NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
Aurora
Oil & Gas Corporation (“AOG”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries
(collectively, the “Company”) is a growing independent energy company focused on
the exploration, development, and production of unconventional natural gas
reserves. The Company generates most of its revenue from the production and
sale
of natural gas. The Company is currently focused on acquiring and developing
operating interests in unconventional drilling programs in the Michigan Antrim
shale, the New Albany shale of Indiana and Kentucky and the Woodford shale
in
Oklahoma. The Company is a Utah corporation whose common stock is listed and
traded on the American Stock Exchange.
The
Company’s revenue, profitability, and future rate of growth are substantially
dependent on prevailing prices of natural gas and oil. Historically, the energy
markets have been very volatile, and it is likely that oil and natural gas
prices will continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in the future. A
substantial or extended decline in natural gas and oil prices could have a
material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of
operations, cash flows, access to capital, and the quantities of natural gas
and
oil reserves that can be economically produced.
NOTE
2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
Principles
of Consolidation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include the
accounts of the wholly-owned subsidiaries and other subsidiaries in which the
Company holds a controlling financial or management interest of which the
Company determined that it is primary beneficiary. The Company uses the equity
method of accounting for investments in entities in which the Company has an
ownership interest between 20% and 50% and exercises significant influence.
The
Company also consolidates its pro rata share of oil and natural gas joint
ventures. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
As
a
result of the reverse acquisition discussed in Note 6 “Merger with Aurora
Energy, Ltd.,” the historical financial statements presented for the period
prior to the acquisition date of October 31, 2005 are the financial statements
of Aurora. The operations of the former Cadence Resources Corporation
(“Cadence”) businesses have been included in the financial statements from the
date of acquisition. The common stock per share information in the consolidated
financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2005, and related notes
have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the reverse merger on October
31, 2005.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant estimates underlying these consolidated financial statements include
the estimated quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves used to compute
depletion of oil and natural gas properties and to evaluate the full cost pool
in the ceiling test analysis, the estimated fair value of financial derivatives
instruments, and the estimated fair value of asset retirement
obligations.
Reclassifications
Certain
reclassifications have been made to consolidated financial statements for 2006
and 2005 in order to conform to the presentation used for the 2007 consolidated
financial statements. These reclassifications had no effect on net loss or
net
cash flows as previously reported.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
The
Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of
3
months or less to be cash equivalents. The Company’s bank accounts periodically
exceed federally insured limits. As of December 31, 2007, cash in excess of
FDIC
limits amounted to approximately $1.7 million. The Company maintains its
deposits with high quality financial institutions and, accordingly, believes
its
credit risk exposure associated with cash is remote.
Accounts
Receivable and Credit Policy
Accounts
receivable generally consist of amounts due from the sale of oil and natural
gas
and from working interest partners for their proportionate share of expenses
related to certain oil and natural gas projects. Each customer and/or partner
is
reviewed as to credit worthiness prior to the extension of credit and on a
regular basis thereafter. When collections of specific amounts due are no longer
reasonably assured, an allowance for doubtful accounts is
established.
The
Company extends credit, primarily in the form of uncollateralized oil and
natural gas sales and joint interest owner's receivables, to various companies
in the oil and natural gas industry which results in a concentration of credit
risk. The concentration of credit risk may be affected by changes in economic
or
other conditions within the industry and may accordingly impact the Company’s
overall credit risk. However, the risk of these unsecured receivables is
mitigated by the size, reputation, and nature of the companies to which the
Company extends credit.
Capitalized
Interest
The
Company capitalizes interest on debt related to expenditures made in connection
with exploration and development projects that are not subject to the full
cost
amortization pool. Interest is capitalized only for the period that exploration
and development activities are in progress. Interest is capitalized using a
weighted average interest rate based on the outstanding borrowing and cost
of
equity of the Company. Capitalized interest was $4,508,767, $3,896,645, and
$1,146,084 for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005,
respectively.
Oil
and Natural Gas Properties
The
Company utilizes the full cost method of accounting for oil and natural gas
properties. Under this method, subject to a limitation based on estimated value,
all costs associated with property acquisition, exploration, and development
activities of oil and natural gas, including costs of unsuccessful exploration
and overhead charges directly related to acquisition, exploration, and
development activities, are capitalized. The Company is currently participating
in oil and natural gas exploration and development projects in the Antrim shale
of Michigan, the New Albany shale of southern Indiana and western Kentucky
and
the Woodford shale in Oklahoma. Thus, all capitalized costs of oil and natural
gas properties considered proven, are amortized on the unit-of-production method
using estimates of proven reserves. No gain or loss is recognized upon the
sale
or abandonment of undeveloped or producing oil and natural gas properties unless
the sale represents a significant portion of oil and natural gas properties
and
the gain or loss significantly alters the relationship between capitalized
costs
and proven reserves.
Capitalized
costs of oil and natural gas properties may not exceed an amount equal to the
present value, discounted at 10%, of estimated future net revenues from proven
reserves plus the lower of cost or fair value of unproven properties. Should
capitalized costs exceed this ceiling, an impairment is recognized. The present
value of estimated future net cash flows is computed by applying year-end prices
of oil and natural gas to estimated future production of proved oil and natural
gas reserves as of year end less estimated future expenditures to be incurred
in
developing and producing the proved reserves and assuming continuation of
existing economic conditions.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
The
following table sets forth financial data associated with unproved oil and
natural gas properties costs at December 31, 2007:
|
|
Balance as of
|
|
Net Costs Incurred During the Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2007
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004 and prior
|
|
Acquisition
costs
|
|
$
|
37,004,553
|
|
$
|
6,516,149
|
|
$
|
8,695,056
|
|
$
|
13,811,621
|
|
$
|
7,981,727
|
|
Development
costs
|
|
|
19,933,130
|
|
|
5,458,271
|
|
|
(1,011,683
|
)
|
|
15,486,542
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
unproved properties
|
|
$
|
56,937,683
|
|
$
|
11,974,420
|
|
$
|
7,683,373
|
|
$
|
29,298,163
|
|
$
|
7,981,727
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
costs capitalized on unproved properties during the years ended December 31,
2007, and 2006, totaled $5,596,880 and $3,805,503, respectively. No interest
was
capitalized during the year ended December 31, 2005.
Asset
Retirement Obligation
On
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board
(“FASB”) Interpretation No. 47, “Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement
Obligations,” which is an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143 “Accounting
for Asset Retirement Obligations.” Accordingly, an entity is required to
recognize a liability for the fair value of a conditional asset retirement
obligation if the fair value can be reasonably estimated. The Company estimates
a fair value of the obligation on each well in which it owns an interest by
identifying costs associated with the future dismantlement and removal of
production equipment and facilities and the restoration and reclamation of
a
field’s surface to a condition similar to that existing before oil and natural
gas extraction began.
In
general, the amount of an Asset Retirement Obligation (“ARO”) and the costs
capitalized will be equal to the estimated future cost to satisfy the
abandonment obligation using current prices that are escalated by an assumed
inflation factor up to the estimated settlement date which is then discounted
back to the date that the abandonment obligation was incurred using an assumed
cost of funds for the Company. After recording these amounts, the ARO is
accreted to its future estimated value using the same assumed cost of funds
and
the additional capitalized costs are depreciated on a unit-of-production basis
within the related full cost pool. The accretion expense is included in interest
expense and the depreciation expense is included in depreciation, depletion,
and
amortization in the consolidated statements of operations.
Effective
January 1, 2007, the accretion of the ARO on producing wells was adjusted
for a change in the estimated life of the wells based on a reserve study
prepared by Data & Consulting Services, Division of Schlumberger Technology
Corporation, an independent reserve engineering firm. The estimated life of
the
wells was increased by 10 years to an estimated life of 50 years per well
resulting in a reduction of $625,241 to estimated liabilities. In addition,
revisions of estimated liabilities included increases due to removal of
equipment salvage value totaling $97,062 and a decrease in the estimated well
plugging costs for certain non-Antrim wells totaling $32,409. Revisions of
estimated liabilities for 2006 included reductions in well working interest
totaling $55,358 and increases in the salvage value of equipment totaling
$94,900.
The
change in the ARO for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 is as
follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
balance
|
|
$
|
1,331,893
|
|
$
|
812,634
|
|
Liabilities
incurred
|
|
|
707,926
|
|
|
719,229
|
|
Liabilities
settled
|
|
|
(62,254
|
)
|
|
(123,809
|
)
|
Accretion
expense
|
|
|
76,768
|
|
|
74,097
|
|
Revisions
of estimated liabilities
|
|
|
(559,588
|
)
|
|
(150,258
|
)
|
Ending
balance
|
|
$
|
1,494,745
|
|
$
|
1,331,893
|
|
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Other
Property and Equipment
Other
property and equipment are recorded at original cost and depreciated using
the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Major improvements,
replacements, and renewals are capitalized while ordinary maintenance and
repairs are expensed as incurred. Long-lived assets, other than oil and natural
gas properties, are evaluated annually for impairment to determine if current
circumstances and market conditions indicate the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. The Company has not recognized any impairment losses for the years
ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. A summary of the other property and
equipment for the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the useful lives
are
as follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Useful
Life in
Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pipelines
|
|
$
|
5,071,144
|
|
$
|
4,881,240
|
|
|
15
|
|
Processing
facilities and compression
|
|
|
1,389,121
|
|
|
1,241,162
|
|
|
10
|
|
Building
|
|
|
9,071
|
|
|
3,507
|
|
|
30
|
|
Total
pipelines, processing facilities and compression
|
|
|
6,469,336
|
|
|
6,125,909
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(818,138
|
)
|
|
(412,591
|
)
|
|
|
|
Pipelines,
processing facilities, and compression, net
|
|
$
|
5,651,198
|
|
$
|
5,713,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land
|
|
$
|
78,000
|
|
$
|
78,000
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Buildings
|
|
|
3,552,392
|
|
|
3,552,392
|
|
|
40
|
|
Furniture
and fixtures
|
|
|
328,841
|
|
|
328,173
|
|
|
5-10
|
|
Office
equipment
|
|
|
68,321
|
|
|
65,781
|
|
|
5
|
|
Computer
equipment
|
|
|
251,894
|
|
|
234,782
|
|
|
5
|
|
Software
|
|
|
256,578
|
|
|
188,434
|
|
|
3-5
|
|
Vehicles
and other equipment
|
|
|
914,427
|
|
|
646,215
|
|
|
5
|
|
Total
other property and equipment
|
|
|
5,450,452
|
|
|
5,093,777
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(736,051
|
)
|
|
(341,198
|
)
|
|
|
|
Other
property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
4,714,401
|
|
$
|
4,752,579
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Investments
The
Company uses the equity method of accounting for investments in entities in
which the Company has an ownership interest between 20% and 50% and exercises
significant influence. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company’s
proportionate share of the investees’ net income or loss is included in the
results of operations as other income. A summary of the other investments for
the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, are as follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Investments
in equity method investees:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GeoPetra
Partners, LLC
|
|
$
|
528,136
|
|
$
|
721,596
|
|
Mineral
properties
|
|
|
204,628
|
|
|
197,406
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,072
|
|
|
66,704
|
|
Total
other investments
|
|
$
|
733,836
|
|
$
|
985,706
|
|
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Equity
investments are deemed immaterial. Therefore, financial information is not
presented.
