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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 17, 1996.
Registration No. 333-398
===============================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
----------------------
AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO
FORM S-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
----------------------
ABRAXAS PETROLEUM CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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<CAPTION>
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Nevada 1311 74-2584033
(State or other jurisdiction of (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer Identification
incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Number)
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Robert L. G. Watson
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
500 North Loop 1604 East, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78232
(210) 490-4788
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive
offices and of agent for service)
Copy to:
Steven R. Jacobs
Cox & Smith Incorporated
112 East Pecan Street, Suite 1800
San Antonio, Texas 78205
(210) 554-5255
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon
as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
investment reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
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If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
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THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SECTION 8(A), MAY
DETERMINE.
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CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
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1. Forepart of the Registration Statement Facing Page of Registration Statement; Cross
and Outside Front Cover Page of Reference Sheet; Outside Front Cover Page of
Prospectus Page of Prospectus
2. Inside Front And Outside Back Cover Inside Front Cover and Outside Back Cover
Pages Of Prospectus Pages of Prospectus
3. Summary Information, Risk Factors Risk Factors
and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
4. Use of Proceeds Use of Proceeds
5. Determination of Offering Price Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus
6. Selling Security Holders Selling Stockholders
7. Plan of Distribution Plan of Distribution
8. Description of Securities to be Description of Capital Stock
Registered
9. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel Not Applicable
10. Material Changes Recent Developments
11. Incorporation of Certain Information Documents Incorporated By Reference
by Reference
12. Disclosure of Commission Position Not Applicable
on Indemnification for Securities
Act Liabilities
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PROSPECTUS
3,325,000 Shares of Common Stock
ABRAXAS PETROLEUM CORPORATION
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This Prospectus relates to an aggregate of 3,325,000 shares (the "Shares")
of common stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), of Abraxas
Petroleum Corporation, a Nevada corporation (the "Company"), that may be
offered from time to time by certain stockholders of the Company (the "Selling
Stockholders"). See "Selling Stockholders." The Company will receive no part of
the proceeds of such sales. See "Use of Proceeds." Expenses (other than
commissions and discounts of underwriters, dealers or agents and attorneys fees
incurred by the Selling Stockholders) incurred in connection with this offering
are expected to be approximately $36,170. All of such expenses will be paid by
the Company.
This Prospectus contains forward-looking information that involves risks
and uncertainties and such information is subject to the assumptions set forth
in connection therewith and the information contained herein.
The Company has been advised by the Selling Stockholders that they may
sell all or a portion of the Shares offered by this Prospectus from time to
time (i) on the NASDAQ Stock Market at prices prevailing at the time of such
sales, (ii) otherwise than on the NASDAQ Stock Market at market prices
prevailing at the time of sale or at negotiated prices, or (iii) by a
combination of the foregoing methods of sale. The Selling Stockholders and any
broker, dealer or other agent executing sell orders on behalf of the Selling
Stockholders may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), in which event commissions
received by any such broker, dealer or agent may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions under the Act. See "Plan of Distribution."
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the
symbol AXAS. On May 14, 1996, the closing price for the Common Stock as
reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market was $6.00 per share.
-------------------
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISK FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGES 3 TO 9.
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THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION
OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
-------------------
The date of this Prospectus is May ___, 1996.
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AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy
statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public
reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of
the Commission: The Chicago Regional Office, Northwestern Atrium Center, 500
West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and the New York
Regional Office, 7 World Trade Center, 12th Floor, New York, New York 10007, at
prescribed rates. Such reports, proxy statements and other information
concerning the Company can also be inspected at the offices of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20006.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 under the Act
with respect to the Shares offered hereby (together with all amendments, the
"Registration Statement") with the Commission. This Prospectus, filed as part
of the Registration Statement, constitutes a part of the Registration Statement
and does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration
Statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. In addition, certain
documents filed by the Company with the Commission have been incorporated by
reference. See "Documents Incorporated by Reference." Such additional
information can be obtained from the Commission's principal office in
Washington, D.C.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
The following documents or portions thereof filed by the Company are
hereby incorporated by reference in this Prospectus:
(i) the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1995;
(ii) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 17, 1996;
(iii) the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 4, 1996, as
amended;
(iv) the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated May 14, 1996;
(v) the description of the Company's Common Stock contained in the
Company's Registration Statement Number 0-19118 filed on March 26, 1991 on Form
8-A relating thereto; and
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(vi) the description of the Company's Common Stock Purchase Rights
contained in the Company's Registration Statement Number 0-19118 filed on
December 7, 1994 on Form 8-A relating thereto.
In addition, all documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this
Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Shares made
hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and
to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement
contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes
of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any
subsequently filed document which is or is deemed to be incorporated by
reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so
modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or
superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
The Company undertakes to provide without charge to each person to whom a
copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon oral or written request of such
person, a copy of any and all of the documents incorporated by reference herein
(other than exhibits and schedules to such documents, unless such exhibits or
schedules are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents). Such
requests should be directed to Chris E. Williford, Executive Vice President,
Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Abraxas Petroleum Corporation, 500 North
Loop 1604 East, Suite 100, San Antonio, Texas 78232 or by telephone at (210)
490-4788.
RISK FACTORS
Prospective purchasers of the Shares offered hereby should carefully
consider, together with other information in this Prospectus, the following
risk factors that affect the Company.
Industry Conditions; Impact on Company's Profitability
The Company's revenues, profitability and future rate of growth are
substantially dependent upon prevailing prices for crude oil and natural gas.
Crude oil and natural gas prices can be extremely volatile and in recent years
have been depressed by excess total domestic and imported supplies. Prices are
also affected by actions of state and local agencies, the United States and
foreign governments and international cartels. While prices for crude oil and
natural gas increased during the fourth quarter of 1995 and remained at these
levels during the first quarter of 1996, there can be no assurance that these
levels for crude oil and natural gas prices can be sustained. These external
factors and the volatile nature of the energy markets make it difficult to
estimate future prices of crude oil and natural gas. Any substantial or
extended decline in the prices of crude oil and natural gas would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of
operations, including reduced cash flow
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and borrowing capacity. All of these factors are beyond the control of the
Company. Sales of crude oil and natural gas are seasonal in nature, leading to
substantial differences in cash flow at various times throughout the year.
Federal and state regulation of crude oil and natural gas production and
transportation, general economic conditions, changes in supply and changes in
demand all could adversely affect the Company's ability to produce and market
its crude oil and natural gas. If market factors were to change dramatically,
the financial impact on the Company could be substantial. The availability of
markets and the volatility of product prices are beyond the control of the
Company and thus represent a significant risk.
In addition, declines in crude oil and natural gas prices might, under
certain circumstances, require a write-down of the book value of the Company's
crude oil and natural gas properties. If such declines were severe enough, they
could result in the occurrence of an event of default under the Company's
credit agreement with First Union National Bank of North Carolina ("FUNB") that
could require the sale of some of the Company's producing properties under
unfavorable market conditions or require the Company to seek additional equity
capital.
Losses From Operations
The Company has experienced recurring losses. For the years ended December
31, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995, and the Company recorded net losses of $4.0
million, $2.4 million, $2.4 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The loss in
1992 included interest and other costs incurred by the Company of $258,000 in
connection with its indirect ownership of 87.4% of the outstanding capital
stock of a company which owned a bituminous coal mine located in western
Colorado (the "Eastside Mine") and a writedown in the Company's carrying value
of the Eastside Mine of $2.63 million and the loss in 1994 included a further
writedown relating to the Company's decision to cease operations at the
Eastside Mine of $1.0 million representing the remaining carrying value of the
Eastside Mine. No assurance can be given that the Company will not experience
operating losses in the future.
Leverage and Debt Service
As of December 31, 1995, total debt and stockholders' equity were
approximately $41.6 million and $37.1 million, respectively. Based upon the
current level of operations, the Company believes that its cash flow from
operations as well as borrowing capabilities will be adequate to meet its
anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, interest
payments and scheduled principal payments through December 31, 1996. There can
be no assurance, however, that the Company's business will continue to generate
cash flow from operations at or above current levels. If the Company is unable
to generate cash flow from operations in the future to service its debt, it may
be required to refinance all or a portion of its existing debt or to obtain
additional financing. There can be no assurance that such refinancing would be
possible or that any additional financing could be obtained. If the Company
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were unable to refinance its existing debt or obtain additional financing and
could not service its debt, FUNB could foreclose on substantially all of the
Company's producing properties because these properties are pledged to secure
the Company's indebtedness to FUNB. The Company's ability to meet its debt
service obligations and to reduce its total debt will be dependent upon its
future performance, which, in turn, will be subject to general economic
conditions and to financial, business and other factors, including the prices
received by the Company for crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids,
affecting the operations of the Company, many of which are beyond its control.
The Company's credit agreement with FUNB contains a number of covenants,
including the following: (1) the ratio of current assets to current liabilities
(exclusive of any part of the loan which is current) shall not be less than
1:1; and (2) as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, the ratio of the
Company's indebtedness, compared to annualized net income plus non cash charges
shall not be greater than 7.5 to 1.0. The credit agreement also contains
covenants relating to maintaining corporate existence, maintaining title to all
of the collateral free and clear of all liens except for FUNB's liens and those
permitted by FUNB, maintaining all mineral interests in good repair and in
compliance with all laws, maintaining insurance, paying all taxes, not paying
dividends except as required on the Company's Series 1995-B Preferred Stock and
not selling any of the collateral securing the loans. The Company is currently
in compliance with these covenants.
