $1,203,500 in 2002.
The Companys proportionate share of assets, liabilities and results of operations related to the
interests in the Partnerships are included in the consolidated financial statements.
Properties
under evaluation include $7.5 million invested in one offshore well
completed and tested during the third quarter of 2004, however, early
production tests have been inconclusive as to the commercial
viability of this prospect. Additional expenditures during 2005 will
be required to determine whether production rates and ultimate
recoverable reserves are sufficient to warrant the costs of setting a
platform and installing production facilities.
Effective August 15, 2003 the Company acquired a sixty percent interest in F-W Oil Exploration
L.L.C., a licensed Gulf of Mexico operator for a cost of $4,000,000. As of that date FW had
approximately 80,000 net acres to develop and a 12.5% working interest in two producing blocks in
the Gulf of Mexico. The Companys proportionate share of FWs assets, liabilities and results of
operations for the effective period are included in the consolidated financial statements.
Accounts receivable at December 31, 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following:
F-12
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Other current assets at December 31, 2004 and 2003 consisted of the following:
As of December 2002 the Company entered in to a credit agreement with a new primary lender. The
Company and the lender agreed to amend and restate in its entirety the credit agreement dated
April 26, 1995 between the Company and its predecessor lender. This agreement will continue to
provide for borrowings under a Master Note. Advances under the agreement, as amended, are limited
to the borrowing base as defined in the agreement. The borrowing base is re-determined by the
lender on a semi-annual basis. The borrowing base as of December 31, 2004, was $25 million and
included a Term Loan of $4 million. The Term Loan called for monthly installments of $66,667
beginning January 2003. The credit agreement provides for interest on outstanding borrowings at
the banks base rate, as defined, payable monthly, or at rates 2% over the London Inter-Bank
Offered Rate (LIBO rate) payable at the end of the applicable interest period.
As of September 2003 the credit agreement was amended to add FW as an additional borrower. As of
December 31, 2003 the total outstanding balance owed by FW to the lender was $3,800,000. FWs oil
and gas properties are pledged as security under the loan agreement as collateral for amounts due
from FW to the lender. The Companys proportionate share of amounts owed by FW to the lender are
included in the consolidated financial statements. Total outstanding borrowings under the amended
loan agreement as of December 31, 2003 were $28,000,000.
As of December 2004, FW entered into a stand-alone agreement with the same lender and the Company
agreement was amended to remove FW as a borrower and eliminate the Companys obligation on
amounts owed to the lender by FW. The total outstanding borrowings under the Companys amended
loan agreement as of December 31, 2004 were $23,600,000 with $12,679,992 of additional
availability. The total outstanding borrowings under the FW loan agreement as of December 31,
2004, were $10,500,000 with $2,500,000 of additional availability. The Companys proportionate
share of amounts owed by FW are included in the consolidated financial statements.
Effective March 2005, the lender has agreed to convert the Term Loan into a revolving line of
credit with interest rate options to coincide with the existing line of credit. The Companys
borrowing base as of March 2005 was determined to be $41,000,000.
The interest rates paid on outstanding borrowings subject to interest at the banks base rate as
of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were 5.25% and 4.5% respectively. During the same periods, the
average rates paid on outstanding borrowings bearing interest based upon the LIBO rate were 3.91%
and 3.84%. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the total outstanding consolidated borrowings were
$29,900,000 and $27,280,000, respectively. All borrowings under the
Companys credit agreements are due March, 2007.
The Companys oil and gas properties as well as certain receivables and equipment are pledged as
security under the loan agreement. The agreement requires the Company to maintain, as defined, a
minimum current ratio, tangible net worth, debt coverage ratio and interest coverage ratio, and
restrictions are placed on the payment of dividends and the amount of treasury stock the Company
may purchase.
F-13
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Operating Leases:
The Company has several noncancelable operating leases, primarily for rental of office space,
that have a term of more than one year.
Capital Leases:
The Company has two capital leases for office equipment in other long-term obligations. Future
minimum lease payments under operating and capital leases are as follows:
Asset Retirement Obligation:
A reconciliation of our liability for plugging and abandonment
costs for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 is as
follows:
The Companys liability is determined using significant
assumptions, including current estimates of plugging and
abandonment costs, annual inflation of these costs, the
productive life of wells and our risk-adjusted interest rate.
Changes in any of these assumptions can result in significant
revisions to the estimated asset retirement obligation.
Revisions to the asset retirement obligation are recorded with
an offsetting change to producing properties, resulting in
prospective changes to depreciation, depletion and amortization
expense and accretion of discount. Because of the subjectivity
of assumptions and the relatively long life of most of our
wells, the costs to ultimately retire our wells may vary
significantly from previous estimates.
7. Contingent
Liabilities
The Company, as managing general partner of the affiliated Partnerships, is responsible for all
Partnership activities, including the review and analysis of oil and gas properties for
acquisition, the drilling of development wells and the production and sale of oil and gas from
productive wells. The Company also provides the administration, accounting and tax preparation
work for the Partnerships, and is liable for all debts and liabilities of the affiliated
Partnerships, to the extent that the assets of a given limited Partnership are not sufficient to
satisfy its obligations.
The Company is subject to environmental laws and regulations. Management believes that future
expenses, before recoveries from third parties, if any, will not have a material effect on the
Companys financial condition. This opinion is based on expenses incurred to date for remediation
and compliance with laws and regulations which have not been material to the Companys results of
operations.
As a general partner, the Company is committed to offer to purchase the limited partners
interest in certain of its managed Partnerships at various annual intervals. Under the terms of a
partnership agreement, the Company is not obligated to purchase an amount greater than 10% of the
total partnership interest outstanding. In addition, the Company will be obligated to purchase
interests tendered by the limited partners only to the extent of one hundred fifty percent of the
revenues received by it from such partnership in the previous year. Purchase prices are based
upon annual reserve reports of independent petroleum engineering firms discounted by a risk
factor. Based upon historical production rates and prices, management estimates that if all such
offers were to be accepted, the maximum annual future purchase commitment would be approximately
$500,000.
The Company owns approximately a 27% interest in a limited partnership which owns a shopping
center in Alabama. The Company is a guarantor on a mortgage secured by the shopping center. The
Company believes the cash flow from the center is sufficient to service the mortgage. The market
value of the center is currently substantially higher than the balance owed on the mortgage. If
the partnership were unable to pay its obligations under the mortgage agreement, the maximum
amount the Company is committed to pay is $200,000.
F-14
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS,
In May 1989, non-statutory stock options were granted by the Company to four key executive
officers for the purchase of shares of common stock. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, options on
767,500 shares were outstanding and exercisable at prices ranging from $1.00 to $1.25.
The components of the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and
2002 are as follows:
The components of net deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
F-15
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued
The total provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 varies
from the federal statutory tax rate as a result of the following:
For many
years prior to 2003, the Companys current taxes were lowered due to the utilization of
federal net operating loss and percentage depletion carryforwards. With the filing of the 2002
federal income tax return, all of these carryforwards were used or expired.
In 2002 and
prior tax years, the Company was allowed a federal tax credit for producing fuel from
a nonconventional source. This credit expired at the end of 2002. To the extent that the credit
for producing fuel from a nonconventional source could not be utilized due to the alternative
minimum tax, it became part of the Companys alternative minimum tax credit, which may be carried
forward indefinitely. Due to the factors discussed above, it is possible that the Companys
current tax liabilities in the future will be significantly greater than in past years.
The primary reason that the Companys federal tax expense for both 2004 and 2003 is well below
the statutory rate is that the Company is allowed to deduct currently, rather than capitalize,
intangible drilling costs as incurred. The current deduction of these costs, which are
capitalized for financial accounting purposes, is also the primary reason for the increases in
the Companys deferred tax liability in both 2004 and 2003.
The Company is entitled to percentage depletion on certain of its wells, which is calculated
without reference to the basis of the property to the extent that such depletion exceeds a
propertys basis they represent a permanent difference which lowers the Companys effective rate.
The Company operates in one industry oil and gas exploration, development, operation and
servicing. The Companys oil and gas activities are entirely in the United States.
The Company sells its oil and gas production to a number of purchasers. Listed below are the
percent of the Companys total oil and gas sales made to each of the customers whose purchases
represented more than 10% of the Companys oil and gas sales in the year 2004.
Although there are no long-term oil and gas purchasing agreements with these purchasers, the
Company believes that they will continue to purchase its oil and gas products and, if not, could
be replaced by other purchasers.
F-16
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued
PEMC acts as the managing general partner, providing administration, accounting and tax
preparation services for the Partnerships. Certain directors have limited and general partnership
interests in several of these Partnerships. As the managing general partner in each of the
Partnerships, PEMC receives approximately 5% to 15% of the net revenues of each Partnership as a
carried interest in the Partnerships properties. As more fully described in Note 7, the Company
is committed to offer to repurchase the interests of the partners and trust unit holders in
certain of the Partnerships. The Company purchased such interests in an amount totaling $
2,038,305 in 2004 and $695,673 in 2003.
The Partnership agreements allow PEMC to receive reimbursement for property acquisition and
development costs and general and administrative overhead, incurred on behalf of the
Partnerships.
Due to related parties at December 31, 2004 and 2003 primarily represents receipts collected by
the Company as agent, from oil and gas sales net of expenses. The amount of such receipts due the
affiliated Partnerships was $600,000 and $933,000 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Receivables from related parties consist of reimbursable general and administrative costs, lease
operating expenses and reimbursements for property acquisitions, development, and related costs.
Treasury stock purchases in 2004 and 2003 included shares acquired from related parties.
Purchases from related parties include a total of 35,000 shares purchased for a total
consideration of $606,100 in 2004, and 37,350 shares purchased for a total consideration of
$398,838 in 2003.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents includes $1,864,000 and $1,479,000 at December 31, 2004 and
2003, respectively, of cash primarily pertaining to unclaimed royalty payments. There were
corresponding accounts payable recorded at December 31, 2004 and 2003 for these liabilities.
The Company maintains a salary deferral plan (the Plan) in accordance with Internal Revenue
Code Section 401(k), as amended. The Plan provides for discretionary and matching contributions
which approximated $292,000 and $278,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per
share reflect per share amounts that would have resulted if dilutive potential common stock had
been converted to common stock. The following reconciles amounts reported in the financial
statements:
F-17
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, Continued
F-18
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
CAPITALIZED COSTS RELATING to OIL and GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Unaudited)
COSTS INCURRED in OIL and GAS PROPERTY ACQUISITION,
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to supplementary information.
F-19
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
STANDARDIZED MEASURE of DISCOUNTED FUTURE
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to supplementary information.
F-20
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
STANDARDIZED MEASURE of DISCOUNTED FUTURE\
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Unaudited)
The following are the principal sources of change in the standardized measure of discounted future
net cash flows during 2004, 2003 and 2002:
See accompanying notes to
supplementary information.
F-21
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
RESERVE QUANTITY INFORMATION
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to
supplementary information.
F-22
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
RESULTS of OPERATIONS from OIL and GAS PRODUCING ACTIVITIES
Years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Unaudited)
See accompanying notes to
supplementary information.
F-23
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION and SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
(Unaudited)
F-24
MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
High
Low
$
15.15
$
15.05
$
18.16
$
17.91
$
19.21
$
19.06
$
19.64
$
18.61
High
Low
$
9.43
$
8.00
$
9.70
$
8.05
$
10.56
$
9.50
$
14.61
$
9.43
Maximum Number of
Shares that May Yet
Average Price Paid
Be Purchased Under The
Number of Shares
per share
Plan (1)
478,271
15,630
$ 15.39
462,641
3,500
$ 14.56
459,141
8,992
$ 17.01
450,149
15,874
$ 18.08
434,275
4,794
$ 18.09
429,481
35,952
$ 18.12
393,529
2,885
$ 18.09
390,644
340
$ 18.11
390,304
10,600
$ 18.48
379,704
12,438
$ 19.56
367,266
25,972
$ 19.51
341,294
136,977
$ 18.06
Table of Contents
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
$
62,428,000
46,719,000
34,186,000
42,408,000
39,182,000
$
10,223,000
8,047,000
2,168,000
6,968,000
6,148,000
$
7,275,000
5,702,000
1,757,000
5,413,000
5,365,000
$
2.04
1.56
0.47
1.39
1.26
$
1.70
1.31
0.40
1.18
1.08
$
26,995,000
19,622,000
9,644,000
12,313,000
11,498,000
$
69,926,000
58,255,000
44,887,000
35,816,000
35,094,000
$
30,290,000
26,925,000
23,734,000
16,958,000
18,213,000
None
None
None
None
None
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2004
2003
Increase (Decrease)
371,000
370,000
1,000
$
40.45
$
28.90
$
11.55
$
15,006,000
$
10,693,000
$
4,313,000
5,138,000
3,991,000
1,147,000
$
5.64
$
4.80
$
0.84
$
28,961,000
$
19,162,000
$
9,799,000
$
43,967,000
$
29,855,000
$
14,112,000
Table of Contents
2003
2002
Increase (Decrease)
370,000
321,000
49,000
$
28.90
$
23.37
$
5.53
$
10,693,000
$
7,510,000
$
3,183,000
3,991,000
3,540,000
451,000
$
4.80
$
3.06
$
1.74
$
19,162,000
$
10,820,000
$
8,342,000
$
29,855,000
$
18,330,000
$
11,525,000
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PrimeEnergy Corporation (filed herewith)
Bylaws of PrimeEnergy Corporation (filed herewith)
Adoption Agreement #003 dated 4/23/2002, MassMutual Life Insurance Company
Flexinvest Prototype Non-Standardized 401(k) Profit-Sharing Plan; EGTRRA
Amendment to the PrimeEnergy employees 401(k) Savings Plan; MassMutual
Retirement Services Flexinvest Defined Contribution Prototype Plan; Protected
Benefit Addendum; Addendum to the Administrative Services Agreement Loan
Agreement; Addendum to Administrative Services Agreement GUST Restatement
Provisions; General Trust Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3.1
of PrimeEnergy Corporation form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002) (1)
Composite copy of Non-Statutory Option Agreements (filed herewith)
Credit Agreement dated as of December 19, 2002 between PrimeEnergy Corporation,
PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well
Service Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, EOWS Midland Company
and Guaranty Bank , FSB (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of
PrimeEnergy Corporation 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002)
Table of Contents
First Amendment to Credit Agreement effective as of
June 1, 2003 between PrimeEnergy Corporation, PrimeEnergy
Management Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well
Service Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, EOWS
Midland Company and Guaranty Bank , FSB (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.22.1 of PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2003)
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement effective as of September
22,2003 between PrimeEnergy Corporation, PrimeEnergy Management
Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service
Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, EOWS Midland
Company, F-W Oil Exploration Company L.L.C. and Guaranty Bank ,
FSB (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2.2 of PrimeEnergy
Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003)
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement effective as of
February 17, 2004, between PrimeEnergy Corporation, PrimeEnergy Management
Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service
Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, EOWS Midland
Company, F-W Oil Exploration Company, L.L.C. and Guaranty Bank,
FSB (filed herewith)
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement effective as of December 28,
2004, between PrimeEnergy Corporation, PrimeEnergy Management
Corporation, Prime Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service
Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, EOWS Midland
Company and Guaranty Bank, FSB (filed herewith)
Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, Financing Statement
and Assignment of Production from PrimeEnergy Corporation and
PrimeEnergy Management Corporation for the benefit of Guaranty
Bank, FSB (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 of
PrimeEnergy Corporation 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002)
Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, Financing Statements
and Assignment of Production effective as of September 22,
2003, by and among F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C., PrimeEnergy
Corporation, PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, Prime Operating
Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company, EOWS Midland Company
and Southwest Oilfield Construction Company for benefit of
Guaranty Bank, FSB (Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.23.1
to PrimeEnergy Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2003)
Act of Mortgage and Security Agreement, by PrimeEnergy Corporation
and PrimeEnergy Management Corporation to Guaranty Bank, FSB
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 of PrimeEnergy
Corporation 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002)
Credit Agreement dated December 28, 2004, between F-W Oil
Exploration L.L.C. and Guaranty Bank, FSB (filed herewith)
Security Agreement dated December 28, 2004, between F-W Oil
Exploration L.L. C. and Guaranty Bank, FSB (filed herewith)
Ratification of and Amendment to Act of Mortgage and Security
Agreement effective December 28, 2004,by F-W Oil Exploration
L.L.C. for the benefit of Guaranty Bank, FSB (filed herewith)
Ratification of and Amendment to Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security
Agreement, Financing Statement, Fixture Filing and Assignment of
Production by F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. for the benefit of
Guaranty Bank, FSB (filed herewith)
Subsidiaries (filed herewith)
Consent of Ryder Scott & Company L.P. Company (filed herewith)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to
Rule13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (filed herewith)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to
Rule13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
Table of Contents
amended (filed herewith)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
Table of Contents
PrimeEnergy Corporation
By:
/s/ CHARLES E. DRIMAL, JR
Charles E. Drimal, Jr.
President
Director and President;
The Principal Executive Officer
Director, Vice President and Treasurer;
The Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer
/s/ CLINT HURT
Director
Director
Clint Hurt
/s/ JAN K. SMEETS
Director
Director
Jan K. Smeets
/s/ GAINES WEHRLE
Director
Director
Gaines Wehrle
Table of Contents
F-2
F-3
F-5
F-6
F-7
F-8
F-19
F-19
F-20
F-21
F-22
F-23
F-24
Table of Contents
PrimeEnergy Corporation and Subsidiaries:
New York, New York
March 30, 2005
Table of Contents
2004
2003
$
6,476,000
$
3,891,000
1,864,000
1,479,000
8,694,000
7,108,000
209,000
447,000
336,000
433,000
297,000
409,000
374,000
18,323,000
13,694,000
95,018,000
91,012,000
13,149,000
3,091,000
(60,098,000
)
(53,196,000
)
48,069,000
40,907,000
9,610,000
9,389,000
(6,307,000
)
(5,964,000
)
3,303,000
3,425,000
51,372,000
44,332,000
231,000
229,000
$
69,926,000
$
58,255,000
Table of Contents
2004
2003
$
9,929,000
$
8,528,000
12,000
692,000
3,228,000
3,504,000
600,000
933,000
13,769,000
13,657,000
29,900,000
26,613,000
12,000
390,000
300,000
7,630,000
4,237,000
51,689,000
44,819,000
769,000
769,000
11,024,000
11,024,000
22,653,000
15,378,000
34,446,000
27,171,000
(16,209,000
)
(13,735,000
)
18,237,000
13,436,000
$
69,926,000
$
58,255,000
Table of Contents
2004
2003
2002
$
43,967,000
$
29,855,000
$
18,330,000
11,965,000
11,013,000
9,891,000
6,317,000
5,723,000
5,588,000
(52,000
)
(113,000
)
179,000
180,000
490,000
62,428,000
46,719,000
34,186,000
14,939,000
12,783,000
10,210,000
10,939,000
9,970,000
8,910,000
12,156,000
7,525,000
5,231,000
7,536,000
6,995,000
6,007,000
5,499,000
519,000
894,000
1,136,000
880,000
766,000
52,205,000
38,672,000
32,018,000
10,223,000
8,047,000
2,168,000
75,000
101,000
32,000
10,298,000
8,148,000
2,200,000
3,023,000
2,446,000
443,000
$
7,275,000
$
5,702,000
$
1,757,000
$
2.04
$
1.56
$
0.47
$
1.70
$
1.31
$
0.40
Table of Contents
Additional
Common Stock
Paid In
Retained
Treasury
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Stock
Total
7,694,970
$
769,000
$
11,024,000
$
7,919,000
$
(12,349,000
)
$
7,363,000
(745,000
)
(745,000
)
1,757,000
1,757,000
7,694,970
$
769,000
$
11,024,000
$
9,676,000
$
(13,094,000
)
$
8,375,000
(641,000
)
(641,000
)
5,702,000
5,702,000
7,694,970
$
769,000
$
11,024,000
$
15,378,000
$
(13,735,000
)
$
13,436,000
(2,474,000
)
(2,474,000
)
7,275,000
7,275,000
7,694,970
$
769,000
$
11,024,000
$
22,653,000
$
(16,209,000
)
$
18,237,000
Table of Contents
2004
2003
2002
$
7,275,000
$
5,702,000
$
1,757,000
12,156,000
7,525,000
5,231,000
5,499,000
519,000
894,000
(75,000
)
(101,000
)
(32,000
)
3,358,000
1,580,000
243,000
(1,586,000
)
(2,982,000
)
(328,000
)
209,000
4,562,000
153,000
(137,000
)
3,000
682,000
(111,000
)
(97,000
)
(175,000
)
1,016,000
1,699,000
736,000
(276,000
)
1,712,000
(19,000
)
(333,000
)
(500,000
)
502,000
26,995,000
19,622,000
9,644,000
75,000
101,000
32,000
(24,696,000
)
(19,835,000
)
(14,442,000
)
(24,621,000
)
(19,734,000
)
(14,410,000
)
(2,474,000
)
(641,000
)
(745,000
)
(29,837,000
)
(43,679,000
)
(43,260,000
)
32,522,000
46,437,000
50,572,000
211,000
2,117,000
6,567,000
2,585,000
2,005,000
1,801,000
3,891,000
1,886,000
85,000
$
6,476,000
$
3,891,000
$
1,886,000
$
$
83,500
$
$
172,000
$
$
745,000
$
953,000
$
880,000
$
766,000
Table of Contents
1.
Description of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2.
Significant Acquisitions, Dispositions and Property
Activity
3.
Accounts Receivable
December 31,
2004
2003
$
1,048,000
$
1,174,000
1,728,000
1,607,000
6,181,000
3,878,000
324,000
906,000
9,281,000
7,565,000
(587,000
)
(457,000
$
8,694,000
$
7,108,000
Table of Contents
4.
Other Current Assets
December 31,
2004
2003
$
375,000
$
278,000
58,000
19,000
$
433,000
$
297,000
5.
Long-Term Bank Debt
Table of Contents
6.
Commitments
Operating
Capital
Leases
Leases
349,000
12,000
344,000
195,000
187,500
15,500
$
1,091,000
12,000
(1,000
)
$
11,000
2004
2003
$
300,000
$
90,000
300,000
(4,900
)
(69,000
)
13,500
4,500
(8,600
)
(64,500
)
$
390,000
$
300,000
Table of Contents
8.
Stock Options and Other Compensation
9.
Income Taxes
2004
2003
2002
$
187,000
$
696,000
$
95,000
2,074,000
1,460,000
216,000
266,000
171,000
104,000
496,000
119,000
28,000
$
3,023,000
$
2,446,000
$
443,000
December 31,
December 31,
2004
2003
$
196,000
$
196,000
213,000
178,000
409,000
374,000
902,000
393,000
902,000
393,000
468,000
1,351,000
8,064,000
3,279,000
8,532,000
4,630,000
$
7,630,000
$
4,237,000
Table of Contents
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
2004
2003
2002
$
3,501,000
$
2,770,000
$
748,000
503,000
195,000
132,000
(134,000
)
(811,000
)
(400,000
)
(303,000
)
(170,000
)
(119,000
)
$
3,023,000
$
2,446,000
$
443,000
10.
Segment Information and Major Customers
Oil Purchasers:
Gas Purchasers:
26.65%
Unimark LLC
10.29%
29.29%
16.20%
16.10%
Table of Contents
11.
Related Party Transactions
12.
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
13.
Salary Deferral Plan
14.
Earnings per Share
Year ended December 31, 2004
Number of
Per share
Net Income
Shares
Amount
$
7,275,000
3,569,751
$
2.04
722,283
$
7,275,000
4,292,034
$
1.70
Year ended December 31, 2003
Number of
Per share
Net Income
Shares
Amount
$
5,702,000
3,664,627
$
1.56
683,409
$
5,702,000
4,348,036
$
1.31
Table of Contents
14.
Earnings per Share continued
Year ended December 31, 2002
Number of
Per share
Net Income
Shares
Amount
$
1,757,000
3,738,753
$
0.47
666,839
$
1,757,000
4,405,592
$
0.40
15.
Selected Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)
December
Fourth
Third
Second
First
31, 2004
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
$
62,428,000
$
18,530,000
$
15,540,000
$
14,987,000
$
13,371,000
10,223,000
3,910,000
2,704,000
1,975,000
1,634,000
7,275,000
3,133,000
1,756,000
1,232,000
1,154,000
$
2.04
$
.89
$
0.50
$
0.34
$
0.32
$
1.70
$
.74
$
0.41
$
0.29
$
0.27
December
Fourth
Third
Second
First
31, 2003
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
$
46,719,000
$
12,741,000
$
12,035,000
$
10,508,000
$
11,435,000
8,047,000
1,900,000
2,041,000
1,681,000
2,425,000
5,702,000
1,045,000
1,765,000
1,067,000
1,826,000
$
1.56
$
0.29
$
0.48
$
0.29
$
0.49
$
1.31
$
0.24
$
0.41
$
0.25
$
0.42
Table of Contents
2004
2003
2002
$
95,018,000
$
91,012,000
$
74,319,000
13,149,000
3,091,000
1,134,000
108,167,000
94,103,000
75,453,000
60,098,000
53,196,000
46,912,000
$
48,069,000
$
40,907,000
$
28,541,000
EXPLORATION and DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
2004
2003
2002
$
2,038,000
$
5,023,000
$
1,668,000
10,058,000
873,000
848,000
5,499,000
519,000
894,000
7,101,000
12,294,000
8,385,000
Table of Contents
NET CASH FLOWS RELATING to PROVED OIL and GAS RESERVES
2004
2003
2002
$
378,639,000
$
302,876,000
$
201,750,000
(167,155,000
)
(138,929,000
)
(104,232,000
)
(62,819,000
)
(47,696,000
)
(24,230,000
)
148,665,000
116,251,000
73,288,000
(54,254,000
)
(42,999,000
)
(30,512,000
)
$
94,411,000
$
73,252,000
$
42,776,000
Table of Contents
NET CASH FLOWS and CHANGES THEREIN RELATING
to PROVED OIL and GAS RESERVES
2004
2003
2002
$
(29,028,000
)
$
(17,072,000
)
$
(8,120,000
)
22,178,000
24,732,000
18,488,000
18,792,000
14,133,000
8,462,000
9,904,000
2,491,000
5,192,000
2,238,000
9,667,000
5,824,000
(14,000
)
8,217,000
(311,000
)
6,459,000
4,278,000
2,097,000
(9,656,000
)
(15,705,000
)
(9,809,000
)
286,000
(265,000
)
(13,000
)
21,159,000
30,476,000
21,810,000
73,252,000
42,776,000
20,966,000
$
94,411,000
$
73,252,000
42,776,000
Table of Contents
2004
2003
2002
Oil
Gas
Oil
Gas
Oil
Gas
(bbls.)
(Mcf)
(bbls.)
(Mcf)
(bbls.)
(Mcf)
2,905,000
39,005,000
2,319,000
29,917,000
1,996,000
24,719,000
42,000
7,268,000
541,000
4,245,000
273,000
3,011,000
268,000
2,806,000
171,000
263,000
198,000
2,798,000
88,000
929,000
243,000
8,571,000
173,000
2,929,000
(371,000
)
(5,138,000
)
(370,000
)
(3,991,000
)
(321,000
)
(3,540,000
)
2,932,000
44,870,000
2,905,000
39,005,000
2,319,000
29,917,000
2,926,000
37,728,000
2,865,000
34,045,000
2,319,000
29,917,000
Table of Contents
2004
2003
2002
$
43,967,000
$
29,855,000
$
18,330,000
14,939,000
12,783,000
10,210,000
5,499,000
519,000
894,000
11,021,000
6,283,000
3,988,000
3,023,000
2,446,000
443,000
34,482,000
22,031,000
15,535,000
$
9,485,000
$
7,824,000
$
2,735,000
Table of Contents
1.
Presentation of Reserve Disclosure Information
Reserve disclosure information is presented in accordance with the provisions of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 69 (SFAS 69), Disclosures About Oil and Gas Producing
Activities.
2.
Determination of Proved Reserves
The estimates of the Companys proved reserves were determined by an independent petroleum
engineer in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 69. The estimates of proved reserves are
inherently imprecise and are continually subject to revision based on production history, results
of additional exploration and development and other factors. Estimated future net revenues were
computed by reserves, less estimated future development and production costs based on current
costs.
3.
Results of Operations from Oil and Gas Producing Activities
The results of operations from oil and gas producing activities were prepared in accordance with
the provisions of SFAS 69. General and administrative expenses, interest costs and other
unrelated costs are not deducted in computing results of operations from oil and gas activities.
4.
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows and Changes Therein Relating to Proved Oil and
Gas Reserves
The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows
relating to proved oil and gas reserves and the
changes of standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and
gas reserves were prepared in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 69.
Future cash inflows are computed as described in Note 2 by applying current prices to year-end
quantities of proved reserves.
Future production and development costs are computed estimating the expenditures to be incurred
in developing and producing the oil and gas reserves at year-end, based on year-end costs and
assuming continuation of existing economic conditions.
Future income tax expenses are calculated by applying the year-end U.S. tax rate to future
pre-tax cash inflows relating to proved oil and gas reserves, less the tax basis of properties
involved. Future income tax expenses give effect to permanent differences and tax credits and
allowances relating to the proved oil and gas reserves.
Future net cash flows are discounted at a rate of 10% annually (pursuant to SFAS 69) to derive
the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows. This calculation does not
necessarily represent an estimate of fair market value or the present value of such cash flows
since future prices and costs can vary substantially from year-end and the use of a 10% discount
figure is arbitrary.
EXHIBIT 3.1
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
PrimeEnergy Corporation, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies as follows:
1. The name of the corporation is PrimeEnergy Corporation. The name under which the corporation was originally incorporated was K. R. M. Petroleum Corporation. The date of filing of its original Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State was March 22, 1973.
2. This Restated Certificate of Incorporation restates and integrates and does not further amend the provisions of the Certificate of the corporation as heretofore amended or supplemented and there is no discrepancy between those provisions and the provisions of this Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
3. The text of the Certificate of Incorporation as amended or supplemented heretofore is hereby restated without further amendments or changes to read as herein set forth in full.
FIRST: The name of the corporation is PrimeEnergy Corporation.
SECOND: Its registered office in the State of Delaware is located at the Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The name and address of its registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801.
THIRD: The purpose of the corporation is to acquire, own, hold, deal in, explore, develop and operate oil, gas and other mineral properties and interests therein of all kinds; to produce, process, transport and sell the resulting products and to purchase, lease, own, hold, deal in and operate all equipment, machinery, facilities, systems and plants necessary for such purposes; and to engage generally in all phases of the oil and gas business and any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Law of Delaware.
FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the corporation shall have authority to issue is Fifteen Million (15,000,000), consisting of Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value $.10 per share, and Five Million (5,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.10 per share, which shares of Preferred Stock shall be issuable in one or more series.
The relative rights, preferences and limitations of each class of capital stock, and the designation and relative rights, preferences and limitations of each series of Preferred Stock are to be fixed as follows:
1. PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE PREFERRED STOCK
A. The Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series, each of such series to have such designation, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as are stated and expressed herein and in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such series adopted by the Board of Directors as hereinafter provided.
B. Authority is hereby expressly granted to the Board of Directors, subject to the provisions of this Article FOURTH, to authorize the issue of one or more series of Preferred Stock and with respect to each series to fix by resolution or resolutions providing for the issue or such series:
(1) The number of shares to constitute such series and the distinctive designation thereof;
(2) The dividend rate, if any, on the shares of such series, whether or not such dividends shall be cumulative, and, if so, the date or dates from which dividends shall accumulate and the dates on which dividends, if declared shall be payable;
(3) Whether or not the shares of such series shall be redeemable, the limitations and restrictions with respect to such redemptions, the manner of selecting shares of such series for redemption if less than all shares are to be redeemed, and the premium, if any, over and above the par value thereof and any accrued dividends thereon which the holders of shares of such series shall be entitled to received upon the redemption thereof, which premium may vary at different redemption dates and may be different with respect to shares redeemed through the operation of any retirement or sinking fund and with respect to shares otherwise redeemed;
(4) The premium, if any, over and above the par value thereof and any accrued dividends, if any, thereon which the holders of shares of such series shall be entitled to received upon the voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up on the corporation, which premium may vary at different dates;
(5) Whether or not the shares of such series shall be subject to the operation of a purchase, retirement or sinking fund and, if so, whether such retirement of sinking fund shall be cumulative or noncumulative, the extent to and the manner in which such fund shall be applied to the purchase or redemption of the shares of such series for retirement or to other corporate purposes, and the terms
and provisions relative to the operation thereof;
(6) Whether or not the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of stock of any other class or classes, or of any other series of the same class and, if so convertible or exchangeable, the price or prices of the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the method, if any, of adjusting the same;
(7) The voting powers, if any, of such series in addition to the voting powers provided in paragraph F of this Section 1; and
(8) Any other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations, or restrictions thereof as shall not be inconsistent with this Section 1.
C. All shares of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be identical with each other in all respects, except that shares of any one series issued at different times may differ as to the date from which dividends thereon may be cumulative; and all series shall rank equally and be identical in all respects, except as permitted by the foregoing provisions of paragraph B of this Section 1.
D. Before any dividends on any class or classes of stock of the corporation other than the Preferred Stock (other than dividends payable in shares of any such other class or classes of stock of the corporation) shall be declared or paid or set apart for payment, the holders of shares of the Preferred Stock of each series shall be entitled to cash dividends, but only when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor, at the rate, and no more, fixed by the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series, payable on such dates as may be fixed in such resolution or resolutions in each year and, if cumulative, from the date or dates fixed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series. Dividends in full shall not be declared or paid or set apart for payment on the Preferred Stock of any one series for any dividend period unless dividends in full have been declared or paid or set apart for payment of the Preferred Stock of all series for all dividend periods terminating on the same or any earlier date. When the stated dividends are not paid in full on all series of the Preferred Stock, the shares of all series shall share ratably in the payment of dividends, including accumulations, if any, in accordance with the sums which would be payable on said shares if all dividends were declared and paid in full. A "dividend period" is the period between any two consecutive dividend payment dates (or, when shares are originally issued, the period from the date from which dividends are cumulative to the first dividend payment date) as fixed for a particular series. Accruals of dividends shall not bear interest.
E. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation, before any payment or distribution of the assets of the corporation shall be made to or set apart for the holders of the shares of the class or classes of stock of the corporation other than the Preferred Stock, the holders of the shares of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive payment of ten cents ($.10) per share, plus an amount equal to all dividends accrued thereon, if any, to the date of final distribution to such holders, and, in addition thereto, if such liquidation, dissolution or winding up be
voluntary, the amount of the premium, if any, payable upon such liquidation, dissolution or winding up as fixed for the shares of the respective series; but they shall be entitled dissolution or winding up of the corporation, the assets of the corporation, or proceeds thereof, distributable among the holders of the shares of the Preferred Stock shall be insufficient to pay in full the preferential amount aforesaid, then such assets, or the proceeds thereof, shall be distributed among such holders ratably in accordance with the respective amounts which would be payable on such shares if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. For the purposes of this paragraph E, the sale, conveyance, exchange, or transfer (for cash, shares of stock, securities, or other consideration) of all or substantially all of the property or assets of the corporation or a consolidation or merger of the corporation with one or more corporations shall not be deemed to be a dissolution, liquidation or winding up voluntary or involuntary.
F. So long as any of the Preferred Stock is outstanding, the corporation:
(1) will not declare or pay, or set apart for payment, any dividends (other than dividends payable in shares of any class or classes of stock of the corporation other than the Preferred Stock), or make any distribution on any class or classes of stock of the corporation other than the Preferred Stock, and will not redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire, directly or indirectly, whether voluntarily, for a sinking fund, or otherwise, any shares of any class or classes of stock of the corporation other than the Preferred Stock, if at the time of making such declaration, payment, setting apart, distribution, redemption, purchase or acquisition the corporation shall be in default with respect to any dividend payable on or any obligation to retire shares of the Preferred Stock; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the corporation may at any time redeem, purchase, or otherwise acquire shares of stock of any such other class or otherwise acquire shares of stock of any such other class in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds from the concurrent sale of, other shares of stock of any such other class;
(2) will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of all of the Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or by resolution adopted at a special meeting called for the purpose, at which the holders of the Preferred Stock, regardless of series, shall vote separately as a class, amend, alter or repeal (by any means, including, without limitation, merger or consolidation) any of the provisions of this Section 1 so as adversely to affect the preferences, rights or powers of the Preferred Stock; and
(3) will not, without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of any adversely affected series of the Preferred Stock at the time outstanding, given in person or by proxy, either in writing or by resolution adopted at a special meeting called for the purpose (the holders of such series of the Preferred Stock consenting or voting, as the case may be, separately as a class), amend, alter or repeal (by any means, including, without limitation, merger or consolidation) any of the provisions herein or in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series so as adversely to affect the preferences, rights or powers of the Preferred Stock of such series.
G. If in any case the amounts payable with respect to any obligations to retire shares of the Preferred Stock are not paid in full in the case of all series with respect to which obligations exist, the number of shares of each of such series to be retired pursuant to any such obligations shall be in proportion to the respective amounts which would be payable on account of such obligations if all amounts payable in respect to such series were discharged in full.
2. PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE COMMON STOCK
A. Subject to paragraph F of Section 1 and, except as provided in this Article FOURTH or by resolution or resolutions Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series of Preferred Stock, the exclusive voting power for all purposes shall be vested in the holders of Common Stock.
B. Each share of the Common Stock shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote, in person or by proxy, at any and all meetings of the stockholders of the corporation, on all propositions before such meetings.
C. All shares of the Common Stock shall have equal rights of participation in dividends and in assets of the corporation on any liquidation after payment to the holders of the Preferred Stock as set forth in paragraph E of Section 1.
D. The judgment of the Directors as to the consideration of the issuance of any such warrant, right, privilege or option and the sufficiency thereof shall be conclusive. The price to be received by the corporation upon issuance of shares upon the exercise of any such warrant, right, privilege or option shall not be less than the par value thereof.
E. Without action by the stockholders, the authorized shares of stock of any class may be issued by the corporation from time to time for such consideration as may be fixed by the Board of Directors, and any and all shares issued, for which all of the consideration fixed by the Board of Directors shall have been paid or delivered to the corporation, shall be deemed fully paid and not liable to any further or assessment thereon, and the holder of such shares shall not be liable for any further call or assessment thereon whatsoever.
F. The corporation may from time to time create one of more series of bonds, debentures, notes or other debt securities, bearing such voting rights as may be determined by action or the Board of Directors upon the creation of such series; and if such voting rights confer the right to elect one or more Directors of the corporation, the Board of Directors shall, at the time of authorizing such series of debt securities, amend the Bylaws of the corporation to increase the number of Directors by the number so to be elected.
G. No holder of stock of any class of the corporation shall have the preemptive right to purchase or to subscribe for any additional issues of stock of any class or of any other securities of the corporation or any warrants, options or rights to purchase any such stock, or any other securities of the corporation convertible into or exchangeable for such stock of the corporation.
H. Stockholders of the corporation shall not be entitled to cumulative voting.
FIFTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized:
A. To make, alter or repeal the Bylaws of the corporation.
B. To authorize and cause to be executed mortgages and liens upon the real and personal property of the corporation.
C. When and as authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding having voting power given at a stockholders' meeting duly called for that purpose, or when authorized by the written consent of the holders of a majority of the voting stock issued and outstanding, to sell, lease, or exchange all of the property and assets of the corporation, including its good will and its corporate franchises, upon such terms and conditions and for such consideration, which may be in whole or in part shares of stock in, and/or other securities of, any other corporation or corporations, as its Board of Directors shall deem expedient and for the best interests of the corporation.
SIXTH. No Director of the corporation shall be liable to any person on account of any action undertaken by him as such Director in reliance in good faith upon the existence of any fact or circumstance reported or certified to the Board of Directors by any officer of the corporation or by any independent auditor, engineer or consultant retained or employed as such by the Board of Directors.
Any person made a party to any civil or criminal action, suit or
proceeding by reason of the fact that he, his testator or intestate, is or was a
Director, officer of employee of the corporation or any corporation which he
served as such at the request of the corporation, shall be indemnified by the
corporation against the reasonable expenses, including attorneys' fees, and
amounts paid in satisfaction of judgment or in settlement, other than amounts
paid to the corporation by him, actually and necessarily incurred by him or
imposed in connection with or resulting from the Denise of such civil or
criminal action, suit or proceeding, or in connection with any appeal therein,
except in a relation to matters as to which it shall be adjudged in such civil
or criminal action, suit or proceeding that such officer, Director or employee
is liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duties. Neither
a conviction in a criminal action, suit or proceeding, whether based upon a plea
of guilty or nolo contendere or its equivalent, or after trial, nor a settlement
in any civil action, suit or proceeding shall or itself be deemed an
adjudication that such officer, Director or employee is liable for negligence or
misconduct in the performance of his duties to the corporation. Any amount
payable pursuant to this Article SIXTH may be determined and paid, at the option
of the person to be indemnified, pursuant to procedure set forth from time to
time in the Bylaws or by any of the following procedures: (a) order of the court
having jurisdiction of any such civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding,
(b) resolution adopted by a majority of a quorum of the Board of Directors of
the
corporation without counting in such majority or quorum any interested
Directors, (c) resolution adopted by the holders of record of a majority of the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the corporation having voting power, or
(d) order of any court having jurisdiction over the corporation. Such right of
indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other right which such officers,
Directors and employees of the corporation, and the corporation, and the other
persons above mentioned, may have such statement, they shall be entitled to
their respective rights of indemnification under any Bylaw, agreement, vote of
stockholders, provisions of law or otherwise as their rights under this Article
SIXTH.
SEVENTH: Meetings of stockholders may be held without the State of Delaware if the Bylaws so provide. The books of the corporation may be kept (subject to any provision contained in the statutes) outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places as may be from time to time designated by the Board of Directors or the Bylaws of the corporation.
EIGHTH: The corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, with the exception of the preferences, rights and powers of the Preferred Stock which may only be amended, altered or repealed as provided in paragraph (6) of Section A of Article FOURTH hereof, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred herein are granted subject to this reservation.
NINTH: No person serving as a Director of the corporation shall have any personal liability to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a Director, provided that, such restriction on personal liability shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a Director (i) for any breach of the Director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for unlawful payment of any dividend or unlawful stock purchase or redemption under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or (iv) for any transaction from which the Director derived an improper personal benefit.
This Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the corporation in accordance with Section 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, PrimeEnergy Corporation has caused this Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by Charles E. Drimal, Jr., its president, this _____ day of March, 2000.
PrimeEnergy Corporation
By________________________
Charles E. Drimal, Jr.
President
EXHIBIT 3.2
BYLAWS
OF
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION
ARTICLE I
Meetings of the Holders of Voting Securities
Section 1. Meetings for the Election of Directors. The annual meeting of the holders of each class of securities entitled to vote shall be held for the election of Directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before such meeting on the second Tuesday in May of each year, but if such day be a legal holiday under the laws of the state where the meeting is to be held, then on the next succeeding day not a legal holiday under the laws of such state, at 10:00 A.M., local time, or such annual meeting shall be held on such date and at such hour, not inconsistent with applicable statutes, as may be designated by the Board of Directors and specified in the notice of the meeting.
Section 2. Special Meetings. A special meeting of the holders of any class of securities entitled to vote may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the President or by resolution of the Board of Directors at any time, and shall be called by the President or by the Board of Directors whenever requested in writing so to do by the holders of record of at least one-third of the issued and outstanding securities of such class.
Section 3. Place of Meeting. All meetings of the security holders shall be held at the office of the Company in Stamford, Connecticut, or at such other place as may be from time to time designated by the Board of Directors, as provided in the notice of the meeting or in any waivers of notice thereof; provided, however, that the place of meeting for the election of Directors shall not be changed within sixty (60) days before the day on which the election is to be held, and at least twenty (20) days before the election is held a notice of any such change shall be given to each person entitled to vote thereat, in person or by letter mailed to his address on the securities ledger of the Company.
Section 4. Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law, notice of the time and place of holding each annual or special meeting of security holders, and, in the case of a special meeting, stating the purpose for which such meeting is called, shall be in writing and shall be given personally to each person entitled to vote at such meeting not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the time fixed for such meeting; if mailed, such notice shall be addressed to each such person at his address shown by the securities ledger of the Company. No notice of an adjourned meeting of security holders need be given unless expressly required by statute.
Section 5. Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law, the holders of record of a majority in number of the issued and outstanding securities of any class entitled to vote at a meeting of such holders must be present in person or by proxy at such meeting to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Whether or not there is a quorum at any meeting of the holders of any class of securities, the holders of a majority in number of such securities present and entitled to vote thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the meeting as originally convened.
Section 6. Voting. At each meeting of stockholders, each holder of record of shares of the Company having voting power who is present shall be entitled to one vote for each share held by him and shall not be entitled to cumulate such votes.
The election of Directors and any other vote of stockholders as may be provided by law shall be by written ballot unless otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation. In any vote by ballot, a ballot shall be signed by the stockholder or proxy voting and shall state the number of shares voted thereby.
No proxy shall be valid after the expiration of three (3) years from the date of its execution unless the proxy shall, on its face, name a longer period for which it is to remain in force.
Shares of its own capital stock belonging to the Company shall not be voted directly or indirectly, nor be counted for quorum purposes. However, nothing herein shall be construed as limiting the right of the Company to vote stock, including, but not limited to, its own stock held by it in a fiduciary capacity.
Except as otherwise provided by the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required to be or which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders of the Company, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action of a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing.
Section 7. When a Holder of any Security is deemed to be "Present." For the purpose of determining a quorum or the right to vote or to be heard on any question, a holder of record of securities of any class having voting power shall be deemed to be "present" at any meeting of the holders of such securities if he is present in person or is represented by a proxy appointed by an instrument in writing subscribed by or on behalf of such security holder or by his representative thereunto duly authorized and filed with the Secretary of the meeting.
ARTICLE II
Board of Directors
Section 1. General Powers. The business of the Company shall, except as otherwise expressly provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, be managed by the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Number, Election and Term of Office.
(a) The number of Directors which shall constitute the Board shall be not less than three nor more than fifteen. The initial Board shall consist of seven Directors. Thereafter, within the limits above specified, the number of Directors shall be determined by resolution of the Board, or by the stockholders at the annual meeting.
(b) Directors need not be stockholders.
(c) Each Director shall, except for the filling of vacancies as hereinafter provided, hold office from the date of the annual or special meeting of the security holders who shall have elected him until the next annual or special meeting of such security holders convened for the election of Directors, and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, or until his death, resignation, disqualification or removal.
Section 3. Meetings. Upon the adjournment of the annual meeting of stockholders, the Board of Directors shall meet as soon as practicable to appoint officers for the ensuing year and to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
The Board, by resolution, may provide for the holding of other regular meetings and may fix the time and place of holding the same.
Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held whenever called by the President or by any two Directors.
Section 4. Place of Meeting. The Board may hold its meetings at such place or places within or without the State of Delaware as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine, or as may be designated in the notice or in waivers of notice thereof signed by all of the Directors.
Section 5. Notice of Meeting. Except as hereinafter provided, notice need not be given (i) of the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held immediately following the annual meeting of security holders or (ii) of any other regular meeting of the Board of Directors if the time and place of meeting has been specified in a resolution of the Board of Directors adopted at least twenty (20) days prior to the time of holding such meeting, or (iii) with respect to any meeting if every member of the Board of Directors is present. Except as otherwise required by law, notice of the time and place of holding each other meeting of the Board of Directors shall be mailed to each Director,
postage prepaid, addressed to him at his residence or usual place of business, or at such other address as he may have designated in a written request filed with the Secretary of the Company at least two (2) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held, or shall be sent to him at such address by telegram or cablegram or given personally or by telephone at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time at which such meeting is to be held. notice shall be deemed to have been given when deposited in the mail or filed with the telegraph or cable office, properly addressed. Notice of a meeting of the Board need not state the purposes thereof, except as otherwise by law or by Article VIII, of these Bylaws expressly provided. No notice of an adjourned meeting need be given.
Section 6. Quorum and Manner of Acting. At each meeting of the Board a majority of the total number of Directors must be present to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and (except as otherwise provided by law, by the Certificate of Incorporation or by the Bylaws) the act of a majority of the Directors so present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall constitute the act of the Board; whether or not there is a quorum at any meeting, a majority of the Directors who are present may adjourn the meeting from time to time to a day certain. The Directors shall act only as a Board and shall have no power as individual Directors.
Section 7. Resignations. Any Director may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Chairman of the Board, the President or to the Board. Such resignation shall take effect as of is date unless some other date is specified therein, in which event it shall be effective as of that date. The acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 8. Vacancies. Any vacancy in the Board arising at any time from any cause, including an increase in the number of Directors by an amendment of the Bylaws adopted by a majority of the whole Board and including the failure of the security holders to elect a full Board, may be filled by the vote of a majority of the Directors remaining in office although such majority is less than a quorum; or any such vacancy may be filled by the security holders entitled to vote upon the election of such Directors at any special meeting of security holders called as provided in Section 2 of Article I. Any Director so appointed or elected shall hold office until the next annual or special meeting of the security holders who shall have elected him or his predecessor and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 9. Fees. Directors shall not receive any stated compensation for their services as such, but, subject to such limitations with respect thereto as may be determined from time to time by the stockholders or by resolution of the Board, fees in a reasonable amount may be paid (either per annum or on the occasion of each meeting) to the Directors for attendance at meetings of the Board or adjournments thereof. By resolution of the Board, Directors may also be reimbursed for traveling expenses incurred in attending such meetings or adjournments thereof. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any Director from serving the Company in any other capacity or receiving compensation for such service.
Section 10. Action Without Meeting. Except as restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Bylaws, (a) any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board or committee; and (b) members of the Board or of any committee may participate in a meeting of the board or committee by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting in such manner shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
ARTICLE III
Executive and Other Committees
Section 1. Executive Committee, General Powers and Membership. The Board may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board, elect from its members an Executive Committee and/or one or more other committees, each consisting of one or more members. Unless otherwise expressly provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company or by resolution of the Board, the Executive committee shall have and may exercise all the powers conferred upon it by the Board (except the power to appoint or remove a member of the Executive Committee or of any other committee and the power to remove an officer appointed by the Board), and each other committee shall have and may exercise, when the Board is not in session, such powers as the Board shall confer. All action by any committee shall be reported to the Board at its meeting next succeeding such action and, insofar as the rights of third parties shall not be affected thereby, shall be subject to revision and alteration by the Board.
Section 2. Organization. Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board, a chairman chosen by each committee shall preside at all meetings of such committee and the Secretary of the Company shall act as secretary thereof. In the absence at the meeting of the Secretary, the chairman of such meeting shall appoint an Assistant Secretary of the Company or, if none is present, some other person to act as Secretary of the meeting.
Section 3. Meetings. Each committee shall adopt its own rules governing
the time and place of holding and the method of calling its meetings and the
conduct of its proceedings and shall meet as provided by such rules and by
resolution of the Board, and it shall also meet at the call of any members of
the committee. Unless otherwise provided by such rules or by said resolution,
notice of the time and place of each meeting of a committee shall be mailed,
sent or given to each member of such committee in the same manner as provided in
Section 5 of Article II with respect to notices of meetings of the Board.
Section 4. Quorum and Manner of Acting. A majority of the members of each committee shall be either present in person at, or participating by telephone in, each meeting of such committee in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business thereat. The act of a
majority of the members so present at or participating in a meeting at which a quorum is present or participating shall be the act of such committee. The members of each committee shall act only as a committee, and shall have no power as individual members.
Section 5. Removal. Any member of any committee may be removed from such committee, either with or without cause, at any time, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board at any meeting of the Board.
Section 6. Vacancies. Any vacancy in any committee shall be filled by the Board in the manner prescribed by these Bylaws for the original appointment of the members of such committee.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
Section 1. Appointment and Term of Office. The officers of the Company shall consist of the President, a Secretary and a Treasurer, and there may be one or more Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries, and one or more Assistant Treasurers, and such other officers as may be appointed by the Board. One of the Directors may also be chosen Chairman of the Board. Each of such officers (except such as may be appointed pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (f) of Section 2 of this Article IV) shall be chosen annually by the Board at its regular meeting immediately following the annual meetings of security holders and shall hold office until the next annual election and until his successor is chosen and qualified. One person may hold and perform the duties of any two or more of said offices.
Section 2. Powers and Duties. The powers and duties of the officers shall be those usually pertaining to their respective offices, subject to the supervision and direction of the Board. The officers of the Company may be as follows:
(a) Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board (if there be one) shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall be ex officio a member of all committees of the Directors and shall perform such other duties as shall be assigned to him from time to time by the Board.
(b) President. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Company and shall have general supervision of the business of the Company and over its several officers; subject, however, to the control of the Board. If there shall be no Chairman of the Board, the President, when present shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall be ex officio a member of all committees of the Directors. He may execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Company deeds, mortgages, leases, assignments, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board, unless the execution and delivery thereof shall be expressly delegated by these Bylaws or by the Board to some other officer or agent of the Company. He shall, unless otherwise directed by the Board or by any committee thereunto authorized, attend in person or by substitute or proxy appointed by him and act and vote on behalf of the Company at all meetings of the stockholders of any corporation in which the Company holds stock.
(c) Vice Presidents. Vice Presidents shall perform the duties assigned to them by the Board or delegated to them by the President and, in order of seniority, at his request or in his absence shall perform as well the duties of the President's office. Each Vice President shall have power also to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Company deeds, mortgages, leases, assignments, bonds, contracts or other instruments authorized by the Board, unless the execution and delivery thereof shall be expressly delegated by these Bylaws or by the Board to some other officer or agent of the Company.
(d) The Secretary. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors, of all committees and of the stockholders and shall be the custodian of all corporate records and of the seal of the Company. He shall see that all notices are duly given in accordance with these Bylaws or as required by law.
(e) The Treasurer. The Treasurer shall be the principal accounting officer of the Company and shall have charge of the corporate funds and securities and shall keep a record of the property and indebtedness of the Company. He shall, if required by the Board, give bond for the faithful discharge of this duties in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Board may require.
(f) Other Officers. The Board may appoint such other officers, agents or employees as it may deem necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company. In addition, the Board may authorize the President or some other officer to appoint such agents or employees as they deem necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company.
Section 3. Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the President or to the Board. Any such resignation shall take effect as of its date unless some other date is specified therein, in which event it shall be effective as of that date. The acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
Section 4. Removal. Any officer may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board at any meeting of the Board or by the committee or superior officer by whom he was appointed to office or upon whom such power of removal has been conferred by resolution adopted by a majority of the whole Board.
Section 5. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office arising at any time from any cause may be filled by the Board or by the officer or committee authorized by the Board to appoint to that office.
Section 6. Salaries. Salaries of all officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee and no officer shall be precluded from receiving a salary because he is also a Director of the Company.
ARTICLE V
Shares of Stock and their Transfer; Books
Section 1. Forms of Certificates. Shares of the capital stock of the Company shall be represented by certificates in such form, not inconsistent with law or with the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as shall be approved by the Board, and shall be signed by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board, or the President or a Vice President and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer. Where any such certificate is countersigned (1) by a transfer agent other than the Company or its employee, or, (2) by a registrar other than the Company or its employee, any other signature upon such certificate may be facsimile, engraved or printed.
Section 2. Transfer of Shares. If one or more holders of the stock of any class shall, by agreement among themselves or with the Company, restrict the transfer of any share held by them through the granting of preferential rights of purchase or otherwise, then any party to such agreement may file an executed counterpart of the same with the officer of the Company charged with the maintenance of the stock books of the Company or with any transfer agent or registrar designated by the Company in respect of the shares of such class. Following the filing of any such counterpart, each certificate evidencing shares to which such restriction is or may be applied which shall thereafter be issued by the Company shall bear an appropriate notice of such restriction, and no share subject to such restriction shall be transferred until written evidence satisfactory to the Company of compliance by the transferor with any such restriction shall have been filed with the Company. Shares of stock of the Company shall be transferred only on the stock books of the Company by the holder of record thereof in person or by his duly authorized attorney upon surrender of the certificate therefor and upon compliance with any restriction relating to such transfer.
Section 3. Stockholders of Record. Stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or to any allotment of rights or to exercise the rights in respect of any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action shall be determined according to the Company's record of stockholders and, if so determined by the Board of Directors in the manner provided by statute, shall be such stockholders of record at the date (a) fixed for closing the stock transfer books or (b) as of the date of record.
Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Board may direct the issuance of new or duplicate stock certificates in place of lost, stolen or destroyed certificates upon being furnished with evidence satisfactory to it of the loss, theft or destruction and upon being furnished with indemnity satisfactory to it. The Board may delegate to any committee authority to administer the provisions of this Section 4.
Section 5. Closing of Transfer Books and Fixing of Record Date. The Board shall have power to close the stock transfer books of the Company for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days preceding the date of any meeting of stockholders, or the date for the payment of any dividend, or the date for the allotment of rights, or the date when any change or conversion or exchange of capital stock shall go into effect, or for a period not exceeding sixty (60) days in connection with obtaining the consent of stockholders for any purpose; or the Board may, in its discretion, fix a date not more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before any stockholders' meeting nor more than sixty (60) days prior to any other action as a record date for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, any meeting and at any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend, or any allotment of rights, or to exercise the rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of capital stock, and in such case such stockholders and only such stockholders as shall be stockholders of record on the date so fixed shall be entitled to notice and to vote at such meeting and at any adjournment thereof, or to express consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or to receive payment of such dividend, or to exercise such rights, as the case may be, notwithstanding any transfer of any stock on the books of the Company after such record date fixed as aforesaid.
Section 6. Regulations. The Board may make such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the Certificate of Incorporation nor these Bylaws as it may deem expedient concerning the issuance, transfer and registration of certificates of stock. It may appoint one or more transfer agents or registrars of transfers, or both, and may require all certificates of stock to bear the signature of either or both.
Section 7. Examination of Stockholder List. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Company shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, during ordinary business hours, for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held, which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held. The list shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present.
ARTICLE VI
Execution of Instruments
Section 1. Contracts, etc. The Board or any committee thereunto authorized may authorize any officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Company any contract or other instrument except certificates
representing shares of stock of the Company, and such authority may be general or may be confined to specific instances.
Section 2. Checks, Drafts, etc. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes, acceptances or other evidence of indebtedness issued by or in the name of the Company shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of the Company and in such manner as shall be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board. Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board, endorsements for deposit to the credit of the Company in any of its duly authorized depositories may be made by hand-stamped legend in the name of the Company or by written endorsement of any officer without countersignature.
Section 3. Loans. No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the Company unless authorized by the Board, but when so authorized, unless a particular officer or agent is directed to negotiate the same, may be negotiated up to the amount so authorized by the President or a Vice President or the Treasurer; and such officers are hereby severally authorized to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Company notes or other evidences of indebtedness countersigned by the President or a Vice President or the Treasurer; and such officers are hereby severally authorized to execute and deliver in the name and on behalf of the Company notes or other evidences of indebtedness countersigned by the President or a Vice President for the amount of such loans and to give security for the payment of any and all loans, advances or indebtedness by hypothecating, pledging or transferring any part or all of the property of the Company, real or personal, at any time owned by the Company.
Section 4. Sale or Transfer of Securities held by the Corporation. Stock certificates, bonds or other securities at any time owned by the Company may be held on behalf of the Company or sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of pursuant to authorization by the Board, or of any committee thereunto duly authorized, and, when so authorized to be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, may be transferred from the name of the Company by the signature of the President or a Vice President and the Treasurer or the Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or the Assistant Secretary.
ARTICLE VII
Miscellaneous
Section 1. Offices. The Company shall have an office at such place in the State of Delaware and may have offices at such place or places within or outside the State of Delaware as the Board shall from time to time determine.
Section 2. Fiscal Year. Until otherwise determined by the Board, the fiscal year of the Company shall be the calendar year.
Section 3. Seal. The corporate seal shall be a device containing the name of the Company, the year of its organization and the words, "Corporate seal, Delaware."
Section 4. Waiver of Notice. The giving of any notice of the time, place or purpose of holding any meeting of stockholders or Directors and any requirement as to publication thereof, whether statutory or otherwise, shall be waived by the attendance at such meeting by any person entitled to receive such notice and may be waived by such person by an instrument in writing executed and filed with the records of the meeting either before of after the holding thereof.
Section 5. Form of Notice. Whenever, under the provisions of the statutes or of the Certificate of Incorporation or of these Bylaws, notice is required to be given to any Director or stockholder, it shall not be construed to mean personal notice, but such notice may be given in writing, by mail, addressed to such director or stockholder, at his address as it appears on the records of the Company, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail. Notice to Directors may also be given by telegram.
ARTICLE VIII
Amendment of These Bylaws
As provided in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company may alter or repeal these Bylaws in whole or in part at any regular or special meeting of the Board, provided notice of the proposed change is included in notice of the meeting. In addition, these Bylaws may be amended or repealed in whole or in part by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in number of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company having voting power and present at any regular or special meeting of stockholders, provided notice of the proposed amendment or repeal is included in the notice of meeting.
EXHIBIT 10.18
K.R.M. PETROLEUM CORPORATION
NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
OPTION NO.: 3
OPTIONEE: Charles E. Drimal, Jr.
DATE OF GRANT: May 16, 1989
OPTION PRICE: $1.00
COVERED SHARES: 523,125
1. Definitions. All terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) "Agreement" means this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.
(b) "Change in Control" means the acquisition of 51% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock of the Corporation by any company or other person or group of companies or other persons acting in concert, or the merger or consolidation of the Corporation with, or the acquisition of a majority of the assets of the Corporation by, any of such persons.
(c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Corporation.
(e) "Corporation" means K.R.M. Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(f) "Covered Shares" means the number of Shares set forth on page 1 of this Agreement.
(g) "Date of Exercise" means the date on which the Corporation receives notice of the exercise of the Option in accordance with the terms of Article 4.
K.R.M. PETROLEUM CORPORATION NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT OPTION NO.: 4 OPTIONEE: Charles E. Drimal, Jr. |
DATE OF GRANT: May 16, 1989
OPTION PRICE: $1.25
COVERED SHARES: 174,375
1. Definitions. All terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) "Agreement" means this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.
(b) "Change in Control" means the acquisition of 51% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock of the Corporation by any company or other person or group of companies or other persons acting in concert, or the merger or consolidation of the Corporation with, or the acquisition of a majority of the assets of the Corporation by, any of such persons.
(c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Corporation.
(e) "Corporation" means K.R.M. Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(f) "Covered Shares" means the number of Shares set forth on page 1 of this Agreement.
(g) "Date of Exercise" means the date on which the Corporation receives notice of the exercise of the Option in accordance with the terms of Article 4.
K.R.M. PETROLEUM CORPORATION NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT OPTION NO.: 5 OPTIONEE: Beverly A. Cummings |
DATE OF GRANT: May 16, 1989
OPTION PRICE: $1.00
COVERED SHARES: 52,500
1. Definitions. All terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) "Agreement" means this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.
(b) "Change in Control" means the acquisition of 51% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock of the Corporation by any company or other person or group of companies or other persons acting in concert, or the merger or consolidation of the Corporation with, or the acquisition of a majority of the assets of the Corporation by, any of such persons.
(c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Corporation.
(e) "Corporation" means K.R.M. Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(f) "Covered Shares" means the number of Shares set forth on page 1 of this Agreement.
(g) "Date of Exercise" means the date on which the Corporation receives notice of the exercise of the Option in accordance with the terms of Article 4.
K.R.M. PETROLEUM CORPORATION
NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
OPTION NO.: 6
OPTIONEE: Beverly A. Cummings DATE OF GRANT: May 16, 1989 OPTION PRICE: $1.25 |
COVERED SHARES: 17,500
1. Definitions. All terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth below:
(a) "Agreement" means this Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement.
(b) "Change in Control" means the acquisition of 51% or more of the outstanding voting capital stock of the Corporation by any company or other person or group of companies or other persons acting in concert, or the merger or consolidation of the Corporation with, or the acquisition of a majority of the assets of the Corporation by, any of such persons.
(c) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(d) "Common Stock" means the common stock, par value $0.10 per share, of the Corporation.
(e) "Corporation" means K.R.M. Petroleum Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(f) "Covered Shares" means the number of Shares set forth on page 1 of this Agreement.
(g) "Date of Exercise" means the date on which the Corporation receives notice of the exercise of the Option in accordance with the terms of Article 4.
(h) "Date of Grant" means the date on which the option is granted.
(i) "Fair Market Value" of a Share means the amount equal to the fair market value of a Share as determined by the Board pursuant to a reasonable method adopted in good faith for such purpose.
(j) "Option" means the option to purchase the Covered Shares granted pursuant to this Agreement.
(k) "Option Period" means the period during which the option may be exercised.
(l) "Option Price" means the price per Share at which the Option may be exercised, as set forth on page 1 of this Agreement.
(m) "Optionee" means the individual to whom the Option is granted.
(n) "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(o) "Share" means a share of authorized but unissued or reacquired Common Stock.
(p) "Subsidiary" means a corporation at least 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of which is owned by the Corporation, either directly or through one or more other Subsidiaries.
2. Grant of Option. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Corporation hereby grants to the Optionee an Option to purchase the Covered Shares from the Corporation at the Option Price, as the same may be adjusted from time to time pursuant to the terms of Article 6.
3. Terms of the Option.
(a) Type of Option. The Option is intended to be a nonstatutory stock option, and is not an incentive stock option within the meaning of section 422A of the Code.
(b) Option Period. The Option may be exercised with respect to full Shares (and no fractional Shares shall be issued) as follows:
(i) the Option shall not be exercisable until one year after the Date of Grant;
(ii) the Option shall be exercisable with respect to 20% of the Covered Shares beginning one year after the Date of Grant;
(iii) the Option shall be exercisable with respect to a cumulative maximum of 40% of the Covered Shares beginning two years after the Date of Grant;
(iv) the Option shall be exercisable with respect to a cumulative maximum of 60% of the Covered Shares beginning three years after the Date of Grant;
(v) the Option shall be exercisable with respect to a cumulative maximum of 80% of the Covered Shares beginning four years after the Date of Grant; and
(vi) the Option shall be fully exercisable beginning five years after the Date of Grant.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Option shall expire at the earlier of (i) three months after termination of the Optionee's employment with the Corporation or its Subsidiary for any reason except death or disability or (ii) one year after termination of the Optionee's employment with the Corporation or its Subsidiary by reason of death or disability.
(d) Nontransferability. The Optionee may not assign or transfer the option other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Option may be exercised, during the Optionee's lifetime, only by the Optionee. To the extent the Option is exercisable at the time of the Optionee's death, it is exercisable by the person designated by will or entitled by the laws of descent and distribution, upon such death, to any remaining rights arising out of the Option. The Option is not subject, in whole or in part, to attachment, execution or levy of any kind.
(e) Payment upon Change in Control. Upon a Change in Control, the Corporation shall pay the Optionee in complete cancellation of the Option an amount of cash equal to the product of (i) the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of a Share on the date of such Change in Control over (B) the Option Price times (ii) the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is then outstanding and has not terminated, whether or not the Option is then exercisable with respect to such Shares.
