UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

 

 

x

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

 

 

o

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

 

For the transition period from                  to                  

 

Commission file number 001-32496

 

CANO PETROLEUM, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

77-0635673

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

The Burnett Plaza

801 Cherry Street, Suite 3200

Fort Worth, TX 76102

(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

 

(817) 698-0900

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes  x    No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer x

 

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

 

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

 

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date:  46,078,518 shares of common stock, $.0001 par value per share, as of November 6, 2008.

 

 

 



 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

CANO PETROLEUM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Pro Forma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 30,

 

September 30,

 

June 30,

 

In Thousands, Except Shares and Per Share Amounts

 

2008

 

2008

 

2008

 

 

 

(Note 2)

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

6,757

 

$

11,455

 

$

771

 

Accounts receivable

 

3,309

 

3,309

 

3,929

 

Deferred tax asset

 

 

 

3,592

 

Derivative assets

 

893

 

893

 

 

Inventory and other current assets

 

1,355

 

1,355

 

646

 

Assets held for sale (Note 2)

 

 

22,236

 

22,097

 

Total current assets

 

12,314

 

39,248

 

31,035

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oil and gas properties, successful efforts method

 

269,064

 

269,064

 

251,750

 

Less accumulated depletion and depreciation

 

(9,117

)

(9,117

)

(7,984

)

Net oil and gas properties

 

259,947

 

259,947

 

243,766

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed assets and other, net

 

2,079

 

2,079

 

2,096

 

Derivative assets

 

642

 

642

 

125

 

Goodwill

 

786

 

786

 

786

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

275,768

 

$

302,702

 

$

277,808

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

13,215

 

$

13,215

 

$

8,696

 

Accrued liabilities

 

2,797

 

2,797

 

2,840

 

Deferred litigation credit (Note 12)

 

6,000

 

6,000

 

 

Deposit related to sale of discontinued operations (Note 2)

 

 

2,135

 

 

Liabilities associated with discontinued operations (Note 2)

 

 

1,528

 

1,278

 

Oil and gas sales payable

 

697

 

697

 

815

 

Derivative liabilities

 

912

 

912

 

9,978

 

Current portion of asset retirement obligations

 

328

 

328

 

345

 

Total current liabilities

 

23,949

 

27,612

 

23,952

 

Long-term liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt (Note 4)

 

 

42,700

 

73,500

 

Asset retirement obligations

 

3,038

 

3,038

 

2,968

 

Deferred litigation credit (Note 12)

 

 

 

6,000

 

Derivative liabilities

 

2,775

 

2,775

 

16,390

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

37,702

 

30,599

 

26,062

 

Total liabilities

 

67,464

 

106,724

 

148,872

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temporary equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series D convertible preferred stock and paid-in-kind dividend; par value $.0001 per share, stated value $1,000 per share; 49,116 shares authorized; 44,474 shares issued; liquidation preference at September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008 of $48,886 and $48,353, respectively.

 

45,619

 

45,619

 

45,086

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, par value $.0001 per share; 100,000,000 authorized; 47,346,812 and 46,078,518 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2008, respectively; and 40,523,168 and 39,254,874 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2008, respectively.

 

5

 

5

 

4

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

176,521

 

176,521

 

121,831

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(13,270

)

(25,596

)

(37,414

)

Treasury stock, at cost; 1,268,294 shares held in escrow

 

(571

)

(571

)

(571

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

162,685

 

150,359

 

83,850

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

275,768

 

$

302,702

 

$

277,808

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited financial statements.

 

2



 

CANO PETROLEUM, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

In Thousands, Except Per Share Data

 

Pro Forma

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

(Note 2)

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crude oil sales

 

$

8,133

 

$

8,133

 

$

4,057

 

Natural gas sales

 

2,734

 

2,734

 

2,451

 

Other revenue

 

79

 

79

 

79

 

Total operating revenues

 

10,946

 

10,946

 

6,587

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating

 

5,102

 

5,102

 

2,573

 

Production and ad valorem taxes

 

1,053

 

1,053

 

494

 

General and administrative

 

4,860

 

4,860

 

3,622

 

Impairment of long-lived assets (Note 11)

 

3,516

 

3,516

 

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

1,219

 

1,219

 

862

 

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations

 

77

 

77

 

52

 

Total operating expenses

 

15,827

 

15,827

 

7,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

(4,881

)

(4,881

)

(1,016

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense and other

 

(124

)

(124

)

(200

)

Unrealized gain (loss) on commodity derivatives

 

24,247

 

24,247

 

(516

)

Realized gain (loss) on commodity derivatives

 

(552

)

(552

)

296

 

Total other income (expense)

 

23,571

 

23,571

 

(420

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

 

18,690

 

18,690

 

(1,436

)

Deferred income tax benefit (expense)

 

(7,327

)

(7,327

)

500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

 

11,363

 

11,363

 

(936

)

Income from discontinued operations, net of related taxes of $7,904 for pro forma, $801 in 2008 and $370 in 2007.

 

13,717

 

1,391

 

658

 

Net income (loss)

 

25,080

 

12,754

 

(278

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend

 

936

 

936

 

967

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) applicable to common stock

 

$

24,144

 

$

11,818

 

$

(1,245

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share - basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.23

 

$

0.23

 

$

(0.06

)

Discontinued operations

 

0.30

 

0.03

 

0.02

 

Net income (loss) per share - basic

 

$

0.53

 

$

0.26

 

$

(0.04

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per share - diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

0.21

 

$

0.21

 

$

(0.06

)

Discontinued operations

 

0.25

 

0.02

 

0.02

 

Net income (loss) per share - diluted

 

$

0.46

 

$

0.23

 

$

(0.04

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

45,338

 

45,338

 

32,616

 

Diluted

 

54,504

 

54,504

 

32,616

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited financial statements.

 

3



 

CANO PETROLEUM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
JULY 1, 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Additional
Paid-in

 

Accumulated

 

Treasury Stock

 

 

 

Dollar Amounts in Thousands

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Capital

 

Deficit

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at June 30, 2008

 

40,523,168

 

$

4

 

$

121,831

 

$

(37,414

)

1,268,294

 

$

(571

)

$

83,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from issuance of common shares on July 1, 2008

 

7,000,000

 

1

 

53,907

 

 

 

 

53,908

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeiture of restricted stock

 

(176,356

)

 

(175

)

 

 

 

(175

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

958

 

 

 

 

958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock dividend

 

 

 

 

(936

)

 

 

(936

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

12,754

 

 

 

12,754

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2008

 

47,346,812

 

$

5

 

$

176,521

 

$

(25,596

)

1,268,294

 

$

(571

)

$

150,359

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited financial statements.

 

4



 

CANO PETROLEUM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

In Thousands

 

2008

 

2007

 

Cash flow from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

12,754

 

$

(278

)

Adjustments needed to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flow provided by operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized loss (gain) on commodity derivatives

 

(24,247

)

516

 

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations

 

77

 

52

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

1,219

 

862

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

3,516

 

 

Stock based compensation expense

 

958

 

583

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

8,128

 

(143

)

Income from discontinued operations

 

 

275

 

Amortization of debt issuance and prepaid expenses

 

362

 

309

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in assets and liabilities relating to operations:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

562

 

519

 

Inventory and other current assets

 

(956

)

(751

)

Accounts payable

 

(107

)

(843

)

Accrued liabilities

 

483

 

(229

)

Oil and gas sales payable

 

(234

)

182

 

Derivative liability

 

144

 

 

Net cash provided by operations

 

2,659

 

1,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Additions to oil and gas properties, fixed assets and other

 

(16,510

)

(17,678

)

Deposit related to sale of discontinued operations

 

2,135

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(14,375

)

(17,678

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flow from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Paydown of long-term debt

 

(54,500

)

15,500

 

Borrowings of long-term debt

 

23,700

 

 

Payments for debt issuance costs

 

(305

)

(80

)

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net

 

53,908

 

103

 

Payment of preferred stock dividend

 

(403

)

(434

)

Net cash from financing activities

 

22,400

 

15,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

10,684

 

(1,535

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

771

 

2,119

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

11,455

 

$

584

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of noncash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of preferred stock dividend in kind

 

$

533

 

$

533

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash transactions:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for interest

 

$

605

 

$

399

 

 

See accompanying notes to these unaudited financial statements.

 

5



 

CANO PETROLEUM, INC.

 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.   BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND USE OF ESTIMATES

 

The interim consolidated financial statements of Cano Petroleum, Inc. are unaudited and contain all adjustments (consisting primarily of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year due in part, but not limited to, the volatility in prices for crude oil and natural gas, future commodity prices for commodity derivatives, interest rates, estimates of reserves, drilling risks, geological risks, transportation restrictions, the timing of acquisitions, product demand, market competition, interruption in production, our ability to obtain additional capital, and the success of waterflooding and enhanced oil recovery techniques. You should read these consolidated interim financial statements in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2008.

 

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of Cano and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. In preparing the accompanying financial statements, management has made certain estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts in the financial statements and disclosures of contingencies. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Significant assumptions are required in the valuation of proved oil and natural gas reserves, which may affect the amount at which oil and natural gas properties are recorded. The computation of stock based compensation expense requires assumptions such as volatility, expected life and the risk-free interest rate. It is at least reasonably possible these estimates could be revised in the near term, and these revisions could be material.