Operating Hazards; Uninsured Risks
The nature of the crude oil and natural gas business involves certain
operating hazards such as crude oil and natural gas blowouts, explosions,
encountering formations with abnormal pressures, cratering and crude oil spills
and fires, any of which could result in damage to or destruction of crude oil
and natural gas wells, destruction of producing facilities, damage to life or
property, suspension of operations, environmental damage and possible liability
to the Company. In accordance with customary industry practices, the Company
maintains insurance against some, but not all, of such risks and some, but not
all, of such losses. The occurrence of such an event not fully covered by
insurance could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company.
Shares Eligible for Future Sale
At May 17, 1996, the Company had 5,804,812 shares of Common Stock
outstanding of which 427,335 shares were held by affiliates. Of the shares held
by non-affiliates, 1,330,000 shares were sold in November 1995 in a private
placement (the "Private Placement") of 1,330,000 units ("Units") each
consisting of one share of Common Stock and one Contingent Value Right ("CVR")
at a price of $8.00 per Unit. In addition, at May 17, 1996, the Company had
353,810 shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding options granted under
certain stock option plans (of which
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68,600 shares were vested at May 17, 1996), 437,500 shares issuable upon
exercise of warrants and up to 1,330,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon
maturity of the CVRs in November 1996 or, if the Company elects to extend the
maturity date of the CVRs, up to 1,995,000 shares of Common Stock in November
1997. The actual number of shares issuable upon maturity of the CVRs is
dependent upon the difference between the target price (which is $10.00 in 1996
and $12.50 in 1997) and the median of the averages of the closing bid prices of
the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market during the three consecutive
20-trading day periods immediately preceding the maturity date. All of the
shares of Common Stock held by affiliates are restricted or control securities
under Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). The shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the
stock options have been registered under the Securities Act. In addition, the
shares of Common Stock issuable upon maturity of the CVRs have been registered
under the Securities Act and the shares of the Common Stock issuable upon
exercise of the warrants are subject to certain registration rights and,
therefore, will be eligible for resale in the public market after a
registration statement covering such shares has been declared effective. Sales
of shares of Common Stock under Rule 144 or pursuant to a registration
statement could have a material adverse effect on the price of the Common Stock
and could impair the Company's ability to raise additional capital through the
sale of its equity securities.
Competition
The Company encounters strong competition from major oil companies and
independent operators in acquiring properties and leases for the exploration
for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas. Competition is particularly
intense with respect to the acquisition of desirable undeveloped crude oil and
natural gas leases. The principal competitive factors in the acquisition of
such undeveloped crude oil and natural gas leases include the staff and data
necessary to identify, investigate and purchase such leases, and the financial
resources necessary to acquire and develop such leases. Many of the Company's
competitors have financial resources, staff and facilities substantially
greater than those of the Company. In addition, the producing, processing and
marketing of crude oil and natural gas is affected by a number of factors which
are beyond the control of the Company, the effect of which cannot be accurately
predicted.
The principal raw materials and resources necessary for the exploration
and production of crude oil and natural gas are leasehold prospects under which
crude oil and natural gas reserves may be discovered, drilling rigs and related
equipment to explore for such reserves and knowledgeable personnel to conduct
all phases of crude oil and natural gas operations. The Company must compete
for such raw materials and resources with both major crude oil and natural gas
companies and independent operators. Although the Company believes its current
operating and financial resources are adequate to preclude any significant
disruption of its operations in the
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immediate future, the continued availability of such materials and resources to
the Company cannot be assured.
Reliance on Estimates of Proved Reserves and Future Net Revenues; Depletion of
Reserves
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
proved reserves and in projecting future rates of production and the timing of
development expenditures, including many factors beyond the control of the
Company. The reserve data incorporated by reference in this Prospectus
represent only estimates. In addition, the estimates of future net revenues
from proved reserves of the Company and the present value thereof are based
upon certain assumptions about future production levels, prices, and costs that
may not prove to be correct over time. The rate of production from crude oil
and natural gas properties declines as reserves are depleted. Except to the
extent the Company acquires additional properties containing proved reserves,
conducts successful exploration and development activities or, through
engineering studies, identifies additional behind-pipe zones or secondary
recovery reserves, the proved reserves of the Company will decline as reserves
are produced. Future crude oil and natural gas production is therefore highly
dependent upon the Company's level of success in acquiring or finding
additional reserves.
Acquisition Risks
The Company intends to continue acquiring producing crude oil and natural
gas properties or companies that own such properties. Although the Company
performs a review of the acquired properties that it believes is consistent
with industry practices, such reviews are inherently incomplete. It generally
is not feasible to review in depth every individual property involved in each
acquisition. Ordinarily, the Company will focus its review efforts on the
higher-valued properties and will sample the remainder. However, even an
in-depth review of all properties and records may not necessarily reveal
existing or potential problems nor will it permit a buyer to become
sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess fully their deficiencies
and capabilities. Inspections may not always be performed on every well, and
environmental problems, such as ground water contamination, are not necessarily
observable even when an inspection is undertaken. In addition, there can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to identify attractive acquisition
opportunities or consummate acquisitions in the future.
Title to Properties
As is customary in the crude oil and natural gas industry, the Company
performs a minimal title investigation before acquiring undeveloped properties,
which generally consists of obtaining a title report from legal counsel
covering title to the major properties and due diligence reviews by independent
landmen of the remaining properties. The Company believes that it has
satisfactory title to such properties in
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accordance with standards generally accepted in the crude oil and natural gas
industry. A title opinion is obtained prior to the commencement of any drilling
operations on such properties. The Company's properties are subject to
customary royalty interests, liens incident to operating agreements, liens for
current taxes and other burdens, none of which the Company believes materially
interferes with the use of, or affect the value of, such properties. All of the
Company's properties are also subject to the liens of FUNB.
Government Regulation
The Company's business is subject to certain federal, state and local laws
and regulations relating to the exploration for and development, production and
marketing of crude oil and natural gas, as well as environmental and safety
matters. Such laws and regulations have generally become more stringent in
recent years, often imposing greater liability on a larger number of
potentially responsible parties. Because the requirements imposed by such laws
and regulations are frequently changed, the Company is unable to predict the
ultimate cost of compliance with such requirements. There is no assurance that
laws and regulations enacted in the future will not adversely affect the
Company's financial condition and results of operations.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The Company depends to a large extent on Robert L. G. Watson, its Chairman
of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, for its management and
business and financial contacts. The unavailability of Mr. Watson would have a
materially adverse effect on the Company's business. The Company's success is
also dependent upon its ability to employ and retain skilled technical
personnel. While the Company has not to date experienced difficulties in
employing or retaining such personnel, its failure to do so in the future could
adversely affect its business. The Company has entered into employment
agreements with Mr. Watson and each of the Company's vice presidents. The
employment agreements terminate on December 31, 1996 except that the term may
be extended for an additional year if by December 1 of the prior year neither
the Company nor the officer has given notice that it does not wish to extend
the term. Except in the event of a change in control, Mr. Watson's and each of
the vice president's employment is terminable at will by the Company for any
reason, without notice or cause.
Dividend Policy
The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends to holders of
Common Stock and has no present intention to pay cash dividends to holders of
Common Stock in the future. Under its credit agreement with FUNB, the Company
is prohibited from paying cash dividends on the Common Stock.
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Limitations on the Availability of the Company's Net Operating Loss
Carryforwards
As a result of the acquisition of certain partnership interests and crude
oil and natural gas properties in 1990 and 1991, an ownership change under
section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Section 382"),
occurred in December 1991. Accordingly, it is expected that the use of net
operating loss carryforwards generated prior to December 31, 1991 of $6.9
million will be limited to approximately $235,000 per year. As a result of the
issuance of additional shares of Common Stock for acquisitions and sales of
stock, an additional ownership change under Section 382 occurred in October
1993. Accordingly, it is expected that the use of all net operating loss
carryforwards generated through October 1993, or $13.4 million, will be limited
to approximately $1.0 million per year subject to the lower limitations
described above. Of the $13.4 million net operating loss carryforwards, it is
anticipated that the maximum net operating loss that may be utilized before it
expires is $7.2 million. Future changes in ownership may further limit the use
of the Company's carryforwards. In addition to the Section 382 limitations,
uncertainties exist as to the future utilization of the carryforwards under the
criteria set forth in FASB Statement No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes".
The Company established a valuation allowance of $5.7 million and $5.5 million
for deferred tax assets at December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Company's Stockholder Rights Plan and certain provisions of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and the Nevada General
Corporation Law may make it difficult to change control of the Company and
replace incumbent management. See "Description of Capital Stock".
THE COMPANY
The Company is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration
for and acquisition, development and production of crude oil and natural gas
primarily along the Texas Gulf Coast and in the Permian Basin of western Texas.
The Company's business strategy is to acquire and develop producing crude oil
and natural gas properties that contain the potential for increased value
through exploitation and development. The Company seeks to realize the
potential in such acquisitions through workovers, recompletions, secondary
recovery operations and the drilling of development wells.