Goodwill
Goodwill
represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets
acquired. The Company follows SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets,” which requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
useful lives not to be amortized but written down, as needed, based on an
impairment test that must occur at least annually or sooner if an event occurs
or circumstances change that would more likely than not result in an impairment
loss. The amount of goodwill impairment, if any, is measured on projected
discounted future operating cash flows using a 10% discount rate. Future
impairment of goodwill could result if the Company’s estimated future operating
cash flows are not achieved. No impairment loss was recorded for the years
ended
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
Intangible
Assets
Acquired
intangible assets consist of noncompete agreements, pending patents, and
proprietary business relationships. These assets are recorded at fair value
or
cost and amortized on a straight-line basis using estimated useful lives of
3 to
6 years. A summary of amortization expense over the next 5 years is as
follows:
2008
|
|
$
|
194,581
|
|
2009
|
|
|
66,666
|
|
2010
|
|
|
66,666
|
|
2011
|
|
|
66,667
|
|
2012
|
|
|
62,500
|
|
|
|
$
|
457,080
|
|
Revenue
Recognition
Oil
and
natural gas revenue is recognized as income as production is extracted and
sold.
Revenues from service contracts are recognized ratably over the term of the
contract.
Sales
and Major Customers
The
Company markets natural gas and oil production on a competitive basis for its
operated properties. In most cases, the Company connects to nearby high pressure
transmission pipelines and utilizes a gas marketing firm for the sale of
production. Effective June 1, 2007, the Company entered into a firm sales
contract with Integrys Energy Services, Inc. (formerly WPS) for 5,000 mmbtu
per
day at MichCon city-gate for the period June 1, 2007, through December 31,
2008.
Integrys Energy Services, Inc. is the Company’s primary marketing partner for
the majority of Michigan operated properties. In addition, the Company has
established other base contracts primarily for future natural gas sales in
Indiana and Michigan. The Company sets the firm delivery volume obligation
under
these contracts on either a monthly or a daily basis with the amount of the
obligation varying from month to month or day to day. As new wells come online
and production volume increases, new production will be sold under the base
contracts on a spot market pricing structure.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, two gas marketing firms accounted for 56% of
total
oil and natural gas revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2006, one gas
marketing firm accounted for 62% of total oil and natural gas revenues. For
the
year ended December 31, 2005, one gas marketing firm accounted for 56% of total
oil and natural gas revenues.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Stock-Based
Compensation
On
January 1, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based
Payment” (SFAS No. 123R), to account for stock-based employee compensation.
Among other items, SFAS No. 123R eliminates the use of Accounting Principles
Board Opinion (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and
the intrinsic value method of accounting and requires companies to recognize
the
cost of employee services received in exchange for stock-based awards based
on
the grant date fair value of those awards in their financial statements. The
Company elected to use the modified prospective method for adoption, which
requires compensation expense to be recorded for all unvested stock options
beginning in the first quarter of adoption. For stock-based awards granted
or
modified subsequent to January 1, 2006, compensation expense, based on the
fair
value on the date of grant, is recognized in the financial statements over
the
vesting period. The Company utilizes the Black-Scholes option pricing model
to
measure the fair value of stock options. To the extent compensation cost relates
to employees directly involved in oil and natural gas exploration and
development activities, such amounts are capitalized to oil and natural gas
properties. Amounts not capitalized to oil and natural gas properties are
recognized as general and administrative expense.
Prior
to
2006, the Company applied APB No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting
for its plans. Under APB 25, if the exercise price of the stock options was
greater than the market value of the shares at the date of grant, no
compensation cost was recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
If
the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R
during the year ended December 31, 2005, there would have been additional
stock-based compensation expense of $298,745 with a pro forma net loss of
$815,017 or $(0.02) per share based on basic and diluted.
For
the
years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Company recorded the following
stock-based compensation:
For
the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
General
and administrative expenses
|
|
$
|
2,222,200
|
|
$
|
2,206,801
|
|
Oil
and natural gas properties
|
|
|
175,795
|
|
|
457,013
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,397,995
|
|
$
|
2,663,814
|
|
The
following table provides the unrecognized compensation expense related to
unvested stock options as of December 31, 2007. The expense is expected to
be
recognized over the following remaining periods indicated:
Period
to be
Recognized
|
|
2008
|
|
2009
|
|
2010
|
|
1
st
Quarter
|
|
$
|
441,781
|
|
$
|
37,255
|
|
$
|
1,146
|
|
2
nd
Quarter
|
|
|
371,364
|
|
|
16,532
|
|
|
-
|
|
3
rd
Quarter
|
|
|
125,070
|
|
|
6,284
|
|
|
-
|
|
4
th
Quarter
|
|
|
103,561
|
|
|
2,956
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,041,776
|
|
$
|
63,027
|
|
$
|
1,146
|
|
Income
Taxes
The
Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal
jurisdiction and various states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer
subject to U.S. federal, state, and local examinations by tax authorities for
years before 2003. The Company is currently not under an examination by any
U.S.
federal, state, or local tax authorities.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
The
Company has adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). Under the asset
and liability method of SFAS 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to the
differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating
loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted income tax rates to apply to taxable income in the years
in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
Under SFAS 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change
in
income tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period that
includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more
likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not
be
realized.
In
July
2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes—an interpretation of SFAS 109” (“FIN 48”). This interpretation
clarifies the application of SFAS 109 by defining the criterion that an
individual tax position must meet for any part of the benefit of that position
to be recognized in an entity’s financial statements and also provides guidance
on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties,
accounting in interim periods, and disclosure. The provisions of FIN 48 are
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.
The
Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007.
The
adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements.
No
liabilities or assets have been recognized as a result of the implementation
of
Interpretation 48.
As
of
December 31, 2007, the Company had approximately $10 million of tax positions
for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there
is
uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. Because of the Company’s
significant unutilized tax net operating loss carry-forwards, the disallowance
of the shorter deductibility period would not accelerate the payment of cash
to
the taxing authorities to an earlier period or result in any interest of penalty
for tax underpayment. In addition, because of the impact of deferred tax
accounting, the disallowance of the shorter deductibility period would not
affect the annual effective tax rate of the Company. Accordingly, the Company
has not recognized any penalty, interest or tax impact from this uncertain
tax
position.
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Comprehensive
income (loss) is comprised of net income and other comprehensive income. Other
comprehensive income includes income resulting from derivative instruments
designated as hedging transactions. The details of comprehensive income (loss)
are as follows:
|
|
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(4,421,833
|
)
|
$
|
(1,944,647
|
)
|
$
|
(516,272
|
)
|
Other
comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes
in fair value of natural gas derivative instruments
|
|
|
(472,335
|
)
|
|
7,903,933
|
|
|
-
|
|
Changes
in fair value of interest rate derivative instruments
|
|
|
(1,207,172
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
Recognition
of gains on derivative instruments
|
|
|
(3,926,169
|
)
|
|
(2,683,300
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
(5,605,676
|
)
|
|
5,220,633
|
|
|
-
|
|
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
(10,027,509
|
)
|
$
|
3,275,986
|
|
$
|
(516,272
|
)
|
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Income
(Loss) Per Share
Basic
net
income (loss) per common share is computed based on the weighted average number
of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income (loss)
per
common share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding plus other dilutive securities, such as stock options, warrants,
and
redeemable convertible preferred stock. The following securities were not
included in the computation of diluted net income (loss) per share as their
effect would have been anti-dilutive:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Options
to purchase common stock
|
|
|
2,175,280
|
|
|
766,500
|
|
|
1,120,640
|
|
Warrants
to purchase common stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
15,560,000
|
|
Convertible
preferred stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
34,950
|
|
|
|
|
2,175,280
|
|
|
766,500
|
|
|
16,715,590
|
|
NOTE
3. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” (“SFAS
157”) which provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and
liabilities. The standard applies whenever other standards require (or permit)
assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value but does not expand the
use
of fair value in any new circumstances. The standard clarifies that, for items
that are not actively traded, such as certain kinds of derivatives, fair value
should reflect the price in a transaction with a market participant, including
an adjustment for risk, not just the Company’s mark-to-model value. SFAS 157
also requires expanded disclosure of the effect on earnings for items measured
using unobservable data. The provisions of SFAS 157 are effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and
interim periods within those fiscal years. Management does not anticipate the
adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s
consolidated financial statements.
On
February 15, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, “Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities”—including an amendment of SFAS Statement No.
115 (“SFAS 115”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. The FASB believes the
statement will improve financial reporting by providing companies the
opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings by measuring related
assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge
accounting provisions. Use of the statement will expand the use of fair value
measurements for accounting for financial instruments. The provisions of SFAS
159 are effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning
after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.
Management does not anticipate the adoption of this standard to have a material
impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In
November 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combination”
(“SFAS 141R”) and SFAS 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 141R will change how
business acquisitions are accounted for and will impact financial statements
both on the acquisition date and in subsequent periods. SFAS 160 will change
the
accounting and reporting for minority interests, which will be recharacterized
as noncontrolling interests and classified as a component of equity. SFAS 141R
and SFAS 160 are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December
15,
2008. SFAS 141R will be applied prospectively. SFAS 160 requires retroactive
adoption of the presentation and disclosure requirements for existing minority
interests. All other requirements of SFAS 160 will be applied prospectively.
Early adoption is prohibited for both standards. Management is currently
evaluating the requirements of SFAS 141R and SFAS 160 and has not yet determined
the impact on its consolidated financial statements.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
NOTE
4. RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Natural
Gas Derivative Instruments
The
Company’s results of operations and operating cash flows are impacted by the
fluctuations in the market prices of natural gas. To mitigate a portion of
the
exposure to adverse market changes, the Company will periodically enter into
various derivative instruments with a major financial institution. The purpose
of the derivative instrument is to provide a measure of stability to the
Company’s cash flow in meeting financial obligations while operating in a
volatile natural gas market environment. The derivative instrument reduces
the
Company’s exposure on the hedged production volumes to decreases in commodity
prices and limits the benefit the Company might otherwise receive from any
increases in commodity prices on the hedged production volumes.
The
Company recognizes all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in the
balance sheet at fair value. The accounting treatment for changes in fair value,
as specified in SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Investments and Hedging
Activities,” is dependent upon whether or not a derivative instrument is
designated as a hedge. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes
in fair value, to the extent the hedge is effective, are recognized in
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income on the accompanying balance sheet until
the hedged item is recognized in earnings as natural gas revenue. If the hedge
has an ineffective portion, that particular portion of the gain or loss would
be
immediately reported in earnings. The following natural gas contracts were
in
place as of December 31, 2007, and qualified as cash flow hedges:
Period
|
|
Type of
Contract
|
|
Natural Gas
Volume per Day
|
|
Price
per mmbtu
|
|
Fair
Value Asset (Liability)
|
|
April
2007—December 2008
|
|
|
Swap
|
|
|
5,000 mmbtu
|
|
$
|
9.00
|
|
$
|
1,881,500
|
|
April
2007—December 2008
|
|
|
Collar
|
|
|
2,000 mmbtu
|
|
$
|
7.55/$
9.00
|
|
|
45,770
|
|
January
2008 - December 2008
|
|
|
Swap
|
|
|
2,000 mmbtu
|
|
$
|
8.41
|
|
|
320,720
|
|
January
2009—December 2009
|
|
|
Swap
|
|
|
7,000 mmbtu
|
|
$
|
8.72
|
|
|
104,899
|
|
January
2010—March 2011
|
|
|
Swap
|
|
|
7,000 mmbtu
|
|
$
|
8.68
|
|
|
(534,402
|
)
|
April
2011 – September 2011
|
|
|
Swap
|
|
|
7,000 mmbtu
|
|
$
|
7.62
|
|
|
(944,668
|
)
|
Total
Estimated Fair Value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
873,819
|
|
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, the Company has recognized in Comprehensive Income
(Loss) changes in fair value of $(472,335) on the contracts that have been
designated as cash flow hedges on forecasted sales of natural gas. See
“Comprehensive Income (Loss)” found in this note section. For the year ended
December 31, 2007, and 2006, the Company recognized $3,874,480 and $2,683,300,
respectively, in net gains from hedging activities included in oil and natural
gas revenues.
