RESTATEMENT 2 10-K 12-31-03

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K/A
AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003
Commission File No. 0-6119


TRI-VALLEY CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Delaware
84-0617433
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5555 Business Park South, Suite 200, Bakersfield, California 93309
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Registrant's Telephone Number Including Area Code: (661) 864-0500

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.001 par value
(Title of Class)

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

Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K, if applicable, or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

The issuer's revenues for the most recent fiscal year were $6,464,245.

As of February 19, 2004, 20,099,627 common shares were issued and outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the common shares of Tri-Valley Corporation held by non-affiliates on that date was approximately $92,815,066.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes o No x

Exhibit Index appears on page 45


2


TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
   
ITEM 1.
Business
1
 
Competition
1
 
Governmental Regulation
1
 
Environmental Issues
2
 
Employees
3
 
Available Information
3
ITEM 2.
Properties
3
 
Oil and Gas Operations
3
 
Precious Metals
6
ITEM 3.
Legal Proceedings
6
ITEM 4.
Submission of Matters To A Vote Of Security Holders
7
     
PART II
   
ITEM 5.
Market Price Of The Registrant's Common Stock And Related Security Holder Matters
8
 
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
8
ITEM 6.
Selected Historical Financial Data
8
ITEM 7.
Management's Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition
9
 
Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
9
 
Critical Accounting Policies
9
 
Overview
11
 
Natural Gas Activities
12
 
Petroleum Activities
12
 
Precious Metals Activity
13
 
Results of Operations
13
   
Comparison of Years Ended December 31,2003 and 2002
13
   
Balance Sheet
13
   
Revenues
14
   
Costs and Expenses
14
   
Comparison of Years Ended December 31,2002 and 2001
14
   
Balance Sheet
14
   
Revenues
14
   
Costs and Expenses
14
   
Financial Condition
15
   
Commitments
15
   
Operating Activities
15
   
Investing Activities
15
   
Financing Activities
15
   
Liquidity
15
ITEM 8.
Financial Statements
19
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
24
ITEM 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
51
ITEM 9A
Controls and Procedures
 
ITEM 10.
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
52
ITEM 11.
Executive Compensation
54
 
Employment Agreement with Our President
55
 
Aggregated 2003 Option Exercises and Year-End Values
55
 
Compensation of Directors
55
 
Performance Graph
56
ITEM 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
56
ITEM 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
57
ITEM 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
57
ITEM 15.
Exhibits, Lists, and Reports on Form 8-K
58
SIGNATURES
59

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PART I

ITEM 1. Business

Tri-Valley Corporation, a Delaware corporation formed in 1971, is in the business of exploring, acquiring and developing prospective and producing petroleum and precious metals properties and interests therein. Tri-Valley has two wholly owned subsidiaries. Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Company ("TVOG") operates the oil & gas activities. TVOG derives the majority of its revenue from sale of oil and gas properties. Tri-Valley Power Corporation is the other wholly owned subsidiary. However, this subsidiary is inactive at the present time. The precious metals activity is operated directly by Tri-Valley Corporation. Substantially all of our oil and gas reserves are located in northern California.

TVOG primarily generates its own exploration prospects from its internal database, and also screens prospect submittals from other geologists and companies. TVOG generates these geological "plays" within a certain geographic area of mutual interest. The prospect is then presented to potential co-venturers. The company deals with both accredited individual investors and energy industry companies. TVOG is the operator of these co-ventures.

In 1987, we acquired precious metals claims on Alaska state lands. We have conducted exploration operations on these properties and have reduced our original claims to a block of approximately 27,440 acres (42.9 square miles). We have conducted trenching, core drilling, bulk sampling and assaying activities to date and have reason to believe that mineralization exists to justify additional exploration activities. However, to date, we have not identified probable mineral reserves on these properties. There is no assurance that a commercially viable mineral deposit exists on any of these above-mentioned mineral properties. Further exploration is required before a final evaluation as to the economic and legal feasibility can be determined. 

We sell substantially all of our oil and gas production to ConocoPhillips. Other gatherers of oil and gas production operate within our area of operations in California, and we are confident that if ConocoPhillips ceased purchasing our production we could find another purchaser on similar terms with no adverse consequences to our income or operations.

Competition

The oil and gas industry is highly competitive in all its phases. Competition is particularly intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable producing properties, the acquisition of oil and gas prospects suitable for enhanced production efforts, and the hiring of experienced personnel. Our competitors in oil and gas acquisition, development, and production include the major oil companies in addition to numerous independent oil and gas companies, individual proprietors and drilling programs. Many of these competitors possess and employ financial and personnel resources substantially greater than those which are available to us and may be able to pay more for desirable producing properties and prospects and to define, evaluate, bid for, and purchase a greater number of producing properties and prospects than we can. Our financial or personnel resources to generate reserves in the future will be dependent on our ability to select and acquire suitable producing properties and prospects in competition with these companies.

Governmental Regulation

Domestic exploration for the production and sale of oil and gas is extensively regulated at both the federal and state levels. Legislation affecting the oil and gas industry is under constant review for amendment or expansion, frequently increasing the regulatory burden. Also, numerous departments and agencies, both federal and state, are authorized by statute to issue, and have issued, rules and regulations affecting the oil and gas industry which often are difficult and costly to comply with and which carry substantial penalties for noncompliance. State statutes and regulations require permits for drilling operations, drilling bonds, and reports concerning operations. Most states in which we will operate also have statutes and regulations governing conservation matters, including the unitization or pooling of properties and the establishment of maximum rates of production from wells. Many state statutes and regulations may limit the rate at which oil and gas could otherwise be produced from acquired properties. Some states have also enacted statutes prescribing ceiling prices for natural gas sold within their states. Our operations are also subject to numerous laws and regulations governing plugging and abandonment, the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relating to environmental protection. The heavy regulatory burden on the oil and gas industry increases its costs of doing business and consequently affects its profitability. We cannot be sure that a change in such laws, rules, regulations, or interpretations, will not harm our financial condition or operating results.


Environmental Issues

Mining Activities

Mining activities in the United States are subject to federal and state laws and regulations covering mining safety and environmental quality. However, because we do not have active mining operations at present, these regulations have little impact on our current activities. In 2003, 2002 and 2001, the regulatory requirements had no significant effect on our precious metals activity as we continued our exploration efforts.

Should we seek to develop our precious metals claims, development efforts would require compliance with mining laws and regulations. State and federal laws impose minimum safety standards to protect workers in the construction and development of mines and conduct of mining operations. Mining activities are subject to environmental regulation of the output of mines, particularly in the storage and disposal of waste from mining operations. Environmental regulations restrict the storage, use and disposal of both the materials used in mining operations and the waste contained in mineral ore, all of which contain toxic materials that would damage the surrounding land and ground water if not carefully handled.

In addition, federal and state regulations call for reclamation of land which has been altered by mining activities. These regulations may require significant expenditures to clean up a mining site during and after mining.

Before we could begin actual mining operations on our claims, we would have to develop a feasibility study which would, among other things, address the potential costs of labor, safety and environmental regulation on any proposed mining activity. We do not expect to begin a feasibility study in 2004 and do not expect to incur any significant regulatory costs or liabilities in connection with government regulation of our claims.

Energy Operations

Our energy operations are subject to risks of fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards, such as oil spills, natural gas leaks, ruptures or discharges of toxic gases, the occurrence of any of which could result in substantial losses due to injury or loss of life, severe damage to or destruction of property, natural resources and equipment, pollution or other environmental damage, clean-up responsibilities, regulatory investigation and penalties and suspension of operations. In accordance with customary industry practice, we maintain insurance against these kinds of risks, but we cannot be sure that our level of insurance will cover all losses in the event of a drilling or production catastrophe. Insurance is not available for all operational risks, such as risks that we will drill a dry hole, fail in an attempt to complete a well or have problems maintaining production from existing wells.

Oil and gas activities can result in liability under federal, state, and local environmental regulations for activities involving, among other things, water pollution and hazardous waste transport, storage, and disposal. Such liability can attach not only to the operator of record of the well, but also to other parties that may be deemed to be current or prior operators or owners of the wells or the equipment involved. Numerous governmental agencies issue rules and regulations to implement and enforce such laws, which are often difficult and costly to comply with and which carry substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties and in some cases injunctive relief for failure to comply. Some laws, rules and regulations relating to the protection of the environment may, in certain circumstances, impose "strict liability" for environmental contamination. These laws render a person or company liable for environmental and natural resource damages, cleanup costs and, in the case of oil spills in certain states, consequential damages without regard to negligence or fault. Other laws, rules and regulations may require the rate of oil and gas production to be below the economically optimal rate or may even prohibit exploration or production activities in environmentally sensitive areas. In addition, state laws often require some form of remedial action, such as closure of inactive pits and plugging of abandoned wells, to prevent pollution from former or suspended operations.


2


The federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, also known as the "Superfund" law, imposes liability, without regard to fault, on certain classes of persons with respect to the release of a "hazardous substance" into the environment. These persons include the current or prior owner or operator of the disposal site or sites where the release occurred and companies that transported, disposed or arranged for the transport or disposal of the hazardous substances found at the site. Persons who are or were responsible for releases of hazardous substances under CERCLA may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment and for damages to natural resources, and it is not uncommon for the federal or state government to pursue such claims. It is also not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury or property or natural resource damages allegedly caused by the hazardous substances released into the environment. Under CERCLA, certain oil and gas materials and products are, by definition, excluded from the term "hazardous substances." At least two federal courts have held that certain wastes associated with the production of crude oil may be classified as hazardous substances under CERCLA. Similarly, under the federal Resource, Conservation and Recovery Act, or RCRA, which governs the generation, treatment, storage and disposal of "solid wastes" and "hazardous wastes," certain oil and gas materials and wastes are exempt from the definition of "hazardous wastes." This exemption continues to be subject to judicial interpretation and increasingly stringent state interpretation. During the normal course of operations on properties in which we have an interest, exempt and non-exempt wastes, including hazardous wastes, that are subject to RCRA and comparable state statutes and implementing regulations are generated or have been generated in the past. The federal Environmental Protection Agency and various state agencies continue to promulgate regulations that limit the disposal and permitting options for certain hazardous and non-hazardous wastes.

Compliance with environmental requirements, including financial assurance requirements and the costs associated with the cleanup of any spill, could have a material adverse effect on our capital expenditures or earnings. These laws and regulations have not had a material affect on our capital expenditures or earnings to date. Nevertheless, changes in environmental laws have the potential to adversely affect operations. At this time, we have no plans to make any material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities.

Employees

We had a total of five full-time employees, one part-time bookkeeper, and two consultants on December 31, 2003.

Available Information

We file annual, annual and period reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission using SEC's EDGAR system. The SEC maintains a site on the Internet at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding us and other registrants that file reports electronically with the SEC. You may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at its Public Reference Room at 450 5th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Our common stock is listed on the American Stock Exchange, under the symbol TIV. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about their public reference rooms. Our website is located at http://www.tri-valleycorp.com.

We furnish our shareholders with a copy of our annual report on Form 10-K, which contains audited financial statements, and such other reports as we, from time to time, deem appropriate or as may be required by law. We use the calendar year as our fiscal year.

ITEM 2. Properties

Our headquarters and administrative offices are located at 5555 Business Park South, Suite 200, Bakersfield, California 93309. We lease approximately 4,500 square feet of office space at that location. Our principal properties consist of proven and unproven oil and gas properties, mining claims on unproven precious metals properties, maps and geologic records related to prospective oil and gas and unproven precious metal properties, office and other equipment. TVOG has a worldwide geologic library with data on every continent except Antarctica including over 700 leads and prospects in California, our present area of emphasis.


2



Oil and Gas Operations

The oil and gas properties in which we hold interests are primarily located in the area of central California known as the Sacramento Valley. We also lease exploration acreage in the San Joaquin and Santa Maria Valleys. We contract for the drilling of all wells and do not own any drilling equipment, bulk storage facilities, or refineries. We do own a small segment of pipeline at Tracy, California.

We have retained the services of Cecil Engineering, an independent engineer qualified to estimate our net share of proved developed oil and gas reserves on all of our oil and gas properties at December 31, 2003 for SEC filing. We do not include any undeveloped reserves in these reserve studies. Only proved developed reserves are listed in our reserve report. Price is a material factor in our stated reserves, because higher prices permit relatively higher-cost reserves to be produced economically. Higher prices generally permit longer recovery, hence larger reserves at higher values. Conversely, lower prices generally limit recovery to lower-cost reserves, hence smaller reserves. The process of estimating oil and gas reserve quantities is inherently imprecise. Ascribing monetary values to those reserves, therefore, yields imprecise estimated data at best.

Our estimated future net recoverable oil and gas reserves from proved developed properties as of December 31, 2003, December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001 were as follows:

 
BBL
MCF
         
December 31, 2003
Condensate
150
Natural Gas
1,319,887
December 31, 2002
Condensate
150
Natural Gas
1,492,245
December 31, 2001
Condensate
164
Natural Gas
1,684,757

Using year-end oil and gas prices and current levels of lease operating expenses, the estimated present value of the future net revenue to be derived from our proved developed oil and gas reserves, discounted at 10%, was $2,270,632 at December 31, 2003, $2,224,270 at December 31, 2002, and $1,005,010 at December 31, 2001. The unaudited supplemental information attached to the consolidated financial statements provides more information on oil and gas reserves and estimated values.

The following table sets forth the net quantities of natural gas and crude oil that we produced during:

 
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
 
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
 
2003
2002
2001
       
Natural Gas (MCF)
162,314
232,578
230,392
Crude Oil (BBL)
25
29
14
The following table sets forth our average sales price and average production (lifting) cost per unit of oil and gas produced during:

 
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
 
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
 
2003
2002
2001
             
 
Gas (Mcf)
Oil (Bbl*)
Gas (Mcf)
Oil (Bbl*)
Gas (Mcf)
Oil (Bbl*)
Sales Price
$5.07
29.46
$3.07
$19.13
$6.93
$22.32
             
Production Costs
$0.78
0
$0.98
0
$0.40
0
             
Net Profit
$4.29
29.46
$2.09
$19.13
$6.53
$22.32
* Amount represents total sales price of associated condensate, unable to determine price per barrel.As of December 31, 2003 we had the following gross and net position in wells and developed acreage:

2



Wells (1)
Acres (2)
Gross
Net
Gross
Net
11
4.537
2,192
645

(1)  
"Gross" wells represent the total number of producing wells in which we have a working interest. "Net" wells represent the number of gross producing wells multiplied by the percentages of the working interests which we own. "Net wells" recognizes only those wells in which we hold an earned working interest. Working interests earned at payout have not been included.

(2)  
"Gross" acres represent the total acres in which we have a working interest; "net" acres represent the aggregate of the working interests which we own in the gross acres.

The following table sets forth the number of productive and dry exploratory and development wells which we drilled during:

 
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
 
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
 
2003
2002
2001
       
Exploratory
     
Producing
-0-
-0-
-0-
Recompleting
 
1
-0-
Dry
 
2
1
Total
-0-
3
1
       
Development
     
Producing
-0-
-0-
-0-
Dry
-0-
-0-
-0-
Total
-0-
-0-
-0-

We drilled 4 wells in 2003, which are being evaluated. No final decisions have been made as to the results.