 

Pro Forma Financial Information

 

We have presented unaudited pro forma financial information on our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations, as of and for the three months ended September 30, 2008, to present the effects of the sale of Pantwist, LLC for  $40.1 million, ($42.7 million including $2.0 million of cash received from discontinued operating income and $0.6 million of broker fees) which was completed on October 1, 2008.  The pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2008 reflects the sale as if it had occurred on September 30, 2008.  The pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2008 reflects the sale as if it had occurred on July 1, 2008.  This is further discussed under Note 2.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesIncluding an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. It provides entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. We have adopted SFAS No. 159 on July 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”). Among other things, SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. This standard will change our accounting treatment for business combinations on a prospective basis.

 

6



 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Minority interests will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. It also establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and requires expanded disclosures. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. We will adopt SFAS No. 161 on July 1, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—An Amendment of FASB Statement 133 (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 amends and expands SFAS No. 133 to enhance required disclosures regarding derivatives and hedging activities. It requires companies to provide additional disclosure to discuss the uses of derivative instruments; the accounting for derivative instruments and related hedged items under SFAS No. 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. We will adopt SFAS No. 161 on July 1, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

 2.   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

On October 1, 2008, we sold our wholly-owned subsidiary, Pantwist, LLC, for $40.1 million ($42.7 million including $2.0 million of cash received from discontinued operating income and $0.6 million of broker fees).  The sale had an effective date of July 1, 2008.  There are certain post-closing adjustments that are to be finalized between the parties within 90 days of October 1, 2008.  We do not anticipate that post-closing adjustments will be material in amount.  We anticipate recording a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $19.4 million ($12.3 million after-tax), and any current tax liabilities relating to such gain will be fully offset by existing net operating losses. We used the entire $42.7 million net cash proceeds received from the transaction and cash on hand to pay down amounts outstanding under the senior credit agreement on October 1, 2008 (as discussed in Note 4).

 

On September 8, 2008, the buyer paid a $2.1 million deposit toward the purchase of Pantwist, LLC which was included within the $40.1 million purchase on the October 1, 2008 closing date.  Between July 1, 2008 (effective date of the sale) and September 30, 2008, the net operating income from Pantwist operations amounted to $2.2 million pre-tax ($1.4 million after-tax).

 

At September 30 and June 30, 2008, the assets of Pantwist, LLC are classified as assets held for sale and the liabilities are classified as liabilities associated with discontinued operations on the consolidated balance sheets.  At September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the reclassified net book value of $20.7 million and $20.8 million, respectively, primarily represents the oil and gas properties (net) and is shown at its carrying amount, which is lower than the fair value at September 30, 2008.  The operating results of Pantwist, LLC for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 have been reclassified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations as detailed in the table below.

 

7



 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Operating Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Crude oil sales

 

$

1,296

 

$

939

 

Natural gas sales

 

1,696

 

1,195

 

Total operating revenues

 

2,992

 

2,134

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

Lease operating

 

570

 

530

 

Production and ad valorem taxes

 

196

 

205

 

Depletion and depreciation

 

 

273

 

Accretion of discount on asset retirement obligations

 

 

2

 

Interest expense, net

 

34

 

96

 

Total operating expenses

 

800

 

1,106

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

2,192

 

1,028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax provision

 

(801

)

(370

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from discontinued operations

 

$

1,391

 

$

658

 

 

The pro forma balance sheet presented as part of our consolidated balance sheets reflects the sale of “assets held for sale”; gain on sale of Pantwist, LLC (net of related income taxes); and application of cash transaction proceeds received on October 1, 2008 totaling $42.7 million to paydown long-term debt. We incurred $0.6 million of fees associated with the sale. Accordingly, long-term debt is fully repaid to a zero balance at September 30, 2008.  The consolidated pro forma balance sheet reflects the sale as if it had occurred on September 30, 2008.

 

The pro forma statement of operations information presented with our consolidated statement of operations reflects the gain on sale of Pantwist, LLC (net of related taxes) as if it had occurred on July 1, 2008.

 

 3.   COMMON STOCK ISSUANCE

 

On July 1, 2008, we completed the sale of 7,000,000 shares of our common stock through an underwritten offering at a share price of $8.00 per share ($7.75 net to us) resulting in net proceeds of approximately $53.9 million after underwriting discounts and commissions and expenses.

 

We used the net proceeds from the offering to pay down debt which will subsequently be drawn in order to finance (i) existing development activities in certain core areas such as the Panhandle and Cato properties, (ii) selective acquisitions and (iii) general corporate purposes.

 

 4.   LONG-TERM DEBT

 

At September 30, 2008 and June 30, 2008, the outstanding amount due under the credit agreements was $42.7 million and $73.5 million, respectively.

 

On September 30, 2008, we borrowed such amounts necessary under the senior credit agreement to pay off the entire outstanding $15.0 million principal due under our subordinated credit agreement, interest expense and a prepayment premium of $0.3 million.  In conjunction with the payoff, we terminated the subordinated credit agreement.  The outstanding balance under the subordinated credit agreement had an interest rate of 8.50%.

 

8



 

As of September 30, 2008, the senior credit agreement is our only current source of borrowing and the average interest rate was 5.19%.  At September 30, 2008, we were in compliance with the senior credit agreement debt covenants.

 

On October 1, 2008, we repaid all outstanding principal and interest under the senior credit agreement with the proceeds from the sale of Pantwist, LLC, as discussed in Note 2, and other available cash.  As of October 1, 2008, our available borrowing base under the senior credit agreement remains at $60.0 million after consideration for the sale of Pantwist, LLC. We expect to draw down on the senior credit agreement in order to subsequently finance (i) existing development activities in certain core areas such as the Panhandle and Cato properties, (ii) selective acquisitions and (iii) general corporate purposes.

 

 5.   COMMODITY DERIVATIVES

 

Pursuant to our senior credit agreement discussed in Note 4, we are required to enter into commodity derivative contracts to mitigate price risk on at least 50% and no greater than 85% of our crude oil and natural gas production volumes attributable to proved producing reserves, for at least three years as of the end of each six month period ending thereafter.

 

As of September 30, 2008, we maintain the following “costless collar” financial contracts:

 

Time Period

 

Floor
Oil Price

 

Ceiling
Oil Price

 

Barrels
Per Day

 

Floor
Gas Price

 

Ceiling
Gas Price

 

Mcf
per Day

 

Barrels of
Equivalent
Oil per Day

 

4/1/08 - 12/31/08

 

$

80.00

 

$

117.50

 

367

 

$

7.75

 

$

11.40

 

1,867

 

678

 

1/1/09 - 12/31/09

 

$

80.00

 

$

110.90

 

367

 

$

7.75

 

$

10.60

 

1,667

 

644

 

1/1/10 - 12/31/10

 

$

80.00

 

$

108.20

 

333

 

$

7.75

 

$

9.85

 

1,567

 

594

 

1/1/11 - 3/31/11

 

$

80.00

 

$

107.30

 

333

 

$

7.75

 

$

11.60

 

1,467

 

578

 

4/1/08 - 12/31/08

 

$

85.00

 

$

110.60

 

267

 

$

8.00

 

$

10.90

 

1,233

 

472

 

1/1/09 - 12/31/09

 

$

85.00

 

$

104.40

 

233

 

$

8.00

 

$

10.15

 

1,133

 

422

 

1/1/10 - 12/31/10

 

$

85.00

 

$

101.50

 

233

 

$

8.00

 

$

9.40

 

1,033

 

406

 

1/1/11 - 3/31/11

 

$

85.00

 

$

100.50

 

200

 

$

8.00

 

$

11.05

 

967

 

361

 

 

As of September 30, 2008, we maintain the following financial “floor price” contracts:

 

Time Period

 

Floor
Oil Price

 

Barrels
per Day

 

Floor
Gas Price

 

Gas Mcf
per Day

 

Barrels of
Equivalent
Oil per Day

 

1/1/08 - 12/31/08

 

$

55

 

477

 

$

7.50

 

1,529

 

732

 

1/1/08 - 12/31/08

 

$

60

 

66

 

$

7.60

 

592

 

165

 

1/1/09 - 4/30/09

 

$

60

 

60

 

$

7.60

 

567

 

155

 

1/1/09 - 12/31/09

 

$

55

 

395

 

$

7.60

 

1,644

 

669

 

1/1/10 - 6/30/10

 

$

55

 

365

 

$

7.00

 

1,657

 

641

 

7/1/10 - 12/31/10

 

$

55

 

391

 

$

7.50

 

1,957

 

717

 

 

During October 2008, we sold the “floor price” contracts covering July 2010 to December 2010 for $0.6 million to our counterparty, and had a realized gain of $0.1 million. All currently remaining commodity derivative contracts are with Union Bank of California, N.A., our administrative agent for our credit agreement.

 

The total volumes covered by costless collars and price floors detailed in the above tables is greater than 85% of our crude oil and natural gas production volumes attributable to proved developed producing reserves through December 2010; however, the lenders under our senior credit agreement have approved all commodity derivative contracts.

 

9



 

During the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, there were settlements under our commodity derivatives, due to us and paid by us, that are accrued as realized gains or losses on commodity derivatives in our consolidated statements of operations that are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30,

 

In Thousands

 

2008

 

2007

 

Settlements received / accrued

 

$

 

$

296

 

Settlements paid / accrued

 

(552

)

 

Realized gain (loss) on commodity derivatives

 

$

(552

)

$

296

 

 

The cash settlements received by us were cumulative monthly payments due to us since the NYMEX natural gas and crude oil prices were lower than the “floor prices” set for the respective time period. The cash settlements paid/accrued by us were cumulative monthly payments due to our counterparty since the NYMEX crude oil and/or natural gas prices were higher than the “ceiling prices” set for the respective time period. The cash flows relating to the derivative instrument settlements that are due, but not cash settled are reflected in operating activities on our consolidated statements of cash flows. At September 30, 2008, we had no amounts due from or payable to our counterparty. At September 30, 2007, we had $0.1 million due from our counterparty included in accounts receivable on our consolidated balance sheet.