Interest
Rate Derivative Instruments
The
Company’s use of debt directly exposes it to interest rate risk. The Company’s
policy is to manage interest rate risk through the use of a combination of
fixed
and floating rate debt. Interest rate swaps may be used to adjust interest
rate
exposure when appropriate. These derivatives are used as hedges and are not
for
speculative purposes. These derivatives involve the exchange of amounts based
on
variable interest rates and amounts based on a fixed interest rate over the
life
of the agreement without an exchange of the notional amount upon which payments
are based. The interest rate differential to be received or paid on the swaps
is
recognized over the lives of the swaps as an adjustment to interest
expense.
In
August
2007, the Company entered into a 3-year interest rate swap agreement in the
notional amount of $50 million with BNP to hedge its exposure to the floating
interest rate on the $50 million second lien term loan. The swap converted
the
debt’s floating three month LIBOR base to 4.86% fixed base. This swap on $50
million will yield an effective interest rate of 11.86% for the period from
August 23, 2007 through August 23, 2010 on the second lien term
loan.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, the Company has recognized in Comprehensive Income
(Loss) changes in fair value of $(1,207,172) on the interest rate swap. See
“Comprehensive Income (Loss)” found in this note section. For the year ended
December 31, 2007, the Company recognized $51,689 in interest savings related
to
the hedge activity which is recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.
Fair
value liability of the interest rate swap agreement at December 31, 2007,
amounted to $1,258,861.
Financial
Instruments
The
Company’s financial instruments consist primarily of cash, accounts receivable,
loans receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and debt. The carrying
amounts of such financial instruments approximate their respective estimated
fair value due to the short-term maturities and approximate market interest
rates of these instruments.
NOTE
5. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
2007 –
Rex Energy Exercised Option to Acquire Interest in Oil and Natural Gas
Leases
On
September 7, 2007, Rex Energy Corporation exercised an option to acquire a
30%
working interest in various undeveloped oil and natural gas leases located
in
the New Albany shale for approximately $1.1 million. The interest in oil and
gas
leases covers approximately 70,324 (21,097 net) acres in Lawrence, Jackson,
Washington and Orange Counties, Indiana.
2007 –
GFS and Federated Oil and Gas Properties
On
August
31, 2007, the Company entered into two Purchase Letter Agreements to buy GFS
Energy, Inc. and Federated Oil & Gas Properties, Inc. non-operated working
interests and overriding royalty interests in various developed oil and natural
gas properties located in the Antrim shale for approximately $3.0 million.
The
properties included 93 (33 net) wells, producing approximately 500 mcfe per
day,
and approximately 4,700 (1,706 net) acres. This transaction had an effective
date of September 1, 2007.
2007 –
Knox County, Indiana
On
July
30, 2007, the Company purchased from Horizontal Systems, Inc. its working
interest in various undeveloped oil and natural gas leases located in Knox
County, Indiana for approximately $1.2 million pursuant to a Sale and Assignment
of Oil and Gas Interests Agreement. The properties included 25% working interest
in one well and approximately 9,642 net acres.
2007 –
Mining Claims
On
May
15, 2007, the Company sold certain mining claims and mineral leases to U.S.
Silver-Idaho, Inc. for $400,000 in cash and 50,000 shares of common stock in
U.S. Silver Corporation. This non-core property sale consisted of 14 unpatented
and 27 patented mining claims as well as 5 mineral leases located in Idaho.
A
$418,000 gain was recognized in other income since these non-core properties
were being recognized as an investment.
2007 –
Kansas Project
On
February 7, 2007, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Letter Agreement
to sell to Harvest Energy, LLC all of the Company’s interest in various
developed and undeveloped oil and natural gas properties located in Lane and
Ness Counties in the State of Kansas for approximately $1.0 million. The
properties included two net wells, 98 mmcfe in proven reserves, and
approximately 23,110 net acres. This transaction closed on March 9,
2007.
2007 –
Other Investments
From
time
to time, the Company has acquired and disposed of legacy Cadence stock
investments and non-core working interests. For the year ended December 31,
2007, the Company recognized minor stock investments valued at approximately
$290,000 and disposed of non-core working interests and stock investments of
approximately $490,000.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2006 –
Hudson Pipeline and Processing Co., L.L.C.
On
January 31, 2006, Aurora Antrim North, L.L.C. (“North”), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Aurora, completed the acquisition of oil and natural gas leases,
working interests, and interests in related pipelines and production facilities
that are located in the Hudson Township area of the Michigan Antrim shale play.
The interests acquired are collectively referred to as the Hudson Properties.
In
addition, interests in the related pipelines and production facilities were
acquired by purchasing additional membership interests in Hudson Pipeline and
Processing Co., L.L.C. (“HPPC”). North previously owned a working interest in
the properties and a membership interest in HPPC. This acquisition increased
North’s working interest in the Hudson Properties from an average of 49% to 96%
and increased the membership interest in HPPC from 48.75% to 90.94%.
The
total
purchase price for the Hudson Properties and HPPC was approximately $27.6
million. North also acquired an additional 2.5% membership interest in HPPC,
effective January 1, 2006, which increased the membership interest to 93.60%.
With
these increases in membership interest in HPPC, effective January 1, 2006,
HPPC
was converted from the equity method to being consolidated as a subsidiary
in
the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements.
2006 –
Wabash Project
On
February 2, 2006, Aurora closed on two Purchase and Sale Agreements with respect
to certain New Albany Shale acreage located in Indiana, commonly called the
Wabash project. Aurora acquired 64,000 acres of oil and natural gas leases
from
Wabash Energy Partners, L.P. for a purchase price of $11.84 million. The Company
was required to deposit into escrow for the seller $3.2 million
Aurora
then sold half its interest in a combined 95,000-acre lease position in the
Wabash project to New Albany-Indiana, L.L.C. (“New Albany”), an affiliate of Rex
Energy Operating Corporation, for a sale price of $10.5 million. Pursuant to
the
terms of this sales agreement, $3.5 million was placed in escrow by New Albany
on behalf of the Company as a deposit until the closing in February 2006.
2006 –
DeSoto Parish, Louisiana
On
July
20, 2006, the Company entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with respect
to
the DeSoto Parish, Louisiana, properties to sell certain assets to BEUSA Energy,
Inc. for a purchase price of $4.75 million. BEUSA Energy, Inc. is the current
operator and joint interest owner in these properties. The properties included:
(1) fourteen gross wells with working interest ranging from 22.5% to 45%; (2)
4,480 (1,657 net) acres; and (3) various pipelines and facilities. The effective
date of the sale was July 1, 2006.
2006 –
Crossroads Project, Henry, Ohio
Effective
August 15, 2006, the Company agreed to assign all of its working interests
in
the Crossroads Project located in Henry County, Ohio, to an unrelated party.
The
7.06% working interest included 15,519 (1,096 net) leasehold acres, 13 (0.92
net) wells, and pipeline assets. Aurora agreed to pay $251,225 for disposition
costs but will receive future pipeline revenue over the life of the project.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
2006 –
Bach
On
October 6, 2006, the Company closed on the purchase of all assets of Bach
Enterprises, Inc., certain assets owned by Bach Energy, LLC, and a limited
liability company known as Kingsley Development LLC (together “Bach”). Bach is
primarily an oil and natural gas service company. The Company has been working
exclusively with Bach as a service business in Michigan for several years.
Services they have provided include building compressors, CO2 removal,
pipelining, and facility construction. The purchase price included common stock
and cash. The common stock issued was subject to a 1-year lock-up period. In
addition, the Company entered into 5-year employment agreements with two
principals of Bach who agreed not to compete during their employment and for
a
period of 1 year following termination of their employment.
NOTE
6. MERGER WITH AURORA ENERGY, LTD.
On
October 31, 2005, the Company (formerly Cadence) acquired Aurora Energy, Ltd.
(“Aurora”) through the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary with and into Aurora.
As a result of the merger, Aurora became a wholly-owned subsidiary. The merger
has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition using the purchase method of
accounting. Although the merger was structured such that Aurora became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, Aurora has been treated as the acquiring
company for accounting purposes under Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, “Business Combinations,” due to the following
factors: (1) Aurora’s stockholders received the larger share of the voting
rights in the merger; (2) Aurora received the majority of the members of
the board of directors; and (3) Aurora’s senior management, prior to the
merger, dominated the senior management of the combined company.
The
definitive merger agreement was executed on January 31, 2005, whereby Cadence
agreed to acquire 100% of the outstanding stock and options of Aurora.
Consideration in this transaction consisted of the issuance of two shares of
common stock of Cadence for every one share of outstanding stock of Aurora
and
the issuance of two options for the purchase of stock in Cadence for each option
outstanding of Aurora. The purchase price was $41,546,351 determined as
follows:
Fair
value of Cadence’s common stock outstanding at January 31,
2005
(a)
|
|
$
|
33,951,817
|
|
Fair
value of Cadence’s stock options outstanding at January 31,
2005
|
|
|
536,210
|
|
Fair
value of Cadence’s warrants outstanding at January 31,
2005
|
|
|
7,058,324
|
|
Total
purchase price
|
|
$
|
41,546,351
|
|
(a)
The
$33,951,817 was computed as 20,702,327 shares of Cadence common stock multiplied
by $1.64, the market price of Cadence common stock as of January 31, 2005,
the
date of the definitive merger agreement.
In
recording the acquisition of Cadence, the following table summarizes the
estimated fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at
the
date of acquisition. The Company obtained third-party valuations of certain
tangible and intangible assets acquired from Cadence.
Net
working capital, adjusted for Cadence operating activity from date
of
definitive merger agreement to October 31, 2005
|
|
$
|
4,679,078
|
|
Oil
and natural gas properties and property and equipment, net
|
|
|
14,647,614
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
1,503,832
|
|
Other
mineral properties
|
|
|
197,406
|
|
Noncompete
agreements
|
|
|
3,265,000
|
|
Proprietary
business relationships
|
|
|
1,340,000
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
15,973,346
|
|
Redeemable
convertible preferred stock
|
|
|
(59,925
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
41,546,351
|
|
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
The
following unaudited condensed pro forma results of operations reflect the pro
forma combination of Aurora and Cadence as if the combination had occurred
at
the beginning of fiscal year 2005 compared with the historical results of
operations of Aurora for the same period.
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
Historical
|
|
Pro
Forma
|
|
Oil
and natural gas revenues
|
|
$
|
6,743,444
|
|
$
|
8,821,869
|
|
Production
expenses
|
|
|
(2,093,840
|
)
|
|
(2,846,316
|
)
|
Net
operating revenues
|
|
|
4,649,604
|
|
|
5,975,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(516,272
|
)
|
$
|
(4,293,053
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss per common share - basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.01
|
)
|
$
|
(0.07
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average number of common shares outstanding – basic and
diluted
|
|
|
40,622,000
|
|
|
58,108,000
|
|
NOTE
7. DEBT
Short-Term
Bank Borrowings
The
Company had a $5.0 million revolving line of credit agreement with Northwestern
Bank for general corporate purposes through October 15, 2007. The Company
elected not to request an extension of this revolving line of credit beyond
the
expiration date of October 15, 2007. The interest rate under the revolving
line
of credit was Wall Street prime (7.50% at October 31, 2007, and 8.25% at
December 31, 2006) with interest payable monthly in arrears. Principal was
payable at the expiration of the revolving line of credit agreement. Interest
expense on the revolving line of credit for the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006, and 2005, was $32,873, $283,163, and $37,326, respectively.
Northwestern
Bank continues to provide letters of credit for the Company’s drilling program
(as described in Note 11 “Commitments and Contingencies”). These letters of
credit may be extended or may be replaced upon their expiration dates by letters
of credit under the Company’s senior secured credit facility.