The following table sets forth information regarding undeveloped oil and gas acreage in which we had an interest on December 31, 2003:

State
 
Gross Acres
 
Net Acres
California
 
36,271
 
32,384
Nevada
 
21,737
 
21,737

Some of our undeveloped acreage is held pursuant to leases from landowners. Such leases have varying dates of execution and generally expire one to five years after the date of the lease. In the next three years, the following lease gross acreage expires:

Expires in 2004
3,376 acres
Expires in 2005
7,151 acres
Expires in 2006
4,260 acres

2



Precious Metals

The precious metals properties are located in interior Alaska. They are comprised of 626 40-acre claims and 15 160-acre claims, of which 104 claims are leased from others, all are located solely on State owned lands requiring annual assessment work, and an annual per claim fee. All fees are current.

The mining claim block covers about 42.9 square miles or 27,740 acres of land, all of which is owned by the State of Alaska. The claims lie within T-5-6-7 S, R 5-6-7-8 E, Fairbanks Meridian (Plate 1), immediately north of the Richardson Highway, an all-weather paved highway that connects Fairbanks, Alaska, with points south and east. Fairbanks is approximately 65 miles northwest of Richardson, and Delta Junction, also on the highway, is about 30 miles to the southeast. The Trans Alaska Pipeline corridor is near the northeastern edge of the claim block and the service road along the pipeline provides access to the claims from the north. Numerous good to fair dirt roads traverse the claims.

The following table sets forth the information regarding the acreage position we have under lease in Alaska as of December 31, 2003:

State
 
Gross Acres
 
Net Acres
Alaska
 
27,740
 
26,946

Mineral properties claimed on open state land require minimum annual assessment work of $100 worth per State of Alaska claim. Expenditures on the Richardson, Alaska acreage have already carried forward annual assessment requirements more than four years on all its claims. We have no Federal claims.

We have had a joint scientific research agreement with TsNIGRI, the Central Research Institute of Geological Prospecting for Base and Precious Metals, based in Moscow, Russia since 1991. The proprietary technology they use for evaluating large areas of covered sub-arctic terrain has been impressive and encouraging to our efforts. Minute amounts of gold have been found in samples at 60 locations along a 20-mile swath and over 1,000 samples have been assayed by Bondar-Clegg, a respected assay house. We believe we have a great potential and intend to continue our exploration of these properties.

We intend to continue our exploration efforts for precious metals on our claim block in Richardson, Alaska. With the help of TsNIGRI, we have explored and evaluated this property during the summer months, due to the constraints of the weather in the winter months. This work will consist of field activity which includes drilling bore holes, mapping and other geological work.


ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

On November 7, 2002 a judgment of $141,500 was awarded to Armstrong Petroleum against Tri-Valley Corporation. This was the result of a lawsuit that was filed against Tri-Valley alleging a breach of contract. Armstrong and Tri-Valley disagreed on the amount of royalties that were due Armstrong. Tri-Valley filed an appeal of this judgment. On March 24, 2004, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the trial court. We are considering whether to appeal the appellate court judgment to the California Supreme Court. Tri-Valley Corporation created a cash reserve for this judgment in 2002 when this verdict was awarded.


2



ITEM 4. Submission of Matters To A Vote Of Security Holders

We held our annual meeting on October 20, 2003. At the meeting, the shareholders re-elected all of the six directors who were recommended by the board. They also approved the appointment of Brown Armstrong as our independent accountants.
The shareholder votes were as follows:

Measure #1 - Election of Directors
 
FOR
AGAINST
ABSTAIN
F. Lynn Blystone
18,983,671
63,873
 
Milton J. Carlson
18,966,646
80,898
 
C. Chase Hoffman
18,986,146
61,398
 
Dennis P. Lockhart
18,986,646
60,898
 
Loren J. Miller
18,986,796
60,748
 
Harold J. Noyes
18,986,646
60,898
 
 
Measure #2 - Appoint Brown Armstrong as the Company’s independent accountants.
       
 
FOR
AGAINST
ABSTAIN
 
18,972,416
75,128
 


2


PART II

ITEM 5. Market Price Of The Registrant's Common Stock And Related Security Holder Matters

As of October 29, 2003, shares of Tri-Valley Corporation stock are traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol “TIV”. Prior to that, shares had been traded over-the-counter on the Electronic Bulletin Board under the symbol "TRIL." The following table shows the high and low sales prices reported on AMEX from 10/29/03 to year end, and the high and low bid and asked prices of Tri-Valley stock for the quarterly periods indicated as reported by the OTC Stock Journal:

   
Bid Prices
Asked Prices
   
High
Low
High
Low
2003
       
 
Fourth Quarter
$6.20
$3.44
$6.75
$3.35
 
Third Quarter
$3.74
$2.90
$3.93
$2.95
 
Second Quarter
$3.79
$1.21
$4.20
$1.21
 
First Quarter
$1.60
$1.25
$1.67
$1.21
           
2002
       
 
Fourth Quarter
$2.14
$1.31
$2.25
$1.31
 
Third Quarter
$2.45
$1.13
$2.65
$1.13
 
Second Quarter
$1.60
$1.14
$1.75
$1.10
 
First Quarter
$1.67
$1.14
$1.75
$1.10

As of December 31, 2003, we estimate that our common stock was held by approximately 4,500 shareholders in 40 states and at least 4 foreign countries.

We historically have paid no dividends, and at this time do not plan to pay any dividends in the immediate future. Rather, we strive to add share value through discovery success. In 2003 trading volume exceeded 12.2 million shares.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

During 2003 we issued 104,000 shares of common stock without registration under the Securities Act of 1933. One former employee and one private individual exercised stock options for 20,000 and 10,000 shares respectively. The exercise price of the stock options was $0.50 per share, and the options were exercised on five occasions when the closing price of our common stock varied between $1.51 and $4.85 per share. 3,000 shares were sold to a private individual for $1.35 per share. 71,000 shares were awarded to three officers, five directors and a consultant for service. The shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options were issued in privately negotiated transactions in reliance on the exemption contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

From September thru October 2003, we sold 255,387 shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of warrants previously issued to Swartz Private Equity, an accredited investor, as part of a private equity line investment agreement dated February 2002, between our company and Swartz. The issuance of our stock upon exercise of the warrants was made in reliance on the exemption contained in Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933. We had previously registered the resale of the stock by Swartz under the Securities Act of 1933 on a Form S-2 registration statement, and, accordingly, the shares issued to Swartz were not subject to restrictions on transfer imposed by the Securities Act of 1933.


2



ITEM 6. Selected Historical Financial Data
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
Income Statement Data:
         
Revenues
$6,464,245
$6,284,908
$2,130,187 
$2,197,369 
$2,686,129 
Operating Income (Loss)
$ 456,109
$845,130
$(117,975)
$(1,360,263)
$(12,417)
Basic Earnings Per Share
$.02
$.04
$-
$(0.07)
$-
           
Balance Sheet Data:
         
Property and Equipment, net
$1,543,121
$1,974,501
$2,010,457 
$1,357,959 
$1,059,755 
Total Assets
$8,341,782
$4,634,874
$3,381,757 
$4,053,257 
$9,802,463 
Long Term Obligations
$16,805
$26,791
$8,371 
$12,038 
$21,055 
Stockholder's Equity
$1,851,783
$1,262,306
$353,776 
$391,651 
$391,651 
ITEM 7. Management's Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements. The words, "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "project," "could," "may," "foresee," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include information regarding expected development of the Company's business, lending activities, relationship with customers, and development in the oil and gas industry. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially and adversely from those anticipated, believed, estimated or otherwise indicated.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements for inclusion in this Report in accordance with accounting principles that are generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements” for a comprehensive discussion of the Company’s significant accounting policies. GAAP represents a comprehensive set of accounting and disclosure rules and requirements, the application of which requires management to make judgments and estimates including, in certain circumstances, choices between acceptable GAAP alternatives.

Critical accounting policies are those that may have a material impact on our financial statements and also require management to exercise significant judgment due to a high degree of uncertainty at the time the estimate is made. Our senior management has discussed the development and selection of our accounting policies, related accounting estimates and disclosures with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. We believe our critical accounting policies include those addressing the recoverability and useful lives of assets, oil and gas estimates and income taxes and application of these accounting policies on a consistent basis enables us to provide timely and reliable financial information about our earnings results, financial condition and cash flows.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Deferred tax asset valuation allowances. From 1995 to 2003, the Company has maintained a valuation allowance against a portion of its deferred tax assets. SFAS 109 requires that the Company continually assess both positive and negative evidence to determine whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets can be realized prior to their expiration. As of December 31, 2003, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that it will realize its gross deferred tax asset position after giving consideration to relevant facts and circumstances.

Tri-Valley will continue to monitor company-specific, oil and gas industry economic factors and will reassess the likelihood that the Company’s net operating loss and statutory depletion carryforwards will be utilized prior to their expiration.

2


Litigation and environmental contingencies. The Company makes judgments and estimates in recording liabilities for ongoing litigation and environmental remediation. Actual costs can vary from such estimates for a variety of reasons. The costs to settle litigation can vary from estimates based on differing interpretations of laws and opinions and assessments on the amount of damages. Similarly, environmental remediation liabilities are subject to change because of changes in laws, regulations, additional information obtained relating to the extent and nature of site contamination and improvements in technology. Under GAAP, a liability is recorded for these types of contingencies if the Company determines the loss to be both probable and reasonably estimated. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in “Item 8. Financial Statements” for additional information regarding the Company’s commitments and contingencies.

The Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" (SFAS 142). Under SFAS 142, goodwill is a non-amortizable asset, and is subject to an annual review for impairment. The carrying amount of goodwill is evaluated periodically.


The following is a discussion of the Company’s most critical accounting estimates, judgments and uncertainties that are inherent in the Company’s application of GAAP:

Accounting for oil and gas producing activities: The accounting for and disclosure of oil and gas producing activities requires the Company’s management to choose between GAAP alternatives and to make judgments about estimates of future uncertainties.

Successful efforts method of accounting: The Company utilizes the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas activities as opposed to the alternate acceptable full cost method. In general, the Company believes that, during periods of active exploration, net assets and net income are more conservatively measured under the successful efforts method of accounting for oil and gas producing activities than under the full cost method. The critical difference between the successful efforts method of accounting and the full cost method of accounting is as follows: Under the successful efforts method, exploratory dry holes and geological and geophysical exploration costs are charged against earnings during the periods in which they occur; whereas, under the full cost method of accounting, such costs and expenses are capitalized as assets, pooled with the costs of successful wells and charged against the earnings of future periods as a component of depletion expense. During the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company recognized exploration, abandonment, geological and geophysical expense of $0, $45,143 and $0, respectively, under the successful efforts method.

Proved reserve estimates. Estimates of the Company’s proved reserves included in this Report are prepared in accordance with GAAP and SEC guidelines. The accuracy of a reserve report estimate is a function of:

·  
The quality and quantity of available data;
·  
The interpretation of that data;
·  
The accuracy of various mandated economic assumptions; and
·  
The judgment of the persons preparing the estimate.

The Company’s proved reserve information included in this Report as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 was based on evaluations audited by independent petroleum engineers with respect to the Company’s major properties. Estimates prepared by other third parties may be higher or lower than those included herein.

Because these estimates depend on many assumptions, all of which may substantially differ from future actual results, reserve estimates will be different from the quantities of oil and gas that are ultimately recovered. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production after the date of an estimate may justify material revisions to the estimate.


2



It should not be assumed that the present value of future net cash flows included in this Report as of December 31, 2003 is the current market value of the Company’s estimated proved reserves. In accordance with SEC requirements, the Company has based the estimated present value of future net cash flows from proved reserves on prices and costs on the date of the estimate. Actual future prices and cost may be materially higher or lower than the prices and costs as of the date of the estimate.

The Company’s estimates of proved reserves materially impact depletion expense. If the estimates of provide reserves decline, the rate at which the Company records depletion expense will increase, reducing future net income. Such a decline may result from lower market prices, which may market uneconomic to drill for and produce higher cost fields. In addition, a decline in provided reserve estimates may impact the outcome of the Company’s assessment of its oil and gas producing properties for impairment.

Impairment of proved oil and gas properties: The Company reviews its long-lived proved properties to be held and used whenever management determines that events or circumstances indicate that the recorded carrying value of the properties may not be recoverable. Management assesses whether or not an impairment provision is necessary based upon its outlook of future commodity prices and net cash flows that may be generated by the properties. Provide oil and gas properties are reviewed for impairment by depletable field pool, which is the lowest level at which depletion of proved properties are calculated.

Impairment of unproved oil and gas properties: Management periodically assesses individually significant unproved oil and gas properties for impairment, on a project-by-project basis. Management’s assessment of the results of exploration activities, commodity price outlooks, planned future sales or expiration of all or a portion of such projects impact the amount and timing of impairments.

Asset Retirement Obligations: The Company has adopted SFAS No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” effective January 1, 2003. Under this guidance, management is required to make judgments based on historical experience and future expectations regarding the future abandonment cost of its oil and gas properties and equipment as well as an estimate of the discount rate to be used in order to bring the estimated future cost to a present value. The discount rate is based on the risk free interest rate which is adjusted for the credit worthiness of the Company. The adjusted risk free rate is then applied to the estimated abandonment costs to arrive at the obligation existing at the end of the period under review. The Company reviews its estimate of the future obligation quarterly and accrues the estimated obligation based on the above.

Overview

Production from TVOG's existing reserves continues to decline, while demand increases. While the trend for demand to outstrip available supplies is worldwide as well as national, we believe that it is particularly acute in California, our primary venue for exploration and production, which imports nearly 60% of its oil and nearly 90% of its natural gas demand. Oil prices tend to be set based on worldwide supplies and prices, while natural gas prices seem to be more dependent on local conditions. We expect that gas prices will hold steady or possibly increase over this year. If, however, prices should fall, for instance due to new regulatory measures or the discovery of new and easily producible reserves, our revenue from oil and gas sales would also fall.

In 2002 the Company created a limited partnership called the OPUS-I. The purpose of this partnership is to raise one hundred million dollars by selling partnership interests. With the funds raised we will drill up to twenty-six exploratory wells, mostly in California, of which three are targeted for Nevada. We begin drilling as sufficient funds are invested to drill the next target. For the year ended December 31, 2003, we have raised $12,755,000 and spent $10,267,787 on 4 wells. The 4 wells are being evaluated to determine further activity.

We are continuing grading and prioritizing our geologic library, which contains over 700 California leads and prospects, for exploratory drilling. We use our library to decide where we should seek oil and gas leases for future exploration. From this library we were able to put together many of the prospects currently in OPUS-I. Of course, we cannot be sure that any future prospect can be obtained at an attractive lease price or that any exploration efforts would result in a commercially successful well.