 

We computed our mark-to-market valuations used for our commodity derivatives based on assumptions regarding forward prices, volatility and the time value of money as discussed in Note 10. We compared our valuations to our counterparties’ valuations to further validate our mark-to-market valuations. During the three months ended September 30, 2008, we recognized an unrealized gain on commodity derivatives in our consolidated statements of operations amounting to $24.2 million as compared to an unrealized loss of $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

 

As of September 30, 2008, we had aggregate derivative assets and liabilities of $1.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively.  These amounts are based on our mark-to-market valuations of our derivative commodities at September 30, 2008 and may not be indicative of actual future settlements.

 

 6.   DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

As of September 30, 2008, we have non-vested restricted shares totaling 656,667 shares to key employees pursuant to our 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as summarized below:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant-date
Fair Value

 

Fair Value
$000s

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2008

 

1,005,000

 

$

6.80

 

$

6,833

 

Shares vested

 

(217,709

)

$

6.13

 

$

(1,334

)

Shares forfeited

 

(130,624

)

$

6.57

 

(858

)

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

 

656,667

 

$

7.07

 

$

4,641

 

 

The restricted share grants will vest to the employees based on future years of service ranging from one to three years depending on the life of the award agreement.  The fair value is based on our actual stock price on the date of grant multiplied by the number of restricted shares granted.  As of September 30, 2008, the value of non-vested restricted shares amounted to $4.6 million.  For the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we have expensed $0.8 million and $0.4 million, respectively, to stock compensation expense based on amortizing the fair value over the appropriate service period.  The forfeitures resulted from shares used to satisfy employees’ tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of their restricted shares and the retirement of a key employee, which resulted in the forfeiture of unvested restricted shares.

 

10



 

 7.   STOCK OPTIONS

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2008, we granted 231,850 stock options to non-executive employees from our 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan.  The options were granted with an exercise price equal to our market price at the date of grant and have ten-year contractual terms.  These stock option awards vest over six months to three years of continuous service.  The factors used to calculate the fair value of these options are summarized in the table below.

 

No. of options

 

231,850

 

Risk free interest rate

 

3.07 – 3.39

%

Expected life

 

5 years

 

Expected volatility

 

55.8 – 56.6

%

Expected dividend yield

 

0

%

Weighted average grant date fair value—exercise prices equal to market value on grant date

 

$

1.97

 

 

The fair value of each stock option is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our common stock. We use historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination within the valuation model. The expected lives of options granted represent the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the five-year U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the respective grant. The expected dividend yield reflects our intent not to pay dividends on our common stock during the contractual periods.

 

A summary of outstanding options as of September 30, 2008 is as follows:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2008

 

1,084,051

 

$

5.71

 

Options granted

 

231,850

 

$

3.84

 

Options forfeited

 

(21,500

)

$

5.29

 

Outstanding at September 30, 2008

 

1,294,401

 

$

5.38

 

 

Based on our $2.31 stock price at September 30, 2008, there was no intrinsic value of the options outstanding and exercisable.

 

Total options exercisable at September 30, 2008 amounted to 561,803 shares and had a weighted average exercise price of $5.75.  At September 30, 2007, total options exercisable amounted to 275,000 shares and had a weighted average exercise price of $5.21.  Upon exercise, we issue the full amount of shares exercisable per the term of the options from new shares. We have no plans to repurchase those shares in the future.

 

For each of the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we recorded charges to stock compensation expense of $0.2 million for the estimated fair value of the options granted to our directors and employees.

 

 8.   NET INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

 

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding less unvested restricted shares during the period.  Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed in the same manner, but also considers the effect of common stock shares underlying stock options, the preferred stock, paid-in-kind (“PIK”) dividends and unvested restricted stock.

 

The following table reconciles earnings and shares used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2008:

 

11



 

In thousands, except per share data

 

Earnings

 

Shares

 

Earnings
per Share

 

Basic

 

$

11,818

 

45,338

 

$

0.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion of preferred stock and PIK dividends

 

936

 

8,502

 

 

 

Restricted shares

 

 

 

657

 

 

 

Stock options

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

12,754

 

54,504

 

$

0.23

 

 

As of September 30, 2007, shares of common stock underlying the following items summarized below were not included in the weighted average shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2007 as their effects would have been anti-dilutive.

 

Stock options

 

811,513

 

Warrants

 

1,646,061

 

Preferred stock

 

8,541,913

 

PIK dividends

 

396,502

 

Non-vested restricted shares

 

465,000

 

 

 9.   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Pursuant to an agreement dated December 16, 2004, as amended, we agreed with R.C. Boyd Enterprises, a Delaware corporation, to become the lead sponsor of a television production called Honey Hole (“Honey Hole Production”). As part of our sponsorship, we are able to provide fishing and outdoor opportunities for children with cancer, children from abusive family situations and children of military veterans. For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we paid $37,500 for each quarter to R.C. Boyd Enterprises, the owner of Honey Hole All Outdoors. Randall Boyd is the sole shareholder of R.C. Boyd Enterprises and is a member of our Board of Directors. Pursuant to a new agreement dated as of December 5, 2007, after December 31, 2008, we will no longer be a Honey Hole Production sponsor. Our remaining commitment is $37,500 through December 31, 2008. We are entitled to receive two thirty-second commercials during all broadcasts of the Honey Hole Production and receive opening and closing credits on each episode.

 

10.   FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, (“SFAS No. 157”) was issued by the FASB in September 2006. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurement. We adopted SFAS No. 157 on July 1, 2008.  The initial adoption of SFAS 157 had no material impact to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or the amount paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price) at the measurement date. Fair value is a market based measurement considered from the perspective of a market participant. We use market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or unobservable. If observable prices or inputs are not available, unobservable prices or inputs are used to estimate the current fair value, often using an internal valuation model. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the item being valued.  We primarily apply a market approach for recurring fair value measurements using the best available information while utilizing valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  Our valuation includes the effect of potential non-performance by the counterparties.

 

12



 

Beginning July 1, 2008, assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value.  SFAS 157 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). We classify fair value balances based on the observability of those inputs. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.

 

Level 2—Inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable. These inputs are either directly observable in the marketplace or indirectly observable through corroboration with market data for substantially the full contractual term of the asset or liability being measured.

 

Level 3—Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.

 

In valuing certain contracts, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. For disclosure purposes, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety in the fair value hierarchy level based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement within the fair value hierarchy levels.

 

The fair value of our derivative contracts are measured using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs.  The derivative assets and liabilities were classified as Level 3 due to the subjectivity of our valuation for the effect of our own credit risk.

 

Our asset retirement obligation is measured using primarily Level 3 inputs. The significant unobservable inputs to this fair value measurement include estimates of plugging, abandonment and remediation costs, inflation rate and well life. The inputs are calculated based on historical data as well as current estimated costs.

 

The estimated fair values of derivatives included in the consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2008 are summarized below. The decrease in the current and noncurrent derivative liabilities from June 30, 2008 to September 30, 2008 is primarily attributable to the effect of lower crude oil and natural gas prices.

 

In thousands

 

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

 

Derivative assets:

 

 

 

Natural gas collars and price floors - current

 

$

893

 

Natural gas collars and price floors - noncurrent

 

526

 

Crude oil collars and price floors - noncurrent

 

116

 

Derivative liabilities:

 

 

 

Crude oil collars and price floors - current

 

(912

)

Crude oil collars and price floors - noncurrent

 

(2,681

)

Natural gas collars and price floors - noncurrent

 

(94

)

Net derivative liability

 

$

(2,152

)

Asset retirement obligation

 

$

(3,365

)

 

The following table shows the reconciliation of changes in the fair value of the net derivative liability and asset retirement obligation classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

 

13



 

 

 

Net

 

Asset

 

 

 

Derivative

 

Retirement

 

In thousands

 

Liability

 

Obligation

 

Balance at July 1, 2008

 

$

(26,243

)

$

3,403

 

Unrealized gain

 

24,235

 

 

Realized loss

 

(144

)

 

Accretion of discount

 

 

77

 

Sale of Pantwist, LLC (Note 2)

 

 

(90

)

Liabilities settled

 

 

(25

)

Balance at September 30, 2008

 

$

(2,152

)

$

3,365

 

 

11.   IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSET

 

In light of current commodity prices and our revised drilling capital budget, we believe there is uncertainty in the likelihood of our developing Corsicana’s proved undeveloped reserves within the next five years.  Therefore, we have recorded a pre-tax $3.5 million impairment on our Corsicana oil and gas properties.  Fair value was determined using estimates of future net cash flows, discounted to a present value.

 

12.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Burnett Case

 

On March 23, 2006, the following lawsuit was filed in the 100th Judicial District Court in Carson County, Texas; Cause No. 9840, The Tom L. and Anne Burnett Trust, by Anne Burnett Windfohr, Windi Phillips, Ben Fortson, Jr., George Beggs, III and Ed Hudson, Jr. as Co-Trustees; Anne Burnett Windfohr; and Burnett Ranches, Ltd. v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W. O. Operating Company, Ltd, and WO Energy, Inc. The plaintiffs claim that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and natural gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas.