4. Exercise.
(a) Notice. The Option shall be exercised, in whole or in
part, by the delivery to the Corporation of written notice of such exercise, in
such form as the Corporation may from time to time prescribe, accompanied by:
(i) full payment of the Option Price with respect to that portion of the Option
being exercised and (ii) full payment of any amounts required to be withheld
pursuant to applicable income tax laws in connection with such exercise. The
date of delivery of such notice shall be the Date of Exercise of such Option.
Until the Corporation notifies the Optionee to the contrary, the form attached
to this Agreement as Exhibit A shall be used to exercise the Option.
(b) Payment of the Option Price and Withholding. Upon exercise of the Option, in whole or in part, the Optionee shall pay the Option Price and satisfy any applicable income tax withholding requirements in cash.
(c) Effect. The exercise, in whole or in part, of the Option shall cause a reduction in the number of unexercised Covered Shares equal to the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised.
5. Restrictions on Exercise and upon Shares Issued upon Exercise. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Optionee agrees, for himself and his successors, that the Option may not be exercised at any time that the Corporation does not have in effect a registration statement under the Securities Act relating to the offer of Common Stock to the Optionee, unless the Optionee furnishes to the Corporation an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Corporation to the effect that such registration is not required, or unless the Corporation agrees to permit such exercise. The Optionee further agrees, for himself and his successors, that (i) upon the issuance of any Shares upon the exercise of the Option, he will, upon the request of the Corporation, agree in writing that he is acquiring such Shares for investment only and not with a view to resale, and (ii) that he will not sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of such Shares so issued unless and until:
(a) the Corporation is furnished with an opinion of counsel to the effect that registration of such Shares is not required by the Securities Act or by the rules and regulations thereunder;
(b) the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a "no-action" letter with respect to such disposition; or
(C) such registration or notification as is, in the opinion of counsel for the Corporation, required for the lawful disposition of such Shares has been filed by the Corporation and has become effective; provided, however, that the Corporation is not obligated hereby to file any such registration or notification.
The Optionee further agrees that the Corporation may place a legend embodying such restriction on the certificates evidencing such Shares.
6. Capital Adjustments. The number of Shares subject to the Option and the Option Price shall be subject to such adjustment, if any, as the Corporation in its sole discretion deems appropriate to reflect such events as stock dividends, stock splits, recapitalizations, mergers, consolidations or reorganizations of or by the Corporation.
7. Rights as Shareholder. The Optionee shall have no rights as a shareholder with respect to any Shares subject to the Option until and unless a certificate or certificates representing such Shares are issued to the Optionee pursuant to this Agreement. Except as the Corporation may determine, no adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights for which the record date is prior to the issuance of such certificate or certificates.
8. Employment. Neither the granting of the Option evidenced by this Agreement nor any term or provision of this Agreement shall constitute or be evidence of any understanding, express or implied, on the part of the Corporation to employ the Optionee for any period.
9. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed, construed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Agreement to be signed on its behalf effective as of the Date of Grant.
ATTEST:
K.R.M. PETROLEUM CORPORATION
EXHIBIT A
EXERCISE OF OPTION
Secretary
K.R.M. Petroleum Corporation
The undersigned optionee under the Nonstatutory Stock Option Agreement identified as Option No._____ (the "Agreement"), hereby irrevocably elects to exercise the Option granted in the Agreement to purchase _____ shares of common voting stock of K.R.M. Petroleum Corporation, $0.10 par value, and herewith makes payment of $ ________ in cash in payment of the option price in respect of such exercise.
EXHIBIT 10.22.3
ATTORNEYS & COUNSELORS
1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1900 Donna Lyn Carter
Houston, Texas 77010 [JW LOGO] (713)752-4217
(713) 752-4200 - fax (713) 752-4221 dcarter@jw.com
www.jw.com JACKSON WALKER L.L.P.
March 19, 2004
VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS
Mr. Dan Solomon
Guaranty Bank, FSB
8333 Douglas Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75225
Re: Guaranty Bank, FSB/PrimeEnergy Corporation Credit Facility
(Our File No. 120117.00012)
Dear Dan:
As we discussed, enclosed is a counterpart original Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated effective February 17, 2004, between PrimeEnergy Corporation, PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, PrimeEnergy Operating Company, Eastern Oil Well Service Company, Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, EOWS Midland Company F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. and Guaranty Bank, FSB, as Agent and a Lender.
Please acknowledge receipt of the above referenced document by signing the enclosed copy of this letter and returning it to me in the enclosed postage paid envelope.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Donna L. Carter Donna L. Carter Paralegal/Transactions |
DLC/cmj
Enclosures
cc: Ms. Beverly Cummings (w/ encl.)
Wayne G. Dotson (Firm)
Receipt of the above referenced document is acknowledged this ___ day of March, 2004.
Austin ___________________________________________ Dallas Dan Solomon, Guaranty Bank, FSB Fort Worth Houston Richardson San Angelo ___________________________________________ San Antonio Beverly Cummings, PrimeEnergy Corporation Member of GLOBALAW(TM) |
Delivery Ticket Page 1 of 1 |
Last step: Please print this page as the delivery ticket for the courier.
[HOUSTON EXPRESS LOGO]
Houston Express Couriers, Inc.
P.O. Box 70349
Houston, Texas 77270
Phone Number: 713-869-0100
CUSTOMER: Jackson Walker Law Firm
DATE: 3/19/2004
TICKET NUMBER: W59150
TYPE OF DELIVERY: Super Express (A.S.A.P.)
Shipper Consignee COMPANY Jackson Walker Law Firm COMPANY PrimeEnergy Corporation ADDRESS LINE 1 1401 McKinney Street, Suite ADDRESS LINE 2900 Wilcrest Drive 1900 1 ADDRESS LINE 2 ADDRESS LINE 2 Suite 475 CITY, STATE, ZIP Houston, TX 77010 CITY, STATE, ZIP Houston, TX 77042 ATTENTION Cynthia John ATTENTION Beverly Cummings PHONE 713-752-4200 ext. 4325 PHONE 713-735-0000 RETURN SERVICE NO NIGHT SERVICE No LEAVE WITHOUT NO NO. PIECES 1 SIGNATURE DESCRIPTION C-M # 120117.00012 BILLING ID 120117.00012 ENTERED BY Cynthia John SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TRACKING INFORMATION |
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THIRD AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION
PRIMEENERGY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
PRIME OPERATING COMPANY
EASTERN OIL WELL SERVICE COMPANY
SOUTHWEST OILFIELD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
EOWS MIDLAND COMPANY
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
AND
GUARANTY BANK, FSB, AS AGENT
AND A LENDER
EFFECTIVE AS OF FEBRUARY 17, 2004
REDUCING REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT OF UP TO $50,000,000
REDUCING REVOLVING TERM LOAN OF $3,599,998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ---- ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS .......................................... 1 1.01 Terms Defined Above .................................. 1 1.02 Terms Defined in Agreement ........................... 1 1.03 References ........................................... 1 1.04 Articles and Sections ................................ 2 1.05 Number and Gender .................................... 2 ARTICLE II AMENDMENTS ........................................... 2 2.01 Amendment of Section 1.2 ............................. 2 2.02 Amendment of Section 2.9 ............................. 2 ARTICLE III CONDITIONS ........................................... 3 3.01 Receipt of Documents ................................. 3 3.02 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties ........... 3 3.03 Matters Satisfactory to Lenders ...................... 3 ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ....................... 3 ARTICLE V RATIFICATION ......................................... 4 ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS ........................................ 4 6.01 Scope of Amendment ................................... 4 6.02 Agreement as Amended ................................. 4 6.03 Parties in Interest .................................. 4 6.04 Rights of Third Parties .............................. 4 6.05 ENTIRE AGREEMENT ..................................... 4 6.06 GOVERNING LAW ........................................ 4 6.07 JURISDICTION AND VENUE ............................... 5 |
THIRD AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
This THIRD AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Third Amendment") is made and entered into effective as of February 17, 2004, between PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("PEC"), PRIMEENERGY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, a New York corporation, PRIME OPERATING COMPANY, a Texas corporation, EASTERN OIL WELL SERVICE COMPANY, a West Virginia corporation, SOUTHWEST OILFIELD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, an Oklahoma corporation, EOWS MIDLAND COMPANY, a Texas corporation, and F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company ("FWOE") (collectively, the "Borrower"), with each other lender that is a signatory hereto or becomes a signatory hereto as provided in Section 9.1, (individually, together with its successors and assigns, a "Lender" and collectively together, with their respective successors and assigns, the "Lenders") and GUARANTY BANK, FSB, a federal savings bank, as agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors in such capacity pursuant to the terms hereof, the "Agent").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the above named parties did execute and exchange counterparts of that certain Credit Agreement dated December 19,2002, as amended by First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated effective as of June 1, 2003, and as further amended by Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated effective as of September 22,2003 (the "Agreement"), to which reference is here made for all purposes;
WHEREAS, the parties subject to and bound by the Agreement are desirous of amending the Agreement in the particulars hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties to the Agreement, as set forth therein, and the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties hereto, as set forth in this Third Amendment, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.01 Terms Defined Above. As used herein, each of the terms "Agent," "Agreement," "Borrower," "Lenders" and "Third Amendment," shall have the meaning assigned to such term hereinabove.
1.02 Terms Defined in Agreement. As used herein, each term defined in the Agreement shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the Agreement, unless expressly provided herein to the contrary.
1.03 References. References in this Third Amendment to Article or Section numbers shall be to Articles and Sections of this Third Amendment, unless expressly stated herein to the contrary. References in this Third Amendment to "hereby," "herein," hereinafter," hereinabove," "hereinbelow," "hereof," and "hereunder" shall be to this Third Amendment in its entirety and not only to the particular Article or Section in which such reference appears.
1.04 Articles and Sections. This Third Amendment, for convenience only, has been divided into Articles and Sections and it is understood that the rights, powers, privileges, duties, and other legal relations of the parties hereto shall be determined from this Third Amendment as an entirety and without regard to such division into Articles and Sections and without regard to headings prefixed to such Articles and Sections.
1.05 Number and Gender. Whenever the context requires, reference herein made to the single number shall be understood to include the plural and likewise the plural shall be understood to include the singular. Words denoting sex shall be construed to include the masculine, feminine, and neuter, when such construction is appropriate, and specific enumeration shall not exclude the general, but shall be construed as cumulative. Definitions of terms defined in the singular and plural shall be equally applicable to the plural or singular, as the case may be.
ARTICLE II
AMENDMENTS
The Borrower and the Lender hereby amend the Agreement in the following particulars:
2.01 Amendment of Section 1.2. Section 1.2 of the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
The following definitions shall be added and/or amended to read as follows:
"Commitment Termination Date" shall mean March 31,2007.
"Final Maturity" shall mean March 31, 2007.
2.02 Amendment of Section 2.9(a). Section 2.9(a) of the Agreement shall be amended to read as follows:
"2.9 Borrowing Base Determinations, (a) The Borrowing Base as of February 17, 2003, is acknowledged by the Borrower and the Lenders to be $44,000,000."
2.03 Addition of Section 2.9(e). Section 2.9(e) is added to the Agreement to read as follows:
"2.9 Borrowing Base Determinations.---(e) The Borrowing Base may be decreased by the Borrower by giving the Agent written notice of the amount of the decrease and the resulting Borrowing Base. The Borrower may then only borrow up to the amount of the decreased Borrowing Base and if any future increase in the Borrowing Base is required the Borrower shall furnish the Agent with the information requested by the Agreement as set forth in (b) above and pay all fees required by increasing the Borrowing Base."
2.04 Amendment of Section 2.25. Section 2.25 of the Agreement is amended to read as follows:
"2.25 Limitation of Liability of FWOE. FWOE's liability to the Lender on the Note and other obligations under the Agreement is limited to $10,120,000.00."
2.05 Amendment of Section 6.8. Section 6.8 of the Agreement shall be amended to add the following sentence:
"6.8 Dividends and Distributions.---Notwithstanding the above, FWOE may repay advances made by PEC in the amount of $1,275,000.00 and by Frank C. Wade in the amount of $847,260.00."
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS
The obligation of the Lenders to amend the Agreement as provided herein is subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions precedent:
3.01 Receipt of Documents. The Agent shall have received, reviewed, and approved the following documents and other items, appropriately executed when necessary and in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender:
(a) multiple counterparts of this Third Amendment as requested by the Agent.
(b) payment by Borrower to Guaranty Bank, FSB of $165,000 as an extension fee;
(c) payment by Borrower to Guaranty Bank, FSB of $91,000 as a Facility Fee for the increase in the Borrowing Base; and
(d) such other agreements, documents, items, instruments, opinions, certificates, waivers, consents, and evidence as the Agent may reasonably request.
3.02 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties contained in Article IV of the Agreement and this Third Amendment shall be true and correct.
3.03 Matters Satisfactory to Lenders. All matters incident to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be satisfactory to the Lenders.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Borrower hereby expressly re-makes, in favor of the Lenders, all of the representations and warranties set forth in Article IV of the Agreement, and represents and warrants that all such representations and warranties remain true and unbreached.
ARTICLE V
RATIFICATION
Each of the parties hereto does hereby adopt, ratify, and confirm the Agreement and the other Loan Documents, in all things in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof, as amended by this Third Amendment.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
6.01 Scope of Amendment. The scope of this Third Amendment is expressly limited to the matters addressed herein and this Third Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any past, present, or future breach, Default, or Event of Default under the Agreement. except to the extent, if any, that any such breach, Default, or Event of Default is remedied by the effect of this Third Amendment.
6.02 Agreement as Amended. All references to the Agreement in any document heretofore or hereafter executed in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the Agreement as amended by this Third Amendment.
6.03 Parties in Interest. All provisions of this Third Amendment shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Lender and their respective successors and assigns.
6.04 Rights of Third Parties. All provisions herein are imposed solely and exclusively for the benefit of the Lender and the Borrower, and no other Person shall have standing to require satisfaction of such provisions in accordance with their terms and any or all of such provisions may be freely waived in whole or in part by the Lender at any time if in its sole discretion it deems it advisable to do so.
6.05 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS THIRD AMENDMENT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT HEREOF AND SUPERSEDES ANY PRIOR AGREEMENT, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, BETWEEN SUCH PARTIES REGARDING THE SUBJECT HEREOF. FURTHERMORE IN THIS REGARD, THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, THE AGREEMENT, THE NOTE, THE SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, AND THE OTHER WRITTEN DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THE AGREEMENT OR EXECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS SECURITY FOR THE NOTE REPRESENT, COLLECTIVELY, THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES THERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.
6.06 GOVERNING LAW. THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, THE AGREEMENT AND THE NOTE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE CONTRACTS MADE UNDER AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTE AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED
HEREBY BEAR A NORMAL, REASONABLE, AND SUBSTANTIAL RELATIONSHIP TO THE STATE OF TEXAS.
6.07 JURISDICTION AND VENUE. ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS WITH RESPECT TO, ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN CONNECTION WITH, OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR FROM THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, THE AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT MAY BE LITIGATED IN COURTS HAVING SITUS IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. EACH OF THE BORROWER AND THE LENDER HEREBY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO TRANSFER OR CHANGE THE JURISDICTION OR VENUE OF ANY LITIGATION BROUGHT AGAINST IT BY THE BORROWER OR THE LENDER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION.
(REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Third Amendment to Credit Agreement is executed effective the date first hereinabove written.
BORROWER
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION
PRIMEENERGY MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION, PRIME OPERATING
COMPANY, EASTERN OIL WELL SERVICE
COMPANY, SOUTHWEST OILFIELD
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
EOWS MIDLAND COMPANY
By: /s/ Beverly A. Cummings ---------------------------------------- Beverly A. Cummings Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer |
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
By: /s/ Jim R. Brock ---------------------------------------- Jim R. Brock President and CFO |
AGENT AND LENDER
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
By: /s/ Richard E. Menchaca ---------------------------------------- Richard E. Menchaca Senior Vice President |
EXHIBIT 10.22.4
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION
PRIMEENERGY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
PRIME OPERATING COMPANY
EASTERN OIL WELL SERVICE COMPANY
SOUTHWEST OILFIELD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
EOWS MIDLAND COMPANY
AND
GUARANTY BANK, FSB, AS AGENT
AND A LENDER
EFFECTIVE AS OF DECEMBER 28, 2004
REDUCING REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT OF UP TO $50,000,000
REDUCING REVOLVING TERM LOAN OF $3,599,998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ---- ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS................................. 1 1.01 Terms Defined Above......................... 1 1.02 Terms Defined in Agreement.................. 1 1.03 References.................................. 1 1.04 Articles and Sections....................... 2 1.05 Number and Gender........................... 2 ARTICLE II AMENDMENTS.................................. 2 2.01 Amendment of Section 1.2.................... 2 2.02 Amendment of Section 2.9.................... 2 ARTICLE III CONDITIONS.................................. 2 3.01 Receipt of Documents........................ 2 3.02 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties.. 3 3.03 Matters Satisfactory to Lenders............. 3 ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.............. 3 ARTICLE V RATIFICATION................................ 3 ARTICLE VI MISCELLANEOUS............................... 3 6.01 Scope of Amendment.......................... 3 6.02 Agreement as Amended........................ 3 6.03 Parties in Interest......................... 3 6.04 Rights of Fourth Parties.................... 3 6.05 ENTIRE AGREEMENT............................ 3 6.06 GOVERNING LAW............................... 4 6.07 JURISDICTION AND VENUE...................... 4 |
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
This FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Fourth Amendment") is made and entered into effective as of December 28, 2004, between PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("PEC"), PRIMEENERGY MANAGEMENT CORPORATION, a New York corporation, PRIME OPERATING COMPANY, a Texas corporation, EASTERN OIL WELL SERVICE COMPANY, a West Virginia corporation, SOUTHWEST OILFIELD CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, an Oklahoma corporation, and EOWS MIDLAND COMPANY, a Texas corporation (collectively, the "Borrower"), with each other lender that is a signatory hereto or becomes a signatory hereto as provided in Section 9.1, (individually, together with its successors and assigns, a "Lender" and collectively together, with their respective successors and assigns, the "Lenders") and GUARANTY BANK, FSB, a federal savings bank, as agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, together with its successors in such capacity pursuant to the terms hereof, the "Agent").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the above named parties did execute and exchange counterparts of that certain Credit Agreement dated December 19, 2002, as amended by First Amendment to Credit Agreement dated effective as of June 1, 2003, as further amended by Second Amendment to Credit Agreement dated effective as of September 22, 2003, and as further amended by Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated effective as of February 17, 2004 (the "Agreement"), to which reference is here made for all purposes;
WHEREAS, the parties subject to and bound by the Agreement are desirous of amending the Agreement in the particulars hereinafter set forth;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties to the Agreement, as set forth therein, and the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties hereto, as set forth in this Fourth Amendment, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.01 Terms Defined Above. As used herein, each of the terms "Agent," "Agreement," "Borrower," "Fourth Amendment," and "Lenders" and shall have the meaning assigned to such term hereinabove.
1.02 Terms Defined in Agreement. As used herein, each term defined in the Agreement shall have the meaning assigned thereto in the Agreement, unless expressly provided herein to the contrary.
1.03 References. References in this Fourth Amendment to Article or Section numbers shall be to Articles and Sections of this Fourth Amendment, unless expressly stated herein to the contrary. References in this Fourth Amendment to "hereby," "herein," hereinafter," hereinabove," "hereinbelow," "hereof," and "hereunder" shall be to this Fourth Amendment in its entirety and not only to the particular Article or Section in which such reference appears.
1.04 Articles and Sections. This Fourth Amendment, for convenience only, has been divided into Articles and Sections and it is understood that the rights, powers, privileges, duties, and other legal relations of the parties hereto shall be determined from this Fourth Amendment as an entirety and without regard to such division into Articles and Sections and without regard to headings prefixed to such Articles and Sections.
1.05 Number and Gender. Whenever the context requires, reference herein made to the single number shall be understood to include the plural and likewise the plural shall be understood to include the singular. Words denoting sex shall be construed to include the masculine, feminine, and neuter, when such construction is appropriate, and specific enumeration shall not exclude the general, but shall be construed as cumulative. Definitions of terms defined in the singular and plural shall be equally applicable to the plural or singular, as the case may be.
ARTICLE II
AMENDMENTS
The Borrower and the Lender hereby amend the Agreement in the following particulars:
2.01 Deletion of F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. is hereby deleted from the Agreement and released from all Obligations hereunder.
2.02 Amendment of Section 2.9(a). Section 2.9(a) of the Agreement shall be amended to read as follows:
"2.9 Borrowing Base Determinations. (a) The Borrowing Base as of December 28, 2004, is acknowledged by the Borrower and the Lenders to be $33,880,000."
2.03 Amendment of Exhibit I. Exhibit I, i.e., the Form of Promissory Note, shall be as set forth on Exhibit I to this Fourth Amendment.
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS
The obligation of the Lenders to amend the Agreement as provided herein is subject to the fulfillment of the following conditions precedent:
3.01 Receipt of Documents. The Agent shall have received, reviewed, and approved the following documents and other items, appropriately executed when necessary and in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender:
(a) multiple counterparts of this Fourth Amendment as requested by the Agent;
(b) the Note;
(c) such other agreements, documents, items, instruments, opinions, certificates, waivers, consents, and evidence as the Agent may reasonably request.
3.02 Accuracy of Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties contained in Article IV of the Agreement and this Fourth Amendment shall be true and correct.
3.03 Matters Satisfactory to Lenders. All matters incident to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall be satisfactory to the Lenders.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Borrower hereby expressly re-makes, in favor of the Lenders, all of the representations and warranties set forth in Article IV of the Agreement, and represents and warrants that all such representations and warranties remain true and unbreached.
ARTICLE V
RATIFICATION
Each of the parties hereto does hereby adopt, ratify, and confirm the Agreement and the other Loan Documents, in all things in accordance with the terms and provisions thereof, as amended by this Fourth Amendment.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
6.01 Scope of Amendment. The scope of this Fourth Amendment is expressly limited to the matters addressed herein and this Fourth Amendment shall not operate as a waiver of any past, present, or future breach, Default, or Event of Default under the Agreement. except to the extent, if any, that any such breach, Default, or Event of Default is remedied by the effect of this Fourth Amendment.
6.02 Agreement as Amended. All references to the Agreement in any document heretofore or hereafter executed in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the Agreement as amended by this Fourth Amendment.
6.03 Parties in Interest. All provisions of this Fourth Amendment shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Lender and their respective successors and assigns.
6.04 Rights of Fourth Parties. All provisions herein are imposed solely and exclusively for the benefit of the Lender and the Borrower, and no other Person shall have standing to require satisfaction of such provisions in accordance with their terms and any or all of such provisions may be freely waived in whole or in part by the Lender at any time if in its sole discretion it deems it advisable to do so.
6.05 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT HEREOF AND SUPERSEDES ANY PRIOR AGREEMENT, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, BETWEEN SUCH PARTIES REGARDING THE SUBJECT HEREOF. FURTHERMORE IN THIS REGARD, THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, THE AGREEMENT, THE NOTE, THE SECURITY INSTRUMENTS, AND THE OTHER
WRITTEN DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THE AGREEMENT OR EXECUTED IN CONNECTION WITH OR AS SECURITY FOR THE NOTE REPRESENT, COLLECTIVELY, THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES THERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG THE PARTIES.
6.06 GOVERNING LAW. THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, THE AGREEMENT AND THE NOTE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE CONTRACTS MADE UNDER AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. THE PARTIES ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTE AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY BEAR A NORMAL, REASONABLE, AND SUBSTANTIAL RELATIONSHIP TO THE STATE OF TEXAS.
6.07 JURISDICTION AND VENUE. ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS WITH RESPECT TO, ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN CONNECTION WITH, OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR FROM THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, THE AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT MAY BE LITIGATED IN COURTS HAVING SITUS IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. EACH OF THE BORROWER AND THE LENDER HEREBY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO TRANSFER OR CHANGE THE JURISDICTION OR VENUE OF ANY LITIGATION BROUGHT AGAINST IT BY THE BORROWER OR THE LENDER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION.
(REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement is executed effective the date first hereinabove written.
BORROWER
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION
PRIMEENERGY MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION, PRIME OPERATING
COMPANY, EASTERN OIL WELL SERVICE
COMPANY, SOUTHWEST OILFIELD
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
EOWS MIDLAND COMPANY
By: /s/ Beverly A. Cummings --------------------------------------- Beverly A. Cummings Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer |
AGENT AND LENDER
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
By: /s/ Arthur R. Gralla --------------------------------------- Arthur R. Gralla, Jr. Managing Director |
PROMISSORY NOTE
$50,000,000 Houston, Texas December 28, 2004
FOR VALUE RECEIVED and WITHOUT GRACE, the undersigned ("Maker") promises to pay to the order of GUARANTY BANK, FSB ("Payee"), at its banking quarters in Houston, Harris County, Texas, the sum of FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS ($50,000,000), or so much thereof as may be advanced against this Note pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated of even date herewith by and between Maker and Payee (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), together with interest at the rates and calculated as provided in the Credit Agreement.
Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement for matters governed thereby, including, without limitation, certain events which will entitle the holder hereof to accelerate the maturity of all amounts due hereunder. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Note shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
This Note is issued pursuant to, is the "Note" under, and is payable as provided in the Credit Agreement. Subject to compliance with applicable provisions of the Credit Agreement, Maker may at any time pay the full amount or any part of this Note without the payment of any premium or fee, but such payment shall not, until this Note is fully paid and satisfied, excuse the payment as it becomes due of any payment on this Note provided for in the Credit Agreement.
Without being limited thereto or thereby, this Note is secured by the Security Instruments.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED AND CONTROLLED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO PRINCIPLES THEREOF RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAW; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT CHAPTER 345 OF THE TEXAS FINANCE CODE (WHICH REGULATES CERTAIN REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN ACCOUNTS AND REVOLVING TRIPARTY ACCOUNTS) SHALL NOT APPLY TO THIS NOTE.
PRIMEENERGY CORPORATION
PRIMEENERGY MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION, PRIME OPERATING
COMPANY, EASTERN OIL WELL SERVICE
COMPANY, SOUTHWEST OILFIELD
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
EOWS MIDLAND COMPANY
By: /s/ Beverly A. Cummings ----------------------------------------- Beverly A. Cummings Executive Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer |
EXHIBIT 10.25
CREDIT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
AND
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
DECEMBER 28, 2004
REVOLVING LINE OF CREDIT OF UP TO $50,000,000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ---- ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION................................................ 1 1.1 Terms Defined Above...................................................... 1 1.2 Additional Defined Terms................................................. 1 1.3 Undefined Financial Accounting Terms..................................... 14 1.4 References............................................................... 14 1.5 Articles and Sections.................................................... 14 1.6 Number and Gender........................................................ 14 1.7 Incorporation of Exhibits................................................ 15 ARTICLE II TERMS OF FACILITY ........................................................... 15 2.1 Revolving Line of Credit................................................. 15 2.2 Letter of Credit Facility................................................ 15 2.3 Use of Loan Proceeds and Letters of Credit............................... 16 2.4 Interest................................................................. 16 2.5 Repayment of Loans and Interest.......................................... 17 2.6 Outstanding Amounts...................................................... 17 2.7 Time, Place, and Method of Payments...................................... 17 2.8 Borrowing Base Determinations............................................ 17 2.9 Mandatory Prepayments.................................................... 18 2.10 Voluntary Prepayments and Conversions of Loans........................... 18 2.11 Commitment Fee........................................................... 19 2.12 Facility Fee............................................................. 19 2.13 Letter of Credit Fee..................................................... 19 2.14 Engineering Fee.......................................................... 19 2.15 Loans to Satisfy Obligations of Borrower................................. 20 2.16 Security Interest in Accounts; Right of Offset........................... 20 2.17 General Provisions Relating to Interest.................................. 20 2.18 Yield Protection......................................................... 21 2.19 Limitation on Types of Loans............................................. 23 2.20 Illegality............................................................... 24 2.21 Regulatory Change........................................................ 24 2.22 Limitations on Interest Periods.......................................... 24 2.23 Letters in Lieu of Transfer Orders....................................... 24 2.24 Power of Attorney........................................................ 25 ARTICLE III CONDITIONS ................................................................. 25 3.1 Receipt of Loan Documents and Other Items................................ 25 3.2 Each Loan and Letter of Credit........................................... 27 ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES............................................... 29 4.1 Due Authorization........................................................ 29 |
4.2 Limited Liability Company Existence...................................... 29 4.3 Valid and Binding Obligations............................................ 30 4.4 Security Instruments..................................................... 30 4.5 Title to Assets.......................................................... 30 4.6 No Material Misstatements................................................ 30 4.7 Liabilities, Litigation, and Restrictions................................ 30 4.8 Authorizations; Consents................................................. 30 4.9 Compliance with Laws..................................................... 31 4.10 ERISA.................................................................... 31 4.11 Environmental Laws....................................................... 31 4.12 Compliance with Federal Reserve Regulations.............................. 32 4.13 Investment Company Act Compliance........................................ 32 4.14 Public Utility Holding Company Act Compliance............................ 32 4.15 Proper Filing of Tax Returns; Payment of Taxes Due....................... 32 4.16 Refunds.................................................................. 32 4.17 Gas Contracts............................................................ 32 4.18 Intellectual Property.................................................... 33 4.19 Casualties or Taking of Property......................................... 33 4.20 Locations of Borrower.................................................... 33 4.21 Subsidiaries............................................................. 33 ARTICLE V AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS ........................................................ 33 5.1 Maintenance and Access to Records........................................ 33 5.2 Monthly Financial Statements............................................. 33 5.3 Quarterly Financial Statements; Compliance Certificates.................. 33 5.4 Annual Financial Statements.............................................. 34 5.5 Oil and Gas Reserve Reports.............................................. 34 5.6 Title Opinions; Title Defects and Mortgages.............................. 34 5.7 Notices of Certain Events................................................ 35 5.8 Letters in Lieu of Transfer Orders; Division Orders...................... 36 5.9 Additional Information................................................... 36 5.10 Compliance with Laws..................................................... 36 5.11 Payment of Assessments and Charges....................................... 36 5.12 Maintenance of Limited Liability Company Existence and Good Standing..... 37 5.13 Payment of Note; Performance of Obligations.............................. 37 5.14 Further Assurances....................................................... 37 5.15 Initial Fees and Expenses of Counsel to Lender........................... 37 5.16 Subsequent Fees and Expenses of Lender................................... 37 5.17 Operation of Oil and Gas Properties...................................... 38 5.18 Maintenance and Inspection of Properties................................. 38 5.19 Maintenance of Insurance................................................. 38 5.20 INDEMNIFICATION.......................................................... 38 5.21 Future Subsidiaries...................................................... 39 5.22 Hedging.................................................................. 39 |
ARTICLE VI NEGATIVE COVENANTS .......................................................... 39 6.1 Indebtedness............................................................. 40 6.2 Contingent Obligations................................................... 40 6.3 Liens.................................................................... 40 6.4 Sales of Assets.......................................................... 40 6.5 Leasebacks............................................................... 40 6.6 Loans or Advances........................................................ 40 6.7 Investments.............................................................. 41 6.8 Dividends and Distributions.............................................. 41 6.9 Issuance of Stock; Changes in Limited Liability Structure................ 41 6.10 Transactions with Affiliates............................................. 41 6.11 Lines of Business........................................................ 41 6.12 ERISA Compliance......................................................... 41 6.13 Interest Coverage Ratio.................................................. 41 6.14 Current Ratio............................................................ 42 6.15 Tangible Net Worth....................................................... 42 6.16 Bank Debt Coverage Ratio................................................. 42 6.17 General and Administrative Expenses...................................... 42 ARTICLE VII EVENTS OF DEFAULT .......................................................... 42 7.1 Enumeration of Events of Default......................................... 42 7.2 Remedies................................................................. 44 ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS ............................................................. 45 8.1 Transfers; Participations................................................ 45 8.2 Survival of Representations, Warranties, and Covenants................... 45 8.3 Notices and Other Communications......................................... 45 8.4 Parties in Interest...................................................... 46 8.5 Rights of Third Parties.................................................. 46 8.6 Renewals; Extensions..................................................... 46 8.7 No Waiver; Rights Cumulative............................................. 46 8.8 Survival Upon Unenforceability........................................... 46 8.9 Amendments; Waivers...................................................... 46 8.10 Controlling Agreement.................................................... 47 8.11 Disposition of Collateral................................................ 47 8.12 GOVERNING LAW............................................................ 47 8.13 JURISDICTION AND VENUE................................................... 47 8.14 WAIVER OF RIGHTS TO JURY TRIAL........................................... 47 8.15 ENTIRE AGREEMENT......................................................... 48 8.16 Counterparts............................................................. 48 |
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit I - Form of Note Exhibit II - Form of Borrowing Request Exhibit III - Form of Compliance Certificate -iii- |
Exhibit IV - Form of Opinion of Counsel Exhibit VI - Disclosures |
CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT is made and entered into this 28 day of December, 2004, by and between F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C. a Delaware limited liability company (the "Borrower"), and GUARANTY BANK, FSB, a federal savings bank, (the "Lender").
W I T N E S S E T H:
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the Borrower and the Lender hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Terms Defined Above. As used in this Credit Agreement, the terms "Borrower" and "Lender" shall have the meaning assigned to them hereinabove.