The Company's principal offices are located at 500 North Loop 1604 East,
Suite 100, San Antonio, Texas 78232 and its telephone number is (210) 490-4788.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company will not receive any part of the proceeds from the sale of the
shares by the Selling Stockholders. The Company, however, received net proceeds
of $10.1 million from the Private Placement on November 17, 1995. Such proceeds
were used to repay certain indebtedness to FUNB and for general corporate
purposes, including future acquisitions and the development of existing
properties.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On November 17, 1995, the Company completed the Private Placement and
received net proceeds of $10.1 million. The Company issued 1,330,000 Units each
consisting of one share of Common Stock and one CVR. The CVRs are exchangeable
for up to an aggregate of 1,995,000 shares of Common Stock. See "Description of
Capital Stock."
On March 21, 1996, the Company sold its 50% working interest in the
Portilla Field, San Patricio County, Texas, and 12% working interest in the
Happy Field, Garza County, Texas (together, the "Properties"), to Acco, LLC
("Acco"). A report prepared by independent petroleum engineers showed estimated
net proved reserves of 2.1 million barrels of crude oil and natural gas liquids
and 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas from these fields with a present
value (discounted 10%) of estimated future net cash flows (before income taxes)
of proved crude oil and natural gas reserves of $20.7 million at January 1,
1996. Acco subsequently contributed the Properties to Portilla - 1996, L.P., a
Texas limited partnership (the "Partnership"), for a limited partnership
interest. A subsidiary of the Company, Portilla - Happy Corporation ("Portilla
- - Happy"), is the general partner of the Partnership.
The aggregate purchase price received by the Company was $17.6 million, of
which $2.0 million was used by Portilla - Happy to purchase a 25% equity
interest in the Partnership. Prior to this payment, Portilla - Happy did not
have any interest in the Partnership. Acco separately obtained the release of
the 50% overriding royalty interest in the Portilla Field owned by the
Commingled Pension Trust Fund (Petroleum II), the trustee of which is Morgan
Guaranty Trust Company of New York (the "Trust Fund"), for $11.9 million. As a
result of the purchase of the Properties, the Partnership is the owner of all
of the Company's and the Trust Fund's interests in the Portilla Field and all
of the Company's interest in the Happy Field. The Partnership will receive all
of the revenues and pay all expenses associated with these interests. The
Partnership also acquired certain machinery and equipment previously owned by
the Company and used at the Portilla Field and the Company's 100% interest in a
natural gas processing plant with capacity of approximately 20 million cubic
feet of natural gas per day located at the Portilla Field (the "Plant"). The
Partnership maintains bank accounts separate from those of the Company.
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Acco financed the acquisition of the Properties by borrowing $21.75
million from Christiana Bank og Kreditkasse (the "Bank Loan") and $7.75 million
from the Company pursuant to a demand note (the "Demand Note"). The Bank Loan
is non-recourse to Portilla - Happy and is secured by the Properties and all of
the other assets of the Partnership including the Partnership's Available Cash
(as defined in the Partnership's Limited Partnership Agreement). The
Partnership also received loans of $5.92 million from three pension trust funds
(the "Pension Fund Loans"). The proceeds of the Pension Fund Loans were used to
partially repay the Demand Note, which was assumed by the Partnership when Acco
contributed the Properties to the Partnership. The remainder of the balance of
the Demand Note and expenses incurred by the Partnership in the transaction
were paid from the equity contributions of Acco and Portilla - Happy. In
connection with making the Pension Fund Loans, the pension funds were granted
an option to purchase a 74% overriding royalty interest in the Properties (the
"ORI Options"). The ORI Options may be exercised at any time prior to April 30,
2004 by the payment to the Partnership of $5.92 million which payment may be
made either in cash, in exchange for the outstanding principal amount of the
Pension Fund Loans or by a combination thereof.
The Company, through Portilla - Happy, owns a 25% equity interest in the
Partnership. Prior to Acco's repayment of the Bank Loan and the receipt by Acco
and Portilla - Happy of 110% of their initial investments, Portilla - Happy
will receive 8% of the Partnership's Available Cash. After these repayment
obligations have been satisfied, Portilla - Happy will receive 25% of the
Partnership's Available Cash until the Pension Fund Loans have been repaid in
full or, in the event that the pension funds exercise the ORI Option, when the
pension funds have received an aggregate of $8.88 million plus 10% of the ORI
Option price per annum (the "Required Override Payment"). After the earlier of
the time when the Required Override Payment has been made or, if the ORI
Options are not exercised, April 30, 2004 (the date that the Pension Fund Loans
mature), Portilla - Happy's share of Available Cash will increase to 43.75% and
will stay at this level until the termination of the Partnership.
The sale of the Properties is consistent with the Company's strategy of
selling its more mature properties. Such sales enable the Company to maintain
financial flexibility, reduce overhead and redeploy the proceeds therefrom to
activities that the Company believes to have a potentially higher financial
return. The sale of the Properties enabled the Company to repay $12.0 million
to FUNB and reduce its indebtedness to FUNB to $29.5 million. At March 31,
1996, the Company's availability under the FUNB line of credit was $1.5 million
which the Company anticipates will be used to fund development of existing
properties. Of the remaining $5.6 million of the proceeds, $2.0 million was
used to purchase the equity interest in the Partnership and $3.6 million was
used for general corporate purposes, including future acquisitions and
development of existing properties. To the extent not used, the proceeds have
been deposited in an interest bearing account and will be used by the Company
for its working capital needs including future acquisitions and development of
existing properties.
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<PAGE> 15
During 1995, the Portilla and Happy Fields contributed $4.5 million in
revenues, $0.9 million in operating and production expenses and $1.7 million in
depreciation expense to the Company. The repayment of $12.0 million of the
Company's indebtedness to FUNB would, on a pro forma basis if the Properties
had been sold on January 1, 1995, have reduced interest expense by $1.2 million
in 1995 and would have decreased the Company's net income by $0.7 million in
1995. Because the Company will remain the operator of the Portilla Field and
the Plant located at the Portilla Field (the Happy Field will continue to be
operated by Torch Operating Company), there will not be any changes in the
Company's operations as a result of the sale. The Partnership will be
responsible for the payment of all direct operating expenses associated with
the Properties and the Plant. The Company will not be reimbursed for any of its
overhead expenses in connection with the operation of the Properties and the
Plant but will be reimbursed for expenses incurred to third parties.
On March 21, 1996, the Company also announced that its Board of Directors
had authorized the repurchase of up to $3.5 million of the Company's Common
Stock. Such repurchases will be made from time to time either through the open
market or in privately negotiated transactions. As of May 3, 1996, the Company
had purchased a total of 41,000 shares of Common Stock at an aggregate purchase
price of $210,125.
In March 1996, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Compensation Committee") approved a plan to amend the terms of the Company's
outstanding stock options to reduce the exercise price to $6.75 per share.
Options to purchase a total of 353,810 shares, of which 68,600 shares were
vested, were affected.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
This Prospectus relates to 3,325,000 shares of Common Stock that may be
offered and sold from time to time by the Selling Stockholders. If all of the
shares of Common Stock offered hereby are actually sold, the Selling
Stockholders will own 783,300 shares of the Common Stock.
The Selling Stockholders obtained the shares of the Common Stock offered
hereby in the Private Placement.
The following table sets forth certain information as of May 17, 1996 with
respect to the ownership of Common Stock by the Selling Stockholders:
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<PAGE> 16
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares of Common Shares of Common Shares of Common
Name of Selling Stock Owned Prior Stock to be Sold Stock to be Owned
Stockholder to the Offering (1) Percentage Pursuant Hereto (1) After the Offering(1) Percentage
- --------------- ------------------- ---------- ------------------- --------------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BT Holdings (2) 275,000 4.75 275,000 0 0
Kayne, Anderson 375,000 6.48 375,000 0 0
Management, Inc. (3)
State Street 375,000 6.48 375,000 0 0
Research &
Management, Inc. (4)
Ralph Wanger 516,000(5) 9.07 110,000 406,000(6) 7.00
Wellington 572,300 9.87 195,000 377,300 6.51
Management
Company (7)
</TABLE>
- -------------
(1) Does not include an aggregate of 1,995,000 shares of Common Stock which
may be issued in exchange for the CVRs.
(2) BT Holdings is an investment manager which has the power to make
investment decisions for unrelated clients.
(3) Kayne, Anderson Management, Inc. is an investment manager which has the
power to make investment decisions for unrelated clients.
(4) State Street Research & Management, Inc. ("State Street") is an investment
manager which has the power to make investment decisions for unrelated
clients. State Street disclaims beneficial ownership of all of the shares
of Common Stock listed above.
(5) Includes 156,000 shares of Common Stock owned by the Acorn Investment
Trust, Series Designated Acorn Fund (the "Trust"). Wanger Asset
Management, Ltd. ("WAM Ltd.") is the general partner of Wanger Asset
Management, L.P. ("WAM") and Ralph Wanger is the general partner of WAM,
Ltd. WAM serves as investment advisor to the Trust. Certain limited
partners and employees of WAM are officers and trustees of the Trust. The
Trust has delegated to WAM shared voting and investment power over the
shares owned by the Trust. Does not include shares owned by clients of WAM
over which WAM does not have or share voting or investment power.
(6) Includes 156,000 shares of Common Stock owned by WAM and 250,000 shares of
Common Stock owned by the Trust.
(7) Wellington Management Company is an investment manager which has
the power to make investment decisions for unrelated clients.