 

The plaintiffs (i) allege negligence and gross negligence and (ii) seek damages, including, but not limited to, damages for damage to their land and livestock, certain expenses related to fighting the fire and certain remedial expenses totaling approximately $1.7 million to $1.8 million. In addition, the plaintiffs seek (i) termination of certain oil and natural gas leases, (ii) reimbursement for their attorney’s fees (in the amount of at least $549,000) and (iii) exemplary damages. The plaintiffs also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or a general partnership or de facto partnership. The owner of the remainder of the mineral estate, Texas Christian University, intervened in the suit on August 18, 2006, joining Plaintiffs’ request to terminate certain oil and gas leases.

 

On June 21, 2007, the Judge of the 100th Judicial District Court issued a Final Judgment (a) granting motions for summary judgment in favor of Cano and certain of its subsidiaries on plaintiffs’ claims for (i) breach of contract/termination of an oil and gas lease; and (ii) negligence; and (b) granting the plaintiffs’ no-evidence motion for summary judgment on contributory negligence, assumption of risk, repudiation and estoppel affirmative defenses asserted by Cano and certain of its subsidiaries. The Final Judgment has been appealed.

 

Other Cases

 

On April 28, 2006, the following lawsuit was filed in the 31st Judicial District Court of Roberts County, Texas: Cause No. 1922, Robert and Glenda Adcock, et al. v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of

 

14



 

Nevada, Inc., W. O. Operating Company, Ltd. and WO Energy, Inc. (“Adcock”). The plaintiffs claim that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. The plaintiffs (i) allege negligence, res ipsa loquitor, trespass and nuisance and (ii) seek damages, including, but not limited to, damages to their land, buildings and livestock and certain remedial expenses totaling $5,439,958. In addition, the plaintiffs seek (i) reimbursement for their attorney’s fees and (ii) exemplary damages. The plaintiffs also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or a general partnership or de facto partnership. By Settlement Agreement and Release signed by all parties by November 5, 2008, the claims of all plaintiffs in this suit were resolved and will be dismissed with prejudice.  This Settlement Agreement and Release does not affect the claims of any Intervenors in this matter, except those of Abraham Brothers, LP, Edward C. Abraham, Salem A. and Ruth Ann Abraham and Jason M. Abraham.

 

On July 6, 2006, Anna McMordie Henry and Joni McMordie Middleton intervened in the Adcock case. The intervenors (i) allege negligence and (ii) seek damages totaling $64,357 as well as exemplary damages.

 

On July 20, 2006, Abraham Brothers, LP, Edward C. Abraham, Salem A. and Ruth Ann Abraham and Jason M. Abraham intervened in the Adcock case. The intervenors (i) allege negligence, nuisance, and trespass and (ii) seek damages, including, but not limited to, damages to their land, buildings and livestock and certain remedial expenses totaling $3,252,862. In addition, the intervenors seek (i) reimbursement for their attorney’s fees and (ii) exemplary damages. The intervenors also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or a general partnership or de facto partnership. The claims of Abraham Brothers, LP, Edward C. Abraham, Salem A. and Ruth Ann Abraham and Jason M. Abraham (along with those asserted by Abraham Equine, Inc. discussed below) were resolved through a Settlement Agreement and Release effective October 12, 2008 and will be dismissed with prejudice.  This Settlement Agreement and Release does not affect the claims of any other Plaintiff or Intervenor in the Adcock matter.

 

On August 9, 2006, Riley Middleton intervened in the Adcock case. The intervenor (i) alleges negligence and (ii) seeks damages totaling $233,386 as well as exemplary damages.

 

On April 10, 2006, the following lawsuit was filed in the 31st Judicial District Court of Roberts County, Texas, Cause No. 1920, Joseph Craig Hutchison and Judy Hutchison v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W. O. Operating Company, Ltd, and WO Energy, Inc. (“Hutchinson”). The plaintiffs claim that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. The plaintiffs (i) allege negligence and trespass and (ii) seek damages of $621,058, including, but not limited to, damages to their land and certain remedial expenses. In addition, the plaintiffs seek exemplary damages.

 

On May 1, 2006, the following lawsuit was filed in the 31st Judicial District Court of Roberts County, Texas: Cause No. 1923, Chisum Family Partnership, Ltd. v. Cano, W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W. O. Operating Company, Ltd. and WO Energy, Inc. (“Chisum”). The plaintiff claims that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. The plaintiff (i) alleges negligence and trespass and (ii) seeks damages of $53,738.82, including, but not limited to, damages to their land and certain remedial expenses. In addition, the plaintiffs seek exemplary damages.

 

On August 9, 2006, the following lawsuit was filed in the 233rd Judicial District Court of Gray County, Texas, Cause No. 34,423, Yolanda Villarreal, Individually and on behalf of the Estate of Gerardo Villarreal v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W. O. Operating Company, Ltd., and WO Energy, Inc. (“Villarreal”). The plaintiffs claim that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. The plaintiffs (i) allege negligence and (ii) seek damages for past and future financial support in the amount of $586,334, in addition to undisclosed damages for wrongful death and survival damages, as well as exemplary damages, for the wrongful death of Gerardo Villarreal who they claim died as a result of the fire. The plaintiffs also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable under vicarious liability theories. On

 

15



 

August 22, 2006, relatives of Roberto Chavira intervened in the case alleging similar claims and seeking damages for lost economic support and lost household services in the amount of $894,078, in addition to undisclosed damages for wrongful death and survival damages, as well as exemplary damages regarding the death of Roberto Chavira.

 

On March 14, 2007, the following lawsuit was filed in 100th Judicial District Court in Carson County, Texas; Cause No. 9994, Southwestern Public Service Company d/b/a Xcel Energy v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W. O. Operating Company, Ltd, and WO Energy, Inc. (“SPS”). The plaintiff claims that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. The plaintiff (i) alleges negligence and breach of contract and (ii) seeks $1,876,000 in damages for loss and damage to transmission and distribution equipment, utility poles, lines and other equipment. In addition, the plaintiff seeks reimbursement of its attorney’s fees.

 

On May 2, 2007, the following lawsuit was filed in the 84th Judicial District Court of Hutchinson County, Texas, Cause No. 37,619, Gary and Genia Burgess, et al. v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W.O. Operating, Ltd. and WO Energy, Inc. (“Burgess”). Eleven plaintiffs claim that electrical wiring and equipment relating to oil and gas operations of the Company or certain of its subsidiaries started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. Five of the plaintiffs are former plaintiffs in the Adcock matter. The plaintiffs (i) allege negligence, res ipsa loquitor, nuisance, and trespass and (ii) seek damages, including, but not limited to, damages to their land, buildings and livestock and certain remedial expenses totaling approximately $1,997,217.86. In addition, the plaintiffs seek (i) reimbursement for their attorney’s fees and (ii) exemplary damages. The plaintiffs also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or as a partnership or de facto partnership. By Settlement Agreement and Release signed by all parties on November 5, 2008, the claims of all plaintiffs in this suit were resolved and will be dismissed with prejudice.

 

On May 15, 2007, William L. Arrington, William M. Arrington and Mark and Le’Ann Mitchell intervened in the SPS case. The intervenors (i) allege negligence, res ipsa loquitor, nuisance, and trespass and (ii) seek damages, including, but not limited to, damages to their land, buildings and livestock and certain remedial expenses totaling approximately $118,320. In addition, the intervenors seek (i) reimbursement for their attorney’s fees and (ii) exemplary damages. The intervenors also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or a general partnership or de facto partnership. By Settlement Agreement and Release signed by all parties on November 5, 2008, the claims of these Intervenors were resolved and will be dismissed with prejudice.  This Settlement Agreement and Release does not affect the claims of any other Plaintiff or Intervenor in this matter.

 

On September 25, 2007, the Texas Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation granted Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W. O. Operating Company, Ltd, and WO Energy, Inc.’s Motion to Transfer Related Cases to Pretrial Court pursuant to Texas Rule of Judicial Administration 13. The panel transferred all pending cases (Adcock, Chisum, Hutchison, Villarreal, SPS, and Burgess, identified above, and Valenzuela, Abraham Equine, Pfeffer, and Ayers, identified below) that assert claims against the Company and its subsidiaries related to wildfires beginning on March 12, 2006 to a single pretrial court for consideration of pretrial matters. The panel transferred all then-pending cases to the Honorable Paul Davis, retired judge of the 200th District Court of Travis County, Texas, as Cause No. D-1-GN-07-003353.

 

On October 3, 2007, Firstbank Southwest, as Trustee for the John and Eddalee Haggard Trust (the “Trust”) filed a Petition in intervention as part of the Hutchison case. The Trust claims that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. The Trust (i) alleges negligence and trespass and (ii) seeks damages of $46,362.50, including, but not limited to, damages to land and certain remedial expenses. In addition, the Trust seeks exemplary damages.

 

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On December 18, 2007, the following lawsuit was filed in the 348th Judicial District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, Cause No. 348-227907-07, Norma Valenzuela, et al. v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W.O. Operating, Ltd. and WO Energy, Inc. (“Valenzuela”). Six plaintiffs, including the two plaintiffs and intervenor from the nonsuited Martinez case, claim that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. The plaintiffs (i) allege negligence and (ii) seek actual damages in the minimal amount of $4,413,707 for the wrongful death of four relatives, Manuel Dominguez, Roberto Chavira, Gerardo Villarreal and Medardo Garcia, who they claim died as a result of the fire. In addition, plaintiffs seek (i) reimbursement for their attorney’s fees and (ii) exemplary damages. The plaintiffs also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or as a partnership or de facto partnership. Cano and its subsidiaries filed a Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, to Transfer Venue and a Notice of Tag Along transferring the case to the Multidistrict Litigation Case in the 200th Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas. On May 2, 2008, the Court heard Cano’s Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, to Transfer Venue and took the motion under advisement.