We seek to fund and drill enough exploratory wells for commercial discoveries to make up for the cost of the inevitable dry holes that we can expect in the exploration business. We believe our existing inventory of projects bears a high enough ratio of potentially successful to unsuccessful projects to deliver value to our drilling partners and our shareholders from successful wells, in excess of the total costs of all successful and unsuccessful projects. Our future results will depend on our success in finding new reserves and commercial production, and there can be no assurance what revenue we can ultimately expect from any new discoveries.Tri-Valley Corporation does not engage in hedging activities and does not use commodity futures or forward contracts for cash management functions.

Natural Gas Activities

The Company generally sells a percentage of production at the monthly spot price. In times when we expect the price of gas to weaken, we try to increase the amount we sell under fixed prices. When we expect the price of gas to rise, we seek to sell more gas in the spot market. In 2003, 2002 and 2001, we sold our gas 100% on the spot market. Because we expect gas prices to rise, we intend to sell 100% of our production on the spot market in 2004. Because we plan to sell only on the spot market in 2004, a drop in the price of gas could possibly have a more adverse impact on us than if we entered into some fixed price contracts for sale of future production.

Our proved hydrocarbon reserves were valued using a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows of $2,270,632 at December 31, 2003, compared to $2,224,270 on December 31, 2002, after taking into account a 10% discount rate and also taking into consideration the effect of income tax. This was due primarily to the fluctuations in gas prices. Estimates such as these are subject to numerous uncertainties inherent in the estimation of quantities of proved reserves. Because of unpredictable variances in expenses and capital forecasts, crude oil and natural gas price changes, largely influenced and controlled by U.S. and foreign government actions, and the fact that the basis for such estimates vary significantly, management believes the usefulness of these projections is limited. Estimates of future net cash flows presented do not represent management's assessment of future profitability or future cash flows to the Company. This value does not appear on the balance sheet because accounting rules require discovered reserves to be carried on the balance sheet at the cost of obtaining them rather than the actual future net revenue from producing them. Tri-Valley typically has no discovery cost to put on the balance sheet as explained below.

Tri-Valley usually sells most of the working interest in its test wells on prospects to third parties. The sales price of the interest is intended to pay for all drilling and testing costs on the property. Tri-Valley retains a minority "carried" ownership interest in the well and does not pay its proportionate share of drilling and testing costs for the first well drilled on each prospect. However, the Company does pay its proportionate cost of any subsequent well drilled on each prospect. Under these arrangements, we usually minimize the Company's cost to drill and also receive a minority interest from the reserves we discover. On the other hand, we occasionally incur extra expenses for drilling or development that we choose, in our discretion, not to pass on to other venture participants.

We drilled the Sunrise-Mayel #1 in December of 2000, with independent interpretations of an exceptional amount of dry natural gas in place in a tight formation known as the McClure Shale; in 2001 we artificially fractured (frac'd) the well with no success. We determined to try an acid wash and performed this procedure in 2003. There has been no commercial success because the sand formation is too tight to allow hydrocarbons to produce. The well will probably be used as a water disposal well.

It was decided that a horizontal well should be drilled to exploit this tight sand. This was named the Sunrise-Mayel #2-H. It was drilled in July of 2002, frac'd in September 2002, and acidized January 2003, with no success. It was redrilled as the Sunrise-Mayel #2-HR in May of 2003. In June of 2003, we perforated the well and frac'd it in July 2003. This did not result in commercial success. We are currently preparing to re-frac the well utilizing diesel oil to test the concept of whether this will result in commercial production.

The Oil Lake well began drilling October 2003; in attempts to complete the well, we have perforated one of several zones so far. The first zone is tight, but is a major target. We are currently designing a program to properly evaluate this first zone before proceeding ahead.

The Elk Ridge well was drilled in December 2003. We have perforated and tested five zones without commercial success so far, with five more remaining to be tested.


Petroleum Activities

The Oil Creek #1-23 was drilled in August of 2003 with several hundred feet of hydrocarbon "shows" or indicators. Completion operations began in October 2003 in which we evaluated six major target zones, which were either wet or there was no permeability. We are currently evaluating what should be done next.

Precious Metals Activity

The price of gold has fluctuated in the last 12 months from a low of $320 per oz. to a high of $417 per oz. As funds become available the Company will continue to explore its claim block for discovery success. Historically the Company has done its exploration on a seasonal basis, normally in the warmer months. We are in the process of raising capital to continue our work in the area.

In 2003, Tri-Valley Corporation began implementation of a two phase reverse circulation drilling program to confirm a suspected high grade potential deep placer gold target (“the Target”) at First Chance Creek along the northeast boundary of its 42-square mile claim block at Richardson, Alaska.

Very high grade samples from shafts dug near the creek had been reported in old Fairbanks newspapers around 1906 and Tri-Valley sampling of the creek and surrounds found distributed placer gold at surface. Tri-Valley’s project manager designed a program to test to bedrock 60-90 feet deep by drilling with reverse circulation equipment to bring material up the drill hole and pass it through a Denver Gold Saver to strip any gold before disposing of the drill spoil. The first phase called for 42 such holes to be drilled at three locations crossing the Creek valley and, if results were encouraging, an additional 66 holes in Phase II for a program total of 108 holes.

The general target area was 2,000 yards in length by 70 yards wide, covering approximately 29 acres in the claim block. It was management’s belief that the odds were favorable to indicate more than enough resource to justify the $265,000 expenditure of Phase I. And the results certainly did that.

Results indicated a potential resource of 38,000 ounces inferred and probable and management believes that an expanded Phase II of some 80 holes for greater density as well as two additional lines. We may establish an estimated resource in the range of +/- 100,000 ounces. We believe this would justify some arrangement to mine either as an operator or to contract out.

Mining would most likely be a form of open pit with a gravity circuit to strip the gold. The pit would be back-filled and reclaimed as mined. All equipment would be portable and no milling or metallurgical facilities would need to be constructed.

Testing of the three hard rock lode targets will require separate budgets for reverse circulation and diamond drill coring operations. Tri-Valley expects to either joint venture these targets with another mining company doing the work to earn a majority interest or to arrange favorable equity financing to conduct the drill program itself.

We are confident that other parties will be willing to participate.
Results of Operations

Comparison of years Ended December 31, 2003 and 2002

Balance Sheet

At December 31, 2003 we had $6,006,975 in cash compared to $1,936,294 for December 31, 2002. This represents, for the most part, cash invested by the OPUS I partners for the drilling of oil and gas wells in that limited partnership. Property and equipment is $431,380 less for the current period compared to last year because we sold to the OPUS I partnership some of the property that we had acquired in 2002. Deposits are $55,400 higher in 2003 than in 2002 because of a required increase in the deposit related to the Armstrong lawsuit.


2



Shareholder equity increased from $1,262,306 in 2002 to $1,851,783 for 2003. This increase was due mainly from net income after taxes.



Revenue

Revenue from oil and gas sales was $148,768 higher for the year ended 2003 compared to year ending 2002 due to increased price we received for our natural gas. Partnership income was up almost $12,000 this year over last year due to increased distribution to Tri-Valley from the operator of the partnership primarily attributable to higher natural gas prices. Interest income was $14,945 more for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to year end 2002 due to more cash on hand during the year earning interest. Sales of oil and gas prospects is $18,998 higher this period compared to the same period last year.

Costs and Expenses

Mining expenses were $196,928 more for the period ended December 31, 2003 than for the same period in 2002. The costs increased this year because our 42 well reverse circulation exploratory drilling activity. Please see the precious metals section. Oil and gas lease activity was $183,362 for year-end 2003 and $224,320 for December 31, 2002. We did not acquire as many leases this year as we did in 2002. Cost of oil and gas prospects sold were $366,800 higher this year than in 2002. The prospects we sold this year had higher acquisition costs associated with them than prospects sold in 2002. General and administrative costs were higher this year than last year due in large part to increased travel costs and insurance premiums.

Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2002 and 2001

Balance Sheet

We had $1,936,294 cash on hand at December 31, 2002 compared to $911,913 at December 31, 2001. This change was from receipt of funding of the OPUS-I drilling program. Accounts receivable were $44,393 greater this year compared to 2001 due to revenue due us from gas sold the end of 2002. Deposits were $212,000 higher due to our posting a bond in this amount pending the appeal of our judgment. See Litigation

State income taxes are $76,000 more in 2002 because the State of California removed the ability of companies to utilize tax loss carry-forward for two years. Prior to 2002 we were able to reduce our tax liability by using tax loss carry forwards accumulated from prior years. Accounts payable are $564,240 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $297,001 for the same period in 2001. This increase is due to increased drilling activity in 2002.

Revenues

Oil and gas income was $844,800 less in 2002 than in 2001 due to decreased gas prices in 2002. Partnership income was $33,243 less in 2002 compared to 2001 because of decreased gas prices in 2002. Sale of oil and gas prospects was $5,421,782 for the year ended December 2002 compared to $218,426 for the same period in 2001 due to increased prospect sales in 2002. Other income was $71,973 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $231,899 for the year ended 2001, because in 2001 we settled a claim related to a loan made to a telecommunications partnership.


2


Costs and Expenses

Mining costs were $54,532 less in 2002 due to no exploration activity on our claim block in 2002. Oil and gas lease costs were $132,880 higher in 2002 than 2001 due to increased lease operating activity. Well workover expenses were $240,718 less in 2002 because we did not work over any wells in 2002. Cost of oil and gas prospects sold were $3,139,268 higher for the period ending December 31, 2003 compared to the same period last year cost of prospect sold varies directly in proportion to the cost of prospect sales. Depreciation, depletion and amortization expenses are $26,578 less in 2002 due to Statements of Financial Accounting Standards 142 that no longer allows annual amortization. Therefore, no amortization was taken in 2002. These assets will now be tested for impairment annually. If required we would then take an impairment charge. The $45,143 charge for impairment of acquisition costs are from the write off of a prospect that the Company believes is no longer prospective. The Company has a profit of $769,130 after taxes due to increased drilling activity and sale of prospects..


Financial Condition

Commitments

Generally, our financial commitments arise from selling interests in our drilling prospects to third parties, which results in an obligation to drill and develop the prospect. If we are unable to sell sufficient interests in a prospect to fund its drilling and development, we must either amend our agreements to drill the prospect, locate a substitute prospect acceptable to the participants or refund the participants' funds.

We have a private placement drilling program to raise up to one hundred million dollars to drill and complete 26 prospects. We turnkey the drilling portion and the completion portion is based on costs incurred. In a turnkey program we guarantee to drill a well(s) for a certain amount. If the drilling amount is greater than the turnkey costs the Company would lose money on that well, if the cost is less than the turnkey costs the Company would make a profit on that well.

Delay rentals for oil and gas leases amounted to $317,801 in 2003. Advance royalty payments and gold mining claims maintenance fees were $204,755 for the same period. We expect that approximately equal delay rentals and fees will be paid in 2004 from operating revenues.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $3,548,942 for the year-end December 31, 2003, compared to $1,154,919 for the same period in 2002. This was primarily because we had an increase in advances from joint venture partners of $3,067,197. Net income was $313,021 less in 2003 ($456,109 for 2003 compared to $769,130 for 2002).

Investing Activities

Cash provided by investing activities in 2003 was $402,164 compared to ($174,185) for the same period in 2002. In 2003, this increase was from the sale of oil and gas prospects to the OPUS I drilling partnership and the reduction of capital expenditures.

Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities was $119,575 for the period ending December 31, 2003 compared to $43,647 for the same period in 2002. This was due to additional paid in capital resulting from issuance of stock to outside directors and the exercise of stock options.


2



Liquidity

The recoverability of the our oil and gas reserves depends on future events, including obtaining adequate financing for our exploration and development program, successfully completing our planned drilling program, and achieving a level of operating revenues that is sufficient to support our cost structure. At various times in our history, it has been necessary for us to raise additional capital through private placements of equity financing. When such a need has arisen, we have met it successfully. It is management’s belief that we will continue to be able to meet our needs for additional capital as such needs arise in the future. We may need additional capital to pay for our share of costs relating to the drilling prospects and development of those that are successful, and to acquire additional oil and gas leases. The total amount of our capital needs will be determined in part by the number of prospects generated within our exploration program and by the working interest that we retain in those prospects.

Should we choose to make an acquisition of producing oil and gas properties, such an acquisition would likely require that some portion of the purchase price be paid in cash, and thus would create the need for additional capital. Additional capital could be obtained from a combination of funding sources. The potential funding sources include:

·  
Cash flow from operating activities,
·  
Borrowings from financial institutions,
·  
Debt offerings, which could increase our leverage and add to our need for cash to service such debt,
·  
Additional offerings of our equity securities, which would cause dilution of our common stock,
·  
Sales of portions of our working interest in the prospects within our exploration program, which would reduce future revenues from its exploration program,
·  
Sale to an industry partner of a participation in our exploration program,
·  
Sale of all or a portion of our producing oil and gas properties, which would reduce future revenues.

Our ability to raise additional capital will depend on the results of our operations and the status of various capital and industry markets at the time such additional capital is sought. Accordingly, there can be no assurances that capital will be available to us from any source or that, if available, it will be on terms acceptable to us.