1.2 Additional Defined Terms. As used in this Credit Agreement, each of the following terms shall have the meaning assigned thereto in this Section, unless the context otherwise requires:
"Additional Costs" shall mean costs which the Lender determine are attributable to its obligation to make or its making or maintaining any LIBO Rate Loan, or any reduction in any amount receivable by the Lender in respect of any such obligation or any LIBO Rate Loan, resulting from any Regulatory Change which (a) changes the basis of taxation of any amounts payable to the Lenders under this Agreement or the Note in respect of any LIBO Rate Loan (other than taxes imposed on the overall net income of the Lender), (b) imposes or modifies any reserve, special deposit, minimum capital, capital rates, or similar requirements relating to any extensions of credit or other assets of, or any deposits with or other liabilities of, the Lender (including LIBO Rate Loans and Dollar deposits in the London interbank market in connection with LIBO Rate Loans), or any commitments of the Lenders hereunder, (c) increases the Assessment Rate, or (d) imposes any other condition affecting this Agreement or any of such extensions of credit, liabilities, or commitments.
"Adjusted LIBO Rate" shall mean, for any LIBO Rate Loan, an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) determined by the Lender to be equal to the sum of the LIBO Rate for such Loan plus the Applicable Margin, but in no event exceeding the Highest Lawful Rate.
"Affiliate" shall mean any Person directly or indirectly controlling, or under common control with, the Borrower and includes any Subsidiary of the Borrower and any "affiliate" of the Borrower within the meaning of Reg.
Section 240.12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with "control," as used in this definition, meaning possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management, policies or action through ownership of voting securities, contract, voting trust, or membership in management or in the group appointing or electing management or otherwise through formal or informal arrangements or business relationships.
"Agreement" shall mean this Credit Agreement, as it may be amended, supplemented, or restated from time to time.
"Applicable Lending Office" shall mean, for each type of Loan, the lending office of the Lender (or an affiliate of the Lender) designated for such type of Loan on the signature pages hereof or such other office of the Lender (or an affiliate of the Lender) as the Lender may from time to time specify to the Borrower as the office by which Loans of such type are to be made and maintained.
"Applicable Margin" shall mean as to each LIBO Rate Loan or Letter of Credit Fee 2.50%.
"Assessment Rate" shall mean, for any Interest Period, the average rate (rounded upwards if necessary to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) charged by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (or any successor thereto) to the Lender for deposit insurance for Dollar time deposits with the Lender at the Principal Office during such Interest Period, as determined by the Lender.
"Available Commitment" shall mean, at any time, an amount equal to the remainder, if any, of (a) the Borrowing Base in effect at such time minus (b) the Loan Balance at such time.
"Bank Debt" shall mean the amount owed under this Agreement by the Borrower to the Lender.
"Base Rate" shall mean, at any time, the rate of interest per annum then most recently established by the Lender as its base rate, which rate may not be the lowest rate of interest charged by the Lender to its borrowers. Each change in any interest rate provided for herein based upon the Base Rate resulting from a change in the Base Rate shall take effect without notice to the Borrower at the time of such change in the Base Rate.
"Borrowing Base" shall mean, at any time, the amount determined by the Lender in accordance with Section 2.8 and then in effect.
"Borrowing Request" shall mean each written request, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit II, by the Borrower to the Lender for a borrowing, conversion, or prepayment pursuant to Sections 2.1 or 2.10, each of which shall:
(a) be signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower;
(b) when requesting a borrowing, be accompanied by a Compliance Certificate or acknowledgment that Borrower is in compliance;
(c) specify the amount and type of Loan requested, and, as applicable, the Loan to be converted or prepaid and the date of the borrowing, conversion, or prepayment (which shall be a Business Day);
(d) when requesting a Floating Rate Loan, be delivered to the Lender no later than 5:00 p.m., Central Standard or Daylight Savings Time, as the case may be, on the Business Day preceding the day of the requested borrowing, conversion, or prepayment;
(e) when requesting a LIBO Rate Loan, be delivered to the Lender no later than 10:00 a.m., Central Standard or Daylight Savings Time, as the case may be, three Business Days preceding the requested borrowing, conversion, or prepayment and designate the Interest Period requested with respect to such Loan.
"Business Day" shall mean (a) for all purposes other than as covered by clause (b) of this definition, a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, legal holiday for commercial banks under the laws of the State of Texas, or any other day when banking is suspended in the State of Texas, and (b) with respect to all requests, notices, and determinations in connection with, and payments of principal and interest on, LIBO Rate Loans, a day which is a Business Day described in clause (a) of this definition and which is a day for trading by and between banks for Dollar deposits in the London interbank market.
"Closing Date" shall mean the effective date of this Agreement.
"Code" shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
"Collateral" shall mean the Mortgaged Properties and any other Property now or at any time used or intended as security for the payment or performance of all or any portion of the Obligations.
"Commitment" shall mean the obligation of the Lender, subject to applicable provisions of this Agreement, to make Loans to or for the benefit of the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.1 and to issue Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 2.2
"Commitment Fee" shall mean each fee payable to the Lender by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.11.
"Commitment Period" shall mean the period from and including the Closing Date to but not including the Commitment Termination Date.
"Commitment Termination Date" shall mean March 31, 2007.
"Commodity Hedge Agreement" shall mean any crude oil, natural gas, or other hydrocarbon floor, collar, cap, price protection, or swap agreement, in form and substance with a Person acceptable to the Lender.
"Commonly Controlled Entity" shall mean any Person which is under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA.
"Compliance Certificate" shall mean each certificate, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit III, executed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and furnished to the Lender from time to time in accordance with Sections 5.3 and 5.4.
"Contingent Obligation" shall mean, as to any Person, without duplication, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any Indebtedness, leases, dividends, or other obligations of any other Person (for purposes of this definition, a "primary obligation") in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, regardless of whether such obligation is contingent, (a) to purchase any primary obligation or any Property constituting direct or indirect security therefore, (b) to advance or supply funds (i) for the purchase or payment of any primary obligation, or (ii) to maintain working or equity capital of any other Person in respect of any primary obligation, or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of any other Person, (c) to purchase Property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any primary obligation of the ability of the Person primarily liable for such primary obligation to make payment thereof, or (d) otherwise to assure or hold harmless the owner of any such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof, with the amount of any Contingent Obligation being deemed to be equal to the stated or determinable amount of the primary obligation in respect of which such Contingent Obligation is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by such Person in good faith.
"Current Assets" shall mean all assets which would, in accordance with GAAP, be included as current assets on a balance sheet of the Borrower as of the date of calculation, plus unused availability under this facility less current assets resulting from Commodity Hedge Agreements.
"Current Liabilities" shall mean all liabilities which would, in accordance with GAAP, be included as current liabilities on a balance sheet of the Borrower as of the date of calculation, but excluding the current maturities under this facility both principal and interest, and less current payables resulting from Commodity Hedge Agreements and accounts payable within 60 days or longer if within terms agreed to with a trade creditor.
"Default" shall mean any event or occurrence which with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both would become an Event of Default.
"Default Rate" shall mean a per annum interest rate equal to the Base Rate plus five percent (5%), but in no event exceeding the Highest Lawful Rate.
"Dollars" and "$" shall mean dollars in lawful currency of the United States of America.
"EBITDAX" shall mean, for any period, Net Income for such period plus interest expense, federal and state income taxes, depreciation, amortization, exploration expenses and other non-cash expenses, less non-cash gains for such period deducted in the determination of net income for such period.
"Environmental Complaint" shall mean any written complaint, order, directive, claim, citation, notice of environmental report or investigation, or other notice by any Governmental Authority or any other Person with respect to (a) air emissions, (b) spills, releases, or discharges to soils, any improvements located thereon, surface water, groundwater, or the sewer, septic, waste treatment, storage, or disposal systems servicing any Property of the Borrower, (c) solid or liquid waste disposal, (d) the use, generation, storage, transportation, or disposal of any Hazardous Substance, or (e) other environmental, health, or safety matters affecting any Property of the Borrower or the business conducted thereon.
"Environmental Laws" shall mean (a) the following federal laws as they may be cited, referenced, and amended from time to time: the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, and the Toxic Substances Control Act; (b) any and all equivalent environmental statutes of any state in which Property of the Borrower is situated, as they may be cited, referenced and amended from time to time; (c) any rules or regulations promulgated under or adopted pursuant to the above federal and state laws; and (d) any other equivalent federal, state, or local statute or any requirement, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, or order adopted pursuant thereto, including, without limitation, those relating to the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, recycling, disposal, handling, or release of Hazardous Substances.
"ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the regulations thereunder and interpretations thereof.
"Event of Default" shall mean any of the events specified in Section 7.1.
"Facility Fee" shall mean the fee payable to the Lender by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.12.
"Final Maturity" shall mean March 31, 2007.
"Financial Statements" shall mean statements of the financial condition of the Borrower as at the point in time and for the period indicated and consisting of at least a balance sheet and related statements of operations, common stock and other stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the Borrower and, when required by applicable provisions of this Agreement to be audited, accompanied by the unqualified certification of an independent certified public accountants acceptable to the Lender, all of which shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and in comparative form with respect to the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal period.
"Fixed Rate Loan" shall mean any LIBO Rate Loan.
"Floating Rate" shall mean an interest rate per annum equal to the Base Rate from time to time in effect plus three-fourths of one percent (3/4 of 1%), but in no event exceeding the Highest Lawful Rate.
"Floating Rate Loan" shall mean any Loan and any portion of the Loan Balance which the Borrower has requested, in the initial Borrowing Request for such Loan or a subsequent Borrowing Request for such portion of the Loan Balance, bearing interest at the Floating Rate, or which pursuant to the terms hereof is otherwise required to bear interest at the Floating Rate.
"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and in effect in the United States from time to time.
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation, country, commonwealth, territory, government, state, county, parish, municipality, or other political subdivision and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.
"Hazardous Substances" shall mean flammables, explosives, radioactive materials, hazardous wastes, asbestos, or any material containing asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), toxic substances or related materials, petroleum, petroleum products, associated oil or natural gas exploration,
production, and development wastes, or any substances defined as "hazardous substances," "hazardous materials," "hazardous wastes," or "toxic substances" under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, as amended, the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended, or any other law or regulation now or hereafter enacted or promulgated by any Governmental Authority.
"Highest Lawful Rate" shall mean the maximum non-usurious interest rate, if any (or, if the context so requires, an amount calculated at such rate), that at any time or from time to time may be contracted for, taken, reserved, charged, or received under applicable laws of the State of Texas or the United States of America, whichever authorizes the greater rate, as such laws are presently in effect or, to the extent allowed by applicable law, as such laws may hereafter be in effect and which allow a higher maximum non-usurious interest rate than such laws now allow.
"Indebtedness" shall mean, as to any Person, without duplication,
(a) all liabilities (excluding reserves for deferred income taxes,
deferred compensation liabilities, and other deferred liabilities and
credits) which in accordance with GAAP would be included in determining
total liabilities as shown on the liability side of a balance sheet, (b)
all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, promissory
notes, or similar evidences of indebtedness, (c) all other indebtedness of
such Person for borrowed money, and (d) all obligations of others, to the
extent any such obligation is secured by a Lien on the assets of such
Person (whether or not such Person has assumed or become liable for the
obligation secured by such Lien). (Provided, however, Indebtedness shall
not include unsecured advances by members and/or shareholders).
"Insolvency Proceeding" shall mean application (whether voluntary or instituted by another Person) for or the consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, conservator, custodian, or liquidator of any Person or of all or a substantial part of the Property of such Person, or the filing of a petition (whether voluntary or instituted by another Person) commencing a case under Title 11 of the United States Code, seeking liquidation, reorganization, or rearrangement or taking advantage of any bankruptcy, insolvency, debtor's relief, or other similar law of the United States, the State of Texas, or any other jurisdiction.
"Intellectual Property" shall mean patents, patent applications, trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, technology, know-how, and processes.
"Interest Expense" shall mean, for any period, the total interest expense (including, without limitation, interest expense attributable to capitalized leases) of the Borrower for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Interest Period" shall mean, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 2.22, with respect to any LIBO Rate Loan, a period commencing on the date such Loan is made or converted from a Loan of another type pursuant to this Agreement or the last day of the next preceding Interest Period with respect to such Loan and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, or three months thereafter, as the Borrower may request in the Borrowing Request for such Loan.
"Investment" in any Person shall mean any stock, bond, note, or other evidence of Indebtedness, or any other security (other than current trade and customer accounts) of, investment or partnership interest in or loan to, such Person.
"L/C Exposure" shall mean, at any time, the aggregate maximum amount available to be drawn under outstanding Letters of Credit at such time.
"Letter of Credit" shall mean any standby letter of credit issued by the Lender for the account of the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.2.
"Letter of Credit Application" shall mean the standard letter of credit application employed by the Lender from time to time in connection with letters of credit, provided that in the event of a conflict between the terms of each Letter of Credit Application and this Agreement, this Agreement shall control.
"Letter of Credit Fee" shall mean each fee payable to the Lender by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.13 upon or in connection with the issuance of a Letter of Credit.
"LIBO Rate" shall mean, with respect to any Interest Period for any LIBO Rate Loan, the lesser of (a) the rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/16 of 1%) equal to the average of the offered quotations appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or if such Telerate Page shall not be available, any successor or similar service selected by the Lender and the Borrower) as of approximately 10:00 a.m., Central Standard or Daylight Savings Time, as the case may be, on the day two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for Dollar deposits in an amount comparable to the principal amount of such LIBO Rate Loan and having a term comparable to the Interest Period for such LIBO Rate Loan, or (b) the Highest Lawful Rate. If neither such Telerate Page 3750 nor any successor or similar service is available, the term "LIBO Rate" shall mean, with respect to any Interest Period for any LIBO Rate Loan, the lesser of (a) the rate per annum (rounded upwards if necessary, to the nearest 1/16 of 1%) quoted by the Lender at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time (or as soon thereafter as practicable) two Business Days prior to the first day of the Interest Period for such LIBO Rate Loan for the offering by the Lender to leading banks in the London interbank market of Dollar deposits in an amount comparable to the
principal amount of such LIBO Rate Loan and having a term comparable to the Interest Period for such LIBO Rate Loan, or (b) the Highest Lawful Rate.
"LIBO Rate Loan" shall mean any Loan and any portion of the Loan Balance which the Borrower has requested, in the initial Borrowing Request for such Loan or a subsequent Borrowing Request for such portion of the Loan Balance, bearing interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate and which is permitted by the terms hereof to bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate.
"Lien" shall mean any interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of such Property, whether such interest is based on common law, statute, or contract, and including, but not limited to, the lien or security interest arising from a mortgage, ship mortgage, encumbrance, pledge, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt, or a lease, consignment, or bailment for security purposes (other than true leases or true consignments), liens of mechanics, materialmen, and artisans, maritime liens and reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights of way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases, and other title exceptions and encumbrances affecting Property which secure an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of such Property (for the purpose of this Agreement, the Borrower shall be deemed to be the owner of any Property which it has acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement, financing lease, or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the Property has been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes), and the filing or recording of any financing statement or other security instrument in any public office.
"Limitation Period" shall mean, any period while any amount remains owing on the Note and interest on such amount, calculated at the applicable interest rate, plus any fees or other sums payable under any Loan Document and deemed to be interest under applicable law, would exceed the amount of interest which would accrue at the Highest Lawful Rate.
"Loan" shall mean any loan made by the Lender to or for the benefit of the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement and any payment made by the Lender under a Letter of Credit.
"Loan Balance" shall mean, at any time, the outstanding principal balance of the Notes at such time plus the L/C Exposure at such time.
"Loan Documents" shall mean this Agreement, the Note, the Letter of Credit Applications, the Letters of Credit, the Security Instruments, and all other documents and instruments now or hereafter delivered pursuant to the terms of or in connection with this Agreement, the Note, the Letter of Credit Applications, the Letters of Credit, or the Security Instruments, and all renewals and extensions of, amendments and supplements to, and restatements of, any or all of the foregoing from time to time in effect.
"Low Price Period" shall mean if natural gas prices, based on the 12 month forward strip as quoted on NYMEX, drop to 112% of the Lender's prevailing price assumption on natural gas (as of the Closing Date the Lender's assumption is $4.25 per mcf resulting in a trigger price of $4.76 per mcf) for 10 consecutive Business Days.
"Material Adverse Effect" shall mean (a) any adverse effect on the business, operations, properties, or financial condition of the Borrower, which substantially increases the risk that any of the Obligations will not be repaid as and when due, or (b) any substantially adverse effect upon the Collateral.
"Mortgaged Properties" shall mean all Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower subject to a perfected first-priority Lien in favor of the Lender for the benefit of the Lenders, subject only to Permitted Liens, as security for the Obligations.
"Multiemployer Plan" shall mean a Plan which is a multiemployer plan as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
"Net Income" shall mean, for any period, the net income (or loss) of the Borrower for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Note" shall mean, the promissory note of the Borrower in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I with all blanks in such form completed appropriately, together with all renewals, extensions for any period, increases, and rearrangements thereof.
"Obligations" shall mean, without duplication, (a) all Indebtedness evidenced by the Note, (b) the Reimbursement Obligations, (c) the undrawn, unexpired amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, (d) the obligation of the Borrower for the payment of Commitment Fees, Facility Fees, Letter of Credit Fees, and Engineering Fees, (e) all obligations and liabilities whether now existing or hereafter arising of the Borrower to the Lender in connection with any Commodity Hedge Agreement or Rate Management Transaction, including Letters of Credit issued outside of this facility for Commodity Hedge Agreements or Rate Management Transactions, and (f) all other obligations and liabilities of the Borrower to the Lender, now existing or hereafter incurred, under, arising out of or in connection with any Loan Document, and to the extent that any of the foregoing includes or refers to the payment of amounts deemed or constituting interest, only so much thereof as shall have accrued, been earned and which remains unpaid at each relevant time of determination.
"Oil and Gas Properties" shall mean fee, leasehold, or other interests in or under mineral estates or oil, gas, and other liquid or gaseous hydrocarbon leases with respect to Properties situated in the United States or offshore from any State of the United States, including, without limitation, overriding royalty and royalty
interests, leasehold estate interests, net profits interests, production payment interests, and mineral fee interests, together with contracts executed in connection therewith and all tenements, hereditaments, appurtenances and Properties appertaining, belonging, affixed, or incidental thereto.
"PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA or any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.
"Permitted Liens" shall mean (a) Liens for taxes, assessments, or
other governmental charges or levies not yet due or which (if foreclosure,
distraint, sale, or other similar proceedings shall not have been
initiated) are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings,
and such reserve as may be required by GAAP shall have been made therefor,
(b) Liens in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance
or other social security (other than Liens created by Section 4068 of
ERISA), old-age pension, or public liability obligations which are not yet
due or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings,
if such reserve as may be required by GAAP shall have been made therefore,
(c) Liens in favor of vendors, carriers, warehousemen, repairmen,
mechanics, workmen, materialmen, construction, or similar Liens arising by
operation of law in the ordinary course of business in respect of
obligations which are not yet due or which are being contested in good
faith by appropriate proceedings, if such reserve as may be required by
GAAP shall have been made therefore, (d) Liens in favor of operators and
non-operators under joint operating agreements or similar contractual
arrangements arising in the ordinary course of the business of the
Borrower to secure amounts owing, which amounts are not yet due or are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, if such reserve
as may be required by GAAP shall have been made therefore, (e) Liens under
production sales agreements, division orders, operating agreements, and
other agreements customary in the oil and gas business for processing,
producing, and selling hydrocarbons securing obligations not constituting
Indebtedness and provided that such Liens do not secure obligations to
deliver hydrocarbons at some future date without receiving full payment
therefore within 90 days of delivery, (f) easements, rights of way,
restrictions, and other similar encumbrances, and minor defects in the
chain of title which are customarily accepted in the oil and gas financing
industry, none of which interfere with the ordinary conduct of the
business of the Borrower or materially detract from the value or use of
the Property to which they apply, (h) Liens in favor of the Lender and
other Liens expressly permitted under the Security Instruments and (i)
Liens not to exceed $50,000.
"Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company, government, any agency or political subdivision of any government, or any other form of entity.
"Plan" shall mean, at any time, any employee benefit plan which is
covered by ERISA and in respect of which the Borrower or any Commonly
Controlled Entity is (or, if such plan were terminated at such time, would
under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an "employer" as defined in
Section 3(5) of ERISA.
"Principal Office" shall mean the principal office of the Lender in Houston, Texas, presently located at 333 Clay Street, Suite 4400, Houston, Texas 77002.
"Prohibited Transaction" shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4975 of the Code.
"Property" shall mean any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible.
"Rate Management Transaction" shall mean any transaction (including an agreement with respect thereto) now existing or hereafter entered into between Borrower and Lenders which is a rate swap, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, forward transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction, currency option or any other similar transaction (including any option with respect to any of these transactions) or any combination thereof, whether linked to on or more interest rates, foreign currencies, commodity prices, equity prices or other financial measures.
"Regulation D" shall mean Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time.
"Regulatory Change" shall mean the passage, adoption, institution, or amendment of any federal, state, local, or foreign Requirement of Law (including, without limitation, Regulation D), or any interpretation, directive, or request (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority or monetary authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation, or administration thereof, occurring after the Closing Date and applying to a class of banks including the Lender.
"Reimbursement Obligation" shall mean the obligation of the Borrower to provide to the Lenders or reimburse the Lenders for any amounts payable, paid, or incurred by the Lenders with respect to Letters of Credit.
"Release of Hazardous Substances" shall mean any emission, spill, release, disposal, or discharge, except in accordance with a valid permit, license,
certificate, or approval of the relevant Governmental Authority, of any Hazardous Substance into or upon (a) the air, (b) soils or any improvements located thereon, (c) surface water or groundwater, or (d) the sewer or septic system, or the waste treatment, storage, or disposal system servicing any Property of the Borrower.
"Reorganization" shall mean, with respect to any Multiemployer Plan,
that such Plan is in reorganization within the meaning of such term in
Section 4241 of ERISA.
"Reportable Event" shall mean any of the events set forth in Section 4043(b) of ERISA, other than those events as to which the thirty-day notice period is waived under subsections .13, .14, .16, .18, .19 or .20 of PBGC Reg. Section 2615.
"Requirement of Law" shall mean, as to any Person, the certificate or articles of incorporation and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any applicable law, treaty, ordinance, order, judgment, rule, decree, regulation, or determination of an arbitrator, court, or other Governmental Authority, including, without limitation, rules, regulations, orders, and requirements for permits, licenses, registrations, approvals, or authorizations, in each case as such now exist or may be hereafter amended and are applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its Property or to which such Person or any of its Property is subject.
"Reserve Report" shall mean each report delivered to the Lender pursuant to Section 5.5, provided that Borrower shall not be required to deliver more than three reports.
"Responsible Officer" shall mean, as to any Person, its President, Chief Executive Officer or any Vice President.
"Security Instruments" shall mean the security instruments executed and delivered in satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 3.1(f), and all other documents and instruments at any time executed as security for all or any portion of the Obligations, as such instruments may be amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time.
"Single Employer Plan" shall mean any Plan which is covered by Title IV of ERISA, but which is not a Multiemployer Plan.
"Subsidiary" shall mean, as to any Person, a corporation of which shares of stock having ordinary voting power (other than stock having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to elect a majority of the board of directors or other managers of such corporation are at the time owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person.
"Superfund Site" shall mean those sites listed on the Environmental Protection Agency National Priority List and eligible for remedial action or any comparable state registries or list in any state of the United States.
"Tangible Net Worth" shall mean (a) total assets, as would be reflected on a balance sheet of the Borrower prepared in accordance with GAAP, exclusive of Intellectual Property, experimental or organization expenses, franchises, licenses, permits, and other intangible assets, treasury stock, unamortized underwriters' debt discount and expenses, and goodwill minus (b) total liabilities, as would be reflected on a balance sheet of the Borrower prepared in accordance with GAAP exclusive of unsecured advances by members and/or shareholders.
"Transferee" shall mean any Person to which any Lender has sold, assigned, transferred, or granted a participation in any of the Obligations, as authorized pursuant to Section 8.1, and any Person acquiring, by purchase, assignment, transfer, or participation, from any such purchaser, assignee, transferee, or participant, any part of such Obligations.
"UCC" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of Texas.
1.3 Undefined Financial Accounting Terms. Undefined financial accounting terms used in this Agreement shall be defined according to GAAP at the time in effect.
1.4 References. References in this Agreement to Exhibit, Article, or
Section numbers shall be to Exhibits, Articles, or Sections of this Agreement,
unless expressly stated to the contrary. References in this Agreement to
"hereby," "herein," "hereinafter," "hereinabove," "hereinbelow," "hereof,"
"hereunder" and words of similar import shall be to this Agreement in its
entirety and not only to the particular Exhibit, Article, or Section in which
such reference appears.
1.5 Articles and Sections. This Agreement, for convenience only, has been divided into Articles and Sections; and it is understood that the rights and other legal relations of the parties hereto shall be determined from this instrument as an entirety and without regard to the aforesaid division into Articles and Sections and without regard to headings prefixed to such Articles or Sections.
1.6 Number and Gender. Whenever the context requires, reference herein made to the single number shall be understood to include the plural; and likewise, the plural shall be understood to include the singular. Definitions of terms defined in the singular or plural shall be equally applicable to the plural or singular, as the case may be, unless otherwise indicated. Words denoting sex shall be construed to include the masculine, feminine and neuter, when such construction is appropriate; and specific enumeration shall not exclude the general but shall be construed as cumulative.
1.7 Incorporation of Exhibits. The Exhibits attached to this Agreement are incorporated herein and shall be considered a part of this Agreement for all purposes.
ARTICLE II
TERMS OF FACILITY
2.1 Revolving Line of Credit. (a) Upon the terms and conditions (including, without limitation, the right of the Lender to decline to make any Loan so long as any Default or Event of Default exists) and relying on the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, the Lender agrees, during the Commitment Period, to make Loans, in immediately available funds at the Applicable Lending Office or the Principal Office, to or for the benefit of the Borrower in an amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the Borrowing Base then in effect. Loans shall be made from time to time on any Business Day designated by the Borrower in its Borrowing Request.
(b) Subject to the terms of this Agreement, during the Commitment Period, the Borrower may borrow, repay, and reborrow and convert Loans of one type or with one Interest Period into Loans of another type or with a different Interest Period. Except for prepayments made pursuant to Section 2.9, each borrowing, conversion, and prepayment of principal of Loans shall be in an amount at least equal to $100,000. Each borrowing, prepayment, or conversion of or into a Loan of a different type or, in the case of a LIBO Rate Loan, having a different Interest Period, shall be deemed a separate borrowing, conversion, and prepayment for purposes of the foregoing, one for each type of Loan or Interest Period. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the aggregate principal amount of LIBO Rate Loans having the same Interest Period shall be at least equal to $100,000; and if any LIBO Rate Loan would otherwise be in a lesser principal amount for any period, such Loan shall be a Floating Rate Loan during such period.
(c) The Loans shall be made and maintained at the Applicable Lending Office or the Principal Office and shall be evidenced by the Notes.
(d) Not later than 2:00 p.m., Central Standard or Daylight Savings Time, as the case may be, on the date specified for each borrowing, the Lender shall make available, in immediately available funds, for the account of the Borrower. The amount so received by the Lender shall, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, be made available to the Borrower in immediately available funds at the Principal Office by the end of that Business Day. All Loans by the Lender shall be maintained at the Applicable Lending Office of the Lender and shall be evidenced by the Note of the Lender.
(e) The face amounts of the Note has been established as an administrative convenience and do not commit the Lender to advance funds hereunder in excess of the then current Borrowing Base.
2.2 Letter of Credit Facility. (a) Upon the terms and conditions and relying on the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, the Lender, agrees from the date of
this Agreement until the date which is thirty days prior to the Commitment Termination Date, to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower and/or the benefit of any Subsidiary of the Borrower and to renew and extend such Letters of Credit. Letters of Credit shall be issued, renewed, or extended from time to time on any Business Day designated by the Borrower following the receipt in accordance with the terms hereof by the Lender of the written (or oral, confirmed promptly in writing) request by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and a Letter of Credit Application. Letters of Credit shall be issued in such amounts as the Borrower may request; provided, however, that (i) no Letter of Credit shall have an expiration date which is more than 365 days after the issuance thereof or subsequent to Final Maturity, (ii) each automatically renewable Letter of Credit shall provide that it may be terminated by the Lender at its then current expiry date by not less than 30 days' written notice by the Lender to the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit, and (iii) the Lender shall not be obligated to issue any Letter of Credit if (A) the face amount thereof would exceed the Available Commitment, or (B) after giving effect to the issuance thereof, (B) the L/C Exposure, when added to the Loan Balance then outstanding, would exceed the Commitment Amount, or (C) the L/C Exposure would exceed $2,000,000 and (iv) notwithstanding the above, Letters of Credit may be issued for Commodity Hedge Agreements or Rate Management Transactions at the sole discretion of the Lender. Any Letters of Credit issued under (iv) above shall be cross-collateralized and cross-defaulted with the other Obligations hereunder.
2.3 Use of Loan Proceeds and Letters of Credit. Proceeds of the Loan shall be used solely for acquisitions, exploration and development of Oil and Gas Properties and for general limited liability company purposes.
(a) Letters of Credit shall be used solely for other general limited liability company purposes and to support Commodity Hedge Agreements and Rate Management Transactions.
2.4 Interest. Subject to the terms of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Section 2.17), interest on the Loans shall accrue and be payable at a rate per annum equal to the Floating Rate for each Floating Rate Loan and the Adjusted LIBO Rate for each LIBO Rate Loan. Interest on all Floating Rate Loans shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, for the actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day) during the period for which payable. Interest on all LIBO Rate Loans shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days for the actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day) during the period for which payable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, interest on past-due principal and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, past-due interest, shall accrue at the Default Rate, computed on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, for the actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day) during the period for which payable, and shall be payable upon demand by the Lender at any time as to all or any portion of such interest. In the event that the Borrower fails to select the duration of any Interest Period for any LIBO Rate Loan within the time period and otherwise as provided herein, such Loan (if outstanding as a LIBO Rate Loan) will be automatically converted into a Floating Rate Loan on the last day of the then current Interest Period for such Loan or (if outstanding as a Floating Rate Loan) will remain as, or (if not then outstanding) will be made as, a Floating Rate
Loan. Interest provided for herein shall be calculated on unpaid sums actually advanced and outstanding pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and only for the period from the date or dates of such advances until repayment.
2.5 Repayment of Loans and Interest. Accrued and unpaid interest on each outstanding Floating Rate Loan shall be due and payable monthly commencing on the first day of February 2005, and continuing on the first day of each calendar month thereafter while any Floating Rate Loan remains outstanding, the payment in each instance to be the amount of interest which has accrued and remains unpaid in respect of the relevant Loan. Accrued and unpaid interest on each outstanding LIBO Rate Loan shall be due and payable on the last day of the Interest Period for such LIBO Rate Loan and, in the case of any Interest Period in excess of three months, on the day of the third calendar month following the commencement of such Interest Period corresponding to the day of the calendar month on which such Interest Period commenced, the payment in each instance to be the amount of interest which has accrued and remains unpaid in respect of the relevant Loan. The Loan Balance, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, shall be due and payable at Final Maturity. At the time of making each payment hereunder or under the Note, the Borrower shall specify to the Lender the Loans or other amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder to which such payment is to be applied. In the event the Borrower fails to so specify, or if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Lender may apply such payment as it may elect in its sole discretion.
2.6 Outstanding Amounts. The outstanding principal balance of the Note reflected by the notations by the Lender on its records shall be deemed rebuttably presumptive evidence of the principal amount owing on the Note. The liability for payment of principal and interest evidenced by the Note shall be limited to principal amounts actually advanced and outstanding pursuant to this Agreement and interest on such amounts calculated in accordance with this Agreement.
2.7 Time, Place, and Method of Payments. All payments required pursuant to this Agreement or the Note shall be made in lawful money of the United States of America and in immediately available funds, shall be deemed received by the Lender on the Business Day received, or on the next Business Day following receipt if such receipt is after 2:00 p.m., Central Standard or Daylight Savings Time, as the case may be, on any Business Day, and shall be made at the Principal Office. Except as provided to the contrary herein, if the due date of any payment hereunder or under the Note would otherwise fall on a day which is not a Business Day, such date shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and interest shall be payable for any principal so extended for the period of such extension.
2.8 Borrowing Base Determinations. (a) The Borrowing Base as of the Closing Date, is acknowledged by the Borrower and the Lenders to be $13,000,000.
(b) The Borrowing Base shall be redetermined semi-annually on the basis of information supplied by the Borrower in compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Reserve Reports, and all other relevant information available to the Lenders. In addition, the Lender shall, in the normal course of business following a request of
the Borrower, redetermine the Borrowing Base; provided, however, the Lender shall not be obligated to respond to more than three such requests during any calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Lender may at its discretion redetermine the Borrowing Base and the amount by which the Borrowing Base shall be reduced each calendar month as set forth in Section 2.8(a) at any time and from time to time.
(c) Upon each determination of the Borrowing Base by the Lender, the Lender shall notify the Borrower orally (confirming such notice promptly in writing) of such determination, and the Borrowing Base and the monthly amount by which the Borrowing Base shall be reduced so communicated to the Borrower shall become effective upon such written notification and shall remain in effect until the next subsequent determination of the Borrowing Base and the monthly amount by which the Borrowing Base shall be reduced.
(d) The Borrowing Base shall represent the determination by the Lender, in accordance with the applicable definitions and provisions herein contained and its customary lending practices for loans of this nature, of the value, for loan purposes, of the Mortgaged Properties, subject, in the case of any increase in the Borrowing Base, to the credit approval process of the Lender. Furthermore, the Borrower acknowledges that the determination of the Borrowing Base contains an equity cushion (market value in excess of loan value), which is acknowledged by the Borrower to be essential for the adequate protection of the Lender.