The Selling Stockholders do not have any partners, officers or directors
who are officers or directors of the Company and none of the Selling
Stockholders is an officer or director of the Company.
13
<PAGE> 17
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
This Prospectus relates to 3,325,000 shares of Common Stock that may be
offered and sold from time to time by the Selling Stockholders.
As of May 17, 1996, the Selling Stockholders were the beneficial owners of
2,113,300 shares of Common Stock. Assuming all shares of Common Stock offered
hereby are actually sold, the Selling Stockholders will beneficially own an
aggregate of 783,300 shares of Common Stock.
The Selling Stockholders have advised the Company that they intend to sell
all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock offered by this Prospectus from
time to time (i) in the over-the-counter market or on the NASDAQ Stock Market
at prices reasonably related to the prices of the Common Stock prevailing at
the time of such sales, (ii) otherwise than in the over-the-counter market or
on the NASDAQ Stock Market, in negotiated transactions (which may include the
pledge or hypothecation of some or all of the shares), at fixed prices that may
be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices
reasonably related thereto or at negotiated prices, or (iii) by a combination
of the foregoing methods of sale. The Selling Stockholders may effect such
transactions by selling the shares of Common Stock to or through
broker-dealers, and such broker-dealers may receive compensation in the form of
discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Stockholders and/or the
purchasers of the shares of Common Stock for which such broker-dealers may act
as agent or to whom they may sell as principal, or both. The Company is not
aware as of the date of the Prospectus of any agreement between the Selling
Stockholders and any broker-dealers with respect to the sale of the Shares
offered by this Prospectus. The Selling Stockholders and any broker, dealer or
other agent executing sell orders on behalf of the Selling Stockholders may be
deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, in which
event commissions received by any such broker, dealer or agent and profit on
any resale of the shares of Common Stock may be deemed to be underwriting
commissions under the Securities Act. Such commissions received by a broker,
dealer or agent may be in excess of customary compensation.
In effecting the sale of the Shares offered by this Prospectus, the
Selling Stockholders must comply with Rule 10b-6 under the Exchange Act, which
will require that the Selling Stockholders, as well as any person who acts in
concert with the Selling Stockholders and the broker, if any, who sells the
Shares on behalf of the Selling Stockholders, suspend all purchases of shares
of the Common Stock at least two business days prior to and during any offers
and sales by the Selling Stockholders of the Shares offered by this Prospectus.
Because the Selling Stockholders may be deemed to be affiliates of the Company
under the Exchange Act, Rule 10b-6 also requires the Company and all persons
who are in a control relationship with the Company to suspend all purchases of
shares of the Common Stock at least two business days prior to and during any
offers and sales by the Selling Stockholders of the Shares offered by this
Prospectus. The Company will require the Selling Stockholders, and their
underwriters, brokers or dealers, if applicable, to provide a
14
<PAGE> 18
letter that acknowledges compliance with Rule 10b-6 before authorizing the
transfer of the Selling Stockholders' Shares.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
Common Stock
The Company is authorized to issue 50,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par
value $.01 per share. At May 17, 1996, there were 5,804,812 shares of Common
Stock issued and outstanding. Holders of the Common Stock are entitled to cast
one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of
stockholders and are not entitled to cumulate votes for the election of
directors. Holders of Common Stock do not have preemptive rights to subscribe
for additional shares of Common Stock issued by the Company.
Holders of the Common Stock are entitled to receive dividends as may be
declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor,
subject to the rights of the holders of the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock and
any subsequently issued classes or series of the Company's Preferred Stock. No
dividend may be declared or paid on the Common Stock and no Common Stock may be
purchased by the Company, unless all accrued and unpaid dividends on the
outstanding Series 1995-B Preferred Stock for all past or current dividend
periods, if any, have been paid, except for a purchase of shares of the Common
Stock by the Company pursuant to Rule 13e- 4(h)(5) of the Exchange Act. In
addition, under the terms of the Company's Credit Agreement with FUNB, the
Company may not pay dividends on shares of the Common Stock. In the event of
liquidation, holders of the Common Stock are entitled to share pro rata in any
distribution of the Company's assets remaining after payment of liabilities,
subject to the preferences and rights of the holders of the Series 1995-B
Preferred Stock. All of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock are fully
paid and nonassessable.
References herein to Common Stock include the common share purchase rights
distributed by the Company to its stockholders on November 17, 1994 as long as
they trade with the Common Stock. See "Stockholder Rights Plan".
Preferred Stock
General. The Company's Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of
up to 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, in one or
more series. The Board of Directors is authorized, without any further action
by the stockholders, to determine the dividend rights, dividend rate,
conversion rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, liquidation
preferences, sinking fund terms and other rights, preferences, privileges and
restrictions of any series of Preferred Stock, the number of shares
constituting any such series, and the designation thereof. The rights of the
holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by,
the rights of holders of any Preferred Stock that may be issued in the future.
15
<PAGE> 19
Description of Series 1995-B Preferred Stock. The Company is authorized to
issue 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, of which 45,741 shares have been
designated as the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock. The holders of the Series
1995-B Preferred Stock have the full right and power to vote with the holders
of the Common Stock on all matters on which the stockholders of the Common
Stock are entitled to vote. Holders of the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock are
entitled to 11.11 votes for each share of the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock and
are not entitled to cumulate votes in the election of directors. Holders of the
Series 1995-B Preferred Stock do not have preemptive rights to subscribe for or
to purchase any additional shares of the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock. All or
any shares of the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock may be redeemed at the option
of the Company at any time after January 1, 1997 at $100 per share plus the
amount of accrued and unpaid dividends. If the Company redeems, repurchases,
exchanges any security or property for, or otherwise acquires for consideration
any shares of Common Stock (other than an acquisition pursuant to Rule
13e-4(h)(5) promulgated under the Exchange Act) at a price equal to or greater
than $100 divided by the number of shares of Common Stock into which one share
of the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock is then convertible, any holder of shares
of Series 1995- B Preferred Stock may require the Company to redeem a number of
shares of such holder's Series 1995-B Preferred Stock equal to the product of
(i) the percentage of the shares of the Common Stock so redeemed or otherwise
acquired times (ii) the total number of shares of the Series 1995-B Preferred
Stock held by such holder at a price per share equal to the product of (x) the
number of shares of Common Stock that such holder's shares of Series 1995-B
Preferred Stock is then convertible times (y) the per share price paid for a
share of Common Stock by the Company plus all accrued and unpaid dividends.
Each share of Series 1995-B Preferred Stock may be converted, subject to
adjustment, into 11.11 shares of the Common Stock.
Shares of the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock are entitled to a cumulative
dividend of $8.00 per share per annum payable on a quarterly basis, when and if
declared by the Board of Directors. In the event of the dissolution,
liquidation or winding up of the Company, the holders of the Series 1995-B
Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive an amount of money equal to the
redemption price per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon in
cash or in any assets of the Company remaining after the debts of the Company
have been paid in full and before any payment is made or assets set aside for
payment to the holders of the Common Stock. All outstanding shares of the
Series 1995-B Preferred Stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
Contingent Value Rights
General. The CVRs were issued under the CVR Agreement (the "CVR
Agreement") between the Company and FUNB, a form of which is filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The
definitions of certain capitalized terms used in the following summary are set
forth below under "Certain Definitions."
16
<PAGE> 20
Issuance of Shares at Maturity Date or Extended Maturity Date. The CVR
Agreement provides that, subject to adjustment as described under
"Antidilution" below, the Company shall issue to each holder of the CVRs (each
such person, a "CVR Holder") on the Maturity Date (as defined below), unless
the Company shall, in its sole discretion, extend the Maturity Date to the
Extended Maturity Date (as defined below), then on the Extended Maturity Date,
for each CVR held by such CVR Holder, the Company shall issue a number of
shares of Common Stock, if any, equal to (a) the Target Price (as defined
below) minus the Current Market Value divided by (b) the Current Market Value;
provided, however, in no event shall more than one share of Common Stock be
issued in exchange for each CVR at the Maturity Date or more than 1.5 shares of
Common Stock be issued in exchange for each CVR at the Extended Maturity Date.
Such determination by the Company absent manifest error shall be final and
binding on the Company and the CVR Holder.
The Company may at its option extend the Maturity Date to the Extended
Maturity Date. Such option shall be exercised by (i) publishing notice of an
extension in the Authorized Newspaper (as defined below) or (ii) furnishing
notice to the CVR Holders of such extension, in each case, not less than one
business day preceding the Maturity Date ; provided, however, that no defect in
any such notice shall affect the validity of the extension of the Maturity Date
to the Extended Maturity Date, and that any notice when published and mailed to
a CVR Holder whether or not actually received by such CVR Holder.
Determination that No Shares are Issuable With Respect to the CVRs. If the
Current Market Value of a share of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $10.00 on
the Maturity Date or $12.50 on the Extended Maturity Date (if the Maturity Date
is extended by the Company to the Extended Maturity Date), as the case may be,
no shares of the Common Stock will be issuable with respect to the CVRs. In
addition, the CVRs will terminate if the Per Share Market Value (as defined
below) equals or exceeds the Target Price for any period of 30 consecutive
Trading Days during either the period (i) from and after November 17, 1995 to
and including November 17, 1996 or (ii) from and after November 17, 1996 to and
including November 17, 1997.