2



ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

TRI-VALLEY CORPORATION
INDEX




 
Page(s)
   
Report of Independent Auditor
18
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002
19
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
 
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
21
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the
 
Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
22
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
 
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
23
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
24-43
   
Supplemental Information about Oil and Gas Producing
 
Activities (Unaudited)
44-64


2



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITOR


The Board of Directors
Tri-Valley Corporation
Bakersfield, California


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Tri-Valley Corporation as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly in all material respects the financial position of Tri-Valley Corporation at December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 
BROWN ARMSTRONG PAULDEN
 
McCOWN STARBUCK & KEETER
 
ACCOUNTANCY CORPORATION
   



Bakersfield, California
February 13, 2004, except for Note 11,
whose date is March 24, 2004


2



TRI-VALLEY CORPORATIONONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
(restated)
   
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets
 
 
 
Cash
$ 6,006,975
 
$ 1,936,294
Accounts receivable, trade
163,825
 
151,618
Prepaid expenses
12,029
 
12,029
 
 
 
 
Total Current Assets
6,182,829
 
2,099,941
 
 
 
 
Property and Equipment, Net
     
Proved Properties
148,482
 
165,675
Unproved Properties
1,251,953
 
1,654,117
Other Property and Equipment
142,686
 
154,709
Total Property and Equipment, Net(Notes 1 and 2)
1,543,121
 
1,974,501
 
 
 
 
Other Assets
 
 
 
Deposits
372,105
 
316,705
Investments in partnerships (Note 1)
17,400
 
17,400
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of
 
 
 
$221,439 at December 31, 2002 and 2003)
212,414
 
212,414
Other
13,913
 
13,913
 
 
 
 
Total Other Assets
615,832
 
560,432
 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
$ 8,341,782
 
$ 4,634,874
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Notes payable (Note 3)
$ 9,985
 
$ 13,792
Income taxes payable
39,000
 
76,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
685,784
 
564,240
Amounts payable to joint venture participants
91,275
 
74,412
Advances from joint venture participants, net (Note 1)
5,647,150
 
2,617,333
 
 
 
 
Total Current Liabilities
6,473,194
 
3,345,777
 
 
 
 
Non-Current Liabilities
 
 
 
Deferred Tax Liability
 
 
 
Long-Term Portion of Notes Payable (Note 3)
16,805
 
26,791
 
 
 
 
Total Non-Current Liabilities
16,805
 
26,791
 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities
6,489,999
 
3,372,568
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Common stock, $.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares
 
 
 
authorized; 20,097,627 and 19,726,348
 
 
 
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002,
 
 
 
Respectively
20,115
 
19,726
Less: common stock in treasury, at cost,
 
 
 
100,025 shares at December 31,
 
 
 
2003 and 2002.
(13,370)
 
(13,370)
Common stock receivable
-
 
(2,250)
Capital in excess of par value
9,010,453
 
8,879,724
Accumulated deficit
(7,165,415)
 
(7,621,524)
 
 
 
 
Total Shareholders’ Equity
1,851,783
 
1,262,306
 
 
 
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
$ 8,341,782
 
$ 4,634,874
 
 
 
 


2



TRI-VALLEY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS



 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
Sale of oil and gas
$ 901,739
 
$ 752,971
 
$ 1,597,771
Royalty income
529
 
351
 
6,952
Partnership income
30,000
 
18,299
 
51,542
Gain on sale of property
-
 
-
 
-
Interest income
34,479
 
19,534
 
23,597
Sale of oil and gas prospects
5,440,780
 
5,421,782
 
218,426
Other income
56,718
 
71,971
 
231,899
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Revenues
6,464,245
 
6,284,908
 
2,130,187
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs and Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Mining exploration costs
366,039
 
169,111
 
223,643
Oil and gas leases
183,362
 
224,320
 
91,440
Well workover
-
 
-
 
240,718
Severed acreage
-
 
-
 
174
Cost of oil and gas prospects sold
4,014,889
 
3,648,089
 
508,821
General and administrative
1,373,058
 
1,316,894
 
1,117,643
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
29,216
 
34,384
 
60,962
Interest
2,572
 
1,838
 
4,761
Well write-off
-
 
-
 
-
Impairment of acquisition costs
-
 
45,143
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Costs and Expenses
5,969,136
 
5,439,779
 
2,248,162
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss) before Income Taxes
495,109
 
845,130
 
(117,975)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax Provision (Note 6)
39,000
 
76,000
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss)
$ 456,109
 
$ 769,130
 
$ (117,975)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per Common Share
$ 0.02
 
$ 0.04
 
$ (0.00)
and Common Equivalent Share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding
19,801,785
 
19,702,054
 
19,495,693
 
 
 
 
 
 


2



TRI-VALLEY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY





 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
Capital in
 
Common
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
 
Treasury
 
 
 
Excess of
 
Stock
 
Accumulated
 
Treasury
 
Shareholders'
 
Shares
 
Shares
 
Par Value
 
Par Value
 
Receivable
 
Deficit
 
Stock
 
Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2000,
19,554,748
 
163,925
 
19,555
 
8,666,688
 
-
 
(8,272,679)
 
(21,913)
 
391,651
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock
135,000
 
-
 
135
 
79,965
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
80,100
Net loss
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(117,975)
 
-
 
(117,975)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2001
19,689,748
 
163,925
 
19,690
 
8,746,653
 
-
 
(8,390,654)
 
(21,913)
 
353,776
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock
36,600
 
(63,900)
 
36
 
133,071
 
-
 
-
 
8,543
 
141,650
Common stock receivable
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(2,250)
 
-
 
-
 
(2,250)
Net income
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
769,130
 
-
 
769,130
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2002
19,726,348
 
100,025
 
19,726
 
8,879,724
 
(2,250)
 
(7,621,524)
 
(13,370)
 
1,262,306
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of common stock
371,279
 
-
 
389
 
1,442,439
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
1,442,828
Stock issuance cost
-
 
-
 
-
 
(1,311,710)
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
(1,311,710)
Common stock receivable
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
2,250
 
-
 
-
 
2,250
Net income
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
456,109
 
-
 
456,109
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2003
20,097,627
 
100,025
 
$ 20,115
 
$ 9,010,453
 
$ -
 
$(7,165,415)
 
$ (13,370)
 
$ 1,851,783
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


2



TRI-VALLEY CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


 
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$ 456,109
 
$ 769,130
 
$ (117,975)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
 
 
 
 
 
provided (used) by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
29,216
 
34,384
 
60,962
Impairment, dry hole and other disposals of property
-
 
45,143
 
-
Land acquisition costs sold
-
 
122,315
 
-
(Gain) on sale of property
-
 
-
 
-
Non-employee stock compensation
-
 
119,700
 
23,100
Impairment, dry hole and other disposals of property
 
 
 
 
 
and equipment
-
 
-
 
-
Changes in operating capital:
 
 
 
 
 
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
(12,207)
 
(44,393)
 
711,136
Increase in prepaids
-
 
-
 
-
Increase in deposits and other assets
(55,400)
 
(212,000)
 
(4,600)
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
(37,000)
 
76,000
 
-
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses
121,544
 
267,239
 
(284,016)
Increase (decrease) in amounts payable to joint venture
 
 
 
 
 
participants and related parties
16,863
 
14,781
 
(480,511)
Increase (decrease) in advances from joint venture
 
 
 
 
 
Participants
3,029,817
 
(37,380)
 
136,976
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
3,548,942
 
1,154,919
 
45,072
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Payments on notes receivable
-
 
-
 
125,000
Proceeds from sale of property
402,164
 
-
 
-
Capital expenditures
-
 
(184,185)
 
(702,613)
(Investment in) distribution from partnerships
-
 
10,000
 
19,958
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities
402,164
 
(174,185)
 
(557,655)
 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
-
 
29,686
 
-
Principal payments on long-term debt
(13,793)
 
(5,739)
 
(6,074)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
133,368
 
19,700
 
57,000
           
Sale of treasury stock
-
 
-
 
-
Stock issuance costs
-
 
-
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
119,575
 
43,647
 
50,926
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
4,070,681
 
1,024,381
 
(461,657)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash at Beginning of Year
1,936,294
 
911,913
 
1,373,570
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash at End of Year
$ 6,006,975
 
$ 1,936,294
 
$ 911,913
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest paid
$ 2,572
 
$ 1,838
 
$ 4,761
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
$ 40,000
 
$ 800
 
$ -
           
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
         
  Services paid with common stocks
$ 23,247
 
$ -
 
$ -


2



TRI-VALLEY CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001

NOTE 1 - GENERAL

History and Business Activity
Tri-Valley Corporation (“TVC” or the Company), a Delaware corporation formed in 1971, is in the business of exploring, acquiring and developing petroleum and precious metals properties and interests therein. Tri-Valley has two wholly owned subsidiaries. Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Company (“TVOG”) operates the oil & gas activities, and derives the majority of its revenue from sale of oil and gas properties. Tri-Valley Power Corporation is the other wholly owned subsidiary which is inactive at present time.

The Company conducts its oil and gas business primarily through Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Company. TVOG is engaged in the exploration, acquisition and production of oil and gas properties. Substantially all of the Company’s oil and gas reserves are located in northern California. In the fiscal year 1987, the Company added precious metals exploration. At present, the precious metals exploration activities are conducted directly by the parent, Tri-Valley Corporation. TVC has traditionally sought acquisition or merger opportunities within and outside of petroleum and mineral industries.

For purposes of reporting operating segments, the Company is involved in three areas. These are drilling and development, oil and gas production, and precious metals.


NOTE 2 - RESTATEMENT

Management determined that its accounting procedures for revenue and cost of sales related to turnkey drilling are no longer appropriate and required an adjustment for the fiscal year ended 2003.

The restatements for the year ended December 31, 2003 and the quarter ended March 31, 2004 have resulted from a change in the Company’s revenue recognition policy. The Company previously recognized revenues on turnkey drillings before the close of the books because full payment had been collected and the amounts were non refundable. The Company has changed its revenue recognition policy to book revenue only when the well is drilled to its target depth and/or logged. This change has caused drilling revenue and the related costs to decrease during the year ended December 31 2003 and increase in the first quarter of the year ended December 31 2004.

2


NOTE 2 - RESTATEMENT (Continued)

The following sets forth the significant effects of the aforementioned restatements to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003:

 
As Previously
 
As
 
 
Reported
Adjustment
Restated
Reference
         
Sales of oil and gas prospects
$ 6,585,780
$(1,145,000)
$ 5,440,780
[1]
Total revenues
$ 7,609,245
$(1,145,000)
$ 6,464,245
 
         
Cost of oil and gas prospects sold
4,360,679
(345,790)
4,014,889
[2]
General and administrative
1,449,589
(76,531)
1,373,058
[3]
Total cost and expenses
6,391,463
(422,327)
5,969,136
 
         
Net income (loss) before income tax
1,217,782
(722,673)
495,109
 
Tax provision
58,000
(19,000)
39,000
[4]
         
Net income (loss)
1,159,782
(664,673)
456,109
 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per
       
common share and common equivalent
0.06
(0.04)
0.02
 
         
Property and equipment, net
$ 1,522,333
$ 20,788
$ 1,543,121
[5]
         
Total assets
8,320,992
20,790
8,341,782
 
         
Income tax payable
58,000
(19,000)
39,000
[4]
Accounts payable & accrued expenses
777,729
(91,945)
685,784
[3]
Advances from joint venture participants,
net
4,811,742
835,408
5,647,150
[6]
         
Total current liabilities
5,748,731
724,463
6,473,194
 
         
Total liabilities
5,765,536
724,463
6,489,999
 
         
Accumulated deficit
(6,461,742)
(703,673)
(7,165,415)
[7]
         
Total shareholders' equity
2,555,456
(703,673)
1,851,783
 
         
Total liabilities and shareholders'
equity
$ 8,320,992
$ 20,790
$ 8,341,782
 

2


NOTE 2 - RESTATEMENT (Continued)

The restatements to the financial statements for fiscal year ended December 1, 2003 are as follows:

1.  
Recognition of sales related to turnkey drilling of total $1,145,000 was deferred to 2004 when oil or gas well was drilled to its target depth and/or logged.
2.  
This amount of cost of oil and gas prospects was erroneously omitted in the previously filed statements of operations, although it’s included in the total cost
3.  
Certain general and administration costs associated with the deferred turnkey revenue were also deferred to match with the revenue recognition.
4.  Tax provision decreased due to decrease in revenue recognized.
5.  The Company capitalized unproven properties that were previously expensed.
6.  
Majority of the deferred turnkey revenue was adjusted as increase in advances from joint venture participants.
7.  
The accumulated deficits were revised to mainly reflect the decrease in net turnkey drilling revenue.


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

This summary of significant accounting policies of Tri-Valley Corporation is presented to assist in understanding the Company's financial statements. The financial statements and notes are representations of the Company's management, which is responsible for their integrity and objectivity. These accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and have been consistently applied in the preparation of the financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Co. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the estimate of Company oil and gas reserves prepared by an independent engineering consultant. Such estimates are subject to numerous uncertainties inherent in the estimation of quantities of proved reserves.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements (Continued)
Estimated reserves are used in the calculation of depletion, depreciation and amortization as well as the Company's assessment of proved oil and gas properties for impairment.

Cash Equivalent and Short-Term Investments
Cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit, and highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less.

Goodwill
The consolidated financial statements include the net assets purchased of Tri-Valley Corporation’s wholly owned oil and gas subsidiary, TVOG. Net assets are carried at their fair market value at the acquisition date. On January 1, 2002, Tri-Valley Corporation adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142). Under SFAS 142, goodwill is a non-amortizable asset, and is subject to an annual review for impairment. Prior to the implementation of SFAS 142, the Company had goodwill of $433,853 that was being amortized. The carrying amount of goodwill is evaluated periodically. Factors used in the evaluation include the Company’s ability to raise capital as a public company and anticipated cash flows from operating and non-operating mineral properties.

Advances from Joint Venture Participants
Advances received by the Company from joint venture partners for contract drilling projects, which are to be spent by the Company on behalf of the joint venture partners, are classified within operating inflows on the basis they do not meet the definition of financing or investing activities. When the cash advances are spent, the payable is reduced accordingly. These advances do not contribute to the Company's operating profits and are accounted or/disclosed as balance sheet entries only i.e. within cash and payable to joint venture participants.

Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Activities
During 2003, the Company issued 9,000 shares of common stock valued at $23,247, to outside consultants for services. The Company also issued 65,000 shares of common stock valued at $86,450, of which 50,000 shares were issued to its directors and 15,000 shares to its officers. In addition, a third party vendor exercised 500,000 common stock warrants in exchange for 255,387 shares of common stock (see Note 11 for detail).

Revenue Recognition

Sale of Oil and Gas
Crude oil and natural gas revenues are recognized as production takes place the title and risk of loss transfers to a third party purchaser, net of royalties, discounts, and allowances, as applicable.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Revenue Recognition (Continued)

Sale of Oil and Gas Prospects
Oil and gas prospects are developed by the Company for sale to industry partners and investors. These prospects are usually exploratory, and include costs of leasing, acquisition, and other geological and geophysical costs (hereafter referred to as “GGLA”) plus a profit to the Company. Prior to 2002, the Company recognized revenue and profit from prospects sales when sold, irrespective of drilling commencement (“spudding”).

In 2003 and 2002 the Company changed its prospect offerings by inclusion of estimated costs of drilling in addition to GGLA costs. This offering is termed a “turnkey” exploratory drilling opportunity because investors are charged only one certain amount in return for Tri-Valley drilling a well to the agreed total depth.

Once the well is spudded, investor money is not refundable, and Tri-Valley recognizes revenue together with estimated and actual costs to complete the drilling to total depth. Amounts charged are included in an Authority for Expenditure (AFE), which is a budget for each project well. Tri-Valley prepares the AFE and bears all risk of well completion to total depth. If the well is drilled to total depth for actual costs less than the AFE amounts, the Company realizes a profit. Conversely, if actual costs exceed the AFE, Tri-Valley realizes a loss.

Drilling Agreements/Joint Ventures
Tri-Valley frequently participates in drilling agreements whereby it acts as operator of drilling and producing activities. As operator, TVOG is liable for the activities of these ventures. In the initial well in a prospect, the Company owns a carried interest and/or overriding royalty interest in such ventures, earning a working interest upon commencement of drilling. Costs of subsequent wells drilled in a prospect are shared by a pro rata interest.