 

On January 10, 2008, Philip L. Fletcher intervened in the consolidated case in the 200th District Court of Travis County, Texas as part of the SPS case. The intervenor (i) alleges negligence, trespass and nuisance and (ii) seeks damages of $120,408, including, but not limited to, damages to his livestock, attorney’s fees and exemplary damages. The intervenor also claims that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or as a partnership or de facto partnership.

 

On January 15, 2008, the Jones and McMordie Ranch Partnership intervened in the consolidated case in the 200th District Court of Travis County, Texas as part of the SPS case. The intervenor (i) alleges negligence, trespass and nuisance and (ii) seeks damages of $86,250.71, including, but not limited to, damages to his livestock, attorney’s fees and exemplary damages. The intervenor also claims that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or as a partnership or de facto partnership.

 

On February 11, 2008, the following lawsuit was filed in the 48th Judicial District Court of Tarrant County, Texas: Cause No. 048-228763-08, Abraham Equine, Inc. v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W.O. Operating, Ltd. and WO Energy, Inc. (“Abraham Equine”). The plaintiff claims that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County. The plaintiff (i) alleges negligence, trespass and nuisance and (ii) seeks damages of $1,608,000, including, but not limited to, damages to its land, livestock and lost profits. In addition, the plaintiff seeks (i) reimbursement for its attorney’s fees and (ii) exemplary damages. The plaintiff also claims that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or a general partnership or de facto partnership. Cano and its subsidiaries filed a Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, to Transfer Venue and a Notice of Tag Along transferring the case to the Multidistrict Litigation Case in the 200th Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas. On May 2, 2008, the Court heard Cano’s Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, to Transfer Venue and took the motion under advisement.  This suit (along with the claims of Abraham Brothers, LP, Edward C. Abraham, Salem A. and Ruth Ann Abraham and Jason M. Abraham, discussed above) was resolved through a Settlement and Release Agreement effective October 12, 2008 and will be dismissed with prejudice.

 

On March 10, 2008, the following lawsuit was filed in the 352nd Judicial District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, Cause No. 352-229256-08, Gary Pfeffer v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W.O. Operating, Ltd. and WO Energy, Inc. (“Pfeffer”). The plaintiff claims that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County. The plaintiff (i) alleges negligence, trespass and nuisance, (ii) seeks undisclosed damages for the wrongful death of his father, Bill W. Pfeffer, who he claims died as a result of the fire and (iii) seeks actual damages of $1,023,572.37 for damages to his parents’ home and property. In addition, the plaintiff seeks exemplary damages. The plaintiff also claims that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a general partnership or de facto partnership. Cano and its subsidiaries filed a Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, to Transfer Venue and a Notice of Tag Along transferring the case to the Multidistrict Litigation Case in the 200th Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas. On May 2, 2008, the

 

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Court heard Cano’s Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, to Transfer Venue and took the motion under advisement.

 

On March 11, 2008, the following lawsuit was filed in the 141st Judicial District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, Cause No. 141-229281-08, Pamela Ayers, et al. v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W.O. Operating, Ltd. and WO Energy, Inc. (“Ayers”). The plaintiffs claim that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County. The plaintiffs (i) allege negligence and (ii) seek undisclosed damages for the wrongful death of their mother, Kathy Ryan, who they claim died as a result of the fire. In addition, the plaintiffs seek exemplary damages. The plaintiffs also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or general partnership or de facto partnership. Cano and its subsidiaries filed a Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, to Transfer Venue and a Notice of Tag Along transferring the case to the Multidistrict Litigation Case in the 200th Judicial District Court of Travis County, Texas. On May 2, 2008, the Court heard Cano’s Motion to Dismiss or, in the Alternative, to Transfer Venue and took the motion under advisement.

 

On March 12, 2008, the following lawsuit was filed in the 17th Judicial District Court of Tarrant County, Texas, Cause No. 017-229316-08, The Travelers Lloyds Insurance Company and Travelers Lloyds of Texas Insurance Company v. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W.O. Operating, Ltd. and WO Energy, Inc. (“Travelers”). The plaintiffs claim that the electrical wiring and equipment of Cano or certain of its subsidiaries relating to oil and gas operations started a wildfire that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County. The plaintiffs (i) allege negligence, res ipsa loquitor, and trespass and (ii) claim they are subrogated to the rights of their insureds for damages to their buildings and building contents totaling $447,764.60. The plaintiffs also claim that Cano and its subsidiaries are jointly and severally liable as a single business enterprise and/or general partnership or de facto partnership.

 

On August 15, 2008, the trial court denied motions for summary judgment filed by Cano in the Adcock, Chisum, Hutchinson, Villarreal, SPS, Burgess, and Valenzuela cases. The SPS case is set for jury trial on February 16, 2009. None of the other above-mentioned cases are currently set for trial; however, the Company anticipates that the trial court will set these matters for jury trials.

 

Due to the inherent risk of litigation, the ultimate outcome of these cases and any jury trial is uncertain and unpredictable (see “Part II, Item 1A – Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business – We are subject to several lawsuits relating to a fire that occurred on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas which may have an adverse impact on us”).  At this time, Cano management believes that the lawsuits are without merit and will continue to vigorously defend itself and its subsidiaries, while seeking solutions to resolve these lawsuits in a cost-effective manner.

 

Insurance Settlements Related to the Fire Litigation

 

On June 20, 2006, the following lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division, C.A. No. 4-06cv-434-A, Mid-Continent Casualty Company, Plaintiff, vs. Cano Petroleum, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., W.O. Operating Company, Ltd. and W.O. Energy, Inc. seeking a declaration that the plaintiff is not responsible for pre-tender defense costs and that the plaintiff has the sole and exclusive right to select defense counsel and to defend, investigate, negotiate and settle the litigation described above. On September 18, 2006, the First Amended Complaint for Declaratory Judgment was filed with regard to the cases described above. Cano and its subsidiaries were served with the lawsuit between September 26-28, 2006.

 

On February 9, 2007, Cano and its subsidiaries entered into a Settlement Agreement and Release with the plaintiff pursuant to which in exchange for mutual releases, in addition to the approximately $923,000 that we have been reimbursed by plaintiff, the plaintiff agreed to pay to Cano within 20 business days of February 9, 2007 the amount of $6,699,827 comprised of the following: (a) the $1,000,000 policy limits of the primary policy; (b) the $5,000,000 policy limits of the excess policy; (c) $500,000 for future defense costs; (d) $144,000

 

18



 

as partial payment for certain unpaid invoices for litigation related expenses; (e) all approved reasonable and necessary litigation related expenses through December 21, 2006 that are not part of the above-referenced $144,000; and (f) certain specified attorneys fees. During February 2007, we received the $6,699,827 payment from Mid-Con. Of this $6,699,827 amount, the payments for policy limits amounting to $6,000,000, in accordance with the senior credit agreement (Note 4), were placed in a controlled bank account and the use of the proceeds was specified to pay attorneys’ fees, settlement amounts and other litigation expenses incurred to defend and/or settle the fire litigation, and for general corporate purposes. These proceeds have been fully expended.

 

On March 11, 2008, one of Cano’s subsidiaries entered into a tolling agreement with Kel-Tex Electric, Inc. (“Kel-Tex”), an electrical contractor that was identified as a potentially responsible third party in connection with the claims related to the pending wildfire litigation against Cano and its subsidiaries.  In accordance with the terms of a Settlement Agreement and Release effective October 11, 2008, Kel-Tex  paid Cano for its full insurance policy limits totaling $6.0 million in exchange for a full release of any existing or future claims related to wildfires that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas, which was fully received on October 31, 2008.  This $6.0 million has been fully expended to cover portions of the settlements described above and is not included, as of September 30, 2008, in the $6.0 million liability under deferred litigation credit as presented on our consolidated balance sheet.  Based on our knowledge and judgment of the facts as of September 30, 2008, we believe the deferred litigation credit balance is adequate.

 

Securities Litigation against Outside Directors

 

On October 2, 2008, the following lawsuit (08 CV 8462) was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against David W. Wehlmann; Gerald W. Haddock; Randall Boyd; Donald W. Niemiec; Robert L. Gaudin; William O. Powell, III, and the underwriters alleging violations of the federal securities laws.  The plaintiff seeks to certify the lawsuit as a class action.  The lawsuit alleges that the prospectus for the June 26, 2008 public offering of Cano common stock contained statements regarding Cano’s proved reserve amounts and standards that were materially false and overstated Cano’s proved reserves.  Messrs. Wehlmann, Haddock, Boyd, Niemiec, Gaudin and Powell were Cano outside directors on June 26, 2008.  The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages for the class if the lawsuit is certified as a class action.  Due to the inherent risk of litigation, the outcome of this lawsuit is uncertain and unpredictable; however, at this time, managment believes the lawsuit is without merit and is vigorously supporting its outside directors in the defense of the claims against them.

 

Other

 

Occasionally, we are involved in other various lawsuits and certain governmental proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Our management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of any current matters that are not set forth above, will have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations. Management’s position is supported, in part, by the existence of insurance coverage, indemnification and escrow accounts. None of our directors, officers or affiliates, owners of record or beneficial owners of more than five percent of any class of our voting securities, or security holder is involved in a proceeding adverse to us or our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or our subsidiaries.