Short-Term
Bank Borrowings – Bach Services & Manufacturing Co., L.L.C. (“Bach”), a
wholly-owned subsidiary
Effective
December 12, 2007, Bach obtained an increase in its borrowing capacity under
the
revolving line of credit from $0.5 million to $1.0 million with Northwestern
Bank. This revolving line of credit agreement is for general company purposes
and is secured by all of Bach’s personal property owned or hereafter acquired
and is non-recourse to the Company. The interest rate under the revolving line
of credit is Wall Street prime (7.25% at December 31, 2007, and 8.25% at
December 31, 2006) with interest payable monthly in arrears. Principal is
payable at the expiration of the revolving line of credit agreement. The
expiration date is October 1, 2008. Interest expense for the years ended
December 31, 2007, and 2006, was $3,082 and $2,166, respectively.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Mortgage
and Notes Payable - Bach
Bach’s
outstanding debt was as follows with interest expense for the periods
indicated:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal
Amount
|
|
Interest
Expense
|
|
Description
of Loan
|
|
Date
of Loan
|
|
Maturity
Date
|
|
Interest
Rate
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Mortgage
payable on building
|
|
|
10/06/06
|
|
|
10/15/09
|
|
|
6.00
|
%
|
$
|
369,408
|
|
$
|
20,657
|
|
$
|
5,352
|
|
Notes
payable:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
10/06/06
|
|
|
10/01/10
|
|
|
7.50
|
%
|
|
68,231
|
|
|
6,006
|
|
|
1,618
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
10/06/06
|
|
|
09/01/07
|
|
|
5.50
|
%
|
|
-
|
|
|
253
|
|
|
198
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
12/18/06
|
|
|
12/20/09
|
|
|
7.25
|
%
|
|
48,452
|
|
|
4,158
|
|
|
-
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
04/23/07
|
|
|
04/25/11
|
|
|
7.00
|
%
|
|
80,490
|
|
|
4,213
|
|
|
-
|
|
Vehicles
|
|
|
09/13/07
|
|
|
09/15/10
|
|
|
6.95
|
%
|
|
22,305
|
|
|
424
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total
notes payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
219,478
|
|
$
|
15,054
|
|
$
|
1,816
|
|
Mortgage
Payable
On
October 4, 2005, the Company entered into a mortgage loan from Northwestern
Bank
in the amount of $2,925,000 for the purchase of an office condominium and
associated interior improvements. The security for this mortgage is the office
condominium real estate. Effective February 14, 2008, the Company refinanced
the
existing loan by extending its maturity date through February 1, 2011. The
payment schedule is principal and interest in 36 monthly payments of $21,969
with one principal and interest payment of $2,692,849 on February 1, 2011.
The
interest rate is 5.95% per year. As of December 31, 2007, the principal amount
outstanding was $2,712,788. Interest expense for the years ended December 31,
2007, 2006, and 2005, was $174,972, $192,814, and $15,732,
respectively.
Note
Payable – Directors and Officers Insurance
On
November 13, 2006, the Company entered into a financing agreement with AICCO,
Inc. to finance the insurance premium related to director and officer liability
insurance coverage in the amount of $184,230. A monthly payment of $15,807
was
required beginning November 30, 2006, through August 1, 2007. The interest
rate
was 7.01% per year. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2007,
was
$2,546.
Second
Lien Term Loan
On
August
20, 2007, the Company entered into a second lien term loan agreement with BNP
Paribas (“BNP”), as the arranger and administrative agent, and several other
lenders forming a syndicate. The initial term loan is $50 million for a 5-year
term (expires 8/20/12) which may increase up to $70 million under certain
conditions over the life of the loan facility. The proceeds of the loan were
used to repay the outstanding balance under the Company’s mezzanine financing
with Trust Company of the West (“TCW”) and for general corporate purposes.
Interest under the loan is payable at rates based on the London Interbank
Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 700 basis points with a step-down of 25 basis points
once the Company’s ratio of total indebtedness to earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation, depletion, amortization, and other non-cash charges is
lower than or equal to a ratio of 4.0 to 1.0 on a trailing four quarters basis.
The Company has the ability to prepay the loan during the first year at a price
equal to 103% of par, during the second year at a price equal to 102% of par,
and thereafter at a price equal to 100% of par.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
The
loan
contains, among other things, a number of financial and non-financial covenants
relating to restricted payments (as defined), loans or advances to others,
additional indebtedness, incurrence of liens, geographic limitations on
operations to the United States, and maintenance of certain financial and
operating ratios, including (i) maintenance of a maximum of indebtedness to
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, depletion and amortization
and non-cash expenses, and (ii) maintenance of minimum reserve value to
indebtedness. Any event of default under the senior secured credit facility
that
accelerates the maturity of any indebtedness thereunder is also an event of
default under the second lien term loan.
In
both
the loan and senior secured credit facility, the Company agreed to an
affirmative covenant regarding production exit rates. The production exit target
is 12.0 MMcfe per day as of December 31, 2007 (which was achieved), and as
of
the last day of each quarter thereafter. In addition, the Company was required
to purchase financial hedges at prices and aggregate notional volumes
satisfactory to BNP, as administrative agent.
For
the
year ended December 31, 2007, interest and fees incurred for the loan was
$2,244,539. The Company has also incurred deferred financing fees of
approximately $1.3 million with regard to the loan. The deferred financing
fees
are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the
loan obligation. Amortization expense for the loan is estimated to be $264,000
per year through 2011. Amortization expense was $96,724 for the year ended
December 31, 2007. In addition, the Company incurs annual agency fees which
are
recorded to interest expense.
Mezzanine
Financing
Effective
August 20, 2007, the Company’s subsidiary Aurora Antrim North, L.L.C. (“North”)
terminated its Amended Note Purchase Agreement with TCW which provided $50
million in mezzanine financing. As of the effective date, North had outstanding
borrowing of $40 million. The interest rate was fixed at 11.5% per year,
compounded quarterly, and payable in arrears. TCW had limited the borrowing
base
and the agreement contained a commitment expiration date of August 12, 2007.
Under the termination provisions, the Company was required to pay certain fees
and prepayment charges associated with early termination. The following
represents the expenditures paid to TCW: (i) $40 million payment of principal;
(ii) $0.7 million payment of interest expense from June 27, 2007, through August
20, 2007; (iii) $0.36 million payment of interest make-whole provision from
August 21, 2007, through September 27, 2007; (iv) $1.25 million payment of
prepayment premium; and (v) $0.2 million payment for a make-whole provision
on
principal greater than $30 million.
As
part
of the mezzanine financing with TCW, North provided an affiliate of TCW an
overriding royalty interest of 4% in certain leases to be drilled or developed
in the Counties of Alcona, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Montmorency, and
Otsego in the State of Michigan. The overriding royalty interest will also
continue on leases, including extensions or renewals, held by the Company and
its affiliates at August 20, 2007, that may be developed through September
29,
2009.
For
the
years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, interest and fees incurred for
the mezzanine credit facility was $2,989,305, $4,714,861, and $2,171,389,
respectively. In addition, the Company completed a write-off $1.6 million of
unamortized debt issuance cost associated with the early extinguishment of
the
mezzanine financing.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Senior
Secured Credit Facility
On
January 31, 2006, the Company entered into a $100 million senior secured credit
facility with BNP and other lenders for drilling, development, and acquisitions,
as well as other general corporate purposes. In connection with the second
lien
term loan discussed above, the Company also agreed to the amendment and
restatement of the senior secured credit facility, pursuant to which the
borrowing base under the senior secured credit facility was increased from
the
current authorized borrowing base of $50 million to $70 million effective August
20, 2007. The amount of the borrowing base is based primarily upon the estimated
value of the Company’s oil and natural gas reserves. The borrowing base amount
is redetermined by the lenders semi-annually on or about April 1 and October
1
of each year or at other times required by the lenders or at the Company’s
request. The required semi-annual reserve report may result in an increase
or
decrease in credit availability. The security for this facility is substantially
all of the Company’s oil and natural gas properties; guarantees from all
material subsidiaries; and a pledge of 100% of the stock or member interest
of
all material subsidiaries.
This
facility provides for borrowings tied to BNP’s prime rate (or, if higher, the
federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%) or LIBOR-based rate plus 1.25% to 2.0%
depending on the borrowing base utilization, as selected by the Company. The
borrowing base utilization is the percentage of the borrowing base that is
drawn
under the senior secured credit facility from time to time. As the borrowing
base utilization increases, the LIBOR-based interest rates increase under this
facility. As of December 31, 2007, interest on the borrowings had a weighted
average interest rate of 6.93%. For the years ended December 31, 2007, and
2006,
interest and fees incurred for the senior secured credit facility were
$2,723,170 and $2,323,732, respectively. All outstanding principal and accrued
and unpaid interest under the senior secured facility is due and payable on
January 31, 2010. The maturity date of the outstanding loan may be accelerated
by the lenders upon occurrence of an event of default under the senior secured
credit facility.
The
senior secured credit facility contains, among other things, a number of
financial and non-financial covenants relating to restricted payments (as
defined), loans or advances to others, additional indebtedness, incurrence
of
liens, geographic limitations on operations to the United States, and
maintenance of certain financial and operating ratios, including (i) maintenance
of a minimum current ratio, and (ii) maintenance of a minimum interest coverage
ratio. Any event of default under the second lien term loan that accelerates
the
maturity of any indebtedness thereunder is also an event of default under the
senior secured credit facility.
The
Company has incurred deferred financing fees of $703,811 with regard to the
senior secured credit facility. The deferred financing fees are being amortized
on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the debt obligation.
Amortization expense for the senior secured credit facility is estimated to
be
$202,000 per year through 2009. Amortization expense was $163,526 and $100,722
for the years ended December 31, 2007, and 2006, respectively. In addition,
the
Company incurs various annual fees associated with unused commitment and agency
fees which are recorded to interest expense.
Scheduled
principal maturities of long-term debt for each of the years succeeding December
31, 2007, are summarized as follows (in thousands):
Year
|
|
Amount
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
189
|
|
2009
|
|
|
550
|
|
2010
|
|
|
56,171
|
|
2011
|
|
|
2,392
|
|
2012
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
109,302
|
|
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
NOTE
8. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Redeemable
Convertible Preferred Stock
On
April 23, 2001, the Company’s board of directors authorized
20,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per
share and rights and preferences to be determined. During 2003, the Company
issued 34,984 shares of its Class A preferred stock to investors at
prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.00 per share for aggregate proceeds of
$59,925. The shares were convertible to common stock at a price of $1.50 to
$2.00 per share under certain terms and conditions. The shares carried a
preferred dividend of 15% per annum. In 2006, the shareholders converted
all of the 34,984 shares of redeemable convertible preferred stock into
common stock.
Common
Stock
2007
From
February 2007 through December 2007, 210,000 common stock options were exercised
by various Company employees under the existing stock option plans at exercise
prices ranging from $0.375 to $1.25 per share. The Company received $92,500
in
conjunction with these exercises.
In
June
2007, 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $147,000 were
cancelled in order to reconcile with the Company’s transfer agent.
From
February through December 2007, 143,332 common stock options were exercised
by
various Company directors under the existing stock option plans at exercise
prices ranging from $0.375 to $1.42 per share. The Company received $106,000
in
conjunction with these exercises.
In
January 2007, 78,158 shares of the Company’s common stock were issued in
connection with the exercise of outstanding warrants by a non-affiliated party
in a net issue (cashless) exercise transaction.
2006
From
late
December 2005 through early February 2006, the Company reduced the exercise
price of certain outstanding options and warrants in order to encourage the
early exercise of these securities. Each holder who took advantage of the
reduced exercise price was required to execute a 6-month lock-up agreement
with
respect to the shares issued in the exercise. As a result of the options and
warrants exercised pursuant to this reduced exercise price arrangement and
pursuant to other exercises of outstanding options, an additional 20,573,422
shares were issued during the year ended December 31, 2006, representing
15,823,457 shares issued for cash proceeds of $18,301,949, and 4,749,965 shares
issued pursuant to cashless exercises of the applicable and other warrants
or
options. Substantially, all of the options and warrants exercised under the
reduced exercise price option were noncompensatory in nature and were accounted
for as equity transaction.