Receivables from and amounts payable to these related parties (as well as other related parties) have been segregated in the accompanying financial statements. For turnkey projects, amounts received for drilling activities, which have not been spudded are deferred and remain within the joint venture liability, in accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies. Revenue is recognized upon the commencement of drilling operations. Actual or estimated costs to complete the drilling are charged as costs against this revenue.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Oil and Gas Property and Equipment (Successful Efforts)
The Company accounts for its oil and gas exploration and development costs using the Successful Efforts Method. Under this method, costs to acquire mineral interests in oil and gas properties, to drill and complete exploratory wells that find proved reserves and to drill and complete development wells are capitalized. Exploratory dry-hole costs, geological and geophysical costs and costs of carrying and retaining unproved properties are expensed when incurred, except those GGLA expenditures incurred on behalf of joint venture drilling projects, which the Company defers until the GGLA is sold at the completion of project funding and the target prospect is drilled. Expenditures incurred in drilling exploratory wells are accumulated as work in process until the Company determines whether the well has encountered commercial oil and gas reserves.

If the well has encountered commercial reserves, the accumulated cost is transferred to oil and gas properties; otherwise, the accumulated cost, net of salvage value, is charged to dry hole expense. If the well has encountered commercial reserves but cannot be classified as proved within one year after discovery, then the well is considered to be impaired, and the capitalized costs (net of any salvage value) of drilling the well are charged to expense. In 2003, 2002, and 2001 there was $0, $45,143, and $0 respectively, charged to expense for impairment of exploratory well costs. Depletion, depreciation and amortization of oil and gas producing properties are computed on an aggregate basis using the units-of-production method based upon estimated proved developed reserves.

At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company carried unproved property costs of $1.081 million and $1.449 million, respectively. Generally accepted accounting principles require periodic evaluation of these costs on a project-by-project basis in comparison to their estimated value. These evaluations will be affected by the results of exploration activities, commodity price outlooks, planned future sales or expiration of all or a portion of the leases, contracts and permits appurtenant to such projects. If the quantity of potential reserves determined by such evaluations is not sufficient to fully recover the cost invested in each project, the Company will recognize non cash charges in the earnings of future periods.

Capitalized costs relating to proved properties are depleted using the unit-of-production method based on proved reserves. Costs of significant non-producing properties, wells in the process of being drilled and development projects are excluded from depletion until such time as the related project is completed and proved reserves are established or, if unsuccessful, impairment is determined.

Upon the sale of oil and gas reserves in place, costs less accumulated amortization of such property are removed from the accounts and resulting gain or loss on sale is reflected in operations. Impairment of non-producing leasehold costs and undeveloped mineral and royalty interests are assessed periodically on a property-by-property basis, and any impairment in value is currently charged to expense.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Oil and Gas Property and Equipment (Successful Efforts) (Continued)
In addition, we assess the capitalized costs of unproved properties periodically to determine whether their value has been impaired below the capitalized costs. We recognize a loss to the extent that such impairment is indicated. In making these assessments, we consider factors such as exploratory drilling results, future drilling plans, and lease expiration terms. When an entire interest in an unproved property is sold, gain or loss is recognized, taking into consideration any recorded impairment. When a partial interest in an unproved property is sold, the amount is treated as a reduction of the cost of the interest retained, with excess revenue and carrying costs being recognized. Upon abandonment of properties, the reserves are deemed fully depleted and any unamortized costs are recorded in the statement of operations under leases sold, relinquished and impaired.

Gold Mineral Property
The Company has invested in several gold mineral properties with exploration potential. All mineral claim acquisition costs and exploration and development expenditures are charged to expense as incurred. We capitalize acquisition and exploration costs only after persuasive engineering evidence is obtained to support recoverability of these costs (ideally upon determination of proven and/or probable reserves based upon dense drilling samples and feasibility studies by a recognized independent engineer). Currently no amounts have been capitalized.

Other Properties and Equipment
Properties and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Office furniture and fixtures
Building
3 - 7 years
40 years

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease.

Maintenance and repairs, which neither materially add to the value of the property nor appreciably prolong its life, are charged to expense as incurred. Gains or losses on dispositions of property and equipment other than oil and gas are reflected in operations.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Fair Value of Financial Instruments
As discussed in Note 7, the Company sells oil, gas and natural gas liquids to primarily one purchaser located in the northern California region.

The Company places its temporary cash investments with high credit quality financial institutions and limits the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution.

Fair value of financial instruments is estimated to approximate the related book value, unless otherwise indicated, based on market information available to the Company.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Stock Based Compensation Plans
The Company has adopted only the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and has elected to continue to record stock-based compensation expense using the intrinsic-value approach prescribed by Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion 25. The application of APB Opinion 25 has further been clarified by Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 44, "Accounting for Certain Transactions involving Stock Compensation". Under APB No. 25, because the exercise price of the company’s employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized. However, SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” requires presentation of pro forma information as if the company had accounted for its employee stock options and performance awards granted subsequent to December 31, 1994, under the fair value of that statement.

For purposes of pro forma disclosure, the estimated fair value of the options and performance awards at the date of grant is charged to expense as the employee stock options are fully vested upon grant. Under the fair value method, the company’s net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share would have been as follows:

   
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
   
2003
 
2002
 
2001
   
(restated)
       
             
Net Income
As reported
$ 456,109
 
$ 769,130
 
$ (117,975)
 
Pro forma
399,009
 
769,130
 
(978,415)
             
Earnings per share
As reported
0.02
 
0.04
 
(0.01)
 
Pro forma
0.05
 
0.04
 
(0.05)
             
Diluted earnings
As reported
0.02
 
0.04
 
(0.01)
per share
Pro forma
0.05
 
0.03
 
(0.05)

Reclassification
Certain amounts in the financial statements have been reclassified to be consistent and comparable from year-to-year.

Treasury Stock
The Company records acquisition of its capital stock for treasury at cost. Differences between proceeds for reissuance of treasury stock and average cost are charged to retained earnings or credited thereto to the extent of prior charges and thereafter to capital in excess of par value.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 "Business Combinations" ("SFAS 141") and No. 142 "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS 142"). SFAS 141 requires all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for under the purchase method. The most significant changes made by SFAS 142 are: 1) goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives will no longer be amortized; 2) goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives must be tested for impairment at least annually; and 3) the amortization period for intangible assets with finite lives will no longer be limited to 40 years.

Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in business combinations completed before July 1, 2001 will continue to be amortized prior to the adoption of Statement No. 142. Statement No. 141 will require, upon adoption of Statement No. 142, that the Company evaluate its existing intangible assets and goodwill that were acquired in a prior purchase business combination, and to make any necessary reclassifications in order to conform with the new criteria in Statement No. 141 for recognition apart from goodwill. Upon adoption of Statement No. 142, the Company has reassessed the useful lives and residual values of all intangible assets acquired in purchase business combinations. No material amortization adjustments have been necessary. The Company had unamortized goodwill in the amount of $212,414 all of which was, at the date of adoption, subject to the provisions of Statements 141 and 142. Amortization expense related to goodwill was $10,846 for the fiscal years 2001. There was no goodwill impairment recognition for either 2002 or 2003. The adoption of these statements did not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2001, the FASB approved for issuance SFAS 143 "Asset Retirement Obligations." SFAS 143 establishes accounting requirements for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets such as wells and production facilities. SFAS 143 guidance covers (1) the timing of the liability recognition, (2) initial measurement of the liability, (3) allocation of asset retirement cost to expense, (4) subsequent measurement of the liability and (5) financial statement disclosures. SFAS 143 requires that an asset retirement cost should be capitalized as part of the cost of the related long- lived asset and subsequently allocated to expense using a systematic and rational method. The adoption of SFAS 143 could result in (1) an increase of total liabilities, because more retirement obligations are required to be recognized, (2) an increase in the recognized cost of assets, because the retirement costs are added to the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and (3) an increase in operating expense because of the accretion of the retirement obligation and additional depreciation and depletion. The Company adopted the statement on January 1, 2003. The transition adjustment resulting from the adoption of SFAS 143 will be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle in January 2003. The adoption of this standard had no material impact, i.e., $4,000, on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)
In August 2001, the FASB also approved SFAS 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS 144"). SFAS 144 replaces SFAS 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." The new accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale applies to all long-lived assets, including discontinued operations, and replaces the provisions of APB Opinion No. 30, "Reporting Results of Operations-Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business", for the disposal of segments of a business. SFAS 144 requires that those long-lived assets be measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell, whether reported in continuing operations or in discontinued operations.

Therefore, discontinued operations will no longer be measured at net realizable value or include amounts for operating losses that have not yet occurred. SFAS 144 also broadens the reporting of discontinued operations to include all components of an entity with operations that can be distinguished from the rest of the entity and that will be eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity in a disposal transaction. The provisions of SFAS 144 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 and therefore were adopted by the Company in 2002. The adoption of this statement did not impact the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections". SFAS 145, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002, provides guidance for income statement classification of gains and losses on extinguishment of debt and accounting for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to sale-leaseback transactions. The adoption of this statement did not impact the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, "Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities." SFAS 146 nullifies the guidance of the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)." SFAS 146 requires that a liability for a cost that is associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. SFAS 146 also establishes that fair value is the objective for the initial measurement of the liability. The provisions of SFAS 146 are required for exit or disposal activities that are initiated after December 31, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not impact the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements (Continued)
In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure." SFAS 148 amends FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" to provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, this Statement amends the disclosure requirements of Statement 123 to require prominent disclosures in both annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on the reported results. The provisions of SFAS 148 are effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The adoption of this statement did not impact the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

During January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("FIN46"), which requires the consolidation of certain entities that are determined to be variable interest entities ("VIE's").

An entity is considered to be a VIE when either (i) the entity lacks sufficient equity to carry on its principal operations, (ii) the equity owners of the entity cannot make decisions about the entity's activities or (iii) the entity's equity neither absorbs losses or benefits from gains.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires public Companies to report on both internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. Internal controls over financial reporting refers to:

(a)  controls to ensure that a Company’s information systems record financial information that allows the Company to issue fair and accurate financial statements;
(b)  controls that ensure against unauthorized receipts and expenditures; and
(c)  controls to prevent and detect unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the assets.

Disclosure controls and procedures refer to controls that ensure that all information that must be reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission is received by management on a timely basis.

The Company must report on the effectiveness of both financial reporting controls and disclosure controls. The effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting must be evaluated by management, and reported on in the Company’s annual report filed with the SEC.

2


NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002 (Continued)
The Company’s independent auditors must attest to management’s evaluation of internal controls, and must issue their report, stating whether they agree with management’s assessment. In addition, the Company is required to report any changes in their internal controls in their quarterly reported filed with the SEC.


NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Oil and gas properties, and equipment and fixtures consist of the following:

 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
Oil and gas - California
     
Proved properties, gross
$ 752,705
 
$ 752,705
- accumulated depletion
(604,223)
 
(587,030)
 
148,482
 
165,675
Unproved properties
1,251,953
 
1,654,117
       
Total oil and gas properties
1,400,435
 
1,819,792
       
Other property and equipment
     
Land
12,281
 
12,281
Building
50,395
 
50,395
Transmission tower
45,000
 
45,000
Office equipment, vehicle, and leasehold improvements
218,514
 
218,515
(table continued in following page)

2


NOTE 4 - PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Continued)

 
December 31,
(table continued from previous page)
2003
 
2002
       
Total other property and equipment
$ 326,190
 
$ 326,191
- Accumulated depreciation
(183,504)
 
(171,482)
       
Other property and equipment, net
142,686
 
154,709
       
Property and equipment, net
$ 1,543,121
 
$ 1,974,501


NOTE 5 - NOTES PAYABLE
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
       
Note payable to Union Bank dated July 29,2002;
     
secured by a vehicle; interest at 8.3%; payable
     
in 60 monthly installments of $602.
$ 22,437
 
$ 27,638
       
Note payable to Imperial Premium Finance, Inc.,
     
dated June 9, 1997; secured by contractual policy;
     
interest at 12.00%; payable in monthly installments
     
of $680 including interest.
-
 
4,574
       
Note payable to Union Bank, dated January
     
15, 2000; secured by a vehicle; interest at 8.5%;
     
payable in 60 monthly installments of $380.
4,353
 
8,371
 
26,790
 
40,583
Less current portion
9,985
 
13,792
       
Long-term portion of notes payable
$ 16,805
 
$ 26,791

Maturities of long-term debt for the years subsequent to December 31, 2003 are as follows:

2004
 
$ 9,985
2005
 
6,100
2006
 
6,606
2007
 
4,099
     
   
$ 26,790

2


NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Employee Stock Options
The Company has a qualified and a nonqualified stock option plan, which provides for the granting of options to key employees, consultants, and nonemployee directors of the Company.

The option price, number of shares and grant date are determined at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors. Options granted under the plans are exercisable immediately; however, the plan expires in August 2008.

The purpose of the Company's stock option plans is to further the interest of the Company by enabling officers, directors, employees, consultants and advisors of the Company to acquire an interest in the Company by ownership of its stock through the exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under its various stock option plans.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant the Black-Scholes American option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grant in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Year
 
Expected Life
 
Expected Dividends
 
Expected Volatility
 
Risk-Free Interest Rates
2003
 
4
 
None
 
88%
 
3.00
2002
 
5
 
None
 
98.04%
 
3.86
2001
 
6
 
None
 
122%
 
4.85


Expected life of 4, 5, and 6 years for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, no expected dividends, expected volatility of 88 percent for 2003, 98.04 percent for 2002, and 122 percent for 2001 and risk-free interest rates of 3.00, 3.86, and 4.85 percent, respectively.

2


NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Employee Stock Options (Continued)
A summary of the status of the Company's fixed stock option plan as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and changes during the years ending on those dates is presented below:

 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
     
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
     
Weighted-
     
Average
     
Average
     
Average
     
Exercise
     
Exercise
     
Exercise
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Shares
 
Price
 
Shares
 
Price
Fixed Options
                     
Outstanding at beginning of year
2,960,500
 
$ 1.25
 
3,229,000
 
$ 1.26
 
2,644,000
 
$ 1.20
Granted
100,000
 
$ 1.33
 
-
 
$ -
 
700,000
 
$ 1.35
Exercised
(41,900)
 
$ 0.50
 
(20,500)
 
$ 0.50
 
(115,000)
 
$ 1.50
Cancelled
-
 
$ -
 
(248,000)
 
$ 1.36
 
-
   
                       
Outstanding at end of year
3,018,600
 
$ 1.27
 
2,960,500
 
$ 1.25
 
3,229,000
 
$ 1.26
                       
Options exercisable at year-end
3,018,600
     
2,960,500
     
3,229,000
   
                       
Available for issuance
610,400
                   
                       
Weighted-average fair value of options
                     
granted during the year
$ 0.96
     
$ -
     
$ 1.22
   

The following table summarizes information about fixed stock options outstanding at December 31, 2003:

   
Options Outstanding and Exercisable
       
Weighted-Average
   
   
Number Outstanding
 
Remaining
 
Weighted-Average
Range of Exercise Prices
 
at December 31, 2003
 
Contractual Life
 
Exercise Price
             
$.50 - $2.43
 
3,018,600
 
4.72
 
$1.27


2


NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Partnerships
Tri-Valley is a general partner and operator of the Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Exploration Programs 1971-1, Martins-Severin, and Opus I Partnerships. The Company accounts for these partnerships on the equity method. Oil and gas income follows:

 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
           
Partnership income, net of expenses
$ 30,000
 
$ 18,299
 
$ 51,542


NOTE 7 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

Year
 
Full Year Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding
 
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share
 
Diluted Earnings Weighted-Average Share Outstanding Plus Common Stock Equivalents
 
Common Stock Equivalents Excluded from Diluted Earnings Per Share
2003
 
$ 0.02
 
19,801,785
 
$ 0.05
 
$ 3,018,600
 
$ -
2002
 
0.04
 
19,702,054
 
0.03
 
2,698,500
 
960,000
2001
 
(0.01)
 
19,495,693
 
(0.01)
 
-
 
3,279,000

The diluted earning per share amounts are based on weighted-average shares outstanding plus common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents include stock options and awards, and common stock warrants. Common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share due to the effect was antidilutive.


NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES

At December 31, 2003, the Company had available net operating loss carry forwards for financial statements and federal income tax purposes of approximately $760,000 (restated). These loss carryforwards expire between 2004 and 2014.

2


NOTE 8 - INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The components of the net deferred tax assets were as follows:

 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
Deferred tax assets:
         
Net operating loss carryforwards
$ 345,727
 
$ 45,667
 
$ 606,550
Statutory depletion carryforwards
339,007
 
297,217
 
291,276
           
Total deferred tax assets
684,734
 
342,884
 
897,826
Valuation allowance
(684,734)
 
(342,884)
 
(897,826)
           
Net deferred tax assets
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ -

A full valuation allowance has been established for the deferred tax assets generated by net operating loss and statutory depletion carryforwards due to the uncertainty of future utilization.

The reconciliation of federal taxable income follows:

 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
           
Income (loss) before tax
$ 495,109
 
$ 845,130
 
$ (117,975)
           
Computed "expected" tax (benefit)
$ 168,000
 
$ 304,344
 
$ (40,112)
           
State tax liability
39,000
 
76,000
 
-
           
Utilization (non-utilization) of operating loss carryover
(168,000)
 
(304,344)
 
40,112
           
Total income tax provision
$ 39,000
 
$ 76,000
 
$ -



2


NOTE 9 - MAJOR CUSTOMERS

Oil and Gas
Substantially all oil and gas sales have occurred in the northern California gas market.

The Company received substantially all of its oil and gas revenue from one customer. The oil and gas sales to this one customer amounted to $901,739, $752,971 and $1,597,771 for the year ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.


NOTE 10 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

The Company adopted SFAS No. 131, “Disclosure About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” in 1998, which changes the way the Company reports information about its operating segments.

The Company identifies reportable segments by product. The Company includes revenues from both external customers and revenues from transactions with other operating segments in its measure of segment profit or loss.

The Company also includes interest revenue and expense, DD&A, and other operating expenses in its measure of segment profit or loss.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Principles (see Note 1).

The Company's operations are classified into three principal industry segments. Following is a summary of segmented information for 2003, 2002, and 2001:

 
Oil and Gas
 
Precious
 
Drilling and
   
 
Production
 
Metals
 
Development
 
Total
Year ended December 31, 2003
       
(restated)
 
(restated)
               
Revenues from external customers
$ 932,268
 
$ -
 
$ 5440,780
 
$ 6,373,048
               
Interest revenue
$ 34,479
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 34,479
               
Interest expense
$ 2,572
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 2,572
               
Expenditures for segment assets
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ -

2


NOTE 10 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION RELATING TO INDUSTRY SEGMENTS (Continued)

 
Oil and Gas
 
Precious
 
Drilling and
   
 
Production
 
Metals
 
Development
 
Total
Year ended December 31, 2003
       
(restated)
 
(restated)
(Continued)
             
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
$ 29,216
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 29,216
               
Total assets
$ 8,341,782
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 8,341,782
               
Net income (loss)
$ (624,280)
 
$ (366,039)
 
$ 1,446,428
 
$ 456,109
               
Year ended December 31, 2002
             
Revenues from external customers
$ 771,621
 
$ -
 
$ 5,421,782
 
$ 6,193,403
               
Interest revenue
$ 19,534
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 19,534
               
Interest expense
$ 1,838
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 1,838
               
Expenditures for segment assets
$ 155,132
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 155,132
               
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
$ 34,384
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 34,384
               
Total assets
$ 4,634,874
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 4,634,874
               
Net income (loss)
$ (835,452)
 
$ (169,111)
 
$ 1,773,693
 
$ 769,130
               
Year ended December 31, 2001
             
Revenues from external customers
$ 1,656,265
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 1,656,265
               
Interest revenue
$ 23,597
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 23,597
               
Interest expense
$ 4,761
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 4,761
               
Expenditures for segment assets
$ 702,613
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 702,613
               
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization
$ 60,962
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 60,962
               
Total assets
$ 3,381,757
 
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ 3,381,757
               
Net income (loss)
$ 396,063
 
$ (223,643)
 
$ (290,395)
 
$ (117,975)

2


NOTE 11 - COMMON STOCK

During 2003 we issued the following shares of common stock. All of these securities were issued pursuant to privately negotiated transactions in reliance on the exemption contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

-  
One officer, one former employee, and one private individual exercised options to purchase 41,900 common shares at $.50 each.

-  
One private individual purchased 3,000 common stock shares at $1.35 each.

-  
We issued 15,000 shares to the Company’s officers. The closing market price of our common stock on the date we awarded these shares was $1.36.

-  
We issued 50,000 shares to the Company’s outside directors. The closing market price of our common stock on the date we awarded these shares was $1.33

-  
We issued 6,000 shares to a consultant for service. The closing market price of our common stock on the date we awarded these shares was $3.20.

-  
We issued 255,387 common shares to Swartz Private Equity, LLC (see Note 10).


NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation
The Company is a defendant in an action filed by Armstrong Petroleum alleging the Company failed to make correct royalty payments to Armstrong for several years. In 2002, Armstrong was awarded a judgment against the Company for $141,500. The Company believes the judgment was based on incorrect facts and has filed an appeal. The Company was required to post a cash bond of $267,400 with the appeal. The bond amount is included in Deposits at December 31, 2003. On March 24, 2004, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the trial court. We are considering whether to appeal the appellate court judgment to the California Supreme Court. Tri-Valley Corporation created a cash reserve for this judgment in 2002 when this verdict was awarded. Included in accounts payable at December 31, 2003 certain estimated expenses have been accrued in connection with the appeal.

Contingencies
The Company is subject to possible loss contingencies pursuant to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These include existing and potential obligations to investigate the effects of the release of certain hydro-carbons or other substances at various sites; to remediate or restore these sites; and to compensate others for damages and to make other payments as required by law or regulation. These obligations relate to sites owned by the Company or others, and are associated with past and present oil and gas operations.

2


NOTE 12 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

Contingencies (Continued)
The amount of such obligations is indeterminate and will depend on such factors as the unknown nature and extent of contamination, the unknown timing, extent and method of remedial actions which may be required, the determination of the Company's liability in proportion to other responsible parties, and the state of the law.

Natural Gas Contracts
The Company sells its gas under three separate gas contracts. Each of the contracts is effective for a twelve-month period and is renegotiated annually. During 2003, 2002, and 2001, the Company sold all of its produced gas under these agreements. The terms of the agreements are identical among the contracts. During 2003, 2002, and 2001, the terms of the agreements were as follows: 100% of the produced gas was sold at the monthly spot price.

Joint Venture Advances
As discussed in Note 1, the Company receives advances from joint venture participants, which represent funds raised to drill exploratory wells. The Company receives a carried working interest if the well is successfully drilled and completed. The Company acts as both the fiduciary agent and Operator during the period required to drill and equip the well, and as Operator while the well is produced. The Company is obligated to use these funds for expenditures of the joint venture prospect. The joint venture agreements specify that the Company must drill the subject well or substitute another prospect. Some agreements require that the interest earned on joint venture advances be credited to the project account. Expenditures of the projects are charged directly against the obligation.

The balance of the joint venture advance represents the sum of amounts contributed for drilling prospects, net of expenditures for the projects. Residual project balances are held until the Company makes a final determination concerning any remedial obligations of the joint venturers. The balance at December 31, 2003 consists primarily of the following projects:

Opus
In May of 2001 the Company began raising funds for a one hundred million dollars exploration drilling program named OPUS-I. The program calls for the drilling of 26 prospects, 23 in California and 3 in Nevada. As of December 31, 2003 the program has drilled seven wells in which two were dry holes, the remaining wells are currently being tested or evaluated for further work. The drilling portion of these prospects is turn keyed, meaning the drilling portion is done for a fixed cost and the completion portion is done at the actual cost.

2


NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

Opus (Continued)
The Opus Drilling Program joint venture status at December 31, 2003 is as follows:

Total Opus Contributions
$ 19,767,438
Total Opus Expenditures
$ 15,911,488
Advances
$ 3,855,950

Ekho
The Ekho project was originally a three-well project, which commenced February 7, 2000 with the first well. The first well has been drilled to its target depth of just over 19,000 feet. The original majority joint interest partners were unable to fulfill their obligations to continue to fund well completion activities. The Company is currently seeking substitute partners to raise funds to fracture and complete the well. Ekho joint venture project status at December 31, 2003, which is included in the joint venture advance, is as follows (the vast majority of expenditures were made in 2000):

Total Ekho joint venture contributions
$ 10,604,300
Total Ekho joint venture expenditures
$ 10,878,236
Interest credited to the joint account
$ 246,749

Leases
The Company leases its office space on a month to month basis.

Stock Sale Agreement
Effective February 6, 2002, the Company completed a Securities Act registration of 8,500,000 shares of its common stock to be sold to Swartz Private Equity, LLC (“Swartz”) under an Investment Agreement dated September 13, 2001 for a total value of up to $15,000,000, subject to a formula based on the Company's stock price and trading volume, over a three year period beginning from the effective date of the registration.

Under the Investment Agreement with Swartz, when the common shares are sold to Swartz the Company will receive the lesser of (1) 93% of the market price for the Company’s stock or (2) the market price minus $0.12 per share. The number of shares sold to Swartz may not exceed 15% of the aggregate trading volume during the twenty trading days following the date the Company invokes a put right, and is subject to other volume limitations.

2


NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

Common Stock Warrants
On April 20, 2001, the Company issued 500,000 common stock warrants to Swartz Private Equity, LLC. The warrants are exercisable at $2.42 per warrant and expire on April 20, 2006. During September and October of 2003 Swartz Private Equity, LLC chose to exercise these Warrants through a cashless transaction. The company issued 255,387 shares under the Warrant agreement.

The resulting costs in the amount of $1,311,710 were recognized as stock issuance costs, and offset against additional paid in capital, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement on Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (as amended).



1

















SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION











SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION



The following estimates of proved oil and gas reserves, both developed and undeveloped, represent interests owned by the Company located solely in the United States.

Disclosures of oil and gas reserves, which follow, are based on estimates prepared by independent engineering consultants for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001. Such analyses are subject to numerous uncertainties inherent in the estimation of quantities of proved reserves and in the projection of future rates of production and the timing of development expenditures. These estimates do not include probable or possible reserves.

These estimates are furnished and calculated in accordance with requirements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Because of unpredictable variances in expenses and capital forecasts, crude oil and natural gas price changes, largely influenced and controlled by U.S. and foreign government actions, and the fact that the basis for such estimates vary significantly, management believes the usefulness of these projections is limited. Estimates of future net cash flows presented do not represent management’s assessment of future profitability or future cash flows to the Company. Management’s investment and operating decisions are based upon reserve estimates that include proved reserves as well as probable reserves, and upon different price and cost assumptions from those used here.

It should be recognized that applying current costs and prices and a 10 percent standard discount rate does not convey fair market value. The discounted amounts arrived at are only one measure of the value of proved reserves.

Capitalized costs relating to oil and gas producing activities and related accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization were as follows:

 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
Aggregate capitalized costs:
         
Proved properties
$ 752,705
 
$ 752,705
 
$ 752,705
Unproved properties
1,251,953
 
1,654,117
 
1,692,703
Accumulated depletion, depreciation and amortization
(604,223)
 
(587,030)
 
(562,310)
           
Net capitalized assets
$ 1,400,435
 
$ 1,819,792
 
$ 1,833,098






Supplemental Information
Page Two


The following sets forth costs incurred for oil and gas property acquisition, exploration and development activities, whether capitalized or expensed, during:

 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
Acquisition of producing properties and productive and non-productive acreage
$ -
 
$ -
 
$ -
           
Exploration costs and development activities
$ -
 
$ 45,143
 
$ -

Results Of Operations From Oil And Gas Producing Activities
The results of operations from oil and gas producing activities are as follows:

 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
Sales to unaffiliated parties
$ 932,268
 
$ 771,621
 
$ 1,656,265
Production costs
(183,362)
 
(224,320)
 
(332,160)
Depletion, depreciation and amortization
(26,551)
 
(24,719)
 
(38,388)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
722,355
 
522,582
 
1,285,717
Income tax expense
(264,968)
 
(187,057)
 
(461,867)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Results of operations from activities before
 
 
 
 
 
extraordinary items (excluding corporate
 
 
 
 
 
overhead and interest costs)
$ 457,387
 
$ 335,525
 
$ 823,850




Supplemental Information
Page Three


Changes In Estimated Reserve Quantities
The net interest in estimated quantities of proved developed and undeveloped reserves of crude oil and natural gas at December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, and changes in such quantities during each of the years then ended, were as follows:

 
December 31, 2003
 
December 31, 2002
 
December 31, 2001
 
(restated)
               
 
Oil
 
Gas
 
Oil
 
Gas
 
Oil
 
Gas
 
(BBL)
 
(MCF)
 
(BBL)
 
(MCF)
 
(BBL)
 
(MCF)
                       
Proved developed and undeveloped reserves:
                     
Beginning of year
150
 
1,492,245
 
164
 
1,684,757
 
299
 
1,842,672
Revisions of previous estimates extensions, discoveries and other additions
37
 
(115,365)
 
15
 
40,066
 
(121)
 
72,477
Net reserve additions
-
 
36,982
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
-
Production
(25)
 
(162,314)
 
(29)
 
(232,578)
 
(14)
 
(230,392)
                       
End of year
162
 
1,251,548
 
150
 
1,492,245
 
164
 
1,684,757
                       
Proved developed reserves:
                     
Beginning of year
150
 
1,492,245
 
164
 
1,684,757
 
299
 
1,842,672
                       
End of year
162
 
1,251,548
 
150
 
1,492,245
 
164
 
1,684,757

Standardized Measure Of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating To Proved Oil And Gas Reserves
A standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows is presented below for the year ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001.

The future net cash inflows are developed as follows:

(1)
Estimates are made of quantities of proved reserves and the future periods during which they are expected to be produced based on year-end economic conditions.
(2)
The estimated future production of proved reserves is priced on the basis of year-end prices.
(3)
The resulting future gross revenue streams are reduced by estimated future costs to develop and to produce proved reserves, based on year end cost estimates.
(4) The resulting future net revenue streams are reduced to present value amounts by applying a ten percent discount.