 

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

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

The information in this report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This Act provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage companies to provide prospective information about themselves provided they identify these statements as forward looking and provide meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ from the projected results. All statements other than statements of historical fact made in this report are forward looking. In particular, the statements herein regarding industry prospects and future results of operations or financial position are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Our actual results may differ significantly from management’s expectations as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to the volatility in prices for crude oil and natural gas, future commodity prices for derivative hedging contracts, interest rates, estimates of reserves, drilling risks, geological risks, transportation restrictions, the timing of acquisitions, product demand, market competition, interruption in production, our ability to obtain additional capital, and the success of waterflooding and enhanced oil recovery techniques.

 

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Cano and subsidiaries and notes thereto, included herewith. This discussion should not be construed to imply that the results discussed herein will necessarily continue into the future, or that any conclusion reached herein will necessarily be indicative of actual operating results in the future. Such discussion represents only the best present assessment of management.

 

Operating Strategy

 

We are an independent oil and natural gas company that utilizes enhanced oil recovery (“EOR”) techniques to increase production and reserves at our existing properties and properties acquired in the future.  Our assets are located onshore U.S. in Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma. Our focus on domestic, mature oil fields eliminates exploration risk and the uncertainty associated with international development.  We primarily use waterflooding and EOR, such as alkaline/ surfactant/ polymer (“ASP”) technology to develop our properties.

 

We believe our current portfolio of oil and natural gas properties provides ample opportunities to apply our operational strategy. As of June 30, 2008, pro forma for the sale of Pantwist, LLC as discussed in Note 2, we had proved reserves of 50,749 MBOE, of which 8,717 MBOE were proved producing, 2,491 MBOE were proved non-producing, and 39,541 MBOE were proved undeveloped. Crude oil reserves accounted for 74% of our pro forma total proved reserves at June 30, 2008.

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 and continuing into our current fiscal year ending June 30, 2009 (“2009 Fiscal Year”), our primary emphasis is to develop our existing oil and natural gas properties through activities such as waterflooding and EOR technology. These development activities are more clearly defined in the next section titled “Drilling Capital Development Update.”

 

Drilling Capital Development Update

 

For the 2009 Fiscal Year, we have revised our drilling capital development budget from $97.5 million to $35.5 million due to the recent deterioration in the credit and equity markets, coupled with significantly lower crude oil and natural gas prices. The budget revised allocates capital as follows:

 

·                  $16.5 million at the Cato Properties

·                  $12.4 million at the Panhandle Properties

·                  $2.2 million at the Nowata Properties

·                  $4.0 million at the Desdemona Properties

·                  $0.4 million at other projects

 

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Our capital development program includes the drilling of 21 new wells. The financing of our capital expenditures is discussed below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources.” The status of our capital development activity during the 2008 Fiscal Year and planned activity during the 2009 Fiscal Year is summarized as follows:

 

          Panhandle Properties.     Production at the Cockrell Ranch Unit waterflood has remained at approximately 80-100 net BOEPD for June 2008 through September 2008.  During the first quarter, as a result of our previously announced surveillance program, we identified and corrected injectivity issues in 16 of 62 total water injection wells.  This work was completed in September 2008.  The Cockrell waterflood has been at full injection for only seven months.  As we are early in the life of this waterflood, the surveillance measures we have taken are normal. Of note, there are areas of the flood that are responding favorably, with percentage of oil  in the total produced fluid in excess of 10%.

 

The next phase of the waterflood project at the Panhandle field consists of six separate “mini” phases on reduced well spacing that will allow Cano to accelerate field development. Tighter spacing and smaller development patterns should reduce permitting and response times. Our revised capital development plan provides for the development of only one “mini” phase this fiscal year. The Harvey Unit had its waterflood permit application approved by the Texas Railroad Commission on October 20, 2008. We will be ready to initiate injection by calendar year end 2008.  Net production at the Panhandle Properties for September 2008 was approximately 610 BOEPD.

 

         Cato Properties.     In July 2008, we reinstated our drilling program and have drilled and completed eight additional waterflood infill wells plus one water source well.  The revised capital development plan for the 2009 Fiscal Year provides for the drilling of a total of 12 new waterflood pattern wells and to initiate water injection. We received notice on September 9, 2008 of final approval of the waterflood application by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. We currently have ten water injection wells on-line and anticipate being in positioned to initiate water injection in four additional wells by calendar year end. Net production for September 2008 at the Cato Properties was approximately 340 BOEPD.

 

         Desdemona Properties.     We will test a number of Marble Falls and Barnett Shale zones utilizing a second hydraulic fracture stimulation treatment in the first and second quarter. We continue to monitor the pilot waterflood project.  We do not expect to see meaningful response from the Duke Sand Waterflood during the 2009 Fiscal Year. Net production for September 2008 at the Desdemona Properties was approximately 60 BOEPD.

 

         Nowata Properties.    Our ASP tertiary recovery pilot project, which has been in full operation since December 2007, has injected close to .18 PVI of ASP. Pore volume injection, or PVI, is the amount of void space of a producing formation that has been displaced with water or surfactants, polymers and other additive.  We expect an initial response to the ASP pilot by the end of the 2008 calendar year.  We plan to continue injecting ASP and will drill four ASP Pilot observation wells in the 2009 Fiscal Year. Net production for September 2008 at the Nowata Properties was approximately 220 BOEPD.

 

         Davenport Properties.    Net production for September 2008 was approximately 70 BOEPD.

 

         Corsicana Properties.     Net production for September 2008 was approximately 2 BOEPD. In light of current commodity prices and our revised drilling capital budget (as previously discussed), we believe there is uncertainty in the development of Corsicana’s proven undeveloped reserves.  Therefore, we have recorded a pre-tax $3.5 million impairment of our Corsicana oil and gas properties.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As discussed in Note 3, we completed the issuance of common stock on July 1, 2008, receiving net proceeds of $53.9 million for the issuance of 7.0 million shares of our common stock.  The net proceeds were initially used to pay down our long-term debt due under the senior credit agreement.

 

As discussed in Note 2, on October 1, 2008, we sold our wholly-owned subsidiary, Pantwist, LLC (“Pantwist”), for $42.7 million ($40.1 million net of certain closing adjustments and broker fees).

 

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As a direct result of the common stock issuance and sale of Pantwist, we fully repaid our long-term debt and terminated our subordinated debt agreement, which had an 8.50% interest rate.  As discussed in Note 4, our  borrowing base is $60.0 million under the senior credit agreement.  We intend to draw down the available borrowings to fund our capital development program as previously discussed under “Drilling Capital Development Update”, for selective acquisitions and for general corporate purposes.

 

At September 30, 2008, our cash balance was $11.5 million.  As shown in the pro forma information in the consolidated balance sheets and further discussed in Note 2, after the completion of the Pantwist sale and paydown of long-term debt, our pro forma cash balance is $6.8 million.  At September 30, 2008, our cash balance along with the balances for accounts payable and accrued liabilities were higher than normal as we waited to complete the sale of Pantwist, LLC on October 1, 2008.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, we generated cash from operations of $2.7 million, which is a $1.6 million increase as compared to the prior year quarter of $1.1 million. The $1.6 million increase is attributed to higher revenues partially offset by higher operating expenses, as further discussed under “Results of Operations.”

 

During October 2008, we sold a previously purchased financial contract covering July 2010 through December 2010 consisting of price floors for $0.6 million.  All costless collars and other price floor contracts, as discussed in Note 5, remain in place.  The lead lender for our senior debt agreement, Union Bank of California, N.A., is the counterparty to all remaining derivatives.

 

As discussed in Note 12, as of October 31, 2008, Kel-Tex Electric, Inc. paid Cano its full insurance policy limits of $6.0 million in exchange for a full release of any existing or future claims related to wildfires that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. This $6.0 million has been fully expended to cover the settlements discussed in Note 12.

 

We believe the combination of cash on hand, cash flow generated from operations, expected success of prior capital development projects and available debt is sufficient to finance our operations, contractual obligations and capital expenditure program (as previously discussed in the section titled “Drilling Capital Development Update”) through June 30, 2009.

 

On December 28, 2007, our universal shelf registration statement was declared effective by the SEC for the issuance of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, senior debt and subordinated debt up to an aggregate amount of $150.0 million.  After the issuance of common stock on July 1, 2008, we have $96.0 million of availability under this registration. We may periodically offer one or more of these securities in amounts, prices and on terms to be announced when and if the securities are offered. At the time any of the securities covered by the registration statement are offered for sale, a prospectus supplement will be prepared and filed with the SEC containing specific information about the terms of any such offering.  We have no immediate plans to utilize the universal shelf registration statement.

 

Historically, our primary sources of capital and liquidity have been issuance of equity securities, borrowings under our credit agreements, and cash flows from operating activities.

 

Results of Operations

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (“current quarter”), we had income applicable to common stock of $11.8 million, which was $13.0 million higher as compared to the $1.2 million loss applicable to common stock incurred for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 (“prior year quarter”).  Positive factors included increased revenues of $4.3 million, unrealized gains on commodity derivatives of $24.7 million and higher income of $0.8 million from discontinued operations.  These positive factors were partially offset by higher operating expenses of $8.2 million, and higher realized losses on commodity derivatives of $0.8 million.

 

These items will be addressed in the following discussion.