In
December 2006, three officers of the Company rescinded option exercises for
600,000 shares each. The option exercise price of $249,000 was returned to
each
of these officers and in exchange each officer surrendered 600,000 shares of
common stock.
In
February 2006, a special meeting of the shareholders was held where they voted
to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 100,000,000
to
250,000,000.
In
June
2006, an officer of the Company was issued 30,000 shares for services provided
in 2005. Compensation expense related to this activity was recorded in 2005.
Additionally, two directors of the Company were issued 30,000 shares each for
their services provided to Aurora as Board members prior to the merger with
Cadence. Compensation expense related to this activity was recorded in
2005.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
In
October 2006, upon the acquisition of the assets of Bach Enterprises, Inc.
and
its affiliates, 1,378,299 of unregistered common shares were issued. Of the
shares issued, 500,000 shares have been placed in an escrow for one year as
security for any indemnity obligation resulting from a breach of any
representation or warranty in the purchase agreement.
The
Company closed on the public offering of 16 million shares on November 7, 2006,
and received net proceeds of approximately $44.4 million, which were utilized
to
repay amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facility. The 30-day
over-allotment option granted to the underwriters for the purchase of 3.6
million additional shares was exercised and closed on November 13, 2006, and
the
Company received net proceeds of approximately $10.2 million.
2005
The
Company sold 4,972,200 shares of common stock to unrelated third parties at
$2.50 per share in the first quarter of 2005. Total net proceeds from the
sale of these shares, after commissions and fees, amounted to $11,025,000.
In
connection with the sale of these shares, together with the sale of certain
common stock by Cadence at that same time, an affiliate of one of the Company’s
major shareholders was paid a commission of approximately $976,000 and was
issued a warrant to purchase 1,821,000 shares of common stock for services
rendered as the placement agent in the transaction. Included in accounts payable
at December 31, 2005, is a balance of $50,000 due to this affiliate.
The
Company issued 10,000 shares of common stock to a director upon the
exercise of options at a price of $0.75 per share.
As
a
result of the reverse merger, Aurora’s shareholders’ equity reflects the
following transactions:
The
total
outstanding Aurora shares, at the effective date of the merger, of 19,056,183
were in the 2 for 1 exchange.
Cadence
returned 600,000 shares to treasury stock for 300,000 shares it held
in Aurora at the time of merger which became 600,000 shares in the 2 for 1
exchange. This is reflected as a reduction to Aurora’s equity.
The
total
outstanding Cadence shares, at the effective date of the merger, of 21,136,327
were added to Aurora’s equity.
The
Company issued 2,642,500 shares of common stock upon the exercise of
certain options and warrants at prices ranging from $1.25 to $1.75 per
share.
During
the last quarter of 2005, certain option and warrant holders exercised their
options and warrants under the cashless exercise provision within their options
and warrants. This resulted in the issuance of 245,068 shares of the
Company’s stock. In December 2005, an additional 2,160,000 shares were issued
for cash proceeds of $2,916,000.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Common
Stock Warrants
The
following table provides information related to stock warrant activity for
the
years ended December 31:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
Number of Shares
Underlying
Warrants
|
|
Number of Shares
Underlying
Warrants
|
|
Number of Shares
Underlying
Warrants
|
|
Outstanding
at the beginning of the period
|
|
|
2,079,500
|
|
|
19,697,500
|
|
|
-
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,402,000
|
|
Assumed
upon merger:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
for 1 exchange of Aurora warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,402,000
|
|
Cadence
warrants
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
17,498,500
|
|
Exercised
under early exercise program
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(13,182,625
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(78,158
|
)
|
|
(3,589,871
|
)
|
|
(2,596,677
|
)
|
Forfeitures
and other adjustments
|
|
|
(49,342
|
)
|
|
(845,504
|
)
|
|
(8,323
|
)
|
Outstanding
at the end of the period
|
|
|
1,952,000
|
|
|
2,079,500
|
|
|
19,697,500
|
|
As
of
December 31, 2007, these common stock warrants had an average remaining
contractual life of 1.09 years and weighted average exercise price per share
of
$1.74.
NOTE
9. INCOME TAXES
Income
tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31 consists of the following
(in thousands):
For
the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
taxes
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Deferred
taxes
|
|
|
(7,875
|
)
|
|
1,862
|
|
|
175
|
|
Less:
change in valuation allowance
|
|
|
7,875
|
|
|
(1,862
|
)
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
The
effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31 differs from the
U.S.
federal statutory income tax rate due to the following (in
thousands):
For
the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax
at federal statutory income tax rate
|
|
$
|
(1,504
|
)
|
$
|
(661
|
)
|
$
|
(176
|
)
|
Adjustment
of estimated income tax provision of prior years
(a)
|
|
|
(6,371
|
)
|
|
2,523
|
|
|
-
|
|
Change
in valuation allowance
|
|
|
7,875
|
|
|
(1,862
|
)
|
|
176
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
(a)
2006
adjustment of estimated income tax provision of prior year is due primarily
to
intangible costs that were expensed in 2005 calculation but capitalized and
amortized in actual 2005 tax return. 2007 adjustment of estimated income tax
provision of prior year is due primarily to a 2006 revision to the method of
tax
accounting treatment for stock options which lead to a significant change in
the
net operating loss carryover.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
The
components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are
as
follows (in thousands):
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Deferred
tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
operating loss carryover
|
|
$
|
28,926
|
|
$
|
11,661
|
|
$
|
12,324
|
|
Stock
options
|
|
|
1,612
|
|
|
928
|
|
|
-
|
|
Section
1231 carryover
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
147
|
|
Capital
loss carryover
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
66,000
|
|
Less
valuation allowance
|
|
|
(8,405
|
)
|
|
(530
|
)
|
|
(2,392
|
)
|
Deferred
tax assets, net
|
|
|
22,242
|
|
|
12,092
|
|
|
10,146
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred
tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Excess
assigned acquisition value
|
|
|
(4,165
|
)
|
|
(4,339
|
)
|
|
(4,339
|
)
|
Intangible
drilling costs and other
|
|
|
(18,077
|
)
|
|
(7,753
|
)
|
|
(5,807
|
)
|
Deferred
tax liabilities, net
|
|
|
(22,242
|
)
|
|
(12,092
|
)
|
|
(10,146
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
deferred tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
The
Company has net operating loss carryforwards available to offset future federal
taxable income of approximately $85.1 million, which expire from 2010 through
2027. Included in this amount is a pre-merger net operating loss carryforward
incurred by Cadence of approximately $16.9 million. The valuation allowance
increased (decreased) by approximately $7.9 million, ($1.9 million), and ($0.2
million) as of December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Due to the
net
operating loss carryforwards, no income tax expense was recorded in 2007, 2006,
and 2005.
NOTE
10. COMMON STOCK OPTIONS
Stock
Option Plans
In
October 1997, Aurora adopted a 1997 Stock Option Plan pursuant to which it
was
authorized to issue compensatory options to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares
of
common stock. The 1997 Stock Option Plan provides that the total number of
shares of common stock of Aurora which may be granted as options shall not
exceed 10% of the outstanding shares of the Company as of December 31 of each
year for the following year. Aurora issued options to purchase a total of
580,000 shares of Aurora's common stock under this plan which, upon closing
the
merger, converted into the right to acquire up to 1,160,000 shares of common
stock. The maximum term of options granted is 10 years. Because of the merger,
no further awards will be made under this plan.
In
2001,
Aurora's board of directors and shareholders approved the adoption of an Equity
Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. This plan provided that each
nonemployee director is entitled to receive options to purchase 100,000 shares
of Aurora's common stock, issuable in increments of options to purchase 33,333
shares each year over a period of 3 years, so long as the director continues
in
office. Prior to the merger closing, Aurora had issued options to purchase
a
total of 309,997 shares of Aurora common stock under this plan which, upon
closing the merger, converted to the right to acquire 619,994 shares of our
common stock. Because of the merger, no further awards will be made under this
plan.
In
2004,
Cadence’s board of directors adopted, and the shareholders approved, a 2004
Equity Incentive Plan. This plan provides for the grant of options or restricted
shares for compensatory purposes for up to 1,000,000 shares of common stock.
The
number of shares issued or subject to options issued under this plan total
910,500. The maximum term of options granted is 10 years. The Company does
not
currently intend to make any further awards under this plan, the plan continues
to exist, and the Company may decide to use it in the future.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
In
March
2006, the Company’s board of directors adopted, and, in May 2006, shareholders
approved, the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. This Plan provides for the award of
options or restricted shares for compensatory purposes for up to 8,000,000
shares. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the interests of the Company
by
aligning the interests of employees (including directors and officers who are
employees) of the Company, consultants, and nonemployee directors of the Company
and to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the
success of the Company and its affiliates. The maximum term for options granted
is 10 years.
Activity
related to the stock option plans referenced above was as follows for the years
ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:
For
the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Options
outstanding at beginning of period
|
|
|
3,432,496
|
|
|
1,804,994
|
|
|
943,994
|
|
Options
granted
|
|
|
185,000
|
|
|
2,727,500
|
|
|
146,000
|
|
Assumed
upon merger:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
for 1 exchange of Aurora options
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
490,000
|
|
Cadence
options
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
Options
exercised
|
|
|
(353,332
|
)
|
|
(592,732
|
)
|
|
(195,000
|
)
|
Options
forfeited and other adjustments
|
|
|
(390,500
|
)
|
|
(507,266
|
)
|
|
20,000
|
|
Options
outstanding at end of period
|
|
|
2,873,664
|
|
|
3,432,496
|
|
|
1,804,994
|
|
The
weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model
used
to determine fair value were as follows:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
Risk-free
interest rate
|
|
|
4.67
|
%
|
|
4.1
|
%
|
|
4
|
%
|
Expected
years until exercise
|
|
|
3.25-6.0
|
|
|
2.5-6.0
|
|
|
10
|
|
Expected
stock volatility
|
|
|
71.41
|
%
|
|
41
|
%
|
|
41
|
%
|
Dividend
yield
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
0
|
%
|
|
0
|
%
|
All
Stock Options
In
addition, Cadence awarded compensatory options and warrants totaling 30,280
on
an individualized basis that was considered outside the awards issued under
its
2004 Equity Incentive Plan. Aurora also issued options and warrants totaling
1,400,000 on an individualized basis that was considered outside the awards
issued under its 1997 Stock Option Plan and Equity Compensation Plan for
Non-Employee Directors.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Activity
with respect to all stock options is presented below for the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Shares
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Shares
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
outstanding at the beginning of period
|
|
|
4,862,776
|
|
$
|
2.23
|
|
|
6,448,468
|
|
$
|
0.72
|
|
|
2,700,664
|
|
$
|
0.99
|
|
Options
granted
|
|
|
185,000
|
|
|
3.35
|
|
|
2,727,500
|
|
|
3.89
|
|
|
156,000
|
|
|
3.32
|
|
Assumed
upon merger:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
for 1 exchange of Aurora options
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,856,664
|
|
|
-
|
|
Cadence
options
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,124,349
|
|
|
1.79
|
|
Options
exercised
|
|
|
(353,332
|
)
|
|
0.56
|
|
|
(3,800,926
|
)
|
|
0.67
|
|
|
(357,500
|
)
|
|
1.20
|
|
Forfeitures
and other adjustments
|
|
|
(390,500
|
)
|
|
4.10
|
|
|
(512,266
|
)
|
|
3.65
|
|
|
(31,709
|
)
|
|
0.43
|
|
Options
outstanding at end of period
|
|
|
4,303,944
|
|
$
|
2.25
|
|
|
4,862,776
|
|
$
|
2.23
|
|
|
6,448,468
|
|
$
|
0.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable
at end of period
|
|
|
2,940,609
|
|
$
|
1.56
|
|
|
2,775,609
|
|
$
|
1.01
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average fair value of options granted during the period
|
|
$
|
1.20
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3.85
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
intrinsic value of a stock option is the amount by which the current market
value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of the option. The
intrinsic value of the options outstanding at December 31, 2007, was
approximately $1.9 million and the intrinsic value of the options exercisable
at
December 31, 2007, was approximately $1.9 million. The intrinsic value of the
options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2007, was
approximately $350,000.