Supplemental Information
Page Four


Standardized Measure Of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows Relating To Proved Oil And Gas Reserves (Continued)

Disclosure of principal components of the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows provides information concerning the factors involved in making the calculation. In addition, the disclosure of both undiscounted and discounted net cash flows provides a measure of comparing proved oil and gas reserves both with and without an estimate of production timing. The standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved reserves reflects income taxes.

 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
           
Future cash in flows
$ 5,973,197
 
$ 5,791,416
 
$ 4,231,473
Future production and development costs
(1,376,902)
 
(1,297,906)
 
(1,293,017)
Future income tax expenses
(1,134,811)
 
(1,202,626)
 
(430,547)
Future net cash flows
3,461,484
 
3,290,884
 
2,507,909
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows
1,190,852
 
1,066,614
 
1,502,899
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flow
$ 2,270,632
 
$ 2,224,270
 
$ 1,005,010

* Refer to the following table for analysis in changes in standardized measure.

Changes In Standardized Measure Of Discounted Future Net Cash Flow From Proved Reserve Quantities
This statement discloses the sources of changes in the standardized measure from year to year. The amount reported as "Net changes in prices and production costs" represents the present value of changes in prices and production costs multiplied by estimates of proved reserves as of the beginning of the year. The "accretion of discount" was computed by multiplying the ten percent discount factor by the standardized measure as of the beginning of the year. The "Sales of oil and gas produced, net of production costs" is expressed in actual dollar amounts. "Revisions of previous quantity estimates" is expressed at year-end prices.



Supplemental Information
Page Five


Changes In Standardized Measure Of Discounted Future Net Cash Flow From Proved Reserve Quantities (Continued)
The "Net change in income taxes" is computed as the change in present value of future income taxes.

 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
December 31,
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
(restated)
       
Standardized measure - beginning of period
$ 2,224,270
 
$ 1,005,010
 
$ 8,483,726
           
Sales of oil and gas produced, net of production costs
(748,906)
 
(547,301)
 
(60,294)
Revisions of estimates of reserves provided in prior years:
         
Net changes in prices
969,281
 
2,432,433
 
(1,336,765)
Revisions of previous quantity estimates
(171,355)
 
166,536
 
(295,610)
Extensions and discoveries
102,382
 
-
 
495,354
Purchases of minerals in place
-
 
-
 
-
Accretion of discount
263,451
 
274,545
 
117,937
Changes in production rates (timing) and other
(436,306)
 
(334,874)
 
1,122,078
Net change in income taxes
67,815
 
(772,079)
 
(7,521,416)
           
Net increase (decrease)
46,362
 
1,219,260
 
(7,478,716)
           
Standardized measure - end of period
$ 2,270,632
 
$ 2,224,270
 
$ 1,005,010




Supplemental Information
Page Five


Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

 
2003
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
         
(restated)
 
(restated)
Operating Revenues
$ 276,780
 
$ 1,190,371
 
$ 3,137,062
 
$ 1,860,032
               
Net Income (Loss)
$ (421,407)
 
$ (152,183)
 
$ 172,570
 
$ 896,129
               
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
$ (0.02)
 
$ (0.00)
 
$ 0.00
 
$ 0.04
               
 
2002
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
               
Operating Revenues
$ 182,734
 
$ 857,241
 
$ 3,923,875
 
$ 1,321,058
               
Net Income (Loss)
$ (264,117)
 
$ (360,283)
 
$ 1,071,553
 
$ 321,977
               
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
$ (0.01)
 
$ (0.02)
 
$ 0.05
 
$ 0.02
   
 
2001
 
First
 
Second
 
Third
 
Fourth
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
 
Quarter
               
Operating Revenues
$ 749,810
 
$ 14,146
 
$ 298,560
 
$ 467,671
               
Net Income (Loss)
$ 252,254
 
$ 64,206
 
$ (172,172)
 
$ (262,263)
               
Net Income (Loss) per Common Share
$ 0.01
 
$ -
 
$ (0.01)
 
$ -







ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls
We evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures ("Disclosure Controls") as of the end of the 2003 fiscal year. This evaluation ("Controls Evaluation") was done with the participation of our president and chief executive officer("CEO") and chief financial officer ("CFO").

Disclosure Controls are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") is recorded processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure Controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including our CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls or our internal controls over financial reporting ("Internal Controls") will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of a control system are met. Further, any control system reflects limitations on resources, and the benefits of a control system must be considered relative to its costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Tri-Valley Corporation have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of a control. A design of a control system is also based upon certain assumptions about potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected.

Conclusions
Based upon the Controls Evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, subject to the limitations noted above, the Disclosure Controls are effective in providing reasonable assurance that material information relating to Tri-Valley Corporation is made known to management on a timely basis during the period when our periodic reports are being prepared.
There were no changes in our Internal Controls that occurred during the quarter covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our Internal Controls.





PART III

ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

All directors of the Company serve one year terms from the time of their election to the time their successor is elected and qualified. The following information is furnished with respect to each director and executive officer:

       
Year First
   
       
Became Director or
 
Position With
Name of Director
 
Age
 
Executive Officer
 
Company
             
F. Lynn Blystone
 
68
 
1974
 
President, CEO, Director, TVC
           
CEO and Director, TVOG
           
President, CEO, Director, TVPC
             
Dennis P. Lockhart(1)
 
57
 
1982
 
Director
             
Milton J. Carlson(1)
 
73
 
1985
 
Director
             
Harold J. Noyes
 
55
 
2002
 
Director
             
Loren J. Miller(1)
 
59
 
1992
 
Director
             
C. Chase Hoffman
 
81
 
2000
 
Director
             
Thomas J. Cunningham
 
61
 
1997
 
Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and
           
Secretary, TVC, TVOG, and TVPC
             
Joseph R. Kandle
 
61
 
1999
 
President, TVOG

(1)- Member of Audit Committee

F. Lynn Blystone - 68
President and Chief Executive Officer of Tri-Valley Corporation and Tri-Valley Power Corporation, and CEO of Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Company, which are two wholly owned subsidiaries of Tri-Valley Corporation, Bakersfield, California
1974
     
Mr. Blystone became president of Tri-Valley Corporation in October, 1981, and was nominally vice president from July to October, 1981. His background includes institution management, venture capital and various management functions for a mainline pipeline contractor including the Trans Alaska Pipeline Project. He has founded, run and sold companies in several fields including Learjet charter, commercial construction, municipal finance and land development. He is also president of a family corporation, Bandera Land Company, Inc., with real estate interests in Kern, Riverside and Orange Counties California. A graduate of Whittler College, California, he did graduate work at George Williams College, Illinois in organization management. He gives full time to Tri-Valley.





Dennis P. Lockhart - 57
Director
1982
     
Mr. Lockhart is a professor at Georgetown University. He was previously Managing Partner of Zephyr Management L.P., an international private equity investment fund sponsor/manager headquartered in New York. He remains a partner in this firm. He is also (non-executive) Chairman of the Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF),a not-for-profit operator of emerging markets venture capital funds focused on the small and mid-sized company sector. He is a director of CapitalSource Inc. (NYSE) and SMELoan Asia/Maveo Systems (private, Hong Kong based). In 2002 and 2003 he was an Adjunct Professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. From 1988 to 2001, he was President of Heller International Group Inc., a non-bank corporate and commercial finance company operating in 20 countries, and a director of the group’s parent, Heller Financial Inc. From 1971 to 1988 he held a variety of international and domestic positions at Citibank/Citicorp (now Citigroup) including assignments in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Greece, Iran and the bank’s Latin American group in New York. In 1999, he was Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the U.S. Export Import Bank. He is a graduate of Stanford University and The John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He also attended the Senior Executive Program at the Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Milton J. Carlson - 73
Director
1985
     
Since 1989, Mr. Carlson has been a principal in Earthsong Corporation, which, in part, consults on environmental matters and performs environmental audits for government agencies and public and private concerns. Mr. Carlson attended the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Denver.
     
Loren J. Miller, CPA - 59
Director
1992
     
Mr. Miller has served in a treasury and other senior financial capacities at the Jankovich Company since 1994. Prior to that he served successively as vice president and chief financial officer of Hershey Oil Corporation from 1987 to 1990 and Mock Resources from 1991 to 1992. Prior to that he was vice president and general manager of Tosco Production Finance Corporation from 1975 to 1986 and was a senior auditor the accounting firm of Touche Ross & Company from 1968 to 1973. He is experienced in exploration, production, product trading, refining and distribution as well as corporate finance. He holds a B.S. in accounting and a M.B.A. in finance from the University of Southern California.
     
Harold J. Noyes - 55
Director
2002
     
Since August 2000, he has been president of H.J. Noyes and Associates, Inc., a firm that provides consulting and business development services to the minerals industry. Dr. Noyes is currently a senior program manager with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He served October 2001 through October 2002 as vice president, marketing and business development for Blake Street Investments, Inc., a money management and investment advisory firm. From 1997 to 2000 he was president of North Star Exploration, Inc. He was manager, resource development for Doyon Limited from 1983 to 1997. Dr. Noyes graduated from the University of Minnesota Magna Cum Laude in geology and took his Ph.D. in geology and geochemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Later he earned a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Chicago
     
C. Chase Hoffman - 81
Director
2000
     
Since 1965 Mr. Hoffman has owned and operated a milk cow dairy and farmed 4,000 acres of land. Additionally, he has been a commercial and residential land developer in California and Hawaii since 1978. From 1973 to 1978 he was a senior vice president and general manager for Knudsen for the State of California. Mr. Hoffman also sits as a director for two companies whose shares are listed on the Canadian Venture Exchange: Seine River Resources, Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, with California gold operations and Guatemala oil properties, and International Powerhouse Energy Corporation, a British Columbia, Canada, hydroelectric project. He is a graduate of Stanford University with a degree in Economics and Business Administration from Graduate School of Business.





     
Thomas J. Cunningham - 61
Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Tri-Valley Corporation, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Company and Tri-Valley Power Corporation, Bakersfield, California
1997
     
Named as Tri-Valley Corporation’s treasurer and chief financial officer in February 1997, and as corporate secretary on December 1998. From 1987 to 1997 he was a self employed management consultant in finance, marketing and human resources. Prior to that he was executive vice president, chief financial officer and director for Star Resources from 1977 to 1987. He was the controller for Tucker Drilling Company from 1974 to 1977. He has over 25 years experience in corporate finance, Securities Exchange Commission public company reporting, shareholder relations and employee benefits. He received his education from Angelo State University, Texas.
 
Joseph R. Kandle - 61
President and Chief Operating Officer Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Company, wholly owned subsidiary of Tri-Valley Corporation Bakersfield, California
1998
 
Mr. Kandle was named as president of Tri-Valley Oil & Gas Co. February 1999 after joining the Company June 1998 as vice president - engineering. From 1995 to 1998 he was employed as a petroleum engineer for R & R Resources, self-employed as a consulting petroleum engineer from 1994 to 1995. He was vice president - engineering for Atlantic Oil Company from 1983 to 1994. From 1981 to 1983 he was vice president for Star Resources. He was vice president and chief engineer for Great Basins Petroleum from 1973 to 1981. He began his career with Mobil Oil (from 1965 to 1973) after graduating from the Montana School of Mines in 1965.
 
Audit Committee
 
The outside independent directors that serve on the audit committee are Loren J. Miller, Dennis P. Lockhart and Milton J. Carlson. The board of directors has determined that Loren J. Miller is considered to be the audit committee financial expert. Please see his biography above.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations require that the Company's directors, certain officers, and greater than 10 percent shareholders file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and must furnish the Company with copies of all such reports they file. Based solely on the information furnished to the Company, we believe that no person failed to file required Section 16(a) reports on a timely basis during or in respect of 2001.


ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

The following table summarizes the compensation of the chairman of the board and the president of the Company and its subsidiaries, F. Lynn Blystone (the "Named Officer"), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001.

The Board of Directors (excluding Mr. Blystone) served as the compensation committee for fiscal year 2003.





               
Long Term
               
Compensation
       
Annual Compensation
 
Awards
(a)
 
(b)
 
( c )
 
(d)
 
(e)
           
Other
 
Securities
Name
 
Period Covered
 
Salary
 
Compensation
 
Underlying Options
                 
F. Lynn
 
FYE 12/31/03
 
$ 99,000
 
$50,000
   
Blystone, CEO
 
FYE 12/31/02
 
$ 99,000
 
$50,000
   
   
FYE 12/31/01
 
$ 99,000
 
$16,250
 
300,000
                 
Employment Agreement with Our President

We have an employment agreement with F. Lynn Blystone, our President and Chief Executive Officer, which ended in August 2002, and was automatically renewable for three one-year periods after 2002, unless we terminated the agreement by giving him 90 days written notice. The base salary amount is $99,000 per year plus 5,000 shares of our common stock at the end of each year of service. Mr. Blystone is also entitled to a bonus (not to exceed $25,000) equal to 10% of net operating cash flow before taxes, including interest income and excluding debt service. Mr. Blystone is also entitled to a bonus of 4% of the company's annual net after-tax income. The total of the bonuses from cash flow and net income may not exceed $50,000 per year.

The employment agreement also provides a severance payment to Mr. Blystone if he is terminated within 12 months after a sale of control of Tri-Valley. The severance payment equals $150,000. In addition, Mr. Blystone is entitled to a bonus equal to to 10% of net operating cash flow before taxes, including interest income and excluding debt service, plus 4% of the company's annual net after-tax income, up to a maximum of $50,000 (with the maximum amount pro-rated over the period for which the payment is made). For purposes of the severance provision, a sale of control is deemed to be the sale of ownership of 30% of the outstanding stock of Tri-Valley or the acquisition by one person of enough stock to appoint a majority of the board of directors of the company.

We carry key man life insurance of $500,000 on Mr. Blystone's life.

Aggregated 2003 Option Exercises and Year-End Values

The following table summarizes the number and value of all unexercised stock options held by the Named Officer and the Directors at the end of 2003.

( a )
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
     
Number of Securities
Value of Unexercised In-
     
Underlying Unexercised
The-Money Options/SARs
     
Options/SARs at FY-End (#)
at FY-End ($)*
 
Shares Acquired
On Exercise (#)
     
Name
 
Value Realized ($)
Exercisable/Unexercisable
Exercisable/Unexercisable
F. Lynn Blystone
11,900
$41,970
874,600/0
$2,765,440/0

*Based on a fair market value of $4.40 per share, which was the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the American Stock Exchange on December 31, 2003.

No additional stock options were granted to Mr. Blystone in 2003.




Compensation of Directors

The Company compensates non-employee directors for their service on the board of directors.

The following table sets forth information regarding the cash compensation paid to outside directors in 2003.

(a)
(b)
(c)
Name
Fees
Restricted Shares
     
Harry J. Noyes
$2,400
10,000
     
Milton Carlson
$2,400
10,000
     
Dennis P. Lockhart
$2,400
10,000
     
Loren J. Miller
$2,400
10,000
     
C. Chase Hoffman
$2,400
10,000

Performance Graph

The following stock price performance graph is included in accordance with the SEC's executive compensation disclosure rules and is intended to allow stockholders to review our executive compensation policies in light of corresponding stockholder returns, expressed in terms of the appreciation of our common stock relative to two broad-based stock performance indices. The information is included for historical comparative purposes only and should not be considered indicative of future stock performance. The graph compares the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of Royale Energy, Inc., Parallel Petroleum Corporation and Equity Oil Company from December 31, 1999 through December 31, 2003.