 

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Operating Revenues

 

The table below summarizes our operating revenues for the quarters ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.

 

 

 

Quarter Ended September 30,

 

Increase

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

(Decrease)

 

Operating Revenues (In thousands)

 

$

10,946

 

$

6,587

 

$

4,359

 

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·  Oil (MBbls)

 

73

 

56

 

17

 

·  Gas (MMcf)

 

194

 

239

 

(45

)

·  Total (MBOE)

 

105

 

96

 

9

 

Average Price

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

·  Oil ($/ Bbl)

 

$

111.88

 

$

72.42

 

$

39.46

 

·  Gas ($/ Mcf)

 

$

14.04

 

$

10.25

 

$

3.79

 

 

The current quarter operating revenues of $10.9 million represent an improvement of $4.3 million as compared to the prior year quarter of $6.6 million. The $4.3 million improvement is primarily attributable to higher prices received for crude oil and natural gas sales of $3.3 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and higher oil sales of $0.8 million, partially offset by lower gas sales of $0.6 million.  The higher oil sales were primarily attributed to the development activity at the Cato Properties, as previously discussed under the “Drilling Capital Development Update.” The decreased gas sales pertain primarily from the Barnett Shale production from our Desdemona Properties due to reduced development activity and lower gas production from our Panhandle Properties due to normal decline, partially offset by higher gas production from the Cato Properties due to the aforementioned development activity.

 

The average price we received for crude oil sales is generally at or above market prices received at the wellhead (other than at the Cato Properties). The average price we receive for natural gas sales is approximately the market price received at the wellhead, adjusted for the value of natural gas liquids, less transportation and marketing expenses.

 

As discussed in Note 5, we have commodity derivatives in place that provide for $80 to $85 crude oil floor prices and $7.50 to $8.00 natural gas floor prices. If crude oil and natural gas NYMEX prices are lower than the floor prices, we will be reimbursed by our counterparty for the difference between the NYMEX price and floor price.

 

Operating Expenses

 

For the current quarter, our total operating expenses were $15.8 million, or $8.2 million higher than the prior year quarter of $7.6 million. The $8.2 million increase resulted from an impairment of long-lived assets of $3.5 million, increased lease operating expenses of $2.5 million, higher general and administrative expenses of $1.2 million, higher production and ad valorem taxes of $0.6 million and higher depletion and depreciation expense of $0.4 million.

 

During the current quarter, we have recorded a pre-tax $3.5 million impairment on our Corsicana oil and gas properties.  In light of current commodity prices and our revised drilling capital budget, we believe there is uncertainty in the likelihood of our developing Corsicana’s proven undeveloped reserves within the next five years.  The fair value was determined using estimates of future production volumes, prices and operating expenses, discounted to a present value.

 

Our lease operating expenses (“LOE”) consists of costs of producing crude oil and natural gas such as labor, supplies, repairs, maintenance, and utilities. For the current quarter, our LOE was $5.1 million, which is $2.5 million higher than the prior year quarter.  For the current quarter, our LOE per BOE, based on production, was $45.93 as compared to $25.86 for the prior year quarter. We have incurred higher LOE due to increased workover activities at the Panhandle Properties, higher electricity costs and increased downhole chemical treatments. The workover

 

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activities pertained to returning wells to production and are expected to result in increased production in future months.  In general, secondary and tertiary LOE is higher than companies developing primary production because fields are more mature and typically produce less oil and more water.  We expect the LOE per BOE to decrease during the 2009 Fiscal Year as we have successfully negotiated service rate decreases with vendors and expect production increases from the waterflood and EOR development activities we have implemented and are implementing as discussed under the “Drilling Capital Development Update.”

 

Our general and administrative (G&A) expenses consist of support services for our operating activities and investor relations costs. For the current quarter, our G&A expenses totaled $4.9 million, which is $1.2 million higher than the prior year quarter of $3.6 million. The primary reasons for the $1.2 million increase were higher legal expenses pertaining to the fire litigation as discussed in Note 12; increased stock compensation expense due to the issuance of restricted shares and stock options as discussed in Notes 6 and 7, respectively; and increased payroll costs.

 

For the current quarter, our production and ad valorem taxes were $1.1 million, which is $0.6 million higher than the prior year quarter.  The increase is attributable to higher revenues and increased ad valorem taxes due to notification of revisions in tax property valuations by taxing authorities for the 2008 calendar year.  Therefore, the current quarter includes higher tax rates for the current quarter plus a charge for applying the rates to the first six months of the 2008 calendar year.

 

For the current quarter, our depletion and depreciation expense was $1.2 million, or $0.4 million higher than the prior year quarter.  This includes depletion expense pertaining to our oil and gas properties, and depreciation expense pertaining to our field operations vehicles and equipment, gas plant, office furniture and computers.  For the current quarter, our depletion rate pertaining to our oil and gas properties was $10.41 per BOE, as compared to prior year quarter of $7.18 per BOE due to higher rates for our Cato and Panhandle Properties based on our reserve redetermination at June 30, 2008.

 

Interest Expense

 

The interest expense we incurred in the current quarter of $0.1 million is comparable to the prior year quarter.  Our interest expense for the current and prior year quarters is impacted by $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of interest cost that was capitalized to waterflood and ASP projects as discussed under the “Drilling Capital Development Update.”

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivatives

 

As discussed in Note 5, we have entered into financial contracts to set price floors for crude oil and natural gas, and to set price ceilings for crude oil.  For the current quarter, we recorded an unrealized gain of $24.2 million to reflect the fair value of the commodity derivatives as of September 30, 2008.  For the prior year quarter, we recorded an unrealized loss of $0.5 million.  By their nature, these commodity derivatives can be highly volatile to our earnings.  A five percent change in these prices for our derivative instruments can impact earnings by approximately $0.1 million.

 

Realized Gain (Loss) on Commodity Derivatives

 

As discussed in Note 5, during the current year quarter, we incurred a realized loss on our commodity derivatives amounting to $0.6 million.  For the prior year quarter, we had a realized gain of $0.3 million.  If crude oil and natural gas NYMEX prices are lower than the floor prices, we will be reimbursed by our counterparty for the difference between the NYMEX price and floor price. Conversely, if crude oil and natural gas NYMEX prices are higher than the ceiling prices, we will pay our counterparty for the difference between the NYMEX price and floor price.

 

Income Tax Benefit

 

For the current quarter, we recorded an income tax expense of $8.1 million as compared to an income tax benefit of $0.1 million during the prior year quarter. Both quarterly tax amounts include taxes related to discontinued opeartions. The change is a direct result of the change in taxable income and an increase in the current quarter’s state tax rate, resulting in an aggregate rate of 39%.  The income tax rate for the prior year quarter was 32%.

 

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Preferred Stock Dividend

 

The preferred stock dividend for the current quarter of $0.9 million is comparable to the prior year quarter.

 

Income from Discontinued Operations

 

For the current and prior year quarters, we had income from discontinued operations of $1.4 million and $0.7, respectively.  This represents the income attributable to the divested Pantwist operations as discussed in Note 2.

 

 New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial LiabilitiesIncluding an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS No. 159”). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. It provides entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. We have adopted SFAS No. 159 on July 1, 2008. The adoption of SFAS No. 159 did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”). Among other things, SFAS No. 141R establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired business, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. This standard will change our accounting treatment for business combinations on a prospective basis.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Minority interests will be recharacterized as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. It also establishes a single method of accounting for changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary and requires expanded disclosures. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, with early adoption prohibited. We will adopt SFAS No. 161 on July 1, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—An Amendment of FASB Statement 133 (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 amends and expands SFAS No. 133 to enhance required disclosures regarding derivatives and hedging activities. It requires companies to provide additional disclosure to discuss the uses of derivative instruments; the accounting for derivative instruments and related hedged items under SFAS No. 133; and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect the company’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. We will adopt SFAS No. 161 on July 1, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of this statement will have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

See Notes 4, 5 and 10 regarding the updates of our market risk for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is: (1) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure; and (2) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2008, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

 

See Note 12 which is incorporated into this “Item 1. Legal Proceedings” by reference.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

Due to the recent deterioration in the credit and equity markets and significantly lower crude oil and natural gas prices and certain settlements regarding the fire litigation, we are updating certain of the risk factors that were included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year-ended June 30, 2008.

 

Risks Related to Our Industry

 

Oil and natural gas prices are volatile. The recent decline in prices could adversely affect our financial position, financial results, cash flows, access to capital and ability to grow.

 

Our revenues, operating results, profitability and future rate of growth depend primarily upon the prices we receive for the oil and natural gas we produce and sell. Prices also affect the amount of cash flow available for capital expenditures and our ability to borrow money or raise additional capital. Historically, the markets for oil and natural gas have been volatile and they are likely to continue to be volatile. Wide fluctuations in oil and natural gas prices may result from relatively minor changes in the supply of and demand for oil and natural gas, market and political uncertainty and other factors that are beyond our control, including:

 

·                  worldwide and domestic demands and supplies of oil and natural gas;

 

·                  weather conditions;

 

·                  the price and availability of alternative fuels;

 

·                  the availability of pipeline capacity;

 

·                  the price and level of foreign imports;

 

·                  domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes;

 

·                  the ability of the members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries to agree to and maintain oil price and production controls;

 

·                  political instability or armed conflict in oil-producing regions; and

 

26



 

·                  the overall economic environment.