The
weighted average remaining life by exercise price as of December 31, 2007,
is
summarized below:
Range of
Exercise Prices
|
|
Outstanding
Shares
|
|
Weighted Average
Life
|
|
Exercisable
Shares
|
|
Weighted Average
Life
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$0.38
- $0.63
|
|
|
1,896,664
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
1,896,664
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
$1.75
- $2.55
|
|
|
405,280
|
|
|
5.9
|
|
|
332,280
|
|
|
6.0
|
|
$2.90
- $3.55
|
|
|
268,000
|
|
|
8.3
|
|
|
135,000
|
|
|
7.8
|
|
$3.62
|
|
|
1,140,000
|
|
|
3.0
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
2.9
|
|
$4.45
- $4.70
|
|
|
494,000
|
|
|
7.7
|
|
|
176,665
|
|
|
7.3
|
|
$5.50
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
$0.38
- $5.50
|
|
|
4,303,944
|
|
|
3.5
|
|
|
2,940,609
|
|
|
2.5
|
|
NOTE
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Environmental
Risk
Due
to
the nature of the oil and natural gas business, the Company is exposed to
possible environmental risks. The Company manages its exposure to environmental
liabilities for both properties it owns as well as properties to be acquired.
The Company has historically not experienced any significant environmental
liability and is not aware of any potential material environmental issues or
claims at December 31, 2007.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Letters
of Credit
For
each
salt water disposal well drilled in the State of Michigan, the Company is
required to issue a letter of credit to the Michigan Supervisor of Wells. The
Supervisor of Wells may draw on the letter of credit if the Company fails to
comply with the regulatory requirements relating to the locating, drilling,
completing, producing, reworking, plugging, filling of pits, and clean up of
the
well site. The letter of credit or a substitute financial instrument is required
to be in place until the salt water disposal well is plugged and abandoned.
For
drilling natural gas wells, the Company is required to issue a blanket letter
of
credit to the Michigan Supervisor of Wells. This blanket letter of credit allows
the Company to drill an unlimited number of natural gas wells. The majority
of
existing letters of credit have been issued by Northwestern Bank of Traverse
City, Michigan, and are secured only by a Reimbursement and Indemnification
Commitment issued by the Company, together with a right of setoff against all
of
the Company’s deposit accounts with Northwestern Bank. At December 31, 2007,
letters of credit in the amount of $1.2 million were outstanding with the
majority issued to the Michigan Supervisor of Wells.
Employment
Agreement
Ronald
E.
Huff resigned as President, Chief Financial Officer and Director of AOG
effective January 21, 2008. The Company had a 2-year Employment Agreement with
Mr. Huff, providing for an annual salary of $200,000 per year and an award
of a
stock bonus in the amount of 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock on
January 1, 2009, so long as he remained employed by the Company through June
18,
2008, which requires the Company to record approximately $2.1 million in
stock-based compensation expense over the contract period. Mr. Huff’s employment
agreement will be honored by the Company through its June 18, 2008 termination
date. At December 31, 2007, the stock bonus amount of 500,000 shares was
unvested. However, this agreement has been modified to accelerate the award
of
Mr. Huff’s stock bonus in the amount of 500,000 shares of common stock from
January 1, 2009, to June 18, 2008.
Equipment
Sale - Leaseback Agreement
Effective
June 21, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with Fifth Third Bank
to
sell and leaseback three natural gas compressors, which were accounted for
as an
operating lease. The net carrying value of the natural gas compressors sold
was
$1.2 million. Because the net carrying value of the natural gas compressors
was
equal to the sales price, there was no gain or loss recognized on the sale.
The
lease agreement has a base lease term of 84 months with a monthly rental fee
of
$13,610 beginning July 1, 2007. For the year ended December 31, 2007, total
rental expense incurred by the Company under this lease was $83,475, of which
$8,713 was capitalized in oil and natural gas properties.
Effective
December 19, 2007, the Company entered into an agreement with Fifth Third Bank
to sell and leaseback eleven natural gas compressors for $2.7 million. Under
the
agreement, the Company is leasing back the property over a base lease term
of 60
months with a monthly rental fee of $37,110 beginning January 1, 2008. The
Company is accounting for the leaseback as an operating lease. The gain of
$0.7
million realized in this transaction has been deferred and will be amortized
to
income in proportion to rent charged over the term of the lease. At December
31,
2007, the deferred gain of $0.7 million is shown on the Company’s Balance Sheet
as “Other long-term liabilities” for the long-term portion of $0.6 million and
as “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” for the short-term portion of $0.1
million. For the year ended December 31, 2007, no rental expense was incurred
by
the Company under this lease.
The
minimum lease payments required by both leases are as follows:
2008
|
|
$
|
608,638
|
|
2009
|
|
|
608,639
|
|
2010
|
|
|
608,638
|
|
2011
|
|
|
608,639
|
|
2012
|
|
|
608,638
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
244,982
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,288,174
|
|
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
Fry
Well Loss
The
Company participated with Savoy Energy, L.P. (“Savoy”) in an exploratory well
known as the Fry 1-13 located in Mecosta County, Michigan. In late December
2006, the well experienced a blow-out event which incurred approximately $5.6
million associated with controlling the well and other related costs. The
Company had a 13.33% cost interest (10% working interest) in this well to casing
point and paid approximately $762,000 to cover its portion of the loss to Savoy.
The Company’s insurance covered approximately 34% or $266,666 of the well
control costs.
NOTE
12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
William Deneau
and John Miller, who were officers during the reporting period, are involved
as
equity owners in numerous corporations and limited liability companies that
are
active in the oil and natural gas business. They also own miscellaneous
overriding royalty interests in wells in which the Company has an interest
but
are operated by unrelated third parties. During 2006, these officers divested
themselves of all interests for which the Company served as
operator.
At
the
time of the merger, Aurora had a lease for office and storage space from
South 31, L.L.C. William W. Deneau owned one-third of South 31, L.L.C.
Rent was paid through December 31, 2005, on a lease extending through
March 31, 2007. After the Company moved the corporate offices in early
December 2005, the Company no longer had a need for the space in the
South 31, L.L.C. property. The Company entered into a Settlement Agreement
and Mutual Release with South 31, L.L.C. pursuant to which a payment was
made to South 31, L.L.C. in the amount of $65,250 on January 27, 2006,
and South 31, L.L.C. released the Company from any further obligation on
the lease. The Company currently maintains a month-to-month storage lease with
South 31, L.L.C. for $600 per quarter.
Effective
May 30, 2007, the board of directors named John C. Hunter as Vice President
of
Exploration and Production. He has worked for AOG since 2005 as Senior Petroleum
Engineer. Prior to that, Mr. Hunter was instrumental in certain projects
associated with the Company’s New Albany shale play. Over a series of agreements
with the Company, Mr. Hunter (controlling member of Venator Energy, LLC) has
acquired 1.25% working interest in certain leases. The leases cover
approximately 132,600 acres (1,658 net) in certain counties located in Indiana.
The 1.25% carried working interest shall be effective until development costs
exceed $30 million. Thereafter, participation may continue as a standard 1.25%
working interest owner. The Company is entitled to recovery of 100% of
development costs (plus interest at a rate of 6.75% per annum compounded
annually) from 85% of the net operating revenue generated from oil and gas
production developed directly or indirectly in the area of mutual interest
covered by the agreement. As of December 31, 2007, there is no production
associated with this working interest and development costs were approximately
$12.4 million.
Effective
July 1, 2004, Aurora Energy, Ltd., (“AEL”), entered into a Fee Sharing Agreement
with Mr. Hunter as compensation for bringing Bluegrass Energy Enhancement Fund,
LLC (“Bluegrass”) and AEL together for the development of the 1500 Antrim and
Red Run Projects in Michigan. At this time, AEL and Bluegrass have discontinued
leasing activities in both projects. In the 1500 Antrim project, there are
23,989.41 acres. Mr. Hunter's carried working interest share of 0.8333% is
approximately 199.95 net acres. The carried working interest relates to the
first 55 wells that are drilled in the area of mutual interest. Thereafter,
Mr.
Hunter would pay his proportionate share of working interest expenses.
Currently, there are no producing wells. The Red Run project contains 12,893.64
acres. Mr. Hunter's carried working interest share of 0.8333% is approximately
107.44 net acres. The carried working interest relates to the first 55 wells
that are drilled in the area of mutual interest. Thereafter, Mr. Hunter would
pay his proportionate share of working interest expenses. Currently, there
are 3
wells permitted for the Red Run project and one well was temporarily
abandoned.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
NOTE
13. RETIREMENT BENEFITS
401(k)
Plan
Effective
May 1, 2006, the Company established a qualified retirement plan referred to
as
the Aurora 401(k) Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan is available to all employees who
have completed at least 1,000 hours of service over their first 12 consecutive
months of employment and are at least 21 years of age. Effective July 1, 2006,
the Company waived the age and service requirements for any employee employed
by
the Company on or before July 1, 2006. The Company may provide: (1)
discretionary matching of employee contributions; (2) discretionary
profit-sharing contributions; and (3) qualified nonelective contributions to
the
Plan. Company-provided contributions are subject to certain vesting schedules.
For the years ended December 31, 2007, and 2006, the Company contributed $66,211
and $42,350, respectively, as a discretionary matching
contribution.
Retention
Bonus
On
September 19, 2007, the Company announced that it had retained Johnson Rice
& Company, L.L.C. to assist the Board of Directors with investigating
strategic alternatives for the Company. These alternatives, among other things,
may include revisions to the Company’s strategic plan, asset divestitures,
operating partnerships, identifying additional capital sources, or a sale,
merger, or other business combination of the Company. The Board of Directors
of
the Company has approved a retention bonus arrangement to encourage certain
key
officers and employees to remain with the Company through the completion of
the
Company’s review of potential strategic alternatives. The Board of Directors
recognizes that certain key officers and employees will have increased
responsibilities and duties during the evaluation of strategic alternatives
and
will contribute significantly to the process. The aggregate retention bonus
consists of four payments over an 8-month period beginning in late October
2007
through late April 2008. The key officers and employees must remain continuously
employed with the Company as well as remain in good standing on the scheduled
payment dates. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had recorded $237,500 for
estimated retention bonuses in 2007.
2007
Incentive Bonus Plan
The
Company had adopted an incentive bonus plan for the year 2007. The incentive
bonus plan was available to all full-time employees, excluding officers and
employees of subsidiaries. The bonus would be up to 10% of eligible employees’
compensation during the year 2007 if certain objectives are met. Those
objectives were not met and no bonus expense was incurred.
NOTE
14. FOURTH QUARTER ADJUSTMENTS—2006
During
the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company modified its approach to estimating
capitalized interest. The Company’s original approach to capitalization of
interest cost was to relate the specific exploration and development activities
in progress that were allowed under the mezzanine credit facility to specific
mezzanine credit facility borrowings. If there were no such borrowings in a
month that matched the drilling activities, then no interest was capitalized.