2.9 Mandatory Prepayments. If at any time the sum of the Loan Balance
exceeds the Borrowing Base then in effect, or a Low Price Period pursuant to
Section 5.22, the Borrower shall, within 10 Business Days of notice from the
Lender of such occurrence, (a) prepay, or make arrangements acceptable to the
Lender for the prepayment of, the amount of such excess for application on the
Loan Balance, (b) provide additional collateral, of character and value
satisfactory to the Lender in their reasonable discretion, to secure the
Obligations by the execution and delivery to the Lender of security instruments
in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender in the exercise of its
reasonable discretion, or (c) effect any combination of the alternatives
described in clauses (a) and (b) of this Section and acceptable to the Lender in
its reasonable discretion. In the event that a mandatory prepayment is required
under this Section and the amount owed on the Note plus accrued interest is less
than the amount required to be prepaid, the Borrower shall repay the amount owed
on the Note plus accrued interest and, in accordance with the provisions of the
relevant Letter of Credit Applications executed by the Borrower or otherwise to
the reasonable satisfaction of the Lender, deposit with the Lender, as
additional collateral securing the Obligations, an amount of cash, in
immediately available funds, equal to the L/C Exposure minus the Borrowing Base.
The cash deposited with the Lender in satisfaction of the requirement provided
in this Section may be invested, at the reasonable discretion of the Lender and
then only at the express direction of the Borrower as to investment vehicle and
maturity (which shall be no later than the latest expiry date of any then
outstanding Letter of Credit), for the account of the Borrower in cash or cash
equivalent investments offered by or through the Lender.
2.10 Voluntary Prepayments and Conversions of Loans. Subject to applicable provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower shall have the right at any time or from time to time
to prepay Loans and to convert Loans of one type or with one Interest Period into Loans of another type or with a different Interest Period; provided, however, that (a) the Borrower shall give the Lender notice of each such prepayment or conversion of all or any portion of a LIBO Rate Loan no less than two Business Days prior to prepayment or conversion, (b) any LIBO Rate Loan may be prepaid or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Loan, (c) the Borrower shall pay all accrued and unpaid interest on the amounts prepaid or converted, and (d) no such prepayment or conversion shall serve to postpone the repayment when due of any Obligation.
2.11 Commitment Fee. In addition to interest on the Note as provided herein and all other fees payable hereunder and to compensate the Lender for maintaining funds available, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender for the account of the Lenders, in immediately available funds, on the first day of April, 2005, and on the first day of each third calendar month thereafter during the Commitment Period, a fee in the amount of .375% per annum, calculated on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, for the actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day), on the average daily amount of the Available Commitment during the preceding quarterly period.
2.12 Facility Fee. In addition to interest on the Note as provided herein and all other fees payable hereunder and to compensate the Lenders for the costs of the extension of credit hereunder, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender for the account of the Lenders, in immediately available funds, a facility fee in the amount of $21,600 which is due on the Closing Date and three fourths of one percent (3/4 of 1%) of any future increase in the Borrowing Base over $13,000,000.
2.13 Letter of Credit Fee. In addition to interest on the Note as provided herein and all other fees payable hereunder, the Borrower agrees to pay to the Lender, on the date of issuance of each Letter of Credit, a fee equal to the greater of $500 or the Applicable Margin, calculated on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, for the actual days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day), on the face amount of such Letter of Credit during the period for which such Letter of Credit is issued; provided, however, in the event such Letter of Credit is canceled prior to its original expiry date or a payment is made by the Lender with respect to such Letter of Credit, the Lender shall, within 30 days after such cancellation or the making of such payment, rebate to the Borrower the unearned portion of such fee. The Borrower also agrees to pay to the Lender on demand its customary letter of credit transactional fees, including, without limitation, amendment fees, payable with respect to each Letter of Credit.
2.14 Engineering Fee. In addition to interest on the Note as provided herein and all other fees payable hereunder and to compensate the Lender for the costs of evaluating the Mortgaged Properties and reviewing the Reserve Reports the Borrower shall pay to the Lender, in immediately available funds (which funds may be paid to the Lender by wire transfer or check executed by an authorized officer of the Borrower and made payable to the Lender), $5,000 for each engineering review.
2.15 Loans to Satisfy Obligations of Borrower. The Lender may, but shall not be obligated to, but only if an Event of Default exists, make Loans for the benefit of the Borrower and apply proceeds thereof to the satisfaction of any condition, warranty, representation, or covenant of the Borrower contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document. Any such Loan shall be evidenced by the Note and shall be made as a Floating Rate Loan.
2.16 Security Interest in Accounts; Right of Offset. As security for the payment and performance of the Obligations, the Borrower hereby transfers, assigns, and pledges to the Lender grants to the Lender a security interest in all funds of the Borrower now or hereafter or from time to time on deposit with the Lender, with such interest of the Lender to be retransferred, reassigned, and/or released by the Lender, at the expense of the Borrower upon payment in full and complete performance by the Borrower of all Obligations. All remedies as secured party or assignee of such funds shall be exercisable by the Lender during the existence of the occurrence of any Event of Default, regardless of whether the exercise of any such remedy would result in any penalty or loss of interest or profit with respect to any withdrawal of funds deposited in a time deposit account prior to the maturity thereof. Furthermore, the Borrower hereby grants to the Lender the right, exercisable during the existence of an Event of Default, of offset or banker's lien against all funds of the Borrower now or hereafter or from time to time on deposit with the Lender, regardless of whether the exercise of any such remedy would result in any penalty or loss of interest or profit with respect to any withdrawal of funds deposited in a time deposit account prior to the maturity thereof, provided that such Obligation shall have matured, whether by acceleration of maturity or otherwise.
2.17 General Provisions Relating to Interest. (a) It is the intention of the parties hereto to comply strictly with the usury laws of the State of Texas and the United States of America. In this connection, there shall never be collected, charged, or received on the sums advanced hereunder interest in excess of that which would accrue at the Highest Lawful Rate. For purposes of Chapter 303 of the Texas Finance Code (Vernon's 1999), the Borrower agrees that the Highest Lawful Rate shall be the "weekly ceiling" as defined in such Section, provided that the Lenders may also rely, to the extent permitted by applicable laws of the State of Texas or the United States of America, on alternative maximum rates of interest under other laws of the State of Texas or the United States of America applicable to the Lender, if greater.
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein or in the Note to the contrary, during any Limitation Period, the interest rate to be charged on amounts evidenced by the Note shall be the Highest Lawful Rate, and the obligation, if any, of the Borrower for the payment of fees or other charges deemed to be interest under applicable law shall be suspended. During any period or periods of time following a Limitation Period, to the extent permitted by applicable laws of the State of Texas or the United States of America, the interest rate to be charged hereunder shall remain at the Highest Lawful Rate until such time as there has been paid to the Lender (i) the amount of interest in excess of that accruing at the Highest Lawful Rate that the Lender would have received during the Limitation Period had the interest rate remained at the otherwise applicable rate, and (ii) all interest and fees otherwise payable to the Lender but for the effect of such Limitation Period.
(c) If, under any circumstances, the aggregate amounts paid on the Note or under this Agreement or any other Loan Document include amounts which by law are deemed interest and which would exceed the amount permitted if the Highest Lawful Rate were in effect, the Borrower stipulates that such payment and collection will have been and will be deemed to have been, to the extent permitted by applicable laws of the State of Texas or the United States of America, the result of mathematical error on the part of the Borrower and the Lender; and the Lenders shall promptly refund the amount of such excess (to the extent only of such interest payments in excess of that which would have accrued and been payable on the basis of the Highest Lawful Rate) upon discovery of such error by the Lender or notice thereof from the Borrower. In the event that the maturity of any Obligation is accelerated, by reason of an election by the Lender or otherwise, or in the event of any required or permitted prepayment, then the consideration constituting interest under applicable laws may never exceed the Highest Lawful Rate; and excess amounts paid which by law are deemed interest, if any, shall be credited by the Lender on the principal amount of the Obligations, or if the principal amount of the Obligations shall have been paid in full, refunded to the Borrower.
(d) All sums paid, or agreed to be paid, to the Lender for the use, forbearance and detention of the proceeds of any advance hereunder shall, to the extent permitted by applicable law, be amortized, prorated, allocated, and spread throughout the full term hereof until paid in full so that the actual rate of interest is uniform but does not exceed the Highest Lawful Rate throughout the full term hereof.
2.18 Yield Protection. (a) Without limiting the effect of the other provisions of this Section (but without duplication), the Borrower shall pay to the Lender from time to time such amounts as the Lender may determine are necessary to compensate it for any Additional Costs incurred by the Lender.
(b) Without limiting the effect of the other provisions of this
Section (but without duplication), the Borrower shall pay to the Lender from
time to time on request such amounts as the Lenders may determine are necessary
to compensate the Lender for any costs attributable to the maintenance by the
Lender (or any Applicable Lending Office), pursuant to any Regulatory Change, of
capital in respect of the Commitment, such compensation to include, without
limitation, an amount equal to any reduction of the rate of return on assets or
equity of the Lender (or any Applicable Lending Office) to a level below that
which the Lender (or any Applicable Lending Office) could have achieved but for
such Regulatory Change.
(c) Without limiting the effect of the other provisions of this
Section (but without duplication), in the event that any Requirement of Law or
Regulatory Change or the compliance by the Lender therewith shall (i) impose,
modify, or hold applicable any reserve, special deposit, or similar requirement
against any Letter of Credit or obligation to issue Letters of Credit, or (ii)
impose upon the Lender any other condition regarding any Letter of Credit or
obligation to issue Letters of Credit, and the result of any such event shall be
to increase the cost to the Lender of issuing or maintaining any Letter of
Credit or obligation to issue Letters of Credit or any liability with respect to
payments by the Lender under Letters of Credit, or to reduce any amount
receivable in connection therewith, then within 15 days of demand by the
Lender, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender, from time to time as specified by the Lender, additional amounts which shall be sufficient to compensate the Lender for such increased cost or reduced amount receivable.
(d) Without limiting the effect of the other provisions of this
Section (but without duplication), the Borrower shall pay to the Lender such
amounts as shall be sufficient in the reasonable opinion of the Lender to
compensate it for any loss, cost, or expense incurred by and as a result of:
(i) any payment, prepayment, or conversion by the Borrower of a LIBO Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period for such Loan; or
(ii) any failure by the Borrower to borrow a LIBO Rate Loan from the Lender on the date for such borrowing specified in the relevant Borrowing Request;
such compensation to include, without limitation, with respect to any LIBO Rate Loan, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount so paid, prepaid, converted, or not borrowed for the period from the date of such payment, prepayment, conversion, or failure to borrow to the last day of the then current Interest Period for such Loan (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, the Interest Period for such Loan which would have commenced on the date of such failure to borrow) at the applicable rate of interest for such Loan provided for herein over (B) the interest component (as reasonably determined by the Lender) of the amount (as reasonably determined by the Lender) the Lender would have bid in the London interbank market for Dollar deposits of amounts comparable to such principal amount and maturities comparable to such period; provided, however, that the Lender shall be limited to recover their actual losses and not anticipated profits.
(e) Determinations by the Lender for purposes of this Section of the effect of any Regulatory Change on capital maintained, their costs or rate of return, maintaining Loans, issuing Letters of Credit, its obligation to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit, or on amounts receivable by it in respect of Loans, Letters of Credit, or such obligations, and the additional amounts required to compensate the Lender under this Section shall be rebuttable presumptions of the additional amounts due, provided that such determinations are made on a reasonable basis. The Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and amount of increased costs incurred or reduced amounts receivable as a result of any such event, and the statements set forth therein shall be rebuttable presumptions of the additional amounts due. The Lender shall (i) notify the Borrower, as promptly as practicable after the Lender obtains knowledge of any Additional Costs or other sums payable pursuant to this Section and determines to request compensation therefore, of any event occurring after the Closing Date which will entitle the Lender to compensation pursuant to this Section; provided that the Borrower shall not be obligated for the payment of any Additional Costs or other sums payable pursuant to this Section after the earlier of (A) the Final Maturity (provided that the Obligations have been paid in full) and (B) the expiration of the Commitment (provided that the
Obligations have been paid in full) to the extent such Additional Costs or other sums accrued more than 90 days prior to the date upon which the Borrower was given such notice; and (ii) designate a different Applicable Lending Office for the Loans of the Lender affected by such event if such designation will avoid the need for or reduce the amount of such compensation and will not, in the sole opinion of the Lender, be materially disadvantageous to the Lender. If the Lender request compensation from the Borrower under this Section, the Borrower may, by notice to the Lender, require that the Loans by the Lender of the type with respect to which such compensation is requested be converted into Floating Rate Loans in accordance with Section 2.10. Any compensation requested by the Lender pursuant to this Section shall be due and payable to the Lender within fifteen days of delivery of any such notice by the Lender to the Borrower.
(f) The Lender agrees that it shall not request, and the Borrower shall not be obligated to pay, any Additional Costs or other sums payable pursuant to this Section unless similar additional costs and other sums payable are also generally assessed by the Lender against other customers of the Lender similarly situated where such customers are subject to documents providing for such assessment.
2.19 Limitation on Types of Loans. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no more than 5 separate Loans shall be outstanding at any one time, with, for purposes of this Section, all Floating Rate Loans constituting one Loan and all LIBO Rate Loans for the same Interest Period constituting one Loan. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, if, on or prior to the determination of any interest rate for any LIBO Rate Loan for any Interest Period therefor:
(a) the Lender determines (which determination shall be conclusive) that quotations of interest rates for the deposits referred to in the definition of "LIBO Rate" in Section 1.2 are not being provided in the relevant amounts or for the relevant maturities for purposes of determining the rate of interest for such Loan as provided in this Agreement; or
(b) the Lender determines (which determination shall be conclusive)
that the rates of interest referred to in the definition of "LIBO Rate" in
Section 1.2 upon the basis of which the rate of interest for such Loan for
such Interest Period is to be determined do not accurately reflect the
cost to the Lenders of making or maintaining such Loan for such Interest
Period,
then the Lender shall give the Borrower prompt notice thereof; and so long as such condition remains in effect, the Lender shall be under no obligation to make LIBO Rate Loans or to convert Loans of any other type into LIBO Rate Loans, and the Borrower shall, on the last day of the then current Interest Period for each outstanding LIBO Rate Loan, either prepay such LIBO Rate Loan or convert such Loan into another type of Loan in accordance with Section 2.10. Before giving such notice pursuant to this Section, the Lender will designate a different available Applicable Lending Office for LIBO Rate Loans or take such other action as the Borrower may request if such designation or action will avoid the need to suspend the obligation of the Lender
to make LIBO Rate Loans hereunder and will not, in the opinion of the Lender, be materially disadvantageous to the Lender.
2.20 Illegality. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that it becomes unlawful for the Lender or their Applicable Lending Office to (a) honor its obligation to make any type of LIBO Rate Loans hereunder, or (b) maintain any type of LIBO Rate Loans hereunder, then the Lender shall promptly notify the Borrower thereof; and the obligation of the Lender hereunder to make such type of LIBO Rate Loans and to convert other types of Loans into LIBO Rate Loans of such type shall be suspended until such time as the Lender may again make and maintain LIBO Rate Loans of such type, and the outstanding LIBO Rate Loans of such type shall be converted into Floating Rate Loans in accordance with Section 2.10. Before giving such notice pursuant to this Section, the Lender will designate a different available Applicable Lending Office for LIBO Rate Loans or take such other action as the Borrower may request if such designation or action will avoid the need to suspend the obligation of the Lenders to make LIBO Rate Loans and will not, in the opinion of the Lender, be disadvantageous to the Lender.
2.21 Regulatory Change. In the event that by reason of any Regulatory Change, the Lender (a) incur Additional Costs based on or measured by the excess above a specified level of the amount of a category of deposits or other liabilities of the Lender which includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on any LIBO Rate Loan is determined as provided in this Agreement or a category of extensions of credit or other assets of such Lender which includes any LIBO Rate Loan, or (b) becomes subject to restrictions on the amount of such a category of liabilities or assets which it may hold, then, at the election of the Lender with notice to the Borrower, the obligation of the Lender to make such LIBO Rate Loans and to convert Floating Rate Loans into such LIBO Rate Loans shall be suspended until such time as such Regulatory Change ceases to be in effect, and all such outstanding LIBO Rate Loans shall be converted into Floating Rate Loans in accordance with Section 2.10.
2.22 Limitations on Interest Periods. Each Interest Period selected by the Borrower (a) which commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or, with respect to any LIBO Rate Loan, any day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the appropriate subsequent calendar month) shall end on the last Business Day of the appropriate subsequent calendar month, (b) which would otherwise end on a day which is not a Business Day shall end on the next succeeding Business Day (or, with respect to any LIBO Rate Loan, if such next succeeding Business Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, on the next preceding Business Day), (c) which would otherwise commence before and end after Final Maturity shall end on Final Maturity, and (d) shall have a duration of not less than one month, as to any LIBO Rate Loan, and, if any Interest Period would otherwise be a shorter period, the relevant Loan shall be a Floating Rate Loan during such period.
2.23 Letters in Lieu of Transfer Orders. The Lender agrees that none of the letters in lieu of transfer or division orders provided by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.1(f)(iii) or Section 5.8 will be sent to the addressees thereof prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default,
at which time the Lender may, at its option and in addition to the exercise of any of its other rights and remedies, send any or all of such letters.
2.24 Power of Attorney. The Borrower hereby designates the Lender as its Lender and attorney-in-fact, to act in its name, place, and stead for the purpose of completing and, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, delivering any and all of the letters in lieu of transfer orders delivered by the Borrower to the Lender pursuant to Section 3.1(f)(iii) or Section 5.8, including, without limitation, completing any blanks contained in such letters and attaching exhibits thereto describing the relevant Collateral. The Borrower hereby ratifies and confirms all that the Lender shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue of this power of attorney and the rights granted with respect to such power of attorney. This power of attorney is coupled with the interests of the Lender in the Collateral, shall commence and be in full force and effect as of the Closing Date and shall remain in full force and effect and shall be irrevocable so long as any Obligation remains outstanding or unpaid or any Commitment exists. The powers conferred on the Lender by this appointment are solely to protect the interests of the Lender under the Loan Documents and shall not impose any duty upon the Lender to exercise any such powers. The Lender shall be accountable only for amounts that it actually receives as a result of the exercise of such powers and shall not be responsible to the Borrower or any other Person for any act or failure to act with respect to such powers, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS
The obligations of the Lender to enter into this Agreement and to make Loans and issue Letters of Credit are subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:
3.1 Receipt of Loan Documents and Other Items. The Lender shall have no obligation under this Agreement unless and until all matters incident to the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein, including, without limitation, the review by the Lender or its counsel of the title of the Borrower to its Oil and Gas Properties, shall be satisfactory to the Lender, and the Lender shall have received, reviewed, and approved the following documents and other items, appropriately executed when necessary and, where applicable, acknowledged by one or more authorized officers of the Borrower, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender and dated, where applicable, of even date herewith or a date prior thereto and acceptable to the Lender:
(a) multiple counterparts of this Agreement, as requested by the Lender;
(b) the Note;
(c) copies of the formation documents of the Borrower and all amendments thereto, accompanied by a certificate dated the Closing Date issued by the secretary or an assistant secretary or another authorized representative of the Borrower to the effect that each such copy is correct and complete;
(d) a certificate of incumbency dated the Closing Date, including specimen signatures of all officers or other representatives of the Borrower who are authorized to execute Loan Documents on behalf of the Borrower, such certificate being executed by the manager or another authorized representative of the Borrower;
(e) copies of resolutions of the Borrower, adopted by the board of directors of the Borrower approving the Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party and authorizing the transactions contemplated herein and therein, accompanied by a certificate dated the Closing Date issued by the manager or another authorized representative of the Borrower to the effect that such copies are true and correct copies of resolutions duly adopted and that such resolutions constitute all the resolutions adopted with respect to such transactions, have not been amended, modified, or rescinded in any respect, and are in full force and effect as of the date of such certificate;
(f) multiple counterparts, as requested by the Lender, of the following Security Instruments creating, evidencing, perfecting, and otherwise establishing Liens in favor of the Lender in and to the Collateral:
(i) Mortgage and Deed of Trust, Indenture, Security Agreement, Assignment of Production, and Financing Statement from the Borrower covering 90% of all Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and all improvements, personal property, and fixtures related thereto;
(ii) Financing Statements from the Borrower, as debtor, constituent to the instrument described in clause (i) above;
(iii) undated letters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender, from the Borrower to each purchaser of production and disburser of the proceeds of production from or attributable to the Mortgaged Properties, together with additional letters with the addressees left blank, authorizing and directing the addressees to make future payments attributable to production from the Mortgaged Properties directly to the Lender;
(iv) Security Agreement from the Borrower pledging accounts, contract rights, etc.;
(v) Financing Statements from the Borrower, as debtor, constituent to the instrument described in clause (iv) above;
(g) certificates dated as of a recent date from the Secretary of State or other appropriate Governmental Authority evidencing the existence or
qualification and good standing of the Borrower in its jurisdictions of formation and in any other jurisdictions where it does business;
(h) unaudited Financial Statements of the Borrower as of December 31, 2003; and unaudited Financial Statements of the Borrower as of September 30, 2004;
(i) results of searches of the UCC Records of the Secretary of State of the States of Texas, Delaware, and Louisiana from a source acceptable to the Lender and reflecting no Liens against any of the Collateral as to which perfection of a Lien is accomplished by the filing of a financing statement other than in favor of the Lender;
(j) confirmation, acceptable to the Lender, of the title of the Borrower to the Mortgaged Properties, free and clear of Liens other than Permitted Liens;
(k) all operating, lease, sublease, royalty, sales, exchange, processing, farm-out, bidding, pooling, unitization, communitization, and other material agreements relating to the Mortgaged Properties reasonably requested by the Lender;
(l) engineering reports covering the Mortgaged Properties;
(m) the opinion of James Gilbert, counsel to the Borrower, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit IV, with such changes thereto as may be approved by the Lender;
(n) certificates evidencing the insurance coverage required pursuant to Section 5.19;
(o) payment of the Facility Fee in the amount of $21,600;
(p) payment of the fees described in Section 5.15;
(q) letter dated December 28, 2004 from the Borrower to the Lender in regard to cash capital contributions for the South Padre Island Project and;
(r) such other agreements, documents, instruments, opinions, certificates, waivers, consents, and evidence as the Lender may reasonably request; and
3.2 Each Loan and Letter of Credit. In addition to the conditions precedent stated elsewhere herein, the Lender shall not be obligated to make any Loan or issue any Letter of Credit unless:
(a) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Lender a Borrowing Request at least the requisite time prior to the requested date for the relevant Loan, or a Letter of Credit Application at least three Business Days prior to the requested issuance date for the relevant Letter of Credit; and each statement or certification made in such Borrowing Request or Letter of Credit Application, as the case may be, shall be true and correct in all material respects on the requested date for such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit;
(b) no Event of Default or Default shall exist or will occur as a result of the making of the requested Loan or the issuance of the requested Letter of Credit;
(c) if requested by the Lender, the Borrower shall have delivered evidence satisfactory to the Lender substantiating any of the material matters contained in this Agreement which are necessary to enable the Borrower to qualify for such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit;
(d) no event shall have occurred which, in the reasonable opinion of the Lender, would have a Material Adverse Effect;
(e) each of the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct and shall be deemed to be repeated by the Borrower as if made on the requested date for such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit (except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly refer to an earlier date, in which case, they shall be true and correct as of such earlier date) provided, however, for purposes of this Section 3.2, in each representation and warranty in Article IV that makes reference to an Exhibit, the representation under this Section 3.2 that such representation and warranty in Article IV is true on and as of the date of the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit shall take into account (i) any subsequent amendments to any Exhibit referred to therein, (ii) any exception contained in a written notice received by the Lender which makes specific reference to the applicable Exhibit, or (iii) any written disclosure made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries prior to the date as of which such representation or warranty is made, provided that such amendment, exception or disclosure has been consented to by the Lender if such amendment, exception or disclosure amends or waives provisions of this Agreement or is otherwise required under the terms of this Agreement.
(f) all of the Security Instruments shall be in full force and effect and provide to the Lender the security intended thereby;
(g) neither the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby nor the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit shall contravene, violate, or conflict with any Requirement of Law;
(h) the Borrower shall hold full legal title to the Collateral and be the sole beneficial owner thereof;
(i) the Lender shall have received the payment of all fees payable to the Lender hereunder and reimbursement from the Borrower, or special legal counsel for the Lender shall have received payment from the Borrower, for (i) all reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to the Lender for which the Borrower is responsible pursuant to applicable provisions of this Agreement and for which invoices have been presented at least 15 days prior to the date of the relevant Loan or Letter of Credit Application (otherwise the initial Borrowing which must be presented at least five days prior to the Closing Date), and (ii) estimated fees charged by filing officers and other public officials incurred or to be incurred in connection with the filing and recordation of any Security Instruments, for which invoices have been presented as of or prior to the date of the requested Loan or Letter of Credit Application (otherwise the initial Borrowing which must be presented at least five days prior to the Closing Date); and
(j) all matters incident to the consummation of the transactions hereby contemplated shall be satisfactory to the Lender.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
To induce the Lender to enter into this Agreement and to make the Loans
and issue Letters of Credit, the Borrower represents and warrants to the Lender
(which representations and warranties shall survive the delivery of the Note)
that:
4.1 Due Authorization. The execution and delivery by the Borrower of this Agreement and the borrowings hereunder, the execution and delivery by the Borrower of the Note, the repayment of the Note and interest and fees provided for in the Note and this Agreement, the execution and delivery of the Security Instruments by the Borrower and the performance of all obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Documents are within the power of the Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action by the Borrower, and do not and will not (a) require the consent of any Governmental Authority, (b) contravene or conflict with any Requirement of Law, (c) except as shown on Exhibit VI, contravene or conflict with any indenture, instrument, or other agreement to which the Borrower is a party or by which any Property of the Borrower may be presently bound or encumbered, except where such contravention or conflict would not individually or in the aggregate result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (d) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien in, upon or of any Property of the Borrower under any such indenture, instrument, or other agreement, other than the Loan Documents.
4.2 Limited Liability Company Existence. The Borrower is a limited liability company duly organized, legally existing, and in good standing under the laws of its state of formation and is duly qualified as foreign limited liability company and is in good standing in all
jurisdictions wherein the ownership of Property or the operation of its business necessitates same, other than those jurisdictions wherein the failure to so qualify will not have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.3 Valid and Binding Obligations. All Loan Documents, when duly executed and delivered by the Borrower, will be the legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles relative to enforceability.
4.4 Security Instruments. The provisions of each Security Instrument are effective to create in favor of the Lender, a legal, valid, and enforceable Lien in all right, title, and interest of the Borrower in the Collateral described therein, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles relative to enforceability, which Liens, assuming the accomplishment of recording and filing in accordance with applicable laws prior to the intervention of rights of other Persons, shall constitute fully perfected first-priority Liens on all right, title, and interest of the Borrower in the Collateral described therein subject to Permitted Liens.
4.5 Title to Assets. The Borrower has good and indefeasible title to all of its interests in its Properties then owned by it, free and clear of all Liens except Permitted Liens.
4.6 No Material Misstatements. As of the Closing Date, no information, exhibit, statement, or report furnished to the Lender by or at the direction of the Borrower in connection with this Agreement contains any material misstatement of fact or omits to state a material fact or any fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading as of the date made or deemed made.
4.7 Liabilities, Litigation, and Restrictions. As of the Closing Date, other than as listed under the heading "Liabilities" on Exhibit VI attached hereto, the Borrower has no liabilities, direct, or contingent, which would result in a Material Adverse Effect, except as set forth under the heading "Litigation" on Exhibit VI hereto, no litigation or other action of any nature affecting the Borrower is pending before any Governmental Authority or, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, threatened against or affecting the Borrower which might reasonably be expected to result in any material impairment of its ownership of any Collateral or have a Material Adverse Effect. To the best knowledge of the Borrower, after due inquiry, no unusual or unduly burdensome restriction, restraint or hazard exists by contract, Requirement of Law, or otherwise relative to the business or operations of the Borrower or the ownership and operation of the Collateral would result in a Material Adverse Effect, other than such as relate generally to Persons engaged in business activities similar to those conducted by the Borrower.
4.8 Authorizations; Consents. Except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, no authorization, consent, approval, exemption, franchise, permit, or license of, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required to authorize or is otherwise required in connection with the valid execution and delivery by the Borrower of the Loan Documents or
any instrument contemplated hereby, the repayment by the Borrower of the Note and interest and fees provided in the Note and this Agreement, or the performance by the Borrower of the Obligations.
4.9 Compliance with Laws. The Borrower and its Property, including, without limitation, the Mortgaged Property, are in compliance with all material applicable Requirements of Law, including, without limitation, Environmental Laws, the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, as amended, and ERISA, except to the extent non-compliance with any such Requirements of Law could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.10 ERISA. No Reportable Event has occurred with respect to any Single Employer Plan, and each Single Employer Plan has complied with and been administered in all material respects in accordance with applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code. To the knowledge of the Borrower, (a) no Reportable Event has occurred with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, and (b) each Multiemployer Plan has complied with and been administered in all material respects with applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code. The present value of all benefits vested under each Single Employer Plan maintained by the Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity (based on the assumptions used to fund such Plan) did not, as of the last annual valuation date applicable thereto, exceed the value of the assets of such Plan allocable to such vested benefits. Neither the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled Entity has had a complete or partial withdrawal from any Multiemployer Plan for which there is any withdrawal liability. As of the most recent valuation date applicable to any Multiemployer Plan, neither the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled Entity would become subject to any liability under ERISA if the Borrower or such Commonly Controlled Entity were to withdraw completely from such Multiemployer Plan. Neither the Borrower nor any Commonly Controlled Entity has received notice that any Multiemployer Plan is Insolvent or in Reorganization. To the knowledge of the Borrower, no such Insolvency or Reorganization is reasonably likely to occur. Based upon GAAP existing as of the date of this Agreement and current factual circumstances, the Borrower has no reason to believe that the annual cost during the term of this Agreement to the Borrower and all Commonly Controlled Entities for post-retirement benefits to be provided to the current and former employees of the Borrower and all Commonly Controlled Entities under Plans which are welfare benefit plans (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) will, in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
4.11 Environmental Laws. To the knowledge and belief of the Borrower, except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, or as described on Exhibit VI under the heading "Environmental Matters:"
(a) no Property of the Borrower is currently on or has ever been on, or is adjacent to any Property which is on or has ever been on, any federal or state list of Superfund Sites;
(b) no Hazardous Substances have been generated, transported, and/or disposed of by the Borrower at a site which was, at the time of such generation, transportation, and/or disposal, or has since become, a Superfund Site;
(c) except in accordance with applicable Requirements of Law or the terms of a valid permit, license, certificate, or approval of the relevant Governmental Authority, no Release of Hazardous Substances by the Borrower or from, affecting, or related to any Property of the Borrower or adjacent to any Property of the Borrower has occurred; and
(d) no Environmental Complaint has been received by the Borrower.
4.12 Compliance with Federal Reserve Regulations. No transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents is in violation of any regulations promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, including, without limitation, Regulations G, T, U, or X.
4.13 Investment Company Act Compliance. The Borrower is not, nor is the Borrower directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of any Person which is, an "investment company" or an "affiliated person" of an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
4.14 Public Utility Holding Company Act Compliance. The Borrower is not a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.
4.15 Proper Filing of Tax Returns; Payment of Taxes Due. The Borrower has duly and properly filed its United States income tax return and all other tax returns which are required to be filed and has paid all taxes due except such as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate provisions and disclosures have been made. The respective charges and reserves on the books of the Borrower with respect to taxes and other governmental charges are adequate.
4.16 Refunds. Except as described on Exhibit VI under the heading "Refunds," no orders of, proceedings pending before, or other requirements of, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Texas Railroad Commission, or any Governmental Authority exist which could result in the Borrower being required to refund any material portion of the proceeds received or to be received from the sale of hydrocarbons constituting part of the Mortgaged Property.
4.17 Gas Contracts. Except as described on Exhibit VI under the heading "Gas Contracts," the Borrower (a) is not obligated in any material respect by virtue of any prepayment made under any contract containing a "take-or-pay" or "prepayment" provision or under any similar agreement to deliver hydrocarbons produced from or allocated to any of the Mortgaged Property at some future date without receiving full payment therefor within 90 days of delivery, and (b) has not produced gas, in any material amount, subject to, and neither the Borrower nor any of the Mortgaged Properties is subject to, balancing rights of third parties or subject to balancing duties under governmental requirements, except as to such matters for which the Borrower has reflected in the most recent engineering report or established monetary reserves adequate in amount to satisfy such obligations and has segregated such reserves from other accounts.
4.18 Intellectual Property. The Borrower owns or is licensed to use all Intellectual Property necessary to conduct all business material to its financial condition, business, or operations as such business is currently conducted. No claim has been asserted or is pending by any Person with the respect to the use of any such Intellectual Property or challenging or questioning the validity or effectiveness of any such Intellectual Property; and the Borrower knows of no valid basis for any such claim. The use of such Intellectual Property by the Borrower does not infringe on the rights of any Person, except for such claims and infringements as do not, in the aggregate, give rise to any material liability on the part of the Borrower.
4.19 Casualties or Taking of Property. Except as disclosed on Exhibit VI under the heading "Casualties," except as would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, neither the business nor any Property of the Borrower has been materially adversely affected as a result of any fire, explosion, earthquake, flood, drought, windstorm, accident, strike or other labor disturbance, embargo, requisition or taking of Property, or cancellation of contracts, permits, or concessions by any Governmental Authority, riot, activities of armed forces, or acts of God.
4.20 Locations of Borrower. The principal place of business and chief executive office of the Borrower is located at the address of the Borrower set forth in Section 8.3 or at such other location as the Borrower may have, by proper written notice hereunder, advised the Lender, provided that such other location is within a state in which appropriate financing statements from the Borrower in favor of the Lender have been filed.