 

These factors and the volatility of the energy markets make it extremely difficult to predict future oil and natural gas price movements with any certainty. The recent declines in oil and natural gas prices may not only reduce revenue, but could reduce the amount of oil and natural gas that we can produce economically and, as a result, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and reserves.

 

The oil and natural gas industry is capital intensive, and we may not be able to raise the capital needed in the future to conduct our operations as planned or make strategic acquisitions, especially in light of the current credit and equity markets.

 

The oil and natural gas industry is capital intensive. We make substantial capital expenditures for the acquisition, exploration for and development of oil and natural gas reserves.  Due to the current credit and equity markets and lower oil and natural gas prices, we have reduced our capital budget for the fiscal year 2009.

 

Historically, we have financed capital expenditures primarily with cash generated by operations, proceeds from bank borrowings and sales of our equity securities. Our cash flow from operations and access to capital are subject to a number of variables, including:

 

·                  our proved reserves;

 

·                  the level of oil and natural gas we are able to produce from existing wells;

 

·                  the prices at which oil and natural gas are sold; and

 

·                  our ability to acquire, locate and produce new reserves.

 

Any one of these variables can materially affect our ability to borrow under our credit agreement.

 

If our revenues or the borrowing base under our credit agreement decrease as a result of lower oil and natural gas prices, operating difficulties, declines in reserves or for any other reason, we may have limited ability to obtain the capital necessary to undertake or complete future drilling projects. We may, from time to time, seek additional financing, either in the form of increased bank borrowings, public or private sales of debt or equity securities or other forms of financing, or consider selling non-core assets to raise additional operating capital. However, especially in light of the current credit and equity markets, we may not be able to obtain additional financing or make sales of non-core assets upon terms acceptable to us.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

If we cannot obtain sufficient additional capital when needed, we will not be able to continue with our business strategy. In addition, significant infusions of additional capital may result in dilution to your ownership and voting rights in our securities.

 

Our business strategy includes acquiring interests in mature oil fields with established reserves that may possess significant remaining upside exploitation potential by implementing various secondary and tertiary enhanced oil recovery operations. We continue to evaluate acquiring undervalued properties that feature enhanced recovery opportunities. As we continue to evaluate acquisition candidates, we may require additional capital to finance the acquisitions as well as to conduct our EOR operations. Especially in light of the current credit markets, we may not be able to obtain additional financing in sufficient amounts or on acceptable terms when needed, which could adversely affect our operating results and prospects. If we cannot raise the additional capital required to implement our business strategy, we may be required to curtail operations or develop a different strategy, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Further, any debt financing must be repaid and redeemable preferred stock must be redeemed regardless of whether or not we generate profits or cash flows from our business activities.

 

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If available in light of the current equity markets, equity financing may result in dilution to existing stockholders and may involve securities that have rights, preferences, or privileges that are senior to our common stock.

 

We are subject to many restrictions under our senior credit agreement which may adversely impact our future operations.

 

We may depend on our senior credit agreement for future capital needs. As required by our senior credit agreement with our bank lenders, we have pledged substantially all of our oil and natural gas properties as collateral to secure the payment of our indebtedness. The senior credit agreement restricts our ability to obtain additional financing, make investments, sell assets, grant liens, repurchase, redeem or retire our securities, enter into specific transactions with our subsidiaries or affiliates and engage in business combinations. The senior credit agreement prohibits us from declaring or paying dividends on our common stock. We are also required to comply with certain financial covenants and ratios.

 

These financial covenants and ratios could limit our ability to obtain future financing, make needed capital expenditures, withstand a downturn in our business or economy in general, including the current downturn in the economy, or otherwise conduct necessary corporate activities. We may also be prevented from taking advantage of business opportunities that arise because of the limitations that the restrictive covenants under the senior credit agreement impose on us. Although we are currently in compliance with these covenants, in the past we have had to request waivers from or enter into amendments with our lenders to avoid default because of our anticipated non-compliance with certain financial covenants and ratios. Any future default, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all indebtedness outstanding under the senior credit agreement. If that should occur, we may not be able to pay all such debt or to borrow sufficient funds to refinance it, which could force us to sell significant assets or to have our assets foreclosed upon which could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial results. Even if new financing were available in light of the current credit market, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.

 

In addition, the senior credit agreement limits the amounts we can borrow to a borrowing base amount, determined by the lenders, based upon projected revenues from the oil and natural gas properties securing our loan. The lenders can independently adjust the borrowing base and the borrowings permitted to be outstanding under the senior credit agreement.

 

We are subject to several lawsuits relating to a fire that occurred on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas which may have an adverse impact on us.

 

Cano and certain of its subsidiaries are defendants in several lawsuits relating to a fire that occurred on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas. The alleged damages include damage to land and livestock, remedial expenses and claims relating to wrongful death. We have settled certain of the lawsuits. Currently, known aggregate actual damage claims are approximately $10,800,000. However, certain plaintiffs have not provided actual damage claims for any or all of their claims. These actual damage claims do not include the additional claims by the plaintiffs for attorneys’ fees and exemplary damages, the potential amounts of which cannot be reasonably estimated. In February 2007, we entered into a Settlement Agreement with our insurance carrier pursuant to which we received $6,699,827 in exchange for releasing the insurance carrier from any future claims. $6,000,000 of the amount received related to the insurance policy limits and the remaining $699,827 related to the reimbursement of defense costs previously incurred by Cano. The $6,000,000 payment for policy limits, in accordance with the senior credit agreement, was placed in a controlled bank account and the use of the proceeds was specified to pay attorneys’ fees, settlement amounts, other litigation expenses incurred to defend and/or settle the fire litigation, and for general corporate purposes. We have fully expended the $6,000,000 payment from fire litigation insurance proceeds.  On October 11, 2008, Kel-Tex Electric, Inc. committed to pay us $6,000,000 in exchange for a full release of any existing or future claims related to wildfires that began on March 12, 2006 in Carson County, Texas.  This $6,000,000 was fully received by October 31, 2008 and has been fully expended to cover portions of the settlements entered into to date.  There is no remaining insurance coverage for the fire litigation. We may not be able to settle any or all of the remaining fire litigation cases on acceptable terms and may not prevail in court on any or all of such cases. If there is an adverse judgment entered against us in one or more of the remaining fire litigation cases, based on the illiquid nature of a significant portion of our assets, we may not be able to (i) post a sufficient supersedeas bond during the appeal process of any adverse

 

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judgment, which may permit the prevailing plaintiffs to attempt to execute on any judgment pending appeal, and/or (ii) satisfy the amount of any adverse judgment.

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

The following shares of our common stock were delivered to us during the quarter ended September 30, 2008 to satisfy tax withholding obligations relating to the vesting of restricted stock awards:

 

Period

 

Total
Number
of Shares
(or Units)
Purchased

 

Average
Price Paid
per Share
(or Unit)

 

Total Number of
Shares
(or Units)
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs

 

Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares (or Units)
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
the Plans or
Programs

 

July 1, 2008 through July 31, 2008

 

22,975

 

$

7.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 1, 2008 through August 31, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008

 

22,758

 

$

2.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

45,733

 

$

4.97

 

 

 

 

These shares were delivered by Morris B. Smith, Patrick McKinney and Michael Ricketts pursuant to the terms of the Cano Petroleum, Inc. 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan, to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of their restricted stock awards.

 

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Exhibit Number

 

Description

2.1

 

Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Cano Petroleum, Inc., as Seller, and Legacy Reserves Operating LP, as Buyer, and Pantwist, LLC, as the Company, dated September 5, 2008 (The schedules and exhibits have been omitted from this filing. An exhibit to the schedules and exhibits is contained in the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the schedules and exhibits are available to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request), incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2008.

2.2

 

First Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Cano Petroleum, Inc., as Seller, and Legacy Reserves Operating LP, as Buyer, and Pantwist, LLC, as the Company, dated October 1, 2008 (The schedules and exhibits have been omitted from this filing. An exhibit to the schedules and exhibits is contained in the First Amendment to the Purchase and Sale Agreement and the schedules and exhibits are available to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request), incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2008.

3.1

 

Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws, dated October 20, 2008, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 24, 2008.

10.1*

 

Summary of 2009 Cash Incentive Awards.

10.2

 

Consulting Agreement dated October 1, 2008 by and between Cano Petroleum, Inc. and Morris B. Smith, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 6, 2008.

10.3*

 

Amendment to Employment Agreement of Phillip Feiner dated September 8, 2008.

10.4*

 

Prepayment Premium Letter dated September 30, 2008.

 

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10.5*

 

Consent and Amendment No. 13 dated as of September 30, 2008 by and among Cano Petroleum, Inc., Square One Energy, Inc., Ladder Companies, Inc., W.O. Energy of Nevada, Inc., WO Energy, Inc., Pantwist, LLC, Cano Petro of New Mexico, Inc., W.O. Operating Company, Ltd. and W.O. Production Company, Ltd., Union Bank of California, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Issuing Lender and Lender and Natixis.

31.1*

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, promulgated pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2*

 

Certification by Chief Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, promulgated pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1*

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, promulgated pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2*

 

Certification by Chief Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, promulgated pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 


*                    Filed herewith

 

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SIGNATURES

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

CANO PETROLEUM, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 10, 2008

By:

/s/ S. Jeffrey Johnson

 

 

S. Jeffrey Johnson

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 10, 2008

By:

/s/ Benjamin Daitch

 

 

Benjamin Daitch

 

 

Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date: November 10, 2008

By:

/s/ Michael J. Ricketts

 

 

Michael J. Ricketts

 

 

Vice-President and Principal Accounting Officer

 

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