Total returns assume $100 invested on December 31, 1999 in shares of Tri-Valley Corporation, Royale Energy Inc., Parallel Petroleum Corporation, and Equity Oil Company, assuming reinvestment of dividends for each measurement period.

Total Return Analysis
         
 
12/31/1999
12/31/2000
12/31/2001
12/31/2002
12/31/2003
Tri-Valley Corp
$ 100.00
$ 108.00
$ 106.67
$ 93.33
$ 293.33
Royale Energy, Inc.
$ 100.00
$ 289.20
$ 292.61
$ 267.05
$ 697.16
Parallel Petroleum Corp.
$ 100.00
$ 255.44
$ 188.17
$ 162.13
$ 257.40
Equity Oil Co.
$ 100.00
$ 312.50
$ 160.71
$ 178.57
$ 350.89
           





ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

As of December 31, 2003, there were 20,097,627 shares of the Company's common stock outstanding. The following persons were known by the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of such outstanding common stock:

   
Number of
 
Percent of
Name and Address
 
Shares
 
Total
         
F. Lynn Blystone
P.O. Box 1105
Bakersfield, CA 93302
 
1,329,864(1)
 
6.3%
         

Includes 874,600 shares of stock Mr. Blystone has the right to acquire upon the exercise of options, and 30,200 shares held in the name of Bandera Land Company, Inc., a family corporation of which Mr. Blystone is the president.

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company's common stock as of December 31, 2003 by each director, by each of the executive officers named in Item 11, and by the executive officer named in Item 10 and directors as a group:

   
Number of
 
Percent of
Directors
 
Shares(1)
 
Total(2)
         
F. Lynn Blystone
 
1,329,864(3)
 
6.3%
         
Dennis P. Lockhart
 
342,091(3)
 
1.7%
         
Milton J. Carlson
 
349,000(3)
 
1.7%
         
Loren J. Miller
 
315,300(3)
 
1.5%
         
Harold J. Noyes
 
110,000(3)
 
0.5%
         
C. Chase Hoffman
 
257,500(3)
 
1.2%
         
Total group (all directors and
       
Executive officers - 6 persons)
 
2,703,755(3)
 
12.2%
         

(1)
Includes shares which the listed shareholder has the right to acquire from options as follows: Dennis P. Lockhart 270,000; Milton J. Carlson 268,000; Loren J. Miller 270,000, Harold J. Noyes 100,000, C. Chase Hoffman 200,000; F. Lynn Blystone 874,600.

(2)
Based on total outstanding shares of 20,097,627 as of December 31, 2003. The persons named herein have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable.

(3)
Includes 30,200 shares held in the name of Bandera Land Company, Inc., a family corporation of which Mr. Blystone is the president.





ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

None.

ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

YEAR
AUDIT SERVICES
TAX SERVICES
SEC SERVICES
2003
$45,509.82
$16,784.18
$ 6,286.00
2002
$35,276.47
$15,149.31
$19,592.88

ITEM 15. Exhibits, Lists, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)  
Exhibits.

Exhibit
   
Number
 
Description of Exhibit
     
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1999.
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company's Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 1999.
10.1
 
Employment Agreement with F. Lynn Blystone, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's form 10-KSB/A, Amendment No. 3 to Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed December 14, 2001.
14.1
 
Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
21.1
 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 of the Company's form 10-KSB/A, Amendment No. 3 to Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed December 14, 2001.
31.1
 
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.

(b)  
Reports on Form 8-K
None




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
March 28, 2005
 
By:/s/ F. Lynn Blystone
     
F. Lynn Blystone
     
President, Chief Executive Officer and
     
Director
       
       
 
March 28, 2005
 
By:/s/ Thomas J. Cunningham
     
Thomas J. Cunningham
     
Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates included:


 
March 28, 2005
 
By:/s/ Milton J. Carlson
     
Milton J. Carlson, Director
       
       
       
 
March 28, 2005
 
By:/s/ C. Chase Hoffman
     
C. Chase Hoffman, Director
       
       
       
 
March 28, 2005
 
By:/s/ Dennis P. Lockhart
     
Dennis P. Lockhart, Director
       
       
       
 
March 28, 2005
 
By:/s/ Loren J. Miller
     
Loren J. Miller, Director
       
       
       
 
March 28, 2005
 
By:/s/ Harold J. Noyes
     
Harold J. Noyes, Director





Exhibit 31.1

Certification

I, F. Lynn Blystone, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Tri-Valley Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to registrant including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the small business issuer’s most recent fiscal quarter (registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to our auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors:

a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.



Date: March 24, 2005
  
By:
  
/s/F. Lynn Blystone
       
F. Lynn Blystone, President and Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2

Certification

I, Thomas J. Cunningham, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Tri-Valley Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report fairly present, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for registrant and have:

a. designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to registrant including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. evaluated the effectiveness of registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. disclosed in this report any change in registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the small business issuer’s most recent fiscal quarter (registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to our auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors:

a. all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: March 24, 2005
  
By:
  
/s/Thomas J. Cunningham
       
Thomas J. Cunningham, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)


Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

The undersigned officer certifies that this Annual Report on Form 10-K complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the information contained in such report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date:
 
 
March 24, 2005
By:
 
F. Lynn Blystone
   
F. Lynn Blystone, Chief Executive Officer, Tri-Valley Corporation








































Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350


The undersigned officer certifies that this Annual Report on Form 10-K complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the information contained in such report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date:
 
March 24, 2005
By:
 
Thomas J. Cunningham
   
Thomas J. Cunningham, Chief Financial Officer








Exhibit 99.1

Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

The undersigned officer certifies that this Annual Report on Form 10-K complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the information contained in such report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date:
 
March 28, 2005
   
Tri-Valley Corporation
 
By:
 
F. Lynn Blystone
   
F. Lynn Blystone, Chief Executive Officer


The undersigned officer certifies that this Annual Report on Form 10-K complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the information contained in such report fairly represents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date:
 
March 28, 2005
   
Tri-Valley Corporation
 
By:
 
Thomas J. Cunningham
   
Thomas J. Cunningham, Chief Financial Officer





TRI-VALLEY CORPORATION

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT & ETHICS


General Philosophy

Tri-Valley Corporation and its subsidiaries (“Tri-Valley”) and each of its directors, officers and employees must conduct their affairs with uncompromising honesty and integrity. Business ethics are no different than personal ethics. The same high standard applies to both. As an employee of Tri-Valley or any of its subsidiaries, you are required to adhere to the highest standard. The ethical standards set forth in this code reflect who we are and are the standards by which we choose to be judged.

Our employees are expected to be honest and ethical in dealing with each other, with clients, vendors, and all other third parties. Doing the right thing means doing it right every time.

You must also respect the rights of your fellow co-workers and third parties. Your actions must be free from discrimination, libel, slander or harassment. Each person must be accorded equal opportunity regardless of age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran’s status, handicap or disability.

Misconduct cannot be excused because it was directed or requested by another. In this regard, you are expected to alert management whenever an illegal, dishonest or unethical act is discovered or suspected. You will never be penalized for reporting your discoveries or suspicions. There will be no reprisals for the good faith reporting of a perceived violation. Reports of a violation will be investigated promptly and the matter will be treated, to the extent possible, as confidential. In addition to (or instead of) reporting the matter to Tri-Valley’s management, employees may report violations by senior management (and must report violations involving financial accounting and reporting) to the chairperson of our audit committee, who is an independent director and who does not report to our president or other senior management of Tri-Valley.

The following statements concern frequently raised ethical concerns. Violations of this code are serious matters that may result in disciplinary actions, up to and including termination. In addition, violations of the law may result in fines, penalties or other legal remedies imposed by regulatory and law enforcement authorities.

Conflicts of Interest

You must avoid any personal activity, investment or association which could appear to interfere with good judgment concerning Tri-Valley’s best interests. You may not exploit your position or relationship with Tri-Valley for personal gain. You should avoid even the appearance of such a conflict. For example, there is a likely conflict of interest if you:


 
cause Tri-Valley to engage in business transactions with relatives or friends;
 
 
use nonpublic Tri-Valley, client or vendor information for personal gain by you, relatives or friends (including securities transactions based on such information);
 
 
have more than a modest financial interest in Tri-Valley’s vendors, clients or competitors;
 
 
receive a loan or guarantee of obligations from Tri-Valley or a third party as a result of your position at Tri-Valley;
 
 
work simultaneously for Tri-Valley and a competitor, customer or supplier; or
 
 
compete, or prepare to compete, with Tri-Valley while still employed by Tri-Valley.
 





A conflict of interest exists when a person’s private interest interferes in any way with the interests of Tri-Valley. If you have concerns about any situation, management (with the help of our legal counsel) can assist you.

Gifts, Bribes and Kickbacks

Other than for modest gifts given or received in the normal course of business (including travel or entertainment), neither you nor your relatives may give gifts to, or receive gifts from, Tri-Valley’s clients or vendors. Other gifts may be given or accepted only with prior approval of your senior management and in no event should you put Tri-Valley or yourself in a position that would be embarrassing if the gift was made public.

Dealing with government employees is often different than dealing with private persons. Many governmental bodies strictly prohibit the receipt of any gratuities by their employees, including meals and entertainment. You must be aware of and strictly follow these prohibitions.

Any employee who pays or receives bribes or kickbacks will be immediately terminated and reported, as warranted, to the appropriate authorities. A kickback or bribe includes any item intended to improperly obtain favorable treatment.

Loans

You may not request or accept a loan from Tri-Valley.

Improper Use or Theft of Tri-Valley Property

Every employee must safeguard Tri-Valley property from loss or theft, and may not take such property for personal use. Tri-Valley property includes confidential information, software, computers, office equipment and supplies. You must appropriately secure all Tri-Valley property within your control to prevent its unauthorized use.

Covering Up Mistakes; Falsifying Records

Mistakes should never be covered up, but should be immediately fully disclosed and corrected. Falsification of any Tri-Valley, client or third party record is prohibited.

Abuse of Tri-Valley, Client or Vendor Information

You may not use or reveal Tri-Valley, client or vendor confidential or proprietary information to others. This includes business methods, pricing and marketing data, strategy, computer code, screens, forms, experimental research, and information about our current, former and prospective clients and associates.

Fair Dealing

No Tri-Valley employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice.

Fair Competition and Antitrust Laws

Tri-Valley must comply with all applicable fair competition and antitrust laws. These laws attempt to ensure that businesses compete fairly and honestly and prohibit conduct seeking to reduce or restrain competition. If you are uncertain whether a contemplated action raises unfair competition or antitrust issues, management (with the help of our legal counsel) can assist you.





Securities Trading

It is usually illegal to buy or sell securities using material information not available to the public. This “inside” information includes, but is not limited to, information that Tri-Valley has not released to the general public about significant contracts, claims, liabilities, major litigation, potential sales, mergers or acquisitions, and oil, gas and mineral plans, activities, discoveries, forecasts or budgets.

If you give such undisclosed inside information to others, you as well as the recipients may be liable as persons who illegally trade securities while possessing such information. Securities laws may be violated if you, or any of your relatives or friends trade in securities of Tri-Valley, or any of its clients or vendors, while possessing information. If you are uncertain, management (with the help of our legal counsel) can assist you.

Provisions Applicable to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

Our chief executive officer (“CEO”) and chief financial officer (“CFO”) are responsible for full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in our periodic reports required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, in addition to the remaining provisions in this code, the CEO and CFO shall:

 
promptly bring to the attention of the audit committee any information they may have concerning (a) significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect our ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data or (b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in our financial reporting, disclosures or internal controls;
 
 
Promptly bring to the attention of our legal counsel and the audit committee any information they may have concerning any violation of this code or of the securities or other laws, rules and regulations applicable to Tri-Valley and the operation of its business;
 
 
promptly bring to the attention of our legal counsel and the audit committee any material transaction or relationship that arises and of which they become aware that could be expected to give rise to an actual or apparent conflict of interest;
 
 
develop and maintain the skills necessary and relevant to Tri-Valley’s needs with respect to maintenance of adequate disclosure controls and internal controls and procedures; and
 
 
proactively promote ethical and honest behavior within Tri-Valley.
 

Waivers

This code applies to all Tri-Valley employees and its board of directors. There shall be no waiver of any part of this code, except by a vote of the board of directors or a designated committee, which will ascertain whether a waiver is appropriate and ensure that the waiver is accompanied by appropriate controls designed to protect Tri-Valley. In the event that any waiver is granted, the waiver must be disclosed publicly in a filing with the SEC and will be posted on the Tri-Valley website, thereby allowing the Tri-Valley shareholders to evaluate the merits of the particular waiver.

Reporting Ethical Violations

Your conduct can reinforce an ethical atmosphere and positively influence the conduct of fellow employees. If you are powerless to stop suspected misconduct or discover it after it has occurred, you should report it to the president or another senior officer. If the suspected misconduct involves the president or another senior officer, you may report it to the chairperson of the audit committee. If the suspected misconduct involves financial accounting or reporting, it must be reported to the chairperson of the audit committee.





Employees may forward complaints on a confidential or anonymous basis to the president or to the chairperson of the audit committee.

Accounting and Financial Reporting Matters

Suspected misconduct concerning accounting and financial reporting must be reported to the chairperson of the audit committee. Accounting and financial reporting misconduct includes, without limitation, the following:

 
fraud or deliberate error in the preparation, evaluation, review or audit of any or our financial statements;
 
 
fraud or deliberate error in recording and maintaining our financial records;
 
 
deficiencies in or noncompliance with our internal accounting controls;
 
 
misrepresentations or false statements to or by a senior officer with respect to a matter contained in our financial records, financial reports or audit reports, or
 
 
deviation from full and fair reporting of our financial condition.
 

Reports to the secretary of the audit committee may be made to:

Milt Carlson
2620 Mission Trail Way
Kalispell, MT 59901

Conclusion

In the final analysis, you are the guardian of Tri-Valley’s ethics. While there are no universal rules, when in doubt ask yourself:

 
Will my actions be ethical in every respect and fully comply with the law and with Tri-Valley policies?
 
 
Will my actions have the appearance of impropriety?
 
 
Will my actions be questioned by my supervisors, associates, clients, family and the general public?
 
 
Am I trying to fool anyone, including myself, as to the propriety of my actions?
 

If you are uncomfortable with your answer to any of the above, you should not take the contemplated actions without first discussing them with management.

Any employee who ignores or violates any of Tri-Valley’s ethical standards, and any manager who penalizes a subordinate for trying to follow these ethical standards, will be subject to corrective action, including immediate dismissal. However, it is not the threat of discipline that should govern your actions. We hope you share our belief that a dedicated commitment to ethical behavior is the right thing to do and is good business.