In the event that the Company determines that no shares of the Common
Stock are issuable with respect to the CVRs to the CVR Holders, the Company
shall give to the CVR Holders notice of such determination. Upon making such
determination and absent manifest error, the CVRs shall terminate and become
null and void and the CVR Holders shall have no further rights with respect
thereto. The failure to give such notice or any defect therein shall not affect
the validity of such determination.
Antidilution. In the event the Company shall in any manner subdivide (by
stock split, stock dividend or otherwise) or combine (by reverse stock split or
otherwise) the number of outstanding shares of the Common Stock, the Company
shall similarly subdivide or combine the CVRs and shall approximately adjust
the Target Price.
17
<PAGE> 21
Whenever such an adjustment is made, the Company shall (i) promptly prepare a
certificate setting forth such adjustment and a brief statement of the facts
accounting for such adjustment, (ii) promptly file with FUNB a copy of such
certificate and (iii) mail a brief summary thereof to each CVR Holder. FUNB
shall be fully protected in relying on any such certificate and on any
adjustment therein contained. Such adjustment absent manifest error shall be
final and binding on the Company and the CVR Holders. Each outstanding CVR
Certificate shall thenceforth represent that number of adjusted CVRs necessary
to reflect such subdivision or combination and reflect the adjusted Target
Price.
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets. The CVR Agreement provides that
the Company may, without the consent of the holders of any of the outstanding
CVRs, consolidate with or merge into any other entity or convey, transfer or
lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any entity,
provided that (i) the Surviving Person (as defined below) assumes the Company's
obligations under the CVRs and the CVR Agreement and (ii) the Company delivers
to FUNB an officer's certificate regarding compliance with the foregoing. For
the purposes hereof, "convey, transfer or lease its properties and assets
substantially as an entirety" shall mean properties and assets contributing in
the aggregate of at least 80% of the Company's total revenues as reported in
the Company's last available periodic financial report (quarterly or annual, as
the case may be) filed with the Commission.
In the event that the Company were merged out of existence, liquidated or
subject to some other event resulting in the lack of any market for the Common
Stock (each, a "Transaction"), the holders of the CVRs would be entitled to
receive securities of the Surviving Person or such other consideration that
holders of shares of the Common Stock received in such a Transaction on the
basis described herein. In the event of a Transaction in which the
consideration received by the stockholders of the Company were shares of
capital stock or other securities of the Surviving Person, the CVRs would
mature on the Maturity Date (or the Extended Maturity Date, if extended by the
Surviving Person), the Target Price would be adjusted by dividing the Target
Price by the Conversion Ratio (as defined below) and the holders of the CVRs
would receive on the Maturity Date (or if extended by the Surviving Person, the
Extended Maturity Date) a number of shares of the capital stock or other
securities of the Surviving Person equal to (a) the Adjusted Target Price (as
defined below) minus the Adjusted Current Market Value (as defined below)
divided by (b) the Adjusted Current Market Value; provided, however, in no
event shall the Surviving Person (a) be required to issue a number of shares of
its capital stock or other securities greater than 1.0 times the Conversion
Ratio at the Maturity Date or more than 1.5 times the Conversion Ratio at the
Extended Maturity Date and (b) issue shares of its capital stock or other
securities which are not publicly traded to the holders of the CVRs for any
CVRs held by them. In the event that the shares of capital stock or other
securities of the Surviving Person to be issued in a Transaction are not
publicly traded, the consideration to be received by the holders of the CVRs
for any CVRs held by them shall be cash calculated in the manner described in
the following sentence. In the
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<PAGE> 22
event of a Transaction in which the holders of the Company's Common Stock
received cash, the holders of the CVRs would receive cash in an amount equal to
the Adjusted Target Price minus the cash received by the stockholders of the
Company for one share of the Common Stock on the effective date of such a
Transaction; provided, however that the holders of the CVRs would not receive
greater than $5.00 per CVR in cash on or prior to the Maturity Date and $7.50
per CVR in cash from and after the Maturity Date to and including the Extended
Maturity Date.
Certain Definitions.
"Adjusted Current Market Value" per share means, with respect to the
Maturity Date or the Extended Maturity Date, the median of the averages of the
closing bid prices of the shares of capital stock or other securities of the
Surviving Person received by the holders of Common Stock in a Transaction on
the principal stock exchange on which such shares of capital stock or other
securities are traded during each 20 consecutive Trading Day period that both
begins and ends in the Valuation Period.
"Adjusted Target Price" means the Target Price divided by the Conversion
Ratio.
"Authorized Newspaper" means The Wall Street Journal, or if The Wall
Street Journal shall cease to be published, or, if the publication or general
circulation of The Wall Street Journal shall be suspended for whatever reason,
such other English language newspaper as is selected by the Company with
general circulation in The City of New York, New York.
"Conversion Ratio" means the number of shares of capital stock or other
securities of the Surviving Person received by the holder of one (1) share of
the Common Stock.
"Current Market Value" means with respect to the Maturity Date and the
Extended Maturity Date, the median of the averages of the closing bid prices on
the NASDAQ Stock Market (or, if the Common Stock is listed on a securities
exchange, on such exchange) of shares of the Common Stock during each 20
consecutive trading day period that both begins and ends in the Valuation
Period.
"Extended Maturity Date" means November 17, 1997.
"Maturity Date" means November 17, 1996.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.
"Per Share Market Value" means on any particular date (a) the closing bid
price per share of the Common Stock on such date on the principal stock
exchange on which
19
<PAGE> 23
the Common Stock has been listed or, if there is no such price on such date,
then the average of such prices on such exchange on the date nearest preceding
such date, or (b) if the Common Stock is not listed on any stock exchange, the
average of the high and low sales prices for a share of Common Stock in the
over-the-counter market, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market for such date,
or, if there are no such prices on such date, then the average of such prices
on the date nearest preceding such date, or (c) if the Common Stock is not
quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market, the average of the final bid and final asked
prices for a share of Common Stock in the over-the-counter market as reported
by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated (or any similar organization or
agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices), or (d) if the Common
Stock is no longer publicly traded, as determined by a nationally recognized or
major regional investment banking firm or firm of independent certified public
accountants of recognized standing (which may be the firm that regularly
examines the financial statements of the Company) selected in good faith by the
Board of Directors of the Company.
"Surviving Person" means any other Person into which the Company shall
consolidate with or merge into or the Person which acquires by conveyance or
transfer or which leases, the properties and assets of the Company
substantially as an entirety.
"Target Price" means (i) at the Maturity Date, $10.00 and (ii) at the
Extended Maturity Date, $12.50. In each case, upon each occurrence of an event
specified under "Antidilution" above, such amounts, as they may have been
previously adjusted, shall be adjusted as described under "Antidilution" above.
"Trading Day" means (a) a day on which the Common Stock is traded on the
principal stock exchange on which the Common Stock has been listed, or (b) if
the Common Stock is not listed on any stock exchange, a day on which the Common
Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the NASDAQ Stock
Market, or (c) if the Common Stock is not traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market, a
day on which the Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market as
reported by the National Quotation Bureau Incorporated (or any similar
organization or agency succeeding to its functions of reporting prices).
"Valuation Period" means the 60 Trading Day period immediately preceding
(and including) the Maturity Date or the Extended Maturity Date, as the case
may be.
Warrants
The Company has warrants ("Warrants") outstanding to purchase an aggregate
of 437,500 shares of Common Stock. Associated Energy Managers, Inc. ("AEM"),
has Warrants to purchase 13,500 shares at an exercise price of $7.00 per share.
FUNB has Warrants to purchase 424,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise
price of $9.79 per share. These Warrants were issued to FUNB in connection with
the Company's credit agreement. FUNB and AEM have certain registration rights
with
20
<PAGE> 24
respect to shares of the Common Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of such
Warrants. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Registration Rights."
All outstanding Warrants contain provisions that protect AEM and FUNB
against dilution by adjusting the price at which the Warrants are exercisable
and the number of shares of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof
upon the occurrence of certain events, including payment of stock dividends and
distributions, stock splits, recapitalizations, reclassifications, mergers,
consolidations or the issuance or sale of Common Stock or options, rights or
securities convertible into shares of the Common Stock, in the case of AEM, at
less than the current market price or, in the case of FUNB, at a price less
than the greater of the current market price or the exercise price. A holder of
Warrants has no rights as a stockholder of the Company until the Warrants are
exercised. All Warrants are currently exercisable, although none have been
exercised as of the date hereof.
Registration Rights
The shares of the Common Stock to be received by AEM and FUNB upon
exercise of Warrants and any shares of the Common Stock owned by Endowment
Energy Partners, L.P. ("EEP") and Endowment Energy Partners II, Limited
Partnership ("EEP II") are entitled to certain rights with respect to the
registration of such shares under the Securities Act.