4.21 Subsidiaries. As of the Closing Date, the Borrower has no Subsidiaries except those described on Exhibit VI under the heading "Subsidiaries".
ARTICLE V
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Obligation remains outstanding or unpaid or any Commitment exists, the Borrower shall:
5.1 Maintenance and Access to Records. Keep adequate records, of all its transactions so that at any time, and from time to time, its true and complete financial condition may be readily determined, and promptly following the reasonable request of the Lender, make such records available for inspection by the Lender and, at the expense of the Borrower, allow the Lender to make and take away copies thereof.
5.2 Monthly Cash Report. Deliver to the Lender on or before the 15th day after the close of each month during the term of this Agreement a copy of its monthly cash report at the close of such monthly period.
5.3 Quarterly Financial Statements; Compliance Certificates. Deliver to the Lender, (a) on or before the 45th day after the close of each of the first three quarterly periods of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of its unaudited Financial Statements at the close of such quarterly period and from the beginning of such fiscal year to the end of such period, such
Financial Statements to be certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP (with the exception of footnotes) consistently applied and as a fair presentation of the condition of the Borrower, subject to changes resulting from normal year-end audit adjustments, and (b) on or before the 45th day after the close of each fiscal quarter, with the exception of the last fiscal quarter, a Compliance Certificate.
5.4 Annual Financial Statements. Deliver to the Lender, on or before the 120th day after the close of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of its annual audited Financial Statements and a Compliance Certificate on the 120th day after the close of each fiscal year.
5.5 Oil and Gas Reserve Reports. (a) Deliver to the Lender no later than
March 1 of each year during the term of this Agreement, engineering reports in
form and substance satisfactory to the Lender, certified by any nationally or
regionally-recognized independent consulting petroleum engineers acceptable to
the Lender, as fairly and accurately setting forth (i) the proven and producing,
shut-in, behind-pipe, and undeveloped oil and gas reserves (separately
classified as such) attributable to the Mortgaged Properties as of January 1 of
the year for which such reserve reports are furnished, (ii) the aggregate
present value of the future net income with respect to such Mortgaged
Properties, discounted at a stated per annum discount rate of proven and
producing reserves, (iii) projections of the annual rate of production, gross
income, and net income with respect to such proven and producing reserves, and
(iv) information with respect to the "take-or-pay," "prepayment," and
gas-balancing liabilities of the Borrower.
(b) Deliver to the Lender no later than September 1 of each year during the term of this Agreement, engineering reports in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender prepared by or under the supervision of any nationally or regionally-recognized independent consulting petroleum engineer evaluating the Mortgaged Properties as of July 1 of the year for which such reserve reports are furnished and updating the information provided in the reports pursuant to Section 5.5(a).
(c) Each of the reports provided pursuant to this Section shall be submitted to the Lender together with additional data concerning pricing, quantities of production from the Mortgaged Properties, volumes of production sold, purchasers of production, gross revenues, expenses, and such other information and engineering and geological data with respect thereto as the Lender may reasonably request.
5.6 Title Opinions; Title Defects and Mortgages. Promptly upon the request of the Lender, furnish to the Lender title opinions, in form and substance and by counsel satisfactory to the Lender, or other confirmation of title acceptable to the Lender, covering Oil and Gas Properties constituting not less than 81% of the value, determined by the Lender in its sole discretion, of the Mortgaged Properties; and promptly, but in any event within 60 days after notice by the Lender of any defect, material in the opinion of the Lender in value, in the title of the Borrower to any of its Oil and Gas Properties, clear such title defects, and, in the event any such title defects are not cured in a timely manner, pay all related costs and fees incurred by the Lender to do so. The Borrower shall at all times have granted a Mortgage to the Lender covering
a minimum of 90% of the value, determined by the Lender in its sole discretion, of its Oil and Gas Properties.
5.7 Notices of Certain Events. Deliver to the Lender, immediately upon having knowledge of the occurrence of any of the following events or circumstances, a written statement with respect thereto, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower and setting forth the relevant event or circumstance and the steps being taken by the Borrower with respect to such event or circumstance:
(a) any Default or Event of Default;
(b) any default or event of default under any contractual obligation of the Borrower, or any litigation, investigation, or proceeding between the Borrower and any Governmental Authority which, in either case, if not cured or if adversely determined, as the case may be, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(c) any litigation or proceeding involving the Borrower as a defendant or in which any Property of the Borrower is subject to a claim and in which the amount involved is $100,000 or more and which is not covered by insurance or in which injunctive or similar relief is sought;
(d) the receipt by the Borrower of any Environmental Complaint;
(e) any actual, proposed, or threatened testing or other investigation by any Governmental Authority or other Person concerning the environmental condition of, or relating to, any Property of the Borrower or adjacent to any Property of the Borrower following any allegation of a violation of any Requirement of Law;
(f) any Release of Hazardous Substances by the Borrower or from, affecting, or related to any Property of the Borrower or adjacent to any Property of the Borrower except in accordance with applicable Requirements of Law or the terms of a valid permit, license, certificate, or approval of the relevant Governmental Authority, or the violation of any Environmental Law, or the revocation, suspension, or forfeiture of or failure to renew, any permit, license, registration, approval, or authorization which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(g) the change in identity or address of any Person remitting to the Borrower proceeds from the sale of hydrocarbon production from or attributable to any Mortgaged Property;
(h) any change in the senior management of the Borrower;
(i) any Reportable Event or imminently expected Reportable Event with respect to any Plan; any withdrawal from, or the termination, Reorganization or Insolvency of, any Multiemployer Plan; the institution of proceedings or the taking of any other action by the PBGC, the Borrower or any Commonly Controlled Entity or Multiemployer Plan with respect to the withdrawal from, or the termination, Reorganization or Insolvency of, any Single Employer Plan or Multiemployer Plan; or any Prohibited Transaction in connection with any Plan or any trust created thereunder and the action being taken by the Internal Revenue Service with respect thereto;
(j) any other event or condition which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.8 Letters in Lieu of Transfer Orders; Division Orders. Promptly upon request by the Lender at any time and from time to time, execute such letters in lieu of transfer orders, in addition to the letters signed by the Borrower and delivered to the Lender in satisfaction of the condition set forth in Section 3.1(f)(iii) and/or division and/or transfer orders as are necessary or appropriate to transfer and deliver to the Lender proceeds from or attributable to any Mortgaged Property.
5.9 Additional Information. Furnish to the Lender, promptly upon the request of the Lender, such additional financial or other information concerning the assets, liabilities, operations, and transactions of the Borrower as the Lender may from time to time request; and notify the Lender not less than ten Business Days prior to the occurrence of any condition or event that may change the proper location for the filing of any financing statement or other public notice or recording for the purpose of perfecting a Lien in any Collateral, including, without limitation, any change in its name or the location of its principal place of business or chief executive office; and upon the request of the Lender, execute such additional Security Instruments as may be necessary or appropriate in connection therewith.
5.10 Compliance with Laws. Except to the extent the failure to comply or cause compliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect, comply with all applicable Requirements of Law, including, without limitation, (a) the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, as amended, (b) ERISA, (c) Environmental Laws, and (d) all permits, licenses, registrations, approvals, and authorizations (i) related to any natural or environmental resource or media located on, above, within, in the vicinity of, related to or affected by any Property of the Borrower, (ii) required for the performance of the operations of the Borrower, or (iii) applicable to the use, generation, handling, storage, treatment, transport, or disposal of any Hazardous Substances; and cause all employees, crew members, Lenders, contractors, subcontractors, and future lessees (pursuant to appropriate lease provisions) of the Borrower, while such Persons are acting within the scope of their relationship with the Borrower, to comply with all such Requirements of Law as may be necessary or appropriate to enable the Borrower to so comply.
5.11 Payment of Assessments and Charges. Pay all taxes, assessments, governmental charges, rent, and other Indebtedness which, if unpaid, might become a Lien against the Property
of the Borrower, except any of the foregoing being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserve in accordance with GAAP has been established or unless failure to pay would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.12 Maintenance of Limited Liability Company Existence and Good Standing. Maintain its limited liability company existence or qualification and good standing in its jurisdictions of incorporation or formation and in all jurisdictions wherein the Property now owned or hereafter acquired or business now or hereafter conducted necessitates same, unless the failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
5.13 Payment of Note; Performance of Obligations. Pay the Note according to the reading, tenor, and effect thereof, as modified hereby, and do and perform every act and discharge all of its other Obligations.
5.14 Further Assurances. Promptly cure any defects in the execution and delivery of any of the Loan Documents and all agreements contemplated thereby, and execute, acknowledge, and deliver such other assurances and instruments as shall, in the opinion of the Lender, be necessary to fulfill the terms of the Loan Documents.
5.15 Initial Fees and Expenses of Counsel to Lender. Upon request by the Lender, promptly reimburse the Lender for all reasonable fees and expenses of Jackson Walker L.L.P., special counsel to the Lender, in connection with the preparation of this Agreement and all documentation contemplated hereby, the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth herein, the filing and recordation of Security Instruments, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement.
5.16 Subsequent Fees and Expenses of Lender. Upon request by the Lender,
promptly reimburse the Lender (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for all
amounts reasonably expended, advanced, or incurred by or on behalf of the Lender
to satisfy any obligation of the Borrower under any of the Loan Documents; to
collect the Obligations; to ratify, amend, restate, or prepare additional Loan
Documents, as the case may be; for the filing and recordation of Security
Instruments; to enforce the rights of the Lender under any of the Loan
Documents; and to protect the Properties or business of the Borrower, including,
without limitation, the Collateral, which amounts shall be deemed compensatory
in nature and liquidated as to amount upon notice to the Borrower by the Lender
and which amounts shall include, but not be limited to (a) all court costs, (b)
reasonable attorneys' fees, (c) reasonable fees and expenses of auditors and
accountants incurred to protect the interests of the Lender, (d) fees and
expenses incurred in connection with the participation by the Lender as a member
of the creditors' committee in a case commenced under any Insolvency Proceeding,
(e) fees and expenses incurred in connection with lifting the automatic stay
prescribed in Section 362 Title 11 of the United States Code, and (f) fees and
expenses incurred in connection with any action pursuant to ss.1129 Title 11 of
the United States Code all reasonably incurred by the Lender in connection with
the collection of any sums due under the Loan Documents, together with interest
at the per annum interest rate equal to the Floating Rate, calculated on a basis
of a calendar year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, counting the actual
number of days elapsed, on each such amount from the date of notification
that the same was expended, advanced, or incurred by the Lender until the date it is repaid to the Lender, with the obligations under this Section surviving the non-assumption of this Agreement in a case commenced under any Insolvency Proceeding and being binding upon the Borrower and/or a trustee, receiver, custodian, or liquidator of the Borrower appointed in any such case.
5.17 Operation of Oil and Gas Properties. Develop, maintain, and operate its Oil and Gas Properties in a prudent and workmanlike manner in accordance with industry standards.
5.18 Maintenance and Inspection of Properties. Maintain all of its tangible Properties in good repair and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted; make all necessary replacements thereof and operate such Properties in a good and workmanlike manner; and permit any authorized representative of the Lender to visit and inspect, at the expense of the Borrower, any tangible Property of the Borrower.
5.19 Maintenance of Insurance. Maintain insurance with respect to its Properties and businesses against such liabilities, casualties, risks, and contingencies as is customary in the relevant industry and sufficient to prevent a Material Adverse Effect, all such insurance to be in amounts and from insurers acceptable to the Lender, maintained by Borrower, naming the Lender as loss payee, and, upon any renewal of any such insurance and at other times upon request by the Lender, furnish to the Lender evidence, satisfactory to the Lender, within 30 days of the Closing Date of the maintenance of such insurance. The Lender shall have the right to collect, and the Borrower hereby assigns to the Lender, any and all monies that may become payable under any policies of insurance relating to business interruption, if any, or by reason of damage, loss, or destruction of any of the Collateral. In the event of any damage, loss, or destruction for which insurance proceeds relating to business interruption, if any, or Collateral exceed $100,000, the Lender may, at its option, apply all such sums or any part thereof received by it toward the payment of the Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, application to be made first to interest and then to principal, and shall deliver to the Borrower the balance, if any, after such application has been made. In the event of any such damage, loss, or destruction for which insurance proceeds are $100,000 or less, provided that no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Lender shall deliver any such proceeds received by it to the Borrower. In the event the Lender receives insurance proceeds not attributable to Collateral or business interruption, the Lender shall deliver any such proceeds to the Borrower.
5.20 INDEMNIFICATION. INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE LENDER AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, LENDERS, ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT, AND AFFILIATES AND EACH TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LENDER AND EACH LENDER UNDER ANY SECURITY INSTRUMENT HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, LIABILITIES, FINES, PENALTIES, CHARGES, ADMINISTRATIVE AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS AND ORDERS, JUDGMENTS, REMEDIAL ACTIONS, REQUIREMENTS AND ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS OF ANY KIND, AND ALL COSTS AND EXPENSES INCURRED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ATTORNEYS' FEES AND EXPENSES), ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, FROM (A) THE PRESENCE OF ANY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES ON, UNDER,
OR FROM ANY PROPERTY OF THE BORROWER, WHETHER PRIOR TO OR DURING THE TERM HEREOF, (B) ANY ACTIVITY CARRIED ON OR UNDERTAKEN ON OR OFF ANY PROPERTY OF THE BORROWER, WHETHER PRIOR TO OR DURING THE TERM HEREOF, AND WHETHER BY THE BORROWER OR ANY PREDECESSOR IN TITLE, EMPLOYEE, LENDER, CONTRACTOR, OR SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER PERSON AT ANY TIME OCCUPYING OR PRESENT ON SUCH PROPERTY, IN CONNECTION WITH THE HANDLING, TREATMENT, REMOVAL, STORAGE, DECONTAMINATION, CLEANUP, TRANSPORTATION, OR DISPOSAL OF ANY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AT ANY TIME LOCATED OR PRESENT ON OR UNDER SUCH PROPERTY, (C) ANY RESIDUAL CONTAMINATION ON OR UNDER ANY PROPERTY OF THE BORROWER, (D) ANY CONTAMINATION OF ANY PROPERTY OR NATURAL RESOURCES ARISING IN CONNECTION WITH THE GENERATION, USE, HANDLING, STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION OR DISPOSAL OF ANY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES BY THE BORROWER OR ANY EMPLOYEE, LENDER, CONTRACTOR, OR SUBCONTRACTOR OF THE BORROWER WHILE SUCH PERSONS ARE ACTING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BORROWER, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER ANY OF SUCH ACTIVITIES WERE OR WILL BE UNDERTAKEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS OF LAW, OR (E) THE PERFORMANCE AND ENFORCEMENT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER ACT OR OMISSION IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATED TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY OF THE FOREGOING IN THIS SECTION ARISING FROM NEGLIGENCE, WHETHER SOLE OR CONCURRENT, ON THE PART OF THE LENDER AND EACH LENDER OR ANY OF ITS SHAREHOLDERS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, LENDERS, ATTORNEYS-IN-FACT, OR AFFILIATES OR ANY TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LENDER UNDER ANY SECURITY INSTRUMENT; WITH THE FOREGOING INDEMNITY SURVIVING SATISFACTION OF ALL OBLIGATIONS AND THE TERMINATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.
5.21 Future Subsidiaries. In the event Borrower acquires any Subsidiaries, it agrees to have such Subsidiary become a Borrower under this Agreement or to guarantee the Obligation hereunder whichever the Lender requires.
5.22 Hedging. If at any time, there is a Low Price Period the Borrower agrees to hedge a minimum of 50% of Borrower's proved producing oil and gas reserves (as determined by the Lender's engineering evaluation) on a rolling 12 month basis or pay down the Loan Balance to equal the Lender's revised Borrowering Base, within 10 Business Days following the Low Price Period.
ARTICLE VI
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
So long as any Obligation remains outstanding or unpaid or any Commitment exists, the Borrower will not:
6.1 Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, whether by way of loan or otherwise; provided, however, the foregoing restriction shall not apply to (a) the Obligations, (b) unsecured accounts payable in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate incurred in the ordinary course of business, which are not unpaid in excess of 60 days beyond invoice date or are being contested in good faith and as to which such reserve as is required by GAAP has been made or if there is an agreement between the trade creditor and the Borrower allowing a longer time for payment, (c) crude oil, natural gas, or other hydrocarbon floor, collar, cap, price protection, or swap agreements ("Commodity Hedge Agreements"), in form and substance and with a Person acceptable to the Lender, provided that (i) each commitment issued under such agreement must also be approved by the Lender, (ii) such agreements shall not be entered into with respect to Mortgaged Properties constituting more than 80% of monthly production of proven producing reserves as forecast in Lender's most recent engineering evaluation, (iii) that the strike prices in such agreements are not less than the prices used by the Lender in its most recent Borrowing Base determination, and (iv) the Lender shall receive a security interest in the Commodity Hedge Agreements, (d) Rate Management Transactions, in form and substance and with a Person acceptable to the Lender, (e) Indebtedness secured by Permitted Liens and (f) existing loans to Frank Wade and F-W Oil Interests, Inc.
6.2 Contingent Obligations. Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist any Contingent Obligation; provided, however, the foregoing restriction shall not apply to (a) performance guarantees and performance surety or other bonds provided in the ordinary course of business, or (b) trade credit incurred or operating leases entered into in the ordinary course of business.
6.3 Liens. Create, incur, assume, or suffer to exist any Lien on any of its Oil and Gas Properties or any other Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired; provided, however, the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to Permitted Liens.
6.4 Sales of Assets. Without the prior written consent of the Lenders, sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of, in one or any series of transactions assets in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or enter into any agreement to do so; provided, however, the foregoing restriction shall not apply to the sale of hydrocarbons or inventory in the ordinary course of business or the sale or other disposition of Property destroyed, lost, worn out, damaged or having only salvage value or no longer used or useful in the business of the Borrower.
6.5 Leasebacks. Enter into any agreement to sell or transfer any Property and thereafter rent or lease as lessee such Property or other Property intended for the same use or purpose as the Property sold or transferred.
6.6 Loans or Advances. Make or agree to make or allow to remain outstanding any loans or advances to any Person; provided, however, the foregoing restrictions shall not apply to (a) advances or extensions of credit in the form of accounts receivable incurred in the ordinary course of business and upon terms common in the industry for such accounts receivable, (b) advances to employees of the Borrower for the payment of expenses in the ordinary course of
business or (c) repayment of unsecured member and/or shareholder advances not to exceed $1,000,000.
6.7 Investments. Acquire Investments in, or purchase or otherwise acquire
all or substantially all of the assets of, any Person; provided, however, the
foregoing restriction shall not apply to the purchase or acquisition of (a) Oil
and Gas Properties, (b) Investments in the form of (i) debt securities issued or
directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States Government or any
agency or instrumentality thereof, with maturities of no more than one year,
(ii) commercial paper of a domestic issuer rated at the date of acquisition at
least P-2 by Moody's Investor Service, Inc. or A-2 by Standard & Poor's
Corporation and with maturities of no more than one year from the date of
acquisition, or (iii) repurchase agreements covering debt securities or
commercial paper of the type permitted in this Section, certificates of deposit,
demand deposits, eurodollar time deposits, overnight bank deposits and bankers'
acceptances, with maturities of no more than one year from the date of
acquisition, issued by or acquired from or through the Lender or any bank or
trust company organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof
and having capital surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least
$500,000,000, (c) other short-term Investments similar in nature and degree of
risk to those described in clause (b) of this Section, or (d) money-market
funds.
6.8 Dividends and Distributions. Declare, pay, or make, whether in cash or Property of the Borrower, any dividend or distribution to any Person.
6.9 Issuance of Stock; Changes in Limited Liability Structure. Issue or agree to issue additional shares of capital stock, in one or any series of transactions; enter into any transaction of consolidation, merger, or amalgamation; liquidate, wind up, or dissolve (or suffer any liquidation or dissolution).
6.10 Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction (including the sale, lease, or exchange of Property or the rendering of service) with any of its Affiliates, other than upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable than could be obtained in an arm's length transaction with a Person which was not an Affiliate.
6.11 Lines of Business. Expand, on its own or through any Subsidiary, into any line of business other than those in which the Borrower is engaged as of the date hereof.
6.12 ERISA Compliance. Permit any Plan maintained by it or any Commonly Controlled Entity to (a) engage in any Prohibited Transaction, (b) incur any "accumulated funding deficiency," as such term is defined in Section 302 of ERISA, or (c) terminate in a manner which could result in the imposition of a Lien on any Property of the Borrower pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA; or assume an obligation to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan; or acquire any Person or the assets of any Person which has now or has had at any time an obligation to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan.
6.13 Interest Coverage Ratio. Permit, as of the close of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) EBITDAX on a trailing four-quarter basis to (b) Interest Expense on a trailing four quarter basis to be less than 3.00 to 1.00, beginning with the period ending December 31, 2004.
6.14 Current Ratio. Permit, as of the close of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of Current Assets to Current Liabilities to be less than 1.00 to 1.00, beginning with the period ending December 31, 2004.
6.15 Tangible Net Worth. Permit Tangible Net Worth, as adjusted for exploration costs as of the close of any fiscal quarter, to be less than $15,000,000 on the Closing Date, plus 75% of positive quarterly net income thereafter.
6.16 Bank Debt Coverage Ratio. Permit, as of the close of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) Bank Debt to (b) EBITDAX measured on a trailing four quarter basis, to be greater than 2.75 to 1.00, beginning with the period ending December 31, 2004.
6.17 General and Administrative Expenses. Permit, as of the close of any fiscal quarter, general and administrative expenses to be more than 18% of gross revenue measured on a trailing four quarter basis beginning with the period ending December 31, 2004.
6.18 Drilling Expenses for South Padre Island Project. Will not spend any money over its available cash or availability under this Agreement for the drilling and/or completion of the South Padre Island Project unless it has obtained sufficient monies from Shareholders of in excess of 99% of Borrowers for payment of such expenses at the time such expenses are due as set forth in the letter described in 3.1 of herein.
ARTICLE VII
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
7.1 Enumeration of Events of Default. Any of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default:
(a) default shall be made in the payment when due on any installment of principal or interest under this Agreement or the Note or in the payment when due on any fee or other sum payable under any Loan Document and such default as to interest or fees only shall have continued for three Business Days;
(b) default shall be made by the Borrower in the due observance or performance of any of their respective obligations under the Loan Documents, and such default shall continue for 30 days after the earlier of notice thereof to the Borrower by the Lender or knowledge thereof by the Borrower;
(c) any representation or warranty made by the Borrower in any of the Loan Documents proves to have been untrue in any material respect or any representation, statement (including Financial Statements), certificate, or data furnished or made to the Lender in connection herewith proves to have been untrue in any material respect as of the date the facts therein set forth were stated or certified;
(d) default shall be made by the Borrower (as principal or guarantor or other surety) in the payment or performance of any bond, debenture, note, or other Indebtedness or under any credit agreement, loan agreement, indenture, promissory note, or similar agreement or instrument executed in connection with any of the foregoing, and such default shall remain unremedied for in excess of the period of grace, if any, with respect thereto;
(e) the Borrower shall be unable to satisfy any condition or cure any circumstance specified in Article III, the satisfaction or curing of which is precedent to the right of the Borrower to obtain a Loan or the issuance of a Letter of Credit and such inability shall continue for a period in excess of 30 days;
(f) either the Borrower shall (i) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, or liquidator of it or all or a substantial part of its assets, (ii) file a voluntary petition commencing an Insolvency Proceeding, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iv) be unable, or admit in writing its inability, to pay its debts generally as they become due, or (v) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any Insolvency Proceeding;
(g) an order, judgment, or decree shall be entered against either the Borrower by any court of competent jurisdiction or by any other duly authorized authority, on the petition of a creditor or otherwise, granting relief in any Insolvency Proceeding or approving a petition seeking reorganization or an arrangement of its debts or appointing a receiver, trustee, conservator, custodian, or liquidator of it or all or any substantial part of its assets, and such order, judgment, or decree shall not be dismissed or stayed within 60 days;
(h) the levy against any significant portion of the Property of the Borrower, or any execution, garnishment, attachment, sequestration, or other writ or similar proceeding which is not permanently dismissed or discharged within 30 days after the levy;
(i) a final and non-appealable order, judgment, or decree shall be entered against the Borrower for money damages and/or Indebtedness due in an amount in excess of $500,000, except as disclosed on the Closing Date in Exhibit V and such order, judgment, or decree shall not be paid in full, dismissed, or stayed within 60 days;
(j) any charges are filed or any other action or proceeding is
instituted by any Governmental Authority against either the Borrower under
the Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organizations Statute (18 U.S.C.
Section 1961 et seq.), the result of which could be the forfeiture or
transfer of any material Property of the Borrower subject to a Lien in
favor of the Lender and/or the Lenders without (i) satisfaction or
provision for satisfaction of such Lien, or (ii)
such forfeiture or transfer of such Property being expressly made subject to such Lien;
(k) the Borrower shall have (i) concealed, removed, or diverted, or
permitted to be concealed, removed, or diverted, any part of its Property,
with intent to hinder, delay, or defraud its creditors or any of them,
(ii) made or suffered a transfer of any of its Property which may be
fraudulent under any bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance, or similar law,
(iii) made any transfer of its Property to or for the benefit of a
creditor at a time when other creditors similarly situated have not been
paid, or (iv) shall have suffered or permitted, while insolvent, any
creditor to obtain a Lien upon any of its Property through legal
proceedings or distraint which is not vacated within 30 days from the date
thereof;
(l) any Security Instrument shall for any reason not, or cease to, create valid and perfected first-priority Liens against the Collateral purportedly covered thereby;
(m) the Borrower shall cease to be owned by its presently existing shareholders; or
(n) the occurrence of a Material Adverse Effect and the same shall remain unremedied for in excess of 60 days after notice given by the Lender;
7.2 Remedies. (a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default specified in Sections 7.1(f) or 7.1(g), immediately and without notice, (i) all Obligations shall automatically become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, default, or dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity, or other notice of any kind, except as may be provided to the contrary elsewhere herein, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; (ii) the Commitment shall immediately cease and terminate unless and until reinstated by the Lender in writing; and (iii) the Lender are hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower (any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set-off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) held by the Lender and any and all other indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or for the credit or account of the Borrower against any and all of the Obligations although such Obligations may be unmatured.
(b) Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default other than those specified in Sections 7.1(f) or 7.1(g), (i) the Lender may, by notice to the Borrower, declare all Obligations immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, default, or dishonor, notice of intent to accelerate maturity, notice of acceleration of maturity, or other notice of any kind, except as may be provided to the contrary elsewhere herein, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; (ii) the Commitment shall immediately cease and terminate unless and until reinstated by the Lender in writing; and (iii) the Lender are hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, without notice to the Borrower (any such notice being expressly waived by the Borrower), to set-off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) held by the Lender and any and all other
indebtedness at any time owing by the Lender to or for the credit or account of the Borrower against any and all of the Obligations although such Obligations may be unmatured.
(c) Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Lender may, in addition to the foregoing in this Section, exercise any or all of its rights and remedies provided by law or pursuant to the Loan Documents.
ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
8.1 Transfers; Participations. The Lender with the consent of the Borrower, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and only if there is no occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, otherwise Lender may without the consent of the Borrower, at any time, sell, transfer, assign, or grant participations in the Obligation or any portion thereof; and the Lender may forward to each Transferee and prospective Transferee all documents and information relating to such Obligations, whether furnished by the Borrower or otherwise obtained, as the Lender determines necessary or desirable. The Borrower agrees that each Transferee, regardless of the nature of any transfer to it, may exercise all rights (including, without limitation, rights of set-off) with respect to the portion of the Obligations held by it as fully as if such Transferee were the direct holder thereof, subject to any agreements between such Transferee and the transferor to such Transferee.
8.2 Survival of Representations, Warranties, and Covenants. All representations and warranties of the Borrower and all covenants and agreements herein made shall survive the execution and delivery of the Notes and the Security Instruments and shall remain in force and effect so long as any Obligation is outstanding or any Commitment exists.
8.3 Notices and Other Communications. Except as to oral notices expressly authorized herein, which oral notices shall be confirmed in writing, all notices, requests, and communications hereunder shall be in writing (including by telecopy). Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, any such notice, request, demand, or other communication shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when delivered by hand, or, in the case of delivery by mail, when deposited in the mail, certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or, in the case of telecopy notice, when receipt thereof is acknowledged orally or by written confirmation report, addressed as follows:
(a) if to the Lender, to:
Guaranty Bank, FSB
333 Clay Street, Suite 4400
Houston, Texas 77002
Attention: Arthur R. Gralla, Jr.
Telecopy: (713) 890-8868
(b) if to the Borrower, to:
F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C.
9821 Katy Freeway, Suite 1050
Houston, TX 77024
Attention: Jim R. Brock Telecopy: (713) 461-9231
Any party may, by proper written notice hereunder to the others, change the individuals or addresses to which such notices to it shall thereafter be sent.
8.4 Parties in Interest. Subject to applicable restrictions contained herein, all covenants and agreements herein contained by or on behalf of the Borrower, or the Lender shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, or the Lender, as the case may be, and their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns.
8.5 Rights of Third Parties. All provisions herein are imposed solely and exclusively for the benefit of the Lender and the Borrower. No other Person shall have any right, benefit, priority, or interest hereunder or as a result hereof or have standing to require satisfaction of provisions hereof in accordance with their terms.
8.6 Renewals; Extensions. All provisions of this Agreement relating to the Note shall apply with equal force and effect to each promissory note hereafter executed which in whole or in part represents a renewal or extension of any part of the Indebtedness of the Borrower under this Agreement, the Note, or any other Loan Document.
8.7 No Waiver; Rights Cumulative. No course of dealing on the part of the Lender, its officers or employees, nor any failure or delay by the Lender with respect to exercising any of its rights under any Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof. The rights of the Lender under the Loan Documents shall be cumulative and the exercise or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude the exercise of any other right. Neither the making of any Loan nor the issuance of a Letter of Credit shall constitute a waiver of any of the covenants, warranties, or conditions of the Borrower contained herein. In the event the Borrower is unable to satisfy any such covenant, warranty, or condition, neither the making of any Loan nor the issuance of a Letter of Credit shall have the effect of precluding the Lender from thereafter declaring such inability to be an Event of Default as hereinabove provided.
8.8 Survival Upon Unenforceability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in any of the Loan Documents or in any other instrument referred to herein or executed in connection with the Obligations shall, for any reason, be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of any Loan Document or of any other instrument referred to herein or executed in connection with such Obligations.
8.9 Amendments; Waivers. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be amended, waived, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed
by the party against whom enforcement of the amendment, waiver, discharge, or termination is sought.
8.10 Controlling Agreement. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.
8.11 Disposition of Collateral. Notwithstanding any term or provision, express or implied, in any of the Security Instruments, the realization, liquidation, foreclosure, or any other disposition on or of any or all of the Collateral shall be in the order and manner and determined in the sole discretion of the Lender; provided, however, that in no event shall the Lender violate applicable law or exercise rights and remedies other than those provided in such Security Instruments or otherwise existing at law or in equity.
8.12 USA Patriot Act Notice. Lender hereby notices Borrower that pursuant to the requirements of the USA Patriot Act (Title 111 of Pub. L. 107-56 (signed into law October 26, 2001)) (the "Act") it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies Borrower, which information includes the names and address of Borrower and other information that will allow Lender to identify Borrower in accordance with the Act.
8.13 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE CONTRACTS MADE UNDER AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO PRINCIPLES THEREOF RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAW; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT CHAPTER 345 OF THE TEXAS FINANCE CODE (WHICH REGULATES CERTAIN REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN ACCOUNTS AND REVOLVING TRIPARTY ACCOUNTS) SHALL NOT APPLY.
8.14 JURISDICTION AND VENUE. ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS WITH RESPECT TO, ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN CONNECTION WITH, OUT OF, RELATED TO, OR FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT MAY BE LITIGATED, AT THE SOLE DISCRETION AND ELECTION OF THE LENDER, IN COURTS HAVING SITUS IN HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. THE BORROWER HEREBY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO TRANSFER OR CHANGE THE JURISDICTION OR VENUE OF ANY LITIGATION BROUGHT AGAINST IT BY THE LENDER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION.
8.15 WAIVER OF RIGHTS TO JURY TRIAL. THE BORROWER, LENDER AND THE LENDERS HEREBY KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, INTENTIONALLY, IRREVOCABLY, AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ALL RIGHTS TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, SUIT, PROCEEDING, COUNTERCLAIM, OR OTHER LITIGATION THAT RELATES TO OR ARISES OUT OF ANY OF THIS
AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF THE LENDER IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY OF THE TERMS OR PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT THERETO. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION ARE A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT FOR THE LENDER ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT.
8.16 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT HEREOF AND SHALL SUPERSEDE ANY PRIOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, RELATING TO THE SUBJECT HEREOF. FURTHERMORE, IN THIS REGARD, THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER WRITTEN LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT, COLLECTIVELY, THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES THERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF SUCH PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG SUCH PARTIES.
8.17 Counterparts. For the convenience of the parties, this Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which for all purposes shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is deemed executed effective as of the date first above written.
BORROWER:
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
By: /s/ Jim R. Brock ------------------- Jim R. Brock President and CFO |
LENDER AND LENDER:
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
By: /s/ Arthur R. Gralla ---------------------- Arthur R. Gralla, Jr. Managing Director |
EXHIBIT I
[FORM OF NOTE]
PROMISSORY NOTE
$50,000,000 Houston, Texas December 28, 2004
FOR VALUE RECEIVED and WITHOUT GRACE, the undersigned ("Maker") promises to pay to the order of GUARANTY BANK, FSB ("Payee"), at its banking quarters in Houston, Harris County, Texas, the sum of FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS ($50,000,000), or so much thereof as may be advanced against this Note pursuant to the Credit Agreement dated of even date herewith by and between Maker and Payee (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), together with interest at the rates and calculated as provided in the Credit Agreement.
Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement for matters governed thereby, including, without limitation, certain events which will entitle the holder hereof to accelerate the maturity of all amounts due hereunder. Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Note shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
This Note is issued pursuant to, is the "Note" under, and is payable as provided in the Credit Agreement. Subject to compliance with applicable provisions of the Credit Agreement, Maker may at any time pay the full amount or any part of this Note without the payment of any premium or fee, but such payment shall not, until this Note is fully paid and satisfied, excuse the payment as it becomes due of any payment on this Note provided for in the Credit Agreement.
Without being limited thereto or thereby, this Note is secured by the Security Instruments.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED AND CONTROLLED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO PRINCIPLES THEREOF RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAW; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT CHAPTER 345 OF THE TEXAS FINANCE CODE (WHICH REGULATES CERTAIN REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN ACCOUNTS AND REVOLVING TRIPARTY ACCOUNTS) SHALL NOT APPLY TO THIS NOTE.
(Page One of Two Page Note)
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
By: _________________________
Jim R. Brock
President and CFO
EXHIBIT II
[FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST]
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
333 CLAY STREET, SUITE 4400
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
Attention: Richard E. Menchaca
Re: Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2004, by and between F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C. and GUARANTY BANK, FSB, (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement")
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Borrower hereby makes the requests indicated below:
1. Loans
(a) Amount of new Loan: $
(b) Requested funding date: , 20
(c) $________________ of such Loan is to be a Floating Rate Loan;
$________________ of such Loan is to be a LIBO Rate Loan.
Requested Interest Period for LIBO Rate Loan: ____ months.
2. Continuation or conversion of LIBO Rate Loan maturing on :
(a) Amount to be continued as a LIBO Rate Loan is $ , with an Interest Period of months;
(b) Amount to be converted to a Floating Rate Loan is $ ; and
3. Conversion of Floating Rate Loan:
(a) Requested conversion date: , 20 .
(b) Amount to be converted to a LIBO Rate Loan is $ , with an Interest Period of _____ months.
The undersigned certifies that she/he is the ____ of the Borrower, has obtained all consents necessary, and as such she/he is authorized to execute this request on behalf of the
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Borrower. The undersigned further certifies, represents, and warrants on behalf of the Borrower that the Borrower is entitled to receive the requested borrowing, continuation, or conversion under the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement and are in full compliance with all the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement. Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement.
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
By: ______________________
Jim R. Brock
President and CFO
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EXHIBIT III
[FORM OF COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE]
________, 2004
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
333 CLAY STREET, SUITE 4400
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
Attention: Richard E. Menchaca
Re: Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2004, by and between F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C. and Guaranty Bank, FSB, (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement")
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to applicable requirements of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned, as a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, hereby certifies to you the following information as true and correct as of the date hereof or for the period indicated, as the case may be:
1. To the best of the knowledge of the undersigned, no Default or Event of Default exists as of the date hereof or has occurred since the date of our previous certification to you, if any.
1. To the best of the knowledge of the undersigned, the following Defaults or Events of Default exist as of the date hereof or have occurred since the date of our previous certification to you, if any, and the actions set forth below are being taken to remedy such circumstances:
2. The compliance of the Borrower with the financial covenants of the Credit Agreement, as of the close of business on_____________ , is evidenced by the following:
(a) Section 6.13: Interest Coverage Ratio. Permit, as of the close of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) EBITDAX on a trailing four-quarter basis to (b) Interest Expense on a trailing four quarter basis to be less than 3.00 to 1.00, beginning with the period ending December 31, 2004.
Actual
_____ to 1.0
(b) Section 6.14: Current Ratio. Permit, as of the close of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of Current Assets to Current Liabilities to be less
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than 1.00 to 1.00, beginning with the period ending December 31, 2004.
Actual
____ to 1.0
(c) Section 6.15: Tangible Net Worth. Permit Tangible Net Worth, as adjusted for exploration costs as of the close of any fiscal quarter, to be less than $15,000,000 on the Closing Date, plus 75% of positive quarterly net income thereafter.
Required Actual
(d) Section 6.16: Bank Debt Coverage Ratio. Permit, as of the close of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (a) Bank Debt to (b) EBITDAX measured on a trailing four quarter basis, to be greater than 2.75 to 1.00, beginning with the period ending December 31, 2004.
Actual
____ to 1.0
(e) Section 6.17: General and Administrative Expenses. Permit, as of the close of any fiscal quarter, general and administrative expenses to be more than 18% of gross revenue measured on a trailing four quarter basis beginning with the period ending December 31, 2004.
Actual
____ %
3. No Material Adverse Effect has occurred since the date of the Financial Statements dated as of __________.
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Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement.
Very truly yours,
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
By: ____________________________
Jim R. Brock
President and CFO
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EXHIBIT IV
[FORM OF OPINION OF COUNSEL]
[Closing Date]
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
333 CLAY STREET, SUITE 4400
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002
Attention: Richard E. Menchaca
Re: Credit Agreement dated as of December 28, 2004, by and between F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C. and GUARANTY BANK, FSB, (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement")
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C. (the "Borrower") in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Credit Agreement. This Opinion is delivered pursuant to Section 3.1(m) of the Credit Agreement, and the Lender is hereby authorized to rely upon this Opinion in connection with the transactions contemplated in the Credit Agreement. Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement.
In our representation of the Borrower, we have examined an executed counterpart of each of the following (the "Loan Documents"):
(a) the Credit Agreement;
(b) the Note;
(c) Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Indenture, Security Agreement, Assignment of Production, and Financing Statement dated of even date herewith from the Borrower in favor of the Lender (the "Mortgage"); and
(d) Financing Statements from the Borrower, as debtors, constituent to the Mortgage (the "Financing Statement").
(e) a certificate of incumbency dated the Closing Date, including specimen signatures of all officers or other representatives of the Borrower who are authorized to execute Loan Documents on behalf of the Borrower, such certificate being executed by the manager or another authorized representative of the Borrower;
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(f) copies of resolutions, to the extent required under the Operating Agreement of the Borrower, adopted by the board of directors of the Borrower approving the Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party and authorizing the transactions contemplated herein and therein, accompanied by a certificate dated the Closing Date issued by the manager or another authorized representative of the Borrower to the effect that such copies are true and correct copies of resolutions duly adopted and that such resolutions constitute all the resolutions adopted with respect to such transactions, have not been amended, modified, or rescinded in any respect, and are in full force and effect as of the date of such certificate;
(g) multiple counterparts, as requested by the Lender, of the following Security Instruments creating, evidencing, perfecting, and otherwise establishing Liens in favor of the Lender in and to the Collateral:
(i) Ratification of Mortgage and Deed of Trust, Indenture, Security Agreement, Assignment of Production, and Financing Statement from the Borrower covering all Oil and Gas Properties of the Borrower and all improvements, personal property, and fixtures related thereto;
(ii) Financing Statements from the Borrower, as debtor, constituent to the instrument described in clause (i) above;
(iii) undated letters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender, from the Borrower to each purchaser of production and disburser of the proceeds of production from or attributable to the Mortgaged Properties, together with additional letters with the addressees left blank, authorizing and directing the addressees to make future payments attributable to production from the Mortgaged Properties directly to the Lender;
(iv) Security Agreement from the Borrower pledging contract rights, etc.;
(v) Financing Statements from the Borrower, as debtor, constituent to the instrument described in clause (iv) above;
(vi) Assignment of Partnership Interest (Security Agreement) from the Borrower pledging certain partnership interest;
(vii) Financing Statement from the Borrower, as debtor, constituent to the instrument described in Clause (vi) above;
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(h) certificates dated as of a recent date from the Secretary of State or other appropriate Governmental Authority evidencing the existence or qualification and good standing of the Borrower in its jurisdictions of formation and in any other jurisdictions where it does business;
We have also examined the originals, or copies certified to our satisfaction, of such other records of the Borrower, certificates of public officials and officers of the Borrower, agreements, instruments, and documents as we have deemed necessary as a basis for the opinions hereinafter expressed.
In making such examinations, we have, with your permission, assumed:
(a) the genuineness of all signatures to the Loan Documents other than those of the Borrower;
(b) the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals and the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies;
(c) the Lender is authorized and has the power to enter into and perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement;
(d) the due authorization, execution, and delivery of all Loan Documents by each party thereto other than the Borrower; and
(e) the Borrower has title to all Property covered or affected by the Mortgage.
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:
1. The Borrower is a corporation or limited liability companies duly organized, legally existing, and in good standing under the laws of their respective states of incorporation and are duly qualified as foreign corporations or limited liability companies and are in good standing in all jurisdictions wherein the ownership of their respective Property or the operation of their respective businesses necessitates same.
2. The execution and delivery by the Borrower of the Credit Agreement and the borrowings thereunder, the execution and delivery by the Borrower of the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party, and the payment and performance of all Obligations of the Borrower thereunder are within the power of the Borrower, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and do not (a) require the consent of any Governmental Authority, (b) contravene or conflict with any Requirement of Law, (c) to our knowledge after due inquiry, contravene or conflict with any indenture, instrument, or other agreement to which the Borrower is a party or by which any Property of the Borrower may be presently bound or encumbered, or (d) result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any Property of the Borrower other than as contemplated by the Loan Documents.
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3. The Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.
4. The forms of the Mortgage and the Financing Statement and the description of the Mortgaged Property (as such term is defined in the Mortgage and so used herein) situated in the State of Texas (the "State") satisfy all applicable Requirements of Law of the State and are legally sufficient under the laws of the State to enable the Lender to realize the practical benefits purported to be afforded by the Mortgage.
5. The Mortgage creates a valid lien upon and security interest in all Mortgaged Property situated in the State to secure the Indebtedness (as such term is defined in the Mortgage and so used herein).
6. The Mortgage and the Financing Statement are in satisfactory form for filing and recording in the offices described below.
7. The filing and/or recording, as the case may be, of (a) the Mortgage in the office of the county clerk of each county in the State in which any portion of the Mortgaged Property is located, and as a financing statement and utility security instrument in the office of the Secretary of State of the State, and (b) the Financing Statement in the Uniform Commercial Code records in each county in the State in which any portion of the Mortgaged Property is located are the only recordings or filings in the State necessary to perfect the liens and security interests in the Mortgaged Property created by the Mortgage or to permit the Lender to enforce in the State its rights under the Mortgage. No subsequent filing, re-filing, recording, or re-recording will be required in the State in order to continue the perfection of the liens and security interests created by the Mortgage except that (a) a continuation statement must be filed with respect to the Mortgage filed as a financing statement in the office of the Secretary of State of the State and with respect to the Financing Statement in the Uniform Commercial Code records in each county in the State in which any portion of the Mortgaged Property is located, each within six months prior to the expiration of five years from the date of the relevant initial financing statement filing, (b) a subsequent continuation statement must be filed within six months prior to the expiration of each subsequent five-year period from the date of each initial financing statement filing, and (c) amendments or supplements to the Mortgage filed as a financing statement and the Financing Statement and/or additional financing statements may be required to be filed in the event of a change in the name, identity, or structure of the Borrower or in the event the financing statement filing otherwise becomes inaccurate or incomplete.
8. To our knowledge after due inquiry, except as disclosed in Exhibit VI to the Credit Agreement, no litigation or other action of any nature affecting the Borrower is pending before any Governmental Authority or threatened against the Borrower. To our knowledge after due inquiry, no unusual or unduly burdensome restriction, restraint, or
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hazard exists by contract, Requirement of Law, or otherwise relative to the business or operations of the Borrower or the ownership and operation of any Properties of the Borrower other than such as relate generally to Persons engaged in business activities similar to those conducted by the Borrower, as the case may be.
9. No authorization, consent, approval, exemption, franchise, permit or license of, or filing (other than filing of Security Instruments in appropriate filing offices) with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required to authorize or is otherwise required in connection with the valid execution and delivery by the Borrower of the Loan Documents or any instrument contemplated thereby, or the payment performance by the Borrower of the Obligations.
10. No transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents is in violation of any regulations promulgated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, including, without limitation, Regulations G, T, U, or X.
11. The Borrower is not, nor is the Borrower directly or indirectly controlled by or acting on behalf of any Person which is, an "investment company" or an "affiliated person" of an "investment company" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
12. The Borrower is not a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding company" or of a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within the meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.
The opinions expressed herein are subject to the following qualifications and limitations:
A. We are licensed to practice law only in the State and other jurisdictions whose laws are not applicable to the opinions expressed herein; accordingly, the foregoing opinions are limited solely to the laws of the State, applicable United States federal law.
B. The validity, binding effect, and enforceability of the Loan Documents may be limited or affected by bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, reorganization, or other similar laws affecting rights of creditors generally, including, without limitation, statutes or rules of law which limit the effect of waivers of rights by a debtor or grantor; provided, however, that the limitations and other effects of such statutes or rules of law upon the validity and binding effect of the Loan Documents should not differ materially from the limitations and other effects of such statutes or rules of law upon the validity and binding effect of credit agreements, promissory notes, guaranties, and security instruments generally.
C. The enforceability of the respective obligations of the Borrower under the Loan Documents is subject to general principles of equity (whether such enforceability is considered in a suit in equity or at law).
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This Opinion is furnished by us solely for the benefit of the Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents and is not to be quoted in whole or in part or otherwise referred to or disclosed in any other transaction.
Very truly yours,
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EXHIBIT VI
DISCLOSURES
Section 4.7 Liabilities See the Company's financial statements as of September 30, 2004, including the Notes Payable to Frank C. Wade.
Litigation
Cause No. 2004-17179; Charles Kana v.
F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C., et al.; in
the 151st Judicial District Court of
Harris County, Texas
Section 4.11 Environmental Matters
None.
Section 4.16 Refunds
None.
Section 4.17 Gas Contracts
None.
Section 4.19 Casualties
None.
Section 4.21 Subsidiaries
None.
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EXHIBIT 10.26.1
SECURITY AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
AND
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
(SECURED PARTY)
DECEMBER 28, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE ---- ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION.............................................................. 1 1.1 Terms Defined Above......................................................................... 1 1.2 Terms Defined in Credit Agreement........................................................... 1 1.3 Additional Defined Terms.................................................................... 1 1.4 Undefined Financial Accounting Terms........................................................ 3 1.5 References.................................................................................. 3 1.6 Articles and Sections....................................................................... 3 1.7 Number and Gender........................................................................... 3 ARTICLE II GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST.................................................................. 4 ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.............................................................. 4 3.1 Validity, Perfection and Priority........................................................... 4 3.2 No Liens; Other Financing Statements........................................................ 4 3.3 Location of Debtor and Collateral........................................................... 5 3.4 Accounts.................................................................................... 5 3.5 Tradenames; Prior Names..................................................................... 5 ARTICLE IV COVENANTS................................................................................... 5 4.1 Further Assurances.......................................................................... 5 4.2 Change of Chief Executive Office............................................................ 6 4.3 Change of Name or Corporate Structure....................................................... 6 4.4 Maintain Records and Accounts............................................................... 6 4.5 Right of Inspection......................................................................... 6 4.6 Possession of Collateral.................................................................... 7 4.7 Financing Statement Filings; Notifications.................................................. 7 ARTICLE V ACCOUNTS.................................................................................... 7 5.1 Debtor Remains Liable under Accounts........................................................ 7 5.2 Collections on Accounts..................................................................... 7 ARTICLE VI POWER OF ATTORNEY........................................................................... 8 6.1 Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact............................................................. 8 6.2 No Duty on the Part of Secured Party........................................................ 9 ARTICLE VII REMEDIES; RIGHTS UPON DEFAULT............................................................... 9 7.1 Rights and Remedies Generally............................................................... 9 7.2 Proceeds.................................................................................... 10 7.3 Collection of Accounts...................................................................... 10 7.4 Disposition of Collateral................................................................... 10 7.5 Debtor's Accounts........................................................................... 11 7.6 Possession of Collateral.................................................................... 11 7.7 Disposition of the Collateral............................................................... 11 |
7.8 Recourse.................................................................................... 12 7.9 Expenses; Attorneys' Fees................................................................... 12 7.10 Application of Proceeds..................................................................... 12 7.11 Limitation on Duties Regarding Preservation of Collateral................................... 12 7.12 Waiver of Claims............................................................................ 13 7.13 Discontinuance of Proceedings............................................................... 13 ARTICLE VIII INDEMNITY................................................................................... 13 8.1 INDEMNITY................................................................................... 13 8.2 Indemnity Obligations Secured by Collateral; Survival....................................... 14 ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS............................................................................... 15 9.1 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.............................................................. 15 9.2 Termination; Release........................................................................ 15 9.3 Counterparts................................................................................ 15 9.4 Marshalling................................................................................. 15 9.5 Severability................................................................................ 15 9.6 Financing Statement Filing.................................................................. 15 9.7 Notices and Other Communications............................................................ 15 9.8 Parties in Interest......................................................................... 16 9.9 Amendments.................................................................................. 16 9.10 ENTIRE AGREEMENT............................................................................ 16 9.11 GOVERNING LAW............................................................................... 16 9.12 JURISDICTION AND VENUE...................................................................... 16 |
SECURITY AGREEMENT
This SECURITY AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated as of December 28, 2004, is by and between F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C., (the "Debtor"), and GUARANTY BANK, FSB, a federal savings bank ("Secured Party").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement dated December __, 2004, by and among the Debtor and the Secured Party (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement and as an inducement to the Secured Party to extend credit to or for the benefit of the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, Debtor has agreed to execute this Agreement in favor of the Secured Party;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 Terms Defined Above. As used herein, each of the terms "Agreement," "Borrower," "Credit Agreement," "Debtor," and "Secured Party" shall have the meaning assigned to such term hereinabove.
1.2 Terms Defined in Credit Agreement. Each capitalized term used but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement.
1.3 Additional Defined Terms. As used herein, each of the following terms shall have the following meanings:
"Accounts" shall mean all accounts receivable, book debts, notes, drafts, instruments, documents, acceptances, and other forms of obligations now owned or hereafter received or acquired by or belonging or owing to Debtor (including, without limitation, under any trade names, styles, or divisions thereto), whether arising from the sale or lease of goods or the rendition of services or any other transaction (including, without limitation, any such obligation which might be characterized as an account, general intangible, other than contract rights under contracts containing prohibitions against assignment of or the granting of a security interest in the rights of a party thereunder, or chattel paper under the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in any jurisdiction), and all rights of Debtor in, to, and under all purchase orders now owned or hereafter received or acquired by it for goods or services, and all rights of Debtor to any goods the sale or lease of which gave rise to any of the foregoing (including, without limitation, returned or repossessed goods and rights of unpaid sellers), and all moneys due or to
become due to Debtor under all contracts for the sale or lease of goods or the performance of services (whether or not earned by performance) or in connection with any other transaction, now in existence or hereafter arising, including, without limitation, all collateral security and guarantees of any kind given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing.
"Account Debtor" shall mean each Person obligated on an Account, Chattel Paper, or General Intangible.
"Account Records" shall mean (a) all original copies of all documents, instruments, or other writings evidencing the Accounts, (b) all books, correspondence, credit or other files, records, ledger sheets or cards, invoices, and other papers relating to the Accounts, including, without limitation, all tapes, cards, computer tapes, computer discs, computer runs, record keeping systems, and other papers and documents relating to the Accounts, whether in the possession or under the control of Debtor or any computer bureau or agent from time to time acting for or on behalf of Debtor or otherwise, (c) all evidences of the filing of financing statements and the registration of other instruments in connection therewith and amendments, supplements, or other modifications thereto, notices to other creditors or secured parties, and certificates, acknowledgements, or other writings, including, without limitation, lien search reports, from filing or other registration offices, (d) all credit information, reports, and memoranda relating thereto, and (e) all other written or non-written forms of information related in any way to the foregoing or any Account.
"Chattel Paper" shall mean all chattel paper (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(11) of the UCC) of the Debtor.
"Collateral" shall have the meaning assigned to it in Article II.
"Commodity Hedge Agreement" shall mean any agreement, device or arrangement entered into by one Person with another Person providing for payments which are related to fluctuations in the price of petroleum (or any fraction thereof), natural gas, or natural gas liquids (including, but not limited to, swaps, caps, collars, options, puts, calls, futures and forward contracts).
"General Intangibles" shall mean all general intangibles (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(42) of the UCC) of Debtor, including, without limitation, rights to the payment of money (other than Accounts), net profit interests, contracts, farmout agreements, licenses, and franchises (excluding licenses and franchises which prohibit the assignment or grant of a security interest by Debtor), federal income tax refunds, trade names, distributions on certificated securities (as defined in Section 8-102(a)(4) of the UCC) and uncertificated securities (as defined in ss.8-102(a)(14) of the UCC), computer programs and other computer software, inventions, designs, trade secrets, goodwill, proprietary rights, customer lists, supplier contracts, sale orders, correspondence, advertising materials, payments due in connection with any requisition, confiscation, condemnation, seizure or forfeiture of any property, reversionary interests in
pension and profit-sharing plans and reversionary, beneficial and residual interests in trusts, credits with and other claims against any Person, together with any collateral for any of the foregoing and the rights under any security agreement granting a security interest in such collateral.
"Indemnitees" shall mean the Secured Party and its shareholders, officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact, and affiliates.
"Proceeds" shall mean proceeds (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(65) of the UCC).
"Rate Management Transaction" shall mean any transaction (including an agreement with respect thereto) now existing or hereafter entered into between Debtor and Secured Party which is a rate swap, basis swap, forward rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity or equity index swap, equity or equity index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, forward transaction, currency swap transaction, cross-currency rate swap transaction, currency option or any other similar transaction (including any option with respect to any of these transactions) or any combination thereof, whether linked to on or more interest rates, foreign currencies, commodity prices, equity prices or other financial measures.
"Secured Obligations" shall mean the Obligations.
"UCC" shall mean the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of Texas.
1.4 Undefined Financial Accounting Terms. Undefined financial accounting terms used in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to such terms according to GAAP.
1.5 References. The words "hereby," "herein," "hereinabove," "hereinafter," "hereinbelow," "hereof," "hereunder," and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Article, Section, or provision of this Agreement. References in this Agreement to Articles, Sections, or Exhibits are to such Articles, Sections, or Exhibits of this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
1.6 Articles and Sections. This Agreement, for convenience only, has been divided into Articles and Sections; and it is understood that the rights and other legal relations of the parties hereto shall be determined from this instrument as an entirety and without regard to the aforesaid division into Articles and Sections and without regard to headings prefixed to such Articles or Sections.
1.7 Number and Gender. Whenever the context requires, reference herein made to the single number shall be understood to include the plural; and likewise, the plural shall be understood to include the singular. Words denoting sex shall be construed to include the masculine, feminine and neuter, when such construction is appropriate; and specific enumeration shall not exclude the general but shall be construed as cumulative. Definitions of terms defined
in the singular or plural shall be equally applicable to the plural or singular, as the case may be, unless otherwise indicated.
ARTICLE II
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST
As security for the prompt and complete payment and performance in full of all Secured Obligations, Debtor hereby assigns and transfers for the purpose of security and pledges to the Secured Party and grants to the Secured Party a security interest in and continuing lien on all right, title, and interest of Debtor in, to, and under the following, in each case, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising, and wherever located (all of which is herein collectively called the "Collateral"):
(a) all Accounts;
(b) all Account Records;
(c) all Chattel Paper;
(d) all General Intangibles;
(e) all Commodity Hedge Agreements;
(f) all Rate Management Transactions; and
(g) all accessions and additions to any or all of the foregoing, all substitutions and replacements for any or all of the foregoing, and all Proceeds and products of any or all of the foregoing.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Debtor, to the extent that such Debtor is the owner of such collateral, hereby represents and warrants to the Secured Party, which representations and warranties shall survive execution and delivery of this Agreement, as follows:
3.1 Validity, Perfection and Priority. The security interests in the Collateral granted to the Secured Party hereunder constitute valid and continuing security interests in Collateral. Assuming the accomplishment of recording and filing financing statements, in accordance with applicable laws prior to the intervention of rights of other Persons, (such financing statements) naming Debtor as "debtor" and the Secured Party as "secured party" and describing the Collateral, the security interests granted to the Secured Party hereunder will constitute valid first-priority perfected security interests in all Collateral with respect to which a security interest can be perfected by the filing of a financing statement, subject only to Permitted Liens.
3.2 No Liens; Other Financing Statements. (a) Except for the Lien granted to the Secured Party hereunder and Permitted Liens, Debtor owns each item of the Collateral free and
clear of any and all Liens, rights, or claims of all other Persons, and Debtor shall defend the Collateral against all claims and demands of all Persons at any time claiming the same or any interest therein adverse to the Secured Party.
(b) No financing statement or other evidence of Lien covering or purporting to cover any of the Collateral is on file in any public office other than (i) financing statements in favor of the Secured Party, (ii) financing statements for which proper termination statements have been delivered to the Secured Party for filing, and (iii) financing statements filed in connection with Permitted Liens.
3.3 Location of Debtor and Collateral. The chief executive office of the Debtor is 9821 Katy Freeway, Suite 1050, Houston, Texas 77024. The primary copies of the Account Records are located at, and all Accounts and General Intangibles are maintained at, and controlled and directed (including, without limitation, for general accounting purposes) from, such chief executive office.
3.4 Accounts. (a) Each Account (i) is and will be, in all material respects, the genuine, legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Account Debtor in respect thereof, representing an unsatisfied obligation of such Account Debtor, (ii) is and will be, in all material respects, enforceable in accordance with its terms, (iii) is not and will not be subject to any setoffs, defenses, taxes, counterclaims (except (A) with respect to refunds, returns, and allowances in the ordinary course of business, and (B) to the extent that such Account may not yet have been earned by performance), and (iv) is and will be, in all material respects, in compliance with all applicable laws, whether federal, state, local, or foreign.
(b) No Accounts which are evidenced by Chattel Paper require the consent of the Account Debtor in respect thereof in connection with their assignment hereunder.
3.5 Tradenames; Prior Names. Debtor has not conducted business under any name other than its current name during the last five years.
ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS
Debtor covenants and agrees with the Secured Party that from and after the date of this Agreement:
4.1 Further Assurances. At any time and from time to time, upon the request of the Secured Party, and at the sole expense of Debtor, Debtor will promptly and duly execute and deliver any and all such further instruments, endorsements, powers of attorney, and other documents, make such filings, give such notices, and take such further action as the Secured Party may reasonably deem desirable in obtaining the full benefits of this Agreement and the rights, remedies, and powers herein granted, including, without limitation, the following:
(a) the filing of financing statements, in form acceptable to the Secured Party under the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in any jurisdiction with respect to the liens and security interests granted hereby;
(b) the performance of all searches of public records deemed necessary by the Secured Party to establish and determine the priority of the security interests of the Secured Party or to determine the presence or priority of other secured parties; and
(c) the furnishing to the Secured Party from time to time of reports and schedules in connection with the Collateral as required pursuant to the Credit Agreement, all in reasonable detail and in form reasonably satisfactory to the Secured Party.
4.2 Change of Chief Executive Office. Debtor will not move its chief executive office except to such new location as Debtor may establish in accordance with the last sentence of this Section. The originals of all Account Records and General Intangibles will be kept at such chief executive office or at the locations referred to in Section 3.3, or at such new locations as Debtor may establish in accordance with the last sentence of this Section. All Accounts, Account Records, and General Intangibles of Debtor will be maintained at and controlled and directed (including, without limitation, for general accounting purposes) from the locations referred to in Section 3.3 or such new locations as the Debtor may establish in accordance with the last sentence of this Section. With respect to any new location, promptly upon the request of the Secured Party, Debtor shall take all such action as the Secured Party may request to maintain the security interest of the Secured Party in the Collateral granted hereby at all times fully perfected with the same or better priority and in full force and effect. Debtor shall not establish a new location for its chief executive office or such activities (or move any such activities from the locations referred to in Section 3.3) until it shall have given to the Secured Party not less than ten days' prior written notice of its intention to do so, clearly describing such new location and providing such other information in connection therewith as the Secured Party may reasonably request.
4.3 Change of Name or Limited Partnership Structure. Debtor shall not change its name or limited partnership structure or conduct business under any name other than its current name without giving notice thereof to the Secured Party within ten days thereafter, clearly describing such new name, or limited liability company structure or such new tradename and providing such other information in connection therewith as the Secured Party may reasonably request. With respect to such new name, limited partnership company structure, or tradename, promptly upon the request of the Secured Party, Debtor shall take all such action as the Secured Party may reasonably request to maintain the security interest of the Secured Party in the Collateral granted hereby at all times fully perfected with the same or better priority and in full force and effect.
4.4 Maintain Records and Accounts. Debtor will keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and maintained, at its own cost and expense satisfactory and complete records of the Collateral, including, but not limited to, the originals of all documentation with respect to all Accounts and General Intangibles and records of all payments received and all credits granted on the Accounts, all merchandise returned, and all other dealings therewith.
4.5 Right of Inspection. The Secured Party shall upon reasonable notice to Debtor have full and free access during normal business hours of Debtor to all the books,
correspondence, and records of Debtor; and the Secured Party and its representatives may examine the same, take extracts therefrom, and make photocopies thereof.
4.6 Possession of Collateral. The Secured Party shall be deemed to have possession of any of the Collateral in transit to it or set apart for it. Otherwise the Collateral shall remain in Debtor's constructive possession and control at all times, at Debtor's risk of loss, and shall (except for sales permitted by Section 6.4 of the Credit Agreement) be kept at the locations represented in Section 3.3.
4.7 Financing Statement Filings; Notifications. Debtor recognizes that
financing statements pertaining to the Collateral have been or will be filed
with the offices of the Secretary of State for the States listed in Exhibit A
hereto. Debtor will immediately notify the Secured Party of any condition or
event that may change the proper location for the filing of any financing
statement or other public notice or recording for the purpose of perfecting a
security interest in the Collateral. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, Debtor will (a) ten days prior to taking such action, notify the
Secured Party of any change to a jurisdiction other than as represented in
Section 3.3 hereof, (i) in the location of Debtor's chief place of business,
(ii) in the location of the office where Debtor keeps its records concerning the
Accounts and the General Intangibles and the original of all the Accounts
Records, or (iii) in the "location" of Debtor within the meaning of Section
9-307 of the UCC, and (b) within ten days after taking such action, notify
Secured Party of any change in Debtor's name. In any notice furnished pursuant
to this Section, Debtor will expressly state that the notice is required by this
Agreement and contains facts that will or may require additional filings of
financing statements or other notices for the purpose of continuing perfection
of the Secured Party's security interest in the Collateral.
ARTICLE V
ACCOUNTS
5.1 Debtor Remains Liable under Accounts. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding (including, without limitation, the grant of any rights to the Secured Party), Debtor shall remain liable under each of the Accounts to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it thereunder, all in accordance with the terms of any agreement giving rise to each such Account. The Secured Party shall have no obligation or liability under any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto) by reason of or arising out of this Agreement or the receipt by the Secured Party of any payment relating to such Account pursuant hereto, nor shall the Secured Party be obligated in any manner to perform any of the obligations of Debtor under or pursuant to any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto), to make any payment, to make any inquiry as to the nature or the sufficiency of any payment received by it or as to the sufficiency of any performance by any party under any Account (or any agreement giving rise thereto), to present or file any claim, to take any action to enforce any performance, or to collect the payment of any amounts which may have been assigned to it or to which it may be entitled at any time or times.
5.2 Collections on Accounts. Prior to the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Secured Party hereby authorizes Debtor to collect the Accounts. At any time following and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Secured Party may curtail or terminate said
authority at any time and itself, or by its agents, collect all Accounts, and any payments of Accounts collected by Debtor shall be held by Debtor in trust for the Secured Party, segregated from other funds of Debtor. All Proceeds, while held by the Secured Party (or by Debtor in trust for the Secured Party) shall continue to be Collateral securing all of the Secured Obligations and shall not constitute payment thereof until applied as hereinafter provided.
ARTICLE VI
POWER OF ATTORNEY
6.1 Appointment as Attorney-in-Fact. Debtor hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Secured Party and any officer or agent thereof, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of Debtor and in the name of Debtor or in its own name, from time to time in the discretion of the Secured Party, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Agreement, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, and, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Debtor hereby gives the Secured Party the power and right, on behalf of Debtor, without notice to or assent by the Debtor, to do the following:
(a) in the case of any Account, at any time when the authority of Debtor to collect the Accounts has been curtailed or terminated pursuant hereto, or in the case of any other Collateral, at any time when any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, in the name of Debtor or its own name, or otherwise, to take possession of and indorse and collect any checks, drafts, notes, acceptances, or other instruments for the payment of moneys due under, or with respect to, any Collateral; in the name of Debtor or otherwise to direct any party liable for any payment under any of the Collateral to make payment of any and all moneys due or to become due thereunder directly to the Secured Party or as the Secured Party shall direct; to ask or demand for, collect, receive payment of, and receipt for, any and all moneys, claims, and other amounts due or to become due at any time in respect of or arising out of any Collateral;
(b) at any time when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, to prepare, sign, and file financing statements and amendments thereto in the name of Debtor;
(c) at any time when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, to take or cause to be taken all actions necessary to perform or comply or cause performance or compliance with the terms of this Agreement, including, without limitation, actions to pay or discharge taxes and Liens levied or placed on or threatened against the Collateral, to effect any repairs or obtain any insurance called for by the terms of this Agreement, and to pay all or any part of the premiums therefor and the costs thereof;
(d) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, (i) to sign and indorse any invoices, freight or express bills, bills of lading, storage or warehouse receipts, drafts against debtor, assignments,
verifications, notices, and other documents in connection with any of the Collateral, (ii) to commence and prosecute any suits, actions, or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect the Collateral or any portion thereof and to enforce any other right in respect of any Collateral, (iii) to defend any suit, action, or proceeding brought against Debtor with respect to any Collateral, (iv) to settle, compromise, or adjust any suit, action, or proceeding described in the preceding clause and, in connection therewith, to give such discharges or releases as the Secured Party may deem appropriate, and (v) generally, to sell or transfer and make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with any of the Collateral as fully and completely as though the Secured Party were the absolute owner thereof for all purposes, and to do, at the option of the Secured Party and the expense of Debtor, at any time, or from time to time, all acts and things which the Secured Party deems necessary to protect, preserve, or realize upon the Collateral and the Liens of the Secured Party thereon and to effect the intent of this Agreement, all as fully and effectively as Debtor might do; and
(e) at any time when an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, to execute, in connection with any foreclosure, any endorsements, assignments, or other instruments of conveyance or transfer with respect to the Collateral.