On
January 31, 2006, the Company entered into a new senior secured revolving credit
facility for drilling, development, and acquisitions, which was not limited
to
certain exploration and development activities. In this connection, the
mezzanine credit facility was subordinated to the new senior credit facility,
and no further borrowings occurred under the mezzanine facility. The Company
reviewed its approach to capitalized interest and began treating all oil and
gas
properties that were not being depreciated, depleted, or amortized, as well
as
any exploration and development activities that were in progress of being
developed as qualifying assets under SFAS No. 34. The Company identified all
its
long-term debt borrowings to be included in the weighted average rate
calculation for capitalized interest. This change resulted in additional $3.2
million of capitalized interest for the entire fiscal year of 2006 which was
recorded in the fourth quarter; of this amount, $1.9 million related to prior
quarters.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
During
the fourth quarter of 2006, the Company modified its approach to estimating
oil
and natural gas depreciation, depletion and amortization (“DD&A”). The
Company’s original accounting approach was to amortize all capitalized costs of
oil and natural gas properties considered proven developed, on the
unit-of-production method using estimates of proven developed reserves. However,
applicable accounting principles and related guidance provides that capitalized
costs of oil and natural gas properties can be amortized on a unit-of-production
method based on all proved oil and natural gas reserves. As of December 31,
2006, all of the Company’s proven reserves were evaluated by an independent
petroleum engineering group which resulted in a 89 bcfe increase in proved
reserves associated with the full cost pool. This change in estimate from proven
developed reserves to proven reserves as well as an updated reserve report
resulted in a reduction of $ 2.7 million in oil and natural gas depreciation,
depletion and amortization.
NOTE
15. SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (Unaudited)
|
|
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
|
March 31
|
|
June 30
|
|
September 30
|
|
December 31
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
revenues (a)
|
|
$
|
6,248,362
|
|
$
|
6,820,177
|
|
$
|
7,205,388
|
|
$
|
7,632,879
|
|
Operating
income (b)
|
|
|
1,531,336
|
|
|
2,231,935
|
|
|
2,876,491
|
|
|
2,671,790
|
|
Net
(loss) income
|
|
|
(740,319
|
)
|
|
229,477
|
|
|
(3,254,294
|
)
|
|
(656,697
|
)
|
Basic
net earnings per share
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
0.00
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
Diluted
net earnings per share
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
0.00
|
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating
revenues (a)
|
|
|
5,528,632
|
|
|
5,654,887
|
|
|
5,313,261
|
|
|
5,710,115
|
|
Operating
income (b)
|
|
|
2,023,772
|
|
|
2,361,513
|
|
|
1,613,107
|
|
|
1,476,417
|
|
Net
(loss) income
|
|
|
(939,183
|
)
|
|
(1,185,188
|
)
|
|
(2,086,234
|
)
|
|
2,091,433
|
|
Basic
net earnings per share
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
0.02
|
|
Diluted
net earnings per share
|
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
(0.01
|
)
|
|
(0.03
|
)
|
|
0.02
|
|
|
(a)
|
Includes
(1) oil and natural gas sales, (2) pipeline transportation and
processing, and (3) field services and
sales.
|
|
(b)
|
Includes
(1) production taxes, (2) production and processing operating
expenses, (3) field services expenses, and (4) general and
administrative expenses.
|
NOTE
16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Letter
of Intent
Effective
January 22, 2008, the Board of Directors named John E. McDevitt as President,
Chief Operating Officer and Director. The Board of Directors also named Gilbert
A. Smith as Vice President of Business Development effective as of February
1,
2008. The Company has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent to acquire Acadian
Energy, LLC. Mr. McDevitt (through a controlled entity) and Mr. Smith are the
sole members of Acadian Energy, LLC (60% and 40% respectively). The proposed
acquisition is valued at approximately $12.5 million and will include over
10,000 acres of New Albany Shale properties, 4 development wells, and
approximately 7 bcf in proved reserves
.
Other
Investment Transfer
Effective
March 31, 2007, the Company withdrew from active participation in the GeoPetra
Partners, LLC investment. The Company has a full ownership interest in all
projects in which it elected to participate and in properties and interest
acquired in the investment prior to the effective date of the withdrawal.
The carrying value of $528,136 is expected to be converted from "Other
Investments" on the Balance Sheet to working interests in oil and natural gas
properties for applicable projects in the first quarter of 2008.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL
INFORMATION ON OIL AND NATURAL
GAS
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
(Unaudited)
Supplemental
Reserve Information
.
The
information set forth below on our proved oil and natural gas reserves is
presented in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Company emphasizes that reserve estimates are
inherently imprecise. Our reserve estimates were generally based upon
extrapolation of historical production trends, analogy to similar properties
and
volumetric calculations. Accordingly, these estimates are expected to change
and
such changes could be material and occur in the near term as future information
becomes available.
The
Company retained the service of an independent petroleum consultant (Data &
Consulting Services, Division of Schlumberger Technology Corporation) to
estimate its proved natural gas reserves at December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005.
Included in the tables set forth below are proved oil and natural gas reserves
located in Michigan that were acquired as a separate property acquisition early
in 2006 and proved oil and natural gas reserves acquired in conjunction with
the
reverse merger with Cadence Resources Corporation effective October 31, 2005.
These proved reserves acquired in the reverse merger were estimated by
Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. and Ralph E. Davis Associates,
Inc.
The
following table sets forth a summary of changes in estimated reserves for 2007,
2006 and 2005:
Estimates of Proved Reserves
|
|
Oil
(mbbl)
|
|
Natural Gas
(mmcf)
|
|
Total
(mmcfe)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved
reserves as of December 31, 2004
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
34,949
|
|
|
34,949
|
|
Revisions
of previous estimates
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
5,382
|
|
|
5,394
|
|
Purchases
of minerals in place
|
|
|
103
|
|
|
1,572
|
|
|
2,190
|
|
Extensions
and discoveries
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
22,107
|
|
|
22,107
|
|
Production
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
|
(688
|
)
|
|
(748
|
)
|
Proved
reserves as of December 31, 2005
|
|
|
99
|
|
|
63,322
|
|
|
63,916
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revisions
of previous estimates
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
4,880
|
|
|
5,120
|
|
Purchases
of minerals in place
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
22,843
|
|
|
22,843
|
|
Extensions
and discoveries
|
|
|
45
|
|
|
65,095
|
|
|
65,365
|
|
Production
(1)
|
|
|
(23
|
)
|
|
(2,511
|
)
|
|
2,649
|
|
Sales
of minerals in place
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(665
|
)
|
|
(665
|
)
|
Proved
reserves as of December 31, 2006
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
152,964
|
|
|
153,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revisions
of previous estimates
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
(34,651
|
)
|
|
(34,531
|
)
|
Purchases
of minerals in place
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
2,943
|
|
|
2,943
|
|
Extensions
and discoveries
|
|
|
131
|
|
|
47,256
|
|
|
48,042
|
|
Production
(1)
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
|
(3,034
|
)
|
|
(3,202
|
)
|
Sales
of minerals in place
|
|
|
(16
|
)
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
(107
|
)
|
Proved
reserves as of December 31, 2007
|
|
|
188
|
|
|
165,467
|
|
|
166,595
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved
developed reserves:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December
31, 2005
|
|
|
70
|
|
|
45,205
|
|
|
45,625
|
|
December
31, 2006
|
|
|
54
|
|
|
82,580
|
|
|
82,904
|
|
December
31, 2007
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
100,887
|
|
|
101,331
|
|
(1)
Production
for both 2007 and 2006 does not reflect 5 mcfe and 142 mcfe, respectively,
of
production the Company received in association with certain non-operated wells
excluded in the year end reserve report.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL
INFORMATION ON OIL AND NATURAL
GAS
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
(Unaudited—continued)
During
2007, the Company recorded downward revisions to certain Antrim properties
of
34.5 bcfe to the December 31, 2006, estimates of our reserves. This was due
primarily to the 2007 lower realized production levels from certain project
areas. The production curves used in the reserve report were adjusted to reflect
lower future production to be consistent with the 2007 actual experience. This
decrease was net of the upward adjustments caused by higher natural gas prices
at December 31, 2007. Increase in pricing extends the economic lives of the
properties which subsequently increases the reserves.
The
Company recorded an increase in extensions and discoveries of 48 bcfe which
was
due to positive results from our 2007 drilling activity. Positive drilling
results in the New Albany Shale added nearly 24 bcfe, while positive drilling
results in the Antrim added 24 bcfe. Increases in the number of identifiable
offsets also moved certain probable reserves to proved reserves. The Company
also acquired 2.9 bcfe of proved reserves through the purchase of certain Antrim
working interests for $3 million and sold 0.11 bcfe of proved reserves for
approximately $1 million.
During
2006, the Company experienced significant changes in reserves due to extensions
and discoveries associated with drilling activities conducted by both the
Company and by third parties. Approximately 99.6% of the 65.4 bcfe of reserves
attributable to extensions and discoveries are associated with the
following:
The
drilling of 16 gross (0.9 net) New Albany shale wells in Daviess and Greene
Counties, Indiana, resulted in two field discoveries and reserves of 2.3 bcfe
associated with 40 gross (2.4 net) wells. Approximately 67% of the reserves
are
undeveloped and are expected to be developed in 2007 and 2008.
The
drilling of 196 gross (90.1 net) Antrim shale wells in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim,
Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Montmorency, and Otsego Counties, Michigan, resulted
in
reserve extensions of 62.8 bcfe associated with 257 gross (138.1 net) wells.
Approximately 59% of the reserve extensions are undeveloped and are expected
to
be developed in 2007 and 2008. The Company also acquired approximately 23 bcfe
of proved reserves through purchases of natural gas properties for approximately
$24.0 million and sold 0.7 bcfe of proved reserves for approximately $4.75
million.
During
2006, the Company recorded upward revisions of 5.1 bcfe to the December 31,
2005, estimates of our reserves. This was due primarily to the increase in
the
lives of the wells from 40 years to 50 years. Our reserve report for 2005
recognized a maximum well life of 40 years for Antrim shale wells. Schlumberger
Data & Consulting Services, the preparer of the Company’s reserve reports,
extended the maximum well life for the Antrim shale by an additional 10 years
in
the 2006 reserve report, and they also recognized a 50-year maximum life for
the
New Albany shale for several reasons. First, a number of Antrim shale properties
operated by third parties have exhibited extended lives that suggest that a
50-year life is a reasonable expectation. Second, in most cases, our properties
are projected to still be economic to produce after 50 years of production.
Third, the casing in our wells is expected to maintain its integrity for 50+
years. Finally, we noted that at least one of the leading Antrim shale and
New
Albany shale producing companies projects their Antrim shale reserves and New
Albany shale reserves using a 50-year maximum well life. The New Albany shale
properties were included for the first time in our 2006 reserve report. The
New
Albany shale reservoir is comparable to the Antrim shale in its age, depth,
pay
thickness, gas content, gas origin, and production characteristics, so it is
our
belief that the maximum well life will be comparable. This increase was net
of
the downward adjustments caused by lower natural gas prices at December 31,
2006. A decrease in pricing reduces the economic lives of the properties which
subsequently reduces the reserves.
During
2005, the Company recorded upward revisions of 5.4 bcfe to the December 31,
2004, estimates of our reserves. This upward revision was primarily due to
positive initial production rates from one particular project area which
outperformed prior year expectations which resulted in an upward adjustment
to
the projected production profile. This new profile became the analog for the
entire project area increasing the reserves accordingly.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL
INFORMATION ON OIL AND NATURAL
GAS
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
(Unaudited—continued)
Also
in
2005, the Company recorded an increase in extensions and discoveries of 22
bcfe
which was due to positive results from our 2005 drilling and leasing activity.
Certain positive drilling results coupled with increased drilling opportunities
from leasing activity resulted in an increase in the number of identifiable
offsets which moved certain probable reserves to proved reserves. The Company
also acquired approximately 1.7 bcfe of proved reserves of oil and natural
gas
properties through our reverse merger.