Under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement with EEP and EEP II,
in the event that the Company proposes to register any shares of the Common
Stock or securities convertible into Common Stock under the Securities Act for
its own account, except in certain circumstances, EEP and EEP II are entitled
to unlimited Piggyback Registrations, subject to the right of the underwriters
of any such offering to limit the number of shares included in such
registration. The Company has agreed to pay all expenses in connection with a
Piggyback Registration except for underwriting discounts and selling
commissions which shall be borne by EEP and/or EEP II with respect to shares of
the Common Stock owned by EEP and EEP II other than the 211,500 shares of
Common Stock acquired by EEP and EEP II through the exercise of the Warrants
formerly owned by EEP and EEP II ("Warrant Shares"). EEP and EEP II have the
additional right to require the Company to effect one Demand Registration of
all shares of the Common Stock (other than Warrant Shares) in the aggregate at
any time and the Company is required to effect such registration, subject to
certain conditions and limitations. The Company is required to bear the
expenses of a Demand Registration except for underwriting discounts and selling
commissions which shall be borne by EEP and/or EEP II with respect to shares of
Common Stock owned by EEP and EEP II other than Warrant Shares. The Company has
agreed to customary indemnities including an agreement to indemnify, subject to
certain limited exceptions, EEP and EEP II in connection with a Demand
Registration and a Piggyback Registration.
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<PAGE> 25
Under the terms of its Warrants, AEM has the right to unlimited Piggyback
Registrations. EEP and EEP II have the right to one Demand Registration in the
aggregate at any time after December 20, 1995 and unlimited Piggyback
Registrations with respect to Warrant Shares. The Company has agreed to pay all
expenses in connection with Piggyback Registrations by AEM and by EEP and EEP
II with respect to Warrant Shares and to share expenses equally with EEP and
EEP II with respect to Warrant Shares registered in a Demand Registration;
provided, however, all underwriting discounts and selling commissions shall be
borne by EEP, EEP II or AEM, as the case may be.
Under the terms of its Warrants, FUNB has the right to two Demand
Registrations and, subject to the rights to Piggyback Registration of EEP, EEP
II and AEM, unlimited Piggyback Registrations. The Company will pay all
expenses incurred in connection with any such registration other than
underwriting discounts and selling commissions which shall be borne by First
Union. The Company has also agreed to customary indemnities, including an
agreement to indemnify, subject to certain limitations, First Union in
connection with a Demand Registration and a Piggyback Registration.
Anti-takeover Statutes
The Nevada General Corporation Law ("Nevada GCL") contains two provisions,
described below as "Combination Provisions" and the "Control Share Act," that
may make more difficult the accomplishment of unsolicited or hostile attempts
to acquire control of a corporation through certain types of transactions.
Restrictions on Certain Combinations Between Nevada Resident Corporations
and Interested Stockholders. The Nevada GCL includes certain provisions (the
"Combination Provisions") prohibiting certain "combinations" (generally defined
to include certain mergers, disposition of assets transactions, and share
issuance or transfer transactions) between a resident domestic corporation and
an "interested stockholder" (generally defined to be the beneficial owner of
10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding shares of the corporation),
except those which are approved by the board of directors before the interested
stockholder first obtained a 10% interest in the corporation's stock. There are
additional exceptions to the prohibition, which apply to combinations if they
occur more than five years after the interested stockholder's date of acquiring
shares. The Combination Provisions apply unless the corporation elects against
their application in its original articles of incorporation or an amendment
thereto, or in its bylaws. The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
do not currently contain a provision rendering the Combination Provisions
inapplicable.
Nevada Control Share Act. Nevada's Control Share Acquisition Act (the
"Control Share Act") imposes procedural hurdles on and curtails greenmail
practices of corporate raiders. The Control Share Act temporarily
disenfranchises the voting power
22
<PAGE> 26
of "control shares" of a person or group ("Acquiring Person") purchasing a
"controlling interest" in an "issuing corporation" (as defined in the Nevada
GCL) not opting out of the Control Share Act. In this regard, the Control Share
Act will apply to an "issuing corporation" unless, before an acquisition is
made, the articles of incorporation or bylaws in effect on the tenth day
following the acquisition of a controlling interest provide that it is
inapplicable. The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws do not
currently contain a provision rendering the Control Share Act inapplicable.
Under the Control Share Act, an "issuing corporation" is a corporation
organized in Nevada which has 200 or more stockholders, at least 100 of whom
are stockholders of record (which for this purpose includes registered and
beneficial owners) and residents of Nevada, and which does business in Nevada
directly or through an affiliated company. The status of the Company at the
time of the occurrence of a transaction governed by the Control Share Act
(assuming that the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws have not
theretofore been amended to include an opting out provision) would determine
whether the Control Share Act is applicable.
The Control Share Act requires an Acquiring Person to take certain
procedural steps before he or it can obtain the full voting power of the
control shares. "Control shares" are the shares of a corporation (1) acquired
or offered to be acquired which will enable the Acquiring Person to own a
"controlling interest," and (2) acquired within 90 days immediately preceding
that date. A "controlling interest" is defined as the ownership of shares which
would enable the Acquiring Person to exercise certain graduated amounts
(beginning with one-fifth) of all voting power of the corporation. The
Acquiring Person may not vote any control shares without first obtaining
approval from the stockholders not characterized as "interested stockholders"
(as defined below).
To obtain voting rights in control shares, the Acquiring Person must file
a statement at the principal office of the issuer ("Offeror's Statement")
setting forth certain information about the acquisition or intended acquisition
of stock. The Offeror's Statement may also request a special meeting of
stockholders to vote on the issue of whether to grant to the Acquiring Person
voting rights in his control shares. A special stockholders' meeting must then
be held at the Acquiring Person's expenses within 30 to 50 days after the
Offeror's Statement is filed. If a special meeting is not requested by the
Acquiring Person, the matter will be addressed at the next regular or special
meeting of stockholders.
At the special or annual meeting at which the issue of voting rights of
control shares will be addressed, "interested stockholders" may not vote on the
question of granting voting rights to control the corporation or its parent,
unless (with respect to corporations with more than 100 stockholders of record)
a bylaw provision adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon authorizes the disinterested
directors alone to approve such voting rights.
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<PAGE> 27
If full voting power is granted to the Acquiring Person by the
disinterested stockholders, and the Acquiring Person has acquired control
shares with a majority or more of the voting power, then (unless otherwise
provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws in effect on the tenth day
following the acquisition of a controlling interest) all stockholders of
record, other than the Acquiring Person, who have not voted in favor of
authorizing voting rights for the control shares, must be sent a notice
advising them of the fact and of their right to receive "fair value" for their
shares. The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws do not provide
otherwise. Within 20 days of the mailing of the notice, any such stockholder
may demand to receive from the corporation the "fair value" for all or part of
his shares. "Fair value" is defined in the Control Share Act as "not less than
the highest price per share paid by the Acquiring Person in an acquisition."
Allowing the dissenting stockholders to receive "fair value" for all or part of
their shares is intended to avoid the "prisoner's dilemma" of forcing a
stockholder to sell to an Acquiring Person at an early date so as not to risk
diminution in value that may occur after the Acquiring Person gains the
controlling interest.
The Control Share Act permits a corporation to redeem the control shares
in the following two instances, if so provided in the articles of incorporation
or bylaws of the corporation in effect on the tenth day following the
acquisition of a controlling interest: (1) if the Acquiring Person fails to
deliver the Offeror's Statement to the corporation within 10 days after the
Acquiring Person's acquisition of the control shares; or (2) an Offeror's
Statement is delivered, but the control shares are not accorded full voting
rights by the stockholders. The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
do not address this matter.
Anti-takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of the Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws
Certain provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the
Company could have an anti-takeover effect.
The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for the Board of
Directors to be divided into three classes of directors serving staggered
three-year terms. As a result, approximately one-third of the Board of
Directors will be elected each year. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
provide that the Board of Directors will consist of not less than three nor
more than twelve members, with the exact number to be determined from time to
time by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office. The
Board of Directors, and not the stockholders, has the authority to determine
the number of directors, and could prevent any stockholder from obtaining
majority representation on the Company's Board of Directors by enlarging the
Board of Directors and by filling the new directorships with the stockholder's
own nominees. In addition, directors may be removed by the stockholders only
for cause.
The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that special meetings of
stockholders of the Company may be called only by the Chairman of the Board,
the
24
<PAGE> 28
President or a majority of the members of the Board of Directors. This
provision may make it more difficult for stockholders to take actions opposed
by the Board of Directors.
The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide that any action required
to be taken or which may be taken by holders of Common Stock must be effected
at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders, and may not be
taken by any written consent of such stockholders. These provisions may have
the effect of delaying consideration of a stockholder proposal until the next
annual meeting unless a special meeting is called by the persons set forth
above. The provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws prohibiting
stockholder action by written consent would prevent the holders of a majority
of the voting power of the Company from using the written consent procedure to
take stockholder action and taking action by consent without giving all the
stockholders of the Company entitled to vote on a proposed action the
opportunity to participate in determining such proposed action.
Stockholder Rights Plan
On November 17, 1994, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a
stockholder rights plan (the "Rights Plan"). Under the terms of the Rights
Plan, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend of one common
share purchase right ("Right") on each share of the Common Stock outstanding on
November 17, 1994. Each Right entitles the holder thereof to buy one-half of
one share of Common Stock at an exercise price of $40 per share ($20 per half
share), subject to adjustment.
The Rights are not exercisable until the occurrence of specified events.
Upon the occurrence of such an event (which events are generally those which
would signify the commencement of a hostile bid to acquire the Company), the
Rights then become exercisable (unless redeemed by the Board of Directors) for
a number of shares of Common Stock having a market value of four times the
exercise price of the Right. If the acquiror were to conclude the acquisition
of the Company, the Rights would then become exercisable for shares of the
controlling/ surviving corporation having a value of four times the exercise
price of the Rights. If the Rights were exercised at any time, significant
dilution would result, thus making the acquisition prohibitively expensive for
the acquiror. In order to encourage a bidder to negotiate with the Board of
Directors, the Rights Plan provides that the Rights may be redeemed under
prescribed circumstances by the Board of Directors.