Debtor hereby ratifies all that said attorneys shall lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This power of attorney is a power coupled with an interest and shall be irrevocable so long as any Obligation remains outstanding or any Commitment exists. Debtor hereby acknowledges and agrees that in acting pursuant to this power-of-attorney the Secured Party shall be acting in its own interest and shall have no fiduciary duties to the Debtor, and Debtor hereby waives any claims to the rights of a beneficiary of a fiduciary relationship hereunder.
6.2 No Duty on the Part of Secured Party. The powers conferred on the Secured Party hereunder are solely to protect the interests of the Secured Party in the Collateral and shall not impose any duty upon the Secured Party to exercise any such powers. The Secured Party shall be accountable only for amounts that it actually receives as a result of the exercise of such powers, and, except for its own gross negligence, neither it nor any of its officers, directors, employees, or agents shall be responsible to the Debtor for any act or failure to act hereunder.
ARTICLE VII
REMEDIES; RIGHTS UPON DEFAULT
7.1 Rights and Remedies Generally. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, then and in every such case, the Secured Party shall have all the rights of a secured party under the UCC, all rights now or hereafter existing under all other applicable laws, and, subject to any mandatory requirements of applicable law then in effect, all rights set forth in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. No enumeration of rights in this Section or elsewhere in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document or other agreement shall be deemed to in any way limit the rights of the Secured Party as described in this Section.
7.2 Proceeds. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, in addition to the rights of the Secured Party specified with respect to the payment of Accounts, (a) all Proceeds received by Debtor consisting of cash, checks, and other near-cash items shall be held by Debtor in trust for the Secured Party, segregated from other funds of Debtor, and shall forthwith upon receipt by Debtor, be turned over to the Secured Party, in the same form received by Debtor (appropriately indorsed or assigned by the Debtor to the order of the Secured Party or in such other manner as shall be satisfactory to the Secured Party), and (b) any and all such Proceeds received by the Secured Party (whether from Debtor or otherwise), or any part thereof, shall be applied by the Secured Party as provided in Section 7.10 hereof.
7.3 Collection of Accounts. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing:
(a) the Secured Party may instruct the obligor or obligors on any obligation owing or purporting to be owed to Debtor constituting the Collateral (including, without limitation, the Accounts) to make any payment required by the terms of such obligation directly to the Secured Party;
(b) the Secured Party shall have the right from time to time to modify (including, without limitation, to extend the time for payment or arrange for payment in installments) or waive rights under any such obligation and to compromise or settle counterclaims or setoffs with the obligor under any such obligation; and
(c) any and all of such proceeds of such collections paid to the Secured Party, or any part thereof, (after deduction of the Secured Party's expenses of collection, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements), shall be applied by the Secured Party as provided in Section 7.10 hereof.
7.4 Disposition of Collateral. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing:
(a) the Secured Party may direct Debtor to sell, assign, or otherwise liquidate or dispose of all or from time to time any portion of the Collateral, and Debtor shall do so, and the Secured Party may take possession of the Proceeds of such Collateral. The Secured Party may direct Debtor to direct that all Proceeds of such Collateral be paid directly to the Secured Party or may permit the Proceeds of such Collateral to be paid to Debtor and all such Proceeds consisting of cash, checks, or near-cash items shall be held by Debtor in trust for the Secured Party, segregated from other funds of Debtor in a separate deposit account containing only Proceeds and shall forthwith upon receipt by Debtor, be turned over to the Secured Party, in the same form received by Debtor (appropriately indorsed or assigned by Debtor to the order of the Secured Party or in such other manner as shall be satisfactory to the Secured Party); and
(b) any and all such Proceeds received by the Secured Party (whether from Debtor or otherwise), shall be applied by the Secured Party as provided in Section 7.10 hereof.
7.5 Debtor's Accounts. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Secured Party may liquidate any securities held in any accounts of Debtor and apply the proceeds thereof and any other amounts held in any accounts of Debtor as provided in Section 7.10 hereof.
7.6 Possession of Collateral. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, (a) the Secured Party may, personally or by agents or attorneys, immediately retake possession of the Collateral (including the originals of all or any Accounts and Account Records) or any part thereof, from Debtor or any other Person which then has possession of any part thereof with or without notice or judicial process, and for that purpose may enter upon Debtor's premises where any of the Collateral is located and remove the same and may make reasonable use in connection with such removal of any and all services, supplies, aids, and other facilities of Debtor, and (b) upon three days' notice to Debtor, Debtor shall, at its own expense, assemble the Collateral, including, without limitation, the originals of all Account Records (or from time to time any portion thereof) and make it available to the Secured Party by delivery to the Secured Party at any location designated by the Secured Party which is reasonably convenient to both parties, whether at the premises of Debtor or the Secured Party or elsewhere. Debtor shall, at its sole expense, store and keep any Collateral so assembled at such place or places pending further action by the Secured Party and while the Collateral shall be so stored and kept, provide such guards and maintenance services as shall be reasonably necessary to protect the same and to preserve and maintain the Collateral in good condition. Debtor's obligation to so assemble and deliver the Collateral is of the essence of this Agreement and, accordingly, upon application to a court of equity having jurisdiction, the Secured Party shall be entitled to a decree requiring specific performance by the Debtor of such obligation.
7.7 Disposition of the Collateral. If an Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Secured Party may sell, assign, lease, give an option or options to purchase, or otherwise dispose of the Collateral (or contract to do any of the foregoing) under one or more contracts or as an entirety, and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, without the necessity of gathering at the place of sale the property to be sold, at public or private sale or sales, conducted by any officer, nominee or agent of, or auctioneer or attorney for the Secured Party at any location of any third party conducting or otherwise involved in such sale or any office of the Secured Party or elsewhere and in general in such manner, at such time or times and upon such terms and conditions and at such price as may be commercially reasonable, for cash or on credit or for future delivery without assumption of any credit risk. Any of the Collateral may be sold, leased, assigned, or options or contracts entered to do so, or otherwise disposed of, in the condition in which the same existed when taken by the Secured Party or after any overhaul or repair which may be commercially reasonable. Any such disposition which shall be a private sale or other private proceeding shall be made upon not less than ten days' written notice to Debtor specifying the time after which such disposition is to be made and the intended sale price or other consideration therefor. Any such disposition which shall be a public sale shall be made upon not less than ten days' written notice to Debtor (which Debtor agrees to be commercially reasonable) specifying the time and place of such sale and, in the absence of applicable requirements of law to the contrary, shall be by public auction (which may, at the option or the Secured Party, be subject to reserve), after publication of commercially reasonable notice of such auction. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Secured Party may bid for and become the purchaser of the Collateral or any item thereof, offered for sale in accordance with this
Section without accountability to Debtor (except to the extent of surplus money received) as provided below. In the payment of the purchase price of the Collateral, the purchaser shall be entitled to have credit on account of the purchase price thereof of amounts owing to such purchaser on account of any of the Secured Obligations and any such purchaser may deliver notes, claims for interest, or claims for other payment with respect to such Secured Obligations in lieu of cash up to the amount which would, upon distribution of the net proceeds of such sale, be payable thereon. Such notes, if the amount payable hereunder shall be less than the amount due thereon, shall be returned to the holder thereof after being appropriately stamped to show partial payment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Collateral or any portion thereof is perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value or is of a type customarily sold in a recognized market only such notice as shall be reasonably practicable shall be required.
7.8 Recourse. Debtor shall remain liable for any deficiency if the proceeds of any sale or other disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to satisfy the Secured Obligations. Debtor shall also be liable for all reasonable expenses of the Secured Party incurred in connection with collecting such deficiency, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of any attorneys employed by the Secured Party to collect such deficiency.
7.9 Expenses; Attorneys' Fees. Debtor shall reimburse the Secured Party for all its reasonable expenses in connection with the exercise of its rights and remedies hereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses incurred by the Secured Party.
7.10 Application of Proceeds. The proceeds of any disposition of Collateral shall be applied as follows:
(a) to the payment of any and all reasonable expenses and fees (including attorneys' fees and disbursements) incurred by the Secured Party in connection with the exercise of its rights and remedies hereunder, including, without limitation, reasonable expenses and fees in connection with obtaining, taking possession of, removing, holding, insuring, repairing, preparing for sale or lease, storing and disposing of Collateral;
(b) to the satisfaction of the Secured Obligations in such order as the Secured Party may elect; and
(c) after the indefeasible payment in full in cash of all Secured Obligations, to Debtor or to whomever may lawfully be entitled to receive the same or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.
7.11 Limitation on Duties Regarding Preservation of Collateral. The Secured Party's sole duty with respect to the custody, safekeeping, and physical preservation of the Collateral in its possession, under Section 9.207 of the UCC or otherwise, shall be to deal with it in the same manner as the Secured Party deals with similar property for its own account. The Secured Party shall have no obligation to take any steps to preserve rights against prior parties to any Collateral. Except for matters constituting gross negligence, neither the Secured Party nor any of its directors, officers, employees, or agents shall be liable for failure to demand, collect, or realize upon all or any part of the Collateral or for any delay in doing so or shall be under any
obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of the Debtor or otherwise.
7.12 Waiver of Claims. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, Debtor hereby waives, to the extent permitted by applicable law, notice of and judicial hearing in connection with the Secured Party's taking possession or the Secured Party's disposition of any of the Collateral in accordance herewith, including, without limitation, any and all prior notice and hearing for any prejudgment remedy or remedies and any such right which the Debtor would otherwise have under the constitution or any statute of the United States or any state, and Debtor hereby further waives, to the extent permitted by law:
(a) all damages occasioned by such taking of possession except any damages which are the direct result of the gross negligence of the Secured Party;
(b) all other requirements as to the time, place, and terms of sale or other requirements with respect to the enforcement of the rights of the Secured Party hereunder;
(c) demand of performance or other demand, notice of intent to demand or accelerate, notice of acceleration, presentment, protest, advertisement, or notice of any kind to or upon Debtor or any other Person, except as may be required by the Credit Agreement; and
(d) all rights of redemption, appraisement, valuation, diligence, stay, extension, or moratorium now or hereafter in force under any applicable law in order to stay or delay the enforcement of this Agreement, including the absolute sale of the Collateral or any portion thereof, and Debtor, for itself and all who may claim under it, insofar as it or they now or hereafter lawfully may, hereby waives the benefit of all such laws.
7.13 Discontinuance of Proceedings. In case the Secured Party shall have instituted any proceeding to enforce any right, power, or remedy under this Agreement by foreclosure, sale, entry, or otherwise, and such proceeding shall have been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, then and in every such case, Debtor and the Secured Party shall be returned to their former positions and rights hereunder with respect to the Collateral subject to the security interest created under this Agreement, and all rights, remedies, and powers of the Secured Party shall continue as if no such proceeding had been instituted.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNITY
8.1 INDEMNITY. (a) DEBTOR AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, REIMBURSE, AND HOLD THE INDEMNITEES HARMLESS FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, OBLIGATIONS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, PENALTIES, CLAIMS, ACTIONS, JUDGMENTS, SUITS, REASONABLE COSTS, REASONABLE EXPENSES, OR REASONABLE DISBURSEMENTS (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AND EXPENSES) (FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION ALL OF THE
FOREGOING ARE COLLECTIVELY CALLED "EXPENSES") OF WHATSOEVER KIND OR NATURE WHICH MAY BE IMPOSED ON, ASSERTED AGAINST, OR INCURRED BY ANY OF SUCH INDEMNITEES IN ANY WAY RELATING TO OR ARISING OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR IN ANY OTHER WAY CONNECTED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY OF THE TERMS OF OR THE PRESERVATION OF ANY RIGHTS HEREUNDER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE, WHETHER SOLE OR CONCURRENT, OF ANY INDEMNITEE; PROVIDED THAT NO SUCH INDEMNITEE SHALL BE INDEMNIFIED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION FOR EXPENSES TO THE EXTENT ARISING FROM THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH INDEMNITEE.
(b) Debtor agrees that upon written notice by any such Indemnitee of
any assertion that could give rise to an Expense, Debtor shall assume full
responsibility for the defense thereof. Without limiting the application of part
(a) of this Section, Debtor agrees to pay or reimburse such Indemnitee on demand
for any and all reasonable fees, costs, and expenses of whatever kind or nature
incurred in connection with the creation, preservation, or protection of the
Secured Party's Liens on, and security interests in, the Collateral, including,
without limitation, all reasonable fees and taxes in connection with the
recording or filing of instruments and documents in public offices, payment, or
discharge of any taxes or Liens or security interests upon or in respect of the
Collateral, premiums for insurance with respect to the Collateral, all
reasonable expenses incurred in the custody, preservation, use, or operation of
the Collateral when Collateral is in the Secured Party's possession, and all
other reasonable fees, costs, and expenses in connection with protecting,
maintaining, or preserving the Collateral and the Secured Party's interest
therein, whether through judicial proceedings or otherwise, or in defending or
prosecuting any actions, suits, or proceedings arising out of or relating to the
Collateral.
(c) Without limiting the application of parts (a) or (b) of this Section, Debtor agrees to pay, indemnify, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from and against any Expenses which such Indemnitee may suffer, expend, or incur in consequence of or growing out of any misrepresentation by any Debtor in this Agreement or in any statement or writing contemplated by or made or delivered pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement.
(d) If and to the extent that the obligations of Debtor under this
Section are unenforceable for any reason, Debtor hereby agrees to make the
maximum contribution to the payment and satisfaction of such obligations which
is permissible under applicable law.
8.2 Indemnity Obligations Secured by Collateral; Survival. Any amounts paid by any Indemnitee as to which such Indemnitee has the right to reimbursement shall constitute Secured Obligations secured by the Collateral. The indemnity obligations of the Debtor contained in this Article VIII shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the full payment and performance of the Secured Obligations and the termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative. No failure or delay on the part of the Secured Party in exercising any right, power, or privilege hereunder and no course of dealing between any Debtor and the Secured Party shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege. A waiver by the Secured Party of any right or remedy hereunder on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to any right or remedy which the Secured Party would otherwise have on any future occasion. The rights and remedies herein expressly provided are cumulative, may be exercised singly or concurrently and as often and in such order as the Secured Party deems expedient, and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies which the Secured Party would otherwise have whether by agreement or now or hereafter existing under applicable law. No notice to or demand on Debtor in any case shall entitle Debtor to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the rights of the Secured Party to any other or further action in any circumstances without notice or demand.
9.2 Termination; Release. When the Secured Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full and the Commitment has terminated, this Agreement shall terminate, and the Secured Party, at the request and sole expense of Debtor, will execute and deliver to Debtor the proper instruments (including Uniform Commercial Code termination statements) acknowledging the termination of this Agreement, and will duly assign, transfer, and deliver to Debtor, without recourse, representation, or warranty of any kind whatsoever, such of the Collateral as may be in possession of the Secured Party and has not theretofore been disposed of, applied, or released.
9.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
9.4 Marshalling. The Secured Party shall not be under any obligation to marshall any assets in favor of Debtor or any other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations.
9.5 Severability. In case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement or the Secured Obligations shall be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
9.6 Financing Statement Filing. A photocopy or other reproduction of this Agreement shall be sufficient as a financing statement and may be filed in lieu of the original to the extent permitted by applicable law.
9.7 Notices and Other Communications. Except as to oral notices expressly authorized herein, all notices, requests, and communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing (including by telecopy). Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, any such notice, request, or communication shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when provided in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.
9.8 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Debtor, the Secured Party, and their respective legal representatives, successors, and assigns. No other Person shall have any right, benefit, priority, or interest hereunder or as a result hereof or have standing to require satisfaction of provisions hereof in accordance with their terms, and any or all of such provisions may be freely waived in whole or in part by the Secured Party at any time if the Secured Party in its sole discretion deems it advisable to do so.
9.9 Amendments. Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be amended, supplemented, modified, discharged, or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of the amendment, supplement, modification, discharge, or termination is sought.
9.10 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. THIS AGREEMENT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT HEREOF AND SHALL SUPERSEDE ANY PRIOR AGREEMENTS, WHETHER WRITTEN OR ORAL, BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO RELATING TO THE SUBJECT HEREOF. FURTHERMORE, IN THIS REGARD, THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER WRITTEN LOAN DOCUMENTS REPRESENT, COLLECTIVELY, THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES THERETO AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF SUCH PARTIES. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS AMONG SUCH PARTIES.
9.11 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS (WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO PRINCIPLES THEREOF RELATING TO CONFLICTS OF LAWS).
9.12 JURISDICTION AND VENUE. ALL ACTIONS OR PROCEEDINGS WITH RESPECT TO, ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IN CONNECTION WITH, OUT OF, RELATED TO OR FROM THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT TO WHICH ANY DEBTOR IS A PARTY MAY BE LITIGATED, AT THE SOLE DISCRETION AND ELECTION OF THE SECURED PARTY, IN COURTS HAVING SITUS IN HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS. DEBTOR HEREBY SUBMITS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY LOCAL, STATE, OR FEDERAL COURT LOCATED IN HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS, AND HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE TO TRANSFER OR CHANGE THE JURISDICTION OR VENUE OF ANY LITIGATION BROUGHT AGAINST IT BY THE SECURED PARTY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS SECTION.
(REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed as of the date first above written.
DEBTOR:
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
SECURED PARTY:
GUARANTY BANK, FSB
Managing Director
EXHIBIT A
Section 3.1: FILING LOCATIONS
Secretary of State of Delaware
EXHIBIT 10.26.2
RATIFICATION OF AND AMENDMENT TO
ACT OF MORTGAGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
This instrument, dated effective as of the 28th day of December, 2004, is by F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (herein, "Mortgagor"), whose Taxpayer Identification Number is 76-0688905, the address for which for all purposes hereof is 9821 Katy Freeway, Suite 1050, Houston, Texas 77024, and GUARANTY BANK, FSB, a Federal savings bank, as Agent for the Lenders identified in the Credit Agreement as defined below, and the mailing address for which is 333 Clay Street, Suite 4400, Houston, Texas 77002-4103 (herein "Mortgagee").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Mortgagor has heretofore executed certain security instruments more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference (the "Security Instruments," whether one or more); and
WHEREAS, the Security Instruments were executed and delivered to secure the payment or performance of certain indebtedness and other obligations of Mortgagor, as more fully described in said instruments (the "Secured Indebtedness"); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement by and between Mortgagor and Mortgagee, dated effective as of December 28, 2004 (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), the parties desire to amend the Security Instruments as described below;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the benefits to be derived by Mortgagor and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by Mortgagor, the parties hereto agree as follows, with capitalized terms used but not defined herein having meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement:
1. AMENDMENTS.
(a) AMENDMENT OF CREDIT AGREEMENT. All references to the Credit Agreement in the Security Instruments are hereby amended to refer to the Credit Agreement as defined above.
(b) AMENDMENT OF SECURED INDEBTEDNESS. The Secured Indebtedness as defined in the Security Instruments is hereby amended to delete Section 3.1.A and to substitute therefor the following:
A. The Obligations, including, without limitation, (a) the indebtedness evidenced by the Credit Agreement, and (b) the Promissory Note executed by Mortgagor to the order of the Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement in the aggregate face amount of up to $50,000,000, bearing interest and payable as therein provided or as provided in the Credit Agreement.
2. WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND COVENANTS. The warranties, representations and covenants of Mortgagor contained in the Security
Instruments are hereby remade by Mortgagor to Mortgagee and are in full force and effect as of the date hereof.
3. REAFFIRMATION OF SECURITY INSTRUMENTS. To secure the Secured Indebtedness, Mortgagor has granted, bargained, sold, mortgaged, assigned, transferred and conveyed, and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, mortgage, assign, transfer and convey, unto the Mortgagee, and grants to Mortgagee a security interest in, all of Mortgagor's right, title and interest, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in and to the Encumbered Property, including, without limitation, the oil, gas and mineral interests described in Exhibit B and personalty associated therewith.
4. MISCELLANEOUS. This instrument shall be considered as an amendment to and ratification of the Security Instruments, and the Security Instruments, as herein expressly amended, are hereby ratified, approved and confirmed in every respect. All liens created, extended or renewed by the Security Instruments are hereby extended, renewed and carried forward by this instrument and incorporated herein. All references to the Security Instruments in any documents heretofore or hereafter executed shall be deemed to refer to the Security Instruments as amended by this instrument.
For the convenience of the parties, this instrument may be executed in multiple counterparts. Each of the counterparts hereof so executed shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Mortgagor and Mortgagee have executed this instrument on the dates of their respective acknowledgments below but effective as of the date first above written.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
THUS SIGNED in multiple originals in my office in Houston, Harris County, Texas, by the person who appears above my signature below in the presence of the undersigned competent witnesses who have signed their names hereto with the said appearer, and me, Notary, on the 28th day of December, 2004, after due reading of the whole.
WITNESSES TO SIGNATURE OF MORTGAGOR: MORTGAGOR
/s/ James F. Gilbert F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C. --------------------------------- (Signature) |
By: Jim R. Brock
/s/ James F. Gilbert -------------------------------------- --------------------------------- Jim R. Brock (Printed Name) President and CFO Taxpayer Identification No. 76-0688905 /s/ Glinda B. Collins --------------------------------- (Signature) /s/ Glinda B. Collins --------------------------------- (Printed Name) |
[NOTARY PUBLIC LOGO]
MARY PHARES
Notary Public, State of Texas
My Commission Expires
September 16, 2005
THUS SIGNED in multiple originals in my office in Houston, Harris County, Texas, by the person who appears above my signature below in the presence of the undersigned competent witnesses who have signed their names hereto with the said appearer, and me, Notary, on the 28th day of December, 2004, after due reading of the whole.
WITNESSES TO SIGNATURE OF MORTGAGEE: MORTGAGEE
/s/ Jonathan Gregory GUARANTY BANK, FSB, AGENT ------------------------------------ (Signature) Jonathan Gregory By: Arthur R. Gralla ------------------------------------ ----------------------- (Printed Name) Arthur R. Gralla, Jr., Managing Director Taxpayer Identification No. 74-2511478 /s/ William J. Tom ------------------------------------ (Signature) William J. Tom ------------------------------------ (Printed Name) Kim Link ------------------------------------------- |
Notary Public in and for the State of Texas
[NOTARY PUBLIC LOGO]
KIM LINK
Notary Public
STATE OF TEXAS
My Comm. Exp. 09-03-2007
EXHIBIT A
TO
RATIFICATION OF AND AMENDMENT TO
ACT OF MORTGAGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
SECURITY INSTRUMENTS
1. Act of Mortgage and Security Agreement dated September 22, 2003, by F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. to Guaranty Bank, FSB, Agent, filed and recorded as follows:
JURISDICTION FILING DATA LOUISIANA Plaquemines Parish Filed December 8, 2003, under Clerk's Entry No. 03008556, MOB 385, Page 443 Minerals Management Service Filed January 12, 2004, under OCS Filing Number G21142 |
2. UCC-3 Financing Statement Amendment from F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. to Guaranty Bank, FSB, as Agent (relating to Act of Mortgage), filed and recorded as follows:
JURISDICTION FILING DATA DELAWARE Secretary of State Filed January 9, 2004, as Financing Statement No. 40069445, amending Initial Financing Statement No. 32562083 filed October 2, 2003 |
EXHIBIT 10.26.3
RATIFICATION OF AND AMENDMENT TO MORTGAGE,
DEED OF TRUST, SECURITY AGREEMENT,
FINANCING STATEMENT, FIXTURE FILING AND
ASSIGNMENT OF PRODUCTION
This instrument, dated effective as of the 28th day of December, 2004, is by F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company (herein "Mortgagor"), whose Taxpayer Identification Number is 76-0688905, the address for which for all purposes hereof is 9821 Katy Freeway, Suite 1050, Houston, Texas 77024, and GUARANTY BANK, FSB, a Federal savings bank, as Agent for the Lenders identified in the Credit Agreement as defined below, the mailing address for which is 333 Clay Street, Suite 4400, Houston, Texas 77002-4400 (herein "Mortgagee").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Mortgagor has heretofore executed certain security instruments more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference (the "Security Instruments," whether one or more); and
WHEREAS, the Security Instruments were executed and delivered to secure the payment or performance of certain indebtedness and other obligations of Mortgagor, as more fully described in said instruments (the "Indebtedness"); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Credit Agreement by and between Mortgagor and Mortgagee, dated effective as of December 28, 2004 (as amended, restated, or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), the parties desire to amend the Security Instruments as described below;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the benefits to be derived by Mortgagor and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged by Mortgagor, the parties hereto agree as follows, with capitalized terms used but not defined herein having meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement:
1. AMENDMENTS.
(a) AMENDMENT OF CREDIT AGREEMENT. All references to the Credit Agreement in the Security Instruments are hereby amended to refer to the Credit Agreement as defined above.
(b) SUBSTITUTION OF SPECIFIC EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS. The Security Instruments are hereby amended to delete Section 2.1 and to substitute therefor the following:
2.1 Specific Obligations. The Obligations, including, without limitation, the indebtedness evidenced by (a) the Credit Agreement and (b) the Promissory Note executed by Mortgagor to the order of the respective Lenders pursuant to the Credit Agreement in the aggregate face amount of
up to
$50,000,000.00, bearing interest and payable as provided therein or as provided in the Credit Agreement (the "Note").
2. WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND COVENANTS. The warranties, representations and covenants of Mortgagor contained in the Security Instruments are hereby remade by Mortgagor to Mortgagee and are in full force and effect as of the date hereof.
3. REAFFIRMATION OF SECURITY INSTRUMENTS. To secure the Indebtedness, Mortgagor has granted, bargained, sold, mortgaged, assigned, transferred and conveyed, and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, mortgage, assign, transfer and convey, unto the Trustee named in the Security Instruments as amended herein, for the benefit of Mortgagee, and grants to Mortgagee a security interest in, all of Mortgagor's right, title and interest, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in and to the Mortgaged Property.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Mortgaged Property, together with the rights, privileges and appurtenances now or hereafter at any time before the release of the Security Instruments in anywise belonging or appertaining thereto, unto said Trustee, as Trustee forever, IN TRUST, NEVERTHELESS, for the benefit of Mortgagee, to secure the payment of the Indebtedness and the performance of the agreements and covenants of Mortgagor herein and in the Security Instruments.
4. MISCELLANEOUS. This instrument shall be considered as an amendment to and ratification of the Security Instruments, and the Security Instruments, as herein expressly amended, are hereby ratified, approved and confirmed in every respect. All liens created, extended or renewed by the Security Instruments are hereby extended, renewed and carried forward by this instrument and incorporated herein. All references to the Security Instruments in any documents heretofore or hereafter executed shall be deemed to refer to the Security Instruments as amended by this instrument.
For the convenience of the parties, this instrument may be executed in multiple counterparts. Each of the counterparts hereof so executed shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Mortgagor and Mortgagee have executed this instrument on the dates of their respective acknowledgments below but effective as of the date first above written.
MORTGAGOR:
F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C.
By:/s/ Jim R. Brock ------------------------------------------------ Jim R. Brock President and CFO Taxpayer Identification No. 76-0688905 |
MORTGAGEE:
GUARANTY BANK, FSB, Agent
By:/s/ Arthur R. Gralla ------------------------------------------------ Arthur R. Gralla, Jr. Managing Director Taxpayer Identification No. 74-2511478 |
THE STATE OF TEXAS Section Section COUNTY OF HARRIS Section |
BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared JIM R. BROCK, President and CFO of F-W OIL EXPLORATION L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company, and known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed, as the act and deed of such limited liability company, and in the capacity therein stated.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE this 28 day of December, 2004.
[NOTARY PUBLIC LOGO]
/s/ Mary Phares MARY PHARES -------------------- Notary Public, State of Texas NOTARY PUBLIC in and for My Commission Expires the State of Texas September 16, 2005 |
THE STATE OF TEXAS Section Section COUNTY OF HARRIS Section |
BEFORE ME, the undersigned authority, on this day personally appeared ARTHUR R. GRALLA, JR., Managing Director of GUARANTY BANK, FSB, a Federal savings bank, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same for the purposes and consideration therein expressed, as the act and deed of such banking association, and in the capacity therein stated.
GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND SEAL OF OFFICE this _____ day of December, 2004.
/s/ Kim Link -------------------- NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of Texas |
[NOTARY PUBLIC LOGO]
KIM LINK
Notary Public,
STATE OF TEXAS
My Comm. Exp. 09-03-2007
EXHIBIT A
TO
RATIFICATION OF AND AMENDMENT TO MORTGAGE,
DEED OF TRUST, SECURITY AGREEMENT,
FINANCING STATEMENT, FIXTURE FILING AND
ASSIGNMENT OF PRODUCTION
1. Mortgage, Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, Financing Statement and Assignment of Production dated effective September 22, 2003, from F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. to Arthur R. Gralla, Jr., Trustee for the benefit of Guaranty Bank, FSB, Agent, filed and recorded as follows:
JURISDICTION FILING DATA TEXAS Aransas County Filed November 17, 2003, as Instrument No. 260083 Fort Bend County Filed October 2, 2003, as Instrument No. 2003139498, Official Public Records; re-filed (because of deficient notary) November 26, 2003, as Instrument No. 2003165638 Kenedy County Filed October 6, 2003, under Clerk's Entry No. 7730, in Volume 28, Page 287, Official Records; re-filed (because of deficient notary) November 17, 2003, under Clerk's Entry No. 7788, in Volume 28, Page 225 |
2. UCC-1 Financing Statement from F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C. to Guaranty Bank, FSB, as Agent, filed and recorded as follows:
JURISDICTION FILING DATA DELAWARE |
Secretary of State Filed October 2, 2003, as Financing Statement No. 32562083 |
EXHIBIT 21
Subsidiaries
PrimeEnergy Management Corporation, a New York corporation 100% owned by Corporation
Prime Operating Company, a Texas corporation 100% owned by PrimeEnergy Corporation
Eastern Oil Well Service Company, a West Virginia corporation 100% owned by PrimeEnergy Corporation
Southwest Oilfield Construction Company, an Oklahoma corporation, 100% owned by PrimeEnergy Corporation
E O W S Midland Company, a Texas corporation, 100% owned by PrimeEnergy Corporation
F-W Oil Exploration L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability company 60% owned by PrimeEnergy Corporation
Exhibit 23
[LETTER HEAD OF RYDER SCOTT Company L.P.]
FAX (303) 623-4258
CONSENT OF RYDER SCOTT COMPANY. L.P.
We consent to the use on the form 10-K of PrimeEnergy Corporation of our reserve report
and all schedules, exhibits, and attachments thereto incorporated by reference of Form 10-K and to
any reference made to us on Form 10-K as a result of such incorporation
Denver, Colorado
Very Truly Yours,
/s/ Ryder Scott Company. L.P.
RYDER SCOTT COMPANY. L.P.
March ,2005
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Charles E. Drimal, Jr., certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of PrimeEnergy Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in
light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with
respect to the period covered by this annual report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this annual report;
4.
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and
15d-14) for the registrant and have:
(a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made
known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which
this report is being prepared;
(b)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filling date of this annual report
(the Evaluation Date); and
(c)
Presented in this annual report our conclusion about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5.
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most
recent evaluation, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)
All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls
which could adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial data and have identified for the registrants auditors and material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
(b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees
who have a significant role in the registrants internal controls; and
6.
The registrants other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report
whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent
evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses.
March 31, 2005
/s/ Charles E. Drimal Jr.
Charles E. Drimal Jr
Chief Executive Officer
PrimeEnergy Management Corporation
Managing General Partner
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Beverly A. Cummings, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of PrimeEnergy Corporation;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in
light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with
respect to the period covered by this annual report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information
included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods
presented in this annual report;
4.
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and
15d-14) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made
known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which
this report is being prepared;
b.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filling date of this annual report
(the Evaluation Date); and
c.
Presented in this annual report our conclusion about the effectiveness of the
disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;
5.
The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most
recent evaluation, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls
which could adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and
report financial data and have identified for the registrants auditors and material
weaknesses in internal controls; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees
who have a significant role in the registrants internal controls; and
6.
The registrants other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report
whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent
evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and
material weaknesses.
March 31, 2005
/s/ Beverly A. Cummings
Beverly A Cummings
Chief Financial Officer
PrimeEnergy Management Corporation
Managing General Partner
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
In connection with the annual report of PrimeEnergy Corporation (the Company) on Form 10-K for
the period ending December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the
date hereof (the Report), I, Charles E. Drimal Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and result of operations of the Company.
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
In connection with the annual report of PrimeEnergy Corporation (the Company) on Form 10-K for
the period ending December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the
date hereof (the Report), I, Beverly A. Cummings, Chief Financial Officer of the Company certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that:
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and result of operations of the Company.