Standardized
Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flow Relating to Proved Oil and Natural
Gas Reserves
The
following information has been developed utilizing procedures prescribed by
SFAS
No. 69 and based on oil and natural gas reserve and production volumes estimated
by the Company’s independent reserve engineers. It may be useful for certain
comparison purposes but should not be solely relied upon in evaluating the
Company or its performance. Further, information contained in the following
table should not be considered as representative of realistic assessments of
future cash flows nor should the Standardized Measure of Discounted Future
Net
Cash Flows be viewed as representative of the current value of the
Company.
The
future cash flows presented below are computed by applying year-end prices
to
year-end quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves. Future production
and development costs are computed by estimating the expenditures to be incurred
in developing and producing the Company’s proved reserves based on year-end
costs and assuming continuation of existing economic conditions. It is expected
that material revisions to some estimates of oil and natural gas reserves may
occur in the future, development and production of the reserves may occur in
periods other than those assumed, and actual prices realized and costs incurred
may vary significantly from those used. Additionally, certain capital funding
constraints may impact the Company’s ability to develop the
properties.
Management
does not rely upon the following information in making investment and operating
decisions. Such decision are based upon a wide range of factors, including
estimates of probable as well as proved reserves, and varying price and cost
assumptions are considered more representative of a range of possible economic
conditions that may be anticipated.
The
following table sets forth the our future net cash flows relating to proved
oil
and natural gas reserves based on the standardize measure prescribed in SFAS
69:
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future
gross revenues (1)
|
|
$
|
1,204,891,690
|
|
$
|
884,186,810
|
|
$
|
632,058,720
|
|
Future
production costs (2)
|
|
|
(556,123,590
|
)
|
|
(378,345,360
|
)
|
|
(182,710,406
|
)
|
Future
development costs (2)
|
|
|
(42,298,790
|
)
|
|
(37,324,420
|
)
|
|
(15,073,590
|
)
|
Future
income tax expense (3)
|
|
|
(102,354,760
|
)
|
|
(83,566,133
|
)
|
|
(101,521,160
|
)
|
Future
net cash flows after income taxes
|
|
|
504,114,550
|
|
$
|
384,950,897
|
|
$
|
332,753,564
|
|
Discount
at 10% per annum
|
|
|
(328,571,410
|
)
|
|
(254,489,076
|
)
|
|
(179,885,324
|
)
|
Standardized
measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil
and
natural gas reserves
|
|
$
|
175,543,140
|
|
$
|
130,461,821
|
|
$
|
152,868,240
|
|
(1)
|
Oil
and natural gas revenues are based on year-end prices (see table
below)
with adjustments for changes reflected in existing contracts. There
is no
consideration for future discoveries or risks associated with future
production of proved reserves.
|
(2)
|
Based
on economic conditions at year-end and does not include administrative,
general, or financing costs.
|
(3)
|
Future
income taxes are computed by applying the statutory tax rate to future
net
cash flows reduced by the tax basis of the properties, the estimated
permanent differences applicable to future oil and natural gas producing
activities, and net operating loss carryforwards.
|
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL
INFORMATION ON OIL AND NATURAL
GAS
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
The
following table summarizes the year-end prices (net of basis adjustments) used
to estimate reserves and future net cash flows in accordance with SEC
guidelines.
As
of December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natural
gas (per mmbtu)
|
|
$
|
7.18
|
|
$
|
5.84
|
|
$
|
9.89
|
|
Oil
(per barrel)
|
|
$
|
90.18
|
|
$
|
57.81
|
|
$
|
56.41
|
|
Changes
in Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Cash Flows
The
following table sets forth the principal sources of change in the standardized
measure of discounted future net cash flows:
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
balance
|
|
$
|
130,461,821
|
|
$
|
152,868,240
|
|
$
|
32,159,710
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revisions
to reserves proved in prior years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in prices and production costs
(1)
|
|
|
28,130,498
|
|
|
(113,774,170
|
)
|
|
85,425,515
|
|
Net
changes in future development costs
|
|
|
(5,261,045
|
)
|
|
(802,360
|
)
|
|
6,299,524
|
|
Net
changes due to revisions in quantity estimates
(2)
|
|
|
(42,260,444
|
)
|
|
3,484,229
|
|
|
33,335,739
|
|
Net
change in accretion of discount
(3)
|
|
|
15,878,281
|
|
|
19,950,751
|
|
|
(66,761,600
|
)
|
Other
(4)
|
|
|
4,469,458
|
|
|
(15,976,529
|
)
|
|
38,137,602
|
|
Total
revisions to reserves provided in prior years
|
|
|
956,747
|
|
|
(107,118,080
|
)
|
|
96,436,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New
discoveries and extensions, net of future development and production
costs
|
|
|
65,772,000
|
|
|
62,343,872
|
|
|
76,487,826
|
|
Purchases
of minerals in place
|
|
|
4,371,832
|
|
|
23,605,950
|
|
|
11,834,500
|
|
Sales
of oil and gas properties
|
|
|
(1,023,701
|
)
|
|
(4,756,826
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
Sales
of oil and natural gas produced, net of production costs
|
|
|
(16,839,303
|
)
|
|
(14,436,361
|
)
|
|
(4,696,416
|
)
|
Previously
estimated development costs incurred
|
|
|
5,772,092
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
Net
change in income taxes
|
|
|
(13,928,348
|
)
|
|
17,955,026
|
|
|
(59,354,160
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
change in standardized measure of discounted cash flows
|
|
|
45,081,319
|
|
|
(22,406,419
|
)
|
|
120,708,530
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ending
balance
|
|
$
|
175,543,140
|
|
$
|
130,461,821
|
|
$
|
152,868,240
|
|
(1)
“Net
changes in prices and production costs” – Our reserves consist primarily of
natural gas. A significant change in natural gas price between reporting periods
resulted in differences between 2005, 2006 and 2007. These price fluctuations
were offset by changes in production costs. A summary of the changes is as
follows:
|
|
Price
|
|
Change
in
Price
|
|
Production
Cost
|
|
Change
in
Production
Cost
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
7.18
|
|
$
|
1.34
|
|
$
|
3.34
|
|
$
|
0.87
|
|
2006
|
|
$
|
5.84
|
|
$
|
(4.05
|
)
|
$
|
2.47
|
|
$
|
(0.39
|
)
|
2005
|
|
$
|
9.89
|
|
$
|
3.69
|
|
$
|
2.86
|
|
$
|
(0.74
|
)
|
2004
|
|
$
|
6.20
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.12
|
|
|
|
|
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL
INFORMATION ON OIL AND NATURAL
GAS
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
(2)
“Revisions
in quantity estimates” – The quantity estimates varied significantly
between 2005, 2006 and 2007. The large reduction reflected in 2007 resulted
when
year end prices were applied to the downward adjustments of 34 bcfe to the
12/31/06 reserves for certain Antrim properties, then discounted back to present
value. Certain fluctuations occurred in 2006 versus 2005 due to the
classification of additional wells being added to the proved undeveloped
category from the 12/31/05 report versus the 12/31/06 report. The additional
wells were treated as “revisions” in the 2005 report but as new discoveries or
extensions in the 2006 report which impacts the comparability between the 2
years. In addition, an upward revision was made in 2005. This was due to
positive initial production rates from one particular project area which
outperformed prior year expectations resulting in an upward adjustment to the
projected production profile.
(3)
“Accretion
to the discount” – In 2005, this line item was computed as the change in
the overall discount between the 2004 report and the 2005 report. In 2006 and
2007, it was computed using the more simplified and industry-recognized method
as a computation of the 10% of the pre-tax present value of the prior year
reserve report.
(4)
“Other” –
This line item reflects reconciling amounts which is made available to capture
those timing and other differences, including modifications to the methodology
applied from 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Capitalized
Costs Related to Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities
The
following table sets forth the capitalized costs relating to the Company’s oil
and natural gas producing activities:
As
of December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved
properties
|
|
$
|
167,282,245
|
|
$
|
128,381,121
|
|
$
|
39,643,003
|
|
Unproved
properties
|
|
|
56,937,683
|
|
|
43,718,594
|
|
|
37,279,889
|
|
Total
oil and natural gas properties
|
|
|
224,219,928
|
|
|
172,099,715
|
|
|
76,922,892
|
|
Less
accumulated depreciation, depletion, and amortization
|
|
|
(14,401,584
|
)
|
|
(10,628,438
|
)
|
|
(7,962,138
|
)
|
Oil
and natural gas properties—net
|
|
$
|
209,818,344
|
|
$
|
161,471,277
|
|
$
|
68,960,754
|
|
Costs
Incurred in Oil and Natural Gas Producing Activities
The
acquisition, exploration, and development costs disclosed in the following
table
are in accordance with definitions in SFAS No. 19, “Financial Accounting and
Reporting by Oil and Gas Producing Companies.” Acquisition costs include costs
incurred to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire property. Exploration costs
include exploration expenses, additions to exploration wells in progress, and
depreciation of support equipment used in exploration activities. Development
costs include additions to production facilities and equipment, additions to
development wells in progress and related facilities, and depreciation of
support equipment and related facilities used in development
activities.
AURORA
OIL & GAS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL
INFORMATION ON OIL AND NATURAL
GAS
EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES
The
following table sets forth capitalized costs incurred related to the Company’s
oil and natural gas activities:
Years
Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property
acquisition costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proved
|
|
$
|
3,005,609
|
|
$
|
24,011,335
|
|
$
|
22,763,734
|
|
Unproved
|
|
|
16,012,328
|
|
|
27,718,336
|
|
|
19,607,099
|
|
Exploration
|
|
|
11,687,015
|
|
|
8,360,779
|
|
|
781,586
|
|
Development
|
|
|
24,504,278
|
|
|
46,575,829
|
|
|
29,707,367
|
|
Total
costs incurred
(1)
|
|
|
55,209,230
|
|
|
106,666,279
|
|
|
72,859,786
|
|
Sales
of oil and natural gas properties
|
|
|
(3,089,017
|
)
|
|
(11,489,456
|
)
|
|
(11,504,428
|
)
|
Total
|
|
$
|
52,120,213
|
|
$
|
95,176,823
|
|
$
|
61,355,358
|
|
(1)
Total
costs incurred includes (a) capitalized general and administrative costs
directly associated with the acquisition, exploration, and development efforts
of approximately $1.3 million, $1.3 million, and $0 million for years ended
December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively, and (b) capitalized
interest on unproven properties of $4.5 million, $3.9 million, and $1.1 million
for years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. Certain
non-cash transactions are included as follows: (a) 2007 and 2006 asset
retirement obligation and capitalized stock compensation of $0.12 million and
$1.3 million and $0.17 million and $0.45 million, respectively, (b) net transfer
of $0.31 million from 2005 deposits to 2006 oil and natural gas properties,
and
(c) the 2005 fair market value of properties received from Cadence in the
merger valued at $22.4 million.
Results
of Operations
The
Company’s results of operations related to oil and natural gas activities are
set forth below. The following table includes revenues and expenses associated
directly with our oil and natural gas producing activities. It does not include
any interest costs, general and administrative costs or provision for income
taxes due to the net operating loss carryforward, and therefore, is not
necessarily indicative of the contribution to consolidated net operating results
of our oil and natural gas operations.
For
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oil
and natural gas sales
|
|
$
|
26,723,818
|
|
$
|
21,591,811
|
|
$
|
6,743,444
|
|
Production
taxes
|
|
|
(1,123,070
|
)
|
|
(877,319
|
)
|
|
(506,635
|
)
|
Production
and lease operating costs
|
|
|
(8,761,445
|
)
|
|
(5,966,341
|
)
|
|
(1,587,205
|
)
|
Depletion
and amortization
|
|
|
(3,769,104
|
)
|
|
(2,681,290
|
)
|
|
(767,511
|
)
|
Results
of producing activities
|
|
$
|
13,070,199
|
|
$
|
12,066,861
|
|
$
|
3,882,093
|
|