The Rights are not intended to prevent a takeover of the Company and will
not interfere with any tender offer or business combination approved by the
Board of Directors. The Rights Plan is intended to protect the stockholders in
the event of (a) an unsolicited offer to acquire the Company, including offers
that do not treat all stockholders equally, (b) the acquisition in the open
market of shares constituting control of the Company without offering fair
value to all stockholders, and (c) other
25
<PAGE> 29
coercive takeover tactics which could impair the Board's ability to fully
represent the interests of the stockholders.
Limitation of Liability of Officers and Directors
The Company's Articles of Incorporation contain a provision that
eliminates the personal monetary liability of directors and officers to the
Company and its stockholders for a breach of fiduciary duties to the extent
currently allowed under the Nevada General Corporation Law (the "Nevada
Statute"). If a director or officer were to breach his fiduciary duties,
neither the Company nor its stockholders could recover monetary damages, and
the only course of action available to the Company's stockholders would be
equitable remedies, such as an action to enjoin or rescind a transaction
involving a breach of fiduciary duty. To the extent certain claims against
directors or officers are limited to equitable remedies, this provision of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation may reduce the likelihood of derivative
litigation and may discourage stockholders or management from initiating
litigation against directors or officers for breach of their duty of care.
Additionally, equitable remedies may not be effective in many situations. If a
stockholder's only remedy is to enjoin the completion of the Board of
Director's action, this remedy would be ineffective if the stockholder did not
become aware of a transaction or event until after it had been completed. In
such a situation, it is possible that the stockholders and the Company would
have no effective remedy against the directors or officers.
Liability for monetary damages has not been eliminated for acts or
omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of
law or payment of an improper dividend in violation of section 78.300 of the
Nevada Statute. The limitation of liability also does not eliminate or limit
director liability arising in connection with causes of action brought under
the Federal securities laws.
Indemnification of Officers and Directors
The Nevada Statute permits a corporation to indemnify certain persons,
including officers and directors, who are (or are threatened to be made)
parties against all expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by, or imposed upon, him in connection with the defense by
reason of his being or having been a director or officer if he acted in good
faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful,
except where he has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction (and
after exhaustion of all appeals) to be liable for gross negligence or willful
misconduct in the performance of his duty. The Bylaws of the Company provide
indemnification to the same extent allowed pursuant to the foregoing provisions
of the Nevada Statute.
26
<PAGE> 30
Nevada corporations also are authorized to obtain insurance to protect
officers and directors from certain liabilities, including liabilities against
which the corporation cannot indemnify its directors and officers. The Company
does not currently have in effect a directors' and officers' liability
insurance policy.
The Company has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its
directors and officers. These agreements provide for indemnification to the
extent permitted by the Nevada Statute.
Transfer Agent
The transfer agent for the Common Stock, the Series 1995-B Preferred Stock
and the CVRs is FUNB.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
At May 17, 1996, the Company had 5,804,812 shares of Common Stock
outstanding of which 427,335 shares were held by affiliates. Of the shares held
by non-affiliates, 1,330,000 shares were sold in November 1995 in the Private
Placement. In addition, at May 17, 1996, the Company had 353,810 shares of
Common Stock subject to outstanding options granted under certain stock option
plans (of which 68,600 shares were vested at May 17, 1996), 437,500 shares
issuable upon exercise of warrants and up to 1,330,000 shares of Common Stock
issuable upon maturity of the CVRs in November 1996 or, if the Company elects
to extend the maturity date of the CVRs, up to 1,995,000 shares of Common Stock
in November 1997. The actual number of shares issuable upon maturity of the
CVRs is dependent upon the difference between the Target Price on the Maturity
Date or the Extended Maturity Date, as the case may be and the Current Market
Value of the Common Stock. All of the shares of Common Stock held by affiliates
are restricted or control securities under Rule 144 promulgated under the
Securities Act. The shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the stock
options have been registered under the Securities Act. In addition, the shares
of Common Stock issuable upon maturity of the CVRs have been registered under
the Securities Act and the shares of the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the warrants are subject to certain registration rights and, therefore, will be
eligible for resale in the public market after a registration statement
covering such shares has been declared effective. Sales of shares of Common
Stock under Rule 144 or pursuant to a registration statement could have a
material adverse effect on the price of the Common Stock and could impair the
Company's ability to raise additional capital through the sale of its equity
securities.
In general, under Rule 144, any non-affiliate who has beneficially owned
restricted securities for at least three years may resell such restricted
securities in the public market without restriction under Rule 144. Under Rule
144, any person who has beneficially owned restricted securities for at least
two years, and any affiliate of the Company who owns unrestricted securities,
is entitled to sell, within any three-month
27
<PAGE> 31
period, a number of such securities that does not exceed the greater of 1% of
the then outstanding shares of the Company's Common Stock (approximately 58,048
shares) or the average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks
preceding the date on which notice of such sale was filed under Rule 144,
provided certain requirements concerning availability of public information,
manner of sale and notice of sale are satisfied.
The Company has filed registration statements on Form S-8 under the
Securities Act to register shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under
the Abraxas Petroleum Corporation 1984 Incentive Stock Option Plan, the Abraxas
Petroleum Corporation 1984 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, the Abraxas
Petroleum Corporation 1993 Key Contributor Stock Option Plan and the Abraxas
Petroleum Corporation 1994 Long Term Incentive Plan, thus permitting the resale
of shares issued under those plans by nonaffiliates in the public market
without restriction under the Securities Act. As of May 17, 1996, options
granted under stock option plans to purchase 353,810 shares of Common Stock
were outstanding, of which 68,600 shares were vested. See "Risk Factors -
Shares Eligible for Future Sale".
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the issuance of the Common Stock offered hereby will be
passed upon for the Company and the Selling Stockholders by Cox & Smith
Incorporated, San Antonio, Texas.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of
the Company included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1995 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their report thereon, included therein and
incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedules are incorporated herein by reference in reliance
upon such report given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting
and auditing.
The historical reserve information prepared by DeGolyer and MacNaughton
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus has been included herein in
reliance upon the authority of that firm as experts with respect to matters
contained in such reserve report.
28
<PAGE> 32
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE
ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING
OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED
BY THE COMPANY OR ANY OF THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY BY ANYONE IN ANY
JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFERS OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED, OR IN
WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR
TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOT ANY SALE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF THE TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
29
<PAGE> 33
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
Available Information..................................................2
Additional Information.................................................2
Documents Incorporated by Reference....................................2
Risk Factors...........................................................3
The Company............................................................9
Use of Proceeds.......................................................10
Recent Developments...................................................10
Selling Stockholders..................................................12
Plan of Distribution..................................................14
Description of Capital Stock..........................................15
Shares Eligible for Future Sale.......................................27
Legal Matters.........................................................28
Experts...............................................................28
<PAGE> 34
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.
The following table indicates the expenses to be incurred in connection
with the issuance and distribution of the securities described in this
registration statement, other than underwriting discounts and commissions. The
Company will pay all such expenses.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee $ 8,170
Blue sky fees and expenses 3,000
Accounting fees and expenses 3,000
Legal fees and expenses 10,000
Fees of Transfer Agent and Registrar 2,000
Printing and engraving fees and expenses 5,000
Miscellaneous 5,000
-------
TOTAL $36,170
=======
</TABLE>
Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The Company's Articles of Incorporation contain a provision that
eliminates the personal monetary liability of directors and officers to the
Company and its stockholders for a breach of fiduciary duties to the extent
currently allowed under the Nevada General Corporation Law (the "Nevada
Statute"). If a director or officer were to breach his fiduciary duties,
neither the Company nor its stockholders could recover monetary damages, and
the only course of action available to the Company's stockholders would be
equitable remedies, such as an action to enjoin or rescind a transaction
involving a breach of fiduciary duty. To the extent certain claims against
directors or officers are limited to equitable remedies, this provision of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation may reduce the likelihood of derivative
litigation and may discourage stockholders or management from initiating
litigation against directors or officers for breach of their duty of care.
Additionally, equitable remedies may not be effective in many situations. If a
stockholder's only remedy is to enjoin the completion of the Board of
Director's action, this remedy would be ineffective if the stockholder did not
become aware of a transaction or event until after it had been completed. In
such a situation, it is possible that the stockholders and the Company would
have no effective remedy against the directors or officers.
II-1
<PAGE> 35
Liability for monetary damages has not been eliminated for acts or
omissions which involve intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of
law or payment of an improper dividend in violation of section 78.300 of the
Nevada Statute. The limitation of liability also does not eliminate or limit
director liability arising in connection with causes of action brought under
the Federal securities laws.
The Nevada Statute permits a corporation to indemnify certain persons,
including officers and directors, who are (or are threatened to be made)
parties against all expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and
reasonably incurred by, or imposed upon, him in connection with the defense by
reason of his being or having been a director or officer if he acted in good
faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to
the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action
or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful,
except where he has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction (and
after exhaustion of all appeals) to be liable for gross negligence or willful
misconduct in the performance of duty. The Bylaws of the Company provide
indemnification to the same extent allowed pursuant to the foregoing provisions
of the Nevada Statute.
Nevada corporations also are authorized to obtain insurance to protect
officers and directors from certain liabilities, including liabilities against
which the corporation cannot indemnify its directors and officers. The Company
does not currently have in effect a directors' and officers' liability
insurance policy.
The Company has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its
directors and officers. These agreements provide for indemnification to the
extent permitted by the Nevada Statute.
Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
**3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Registrant. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to
Registrant's Form S-4 Registration Statement, Registration Statement No.
33-36565).
**3.2 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Registrant
dated October 22, 1990 (Filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the S-4 Registration
Statement).
**3.3 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant
dated December 18, 1990. (Filed as Exhibit 3.4 to the S-4 Registration
Statement).
***3.4 Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Registrant
dated June 8, 1995.
***3.5 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.
II-2
<PAGE> 36
***3.6 Certificate of Designation of Series 1995-B Preferred Stock.
**4.1 Specimen Common Stock Certificate of the Registrant. (Filed as Exhibit
4.1 to the S-4 Registration Statement).
**4.2 Specimen Preferred Stock Certificate of the Registrant. (Filed as
Exhibit 4.2 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 1995).
**4.3 Rights Agreement dated as of December 6, 1994 between the Registrant
and FUNB. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form 8-A filed on December 6, 1994).
**4.4 Contingent Value Rights Agreement dated November 17, 1995 by and
between Registrant and FUNB (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Registrant's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 1995).
***4.5 First Amendment to Contingent Value Rights Agreement dated May 2, 1996
by and between Registrant and FUNB.
***5.1 Opinion of Cox & Smith Incorporated.
**10.1 1984 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated. (Filed
as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 14,
1993).
**10.24 1984 Incentive Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated. (Filed as
Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed April 14,
1993).
**10.3 Abraxas Petroleum Corporation 1993 Key Contributor Stock Option Plan.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
April 14, 1993).
**10.4 Conveyance of Overriding Royalty Interest dated as of April 1, 1993 by
and between Abraxas Production Corporation and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York as trustee under Declaration of Trust dated November 10, 1992, as
amended, for the Commingled Pension Trust Fund (Petroleum II). (Filed as
Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K on April 8, 1993).
**10.5 Ancillary Agreement dated as of April 1, 1993 by and between Abraxas
Production Corporation and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York as trustee
under Declaration of Trust dated November 10, 1992, as amended, for the
Commingled Pension Trust Fund (Petroleum II). (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the
Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 8, 1993).
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<PAGE> 37
**10.6 Abraxas Petroleum Corporation Restricted Share Plan for Directors.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on
April 12, 1994).
**10.7 Abraxas Petroleum Corporation 1994 Long Term Incentive Plan. (Filed as
Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April
12, 1994).
**10.8 Abraxas Petroleum Corporation Incentive Performance Bonus Plan. (Filed
as Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April
12, 1994).
**10.9 Registration Rights and Stock Registration Agreement dated as of
August 11, 1993 by and among the Registrant, EEP and Endowment Energy Partners
II, Limited Partnership ("EEP II"). (Filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-66446 (the "S-1
Registration Statement")).
**10.10 First Amendment to Registration Rights and Stock Registration Agreement
dated June 30, 1994 by and among the Registrant, EEP and EEP II. (Filed as
Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 14,
1994).
**10.11 Second Amendment to Registration Rights and Stock Registration
Agreement dated September 2, 1994 by and among the Registrant, EEP and EEP II.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
March 31, 1995)
**10.12 Third Amendment to Registration Rights and Stock Registration Agreement
dated November 17, 1995 by and among the Registrant, EEP and EEP II. (Filed as
Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 31,
1995)
**10.13 Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated as of December 18, 1991 between the
Registrant and EEP. (Filed as Exhibit 12.3 to the Registrant's Current Report
on Form 8-K filed January 9, 1992).
**10.14 Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated as of August 1, 1993 between the
Registrant and EEP. (Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the S-1 Registration Statement).
**10.15 Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated August 11, 1993 between the
Registrant and EEP II. (Filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the S-1 Registration
Statement).
**10.16 Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated August 11, 1993 between the
Registrant and Associated Energy Managers, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the
S-1 Registration Statement).
II-4
<PAGE> 38
**10.17 Letter dated September 2, 1994 from the Registrant to EEP and EEP II.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed
March 31, 1995)
***10.18 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 31, 1995
among Registrant, Abraxas Production Corporation ("Sub") and First Union
National Bank of North Carolina ("First Union").
**10.19 Warrant Agreement dated as of July 27, 1994 between the Registrant and
First Union. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form
8-K filed August 5, 1994).
**10.20 Warrant Agreement dated as of December 16, 1994, between the
Registrant and FUNB. (Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant's Annual Report
on Form 10-K filed March 31, 1995).
***10.21 First Amendment to Warrant Agreement dated as of August 31, 1995
between the Registrant and FUNB.
**10.22 Form of Indemnity Agreement between the Registrant and each of its
directors and officers. (Filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the S-1 Registration
Statement).
***10.23 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Robert L. G. Watson.
***10.24 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Chris E. Williford.
***10.25 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Robert Patterson.
***10.26 Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Stephen T. Wendel.
**10.27 Common Stock and Contingent Value Rights Purchase Agreement dated as
of November 17, 1995 by and among Registrant and the Purchasers named in
Schedule l thereto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated November 21, 1995.)
**10.28 Registration Agreement dated November 17, 1995 by and among
Registrant and the parties named in Schedule I thereto. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2
to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 21, 1995.)
**10.29 Subscription Agreement between Registrant and Grey Wolf Exploration,
Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
January 17, 1995.)
II-5
<PAGE> 39
**10.30 Subscription Agreement between Grey Wolf Exploration, Ltd. and Cascade
Oil and Gas Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant's Current Report on Form
8-K dated January 17, 1995.)
**10.31 Portilla - 1996, L.P., Limited Partnership Agreement. (Filed as
Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 29,
1996)
**10.32 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of March 20, 1996 by and between
Acco, LLC and the Registrant. (Filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 29, 1996)
**10.33 Assignment and Bill of Sale dated as of March 20, 1996 by and between
Acco, LLC and Portilla - 1996, L.P. (Filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 29, 1996)
**11.1 Statement Regarding Computation of Earnings Per Share. (Filed as
Exhibit 11 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 15,
1996).
**18.1 Letter regarding change in accounting principle. (Filed as Exhibit
18.1 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 12, 1994).
**22.1 Subsidiaries of Registrant. (Filed as Exhibit 22.1 to the Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed March 31, 1995).
*23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
***23.2 Consent of DeGolyer and MacNaughton.
***23.3 Consent of Cox & Smith Incorporated (included in Exhibit 5.1).
***24.1 Powers of Attorney appear on Page II - 9 of Registration Statement
filed on January 18, 1996.
***24.2 Power of Attorney of Robert D. Gershen.
***24.3 Power of Attorney of Richard M. Riggs.
**27.1 Financial Data Schedule. (Filed as Exhibit 27 to the Registrant's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed May 15, 1996.)
- ---------
* Filed herewith.
** Incorporated by reference to the filing indicated.
*** Previously filed.
II-6
<PAGE> 40
Item 17. Undertakings
A. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are
being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: to
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not
previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to
such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to
be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and
the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination
of the offering.
B. The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
C. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceedings) is
asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.
II-7
<PAGE> 41
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of San Antonio, and State of Texas, on the 17th day of
May, 1996.
ABRAXAS PETROLEUM CORPORATION
By: /s/ Chris E. Williford
------------------------------
Chris E. Williford,
Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer
II-8
<PAGE> 42
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Robert L. G. Watson and Chris E. Williford, and each
of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power
of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead,
in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the
same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
and about the foregoing, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or
could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Name and Title Date
--------- -------------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
*/s/ Robert L. G. Watson Chairman of the Board, _____, 1996
- --------------------------------- President, Chief Executive Officer
Robert L.G. Watson (Principal Executive Officer) and Director
/s/ Chris E. Williford Executive Vice President, May 17, 1996
- --------------------------------- Treasurer, Chief Financial
Chris E. Williford Officer and Director (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)
*/s/ Franklin Burke Director _____, 1996
- ---------------------------------
Franklin Burke
*/s/ Richard M. Kleberg, III Director _____, 1996
- ---------------------------------
Richard M. Kleberg, III
*/s/ Willard A. Marks Director _____, 1996
- ---------------------------------
Willard A. Marks
*/s/ James C. Phelps Director _____, 1996
- ---------------------------------
James C. Phelps
*/s/ Paul A. Powell, Jr. Director _____, 1996
- ---------------------------------
Paul A. Powell, Jr.
*/s/ Richard M. Riggs Director _____, 1996
- ---------------------------------
Richard M. Riggs
*/s/ Robert D. Gershen Director _____, 1996
- ---------------------------------
Robert D. Gershen
*By: /s/ Chris E. Williford May 17, 1996
-----------------------------
Chris E. Williford
Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
II-9
<PAGE> 43
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number: Exhibit Page Number:
- --------------- ------- ------------
23.1 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP 41
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus
of Abraxas Petroleum Corporation for the registration of 3,325,000 shares of
its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report
dated March 19, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedules of Abraxas Petroleum Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
---------------------
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
San Antonio, Texas
May 16, 1996
